2020 Texas VFW Convention Program

June 19-20, 2020 Sheraton Georgetown | 1101 Woodlawn Avenue | Georgetown, TX 78628

Veteran Home Buying Services Veteran Home Buying $0 Down Services Payment*

$0 Lender Closing Costs* $0 Down Payment* $0 For Exclusive Broker Representation* $0 Lender Closing Costs* $0represent For Exclusive Broker Representation* We only Veteran home buyers as their Buyer’s Agent. We do not accept listings or represent buyers that are not Veterans. Our mission is Weprovide only represent VeteranVeteran home buyers as theirexclusively Buyer’s Agent. do not to Central Texas* home buyers withWe professional accept listings or represent buyers that not home.

Veterans. Our mission is Broker representation in purchasing theirare family to provide Central Texas* Veteran home buyers exclusively with professional Brokeris representation their family home. paid by the Seller There a rebate of 50%in of purchasing the Buyer’s Broker commission and/or Seller’s Agent to be applied toward the lender’s closing costs.

Thereofis athe rebate of 50% of the Buyer’s Broker paid by the Seller Any rebate amount remaining on commission each completed transaction and/or be applied toward the lender’s closing costs. will be Seller’s donatedAgent to ThetoTexas VFW Foundation.

Any of the rebate amount remaining on each completed transaction will be donated to The Texas VFW Foundation.

Broker/Owner dba Realty Marketing Services David L. Cook, MRP Military Relocation Professional Broker/Owner Realty Marketing Vietnam dba Army Infantry VeteranServices David L. Cook, MRP davidcook@davidcook.realtor Military Relocation Professional 512-545-2066 Vietnam Army Infantry Veteran www.veteranhomebuyingservices.com davidcook@davidcook.realtor For TREC required Information About Broker Services and Consumer Protection Notice go to 512-545-2066 www.veteranhomebuyingservices.com www.veteranhomebuyingservices.com *$0 payment forInformation Veterans withAbout 100%Broker benefitsServices eligibility using VA financing; $0 lender closing Fordown TREC required and Consumer Protection Notice go to costs up to 1.5% x sales price;www.veteranhomebuyingservices.com $0 cost to Veteran for Buyer’s Agent commission paid by Seller or Seller’s Agent; Future plans are underway to introduce the program in additional Texas markets *$0 down payment for Veterans with 100% benefits eligibility using VA financing; $0 lender closing costs up to 1.5% x sales price; $0 cost to Veteran for Buyer’s Agent commission paid by Seller or Seller’s Agent; Future plans are underway to introduce the program in additional Texas markets

pandemic MODIFIED EVENT

100th ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS State Commander Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VFW Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Council of Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 District Commanders/Committee Chairs . . . . . . . 7 All-State Posts & Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Auxiliary President Welcome/Schedule . . . . . . . . 9 Auxiliary Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Adapt, Overcome, Improvise . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14 Awards & Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Texas VFW Financial Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Texas VFW Foundation Financial Report . . . . . . 19 Legacy Life Membership Application . . . . . . . . 20 Texas VFW Membership Application . . . . . . . . . 21 Memorial for Deceased Members . . . . . . . 22-23

https://www.facebook.com/TexasVFW

https://texasvfw.smugmug.com

www.texasvfw.org

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

3

Texas VFW Commander

Keith King

Comrades, Auxiliary members, and guests:

Wow, what a ride this year has been!

I want to thank our entire Department Staff for the level of professionalism shown during this turbulent year! To be able to even hold a modified state convention is to be commended as many other departments had to cancel their conventions. To say “we never saw this coming” is an understatement of massive proportions.

While manning the helm of “Freedom’s Flagship,” we have endured some rough waters and I want to thank everyone for continuing our mission of “Veterans helping Veterans” — active duty service members along with their families, as well as the communities they live in. Outstanding work done by our members.

