Summer 2008
Carrying on a Family Tradition Periodicals
Soldiers Save Convoy Soldiers and Airmen Support Center Officially Opens Partners Across Texas
TTexas exas VFW VFWmember, Member Joe Meller, proudly his Joe Meller, proudlysports sports his Texas VFW Shirt and cap. Texas VFW shirt and cap. Joe is Joe is currently in Officer currently in Officer Candidate Candidate School with the School with the Texas Army Texas Army National Nationaland Guard is a veteran Guard is aand veteran of of Afghanistan. Afghanistan. Texas TexasVFW VFW Ball Ball Cap. Cap Show yourTexas Texas Pride Show your pride by with a our new ì Texas wearing our Texas VFW VFWî Ball Cap comBall Cap. Embroidered on plete with Texas VFW, the front areand the words Texas flag VFW “Texas VFW” along with Emblem embroidered thethe VFW emblem on front, oneand Size Texas flag. $16.00 fits most.ó One size fits most. SStock tock #: # W7359 W7359 — $16.00
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www.texasvfw.org
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Ambushed 36th Infantry Division Soldiers Save Convoy
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Texas VFW Partners with the Texas National Guard
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The Texas VFW has always had a strong relationship with the Texas National Guard. This relationship was recently expanded through the formal signing of the “Partners Across Texas” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
BP Employee Helps Pay Tribute to Texas War Veterans Stephen Brady devotes much of his free time to projects at the Katy, TX VFW Post 9182. His most recent project is one he’ll remember forever.
Summer 2008
ABOUT THE COVER
Carrying on a Family Tradition Soldiers Save Convoy Periodicals
Soldiers and Airmen Support Center Officially Opens Partners Across Texas
Texas VFW members from the Austin area stand behind Joe Meller (Afghanistan Veteran), also a VFW member at Post 8787. Texas VFW members stand ready to support Americas military as we have been for 109 years, not only when the troops are overseas but when they return home as well. The Texas VFW, a legacy of service that we can proud of.
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In the News
CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
4 Commander’s Column 5 Carrying on a Family Tradition 7 State Convention Wrap Up 10 Support Center Officially Opens 11 POW/MIA 12 Educational Opportunities 13 Opportunities for OEF/OIF Veterans 15 Texas VFW in Action 17 Special News for Texas Veterans 18 Ladies Auxiliary 19 VFW Post 5619 Supports the 147th Fighter Wing Back Cover Retiring a Flag
Upcoming Events 20 State Commander Homecoming 21 Texas VFW Mid-Winter Convention 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
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.
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Commander’s Column An Organization to be Proud of Jerry Murphree, State Commander First, on behalf of Pat and myself, I would like to thank you for electing me to this high office. My installation as the Department Commander will be forever etched in my mind as one of the proudest moments of my life, more so due to the fact that I serve with you, my fellow combat veterans, in the greatest veteran’s organization in the world. In my travels I am often asked to explain to the general public what exactly the VFW does. All of us know what we do, some more than others. But the general public often only sees the Post home in their town, not fully understanding the accomplishments this organization has achieved over the past 109 years. Just last week I received the Community Service statistics for the 2007 through 2008 year, and our service in and around those Posts has once again risen. In Texas alone, VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members contributed over 329,000 hours of volunteer service, donating over $2,855,000 to local communities. The in kind value of the volunteer hours exceeds $6,441,000 making the total value of our community service in excess of $9,296,000. The Texas VFW continues to lead the nation in Military Assistance. The numbers in this area are truly outstanding. Texas assisted 194 families in need of financial assistance, granting over $349,000 in emergency funds. When our military units needed funds to celebrate returns or to gather together prior to deployment, the Texas VFW was there. When family programs needed funds to sponsor events for families while the troops were away, we were there. All told, we sponsored 63 unit events, granting over $112,000 for those efforts. Through special projects we raised over $35,000 for two barbecues for the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Brigade Combat Team. We obtained over 1,000 sets of spurs to reward the troops of the 1st Cavalry Division and sent over 5,000 flashlights to troops of the 4th Infantry Division. Texas VFW Posts donated over $29,000 to help support Operation Uplink, providing phone cards for our troops. Posts provided over 5,000 hours of volunteer service in support of our activities and over $110,000 in direct donations making their contribution in excess of $207,000. VFW Service Officers in Texas and throughout the nation continue to assist our returning troops to ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve. Through legislative initiatives and continuous lobbying the VFW has succeeded in ensuring that our troops have better educational benefits through the new GI Bill. Better pay, better living conditions and a quality of life that recognizes the demands of military service for our troops and their families are a direct result of VFW efforts. In Texas we succeeded in passing several bills benefiting the military and our veterans. The Coalition of Texas Veterans Organizations, including the VFW,
The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177) Summer 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 LXII, Number 1, Copyright August 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: 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
2008-2009 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Cdr Jerry Murphree . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3359 . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Sr Vice Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . . . . 3892 . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, Jr Vice Wayne Depute . . . . . . . . . . . 6378 . . . 324 Windward Drive, League City, Adj/Qm Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3377 . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Asst Adj Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Asst Qm Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . 6378 . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 14468, Austin, C Of S Richard King . . . . . . . . . . . . 8790 . . . . . . . . . . . 8936 Padfield, Houston, Judge Advocate Ken Burton . . . . . . 9182 . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Surgeon Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, Chaplain Robert Dickerson . . . . . . . 2451 . . . . . . P.O. Box 341136, San Antonio, Inspector Ray Dudley . . . . . . . . . . . 6115 . . . . . . . . . . 463 Tahitian Dr., Bastrop, Past Cdr Al Cantu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . 4009 Tripoli Dr., Corpus Christi, Council Member Russ Richards . . . 4010 . . . . . .6610 Rowell Ct., Missouri City, Immed Past Cmdr Al Cantu . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin,
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78753 76548 77573 78753 78753 78753 77055 78753 78413 78234 78602 78411 77489 78753
DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS Mel Glidewell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 . . . One Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay St., Waco 76799 Donald D. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4443 . . . . . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston 77030
