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A non-profit official publication the Department of the Pacific Areas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Volume XIX – Number 6 December 2015 FREE “Love Your Freedom - Thank a Vet”
Typhoon / Around the Pacific Table of Contents 2015-2016 Mid-Term Section: Page: Department of Pacific Areas Department Officer’s Comments 2 Commander 2 Council of Administration Senior Vice Commander 3 Junior Vice Commander 3 and Junior Past Department Commander 6 Chief of Staff 7 Adjutant 7 Grand of Pacific Areas Quartermaster 9 Judge Advocate 10 Scratch Surgeon 12 Certified National Recruiter 14 Ban Chang, Thailand Historian 15 Inspector 16 Department Committee Reports 17 Clark Cemetery Committee Chairman 17 Convention Book Chairman 20 Employment Chairman 20 Hospital Chairman 21 Legislative Chairman 21 Legacy Life Membership Chairman 23 Life Membership Chairman 24 ------National Home for Children Chairman 25 Public Servant Awards Committee Chairman 27 Safety Chairman 27 Assistant Department Service Officer 28 In Memoriam Veterans and Military Support Chairman 29 Veterans Assistance Committee Chairman 30 VOD / PP / Teachers Award Chairman 32 Youth Activities Chairman 32 Editor 33 Search the Edition 35 Mid-Term Council of Administration 37 Around the Pacific - Community Report 44 Comrades in Memoriam 51 VFW Pacific Areas General Announcements 55 Cootie Corner Announcements 58 Pacific Areas Photo of the Edition 59 Pacific Areas Joke of the Edition 59 Letters of Intent 60 Past Department Commander Schaefer Past Department Commander O’Dowd Past District 2 Commander Hooper ------VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1
Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
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From the Commander:
Hello Comrades,
We had an excellent Mid-Term Department Council of Administration meeting. Many very positive actions resulted as well as outstanding training sessions. I would like to extend my heart filled thanks to Post 12146 Commander Ken Stein, Midterm Convention Chairman Lou Holub, and all the Post 12146 Comrades who contributed to ensuring this was a very successful event. Your professionalism and dedication to this event as well towards the VFW and the DPA really was praised by all. Well done as well as well executed.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of three distinguished Comrades at the start of this new year, Past Department Commander Schaefer, Past Department Commander O’Dowd, Past District 2 Commander Hooper, and Comrade Otriguero, World War II Bataan Death March Survivor. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Comrades, hopefully all of you know that the ATP and Typhoon has been combined and we need your inputs. Please start showcasing your photos and write-ups of the many activities you are accomplishing in support of Veterans, local communities, our military and much more. As you know, the “Typhoon” is also designed to update you on the latest policies, inform you of the various statistics showing where you are at and reporting your accomplishments.
Our Department has been ranked # 1 Nationally in Membership since the start of this year’s term and we continue to lead the way at 95.64%, and we continue to stand high among the other Departments and States within VFW. For this, I wish to thank you all for the hard work and dedication you have put in to helping to improve our VFW, thus helping the causes of our Veterans, families and communities. Your dedication to these causes is truly appreciated. Let us all work together and continue to lead the way and keep the Pacific on TOP where we belong!
I can’t emphasize enough how important our larger membership is when working to help our Veterans, families, widows and orphans. Remember, our clout in Congress, which enables us to make positive movement via the Government towards improving VA and other services to Veterans, is exceedingly contingent upon our membership ranks and numbers. Recruiting – absolutely a key to better assisting our Vets.
I will be attending the Legislative Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. soon, as we (VFW) meet with the Congressional Joint Committee on Veteran’s Affairs on March 4th. Our Commander in Chief John A. Biedrzycki, JR. will testify on behalf of our Veterans.
I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas and I wish you and all your families a Very Happy New Year. Now that we have the holidays behind us, it’s time to check the status of All State and All American. Many of the program deadlines have past. However, this does not mean that you are counted out if you did not participate. You can still donate money for the VOD/PP/Teachers awards, be sure to coordinate with the Department Chairman. Remember my GOAL everyone puts on a hat and flies a banner this year.
DPA Thanks for all you do! “LOYALTY HONOR SERVICE” “Love Your Freedom Thank a Vet”
Yours in Comradeship and Service, Homer Kemper Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Senior Vice Commander:
Comrades,
Happy New Year!
Happy 2016 to all of you and thanks for so much for your dedicated and hard work in supporting our goal for 100 percent by the C of A. We came up short, but I still want to thank all of you for your hard work with recruiting so far this year. Hopefully everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It was great to see everyone that came out to the Council of Administration in Ban Chang, Thailand, and congratulations to everyone that received the early bird awards for recruiting.
Please keep in mind that RECRUITING is something that must go on all year. Thanks to all who worked hard in the first half of the term. Let’s not ease up and finish strong with 100% in the Department. We are leading the way in membership for the VFW and it would be great if we could finish on top. Please continue to recruit. Thank you all for everything you do for the VFW, your community and our country.
Yours in Comradeship and Service, Robert “Mo” Moses Senior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Junior Vice Commander:
Comrades,
AWARDS
Please see the separate article in this Typhoon specifically addressing changes to the Department Awards Program. This important yearly program allows us to appropriately recognize those whose efforts make the Department of Pacific a high performing organization.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Comrades, we are doing very well on Community Service Reporting. Our mid-year report to VFW National as of 31 October included over 2700 separate submissions. The initial feedback from National shows the total value of our volunteer hours and donations to be well over one million dollars. Congratulations! I particularly appreciate that many of you have added projects and activities from past months that were missed. Please continue your efforts, as we do more than most Departments and simply need to increase the reporting of our work being performed.
Several accomplishments worthy of note from our first report to National:
- Post 2485 entered 797 CSR entries by 31 October, Post 9612, 311, and Post 2917, 211.
- Post 9723 has received Buddy Poppy donations totaling $3,455.78.
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
Community Service not only benefits our membership and communities, but also raises the visibility and highlights the value of the VFW in our local areas. Community Service can support the recruiting effort, as many potential members only become aware of the VFW through our Community Service activities.
My thanks to those of you I have emailed requesting clarification of particular CSR submissions. Your expeditious replies and detailed responses allow us to maintain the integrity of the system. Please notify me of errors or duplicate entries and I’ll assist in making the necessary corrections. If you have questions regarding whether a particular event or activity qualifies as Community Service, the category, or other CSR issues please contact me at: [email protected]
Below are the current CSR submission totals for end of month December. We will be at the top of VFW National CSR rankings if we continue reporting, and increase our number of submissions, for the end of year report.
POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTING END OF MONTH DECEMBER 2015
Post Dist May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Total 9723 1 18 11 21 17 17 15 19 10 0 0 0 0 128 1054 21 24 14 20 20 35 28 20 1 0 0 0 183 9555 2 7 2 5 5 3 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 31 9612 61 60 30 67 79 89 62 59 0 0 0 0 507 8180 5 2 6 2 2 4 8 2 0 0 0 0 31 9985 3 2 5 5 7 6 5 1 0 0 0 0 34 10033 1 2 1 0 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 0 14 10216 3 12 12 17 20 9 13 9 2 0 0 1 0 95 10223 0 0 6 5 7 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 27 12109 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 12147 21 15 12 6 11 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 78 727 7 6 6 6 7 6 6 7 0 0 0 0 51 4 9957 2 2 3 1 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 16 9876 46 26 42 26 22 26 22 0 0 0 0 0 210 9951 21 22 16 17 24 27 22 27 0 0 0 0 176 10217 17 16 12 11 16 12 16 17 0 0 0 0 117 10249 5 5 8 4 6 4 7 10 9 0 0 0 0 53 11575 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12074 32 50 29 1 16 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 137 12146 2 4 14 4 7 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 46 1509 15 11 8 19 19 19 14 3 0 0 0 0 108 2917 6 34 24 47 38 42 38 24 23 0 0 0 0 270 3457 5 32 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 45 124 8 8 5 5 10 8 16 12 0 0 0 0 72 2485 105 111 147 118 141 175 171 169 0 0 0 0 1137 9892 7 18 17 17 23 16 15 8 14 0 0 0 11 139 11447 5 2 6 6 5 3 5 3 0 0 0 0 35 12130 2 2 6 16 5 1 5 28 0 0 0 0 65 Total 472 472 475 428 486 527 482 389 0 0 0 0 3744
Yours in Comradeship, John Gilbert Junior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas
See below for Awards information and VFW Foundation Program Matching Grants.
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS AWARDS PROGRAM
Comrades,
The Department Awards Program recognizes those Posts, Officers, individual members and non-member individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in reaching our organizational goals. Awards in each category will be made yearly at the Department Convention based on District submissions and final selection by a Department Awards Board.
There are some significant changes to the program outlined below, but the categories remain unchanged:
CATEGORIES:
OUTSTANDING POST OUTSTANDING POST COMMANDER OUTSTANDING ADJUTANT OUTSTANDING POST QUARTERMASTER OUTSTANDING SERVICE OFFICER OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN OUTSTANDING MEMBER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTING BUSINESS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTING INDIVIDUAL
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Award Recommendation forms for each category, and the General Instructions sheet, have been revised and are posted on the Department Website, Forms weblink. Review each Recommendation form carefully as they have been simplified, and each has some category unique instructions. Narratives, unless otherwise noted, are limited to a single typed page and bullet comments are encouraged.
JUDGING:
All Post Recommendations will be routed through their respective Districts and each District may submit only one recommendation in each category. Districts should develop a selection process to determine their submissions in cases of multiple recommendations for a given category within the District.
Districts may set their own internal suspense dates for submissions, depending on their Judging procedures. Recommendations for Awards in each category should be submitted to Department by each District no later than 15 May yearly. Please ensure all submissions are complete and conform to instructions provided. Submit to the DPA Junior Vice Commander, [email protected]
The Department Awards Board shall consist of all District Commanders, (or designated representative), and be chaired by the Department JVC. The Chairman shall be a non-voting member except in cases of a tie vote. The Board will meet prior to the Department Convention. Time and location will be reflected in the Convention schedule.
Submissions are encouraged as these awards provide well deserved recognition to those who contribute so much to the success of our organization.
---VFW---
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NEW VFW FOUNDATION PROGRAM COMMUNITY SERVICE MATCHING GRANT
Comrades,
A new VFW Foundation Program recently became available which provides matching funds for Community Service projects. This additional funding source can be of great help in our communities where very worthwhile proposed projects often exceed Post resources. The below from Richard G. Freiburghouse, Manager, Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation:
The VFW Foundation has an exciting new grant that is geared toward VFW Posts & Auxiliaries. It is called the "VFW Foundation Community Service Matching Grant."
As its name implies, the grant is designed to encourage VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to be more involved in their communities through support of other local nonprofits that promote youth mentorship, senior care and other beneficial services. Instead of a military focus (troops, veterans, and military families) this grant is directed more toward the general non-military local population.
