Texas Voyageur News Jul - Sept 2024

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND du TEXAS WINNER OF THE ARTHUR MCDOWELL AWARD 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 2019 | 2021 BEST GRAND VOITURE PUBLICATION IN THE NATION WITHOUT ADVERTISING AND WINNER OF THE ROBERT KASEMAN AWARD 2018 | 2020 | 2022

Jul – Sept 2024

Volume 67 Issue 3

From Our New Grand Chef de Gare

GRAND CHEFS PASSE 2023 - Keith Reiss Jr. V-266 2022 - Roger Folmar V-605 2021 - John Rodgers V-1031 2019-2020 - Renslar Keagle V-605 *2018 - George Murphy V1031 2016-2017 - Joe McCullough V-542 2014-2015 - David Knutson V-175 2013 - Lowell Mix V-542 2012- Dan Thompson V-1055 *2010-2011-Ronnie Wheeler V-1031 2009- Milton Chatham V-312 *2008- James Fowler V-1031 *2007- Jim Shannon V-1601 *2006- Gabe Cina V-1031 2005- James Overturf V-1031 *2004- David Kjell V-1185 *2003- Howard T. Ray V-542 *2002- Chuck Donaldson V-939 *2001- Jerry Brady V-1055 *2000- Darrell Gibbs V-1031 *1999- Ronnie Wheeler V-1031 *1998- Lanny Givens V-1601 1997- Robert Nagle V-1031 *1996- Norm Rader V-605 *1995- John Thompson V-1031 *1994- Don Barfield V-939 *1993- Henry Martin V-377 *1992- Hugh Brice V-163 *1991- Robert Toon V-1123 *1990- Dale Dillman V-1514 *1989- James Boone V-1077 *1988- Bud Sands V-1096 *1987- Andy Andreko V-1031 *1986- Bill Knox V-605 *1985- John Powell V-542 *1984- Charles Geisenberg V-163 *1983- L. C. Burgett V-377 *1982- Benjamin Reskey V-605 *1981- Ray Lerma V-246 *1980- Eben Smith V-542

First I would like to thank you all for having the confidence in me to lead our Great Organization for the next year.

I look forward to meeting all of the Voyageurs of Grand du Texas near where you live. I plan to make it to as many Voitures in the state as I can in the next year. If you have a particular time that is good for me to visit your Locale please let me know. My email is grandcheftexas@gmail.com .

We did not make our goal in membership last year. We were 19 short. I would ask all Voyageurs to seek out the members that did not renew last year and find out why. Our 40 &8 needs all the members we can get to have the strength to stand up for Veterans. Membership is not just the Chef de Train, Chef de Gare and Correspondant’s job, it is every Voyageurs job to help the 40 & 8 grow.

I ask that you make every effort possible to attend the Grand functions.

The Spring Cheminot will be 21-22 Feb 2025. in Corpus Christi and the Grande Promenade will be the third weekend in Jun 2025 in El Paso.

I ask that each Voiture get there reports to the Grand Director and Correspondant when asked for. We did not do very well this year. At most there were 4 Locals that reported. I am sure there was many more hours put in that were not reported. Please take the time to submit reports. Thanks to all who made 2024 a great success for the 40 & 8. I look forward to building on the success of 2024 in 2025.

We have been invited to participate with the French Veterans of Texas in the Veterans day parade in Houston. I would like to attend and have as many of you as possible attend as well. I will put out more details as it gets closer.

I know that Texas is a big state and some will not be able to attend due to distance but if you can please do attend and help us build a new relationship with the French Veterans of Texas.

*Denotes Deceased

SEE FULL LIST ATat www.texasboxcar.org

Jim Sweeney Grand Chef de Gare THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

MEMBERSHIP (As of June 27, 2024) New Membership Year Begins August 1st.

Locale

Location

Current

Goal

Percent

163

Houston

18

17

106%

175

Austin

16

18

89%

27

31

87%

25

30

83%

266 542

Copperas Cove San Antonio

605

El Paso

42

42

100%

689

Amarillo

12

12

100%

980

Willis

9

15

60%

1031

Killeen

47

45

104%

1055

Kerrville

15

19

79%

1134

Corpus Christi

16

17

94%

227

246

92.28%

Grand Total

34TH Place at Nationale Sixteen Grands were 100% or better. Texas is the 22nd largest Grand and we are adding a new Voiture Locale in Round Rock this year so that is awesome! We not only need to maintain our current membership but add new members. If it takes new ideas or rethinking how we do things to grow then let’s explore these ideas. We will be holding a Fall Cheminot in October via Zoom that anyone can attend. Some Locales are just hanging on but it only takes one or two to turn things around.

