Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

IF YOU DON’T ASK THEY CAN’T SAY

I

YES! V

Veterans of Foreign Wars II ASK A WORTHY of the COMBAT VETERAN TO JOIN OUR

III ELITE Commander VI ORGANIZATION Darin Combs TODAY!

"Comradeship IV VII and Service"

Commander Darin Combs

Comrades,

We are on the downhill side of the VFW year and you should be reviewing the requirements for All State and All American. Please do not wait until the last month to verify the requirements. Take note that part of the requirements for All State is to coordinate compliance with the appropriate chairman. It is not the chairman’s responsbility to confirm your eligibility. You should confirm things like your Post Buddy Poppy order, National Military Service donation and the National Home donation. You should also confirm that your Post History has been updated online; not just turned in, but posted as well. With the Post Community Service Reports, you need at least one report every month. It is not too late to post events for past months. I suggest taking a computer to your Post meeting and pulling up the database with your Comrades present. You can input a lot of events in just a few minutes. Don’t neglect your audits. Make sure the Department Quartmaster has all of your audits on file.

When you are out recruiting and even among your post members, log onto www.vfw.org and register your membership. This is a good way to keep Comrades informed of what is going on with the organization. It also has some great tools for the Post as well as individual Comrade support. Once you sign up a new member, get them registered so they feel a part of the organization immediately. Be careful not to have them sign up as a New member online because they will be put into Members At Large and not assigned to your Post. This goes for New Annual as well as New Life memberships.

Don’t forget that your District may earn money for signing up new or upgrading Legacy Life Memberships. If you have new or upgrades in Legacy Life Membership equal to the number of posts in your District, you are eligible for a monetary award.

As I have said before, I am not looking for a blowout year membership wise, but if we can simply maintain, we will do fine. Every Commander should at least try to obtain 100%. If you want to go above and beyond in order to earn awards like All American, that is great, but let’s at least maintain our numbers at all levels. We are on the downhill side of the year and there is still a lot to be done.

YIC and Service,

Darin Combs

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Jr. Past Dept. Commander Jim Oden

Comrades of the Pacific,

The holidays are behind us including the Super Bowl, sorry about that SF, everyone is on track to finish the year with margin to spare. The year is more than half gone and it’s time to look at where we stand as a Post, District and Department and ensure that we have completed all our programs and have membership under control. Have we have completed all requirements for All-State and/or All American. Don’t leave anything to chance or for others to accomplish. Make sure you have all requirements completed and drive home with margin to spare.

While doing all the great things that VFW asks from us, don’t forget the active duty personnel and veterans that have made it all possible. Make an effort to visit hospitals and units to thank those from past conflicts and those currently in uniform. It really means a lot to so many of them to be recognized for what they do or have done for our country. These visits provide you an opportunity to share the VFW story and what we can do for them and our communities. Many do not know about our elite organization of combat veterans.”

Make a difference in your community through your continued service as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Continue to have a great year!!

Jim Oden

USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG Sr. Vice Commander

Shawn Watson

Comrades,

I would like to correct an oversight in my article last month. I missed spelled Gasper’s name, and would like to apologize to him for this. Have known Gasper for many years and know that his name starts with a “G” and not a “J”. Sorry Gasper.

The Department is at 96.71% in membership. There are 8 Posts at or above 100%. We only have 5 Posts under 90%. We need 357 more members to attain 100% for the Department. Let’s go out and beat the bushes and shoot the last 357. Speaking of recruiting, Gasper is still way out in front on the recruiting with 143 and still counting. Other recruiters are: Cliff Wilsey (37), Larry Lyons (25), Dennis Provencher, Shawn Watson, Darrin Combs each with 15, Eric Larsen (13), Bill Wichmann (12) Brian Merenda (11), and Robert Grant, Richard Hagaman, Pat Higgins, and Dave Teets each with 10. There are another 81 recruiters with 9 or less. Great job guys, let’s not slow down as we near the end.

As we round out this VFW year, it is time to review the goals that you have set for yourselves. What is left to do for All American or All State? These deadlines are coming upon us fast. All the requirements are on the Department website. If you have any questions on either program, please email me.

Hope you all enjoyed the Super Bowl.

YIC and Service,

Shawn Watson

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Jr. Vice Commander Bill “Bear” Hudson

Post Award Nominations

This is a reminder that any award nomination for each of the individual awards for the Posts and key Post positions/activities should be submitted to me NLT 24 May by email to [email protected] ,

The necessary awards forms for the various nominations are located in the forms section of the DPA website. The types of awards are:

•OUTSTANDING ADJUTANT •OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTING BUSINESS •OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTING INDIVIDUAL •OUTSTANDING MEMBER •OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN •OUTSTANDING POST •OUTSTANDING POST COMMANDER •OUTSTANDING POST QUARTERMASTER •OUTSTANDING SERVICE OFFICER

Only the "Complete" column should be filled-in on the submissions from the Post, as the rest will be completed by the Selection Committee. The narratives are quite important, as they explain what good work has been done, making it easier to evaluate. The Awards Committee judges will consist of the District Commanders, who will, individually evaluate all submissions. Their scores will be totaled and the selectees will be the ones with the most total points, as determined by the judges.