I must apologize for the brief agenda at our 100th year convention — there were plans to celebrate in TRUE TEXAS FASHION but those had to be canceled for the safety of our attendees. We, as an organization, will continue to face these situations where the need to adapt presents itself and we will continue to forge a path forward.

The Department of Texas is in good hands with the leadership that has already been elected and I am sure at this convention the membership will elect leaders who will continue to move our organization into the future full steam ahead. I wish Dick, Norm, and the incoming Jr. Vice all the best. I want to thank them, as well as my Chief of Staff James Masters and Inspector Terry Contella for their support this year. I also wish the best for my Deputy State Inspectors along with the District Commanders and Committee Chairs. Job well done by all.

I am proud to have been the State Commander of Texas! All of you are my family and I want to let you know that I will continue to assist OUR VFW in any way possible. I would have liked to visit many more posts but COVID-19 had a different plan. Freedom’s Flagship is docking! Please continue our Mission.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

Department of Texas Commander 2019-2020

4

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

Welcome to Austin!

STATE CONVENTION CHAIR Terry Craig

VFW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . Budget & Finance (Closed-invite only) 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . 2019-2020 Council of Administration Meeting (Open)

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . VFW Registration/Credentials

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . Texas VFW Store with limited items 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . VFW Business Session/Memorial/Awards/Elections/Installation/Close

(Includes a grab & go lunch of sandwich, chips, cookie and drink at Noon)

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Council Meeting

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . State Commanders Council Leadership Workshop (2020-2021 COA Only)

8:00 - 11:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Texas VFW Store with limited items

7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Registration/Credentials

9:00 a.m. - Noon . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Opening Session/Memorial/Program Awards

Noon - 1:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . (Dutch treat grab & go lunch available at Noon)

1:00 p.m. - Close . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Nominations/Elections/Installation/Close

(See detailed Auxiliary schedule on page 9)

All meetings are located in the hotel Ballroom.

N95 disposable facemasks and hand sanitizer are present for each attendee.

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

5

STATE OFFICERS State Commander Keith King State Senior Vice Commander Richard “Dick” Shawver State Junior Vice Commander Norman Macey Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West

Judge Advocate D. Grant Seabolt, Jr. Surgeon 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

6

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

Officer of the Day Lonnie Garza

DISTRICT COMMANDERS

1 Preston Rich 2 Kevin Bost 3 Keith Kelm 4 Stephen Biehl 5 Ron Spalding 6 Jimmy E. McCombs

8 James Masters 9 Steve Evans 10 Jose “Joe” Vargas, Jr. 12 Larry Levy 13 Ventura Mancha 14 Anson L. Booker

15 16 17 18 19 20

Carl G. Lilly Brian C. Satsky Everett L. Ison Lupita M. Perez Paul Lester Rolando S. Webber

21 24 25 28 29 30

Eddie L. Terry Jack Mageluzzo Mel Parker Matt Lutz Roy “Bobby” Jones Randall Johnston

COMMITTEE CHAIRS/SERVICE OFFICERS 100th Convention Chair Terry Craig

Community Service Chair Wayne Cooley

Legislative Chair Robert Martinez, Jr.

Veterans Employment Chair Bob Gear

Credentials Chair Eric J. Shumaker

Credentials Chair Asst.

Katie Baillio

Membership Chair Carlo S. Davis

VOD/Patriot’s Pen Chair Frank Andrada

Buddy Poppy Chair Benny Guerrero, Jr.

Homeless Veterans Chair Michael “John” Foy Day

Motorcycle Group Chair Thomas E. Anderson, Jr.

