MICHIGAN OV• ReportingER yourSE positiveAS impact onVE the MichiganTE communityRA • N October/November/December Volume 83 Number 2 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER

As I am writing you my article, My, my…how the time flies. I am looking out my backyard The year is already half over and window and I see leaves falling Jerry the snow will be flying by the Matt off the trees. You know what that time you are reading this. I hope means, WINTER is coming. Will Gorski that the plans your post laid in David you be ready for Winter? Senior the spring are in full swing and Junior I just returned from our are proving successful. Vice Commander 2015 Big Ten Conference in Vice Commander As of the end of Oct., the Bettendorf, Iowa. Bettendorf Dept. of Michigan is at 85% in is part of the “Quad” Cities Membership Robert A. Crider and our membership. We are over 6,000 monthly meeting and saying we missed (Bettendorf, Iowa, Davenport, Iowa, New Director, VFW Programs Lynn Rolf members down from last year. We have you will go a long way. Moline, Illinois, & Rock Island, Illinois), III. From our Washington Office was managed to sign up 353 new members and On 09/12/15, I attended the Macomb/ which all are located on the Mississippi Director, National Legislative Service re-instate 116, but we need to do more. Oakland County Council’s Youth River. Moline, Illinois is the Home of the Raymond C. Kelley. Everyone did a great The post quartermaster can download Campout at the Multi-Lakes Conservation “John Deere” World Headquarters, which job given us valuable training. Thank You the unpaid members reports from the Association in Commerce Twp. Scouting is 177 years old. They are famous for “Flying Squadron” for coming & training national website. Get this list, put a team troops from around the area attended and making “tractors.” us and Thank You “Department of Iowa” together, and go knock on doors. Surveys it was a day of learning and fun for the The Big Ten “Morning” Training for hosting the 2015 Big Ten Conference! have shown that the number one reason kids. Each group competed in a number Session was put on by the “Flying Next year, the 2016 Big Ten Conference comrades leave the VFW is because they of events that included land nav., obstacle Squadron”, which included our National will be in “Michigan”. It will be held at sign up and they never hear from anyone course, and marksmanship to name a few. Commander-in-Chief John A. Biedrzycki the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michi- again, or they attend a meeting and no The event is open to anyone so if your Jr. from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The other gan on October 21-23, 2016. The “Flying one even greets them. Let’s get out there post sponsors a boy or girl scout troop, speakers were from our VFW National Squadron” will also be coming to Michi- and let these comrades know that we encourage them to check it out. The more Headquarters in Kansas City, MO. They gan. This will be a great time for “Michi- haven’t forgotten about them and we want participation the more fun. were Quartermaster General Larry gan” to receive valuable training from our them back. If you see someone new at a Even though the year is coming to an Maher, Assistant Quartermaster General National Officers, National Headquarters meeting, go shake their hand, introduce end, we still have a lot of work to do, Debra L. Anderson, Assistant Adjutant Staff and our Washington Headquarters yourself, and welcome them to the post. so don’t stop now. There is still a lot of General, Administration & Programs Staff. It has been 10 years since Michigan However, don’t forget about the members work to be done. Thank you for what Kevin C. Jones, Director, Administrative last hosted the Big Ten Conference. Infor- that pay their dues every year. We need to you do and what you continue to do. Operations David E. Prohaska, Director, mation regarding registration, housing and reach out to them, too. A phone call, card, God bless you, Happy Thanksgiving, and SENIOR VICE COMMANDER, continued on page 3 or personal visit reminding them of the Merry Christmas. This year seems to be flying with that money. There are some posts that minutes and done prior to the post turning right by us. I can’t believe that put all of that money in the dues reserve everything over to Department. I will let we are so close to the Holiday Lynn fund which is something that you are able you know that Dept. doesn’t want the Post season. I hope you all enjoyed your Patterson to do. On July 1 this line item should be funds or building. With assuming the Post Halloween and my favorite holiday, transferred to the General Fund and used funds we also assume the post debit. Thanksgiving. Give thanks for all Department as directed by the Post membership. If Buddy Poppies... Please do not wait your blessings, we surely have a lot you would like to find it in the National until the last minute to order your buddy to be thankful for. Quartermaster By-Laws it is in the Manual of Procedure poppies. As soon as you know that your I wanted to take some time and Section 717 Dues Reserve page 97. Post is going to need more poppies get talk about the Veterans Training run the programs that he would like to If your Post is considering turning in your order in. The deadline is December Seminars I have been able to participate run during his year as commander. This the Post charter, please refer to Section 31, 2015. in so far this year. It has been a great fund cannot be touched throughout the 210- Surrender of Charter in the National If I can be of any assistance to you and experience for me to be able to get out year. The money that is put in there is the By-Laws (page 67). This will help guide your post please feel free to contact me. I and visit with everyone that attends. I money that you receive from National for the post through everything that needs to will help you in any way that I am able to. have learned a lot from all of you and I your membership dues. be done. If you would like to have your I can’t wait to see everyone at Mid-Winter thank you! Example- If your Post dues are $35.00 funds disbursed in a special way that to celebrate all those wonderful VOD/ One thing that I have seen a lot of is National receives $21.50; Dept. receives needs to be voted on, recorded in the Patriots Pen winners. the Post dues reserve fund. Every Post is $9.50; Posts receive $4.00. The Post then required to maintain a Post dues reserve has to put at least half of the $4.00 into fund. This line item is a little savings the dues reserve fund. MOV MAILING CLARIFICATION: account you could say. The purpose Please refer back to your Post By-Laws A MAILED HARD COPY OF THE MOV of this line item is to make sure the as there may have been something put in incoming commander has some funds to there stating what the Post should be doing IS FREE TO VFW MEMBERS. God Bless Our Troops Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 2 STATE CHAPLAIN STATE SURGEON GENERAL Comrades, Sisters, and Brothers, Dear Comrades; The chill of winter will shortly My how time flies, here we are Jerry be upon us. However, hoping that Jennifer in the late fall and it’s time for instead of dreading the season, we MOV input. Smith embrace it. There is something Smith You know that I don’t believe uplifting in appreciating the in long messages so I will try to Surgeon positives in life rather than State Chaplain keep this short and to the point. General lingering upon its obstacles. This I have received many phone is true in Post, Auxiliary, and believed in our objectives. calls and believe me I try to call to the apartment. District matters as well as our personal What does this mean for you? When everyone back. My house is coming It was great to see so many Comrades concerns. Accordingly, this submission looking out the window, do you see only along, but it will be awhile until I at Pow Wow. I am looking forward to will briefly address the coolness that is dreaded snow and dwindling daylight am settled back in. Thank you all for seeing you all again at Mid-winter. sometimes indoors. or joyful children’s play, natural beauty, understanding that I have many things May you all have a wonderful time Specifically, what happens when and the Lord’s promise of an eventual going on in my life right now, but the until we meet again, looking forward to we become disheartened? We tend to springtime? When you view your Post, outlook is golden. our next convention disengage, experience less joy, and/or see Auxiliary, or District do you see only ‘the I will try to answer all of your calls, only the negative. This occurs often at Posts same old thing’ or do you observe the but if I am in the car I don’t talk and Jerry Lee Smith Jr. when the same few members undertake opportunity for teamwork, fellowship, drive, just can’t do it, please leave me a Cell: 616 293 7544 all the work, when the ideas of others are legacy, and the possibility of proactively message. I pull them up when I get back Email: [email protected] not carefully considered, or when negative affecting others? motivations lead to internal struggles. Indeed, the answers for increasing Each scenario can be toxic if not positively sustainability, relevance, and morale JUDGE ADVOCATE addressed, tempting us away from the better dwell within you. If you are apathetic path. Psalm 119:133 ESV, “Keep steady my you will get more of the same. If that Comrades, steps according to your promise, and let no happens, you cannot blame those that Please review the attached Andy iniquity get dominion over me.” do things the same way as ‘it has always proposed By/Law changes the The major questions are: 1.) How do been done,’ when membership continues committee is working on for Conklin we remedy our disagreements; 2.) How to lag, when the ego-driven take control, presentation at the Department do we stay motivated; and 3.) How do we or when other issues occur. Instead, Convention in June. When State Judge encourage others? Beloved, only you can the MOV went from monthly please let this winter be a time of doing, Advocate resolve these questions, as each situation hoping, planning, and empowering; Not to quarterly it made our efforts is different. However, we do know… allowing the cool exterior reflect only to get this out to you in timely Why each of us joined the VFW and/or manner more difficult. It is the Proposed Changes for Department a chilled interior relating to new ideas, By/Laws 2015-2016 Auxiliaries; The worthy missions of both volunteering, and pushing forward. “And responsibility of the Post Commanders organizations; The tremendous need in to review the current By/Laws and the Article VII Department: Delete Section we know that for those who love God all 7 in its entirety, already covered under Art our communities and state; The amazing things work together for good, for those various notices, like the General Orders power of touching lives in patriotic and correspondence from National and X Section 6 who are called according to his purpose Article VIII Service Committee Delete fellowship; and Those Comrades, Sisters, (Romans 8:28, ESV). Department. It would serve you well to and Brothers now passed that served do so. This goes for all officers, read your Section 3 and Section 7, replace with; with selfless dedication and strongly May God richly bless you. job description in the current National By/ Section 3; The Service Committee Laws and MOP. Commander Paul has tried shall conduct its work chiefly through to reach out to you by having VTS classes the Service Director. In each of the odd in various areas in the State. Attend them, numbered years or when a vacancy occurs, ask questions and get the handouts - it will the Service Committee shall select a DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT make you more comfortable with your Director of Veterans Service, through a position. Elections are upon us again. I recommendation made by the Department Comrades, can’t help but wonder why a Post with Commander, the Director may also be Well, winter is upon us and 200 plus members has the same officers removed at any time for cause by the that means another round of Brian each year. There is definitely something Service Committee. In each odd numbered District Meetings. So at this wrong with that scenario - either nobody year the Service Committee shall report time, I would like to say please Coats gives a hoot or we have a click. Either its selection to the outgoing Council stay safe and enjoy your travels. Department way, it does no good for the growth of of Administration at the Department All Posts should be working the organization. I personally have seen it Convention. The Director of Veterans on the Voice of Democracy and Adjutant turn many members away, especially the Service appointment will be confirmed Patriot’s Pen program to make this younger Vets. I think it’s time for more upon installation of the Department a great Mid-Winter conference in you have been doing this year with awareness in this regard, and maybe time Commander. The term of the office for the January. the VTS training all over the state. to get the National organization involved Director of Veterans Service shall be July I would like to say to you all Happy Been getting great feedback on all the in clearing this matter up. 1 to June 30. In the event a vacancy occurs Veterans Day and thank you all for training covered! Computers and the not noted above, the same process for your service. To the posts, make sure website and the Quartermaster job. Andy Conklin selection will occur, and notification to the your Audits are into Department on District Commanders, keep looking at State Judge Advocate Council of Administration will be made by time. Also look at your By-Laws to your emails, there is always something mail or email. see if they need to be updated with the being sent out to share with your post. Section 7; The Service Committee shall National Headquarters. I would like The only thing necessary for the meet prior to the Department Convention, to thank Dave Miller and Roger Mays Yours in Comradeship, triumph of evil is for good men to do Fall and Mid-Winter Conferences at a along with Lynn Patterson for all that Brian Coats nothing. (Edmund Burke) time and place called by the Committee JUDGE ADVOCATE, continued on page 5