The grant, which awards up to $500, must be matched dollar-for-dollar by a Post / Auxiliary's own fundraising efforts. Examples might include a Post or Auxiliary helping out a Little League baseball team, contributing funding for a K-12 school project or making a donation to a soup kitchen, senior center or homeless shelter.
The grant application can be accessed at www.vfwfoundation.org by clicking on the "Grants" tab at the top of the webpage. If anyone has a question about the grant eligibility, please contact Jason Couch of the Foundation staff at (816) 968-1174 or [email protected]
This program has the potential to enable us to improve our already exceptional Community Service Program. Let’s capitalize on this opportunity and additional funding provided by the VFW Foundation.
---VFW------From the Junior Past Department Commander:
Hello, all my fine Comrades and friends,
It was terrific seeing many of you at the Mid-term Council of Administration meetings in Ban Chang, Thailand. It was an extremely fruitful, enjoyable and successful conference. The organization of the activities was really handled well by Ban Chang Post 12146. This Post was only 10 Months old and ran a professional conference, right from the start. Thank you 12146 and congratulations for a fine C of A. Commander Kemper had the honor of introducing our guest from National, Past Commander in Chief, Bill Thien. Bill added a lot of solid information and assistance in his typical, cordial & hospitable style. Great having him as part of the Conference. The next big event for DPA will be the Department Convention. This will be held 5th through 9th June 2016 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. For those who have never been to Chiang Mai, you should really enjoy it. It is very near the Myanmar (Burma) border. It is more temperate in climate due to its higher elevation (will still be quite warm in June.) It is a beautiful area with many activities for touring, golfing, sports, sight-seeing or just relaxing. You may wish to stay an extra day or two to get the most out of your visit. The Convention Director Alan Gariano is working hard to make sure all is as nice as possible for your stay. Hope to see you in Chiang Mai 5-9 June 2016.
All the best and warmest regards, Bear Junior Past Department Commander Department of Pacific Areas “Love your Freedom - Thank a Vet!” ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Chief of Staff:
Happy New Year, Comrades
2015 was an outstanding year for our Department. In February a new Post (Post 12146) in Ban Chang, Thailand was instituted. Then Post 12147 in Seongnam, Korea came on board under Department Commander Bear Hudson. Past Commander Hudson ended his term in office with an outstanding Department convention in Angeles City, Philippines. He received his much deserved All American Department Commander cap at the National convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In July, Department Commander Homer Kemper hit the ground running under a full head of steam and has not stopped. Our Department is now leading the National membership race. The Department is also leading the Western Conference in Legacy Memberships. We now have 204 Legacy Life members. Our new Post 12146 is doing very well, hosting an outstanding Mid-Term Council of Administration meeting.
Commander Kemper is 100% behind helping our veterans. His Department Service Officer and Post Service officers and their staffs have had a very successful year in obtaining benefits for our deserving Department veterans.
Department membership is now 95%. The holidays are over and it’s time to get back to work on memberships. With a little effort we could be knocking on the door as the first Department at 100% in memberships.
Let’s press on and support Department Commander Homer. Sign up a new member today!
Looking forward to another great VFW year.
Cheers!
Yours in comradeship, Bob Zaher Chief of Staff Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Adjutant:
Hello Comrades,
Well, following the highly successful Council of Administration last month, planning is already underway for the Department Convention in Chiang Mai Thailand 5th through 9th June.
The minutes from the C of A are posted on the DPA Website.
Many of you have contacted me, reference contact information of the various Chairmen involved in handling the different All State requirements. To help the Posts, find below the All State Checklist for Posts. Hope this helps:
2015-2016 All State Checklist for Post Commanders
All-State Post Commander (There is no limit on the number of Posts selected)
Post must be 100% plus one (1) in membership by end of June 2016 as posted in National MEMSTATS (or end of April 2016 for recognition at the Department Convention. [email protected] Robert Moses
1. Post must increase their Legacy Life Membership by one new member or make a Legacy Life upgrade. [email protected] Bob Zaher
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2. Post Quartermaster must be bonded. [email protected] Pete Callahan
3. Post must have successfully completed Department inspection. [email protected] Shawn Watson
4. Must have appointed a Service Officer. [email protected] Bear Hudson [email protected] Jonathon Portis
5. Post must have all quarterly QM Audit reports through December 2015 to receive a cap at the Convention or through Mar 2016 to meet the June 30th deadline on file with the Department Quartermaster. [email protected] Pete Callahan
6. Post must be current in monthly Department community service reports (CSR.) (July – April). [email protected] John Gilbert
7. Post participation in the VOD, Patriot Pen and Teacher’s Award by submitting at least one entry to District for judging. If there are no qualifying students or teachers within the Post area $100 for each program will be paid to Department. Another option would be to provide a single donation ($100 minimum) to another participating Post or District. [email protected] Rick Farris
8. Post participation in Buddy Poppy program by purchasing 500 Buddy Poppies. The Post must report their Buddy Poppy purchase to the Buddy Poppy Chairman. [email protected] and [email protected]
9. Post donation to National Veterans & Military Support Program. The Post must also report their donation (date and amount) to the Department National Veterans & Military Support Chairman. [email protected] Larry Lyons
10. Post donation to National Home. The Post must also report their donation (date & amount) to the Department National Home Chairman. [email protected] Randall Himes
11. Post participation in one or more of the following activities, and reported to the Department Chairman: ______
12. Support the on-going “VFW Washington Weekly” Registration Drive reporting to the National Legislative Chairman. (If you choose this option, just notify corter79@ hotmail.com Jon Brazee of how many members made new subscriptions to National’s “VFW Washington Weekly” newsletter and what your Post did to encourage participation.) ______
NOTE: For the new subscribers, include your Post number when you register for the Newsletter.
OR
a. Hold a Deployment or Welcome Home event (Department will help fund via the Department Veterans & Military Support Chairman). [email protected] Larry Lyons
b. Adopt a Unit, reporting to the Department Veterans & Military Support Chairman. [email protected] Larry Lyons
****Be sure to include your Post Number on any donations/payments sent to National.
Advise the DPA chairmen listed above, when you have accomplished the requirements with National or within DPA.
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Judging
All Districts / Posts that meet the minimum criteria as stated above by the end of April 2016 will be considered for All-State recognition at the Department Convention. All Districts / Posts meeting the minimum criteria by the end of June 30th 2016 will also be considered for recognition for All State however will not be awarded if eligible until the 2016 C of A in December 2016.
“Love your Freedom - Thank a Vet!”
All the best and warmest regards, Bear Adjutant Department of Pacific Areas
------From the Quartermaster:
Greetings Comrades,
Quartermasters, I need your help. The time of year is fast approaching when Posts will be thinking about Convention Book ads, QM Bonds for next year, and Poppy purchases. A bank- to-bank transfer is the easiest way to make these purchases, but Navy Federal has a cockeyed online system where they rarely state where money transferred into our account comes from. They are pretty reliable when it comes from another NFCU account; they usually, not always, state who sent the money. But the sender of money from another financial institution is NEVER identified, and this stretches the power of my ESP to the breaking point.
The point I’m trying to make is this. If you are transferring money into the Navy Federal DPA account, please send me an email stating how much you are sending and what is it for. This way your Post or District will receive proper credit for the funds you are sending. Thanks.
One of the motions approved at out Mid-term Convention in Ban Chang is to set up a permanent Disaster Relief Fund within the Department. The Fund will be capped at $10,000, and money will be put into the fund by transferring $500 monthly from the General Fund to the Disaster Relief Fund until the goal of $10,000 is reached. This fund will be used to offer IMMEDIATE assistance to members and their families after the Department Commander activates the Disaster Relief Program. As it stands now, members often have to wait months before relief reaches them after a disaster has occurred. This fund will help to fix that problem.
Another program started this year is the Veterans Assistance Program, currently chaired by Mike Verville from Post 11447. The concept is a good one and furthers the goals of the VFW. But the program is unfunded and needs written guidelines on who, what, when, where, and how much money will get to veterans in need who live in the Department area. Once these guidelines are in place and funding is approved by the Council of Administration, I believe the Department can afford to fund this program at the same level as the Disaster Relief Fund.
2015-2016 POST AND DISTRICT AUDITS / POPPIES / QM BONDS
AUDITS BUDDY POPPIES QM BOND JUNE ‘15 SEP ‘15 DEC ‘15 MAR ‘16 SUBMITTED ORDERED ‘15-‘16 ORDERED 2015-‘16 9723 X X $116.00/1000 $100.00/$40.000. Pd. District I X X X $10.50/$3,000 Pd. 1054 X X $174.00/1500 $100.00/$40,000 Pd. 9555 X X $116.00/1000 $65.00/$26,000. Pd. 9612 X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000. Pd. District II X X X $10.50/$3,000 Pd. 8180 X X $58.00/500 $70.00/$20,000 Pd.
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9985 X X $58.00/500 $21.00/$6,000 Pd. 10033 X X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000. Pd. 10216 X X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000 Pd. 10223 X X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000 Pd. 12109 $58.00/500 $10.50/$3,000 Pd. 12147 $58.00/500 $17.50/$5,000 Pd. District III X X X $10.50/$3,000. Pd. 727 X X $58.00/500 $10.50/$3,000 Pd. 9957 X X $58.00/500 $100.00/$40,000 Pd. District IV X X $10.50/$3,000. Pd. 9876 X X $58.00/500 $150.00/$60,000. Pd. 9951 X X $58.00/500 $17.50/$5,000. Pd. 10217 X X $58.00/500 $24.50/$7,000. Pd. 10249 X X $58.00/500 $52.50/$15,000 Pd. 11575 $58.00/500 $10.50/$3,000. Pd. 12074 X X $52.50/$15,000. Pd. 12146 X X $58.00/500 $10.50/$3,000 Pd. District V X X X $70.00/$20,000. Pd. 1509 X X $58.00/500 $52.50/$15,000 Pd. 2917 X X $58.00/500 $75.00/$30,000. Pd. 3457 X X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000. Pd. District VI X X X $10.50/$3,000. Pd. 124 X X $58.00/500 $35.00/$10,000. Pd. 2485 X X $116.00/1000 $175.00/$70,000. Pd. 9892 X X $58.00/500 $35.00/ $10,000. Pd. 11447 X X $58.00/500 $35.00/$10,000 Pd. 12130 X X $58.00/500 $10.50/$3,000 Pd. District VII X X X $24.50/$7,000. Pd.
That’s it for now. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016!
Yours in comradeship, Pete Callaghan Quartermaster Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Judge Advocate:
Comrades,
The following information is presented as in a few months it will be time to consider nominations and election of officers in Posts and Districts for 2016-17 term of office. That being so, in this months’ issue I will present a few questions and provide some answers on by- laws and parliamentary procedures concerning the forthcoming elections.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION TIME Q & A
The following are questions with answers that may come up at nominations and election time:
Question: When do nominations commence and for how long? Answer: Nominations for Posts normally shall start at the March meeting and end in April at election time. Districts may open nominations in the meeting prior to their District Convention and then continue at the Annual Convention prior to elections.
