2019 Texas VFW News | Summer

SUMMER 2019

Official Magazine of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

p6 WELCOME

KEITH KING 2019-20 STATE COMMANDER

INSIDE GRAND AWARD MAGAZINE CATEGORY

2019 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

- 99th Annual Convention Recap - Texas VFW Foundation Update - Memorial Day - Community Service - Flag Day

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 and 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 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, and ideas to: Texas VFW, PO Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78761 or email to andrew@texasvfw.org.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and 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, District meetings and other topics, please visit www.texasvfw.org.

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/news.

CONNECT WITH

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SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.facebook.com/TexasVFW https://texasvfw.smugmug.com (See photos and videos from past events here.)

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S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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 is $30.00.

Published four times per year by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume 74, Number 1, © JULY 2019. 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/news, or request one from Terri Sheets at terri@medianation.net.

Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Andrew Camplen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor Terri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Designer/Ad Contact Department Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535

2019-20 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander Adjutant/Quartermaster Sr. Vice Jr. Vice Judge Advocate Surgeon Chaplain Chief-of-Staff Inspector Immediate Past Cmdr Assistant Quartermaster Assistant Adjutant Assistant Adjutant Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Officer of the Day National Council Member

3278 3413 3893 4816 8913 6796 4008 3278 5619 12075 6378 688 9078 2059 1514 6796 812 6970 6382 3413 3413

Keith King Dan West Richard “Dick” Shawver Norman Macey D. Grant Seabolt, Jr. Gerard “Jerry” Greene Allen “Al” Lowe James Masters Terry Contella Inge Conley Carlos Sustaita Andrew Camplen Wayne Cooley Robert Martinez, Jr. Richard L. Moore William L. “Bill” Oaks Rod Raulston John E. Shipley Marvin L. Lockhart, II Lonnie Garza Dan West

2406 Belmeade St., Brownwood, TX 76801 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 19151 Valley Drive, Flint, TX 75762 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., TX 77346 13283 Mannheim Dr., Frisco, TX 75033 10523 Ferguson Rd., Dallas, TX 75228 1 Roy Bean Dr., Belton, TX 76513 7800 Fm 2125, Brownwood, TX 76801 3136 Lodgemist Ln., Dickinson, TX 77539 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346 Po Box 14451, Austin, TX 78761 8503 N Ih-35, Austin, TX 78753 8503 N Ih-35, Austin, TX 78753 314 Shadwell Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228 Po Box 548, Village Mills, TX 77663 1818 Quail Hill Circle, Garland, TX 75040 3901 Mcconnell Ave., El Paso, TX 79904 905 Schuettig Rd., Poteet, TX 78065 404 Kelly Crick Road, Victoria, TX 77904 2311 Jeffrey Lane, New Braunfels, TX 78130 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Houston — Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh Waco — Katina Cryer

713-383-2730 254-299-9959

Terry.Eshenbaugh@va.gov katina.cryer@va.gov

2019-2020 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT POST COMMANDER

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 30

8273 2755 7843 2427 8456 3904 3278 2466 9173 5873 8552 3892 8878 3903 12024 7473 9313 7108 7835 4403 6284 12104 6008 4376

Preston Rich Kevin Bost Keith Kelm Stephen Biehl Ron Spalding Jimmy E. McCombs James Masters Steve Evans Jose “Joe” Vargas, Jr. Larry Levy Ventura Mancha Anson L. Booker Carl G. Lilly Brian C. Satsky Everett L. Ison Lupita M. Perez Paul Lester Rolando S. Webber Eddie L. Terry John F. “Jack” Mageluzzo Mel Parker Matt Lutz Roy “Bobby” Jones Randall Johnston

ADDRESS

8205 Prescott Circle, Frisco, TX 75033 165 Greathouse St., Vidor, TX 77662 514 Little Creek Trail, Red Oak, TX 75154 28314 Hardin Store Road, Magnolia, TX 77354 PO Box 770, Cibolo, TX 78108 1118 South Houston St., Aransas Pass, TX 78336 7800 FM 2125 North, Brownwood, TX 76801 5504 75th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424 10436 Tomwood Ave., El Paso, TX 79925 7490 Daniels Chapel Rd., New Boston, TX 75570 212 Jeffrey Drive, Del Rio, TX 78840 122 East Iowa Drive, Harker Heights, TX 76548 433 Bryan Road, Sunset, TX 79270 9830 Hein Road, Richmond, TX 77469 37 Hickory Oak Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 PO Box 2853, Elsa, TX 78543 2589 FM 1751, San Augustine, TX 75972 8307 Clays Point, San Antonio, TX 78250 5700 Westview Ct., Tolar, TX 76476 1003 N. Benavides St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979 5305 Clinton Avenue, Odessa, TX 79762 410 Oak Street, Bastrop,TX 78602 206 Horton Dr., Waco, TX 76705 192 Oak Hills Dr., Mabank, TX 75156

SUMMER

2019

IN THE NEWS 5 6 7

Meet the 2019-20 State Officers

State Commander’s Column Welcome to the 2019-20 State Officers

p6

99th Annual Convention Recap

2019-20 Officers/Committee Chairs Listing

8-9 Award Winners 10 Buddy Poppy/Community Service 11 What did you like most about the Convention?

