2017 Texas VFW News | Spring

SPRING | 2017

COMMUNITY SERVICE TEACHER, SCOUT & PUBLIC SERVANT AWARDS SPREADING AMERICANISM W W W.TEX A S VF W.ORG

Texas VFW News 1ST PL ACE WINNER WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG

2017 National Publications Contest1

Such sacrifice through valor made, A debt too deep to be repaid, From their courage freedom born, To remember them the poppy worn.

Š2017 USAA. 240183-0517

CONTENTS 07

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24

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WHAT’S INSIDE 04 Commander’s Column

18 Public Service Awards

07 Children & Youth

19 Scout of the Year

08 Veterans in Need

20 Sinking of the USS Maine

09 SportClips: Help A Hero

22 Operation Desert Storm

10 Women’s History Month

24 Kosovo Campaign

12 WWI Centennial

26 Somalia 1995

16 Teachers of the Year

27 Loyalty Day

17 Texas VFW Foundation

31 Membership Application

ABOUT THE COVER

UPCOMING EVENTS | PAGE 7

AMERICAN SYMBOLISM

TEXASVFW.ORG > NEWS > UPCOMING EVENTS TEXASVFW.ORG > NEWS > CALENDAR

BRENHAM, TX | District 17, Post 7104

Texas VFW District 17, Post 7104 - Post members Darryl McNabb and Tommy Williams lead a class in an American Symbol lesson at Brenham Elementary School.

JUNE 14-18 97th Texas VFW State Convention WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG

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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN THE VFW CAMPAIGN FOR OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM COMR A DES, It has been an honor to serve you as Commander of the VFW for the Great State of Texas. As we approach the end of this year, I want to thank all of you for everything you have done for our Department. The past three years in the Chairs have been a humbling and rewarding experience. Our success this year is because of the limitless hard work and dedication by the Texas VFW and Auxiliary. Everyone Peyton Lumpkin has been onboard all the way.

As Jeanenne and I have traveled across the State, I have been in awe of the amount of pride that our Posts and Districts take in this organization. With each Comrade putting forth their best, we have been able to assist Veterans and their families, serve the many needs of our communities, achieve a Legislative voice both in our State and on the National level, offer many scholarships to our youth, and most of all, polish our image and promote pride in our VFW. The State of Texas can truly be proud of our accomplishments this year.

One of the things we accept as Texans is how large our state is without ever thinking about it. Just to give you an idea, Rhode Island, our smallest state, could fit into Texas 221 times. Florida could fit four times, and California could fit into Texas two times.

Therefore, the sheer size of our Great State creates opportunities and challenges.

A tremendous amount of travel is required in Texas to manage our VFW. This year our VFW was divided into a Southwest Division managed by Senior Vice Commander Edward Torres and a Northeast Division managed by Junior Vice Commander Inge Conley. This change resolved our span of control issue and had the corollary effect of providing training to our future Commanders, in addition to gaining knowledge on challenges and concerns of members in their areas. I commend both of these Commanders for accepting this new challenge and doing a great job!

The willingness of my staff to step up to the plate and be there for each Post and District has been very rewarding. Our Senior Vice and Junior Vice Commanders, Department Officers, Appointed Officers and Committee Chairs, and the District and Post Commanders have worked tirelessly to make our year one of the best. I want to thank the Past Department Commanders for their advice and encouragement this year.

Additionally, I wanted to institute two more procedural changes, and they work in tandem. First, I wanted all issues worked and resolved at the lowest level, if possible. Second, I wanted the chain of command followed at all times and decisions made for resolution at the lowest level in that chain. I am proud to say that these changes were accepted by our Posts and worked very effectively.

Gregg Abbot stated in 2016 that, “if Texas were a country, its economy would rank 10th…in the WORLD.” The reason for this quote is to illustrate how healthy Texas is.

This is a veteran-friendly state. There are great jobs, low-cost housing (compared to the rest of the nation), education opportunities, good weather and quality of life, no state income taxes and many Texas veteran benefits. All of this culminates in making Texas a big draw for veterans to come to our State. As of now, there are approximately 1.7 million veterans in the State of Texas and more are coming every day. The point is this influx of veterans provides opportunities to build Posts. A great example is the institution of two new Posts in Sinton and Buda. This would not have happened without the continuous efforts of our Membership Chair Lupita Perez and the new Commanders and officers of each new Post. I want to thank all of you for the extra hours you put in to establish these Posts. Congratulations!!

Membership is the backbone of our great organization. We have until June 30 to increase our membership for this year. Cont’d on Page 11

O f f i c i a l

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 of $20.00.

Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXXI, Number 4, © March 2017. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

Roy Grona ..................................................................................................................................... Editor Dan West .................................................................................................................... Assistant Editor Erin Marlow ............................................................................................................. Graphic Designer Department Headquarters ..................................................................................... (512) 834-8535

2016-2017 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS COMMANDER.............................9182 Peyton Lumpkin..........2207 Blue Water Bay Dr. Katy, TX 77494 SR VICE..........................................4815 Edward Torres......663 Moursund Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78221 JR VICE.........................................12075 Inge Conley.................17411 Ebeys Landing, Humble TX 77346 JUDGE ADVOCATE.....................9182 Ken Burton.....................1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494 SURGEON......................................3359 Doc Howard..............2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 CHAPLAIN....................................4816 Norman Macey.16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct, Humble, TX 77346 CHIEF OF STAFF.........................4709 Gary Bridges.............................217 Virginia Ln, Conroe, TX 77304 INSPECTOR..................................7426 Joe Hayes..................................35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR........3413 Dan West............................................... 8503 N I35 Austin TX 78753 COUNCIL MEMBER...................8932 Larry Velasquez ....4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 ADJ/QM..........................................3377 Roy Grona ...................................... 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 ASST QM.......................................6378 Carlos Sustaita......................... P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753 DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF....12041 Larry Sanders....................................... PO Box 457, Lytle TX 78052 DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF.......7873 Lavern Terbl...........................58 Plantation, Pottsboro, TX 75052 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR.8788 Rick Ramirez..........................416 E. Waterlily, McAllen, TX 78504 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR.8923 Jon Lunkwicz........12245 Eunice St, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR.6873 James Carter............................2234 Castle Drive, Clyde TX 79510 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR.4709 John Tellier.....................16718 Old Danville Rd, Willis, TX 77318 OFFICER OF THE DAY..............2427 Stephen Biehl.......28314 Hardin Store Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354

DEPARTMENT VETER ANS COUNSELORS SERVICE OFFICER......6008 Eddie Sherman............................701 Clay St., WACO, TX 76799 SERVICE OFFICER....15045 Mike Eshenbaugh....6900 Almeda Rd., HOUS TON, TX 77030