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Question: Does a member have to be at a meeting or Convention to be nominated? Answer: No, if the comrade making the nomination of an absentee for any office presents to the Adjutant, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations.
Question: If I’m nominated for office do I have the right to decline the position for which I was nominated? Answer: Yes, any nominee may have the opportunity to decline the position for which he has been nominated before the close of nominations.
Question: Who determines what form of elections shall be used? Answer: The membership, at the March Post meeting prior to opening nominations, or governing body to a Convention shall decide the form of election to use, unless By-Laws indicate the manner of elections. Normally, balloting for officers may be conducted by open or written secret ballot. Another method of balloting that may be used is the poll system and pre-printed ballots.
Question: If the Post decides at the March meeting to use the poll system with pre-printed ballots, are nominations held open until the April meeting? Answer: No, in the poll system, nominations are closed at the March meeting. Then the Post shall determine certain procedures used to conduct polling of the vote.
Question: What kinds of procedures are used in the poll system? Answer: The Post may determine procedures such as date, time and where polling shall take place, who does the tallying and what happens in case of a tie. A Notice and pre-printed ballots shall be distributed to members in good standing within a reasonable time prior to the date of voting. The notice shall contain the names of the candidates. Also, there shall be no absentee or proxy votes when the poll system is used. Also, the greater number of votes rule when using the poll system.
Question: What’s the difference between a majority vote and plurality vote? Answer: A majority vote at election time is considered more than half of all votes actually cast. Whereas, a plurality vote means a person having more votes than any other person is the winner. (Note: National By-Laws call for majority vote of all votes cast, except where otherwise designated, shall be necessary to elect.)
Question: Who is eligible to vote at election time? Answer: In Posts any member in good standing at the time of elections and at District Conventions those members in good standing that are part of the governing body defined in the District and/or National By-Laws.
Question: When is a member considered to be in good standing to vote at elections? Answer: Any Life members and a member whose current dues are paid through their anniversary date the year of elections is in good standing to vote.
Question: If I’m an elected two year House Committee member, can I be elected to another Post office? Answer: Yes, as elected committee members are not considered Post Officers, so you may concurrently hold an elected Post office.
Question: What happens when more than two candidates are nominated and there is no majority vote realized? Answer: You would drop the comrade with the lowest amount of votes and continue successive ballots until the election is made.
Question: If the final vote is deadlocked, how is it decided? Answer: There are two ways to decide a tie which are as follows; 1) the units by-laws specify that in event of a tie vote, the candidates or their nominator or designated representative shall determine the result by lot or coin, or 2) if the by-laws are silent, a motion can be adopted in advance of vote stating in the event of a tie vote for a final choice, the candidates or their representatives or nominator shall decide the result by lot, or toss of the coin. (Note: At conventions normally Rules of Order for the convention will state the second choice and shall be voted at start of the convention.)
Question: What happens if the By-Laws are silent and no motion was made in advance of voting concerning a deadlock? Answer: Pursuant to Demeter’s Manual the Chair can’t break a tie in elections, however, the Chair can call for unanimous consent meaning everyone in the meeting or delegates to a convention must be in favor for the candidates or their representatives or nominator to decide the election by lot, or toss of the coin. The Chair should normally ask if there is any objection to having the method of deciding the election by lot, or toss of the coin. If there is one objection then a
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 motion shall have to be made in advance for the method of breaking a tie and then re-election at the current meeting or convention shall be held again.
Question: Who do I submit my grievances’ to as I want to challenge the Post elections for irregularities? Answer: If irregularities are being claimed to the election to any office, such challenge shall be made in writing containing specific details concerning the irregularities. The letter shall be signed by the challenger and forwarded to the District Commander, mailed no later than three (3) days after the election (Refer to National Manual, page 70, Challenging Election Results). Remember, any complaint sent direct to National shall be returned via the chain of command to the District Commander. (Refer: VFW By-Laws and Manual of Procedure, Section 109 – Right to Appeal.)
Question: What if I’m elected as an officer in the Post and can’t make the installation? Answer: If you’re an officer-elect and absent for good reason you may be installed at any regular or special meeting prior to the convening of the Department Convention. If not then installed, the office will automatically become vacant. Then after the Department Convention the Post shall go through the election process to fill the position and if elected you would be installed.
As you can see from above comrades, there are a few questions that may come up during the course of nominations and voting during election time, which can be answered by reviewing the various By-Laws at different levels of command, as well as consulting Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure.
If you have any questions on the above Q and A or by-laws and procedures please contact me at [email protected] or [email protected] and I will be ready to assist anyway I can. "God bless you comrades and God bless America."
THE JUDGE’S NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:
Yours in comradeship, Bill Wichman Judge Advocate Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Surgeon:
Well Comrades, it is the start of a new year and I wish you all a prosperous and happy one.
This month I am going to address blindness prevention, different things that cause it and ways to prevent or at least slow a process.
There are many illnesses that affect adults and children and i will address a few: Cataracts, diabetes and your eyes, diabetic retinapathy, floaters, glaucoma and general vision changes.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Diabetic eye disease can be any of many or to some degree all of the following: Diabetic retinopathy -- damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) -- a complication of diabetes caused by fluid accumulation in the macula. Cataract -- clouding of the eye's lens. Glaucoma -- increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision. Diabetic retinopathy affects people with diabetes. It is the leading cause of blindness in American adults, it is caused by changes in the small blood vessels of the retina weakening them and they breakdown, leak or become blocked thus impairing vision over time. Floaters are those small spots that occasionally enter your field of vision and make you think you saw something move and when you try to look at then then dart away. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of sight
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 by damaging a part of the eye called the optic nerve. This nerve sends information from your eyes to your brain. When glaucoma damages your optic nerve, you begin to lose patches of vision, usually side vision (peripheral vision). Treatment cannot reverse damage that has already occurred, but it can prevent further vision loss. The last are general vision changes these are the ones we generally correct using glasses. This is required when the eye can no longer focus a light source on the macula and optic nerve correctly and an individual ends up being either FarSighted, NearSighted or with an Astigmatism.
Taking Care of your Sight: Even if you have no signs, regular eye exams are recommended—especially for those with some chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment can be the key to preventing sight loss. If you develop any of these issues then they should also be looked at by a provider within about 30days:
Unusual trouble adjusting to dark rooms; Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects; Squinting or blinking due to unusual sensitivity to light or glare; Change in color of iris; Red-rimmed, encrusted or swollen lids; Recurrent pain in or around eyes; Double vision; Dark spot at the center of viewing; Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy; Excess tearing or "watery eyes"; Dry eyes with itching or burning; Seeing spots, ghost-like images.
The following amore urgent and emergent so should be looked at within 8 to 12 hours:
Sudden loss of vision in one eye; Sudden hazy or blurred vision; Flashes of light or black spots; Halos or rainbows around light; Curtain-like blotting out of vision; and Loss of peripheral (side) vision.
Protecting your eyes from the sun: The sun releases energy (radiation) in many forms. The sunlight we see is one form. The heat we feel from the sun is another. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, a third type, are also invisible to the eye. UV rays cause sunburn. They can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision by causing Macular Degeneration, cataracts, corneal sunburns (which are painful and similar to the burns received by looking at welding torches without proper protection or snow blindness for the same reasoning), bottom line is wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
So the big take-aways from this article are to get regular check ups and wear sunglasses to protect your eyesight and keep it working for as long as possible.
WHAT CAUSES CLEFT LIP AND PALATE?
It is unknown as to what specifically causes this problem but there are numerous theories ranging from medications, family histories and environmental.
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE?
Multiple eating problems, ear infections with possible hearing loss, speech problems, and Dental problems.
It may also take an entire team to care for this child throughout its lifespan. This would include: Plastic Surgeon; otolaryngologist; oral surgeon;; orthodontist; dentist; prosthodontist; speech pathologist; speech therapist; audiologist; nurse coordinator; social worker/psychologist and a geneticist.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE?
Once the treatments are started it is a commitment for long term care and support.
A cleft lip may require one or two surgeries depending on the extent of the repair needed. The initial surgery is usually performed by the time a baby is 3 months old. Repair of a cleft palate often requires multiple surgeries over the course of 18 years. The first surgery to repair the palate usually occurs when the baby is between 6 and 12 months old. The initial surgery creates a functional palate, reduces the chances that fluid will develop in the middle ears, and aids in the proper development of the teeth and facial bones. Children with a cleft palate may also need a bone graft when they are about 8 years old to fill in the upper gum line so that it can support permanent teeth and stabilize the upper jaw. About 20% of children with a cleft palate require further surgeries to help improve their speech.
Once the permanent teeth grow in, braces are often needed to straighten the teeth. Additional surgeries may be performed to improve the appearance of the lip and nose, close openings between the mouth and nose, help breathing,
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 and stabilize and realign the jaw. Final repairs of the scars left by the initial surgery will probably not be performed until adolescence, when the facial structure is more fully developed.
As I said in the beginning this is a great program with life changing benefits starting from infancy up through early adulthood. If this is something you personally or as a Post can get behind please contact Cliff Wilsey via the Post 2485 email to get more information. Until next month, take care, live healthy and remember “nothing to excess and everything in moderation”.
Yours in Comradeship, Patrick “Doc” Higgins Aka – “The Witch Doctor” Surgeon Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Certified National Recruiter:
Comrades of the Pacific,
I hope all of you had a great holiday bringing in the New Year. I would like to thank Post 12146 for hosting the CofA this past December, they did an excellent job welcoming us to their Post and their fine city of Ban Chang.
The Department to Pacific continues to lead the VFW in membership for the past several months and as we continue to push forward for 100%. Currently as of 5 January we are at 95.24%. This reflexes credit to all the recruiters out their doing their fair share. Thank you all for that. Here are our Recruiters recruiting 5 or more so far this year! Along with these 23 recruiters we have another 80 recruiters who have recruited 1 – 4 members! Comrades as I have always said it takes a TEAM EFFORT to accomplish our recruiting goals. Thank you all for what you have done already!
District Post # Recruiter Members 1 9723 William T. Brandon 5 2 1054 Michael D. Lutman 13 2 9612 David D. Wykes 20 2 9612 Sidney E. Malone 7 3 8180 Michael S. Napsey 53 3 8180 Ronald D. Schatte 5 3 8180 Stephen M. Tharp 7 3 9985 Gasper Delise 108 3 10033 Kenneth P. Swierzewski 5 3 10033 Raymond A. Buck 10 3 10033 Richard D. Hagaman 11 3 10216 Daniel G. Delaney 5 3 10216 Dean W. Yoder 10 3 10216 Francis B. O`Donnell 7 3 10216 Leon V. Ellison 15 3 10216 Ronald J. Davis 13 3 10223 Christopher R. Winstead 22 3 12147 Casey E. Roberts 5 3 12147 Laurence L. Lyons 32 6 1509 Gerald L. Kraus 5 7 2485 Clifton W. Wilsey 25 7 11447 Michael R. Verville 18 7 12130 Yusuf A. Nurriddin 5
As you have seen our Top Recruiter Gasper Delise from Post 9985 with 108 recruits is also the second highest recruiter in the whole VFW! Way to go Gasper!