2008-2009 DISTRICT COMMANDERS 1 John Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607 Ironwood Dr., Allen, TX 75002 2 Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 3 John F. Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032 4 Noble J. Alix, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . 8930 . . . 140 Black Walnut Dr., Houston, TX 77015-1757 5 Tom Kilpatrick . . . . . . . . . . . . 8800 . . . . . . . . . 257 Shayla Ln., Canyon Lake, TX 78133 6 Francisco Gonzales, Jr. . . . . . 9170 . . . . . . . . . 1102 E. Hutchinson, Beeville, TX 78102 7 Charles Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . 6797 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516 West 11th St., Post, TX 79356 8 Ken Mosley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7767 . . . . . . . . . . 1860 Cr 217, Breckenridge, TX 76424 9 Clayton Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . 430 . . . . . . . . . 2001 Two Deer Trl., Amarillo, TX 79124 10 Joel R. Cool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 6221, El Paso, TX 79906 12 Terry Rowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8560 . . . . . . . 523 Plano St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 13 Ron Suggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1480 . . . . . . . . . . . 209 First St., Center Point, TX 78010 14 Charles S. Duncan . . . . . . . . . 3892 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 23, Nolanville, TX 76559 15 James L. Mansfield . . . . . . . . 8878 . . . . . . 11 Lackland Circle, Wichita Falls, TX 76306 16 Bruce E. Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . 7109 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1833 Max Road, PearlandTX 77581 17 Norm Brawner . . . . . . . . . . . 12024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 1650, Willis, TX 77378 18 Luis Lucio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2035 . . . . . . . . . . 865 John Ave., Brownsville, TX 78521 19 Olin S. Sonier . . . . . . . . . . . . 6899 . . . . . . . . 1150 N. Rainey Rd., Groveton, TX 75845 20 Lewis E. Gravelin . . . . . . . . . . 8541 . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 423, Converse, TX 78109 21 Glenn Heady . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9190 . . . . . . 6620 Summertime Ln., Watauga, TX 76148 24 Herman Sturm . . . . . . . . . . . . 4146 . . . . . . . . . . . 7932a Lmv Road, Victoria, TX 77905 25 Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . 4372 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28 James J. Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . 8787 . . . 2107 Aaron Ross Way, Round Rock, TX 78665 29 Larry Crawford . . . . . . . . . . . 8571 . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 2466, Whitney, TX 76692 30 Harry Fontenot . . . . . . . . . . . 9171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1607 Vzcr 4517, Van, TX 75790
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By Joyce Ann Ashley, Family Life Editor, The Vernon Daily Record
CARRYING ON A FAMILY TRADITION When Nick Ostovich was sworn in as commander of VFW Post 4747, Thursday, May 15, he was carrying on a family tradition. Ostovich’s father, Rudy Ostovich, was also sworn in as the Post’s commander on the same date 20 years ago. In addition, two of Nick Ostovich’s fellow officers — Eldon Bearden, senior vice commander, and Willie Chavez, junior vice commander — also served in those same positions 20 years ago with Rudy Ostovich. Rudy Ostovich, who is still an active member of Post 4747, was the installing officer for the ceremony which was a combined event for the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary. Rudy also serves as the Post Chaplain. “Dad bought me a lifetime membership in the VFW while I was deployed in Southeast Asia,” Nick Ostovich said. “Dad had been a member for years and years, so it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t become a member as well.” “I grew up in a military family, so it just seemed natural. I chose the Navy because I loved the ocean.” Ostovich spent a total of 21 years in the Navy. He was deployed to Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Southeast Asia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. His tours included six deployments to the Mediterranean. He was in Kuwait for nine months. Ostovich encouraged the public to continue supporting US troops in the current war. “Always, always support the troops. They’re doing a job in harm’s way. They have been ordered to go over there, and they are doing their job because it is their job. By no means should we not support them.”
Seeing or hearing about protestors doesn’t help those fighting. Ostovich said, “I believe that protesting is all political, but the boys and girls over there need our support. As long as they can continue getting cards and letters from those in the United States, it will let them know we are supporting them.” To show support to those serving now, Ostovich said the VFW and Auxiliary were among local and area groups sending cases of candy overseas. “They just need our support. It has nothing to do with politics to show we support them.” Ostovich said showing support to the local VFW members is critical as well. “For a lot of members, this is a support group and gives a feeling of camaraderie they had while in the service. Also, it is a way for the veterans to give back to the community.” In that vein, Ostovich said the members work with a number of community organizations and undertake projects to benefit the community. “We work with the Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, schools, give scholarships . . . in that way the veterans feel they are giving back.” Although membership numbers in the VFW Post are not as high as they once were, Ostovich said he believes the organization is very much a viable one. “It will come to mean more to the younger ones when they get older,” he said. “Right now, they are involved with their families and kids’ activities, but when they are older, I think they will be more active . . . it will come to mean more to them.” Being a part of the Post, Ostovich said, gives him a sense of tradition. n
“Always, always support the troops. They’re doing a job in harm’s way. They have been ordered to go over there, and they are doing their job because it is their job. By no means should we not support them.” w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
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By 2nd Lt. Adam Musil, Texas National Guard Public Affairs
AMBUSHED 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION SOLDIERS SAVE CONVOY
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CAMP MABRY, Texas — Feb. 23, 2008, began as a typical night for Staff Sgt. Shane D. Lindsey and the Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment. Sergeant Lindsey was a trained infantryman, but like the majority of his unit, had spent his tour in Iraq providing convoy security in and out of various military installations. His primary duty was that of assistant convoy commander and vehicle commander for his Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP). On this Iraqi evening, the men of his battalion were transporting fuel from a convoy support center to a logistical support area. It was a cool night, and visibility was high, allowing gunners such as Spc. John A. Armstrong to better spot any enemy activity. Of course, this also gave any would-be attacker the same advantage. Traveling south of Baghdad International Airport, Sergeant Lindsey’s convoy entered a highly populated area and was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The IED detonated near the first vehicle, stopping the convoy, and was immediately followed by a hail of bullets from enemy forces firing from well emplaced positions on the north and south sides of the road. Without hesitation, Specialist Armstrong began firing his M-240B machine gun at the source of enemy fire. The convoy commander ordered for the CLP to push the fuel tankers out of the line of fire and for the military vehicles to engage the enemy. Specialist Armstrong focused his fire and began relaying the locations of the enemy to the convoy commander. As Specialist Armstrong focused his fire to the south at the rear of the convoy, gunner Cpl. Tanerrius D. Robinson did the same, identifying two insurgents and eliminating them with his M-2 .50-caliber machine gun. The firing continued, and Sergeant Lindsey ordered his vehicle to the right side of the road to engage the enemy. He soon noticed the fuel tanker in front of him was disabled and quickly ordered his vehicle to be positioned in front of the immobile tanker. His vehicle was immediately bombarded by gunfire from both sides of the road. Sergeant Lindsey radioed Corporal Robinson’s vehicle and requested fire support. Corporal Robinson adjusted fire and engaged an estimated six insurgents firing from a group of buildings 75 meters south of the road. His vehicle was then rocked by a second IED detonation approximately 50 meters behind his vehicle. This did not deter Corporal Robinson, who emptied his M-2, transitioned to his M-240B and continued the fight. Near the front of the convoy, Sergeant Lindsey’s vehicle continued to be pinned down by intense fire. His gunner, Spc. Anthony D. Cooke, did his best to lay down a high volume of effective fire as his turret was peppered with an endless assault of enemy bullets. Specialist Cooke emptied his M-2 and transitioned to his M-240B, continuing to fire without pause.