2016-2017 DISTRIC T COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS 1........................2195 Pete Hersom..................................7309 Parkwood Dr, Sachse TX 75048 2........................1514 Richard Moore...............................P.O. Box 548, Village Mills, TX 77663 3........................8913 Grant Seabolt ...........................1305 Cardigan Lane, DeSoto, TX 75115 4......................12075 Cecil McConnell, Jr.....3615 Purple Meadow Ln, Kingwood, TX 77345 5........................8315 Ronald Spalding.......................................P.O. Box 770, Cibolo, TX 78108 6........................7634 David Carvajal......................................P.O. Box 263, Falfurrias, TX 78355 8........................6873 Kevin Wade...........................................P.O. Box 711, Stamford, TX 79553 9........................1657 Danny Martin............................................P.O. Box 953, Pampa, TX 79066 10........................812 Rod Raulston...................................3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 12.....................8560 David Nichols...............................................P.O. Box 1, Chicota, TX 75425 13.....................8134 Daniel Hinojosa.....................................305 E CR 678, Natalia, TX 78059 14...................10376 Bob Hansen.........................1501 Nortwood Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654 15.....................8878 Mike Hood.................1208 N. Rosewood Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 16......................8551 Glenn James.........................................235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541 17......................4709 Lee Derby......................................11521 FM 1484 Rd, Conroe, TX 77303 18......................2410 Loren Pogue..............................................P.O. Box 809, Donna, TX 78537 19......................3893 Dick Shawver..........................................19151 Valley Dr, Flint, TX 75762 20......................8541 Jesse Dominguez..........6531 Mission Hills Dr, San Antonio, TX 78244 21....................10429 Lynn Toomer...............................937 Behrens Court, Crowley, TX 76036 24......................4146 Mat Offe.....................................1388 Old Goliad Rd, Victoria, TX 77905 25.....................6284 Melvin Parker..........................................5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28.....................9078 Bob Gear................................1703 Foxfire Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681 29.....................6008 Roy “Bobby” Jones..................................206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 76705 30.....................3894 Ed Faught.........................225 N Falling Leaves, Waxahachie, TX 75167

OBITUARY FOR ROBERT “TIGER” JAMES LYONS SR.

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obert was a WWII Veteran and POW for almost 2 years. After leaving the service, he went to work for Mobil Oil Refinery. But his passion was the Veterans. He worked his whole life trying to make things better for our Veterans. Robert was heavily involved in Vidor’s VFW Post 1846 for many years, serving as Post

Commander several times, and also as Texas State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent many days as a Lobbyist in Austin and Washington D.C. for Veterans rights.

He was very instrumental in two large projects very dear to him, one getting the VA Clinic located in Beaumont and having the Veterans Memorial Park in Vidor. Robert was honored by having the local DAV Chapter named after him, as well as the Vidor Flag and Tackle football field, that he helped sponsor and organize. “Tiger” was a Vidor Lodge Mason for over 50 years and received the highest honor of The Golden Trowel though the Vidor Lodge #1286. Robert became an Eagle Scout at a very young age, and always said between his faith and his Eagle Scout training that was what got him through his time as a POW. Robert was a very busy and devoted man to many causes, he was on the VISD School Board, The Vidor Schools Foundation, Vidor Chamber of Commerce, Vidor Lions Club, The Vidor Christian Care Center, The Vidor Rotary Club, and a member of First Baptist Church. He was blessed with an abundance of friends with whom he drank morning coffee with every day.

Robert was born March 16, 1923 in Weigate, Texas to Robert F. and Clyde Sheffield Lyons. He was the sixth of nine children. Survived by his wife of 70 years Opal Crane Lyons. Son: Robert James “Jimmy” Lyons Jr., of Driggs, Idaho. Daughters:

Donna Schneider and husband Preston Schneider of Tomball, Texas. Karen Sampson and husband Stanley Sampson of Vidor, Texas. Sharon Grissom and husband Mark Grissom of Vidor, Texas. Grandchildren: Kelci Christensen and husband Dustin of Victor, Idaho, Michelle May of Idaho, Patrick Schneider and wife Jennifer, of Houston, Texas, Susan Schneider and fiancée Mike Coleman of Orlando, Florida, Brandon Sampson and partner Doug Dowdle of Houston, Texas, Amy Smedra and husband Michael of Deer Park, Texas, Jeremy Williamson, Jason Williamson, Joni Cotham and husband Neil, all of Vidor, Texas. Great Grandchildren: Torrey and Garrett May, Bradley Anderson, Alexis Wood, Kaytlyn, and Audrey Christensen, Nicholas, and Abigail Smedra, Alex, and Kyle Williamson, Brady, Allison, and Drew Schneider, and Kira, and Baby Boy Cotham.

Robert is also survived by his only living sibling Jewel Bogue of Marshall, Texas.

Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Clydie Lyons, siblings Lois Wright, Richard Lyons, Sheffield Lyons, Lushion Lyons, Mildred Tomlin, Hattie Jean Bogue, Clyde Lyons, and Granddaughter Jenna Leigh Williamson.

Robert left his earthly body on Thursday, March 23, 2017. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vidor Christian Care Center.

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SERVING VETER ANS SINCE 1899 What Does the Texas VFW Offer You?

+ Camaraderie with Fellow Veterans + Community Networking & Involvement + Remembrance Programs + Full Time Support of Today’s Service Members + Programs for Families and Youth + Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature + Free Representation in VA Claims + An Award-Winning Magazine Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW 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.

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.

Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW PO Box 14468 Austin, Texas 788761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org.

For information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District meetings and other topics please visit www.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.

Join us on Facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.

Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the

Flippable Online version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org/news.

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CANYON, TEXAS District 9, Post 430

POST MEM BERS AND LOC AL BOY & GIRL SCOUTS PARTNERED WITH C ANYON SUMMIT CHURCH TO HOST THE CIT Y’S EPIC EASTER EGG HUNT FOR LOC AL CHILDREN. THE EVENT INCLUDED OVER 10,000 EGGS, HORSE RIDING, FACE PAINTING, AND SEVER AL INFL ATABLES.

AMARILLO, TEXAS District 9, Post 1475

POST MEMBERS HELD A FUNDRAISER TO HELP THE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE PANHANDLE WILDFIRES. THEY PRESENTED A $10,000 CHECK FOR THE FUNDS RAISED IN THIS EFFORT AS WELL AS ORCHESTRATED SEVERAL HUNDRED BALES OF HAY DELIVERED TO THE AG DROP OFF POINTS.

CENTER, TEXAS District 19, Post 8904

AS A PART OF POST 8904 “OPERATION THANK YOU” MEMBERS VISITED U.S. MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II VETERAN FORD S. BROWN, SR. IN HIS HOME WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO DAUGHTERS. MR. BROWN WAS PART OF THE INVASION FORCE OF OKINAWA IN APRIL, 1945. THE POST HONORED HIM WITH A WORLD WAR II VETERAN BASEBALL CAP, A FRAMED CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR HIS SERVICE AND A COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIP IN THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS. 6

TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

CHILDREN & YOUTH

CHILDRE N’S PL AYS E T PROJ EC T

SAN ANTONIO, TX | District 20, Post 7108

VFW Helotes Post 7108 MG Unit 30 members volunteered many hours to help build a new swing set for children. This project was finished just in time for the upcoming annual Easter and 4th of July celebrations at the Post. Post, Auxiliary and MG all donated funds for this effort. Amount: $1,500.00 / Hours: 108 / Members: 13.