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You all also should have seen the posters that we had made up celebrating our Departments 50th Anniversary. To encourage recruiting and to get more new people to our convention we have a special program that runs from 1 December to 31 March, anyone who recruits 10 members during this time frame and attends our Convention in Chang Mia they will receive a $50.00 bill from our quartermaster! Then all these names will go into a hat and one lucky winner will receive their standard hotel room at the convention hotel for 5 nights! If their room is already paid by Department, then they will receive a stipend for $100.00 again in cash. We want to make QM Pete work hard this year! So far the following members will receive $50.00 if they attend our convention this June. They are Gasper Delise, Post 9985, Larry Lyons, Post 12147 and Cliff Wilsey, Post 2485!
Again thanks to all the recruiters doing their fair share in our Membership Program.
The following Posts are currently 100% or more in ranking order Post 124 with 118.58%, Post 8180 with 106.58%, Post 12147 with 106.17, Post 11447 with 101.96 and Post 11575 with 100.99% a special congrats and salute to all these Posts and their Post Members for making this happen!
Yours Always in Comradeship, Larry Lyons Certified National Recruiter Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Historian:
Fellow VFW Comrades,
“The date which will live in infamy” Pearl Harbor Attack
On the morning of December 7, 1941, forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the United States Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The intent of the Japanese was to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Imperial Japan’s planned actions in Southeast Asia.
The base was attacked by more than 350 aircraft flying from six Japanese aircraft carriers. They came in two waves. All eight USN battleships were damaged in the attack with 4 of them sunk. In addition 3 cruisers and 3 destroyers were
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 damaged or sunk. 188 aircraft were destroyed. American forces suffered 2,400 killed and 1,200 wounded. The Japanese losses were light. They lost 29 aircraft and 5 midget submarines.
The attack on Pearl Harbor came as a profound shock to the American People and galvanized support to enter into WWII. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. This action was followed by Germany and Italy declaring war on the United States.
I encourage all to review the history of the Pearl Harbor attack on the web. You will find that the fighting spirit of our servicemen and women today is as strong as it was in 1941.
Please remember to send me changes or updates to Post or District History. I prefer my personal email address: [email protected]
Thanks for everyone's support in assisting our Commander in his charter to Love Freedom, Thank a Vet.
Yours in Comradeship, Tom “Bergie” Bergam Historian Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Inspector:
Comrades,
It was great seeing all the Comrades that made it to the Council of Administration last month. I would like to thank Post 12146 for hosting and you guys did a great job!
We are now on the downhill slide for the VFW year. As you can see from the chart below, nothing has changed from my report from the CofA.
I ask the District Commanders to get with your inspectors and let’s get this taken care of quickly.
District 1 X District 4 X District 6 X 9723 X 727 X 1509 SCH District 2 9957 X 2917 X 1054 X District 5 X 3457 X 9555 X 9876 X District 7 X 9612 X 9951 X 124 X District 3 10217 X 2485 X 8180 10249 X 9892 X 9985 11575 X 11447 X 10033 12074 X 12130 X 10216 12146 X 10223 12109 12147
Yours in Comradeship, Shawn Watson Inspector Department of Pacific Areas ======
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
Department Committee Reports
From the Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman:
Comrades,
Processing of Burial requests through ABMC and CDC takes 3-4 business days. The American Battle Monuments Commission staff continues to make incremental improvements in the care of the Clark Veterans Cemetery.
Significant Activities:
16 Nov - VFW Post 2485 provided military honors for Clayton McKelvie, CSM, USA. (Clark) 18 Nov - VFW Post 2485 provided burial services and military honors for Victor Gomez, SFC, USA. (Clark) 24 Nov - VFW Post 2485 provided burial services and military honors for George James, CPO, USN. (Clark) 30 Dec - VFW Post 11447 provided burial services and military honors for Patrick Nielsen, PO3, USN. (Clark)
As of 31 Dec 2015, Grave Digger membership stands at 1,327 adding 4 new members. Grave Digger Memberships will continue to be offered as a legacy commemorative program, with donations used for indigent Veteran burials, upgrade of burial equipment, and to help defray the expenses of our annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
New Grave Diggers:
Strong VFW Post 12130 Rogelio Calub VFW Post 124 Jenniford Johnson VFW Post 124 Glenn Lacaman VFW Post 124 Roger Totanes VFW Post 124 Cesar Noble VFW Post 124 Shawn Watson VFW Post 1509 Brian Merenda VFW Post 1509 David Ehlers VFW Post 1509 Ronald Schatte 135th FST, Korea
We appreciate the recent donations to the Clark Veterans Cemetery Fund. VFW Post 9555, Yakota Air Base, Japan donated $200, and Grave Diggers Dennis Provencher and Kelly Anderson, members of VFW Post 9723 in Okinawa, with $25 each.
Information is available on the Post 2485 website http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery_report.doc and Clark Veteran's Cemetery Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ClarkVeteransCemetery.
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY DECEMBER 2015 UPDATE
The minimum funeral honors ceremony for veteran burial is outlined in Title 10, United States Code - Armed Forces Chapter 75 - Deceased Personnel Subchapter II - Death Benefits. The statute states that each deceased veteran eligible for burial honors is entitled to ceremony including folding of the national flag, presentation of the flag to the veteran's family and the playing of Taps. If a bugler is not part of the funeral honor detail, a recorded version of Taps is appropriate.
Under Title 10, the term veteran is someone who, "served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released there from under conditions other than dishonorable; or was a member or former member of the Selected Reserve..."
As Clark Veterans Cemetery Committee we pass on this information to our comrades across the Department of Pacific Areas who may have occasion to conduct full military honors for a deceased veteran. For reference, please review the VFW National Ritual, VA benefits for deceased veterans, and the applicable portions of Title 10, United States Code, Armed forces Chapter 75. http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=8f86265a-e2dd-482c-a4f6-72b9a0e1b2d9
PLEASE JOIN US ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ClarkVeteransCemetery
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
History of the Monument of the Unknown Dead Clark Veterans Cemetery
The obelisk Monument to the Unknown Dead found in the Clark Veterans Cemetery dates back to 1908. It was made from the finest quality marble imported from the state of Vermont. It was then engraved in Manila and originally erected in the Fort William McKinley Military Post Cemetery by the Ladies Memorial Association of Manila in remembrance of its Unknown Dead. Most likely from those that died during the Philippine-American War. The monument remained in the Fort McKinley cemetery until 1948 when it was moved to Fort Stotsenburg 50 miles to the north. Fort Stotsenburg was later renamed Clark Field.
During WW II, the Fort McKinley cemetery was the scene of heavy fighting because it was situated on a hill that overlooked the city and Manila Bay. During the battle to liberate Manila in early 1945, the monument was damaged along with thousands of graves and cemetery records. The monument itself was hit with bullets and shrapnel leaving many pockmarks and battle scars that are so evident today.
After the war, in 1946, the US and Philippine Government determined that the Fort McKinley cemetery would be the best location for a new cemetery and memorial to honor the WW II dead. However, in order to accommodate the 17,000 who would later be buried there, the US Government had to find a new home and relocate those thousands of non WWII dead already buried there. During the period January to May 1948, the monument along with thousands of graves were relocated to a new military post cemetery at Fort Stotsenburg.
Three other known U.S. military post cemeteries were also relocated and consolidated at a new Fort Stotsenburg Military Post Cemetery. The other three cemeteries that were closed and moved to the new Fort Stotsenburg cemetery were the USN Sangley Point Military Cemetery and two smaller and older military cemeteries already at Fort Stotsenburg called Stotsenburg I and II.
In 1949, Fort Stotsenburg was renamed Clark Field and is the present site of the Clark Veterans Cemetery.
A history of Clark Veterans Cemetery, including the above excerpt and photo, is available from The Cark Veterans Cemetery Restoration Association. For more information, please visit their website at www.cvcra.org.
Yours in comradeship, Carl D. Burke Clark Cemetery Chairman Department of Pacific Areas http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Convention Book Chairman:
All Commanders,
Department of Pacific Areas 50th Department Convention Anniversary 5-9 June 2016 - Chiang Mai Thailand.
Comrades, we only have five months left to submit your unit for a page in our Department 50th Anniversary convention book. The deadline for submission is 30 May 2016.
From District Commanders, I need two pages of photos with captions of the highlights of your District events. Some of the photos could be some special events of the past. If you have any question please contact me at [email protected]. The following are the prices:
1 Page, Color $200.00 ½ Page Color $100.00 1 Page, B/W $100.00 ½ Page, B/W $50.00 Business Cards $10.00 Booster Ads $2.00
Rebates of 50% per ad start once your Post, District, or Pup Tent gets $500.00 worth of ads. Rebates of 50 cents per booster ad begin after 35 names.
Cheers!
Yours in comradeship, Bob Zaher Convention Book Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Employment Chairman:
Dear Comrades,
This month I want to share Veteran job employment sites. Not all of the sites can be used by veterans overseas, however it is a good idea to know all of the sites when trying to get hired. Please use any of the following sites:
www.vetjobs.com www.civilianjobs.com www.orioninternational.com/hire-military www.military.com/veteran-jobs
These are just a few of many site available on-line, if you are really meaning to look for a job just type in on Google or other search site "Veteran Job Placement programs.
Please if you should have any question, please contact me at: [email protected].
Yours in Comradeship, S. E. Butch Malone Employment Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Hospital Chairman:
Comrades,
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. Also, remember to take a few minutes to visit our comrades who are homebound and those in a Health care facility.
The latest from wwwtricare.mil health reminders is “Handwashing: The Do-it-yourself Vaccine”. Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing your hands in a specific way to be most effective.
I strongly recommend that you if you have internet, please sign on the latest health care news from the Veterans Affairs and Tricare websites.
Yours in Comradeship and Health, Bill Bradford Hospital Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Legislative Committee Chairman:
Comrades,
Happy New Year to all.
Election fever is taking over as we rush to Iowa. Promises are being made to wring out every last vote possible. But we need to remain vigilant and listen to what the candidates are saying with regards to our veterans. No candidate should be able to take the veterans’ vote for granted. Listen well, and when your state holds its primary, vote well. Make your voice heard.
