Texas VFW News | 2008 Spring

Spring 2008

“Gunny” R. Lee Ermey Helps Texas Veterans Lake Jackson Female Soldier Receives Silver Star Periodicals

1st Cavalry War Vets Earn Combat Spurs

Commander - in - Chief

Glen M. Gardner, Jr.

www.texasvfw.org

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Texas Medic Earns Silver Star

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Guest Columnist – Special Report

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Texas VFW News Transformed

Army Medic, Monica Brown, from Lake Jackson, Texas uses her body to shield wounded soldiers during firefight.

Executive Director James Nier of the Texas Veterans Commission talks about veterans services.

Inside Front Cover – Gardner Homecoming Information

13 Officer Training 20-21 State Convention Information

Spring 2008

ABOUT THE COVER

Periodicals

1st Cavalry War Vets Earn Combat Spurs

4 Commander’s Column 5 Going the Extra Mile 10 POW/MIA 11 Helping Hands 12 Celebration for Returning Troops 14 Poppy Run 15 Guest Columnist – Take it from Gunny 16 Veterans Commission Assignments 16 Military Working Dogs 17 Shipping Overseas Just Got Cheaper 18 Ladies Auxiliary 22 VFW Elections Back Cover Letters to the Posts

Upcoming Events

From the first issue in 1947 to today, a look back at the Texas VFW newspaper.

“Gunny” R. Lee Ermey helps Texas Veterans Lake Jackson Female Soldier Receives Silver Star

In the News

CONTENTS

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

February 1947 Volume 1, Issue 1 of the Texas VFW News talks about State Marble Tournements, Creation of the Texas Veterans Commission, distributing 1 million Buddy Poppies and two new members per day per post as we look back on our rich history while moving forward into the future with a new format for the Texas VFW News.

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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.

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.

May/June/July 2008

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Commander’s Column State Commander

E. “Al” Cantu, Jr

This May 2008, issue of the Texas VFW News marks a change in format, style and presentation. It is the first major change for the VFW News since 1947. Our goal remains the same to report and provide the membership information, news and articles of interest that are important in keeping you informed of the work of our organization. I feel that the change from the newspaper style to a magazine format is the way to go and know that you will continue to enjoy the changes and improvements to our first ever magazine style news publication. A special thanks to the Officers, Department staff and Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW for giving us the opportunity to think outside the box and improving a well established product. Enjoy the new format, provide us with your feedback and let’s continue to make the new publication an award winning magazine. Your feedback is very important and we need to hear from you.

I did not realized how much fun I was having this year as the Commander for the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars until I realized that my time can now be counted in days versus months and my tour is rapidly coming to a close. I can attest that Texas is in much better shape now than ever before. Our financial posture, community involvement and the way we conduct our day to day business continues to support our organizations purpose that was established by our national organization and endorsed by the Department of Texas. Taking care of veterans, active duty, National Guard and reservists continues to be our top priority and we honor that commitment each and every day. We continue to support and honor the legacy that was established by our founding member’s 109 years ago. The purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever. We, as an organization, believe, support and live by those simple words that form the foundation that is the backbone of who we are and what we do. May God continue to bless our organization.

As I write my last column as your Commander I can proudly say that at our State Convention at DFW June 25 to 29, 2008, my term of office will come to a happy, satisfying and proud ending for me. I will miss being your Commander, however; the Continued on page 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) Spring 2008 Issue. 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 LXI, Number 4, Copyright May 2008. 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: Media kit available at www.texasvfw.org.

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

2007-2008 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander: E. “Al” Cantu, Jr............... (2397).......................PO Box 14468, Austin, Sr Vice Cmdr: Jerry Murphree.............. (3359).................... 7209 Shipp Rd., Rowlett Jr Vice Cmdr: Mike Barber.................... (3892).........1169 Shine Ln., Harker Heights ADJ/QM: Roy J. Grona . ....................... (3377)........................PO Box 14468, Austin Asst QM: Carlos Sustaita....................... (6378)........................PO Box 14468, Austin Asst ADJ: Dan West............................... (3413)........................PO Box 14468, Austin J/Advocate: Kenneth R. Burton, Jr........ (9182)........................PO Box 14468, Austin

78761 75088 76548 78761 78761 78761 78761

Surgeon: John Velasquez...........................(4692)........ 4988 Winding Cr., College Station 77845 Chaplain: Paul DeWolfe......................... (9022)..................1214 Durrett Ave., Dumas 79029 Chief of Staff: John Spahr..................... (8787)...... 116 Trail of Flowers, Georgetown 78633 Inspector: Doc Howard.......................... (3359)..........2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland 75044 Immed Past Cmdr: Russ Richards.........(4010).......... 6610 Rowell Ct., Missouri City 77489 Natl Council Memb: Ron Hornsby....... (10428).......... 210 N River Oaks Dr., Burnett, 78611

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS Mel Glidewell ............................. (6008) ..........One Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay St., Waco 76799 Donald D. Smith ........................ (4443)........................... 6900 Almeda Road, Houston 77030

2007-2008 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

Johnnie Bulen.................. (9168)......................... 2121 N. Mill, Lewisville, John Clark........................ (2775).................. 3705 W. Martin St., Orange, J.L. Smith......................... (1406)......................... 917 Pratt Rd., Red Oak, Rene Guerrero.................. (5619)............11511 Sage Valley Dr., Houston, Michael Espinola.............. (8315)........................ 3430 Harvest Dr., Cibolo P. David Carvajal.............. (7634)...........................PO Box 263, Falfurrias, Joe Galindo, Jr................. (8570)...........................PO Box 894, Littlefield, Bobby Gallimore............... (6873)........................ 4481 Iberis Rd., Abilene, Doug Shepard.................. (1475)...................8231 Blue Bonnet, Amarillo, Ruben Enriquez.............. (10354)................................ 101 Cholla, El Paso Terry Rowe....................... (8560)............. 523 Plano St., Sulphur Springs Facundo Ibarra................. (8562).......... 1238 Winding Ridge, Eagle Pass, William McMenomey....... (3393)........................... PO Box 188, Kempner, Pat Thomas...................... (8878)...............5209 Dewey St., Wichita Falls, Leon Brandt..................... (3903)...................826 Strange Dr., Richmond, Rick Olivares.................... (4692)......................... 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan Felix Rodriguez................. (7473)....................................PO Box 716, Elsa Henry Lavigne................ (10351)................. 386 Holiday Circle, Hemphill, Sylvia Sanchez................. (8936)...... 1906 Sshprington Dr., San Antonio, Charlie Barry.................... (2137)...................... 1117 Monticello Dr., Azle, Johnny Karstedt............... (6290).......................PO Box 756, Woodsboro, David W. Bennett............. (4372)....................... 517 N Grant Ave, Odessa Ray Dudley....................... (6115)....................... 463 Tahitian Dr., Bastrop, Wes Strom....................... (6008).......................... 135 Rabbit Run, Waco, Sam Sahimi...................... (9171)...................800 VZCR 3609, Edgewood,

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By Dan West

going the extra mile for a good cause Helping veterans is a legacy of the VFW and recently VFW Post 8573, Canyon Lake and VFW Post 7110 in New Braunfels did just that. Not in the usual way of passing the hat or asking for money.