12 All State Posts | All State Districts 13 Top Veterans Service Officer 14 2019-20 District Commanders | All American Posts 15 2019-20 Texas VFW Auxiliary Officers 16-17 Texas VFW Foundation

18 Back Pew Brewery | Save the Date 19 Convention Recap continued 20 Memorial Day 21 Community Service 22 Community Service 25 Texas VFW Membership Application 26 Flag Day 27 Service Dog Graduation Ceremony 28 Texas VFW Post 3377, Manchaca, 4th of July Parade

99th Annual Conference Awards

p8

Top Veterans Service Officer

p 13

SUMMER 2019

SEE THE LATEST CALENDARS AT

ON THE COVER

Official Magazine of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

Keith King is installed as the Department of Texas State Commander at the 99th Annual State Convention, Houston, Texas, June 15, 2019.

Texasvfw.org > News > Calendar

p6 WELCOME

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS APRIL-JUNE • Loyalty Day • VE Day • Memorial Day • D Day • Flag Day

KEITH KING 2019-20 STATE COMMANDER

INSIDE GRAND AWARD MAGAZINE CATEGORY

2019 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

- 99th Annual Convention Recap - Texas VFW Foundation Update - Memorial Day - Community Service - Flag Day

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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STATE

COMMANDER’S COLUMN Hello, Texas!

I hope this finds everyone doing well. What a great start to the new year!

Did last year’s commander do a great job, or what?! Outstanding performance, Inge!

We have just finished our OTS, and I must say it was outstanding training. I’ve received many positive comments about the room setup as well as the training. I was very encouraged by the number of “first time” attendees also.

I hope some who couldn’t make it to Austin were able to tune in to FB Live and catch some of the training there. I would also like to add that the first remote OTS will be in El Paso in September.

We should have turned in a number of VPR’s by now but, if you haven’t, please do so as three of the four mandatory VPR’s have now passed.

I would encourage everyone to ask members of your community to join our organization as we need to keep the growth train going. I know you are doing great things in your community so please don’t be shy.

The National Convention is now over and the new leadership is also looking for continued growth. Let’s lead from the front, Texas! I know we can do it!

Thank you for all you do. I appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to seeing many of you in my travels.

I remain yours in comradeship,

Keith King S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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WELCOME ABOARD 2019-20 STATE OFFICERS STATE COMMANDER Keith King STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER Richard “Dick” Shawver STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Norman J. Macey, III

Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West Judge Advocate D. Grant Seabolt, Jr. Surgeon Gerald “Jerry” Greene Chaplain Allen “Al” Lowe Chief-of-Staff James Masters Inspector Terry Contella Immediate Past Commander Inge Conley National Council Member Dan West

Deputy State Inspectors Marvin Lockhart Robert Martinez, Jr. Richard Moore

Deputy State Inspectors Bill Oaks Rod Raulston John Shipley

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S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

Officer of the Day Lonnie Garza

June 12-16, 2 0 19

99th Annual State Convention Westin Galleria | Houston, Texas

Over 1,100 Texas veterans and auxiliary members participated in the Texas VFW 99th Annual State Convention in Houston, Texas.

Starting with the golf tournament on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, sponsored by District 4, teams of four played 18 holes of golf with temperatures reaching 101 degrees. All had a great time and District 4 volunteers staffed the event, under the direction of Convention Chairman Hector Giron.

At the final Council of Administration meeting for the 2018-2019 year, outgoing State Commander Inge Conley recognized the entire Department for their outstanding performance in membership growth and community service projects.

Prior to the opening ceremonies and throughout the convention, attendees had the opportunity to visit with and purchase services and keepsakes from over 30 different vendors, including VFW products and Texas VFW branded merchandise from the National VFW Emblem & Supply Store.

The Texas VFW Foundation sponsored a Veteran Job Fair in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Veterans Commission where we had over 50 employers present who interviewed over 328 veterans looking for work with over a dozen hired on the spot.

All hands were on deck for the opening ceremonies with the new Texas VFW Honor Guard bringing in and posting the colors to the National Anthem and pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States.

After the speakers finished, the All-State Posts in the State were recognized and presented their awards by State Commander Inge Conley and Past National Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera (see page 12).

Business meetings for both the VFW and Auxiliary followed the next day that included reports from committee chairmen, individual recruiting awards and nominations for state leadership positions.

Continued on p. 19

2019-20 Officers/Committee Chairs COMMANDER SR VICE JR VICE JUDGE ADVOCATE SURGEON CHAPLAIN CHIEF-OF-STAFF INSPECTOR IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER ASSISTANT ADJUTANT ASSISTANT ADJUTANT DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR OFFICER OF THE DAY 100th CONVENTION CHAIR BUDDY POPPY CHAIR BUDGET & FINANCE CHAIR COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR CREDENTIALS CHAIR CREDENTIALS CHAIR-ASST. HOMELESS VETERANS CHAIR HOSPITAL/MAP CHAIR LEGISLATIVE CHAIR LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR MOTORCYCLE GROUP CHAIR POW/MIA CHAIR SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON SERVICE OFFICER/WACO STUDENT VETS LIAISON VETERANS EMPLOYMENT CHAIR VOD/PP CHAIR

3278 3893 4816 8913 6796 4008 3278 5619 12075 3413 3413 6378 688 9078 2059 1514 6796 812 6970 6382 3413 10427 2466 6284 9078 8790 2772 4709 6796 2059 2150 9191 6008 7426 4709 15045 2775 9078 2527

