Texas VFW News | 2010 Summer

Summer 2010

Texas VFW Takes Home 1st Place Awards for Magazine and Website Texas VFW Receives $20,000 Donation 90th Annual Conference Recap Periodicals

Texas VFW News — 1st Place Winner 2010 National Publications Contest

Insuring Texas Homes Farms and Ranches Since 1901 “Just Down Home Folks” Supporting our Veterans www.rvos.com

www.texasvfw.org

$20,000 Donation Made to Texas VFW, page 5 “We owe our veterans of Texas a great thank you for their war time service” said RVOS Insurance Vice President Wiley Shockley.

2010-2011 State Commander Elected, page 11

In the News

4 Commander’s Column 6 Legislator of the Year Award 7 Wimberley’s VFW Post 6441 8-9 90th Annual Conference Recap 10 2009-10 State Award Winners 12 POW/MIA 13 All State Districts 14 Recognition & Awards 15 Texas VFW Foundation 17 Texas VFW Festivities 18 Texas VFW Membership Form 19 Out & About with the Texas VFW 20 Texas VFW Gear 21 Texas VFW Accessories 22 Just for Fun! 23 New Benefits Back Cover Honoring “Old Glory”

CONTENTS

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

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ABOUT THE COVER

Summer 2010

Awards Texas VFW Takes Home 1st Place for Magazine and Website Texas VFW Receives $20,000

Donation

90th Annual Conference Recap

Periodicals

Texas VFW News — 1st Place

Winner

2010 National Publications Contest

Texas VFW staff members accept the National VFW 1st Place Awards for the Texas VFW News Magazine and the Texas VFW Website. Pictured L-R: Christie Whitesides, State Assistant Quartermaster; Carlos Sustatia, State Assistant Adjutant; Dan West, Department Webmaster/Assistant Editor; Rudy Marraguin, Keith Foley and Beth Creasy. Not pictured: Nichole Boudreauxas (she is taking the photo) and Roy Grona, State Adjutant/ Quartermaster/Editor.

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Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.

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

Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described.

Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.

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

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STATE Commander’s Column I would like to express my congratulations to all the newly elected officers at State, District and Post levels. I know that your positions are paramount to the success of this State and I hope you use your positions to become the great leaders I know you can be. My hope is that the Ladies Auxiliary, the Men’s Auxiliary, the Cooties, the Motorcycle Group and all of the respective Officers have a great year in each their endeavors.

We have now started a new year Wayne Depute and how it ends depends on all of State Commander us working together as a team with those who have the knowledge helping the new officers and members. The members that want their Post, District and State to be the best, need to influence and motivate.

Some of what’s going to have to be done is not easy, but all of what we are going to do this year should be fun. It has been said by some members it is not fun, it is work. I say it is work because a few of you have forgotten why we do what we do. It is work because we have forgotten to work together. It is work because all of us have forgotten to enjoy the company of those that are with us when we are getting a program together or setting up a Post or District function and it is work because some of us have forgotten our mission.

As we start the process of this New Year, we are going to change the direction we are headed. I say we because the majority of the Post and members are looking for some type of change. We are strong in our programs, especially in the way we serve our Veterans, active Military, their families and our National Home. Of course there are some Posts out there that need help and we are going to help them help themselves. Our weakest point is Membership!

That’s where some of the change comes in. In the SOP’s there is a change in how we will give points for recruiting new and reinstated members. Membership is going to be front loaded this year. There will be 100 points the first three months, 75 points in the second three, and 5 points after that. Don’t be afraid to welcome new members into the VFW. Ask them to join us for all the reasons that make this organization the best in this country. They are out in our communities; all we have do is to ask. Above all else, this is going to be a “WE” year. It will be all of us working together that will make this year successful.

Let us not forget that we do need to keep on spreading patriotism. We do that by conducting our programs on days like Flag Day, D-Day, VE-Day and the many other dates in the year.

We need to get into the schools and talk to the students in their classrooms or during the schools programs. We all have to look at these things then step back and look again. We have to start looking from outside the box or we will stagnate.

Continued on p. 22

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The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $6.00 per calendar year for non-members. Free to all members in good standing.

Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXIV, Number 1, © July 2010. All rights reserved.

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

Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address.

To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.

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

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

2010-2011 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander Wayne Depute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sr Vice John Spahr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jr Vice Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adj/Qm Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Judge Advocate Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Surgeon Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chaplain Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chief Of Staff John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inspector Ed Maycen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Immediate Past CommanderMike Barber . . .

Council Member Al Cantu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Asst Adj Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Asst Qm Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Lee Derby . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Rudy Ostovich . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Red Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Inspector Tish Mccullough . . . . . . . . .