Budget and Finance Chair Mel Parker

Hospital/Map Chair Jerry Greene

POW/MIA Chair Darrell K. Moore

Service Officer/Houston Mike Eshenbaugh

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

Service Officer/Waco Katina Cryer

7

ALL-STATE Rankings

Posts

ALL-STATE

District

Post

City

Total Points Earned

20

8541

San Antonio

201

114.37%

2

9

2466

Lubbock

45

103.39%

3

1

8273

Frisco

43

111.24%

4

21

10429

Benbrook

40

100.47%

5

28

8587

Georgetown

39

103.04%

6

14

9191

Killeen

36

109.71%

20

4676

Universal City

36

102.48%

8

19

3893

Nacogdoches

35

109.60%

9

20

1533

San Antonio

35

106.30%

10

14

3892

Harker Heights

34

108.71%

11

20

7108

San Antonio

32

103.15%

12

1

7

Membership %

30

4376

Seven Points

29

110.31%

13

5

12058

Kyle

28

107.21%

14

28

4443

Austin

27

103.08%

15

4

8790

Houston

26

100.75%

20

12171

San Antonio

24

119.30%

17

16

20

6970

Poteet

23

104.25%

18

20

12041

Lytle

23

113.41%

19

8

3278

Brownwood

22

101.12%

20

24

4403

Port Lavaca

22

103.94%

21

14

10376

Marble Falls

19

108.93%

22

21

6111

Arlington

19

112.26%

23

1

7426

Farmersville

17

115.89%

24

3

1406

Dallas

16

109.43%

25

14

9192

Killeen

15

106.08%

26

12

8560

Sulphur Springs

14

103.05%

27

13

8552

Del Rio

12

106.23%

28

21

9299

Alvarado

11

108.58%

29

4

912

Baytown

10

103.23%

30

17

9182

Katy

10

101.62%

31

19

5620

Carthage

10

102.22%

32

20

9186

San Antonio

10

105.73%

33

5

2933

Dripping Springs

9

100.90%

34

28

6525

Rockdale

9

107.02%

35

6

12160

Sinton

8

104.11%

36

28

856

Austin

8

101.11%

37

1

5074

Roanoke

7

101.08%

16

2438

Bay City

7

100.90%

39

17

7104

Brenham

7

101.11%

40

21

2399

Mineral Wells

6

100.49%

41

14

10377

Lake Belton

2

100.56%

42

21

8235

Fort Worth

2

101.63%

38

Districts

District 30

102.10%

Randall Johnston

District 14

100.34%

Anson L. Booker

NATIONAL CITATION OF RECOGNITION Community Service Citation Post City 1922 . . . . . . . . Gainesville 2150 . . . . . . . . . Mc Kinney 2195 . . . . . . . . Allen 2772 . . . . . . . . Sherman 8273 . . . . . . . . Frisco 1514 . . . . . . . . . Village Mills 4820 . . . . . . . . Port Neches 1406 . . . . . . . . Dallas 3530 . . . . . . . . Richardson 5076 . . . . . . . . Garland 2427 . . . . . . . . Tomball 8800 . . . . . . . . Startzville 2375 . . . . . . . . Kingsville 2397 . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi 2932 . . . . . . . . Aransas Pass 6873 . . . . . . . . Abilene 2466 . . . . . . . . Lubbock 5616 . . . . . . . . Floydada 3990 . . . . . . . . Paris 3966 . . . . . . . . Devine 7105 . . . . . . . . Fredericksburg 8552 . . . . . . . . Del Rio 3892 . . . . . . . . Harker Heights 9192 . . . . . . . . Killeen 8878 . . . . . . . . Wichita Falls 3903 . . . . . . . . Rosenberg 4474 . . . . . . . . . Wharton 6378 . . . . . . . . Dickinson 4709 . . . . . . . . Conroe 4816 . . . . . . . . Porter 7104 . . . . . . . . Brenham 9182 . . . . . . . . . Katy 3895 . . . . . . . . La Joya 7473 . . . . . . . . . Elsa 5620 . . . . . . . . Carthage 837 . . . . . . . . . San Antonio 1533 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 7108 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 8541 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 8936 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 9186 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 12171 . . . . . . . . San Antonio 6111 . . . . . . . . . Arlington 6872 . . . . . . . . Crowley 8235 . . . . . . . . Fort Worth 8911 . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth 9299 . . . . . . . . Alvarado 12152 . . . . . . . . Cleburne 4403 . . . . . . . . Port Lavaca 4443 . . . . . . . . Austin 10427 . . . . . . . Leander 2148 . . . . . . . . Waco 4694 . . . . . . . . Mexia 8553 . . . . . . . . Clifton