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3 YOUTH SPORTS DONATION

1. BROWNWOOD, TX District 8, Post 3278 - Post members donated

$1,500 to the Brown County Youth Sports Program. They conducted a Fish Fry Fundraiser to raise money for the donation.

AMERICAN FLAG LESSON

2. SAN ANTONIO, TX District 20, Post 9186

4 SUPPORTING LOCAL ROTC

5 OPENING DEDICATION, BASEBALL SEASON

Post members described the American flag and distributed small flags to the students of William C. Ott Elementery School’s first grade class.

EASTER EGG HUNT

4. AMARILLO, TX 3. PRINCETON, TX 5. CROWLEY, TX District 9, Post 1475 - Post members raised District 21, Post 6872 - Post members partici- District 1, Post 9167 funds for the local ROTC so that they could pated in a Flag Pole Dedication/Flag Raising attend their state competition this April. Ceremony at the Crowley Youth Associations Pictured is Senior Vice Commander Joey Opening Day for Baseball Season.

Avey and Commander Ben Lowrance presenting the check to two of the ROTC kids.

Post members helped stuff around 10,000 Easter eggs for the area youth in The City of Princeton’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

VETERANS IN NEED

ELSA, TX | District 18, Post 7473

Post members help a combat veteran in need after receiveing a call about a local veteran who was about to lose his home and had to pay for his house instead of buying food for him and his wife. The members and community came together and donated food and over $250 to help the veteran.

MUENSTER, TX | District 1, Post 6205

Post members provided a motorized wheelchair to veteran Mark Hellman who lost his leg to diabietes.

Post members donated and delivered 21 cases of hygiene products to a private nursing home wing that houses 28 veterans.

DEVINE, TX | District 13, Post 3966

Post members build a ramp for a local veteran in need.

WACO, TX | District 29, Post 8564

Post Commander Martinez, Quartermaster and Chaplain donated 16 bags of clothing to the local Veterans One Stop.

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TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

ARLINGTON, TX | District 21, Post 8561

Post members replaced a set of flags at the home of a deceased veteran’s family.

HELP A HERO

VICTORIA, TX | District 24, Post 4146

District 24 Commander Matt Offe presented a plaque to a local SportClips Assistant Manager Nicole Smith for their support of HelpAHero Scholarship Program. Offe also distributed three VFW application forms and presented them with a book on the invasion of Kuwait.

ALLEN, TX | District 1, Post 2195

Post members present a Help A Hero Scholarship Program Supporter plaque to a local SportClips Haircuts establishment in Murphy, Texas.

ALLEN, TX | District 1, Post 2195

Post members present a Help A Hero Scholarship Program Supporter plaque to a local SportClips Haircuts establishment.

WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG

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Highlighting Women Veterans IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, THE TEX AS VETER ANS OF FOREIGN WARS WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT T WO SPECIAL WOMEN WHO HAVE NOT ONLY COME CLOSE TO DEATH BUT WHO HAVE SERVED AND CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR GREAT NATION. Melissa Stockwell, Army War Veteran, considered herself to be one of the lucky ones as she describes her loss compared to others who lost it all. Melissa, at only 24 years old, lost her leg due to a roadside bomb while transiting the streets in Iraq in 2004. Melissa medically retired from the Army in 2005 with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star but her connection to the military doesn’t end there. Though challenges arose, she was determined to walk again, to be independent again and to continue to pursue her passions.

“Early on, I accepted the loss of my leg and wanted to move on to prove to myself what I could still do,” said Melissa. “That motivated me to do more than I ever imagined.”

Only a year later, Air Force Rescue Pilot Christy Wise endured a similar outcome. While paddle boarding with her boyfriend near Shalimar, Fla., Christy was struck by a hit-and-run boat’s propeller, which severed her leg. Christy thought this would be the end of her pilot career, but it didn’t take long for her to remember her friend and fellow airman Ryan McGuire. Ryan also lost his leg due to a boating accident and he later returned to flying. Christy said, “If Ryan did it, I can do it.” Christy went on to make history as the first female leg amputee in Air Force history to return to flying duty. She continues to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

It took several months for Melissa and Christy to recover. There were many surgeries and infections that stood in the way but within a year, both women were ready to take on whatever was ahead. Melissa and Christy are continuing to succeed in life. Both women are proud Americans and are proud to represent America.

Melissa is a self-proclaimed lifelong athlete and was not going to let a loss of a leg get in her way. From skiing to hand-cycling, to running and swimming, Melissa went

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on to become a two-time U.S. Paralympian with hopes of continuing to race in the future after she gives birth to her second child, due in August.

Like Melissa, Christy is an athlete. She participated in the Wounded Warrior Games and won 11 medals in hand-cycling, swimming, wheelchair racing and track and field. She competed in the Invictus Games in Florida and plans to compete in the upcoming Invictus Games in Canada later this year.

While Melissa and Christy are crushing the athletic scene, they are also at the forefront of serving those in similar situations.

Melissa co-founded and works with Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club, an organization that serves youth, amateur, injured service members and elite athletes with physical disabilities. While Christy created a non-profit organization called One Leg Up on Life; this organization distributes prosthetic limbs and cares for children who have had limbs amputated in third world countries.

In their most recent endeavors, Melissa and Christy participated in Ottobock’s panel session titled, “How Wounded Warriors Are Transforming Biotech” during this year’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Ottobock is a company that manufactures products like prostheses and whose mission is to restore and improve independence for people with mobility challenges.

Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars has the greatest confidence in these two women to continue impacting and changing people’s lives for the better. We want to thank them for their service and sacrifice to our country and the best of luck in their future undertakings.

TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

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CDR’s Column Cont’d. Posts and Districts can still make All-State and even All-American, if you have all the requirements. If that is your goal, please contact me personally, and I will assist you in reaching your goal if at all possible.

As of now we have 113 Posts at 100% or more. That is more than one third of the Posts in the Department. Congratulations!! There are 36 more Posts knocking on the door with 95% or more. We have three Districts that have made over 100%--District 9, District 17 and District 19. Congratulations to all of you! There are six more Districts with 94.5% or better that have a good chance of making All-State.

There will be five $500.00 cash drawings for Post and District Commanders who achieve 100%+1 by June 30, and the drawings will be held at Officer Training School in July.

An operation this large is not successful without a lot of work behind the scenes. I want to thank the VFW staff for all they do to

make this Department a success. Texas VFW Quartermaster/Adjutant Roy Grona’s vast knowledge of our organization is a definite asset to our VFW. Department Auxiliary President Andrea King and the Auxiliary have made a huge difference for our VFW this year. Without their assistance in our programs and working with our Posts and Districts, we wouldn’t have accomplished near as much. I want to thank them for all they do for our veterans and their families.