May/June/July 2008
This allowed his staff sergeant to exit his vehicle and enter the battle. Sergeant Lindsey, now exposed to enemy fire, began engaging targets with his M-203 grenade launcher. As Specialist Cooke provided cover for Sergeant Lindsey, the battle was joined by Sgt. Anthony Robbins, a truck commander for a vehicle that escaped the impact area with little damage. When told by his driver that Sergeant Lindsey’s vehicle was pinned down, Sergeant Robbins immediately ordered his vehicle back into the fight. His vehicle maneuvered through a maze of oncoming vehicles into the ambush site. Nearing the kill zone, his gunner experienced a weapon malfunction. Hearing this, Sergeant Robbins grabbed a spare automatic weapon from the rear of the vehicle and exited, exposing himself to enemy forces on the north side of the road. He took up a firing position on the hood of his vehicle and began to fire on enemy positions in an attempt to draw fire away from Sergeant Lindsey’s vehicle. During this time, Sergeant Robbins’ gunner corrected his malfunction and engaged the enemy. Sergeant Robbins then noticed one of the contract drivers out of his truck attempting to repair his vehicle. Sergeant Robbins ordered his vehicle to cover the driver. As his vehicle moved out, Sergeant Robbins walked alongside providing fire support. Slowly the enemy gunfire lessened. At the rear of the convoy, Corporal Robinson was now illuminating the area with flares in search of additional attackers. Specialist Armstrong did the same from his position. With the immediate area clear, they established security to allow for the recovery of the disabled vehicles. Enemy fire subsided, and Sergeant Lindsey returned to his vehicle to assist in the recovery efforts of the downed vehicles and check on his men. When the vehicles were secured, the convoy moved out to its objective. For these actions of heroism these men were awarded as such: Spc Anthony D. Cooke, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device; Spc. John A. Armstrong, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device; Cpl. Tanerrius D. Robinson, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device; Sgt. Anthony W. Robbins, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device; and Staff Sgt. Shane D. Lindsey, Bronze Star with Valor Device. n (The descriptions of events in this story were drawn from Soldiers’ statements and award narratives.) w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
state convention award winners The 88th State Convention of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars was held in Dallas, Texas, June 23-29, 2008. Over 1,000 members of the Texas VFW and Ladies Auxiliary attended the convention. A new slate of officers were elected and the officers and members who went “Above and Beyond” for the 2007-2008 VFW year were recognized for that achievement. Winners of the prestigious “J.T. Rutherford” award, the highest a Texas VFW member can earn, were Thomas “Doc” Howard from VFW Post 3359 in Garland, John Clark from VFW Post 2775 in Orange and Mike Barber from VFW Post 3892 in Harker Heights. Receiving the highest award a VFW District Commander can receive, the “Honor Roll District Plaque” was Ray Dudley, the Commander of District 28. In order to attain the “Honor Roll” District designation, each Post in the District must earn “Honor Roll” Post designation. The top five District Commanders in Texas were recognized as the “All State” Team of District Commanders. Ray Dudley from District 28 was recognized as the Captain of the team. Team members were John Clark from District 2, Johnny Karstedt from District 24, Rick Olivares from District 17 and David Bennett from District 25. These Commanders met and exceeded all of their goals for the 2007-2008 year. Receiving the “A.R. Russ Richards” Award was Jerry Wootton the Immediate Past District Commander from District 4. This award recognizes the outstanding past District Commander and his accomplishments in assisting the current District Commander as well as his individual accomplishments. n
All-State District Commanders: (L to R) David Bennett, D-25; John Clark, D-2; Al Cantu, State Commander; Johnny Karstedt, D-24; Rick Olivares, D-17; Ray Dudley, D-28; and Jim Nier, Past National VFW Commander in Chief.
J.T. Rutherford Award Winners: (L to R) Al Cantu, State Commander; Thomas “Doc” Howard; John Clark; Mike Barber; and Jim Nier, Past National VFW Commander in Chief.
Honor Roll District Commander Ray Dudley: (L to R) Al Cantu, State Commander; Ray Dudley, District 28 Commander; and Jim Nier, Past National VFW Commander in Chief.
Most Outstanding Past District Commander, Jerry Wootton: (L to R) Al Cantu, State Commander; Jerry Wootton; A.R. “Russ” Richards, Immediate Past Texas VFW State Commander; and Jim Nier, Past National VFW Commander in Chief.
