2020 Texas VFW Magazine Summer

SUMMER 2020

Official Magazine of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

INSIDE 100th Annual State Convention Highlights

p6 WELCOME DICK SHAWVER 2020-21 STATE COMMANDER

Community Highlights Loyalty Day VE-Day Texas VFW Foundation Memorial Day D-Day Flag Day

GRAND AWARD MAGAZINE CATEGORY

2020 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

Texas Legal Proudly Serves Veterans.

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A legal event can happen to any of us. When you face a legal issue, legal insurance provides financial protection, guidance and representation through the process. Unlike other services that offer only legal advice, Texas Legal insurance plans cover the fees of working with in-network attorneys to represent you throughout the legal process – in court, arbitration or whatever path resolves your legal issue.

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Thank You for Serving Our Country.

SUMMER

2020

IN THE NEWS 5

Highlights from the 100th Annual State Convention

State Commander’s Column

6

Welcome the 2020-21 State Officers

7

Highlights from the 100th Annual State Convention

8

State Convention Awards

10

State Convention Awards

11

All-State Posts/All-State Districts

12 Donations for Returning Troops

14

16 VE Day

17

18 Texas VFW Foundation

19 Memorial Day

20

21 Flag Day/Post 2438 Hosts Homecoming

p7

Posts throughout Texas send Donations for Returning Troops

Loyalty Day

Community Highlights

p 12

Post 2438, Bay City, Hosts One Heck of a Homecoming

D-Day

22 Texas VFW — What We Do, Who We Are, What We Stand For 23

Texas VFW Membership Application

24

Post 9191 Places Wreaths in Honor of Loyalty Day

SEE THE LATEST CALENDARS AT Texasvfw.org > News > Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS • Officer Training Seminar: — ON HOLD due to COVID-19 Send Community Highlight stories and photos to terri@texasvfw.org for magazine and Facebook consideration. Thank you for your submissions.

p 21

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS APRIL-JUNE 2020 • Loyalty Day • VE Day • Memorial Day • D-Day • Flag Day

ON THE COVER Richard “Dick” Shawver is installed as the 2020-21 State Commander at the 100th Annual State Convention held at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel, Georgetown, Texas June 18-20, 2020.

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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 terri@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

TEXAS VFW ON

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

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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 75, Number 1, © JULY 2020. 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@texasvfw.org.

Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Terri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications/Graphic Designer Department Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535

2020-21 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

3893 3413 4816 10429 3278 6796 4008 2059 1475 3278 6378 4443 9078 2775 6970 8551 7835 3892 3278 3413 3413

Richard “Dick” Shawver Dan West Norman Macey Lynn Toomer Keith King Gerard “Jerry” Greene Allen “Al” Lowe Robert Martinez, Jr. Roy Grona Keith King Carlos Sustaita Angel Ramirez Wayne Cooley Kevin Bost John E. Shipley Glenn J. James Eddie L. Terry Anson Booker James Masters Lonnie Garza Dan West

19151 Valley Drive, Flint, TX 75762 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., Humble, TX 77346 937 Behrens Ct., Crowley, TX 76036 2406 Belmeade St., Brownwood, TX 76801 10523 Ferguson Rd., Dallas, TX 75228 1 Roy Bean Dr., Belton, TX 76513 314 Shadwell Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228 2204 S. Ong St., Amarillo, TX 79109 2406 Belmeade St., Brownwood, TX 76801 PO Box 14451, Austin, TX 78761 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 165 Greathouse St., Vidor, TX 77662 905 Schuettig Rd., Poteet, TX 78065 235 Primrose Road, Freeport, TX 77541 5700 Westview Ct., Tolar, TX 76476 122 East Iowa Dr., Harker Heights, TX 76548 7800 FM 2125, Brownwood, TX 76801 3059 Blenheim Park, Bulverde, TX 78163 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@tvc.texas.gov katina.cryer@tvc.texas.gov