They went one step further, literally 15.3 miles of steps further. Post Commander Ron Plumley of the Canyon Lake Post working with members of the military from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio sponsored a “Wounded Warrior” run.

Commander Plumley remembers getting a call from fellow comrade, Victor Barnwell, who was the primary organizer of the run from Lackland. “He had called several other veterans organizations and did not receive any positive results” said Plumley. “I told him ‘Not only would we be willing to help, but we would do more to help.’ “ After a series of meetings that included VFW Post members and Airmen from Lackland Air Force Base they successfully “waded” through the governmental red tape it takes to effectively close down the route from New Braunfels VFW Post 7110 to Canyon Lake VFW Post 8573, 15.3 miles through the Texas Hill Country.

With that done they then had to organize transfer points, water stations, police escorts, EMS participation, parking and then transport of 350 runners from the Canyon Lake

Post to the New Braunfels Post for the start of the run and then feed the runners and the spectators at the end of the run.

In doing this they tapped the resources and support of the Post membership of the two Posts, the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary of Post 8573 and many civic groups and businesses in the Canyon Lake and New Braunfels area.

“We served over 600 meals and raised $12,500 for a good cause” said Commander Plumley. “In the last four years as Post Commander I have never seen so many people as excited about an event.”

Commander Plumley went on to say “It occurred to me after the event that one of the reasons for the success was that proactive VFWs ‘reach out’ and that others just want a ‘handout.’ I think some lose sight that we continue to serve through our community service efforts.”

Because of all the excitement, Commander Plumley has started planning for a second run next year hoping to make it an annual event. “Can we support 750 runners?

You bet we can!” he said.

For more information or to volunteer contact Commander Ron Plumley at VFW Post 8573 in Canyon Lake, Texas at(830) 964-3334. n

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Woman Earns Silver Star in Afghan War CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan (AP) — A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest medal for valor.

Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown saved the lives of fellow soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees in the eastern Paktia province in April 2007, the military said.

After the explosion, which wounded five soldiers in her unit, Brown ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said. ‘’I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there,’’ Brown told The Associated Press on Saturday at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost.

Brown, of Lake Jackson, Texas, is scheduled to receive the Silver Star later this month. She was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees. ‘’We stopped the convoy. I opened up my door and grabbed my aid bag,’’ Brown said. She started running toward the burning vehicle as insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers had scrambled out. ‘’I assessed the patients to see how bad they were. We tried to move them to a safer location because we were still receiving incoming fire,’’ Brown said.

Pentagon policy prohibits women from serving in front-line combat roles — in the infantry, armor or artillery, for example. But the nature of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with no real front lines, has seen women soldiers take part in close-quarters combat more than previous conflicts.

Four Army nurses in World War II were the first women to receive the Silver Star, though three nurses serving in World War I were awarded the medal posthumously last year, according to the Army’s Web site.

Brown, of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, said ammunition going off inside the burning Humvee was sending shrapnel in all directions. She said they were sitting in a dangerous spot. ‘’So we dragged them for 100 or 200 meters, got them away from the Humvee a little bit,’’ she said. ‘’I was in a kind of a robot-mode, did not think about much but getting the guys taken care of.’’

For Brown, who knew all five wounded soldiers, it became a race to get them all to a safer location. Eventually, they moved the wounded some 500 yards away and treated them on site before putting them on a helicopter for evacuation. ‘’I did not really have time to be scared,’’ Brown said. ‘’Running back to the vehicle, I was nervous (since) I did not know how badly the guys were injured. That was scary.’’

The military said Brown’s ‘’bravery, unselfish actions and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat.’’

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, of Nashville, Tenn., received the Silver Star in 2005 for gallantry during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq. Two men from her unit, the 617th Military Police Company of Richmond, Ky., also received the Silver Star for their roles in the same action. n 6

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Guest columnist James E. Nier

Past National VFW Commander-in-Chief, 1996-97 Executive Director Texas Veterans Commission, 1998 - Present

First, congratulations to the Department of Texas VFW on the publication of this initial magazine.

I’m honored to have been asked to make some comments about service to veterans — the theme of this publication, and how I personally got started in what is the most rewarding work one could have. Outside the VFW, my first opportunity to serve veterans came with a Veterans County Service Officer position opening in El Paso County in 1987 for which I applied and was selected. At that time El Paso County had about 55,000 veterans so there was a tremendous need for advocacy. I left that position to assume my duties in the National VFW Chairs serving as Commander-in-Chief from August 1996 to August 1997. I was then offered a position in Washington, DC by then Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown (now deceased) to run the Homeless Veterans Program for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with a hire date of October 1997. I really didn’t want to go to Washington but at the time I thought it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Enter David Gloier from the Texas Veterans Land Board (TVLB) office, after whom the Texas State Veterans Home program is named. After a TVLB meeting that I attended in Austin, he told me, “Nier — you don’t need to go to Washington, you need to stay in Texas.” — I did, and it was the best decision I could have ever made. I worked as the w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g

Veterans Liaison for the TVLB until September 1998 when I was selected to be the Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission. These last 10 years have truly been a labor of love for me. I lead an agency in which the staff have been selected for their jobs because they are dedicated, devoted and concerned about what happens to veterans and their families in our state. At any given time about 250 of our 300 plus employees are veterans.

I believe their positions to be some of the most important in state government. I say that because I believe that the veterans of Texas are an elite group of people who deserve the very best possible service that we and others can provide them.

If you think about it, veterans aren’t dependent on us, we’re dependent on them. They are in fact our business.

I said how important their jobs are.

I also know how rewarding their jobs are. Their efforts change people’s lives, whether it’s getting a disabled veteran compensation or a widow pension, helping a veteran find a job, or getting him/her enrolled in school, they make a difference. Our advocacy enhances the prosperity of veterans and their families across the state.

We are the veteran’s advocacy agency for the state. Until April 1, 2006, we were an agency of about 100 people with the mission of insuring that Texas veterans and their families receive all of their earned entitlements.

That primarily meant filing claims for compensation and pension against the VA. On that date, in accordance with House Bill 2604 which was passed by the 79th session of the Texas Legislature, the Veterans Employment Service program was transferred from the Texas Workforce Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission — about 200 people and a $12 million dollar U.S. Department of Labor grant.

Also, on October 1, 2006, the Governor signed an Executive Order making us the State Approving Agency and transferred the Veterans Education Program from the Texas Workforce Commission to us — 12 people and a $1 million dollar U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant.