NNNNNNNNNNNN MICHIGAN OVERSEAS VETERAN (ISSN 1067-0661) is published quarterly, January/February/March, April/May/June, July/August/September, and October/November/December, at American Publishing, 4721 S. 81st Street, Greenfield, WI 53220 by the Department of Michigan, Veterans of Foreign Wars at 924 N. Washington Avenue, Lansing (Ingham), MI 48906. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LANSING, MI AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. Members receive this publication as part of their dues. Subscriptions for non-members is $4.00. Postmaster: Send address changes to National VFW, NNNNNNNNNNNN 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. 3 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran

SENIOR VICE COMMANDER, continued from 1 ads will be available to you. We will also be needing help from “everyone” throughout National Council of the State to make this a huge “success” for Michigan. Our 2015 Fall Conference (POW/WOW) was at the Boyne Highlands Resort in Administration Harbor Springs, Michigan. What a beautiful place to have a Fall Conference. The Fall Conference was a HUGE SUCCESS! Great Job State Commander Paul McIvor To all the new offi- Installation of Officers. The council has and Everyone who helped! Our VFW National Representative was Past National cers across the State approved the following appointments to Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak from Georgia. What a Great Motivational Speaker! “congratulations” and the Commander in Chief’s team. National He gave (3) motivating speeches, while he was at our conference. If you did not attend much success to all Adjutant General John E. Hamilton. the Fall Conference and If you did not hear ALL (3) speeches, then you missed a lot. of you and your Dis- The National Awards and Citations Thank you Past Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak! tricts, Councils and Committee Chairman is Past Commander The programs at the Fall Conference were great. Past State Commanders Dave Miller Posts. Thank you also in Chief Gary Kurpius, a new member and Roger Mays put on a Great VTS (Veterans Training) Program, which included for allowing me to on the committee is Marlene Roll, Post training by our State Quartermaster Lynn Patterson and State Adjutant Brian Coats. Harry “Les” Croyle represent the State as 7967 New York. Communications and I met with many of our District Senior Vice Commanders in my separate training your National Council Marketing, Jerry L. Newberry; Assistant session. State Junior Vice Commander Matt David also met with many District Junior of Administration Member Michigan. Adjutant General Administration and Vice Commanders in his separate training session. Last year I was given the honor to Programs, Kevin Jones. The National Our Fall Conference Hospitality Room was put on by Past State President Annabelle participate in the “Tight Lines for Troops” Adjutant General John E. Hamilton Ferguson and Beth Plont and it was great! They put on great lunches on Friday & fishing event in Manistee Michigan. It moved the following Appointments Saturday for a donation, which saved the members money. There were a lot of people was made possible for me by Stanley be made - Director, VFW Programs, that came to theses lunches. The food was also great during the evening. Great Job Preidis, Past 12th District Commander. If Debra Anderson; Director, Membership, Annabelle, Beth and ALL the volunteers who helped. Thank you Larry and John you ever get a chance to do this event it is Robert Crider; Director, Administrative Coleman for providing the entertainment for both evenings. I believe everyone, who a fantastic experience. The Charter Boat Operations, David Prohaska; Director, stopped by the Department Hospitality Room had a great time. Captains donate their boats, their fuel, Publications and Editor, VFW Magazine, Now, I would like to get more serious. You know what I am going to talk about next, their time and talent to showing all the Richard K. Kolb; Director, National it is MEMBERSHIP. Yes, the Life Blood of our great organization. Every day more and Veterans a good time. It was a wonderful Veterans Service, William L. Bradshaw; more of our members are passing. We are not replacing them fast enough. That means day of camaraderie and great fishing on Director, Communications and Public WE are “not” growing but WE are “declining” in membership. I ran the membership Lake Michigan. The Tight Lines takes Affairs - Washington Office, Joe Davis; figures for October 20, 2015 on our VFW National Website and Michigan is at 84.64%. place in May about the second week. My Director of Administration and Operation WE are #14 in the Nation. I don’t know if we were ever #14 in the nation, so it is Captain’s name was Robert Guenthardt, a - Washington Office, Bob Jackson; great to start the year off at #14. WE need 7,148 to reach 100% or 46,564 Members, US Army Veteran and the Past Ogema of Director, National Legislative Service, which is this year’s Goal. WE CAN DO IT! WE CAN REACH 100%! Congratulations the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Ray Kelley. to District 7 for being the 1st Place District at 85.73%. District 9 is in 2nd Place at Here’s a big thank you on behalf of all Quartermaster General Maher moved 85.57%. District 8 is in 3rd Place at 85.42%. Who will be the #1 District this year? the vets assigned to your boat. It was a for the confirmation of the following Please ask a Veteran, if you see one on the street, in a grocery store or at community great day sir. appointments; Director, Operations, function. You know, who they are. They will be wearing some type of Veteran Hat, a State Commander Paul McIvor Patrick Botbyl; Director, VFW Properties, Veteran License Plate on their vehicle or flying a U.S. Flag at their home. Don’t be has appointed me to the Great Lakes Billy R. Weissend. Additional staffing afraid to ask the Veteran if he/she would like to become a Member of the Greatest National Cemetery Advisory Council for needs are being researched at this time. Combat Veteran Organization in the World, the “Veterans of Foreign Wars”. Tell them the 2015-2016 year and the following is Comrades, due to the passing of my about the VFW Benefits. Tell them about the Best Service Officers in the Nation, who my first report: Father-in-Law, Drexel Lee Joiner, I was will help them apply for VA Benefits. Great Lakes National Cemetery unable to attend the second meeting of By the time you read my article, our Posts will have already judged their Voice of Director Roy Luera reported that there the National C of A. I have received all Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Entries and turned them in to their Districts for judging, were 373 burials in September 3,923 thus the information from that meeting except our Districts will have already judged those Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen far this fiscal year and a total of 26,947 the minutes. I will report out on those Posts’ Submissions and forwarded their Winners to Department for Judging and we will since opening the cemetery. The annual when I receive them. Thank you again for be preparing for our Mid-Winter Conference in Lansing for the Voice of Democracy & golf outing is over and was a huge success the privilege of serving the Department Patriot’s Pen Banquet on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Good Luck to ALL our Voice of with 148 golfers. An after expenses net of of Michigan. Democracy & Patriot’s Pen Winners! around $12,742.94 was realized. A great Authorization was given to the I want to thank each and every Post Member, every Post, every Council and every job by Jim French and his very capable Quartermaster General to negotiate District for your Hard Work & Efforts in ALL you do for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. committee members. A big thank you to the sale or option to purchase property No matter what it is! YOU make it happen! Thank You Again! all the volunteers, sponsors and all golfers owned by VFW across the street from I look forward to meeting you in my travels throughout Michigan this year. I also that participated. headquarters. look forward to working with ALL of our Posts, Councils, Districts and Department The head stone cleaning at the cemetery The VFW Aeronautic and Aerospace Team Members for the “Success” of the Department of Michigan. WE are a TEAM! held on 26 September 2015 all volunteers Award has been reinstated by this year’s WE are in this together! WE can do it! Yes, WE can! met at 0900 hours, registration at 0930 National Council of Administration. God Bless You. Please say a prayer for our Armed Forces, who continue to guard the hours and cleaning commences 1000 The 2015-2016 budget was approved Gates of Freedom. hours. As always many hands make light for the ensuing year. Ms. Debra work we had over 400 volunteers help Anderson was appointed as Assistant Jerry Gorski in this endeavor. Now stay tuned we Quartermaster General it was moved State Senior Vice Commander will do it all over again in April date by National Quartermaster General to be announced. All the VSO Honor Maher. She received her obligation from Guard Units were invited to an event Commander-in- Chief John Biedrzycki. on 17 October 2015 at 1100 hours the The VFW National Organization will God Bless Our Troops units received a certificate of recognition contribute to the Desert Storm - Desert for their service on behalf of the souls Shield Memorial. departed. It is you and your teams that Adjutant John Hamilton reported on Michigan Overseas Veteran 2015-2016 make the loss of a loved one, just a reports from the VFW Auxiliary and please adhere to these deadlines little more bearable for the families of the MOC. There was no new business our Nations Heroes. The Great Lakes Closing statements were made and the Issue Deadline Issue Deadline October/November/December November 1 April/May/June April 1 National Advisory Council have elected meeting was concluded. January/February/March February 1 July/August/September August 1 new officers on 2 September 2015 for the ensuing year. This concludes my report. Yours in comradeship, Please Remember! As your newly elected National Council Member Michigan my report follows: Harry “Les” Croyle 1. Do not type all CAPITAL LETTERS. Use capitals sparingly. When in doubt, do not capitalize a word. The National C of A had its first National Council Member Michigan Use 12-point font type size. meeting right after the National 2015-2019 2. Please no handwritten submissions, as they will not be considered for publication. 3. Do not write on back of pictures. Use a separate sheet of paper. Identify all people in the photograph. Try to limit number of people in photo to five or six, at most. 4. Posts and Auxiliaries are encouraged to submit items of interest from their areas. 5. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space constraints. 6. Do not submit newspaper articles and pictures from newspapers UNLESS you provide written authorization from the publication involved. 7. Never submit article or photos clipped from newspapers or magazines. 8. DISTRICT COMMANDERS – Please submit your District Meetings schedule as soon as possible, so it can be published. 9. MAIL ALL ARTICLES TO MOV EDITOR: MOV Editor Auxiliary Editor Scott Gloger, [email protected] Cindy Peto, [email protected] Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 4