Find out how to qualify for All-State District and All-State Post levels at: www.texasvfw.org/sop-training-materials 8

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

AUXILIARY

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Texas VFW Auxiliary President

Donna James

Welcome everyone to the 100th Annual Texas VFW State Convention. Reaching the 100th Anniversary of this amazing convention is quite a milestone and it is an honor to be a part of it — even in this modified capacity due to COVID-19. After the uncertainty of the last few months there have been a lot of ups and downs. Despite the virus, Texas has stayed strong and has overcome many obstacles. We have supported each other through the tough times and have continued working on our mission. I am sure we will never forget this part of history learning to adapt and overcome.

Council Meeting

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 7:30 a.m.

Registration Opens

9:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies

Memorial Service

Program Awards

12:00 Noon

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Nominations

Elections Installation Close Safe Travels

Thank you to State Commander King and to the VFW Officers and Staff for their support during the year. We are a strong team — continuing to work together.

Addtionally, thank you to all the VFW Auxiliary Line Officers, Past Department Presidents, and Staff for their support throughout the year. I appreciate the many hours you spent with me working on our various goals. We had a great year, indeed!

A special thanks goes out to all the members of this great organization for your hospitality and kindness during all my visits. It was truly an honor to serve as your Department President. I met so many new sisters and brothers. Keep up the hard work supporting our veterans, troops, youth and communities.

Congratulations to all of the incoming VFW Officers and Appointees and to the incoming Auxiliary Line Officers. I wish you the best for another outstanding year. God be with everyone. Stay healthy and safe travels home.

Donna James 100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

9

AUXILIARY STATE OFFICERS State President | Donna James Senior Vice President | Ramona Henson Junior Vice President | Karen Kaylor Treasurer | Jo Ella Menn

Secretary | Melanie McConaghy Chaplain | Jeanenne Lumpkin Conductress | Susie Carter Guard | Karen Jeffrey

Chief of Staff | Betty Royston Assistant Treasurer | Beth Creasey Assistant Secretary | Marjorie Menzel

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS DISTRICT 1 — Linda Harding

DISTRICT 19 — Tammie Mosby

DISTRICT 2 — Carson Anderson

DISTRICT 20 — Yolanda Chambers

DISTRICT 3 — Natasha Page

DISTRICT 21 — Shawn Terry

DISTRICT 4 — Brenda Whited

DISTRICT 24 — Barb Koehn

DISTRICT 5 — Merlene Peters

DISTRICT 25 — Chiquita Parker

DISTRICT 6 — Glenda Tyra

DISTRICT 28 — Shary Tutt

DISTRICT 8 — Sherry Craft

DISTRICT 29 — Linda Trussell

DISTRICT 9 — Cathy Jones

DISTRICT 30 — Peggy Johnston

DISTRICT 10 — Rosie Raulston DISTRICT 12 — Stephanie Batson DISTRICT 13 — Judy Suggs DISTRICT 14 — Susie Wakeland DISTRICT 15 — Annie Nickerson DISTRICT 16 — Reba Carlson DISTRICT 17 — Paula Ison DISTRICT 18 — Irma Solis

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100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

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 100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

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adapt Improvise DESPITE BEING IMMERSED IN A WORLD PANDEMIC THE DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS VFW LEADERSHIP, DISTRICTS AND POSTS STILL STRIVE TO REMAIN STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Wearing masks and social distancing became mandatory measures worldwide and, as so, many entities found themselves short on personal protective equipment (PPE). Many Texas VFW members rose to the occasion to sew masks for those working in hospitals, police departments, nursing homes and beyond. In this way, members ADAPTED their assistance capabilities to meet the demands of the day by helping keep front lines workers and others safe. Many thanks to those who donated time and money in this mission.