So, after staffing up and reorganizing, we have more than tripled our number of staff and quadrupled our budget in the last two years. We believe it was the right thing to do because now the veterans programs: Claims Representation and Counseling, Veterans Employment, and Veterans Education are all under the veteran advocacy agency.

All involved in service to veterans have many challenges in light of our involvement in the war on terrorism.

Even with the staggering statistics of 1,800 veterans deceased per day — 1,600 of them WWII veterans — still the number of veterans in Texas continues to grow. Texas now has over 1.7 million veterans. More veterans are retiring here and more veterans are moving here and staying here. That means more representation required by everyone, not only assisting veterans, but just as importantly, assisting their families as a result of the unintended consequences of this war.

Our business is going to get tougher and tougher. The sheer increase in the number of veterans we need to serve is a challenge. How do we reach them?

• More and older veterans • More widows • More young men and women with special needs leaving the military • Guard and Reserve members — all eligible for benefits and services when they return from deployment. (55% of armed forces) • Injured — many severely • Families in need

Continued on page 19

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May/June/July 2008

By Roy J. Grona, State A/Q

Young 8

o i t i b m A

“Young and Ambitious” — That was the title on the front page of the first issue of the “Texas VFW News” printed in February of 1947.

For over 61 years this publication has provided the veterans of Texas information and news. I am not sure but I assume that it was the editor, Bruce Francis who wrote that title and went on to say “Okay, you ex-doughfoots, ex-swabbies, exleathernecks and ex-flying pistol toters, let’s get going for a better and bigger V.F.W. in Texas, and a better and bigger Texas V.F.W. News.” Bruce went on to say in another column that “This is the papers first formal review, and the initial inspection by you who have made the publication possible. Not so large, and perhaps none too impressive, but like you did, it will become a seasoned veteran — a front line campaigner in battling for the rights of you men who learned the hard way about the hell of modern warfare.” It is only appropriate that with this issue, the first fundamental change in the “Texas VFW News” since 1947 that we take a look at the items of interest that were occurring in our state in 1947 and allowing you, the Texas VFW member, to conduct your first “review” of the new “Texas VFW News.”

J. Henry Perry was the State Commander in 1947. It is interesting to note that the Texas VFW membership quota that year was 136,000.

Commander Perry decided that we could do better than that and set a membership goal of 200,000!

One thing that we hear quite often today is that as an organization all we talk about is membership.

Commander Perry said “Remember, we honor the dead by helping the living. In membership only can we best accomplish our aims!” The Commander of Post 2148 in Waco, Eugene H. Moore, pledged to top the 2,000 member mark! Post 8560 in Sulphur Springs was conducting a “big” membership drive trying to double their membership of 60 comrades! The Ladies Auxiliary President that year, Beth Kveton spoke of her quota of establishing 100 new auxiliaries in the State.

R.A. Duryea, a paratrooper and a member of the 36th Infantry Division in World War II was appointed as the State Adjutant.

The writer went on to say that “Al Duryea has been accorded the highest honor the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars can bestow upon a comrade but he hasn’t quit!” The State convention, called an encampment at that time, was to be held in Abilene at VFW Post 2012.

“Hotels and tourist courts of Abilene have pledged fullest cooperation in caring for the expected 4,000 to 5,000 veterans and auxiliary members who will attend the 1947 encampment.”

That’s right, 4,000 to 5,000 members at a State Convention! San Antonio was bidding to host the National encampment for 1947.

Texas Governor Beauford H. Jester sent his greetings and pledged to assist veterans by endorsing a bill to provide for a “Board of Veterans Affairs” to be led by an Executive Director whose salary shall not exceed $7,500 per year and two Assistant Directors whose salary would not exceed $6,000 per year along with 15 claims specialists to work with veterans organizations at regional

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ou s

". . . What we have is a legacy – a legacy that can slip away unless we have the vision and the goal that these co mrades had in 1947 .”

offices. These claim specialists would receive a salary not to exceed $4,500 per year. This was the predecessor of the Texas Veterans Commission. Each veteran’s service organization would continue to fund their own service officer programs but each would receive equal assistance from the state in handling the ever growing veteran’s population. R.H. “Bob” Claypool, National Claims Officer and Department Service Officer reported that “Since the program was begun in Texas the avalanche of claims work received in the name of the V.F.W. is without precedent in the history of any organization. Hundreds of thousands of men coming out of service and filing claims at the time of separation designated the V.F.W. power of attorney to represent them.

They knew the V.F.W. would not let them down.”

The National Commander in Chief of the VFW, Louis E. Starr conducted a three day tour of the Department. Commander Starr spoke about the “VFW Adjusted Compensation Act” which would provide veterans a monetary stipend of $3 and $4 per day for service trying to equalize the pay received by a veteran and those civilians who did not serve, but continued their civilian jobs at a pay rate much higher than our servicemen and women. . Commander Starr also met with Governor Jester who pledged his “fullest cooperation with all programs for the welfare of Texas veterans.” VFW Post 3894 in Kerrville was recognized for opening a downtown booth as part of the Post Service Program for ex-service men and women.

“Due to the rapid and unprecedented growth of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Texas, both in membership and the addition of new

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Posts”, State Commander Perry redistricted Texas into 25 Districts. New Posts instituted included Post 8904 in Center, Post 7869 in Eastland, Post 8906 in San Antonio and Post 8915 in Johnson City. On the night of January 8th, Bee Caves Post 8911 in the “Hills of West Austin” was instituted and one night later Weaver H. Baker Post 8787 became the second VFW Post in Austin. Two Posts were mentioned for either building or planning to build new homes. They were Post 797 in Port Arthur and Post 3079 in Mathis.

Harlandale Post 4815 dedicated a monument for World War I and II comrades as did VFW Post 2456 in Yoakum.

Community Service, as now, was important at that time. A front page article announced that the Texas VFW would sponsor a grade school marble tournament. Posts would enter a champion to compete at the District level and the 25 districts would enter one competitor for the State Tournament. Each Post in Texas had a legislative committee and was expected to do a door to door survey of veterans with the intent to encourage people to pay their “poll tax”, obtain the names of each and every veteran in the state and encourage them to join our organization. The State goal in 1947 was to sell 1 Million Buddy Poppies! District Commanders were to enforce each Post appointing a Buddy Poppy Chairman ensuring that the “indifferent” posts were brought into line!

You have probably heard the saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same. As an organization, we have changed over the last 61 years. But have we stayed the same? For me the interesting part of that initial paper was the great enthusiasm evident in every article.

The VFW was a dynamic, growing

organization, enthusiastically involved in veterans, legislative and community issues, the VFW did not just “talk the talk.” These comrades “walked the walk!” These members of the “Greatest Generation” were not just combat veterans looking for a place to relax. They were comrades who put 100% of their effort into ensuring the success of this organization.