2020-2021 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

2772 2775 1406 2427 880 8932 6873 2466 9173 5873 688 9191 8878 880 4692 10712 9313 9174 7835 4403 6284 10427 4694 4376

Katie Baillio Robert LaFleur James E. Briggs Stephen E. Biehl Gregory P. “Greg” Brannan Henry Escobedo Melvin Harper Stephen “Steve” N. Evans Jose “Joe” Vargas, Jr. Larry D. Levy

Andrew Camplen Carlo S. Davis Carl G. Lilly Michael S. Caballero John E. Velasquez Loren F. Pogue Henry “Paul” Lester Armando P. Gonzales Duane P. Shepard John F. “Jack” Mageluzzo Melvin “Mel” R. Parker David “Dave” A. Walden Christopher B. Davis William J. Fuzi

ADDRESS

412 E. Shephard St., Denison, TX 75021 3528 Whippoorwill St., Orange, TX 77630 1056 Magnolia Lane, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 28314 Hardin Store Road, Magnolia, TX 77354 105 Canyon Dr., Canyon Lake, TX 78133 2106 Meadowgrove Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78414 4709 Oak Knoll St., Abilene, TX 79606 5504 75th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424 10436 Tomwood Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79925 7490 Daniels Chapel Rd., New Boston, TX 75570 PO Box 688, Boerne, TX 78006 3205 Eagle Ridge, Harker Heights, TX 76548 433 Bryan Road, Sunset, TX 79270 3219 69th St.-Apt. 59, Galveston, TX 77551 4988 Winding Creek, College Station, TX 77845 PO Box 96, Pharr, TX 78577 2589 FM 1751, San Augustine, TX 75972 106 Moon Valley St., San Antonio, TX 78227 1713 County Road 321, Glen Rose, TX 76043” 1003 N. Benavides St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979 5305 Clinton Avenue, Odessa, TX 79762 4309 Silverhill Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645 262 Private Road 5245A, Mexia, TX 76667 15356 County Road 2501, Eustace, TX 75124

STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN Comrades, Thank you for your support and trust in electing me as your State Commander for the 2020-2021 year. I look forward to working with our Line Officers, State Senior Vice Commander Norm Macey, State Junior Vice Commander Lynn Toomer, State Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West and State Chief of Staff Robert Martinez. I would also like to congratulate Ramona Henson on her election as Auxiliary Department President. I look forward to working with her and the Auxiliaries at all levels. Comrades, if you have an Auxiliary please work together with them — because we need all the help we can get and they are an amazing asset.

As we start this year we are faced with a great obstacle — Covid-19. The virus has shut down many of our Post homes and caused a lot of mayhem, however, it has not closed down the Post membership or mission of the VFW. We have Veterans out there that who need our assistance. Now is the time to adapt and overcome. Remember our mission is to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members, to assist worthy comrades, and to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead. With this said, it is now time to think outside the box and accomplish the mission that stands before us.

After the resent shut down we have written to the Governor and TABC to voice our concerns about the closing of our Posts. As we hear feedback from them we will pass that on to District Commanders to be forwarded. Right now it is very important that we follow ALL of the Governor’s guidelines to help in the fight against COVID-19 so we can get back into our Post buildings.

As this year continues we still have many programs that we must proceed with — VOD, Patriot’s Pen, Teacher of the year, Veteran Projects (VPR’s) and most important — our membership — as we are a membership-based organization. Like I said previously, sometimes we have to think outsides the box to accomplish the mission at hand.

As I travel this great State this year, I look forward to meeting new friends and seeing old ones.

May God Bless you, may God Bless and watch over our Troops, and may God Bless the United States of America,

Dick Shawver Richard “Dick” Shawver, a Gold Legacy Life Member of Nacogdoches Memorial VFW Post 3893 in Nacogdoches, Texas, was elected as State Commander for the Department of Texas VFW at the 100th Convention in Georgetown, Texas, June 2020.

Comrade Shawver served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970, with Foreign Service in Vietnam.

His awards include the Navy Achievement Medal with “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Dick and wife Phyllis, reside in Flint, Texas, and they have five children and four grandchildren.