We are also looking more meetings via Zoom to help communicate with each other. Let’s face it – Texas is HUGE and this is an idea where we can talk about programs, what works, what doesn’t work, etc. More to come very soon!

David Knutson, Grand Publiciste

2025 GRAND OFFICERS And directeurs Election results from the 2024 Grande Promenade: Cheminot Nationale: Roger Folmar Alt. Cheminot Nationale: Renslar Keagle Grand Chef de Gare: Jim Sweeney Grand Chef de Train: Mike Hall Grand Commissaire Intendant: Roger Folmar Grand Conducteur: Brian Smock Grand Avocat: David Knutson Grand Aumonier: Alison Thompson-Hall Grand Commis Voyageur: James Pospisil Grand Drapeau – James Pospisil Grand Garde de La Porte: Deborah Knutson Grand Historien: Sandra Kousman Grand Lampiste: Toby Zielinski Grand Medicine: Sandy Kousman Appointed Officers: Grand Correspondant: Renslar R. Keagle Grand Publiciste: David Knutson Grand Sous Publiciste: Gregg Bridge Appointed Directeurs: Americanism: Mike Hall Boxcar: David Knutson Carville Star: Roger Folmar Child Welfare: Les Lobdell Nurses Training: Renslar Keagle Sous Nurses Training: Doug Morgan POW/MIA: Alison Thompson-Hall Rituals: Brian Smock V.A.V.S.: Brian Smock Voiture Activities: Al Banzer Youth Sports: Joe Coyler

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

We are at least a month or so into our new membership year. A lot of information has been provided on how to transmit renewals and new members, but if there are any lingering questions or help needed, please contact myself or Dave Knutson.

The next event is of course Promenade Nationale with a nice contingent from Grande du Texas attending. We have submitted our delegates and the names of those who wish to continue on various national committees. After Promenade Nationale we will give a report on events and our Cheminot Nationale providing the new password for 2025. Hopefully, Grande du Texas will be bringing home some national awards.

As we begin the new membership year, communication within our membership is extremely important. Correspondants should take the list of members received with their 2025 cards and ensure names are correctly spelled, addresses, phones and emails correct. Errors can be corrected when the cards are sent in. The most common area for errors is emails which many of us change from time to time. We have some changes in directeurs, so now is the time to educate ourselves on our program and a good beginning is to have familiarity with the report for your area. Many programs have pins and traditionally each directeur would contact the program Nationale Directeur for pins (consignment available) to then make available to locales. Since I am attending, I will be picking up nurses training pins for my locale and grand. I can also pick up pins for other programs if asked. Mike Hall will most likely get Americanism pins and Alison POW/MIA pins for our grand. I am only going to pick up 50 nurses training pins, 20 for my locale and the rest for locales that would like to have them. It would be helpful if I know in advance how many your locale would like.

Do not be surprised if our new Grand Chef would like to hold a Fall Cheminot via zoom this fall so we can stay in touch and get the new year off to a good start. BTW, for all holding promenades, it is important that minutes be created, even if not a quorum and business is just discussed. But when a quorum is present and decisions and expenditures are made, minutes are important. Let me know if anyone needs help or guidance on preparing minutes and what is required to be in them. Finally, if you have membership to send in, do not hold onto them, get them sent in if only just one.

Renslar "Renny" Keagle Correspondant, Grande du Texas

Funds for Youth Sports The Grand Raffles are held to raise funds for the Grand Voiture and help support Forty and Eight Programs. The disbursement of any funds are commonly discussed during the Grand Promenade and the Grand Chef may request funds be directed to a specific program. Grand Chef Passe Reiss Jr. was unable to attend the Grand Promenade due to a family emergency and the issue was not brought up during the Grande Promenade. He has since requested funds from the raffle be primarily directed to Youth Sports.