Comrades, we need to get back to that mentality. Instead of complaining about membership goals set by National, we need to say “No, I can do better than that goal!”

We need to get just as involved in the political process now as our comrades did then! Our Communities need us and we need them. Our youth need that mentoring and sponsorship and our veterans, now and in the future, need our help. What we have is a legacy; a legacy that can slip away unless we have the vision and the goal that these comrades had in 1947. We cannot let that happen!

61 years of Texas VFW news, 87 years that the Department has been in existence and 109 years of VFW history! We must not let that slip through our fingers. I am asking all of you “ex-doughboys, ex-swabbies, ex-leathernecks and ex-pistol toting flyboys” to rededicate yourselves to ensuring that our legacy continues!

I hope that you enjoy this new issue of the “Texas VFW News.” A lot of thought and work went into it and I would be remiss if I did not thank Dan West, the Assistant Editor for his work on ensuring that our vendors had the capability to print a full color magazine for our members, the Budget and Finance Committee and chairman Mary Marsh, the State Line Officers and most importantly you, the comrades whose membership have made this possible. n

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POW/MIA SOLDIER MISSING IN ACTION FROM THE KOREAN WAR IS IDENTIFIED

AIRMAN LOST IN 1942 CRASH IS IDENTIFIED

April 10, 2008

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. Army Air Forces airman, missing since 1942, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial.

He is Aviation Cadet Ernest G. Munn, U.S. Army Air Forces, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. He will be buried in May in Cole Rain, Ohio.

Representatives from the Army met with Munn’s nextof-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

Munn was one of four men aboard a routine navigation training flight that departed Mather Field, Calif., on Nov. 18, 1942. Their AT-7 Navigator aircraft carried about five hours of fuel, and when the plane did not return to base, a search was initiated. It was suspended about a month later with no results.

In 1947, several hikers on Darwin Glacier in the Sierra Nevada mountain range discovered the aircraft wreckage.

Human remains found at the site were buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA. Several other hikers on Mendel Glacier, which is adjacent to Darwin Glacier, discovered frozen human remains, circumstantial evidence and personal effects in October 2005. Park rangers from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and a forensic anthropologist from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) recovered the remains, which were later shipped to the JPAC laboratory in Hawaii and identified as Cadet Leo M. Mustonen.

In 2007, two other hikers on the Mendel Glacier found human remains of a second individual near the 2005 discovery site. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Munn’s remains. n

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Sgt. Virgil L. Phillips, U.S. Army, of Columbus, Ind. He will be buried on April 19 in Loogootee, IN. Representatives from the Army met with Phillips’ nextof-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In November 1950, Phillips was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then operating in Unsan, North Korea near a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel’s Head. On Nov. 1, parts of two Chinese Communist Divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division’s lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. In the process, the 3rd Battalion was surrounded and effectively ceased to exist as a fighting unit. Phillips was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.

In 2003, a joint U.S.-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea team (D.P.R.K.), led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a burial site near the Camel’s Head. The team recovered human remains and other material evidence. Information from the D.P.R.K. indicated that the remains were initially buried near the battle site, but were later moved to a location nearby because of construction in the area.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Phillips’ remains. n

March 5, 2008

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

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helping hands for veterans Five Years of VA Health Care for Combat Veterans Peake: Honoring Commitment to Newest Combat Veterans February 26, 2008 WASHINGTON — Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade.

“By their service and their sacrifice, America’s newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA’s world-class health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military — even decades later — for medical care for serviceconnected health problems.

The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefits — previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans — to 180 days.

Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA’s health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.

The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service.

Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year. n

texas vfw supports “partners across texas” Lt. General Rodriquez, Texas Adjutant General of the Texas Military Forces, Major General Eddie Spurgeon, 36th Infantry Division Commander and Command Sergeant Major Henry watch as State Assistant Adjutant Dan West signs on behalf of the Texas VFW the “Partners Across Texas” Memorandum of Understanding and Mutual Support for Texas Military Forces and Veterans at the official signing on April 19, 2008 at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.

Public Service Announcement Researchers looking for Vietnam veterans My name is Chad McMahon, and I work for The Ohio State University as a Program coordinator for a study we’re doing with Vietnam veterans who sustained traumatic amputations during the Vietnam War. The goal of the study is to gather information from these veterans to get a better understanding of their needs and to help aid in the rehabilitation of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with amputations.

I am a veteran myself from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and have been hired to help recruit Vietnam veterans for this study.

We need help getting the word out nationally about our study. Very few records or data bases were kept during the Vietnam era, so we are trying to find these veterans through national and state veteran’s service organizations.

Any contacts you can provide, ideas, or suggestions are more than welcome.

Please contact me with any questions.

I can be contacted at any of the numbers at the bottom or emailed. Thank you for your time and service. n Respectfully, Chad T. McMahon Program Coordinator School of Allied Medical Professions The Ohio State University Atwell Hall 453 West Tenth Ave. Columbus, OH 43210 Email: chad.mcmahon@osumc.edu Phone: (614) 247-7205 Cell: (614) 419-7989

“Partners Across Texas” is an interagency and multi-organizational collaboration to enhance support for Texas Army and Air National Guard Service and Family Members and all Military Veterans within the State of Texas. n

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May/June/July 2008

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By Sgt. Nathan J. J. Hoskins 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Returning from 15-month Deployment Spurs Celebration FORTHOO D , T e x a s — A f t e r 15 months of being deployed, supporting four aviation battalions, the 615th Aviation Support “Cold Steel” Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, decided it was time to officially declare themselves home as a unit.

The welcome home party and combat spur ceremony were sponsored by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and VFW Post 6008 from Hewitt, Texas, said Command Sergeant Major Glen Vela, the command sergeant major for Cold Steel, a native of Dallas, Texas.

Vela had nothing but words of kindness for Post 6008 and the Texas VFW. “I met the guys while we were downrange . . . we inherited them from the previous unit. Those guys are just awesome. I can’t say enough about the VFW,” said Vela.

The event started off with an opening formation Lietenant Colonel Mark Hirschinger, the commander of Cold Steel, praised each of his companies for their work in Iraq.

After commending the unit’s accomplishments, Cold Steel honored the VFW leaders that helped make their deployment easier and who also made the night’s events possible.

Harry Munn, the commander of VFW Post 6008, received honorary

gold spurs for all his contributions.

Earlier that night, Munn had some very profound thoughts about Cold Steel and today’s Soldiers.

“When all those Soldiers came home during World War II, they were called the ‘Great Generation.’ It was well deserved because they saved the world from tyranny,” he said.

“I believe that these Soldiers here tonight, at Fort Hood and all the military, are going to be, once this war on terrorism is beat, they are going to be the next great generation of American heroes,” said Munn.

These flattering words are familiar amongst VFW members because they have an unspoken bond between the Soldiers returning from Iraq, said Vela.