Serving veterans at this level has been one of the high points in my life. It is with gratitude that I thank you for allowing me to serve.•

Peyton Lumpkin, State Commander 2016-17

STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER’S COLUMN MEMBERS:

Reflecting on the knowledge gained through these past two years as Junior Vice and Senior Vice Commander, what I cherish the most is your friendship. The honor you have entrusted representing Texas as the next State Commander is beyond any blessing. I thank the Lord for protecting my soul in all the many missions I survived in Vietnam. What an amazement and Edward Torres honor, to now serve in the greatest organization of war veterans. I am prepared and surrounded with mentors of past and present war warrior leaders to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to accomplish our goals. Recently attending the Senior Vice Commander’s conference has inspired, encouraged, and strengthened my mental ability to speak at any event or address any issues that affect our VFW life.

I am ready to conquer new challenges. The unity of comradeship and solidarity amongst us is the strength for us to help each other at department, district, and post to achieve all programs. We will have issues that arise. Each difficult or minor hurdle in our path will be addressed according to our bylaws. We are responsible adults and our focus is service. “No one does more for veterans.”

The key to success is that chairpersons know the programs and requirements. The chairperson relays the information to the districts and posts thoroughly and timely. The responsibility to administer these programs falls on the Commander, to follow through

with the goal by encouraging teamwork with his chairperson. Most important is communication in our ranks.

Essential, membership is the backbone of our organization.

Without addressing current members and recruiting new members, we will become extinct. Be proud to voice and share the ideals of the VFW. Recruit: We are all encouraged to recruit new members. The simple approach is just “ASK”, our neighbors, college students, policemen, firemen, anyone wearing military insignia, and women veterans.

Retain: Start a program with members to communicate and keep in touch with the new members through emails, phone calls, texts or any other form of communication. Encourage them to become life members.

Reinstate: Members that have been dropped off the roster need to be contacted and encouraged to rejoin. Obtain the list of comrades that their dues have past and the list of members at large to get them back in the post.

Work the 3 “R’s” and achieve 100% Plus.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. “UNITED WE ARE A TEAM”. Only with your support can we be number one in the nation. Together we will overcome all obstacles. Pray for all in harms way protecting our freedom, the homeless, the sick, and all who have lost a loved one.•

Edward C. Torres

Edward C Torres, Senior Vice Commander

STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER’S COLUMN COMRADES,

As the year is now coming to a close and the majority of our programs are ending, I would like to thank all of the Posts and Districts who continue to serve our fellow Veterans in the Veterans of Foreign Wars programs. You all did a fantastic job.

The Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen State Banquet was a huge sucInge Conley cess and many thanks to the Department staff for their excellent support in putting on a first class show. Also special thanks to the winners, participants and their teachers and parents. As the year is almost here please continue to push membership. We need to reach out to our unpaid members and urge them to renew their dues in our VFW. The stronger our

membership, the louder our voice is at the State and National levels regarding issues that impact our Veterans. Reminder, RECRUIT, RETAIN and REINSTATE. I would like to personally thank all the Posts and Districts in this great State of Texas for the great hospitalities you have shown me as your State Junior Vice Commander. I also would be remiss if I did not mention the tremendous support I have received from or State Headquarters office staff members. Your hard work and dedication to service does not go unnoticed and I appreciate you.

Our State Convention is almost here and I look forward to seeing everyone very soon. Until then let’s roll up our sleeves and keep working hard to keep your Posts, Districts and our Department reach it’s goal for the year.

WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG

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Inge Conley

Inge Conley, Junior Vice Commander

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THE TEXAS WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION

“Many strange thoughts have been coming in my head all day…How strange it was for me to be there. I, who a little more than a year ago never even dreamed of France. I was in a lecture room full of officers and soldiers participating in this war and I was one of them. That is the wonderful part of it, that I should be there as one of France’s soldiers.”

H. Clyde Balsley was among the first American volunteers to fight in the Great War. After leaving his job working in his Mother’s bakery in San Antonio, Balsley travelled to France and originally served as a volunteer ambulance driver. Balsley then joined the volunteer flyers of the Lafayette Escadrille. On June 18, 1916 Balsley would have the distinction of being the first American flyer to be shot down in World War I. Spotting a German airplane, his gun jammed as he tried to fire on the enemy plane. He broke off the attack and was pounced on by three enemy aircraft. Balsley crashed and was seriously injured, but survived the war.

TEXAS AND TEXANS IN THE GREAT WAR World War I was a turning point for the United States -- and for Texas.

Even before the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, Texas was already significantly engaged in preparing and training for war. Texas businesses supplied oil, cattle, horses, cotton, and lumber to Europe. Between 1914 and 1917 many Texans, like Balsley, had volunteered to aid France (and some German Texans to aid the Kaiser). In all, approximately 200,000 Texans served in uniform during WWI. Numerous Texans would be Medal of Honor recipients, receive the French Croix de Guerre, and achieve flying ace status. 5,171 Texans lost their lives in service to their country.

In addition to uniformed soldiers from Texas who served, many Texans (mostly women) served as nurses, Red Cross volunteers, and switchboard operators in France. The war also saw the first national effort to enlist civilian communities to conserve resources, buy war bonds, and otherwise contribute to the war effort. The contribution of Texas minorities, often overlooked for much of the rest of the century, were notable. More than 31,000 Texas African Americans served in the U.S. Army during the war, as well as many Mexican Americans and Native Americans.

THE COMMEMORATION OF WORLD WAR I April marked the start of the United States WWI Centennial period which will run through June 2019 (U.S. entry in the war through the signing of the Treaty of Versailles). Nationally, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission (http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/) was established by Congress to coordinate U.S. World War I activities. The VFW is a national partner and has a Commissioner serving on the Centennial Commission.

The Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration Association (TXWWICCA) was established in 2015 as part of the grass-roots effort in each state to plan for recognition of the Centennial. A non-profit organization, their goal is communicating, coordinating and commemorating

the Great War in Texas. Over two years, the group has grown to over 600 people and hundreds of interested organizations, including veterans groups, schools, universities, museums, military organizations, County Historical Commissions, and civic groups. The TXWWICCA communicates information about Centennial commemoration events to the public at large on their web site https://www.texasworldwar1centennial.org/, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TEXAS.WWI.CENTENNIAL, and on Twitter @WWI_TX. They also provide information, coordination, and assistance to organizations and groups interested in participating in the WWI Commemoration.

In early 2016 they lobbied the Governor’s office for State engagement in the Centennial. Governor Abbott appointed the Texas Historical Commission as the lead agency to spearhead the State’s activities. TXWWICCA and THC work in partnership on a variety of events, including the passage of Resolutions by the State Legislature earlier this year recognizing the sacrifice of our WWI veterans.

Dozens of activities have already taken place around Texas, including over 25 events and ceremonies recognizing the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war during the week of April 2, 2017. Activities planned for 2017-19 include educational programs, historical exhibits, symposiums, restoration of local memorials, marking of WWI veteran grave sites, planting poppies, and a variety of additional projects.