2008-2009 State Officers As customary, the 88th State Convention elected a new slate of officers for the 2008-2009 VFW year. Each of these officers bring a vast amount of experience to their position. From left to right are State Senior Vice Commander Mike Barber, State Commander Jerry Murphree, State Junior Vice Commander Wayne Depute and State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona. Murphree, who earned his eligibility while serving in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps, is a retired Fireman having served 25 years with the Dallas Fire Department. A native Texan, Jerry and his wife Pat reside in Rowlett, Texas. Jerry, a Life member since 1972 calls VFW Post 3359 in Garland his home. Barber, a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant earned his eligibility with his service in Korea. Born in Michigan, Mike and his wife Lynn reside in Harker Heights, Texas. Mike, a Life member of Post 3892 in Harker Heights, joined the VFW in 1996. Newly elected State Junior Vice Commander Wayne Depute, a Life member of Post 6378 in Dickinson has been with the VFW since 1996. Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1984, he earned his eligibility while serving in Vietnam. Wayne has recently celebrated his second retirement from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Born in California, Wayne and his wife Millie now reside in League City, Texas. Grona, a Life Member of VFW Post 3377 in Manchaca is a U.S. Army retired Master Sergeant earning his eligibility with service in Operation Desert Storm. He joined the VFW in 1997. Born in Corpus Christi, Roy and his wife Sandra reside in Kyle. n w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
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By Colonel Thomas Palladino, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Texas Military Forces
Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Partners with
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The Texas VFW has entered into a partnership to support the military and family members of the Texas Army and Air National Guard. The Texas VFW has always been an instrumental partner with the Texas National Guard to provide for the needs of its members, but entered into a formal collaboration by signing the “Partners Across Texas” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 29, 2007. “Partners Across Texas” is an 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. The purpose of this partnership is to establish a framework to increase the benefits and services for all Texas National Guard service members and veterans within the State of Texas. Collaboration between the participating organizations will enhance support to all Texas National Guard members, veterans and their families by providing assistance before, during and after deployments, including state emergency operations. This includes urgent financial assistance, employment opportunities, and family issues during reintegration. The original members of the partnership include:
May/June/July 2008
• Texas Veterans Commission • Texas Veterans Land Board • Texas Health and Human Services Commission • Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas • Veteran’s Benefits Administration • Veteran’s Health Administration • VA Vet Centers • Department of Labor: Veterans Employment & Training Service • Texas Military Forces (Texas National Guard) Transition Assistance Advisors, State Family Program, and State Surgeon Office • Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve • Veterans of Foreign Wars • American Legion • TriWest Healthcare Alliance • Humana Military Healthcare Services
s Partnesr acro s texas
the Texas National Guard The Texas VFW has signed this particular MOU in addition to the MOU signed between the VFW of the United States and National Guard Bureau which expanded outreach support to National Guard Service Members and their Families. The Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars mainly supports the Texas National Guard through the Military Assistance Program (MAP), Operation Uplink, and Unmet Needs. The Military Assistance Program (MAP) has provided numerous services to all Texas National Guard veterans and their families throughout the past century and especially since September 11, 2001. The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the VFW and Texas National Guard military units. MAP offers grants to VFW Posts who participate in military unit functions, such as sponsoring “Farewell and Welcome Home Activities,” “Family Readiness Group” events, or other sponsorship ideas. Since July 2006, the Texas VFW has approved 61 Texas Army National Guard Grants for a total of $112,850. VFW Operation UplinkTM program enables military personnel and hospitalized veterans to communicate with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free VFW Operation Uplink phone card. Since July 2006,
the Texas VFW has distributed over 7,387 cards to Texas National Guard soldiers totaling over $48,000. Unmet Needs can give a one-time grant up to $2,500 for any active duty or activated service member and their families, including those within three years of discharge experiencing financial hardship due to deployment or activation. Since July 2006, the Texas VFW has assisted over 75 Texas National Guard families for a total of $97,140 for emergencies. The Texas VFW has been the number one sponsor of Texas National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and families since 9/11 and provides the necessary assistance to the units and families to cope with the stress and hardships of multiple deployments and operations. We, the Texas Military Forces would like to sincerely thank the Texas VFW for all their dedication and unwavering support of our Soldiers, Airmen, and families and will always consider them a vital force multiplier to ensure our units accomplish their missions and take care of their people. n
May/June/July 2008
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By Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
Soldiers and Airmen Support Center Officially Opens
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One of the significant events of the American Heroes Celebration weekend was the opening of the Soldier and Airmen Support Center and covenant signing. The center, under the leadership of retired Col. Dennis Morreale, garrison commandant, will offer assistance to Soldiers and Airmen with a variety of resources. It was officially opened by Lt. Gen. (TX) Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas, and his wife, Cappy Rodriguez. The National Guard Family Covenant signing, the formal recognition of the U.S. military at war, was initiated by Secretary of the Army Pete Geren to ensure that service members, families and civilians know that they have leadership support behind them. Local leaders were very interested in the concept and wanted to pledge their support. Cedar Park Mayor Bob Lemon; Hutto Mayor Ken Love; Michael Earnshaw of Humana Health Systems; Dan West of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alice Demaris representing TriWest and Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Brooks from Global Resolutions signed the Greater Austin Community Covenant. Family members also had an opportunity to contribute to the signing. General Rodriguez was accompanied by Pooga, a 10-yearold boy; Maj. Gen. Jose Mayorga was joined by Brenna Moran, 4; Brig. Gen. Eddy Spurgin brought Alex Ornelas, 5; and Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Hendry was accompanied by Anthony Gallardo, 4. The Greater Austin Community Covenant is an opportunity for the community to recognize the sacrifices made by the Soldiers, Airmen and their families and allows for communities to build partnerships. “We are signing something
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that says that we are committed in several ways to take care of our own families but it is more than commitment, it is action,” said General Rodriguez after the opening ceremony. “We have not always done justice to recognizing family. It has been said that without the family there is no spirit in the Soldier or the Airman. In fact, without that commitment to those who stand and wait and serve, very quietly but very supportive, there would be no warrior. “Whether you are carrying the spear, or whether you are at the home front, whether you are an employer, or supporting a warrior, we are all in this together,” he continued. “The picture of the minuteman, the spouse and the child are emblematic of that one team,” said General Rodriguez. “We are facing challenges today, be that Iraq, Afghanistan or Bosnia, whether you are in the Army Guard, Air Guard, or active duty. When you go away, it is very hard. There is a degree of danger when you deploy overseas, and a degree of stress. We have to take care of one another. Sometimes it just takes listening. Sometimes the listening has to be done by a buddy who has also been overseas. Other times, that listening has to be done by a chaplain, and sometimes it has to be done with somebody who understands the dynamics of stress in a place like the Veterans