Officer Of The Day Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . .

6378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, 8787 . . . 116 Trail Of The Flowers, Georgetown, 2397 . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, 3377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, 9182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, 3359 . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, 2451 . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 341136, San Antonio, 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd, Heath, 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Pecanwood S, Kyle, 3892 . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, 2397 . . . . . . . . . 4009 Tripoli Dr., Corpus Christi, 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, 8787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, 12024 . . . . . . . . . . . . .11521 Fm 1484, Conroe, 4747 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 745, Burkburnett, 10427 . . . . . . . . . . . 620 Skyview Ter., Leander, 9167 . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Hwy 36 S, Caddo Mills, 3278 . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, 4676 . . . . . 5639 Wood Climb St., San Antonio, 3413 . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct, New Braunfels,

TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX

78761 78633 78413 78761 78761 75044 78234 75032 78640 76548 78411 78761 78761 77303 76354 78641 75135 76801 78233 78130

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Waco – Sandra Covin . . . . . . . . . . 15045 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Houston – King Beahan . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2010-2011 DISTRICT COMMANDERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 30

Marty Nell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2712 Laurel Ln, Plano, Tx 75074 Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, Tx 77630 Preston Mccormick . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . 18440 Megan’s Way, Farmersville, Tx 75442 Julia Rosenbaum . . . . . . . . 10462 . . . . . . . . . . . 14007 Wadebridge Way, Houston, Tx 77015 Bill Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2215 Fm 1339, Kingsbury, Tx 78638 Roy Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 663, Kingsville, Tx 78364 Chuck Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6797 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516 W 11Th St., Post, Tx 79356 Ralph Rodriguez, Jr . . . . . . . 6873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 113, Clyde, Tx 79510 Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . 1657 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 953, Pampa, Tx 79066 Joe Vargas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10436 Tomwood, El Paso, Tx 79925 Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Cr 1540, Mt Pleasant, Tx 75455 Daniel M. Hinojosa . . . . . . . . 8134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Cr 678 E., Natalia, Tx 78059 Bill Waltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8577 . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Chestnut Dr., Copperas Cove, Tx 76522 Bill Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4747 . . . . 4600 Jacksboro Hwy #1003, Wichita Falls, Tx 76302 Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8551 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, Tx 77541 Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4692 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, Tx 77807 Arnold Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 5956, Mcallen, Tx 78502 Max Montgomery . . . . . . . . . 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751 Cr 2775, Colmesneil, Tx 75938 Bruce Alford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6130 Ridge Oak, San Antonio, Tx 78250 Pete Kinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9299 . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 Sw Gordon #417, Burleson, Tx 76028 Joe Wysatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 788, Hallettsville, Tx 77964 Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, Tx 79762 Larry Konarik . . . . . . . . . . . . 8587 . . . . . . . . . 200 Clear Springs Rd., Georgetown, Tx 78628 Harry Munn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 202, Hewitt, Tx 76643 Horace Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . 6635 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Vzcr 1905, Edgewood, Tx 75117

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RVOS Insurance makes $20,000 donation to texas vfw RVOS Insurance out of Temple, Texas takes a “Down Home” approach to providing its customers with their insurance needs — likewise they support our Texas Veterans with the same “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” philosophy instilled by their original founding fathers in 1901.

“We owe our veterans of Texas a great thank you for their war time service” said RVOS Insurance Vice President Wiley Shockley as he shakes hands with State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona during the check presentation at state headquarters in Austin, Texas.

Dan West, State Assistant Adjutant, and project lead for the Texas VFW on the fun runs worked with the RVOS team in coordinating run locations, volunteers, sponsors, participants and marketing. “RVOS Insurance has stepped up in a big way to support Texas veterans” said Dan who also serves as the State Veterans and Military Assistance Program Chairman.

For more information about RVOS Insurance see ad on inside front cover. n

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State Rep. Chris Turner Named Legislator of the Year by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars First Freshman to Receive Prestigious Award State Representative Chris Turner was recently named “Legislator of the Year” by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). With over 90,000 members and 403 posts across the state, the Texas VFW is the largest veterans organization in the state. The award was presented during the opening joint session of the annual VFW state convention. According to the Texas VFW, Turner is the first freshman legislator to receive this award.

“Representative Chris Turner has been a staunch advocate for our state’s veterans and their families,” said Roy Grona, Texas VFW State Adjutant-Quartermaster. “Because of his work and leadership on veterans issues, more Texas veterans are getting the help they need and deserve.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Turner said. “The Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars are the true heroes to the 1.7 million veterans in our state. I am proud of the work we did to pass the lottery scratch-off bill, which is benefitting countless veterans across the state of Texas.”