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Welcome 2020-21 State Officers Wishing you much success in the coming year!

STATE COMMANDER Richard “Dick” Shawver STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER Norman J. Macey, III STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Lynn Toomer

Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West Judge Advocate Keith King Surgeon Gerard “Jerry” Greene Chaplain Allen “Al” Lowe Chief-of-Staff Robert Martinez, Jr. Inspector Roy Grona Immediate Past Commander Keith King National Council Member Dan West

Deputy State Inspectors Kevin Bost John E. Shipley Glenn J. James

Deputy State Inspectors Eddie L. Terry Anson Booker James Masters

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Officer of the Day Lonnie Garza Visit texasvfw.org “HOME” menu and click on the State Officers link to find bios on State Officers.

June 18-20, 2020

Sheraton Austin Georgetown | Georgetown, Texas The 100th Anniversary of the Texas VFW State Convention, as we all know, was interrupted by the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Plans to have our joint opening at the Texas State Capitol were canceled and the hotel we had reserved was commandeered and used as the emergency response crisis communications center by the State of Texas. This forced us to find an alternate location to hold the 100th Annual State Convention with only three weeks notice. Finding a location that could hold up to 650+ was not a challenge — finding a location that could hold that many while at 25% capacity with a 6 foot distance was the real challenge. We extend our eternal thanks to the Sheraton Georgetown Hotel for being able to accommodate us with those restrictions.

Where the National VFW and many other Departments chose to cancel their conventions, Texas VFW pulled it off by holding a modified one-day State Convention for the VFW and Auxiliary — held back to back — and had over 750+ delegates, members and guests attend from all over the state of Texas. Social distancing and wearing of masks were the norm for most participants.

At the final Council of Administration meeting for the 2019-2020 year, outgoing State Commander Keith King recognized the entire Department for its outstanding performance under the restrictions of the pandemic and saw many Posts shut down for months on end.

Prior to the opening ceremonies and throughout the Convention, attendees had the opportunity to visit with and purchase Texas VFW branded merchandise.

Running about 45 minutes later than planned due to Interstate 35 being shut down, all hands were on deck for the opening ceremonies. The Texas VFW Honor Guard

posted the colors to the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance to the United States.

With approximately a 6-hour period to work with, many activities were combined to fit into this window including recognizing the Texas VFW All-State Posts and awards presentation by State Commander Keith King (See page 11 for listing of All-State Posts).

Following the awards ceremonies were the business meetings that included reports from Committee Chairs, individual recruiting awards, and nominations for State Leadership positions. State level awards were presented to the winners who were then called to the awards platform individually.

Nominations and elections were held with Richard “Dick” Shawver of Post 3893 in Nacogdoches, District 19, being elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2020-2021 year.

Elected to the following State positions were: Senior Vice Commander — Norman Macey; Junior Vice Commander — Lynn Toomer; Quartermaster — Dan West; Judge Advocate — Keith King; Surgeon — Gerard “Jerry” Greene; Chaplain — Al Lowe.

At the installation ceremony, State Commander Dick Shawver announced his appointments and thanked the many people and Posts who helped him in his VFW career.

State Commander Shawver extended his concern that all members travel home safely and protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus. As members of the VFW, we still have a mission to accomplish, so we must adapt, overcome and improvise to fulfill our mission of helping veterans while practicing safe standards to prevent the infection and spread of the virus.

See more photos at https://texasvfw.smugmug.com

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Award Winners Danny Henry Award

Outstanding Post Commander, William E. Smith, Post 8541, San Antonio, District 20

Glen M. Gardner, Jr. Outstanding Quartermaster

Walter A. “Buddy” Szulewski, II, Post 6970, Poteet, District 20

William B. Moody Outstanding Chaplain Award Jessie C. Hatchett, Post 2466, Lubbock, District 9

DANNY HENRY AWARD | WILLIAM E. SMITH

Outstanding Post Service Officer Award Robert C. Plummer, Post 4816, Porter, District 17

All-American Department Quartermaster Award Glen M. Gardner, Jr., Post 6797, Dallas Roy J. Grona, Post 1475, Amarillo

Barbara Hoffman Award – Outstanding Auxiliary Member Laurie A. Wiley, Post 4816, Porter, District 17

Outstanding Legislative Chair Award John T. Spahr, Post 8587, Georgetown

Outstanding Immediate Past District Commander Award John Shipley accepting award on behalf of Walter.