Grand Chef Sweeney has recommended part of the funds from the 2024 Spring Raffle be available to Locales that participated in the raffle. They are being notified directly with instructions on how to get support for their local program.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

FORTY AND EIGHT PROGRAMS AND PROGRAM REPORTS The last page of the TVN will show the top Voiture Locales in the different programs of La Societe. This is great, however, far too many locales were short on reports. Some did not turn in any reports and this is a recurring problem.

Part of the issue is not knowing how to complete reports. Most are not very difficult and if you keep track of your activities during the year it is not very hard at all to complete many of the reports. You do not need to work all programs – pick one or two and concentrate on those one or two programs. If you can do more – great. Another part of the issue is some locales do work programs, but do not report their work! This is self-defeating and we must fix the issue immediately. Grand Chef Sweeney is planning to visit every Voiture Locale and there is ample assistance withing the Grand from Program Directeurs and Grand Officers to help with any issues. It starts with the Locale leadership, but ALL Voyageurs Militaire are part of the problem or part of the solution! Even one member can have a great influence in a positive or negative way.

Grand Chef Passe Reiss initiated the on-line training idea and we will try to move forward with this plan this year. A training package for Locale Correspondants was updated and sent out last year. We will forward it again this year as we do have some new Locale Correspondants. Locale Chefs need to know and understand that job as well and others should be involved so that if the Locale Correspondant in unable to continue for some reason – someone else can take over in their place.

Where to start?

That is simple! Emblem Sales has a Voyageur’s Guide for $6. Ritual and Manual of Ceremonies, Information Manual and Correspondant Manual & Officer’s Handbook are all available to anyone at FortyandEight.Org / Emblem Sales.

All Voyageurs Militaire should at least have the Voyageur’s Guide!

Check out the Program Information on the Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org Beyond that you can learn from other Locales who are working these programs or contact the Program Directeurs for help! Several of the Program Directeurs have sections in the newsletter to introduce themselves and talk a little about the programs. Put in a little effort and it will pay off.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS RITUALS

By Brian Smock, Grand Directeur Rituals Ritual: a ceremonial act or action: an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner. Rituals are important because they empower us - individually or collectively. They help us work through difficult problems. They help us create habits. They help us to learn, to grow, to connect.

Grande Du Texas, Voitures and Voyageurs, I am pleased to serve the Grande as the Ritual Directeur. The 40 & 8 like all Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) were founded on rituals, traditions, and values. The importance of maintaining these core foundations are immeasurable.

Initially I volunteered for this position with very little knowledge of what exactly it entailed and encompassed. Upon further review and research, I was convinced I made the right decision. Upon reflection I realized that we all probably need to work on some things within our Voitures. Upon reviewing the Ritual Manual, it was further evident that with very little effort most of us can make minor adjustments in the way we are doing business and maintain the requirements outlined in the ritual.

We can also invest a little more time to not only honor our dearly departed but also share our scared ceremonies with others. These ceremonies are not labor intensive and require very little preparation.

Please review the various Ceremonies in the Ritual Manual and share and celebrate our rituals.

Americanism Bon Jour my fellow Voyageur’s.

Thank you Voiture 1031 hosting this year’s Grande promenade. For all those who attended or helped set everything up, make sure you record your hours and mileage which can go on in next year’s report.

As this year closes and a new one begins.

Congratulations to all our elected/appointed Officers and Directeurs for the 2025 year may we all have fun while accomplishing many great things. I look forward to working with everyone this coming year as not only your Directeur of Americanism but also as the Grand Chef de Train.

If any of the locales would like me to pick up the 2025 Americanism pin while I am at Nationale please send me an email with how many pins you would like.

If you have any questions or need any help do not hesitate to ask. My e-mail address is hallmd1973@outlook.com.

Michael Hall Directeur of Americanism, Grande du Texas

Should you need any assistance I am available to assist and/or guide your Voiture. I can be reached at bsmock.rr.com or 254-220-6088.

Thank You for your service.

Brian Smock THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS From around the Grand du Texas Voiture 266: Chef De Gare Brian Smock, Voyager “Pops Hill and Voyager Sandy Smock present a check for $500 to Lynn Barber Owner “The Canteen” for their annual Toy Run

Voiture 266: Chef De Train David Harris presents backpacks from VAVS with over $300 in school supplies to CDCE Director Reggie Hardy, Temple VA

Voiture 266: Chef de Train David Harris presents a check for $500 for Youth Sports to Phyllis Cross, Sponsor for Copperas Cove Junior AAU. Mike Anastasio, Quartermaster from VFW 8577, the VFW provided the funds to assist Voiture 266.