During the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Turner authored and passed several pieces of legislation benefitting veterans and their families. Most notably, Turner authored House Bill 1299, creating a scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). The FVA provides grants to aid veterans and their families in times of financial need and support PTSD counseling and other veterans’ services. The lottery ticket was released on November 9, 2009 and has raised over $5.5 million for the FVA. n

The lottery ticket was released on November 9, 2009 and has raised over $5.5 million for the FVA

“Legislator of the Year” State Representative Chris Turner and Mike Barber State Commander 2009-2010 at the Texas VFW 90th State Convention in Dallas, Texas.

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By Lewis Smith, VFW Post 6441, LSranch@verizon.net

rodeo is a way of life at wimberley’s vfw post 6441 It’s not a stretch to say “every day’s rodeo day at the Oldham-Cummings VFW Post in Wimberley, Texas.”

There are three good reasons for that. First, the annual July 4th weekend rodeo has been a mainstay of the Post for 65 consecutive years; second, it’s been and still is one of the largest outdoor rodeos in Texas, and third, it’s success depends upon a year round effort involving every member of the Post and Auxiliary.

Typically a three-day series, it’s led off with a Professional Bull Riders Assn. (PBR) sanctioned bull riding that brings in 45 of the nation’s best riders and bulls, like Tuff Hedman. Then, it’s capped off with two days of a traditional pro-open rodeo sanctioned by the Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Assn.

(CPRA) with events including bareback and saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down calf roping, bull riding and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping. For younger rodeo fans there’s mutton bustin’ and calf scrambles. Of course, every night winds up with a fireworks display.

In 2006, the CPRA named the VFW Rodeo in its Hall of Fame as the “Best CPRA Rodeo of the Year”.

Both the Post and Rodeo trace their origins to 1946 when returning WWII veterans and local ranchers got busy organizing the Post and putting together its first rodeo. They and the veterans who’ve joined the Post after service in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts have been at it ever since. n

Texas VFW is the Official Sponsor of the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association.

Visit them at www.pafra2000.com w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g

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t h

A n n u a l

By Dan West, State Assistant Adjutant This year over 1,000 Texas veterans and auxiliary members participated in the Texas VFW 90th Annual State Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Starting with the golf tournament on Wednesday, June 23rd 2010, sponsored

by District One, teams of four played 18 holes of golf at Riverchase golf course, even with temperatures reaching 101 degrees. All had a great time and District One volunteers staffed the event, under the direction of Convention Chairman Lavern Terbl. Golf tournament chair Jimmy Cantrell made it an exceptional golf tournament complete with breakfast, lunch and door prizes for each golfer, including awards for finishing teams and individual awards for longest drive, closet to hole and closest to the middle of fairway.

At the final Council of Administration meeting for the 20092010 year, Sate Commander Mike Barber recognized several Districts for their outstanding performance in membership growth and community service projects. Commander

Barber also made the announcement that Texas VFW had obtained and exceeded its membership target goal of 85, 374, finishing the year with a 85,514 members and qualifying Texas VFW for the National VFW AllAmerican Department Award.

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

All hands where on deck for the opening ceremonies with the Marine Color Guard from Air Group 41 of the 4th Marine Air Wing. Our very own Tricia Moore, Post Chaplain from Texas VFW Post 9191, started us by singing the National Anthem with great

State Assistant Adjutant Dan West gives final instructions to All-State Post Commanders and Quartermasters from the top 25 Posts in the state, just prior to the opening ceremonies at the 90th Annual Texas VFW State Convention.

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emotion and feeling, evoking a strong sense of patriotism with all those present.

After introductions and salutations from the State Commander, the top 25 Posts in the State were recognized as All State Posts and presented their awards by State Commander Barber and National VFW Representative Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier, who is also the Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission.

After the awards, State Adjutant/ Quartermaster Roy Grona took control as the Master of Ceremonies and introduced our key note speaker, Major General Eddy M. Spurgin, Commander of the 36th Infantry Division and Texas VFW member, who spoke about the mission in Iraq and how superbly the soldiers of the Texas National Guard have performed with difficult mission assignments.

Major General Spurgin was followed by a dual presentation from Command Sergeant Majors Glen Vela and Rory Malloy of the 1st Cavalry Division on how the Texas VFW, specifically Harry and Peggy Munn and members of VFW Post 6008, Hewitt,

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have supported their active duty soldiers when deployed but also while stateside.