“The bond is that the guys are all (veterans) from Vietnam and Korea and they’re just like we are — just older,” said Vela.

After the VFW members were recognized, the rest of the 615th ASB received their spurs from their respective commanders and leadership.

The VFW Post 6008, with donations from Texas VFW headquarters, VFW Districts 3 & 28, VFW Post’s 5576, 4341, 2527, 6012, 4443, 6378, 12058 and VFW Members Walt Cappel, John Spahr,

Post Commander Harry Munn presents over One Thousand sets of gold spurs “Cold Steel” 1st Cavalry Division’s welcome home and spur ceremony March 8. The gold spurs are a cavalry tradition where Soldiers who were in combat with a cavalry unit are authorized to wear them after being presented the spurs by a combat veteran.

Jeff Clark, Mike Johnson, David Garrett, Lee Parker, Raymond Herrington, Andrew Duncan, Esther Leal, Col. Howard Ham, Dirk Braun, Ralph Beaver and Ed Maycen and the National VFW, was able to raise more than $35,000 to put into the night’s events, but that didn’t compare to the respect Munn and his fellow veterans felt towards 615th, he said.

“It’s just pride. It’s pride in these young men and women that are willing to join the military, volunteer and go fight for their country. And the least we can do, as Veterans, is show them that respect,” said Munn. n

T h a n k Y o u T e x a s VF W !

Soldiers from 615th Aviation Support “Cold Steel” Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, proudly hold up their gold spurs after their combat spurs ceremony March 8. The sponsor of the night’s events is the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and Post 6008 out of Hewitt, Texas. Post 6008 also supported 615th ASB with phone cards and care packages throughout the deployment.

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By Desiree Johnson, Killeen Daily Herald

VFW Holds “Poppy Run” for Veteran Support

VFW members from Post 3892, Harker Heights and Post 8230, Gatesville Start the annual VFW MG UNit-14 “Poppy Run” for wounded soldiers at Darnell Military Hospital.

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Posted on: Sunday, March 23, 2008, 5:40 a.m.

Long before the sun came up Saturday, motorcycles were parked in the cold, dark lot in front of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3892 in Harker Heights.

The riders were more than ready to begin their long ride – a total of 248 miles – in honor of the “Buddy” Poppy program.

“It’s great camaraderie, a service to the community and fun for us who just love to ride a bike,” said Jim Wayment, a lifetime post member who was riding a black Harley-Davidson decked out in U.S. and prisoner of war flags. “We had this vision four years ago, and for this (ride) to happen is a dream come true.”

The “Buddy” Poppy Run is an event that supports veterans and their family members, a focus of the “Buddy” Poppy program for more than 75 years. According to the official Web site for Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, red poppies first became associated with war on the battlefields of Belgium during World War I, where pretty little red poppies grew wild amid the death and destruction.

The soil, overturned during harsh battle, covered poppy seeds and allowed them to grow naturally and serve as a reminder of the bloodshed seen during war.

In 1915, Col. John McCrae of the Canadian Forces published the poem “In Flanders Fields,” a description of blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen, and poppies have been officially associated with war ever since.

VFW organized the first national distribution of faux red poppies in 1922, and the red poppy became the official memorial flower for the VFW. In 1923, poppy factories began to have poppies assembled by needy veterans and to this day, needy veterans can make a modest income by assembling the poppies.

“People receive a poppy for each donation they give,” Freeman said.

“It doesn’t matter how much the donation is, whether it’s a quarter, $5 or even $1,000.”

All donations provide financial assistance in maintaining veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of veterans.

For their ride, Post 3892 members visited each of the 14 posts in their district, stopping to collect donations (and more motorcycle riders) at each location. The ride ended at the Temple VA hospital, where the group fed nearly 400 domiciliary patients a barbecue dinner, hosted raffles for prizes and conducted game competitions that included donated gifts for the winning patients.

Forty-year VFW member Mac McConaghy says an event like the ride and the programs the hospital itself implements for patients do more for patients than most people think.

“They have no place to go, and it’s like no one wants them,” McConaghy said. “The hospital lets them help out around the building and programs (like the poppy program) keep them busy. It gives them self-esteem again, and I don’t know how many hospitals have programs like that.”

The patients aren’t the only ones who benefit from the “Buddy” Poppy Run. The group of riders – the oldest is 71 and the youngest is 19 – can feel the camaraderie that develops on the run.

“People love the VFW because whether you served two years or 20 years or were never a veteran at all, there’s always someone here to help you out when you need it most,” Freeman said. “You can feel the togetherness you find here and at every stop we have, you get to listen to all these great stories and pieces of history these members can share.” n

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Guest columnist Texas Veterans Benefits are the BEST R. Lee Ermey, iconic Marine, movie actor & host of TV’s “Mail Call,” pitches in to help Texas veterans Released by Jim Suydam, Press Secretary, General Land Office.

AUSTIN — Texas veterans, be warned: If you don’t know about your benefits available through the Texas Veterans Land Board, “Gunny” is going to get in your face and let you know.

Texas Land Commissioner, proud Veterans of Foreign Wars member and Chairman of the Veterans Land Board Jerry Patterson has launched “Be Proud, Texas,” a bold new statewide campaign to inform Texas veterans of their benefits available at the Texas Veterans Land Board. The campaign’s messenger is perhaps the most recognizable U.S. Marine Drill Instructor ever — Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, or “Gunny.”

“If anything can get your attention, it’s the voice of a Marine DI,” said Patterson, a former Marine with almost 25 years in the Corps and Veterans of Foreign Wars member. “Lee is a respected and recognizable advocate for all veterans and I am very proud to have his help telling folks about the Veterans Land Board. Our goal is to get more veterans the benefits they’ve earned.”

Today, many know Ermey from the popular History Channel program “Mail Call.” But Ermey achieved legendary status in his role as a maniacal drill instructor in Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 “Full Metal Jacket.” Ermey had served as a real-life Marine Drill Instructor and was a consultant on Kubrick’s film when he asked him to take the role.

“Listen up, Texas Veterans,” Ermey barks in the 30-second PSA. “Who’s got the best veterans benefits in America?

You do!”

The ads show Gunny listing an impressive set of benefits: Low-interest home and land loans; clean, caring and affordable veterans homes; and dignified veterans cemeteries. At the end

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of the spots, Ermey signs off, “Be proud to be a Texas veteran, ‘cause Texas is proud of you!”

Gunny’s “Be Proud” PSAs are set to air statewide beginning in May, along with a coordinated mailout to Texas veterans and a new Web site, www.

BeProudTexas.com.

Patterson, who teams up with Gunny in one of the commercials, said Ermey was an enthusiastic volunteer.

“When we told him there were Texas veterans missing out on their benefits and we wanted to change that, he jumped at the chance,” Patterson said.

“Few men do as much for the troops as Gunny. He is a national treasure.”