Administration . . . or mental health clinic. It does not mean that you are sick; it just means that any one of us might at some time need assistance. So we pulled together Partners Across Texas: people who are willing to help. They said, ‘If there is any way we can help Soldiers and Airmen and their families as they go through reintegration and recovery, let us help.” “Here in Texas we work through the 2-1-1 systems. My wife, Cappy, tells me we are moving one step further. We are adding a group of people or ombudsmen if you will. With an ombudsman you have somebody on the line with you not somebody who listens and hangs up but somebody who works with you. “It is a different approach. Why? Because there are thousands of square miles in Texas. “Remember the words: covenant and partnership. These two things are becoming reality and will continue to evolve through the good will of the communities. “Encourage calls to 2-1-1. We are not active duty. We are not in just one location. We are everywhere. Thanks for your help. We are in this together.” And with that, he and his wife, Cappy, used a huge pair of scissors to cut the ribbon to symbolically open the new Soldiers and Airmen Support Center. n
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POW/MIA NAVY PILOT MISSING IN ACTION FROM THE VIETNAM WAR IS IDENTIFIED
SOLDIER MISSING IN ACTION FROM THE KOREAN WAR IS IDENTIFIED
June 20, 2008
July 8, 2008
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Lt. Cmdr. Ralph C. Bisz, U.S. Navy, of Miami Shores, Fla. His funeral arrangements are being set by his family. On Aug. 4, 1967, Bisz took off in an A-4E Skyhawk from the USS Oriskany to bomb an enemy petroleum depot near Haiphong, Vietnam. As he neared the target, his aircraft was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile and crashed near the town of Hai Duong in Hai Hung Province. No parachute was observed and no emergency beeper signal was received. In 1988, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) repatriated to the United States human remains from Hai Hung Province, which they attributed to Bisz on the basis of their historical records of the shootdown as well as documentation of his burial. Between 1988 and 2004, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted several investigations of the incident and surveyed the crash site. A team found aircraft wreckage at the site which was consistent with an A-4E Skyhawk. Teams also interviewed witnesses who recalled the crash and burial of the pilot in a nearby cemetery. Additionally, one witness indicated that he oversaw the exhumation of the American’s remains from the cemetery, and their turnover to district officials. Between 1993 and 2004, 25 samples from the remains turned over in 1988 were submitted to several laboratories for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, but yielded inconclusive results. In 2007, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used refined DNA collection techniques and succeeded in obtaining verifiable mtDNA. Using forensic identification tools, circumstantial evidence, mtDNA analysis and dental comparisons, scientists from JPAC identified the remains as those of Bisz. 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 Cpl. Steven Lucas, U.S. Army, of Johnson City, N.Y. He will be buried July 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Representatives from the Army met with Lucas’ next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. In late November 1950, Lucas was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment making up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), then engaging enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir near Kaljon-Ri, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. On Nov. 29, remnants of the RCT began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions near Hagaru-ri, south of the reservoir. Lucas never made it to the lines at Hagaru-ri and was last seen on Nov. 30. Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of several boxes in 1993 indicated that the remains from that box were exhumed near Kaljon-Ri. This location correlates with Lucas’ last known location. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/ MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Lucas’ remains. n 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.
PILOT MISSING IN ACTION FROM THE KOREAN WAR IS IDENTIFIED July 3, 2008 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 Capt. William K. Mauldin, U.S. Air Force, of Pickens, S.C. He will be buried on July 18 in Easley, S.C. On Feb. 21, 1952, Mauldin departed Kimpo Air Base, South Korea, on an aerial reconnaissance mission of enemy targets in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.). While over Odong-ni, Mauldin’s RF-51 Mustang was hit by enemy fire and crashed near Sinan-ri, Hoeyang County, D.P.R.K. An aerial search of the crash site was conducted that day and the next, but found no evidence that Mauldin escaped the aircraft before it crashed. Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. One set of remains turned over in 1993 included fragments of aircrew life-support equipment, and were reported to be those of an American pilot recovered near Sinan-ri. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Mauldin’s remains. n w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
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educational opportunities for veterans & families central texas college Offers free tuition to “wounded warrior” spouses Officials from Central Texas College (CTC) recently announced a new initiative that will provide free tuition for spouses of soldiers injured in combat. Through the new “Wounded Warrior” spouse scholarship program, free tuition will be provided for up to 30 semester hours in one year, for spouses of Purple Heart recipients. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Fort Hood Area Community Covenant event, held at CTC on June 6. Scholarships applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2008, for classes beginning after August 1. “Central Texas College has a long history of serving the educational needs of military personnel and their families,” said Dr. James Anderson, CTC chancellor. “We are proud to extend support to spouses of wounded warriors in this way.” CTC will also work with “Operation Life Transformed” whose field network will help identify and award scholarships to those who need them most as quickly as possible. “Operation Life Transformed” works with spouses of wounded military personnel to provide them training in workplace skills that will allow them to pursue flexible and mobile careers. Qualifying spouses may fill out a CTC admission application and complete any pre-registration requirements prior to August 1 to expedite processing. To verify eligibility, qualifying spouses must present a copy of the military member’s DD214 or orders reflecting the award of a Purple Heart since September 2001, along with a copy of a marriage license and a Department of Defense ID card or other type of photo ID. The scholarship covers in or out-of-state tuition and mandatory fees. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, spouses must take a minimum of six semester credit hours and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. More information is available on the CTC website at www.ctcd.edu/militaryspouses. The scholarship application will be available online and at CTC site locations by early July. Applications may be submitted to any CTC location or to CTC’s online mentors for students not located near a site location. The Wounded Warriors Spouse Scholarship Program will be funded by the CTC Foundation. Anyone interested in donating to the scholarship program should call the Foundation at 254-526-1472.
Free tuition will be provided for up to 30 semester hours in one year, for spouses of Purple Heart recipients. Scholarship applications now being accepted. Spouses must present the following: • A copy of the military member’s DD214 or orders reflecting the award of a Purple Heart since September 2001 • A copy of a marriage license • A Department of Defense ID card or other type of photo ID The scholarship covers in or out-ofstate tuition and mandatory fees. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, spouses must: • T ake a minimum of six semester credit hours • Maintain a 2.0 GPA More information is available on the CTC Website at www.ctcd.edu/ militaryspouses. The scholarship application is available online and at CTC site locations. Applications may be submitted to any CTC location, or to CTC’s online mentors for students not located near a site location. In addition, CTC’s textbook partner, MBS Direct, will offer free books to qualifying spouses. More information on the textbook offer is available at www.bookstore.mbsdirect.net.
ATI Career Training Presents
THE LARRY GILBERT/VFW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ATI Career Training is awarding 16 scholarships among its 8 Texas campuses. Each scholarship will provide a veteran with 12 months to 3 years of career training at ATI in a variety of fields, including health care, computer repair, information technology, automotive repair, massage therapy, personal fitness trainer, business administration, HVAC and welding
Applications are available September 1 through October 31 Successful candidates will be notified by November 25.
Apply online now!