Voiture 266 and American Legion 582 donated over $400 worth of cleaning supplies and pantry Items for the Cove House. Left to right: Voyager Sandy Smock, Chef Brian Smock, Voyager Don Taylor, Legionnaire Marian Wright, Legionnaire Stephen Wright, Brian Hawkins, Executive Director Cove House, American Legion Commander David Harris, Voyager Jared McLoughlin

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Voiture 266 presented a check to Lena McCue towards her BSN in Nursing. Left to right: Voyager Sandy Smock, Chef and Nursing Director Brian Smock, Lena McCue and Chef de Train David Harris

RECOMMENDED READING FOR BOXCAR ENTHEUSIASTS Available online many locations!

Boxcar Diplomacy is a true story about an event in 1947, when American families, town by town loaded a train full of food and sent it to Europe, which was struggling to recover from the devastation of WWII. This “Friendship Train,” inspired by the nationally syndicated muckraking, peace loving, Quaker columnist, Drew Pearson, enjoyed a Hollywood sendoff on November 7, 1947. Klieg lights striped the night sky, dignitaries spoke, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor and a bevy of stars joined the festivities and a crowd of twenty-five thousand people cheered as eight boxcars chugged out of the station. As the Friendship Train crossed the country often in freezing temperatures, flag-waving Americans gathered to add a boxcar—or several—as bands played and parades marched up Main Street. So contagious was the idea, a second train, called the “Breadbasket Special” started in Texas and the first train was so heavy, it had to be split to cross the Continental Divide. By the time it arrived in the Midwest, one train had become four. Eleven days after its sendoff in California the Friendship Train arrived in New York, to be welcomed by 250,000 people. A few boxcars were loaded on barges to circle the Statue of Liberty; and in a parade up Broadway from the Battery to City Hall school bands played as scouts, police, and veterans led by American Legionnaires marched from the Battery to City Hall. In eleven days, this people-to-people, non-governmental effort had collected hundreds of boxcars of food from American pantries and fields to be shipped overseas.

Fourteen months later, the people of France reciprocated with a Train of Gratitude. Dubbed the “Merci Train,” France’s thank you was a boxcar for every state in the Union, plus one to share between the Territory of Hawaii and Washington D.C. Each boxcar was filled with thousands of gifts ranging from toys, dolls, and postcards with heartfelt notes to magnificent paintings and sculptures, a Louis XV carriage, and one of the world’s first motorcycles. The nuclear age had dawned, and an “Iron Curtain” was falling between the western democracies and the communist bloc to the east. Stalin was making the play to absorb Europe, which had experienced disastrous winter storms and withering summer drought and there wasn’t enough food to feed the population. The Friendship Train could not feed many, but it could send a powerful message: You are not invisible. America cares. For that, and for so much more, France sent their heartfelt thanks in a boxcar that can be seen today in nearly every state.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS MINUTES OF THE GRAND PROMENADE 2024 Grande Voiture du Texas Killeen, Texas 1.

July 27, 2024 The Grand Promenade was called to order by Grand Chef de Train Jim Sweeney according to Ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 1:10 pm, July 27, 2024, Renslar R. Keagle, Grand Correspondant. (Grand Chef de Gare Keith Reiss excused due to a family emergency)

2.

Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the 2024 Grand Promenade will be held, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Killeen Texas, hosted by Bell County V-1031. Committee Meetings, 9:00 am at the host hotel, Shilo Inn Suites Hotel with banquet being held at American Post 223, Killeen, TX. (Copy of full Grand Call, attached to minutes)

3.

Roll Call of Officers: Nine elected officers present, two appointed officers present, eight Directeurs present.

4.

Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-605, V-1031, V-1055 with five locales in attendance. Correspondant reported that a quorum was present.

5.

Reading of the Minutes of the Grand Promenade – Reading suspended and approved as posted in the TVN (Texas Voyageur News) issue published Jan-Mar 2024 (Volume 67 / Issue 1).

6.

Reading of Bulletins and Correspondence – None

7.