Tony Jasso, a VFW member who served in Iraq, said too many soldiers and sailors are overwhelmed with information when they leave the service and just don’t know about their VLB benefits.

Jasso served as a combat medic with the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and took part in the first offensive operation in Fallujah.

When he left the Army a Sergeant, E-5, Jasso paid attention and realized a VLB loan was just what he needed to settle his family into a home that fit.

In fact, the Texas Veterans Land Board is a lot like the VFW, Jasso said.

“They take care of their own,” said the San Antonio native. “My grandpa was a member of the VFW, and my uncle was a member, and I always remember my grandpa telling me that,” Jasso said.

Jasso said he choose the VLB to finance his home because of the discounts the VLB offers to disabled veterans, among other discounts.

“I think if veterans don’t use the Veterans Land Board, they’re losing money,” Jasso said.

VLB land home and home improvement loans are such a great deal, even the chairman of the board uses them.

Patterson, also a member of the VFW

who served in the Marines during the last months of the Vietnam Conflict, took advantage of the VLB land and home loans to buy his south Austin home, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their two young children.

“I got a great deal,” Patterson said, “but I got the same square deal the Veterans Land Board gives every Texas veteran.”

Patterson emphasized that the Veterans Land Board benefits are not entitlements, but hard-earned rewards.

“These are benefits that Texas veterans have earned through their service to our nation,” Patterson said.

“It is an honor and a duty I have to try and let everyone out there who is eligible know what they’ve earned, and I think these PSA’s we’ve filmed with Gunny Ermey will do just that.”

For more information on Texas Veterans Land Board home, land and home improvement loans; Texas State Veterans Homes; or Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, call 1-800-252-VETS (1-800-252-8387), or visit the Veterans Land Board Web site at www.

BeProudTexas.com.

Texas television broadcasters and other media outlets wishing to receive a copy of the public service announcements please contact Julia Ruiz at 512-463-5354 or julia.ruiz@glo. state.tx.us. n

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Office of the Governor

Governor perry names rankin presiding officer of veterans commission Apr. 09, 2008 AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry named Karen Rankin of San Antonio as presiding officer of the Texas Veterans Commission for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. He also appointed John McKinney of El Paso and Eliseo (Al) Cantu Jr. of Corpus Christi to the commission, which works with Texas veterans and their families to ensure they receive all the rights and entitlements provided for veterans of the U.S. and Texas armed forces.

Rankin is a senior associate with Keystone International, Inc. She is second vice president of the USO of San Antonio, and past president of the Air Force Women Officers Association and the Air Force Association-Alamo chapter.

Additionally, she is a past board member of the Military Officers Association of America, Vetjobs. com and Returning Heroes Home.

Rankin received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Long Beach and a master’s degree

from Central Michigan University.

She is a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force, where she served for 31 years. She replaces John Brieden of Brenham as presiding officer.

Cantu is a retired controller and CFO for Driscoll Children’s Hospital. He is vice president of the Texas Association for Healthcare Financial Administration and Healthcare Financial Management Association-South Texas chapter.

He is past chairman of the Veterans Committee and Leadership Corpus Christi, state commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars and loan executive for the United Way of Coastal Bend. Cantu received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He replaces Hector Farias of Weslaco for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2013.

McKinney is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He is past commander of the American Legion, regional vice president of the

State Commander Al Cantu “defends” veterans as one of the new members on the TVC board.

National Association of Uniformed Services and post-service officer of the Disabled Veterans Association.

He is also a member of the Military Officers Association of America.

McKinney received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. His term expires Dec. 31, 2013. n

evans and military working dogs sniff out hidden munitions MA-1 Ronald Evans, U.S. Navy, knows first hand of the danger from hidden munitions caches in Iraq, and the terrible impact on the Marines he served with in several locations during 2006 and 2007.

During this tour Evans was the Regional Kennel Master, Military Working Dogs, for MNF Eastern Region, Iraq, serving with the 1st Battalion 12th Marines, 11 Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Evans was the leader and in operational control of 41 Military Working Dog Teams, and eight forward operating bases.

During one of his many combat operations Evans located the largest cache of explosives ever found at that time in the NMF Region. His teams were collectively responsible for discovering over 6,500 lbs of explosives. MA-1 Evans was known for his tireless efforts and superb innovations. He implemented an outstanding evacuation procedure for his teams, and continually provided for improvement of the welfare and morale of his unit.

While stationed at NAS Corpus Christi, MA Evans served the VFW as Post Commander Post 8932, Flour Bluff. n 16

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STATE BY LAW CHANGES Submitted by Roy J. Grona, State Adjutant Quartermaster ARTICLE XVIII: AMENDMENTS As reads: “These By Laws may only be amended by the Department Convention and then only by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any duly assembled meeting thereof; provided, that such amendments have been forwarded, through channels, in accordance herewith, and have been proposed by a Post, County Council, District or Council of Administration or have been recommended by a Department Officer or Department Committee and written notice thereof, together with a copy of such proposed amendment has been given each Post within the Department by the Department Adjutant in the VFW News at least fifteen (15) days before assembling of the Department Convention.”

Remove the excerpt: “given each Post within the Department by the Department Adjutant in the VFW News at least fifteen (15) days before assembling of the Department Convention,” and replace with: “posted at the official web site for the Department of Texas VFW, www.texasvfw.org, under the title “Proposed By Law Changes” at least thirty (30) days before assembling of the Department Convention.”

Change would read as follows: ARTICLE XVIII: AMENDMENTS “These By Laws may only be amended by the Department Convention and then only by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any duly assembled meeting thereof; provided, that such amendments have been forwarded, through channels, in accordance herewith, and have been proposed by a Post, County Council, District or Council of Administration or have been recommended by a Department Officer or Department Committee and written notice thereof, together with copy of such proposed amendment has been posted at the official web site for the Department of Texas VFW, www.texasvfw.org, under the title “Proposed By Law Changes” at least thirty (30) days before assembling of the Department Convention; amendments adopted at any Department Convention in accordance herewith shall take effect simultaneously with the formal adjournment of the Department Convention at which adopted, subject only to the approval of the Commander-in-Chief. A copy of these By-Laws and amendments hereafter adopted must be furnished each Post Commander by the Department Adjutant within ninety (90) days after approval.”

The purpose of this change is to eliminate the need for publishing by law changes in the VFW News as the Texas “VFW News” is printed only four (4) times per year and may be published before or after the adjournment of the State Convention.

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Postal Service Offers First-Time Military Discount for New, Large Flat-Rate Box WASHINGTON, Feb. 6/PRNewswire-USNewswire Planning to send a care package to a U.S. military service member serving abroad? As of March 3, the U.S. Postal Service is offering a new flat-rate box that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to an APO/FPO address — $2 less than for domestic destinations.