Texas VFW Post 4676, Universal City, has assisted in delivering meals, educational packets, and personal hygiene items to children in the area, as well as flowers to nursing homes.

Members have been helping other members and those in their communities OVERCOME hunger, loneliness and feelings of isolation. Some of the ways in which they’ve helped include regular calls to check on the physical and mental

well-being of the elderly; providing and delivering meals to children and to those experiencing food insecurity; preparing care packages for troops being deployed to New York City and elsewhere; delivering flowers to nursing homes; creating fundraisers and scholarship contests…and so much more.

Texas means “friend” — but it clear that a “Texas Veteran” perhaps holds a larger heart and depth of generosity and kindness — especially during trying times like these.

In addition to assistance adaptation and helping others overcome many forms of adversity, Districts and Posts were forced to IMPROVISE in how they conduct Post business by implementing new methods to hold meetings and elections. Many learned to share videos and documents electronically for the first time and quickly

Texas VFW Post 12161, Buda: Since March 16, 2020, members, along with other local VSOs, have produced 7,000+ face masks, 4,700+ surgical mask ear relief straps and the delivery to over 40 medical facilities, provided food and supplies to 26+ veterans and families in their local area, and assisted many at-risk folks with deliveries and transport. Twenty five active members have performed 5,000+ hours of service and still counting.

12

Texas VFW 12024, The Woodlands, conducts Post business via the internet.

learned technological practices to keep their members informed. And, as you’ve witnessed here first hand, the Texas VFW leadership adapted, improvised — and even performed a few magic tricks — to be able to bring you this modified convention in order to be in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions. Life cannot come to a stand still but moving forward with safe practices is required and makes common sense so that attendees and staff stay healthy. We all need to do our part.

Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine, conducts VE Day 2020 remembrance via Google Hangouts.

uncertain and the fight against the virus is not over, we know we will all be o.k. if we remain a cohesive organization who continues to adapt, overcome and improvise and who continues to support each other through whatever storm comes our way.

Thank you to everyone who has shown what it means to be a “Texas Veteran.” You are a valued member of this organization, of the country and of the world. H

Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne, has delivered several loads of care packages, snacks and drinks to its adopted unit at Lackland Airforce Base, San Antonio during the pandemic.

Perhaps things will be forever changed moving forward and life may never go back to being 100% “normal” — but Texas veterans, their communities, and friends and family have grown stronger and even more unified through this pandemic.

Though things seem to still be a bit

Lupita Perez and Micaela “Mickey“ Reyes of Texas VFW District 18, Post 12178, Weslaco, have sewn hundreds of masks and sent to several states and to local Police/State Troopers, Nurses, Harlingen VA, clinics, Border Patrol, and adult daycare workers who take meals to the elderly at their homes, as well as to local residents and children.

Additionally, the two women provided a supply of masks to friends of the Post who were mobilized to Louisiana with the U.S. Army Reserves.

In compliance with social distancing regulations, Texas VFW Post 9186, San Antonio, Service Officer Ralph Alvarado helps veterans with VA claims.

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

13

adapt Improvise

continued

Dan West, State Adjutant/ Quartermaster, installed Texas VFW Post 2466, Lubbock, Commander Benny Guerrero and officers via Zoom meeting.

Texas VFW Post 6382, Hallettsville, commerated Victory in Europe by social distancing and wearing masks. Pictured Deputy State Inspector Texas VFW Marvin Lockhart (left) and Vice Commander Steven Drozd (right).

Texas VFW Post 6796, Dallas, commemorates Victory in Europe while holding to COVID-19 restrictions.

Many thanks to the following companies for donating hand sanitizer and masks:

HometownHero donated 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to the Texas VFW to Champion AC donated thousands of masks to San Antonio area Posts as part distribute to veterans. Lukas Gilkey is a Coast Guard veteran and entrepreneur who of its mission to support local veterans and the military community during owns HometownHero, an Austin-based company that is committed to helping COVID-19. fellow veterans by giving back.