Reports of Officers: a. Grand Chef de Train Jim Sweeney: Grande du Texas ended up 19 short of achieving 100% goal. Much effort was made, we should try to achieve goal this upcoming year. b. Grand Commissaire Intendant Roger Folmar: Wells Fargo Account - $9,920.72; Money Market Accounts $5,357.72; checking account total - $15,278.22. Currents investments totaling $51,333.91. Grand total all funds $67,612.13. Expenses covered in detail in Finance Committee meeting. Item by item transaction in checking account covered in finance committee meeting and finance report attached to minutes. Increase in interest rates for investments provided. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to review. Additional comment is that additional dollars each year should be raised to meet rising expenses and meet the budget requirements. Comments on how to achieve this. c. Grand Avocat Dave Knutson: Grand constitution up to date. Need copies from other locales – each locale needs to ensure Grand Avocat has a copy. Grand’s Restated Certificate of Formation complete and properly filed. List of locales with IRS and Texas Secretary of State paperwork up to date provided. All locales need to be up to date. d. Grand Aumonier Comments from the floor on those reported as sick. e. Cheminot Nationale Roger Folmar: Comments on Promenade Nationale. It should be noted that the Cheminot Nationale for 2025 will be sworn in as last order of business at the Promenade and will assume duties for the membership year 2025 until the following Promenade Nationale. Additional comments on duties of Cheminot Nationale.

8.

Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative) a. Americanism – Directeur Mike Hall reported on significant hours, miles and monies accrued in Americanism. V605 had an outstanding program this year. b. Boxcar – 75th Anniversary was a success. Our Boxcar is ok and no issues. c. Carville Star – Directeur Roger Folmar reported 150 plus pins sold with 2 countries @ $50.00 each. $240.00 donated to the Texas Carville Star last year. Will pick up 2025 pins at Nationale. d. Child Welfare – Directeur Les Lobdell advised three locales reported with a total of miles, hours and monies at $15,700.00 and 3,952 kids supported.

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Nurses Training – Report from Nurses Training Committee – No scholarship requests received. Program needs to step-up next year and be more progressive and informative to locales on this important program. Comments by Keagle that we should look at how to possibly award Grand nursing scholarships without waiting until the Spring Cheminot. f. POW/MIA – Directeur Renny Keagle – Reported on current identifications reported by the DPAA this current 2024 fiscal year to date for a total of 109. Encouragement to go to the following website monthly to keep track and report those returned. https://dpaa-mil 2024 pins will still be $40.00. Grand POW/MIA report sent to Nationale and Grande du Texas did very well and will hopefully get recognized. g. Public Relations – Directeur Dave Knutson: Comments on the Grand website, Facebook social media site and the TVN newsletter. h. Ritual – Comments by Grand Correspondant – General comments on ritual and specifically what is ritual as far as protocol and conduct of promenades. Grand ritual report submitted. i. Voiture Activities – Directeur Al Banzer advised five reports submitted with national report submitted. j. VAVS – Three reports submitted. Locales encouraged to get VAVS representatives. k. Youth Sports – No report. l. Special Awards – Directeur Dave Knutson – Jim Sweeney selected as Grand Voyageur of the year and his packet submitted to Nationale.

9. Grand Non-Program Reports: a. Boxcar Maintenance – No issues with the boxcar b. Time and Place –Grand Promenade 2025 will be V-605 El Paso June 21 – 22, 2024. Tentative locale for Spring 2025 Cheminot will be Corpus Christi in February – details forthcoming. Possibility of Spring 2026 at Kerrville.

10. Old Business: Comments on Spring Cheminot with ties to the 75th Boxcar Anniversary. Both were a great success hosted by V-175. Comments on Central States and Jerry Brady’s remembrance in Kerrville. Report on the Grand Raffle – Was a success and future raffles needed to help Grand budget shortfalls. Finance report details income.

11. New Business: a. Discussion on delegates for Promenade Nationale – Delegates as follows, Roger Folmar, Renny Keagle, Jim Sweeney, Alison Thompson-Hall, Mik Hall, John Rodgers, David and Deborah Knutson, Doug Morgan. b. National appointments/Committee recommendations deadline is August 1st. Committee appointments discussed and approved. Correspondant will submit to Nationale.