ENGAGING ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITIES The WWI Centennial represents a unique opportunity for VFW posts to engage with their communities and grow their constituency. Issues and concerns of WWI veterans are similar to veteran’s issues of today; PTSD (shell shock), successful transition from military service to civilian life, obtaining treatment for service injuries, education benefits, etc. The Centennial is also a likely time to form new alliances in your community on projects that recognize the sacrifice of WWI veterans…and veterans from all eras.

As a grass-roots effort, the Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration depends on veterans, teachers, students, historians, local officials, and interested citizens to give it meaning. TXWWICCA has a list of off-theshelf activities that can serve as a starting point for your post.

World War I introduced Texans to the world and the world to Texas.

Returning veterans swelled the ranks of the VFW and formed the framework for veteran’s organizations as we know them. The WWI Centennial is an opportunity to reignite recognition of veteran service in your community. Contact the Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration at WWICC.TX@gmail.com for more information on how to commemorate the WWI people and places that changed your community. •

Welcome New Staff Member

LIFE MEMBER

Wayne Cooley

Wayne Cooley, a Life Member of Post 9078 in Round Rock, Texas, was recently hired

by The Department of Texas VFW to handle all status sheets that are sent in to Department Headquarters. Cooley was appointed as a VFW Future Concepts Chair by State Commander Peyton Lumpkin at the 96th State Convention in Dallas in June 2016.

A VFW member since 1999, Comrade Cooley previously served as the District 28 Commander 2012-2013. Cooley has served as Post and Travis County Council Commander. He was appointed as Deputy State Inspector by State Commander Sylvia Sanchez 2013-2014. Comrade Cooley is also currently serving as Post 9078 Quartermaster and District 28 Quartermaster.

He has earned honors for All-State and All-American Commander 2006-2007; All-State and All-American Quartermaster 2009-2010 and 2012-2013; All-State and All-American District Commander 2012-2013.

Comrade Cooley served in the United States Navy from 1973 to 1978 and from 1983 to 1998, with duty in the Gulf of Oman, Saudi Arabia. Wayne is the proud recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal (3); Good Conduct Medal; Navy Expeditionary Medal; and the National Defense Medal.

Wayne’s wife, Janet, is a member of the Auxiliary to Post 9078. Wayne and Janet have two children who are also members of the Auxiliary.

wayne@texasvfw.org Community Service Reports

Quartermaster Bonds

512-834-8535 EXT 106

Status Sheet Reports

VFW Post Insurance

WWI CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION FLOUR BLUFF, TX | District 6, Post 8932 Post 8932 Flour Bluff members attended the Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration that remembers the events of World War I. The observance was held at the sight of the World Wars Memorial in Corpus Christi, Texas sponsored by the Nueces County Historical Commission, the Nueces County Historical Society and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Recognition of all U.S. military services that participated in WWI was given. The origin of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was read. Post 8932 members distributed Buddy Poppies to approximately 200 in attendance.

Post Commander Henry Escobedo distributing Buddy Poppies.

Gilberto D. Gallardo, Nueces County Veterans Service Officer Joseph P. Welsh, Service Officer Abel Garcia, Post Commander Henry Escobedo, Kevin L. Havens, Rick Forcelle, Kevin Hedurd, Nueces County Veterans Service Officer Martin A. Longoria, and Ruben Guevara.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

CLUTE, TX | District 16, Post 8576

Post Adjutant Gene Lilley presented Home Depot a Certificate of Appreciation for their participation in repairing a Comrade veteran’s roof and ceiling in his home.

FREER, TX | District 6, Post 8786 Post members collected food for a local food bank that serves disabled individuals.

WICHITA FALLS, TX | District 15, Post 8878

ROSENBERG, TX | District 16, Post 3903

District Commander Michael Hood presented an appreciation plague to local Burger King General Manager Janet Horton for their support of the VFW, veterans and military families.

Post members presented the Patriotic Citizen Award to Wells Fargo Bank of Rosenberg for their displaying of our National Flag on a daily basis. Pictured from left is Past Post Commander Tom Atkins, Service Manager Stephen Dybala, Post Commander Ken Dillon and Post Auxiliary President Margie Dillon.

LIVINGSTON, TX | District 19, Post 8568 Post Honor Guard posted colors with a salute to the fallen soldier at Magnolia Cemetery in Polk County. Post members also donated a large flag.

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TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

EAST TEXAS

DAY OF GIVING ATHENS, TX | Texas VFW Distict 30, Post 7103 Post members hit a triple play on the East Texas Day of Giving. The East Texas Day of Giving is an event organized and sponsored by charitable institutions and organizations from 32 communities in the East Texas area. At the event, over a dozen charitable organizations occupied the Henderson County courthouse square in support of the event’s goal to raise a million dollars to support charities in Athens as well as throughout East Texas. Contributing to the achievement of that goal was Post 7103 who donated $1,500 in support of three of the participating organizations. This money comes from a recently established Community Outreach Fund that the Post uses to support various veteran causes and youth activities in Athens and the surrounding communities. In addition to previous donations made to the Humane Society and to the Athens Youth Sports Association, this day’s donations went to the Family Peace Project, the Henderson County Alzheimer’s Coalition and the Henderson County Crisis Center that deals with domestic abuse. Other charity organizations are scheduled to receive donations throughout the year from the Post’s Outreach Fund. The Post members work with and support of these charity and community support organizations has greatly raised the profile of their VFW Post in the community and has contributed to recruiting new members who approve of the Post member’s actions and want to participate.

KINGSVILLE, TX | District 6, Post 2375

HUMBLE, TX | District 4, Post 12075

Post members give back to a TAMUK ROTC member Kimberly McRae as she goes on to take a Business Management Class in Germany. TAMUK ROTC is always there to help Post 2375, so they decided to give back.

District 4 Commander Cecil McConnell Jr. participated and volunteered for the 5K Fun Run at the San Jacinto Battleground.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS VFW

Teacher of the Year Awards

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn’t be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The Texas VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment are judged and selected to be named Texas VFW Teacher of the Year.

The state winners are then forwarded to National VFW for competition at the National Level.

K-5TH Grade Teacher of the Year Winner

MARCIE CONRAD

THOMPSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Haslet, TX

___________________ District 1, Post 5074 Roanoke, TX

6-8TH Grade Teacher of the Year Winner

SHERON KAYE KIMBROUGH GARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL Garrison, TX

___________________ District 19, Post 3893 Nacogdoches, TX

9-12TH Grade Teacher of the Year Winner

MARY WHITTLESEY

SAN AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL San Augustine, TX

___________________ District 19, Post 9313 San Augustine, TX

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TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

“I am 76 years old, a widow, no children, no family, with serious health issues about to lose my home I’ve only been in less than 16 months. My health problems hit me with back to back cancer.

Then my heart. I have a pacemaker. The Texas VFW Foundation has my prayers that you continue to bless others like myself, giving them hope to hold on to what husbands like mine, a veteran of the Vietnam War, have and to have shelter.” E. Brown, Surviving Spouse of an Air Force veteran.