A special presentation of “Legislator of the Year” was given to freshman State Representative Chris Turner for his sponsorship and ardent support creating and passing the legislation that now provides revenue for the “Fund for Veterans Assistance” through proceeds from the Texas Lottery “Veterans Cash” scratch off ticket, the funds are administered by the Texas Veterans Commission. The Texas VFW Foundation received the first grant for one million dollars to assist veterans experiencing an unexpected emergency, due to no fault of their own, with a financial grant.

National VFW Representative, Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier, talked about the need for the VFW to expand its programs as the Iraq/Afghanistan veteran will need the services of the VFW and the Veterans Administration for the next 60 – 70 years.

Later that evening, hospitality with live music was opened for member networking, fellowship and dancing to popular music from the 1960’s to today.

At the installation ceremony held Business meetings

later that afternoon, State Commander for both the VFW and Wayne Depute announced his Auxiliary followed the appointments (see page 4) and thanked next day that included the many people and Posts that helped reports from committee him in his VFW career, most especially chairman, recognition his wife Millie. State Commander of Honor Roll Posts, DePute and State Auxiliary President individual recruiting Lynn Richards invited all present to awards and nominations attend the Commander’s and President’s for state leadership Reception immediately afterward positions. where everyone had an opportunity to

Later that evening at meet and visit with the newly elected the State Awards Banquet comrades and sisters of the Texas VFW Master of Ceremonies State for the 2010-2011 year. n Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona, asked State Commander Mike Barber and National VFW Representative Jim Nier to present all of the State level awards to the winners who were called to the awards platform individually (see insert for list of awards and winners).

On Saturday, VFW and Auxiliary meetings reconvened, nominations reopened and elections held with Wayne DePute elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2010-2011 year.

The following were also elected to the following State positions; Senior Vice Commander – John Spahr; Junior Vice Commander – Larry Velasquez; Quartermaster – Roy Grona; Judge Advocate – Ken Burton; Surgeon – Thomas “Doc” Howard; Chaplain – State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona shakes hands with Major Robert Dickerson.

General Eddy M. Spurgin Commander of the 36th Infantry Division

while 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber looks on. w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g

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2009-2010 STATE AWARD WINNERS National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate David Nixon from VFW Post 9192, Killeen as the winner of the William B. Moody outstanding Chaplain of the year for his work as a Post Chaplain.

National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 20092010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate Danny Henry from VFW Post 4372, Odessa as the winner of the Glen M. Gardner Outstanding Quartermaster of the year for his work as a Post Quartermaster.

Gold Medal Winners

Law – Jonathon gray, Post 8787 Austin Fire – Lea Wendtlandt, Post 76 San Antonio Paramedic – Michael Phillips, Post 1839 Cleveland

Hannah Weber, Post 2013 Big Spring

District 1 Commander Joe Hayes District 5 Commander Ed Maycen District 8 Commander Keith King District 15 Commander Rudy Ostovich District 20 Commander Tish McCullough District 28 Commander James “Red” Towers

Larry Hume, Post 8904 Center James “Red” Towers, Post 10427 Leander C. W. “Buck” Buchanan, Post 3892, Harker Heights

Ed & Mary Ann Maycen, Post 3413 San Marcos

Angel Vasquez, Post 76 San Antonio

Danny Henry, Post 4372 Odessa

David Nixon, Post 9182 Katy

William Wright, Post 9191 Killeen

James “Jeff” Clark, District 28

District 16 Post 8456, Geronimo

Post 12024, The Woodlands

Unit One, Post 12024 The Woodlands

Jo Ella Menn and Barbara Hoffman

Post 12075 Humble

Division I – Post 8587, Georgetown Division II – Post 9182, Katy Division III – Post 3413, San Marcos* Division IV – Post 8953, Romayor* Division V – Post 8904 Center* *Denotes National Winner

Scout of the Year

All-State Districts

J.T. Rutherford

Commanders Special Recognition

Danny Henry Outstanding Post Commander Award Quartermaster Chaplain

Service Officer

Past District Commander POW/MIA

Homeless Veterans Motorcycle Unit Auxiliary

Publications

Community Service Posts National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate All-State District Commanders (from L-R) Keith King, District-8; Rudy Ostovich. District-15; Joe Hayes, District-1; Tish McCullough, District-20; James Towers, District 28; and Ed Maycen, District-5.

National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate J.T. Rutherford Award winners Larry Hume from VFW Post 8904, Center; James Towers, Post 10427, Leander and Buck Buchanan (Not Pictured) from Post 3892, Harker Heights.