DISTRICT 9, continued DISTRICT 4 REPORT Those of you who are having difficulty not prepared for this year’s inspections. recruiting, call Dennis Craycraft 616-550- We have posts that are in danger of having Ramiro Lopez 6990 or me 989-287-3404 for help. We their doors closed. District 4 Commander have many tools and ideas on Recruiting. Sad news, two Past Department If you do the work, report it. Remember Presidents from our district have passed to protect your non-profit status. away. Faye Walter 1975-76 and Peggy Greetings Comrades of District 4, Mid-Winter Conference from January Your District Officers will be traveling Roth 1998-99. On a personal note, thank We are now around the halfway point 22-24 in Lansing, I look forward to helping the post establish inspection you to all who welcomed Cindy back. Your of the year and our plans of reaching our seeing you! folders/notebooks. Too many posts were greetings lifted her spirits. goals should be well on their way. I would like to wish all a Safe and Recruiting, retaining, and reinstating Blessed Holiday Season. member’s needs to be one of our top Upcoming District Events: DISTRICT 11 REPORT priorities. • District Voice of Democracy Banquet We must all continue sending our monthly Saturday, January 9th, 2016. service reports to Department by the 10th Dan Renberg 5:00pm at Post 345 District 11 Commander of each month, and have our Quarterly Audits sent to Department on time. • District Meeting Buddy Poppys should be ordered by Sunday January 31, 2016. 12:00pm at Post 1136 Wyandotte Greetings to all comrades in the great Commander why he or another member December 31st. State of Michigan from your comrades in from that post did not attend the meeting. Our continued support of our VFW Feel free to contact me with any the 11th district. You must attend all your district meetings. Programs is needed throughout the year. questions or concerns. This fall’s conference at Boyne Highland With much sorrow Post 6466 Harrisville For the Comrades who will be attending Thank You for Serving! was great. A lot of information was given has closed its doors and I am being out and a lot of work was completed, told that another Post is having financial of course more work still needs to be problems and may have to do the same. DISTRICT 5 REPORT done. The Mid-Winter Conference will With decreasing membership and less be at Causeway Bay, Lansing on Weds., new ones coming in we must try harder Scott Gloger January 20, 2016 thru Sunday January 24, to get new members and younger ones District 5 Commander 2016. We hope to see you there. to join and make them feel welcome and We also had a VTS class at the Fall needed. Getting the old members to come Well, the year is half over already. Patriots Pen contestants. They are all Conference it was well done, 60 or more back would also be help. We all need to keep on reporting and winners no matter where they place in comrades came to it. If you have not been District 11 will have its Voice of bringing in new members, to increase our the contest. to one you may want to go to one, they Democracy and Patriots Pen banquet membership. I would like to wish everyone a good are a good learning class. Houghton Lake January 16, 2016 at the Houghton Lake I would like to thank all the Posts and safe holiday season. Post 4034 had a VTS class Oct. 24, 2015, VFW Post 4034 at 12:30p.m. Hope to that sponsored Voice of Democracy and See you in January. about 25 people came to it. There were see you there. allot of questions, with allot of answers November 11th Veteran’s Day is a day to those questions. Look forward to the for all Veteran’s as well as active military DISTRICT 8 REPORT next class. to stand up, put on your coats your Veteran The district commanders are being told of Foreign War Hats and step out into the Richard Ringersma that about 36 Post Commanders are up public and let all know who you are and District 8 Commander for removal from their Post position. you are proud to be a veteran of Foreign Post Commanders, if you cannot be at War of the United States of America. your district meetings, you must have a The next District 11 District meeting will Comrades and Auxiliary, Veterans carnival, Sat with Post 702 at the member from your Post at that district be at Post 4159 Roscommon, February 7, It has been a very busy first half of booth at the 28th St. Metro Cruze, and did meeting. If no one from your Post attends 2016. Remember Commanders, you must year. We had our first district meeting on inspections. August 1, 2015. On September 19th, we had VTS that district meeting, the Post Commander attend the meetings or have someone from We were honored to have State training at the Wayland Post. October must in writing explain to the District your Post represent your post. Commander Paul McIvor attend. He 1-4 I attended the Pow-Wow in Boyne informed all posts that they must have Highlands. The main issue I learned is at least one representative at all district that our officers of the post must fulfill no photo meetings. Also, he stated that all three their positions to which they were elected. on file DISTRICT 14 REPORT trustees must sign their audits. If a Our next district meeting will be Stephen R. Olsen trustee cannot sign, a letter explaining November 7 at the Coopersville Post. District 14 Commander why must be sent to department. It is Please have as many members as you the trustees’ responsibility to check all can attend. receipts and expenditures. The Mid-Winter Conference will be First, I am sorry to have to announce up” to save their post. Their leadership Again, I cannot stress the importance January 20, 2016 till January 24, 2016. that our District Commander, Joe Frappier was admirable. They put in long hours and of having someone from your post at the Order your Buddy Poppies soon. In has retired from his position. He has diligent work, solved their problems and district meetings. The State Commander December there will be a Christmas party been involved for many years and his are now on their way to a full recovery. can remove the post commander from the at the National Home in Eaton Rapids. It participation in the VFW will be missed. Congratulations to you! District 14 is very position if this happens. is a wonderful time with the children. As Senior Vice Commander, I am proud to proud of it’s Ispheming Comrades! I enjoyed visiting some of the posts, Again, Thank You for allowing me to say, I have assumed the vacancy and duty’s One of my goals would be to attract our worked at the Grand Rapids Home for serve as your district commander. of the Commander for District 14. We “Younger Vets” (Persian Gulf War, Iraq have a great district with many dedicated and Afghanistan Vets) to our Posts in the commanders. I am sure that we will do UP. Many of them are still serving in our a fantastic job in the coming year. Being National Guards. I would like to see some DISTRICT 9 REPORT in the Commander position for 5 days, I help on this from our State and National had my first District Meeting! Matt David, levels on how we might accomplish this. Mike Fineis State Jr. Vice Commander, came to my “Youth Programs,” another interest I District 9 Commander first meeting and I would like to thank him have, is also needed to attract the young for his support and helpful words to get me vets. We need new programs for their through the first day. children and families. We want our Comrades of the Mighty 9th, the that we are truly a service organization. I trult look forward to networking with children to have a positive perception on holiday season is upon us. May everyone Service to others! my 12 Posts and I think the closer we can the military and the veterans of America. celibate and enjoy in their own manner, Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, all work together as a team, the stronger The VFW won’t survive if we don’t get the but please do it safely. The Buddy Poppy and Teacher of the Year; your District we will be. Thank you to Dan Verville next generations involved and get them to season is here also, please get you order Chairman is Barry Walter. Contact from the Ishpeming Post for taking over WANT to join our organization. in now. Help the Mighty 9th to be 100% number is 517-488-2033. Welcome back my position, Senior Vice Commander. Lastly, I am going to encourage my in buddy poppy orders. to the 9th, Barry! I need to tell you about our Ishpeming Post Posts to communicate and work together Strive for All-State. By doing so you Membership is truly the life blood of (4573) who were in a bad spot and about to with their Auxiliary’s. The Auxiliaries are will be forced to read and learn more the VFW. Get your “spark plug” from close the doors for good. They “stepped valubale to our posts. I will encourage joint about the Organization. You will see Dennis Craycraft for recruiting members. DISTRICT 9, continued above DISTRICT 14, continued above 5 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran

DISTRICT 14, continued JUDGE ADVOCATE, continued from page 3 meetings a couple times a year. Encourage and Paul McIvor, State Commander, joined Chairman. In addition to these meetings, Such activities of the Board of Directors them to discuss their problems and needs us via conference call over the phone. This the Service Committee may meet from shall be subject to the approval of the together, set some goals and work together worked out very well. time to time to include the place of Council of Administration at any stated to strengthen their post and meet the I realize I have a long road ahead and operation of the Department Service or special meeting as long as they do VFW requirements. Accomplishing these a lot to learn. I welcome your help and Office, when requested by the Department not conflict with the National By-Laws goals together can be very rewarding and support. I promise to work hard, and I hope Commander, Committee Chairman or the and Manual of Procedure of the VFW uplifting. Fo example, I had a joint meeting I can meet your expectations. Service Director. or any other section of these Department in September at our Nagaunee Post (3165) I wish you all a Very Happy Holidays! Article XIII Council of Administration By-Laws. Add Section 4; Between Department Article XV Men’s Auxiliary; Add a meetings the Department Commander Section 5 may by mail or other electronic means, Section 5. The State Commander with DISTRICT 15 REPORT instruct the Adjutant to solicit and record the concurrence of the District and Post a vote of the Council of Administration on Commander may cancel the charter of James Pintar urgent and time sensitive issues that need any Men’s Auxiliary failing to abide by District 14 Commander immediate attention. A full explanation these guidelines or conducting activities and report will be made at the next stated deemed not in the best interest of the Our year is approaching the half way Range. It is currently scheduled for 23 Council of Administration meeting, Veterans of Foreign Wars. mark and our District is way behind in and 24 April 2016 and that conflicts with ratified and entered into the minutes. Article XVIII Amendments; change membership. As I write this article, we the Department Commanders testimo- Article IX Camp Trotter; Insert the the days required to submit proposed have recruited only 5 new or reinstated nial. We recommend it be changed to 30 following sentence after “administration amendments to these By/Laws from members. We had 160 unpaid members last April and 1 May 2016 so the Department functions, ninety 90 days to forty-five 45 days. year. I passed the list out to all the posts and Commander can attend our meeting. the list is available on the National website. We have decided not to pursue with the This is an outstanding recruiting tool. Send mailing of a letter to all our district mem- Military Order of the Cootie them a letter, call them and welcome them bers. The response from our post was not “You Are Not Forgotten” back into the fold. very encouraging. Mailing labels for all Our District mid-winter meeting will posts will be available at the midwinter 87th Grand of you can. Please send all donations to: be held at the Crystal Falls Post on 14 meeting should your post decide to do a Michigan VFW Ernest A. Paulin, Grand Quartermaster, February 2015 starting at 10:00 CST. You mailing. I strongly recommend you con- National Home 710 Aldrich ST. Linden, MI. 48451-9050. are invited to the post for the celebration sider a newsletter to keep in contact with Cootie Christmas of their 75 anniversary with a party on 13 the 95% of your post members that don’t Party 2015 “Michigan Nitpickers” for 2015-20016 February 2016. One order of business at attend meetings. the meeting will be the change of dates Continue to march. Thank you for all VFW Comrades, A few years back Cootie PGC Robert for our District Convention in South you do. and our Auxiliaries Routhier Jr; created the “Michigan members and Nitpickers” Program to provide additional fellow Cooties, Grand of Michigan and funding for the Grand. This fund has LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR the members of the MOCA would like helped the Grand in many ways. With to thank all of you who participated and our membership dropping and funds hard Greetings Comrades and donated to the VFW National Home for to come by, this program is very vital Auxiliary Members, Phil Children Cootie Christmas Party. in supporting our programs. If you are I hope that everyone that was The kids had a great time and had a interested in participating in this worthy able to attend our Fall Conference Patterson very special quest. Santa Claus took time program, you can send your request or had a great time. It nice to talk to Legislative off from his busy schedule and paid them donation to PGC Bob Routhier Jr., P.O. each and every one of you and a visit. We all enjoyed the day visiting Box 117, Clio, MI. 48420. listen to your view on our current Director with the kids and Santa. We look forward In closing, you have heard it before, legislative issues at hand, to see you there. membership. Without it there will be In my last article I expounded Remembrance Act of 2015) is the As of this print the Cooties have already no VFW or Military Order of the Cootie. on House Bill 4642 as introduced and companion bill to H.R. 1670, The participated in the 81th Tomb Trek 2015 Have you brought in a new member to the sponsored: Rep. Nancy Jenkins. This is a language in the House and Senate bills At Arlington National Cemetery. If you organization today? If not, why not? If so, lengthy Bill I hope that you will take the is the same, directing the Architect of the have never participated in this program, I great job! Sign a new member up today! time to look at the complete bill and the Capitol to place in the United States Capitol promise you will never forget it. changes that have been recommended. a chair honoring American Prisoners of In June we send the National Home “Keep ‘Em Smiling in Beds of White” The Michigan Department of Veterans of War/Missing in Action. (Note: The chair Kids to Cedar Point Amusement Park for Foreign Wars is against this bill as written. could be a piece of sculpture placed on the a day in the sun. We are always looking PGC Robert E. Wilson Please call, email or send your mailing to; Capitol grounds.) for donation for that trip. Please help if Grand Adj/VFW-Cootie Liaison Rep Nancy Jenkins office at: Please consider contacting Senator N-991 House Office Building Peters and Senator Stabenow and asking P.O. Box 30014 them to sign on as co-sponsors of S. 885. POW/MIA CHAIRMAN Lansing, MI 48909 If you do not live in Michigan, please Jim Fernandez Phone: (517) 373-1706 contact the U.S. Senators for your state and Toll Free: (855) 292-0002 ask for their co-sponsorship of S. 885. Greetings Comrades and Sisters, “and they do spread the word”! Include Email: [email protected] The Honorable Gary Peters, United First off, I would like to thank our how many certificates you pass out in the Senate bill 187 and House bill 4293 States Senate 724 Hart Senate Office State Commander Paul McIver for my community in your monthly POW/MIA which is our gaming bill, has been currently Building: Washington, D.C. 20510-2202 appointment as your State POW/MIA report. If you would like one to make set aside by the Senate as of this writing. DC Phone: 202-224-6221 email: https:// Chairman. It is truly a honor to serve you copies of, contact me and I will see that Licenses are still being issued at this time. www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary and represent all those Comrades who you get one. We need your help in obtaining co-spon- WWW Homepage: http://www.peters. remain missing in action and those being Speaking of POW/MIA Reports, sorship by Senator Peters (D-MI) and Sena- senate.gov/ Twitter: @SenGaryPeters held against their will. POW/MIA Reports are the single most tor Stabenow (D-MI) for a bill introduced in Senator Debbie Stabenow731 Hart At the PowWow, I had the pleasure unreported of all monthly reports in the the U.S. Senate in March 2015. Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC of meeting and talking to several Post VFW Department of Mi. Reports are due S. 885 (National POW/MIA 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4822 Commanders and VFW members and to me by the 10th of each month. Things discussing POW/MIA awareness in their to report are: Does your Post fly a POW/ communities. To them I passed out 100 MIA flag 24/7? How many members of Local Vets listen to Medal POW/MIA certificates of Appreciation your Post fly POW/MIA flags at their to sign and pass out to people in their homes?Does your post display a Missing of Honor Recipient communities for keeping the memory Man Table? (The League of POW/MIA Roger Donlon is a retired Army Colonel Les Waggett, Jim Hubbard and Dick Wood. of all those still missing in action alive. Family’s has officially changed the who was the first Medal of Honor recipient Captain Donlon received his Medal These can be given to anyone in your ribbon on your vase to yellow, not red!). from the Vietnam War as well as the first of Honor for conspicuous gallantry at community who fly’s a POW/MIA flag, Report your POW/MIA ceremonies (add member of the U.S. Army Special Forces the risk of his life above and beyond the Has a POW/MIA shirt or bumper sticker, pictures for extra points) and any thing so honored. He received his Medal from call of duty while defending a military etc. When you pull into someones you do to keep the memory alive. You President Johnson at the White House in installation. He presently is one of only driveway who is flying the flag and can email your reports to me at, fernjz@ 1964 at the rank of Captain. 78 living Medal of Honor recipients. hand them a certificate, a smile comes yahoo.com or mail them to me at, Jim Attending his assembly were members A very inspirational talk was given and to their face, and a whole new attitude Fernandez, VFW Post 3901, PO Box of local VFW Post 334, Jim Muys, Jim it was an honor and privilege to have been towards you for stopping by kick’s in, 294, Algonac Mi. 48001, it only takes Munoz, Chuck Haskin, Colonel Donlon, in his presence and listen to what he said. POW/MIA CHAIRMAN, continued on page 9 Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 6 Auxiliary News