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Richardson and Stemmons, TX campuses are branch locations of ATI Career Training Center, Technology Blvd. Dallas, TX Garland, TX campus is a branch location of ATI Technical Training Center, Maple Ave., Dallas, TX
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opportunities for veterans of OEF/OIF available to anyone who qualifies
5 FREE One-Year Scholarships Please see the following website for University of Phoenix application process and availability of 5 FREE one-year scholarships to be awarded in the next 1-4 months to Texas veterans who have been severely injured as a result of actions in OIF/OEF.
www.operationcomfort.org Please distribute this email to any eligible Texas Veteran. Jim Riley LTC (US Army (ret) VFW Life Member 5406763 210-845-3985 ( cell)
5 FREE Four-Year Scholarships Operation Comfort is pleased to announce we have partnered with the University of Phoenix to award 5 four-year educational scholarships to severely injured Service members who are residents of the State of Texas. The first scholarship will be awarded by 31 August 2008. Please download the application at www.operationcomfort.org and submit by mail to: University of Phoenix Scholarship Program c/o OPERATION COMFORT Attn: Mrs. Janet Asghar 4900 BROADWAY, SUITE 400 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209
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Outward Bound, an international non-profit outdoor education program, is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans. It doesn’t matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) — you’re eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/ OIF combat operations while in the military. These five-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, and Minnesota. Scheduled courses from Sep 08-Feb 09 are listed below, and future courses will be scheduled soon. All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a multi-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants’ round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site. The excursion is offered at no cost to the participant. To sign up for one of the prescheduled courses, please contact Doug Hayward at 1-866-669-2362, ext. 8387, or simply e-mail him at obvets@ outwardbound.org. To learn more about the OEF/OIF program, visit the website at www. outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans. You can also contact two of our retired Judge Advocates, Joe and Amy Frisk, who are working for Outward Bound on this incredible program at vetsor@outwardbound.org, or at (303) 968-4420.
OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES FOR 2008/2009 OUTWARD BOUND OEF/OIF WAR VETERANS EXPEDITIONS • Leadville, Colorado: Backpacking and Rock Climbing in the Colorado Rockies September 3-7, 2008 October 4-8, 2008 • Newry, Maine: Backpacking and Canoeing October 7-11, 2008 October 19-23, 2008 • Big Bend, Texas: Back packing and Cayoneering November 2-6, 2008 November 15-19, 2008 • Joshua Tree National Monument, California: Backpacking and Rock Climbing December 3-7, 2008 December 14-18, 2008 • Ely, Minnesota: Dog Sledding February 3-7, 2009
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VFW Voice of Democracy
By Leesha Stephens, mother of Ben Stephens
“Wow! This is really a big deal!”
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My son, Benjamin Scott Stephens, had just finished his first day of activities at the VFW Voice of Democracy state contest in January. He stopped by my hotel room when they got back from their evening gathering, and filled me in with details like a small child coming home from the first day of school. The field trips were fun he said, but that was not the “big deal” he was referring to. The “big deal” was the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary members that he met. From the very beginning of that weekend, he was awestruck by so many things. For my son to be at a loss for words was rare! We have several veterans in our family, but to see so many men and women who have served our country gathered in one place was something Scott had never seen before. “Mom, they are honoring us and treating us like we are really special.” Scott had submitted an essay about his role in honoring American veterans, and for the first time, it began to sink in with him, what a “big deal” that really was. Writing and recording that essay was just one of the “big deals” he would come to associate with the VFW. Scott was selected as your state VFW winner. The scholarship which is greatly appreciated is a “big deal.” When we attended the national VFW Voice of Democracy contest in Washington, D.C. we learned that the Department of Texas believes the students in Texas are a “big deal” and honors them with a more generous scholarship than just about any other state. Everything about the trip to the nation’s capitol could be called a “big deal” especially being singled out by the President of the United States for the only hand shake he gave to any of the students. President Bush winked at Scott as they shook hands and talked about the Promised Land. Being a Texan is a “big deal.” In June, as another gift from the VFW, Scott attended Freedom Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. While it was a “big deal” to get to renew friendships from the national convention, the leadership activities were important as tomorrow’s generation of leaders begins to discover who they are through learning about the past
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and the men and women who have sacrificed for them to be able to enjoy the freedom of a future. I, personally, can never thank you enough for what the Voice of Democracy essay contest has meant to our family. We have met some wonderful people at every level of this contest. As a teacher, I wondered many times during the past few months why information about the organization and scholarship programs like Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen isn’t better known and why more students don’t participate. I have been working with student entries in this program for only about five years. Perhaps I can offer a suggestion for helping the VFW get the information out there: Cultivate teachers in your area who are interested in helping their students learn more about the role of veterans not just in our past but in our present. Principals and campus counselors are bombarded with scholarship applications, and may often be too busy to be sure that the information gets into the students’ hands. But a classroom teacher sees students every day and knows who not only has the talent, but who needs the scholarship help. I got more involved with helping students enter scholarship programs like Voice of Democracy when a veteran came to me personally and gave me contest information. Not only did he bring me the information, he contacted me periodically to be sure that I had students working and that I was aware of the deadlines. Was I irritated or offended? Not at all! It was nice to have the reminders. So, I would encourage you to find those teachers who are interested in veterans and being sure that our students never forget. Don’t limit your focus to language arts teachers or history teachers. Find teachers in any subject area who are receptive to you and your program and then stay after them. I am the daughter of a World War II veteran and have been around VFW most of my life. I did not realize until my experiences this year what a “big deal” VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary really are for the students of Texas. Thank you again for what you have done for my son, Benjamin Scott Stephens and for renewing a passion in me to be sure that my students respect your sacrifices for America and the contributions your organization is making to the youth of this great nation. n w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
texas vfw in action
Texas VFW members from District 21 man a VFW information booth at the 2008 Naval Operation Support Center Family Day held at the Joint Readiness Base in Forth Worth, Texas where sailors, Marines and their families were able to get up-to-date information on their benefits. The VFW donated $5,000 to help sponsor this event and 58 new members where signed up into the Texas VFW.
Sylvia Sanchez, Past District 20 Commander, presents Certificate of Appreciation to Fred Balderrama for his service to veterans. He a member of the Fort Sam Houston Memorial Service Detachment and VFW member. The Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Memorial Service Detachment (MSD) is available Monday through Friday to provide military funeral honors for veterans. MSD teams are volunteers. They complement the services provided by the Department of Defense. They ensure that all veterans are provided the rifle salute and taps. All military funeral honors performed by the MSD are provided at no cost to the family
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John Lozanski and Thomas “Doc� Howard of Texas VFW District 3 assemble care packages for deploying National Guard Soldiers of Charlie Company, 949th BSB located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Using the VFW Military Assistance Program, District 3 was able to provide deployment necessities for each soldier.