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Buddy Poppy

Public Promotion 1st Post 8953, Romayor 2nd Post 2559, West Tawakoni 3rd Post 6113, Columbus Memorial/Inspirational 1st Post 6284, Kermit 2nd Post 2427, Tomball 3rd Post 7835, Granbury Artistic/Decorative 1st Post 2559, West Tawakoni 2nd Post 8561, Arlington 3rd Post 2494, Irving Junior Girls Post 4149, Midland

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2010-2011 STATE COMMANDER Wayne A. DePute, a life member of Dickinson Memorial VFW Post 6378, was elected as the State Commander for the Department of Texas VFW at the 90th State Convention in Dallas, Texas.

DePute, a VFW member since 1996, has served in many capacities at the Post, District and State level. He earned honors as Co-Captain of the All State team of District Commanders during 2003-2004 and earned distinction as an Honor Roll District Commander. DePute was one of the J.T. Rutherford Award winners in 2006-2007. DePute was State Inspector in 2004-2005; Area III Coordinator 2005-2007; and a member of the Budget & Finance Committee 2006-2011.

Comrade DePute served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1984. He earned his VFW eligibility while serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Born 1946 in San Diego, California, Wayne is now retired as a Consumer Safety Officer for the Department of Commerce. He and his wife Millie, an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary, have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and reside in League City. n Continuing a long standing tradition, Millie DePute, wife of State Commander Wayne Depute, places the State Commanders cap on his head at the State Convention Installation of Department Officers ceremony.

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1st Sgt. George H. Humphrey, U.S. Marine Corps, 6th Marine Regiment, lost Sept. 15, 1918, during the first U.S.-led offensive of World War I, under the command of Gen. John J. Pershing, near St. Mihiel, France. His remains were identified on March 2, 2010.

Fireman 3rd Class Gerald G. Lehman, U.S. Navy, aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma was lost Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese capsized the vessel during their attack on Pearl Harbor. His remains were identified Jan. 11, 2010.

Col. Elton L. Perrine, U.S. Air Force, 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, was lost on May 22, 1967, aboard a F-4C Phantom aircraft during a nighttime strike mission in North Vietnam. His remains were identified on Dec. 7, 2009.

Pfc. Charles H. Higdon, U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, lost early November 1950, in North Korea while advancing on enemy forces. His remains were identified on July 27, 2009.

Cpl. Stanley P. Arendt, U.S. Army, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was lost on November 1, 1950 in North Korea while advancing on enemy forces. His remains were identified on July 27, 2009.

Tech. Sgt. Walter A. McClellan, U.S. Air Force, 366th Bomber Squadron, 305th Bomber Group, was lost on April 17, 1945 over Biensdorf, while on a bombing run in his B-17 against German rail depots in Dresden, Germany. His remains were identified June 18, 2009.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Jesse D. Phelps; Chief Warrant Officer Three Kenneth L. Stancil; Spc. Five Donald C. Grella; and Spc. Four Thomas Rice, Jr., all U.S. Army, Aviation Company, 7th Special Forces, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, were lost on December 28, 1965, while flying in a UH-1D over South Vietnam. Their remains were identified on June 1, 2009.

Master Sgt. Roy E. Head, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 49th Field Artillery Battalion, was lost spring 1951 at a POW camp in North Korea, where he died of malnutrition.

His remains were identified on May 11, 2009.

Col. William H. Mason, Lt. Col. Jerry L. Chambers, Maj. William T. McPhail, Maj. Thomas B. Mitchell, Chief Master Sgt. John Q. Adam, Chief Master Sgt. Calvin C. Glover, Chief Master Sgt. Thomas E. Knebel, Chief Master Sgt. Melvin D. Rash and Senior Master Sgt. Gary Pate, all U.S. Air Force from the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing were lost May 22, 1968, on a nighttime flare mission, aboard a C-130A Hercules, over northern Salavan Province, Laos. Their remains were identified on March 13, 2009.

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Texas VFW Willie Barraza Post 9173 recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Chartered on November 15, 1949 with 34 World War II veterans. Seven of nine the original charter members were able to attend the celebration. Leo Barraza is currently serving as the Post Commander of the Post that is named in memory of his Father Willie Barraza. Leo has been very active in the VFW and served the State of Texas as the first Hispanic commissioner of the Texas Veterans Commission by appointment from Texas Governor George W. Bush.

Leo served for 7 years as a TVC Commissioner the last two years as the Chairman.

L-R Back Row: District 10 Commander Joe Vargas, Leo Barrazaa, Charter Members Alberto Beard, Eduardo Noriega, George Jasso. State Adjutnat/Quartermaster Roy Grona, Past National VFW Commanderin-Chief and TVC Executive Director Jim Nier. L-R Front Row: Antonio Escandon, Jesus Ochoa, Jesus Rodriguez, Jose Porras.