AUX. DISTRICT 5, continued DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT a moment, turn around and show our own member took the our membership pledge We are well into Francisca Guilford’s Homecoming. What Post Veterans just how much we appreciate to heart “there is no excuse just ask and the Auxiliary year. an amazing trip to a beautiful part of our them. There is plenty of time to come up recruit ONE” … WHAT a difference in This year will be country! In October I headed west to Iowa with an idea! our Programs, your Projects and your fund- remembered as one for Big 10 Conference. Also in October I am sure everyone knows how much I raisers…that’s two more hands, new ideas, of great change we were fortunate to host our National enjoy recruiting and how I get so excited new energy, a new friend…just think about and growth for President Francisca for her official visit for every new member…Have you ever it. If every member signed up just one, our Auxiliary. We to Michigan. The trees did their best to thought about the POWER OF ONE? A we would be able to accomplish so much spent 102 proud show her what Fall in Michigan could be. lot of people don’t realize how one person more and do even more for our Veterans, years as the Ladies The turnout was wonderful at every stop can make a difference. But if you take our youth and our community. I encourage Deb Hanes Auxiliary to the and watching the Aisle of Flags is always one, plus another one, plus one more they every member of District 5 to recruit JUST Veterans of Foreign a special sight. Thank you to all of the begin to add up. Members keep in mind ONE. I Look forward to seeing everyone at Wars. With that legacy we move forward members who came out to see Francisca what that power of just ONE new member Mid-Winter with our Voice of Democracy now as the Auxiliary to the Veterans of and welcome her to our great state! could make to your auxiliary. If every and Patriots Pen winners. Foreign Wars. Since August 21 we have We are near the mid-point of our year. been fortunate to now include males as Mid-Winter conference will be in Lansing part of our membership. Just in this short January 21-24 at the Causeway Bay. Please DISTRICT 6 PRESIDENT Heather Shepherd time there are already over 2300 male plan on attending as we honor our Patriots Hopefully the a breakfast the 3rd Sunday of every members nationwide. On October 25 I was Pen and Voice of Democracy winners. winter weather has month and a dinner the 1st Wednesday of privileged to institute Northville Auxiliary Every year these young people renew my not gotten the best of every month. 4012. Their new Auxiliary President is a faith in the future of our country. you. The District Post Post & Auxiliary 7309 Mason is helping male member, Jon Burchard. Jon is the Our Department has a new website and Auxiliary have a with a Festival of Trees event December 5, son of Past Department President Linda address: www.vfwauxmi.org. When you few of great events 2015 at the Ingham County Fair Grounds, Burton. I wish 4012 a very successful go to our website you can find all the that are happening the December 31st New Year’s Eve Party and future as the go forward with their auxiliary. information you need to do the business next few months that February 13, 2016 a spaghetti dinner. I have been travelling all around our great of your auxiliary. are open to the public. Auxiliary 9656 Lambertville has a Prime country representing the Department of Of course last but certainly not least, with We invite you to attend Rib Dinner scheduled for Valentine’s Day. Michigan. I attended National Convention the addition of male members our numbers and if you do we hope you enjoy them. If you are interested in any of these in Pittsburgh, PA in July. In August I should grow by leaps and bounds this year. Auxiliary 1138 Monroe is having a events, please contact the respective post was in Minneapolis for the Celebrating Membership could easily reach 100%+ this bake sale February 12, 2016. or auxiliary for further details. You may America’s Freedom Event at Historic year!! No Excuse – Just Recruit!! Post & Auxiliary 3925 Erie is having also check out the district’s Facebook Ft. Snelling. September found me in Remember we are in this for our Veterans their famous Muskrat Dinner January 29, page at VFW & Auxiliaries District 6 or Anchorage, Alaska for National President – “They Are the Stars on Our Flag”. 2016 from 5-11 pm. search to see if any of post and auxiliary Auxiliary 4187 Tecumseh is having a have their own pages. DISTRICT 4 PRESIDENT Sandi Merrow bake sale in December. Please continue to report all the great Auxiliary 4357 Brighton has a Comedy things you and your auxiliaries do for our Greeting from VFW 1136 starting at 5:00 pm. Second Show in February. veterans and your community. District 4. Soup & Salad is February 20th at BOVA Post & Auxiliary 6464 Fowlerville have Have an enjoyable holiday season. I was very VFW 9885 starting at 4:00 pm. excited to attend District 4 VOD & PP banquet will the institution of be held on Saturday January 9, 2016 at DISTRICT 7 PRESIDENT Lou Ann Conklin a new auxiliary Hubert-Fortiers-O’Grady VFW Post 345 District 7 is on the good work! at the Northville in Redford, MI. Please remember that the move to make room District 7 held its first Secretary, Treasurer, VFW Post 4012. Teacher of the Year awards will not be for male members. and Trustee Training with chairmanship The institution included in the banquet starting this year. Our auxiliaries training and recruitment. We set aside a Sandi Merrow took place on Our second District meeting will be have opened their special date for this event, opened it to the Sunday October on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Pvt. minds and hearts to public and shared ideas. 25, 2015 at the Post. History was made Lyskawa-Tutro in Dearborn Heights. We embrace the future We are sad that we have lost one of when they installed the first Male will be welcoming Department President of our organization our auxiliaries and hope that those ladies President Jon Burchard. Debbie Hanes to District 4. I hope to serving our veterans. will continue to serve in other capacities Our own Raffle Ruthie has schedule see as many of my Auxiliary Sisters and The ladies have worked well with our male helping veterans. May we learn from our two Soup & Salad fundraisers with Brothers at the District meeting. veterans for years, why not be able to work mistakes, open our eyes to the future, all proceeds to go the Camp Trotter I hope that you and your families have side by side with male auxiliary members. and remember what we are all about: Scholarship Fund. First Soup & Salad will a great Holiday this season. Together we can make a difference with a one Nation under God, indivisible, with be Friday November 13th at Wyandotte fresh new approach to fund raising, teaching Liberty and Justice for all because our patriotism to our youth, and keeping a veterans served for us! DISTRICT 5 PRESIDENT Kathy Hubbard home for all veterans and their families to let them know we are there for them and Lou Ann Conklin I want to thank Day, yet are able to have the traditional they will never be forgotten! Keep up the District 7 President each of the Auxil- dinner. A big Thank You goes out to iary’s for the many Oxbow #334 and the other Auxiliaries that invites to attend assisted and helped. DISTRICT 8 PRESIDENT Joan Broek their Veterans Fraser #6691 is participating in the Greetings about your Bingo on Wednesday. Holland Day programs, I Wreaths Across America on December District 8, many #2144, Otsego #3030 and Wayland #7581 attended Madison 12th by placing over 1000 wreaths at of you know I’m let everyone know about your dinners. Heights #1407 and Resurrection Cemetery. On December 6, a person of few Comstock #6252 and Augusta-Custer Oxbow #334 and it I will be delivering the Christmas gifts to words. I’ll say this, #7956, you have activities at Battle Creek was my pleasure to be in company of Our Piquette Center with Fraser #6691, and I’m proud of all the VA, let people know they might come help Veterans. then on December 17th delivering quilts work you do for our you. December 4th is District 8 Christmas The next two months will be busy for and Christmas gifts to Saginaw VA Hos- Veterans and their at the VFW National Home and we are our Veterans and Families as well as our pital with Romeo #2052 and Oxbow #334. families. Do you meeting at the Fire Barn at 5:30pm. Come own families. Happy holidays to all. We Please be sure to remember our Veterans know District 8 has a Facebook page? This out for all the fun! had a wonderful opportunity to provide during the holidays. is a nice place for you to promote activities December 12th is Wreaths Across Thanksgiving Dinner for the Freedom Let’s all try to do something special for of the Auxiliary and Post. Delton #422, America at the Grand Rapids Home for Center at Detroit Metro Airport for our our own Post on Valentine’s Day. We are you could let everyone know about the Veterans and Fort Custer. The ceremony servicemen and women that are unable to always busy doing for Veterans in the Hos- breakfast you have. Pullman #6134, how starts at 12 noon sharp. If you have never be with their loved ones on Thanksgiving pital or in our community, but let’s stop for AUX. DISTRICT 5, continued above AUX. DISTRICT 8, continued above 7 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran

AUX. DISTRICT 5, continued been to one, please come see it. The in Otsego, 11am for lunch with the VOD DEPARTMENT CHIEF OF STAFF ceremony is very moving. and Patriot’s Pen winners. The meeting I am so pleased members and their commander, Scott, January and February are cold and snowy; will start at 1pm. Please keep working on at the initial reac- for wanting an auxiliary and helping please remember to help our Veterans that membership. tion to the change make it happen. don’t get out in the bad weather. February Have a Merry Christmas and here’s to a in auxiliary mem- Other posts that have wanted an 7th is our District meeting. The meeting is Great New Year! bership eligibility auxiliary but just could not get enough (to include male potential members in the past, can now Josephine Miller relatives of our contact all their male relatives, friends and DISTRICT 11 PRESIDENT VFW eligible vet- neighbors and invite them to come into Schools are now in proper way to do the pledge at a community erans). The VFW this organization now known as the VFW session so it is time event or on Veterans Day. REMEMBER Stephanie membership pro- Auxiliary. We need them, you need them, for everyone to try to THESE WORDS. It is important. Children Krueger vided us with the and our entire organization needs them. get into the schools to are eager to learn and veterans are willing tools at the July Please feel free to contact me if I teach students what it to teach. Use our youth when doing other 2015 convention and opportunity to get can assist you in making that long meant by patriotism. events at your post. They are willing to more members into the VFW Auxiliary. awaited auxiliary a reality for your post. This can be done help. Most children do not know or under- Now we need the help of the posts Stephanie Krueger at 313-585-5066. I in different ways stand. Remember our Veterans every day. and their members to get those potential love getting calls from post commanders example like coming They took time out of their lives to serve members to us. We promise to sign them saying, “We want to form an auxiliary. into the schools to teach these children the our country. up, train them and encourage them in the How do we do that?” Nothing makes us great work this organization does. happier than to help your post start an Welcome to the Newest Michigan auxiliary. Roxann Buchler Auxiliary City of Northville #4012 in Maybe the next article will list your DISTRICT 13 PRESIDENT District 4. Many thanks to those post post as having a new auxiliary started! The Fall Conference those of you I have not had the pleasure at Boyne Highland of meeting before. Remember to get your was very enjoyable. dues sent in, don’t hold onto them. We LEGISLATIVE CHAIRPERSON I hope that those of want to be 100% by December. Now As we venture good to go! If you need a copy of the you who attended that the men are able to join, the doors into the holiday recipe card and can’t find it online, e-mail were able to gain are wide open to get those new members. season, keep in me (and copy it please) I will be more information about I hope you are reporting on your mind our freedom than happy to mail one to your auxiliary. the programs to help quaterly reports and submitting them to to celebrate as My e-mail is [email protected]. We promote them in the Department Chairmen. we wish is a right are expected to have 100% participation. your Auxiliaries. I hope everyone had the I hope you remembered Veterans Day, our Veterans have It’s so rewarding hearing from your opportunity to meet our National District November 11, by honoring all of our earned for us. legislators and often times you will hear Council Member # 23 Vicki Rosse – what Veterans. Leave no Veteran behind. The work we so back on what they are doing on important a great Lady. Every minute is another opportunity to Linda Woda diligently perform bills. It all starts when you sign up for My inspections are done and I want to serve. The holidays are approaching very for all past, Action Corps Weekly and click on Action thank you all for the wonderful hospitality fast and I want to wish everyone Merry present, and future military is our way Alerts. Report all those who have signed you showed me. It was great meeting Christmas and Happy New year. of thanking them. Ensuring that the up members and advocates. quality of life they deserve is preserved Having trouble finding your legislator? Kathleen DeNise and enhanced. Here is a list of names and e-mails for DISTRICT 14 PRESIDENT Remember, we need direct your districts. Please use this and further Hello from be doing everything we can do to recruit communication with our legislators. They it by looking up their address and sending District 14. I must for our current auxiliaries and also see welcome your input as it helps lawmakers a letter signed by auxiliary members. Did first apologize for if we can get some new ones started. make decisions regarding Veterans issues you know you can download a letter from not having an article Any of the bachelor posts in District 14 and other policy related issues. Whether Action Alerts and print it out? So easy in the first MOV that would be interested in having an you’re attending a local event or visiting and every correspondence counts in our edition. One was auxiliary, please contact me and we will our state capitol, ask questions. How does quest to ensure our Veterans are cared for written and sent get the process started. your senator or representative feel on issues in the way they cared for us when they but due to technical If you were not able to attend Department pertaining to veteran legislation? For a signed up to protect our country. difficulties on my Fall Conference, you really missed out on list of VFW sponsored pending legislation District 1, Dan Benishek, www.benishek. part, it was not able to be printed. a lot of valuable information, as well as, a please refer to October bulletin, find the house.gov District 2, Bill Huizenga, www. This is my fourth time being district lot of fun. The workshops were great and ones that suit your auxiliary, and you’ll be huizenga.house.gov District 3, Justin president and it saddens me just how all the chairmen gave wonderful program talking like a pro in no time. This is really Amash, www.amash.house.gov District much our district has shrunk. To clarify, presentations. an exciting chairmanship if you take a little 4, John Moolenaar, www.moolenaar. it has definitely not gotten any smaller I want to wish all a safe and healthy time to study up on the issues. house.gov District 5, Daniel Kildee, www. in area but we are now down to just winter. Have a great Christmas and very Have you signed up for VFW Action dankildee,house.gov District 6, Fred Upton, 6 active auxiliaries. We just cannot Happy New Year. Corps Weekly yet? Fall conference was www.upton.house.gov District 7, Tim continue to let this happen. With the God bless you all for what you do for a success as we had the computer up and Walberg, www.walberg.house.gov District recent changes allowing male members our veterans and may God continue to running and many of you signed up. It 8, Mike Bishop, www.mikebishop,house. to join the VFW Auxiliary, we should bless America. only takes a minute and is so easy. Do gov District 9, Sander Levin, www.levin. have the recipe card that shows how to house.gov District 10, Candice Miller, sign up? It’s handy to give out to members www.candicemiller.house.gov District 11 DISTRICT 15 PRESIDENT Carole Morris or others that may be Veteran Advocates. Dave Trott, www.trott.house.gov District12, They too can influence our legislators on Debbie Dingell, www.debbiedingell.house. Up in the snowbelt in District 15 we are getting ready for the the action alerts. Help them to sign up, gov District 13, John Conyers Jr., www. Day of Challenge on the 27th of February. We are excited to you only need to log in once to sign up a conyers.house.gov District 14, Brenda hear that there will be more entries from down state so we have group of people. If you have wi-fi, you’re Lawrence, www.lawrence.house.gov. our fingers crossed for safe weather. We have our students waiting to hear who placed in Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen; a lot of interest was shown again AMERICANISM CHAIRPERSON this year. We are busy sending out troop packages and helping in our Greetings Patriots! being said, it is our duty and responsibility communities. Patriotism can as Auxiliary members to the Veterans of Food banks are in such a need this time of year with high cost of heating this time be defined as the Foreign Wars to educate our community of year and people struggle to make ends meet so we are doing a lot of food drives. love and devotion by promoting awareness of Patriotism and Crystal Falls #2891will be hosting our February District meeting and also will that people feel for Americanism. be their 75th anniversary. Congratulations! their country. And Ways that we can accomplish this is by I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Americanism is the flag education to include flag etiquette unfailing love of and proper flag disposal, leading the country; a loyalty to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Marlene Gaitan its foundations and singing of the National Anthem in public principles, and an community events (sporting events, city undivided allegiance to the flag. With that council meetings), holding POW/MIA NNNNN AMERICANISM CHAIRPERSON, continued on page 8 Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 8 HOSPITAL CHAIRPERSON Auxiliary News Marian Hamann To all hospital and nursing home • Iron Mountain VA, Voluntary Service Continued volunteers, THANK YOU! You are Office 800-215-8262 ext. 32780 very special people who make a huge Michigan also has two state Veterans AMERICANISM CHAIRPERSON, continued from 7 difference in the lives of our Veterans. home (governed by the Department of ceremonies and invite the community to And with windy and snowy days upon Each VA and non-VA facility needs Military and Veterans Affairs): attend, recognizing businesses in your us, keep an eye out for those worn and volunteers. Are you willing to donate a • Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, community who continue to properly tattered flags. When you see a need little of your time to those who have served Volunteer Office 616-364-5331 display our flag, and promoting the Smart/ for a new flag, present the business/ our country? For volunteer information at • Jacobetti Home for Veterans – Maher National Citizenship Education homeowner with a new one and take Michigan’s Veterans facilities, use the Marquette, Activities Dir. 906- Teacher Award. Please note the date for the worn one for disposal. These are phone numbers provided below. 226-3576 submitting this award to the post level has just a few of the countless ways to Along with numerous local hospitals According to the websites of our changed to February 15, 2016. promote Patriotism and if you follow and nursing facilities, Michigan is Veterans Homes, a veteran of the Remembering to fly your flag always your program goals when reporting, you fortunate to have five hospitals governed Armed Forces of the United States and especially on Patriotic Holidays is an and your auxiliary will be successful! by Veterans Affairs: eligible for VA health care or financial easy way to show your Patriotism. There Finally, I would like to extend my • Aleda E. Lutz VA – Saginaw, Vol Svc assistance for long-term care may be are 13 Patriotic Holidays and they are; heartfelt thanks to President Deb Hanes Office 989-497-2500 Ext. 13360 admitted. The veteran must have been Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) for giving me this opportunity to teach • Ann Arbor VA, Volunteer Service discharged or released under conditions 3rd Monday in February, Loyalty Day you and your auxiliary about Patriotism. Office 734-845-3467 other than dishonorable. NOTE: Subject May 1st, V-E Day May 8, Armed Forces It has been a pleasure reading your • Battle Creek VA, Volunteer Service to space and certain other requirements, Day 3rd Saturday in May, Memorial reports and about the different activities Office at 269-223-5497 a spouse, widow, or widower of an Day last Monday in May, Flag Day June you participate in. Remember I am only • John D. Dingell VA – Detroit, Voluntary eligible Veteran may also be eligible for 14, Independence Day July 4, Patriot a phone call or email away so contact Service Office 313-576-3332 admission to the Home. Day September 11, Constitution Day me should you ever have any questions September 17, POW/MIA Recognition about the Americanism Program. I hope Day 3rd Friday in September, Gold everyone had a Blessed Thanksgiving, a Star Mother’s/Family Day last Sunday Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all in September, Veterans Day November and look forward to seeing everyone at 11, and Pearl Harbor Day December 7. Mid-Winter Conference in Lansing! VETS AND FAMILY SUPPORT CHAIRMAN Fall has snuck give them this Resource Card. (It could up on us and the also be used at a membership drive to calendar year is assist in signing up new members. People winding down but like to be a part of something that can be our auxiliary year helpful to themselves or their families.) is in full swing. So pass them out to veterans and active Many great things military and their families. are being done by Did you know that the VFW National our auxiliaries in Home Helpline can assist families that Debbie Sheetz this GREAT state do not live at the National Home? The of Michigan. From helpline can assist Veterans or Military hosting fundraisers for our programs to and their families even if they are across assisting our vets in their day to day the country. The helpline representatives activities/lives our auxiliaries are hard are very knowledge and have the resources at work. But there is always things to do and information to help the veteran in to improve our organization. We have their own area/city. Again they do not added a few things to help get the word have to live at the National Home to get out about our programs and resources assistance. This is very important to let that we have for veterans. One thing is your fellow VFW and Auxiliary members called a Resource Card. You can find it know this. on our VFW Auxiliary website (http:// Both the National VFW website www.vfwauxiliary.org/ go to Programs, (http://www.vfw.org/) and the National click Veterans & Family Support). It can VFW Auxiliary website (http://www. be downloaded and then printed. It has vfwauxiliary.org/) as well as our important numbers and websites like department websites (http://www.vfwmi. our VFW and Auxiliary headquarters, org/ http://www.lavfwmi.org/ ) have lots Veterans Crisis Helpline number (800- of great information. I encourage you to 273-8255), VFW National Home Military go online and look at all 4 sites. Believe & Veteran Family Helpline (800-313- me you will learn many new things that 4200), etc. This is a great tool to have you can share with your fellow Brothers handy when you are at VFW functions, and Sisters in your own VFW. fundraisers, stand-downs, or even at the store or at a family gathering. If you meet Happy Holidays, someone that needs assistance you can Debbie Scheetz NNNNNNNNNNNN God Bless Our Troops NNNNNNNNNNNN 9 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran

Warrior Appreciation Rally POW/MIA CHAIRMAN, continued from page 6 a moment to report.I also encourage all can pay their membership and it is very Independence Village - Frankenmuth, Michigan District Commanders to appoint a Dist. comforting for them to know that they Saturday, June 27, 2015 POW/MIA chairman and always include belong and that they are not forgotten! them when committee reports are being They love to share their stories, and Even though it rained on and off at this second rally held at Independence Village presented at your meeting’s. deserve our utmost respect! Document event, which was held on June 27, 2015 of Frankenmuth. If you have any questions, One last thing in closing, if you have their stories before they are lost forever. at Independence Village of Frankenmuth, please feel free to call me at (989) 652-6823 a former POW in your community, seek I am looking forward to hearing from the event was a huge success. Around or email at [email protected]. them out and pay them a visit,I have you!!!! 2,000 people were in attendance. This We were also honored to have a special found that most former POW’s I have met event was a totally “free” event for guest present, Matt David (Jr. Vice are not a member of the VFW. Your Post Jim Fernandez any veteran and their families who is Department Commander). He, along with presently serving and who have served many other veterans were able to experience our great country. Food and drinks were a special guided tour of “Michigan’s Military North Oakland VFW Post 334 served and grilled by the Frankenmuth and Space herpes Musuem provided by the Jaycees. Also, thanks goes to Julie Palm, director – John Ryder. Marie Althaus, Reagan Bickel for the use Plans are in the process of setting the of their outdoor facility at Independence date for the next event to be held in the Village of Frankenmuth. summer of 2016. Event coordinators were Warrior Appreciation Rally 2015 was the Larry Schluckebier and Judy Adams.