Not to sound like a broken record, but once again, I highly recommend that each member sign up for the VFW Action Corps Weekly. This weekly e-mail highlights VFW legislative issues of interest and is a good way to remain up-to-date on items that could affect veterans. To sign up, simply go to vfw.org, click on “VFW in D.D.,” then go the National Legislative Service” link where you will find the current newsletter as well as being able to sign up for the newsletters to be e-mailed to you.
To date only four posts within the department have held sign-up drives for the weekly, and this is an easy check-mark in earning All-State.
Here are some of the current legislative highlights concerning vets:
1. Senate Holds Field Hearing in Phoenix: On Dec 14, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a field hearing in Phoenix regarding issues related to VA’s Veterans Choice Program, accountability and management as they relate to the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska chaired the hearing and was joined by both Arizona Senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake. Local veterans discussed continuing difficulties faced at the Phoenix VAMC and with the Choice Program. Also testifying was a VA doctor who acted as a whistleblower for issues faced by employees. Defending actions taken and corrections made were VA’s Under Secretary for Health, and the President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance which manages the scheduling and payment process of the Choice Program. To read the testimony, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/field-hearing__phoenix-121415
2. IB Framework Briefing: On Monday, in partnership with the Independent Budget (IB), VFW National Legislative Director, Ray Kelley, provided a briefing of the IB’s framework for veterans health care reform to the Commission on Care. The Commission on Care was mandated in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, or Choice Act, and is tasked with making recommendations to Congress on the future of VA health care. To read the IB’s framework click here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/IB_AFrameworkforVeteransHealthCareReform.pdf
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3. Proposed Expansion for Camp Lejeune Eligibility: On Thursday, VA announced that it will classify eight medical afflictions as presumptive disabilities for purposes of adjudicating compensation benefits for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Additionally, National Guard and Reserve service members who did not serve on active duty but conducted training at the base will be considered as part of this expanded policy. This means that VA will now presume that a veteran’s exposure entitles that veteran to VA disability compensation benefits for any of the eight covered conditions. This is a major change as no condition was considered under “presumptive status” for disability benefits. Currently, VA only provides no-cost health care for 15 covered conditions. Moving forward, those who receive VA compensation benefits will also be eligible for VA health care if they were not otherwise eligible. As a result, veterans who served 30 or more days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, breast cancer, renal toxicity, female infertility, lung cancer, bladder cancer, hepatic steatosis, miscarriage, and neurobehavioral effects are eligible for no-cost VA health care, but are not presumed to be eligible for VA disability compensation benefits. The VFW will work to ensure veterans who suffer from medical conditions that are associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune receive the health care and benefits they deserve and will hold VA accountable to ensuring it’s presumptive list is accurate. Those who have filed in the past and were denied can file again, while those who are pending a decision which could be denied will not receive any decision until a final ruling is approved on the proposed expansion. Any veteran who needs help completing a VA claim for their service can contact the VFW for assistance at 1800-VFW-1899. The VFW accredits more than 1,600 service officers to assist veterans with their VA claims and benefits. To read the VA’s announcement on this issue, go to: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2743
4. VFW Wants “Widow’s Tax” Eliminated: It is a longtime VFW goal to eliminate the dollar-for-dollar offset that denies some 63,000 surviving military spouses from concurrently receiving Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments from the Defense Department, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Similar to life insurance, SBP is purchased by military retirees in order to provide up to 55 percent of their retirement pay to surviving spouses. DIC is a modest indemnity compensation benefit of $1,254 per month that VA pays to surviving spouses whose loved ones died from a service-connected wound, illness or injury. Despite the two payments being paid for two different reasons from two different federal departments, all monthly SBP retirement payments are first offset by the $1,254 DIC payment. In testimony this week before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, the VFW called it the ultimate government insult to financially penalize surviving spouses just because their loved ones died on active-duty or from a service-connected wound, illness or injury after they retired.
5. Senate Committee Advances Key Bills: On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a markup to amend and advance several pieces of legislation that the VFW strongly supports. The Veterans Homeless Programs, Caregiver Services and Other Improvements Act of 2015 (S. 425) served as an omnibus, including the language from bills that would expand the VA comprehensive caregiver support program to veterans of all eras, make it easier for survivors to apply for benefits, allow Fry Scholarship participants to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, expand the definition of a homeless veteran to include those fleeing domestic violence, and restore GI Bill benefits to veterans affected by unexpected school closures, among other things. The committee also advanced S. 290, the Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015, which would eliminate pensions for senior VA employees convicted of serious crimes. These bills now head to the full Senate for consideration. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for future updates. To watch a webcast of the markup, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/business- meeting-markup-12092015
Comrades, this concludes my report on legislative matters concerning veterans. If you have any questions you may contact me at [email protected].
Yours in Comradeship, Jonathan Brazee Legislative Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Legacy Life Membership Chairman:
Comrades,
Legacy? WHAT IS IT?
It is a way of converting your life membership into a membership that will be more powerful in helping current and future veterans. It also can provide you a personal lasting legacy within the VFW.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the VFW National organization.
HOW MUCH IS THE ENDOWMENT?
Depends on which legacy type you choose. A bronze membership brings in $6 annually for both the Post and Department. Silver increases to $12 and gold provides $18. If you so choose, the annual endowments will continue in your name forever, even after you die, at no extra cost.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Bronze is $400, Silver $800 and Gold $1200. You may pay by installment. There are no additional fees. The endowments will help the future financial security of your Post as the number of memberships grow. The DPA Legacy Life Membership is approaching 204 Legacy Life members.
ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS?
There are various commodity and recognition benefits which Post Legacy officer can explain.
BOTTOM LINE?
The VFW Legacy Life Membership Program is an excellent vehicle for helping assure the continuing vitality of our organization at the grass roots level. Please consider becoming a Legacy member. It will be good for you and for all of us.
Yours in Comradeship, Bob Zaher Chairman, Legacy Life Membership Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the Life Membership Chairman:
Greetings Comrades,
1. The Department currently has 9,787 Life members which is 62 more Life members than we had on 30 June 2015. This leaves us only 213 Life members short of my personal goal of 10,000. This is a big target for this year, but it can be done. Think Life membership… Go Life!
2. The Department will once again provide paid life memberships to posts meeting the following criteria:
A. Posts over 1,000 Members 1 Life membership for each 15 N/R LM recruited
B. Posts with 500 - 999 Members 1 Life membership for each 10 N/R LM or Multiple
C. Posts under 500 Members 1 Life membership for each 5 N/R LM or Multiple
3. Congratulations to the following Posts for winning DPA paid Life Memberships for recruiting new or reinstated (N/R) Life Members.
POST Total Recruited How Many Won How Many Processed 124 20 4 3 1054 10 1 0 8180 13 1 0 9612 7 1 0 10033 15 1 0 10223 5 1 0 11447 20 4 4 12146 9 1 0 12147 6 1 0
3. Scan applications to me at: [email protected] and I will make it happen.
4. Department currently at 151 N/R Life Members.
Yours in Comradeship, Cliff Wilsey Life Membership Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016
From the National Home for Children Chairman:
Every child deserves a happy family
Comrades,
Happy New Year, to all my Veteran Brothers. I was really looking forward to the CofA, but unfortunately I was unable to attend. I hope the report that I sent was well received.
It seems that I am always asking for your money. Donations, Donations, Donations. What does The National Home do with these Donations from our members? Here is some of the things they do to help: (Clicking on the links take You to their web site for more information).
Housing: A single family home in our community for up to four years with no cost. More...
Education: Tutoring, classes, secondary financial assistance and more to help accomplish goals. More...
Daycare: Licensed childcare while at work, school or for respite. More...
Basic Needs: Food, health care and clothing, if needed.
Recreation: Opportunities to help with becoming whole and healthy. More...
Case Management: A caring professional dedicated to providing the expertise, compassion, support and guidance needed for the family to succeed. More...
Military and Veteran Family Helpline: A free service that offers information, creates connections and gives hope to struggling military and veteran families. Call 800-313-4200 to speak with one of our experienced problem-solvers who care deeply about veterans and their families. More...
Who They Help
The National Home's community is open to families of active-duty military personnel, veterans and – recognizing that the effects of war can last for generations - descendants of members of the VFW and its Auxiliary. The family can be one or both parents with one or more children.
War takes a terrible toll on American military and veteran families. Emotional wounds, financial stress, fractured family relationships, hopelessness and more can often be the outcome for families with a parent serving our country - now, recently or from earlier generations.
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Families may have a life changing experience when living in our community where they can:
Find stability and security during a deployment Recover from a crisis Deal with life's challenges to get their feet under them Keep the family whole during vocational rehabilitation Find happiness that was taken away and more...
Any Post wanting some Fundraising Ideas just give me a shot out at [email protected].
National Home Donation Report
Here is the last listing of our District’s and Post’s that have made their annual donation to the VFW National Home for the Children. This report is as of 30 December 2015 as received in from the NH and Post Quartermasters.
District / District / District / District / Reported POST Reported POST POST POST Donated Donated District 1 No District 5 No 9723 Yes $200.00 9876 No District 2 Yes $100.00 9951 No 1054 Yes $100.00 10217 Yes $50.00 9555 Yes $100.00 10249 No 9612 Yes $100.00 11575 No District 3 No 12074 Yes $50.00 8180 No 12146 No 9985 Yes $50.00 District 6 No 10033 No 1509 No 10216 No 2917 Yes $50.00 10223 No 3457 No 12109 No District 7 No 12147 Yes $50.00 124 Yes $50.00 District 4 No 2485 Yes $440.00 727 No 9892 Yes $50.00 9957 No 11447 Yes $100.00 12130 No Total $700.00 Total $790.00 Grand Total $1,440.00
Please report any and all donations that you make to the National Home to me so they can be recorded and tracked. Email them to [email protected]
The VFW National Home for Children serves as a living memorial to America’s Veterans by helping our nation’s veteran and military families during difficult times.
Yours in Comradeship, Randell E. Himes National Home for Children Chairman Department of Pacific Areas [email protected] ------
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From the Public Servant Award Chairman:
Comrades,
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency services persons, law enforcement officers, and firefighters to receive VFW National awards. This year’s winners:
Emergency Medical Technician: Sheena Beltran, Yokosuka Hospital, Japan, VFW Post 1054
Fire Fighter: Robert E. Thompson, Okinawa, Japan, VFW Post 1054
Law Enforcement Officer: Joseph Maddox, Jr., Yokota, Japan, VFW Post 9555
Congratulations to all of the winners and it has been a pleasure serving our Department this year.
Yours in comradeship and service, Rick Farris Public Servant Award Chairman Department of Pacific Areas [email protected] ------From the Safety Chairman:
Comrades,
SAFETY TIPS STAY SAFE WALKING
Walk Facing Traffic: If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic. In North America, this is the left side of the road. This gives you the best chance to see traffic approaching closest to you and take evasive action when needed.