STATE CONVENTION

Memorial Day, This

TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION WILL BE CELEBRATING

15 YEARS

OF HELPING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN TIMES OF NEED.

Please consider donating in memoriam to a fallen service member or veteran.

RECEPTION ON 14 JUNE AT 6:00PM AT WESTIN GALLERIA IN THE WEST ALABAMA ROOM (Tentative)

BACK

FRONT

LONG-SLEEVE T-SHIRTS AT VENDOR BOOTH

SILENT AUCTION

BY VFW STORE -

AT STATE CONVENTION

YOUR SMALL DONATION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, 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.

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

PAYPAL LINK IS ON TEXASVFW.ORG BOTTOM OF PAGE.

TEXAS VFW DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS

FIREFIGHTER |

TEX AS VFW ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD FOR FIREFIGHTERS Fred Raney, Assistant Chief, Chaplain and PIO at Silsbee Fire Department in Silsbee, Texas, was named the VFW Department of Texas’s Firefighter recipient of the VFW Department Public Service Award in the 2017 VFW Department Public Servant Awards program. Texas VFW District 2 and Post 1514 in Silsbee, Texas, sponsored Fred.

“The VFW Department Public Servant Award provides law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters the opportunity to be recognized by their colleagues and those they serve,” says VFW Department Commander Peyton Lumpkin.

“The program has been popular and successful since it’s beginning, and we’re proud to keep recognizing America’s public servants.”

The program also acknowledges the recipient’s consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, their consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

“Chief Raney has a number of years of sustained superior performance of his many duties and embodies the spirit of the National Award,” says Texas VFW District 2 Commander Richard Moore.

Fred began his fire service as a junior firefighter in Liberty, Texas and has been in the fire service ever since. He has served in the fire departments of every city in which he was a pastor.

He recently received his 15year service pin from Silsbee Fire and Rescue.

He has served the fire service as an emergency medical technical, firefighter, assistant chief, captain, chaplain and public information officer. He currently serves has assistant chief, chaplain, and public information officer for Silsbee Fire and Rescue.

Fred also served as volunteer

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN chaplain for NASA and FBI in the recovery of Columbia Shuttle astronauts, conducting a memorial service at the location where remains of the astronauts were found. He counseled astronauts, law enforcement personnel, National Guard soldiers, firefighters, and others while serving in this capacity.

Fred regularly teaches fire safety to the students of the Silsbee Independent School District and represents the department at community events.

Fred is slated to receive his award during an upcoming District meeting.

TEX AS VFW ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD FOR EMT Gilbert Perez, Engineer Paramedic at San Antonio Fire Department in San Antonio, Texas, was named the VFW Department of Texas’s EMT recipient of the VFW Department Public Service Award in the 2017 VFW Department Public Servant Awards program. Texas VFW District 20 and Post 12041 in Lytle, Texas, sponsored Gilbert.

“The VFW Department Public Servant Award provides law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters the opportunity to be recognized by their colleagues and those they serve,” says VFW Department Commander Peyton Lumpkin.

“The program has been popular and successful since it’s beginning, and we’re proud to keep recognizing America’s public servants.”

The program also acknowledges the recipient’s consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, their consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

“Gilbert has demonstrated his valor and sacrifice in the critical role of maintaining safety order in our society,” says Texas

|

LAW ENFORCEMENT

VFW Deputy Chief-of-Staff Larry Sanders. “He has lead the Paramedic/EMS unit at the fire station to give medical treatment and provide rescue service for medical care to our nation’s citizens. We feel he is a great leader with professional achievement.”

Gilbert Perez has been in firefighting Paramedic/EMS all his life since coming out of high school. In the military, he was a firefighter/ EMS paramedic with training in bio hazardous and chemical crises.

He trained in NASA firefighting training and shuttle training along with flightline aviation support.

Gilbert also has extensive training in rescues, emergency medicine, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support.

When starting in San Antonio department, he achieved the excellence in TFA fire service education, EMS academy along with advanced courses in operators and engineering. In his present position he is active to calls to emergencies, provides effective and immediate care to critically ill and injured and transports patients to a medical facility.

Gilbert states that when being dispatched he never knows the circumstance when arriving, it could be a simple procedure or a major emergency. His training is to size up the scene, make a safe environment to care for the illness or injury.

Gilbert is slated to receive his award during an upcoming District meeting.

TEX AS VFW ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD FOR L AW ENFORCEMENT Ruben C. Tejeda, Constable Precinct 1 at Bexar County in San Antonio, Texas, was named the VFW Department of Texas’s Law Enforcement recipient of the VFW Department Public Service Award in the 2017 VFW Department Public Servant Awards program.

Texas VFW District 20 and Post 4815 in San Antonio, Texas, sponsored Ruben.

“The VFW Department Pub-

TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

lic Servant Award provides law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters the opportunity to be recognized by their colleagues and those they serve,” says VFW Department Commander Peyton Lumpkin. “The program has been popular and successful since it’s beginning, and we’re proud to keep recognizing America’s public servants.”

The program also acknowledges the recipient’s consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, their consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

“Aside from his outstanding duties to law enforcement, Tejeda has earned the name of ‘Constable on the move,’” says VFW Department Senior Vice Commander Edward Torres. “He is a committed and dedicated public servant very involved in community projects making a real difference to the families he serves.”

He has implemented youth education programs in schools such as G.R.E.A.T, a gang resistance education program requested by school districts throughout the city. He has a recognition party for all school safety patrol crossing guard students at a local pizza parlor annually. Students receive recognition citations, a safety patrol t-shirt, have a meal, receive toys, and enter for a chance to win over 50 bicycles. All is achieved under the leadership Constable Tejeda and the team of volunteer deputies from Precinct 1.

He has implemented a team of volunteers from his staff that provides free security to local church festivals, school events, and for our VFW 4815 community service projects.

Constable Tejeda is a loyal public servant always available to his community.

Ruben is slated to receive his award during an upcoming District meeting.

•

TEXAS VFW ANNOUNCES SCOUT OF THE YEAR WINNER

FRED RANEY

Firefighter Recipient

GILBERT PEREZ EMT Recipient

RUBEN C. TEJEDA

Law Enforcement Recipient

Hunter G. Beaton, an Eagle Scout from Troop 18 in Boerne, Texas, was named the VFW Department of Texas’ first-place winner and recipient of the Texas VFW Scout of the Year award in the 2017 Texas VFW Scout of the Year program. VFW Bruno Phillip/ William Bordelon Post 688 and its Auxiliary in Boerne, Texas, sponsored Hunter.

Each year the Texas VFW honors three young individuals who are - Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Venture Summit Award recipients and/or Sea Scout Quartermasters who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of that rank and who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship in school, scouting and the community. This year Texas VFW received 42 entries throughout the state.

“Hunter possesses those quality virtues so often sought but, rarely found,” said Commander John R. Peterson, USN, Ret. “He diligently follows the Scout Law and patterns his daily life following the Scout Oath. Hunter is known throughout the local community as an outstanding young man who sets an example for his peers.