Keith King Richard “Dick” Shawver Norman Macey D. Grant Seabolt, Jr. Gerard “Jerry” Greene Allen “Al” Lowe James Masters Terry Contella Inge Conley Dan West Dan West Carlos Sustaita Andrew Camplen Wayne Cooley Robert Martinez, Jr. Richard L. Moore William L. “Bill” Oaks Rod Raulston John E. Shipley Marvin L. Lockhart, II Lonnie Garza Terry L. Craig Benny Guerrero, Jr. Melvin “Mel” Parker Wayne Cooley Eric J. Shumaker Katie Baillio Michael “John” Foy Day Gerard “Jerry” Greene Robert Martinez, Jr. Ray Richardson Carlo S. Davis Thomas Anderson Darrell K. Moore Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh Katina Cryer Kevin Bost Bob Gear Frank Andrada

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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Award Winners

Danny Henry Award

Outstanding Post Commander, William E. Smith, Post 8541, San Antonio

Glen M. Gardner Quartermaster Award Vivian A. McKinney, Post 9191, Killeen

William B. Moody Chaplain Award Darrell C. Hartley, Post 2772, Sherman

Outstanding Post Service Officer Award DANNY HENRY AWARD | WILLIAM E. SMITH

Rey J. Alvarado, Jr., Post 3966, Devine

Past State Commanders Leadership Award Raymond O. Richardson, District 1

Barbara Hoffman Award – Outstanding Auxiliary Member Ramona Henson, Post 2775, Orange

National VFW Publications Award – Grand Award Texas VFW News – 10th year in a row, Editor Dan West

Outstanding Immediate Past District Commander Award Rodney L. Raulston, District 10

J.T. Rutherford Awards GLEN M. GARDNER AWARD | VIVIAN A. MCKINNEY

WILLIAM B. MOODY AWARD | DARRELL C. HARTLEY 8

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

Norman Macy, Post 4816; Bob Gear, Post 9078; Larry Sanders, Post 12041

POST SERVICE OFFICER AWARD | REY J. ALVARADO, JR.

PAST STATE COMMANDERS AWARD | RAYMOND O. RICHARDSON

BARBARA HOFFMAN AWARD | RAMONA HENSON

NATIONAL VFW PUBLICATIONS GRAND AWARD

PAST DISTRICT COMMANDER AWARD | RODNEY L. RAULSTON

J.T. RUTHERFORD AWARDS John “Bob” Gear, Post 9078, Round Rock, Texas – District 28 Norman Macey, Post 4816, Porter, Texas – District 17 Larry Sanders, Post 12041, Lytle, Texas – District 20

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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Award Winners

Buddy Poppy Awards

Category 1 (Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign) 1st Place, Hector Villarreal, Post 6386, Ingleside

Category 2 (Memorial or Inspirational Displays) 1st Place – Post 1514, Village Mills 2nd Place – Stephen Biehl/Carol Steinocher, Post & Auxiliary 2427, Tomball & Auxiliary 3rd Place – Dave Walden/Phyllis Craig, Post & Auxiliary 10427, Leander & Auxiliary

Category 3 (Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies)

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 1 | POST 6386, INGLESIDE

1st Place – Dave Walden/Phyllis Craig, Post & Auxiliary 10427, Leander 2nd Place – Ben Lowrance/Karen Jeffrey, Post 1798, Tulia 3rd Place – Kim Gear, Post & Auxiliary 9078, Round Rock

Community Service Posts Post 9182, Katy Post 2775, Orange

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 2 | POST 1514, VILLAGE MILLS COMMUNITY SERVICE | POST 9182, KATY

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 3 | POST 10427, LEANDER 10

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

COMMUNITY SERVICE | POST 2775, ORANGE

“Meeting my comrades, my family, and friends. Had a blast!

Thank you all.” —Amando Garcia “Making new friends/networking! Thoroughly enjoy being asked by District Commanders at my table to take pics for them. They kept me busy with all of their awards.

Congrats again to all!” —Belinda Small “Being there! Seeing old comrades and meeting new ones.

Networking and sharing with each other all things VFW!” —Clarence Wm Jackson

“Fellowship, catching up with old friends and making new ones!” —Susie Wakeland “For me it was the Awards Banquet and receiving awards for our District 4 making All State. It was a great honor.”

—Steve R. Benavides

“Being back in TEXAS with the BEST VFW and AUXILIARY!” —Natalie Jones Copeland

“I enjoyed the comaraderie and making new friendships.”

—Steven Cook

“Loved the whole event. Met a lot of new and old friends.”

—Laura Todd

“Seeing all my favorite people and capping State Judge Advocate Grant Seabolt! Well deserved!” —Shenna Lawless “Being there with friends.” —Gayle Pierce Anderson “Well, let me think about it for a minute…the Elections and the J. T. Rutherford Award!” —Norman J. Macey III “Networking and hanging out with all my comrades!”

—Katy Jackson

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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ALL-STATE

Posts

ALL-STATE

District

Post

City

Post Commander

District

Post

City

Post Commander

20

8541

San Antonio

William E Smith

1

2150

McKinney

James A Nichols

20

12171

San Antonio

Lee M Rivas

2

2775

Orange

Edwin A Mc Intyre

14

9191

Killeen

Carlo S Davis

16

2438

Bay City

Donald C Wells

8273

Frisco

C J Harmon

5

2933

Dripping Springs Ronnie G Barnett

21

12152

Cleburne

Jonathan Laureles

19

9313

San Augustine

Robert Agee

14

3892

Harker Heights

Anson L Booker

17

4816

Porter

20

76

San Antonio

Johnny Ornelaz

20

8555

Poth

14

4008

Belton

Gary A Leofsky

14

8577

Copperas Cove

Herbert M Wright

3

7843

Duncanville

Ricky L Williams Sr

14

3393

Kempner

Brian L Olmstead

17

4709

Conroe

Floyd W Stewart

12

3990

Paris

John D Dickerson

1

1922

Gainesville

Dennis I Kretzschmar

3

1406

Dallas

James E Briggs

19

8568

Livingston

Robert H Dodd

20

4676

Universal City

Joseph D Ramon

28

10427

Leander

David A Walden

1

2772

Sherman

1514

Village Mills

Richard L Moore

9

4818

Hereford

20

12041

Lytle

Larry L Sanders

16

3903

Rosenberg

Kenneth R Dillon

21

4746

Weatherford

Patrick A Clark

5619

Houston

1

2

6

4

Districts

District 1

110.23%

Ray Richardson

District 30

107.73%

Bill Malone

District 2

106.46%

Kevin Bost

District 14

106.42%

Loy Gardner

Ronald J Miller

District 17

106.13%

Everett Ison

Marvin A Roemer

District 3

105.84%

George Warringer

District 21

105.50%

Eddie Terry

District 29

105.50%

Bobby Jones

District 6

103.45%

Hector Villareal

Jeremy B Ford

District 13

103.31%

Danny Hinojosa

Timothy J Lucero

District 15

102.87%

Michael Hood

Phillip T Contella

District 28

102.85%

Terry Craig

District 5

102.69%

Joe Hackett

District 4

102.32%

Steve R. Benavides

12160

Sinton

Todd T Richardson

14

10376

Marble Falls

Wesley H Lewis

20

8397

San Antonio

Crisoforo Vieyra Jr

21

7835

Granbury

Duane A Shepard

21

10429

Benbrook

Jerry W Grantland

3413

San Marcos

David L Adams

10

8550

El Paso

Jeraldine J Wells

20

837

San Antonio

John P. Rodriguez

District 20

101.88%

John Shipley

21

6111

Arlington

Manuel D Leal III

16

8551

Sweeny

Glenn J James

14

6974

Burnet

Reece E Carter

28

8925

Austin

Evart J Kennedy Jr

District 12

101.62%

Larry Levy

5

4

8790

Houston

Hector R Giron

5

8927

Lockhart

William A Lopez Sr

District 16

101.51%

Isreal Cortez, Jr.

20

6970

Poteet

John E Shipley

17

4006

Navasota

Carl D Dry

District 10

100.79%

Joe Vargas

3

6796

Dallas

Gerard Greene

2195

Allen

Curtis J Mitchell Jr

28

8587

Georgetown

Ray A Sanchez

17

12024

The Woodlands

David W Clements

District 8

100.57%

James Master

20

2059

Kirby

Robert Martinez Jr

19

8924

Palestine

John T Campbell

District 9

100.47%

Ben Lowrance

1

4011

Greenville

Venus L Emerson

13

3966

Devine

Jesse Rodriguez

30

7103

Athens

William E Malone

29

8553

Clifton

Ricky V Richards

District 25

100.41%

Charlie Kobes

Doris J. Carter Cecil F Mc Connell Jr

1

1

5074

Roanoke

Robert Rouse

17

4692

Bryan

13

688

Boerne

Andrew Camplen

21

9299

Alvarado

William O Kinson

4 6

12075 8967

Humble Port Aransas

1

2559

West Tawakoni

Barry R Cox

5

9213

McQueeney

Peter M Temperilli

29

4694

Mexia

Lamar D Evans

20

9186

San Antonio

Nathan L Zuniga

13

8569

Comfort

Kenneth M Rusch

28

4443

Austin

Gary L Adam

Michael A Garrett

5

7110

New Braunfels

Martin Monceballez

10

9173

Smeltertown

Jesus R Tovar

21

2137

Azle

Joseph E Holder Jr

8786

Freer

Amando Garcia

14

8539

Lampasas

Daniel A Swanson

14

10377

Lake Belton

Charles E Hill Sr

17 3

542

Jewett

Ralph R Wallace

17

4458

Caldwell

Ronnie C Garbs

9

1475

Amarillo

Ben Lowrance

28

2527

Bastrop

Frank Andrada

10

8919

El Paso

Randy L Stephens

12161

Buda

David L Condel

17

7104

Brenham

Ben D Seeker

21

8235

Fort Worth

Charles A Beltram

28

6525

Rockdale

Larry J Rubino

12

8560

Sulphur Springs Arturo M Romanat

29

8564

Waco

Arthur T Martinez

29

5872

Fairfield

Roger S Brooke

19

5620

Carthage

James E Mc Daniel

24

6382

Hallettsville

Larry Koehn

6

5

2466

Lubbock

Benino Guerrero Jr

17

4007

Hempstead

Scott A Duncan

5

12058

Kyle

Bobby J Diaz

29

6008

Hewitt

Roy R Jones

1

2205

Denton

Jason L Martin

6

8621

Alice

Hector L Villarreal

9

1

7873

Pottsboro

Samuel J Kurtin

17

6522

Bellville

Dewitt C Nehrkorn

14

9192

Killeen

David F Reese

17

1907

Normangee

Robert D Dawson

17

9182

Katy

Donald H Byrne Sr

3

3359

Dallas

Melanie K Brandow

29

4819

West

Ronald D Winfrey

Find out how to qualify for All-State

8913

Lancaster

Mark E Schmidt

21

10454

Grapevine

Roy D James

District and All-State Post levels at:

19

3984

Jacksonville

Alvin E Steifer

20

9174

San Antonio

Armando P Gonzales

3

12

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

www.texasvfw.org/sop-training-materials

SPRING BRANCH VFW POST 8790

1560 Foley Street | Houston, Texas Canteen 713-465-1342 | Office 713-465-1950 VFW/AUX Meeting — 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

~~~BINGO~~~

Monday-Saturday

Sunday

1st session-Noon 2nd session-1:30 p.m.

1st session-7:00 p.m.

2nd session-8:30 p.m.

~~~CANTEEN~~~

Tuesday-Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

~~~STEAK NIGHT~~~

1st Friday of Each Month-6:00 p.m. $14.00 Steak, Salad, Baked Potato & Dessert

~~~HAMBURGER/HOT DOG NIGHT~~~ 3rd Friday of Each Month — 6:00 p.m. $6.00 Hamburger/Hot Dogs, Trimmings & Dessert

HALL RENTALS

“A” Room or “B” Room Call 713-465-1950 or 713-465-1342

VFW ANNOUNCES TOP VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER Texas veteran making a big difference every day in his community WASHINGTON (July 1, 2019) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is proud to announce the selection of Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh as the VFW Accredited Service Representative of the Year.

forefathers encountered two decades earlier.

Eshenbaugh, who is employed by the Texas Veterans Commission as the VFW Department of Texas Service Officer, is an integral part of the VFW’s worldwide network of more than 2,100 accredited service officers who last year helped more than 526,000 veterans to recoup $8.3 billion in earned disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh (right) is a US Army Veteran who served in Bosnia and Southwest Asia. He is a member of Texas VFW Post 4079 in Conroe and this year’s recipient of the National VFW Service Officer of the Year Award.

Accredited means VA accreditation, which allows VFW service officers to assist and file VA claims on behalf of veterans and transitioning service members, as well as to provide representation before the Board of Veterans Appeals, if needed. The support is free to all honorably discharged veterans and is a continuation of the VFW’s “service to others” mission that the organization began one century ago after returning World War I veterans faced the same government neglect as the VFW’s

“Mike’s selection as the top VFW service Officer was based on his great service work and for his extracurricular activities in the Houston metropolitan area,” said VFW National Commander B.J. Lawrence.

“Not only is he enabling 4,700 veterans to annually receive more than $80 million in disability compensation, Mike is also training VFW Post Service Officers to be more knowledgeable advisers, helping veterans needing financial assistance, using his criminal justice background to assist at the local veterans’ court, and he helped rescue many residents who were left stranded by the flooding caused

by Hurricane Harvey,” said Lawrence.

“Mike is making a difference every day in his community, and I look forward to presenting him his well-earned award at the VFW’s 120th National Convention in Orlando, Florida.” https://www.vfw.org/assistance/vaclaims-separation-benefits

THANK YOU TO THE 99TH ANNUAL CONVENTION SPECIAL GUESTS Guest speakers shared a wealth of knowledge and talent with convention attendees

Commander-in-Chief, 1995-96 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Paul A. Spera

National Council Member Area H

Debbie Daniel

Chair of the Texas Veterans Commission

Al Cantu

Texas Health and Human Services

Dr. Suzanna Hupp

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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ALL-AMERICAN

Posts

2019-20 DISTRICT

Commanders

1 8273 Preston Rich

15 8878 Carl G. Lilly

2 2755 Kevin Bost

16 3903 Brian C. Satsky

3 7843 Keith Kelm

17 12024 Everett L. Ison

4 2427 Stephen Biehl

18 7473 Lupita M. Perez

5 8456 Ron Spalding

19 9313 Paul Lester

6 3904 Jimmy E. McCombs

20 7108 Rolando S. Webber

8 3278 James Masters

21 7835 Eddie L. Terry

9 2466 Steve Evans

24 4403 John F. “Jack” Mageluzzo

10 9173 Jose “Joe” Vargas, Jr.

25 6284 Mel Parker

12 5873 Larry Levy

28 12104 Matt Lutz

13 8552 Ventura Mancha

29 6008 Roy “Bobby” Jones

14 3892 Anson L. Booker

30 4376 Randall Johnston

THANK YOU to outgoing State Commander, Inge Conley and outgoing Auxiliary President, Eppie Lackey.

Your tireless efforts and vast contributions to the Texas VFW and to Texas Veterans will never be forgotten.

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9191 4008 8273 8397 8541 2059 1922 12171 2559 8913 10427 8550 12160 12152 76 2137 8539 6111 4709 8568 5074 3892 4011 6974 7103 4746 1475 6796 8929 3542 3413 6525 4694 688 3278 5620 7843 9299 8555 12075 12161 4443 8564 4007 12041 9174 10429 2195 2205 12058 8925 1907 8790 8967 3393 3966 9192 837 4818 4006

Carlo Davis Gary Leofsky C Harmon Crisoforo Vieyra William Smith Robert Martinez Dennis Kretzschmar Lee Rivas Barry Cox Mark Schmidt David Walden Jeraldine Wells Todd Richardson Jonathan Laureles Johnny Ornelaz Joseph Holder Daniel Swanson Manuel Leal Floyd Stewart Robert Dodd Robert Rouse Anson Booker Venus Emerson Reece Carter William Malone Patrick Clark Ben Lowrance Gerard Greene Cecilio Bernal Ralph Wallace David Adams Larry Rubino Lamar Evans Andrew Camplen James Masters James Mc Daniel Ricky Williams William Kinson Marvin Roemer Cecil Mc Connell David Condel Gary Adam Arthur Martinez Scott Duncan Larry Sanders Armando Gonzales Jerry Grantland Curtis Mitchell Jason Martin Bobby Diaz Evart Kennedy Robert Dawson Hector Giron Michael Garrett Brian Olmstead Jesse Rodriguez David Reese John Rodriguez Timothy Lucero Carl Dry

2019-20 Texas VFW Auxiliary Officers Congratulations to all incoming Auxiliary officers

President Donna James

Sr. Vice President Ramona Henson

Jr. Vice President Karen Kaylor

Chaplain Jeanenne Lumpkin

Guard Karen Jeffrey

Secretary Natalie Copeland

Treasurer JoElla Menn

Chief of Staff Betty Royston

Assistant Treasurer Beth Creasey

Assistant Secretary Marjorie Menzel

Conductress Susie Carter

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TEXAS VFW

FOUNDATION “I can’t tell you how much this assistance helped me. I am able to sleep now and not spend my day full of anxiety and worry. I have less pain from my arthritis and fibromyalgia because stress makes it worse. This will help me to get back on track. God bless you all.”

—Karen T., surviving spouse of US Air Force veteran

L E G I SL AT I V E NEWS Texas HB 833 creates a “camo alert system” similar to Amber/Silver alerts, for locating missing members of the military with mental illness. This optional, statewide system will inform law enforcement if there is a military member in crisis. The alert would be sent only if the individual’s disappearance is a threat to his/her own health and safety or to that of others. HB 833 goes into effect 9/1/2019.

Texas VFW Foundation received a grant for $500,000 from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance! Many thanks for your generous donation.

This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. https://TVC.Texas.gov

The Texas VFW Foundation donated $10,000 to the Houston Community College Foundation in May, 2019.

Members of their Foundation attended the Texas VFW Foundation’s Board meeting in June, 2019, at the 99th Annual Convention to thank us in person for the donation.

SPRING QUARTER ASSISTANCE: Texas VFW Foundation assisted 38 veteran households, which included 63 family members and two surviving spouses, with $63,740.67 in direct financial assistance.

The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity. The Veterans’ Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served. Your charitable contribution could be tax deductible. Talk to your tax professional about how contributions to the Texas VFW Foundation could help.

PLEASE MAIL DONATIONS TO TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION, P.O. BOX 14468, AUSTIN, TX 78761.

PAYPAL LINK IS ON TEXASVFWFOUNDATION.ORG, BOTTOM OF PAGE.

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THANK YOU to all who donated to the Texas VFW Foundation. There are many Veterans whose lives are shining a little brighter because of your generous donations.

Over $5,000 2019 Governor’s Inaugural Committee VFW, Department of Texas VFW, Department of Texas, Auxiliary Auxiliary 6873 Veteran Energy

Over $2,500 Post 5074 Post 7110 District 2 District 28

Over $1,000 Post 2427 Post 3966 Post 5621 Auxiliary 7836 Auxiliary 7843 Post 8456 Auxiliary 8552 Post 8790 Post 8800 Mike Barber Greater Houston Community Foundation Rick & Mary Kenny

Over $500 Auxiliary 10351 Auxiliary 2494 Auxiliary 4372 Post 4709 Auxiliary 7108

Plaque was given in appreciation of contributions to support Texas veterans by an Auxiliary.

Post 8541 Auxiliary 8587 Auxiliary 8782 Auxiliary 8785 Auxiliary 8790 Auxiliary District 1 District 20 District 5 Stacey Foley Ernest Groos Ron & April Wolf

Over $250 Post 10351 BBVA Compass Bank BE Insurance Partners Roberta Dangerfield Roger Mansfield Heather Manto Robert & Kyle Hood

Over $100 Auxiliary 10376 Post 10429 Post 10462 Post 12058 Post 1475 Post 1533 Post 1806 Auxiliary 1806 Post 2150 Post 2195 Auxiliary 2427 Post 2466 Auxiliary 2772 Auxiliary 3278

Post 3406 Post 3903 Post 3904 Post 4136 Post 4146 Post 430 Post 4403 Post 4676 Post 4815 Auxiliary 4815 Post 4818 Auxiliary 4818 Post 4820 Post 5400 Post 5619 Post 6115 Post 6205 Auxiliary 6378 Post 6525 Auxiliary 6796 Post 6872 Post 6970 Post 7106 Auxiliary 7110 Auxiliary 7208 Auxiliary 837 Auxiliary 8456 Post 8551 Auxiliary 8551 Post 8552 Post 8569 Post 8577 Post 8621 Auxiliary 8787 Post 8904 Post 8905

Plaque was given in appreciation of contributions to support Texas veterans by a Post.

Post 8911 Post 8932 Post 8967 Post 912 Auxiliary 9182 Post 9186 Post 9187 Post 9191 Post 9213 Auxiliary 9213 Post 9761 Bank South Virginia Bunnell District 13 District 17 District 21 Auxiliary District 21 District 24 District 30 District 8 Robert & Kay Ford Kay Frizzell Charles Greer Karyn Hahne Earl Harper Howard Family Charitable Trust Lou Luchsinger Norman Macey Stephanie Medrano North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. Michelle Simon William Smith Meredith Taylor Dahlia Wells Wells, Gotshal, & Manges

Plaque was given in appreciation of contributions to support Texas veterans by a District.

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On behalf of Back Pew Brewery we want to say “Thank You” for allowing us to participate in the Texas VFW’s Annual State Convention.

Back Pew recently teamed up with the Texas VFW Foundation and is donating .25 cents of every case equivalent of Hyper Light sold!

Back Pew wishes the money it raises through Hyper Light sales to be used to help Veterans and their families. Thank you for your generosity! The Texas VFW and Texas VFW Foundation is grateful for your support.

A Note Regarding the 100th Anniversary of the Texas VFW Book Please note there is NO COST to be listed in the 100th Anniversary of the Texas VFW book, however, you must speak to a representative of PCI (a trusted and approved partner) so they can affirm your intent. You can submit information and pictures about your service at no cost and they will email you the link for uploading.

If you want a copy of the 100th Anniversary of the Texas VFW book there is a cost associated with it and there is also an option to purchase other items such as a T-shirt, sweatshirt and travel bag.

You are under no obligation to purchase anything even if you agree to be listed in the book or submit information and photos.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Supporting Our Veterans

Insuring Texas Homes, Farms, and Ranches Since 1901

Any proceeds from the sale of books or other merchandise goes (100%) to the Texas VFW Foundation for the Veterans Assistance Fund to help sick, disabled and needy veterans here in Texas.

1-800-507-2174 RVOS.com

100th ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION JUNE 17-21, 2020 | AUSTIN, TEXAS Make plans to join us for an amazing celebration of 100 years of the Texas VFW. Stay tuned to web and facebook for further details.

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Convention continued from p. 7

Later that evening at the State Awards Banquet, Master of Ceremonies State Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West asked State Commander Conley and National VFW Representative Paul Spera to present all of the State level awards to the winners who were called to the awards platform individually. (See insert for list of these awards).

Veterans Needed for Veterans Needed for PTSD Research PTSD Research Program Program

On Saturday, VFW and Auxiliary meetings reconvened, nominations reopened and elections held with Keith King of Post 3278 in Brownwood, District 8, being elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2019-2020 year.

The following were also elected to the following State positions; Senior Vice Commander – Richard “Dick” Shawver; Junior Vice Commander – Norman Macey; Quartermaster – Dan West; Judge Advocate – Grant Seabolt; Surgeon – Gerard “Jerry” Greene; Chaplain – Al Lowe.

At the installation ceremony, State Commander Keith King announced his appointments (see page 7) and thanked the many people and Posts that helped him in his VFW career. State Commander King and State Auxiliary President Donna James invited all present to attend the Commander’s and President’s Reception later that evening where everyone had an opportunity to meet and visit with the newly elected comrades and sisters of the Texas VFW for the 2019-2020 year. n

MUSEUM

OF THE AMERICAN

G.I.

Watch history come alive!

Non-Drug

Confidential

Non-Invasive

Compensation Provided

Dallas evaluatingthe theuse useofof UTUT Dallas is is evaluating Magnetic Stimulation enhancethe the Magnetic Stimulation toto enhance effects of Cognitive Processing Therapy effects of Cognitive Processing Therapy in Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress in Veterans Traumatic Stress Disorderwith whoPost served 2001-present.

Disorder who served 2001-present.

For more information contact: neurolab@utdallas.edu (972) 883-3171 https://www.utdallas.edu/memory/ https://www.facebook.com/UTDNeurolab/

WWI FT Tank  WWII Tanks Historic Uniforms  Rare Posters PBR Boat  AH-1F Cobra

PRESERVE  HONOR  EDUCATE 19124 Hwy 6 S College Station, TX (979) 690-0501 | www.americangimuseum.org

Glen Vigus

Programs made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station through the Arts Council

S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

19

MEMORIAL DAY MAY 27

Texas VFW Post 3079, Mathis VFW Honor Guard led the Memorial Day parade.

Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem was sung.

Approximately 65 in attendance.

Texas VFW Post 12152, Cleburne The Post, along with the Boy Scout Honor Guard, presented the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off Cleburne’s Memorial Day Car Show. In addition, a vigil was led at PD Lacewell Park honoring all Veterans who have sacrificed all.

Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands

Texas VFW Post 1480, Kerrville Members and Auxiliary honored our nation’s heroes with the laying of a wreath at the Texas Veterans Cemetery in Kerrville.

Texas VFW Post 856, Austin (right) Several Post members attended the District 28 Memorial Day ceremonies and also laid a wreath.

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The Post participated in the 11th Annual Forest Park Memorial Cemetery service.

8 Members and Auxiliary laid wreaths and handed out Buddy Poppies.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Texas VFW Post 4146, Victoria Members of the Post had the honor of celebrating the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a few WWII veterans at a local assisted living facility.

Texas VFW Post 9296, Houston Posts 9296 and 4395 celebrated D-Day with a Hawaiian theme at the Madison Jobe Senior Center and presented awards of commendation to the Mayor of Pasadena.

Texas VFW Post 430, Canyon The Post collected Girl Scout cookies to send to deployed troops and prepared the boxes to mail with the assistance of local Boy Scout troops and the community.

Texas VFW Post 4002, Longview The Post commemorated Memorial Day with the Veterans and residents at Arabella of Longview.

The program consisted of music and sharing the history of Memorial Day presented by Jr Vice Ben Gurganus.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Texas VFW Post 12178, Weslaco Post members travel to Escobares, Texas to award a Quilt of Valor to 93 year old WWII Veteran SGT. Arturo M. Garza in celebration of the 4th of July.

Texas VFW Post 4820, Port Neches The Post presented certificates to the Voice of Democracy Winners from PNG High School during their annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony. This event recognized over 100 students for obtaining scholarships in excess of $6 million. Commander Jorg Kitchen’s son, a fourth generation military member, was a scholarship recipient for the USMC, along with five other Marine Recruits.