Cross Safely: Mom was right: look both ways before crossing any street. At controlled intersections, it is wise to cross only when you have the pedestrian crossing light, but even then, drivers and bikers may have a green light to turn and won't be expecting you to be in the crosswalk. Make eye contact with any drivers who may be turning. Give them a wave. Make sure they see you. In a car-walker interaction, you can only lose.
More Jaywalking Do’s and Don’ts: Walk Single File: Unless you are on a sidewalk separated from the road or a wide bike lane, you should walk in single file. This is especially important on a road with lots curves, where traffic has only a split second chance of seeing you before hitting you. While it can be enjoyable to walk down the road two to three abreast chatting merrily, drivers don't expect it and you may lose your best walking buddies.
Stay Aware of Bikes and Runners: Share the road and path with bikes and runners. Bike riders should alert you when approaching from behind with a bike bell or a "passing on the left/right." Listen for them, and move to walk single file, allowing them to pass safely. Runners should also call out for passing. Bike-walker collisions can result in broken bones or head injury for either — and you aren't wearing a helmet.
Be Visible and Predictable: Wear bright colors when walking in daytime. When walking at night, wear light-colored clothing and reflective clothing or a reflective vest to be visible. Drivers are often not expecting walkers to be out after dark, and you need to give them every chance to see you, even at street crossings that have crossing signals. Be just as cautious at dawn or twilight, as drivers still have limited visibility or may even have the setting or rising sun directly in their
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 eyes. Make a practice of staying on one side of the path while walking rather than weaving randomly from side to side. Watch your arm motions, or you may end up giving a black eye to a silently passing walker, runner or biker.
Keep the Volume Down: Don't drown out your environment with your iPod. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear bike bells and warnings from other walkers and runners. Your audiologist will also thank you.
Hang Up and Eyes Up: Chatting or texting on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as doing those things while driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, passing joggers and bikers or tripping hazards. Potential criminals see you as a distracted easy target.
More Dangers of Distracted Walking: Walk Dogs on Short Leashes: I've seen many tragedies of dogs running out in to traffic or getting into a fatal dog fight either off leash or on a very long leash. Don't trip up other walkers or bikers with poor control of your pet. Keep your pet and yourself safe by learning proper leash walking.
Know When to Stop Walking: Heat sickness, dehydration, heart attack or stroke can strike walkers of any age. Learn the symptoms of medical emergencies and carry a cell phone to dial 911.
Be Aware of Stranger Danger: Choose your walking route for paths frequented by other walkers, joggers and bikers. If you see someone suspicious, be prepared to alter your course or go in to a store or public building to avoid them. Acting alert and aware can convince bad guys to choose an easier target. Street Safety Tips for Walkers
Yours in Comradeship, Rhett O. Webber Safety Chairman Department of Pacific Areas 63-45-458-0159 or 63 921-374-7857 [email protected] ------From the Assistant Department Service Officer:
Comrades,
Two weeks ago, the House and Senate veterans affairs committees quietly allowed a provision of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 to expire. How significant that will be for Vietnam veterans and their benefits is disputed.
Committee staff and the Department of Veterans Affairs agree the change has not impacted the VA secretary’s authority to decide to expand the list of diseases presumed connected to wartime herbicide exposure.
But veteran advocates and at least one lawmaker suggest the change is intended to dampen VA cost risks and perhaps ease political pressure on the secretary and Congress facing a potential tsunami of disability claims.
That scenario assumes that a final review of medical science will establish a stronger link between Agent Orange and hypertension (high blood pressure), a condition that the Center for Disease Control says is so common it afflicts a third of the U.S. adult population
VA asked Congress to keep the Agent Orange law intact five more years. Rep. Timothy J. Walz (D-Minn.), a VA committee member, offered a compromise, a bill to leave the law unchanged for two years, long enough so its secretarial review requirements held during VA consideration of a final report of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences on health conditions associated with Agent Orange.
The VA committees declined to back these delays because, said a House committee staff member, under separate law “the secretary already has authority to make such [presumption] decisions, and we felt he did not need to be compelled by [the Agent Orange] law to do so.”
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The provision that “sunset” October 1 required the secretary to adhere to certain standards and procedures in determining if additional diseases associated with herbicide exposure should be presumed service connected. Vietnam War veterans diagnosed with ailments on the presumptive list qualify for VA disability pay and medical care.
The expired provision also set a timetable for the secretary to accept or reject IOM findings and required him to explain in writing if he declined to add IOM identified conditions to the presumptive list.
Yours in Comradeship, Barry P. Moshinsky Assistant Department Service Officer Department of Pacific Areas ADSO [email protected] ------From the Veterans and Military Support Chairman:
Hello Pacific Areas,
Hope you’re all doing find this New Year. I’ve been waiting for an update form National on donations to the Veterans and Military Support Programs it’s the 6th of January so I will go with what I have so far. If you made a donation and it not on the list please send me your email back to you for your donation so I can verify with National.
Don’t forget you can always reach me at [email protected] for your Recruiting needs or any help with MAP or the pother programs in Veterans & Military Support Programs.
National Veterans & Military Support Programs & Legislative Chairman Requirements for All State as of 6 January 2016
REQUIRED One these three must be accomplished Donation to Conduct MAP VFW Washington District Post Adopt-A-Unit V&MSP Program Registration Drive NOT D1 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D1 9723 YES, $100.00 NOT D2 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D2 1054 YES YES D2 9555 YES, $100.00 D2 9612 YES, $100.00 NOT D3 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D3 8180 YES YES D3 9985 YES, $50.00 D3 10033 YES, $50.00 YES D3 10216 YES YES D3 10223 D3 12109 YES, $25.00 D3 12147 YES, $50.00 YES NOT D4 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D4 727 D4 9957 NOT D5 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D5 9876 D5 9951 YES
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D5 10217 YES, $50.00 YES D5 10249 D5 11575 D5 12074 D5 12146 YES, $25.00 NOT D6 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D6 1509 D6 2917 YES, $50.00 D6 3457 NOT D7 NOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED D7 124 YES, $50.00 YES YES D7 2485 YES, $150.00 D7 9892 D7 11447 YES, $100.00 D7 12130 DPA YES, $500.00 Totals
Have met the All State Requirements for 2015/2016 VFW Year in these areas.
Yours Always in Comradeship, Larry Lyons Veterans and Military Support Chairman Department of Pacific Areas VMSC ------From the Veterans Assistance Committee Chairman:
Comrades,
Veterans Helping Veterans
The DPA Veteran's Assistance Committee (VAC) has been formed and we provided assistance to our first needy veteran from the Cebu, Philippines area. Comrade Michael Tierney from Post 12130, Cebu contacted the Chairman of the DPA VAC and requested assistance in December while we were in Thailand for our DPA Mid-Term Conference. Upon returning from Thailand the committee moved out and provided a one-time P10,000 ($250) grant to the Beard Family for assistance with medicine, hospital bills and the special needs of Comrade Beard. The wife of Comrade Beard was very appreciative of the assistance she received and asked that I thank all the members of the VFW.
The next step forward for the VAC is to fully staff the committee with members from the various Districts in the Department. The District Commanders and District Adjutants were briefed at the Mid-Term Conference in Thailand by the Chairman of the Committee. He requested that all Districts submit at least one nomination from their Districts to serve on the committee. Once the committee is fully staffed we can then proceed with the establishment of policies and procedures detailing exactly how the committee will operate. These procedures must be submitted to the Department Council for approval.
This is the third article that has been published in the Typhoon about the DPA VAC. Until the Department of Pacific Areas Council has the opportunity to formally approve the program and establish a budget line - the committee will operate on a donation basis. As Chairman of the VAC - I would ask all posts to take a look at their finances, and where possible, provide any assistance they can through the Chairman, DPA VAC. Each Post has a Buddy Poppy Program that raises money for the purpose of assisting needy veterans. Any donations received will be immediately turned over to the DPA Quartermaster. Posts can also donate directly to the DPA Quartermaster and ask that their donation be "earmarked" for
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Volume XIX - Number 6 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC January 2016 future cases that come to the committee's attention. If you make the donation directly to the DPA Quartermaster, I would ask that you provide a short email note to me at [email protected] so that I can maintain visibility over the program.
A second case from Baguio, Philippines has been brought to the VAC. We will work this case as more information becomes available. The goal of the committee is to assist the needy veteran within one to two weeks of notification and approval by the committee. I'm sure we have more needy veterans out there to help. Cebu Post has identified 2 "homeless" veterans who may be in need of assistance. HOW MANY MORE ARE OUT THERE? Please take a look in your District area and let me know if we can be of assistance. For the immediate future, we will have to "cap" the approved grants at a maximum of $250. We are looking at various potential programs at the National Level to assist, but for not we operate on donation basis only - so PLEASE look into your heart and assist where possible.
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I look forward to working with all of you in the coming year!
Comrade Michael Tierney assisted the DPA VAC in helping this needy veteran. Hopefully one or two of them will be helpful! He presented the funds, the receipt from Cebu Doctors indicating a zero balance, and Mrs. Beard, her daughter, and her cousin, who helps around the house and is Mr. Beards attendant.
Yours in Comradeship, Michael R. (Mike) Verville Veterans Assistance Committee Chairman Department of Pacific Areas VACC ------
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From the Voice of Democracy / Patriot’s Pen / Teacher’s Award Chairman:
Comrades,
First I would like to thank those Comrades from Districts 4, 5, and 7, who participated in this year’s judging. Judging for this year’s event took place in the Silver Room of Ban Chang’s Phala Cliff Resort on December 11, 2015. Results for that judging are as follows:
Patriot’s Pen: Chelyn Park, Osan Middle School, Korea, VFW Post 10216
Voice of Democracy: Anne Wen, St. John’s School, Upper Tumon, Guam, VFW Post 2917
Teachers were particularly difficult to judge, as most of the Teachers packages were incomplete. From the completed packages:
Elemantary School: Michael Applegate, Sullivans School, Yokosuka, Japan, VFW Post 1054
We will await completion of packages for middle and high school to announce those winners.
Commander, it has been a pleasure serving for this year.
Yours in comradeship and service, Rick Farris Voice of Democracy / Patriot’s Pen / Teacher’s Award Chairman Department of Pacific Areas [email protected] ------From the Youth Activities Chairman:
Comrades,
Each of us has looked for ways to improve our children’s life whether it is health, scholastic endeavors or new books. Back in the day research was difficult and time consuming but now, with the advent of computers and online repositories, our mission is much easier.
We have known for years how beneficial reading is to our children for their mental acuity, verbal skills and overall mental health. Many Dads, me included, read to our children while they were still in the womb and almost daily after birth. Some of my fondest memories are having a girl(s) in my lap and reading one their favorite books to them. There were times I would read the same book over and over to them and they loved every second of it. But there comes a time when they don’t want to set in your lap and have you read to you to them but they continue to read and may ask you for help in findings books. Here are a few websites that may help.