14

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

James “Jeff” Clark Candidate for ” Clark s “JeffCommander meVice JaJr. 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

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

15

Awards & Honors OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE POSTS

Calderon/Daily Memorial VFW Post 12178

Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438

2020 NATIONAL VFW PUBLICATIONS CONTEST GRAND AWARD

Texas VFW News received Grand Award “Magazine Category” May 1, 2020 Department-level Publications

Dan West (dan@texasvfw.org) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Terri Sheets (terri@texasvfw.org) . . . . . Graphic Designer Department Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535 2020-21 Sponsorship/Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org >> news Print advertising is included in many of our sponsorship offerings or can be purchased individually • Published 4 times per year: January, April, July, October • Printed copies mailed 4 times per year • •

Electronic versions and back issues available at issuu.com/texasvfw

16

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme. 2019-2020 theme was “What Makes America Great.” ​ Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the local, district, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March to tour the city, meet our nation’s leaders, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and to compete in national awards with the top scholarship being $30,000.

This year 1,701 Texas students participated in the Voice of Democracy program. $183,428 in awards were given plus $40,529 in expenses for a total spent on the program of $223,957.

Voice of Democracy

Patriot’s Pen Evelyn A. Fisher

Scout of the Year

Jessica J. Schlaudt

1st Place Winner $10,000 V-Sweeps Scholarship

1st Place Winner

Goliad, Texas

Sponsored by Post 2466, Lubbock, and District 9

Sponsored by Post 4146, Victoria, and District 24

Sponsored by Post 1836, Lufkin, and District 19

Justin G. Swize

Visit www.texasvfw.org/youth-scholarships for complete details on how to enter. Deadline Oct. 31, 2020.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Grades K-5 Winner

Grades 6-8 Winner

Grades 9-12 Winner

Andrea D. Mason of Garland, Texas

Jennifer Land of Pasadena, Texas

Jason Barber of Brenham, Texas

Lee A. McShan Elementary School, Dallas, Texas

Keller Middle School, Pasadena, Texas

Brenham High School, Brenham, Texas

Sponsored by 4395, Pasadena, and District 4

Sponsored by 7014, Brenham, and District 17

Sponsored by 6796, Dallas, and District 3

Visit www.texasvfw.org/teacher-recognition for information on how to nominate teachers.

Deadline Oct. 31, 2020.

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

17

TEXAS VFW FINANCIAL REPORT

VFW Department of Texas

Statementof Activities

05/31/20 Accrual Basis

July 2019 through May 2020 Jul '19 - May 20

Ordinary Income/Expense Income 8100 · General Membership Dues

$ Over Budget

431,331.04

434,000.00

-2,668.96

300,813.48

148,300.00

152,513.48

14,315.63

15,000.00

-684.37

4,533,651.97

6,762,400.00

-2,228,748.03

286,000.00

343,200.00

-57,200.00

63,744.40

124,500.00

-60,755.60

162,548.67

170,000.00

-7,451.33

12,835.48

60,450.00

-47,614.52

5,805,240.67

8,057,850.00

-2,252,609.33

5,805,240.67

8,057,850.00

-2,252,609.33

Expense 9000 · Officers Travel & Expenses

324,963.03

544,800.00

-219,836.97

9100 · Headquarters Expenses

463,317.70

624,000.00

-160,682.30

9200 · Office Operating Expenses

167,153.21

190,000.00

-22,846.79

9400 · Other Program Expenses

480,809.74

844,325.00

-363,515.26

3,978,441.67

5,715,000.00

-1,736,558.33

82,347.47

104,725.00

-22,377.53

9700 · Map Assistance

1,021.43

20,000.00

-18,978.57

9800 · Advertising

1,150.00

15,000.00

-13,850.00

5,499,204.25

8,057,850.00

-2,558,645.75

306,036.42

0.00

306,036.42

306,036.42

0.00

306,036.42

8200 · Program Revenue 8300 · National Home Donations 8400 · Fundraising 8500 · Grants 8600 · Other Fees, Sales, Etc. 8800 · Properties/Rentals 8900 · Investments and Dividend...