Left to Right: Jim Muys, Jim Munoz, Chuch Haskin, Colonel Donlon, Less Waggert, Jim Hubbard and Dick Wood. Camp Trotter Tales Fall Conference is behind us with a change to our Camp Trotter By-Laws! The Camp Trotter Committee recommended Korean POW Dallas Mossman Sr – to change the structure of the Committee from six (6) elected Alberto Rodrigues of the “Wounded Receiving Michigan’s State Seal. Thomas Members to seven (7) elected Members. This will break any Warrior Project” is receiving his Michigan Auger on the left and Members of the potential tie breaker votes from the entire Committee and would State Seal. Left of Alberto is Congressman Tittabawassee Drum & Fife Corps in the hopefully gain another able bodied worker to the Committee. Time Kelly and to the right is Senator Ken background. Dallas passed away several With that in mind – the Department Council of Administration Horn of Frankenmuth. weeks later. voted to support the Committee’s recommended change. Concluding the Camp Trotter By-Law changes the election of the new Committee Members was completed and the following Comrades were elected to serve on the Camp Trotter (Center) – Colonel Ernie Myers Committee. Current Chairman/Director PSC Ernie Meyers, Roger Donlon – First Sr., Committee Members Wm “Butch” Ogden, Ray Lopez Medal of Honor and the newly elected Committee Member Ron Allen of Romulus. (two (2) year term). Recipient from the Summer Camp 2016 is on the horizon with fundraisers in full swing to raise the Viet Nam War. necessary funds for the scholarships needed for those children that otherwise would (Right) – Larry not be able to attend Summer Camp. Last year there were 77 scholarship requests – Schluckebier (event YES “YOU” the Membership stepped up and became sponsors for those children. The coordinator) from the benefits realized were shown on the Facebook nearly every day with the big smiles on Frankenmuth VFW those young Campers. If you have not already planned a fundraiser for the Children’s Post 272. “Scholarship” fund please consider having a most worthy event. If you have any questions what-so-ever please contact myself or any one of the Committee Members. The following Staff positions for the Summer Camp 2016 beginning on 5 July and ending 13 August. Pay is commensurate with the experience. Staff training on the first week with (5) straight weeks of the Camping Season with the children. You must be 18 years of age and older for the Camp Counselor positions. Needed: (3) Staff Cooks – (1) Janitor – (1) Administrative Assistant – (1) Ass’t. Summer Camp Director – (1) Registered Nurse and/or Paramedic Certified - (1) Maintenance Person - (2) Life Guards. (7) Female Counselor’s and (7) Male Counselor’s. All STAFF FOR CAMP TROTTER MUST PASS MSP BACKGROUND CHECK BEFORE HIRING. Please send your resume’ to PSC Ernie Meyers, Sr. [email protected] – The Reviewing Committee along with the Summer Camp Director will review all applications that are submitted. Summer Camp will start with the Staff Training on 5 July with the Camping Season to begin on Sunday, 10 July and ending on Saturday, 13 August. The Camping Season started a week later this past 2015 camping season to allow the children to be with their families over the 4th of July – plus, the lake water was warmer for the swimmers. This proved positive for the Staff and the young Campers for Summer Camp 2015. FINALLY – The VFW Camp Trotter for Children has been officially designated by IRS as VFW Camp Trotter Foundation. The employer Identification Number is 46-1413579. Effective Date of Exemption is November 26, 2012. Yes, we are a Warrior Appreciation Rally 2015. Event coordinator Larry Schluckebier from the 501 (c) (3) – This qualifies our new VFW Camp Trotter Foundation qualified to Frankenmuth VRFW Post 2725 hands “I Support the 1%” food pantry director Judy receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, Adams a check for $2,811.00. Left side is “Michigan’s Military and Space Heroes 2106 or 2522 of the Code. Museum” director John Ryder. The pantry is located in Buena Vista at the Harry Browne Airport facility. If is for needy military veterans and their families. CAMP TROTTER TALES, continued on page 10 Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 10

CAMP TROTTER TALES, continued from 9 DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN The New WEBSITE: VFW the GA-GA Pit and the Nature Trail. V.F.W. AND AUXILIARIES CampTrotterFoundation.org or go to the Comrades and Sisters – Your VFW Department Website: vfwmi.org and click Camp Trotter for Children would not exist 37TH ANNUAL MID-WINTER AD BOOK on the words “camp trotter”. Comrade if it was not for your continued support COMRADES & SISTERS WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT Phil Merrow has taken on the task of being with not just financial but, getting the the website(s) Administer for both sites. children to camp. The Camp can house THE DEADLINE FOR ALL ADs IS January 5, 2016 This is a big task to undertake. Thanks 88 children per week so, let’s chip in and Phil. Contact myself at emeyers76@att. get your children, grandchildren and your RATES: net and/or find the info needed to join neighbors’ children to camp. The VFW the Team on our Website: vfwmi.org/ Camp Trotter for Children is open to all FULL PAGE...... $100.00 Camp Trotter. Orientation week starts children ages 7 thru 12 and you do not 5 July thru 9 July 2015 for a full week have to be a veteran to send your child ½ PAGE...... $70.00 of training for the Staff and then the to camp. children arrive on 10 July for the start of If anyone would like to obtain the New ¼ PAGE...... $45.00 Summer Camp 2016. Brochures please contact me via email or Many upgrades on the Camp facilities by phone and Brochures will be mailed PATRON (NAME AND POST OR AUXILIARY NUMBER ONLY ...... $4.00 have been completed to include the to you. The new Summer Camp Dates PLEASE PRINT DO NOT WRITE irrigation drainage lines leading away will be: from cottage 5 & 6 and the drainage 10 - 16 July 2016 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: catch basin and drainage line leading 17 - 23 July 2016 DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN V.F.W. down the steep hill to the lake front. (NO CASH) Our Summer Camp Director always 24 July – 30 July 2016 has many new surprises for the new 31 July – 6 August 2016 MAIL TO: Scott Gloger Campers each year. This last year was 7 - 13 August 2016 6718 Academy #5 the “Arts & Crafts” tool boxes and Brighton, MI 48116 bookends – what will be the surprise for The Summer Camping Season has Phone: 734-323-1188 Summer Camp 2016 – you must have a a Registered Nurse/Paramedic on duty Email: [email protected] child attend to find out! 24/7 during camping season along with The waterfront has been widened with licensed certified Staff Employees. more sandy beaches for the younger There is two (2) Life Guards on duty THE DEADLINE FOR ALL ADs IS January 5, 2016 children with canoeing, paddle boats, at all times when there is campers in kayaking and fishing and of course always the water. MESSAGE: swimming with a swimming platform for Thank you for your support to your ______the seasoned swimmers. Non-swimmers Camp Trotter – Become a VFW Camp ______are taught how to swim by the private Trotter Life Member in which forms ______instructions by the Life Guards. Enjoy are online. ______the summer camp fun with the evening ______bond fires and the hayride that will last Your, Camp Trotter Committee ______a life time. Learning the sport of archery, Happy Trails….. ______

SAVE-THE-DATE CAMP TROTTER FAMILY DAY 20 AUGUST 2016 God Bless Our Troops 11 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran

Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Past Commander-in-Chief 37th Mid – Winter Conference George R. Cramer, 1993-94 Wednesday, January 20, 2016 – George R. well as serving on the National Council Sunday, January 24, 2016 Cramer was elected of Administration in 1989-91. He was VFW Commander- selected as the Combined Veterans’ in-Chief at the 94th Association Person of the Year. Causeway Bay Lansing VFW National Cramer retired as the Special Assistant to Convention in the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, serving Please Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute To Make Your Sleeping Room Dallas, Texas in as the Secretary’s national veterans’ Reservation. The Rate Will Be Available Until 12/26/2015 Or August 1993. service organization liaison. Prior to this Until The Block Is Full, Whichever Occurs First. Prior to entering appointment, he was the VSO liaison for George Cramer the military, the VA Chicago Health Care System and Cramer earned a VISN 12 (Hines, Ill.), communications Call your Reservation to: Bachelor of Arts degree in education from officer for the department’s Capital Asset Causeway Bay Lansing Loyola University in Chicago, Ill. Realignment for Enhanced Services Following graduation he entered the program. Cramer previously served eight 6820 South Cedar Street Lansing MI 48911 U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam from years as assistant director for the Illinois Phone: 517-694-8123 October 1967 through December 1968 Department of Veterans Affairs. as an artillery surveyor with the 6/14 During his year as national Reservation Reminders: Artillery, 1st Field Forces. During his commander, the VFW partnered with tour he was awarded the Vietnam Service the VA to co-sponsor the National Medal, the Air Medal and the Bronze Star Veterans Golden Age Games. He • Room reservations received after 12/26/2015 or after the block for meritorious service. traveled extensively during his term of is full will be subject to availability at a higher room rate. Cramer joined the VFW in 1969 and office, including Normandy for the 50th • To reserve your room, please call 517-694-8123. Reservation is a Legacy Life Member of Post 3873 anniversary of D-Day, where he placed in Naperville, Ill. Cramer earned All- a wreath at Omaha Beach in honor of must be guaranteed with a major credit card. State Post Commander in 1972-74 and those who died there. • To receive the group rate, you must identify yourself as again in 1989-90, an All-American Cramer is active in many civic and District Commander in 1976-77, a 100% fraternal organizations including the a Department of Michigan VFW Mid-Winter Conference Department Commander in 1983-83 and Selective Service Board, American participant when calling to make your reservation. All-State Post Quartermaster 1976-1985; Legion, AMVETS and the Disabled • A credit card and valid photo identification will be required 2003-08. He is currently serving as the American Veterans. He also serves on the 19th District Quartermaster where he has advisory board at the Abraham Lincoln upon check-in. earned All-American honors. National VA Cemetery. • Check-in is at 3:00 pm Check-out is at 12 noon In addition, he has served as District He and his wife Linda, son Scott, and and Department budget chairman and as daughter Cheryl make their home in Room rates: Standard Rooms: $84.50 or $95.49 with taxes National Chief of Staff in 1985-86, as Naperville, Ill. Jr Suites: $149.00 or $168.37 with taxes (Based on availability) MAKE A LASTING GIFT Group: Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid -Winter Conference Wednesday January 20, 2016 –Sunday, January 24, 2016

V.F.W. AND AUXILIARIES 37th MID – WINTER CONFERENCE Causeway Bay Hotel Lansing, Michigan

BANQUET TICKETS JANUARY 23, 2016

Price $35.00 per person /All seats are reserved No tickets sold at the door

DEADLINE DATE FOR ORDERING TICKETS IS JANUARY 16, 2016 NO REFUNDS ON BANQUET TICKETS

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 12:00 NOON SATURDAY THE DAY OF THE BANQUET.