Tumblebooks, reading A-Z for kids: https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/default.aspx/ http://www.readingrockets.org
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http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/11-free-reading-websites-for-kids/
Your local public library offers e-books for free that your kids can read on an e-reader. They can also listen to audio books, which is great especially during long road trips. Adults, who like to read but don’t have time to do so can listen to audio books while driving back and forth to work or other travels. It is a great way to “read” and makes your drive time seem much shorter.
These sites are just a few that you can use to help your kids learn to read and have fun reading. And, if you are my age, you can use it for your grandkids. So have fun reading with your children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, they will love you for it.
Yours in comradeship and service, David Robinson Youth Activities Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Typhoon / Around the Pacific Editor:
Comrades,
It was great to see everyone again at the 2015-2016 Mid-Term Department Council of Administration and Grand Scratch in Ban Chang, Thailand. I would like to extend a Bravo Zulu to Commander Ken Stein and his crew of Comrades of VFW Post 12146. The logistics of coordinating and running a Council of Administration for so many people like this is no easy task and I think overall they did very well as have past coordinators of our Department meetings and events have done.
On to business. Please send your inputs on or before 05 February 2016. I assemble the publication as I receive inputs so the sooner the better. We are in need of your inputs for the Around the Pacific portion of our publication. It seems like we only hear from the same few Posts. All Posts have a piece of this pie and we need to hear from you.
NOTE: If a slight delay is needed please notify me in advance, so I can coordinate your submission. As Editor I need time for preparing the newsletter for publication to meet the distribution deadline. I thank you in advance for your support.
The following is my report during the Mid-Term Council of Administration:
From: Newsletter Editor To: Department of Pacific Areas Via: Department Commander
Subj: DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER EDITOR MID-TERM REPORT
Comrade Commander and Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas,
1. It has been my pleasure to serve our Department as your Newsletter Editor since June 2014. During this VFW year so far from June 2015 to December 2015 time, we have had some great stuff placed in our publication and would love to see more. I have a few things to recommend to our Officers and Committee Chairs when submitting your inputs:
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a. Clarity: Remember, when writing you articles, you are “speaking” to the general membership. New Comrades who may not be aware of or familiar with what some of the acronyms we use in daily conversation. I do try to edit by spelling out some of these in some publications, however it gets challenging when dealing with about 60 or 70 potential inputs.
b. Scope: The “Typhoon / Around the Pacific” Newsletter is a non-profit publication of the VFW Department of Pacific Areas reporting on VFW programs and activities. This is OUR newsletter and it will only be as good as the submissions submitted, so I solicit your support on providing articles and photos. All Department Officers and Chairs have a piece of this pie and need to submit their article for the month. We all would have liked to have seen more inputs from Posts for the Around the Pacific Section of the publication. Some Districts we have not seen anything from. We should have at least one input from each Post.
c. Timeliness: Inputs are due on or before the 5th of the month with publishing on the 10th with the exception of June and December when there is no edition published. The edition is assembled as inputs are received, so feel free to submit early. The Around the Pacific Section submissions can be made as the events occur, so you are not scrambling around trying to remember what happened the month before and trying to find the information to put together. Additionally, waiting until the last minute clogs the drain trying to assemble all at one time. Anything submitted after the 5th of the month, is not guaranteed to be placed unless arranged in advance with a reasonable delay time. If a slight delay is needed please notify me in advance, so I can coordinate your submission. As Editor I need time for preparing the newsletter for publication to meet the distribution deadline and it is difficult to do with constant readjustments during the final editing stage.
d. Submission Format:
VFW DPA Typhoon / Around the Pacific Newsletter: (Monthly)
Format: Arial Font / 10 Pitch / Single Page (Two pages if needing to use charts, etc.)
Photos / Graphics: JPG, PNG, GIF, etc., ok / No larger than 1MB each / No PDFs
Date Due: 5th of the Month (except for July and December)
Published: 10th of the Month (except for June and December)
Send to: [email protected]
Label File as: Typhoon Jan 2015 Position Name.docx ATP Jan 2015 Post Number.docx
Sample Label File: Typhoon Jan 2015 JVC Moses.docx ATP Jan 2015 Post 2485.docx
2. Thanks for helping me to help you and thank you all for everything you do for our military active duty, veterans, and their families!
If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]
Yours in comradeship and service, J. F. MORTIMER, JR.
On another note, on New Years, I experienced a near death incident where a stray bullet struck my car while I was driving on the highway in California. Needless to say that shook me up quite a bit, however something else that shook me up was the thought that since I had no one living with me at home, the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department may have had difficulty and may have taken a while for anyone to contact my next of kin, work, veterans organizations, etc., to let them know what happened to me. Also, this happened on a holiday Thursday night. All I usually carry is my Driver’s License, Retired Military Identification Card and a few veterans organizations membership cards. It may be helpful to carry around some additional immediate information for first responders in case you are unconscious, unable to speak, or worse. I made up this card below and now carry it in my wallet. I thought this may be a good idea for others too who are single and living alone or even married with family at home and am sharing here with you:
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EMERGENCY Contact / Medical Information Religious Faith: Medical Conditions / History: ______In an emergency where I am unconscious or unable to communicate, please read Physicians (Name / Phone): ______both sides of this card to know who to contact and the special care I must have. ______Name ______Address ______Current Medications: City ______State ____ Zip ______Preferred Hospital: ______E-Mail: ______Phone: ______Date of Birth: ______Blood Type: ______Insurance: Allergies / Other: Emergency Contacts (State / Name / Relationship / Phone): ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Updated ______
Cut around outer edge of above card, fold in half, and laminate for durability.
That’s it for now. I hope everyone has a great new year! Thanks for helping me to help you and thank you all for everything you do for our military active duty, veterans, and their families!
Yours in Comradeship, Joe Mortimer Editor Department of Pacific Areas ======
SSeeaarrcchh tthhee EEddiittiioonn
Now, let’s see if you are reading this publication. Commander Homer Kemper has initiated a game for the Typhoon / Around the Pacific newsletter where you look for an item in the publication. Last month’s edition we received one response, however there were no qualified winners. Please be sure to read the rules.
The next item in the "Search the Edition" Game in this edition will be a little black monkey silhouette, so swing on over to read the Typhoon / Around the Pacific and see if you can find it.
The following rules for participants:
1. Who can and cannot participate? Participants are VFW members in good standing with a Post that is part of the VFW Department of Pacific Areas with the exception of the following: Past Department Commanders, current serving Council Members, other National Level, Department, Districts, and Post Level elected or appointed positions. The idea is to try to get Comrades reading the Typhoon / Around the Pacific newsletter.
2. What do you have to do? Read the Edition of the Typhoon / Around the Pacific newsletter and look for a very small black monkey silhouette that looks like this ( ). Hint, it is not the one on this page. When qualified participants find it, they shall:
a. Send an e-mail to the Department Editor at: [email protected]
b. Subject line of the e-mail should be "SEARCH THE EDITION JANUARY 2016".
c. Participant provides their Full Name, Post Number, District, and what page they saw the small black monkey silhouette on.
4. How can you become a winner? The first e-mail received by the Department Editor via the received e-mail date and time received with the correct page number will be the winner. E-mail must contain the requested information above. The
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Department Editor will forward the winning e-mail to the Department Commander. All winners will be listed in future editions.
a. Winners of each edition shall receive a $25.00 VFW Certificate, which will be issued at the Mid-Term Council of Administration in December 2015 and at the Annual Convention in June 2016. If the member is not present, the Post or District Commander will pick up and deliver to the winning member.
b. Once a participant becomes a winner of an edition, they may not participate in another monthly edition during the 2015-2016 VFW year.
c. All winners through the 2015-2016 publishing year are eligible for an additional $100.00 VFW Certificate drawing at the Annual Convention in June 2016.
d. Each edition will have a different item to find and will be published in that edition.
Previous Edition Winners:
July 2015: None who qualified. August 2015: None who qualified. September 2015: None who qualified. October 2015: Matthew R. Beaver, Member, VFW Post 9612, District 2 Mainland Japan November 2015: None who qualified.
Happy Hunting! ======
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MMiidd--TTeerrmm CCoouunncciill ooff AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn
DEPATMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS SESSION
VIPs enter from left to right Past National Commander-in-Chief Bill Thein, National Councilmember Western Conference Jerry Kraus, Past Supreme Commander Military Order of the Cootie Marty Ellingwood, and WWII Battle of Normandy veteran Wendell “Chief” Newman.
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ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES AND GETTING DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF THE DAY
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DEPARTMENT AWARDS PRESENTATION
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======
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AArroouunndd tthhee PPaacciiffiicc CCoommmmuunniittyy RReeppoorrtt
District 1 Okinawa Japan District 1 Okinawa Japan
VFW POST 9723 VETERANS DAY BUDDY POPPY DRIVE AT KADENA AIR FORCE BASE OKINAWA JAPAN
======
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District 2 Mainland Japan District 2 Mainland Japan
VFW POST 1054 HOLDS 2ND ANNUAL BUDDY POPPY FUND RAISING CONCERT
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – On 21 Nov 2015, Past Post 1054 Commander and current Department of Pacific Areas Assistant Service Officer Mike Castro recently coordinated and executed the VFW Post 1054 2nd Annual Buddy Poppy Benefit Concert raising money for the Post Relief Fund. The “Nuthin' Fancy” Band donated their time and talents to the event at Angelo’s in Yokosuka. Band Member Mike Pierce was recently awarded a free Life Membership for his dedication and support of the VFW. Donations exceeded expectations and the event was a total success.
WELL DONE MIKE CASTRO AND THE NUTHIN' FANCY BAND! ------
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VFW POST 1054 CONDUCTS 3RD ANNUAL THANKGIVING MAP EVENT WITH ATGWP AND USO
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – On 26 November 2015, Comrades from VFW Post 1054, Sailors from Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP – Post 1054 AAU) and staff and volunteers from the Yokosuka USO served a Thanksgiving Lunch to over 500 Single Sailors and Geographic Bachelors. A VFW MAP grant of $2,631 funded 42 Turkeys, 167 bottles of sparkling cider, and 500 servings of mashed taters’n gravy, mac’n cheese, and cranberry sauce. VIPs supporting the event included Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Commander, Navy Region Japan Naval Component, U.S. Forces Japan, Rear Admiral Matthew J. Carter, Deputy and Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan Captain Steven J. Wieman and Commander, Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Captain David T. Glenister.
(LEFT) Post CDR Mike Lutman prepares to deliver a pair of deep fryer ready turkeys to (RIGHT) Post JVC Chris Smith and Surgeon Tim Anderson (he’s the big fella). CFAY Commanding Officer Captain David Glenister and his lovely bride Helen supervise the turkey deep frying station which is something they do often with their Scouting events.