Texas VFW Post 9191, Killeen The Post recently celebrated its 60th Anniversary by hosting a banquet.

In attendence were several special guests including State Commander Inge Conley.

Texas VFW Post 7108, San Antonio

Texas VFW Post 4443, Austin The Post visited its local BurgerKing to thank them for supporting the VFWHQ Unmet Needs program.

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S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

TX VFW District 20, Sr Vice Commander Rolando S. Webber participated in presenting the VFW Military Merit Award at the Air Force ROTC Det. 842 Awards Night for UTSA on April 27, 2019, at the Lackland Gateway Club in San Antonio, Texas.

Certificate presented to Cadet Benjamin La Guardia for outstanding achievement in the Cadet Corps.

LYNN TOOMER for Texas VFW State

JR. VICE COMMANDER 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1 “Keeping

the

VFW

Great”

While on a mission to help a WWII Veteran get assistance with his medical needs, Lynn joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His VFW eligibility comes from his service in the United States Marine Corps 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion in Desert Storm where he served with Task Force Ripper and Task Force Papa Bear. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for his actions on the battlefield. During his last deployment he served in Somalia.

Lynn Toomer: A Qualified and Proven Leader Gold Legacy Life Member All State/American QM 2013-14 All State Post Commander 2014-15 District 21 Commander x 2

District 21 Chief of Staff 2018 • 2020 State Deputy Inspector 2017-18 National Aide De Camp 2012-15

Lynn believes in the Core Values of the VFW and will continue to fight for ALL Veterans’ Rights and the future of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We never forget our brothers in arms who came before us, those currently serving, and those who will come after.

lynn.toomer@yahoo.com

R e c r u i t i n g | M e n t o r i n g | Tr a i n i n g S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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James “Jeff” Clark Candidate for Jr. Vice Commander James “Jeff” Clark Department of Texas der n a m m o C e ic V .

Jr r fo te a Candid 2020-2021 Department of Texas 2020-2021

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THE DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

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

Name:___________________________________________________________________________Email:_________________________________________________________________________ First

Middle

Last

Suffix (Jr., Sr., etc)

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________________________________________________________State:_____________________________Zip:_________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________Date of Birth: (MM/DD/YY)_________________________________________________________ Military Service: p Air Force p Army p Coast Guard p Marines p Navy Current Status: p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/Reserve I served in:

p Pre-World War II p World War II p WWII Occupation p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p 1945-90 (Berlin)

p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Storm/Shield p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism — p Expeditionary Operations Expeditionary 2001 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya,

p Afghanistan 2001 p Iraq 2003

Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.)

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(n): p Annual Member p Life Member p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($45 Initial payment)

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE AGE as of December 31st

One-Time Payment

Initial Payment

11 Payments of

Through Age 30

$425.00

$45.00

$38.64

31-40

$410.00

$45.00

$37.27

41-50

$375.00

$45.00

$34.09

51-60

$335.00

$45.00

$30.45

61-70

$290.00

$45.00

$26.36

71-80

$225.00

$45.00

$20.45

81 and over

$170.00

$45.00

$15.45

Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate electronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) The VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed, and providing alternative payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the time of enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: Up to 30 days – continue to bill; 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward; More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.

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:________________________________________ Amount $:______________________________________ 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

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FLAG DAY June 14

Texas VFW Post 1183, Longview The Post retired over 250 flags during its Flag Day ceremony. The Commander provided a speech to over 25 members and Auxiliary.

Texas VFW Post 2676, Scotland-Windthorst The Post and its Auxiliary conducted a flag retirement ceremony for unserviceable flags Wednesday, April 24, at the grotto of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst, Texas. They were assisted by the students of Windthorst Jr. High School.

Texas VFW Post 4443, Austin The Post commemorated Flag Day with Scout Troops 448, 990, 82, 403, and an Oak Hill Fire Department Engine Company.

Afterwards, a meal was prepared and served by the Scouts to over 50 attendees.

Texas VFW Post 8932, Corpus Christi (L-R): Sr. Vice Commander Abel Garcia, Comrade Ronald Thoman, Post Commander Daniel Martinez, Jr. Vice Commander Jose Hinojosa, Comrade Raymond Ortiz, Chaplin Mark Trough, Comrade Pete Napa and Comrade Michael Moreno. Photo Taken by: Judge Advocate Gilberto D. Gallardo.

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S u m m e r 2 0 19 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

A FINAL SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED OUR NATION Memorial Masters respectfully captures, beautifully communicates and digitally preserves military burials through our Final Salute documentary services for veterans of all military branches.

Memorial Masters LIFE STORIES • CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE • VIDEO OBITUARIES

(800) 474-5056

memorial-masters.com

facebook.com/Memorial-Masters

USVSD Service Dog Graduation Ceremony took place at the Joint Opening Ceremony at the 99th Annual State Convention United States Veterans Service Dogs trains and places dogs with veterans to help mitigate the effects of PTSD, mobility, and hearing complications from serving our country.

Skip & Nick Raised by Cody Bellanger

Te Fite & Erica Raised by Perryn Webb

Abe & Chris Raised by Jessie Hardin

Drax & Josh Raised by Ashley Cockcroft

www.usvsd.com

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TEXAS VFW POST 3377, MANCHACA — The Post Honor Guard consisting of comrades John Pratt, Jim Linville and Bill Reeseman led an Independence Day parade. Afterwards, the Post opened for lunch for approximately 180 patrons.