BANQUET TICKETS WILL NOT BE MAILED

NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______MICHIGAN OVERSEAS VETERAN CITY: ______STATE:____ ZIP:______DIST #___POST # _____ Official Publication of the Department of Michigan Veteran of Foreign Wars AMOUNT ENCLOSED $______NUMBER OF TICKETS ______924 North Washington Avenue Lansing, MI 48906 MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN VFW (NO CASH) Subscription rate: $4.00 per year

MAIL TO: PATRICK PATTERSON Name 21672 ELMWAY, CLINTON TOWNSHIP. MI 48035 Address DOORS OPEN at 5:30 P.M. City State Zip BANQUET STARTS 6:00 P.M. Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 12 Auxiliary TAPS OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, 1136-Wyandotte 5065-Sheridan Burbo, Shirley Olson, Claribel A VETERAN DIED TODAY Leighton-Donahue, Sandra 6579-New Lothrup Stec, Frances Crawford, Ruth 4422-Taylor 796-Port Huron Corpe, Jean Tesluck, Connie Scott Gloger, Editor Johnson,Sharon 1452-Clio Editorial Committee: 9283-Southgate Wright, Mary Paul McIvor, Commander Gielow, Renna 3243-Fenton Jerry Gorski, Sr. Vice Commander 345 REDFORD WEST, KENNEY 73 ARMY/VIETNAM 1146-St Clair Shores Paulin, Rita Matt David, Jr. Vice Commander ADAMS, RONALD A. 83 ARMY/KOREA 4090 PORTLAND Evacko, Olga Spillane, Beulah Scott Gloger, MOV Editor LUCCA, DOMINIC S. 82 NAVY/KOREA HOPPES, ROBERT F. 90 ARMY/WWII Forsyth, Ethel Utt, Mary Cindy Peto, Aux. Committee Member O’NEILL, RAYMOND G. 93 MARINES/WWII 4115 SEBEWAING Hernandez, Justine 3720-Swartz Creek SMOLINSKI, ROBERT C., 82 ARMY FISCHER, LEO E. 74 ARMY/VIETNAM EDITORIAL POLICY 423 ANN ARBOR 4159 ROSCOMMON Honn, Dorothy Porter, Bernice ALBER, GROVER B. 87 ARMY/KOREA BEEBE, ALLEN E. 85 ARMY/KOREA Marciniak, Lillian Reeder, Carol The mission of this paper is to 796 PORT HURON JOINER, ROBERT 85 ARMY/KOREA 1370-Pontiac 4087-Davison strengthen the efficiency of the Veterans BELAIR, DAVID P. 66 AIR FORCE/VIETNAM 4162 HAMTRAMCK Thompson, Mary Hendrickson, Mona of Foreign Wars by providing timely, CARTER, WAYNE T. 64 NAVY MAJEWSKI, THEODORE 96 ARMY/WWII 1407-Madison Heights Ragan, Jessica PLOCHINSKI, EDWARD 87 ARMY/KOREA pertinent and accurate information about DEAN, WILLIS J. 91 NAVY/WWII Cronin, Pauline 4115-Sebewaing DELL, DONALD 87 ARMY/WWII 4249 NEWAYGO the decisions and activities of the VFW Bielaczyc, Charlotte SCHOENHERR, GERALD F. 85 ARMY/WWII ENGLE CHARLES M. 92 ARMY/WWII Serdoner, Lillian at the Post, District and Department 1138 MONROE WRIGHT, VERNON 82 ARMY/KOREA 6782-Eastpointe 4159-Roscommon level; the relevant affairs of the State CLOUM, RICHARD 64 ARMY/VIETNAM 4499 MANISTEE Diebel, Marie Steinberger, Delores and Federal governments, and the DUSSIA , ARTHUR JR. 86 ARMY AIR CORPS/KOREA BUDNIK, EDWARD S. 92 ARMY/WWII 9914-Highland 5585-Emmett decisions and activities of the national ERIKSON, DONALD 83 ARMY/KOREA GRANGER, JOEL S. 92 MARINES/WWII Lange, Chiyo Sharpe, Geneva organization of the Veterans of Foreign GILLESPIE, MELVIN 97 ARMY/WWII MARTIN, THOMAS C. 70 NAVY/VIETNAM 3925-Erie 5740-Ruth Wars. JONES, BERNARD 85 ARMY/KOREA PINKERTON, DANIEL W. 64 ARMY/VIETNAM Belair, Rita Susalla, Betty The paper is also the voice of the MEYER, ROBERT 88 ARMY/WWII SWIATLOWSKI, ROY J. 69 NAVY/VIETNAM members. We welcome articles from WEEMAN, WILLIAM 89 ARMY/WWII 4659 SHELBY TOWNSHIP Denko, Jeanne 8236-Flint members. All articles should contribute 1146 ST. CLAIR SHORES GUSTAFSON, ENFRED 95 ARMY/WWII Roberts, Lorene Williams, Bernice positively to the welfare of the VFW ANDERSON, HAROLD E. 87 ARMY/WWII JAYROE, EARL 88 NAVY/WWII 4093-Carleton 1071-Coleman and its members. We will accept no BATTY, BILLIE G. 85 AIR FORCE/KOREA LYNCH, CLARENCE 98 ARMY/WWII Mazur, Martha Mitchel, Ilah attacks on any member or leader of BILLIU, E. CARTER 72 VIETNAM 5065 SHERIDAN 4187-Tecumseh 3030-Otsego HANNON, THOMAS G. 80 ARMY/KOREA JONES, DONALD L. 82 ARMY/KOREA the VFW. We will accept a thoughtful Curtiss, Lenore Winn, Sandra HARTWAY, DONALD I. 89 NAVY/WWII WILTERDINK, ROBERT A. 67 ARMY/VIETNAM discussion of all related issues in the MCCLARY, THOMAS P. 83 ARMY/KOREA 5319 ATHENS 6056-Springport Zwiers, Jean letter column and reserve the right to MCHALE, MICHAEL S. 70 NAVY/VIETNAM BONER HEBER 86 NAVY/WWII Hobbins, Lois 3033-Mt Pleasant reply to those that seem to reflect a NELSON, WILBUR 88 NAVY/WWII 5600 ONTONAGON Schmidt, Marcele Farmer, Marjorie misunderstanding of the VFW and its 1519 NORTHVILLE BESSON GLEN 79 ARMY/KOREA 6464-Fowlerville 3775-West Branch policies. BLANCHARD, RUSSELL 86 NAVY/KOREA COGSWELL EUGENE 84 ARMY Robinson, Gertrude Peters, beverly We ask that you keep your articles BOLDEA, CHARLES 88 MARINES/WWII 5602 SIX LAKES 9656-Lambertville 4106-Weidman brief. We reserve the right to edit all BYKOWSKI, CLEMENS 91 ARMY/WWII BARRIX, CHARLES 89 ARMY/WWII Craig, Theresa Touchiniski,Janice articles. We look forward to hearing JACKSON, FREDERICK 94 AIR FORCE/WWII 5666 FLUSHING 4139-Roscommon from you. KARPACH, JOHN 94 ARMY/WWII CRARY, DOUGLAS 91 ARMY/WWII 1355-Sturgis The news and opinions expressed are TRUPIANO, ANTHONY 92 MARINES/WWII/KOREA FLANNERY, RICHARD 83 ARMY/KOREA Robinson, Sarah Beebe, Marianne not necessarily those of the Veterans of ZALEWSKI, RICHARD 89 ARMY/WWII HOYLE, GERALD 89 NAVY/WWII 2144-Holland 5680-St Helen 1566 SAGINAW 5670 GWINN Foreign Wars, Department of Michigan Bush, Myra Smith, Barbara DENNISON, EMERSON 92 NAVY/WWII JURVELIN, CHARLES 66 VIETNAM Mostrom, Patricia 995-Bitely or the National Organization. MCMALL, FLOYD 89 NAVY/WWII 6165 SOUTH RANGE 1669 ROYAL OAK BOLF, ANDREW ARMY/WWII 2326-Grand Haven Burress, Jean Materials for Publication WAANANEN, WILLIAM L. 66 MARINES/VIETNAM 6248 DECATUR Bochenek, Bonnie 2335-Mecosta Send to: Scott Gloger 1888 TRENTON STEPNITZ, STANLEY 93 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII Candler, Grace Cummings, Gloria 6718 Academy WINGER, MARTIN 83 ARMY/KOREA 6464 FOWLERVILLE Ralya, Sally 446-Muskegon Brighton, MI 48116 2144 HOLLAND JOHNSON, JOHN W. 85 ARMY/WWII 5855-Portage Semelbauer, Loretta [email protected] BORGMAN, ROBERT 90 ARMY/WWII 6579 NEW LOTHROP Smith, Shirley 5315-Baldwin DYKSTRA, HARRY 67 ARMY/VIETNAM ELLIOTT, ROBERT T. 78 ARMY AIR CORPS/KOREA Barham, Virginia Graphic Design: FONGER, JOHN 91 NAVY/WWII FULLER, DOLPH D. 90 NAVY/WWII 3030-Otsego American Publishing LLC HOEK, GORDON 78 ARMY/KOREA GENGLER, WILFRED W. 88 NAVY/WWII Dillon, Carrie Good, Marianne Jenny DeBack, President HOPKINS, WILLIAM 92 ARMY/WWII LAWTON, ROBERT C. 90 ARMY/WWII Klumpp, Frances 6333-Kaleva IHLE, EVERET 67 ARMY/VIETNAM YOUNG, PETER J. 89 ARMY/WWII Winn, Sandra Clements, Sarah TAPS MARCINKOS, LEONARD 88 COAST GUARD/WWII 6691 FRASER Zwiers, Jean Myers, June SIERSMA, HENRY 83 ARMY/KOREA MURPHY, JOHN P. 65 NAVY/VIETNAM 5855-Portage 8846-North Muskegon Send to: VANDEVUSSE, STEVEN 66 ARMY/KOREA 6695 PLYMOUTH Smith, Shirley Smith, Lucille Department of MI VFW ZOERHOFF, LAVERNE 85 ARMY/KOREA FLETCHER, WILLIAM 80 MARINES/KOREA 924 North Washington 2272 DURAND GLUVNA, WALTER 89 NAVY/WWII 6252-Comstock 2051-Harbor Springs Lansing, MI 48906 MCALLISTER, STANLEY D. 77 NAVY/VIETNAM THOMAS, ROGER 73 MARINES/VIETNAM Nance, Shirley Adams, Helen (517) 485-9456 WAGNER,ALLAN R. JR. 68 ARMY/VIETNAM 6754 SPRUCE Roberts, Linda Sue 2780-Traverse City 2891 CRYSTAL FALLS BILL, DALLAS C. 77 ARMY 7581-Wayland Holczman, Margaret ORCHARD, DAVID G. 80 ARMY/KOREA SHEPARD, RICHARD 83 AIR FORCE/KOREA Boerner, Deborah Roche, Brenda 2943 BROWN CITY 6782 EASTPOINTE Gamble, Mary Ann Widrig, Jean PEPPER, WILLIAM 81 MARINES/KOREA BAKER, WILLIAM 94 ARMY/WWII 3019 THREE RIVERS FRADL, DAVID A. 67 AIR FORCE/VIETNAM Jerkatis, Vicki Willacker, Clare Comrades, please copy this form and RILEY, TIMOTHY 67 ARMY/NAVY/VIETNAM/ GUASTELLA, RALPH 97 ARMY/WWII Longstreet, Marian 5857-Onaway use it for the Taps that you send in. PERSIAN GULF MCPHERSON, JOSEPH B. 94 NAVY/WWII Norton, Margaret Crull, Rosslyn Mae 3030 OTSEGO MISLEVY, HAROLD 93 ARMY/WWII 7956-Augusta 3165-Negaunee Send completed form to: VFW of HERBERT, GEORGE 90 ARMY/WWII 6864 CADILLAC Dorsey, Bertha Lafkas, Phyllis LINSLEY, HAROLD 87 KOREA TICE, MELVIN 90 NAVY/WWII Michigan, 924 North Washington, 1454-Alma 3676-Sault Ste Marie 3293 GRAND LEDGE 7302 HEMLOCK Lansing, MI 48906 GEHLHAAR, FRED H. 89 ARMY/WWII CARSTENEN, CALVIN 84 ARMY/VIETNAM Humphery, Joyce Reinhart, Mary Phillips, Jean 4420-Manistique ______REED, RONALD L. 71 ARMY/VIETNAM 7542 BIRCH RUN (Last Name) 3676 SAULT STE MARIE HUTCHINSON, RUSSELL 90 ARMY/WWII Terwilliger, Jan Kiszely, Marcella ______ALFORD ,JAMES A. 94 COAST GUARD/WWII QUACKENBUSH, GORDON 67 ARMY/VIETNAM 671-Dewitt Multhaupt, Eleanor (First Name) CROSS, CLYDE W. 90 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII 7806 MANTON Wynn, Marilyn Patz, Mabel HOPPES, HERBERT 91 ARMY/WWII ______STREETER, WILLIAM R. 91 ARMY/WWII 2272-Durand 5670-Gwinn (Age) TENNANT, GEORGE E. 74 ARMY/VIETNAM ROBINSON, CARL 95 ARMY/WWII Graham, Caroline Hocking, Edna ______3733 FOWLER 7912 SAND LAKE (Date of Death) FOX, CARL 88 ARMY/WWII ROSS, WILLIAM 93 NAVY/WWII Middleton, Marjorie 9023-Brimley ______PARKER, LEROY G. 92 MARINES/WWII SMITH, EDWARD 89 ARMY/WWII 3701-Lakeview Hewer, Cleo (Post #) SIMECEK, HENRY 88 NAVY/WWII 8594 YALE Thompson, Charlotte Hill, Juanita ______3753 PINCONNING GINGILOSKI, GEORGE 85 ARMY/KOREA 4005-Corunna Jones, Vera (City) COLLIER, LAWRENCE 94 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII 8846 MUSKEGON Bissonnette, Gertrude Malaski, Wilma 3901 ALGONAC FITT, DONALD 84 ARMY/KOREA Kimmerer, Nancy Mayer, Thelma Branch (Circle One): ATKINSON, DON W. 73 COAST GUARD LUICK, NORBERT 75 ARMY/VIETNAM Saunders, Dorothy Wilson, Doris USA USAAC USN DUPAGE, FRANK 89 MARINES/WWII MYLENEK, JOHN 69 ARMY/VIETNAM HUTCHESON, KEN 85 ARMY AIR CORPS ZWART, HAROLD 92 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII Walter, Faye 3900-Calumet USMC USAF USCG 4054 MARCELLUS 8872 PORT SANILAC 4406-Belding Thomas, Mary ADAMS, GERALD JR. 62 ARMY/VIETNAM O’MARA, JOSEPH 89 NAVY/WWII Jeppsen, Kay 2891-Crystal Falls PEJZA, DANIEL 90 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII 9084 WAKEFIELD 4461-Lake Odessa Lampi, Ophelia Served In (Circle One): RHODES, CHARLES 66 ARMY/VIETNAM NOVAK, JOHN C. 84 ARMY/KOREA Bever, Helen MacDonald, Patricia WWI WWII Korea ZIEMIANSKI, ROBERT 85 ARMY/KOREA 9377 PLAINWELL 4087 DAVISON SMITH, EDWIN 95 ARMY/WWII Brock, Pam 6165-South Range Vietnam Gulf Other CADIEUX, HOWARD J. 98 ARMY/WWII 9656 LAMBERTVILLE Jordan, Audra Masters, Adele Occupation Forces DONNELLY, VICTOR 88 NAVY/WWII/KOREA TRAIN FRANK 94 ARMY AIR CORPS/WWII Nash, Suzanne Daniel, Joyce HALLETT, NORMAN L. 94 AIR FORCE/WWII WINSON, WILLIAM E. 91 ARMY/WWII Shoemaker, Doreen Lafayette, Eva KILBOURNE, LOYD E. SR. 95 WWII Smith, Barbara Williams, June 13 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran Northville New Auxiliary A significant historical event happened in the Department of Michigan’s 4th District on Sunday October 25, 2015. It was at VFW Post 4012 in Northville that, for the 1st time in the history of our State, a male member was installed as Auxiliary President. But, before that happened, the Auxiliary was instituted by Department of Michigan President, Deb Hanes. With about 75 people in attendance, Linda Burton, Past Department President, was afforded the opportunity to install her son, Jonathan Burchard, to the position of Auxiliary President. Mr. Burchard is one of the first men in the country to have been installed as Auxiliary President. He is eager to continue working with the Auxiliary as they work to help the VFW.