“This is the first time the Postal Service has offered a special price for our armed forces serving overseas,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “We’re proud that family and friends will be able to use this new larger-sized box to send much appreciated packages from home to our dedicated troops overseas. “ The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12” x 12” x 5 1/2” or 800 cubic inches) will be available in Post Offices nationwide beginning March 3, but customers can begin ordering them Feb. 20 at usps.com/supplies or by calling 800-610-8734. Some of the new boxes are co-branded with the logo of America Supports You, which is a Department of Defense program that connects citizens offering support to the military and their families.

“It’s terrific that the Postal Service continues to think of ways to help Americans support our troops and their families. Postage is always a concern when shipping care packages, and this new flat-rate box means our home front groups and supportive citizens can do more with their resources, “ said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. “We’re especially pleased that some of the boxes will bear the America Supports You logo reminding our service members that they have our nation’s support.”

The $2 discount is applied when the Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Boxes are shipped to an APO/FPO destination. The two existing flat-rate boxes (11 7/8” x 3 3/8” x 13 5/8” and 11” x 8 1/2 “ x 5 1/2”), which currently retail for $8.95 for U.S. addresses, are not available for the military discount.

All flat-rate boxes can be used for international shipping.

The new flat-rate boxes will be available in Post Offices starting March 3. The America Supports You branded box will be available online, at select Post Offices near military bases, or by calling 800-610-8734. n

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ladies auxiliary State President

Linda Henry The 2007-2008 year is coming to a close and I would like to commend the Department of Texas Ladies for a great and successful year.

The Fisher Houses have been greatly acknowledged by generous donations as well.

The Veterans have been taken care of with a “Tradition of Caring”.

Snowball Express has been supported and joy spread to more families of Fallen Heroes than ever one could imagine. Texas led the nation by the most monies contributed. What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other, a beautiful quote by-George Elliot that is a very true statement.

The Cancer program has excelled very well over $164,000 already has been donated to National.

The VFW National Home for Children has received over $10,000 for various programs at the home and monies are still coming in for the year end.

My special project for the wounded soldiers “Automation Project” took off great and in four and half months dominoed to over $11,000, there again the

Ladies of Texas and Comrades of the Department did a wonderful job.

I must say “Thank you” for all the efforts put forth for this year of progress. Operation Uplink gained a lot of attention with so many different fundraisers, they were all appreciated.

The Community Service around the state has just been outstanding, We all have been “Taking Care of Auxiliary Business” and our Veterans.

We have been able to make a few programs self sustaining by contributions made to the Department and we are very proud. I do want to “Thank” the Department of Texas for the donations you gave the ladies at the beginning of my year and at Mid-Winter, the money will surely take care of a very important program the “Nurse Scholarship”.

We want to see it be perpetual so we don’t have to ask the ladies for extra funding. This program was started many years by Past Department President Billie Rhodes and I know she will appreciate this caring act of kindness.

I would like to say it has been a very interesting year and one I will always remember and I owe it all to the membership, I love you all and Al thanks for a great year and it has been an honor to serve with you.

God Bless. n

Training Seminars H July 12, 2008 District No.________________________________Auxiliary No._ _________________________________________ Title_ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Seminar Attending__________________________________________________________________________________ $20.00 Registration Fee Per Person — This Will Include Registration, Training Book, and Lunch.

Make Checks Payable to LAVFW Dept Of Texas Earmark Check “Training Seminar”

Mail Checks To: Ladies Auxiliary VFW Department Of Texas Po Box 15285 Austin TX 78761 List all names who are attending if paying by same check Town locations are: Post, El Paso, Copperas Cove, Lewisville, Livingston, Victoria, Falfurrias & Devine

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Guest Columnist continued from page 7

Think about it — a young man or woman serving in Iraq or Afghanistan today could need the VFW and our services and the VA health care system until the year 2060 and beyond. Who will be there for them?

Who will insure the VA is there for them?

It has to be veterans advocates like all of us, through our advocacy and representation before Congress and the State Legislature on their behalf.

That’s why we, as a state agency, and the VFW need to work together, train together, coordinate our efforts, develop partnerships, and share ideas and resources. We appreciate your continued support and your assistance with our obtaining funds from the State Legislature to continue to enhance our programs to assist our veteran population.

We’ll continue to ask for your help — particularly in the area of referrals — so that, together we can serve more veterans and their families, and serve them better.

Texas veterans deserve nothing less.

On a daily basis, the Texas Veterans Commission does the very best job it can to insure that our state’s heroes are not forgotten. We work hand in hand with the VFW and other veteran service organizations and veteran’s advocates to make sure those deployed are supported while they are serving and that we are there for them when they return.

If you, or anyone you know, need our services to file a claim with the VA, ask for increased compensation or pension, seek a job, personal educational benefits, or if we can assist you in any other way, please contact us.

Our veterans and their families need our services now, more than ever, so please help us get the word out that we, like the VFW, are here for them. For a complete listing of our office locations and information on veterans benefits, please visit our website at www.tvc. state.tx.us or call us at (512)463-6564. n Respectfully submitted, James E. Nier Executive Director Texas Veterans Commission

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At the National Guard Association of Texas’ Joint Military Conference held in March, soldiers line up to join the Texas VFW.

For information regarding:

Reunions General Orders Taps Seeking District Meetings and other related topics Visit our website www.texasvfw.org

we want to hear from you!

Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Editor P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 or by email dan@texasvfw.org

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May/June/July 2008

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by law changes ARTICLE XVII POSTS

Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

As reads: (a) FORMATION AND EXISTENCE. Posts in the Department shall be created, exist, possess officers and perform duties and activities in accordance with the terms and provisions of the National By-Laws and Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the provisions herein contained. (b) MEETINGS. Each Post within the Department shall hold at least one stated meeting each month.

Proposed Department By Law Change to be considered by the delegates to the 88th State Convention of the Department of Texas VFW in Dallas, Texas.

Proposed change submitted by Mary Marsh, Chairman, Budget and Finance Committee.

(c) SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of Posts may be called or held in accordance with the National By-Laws and Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and conditions herein contained.

ARTICLE XIII COMMITTEES

(d) BONDS. Each accountable officer of a Post, including any person in charge of or responsible for the operation or maintenance of a club room or other recreational facilities of a Post, shall be bonded with an indemnity company as surety in a sum at least equal to the amount of funds and value of property which so far as can be anticipated he may be accountable for and have in his possession; such bond shall be made payable to such Post and the Department of Texas, as their respective interests appear.

The bond premium shall be paid from the funds of the Post to which the officer is primarily accountable. The Post Commander shall approve the bond of the Post Quartermaster as to amount and surety, and the Post Commander shall be responsible for the proper and adequate bonding of such quartermaster in accordance herewith. A majority of the Elected Post Officers shall approve the bond of any person or persons in charge of or responsible for the operation or maintenance of a club room or other recreational facilities of the Post as to amount and surety.