ALL STATE DISTRICTS DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT

1 5 8 15 20 28

ALL STATE posts POST 76, SAN ANTONIO POST 3413, SAN MARCOS POST 8587, GEORGETOWN POST 6873, ABILENE POST 8787, AUSTIN POST 9182, KATY POST 7873, POTTSBORO POST 8925, PILOT KNOB POST 8456, GERONIMO POST 4816, PORTER POST 4747, VERNON POST 4372, ODESSA POST 8551, SWEENY POST 10427, LEANDER POST 3966, DEVINE POST 2150, McKINNEY POST 912, BAYTOWN POST 5100, ALTA LOMA POST 9078, ROUND ROCK POST 4709, CONROE POST 8904, CENTER POST 3377, MANCHACA POST 7767, BRECKENRIDGE POST 10454, GRAPEVINE POST 3278, BROWNWOOD w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g

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1 2 1.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) and Past State Commander Danny Henry (next to Jim Nier) recognize and congratulate the top Post Commander in the State Angel Vasquez of VFW Post 76, the oldest Post in Texas, in San Antonio.

Post 76 completed all VFW Programs and objectives while recruiting over 400 new members into the Post.

2.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left), Past State Commander Jerry Murphree and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate James “Jeff” Clark the Immediate Past District Commander award for his continued work in his District as a Past District Commander.

3

3.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate Ed and Mary Ann Maycen with the State Commanders Special recognition Award for their work in raising over $12,000.00 through special fundraising projects for the Texas VFW Foundation.

4.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate Texas VFW Motorcycle Unit 1, Post 12024 The Woodlands with the Motorcycle Unit Award Sponsored by Past State Commander A.R. “Russ” Richards.

4

5.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate District 16 Commander and President Glen & Donna James with Past State Commander Tiger Lyons the POW/MIA award for District Level POW/MIA programs.

6.) National VFW Representative Past National Commander Jim Nier (Far left) and 2009-2010 State Commander Mike Barber (Far right) recognize and congratulate Inge Conley Editor of the Texas VFW Post 12075 publication as the First Place Post Publication in Texas.

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Texas VFW Foundation helps veterans in need April 14, 2010 To the Texas Veteran s of Foreign Wars, The past 18 years since I left the Air Force ha ve been difficult to say the least. A year ag o when I found out ab out my PTSD I was devastated and though t I would never recover from what happened.

I’m just now starting to put things back in orde r.

I have known of the VF W for many years but I didn’t know there were so many combat veterans in Texas or th at I would find myself in need of assistance. Whe n I learned of your pr og ram, I was admittedly reluctant because I ha d been turned away fro m other agencies that either did not have th e resources, or didn’t see the urgency in my situation. As I’m sure you know, it is not easy fo r anyone to ask for help, especially veteran s whose strengths were once our enemy’s greatest fear.

Thanks to the generosit y of the Texas VFW Fo undation, there is still a roof over our head an d our bills are paid. Th at relief is the first we have experienced in sev eral months. You’ve he lped us in our time of need, and for this, we are extremely grateful.

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

Mark A. Ventura Operation Desert Sto rm 1991

Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, charitable foundations, as well as from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance derived from the proceeds of the “Veterans Cash” Texas Lottery Scratch-Off game.

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

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

Applications can be found at the “Featured Links” section on the Texas VFW website: www.texasvfw.org, by emailing the Foundation at foundation@texasvfw.org, or by calling 1-800-997-7096 and leaving your name and mailing address. n

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EVER THOUGHT ABOUT GOING BACK?

AVAILABLE 2011 TOURS

VIETNAMBATTLEFIELDTOURS.COMt877.231.9277

The Allen VFW Post #2195 recently installed a new slate of officers. L-R: Richard Merck, Quartermaster; Jim Richmond, Senior Vice Cmdr; Juanita Posey, Commander; Bruce Nguyen, Jr. Vice Cmdr; Alex Morales, Surgeon. Not pictured: James McNair, Advocate; Bob Beard, Chaplain; Pete Hersom, 3 yr. Trustee; Don Graber, 2 yr.

Trustee; Bill Swafford, 1 yr. Trustee.

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Texas VFW Holiday festivities

Members of VFWMG Unit 13-6797 Posting the Colors at the County Courthouse in Post, Texas on Memorial Day. Photo by Rosa Latimer, News Editor, Post Dispatch.

Post 9187 Sr Vice Commander Jim Ward prepares the salad for the Memorial Day luncheon held at the Jack F. Lee Post 9187 for nearly one hundred veteran’s from the James Debakey Veteran’s Hospital in Houston, Tx.