12. Elections and Appointments: Elections were held in accordance with our Constitution and By-Laws. Key Grand leaders elected: Jim Sweeney, Chef de Gare, Mike Hall, Chef de Train; Commissaire Intendant Roger Folmar and Correspondant Renslar R. Keagle. All other elected officers and appointed will be posted.

13. Good of the Grand Voiture: Comments by John Rodgers, Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer. Reminder on banquet and installation of officers.

14. There being no further business to come before the Grand Promenade, the Promenade was closed according to the Ritual and the Manual of ceremonies. e.

ATTEST:

Renslar R. Keagle Correspondant, Grand du Texas

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

2025 GRANDE PROMENADE

2024 VOY Alison Thompson-Hall / V605 2025 VOY Jim Sweeney / V1031 Grand du Texas Voyageurs of the Year

Program Awards: Left: V175 Chef de Gare Al Banzer receiving awards. Right: Sandy Kousman with Roger Folmar and the Horses Ass Award! Below: V605 claims several program awards.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

The gavel is passed to newly elected Grand Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney by Installing Officer Renny Keagle.

From left: Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer John Rogers, Acting Aumonier Toby Zielinski, Grand Chef Jim Sweeney, Installing Officer Renny Keagle and Donna Sweeney

Veteran Class: Agent Orange: What you need to know Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange: What You Need to Know, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions, benefits, and information for Blue Water Navy Veterans. This free class takes place on Thursday, September 26, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ET. You can attend through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet.

To learn more about this class and sign up, see the class flyer at: https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/education/localofferings/support/Agent_Orange_flyer.pdf.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS VOTING INFORMATION The following article is from the 21 August 2024 Texas Tribune E-Newsletter. Please share with your members.

NOTE: The Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations as a tax exempt 501-c-19 Veterans organization does NOT ENDORSE ANY CANDIDATE FROM ANY POLITICAL PARTY. The attached link is strictly for informational purposes, and to prepare your members to be knowledgeable of the process for voting in the upcoming local, state and national elections.

John A Miterko Veterans Advocate https://www.texastribune.org/2024/08/21/texas-voter-guide-2024election/?utm_source=Texas+Tribune+Newsletters&utm_campaign=aa84d71e99-trib-newslttersthebrief&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-aa84d71e99%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=aa84d71e99&mc_eid=56cc54a85e

Important News from Legion.org Action Center (votervoice.net)

FIX THE VA FUNDING SHORTFALL Fellow Legionnaires, We want to bring to your attention an important development regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget. The VA faces a significant budgetary shortfall, with a combined deficit of nearly $15 billion over this fiscal year and the next.

On July 15, VA officials informed Congress that the department requires an additional $2.9 billion in mandatory funding to support veterans’ pensions and benefits for the remaining months of the current fiscal year, ending September 30. Additionally, the VA needs an extra $12 billion in discretionary funds to support medical care for veterans next year—this is above what was provided in the March appropriations package and in the fiscal 2025 House and Senate Military Construction-VA bills.

In a bipartisan effort, U.S. Senators John Boozman, Sherrod Brown, Patty Murray, Susan Collins, Jon Tester, Kyrsten Sinema, and Jerry Moran have introduced legislation to remedy the VA's budget shortfall.

This legislation is crucial to protecting the benefits that so many of our brothers and sisters depend on. We urge all of our members to stay engaged and support this effort. Let your voices be heard in Congress, and let them know that veterans’ benefits are not up for debate.

Please write to your representatives in Congress today and ask that they cosponsor Senator Brown and Boozman's supplemental legislation.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

2024 PROGRAM AWARDS PROGRAM

WINNER

AMERICANISM BOXCAR CARVILLE STAR CHILD WELFARE MEMBERSHIP NURSES TRAINING POW/MIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS RITUALS VAVS (Veteran Affairs Voluntary Services) VOITURE ACTIVITIES YOUTH SPORTS VOYAGEUR OF THE YEAR (Jim Sweeney)

V-605 V-175 V-605 V-605 V-163 V-605 V-605 V-175 V-605 V-266 V-605 V-266 V-1031

La Grande Voiture du Texas La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904

Affix 1st Class Postage Here Addressee

ADDRESSEE: Please notify sender of name/address correction Grand Chef de Gare – Jim Sweeney Grand Commissaire Intendant – Roger Folmar

Grand Correspondant – Renny Keagle L’Editeur / Publiciste – Dave Knutson

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS