2012 Fall Texas VFW News

Fall 2012

inside TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION SUPPORTS VETERANS IN NEED HONORING IRAQ WAR VETERANS POW/MIA CEREMONIES

Texas VFW Post 5616 Celebrates VFW’s 113th Birthday TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER 2012 National Publications Contest

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CONTENTS

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

www.texasvfw.org

Texas VFW Foundation Sponors Vet page 14 The Texas VFW Foundation sponsored U.S. Air Force disabled veteran Chris Rodriquez in the Austin Tough Mudder Race.

POW/MIA Ceremonies from Around the State page 20 Post members along with extended friends and family participate in POW/MIA ceremonies around the state.

Serving Veterans Since 1899

What Does The Texas VFW Offer You? Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.

Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing.

Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.

For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.

In the News

4 Commander’s Column 6 Patients Day Out/School Supply Donation 8 Veterans Memorial/Recruiters in Action 10 1st Air Cavalry Brigade 12 Legislative News 15 Texas VFW Foundation Helps Veterans 16 Fundraising and Donations 18 Honoring Iraq Veterans 21 Texas VFW Application 22 Texas VFW Gear 26 Tribute to Women in the Military 28 Post 8456 POW/MIA Ceremony

Upcoming Events 27 Mid-Winter Convention Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.

Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.

ABOUT THE COVER Texas VFW Post 5616, Floydada, celebrates the 113th Birthday of the VFW commemorating the founders of the VFW who rode horses into battle. Pictured L-R Post Commander William (Bill) Weir and Post member Keith Thomas.

Fall 2012

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texas vfw found ation supports veterans in need honoring iraq war veterans pow/mia ceremonies

Texas VFW Post 561 6 Celebrates VFW ’s 113th Birthda y Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNN er 2012 National Publi cations Contest

Texas VFW Fall 2012

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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN

REMEMBER to “LEAD BY EXAMPLE” First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to lead this great organization for the State of Texas. Thank you for all the support and trust you have entrusted in me and all the officers at all levels. It is indeed an honor to work for the membership of the great State of Texas.

To all the District Commanders and the entire Council of Administration, once again, thank you for a great first quarter. We have accomplished many things and need to stay focused to continue to move forward. It is instrumental that we keep our Post Commanders informed so we can ensure that we meet all our goals that we have set.

I have visited several Districts and their Posts and would like to offer my sincere appreciation for your hospitality that was given to Pat and me. To the Motorcycle Groups out of Bryan and New Braunfels, thank you so much for the great participation of all your riders in support of the VOD and Patriot’s Pen programs. To my Motorcycle Chairman Norm Brawner and his wife Judy, thank you for all you do for veterans and the Motorcycle Group.

We have just completed our first quarter. It has been a very interesting quarter and a very productive quarter. We have accomplished many things but still have three quarters left to accomplish all of our goals for the year.

We continue to lack in some areas such as (VPR) veterans projects. Please keep in mind that we must do at least three projects. However, I would like to see Posts get more involved; after all, we are a veteran’s organization. We should be proud to acknowledge and celebrate these important veterans’ projects. To those of you who are doing your VPR’s and are good at it, offer your assistance to your fellow Commanders so we can all be successful.

We must also continue to do Community Service. Show your communities what we stand for and what the Veterans of Foreign Wars is all about. We must educate our community on what our veterans have done and what they can do for them. The image that we portray to the community and young veterans is usually not a very good one in most cases so it is up to us/Auxiliary to change that image with testimonials of what we actually do, and community service is one of our greatest tools.

As a reminder, Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs are coming up fast on their due dates. Please remember to turn in your winning entries to your Districts in time. Every year some Post will miss the deadline or a District fails to meet the required turn in date and then appeal to the Department Commander. My friends, it is the responsibility of your Post Commanders and your chairmen to meet the deadline. So please, I urge you to turn in your entries as soon as possible.

Membership is moving pretty steady and we are doing a very good job. Comrades, let’s not wait until December 31st to worry about membership. We need to stick to our Recruiting and Retention Plan if we are to accomplish our goals set for each quarter. As of today, 17 October 2012, we are at 81.97% and need 14168 members to be at 100%.

I am so proud and humbled of all of you who are going above and beyond to achieve our membership goals. We must never forget that our membership is the life line of this organization and that is why we must continue to march with our set goals on recruiting and Retention — “Lead by Example.”

In closing, I would like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Holidays to you and your families. May God Bless all of you and all our men and women in uniform. n

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00.

Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXVII, Number 2, © October 2012. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.

Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at dan@texasvfw.org.

Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor www.medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535

2012-2013 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander, Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Sr Vice, Sylvia Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1906 Ashprington Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251 Jr Vice, Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Hwy 36 S, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 Adj/Qm, Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Judge, Advocate Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Surgeon, Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 Chaplain, Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 341136, San Antonio, TX 78234 Chief of Staff, Inge Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346 Inspector, Norman Macey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., Humble, TX 77346 Immediate Past Commander, John Spahr . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Trail Of The Flowers, Georgetown, TX 78633 Council Member, Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548 Asst Adj, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Asst Qm, Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Deputy Inspector, Dick Shawver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19151 Valley Dr., Flint, TX 75762 Deputy Inspector, Ralph Rodriguez, Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 113, Clyde, TX 79510 Deputy Inspector, Terry Rowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 513, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483 Deputy Inspector, Harry Munn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 202, Hewitt, TX 76643 Deputy Inspector, Larry Konarik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Clear Springs Rd., Georgetown, TX 78628 Officer of The Day, Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Service Officer/Waco Sandra Covin . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Service Officer/Houston Julio Harros . . . 3413 . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2012-2013 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS D-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOSEPH McDANIEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Persian Blvd., Pottsboro, TX 75076 D-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROBERT LaFLEUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 D-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLARENCE JACKSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2815 Williams Way Ct., Dallas, TX 75228 D-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . JAY SANDERS, JR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7030 Tejas St., Baytown, TX 77521 D-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID ADAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 D-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRANCISCO GARCIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 4333, Corpus Christi, TX 78469 D-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEITH KING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 D-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . DANNY MARTIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 953, Pampa, TX 79066 D-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . RODNEY “ROD” RAULSTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 D-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVE AUSTIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 CR 1540, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 D-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . STEVE LOPEZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507 E Hondo, Devine, TX 78016 D-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . ALLEN FREEMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1013 Soukup Lane, Killeen, TX 76542 D-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHAEL O. HOOD, SR . . . . . . . . 1208 N Rosewood Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 D-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . GEORGE DELESANDRI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6420 Avenue O, Santa Fe, TX 77510 D-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . PEYTON LUMPKIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2207 Blue Water Bay Dr, Katy,TX 77494 D-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . RICARDO “RICK” RAMIREZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416 E.Water Lily, McAllen, TX 78504 D-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . PAUL CASSIDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520 Cassidy Dr, Hemphill, TX 75948 D-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . EDWARD TORRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663 Moursund Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78221 D-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . GLENN TALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622 Southwood Dr., Duncanville, TX 75137 D-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . HAROLD HARTMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 Fm 236, Cuero, TX 77954 D-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . MELVIN “MEL” PARKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 D-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . WAYNE COOLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3615 Birdhouse Dr., Round Rock, TX 78665 D-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . JAMES GUNTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Talford St., Fairfield, TX 75840 D-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . CHARLES KELKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 8693, Ennis, TX 75120 972.875.5537

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I n v o l v e m e n t

PATIENTS DAY OUT Texas VFW District 5 Hosts Annual “Patients Day Out” District Commander Dave Adams receives a “thank you” smooch from Patients Day Out clown.

This annual event gets those homebound out for a day of music, food and fun. Among those in attendance were several veterans who are in senior assisted living facilities.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATION Texas VFW Post 6899, Trinity, Commander Johnny Arnold and President Eva McLeod donate school supplies to the four elementary schools in Trinity County. Photo taken at Apple Springs elementary school with five students.

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VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION Texas VFW Memorial Post 2676, Scotland, Texas Host Dedication

Members of Scotland-Windthorst Memorial Post 2676 pose with Brigadier General (Retired) Robert “Bobby” Poirot at the dedication of the Scotland, Texas Veterans Memorial at the St. Boniface Catholic Church cemetery, Saturday, May 19. The memorial is engraved with the names of all Scotland, Texas veterans who are buried in the cemetery. The center panel features three local men who were killed in action during WWII. BG Poirot, a Scotland native, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

RECRUITERS in ACTION District 14 Members Recruiting at Ft. Hood PX 22 Sep 2012.

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

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SPEARHEAD ASSAULT TRAINING Sgt. Richard Wrigley | 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. PAO

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, aircrews of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, began training for the repel air assault, here Sept., 14.

Pilots and crews of A Company “Werewolves,” 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB, flew out in support of Fort Hood’s Air Assault School in order to certify pilots and crews and to also support the school’s training of their students.

Despite poor weather, the day’s training went along as planned, mainly due to the professionalism of the 1st ACB, said Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Gomez, of San Antonio, the repel master in charge of the class.

Gomez said he was happy with the results, and that thorough planning, direct communication, and superb coordination allowed for the operation to run as smoothly as it did.

Spc. Christopher Remakis, a native of Sicklerville, N.J., a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew chief for the Werewolves, was a “first-time-go” being certified for the repel assault and showed enthusiasm toward the new training.

“It was pretty neat seeing [the students] go through their training and to see how proficient the repel masters were, as I was working on my proficiency at the task at hand,” Remakis said, who recently returned from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shawn Rodgers, of Charleston, S.C., and an instructor pilot for the Werewolves, was one of the pilots who qualified and helped support the air assault school. Rodgers talked about what made the repel different to him and what it meant to the unit’s mission.

“I’ve never done a repel assault before,” Rodgers said.

“I’ve always landed, and the fact that there is someone hanging onto a rope outside your aircraft makes it a very different mission,” Rodgers added.

“There’s more danger, these guys could get hurt, and that’s what makes the repel different to me.”

Rodgers went on to make clear how important this was to the 3-227th AHB’s mission set and what it could mean for the future.

“A repel operation is always riskier. The first option will always be to land and to let people on and off the aircraft; what this does though is allow us to be able to provide more options to the ground trooper, the war-fighters, those who we call the customer,” Rodgers said.

“In the end it’s all about the war-fighters and supporting them the best we can,” Rodgers concluded. n

Remakis said that the mission set was different for him, as was the pace of the training since he was so used to the speed and efficiency of the real-time mission as opposed to the slower pace of first-time training.

Sgt. Jon Garc ia (right), fro m Santa Cru Fort Hood A z, ir Assault Sc hool, gives a CA, and a repel master repel out of at the student the a UH-60 Bla sign to exec ckhawk Heli Assault Sch ute the copter durin ool’s repel tr g the Fort H aining. ood Air 10

Texas VFW Fall 2012

(Photos by Sgt. Richard Wrigley, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Division Public Affairs)

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L e g i s l a t i v e

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS Texas Legislative Delegation — Members of the Texas VFW Legislative Delegation present Senator John Cornyn a POW/MIA flag in honor of his father’s service as a POW in WWII. L-R: James Hoffman, John Spahr, Senator Cornyn, Clarence Jackson, Ken Burton.

Texas VFW News

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Department of Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468 Roy J. Grona P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468 Roy J. Grona P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468

Texas VFW Post 6872, Crowley — Post member Hal Cleveland met with TX17 Representative Bill Flores at a Town Hall Meeting in Cleburne, TX. The Military Healthcare Protection Act was discussed and he stated he agreed with the bill as introduced and would support and promote this legislation.

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

Dan West P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468

Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars.

P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468

T e x a s

V F W

F o u n d a t i o n

TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION SPONSORS VETERAN Chris Rodriguez, U.S. Air Force Disabled Veteran, Participates in Austin Tough Mudder Race THE TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION sponsored U.S. Air Force disabled veteran Chris Rodriquez in the Austin Tough Mudder Race. He was assisted through the obstacles by representatives of the Amarillo VA hospital and friends. Chris and the Texas VFW Foundation team negotiated through 28 obstacles over a ten mile long course finishing in less than 7 hours. n

Chris, you rock!

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N

T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N

T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N

Helping Veterans in Need “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for your generous help. This is a very big help to me.

I still have a little ways to go before I am caught up with everything, but now that the Lord has blessed me through you, I feel I will be able to overcome the rest of my problems.”

E. Larson, U.S. Army Veteran

“Thank you for approving my request for Veterans Assistance. The sum of the check was very generous and was a tremendous help. I thank you very much for recognizing my husband’s service to our country — and I thank you for all the Texas VFW has done for me.”

T. Lee, Widow of U.S. Air Force and Army Veteran

“Somehow just saying “thank you” doesn’t seem quite enough but I wanted to take a moment and just say a great big T HANK YOU for your help! Thank you for listening and giving me the tools I need to move forward. Without this gift from the Texas VFW Foundation, I’m not sure where we would be right now.”

J. Mayfield, U.S. Army National Guard Veteran

“This letter is to show my gratitude for the VFW and all supporting organizations and

sponsors. Thank you so much for your generous financial support during these hard times. It’s because of organizations like you that this country is so great and stands out above the rest. I

will not forget what you have done for us, and I will be sure to pay it forward to those in need that I, too, will be able to help soon.”

C. Villa, U.S. Navy Veteran

Your small donation makes a big difference.

• The Texas VFW Foundation Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge regardless of where or what time they served.

• Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations.

• The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds.

• The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if still in the military before application can be processed.

• Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw. org or by emailing the Foundation at foundation@ texasvfw.org or by calling (512) 291-6850.

Texas VFW Fall 2012

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F u n d r a i s i n g

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D o n a t i o n s

TEXAS VFW POST 9213, MCQUEENEY, PRESENT CHECK Returning Heroes Home at Warrior and Family Support Center at B.A.M.C. Receive Donation

McQueeney Commander Michael Leonard, members Don Weathermon, Peter Temperilli and Jesse Wallace, along with LAVFW members Suzanne Leonard, Mickey Cavin and District 5 VHS rep Joyce Dalton present check to Steve Fogel, from Returning Heros Home at Warrior and Family Support Center, BAMCC. The check was to help purchase lawn furniture for the outdoor space at the Warrior and Family Support Center. n

TEXAS VFW POST 6796, DALLAS, DONATE to TOAST Bottles of Wine Donated to 12th Battalion Army Reserve Fallen Comrades Ceremony VFW Post 6796 was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation at the 12th Battalion Army Reserve Careers Division Change of Command and Toast to Fallen Comrades Ceremony held in San Antonio. The Post donated 48 bottles of wine to the Battalion’s Toast. The donation was an important one because it not only allowed the Post to honor fallen comrades but it allowed an interaction with active duty personnel.

In addition, the unit’s members were given an opportunity to join the Texas VFW. n

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

Solitaire Genuine i Diamond Show Your Pride in the Great Lone Star State Individually hand-crafted in solid sterling silver, this big, bold ring features the shining state of Texas against a genuine black onyx center stone, surrounded by a tooled leather-look border with Texas stars accented in 18K gold plating. A genuine diamond is hand-set at the site of the state capital of Austin, and more Lone Star icons decorate the sides. There’s the famous Texas longhorn on one side and a cowboy hat on the other—both standing out against an 18K gold-plated design that is finished with a lasso-style border. Adding to the powerful effect, the words “Texas Pride� are engraved inside.

A Remarkable Value...

Available for a Limited Time Available in whole and half sizes from 8-15, this intricately sculpted, custom-designed ring is an exceptional value at just $199*, and you can pay for it in 5 easy installments of just $39.80. To reserve your “Spirit of Texas� Diamond Ring, complete with a custom case and Certificate of Authenticity, and backed by our 120-day unconditional guarantee, send no money now; just mail the Reservation Application. But hurry... this is a limited-time offer!

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Bold Texas icons stand out on both sides

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Please allow 4-6 weeks after initial payment for shipment of your jewelry. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Address City

State

Zip

E-Mail (Optional)

01-13381-001-E59301

H o n o r i n g

I r a q

Ve t e r a n s

HONORING VETERANS of the WAR in IRAQ

Texas VFW Post 8925, Pilot Knob — Members held a recognition ceremony for Iraq Veterans.

Texas VFW Post 1657, Pampa — District 9 Commander Danny Martin gives a speech about the sacrifices made by the Iraq veterans

Texas VFW Post 9078, Round Rock — Jr. Vice Commander Jimmy Hill gives presentation on the Iraq war and the battle of Fallujah at Texas VFW Post 9078 in Round Rock.

Texas VFW Post 3907, Palestine — Members conduct a flag ceremony honoring the Iraq war veteran at the Post.

Texas VFW Post 4815, San Antonio — District 20 & Post 4815 Commander Edward Torres conducts a tribute ceremony honoring all Iraq veterans.

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

Texas VFW Post 10378, Angleton — Members conducted a social honoring Iraq war veterans.

P O W / M I A

C e r e m o n i e s

POW/MIA CEREMONIES from AROUND the STATE

Texas VFW Post 2034, Waco —

Texas VFW Post 6796, Dallas — District 3

Members display their POW/MIA flag.

Commander Clarence Jackson and Post Sr. Vice Commander Donald Thieme salute the missing man table.

Texas VFW Post 3892, Harker Heights — Post Commander Chuck Duncan and Ladies Auxiliary President Pam Duncan present a POW/MIA wreath at Darnell Army Hospital at Fort Hood.

Texas VFW Post 7109, Pearland — The Post participated in a District wide POW/MIA ceremony in District 16.

20

Texas VFW Fall 2012

Texas VFW Post 3234, Brady — Post member Archie Harlow lights a candle in the Post’s missing man ceremony as Frank Gendusa and Post Commander Donald Moore watch.

Texas VFW Post 2375, Kingsville — Members conducted a POW/MIA ceremony at the county war memorial with the assistance of Naval Air Station Kingsville. Pictured L-R. Post Commander John Moreno, Jerry Johnson, John Smolik, Chico Favela, Command Master Chief Foust, Lieutenant Haley.

Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America.

Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in, or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.

Lobbying for Veterans & Military Providing Disaster Relief Name: _________________________________________________Email: _________________________________________ Community Volunteerism

First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.)

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Funding College Scholarships Phone Cards for Troops City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone:____________________________ Supporting Youth Groups Emergency Financial Assistance Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) Supporting Memorials Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines

Current Status: I served in:

p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/Reserve p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)

Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay

p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*

*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service).

I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($35)

p Life Member*

p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($35 Initial payment)

Life Membership Fee Schedule Attained age on 12/31

Through age 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 61 – 70 71 – 80 81 and over

One Time Payment

Life 12 Month Payment Plan

$425.00 $410.00 $375.00 $335.00 $290.00 $225.00 $170.00

$40.39 $39.02 $35.84 $32.20 $28.11 $22.20 $17.20

Installment Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making either 11 or 23 monthly installments after an initial payment of $35.00. The member/applicant will be issued a “Provisional Life” membership card and can elect, upon receipt of first monthly invoice, to pay via check, credit card or ACH Debit. The monthly fee (Shown in the payment schedule above) includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. The applicable Life Membership fee is to be determined from the schedule using the applicants age on December 31 of the installment plan year in which the application is submitted, regardless of actual date of birth. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon completion of this agreement. No refund of any portion of current year annual dues will be made. A “Payoff amount” will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full at anytime during the installment plan, thereby avoiding additional service fees. If the member pays off early, no additional monies will be collected.

I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America.

I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund.

Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: ______________________________________________ Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.

p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express

Credit Card Number:_________________________________________________________

Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________ Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761

For questions call: (512) 834-8535

Get Your Official “Texas VFW” Gear Auxiliary Logos Available

Men’s Aqua Dry Polo with Texas VFW & Emblem SIMPLE, SOPHISTICATED MEN’S POLO MADE OF A POLY-BLEND Breathes well, holds its shape and retains its soft, supple feel wash after wash — thanks to a touch of spandex. Made in the U.S.A. — so the costs are a little more — yet we are creating jobs here at home in America! Available with or without pocket in OLIVE, FRENCH BLUE, BLACK, IVORY, LIME, YELLOW, NAVY, BURGANDY, HUNTER GREEN, RED, RUST, SAGE, WHITE, STONE, HEATHER CHARCOAL, AQUATIC BLUE OR STEEL BLUE. S, M, L, XL with extended sizes.