Texas VFW Post 4816, Porter celebrating Flag day led by post Commander Norman Macy.

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

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

How VFW Serves America

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

Name: _________________________________________________Email: _ ________________________________________

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

Current Status: I served in:

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

Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay

p*SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*

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

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

p Life Member*

p Life 12 Mo. Install*

p Life 24 Mo. Install*

($35 Initial payment)

($35 Initial payment)

Life Membership Fee Schedule Attained age on 12/31

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

One Time Payment

Life 12 Month Payment Plan

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

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

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

If the member pays off early, no additional monies will be collected.

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

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

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

p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express

Credit Card Number:_ ________________________________________________________

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

For questions call: (512) 834-8535

Texas VFW Post 6008, Hewitt cooked over 450 hot dogs and hamburgers for their adopted units deployment party at Lake Belton.

Cub Scout Troop 684 participated in a VFW Flag retirement ceremony at VFW Post 6899 Trinity, Texas. Cub Scouts and CommanderElect Dean Johnson, Commander Tom Fry and Officer-of-theDay Gene McLeod .

Texas VFW Post 3377, Manchaca. Commander Charles “Ed�

Fitzgerald and Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment CO Capt Liebowitz at Unit Adoption Party.

Need Health Insurance?

In d i v i d u a l & Fa m i l y M e d i c a l P l a n s S h o r t-Te r m P l a n s

Call or go online to learn more!

VFW-Sponsored Heal th Insurance Program

(800) 829-8390

www.vfwinsurance.com Not all plans available in all states.

Administered by Lockton Risk Services.

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Get Your Official “Texas VFW” Gear Auxiliary Logos Now Available

Texas VFW Ball Cap — $16.00 Show your Texas Pride with a our new “Texas VFW” Ball Cap, complete with Texas VFW, Texas flag and your choice of emblem embroidered on the front. Available in White, Red and Blue: one size fits most. Imported.

Navy Polo Shirt with Pocket Texas VFW and your choice of emblem on right chest.

53% Cotton, 47% Microfiber, dri-balance performance material. Imported.

VFW Logo Men’s pocket shirt – Stock #7942 VFW Logo Ladies’ no pocket shirt – Stock #7944 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7948 Ladies Aux. Emblem No Pocket Shirt – Stock #7946 S-XL – $33.00 2XL – $34.50 3XL – $36.00 4XL – $38.00

VFW Emblem W7359 – White R7359 – Red B7359 – Blue VFW Ladies Aux. Emblem W7966 – White R7966 – Red B7966 – Blue VFW Men’s Aux. Emblem W7967 – White R7967 – Red B7967 – Blue

Caps & Shirts now available with Ladies and Mens Auxiliary Emblems!

Texas VFW Polo Shirt What better way to show off your Texas attitude than with a “Texas VFW” shirt. Made of 100% cotton knit with “Texas VFW” and your choice of emblem embroidered on left chest.

Customized buttons with the five point Texas Star with Texas spelled out reminiscent of the first Texas flag known as the “Bonnie Blue” flag. Patriotic collar and sleeve cuffs with the Texas Flag image on left sleeve. Imported.

VFW Emblem – Stock #7360 VFW Emblem Ladies Style – Stock #7361 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7949 Ladies Aux Emblem & Style Shirt – Stock #7947 Price $35.00 for S-XL; 2XL Add $2.50; 3XL Add $4.50; 4XL Add $5.50.

For custom embroidery options you can may up to 2 lines of text on the right chest for an additional $5.00.

The overseas cap was the first introduced in World War I and is America’s first military uniform item denoting war time service.

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

Additional lettering is available at .88 per letter or numeral. No reduction in price if state name is abbreviated. *STATE AND POST NUMBER TO BE ON CAP. *SIZE 8 AND LARGER ADD $5.00. *FORT KNOX STYLE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. *CAP MAY BE LETTERED WITH THE WORDS “VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS” for an additional $18.48; LIFE MEMBER embroidered for an additional $8.80; or a Life Member patch for an additional $2.55. Green, lightweight, shade51. Allow 8 weeks for manufacture except during April, May, June, & July. During these months allow 10 weeks.

T e x as

M6251 Light Weight Members Cap, Gold Piping M6251Uniform Caps & Accessories

Price: $32.45

Wallet opens to reveal 9 credit card pockets, removable passcase with 8 place window book perfect for photographs or additional credit cards, 2 utility pockets, two fully lined divided currency section with stash pocket for spare keys. Brown.