He is a true inspiration for us all.”

Hunter’s Eagle Scout project was to provide 100 duffle bags for foster children that were filled with necessities and supplies. The goal was to let this be the bag the foster child receives when being placed into a new foster home. He called the project the “Day 1 Bag” initiative.

“My younger brothers and sister came to us with no belonging except for a black trash bag with tattered clothes,” said Hunter. Hunter knew how wrong that was at a young age and realized that he could do a project to change this process.

He raised over $10,000 for not only the bag and supplies but was able to provide the beneficiary $1,500 of HEB Gift Cards to place in each bag.

Hunter’s Eagle Scout project was a success and coming to a close, when he realized that the bags and supplies would not be sustained, he knew that he needed to pursue this project further, beyond the scout program.

After speaking to many county Welfare Boards and organizations, he was invited to speak at the state-level in Austin on February 6, 2017, to promote and ask all regional councils and the counties that fall under them to support changing their policies and adding budget to their local boards. The state-level board unanimously approved and endorsed the acquisition and sustainment of the duffel bags - called “Hunter’s Bags” or “Day 1 Bags” for all foster children that are being removed from their homes. The total number impacted for the year will be approximately 19,600 children that each county child welfare board will purchase the bag from Flying Circle Gear, provide to their local Child Protective Services office and at that point when a child is being removed from their home, the investigator removing the child will have a duffel bag in hand instead of a black trash bag.

“To me, although I had received my Eagle Scout rank in the months before, I feel just as proud to know that I have made a difference in the life of children that are experiencing a very scary time in their lives,” said Hunter. “Although the bags do not take away the pain, they do provide some sense of comfort and dignity when arriving at their new foster home.”

Hunter’s winning state entry has been submitted to VFW National Headquarters for national-level judging. Hunter’s entry has the opportunity to be rewarded with a college scholarship of up to $5,000.

•

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PORT ISABEL, TX

District 18, Post 8791

Post Commander Irene Camacho and Post members met with the public at the Veterans Park and showed historical items on the USS Maine.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Supporting Our Veterans

Insuring Texas Homes, Farms, and Ranches Since 1901 1-800-507-2174 RVOS.com

SAN ANTONIO, TX

District 20, Post 4815

Post members held a remembrance ceremony to recognize the sinking of the USS Maine.

SAN ANTONIO, TX

District 20, Post 8397

Post Chaplain Ernesto Reyes, Commander Cris Vieyra Jr., Senior Vice Commander Al Dominguez and Post 76 Auxiliary members pose for a photo at the Post’s Sinking of the USS Maine Ceremony.

Sinking of the

U.S.S. Maine 1

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5

3

6

2

1. HALLET TSVILLE, TX

3. AUSTIN, TX

Post members held a program on the USS Maine where they read the history of the event and showed visual aids.

Quartermaster Larry Dayhoff and Auxiliary President Shary Tutt spoke about a poster depicting the history/mystery surrounding the sinking of the U.S. Battleship Maine on February 15, 1898.

The poster was displayed in the middle hall of the VFW where dinner was being served. Children of the patrons attended and appeared interested in the pictures and stories.

District 24, Post 6382

2. ELSA, TX

District 18, Post 7473

Post members gathered at the Veterans memorial with Boy Scouts and the community to remember the 260 lost during the Sinking of the USS Maine.

District 28, Post 8787

4. GALVESTON, TX District 16, Post 880

Post Junior Vice Commander talks about the history of the sinking of the USS Maine.

5. GR APEVINE, TX District 21, Post 10454

Post Commander, Post members and volunteers held a recognition event for the Sinking of the USS Maine.

6. TEMPLE, TX

District 14, Post 1820

Post Commander gave a presentation on the Sinking of the USS Maine.

Operation

Desert Storm 2

1

3

1. PHARR, TX

District 18, Post 10712 Post members and other veterans honored Operation Desert Storm in McAllen, Texas.

2. CLEBURNE, TX

District 21, Post 12152 Post members honored Operation Desert Storm with two members talking about their experience in service. In the picture, left to right, Commander Jon Laureles, Junior Vice Commander Wayne Lindahl, Senior Vice Commander Beverly Williams, new member and Desert Storm veteran Phil Garcia, Desert Storm veteran Trustee John Davis, Surgeon Samuel Terry and Adjutant/ Quartermaster Greg Chaplin.

3. RICHARDSON, TX District 3, Post 3530

Post members held their annual Operation Desert Storm program. Ralph Rizzo, Louis Robinson, William McGuire, Tim McGuire, Ray Gonzales, Art Hawkins, Roger Daily. Photo by Pablo Gonzalez.

4. VIDOR, TX

District 2, Post8246 Texas VFW members from Post 1514 and 8246 gathered together to recognize Operation Desert Storm by watching a commemorative video in Orange, Tx.

4

1

2

3 1. PRINCETON, TX District 1, Post 9167

Post Commander Danny Cave gave a presentation to commemorate the Liberation of Kuwait. Post members also recognized Post Commander and Quartermaster for their service during Desert Storm.

2. PORT NECHES, TX District 2, Post 4820

Post members held a lecture on the 25th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait to veterans and families present. Two Desert Storm veterans, Scotty Marks and Larry Cooper, were in attendance.

3. BROWNWOOD, TX 4

District 8, Post 3278

Post members conducted an Operation Desert Storm program to invited guests.

One new Desert Storm veteran was inducted during the event.

4. VILL AGE MILLS, TX District 2, Post 1514

Post members honored a Desert Storm veteran at Catfish Cabin. There were 33 people in attendance.

5. ROANOKE, TX District 1, Post 5074

5

Post members recognized Desert Storm at the Post home with a historical reading and a Post Desert Storm veteran shared a Kuwaiti flag he got while serving there.

SAN ANTONIO, TX District 20, Post 8936 - Post members hold an Operation Desert Storm program. In the group shown, 35 out of the 40 people were deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm with the 217th Evacuation Hospital. This is their first reunion in 26 years.

ROMA, TX

District 18, Post 9175 Post member Luis Barrera explained his first experience during the Kosovo Campaign to the Roma High School JROTC students.

LTC (Ret.) Barrera was a company commander during the Kosovo crisis deploying forces in support of the campaign.

KOSOVO Campaign

1

2

1. JOURDANTON, TX District 20, Post 4953

Post members arranged a program to commemorate the start of the Kosovo Campaign and presented a wreath made of Buddy Poppies.

2. KYLE, TX

District 5, Post 12058 Post Commander/Deputy Chief of Staff Herman Fabela met with veterans, EMT’s firefighters and the public in Alabama to share information about the Kosovo Campaign. Fabela also share information about the VFW and rendered assistance about service-connected claims.

3. HONDO, TX

District 19, Post 6899 Post members and guests discussed why the U.S. was involved the Kosovo Campaign, the current state of affairs now and what was the value of the U.S. involvement.

3

1

2

1. BOERNE, TX

District 13, Post 688 Post members presented the colors and spoke of Kosovo at a Keepers of the Peace Law Enforcement softball tournament.