QUARTERMASTER AWARD | WALTER A. SZULEWSKI, II

John E. Shipley, District 20

J.T. Rutherford Awards

Lupita Perez, Post 12178, Weslaco; John Velasquez, Post 4692, Bryan; Carlos Sustaita, Post 6378, Dickinson

WILLIAM B. MOODY AWARD | JESSIE C. HATCHETT OUTSTANDING POST SERVICE OFFICER | ROBERT C. PLUMMER 8

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ALL-AMERICAN DEPARTMENT QUARTERMASTER AWARD GLEN M. GARDNER & ROY J. GRONA

BARBARA HOFFMAN AWARD | LAURIE A. WILEY

IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT CMDR | JOHN E. SHIPLEY, JR.

LEGISLATIVE CHAIR AWARD | JOHN T. SPAHR

J.T. RUTHERFORD AWARDS LUPITA PEREZ Post 12178, Weslaco JOHN VELASQUEZ Post 4692, Bryan CARLOS SUSTAITA Post 6378, Dickinson

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Award Winners Buddy Poppy Awards Due to COVID-19 and a shortened State Convention, a “virtual” contest was created instead of an “in-person” contest. Benny Guerrero, State Buddy Poppy Chair, said there were many submissions and he saw a lot of great work. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of your displays and congratulations to the winners.

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 1 | POST 8790, HOUSTON

Category 1 (Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign) 1st Place — Catherine Alexander, Post 8790, Houston

Category 2 (Memorial or Inspirational Displays) 1st Place — Ashley Taylor & Marcey Phillips, Post 4709, Conroe

Category 3 (Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies) 1st Place — Rodney Tuttle, Post 6378, Dickinson

Tiger Lyons POW/MIA Award Post Level Post 8273, Frisco

Community Service Posts

Post 2438, Bay City | Post 12178, Weslaco

National VFW Publications Grand Award Texas VFW News – 11th year in a row Editor: Dan West; Graphic Designer: Terri Sheets 0 SPRING 202

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 2 | POST 4709, CONROE Official Magazine of

the Texas Veterans of

MAGAZINE CATEGORY

Foreign Wars

2020 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

p16

INS IDE m Signing of the Vietna Peace Accord Maine Sinking of the USS Operation Desert

Storm

Kosovo Campaign Somalia Operation COVID-19 in Texas

g servin #still

BUDDY POPPY CATEGORY 3 | POST 6378, DICKINSON

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GRAND AWARD

hts Community Highlig GRAND AWARD MAGAZINE CATEGORY

2019 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

2020-21 Sponsor/Media Kit including Advertising Rates for the Awardwinning Texas VFW magazine is located at texasvfw.org/news. Many levels of Sponsorship include advertising in our magazine and convention programs.

Continue to send your District and Post community service photos and write ups to terri@texasvfw.org for publication in magazine and Facebook.

ALL-STATE

TIGER LYONS POW/MIA POST LEVEL AWARD | POST 8273, FRISCO, DISTRICT 1

COMMUNITY SERVICE | POST 2438, BAY CITY

District

Post

City

8541 2466 8273 10429 8587 4676 9191 1533 3893 3892 7108 4376 12058 4443 8790 12171 6970 12041 3278 4403 6111 10376 7426 1406 9192 8560 8552 9299 912 5620 9182 9186 2933 6525 856 12160 2438 5074 7104 2399 8235 10377 6382 7110 7835 5076 4700 8913 3903 2059 8927 8526 12178 8569