1680 Brown Billfold

V F W

Beautiful Buxton Executive Two-fold billfold with Debossed VFW Logo

Price: $33.95

Buxton Credit Card Billfold with Debossed VFW Logo. Wallet opens to reveal 6 credit card pockets, removable passcase with 8 place window book - perfect for photographs or additional credit cards, 2 utility pockets, two fully lined divided currency section with stash pocket for spare keys. Black.

Price: $26.95

1860 Men’s Quartz Watch w/Gold VFW Emblem An elegant black watch with gold emblem and trim; black leather band.

Price: $99.00

1888 Men’s VFW Fossil Watch

1849 Texas VFW Men’s Bulova Quartz Medallion Watch Quality Bulova watch with date feature and two-tone silver and gold clasp band. Medallion VFW emblem on face with Texas VFW.

Price: $249.00

Men’s Fossil Classic Sport Watch with blue dial and silver imprint. Stainless steel bracelet and case with the VFW Cross of Malta imprinted on dial. Luminous hands, three hand quartz movement with dial function, Water resistant to 100 Meters.

Comes in Tin Box with VFW logo printed on the top lid.

Price: $129.95

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

A cc e ssori e s

1681 Black Billfold w/ Debossed VFW Logo

Just f o r “Crap” Through the Eyes of the different Military Branches

fun!

The Difference Between Marine

Officers And NCOs

Submitted by Richard Prewitt An Army grunt stands in the rain with a 35-pound pack on his back, 15-lb. weapon in his hand, having marched 12 miles, and says, “This is crap.”

An Army Airborne Ranger stands in the rain with a 45-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after having jumped from a plane and jogged 18 miles, says with a smile, “This is good crap.”

A Navy Seal lies in the mud, 55-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after swimming 10 miles to shore, crawling through a swamp, and running 25 miles at night past enemy positions, says with a grin, “This is really great crap.”

A Marine, up to his nose in the stinking, bug-infested mud of a swamp with a 65-pound pack on his back and weapons in both hands after jumping from an aircraft at high altitude into the ocean, swimming 12 miles to shore, killing several alligators to enter the swamp, then crawling 30 miles through the brush to assault an enemy camp, says, “I love this crap.”

An Air Force NCO sits in an easy chair in an air-conditioned, carpeted office in front of his computer and says, “My e-mail is out? What kind of crap is this?”

A young Marine officer was severely wounded in the head by a grenade, but the only visible permanent injury was to both of his ears which were amputated. Since his hearing wasn’t impaired he remained in the Marine Corps. Many years later he eventually rose to the rank of Major General. He was, however, very sensitive about his appearance.

One day the general was interviewing three Marines, prospects for his headquarters staff.

The first was an aviator captain, and it was a great interview.

At the end of the interview the general asked him, “Do you notice anything different about me?”

The young officer answered, “Why, yes, Sir, I couldn’t help but notice that you have no ears.”

The general got very angry at his lack of tact and threw him out.

The second interview was with a logistics Lieutenant, and he was even better. The general then asked him the same question, “Do you notice anything different about me?”

He replied sheepishly, “Well, Sir, you have no ears.”

The general, now really mad, threw him out also.

The third interview was with a Marine Gunnery Sergeant, an infantryman and Staff NCO. He was articulate, looked extremely sharp and seemed to know more than the two officers combined.

The general wanted this guy, and went ahead with the same question, “Do you notice anything different about me?”

To his surprise the sergeant said, “Yes, Sir, you wear contact lenses.”

The general was very impressed and thought, what an incredibly observant NCO, and he didn’t mention my ears. “And how do you know that I wear contacts?” the General asked.

“Well, Sir,” the gunny replied matter of factually, “It’s pretty hard to wear glasses with no damn ears.”

Commander’s Column (continued from p. 4) We had a great convention this year. They seem to get better every year. I enjoyed talking and spending time with all of you and look forward to meeting with you throughout the year. I had the pleasure to visit each hospitality room with the Line Officers and my family and as usual they were full of members in quiet conversations (well maybe not quiet!) But they were having fun.

We were honored to have with us the two Calvary Command Sergeant Majors that Harry Munn brought as his guests. I would also like to thank Jim Nier for the wonderful job he did with the installation. I was honored to have him administer the Oath to me and the newly elected State Officers. The 4th of July at Ft. Hood was a great day. We had time to talk with the soldiers and their families.

We recruited where we could and explained to them about what the VFW represents them and all Veterans. Thanks to all that took time away from their families to be at Fort Hood. You were a great help with recruiting and spreading the VFW message. Millie and I would like to thank all of you for your support and I wish all of you a wonderful year. n

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Summer 2010

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O L D G L O R Y Members of Post 2399, Mineral Wells retire â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Gloryâ&#x20AC;?