2. CONROE, TX

District 17, Post 4709

3

Post members held their annual Kosovo Campaign remembrance program for both members and guests. Food was also served to those in attendance.

3. BLOOMINGTON, TX District 24, Post 6074

Post members arranged a ceremony to commemorate the start of the Kosovo Campaign. Background information and facts were read to the members and a disscusion followed.

4. GR ANBURY, TX District 21, Post 7835

4

Post members and the public held an event in which the importance of the Kosovo Campaign was discussed and the sacrifices made by the U.S. and its military.

1

1. TRINIT Y, TX

3

District 19, Post 6899

Post members held a Somalia remembrance program where they watched a video presentation and the Chaplain said a prayer.

2. SAN ANTONIO, TX District 20, Post 837

Post members held a ceremony for the End of Operation Restore Hope. Trustee Eugene Hanley, Chaplain Russell Pavlicek and Senior Vice Commander Larry Kendall participated in the ceremony.

3. PHARR, TX

District 18, Post 10712

2

4

Post members set up a display area at a McAllen, Texas Walmart to honor Somalia 1995.

4. DUMAS, TX

District 9, Post 9022

Post members and families met at the Post home for a beans and cornbread supper. The Commander later spoke about the Somalia conflict. The Quartermaster served in Somalia in 1992 as a member of a CID five man protective detail to the Deputy UN Commander, an Army 2-Star. Pictured are the Commander-Shaun White center, John Johnson to his right, Conrad DeAnda and Mel Carter to his left and Victor Marshall in the rear.

5. SAN ANTONIO, TX District 20, Post 1533

Post members held a commemorative ceremony in observance of Somalia 1995. Ruben Perez spoke to those in attendance on the events that led up to the Somalian conflict.

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5 TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

Loyalty Day

1

1. MUENSTER, TX District 1 Post 6205

Post members held a ceramory and speech expressing our country’s loyalty to individual liberties.

2. POST, TX

District 25, Post 6797

Post members hosted donuts and coffee for patients and employees at the Lubbock VA Outpatient Clinic as part of a Loyalty Day celebration. Members participating were Commander Chuck Ratliff, Senior Vice Commander Jimmie Howell, Junior Vice Commander Joe Drowns, Chaplain George Reece, Trustee Mike Travis, Life member Harry Carroll and Quartermaster JW Jolly III. Photos were taken by by Debra Moss, facility manager.

2

3. SAN ANTONIO, TX District 20, Post 7108

Post members performed the Loyalty Day Ceremony on 1 May 2017. The event started at 6 p.m. with a salute and allegiance to the flag followed by the Chaplain’s prayer.

Commander R.S. Webber cited a brief history of Loyalty Day. Post members and public guests were present for this event.

Post Officers pictorial reference (L to R); Front Row: Robin Harder, Gladys Portalatin, John Maines, Post Commander Rolando S. Webber and Auxiliary President Yolanda Guajardo (holding cake) and Margaret Cadena. Back Row: Rafael Portalatin, Jose Duran, Arthur Young, Incoming Post Commander Knowles Atchison and Gil Cadena. Refreshments and ceremonial cake were served after the ceremony.

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VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY

1 1. Sulphur Springs, TX District 12, Post 8560

Post members Travis Estes, Siull Bunch, James Ross, Ed Oettinger, Bill Skelton, Joe Robinson, James Judkins, George Andrews and Al Adams commemorated Victory in Europe by honoring the style tank that was instrumental in Third Army beating the Germans into surrender.

2. Village Mills, TX District 2, Post 1514

2

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Post members honored a veteran who served in Europe during World War II at United Methodist Church in Wildwood/Village Mills.

3. Greenville, TX

District 1, Post 4011 Post members held a VE Day program where the members read the history of VE Day and held a discussion afterwards.

4. Lockhart, TX

District 5, Post 892

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TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

Post House Committee Chair Mike Seiler and Trustee Tom Monahan commemorate the historically significant Victory in Europe Day at a local cook-off competition.

Roger DeWeese

Elect Keith King Jr. Vice Commander 2017-2018

2017-2018 Candidate For State Junior Vice Commander

33 year member Post 3278 14 years Post Commander All State/American Post Cdr. All State/American District Cdr. National Aide/Special Aide De Camp 3 Times Deputy State Inspector

All American Post Commander All State Post Commander All State District Commander State Deputy Chief of Staff National Aide-de-Camp (2) National Special Aide-de-Camp (2) Gold Legacy Life Member

State Inspector& National Deputy Inspector 2014-2015 Gold Legacy Life Member Post #3278 J.T. Rutherford Awardee

Ready, willing, energized, and motivated.

With hard work & training,

One VFW One Team

WE can take OUR Department to the TOP!!

GRANT SEABOLT Lawyer to Warriors

Candidate for 2017-2018 State Judge Advocate Department of Texas VFW Endorsed by Ken Burton, Department of Texas State Judge Advocate District 3 Commander 2016-2017 All State/All American Post Commander 2015-2016 Life Member & Adjutant, VFW Post 8913, Lancaster, TX (Post Commander 2013-2016) Colonel, USMCR (Ret.) USMC Judge Advocate (1979-2005) Navy-USMC Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Business Lawyer & General Counsel Services Distinguished Mediator & Experienced Arbitrator Director for 3 Veterans Related Charities Married Vicki Seabolt 34 Years, 2 Children Lay Eucharistic Minister/Vestry, St. Anne Episc. Ch.

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Lufkin, TX | District 19, Post 1836 Post members donated the use of their Post property for National Guard maneuvers with artillery.

MISSION: TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR

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THIS COUNTRY—ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

LOBBYING FOR VETER ANS & MILITARY

FUNDING COLLEGE SCHOL ARSHIPS

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL A SSISTANCE

PROVIDING DISA STER RELIEF

PHONE C ARDS FOR TROOPS

SUPPORTING MEMORIALS

COMMUNIT Y VOLUNTEERISM

SUPPORTING YOUTH GROUPS

A SSISTING VETER ANS WITH EARNED ENTITLEMENTS

TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

T HE D E PART ME NT OF T EXA S VET ERA N S O F FO REI GN WA RS

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: Air Force Army Coast Guard Marines Navy Current Status: Active Duty Veteran National Guard/Reserve I served in: Pre-World War II Korean War 1950-54 Desert Storm/Shield Afghanistan 2001 World War II Korea 1955 Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 Iraq 2003

WWII Occupation Vietnam 1958-75 Global War on Terrorism - Expeditionary 2001

1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.)

1945-90 (Berlin) Qualified recipient of: Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay *Period Covered: I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a(n):

*SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol* (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service.)

Annual Member Life Member 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: Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.

Mastercard Visa Discover American Express Credit Card Number: Exp. Date: / $

Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761 | For questions call: (512) 834-8535

WWW.TEXASVFW.ORG

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PERIODICAL

CENTER, TX

DISTRICT 19, POST 8904 The ceremonial wreath for the Sinking of the USS Maine rests on the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse, Center, Texas.