San Antonio Lubbock Frisco Benbrook Georgetown Universal City Killeen San Antonio Nacogdoches Harker Heights San Antonio Seven Points Kyle Austin Houston San Antonio Poteet Lytle Brownwood Port Lavaca Arlington Marble Falls Farmersville Dallas Killeen Sulphur Springs Del Rio Alvarado Baytown Carthage Katy San Antonio Dripping Springs Rockdale Austin Sinton Bay City Roanoke Brenham Mineral Wells Fort Worth Lake Belton Hallettsville New Braunafels Granbury Garland San Antonio Lancaster Rosenburg San Antonio Lockhart Rio Grande City Weslaco Comfort

20 9 1 21 28 20 14 20 19 14 20 30 5 28 4 20 20 20 8 24 21 14 1 3 14 12 13 21 4 19 17 20 5 28 28 6 16 1 17 21 21 14 24 5 21 3 20 3 16 20 5 18 18 13

ALL-STATE COMMUNITY SERVICE | POST 12178, WESLACO Find out how to qualify for All-State District and All-State Post levels at: www.texasvfw.org/sop-training-materials

Posts

Post Commander William E Smith Benino Guerrero Jr. Shenna R Lawless Jerry W Grantland Randy M Downing Joseph D Ramon Leeanna D. Davis Gilbert R Uriegas Don Kirkley Anson L Booker John C Maines William J Fuzi Bobby J Diaz Joseph E. Touchet Michael D Flanagan Lee M Rivas John E Shipley Larry L Sanders James Masters Edwin L Simons Manuel D Leal III Lloyd E Crippen Brian R Chapman Reggie L Williams David F Reese Richard Nail Ventura Mancha Jessica Sanchez Jerry W Johnson John D Foster Donald H Byrne Sr. Nathan L Zuniga Ronnie G Barnett Larry J Rubino Preston S Rogers Todd T Richardson Donald C Wells James Benotti Ben D Seeker James E Bransom Charles A Beltram John P Burford Jason A. Ward Martin Monceballez Larry L Massoletti Edward L Clinebell Gilbert V Rodriguez Wilton Black Kenneth R Dillon Robert Martinez Jr. William A Lopez Sr. Mark A Olivarez Adam D Shidler Kenneth M Rusch

Districts

District 30

Randall Johnston 102.10%

District 14

Anson Booker

100.34%

District 12

Larry Levy

100.25%

District 21

Eddie Terry

100.30%

District 15

Carl Lilly

107.95%

District 28

Matt Lutz

100.28%

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Texas VFW Post 7109, Pearland: Auxiliary President Paula Maegan Marshall and Treasurer Jennifer Corl along with member Shawn Coe and his daughter Madison raised enough funds to send 10 full sets of sheets, towels and pillows to the Harker Heights Post.

Texas VFW Posts rally to donate Supplies for Troops Quarantined at Fort Hood A “call to action” was put on Texas VFW’s Facebook page in May 2020 for Posts to donate sheet sets, towels and pillows for 173 soldiers returning from South Korea to Texas who did not have a place to be quarantined for two weeks because of COVID-19 and must be housed at Fort Hood.

The donation drive was orchestrated by District 14 with the help of Texas VFW Post 3892, Harker Heights, as the collection point. The items were needed in hand no later than June 12th, 2020. However, by June 4th, it was announced “Mission Accomplished” as the Post notified Department Headquarters that they had reached their quota from a combination of in-person drop offs and online ordering. Overages were donated to a local homeless veteran project.

Thank you to all involved who helped meet and exceed the request despite being immersed in a global pandemic. When asked to help, our VFW Membership and Auxiliary always comes through with flying colors. This was an outstanding example of community partnership!

Texas VFW Post 837, San Antonio, donated several hundreds of dollars worth of bedding supplies to assist with the redeploying soldiers from South Korea.

L-R: Commander John Rodriguez, Auxiliary President Marlene Salazar-King, and Senior Vice Mike Ruiz.