Commander Ron Linden, sampling food at Trinity, Texas VFW Post 6899, 5th Annual Cook-Off to benefit local Veterans.
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By Terry Breen
BP Employee helps pay tribute to texas war veterans BP’s Stephen Brady (far right) and veterans (from left) E.D. Christensen, Louis Mehr, and Peyton Lumpkin, who is also the Katy VFW Post commander, with a young student admirer on the trip to Washington. At BP, Stephen Brady is Project Services Lead for the Gulf Of Mexico’s PUMA Project. But he devotes much of his free time to projects at the Katy, TX Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182. His most recent project is one he’ll remember forever. Brady helped organize a free-of-charge trip to Washington D.C., for 30 Katy, Texas-area World War II and Korean War veterans that focused on first-ever visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Arlington National Cemetery. According to Brady, the veterans were moved not only by the sites they visited, but by the warm
treatment they received from many of the tourists they encountered. There were expressions of gratitude and many requests for autographs and photographs. Army veteran Floyd Foster told the Houston Chronicle: “A lot of young people seem to be indifferent today. But during this trip, it was very interesting to see their reaction to us World War II veterans. Many of them told us that they realize that they are free because of what we did.” Brady, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, said he too, was moved by kind words from tourists. “At each of the memorials we visited, the public finally gave me the thanks and ‘welcome home’ I
never got years ago after returning home,” he said. Brady later did a presentation about the weekend at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. “You absolutely touched the hearts and souls of our guests and each of us felt truly honored to share a little part of that remarkable journey,” Chamber President/CEO Ann Hodge told Brady in a note thanking him for his talk. n
smithville memorial day
L to R: Post Jr.Vice Commander Leonard Kujawski, Post Commander Rob Johnston, and Post Sr. Vice Commander Jack Hancock
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Memorial Day at VFW Post 1309 Smithville had a goal for Memorial Day of raising awareness of and remembering those Veterans who had died while serving our country. Advertising in three papers, they were expecting only a handful to show up and take part in the ceremony at the Post home. The residents of Smithville however had other plans and over 400 showed up and total donations to support the Post Buddy Poppy program came out to over $3,000. Post Commander Rob Johsnton was excited and pleased to at such an enormous outpouring of support from the local community especially when it seems that most people fail to grasp the significance of Memorial Day and honoring those that have died for our way of life. n
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Special news for texas veterans FLAG AMENDMENT
Even lower mortgage rates for Texas veterans
SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.
Texas veterans earn big savings on home loans, regardless of when they served
Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking `all persons present’ and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: `all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
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AUSTIN — Jerry Patterson, chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, praised Congresses for quick passage of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART), which will provide even lower home mortgage rates for veterans in five states, including Texas. “This legislation can potentially save Texas veterans tens of thousands on their home mortgage,� Patterson said. “Before, our home and home improvement loans at the Texas Veterans Land Board were about one-half percent lower than the VA. Once the President signs this into law, we could be as much as a full percentage point lower. That’s a huge savings.� The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act, H.R. 6081, includes provisions from legislation Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored last year that will open an existing low-interest housing loan program to all Texas veterans, including those who served after 1977. Under current law, the Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bond (QVMB) program, administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board, is only open to veterans who served on active duty prior to 1977. Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored bipartisan legislation, S. 2277, which would greatly expand the QVMB eligibility criteria for Texas veterans who served in more recent conflicts by eliminating the pre-1977 requirement. “I want to thank Chairman Patterson and his staff for their expertise on this issue and tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for our Texas veterans,� said Cornyn, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “Because of their help, all Texas veterans are one step closer to having access to affordable housing through this important legislation, and I applaud their efforts.� Patterson thanked the entire Texas Congressional delegation for their broad support of this bipartisan effort. “Specifically, I want to thank our two Senators, John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison and their staff as well as our Texas congressional members on Ways & Means, Congressman Kevin Brady and staff, Congressman Lloyd Doggett and staff and Congressman Sam Johnson and staff for never giving up on this issue,� Patterson said. For more information on benefits available only to Texas veterans, such as low-interest land and home loans, call 1-800-252-8387 or visit www.texasveterans.com. n
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ladies auxiliary
State President
Debbie Daniels
Pictured are the Ladies Auxiliary Officers for the 2008-2009 year. President, Debbie Daniel, of Brownwood Aux-3278 (center); Sr. Vice President, Cleo Hornsby, of Kingsland Aux-10428 (Debbie’s right); and Jr. Vice President, Lynn Richards, of Dickerson Aux-6378 (Debbie’s left). Second Row from Left to Right: Jo Ella Menn, Treasurer; Sharon Helton, Chaplain; Roberta Carnly, Secretary; Cathy Wewe, Conductress; Behind them are the elected and appointed State and District officers for the Ladies Auxiliary including Melanie McConaghy, Guard (immediately behind and just to the right of Sharon).
-BEJFT "VYJMJBSZ
to theVeterans of ForeignWars of theUnited States
Serving our country by... 4VQQPSUJOH EFQMPZFE USPPQT UIFJS GBNJMJFT 1SPWJEJOH TDIPMBSTIJQT GPS TUVEFOUT 3BJTJOH NPOFZ GPS EJTBCMFE WFUFSBOT 7PMVOUFFSJOH JO PVS DPNNVOJUJFT 4QBSLJOH QBUSJPUJTN OBUJPOXJEF 5P Ä• OE PVU IPX UP KPJO DPOUBDU ZPVS MPDBM -BEJFT "VYJMJBSZ 7'8
Join Us!