(LEFT) Senior Chief Christopher Langteau (ATGWP) (left) helps cut up hot deep fryer turkey with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Admiral Matthew J. Carter (right). U.S. 7th Fleet Command Master Chief (SS/SW) Crispian Addington (center) puts the finishing touches to the turkey, This team was able to get carving times down to less than 5 min per bird! (CENTER) Many other VIPs and senior members of the community came out to help serve those serving their country. (RIGHT) Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin serves a young Sailor piping hot turkey during the Thanksgiving Luncheon. Senior Chief Damage Controlman Chris Langtaue stands by to assist as a member of the 20 ATGWP volunteers on hand for the event.
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(LEFT/RIGHT) Sailors from various ships and shore stations in Yokosuka came to the USO to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast. USO, VWF and other volunteers helped pack over 100 meals “to go” for Sailors on watch around the base. USO volunteers delivered them going “door to door” using their own vehicles. Suffice it to say, the watch standers were very happy and thankful.
(LEFT) Sailors found their way to extra tables and chairs outside as room inside ran out. (RIGHT) Commemorating the event, is a group photo with (left to right) USO Area Director Juliet Bucayu-Domingo, Fleet CMC Crispian Addington, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, Post Commander Mike Lutman, Rear Admiral (RET) Toru Nakamura, Mr. Kogo, Rear Admiral Matthew Carter, USO Program Coordinator Dalia Mares-Mcrae and USO Administrative Assistant Mariko Ferguson. Unfortunately we did not get everyone into the picture, including, USO Yokosuka Duty Manager, Courtney Routley (who did A LOT of work setting this event up) and the clean-up team of Master Chief Danny Watts (Scullery) and Chief Petty Officer Mike Miller (Mess Decks) who ensured we kept up with all the cleaning chores throughout the day. It is events like this that remain so important to our young men and women serving overseas and reminds them that they are not forgotten as they serve overseas. ------
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VFW POST 1054 ATTENDS 2015 MID-TERM DEPARTMENT COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION
BAN CHANG, THAILAND - 12 Dec 2015, VFW Post 1054 Commander Mike Lutman and Quartermaster Rick Farris attended the Council of Administration held in Ban Chang, Thailand. Post 1054 won the Elementary School Teacher of the Year and the Public Servant awards for Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
(LEFT) Post CDR Mike Lutman (2nd from R) receives recruiting award (pictured with (L to R) DPA SVC Robert Moses, Past National Commander in Chief, William "Bill" Thien and DPA CDR Homer Kemper). (RIGHT) Post CDR Mike Lutman (2nd from R) and QM Rick Farris (1st from R) pause for a picture with DPA SVC Robert Moses, JVC John Gilbert and Past National Commander in Chief, William "Bill" Thien. ======District 5 Thailand / Cambodia District 5 Thailand / Cambodia
VFW POST 12146 COMRADES OBSERVE PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY IN BAN CHANG
Left: Post Quartermaster Lou Holub at the ready on the ceremonial bell. Right: Post Commander Ken Stein presided over the observance.
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BAN CHANG, THAILAND - On 07 Dec 2015, Comrades of VFW Post 12146, observed Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at the Camel Pub in Ban Chang, Thailand. Post Commander Ken Stein read the history of the Pearl Harbor attack and the U.S. Navy Two Bell Ceremony. Post Quartermaster Lou Holub rang the ceremonial bell tolling the spirit of those who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1941, which ushered the United States into World War II. There were nine Post members in attendance along with Department Editor Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612 Camp Zama, Japan, who chronicled the event. ------VFW POST 12146 COMRADES HOST PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND HONORS WWII VETERAN
BAN CHANG, THAILAND - On 09 Dec 2015, Comrades of VFW Post 12146, hosted the VFW Past National Commander-in-Chief Bill Thine and honored the service of Wendell “Chief” Newman a WWII veteran who participated in the D-Day landing in Normandy on 06 June 1944. He received the Ruptured Duck pin, patch, and WWII Victory Medal. They also swore in a new Comrade.
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District 6 Guam / Saipan District 6 Guam / Saipan
VFW POST 2917 AGAT GUAM HONORS VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER
Commander Shawn Watson and Post Quartermaster Bill Bradford presenting checks, certificate and hat to Anne Wen from St. Johns High School, Tumuning, Guam. She is VFW Post 2917, District Six and the Department of Pacific Areas Voice of Democracy winner. Congratulations! ======
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CCoommrraaddeess IInn MMeemmoorriiaamm
Kenneth W. Schaefer Command Master Sergeant United States Air Force, Retired
Past Department Commander Department of Pacific Areas Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Date of Passing 31 December 2015
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Paul Thomas O’Dowd, Jr. Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Retired
18 October 1924 - 27 July 2015 Past Department Commander Department of Pacific Areas Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
On 03 December 2015, Past Department Commander Paul T. O'Dowd’s remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Paul was an All American VFW Department Commander (1986-1987) and his military awards in WWII and the Korean War are shown below. During the Korean War he was a captured and held as a Prisoner of War (POW). There is also a pamphlet for Paul’s Military Memorial Service at Arlington Cemetery on 03 December 2015 and a Certificate of Award for Paul O'Dowd presented to Mrs. O'Dowd by Chief of the Army, Army Command Headquarters, Republic of China (Taiwan) on 27 November 2015. Paul was a Life Member of Flying Tiger VFW Post 9957, Taipei, Taiwan and a “lousy” Life Member of MOC Pup Tent 7, La Buang Philippines.
Submitted by Don Webster, Past Department Commander
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Herbert W. Hooper Master Chief Petty Officer United States Navy, Retired 26 September 1943 - 05 January 2016
Past Post Commander, VFW Post 9612, District 2 Japan Department of Pacific Areas
Past Seam Squirrel, MOC Pup Tent 1, Japan Grand of Pacific Areas Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
(Written by Comrade Ken Ritter, VFW Post 9612) trust with your life and always know he had your back. Herb was my Master of Ceremonies for my Naval It is with great sadness I note the passing of an old retirement and it was something I will never forget, thank Shipmate and friend that some of you may remember you again Herb. I loved playing golf with you every from Atsugi. Herb Hooper made the final muster last Saturday and Sunday for over 15 years at Atsugi, and night, 05 Jan 2016, at about 2300 Japan time. Herb and that time spent together I learned so much about life and I have been together off and on for over 50 years. We what a great guy you really were. My Brother I will miss were both at the old Seaplane Base in Whidbey Island in you so much. Now God will feel safe, because you now 63, and then in 65 we were in Danang Harbor watching sitting on his right side. the first combat Marines go ash(Written by Comrade Butch Malone, VFW Post 9612) RECALLED TO DUTY THE ETERNAL VOYAGE! Since 5 January I have been in shock, because my By: Gary L. Edmisten Shipmate, Brother, Comrade, and mentor is no longer with us. Herbert W. Hooper was a man who you could
======Valeriano Aglao Otriguero Specialist 4, United States Army World War II Bataan Death March Survivor and Korean War Veteran VFW Post 124, Baguio City, District 7, Philippines, Department of Pacific Areas
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PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass GGeenneerraall AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
MOVING, TRANSFERRING, OR OTHERWISE LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST? LET YOUR POST KNOW
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If moving, be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss any of your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other VFW benefits. ------IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE?
Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over time. It’s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew! Log onto: http://emem.vfw.org/ ------MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AND APPLICATION PROCESSING
Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing:
- Ensure you complete the application fully, - Include proof of eligibility, - Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out to “VFW Post ______.”)
Temporary membership is then granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives their VFW Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits. ------
VFW Life Members can now take the next step in ensuring veterans a better tomorrow by becoming a Legacy Life Member today. Be remembered for your service as a veteran and VFW member. It’s easy to get started. Choose from Gold, Silver or Bronze, each with its own prestigious benefits.
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Gold $1,200 Silver $800 Bronze $400
Legacy is tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed. Use the installment plan option to make quarterly payments.
For more information logon to: http://emem.vfw.org/ ------DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY
Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help.
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. ------DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS
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Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log:
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf
- Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to:
VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000
If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. ------POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS All members please submit!
Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month. ------
VFW MEMBERSHIP
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“It’s not what you paid to be a member, it’s what you paid to be eligible.”
======Cootie Corner Announcements Cootie Corner Announcements
MOC PACIFIC AREAS PADDY DADDY PROGRAM
M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific Areas is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program.
Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website. The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up!
Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas.
Send the application to me along with a check made out to “Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail: [email protected]
Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military Order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman ======
PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass PPhhoottoo ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn
Submitted by Joe Mortimer, VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, Japan
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2016 YEAR OF THE MONKEY
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PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass JJookkee ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn
Submitted by Joe Mortimer, VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, Japan
ARMY TRAINING
The Sergeant-Major growled at the young Soldier stumbling in his office and said to him, "Hey! I didn’t see you at camouflage training this morning."
The Soldier replied, "Thank you very much, sir!" ======
LLeetttteerrss ooff IInntteenntt -- 22001155--22001166 VVFFWW YYeeaarr
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LETTER OF INTENT 2016-2017 VFW YEAR Junior Vice Commander Ricky W. Farris
I am proud to announce my candidacy for the position as VFW Department of Pacific, Junior Vice Commander for the 2016-2017 term. As a Gold Legacy Life member of VFW Post 1054 in Yokosuka, Japan, and current VFW Department of Pacific, Voice of Democracy/Teacher Chairman, I have established a solid record of accomplishments which have enhanced services to our members, including earning All-American District and Post Commander. I bring all of my dedication, experience, and leadership to our great department, in furthering our goals and furthering our fine reputation throughout the VFW.
My record in a range of elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels makes me uniquely qualified for the position of Department Junior Vice Commander. Please consider my previous experience:
Post 1054 Commander (2012-13) (All American/All-State 2012-13) Outstanding Post Membership Chairman (2012) Outstanding Post Commander, Dept of Pacific (2013) Outstanding Member, Dept. of Pacific (2014) District 2 Commander (2013-15) (All-American/All-State 2014-15) (#2 Nationally, 2015) Department of Pacific VOD/PP/Teacher (2015-16)
I support the VFW in all of our endeavors. Interacting with Active Duty military, as well as our veterans, provides me with great input on their needs and services, both those now being provided, and those lacking. I will strive to get the best for our veterans and Active Duty, and support the VFW’s programs and services. If elected, I will work tirelessly in support of all that Guard the Gates of Freedom today, and relentlessly in providing our veterans with all the rights we have earned in the defense of our beloved country. And let us never forget those in need of our support in Nursing Care facilities, such as our 95 year old World War II hero, Jack Bove.
I look forward to seeing each of you at the upcoming Council of Administration and at our 2016 Department Convention in Chang Mai, Thailand in June 2016.
Yours in Comradeship and Service to Veterans,
Ricky W. Farris Candidate for Junior Vice Commander, VFW Dept. of Pacific ======SSeeee yyoouu iinn tthhee nneexxtt eeddiittiioonn!!
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