Texas VFW Post 3892 Commander Anson Booker (center) stands with a few of the receiving Troops at Fort Hood after dropping off the supplies.

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! g n i d n a t O uts S u m m e r 2 0 2 0 Te x a s V F W M a g a z i n e

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LOYALTY DAY

! g n i d n a t O uts

May 1 Texas VFW Post 6119, Three Rivers Members and Auxiliary gathered to remember Loyalty Day while wearing PPE and social distancing. They recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the flagpole in front of their Post and then held their monthly meeting.

Texas VFW Post 10377, Lake Belton Members taught elementary students about the meaning of loyalty to our country and how to fold the flag so they may show their classmates when school resumes.

Texas VFW Post 12178, Weslaco Members gathered in a local park for Loyalty day.

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Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, Post Surgeon Pete Hersom provides a Zoom presentation to members on Loyalty Day.

Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills Members cooked and delivered meals to teachers, first responders, and students in the county in remembrance of Loyalty Day.

VE-DAY

May 8 Texas VFW Post 4443, Austin Members commemorated the 75th Anniversary of VE-Day by discussing family members who were part of over eight million Americans who served and that the defeat of fascism was one the greatest accomplishment of the war.

Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands Members gathered for a VE-Day ceremony on a Zoom meeting.

Texas VFW Post 6796, Dallas While adhering to COVID-19 restrictions State Surgeon Gerard “Jerry�

Greene presented the history of VE-Day. Several members were present.

! g n i d n a O u tst Texas VFW Post 3366, Corsicana Members presented certificates and flowers to six WWII Veterans at Heritage Oaks Nursing Home in observance of VE-Day.

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Texas VFW Post 6970, Poteet Members celebrate VE-Day by holding a small ceremony commemorating the end of WWII in Europe.

Texas VFW Post 8577, Copperas Cove District 14, VFW Post 8577, hosted a new recruit enlistment of 13 high school graduates who are joining the military. The new recruits had the privilege of being sworn in by GEN. Paul E. Funk II the current TRADOC Commander at VFW Post 8577.

Texas VFW Post 2466, Lubbock Due to COVID-19, State Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West installed Lubbock Post 2466 Commander Benny Guerrero and officers over Zoom.

Texas VFW Post 8541, San Antonio During COVID-19 the Post teamed up with several veteran groups to take care of its community. San Antonio Healthy Vending, owned by Special Forces Veteran Ruben Ayala, was hit hard by the state shut down. With 80% of his clientele closing their doors, Ruben sat with a significant amount of perishable food and no way to offset the cost. The Post took this as a call to action.

Donations were made to purchase the excess inventory and then the food was put into snack packs for Krueger Middle School with the help of members from all the organizations. On Monday, April 27th, with the permission of Principal Cynthia Rubio, the gift bags were handed out to students turning in their homework for the month. What a surprise for the students! It was a joyous occasion and a true community effort.

! g n i d n a O u tst Send Community Highlight stories and photos to terri@texasvfw.org for magazine and Facebook consideration. Thank you for your submissions.

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TEXAS VFW

FOUNDATION

TO THE FOLLOWING POST/ AUXILIARY DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN $1,000 DURING THE 2019-2020 YEAR: Post 1789 Post 2427 Post 3278 Post 3966

“To the Veterans Assistance

Post 5621

Program, supported in part by a

Post 7110

grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans

Post 8456

Assistance, I would like to say thank

District 17

you for the financial assistance. It

Auxiliary 6873

was a huge help in time of need. We

Auxiliary 8790

were able to survive and make the necessary contributions towards our family’s stability. There is something to be said for those who have served to be able to receive in time of need

Thank you to all Posts, Auxiliaries, Districts, and Departments who support the Foundation this and every year.

when there is no where else to turn.”

— Jerry B., USAF veteran

NEWS: The Department of Texas President’s “Special Project” is to donate to the Texas VFW Foundation.