-FU ZPVS WPJDF CF IFBSE PO $BQJUPM )JMM -FU ZPVS IBOET TFSWF UIPTF JO OFFE -FU ZPVS IFBSU CF Ä• MMFE XJUI IPQF GPS ZPVS DPNNVOJUZ
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Commander’s Column continued from page 4
lobbied for a 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption and was successful in that effort. We were instrumental in the passage of several bills that protect our troops from predatory loan lenders and support medical efforts to recognize and treat PTSD. Regardless of their political affiliation, our State Legislators have and continue to support the efforts of the Coalition to ensure the proper treatment and care of veterans. The members and Posts in Texas make a difference! The economic impact of the VFW in Texas alone is over ten million dollars! From scholarships programs to Boy Scout Troops, from rifle teams to highway trash cleanup crews, the members of the Texas VFW and Ladies Auxiliary stand tall. But the fight is not over. Some battles have been won but the war is far from over. We cannot and will not rest on our laurels. The Texas VFW must continue to fight for our core values. So once more this year, we take up our colors, roll up our sleeves and continue that battle until one day we win the war and those rights we have fought so hard for. I could not be prouder to be a member of this organization and to be the Department Commander. You should also be proud and take pride in our accomplishments, letting the public know that we are the premiere veteran’s organization in the world. Respectfully yours,
Jerry Murphree, State Commander
VFW Post 5619 supports the 147th Fighter Wing at Ellington Field. Being actively involved with today’s military is a priority for the Bellaire VFW Post. They routinely attend monthly stand downs, drills and unit events. Pictured L to R: Rudy Carr, Danny Ziesler, Harold Olmstead, Frank Cisneroz, Rene Guerrero and Michael Contreras.
The Samaritan Counseling Center
HOPE for H E ROE S
Serving those who serve and their families Counseling at no charge for those who served in Iraq/Afghanistan & their family members during and after deployment. Children, Adults & Families For more information please call (512) 451-7337 or Toll Free (877) 426-HOPE (4673) E-mail: hopeforheroes@samaritan-center.org
Candidates for 2009-2010 State Office John Spahr – Jr. Vice Commander Larry Velasquez – Surgeon Robert Dickerson – Chaplain Ken Butron – Judge Advocate Al Cantu – Nat. Council Member 2010-2012 w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
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STATE COMMANDER HOMECOMING 2008 Jerry Murphree 2009 0DUPCFS t 3BEJTTPO )PUFM &BTU t %BMMBT 5FYBT 11350 LBJ Freeway @ Jupiter Dallas, Texas 75238 Room Rate of $79.00 + Tax
To make reservations call 1-800-346-0660 or 214-341-5400 ask for State Cmndrs Room Block. Cut Off 9-1-08 The Homecoming Committee would like to invite you to place your congratulatory ad in the State Commanders Homecoming Book. The book will be 8 1/2 X 11. To place your ad or message attach your camera ready ad to this page along with any artwork, photocopy or photos or email to carlos@texasvfw.org.
1MFBTF JOEJDBUF XIBU TJ[F BE ______
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%FBEMJOF GPS "ET JT 4FQUFNCFS Name: ___________________________________________
4DIFEVMF PG &WFOUT 'SJEBZ 0DUPCFS Golf Tournement . . . . . . . . . . 08:00 - TBD Registration . . . . . . . . . . . .1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . .1:00 - 11:00 p.m.
4BUVSEBZ 0DUPCFS COA Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 a.m. COA Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . .12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Dinner - Program . . . . . . 6:00 p.m. - TBD
Phone #: _________________________________________
4VOEBZ 0DUPCFS
Make Checks payable to: Texas VFW C/O Homecoming Book Mail to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761
Breakfast at Post
HOMECOMING GOLF TOURNAMENT
Oct. 2, 2008 Oakridge Golf Club, 2800 Diamond Oaks Dr.Garland, Tx75044 (972) 530-8008
Tentative Schedule 07:15 — Breakfast at the course 08:00 — Tee off, Shotgun Start 12:30 (Approx.) — Lunch and awards
$60.00
Includes breakfast, cart & lunch
Name:_________________________________Post:_________Handicap:________Age: ___________ Address: ___________________________ City: _________________ State: _____ Zip: ___________ 4FOE DPNQMFUFE FOUSZ GPSN BOE QBZNFOU UP %JTUSJDU 2VBSUFSNBTUFS %PD )PXBSE t (PMEFO 0BLT %SJWF t (BSMBOE 5FYBT Make Checks Payable to: District 3 C/O State Commanders Homecoming
Texas vfw mid-winter convention The Mid-Winter Convention for the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries will be held January 28 - 31, 2009 in Austin, Texas at the Doubletree Hotel. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the hotel at (800) 347-0330 or (512) 454-3737, please use group name: “VFW Mid Winter Conference.” Group code: MID For online hotel reservations visit www.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/AUSLNDTMID-20090128/index.jhtml or texasvfw.org for more information Rooms are $97.00 plus tax, and check in time is 3:00 p.m. Cancellations? Call the hotel immediately. Posts and Districts wanting a Hospitality Room — $400/night + tax Call Cathy Calder (512) 374-4870 or email cathy.calder@ihrco.com.
Mid-Winter VOD Awards Banquet NO REFUNDS AFTER JANUARY 16, 2008 Name:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________________State:_______________________ Zip: __________________________________ Phone: (_________) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Post/Aux#:__________________________________________District #: _ ________________________________________________________ # of Tickets: __________ @ $40.00 each = $ ____________ # of Tables:___________ @ $400.00 each = $____________ (Seats 10) Special Needs:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Complete this form and mail with payment to:
Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761
Must be recieved by January 16, 2008 • Tickets at the door are $50.00, if available
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Aug/Sep/Oct 2008
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VA Announces Online Claims Applications WASHINGTON (AFRNS) — The Department of Veterans Affairs will now accept online applications from veterans, survivors and other claimants for various benefits without the additional requirement of submitting a signed paper copy of the application. People can now file initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits online. VA will process applications received through its online application Web site, VONAPP, without the claimant’s signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant’s application for benefits. Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications. VONAPP, found at www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm is a Web-based system that benefits both internal and external users. Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery. Officials announced that VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by VA, decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors. The online application also provides a link to apply for VA health care benefits and much more. More than 3.7 million veterans and beneficiaries receive compensation and pension benefits from VA, and approximately 523,000 students receive education benefits. Approximately 90,000 disabled veterans participate in VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. For more information about VA benefits, go to VA’s Web site at www.va.gov or call the toll-free number (800) 827-1000. n (Courtesy of VA)
A new face lift for TEXASVFW.ORG!
Coming Soon . . . Thats right! A complete face lift for our website that will have new and improved features, and weekly updates on the information important to Texas Veterans and Texas VFW members.
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Aug/Sep/Oct 2008
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American Made Veteran Owned
TXVFW040208
Jr. Vice Commander Daniel Yarbrough of Post 8904 Center, Texas, helping scouts of Pack 119 properly retire a flag as part of their Americanism Program.