Serve your Community and the Nation Become a Selective Service System Local Board Member

The Selective Service System wants to hear from men and women in the community Local Board Member are uncompensated volunteers who play an important community who might be willing to serve as members of local draft boards. role closely connected with our Nation’s defense. If a military draft becomes necessary, A Prospective Board Member must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years approximately 2,000 Local and Appeal Boards throughout America would decide which old, registered with the Selective Service )if male), and not be an employee of any law young men in each community receive deferments, postponements or exemptions from enforcement occupation, not be an active or retired member of the Armed Forces, and not military service, based on federal guidelines. have been convicted for any criminal offense. Once identified as qualified the Director Eight positions are currently open in the followung counties: Barry(2); Kalamazoo(2); of Selective Service, who acts on behalf of the President in making the appointments. St. Joseph(2); Manistee and Hillside. Each new member receives five hours of initial training after appointment, followed by If you believe you meet the standards for Selective Service Board Membership, tow hours of annual training for as long as he or she remains in the position. They may and wish to be considered for appointment, please contact MAJ Dan Allen at Daniel. serve in Board Member positions up to a total of 20 years, if desired. [email protected] or 517-927-1537.

God Bless Our Troops Michigan Overseas Veteran October/November/December 2015 14 15 October/November/December 2015 Michigan Overseas Veteran MICHIGAN OVERSEAS VETERAN • Reporting your positive impact on the Michigan community • From the Editor October/November/December 2015 Volume 83 Number 2 We are still working out some bugs, but it is coming INSIDE along. District Commanders and District Presidents, please Officer Reports...... 1-2 STATE COMMANDER send in your articles. We need to know what is going on in your districts. Please have them in by the deadline of National Council of Comrades and sisters. Time is going by too fast. I Feb., 1, 2016. Administration...... 3 want to thank everyone for giving me the chance to If you want a hard copy, send your address to Scott District Reports...... 4-5 lead such a great state. It has been a busy couple of Paul Gloger, 6718 Academy Brighton, MI 48116. months traveling the state; meeting a lot of great mem- Or you can email your request to [email protected]. Military Order of the bers. Recently my wife and I have been visiting the Mclvor Please use this email address- the one in the Department Cooties...... 5 Roster Book is no longer a working email. Upper Peninsula, getting to meet everyone, visiting State Commander Auxiliary News...... 6-8 Have a good and safe Holiday Season. your post, and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. We Warrior Appreciation also headed out to Iowa to attend the Big Ten con- Scott Gloger, MOV Editor Rally...... 9 ference, the conference itself was very informative, is 100% your name will go in for drawing for an Camp Trotter Tales...... 9 the flying squadron was very good, and the national all expense trip with everything included; BUT the Camp Trooter Golf officer did a great job. department has to be at 100%. So please try a little Judy Mike Outing Form...... 10 Michigan Day’s was held at the National home and harder and keep pushing to reach the goal. Let’s keep Mid-Winter we had a good turnout. The crew from Ohio did the up with the reporting and make the great state of Bolton Fineis Conference Info...... 11 cooking, while everyone relaxed and enjoyed them- Michigan stand out. FOR THE FOR THE George Cramer Bio.....11 selves. The State of Michigan was the winner over Lastly one of the issues that currently is a hot OFFICE OF Ohio by donating the most money, and while at the button is a bill that is before the House of Represen- OFFICE OF Taps...... 12 DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT Big Ten I challenged the other departments to see who tatives, bill number 4642. This bill will do a lot of GUARD JR. VICE Auxiliary TAPS...... 12 could donate the most money to the national home. damage to our trust fund if passed. I am asking for COMMANDER The winner would win a bucket of booze. June 2016 Northville Aux...... 13 everyone to write their Representative and tell them June 2016 Serve your Community Now that the fall conference is behind us, I would not to vote for this bill. and the Nation...... 13 like to thank everyone who attended and it is my hope Before you know it the Mid-Winter Conference will Supported by Post & Auxiliary 701 Supported by Post & Auxiliary 3701 that everyone enjoyed themselves. We have some 2016 Tight Lines14-15... be here, and I am looking forward to seeing all of our business matters to go over... students vie for a trip to Washington D.C., a national State Commander.....16 I did not relieve any post commanders that missed scholarship, and the chance to represent our depart- From the Editor...... 16 their last district meeting, but this round if you or your ment. We are very lucky and blessed to have so many representative fails to attend a district meeting; the great students’ working hard on their essays. It will be Phil Phil post commander will be relieved of his duties. good to see all of the families there supporting their Patterson Merrow It has come to my attention that the Commander’s children. Good luck to all posts. roster is not updated to date with the most current In closing, I would like to thank everyone for their FOR THE FOR THE information. I am asking all Commanders to update hospitality shown to my wife and myself as we con- OFFICE OF OFFICE OF their phone number and email addresses, it is impera- tinue to travel all across this beautiful state of ours. I JR. VICE DEPARTMENT tive that your district commander, the state office, or I look forward to seeing all of the great comrades and COMMANDER JUDGE ADVOCATE Coming Events be able to get ahold of you. Also please be conscious sisters, may God bless each and every one. May God 2016-2017 of checking your emails. bless our troops serving and may God bless the United 2016-2017 MID-WINTER Membership is a little behind, however I know that States of America. Supported and Endorsed by CONFERENCE we can pick up the pace a little and get the depart- Endorsed and supported by: District 4, January 20-24, 2016 “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so District 4, Post 6695, ment on top. The offer is still out there if your post much.” Helen Keller and his wife and family Mayflower-Lt. Gamble VFW, Post 6695