WAYS TO DONATE: www.texasvfw.org/foundation or mail checks to: Texas VFW Foundation P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761

SNAP SHOT OF ASSISTANCE FOR 2019-2020: 204 veteran households served — including 171 family members, and 7 surviving spouses — with $331,833 in financial assistance.

Texas VFW Foundation has been awarded a $500,000 Grant for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 by the Fund for Veterans Assistance (FVA).

The FVA is administered by the Texas Veterans Commission. Veterans who need assistance may apply at https://texasvfwfoundation.smapply.org.

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.

DONATE/PAYPAL LINK IS ON TEXASVFW.ORG/FOUNDATION

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MEMORIAL DAY May 25

Texas VFW Post 8800, Canyon Lake Members, along with local Boy Scout troop, placed flags on veterans graves at Cranes Mill Cemetery in Startzville, Texas. Members also power washed some of the headstones in preparation. The cemetery is maintained by the Post.

Texas VFW Post 7835, Granbury Members of the VFW Post and area children’s placed flags on graves of Veterans.

Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine Members, Auxiliary and members of the community placed flags on veterans’ graves followed by a remembrance ceremony at the Post.

Texas VFW Post 9299, Alvarado Senior Vice Commander Red Davis and member Carl Huffstutler assist Boy Scouts in placing flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day.

Texas VFW Post 8235, Fort Worth Members and Auxiliary placed flags on the graves of veterans at Greenwood Cemetery during Memorial Day weekend.

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D-DAY

June 6 Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne Senior Vice Commander Jayson Spade, Judge Advocant General Charles Wetherbee, and Adjutant Greg Kuykendall commemorate D-Day.

Texas VFW Post 8555, Poth Members gathered to observe and remember D-Day. L-R John Blackstock, Edward Ortiz, Xavier Cantu, Marvin Roemer, Fred Silva, Fabian Moczygemba, Ken Kunze, Ray Silva and Joaquin Ramirez.

Texas VFW Post 856, Austin Remembering D-Day.

Texas VFW Post 8785, Mesquite Members commemorate D-Day.

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Texas VFW Post 1475, Amarillo The Commander sends out a D-Day video to members.

Watch out, Hollywood!

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Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills Members gather to observe D-Day.

Texas VFW Post 6010, Houston Members retire old American flag at The HPOU Building and replace with a new flag in celebration of Flag Day.

FLAG DAY June 14

Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa Members celebrated Flag Day in Weslaco, Texas. A discussion was held and the community enjoyed and celebrated the meaning of the flag.

Texas VFW Post 2438, Bay City, Hosts State Commander’s Homecoming, June 25-27, 2020 In celebration of a great year for State Commander Keith King and President Donna James, members, Auxiliary and friends met at Bay City Post 2438 for a weekend full of camaraderie, delicious home cooked meals including BBQ, raffles, games, music and dancing.

Saturday night’s closing act was the “one and only” Johnny Rodriguez who sounded as good as ever and kept the dance floor smokin’. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event fun and memorable — and especially to Post 2438 for being an exemplary host. If you get a chance, stop by the Post sometime to view their amazing military memorabilia!

See more photos at https://texasvfw.smugmug.com

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Texas VFW Post 8235, Fort Worth — Members participate in a flag retirement ceremony with area Scouts to show the proper flag retirement procedures and to also express the importance of the American flag.

MISSION: TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR

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THIS COUNTRY—ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

LOBBYING FOR VETERANS & MILITARY

FUNDING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PROVIDING DISASTER RELIEF

PHONE CARDS FOR TROOPS

SUPPORTING MEMORIALS

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM

SUPPORTING YOUTH GROUPS

ASSISTING VETERANS WITH EARNED ENTITLEMENTS

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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.

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, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.)

p Afghanistan 2001 p Iraq 2003

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

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TEXAS VFW POST 9191, KILLEEN — Comrades of Texas VFW Post 9191 observed Loyalty Day by visiting the State Veterans Cemetery and laying a wreath in appreciation of all service members who served their country and understood that freedom is not free. Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.