• Men’s VFW Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, no Pocket – item #7710 – $46.00 • Men’s VFW Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, with Pocket – item #7711 – $51.00

Made in the U.S.A.

• Men’s Auxiliary Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, no Pocket – item #7714 – $46.00 • Men’s Auxiliary Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, with Pocket – item #7715 – $51.00 For 2XL add $5, 3XL add $7.50, 4XL add $10

LADIES AQUA DRY POLO with TEXAS VFW & CROSS OF MALTA Same great features as the men’s shirt but with feminine styling. Available in FRENCH BLUE, BLACK, IVORY, LIME, YELLOW, NAVY, BURGANDY, HUNTER GREEN, RED, RUST, SAGE, WHITE, STONE, HEATHER CHARCOAL, or AQUATIC BLUE. S, M, L, XL with extended sizes.

• Ladies VFW Short Sleeve Polo Shirt – item #7712 – $46.00 • Ladies Auxiliary Short Sleeve Polo Shirt – item #7713 – $46.00 For 2XL add $5, 3XL add $7.50

Shirts now available with Ladies and Mens Auxiliary Emblems!

THE OVERSEAS CAP WAS THE FIRST INTRODUCED IN WORLD WAR I AND IS AMERICA’S FIRST MILITARY UNIFORM ITEM DENOTING WAR TIME SERVICE.

Light weight style overseas cap with the Cross of Malta Emblem, letters VFW above the Post number and state name.

Additional lettering is available at .93 per letter or numeral. No reduction in price if state name is abbreviated. *STATE AND POST NUMBER TO BE ON CAP. *SIZE 8 AND LARGER ADD $5.00. *FORT KNOX STYLE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. *CAP MAY BE LETTERED WITH THE WORDS “VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS” for an additional $18.69; LIFE MEMBER embroidered for an additional $8.90; or a Life Member patch for an additional $2.55. Green, lightweight, shade51. Allow 8 weeks for manufacture except during April, May, June, & July.

During these months allow 10 weeks.

V F W

Price: $33.95

1849 Texas VFW Men’s Bulova Quartz Medallion Watch

Price: $249.00 Note: If there is a need to exchange or return jewelry items, please contact the Supply Department for return authorization before doing so. Watches have, in the past few years, become very stylish and the factories change the appearance of them often. Therefore, the watch you receive may differ in appearance from our illustrations, but will be as good or better in quality.

TEXAS VFW Velour Throw

Beautiful, soft and luxurious microfibre throw, with TEXAS VFW embroidered in corner. Machine washable for easy care. 100% polyester. 50” x 60”

1992 — $28.99

Limited Quantities! ORDER TODAY!

Light-weight, versatile jacket with TEXAS VFW and Cross of Malta laser etched on the left chest. Microfiber fleece, full-zip front, hidden zip side pockets, draw-cord bottom. Imported.

Texas VFW Fall 2012

A C C E S S O R I E S

Quality Bulova watch with date feature and two-tone silver and gold clasp band.

Medallion VFW emblem on face with Texas VFW.

7356 – Navy Blue 7357 – Charcoal Gray $35.00 S-XL $37.00 2XL $39.00 3XL

T E X A S

M6251 Light Weight Members Cap, Gold Piping

23

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C e l e b r a t i n g

Wo m e n

i n

t h e

M i l i t a r y

TRIBUTE to WOMEN in MILITARY SERVICE

Texas VFW Post 3377, Manchaca — Members recognize Women in Military Service with a cake and commemoration.

Texas VFW Post 12075, Kingwood — Pictured here (Below): Texas VFW Post 12075 conducted a Women in Military Service tribute to honor all women who served or who are currently serving in America’s Armed Forces.

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Texas VFW Fall 2012

are members Tammy Wilson, Lisa Ward, Inge Conley (standing), and Gina Ard (sitting), a World War II Veteran and new VFW member, at the Women in Military Service Tribute the Post sponsored.

Texas VFW Post 8456, Geronimo Bill Owens lights a candle of remembrance for national POW/MIA day in a ceremony held at the Post.