DEPARTMENT BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Add Sub-Paragraph (e) as follows: (e) MINIMUM REQUIREMETS. During the time periods of July 1st through June 30th of each VFW year each Post must select and register a Post Service Officer by September 1st of each year; Submit to Department Quartermaster quarterly audits of Post finances and assets no later than 30 days after the end of the published reporting quarter; Submit Post election reports by published deadline date; Conduct, document and submit to Department Adjutant on the appropriate form a minimum of twenty (20) community service projects; Nine (9) Americanism projects; Six (6) youth projects; Participate in the Department Military Assistance Program and submit report to the Department MAP Chairman; Provide a minimum financial donation of $25.00 to Department Quartermaster specifically earmarked for the “Texas House” of the VFW National Home for Children; order and pay for VFW “Buddy Poppies; Attend two home District meetings, one of which, must be the District School of Instruction.”

This change will become effective with a 2/3rd majority vote at the State Convention and approval by the National VFW.

Paragraph (a) Add after (a) the paragraph title of: PURPOSE AND MEETINGS. Delete Line 1 as reads: “This committee shall consist of six members in good standing with this organization”.

Delete Line 6 as reads: “The Department Commander, Department Senior Vice Commander and Department Junior Vice Commander shall be Ex-Officio members of this committee”.

Paragraph (b) COMPOSITION. Eliminate in its entirety and replace with: The Department Budget and Finance Committee shall be composed of nine (9) members in good standing with this organization. The members will be the Department Commander, the Department Senior Vice Commander, the Department Junior Vice Commander, the Department Adjutant/Quartermaster and the immediate past five (5) Department Commanders. The Department Junior Vice Commander shall serve as the Secretary of the Committee and the Immediate Past Department Commander shall serve as the Chairman of the Committee. Should a member be unable to act or resign his position on the committee, that office shall be declared vacant by the Department Commander and the individual in the line of succession of Department Officers or Past Department Commanders shall fill the vacancy.

Submitted by Department of Texas VFW Chief of Staff.

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State Convention Awards Banquet

Texas VFW 87th State Convention The 87th State Convention for the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary will be held June 25-29, 2008 in Dallas, Texas at the Hyatt Regency DFW at the DFW Airport.

Hotel reservations must be made by you, directly with the hotel.

Rooms ($88.00/night + tax) are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. Cut off date for reservations is June 3, 2008.

Room Reservations can be made by: Phone — Call 800-233-1234, use group name VFW. Internet — Click on,link at www.texasvfw.org use group code “MID” Follow instructions when prompted to complete registration.

Cancellations? Call the hotel immediately.

Posts and Districts wanting a Hospitality Room ($210/night + tax) call Christie at Department HQ (512) 834-8535 for hospitality room reservations, or email her at christie@texasvfw.org. Rooms consist of parlor and one connecting bedroom.

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May/June/July 2008

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Commander’s Column continued from page 4

memories and friends I have made and gained will last me for a life time.

Alma and I will miss the courtesies and warm hospitality we received every where we went and for that we sincerely “Thank you”. I would also like to express my appreciation and respect to the membership, all elected and appointed State Officers, Post and District Commanders, MOC, MOCA, Men’s Auxiliary and the Motorcycle Group, for their support and great accomplishments we enjoyed during the year. To all of the Past State Commanders who became part of my success and who were always available when I needed assistance I also thank you for your support and encouragement. I shall never forget any of you. To my special friend State President Linda Henry and the Ladies Auxiliaries to the VFW I also congratulate you on your accomplishments and success we celebrated together.

I leave the department in great hands with the knowledge that our incoming State Commander Jerry Murphree and senior vice Commander Mike Barber will continue to do an outstanding job by doing what is right for Texas. In addition, the Department of Texas Staff in Austin led

by Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona, Carlos, Dan, Keith, Christie and Beth are a class act, dedicated, knowledgeable and willing to do the impossible to make the Department of Texas, its officers and membership shine.

I know that at the beginning of the year I established goals for the Department and I am happy to report that we made good headway and exceeded most and were short on some.

I know that I worked hard each and every day of my tour and I believe that you did too and for that I respect you and your work for the organization. Thank you for being there when I needed your advice, knowledge and support. June 30, 2008 is fast approaching; however time still

✗ Cast Your Votes!

For Jr. Vice Commander - Rudy Ostovich - Wayne Depute - Bill Bailey For National Council Member - Russ Richards - Ron Hornsby

remains to continue to work to accomplish those important goals we have not yet reached. “Attitude is Everything” and we are not at the end of the course we set at the start of the year. Come on “Can-do” team let’s make some noise, get happy, reach and pass the remaining bumps on the road to success.

I closing I want all of you to know that it was an honor for me to have earned your trust and respect as I served as the Commander for the Department of Texas VFW the greatest and most respected organization I have ever had the honor of being associated with. I now ask that all of you join me in supporting our incoming State Commander Jerry Murphree and to keep our great Department moving forward.

Finally to my wife Alma my ever present companion during all my travels you are the reason for my successful journey through life. “Attitude is Everything” and the Can-Do team proved it. n

Public Service Announcement If you were at LeJeune, North Carolina between 1957 and 1987 you may have been exposed to contaminates in your drinking water. The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, which is a federal public health agency is currently looking into this situation to see whether or not any potential health risks are associated with the contaminated water.

The study is scheduled to run through the middle of 2008. The Marine Corps has officially stated that they will then notify former residents with the results of the study.

If you were there during those years, then you are asked to register at the United States Marine Corps site or call: Toll Free 1-877-261-9782, M-F 8:30-5:00PM EDT. Please pass this on to all Marines, military personnel or civilians that may have been at Camp Lejeune during the specified years.

For State Chaplain - Dan West - Robert Dickerson - B.J. Garrett 22

May/June/July 20082008 May/June/July

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American Made Veteran Owned

TXVFW040208

To the members of VFW Post 812, The members of the 300th MP BDE would like to thank you for the going away party you gave us back in December. It meant a lot to us. We also want to let you know we all got here safely. The photo is of the CG our driver and I on the streets of Baghdad.

We know the effort you took to provide us a going away party there in El Paso and again we apologize for the delay in contacting you. Communications have not always been perfect and the fact we had to move just complicated the situation.

You are all great and we thank you for your support.

From the soldiers of the 300th MP BDE,

Thank you!

Virgil T. Akins Command Sergeant Major 300th Military Police Brigade TF MP North

VFW Post 3359 Garland, Texas, We’re closing in on the end of our tour here. The OPTEMPO has been rough, but our Texas boys have been keeping up the fight. We’ve even been able to introduce a few of the insurgents to Alla h.

The VFW did a lot to get us off on the right foot and I am proud to be a member.

Attached you’ll find a picture of me and my 1SG at the temple of Ur, and the second is our com bat patch ceremony we held at Ur. CPT Matthew Combs “Crusader 6” Charlie Co. 3rd Battalion/144 Infantry Texas Army National guard Commanding