Total Income Gross Profit

9500 · Fundraising Expenses 9600 · Professional Expenses

Total Expense Net Ordinary Income Net Income

18

Budget

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Financial Position May 31, 2020

Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets Fiscal Year to Date (July 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020) SUPPORT, REVENUE, AND REALIZED GAINS

NET ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents

$619,098

Prepaid Expenses

1,510

Grants Receivable

143,293

Fixed Assets (Net)

3,741

Investments

1,454,266

TOTAL ASSETS

$2,221,903

Direct Public Support

$520,986

Affiliated Organizations’ Contributions

185,685

Interests, Dividends, and Net Realized Gains

-89,018

TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE

617,653

EXPENSES

Program Services:

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Awards and Grants

VFW Programs and Grant

Program Management and Administration

341,915 57,174 229,373

Supporting Services:

Payroll and Accrued Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES

$ 6,637 6,637

NET ASSETS

Management and General

TOTAL EXPENSES

30,828 659,290

2,215,266

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$2,221,903

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE UNREALIZED NET INVESTMENT GAINS

-41,637

UNREALIZED NET INVESTMENT GAINS

40,370

Fiscal Year to Date (July 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020)

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS NET ASSETS, Beginning of Period NET ASSETS, End of Period

2,220,636 $ 2,221,903

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 LINK IS LOCATED AT WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG/FOUNDATION 100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

19

LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP enables VFW Life Members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization.

When you become a Legacy Life member, you are helping us strengthen the VFW – where NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS. Legacy Life membership seems like the next step in doing my duty.

Legacy Life membership seems like the next step in doing my duty.

Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members.

The legacy I leave matters to me and my family, and now to future veterans.

I want to honor the service of a veteran by continuing their legacy.

Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today’s veterans but the veterans of tomorrow.

The legacy I leave matters to me and my family, and now to future veterans.

You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life Member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions.

Simply fill out the attached acceptance form and return it to the address provided. For any questions regarding Legacy Life membership, please contact the VFW Membership Department at 816-756-3390. We will gladly provide you with more information on this prestigious and rewarding membership.

LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACCEPTANCE FORM

Life Member No.

I want to honor the service of a veteran by continuing their legacy.

Social Security No.

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

ADDRESS

PHONE

PLEASE SELECT ONE: Yes, I wish to become a Legacy Life Member of the VFW!

CELL Check

Visa

Master Card

Discover

Amex

Installment Plan

BRONZE ($400)

SILVER ($800)

Exp. Date

GOLD ($1200)

Signature

Upon My Demise: (MM/YY)

(See Terms and Conditions - Item No. 6)

Make a One-Time Endowment

I am purchasing a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life Member.

MY NAME

Continue the Annual Endowment Date

Mail completed form with payment to: Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters — Membership | 406 W. 34th Street | Kansas City, MO 64111-2778 20

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

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 Korea 1955 p Vietnam 1958-75 p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya,

p Desert Storm/Shield p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Global War on Terrorism — Expeditionary 2001

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 21

Texas VFW & Auxiliary MEMORIAL FOR DECEASED MEMBERS

District

22

Deceased

District

Deceased

District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

District 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

District 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

District 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

District 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

District 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

District 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

District 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

District 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

District 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

District 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

District 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

District 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

District 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

District 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

District 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

District 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

District 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

District 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

District 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

District 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

District 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

District 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

District 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

District 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

District 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

District 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

District 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

District 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

District 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

District 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

District 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589

District 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

District 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354

District 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

District 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

District 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

District 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

District 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

District 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

District 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

District 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

District 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

District 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

District 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Members at Large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,393

Members at Large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

TOTAL 7,235

TOTAL 539

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.

photo courtesty CBSNews

100t h ANNUAL TEXAS VFW STATE CONVENTION

23

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