*For District Commanders – The final selection meeting will be held at 1200 on 13th June in the Convention Hotel, Executive Lounge on the 14th Floor. All District Commanders should be in attendance for this important selection process, recognizing the fine contributions of our fellow comrades within the Department.

Community Service Reporting Status Well, we are down to the last three months of Community Service for the 2012/2013 reporting period to National. I am proud to say that you are doing extremely well. However, there are still some of those red zeros in only a few Posts. These can be corrected and updated, easily, by just reporting some of the Community Service work your Post accomplished during those months.

The latest breakdown is as follows:

Post Dist May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Total 9723 1 13 16 14 16 17 18 18 21 19 5 0 0 157 1054 55 38 57 78 73 49 49 29 64 8 0 0 500 9555 2 6 4 14 11 16 3 8 12 6 0 0 0 80 9612 25 26 49 71 81 37 46 75 74 0 0 0 484 8180 19 10 4 17 16 0 28 6 2 0 0 0 102 9985 16 14 15 11 12 9 13 7 3 1 0 0 101 10033 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 7 10215 3 0 0 2 3 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 10216 11 6 5 7 8 1 11 7 5 0 0 0 61 10223 6 6 10 6 24 9 5 5 3 0 0 0 74 12109 7 3 3 4 4 5 5 1 3 0 0 0 35 727 10 8 7 7 6 6 11 8 6 0 0 0 69 4 9957 4 4 39 30 1 4 5 7 1 0 0 0 95

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

9876 34 35 34 30 37 31 39 32 34 0 0 0 306 9951 20 28 38 49 35 54 42 25 0 0 0 0 291 10217 6 7 16 17 50 61 50 62 40 0 0 0 309 5 10249 2 11 20 11 10 9 6 6 6 0 0 0 81 11575 1 0 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12074 16 21 25 35 30 18 23 17 21 0 0 0 206 1509 9 5 6 8 7 11 16 11 4 6 0 0 83 2917 6 5 3 4 2 4 4 4 3 6 0 0 0 35 3457 33 11 14 24 19 18 9 11 1 0 0 0 140 124 17 4 10 10 5 15 8 8 5 0 0 0 82 2485 23 23 25 34 36 36 48 50 47 0 0 0 322 7 9892 69 73 75 97 74 94 89 81 84 0 0 0 736 11447 8 2 6 9 6 5 4 6 4 0 0 0 50 Total 415 358 495 589 578 502 542 490 440 21 0 0 4430

Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions.

Bear

USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG

Chief of Staff Adjutant Dick Keeley Ken Swierzewski

Greetings Comrades, Greetings Comrades,

Well we have passed the half-way point Sometime this month, National will be and are heading towards the home stretch. providing me with the information Now is not the time to back down on programs and regarding Election Reports and National Delegate membership, but rather to buckle down and let’s make that Registration. As soon as I receive the information, it will be last run. forwarded to all Commanders. I encourage each Commander to take the necessary action to get your National Delegate It’s time for us all to get down to business and carry this Fees paid right away. year to its end. I know you have all been doing an outstanding job with recruiting and community service, but Several of our Posts had Officer's removed because they now is the time to put it into overdrive and show the rest of allowed their annual memberships to expire. Those Posts our organization just how great we in the Pacific Areas really that had Officer's removed by National must submit a new are. General Order to reflect those changes.

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, Next big event coming up is the election of new Post please do not hesitate to contact me. Officers for 2013-2014 year. Once the reports are available on-line (April), conduct the election - submit the report on- line and send me a copy of the GO#1. I would like to have all Yours in Comradeship, of the GO's in hand NLT 30 May 2013.

Richard A. Keeley Yours in Comradeship, USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG Ken Swierzewski

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Quartermaster month and email it to your Post Commanders. That will increase our readers by about 15, and who knows, maybe Pete Callaghan they will forward to their members. It’s worth a shot.

Comrades, BUDDY QM AUDITS 12- 12- 12- 13- POPPIES BOND Three topics this month: SUBMITTED Jun Sep Dec Mar ORDERED ORDERED 12-13 2012-13

$27/ Quartermaster Bonds. In previous years, the 124 X 9,000 Department Quartermaster ordered and paid for QM Bonds (unpaid) $58.00/ $9.00 / for every Post and District, whether or not the bonds were 727 X X X paid for. This has caused considerable confusion because 500 3,000 $406.00/ $75.00 / 1054 X X X when a Post or District QM received a bond, usually in August 3,500 30,000 for the following year, he assumed it was paid for. This was $232.00/ $100.00 / 1509 X X done because not every Post can send a representative to the 2,000 40,000 $250.00 / Department Convention, where money for the bonds is 2485 X X collected. Well, the confusion outweighs the benefits, so 100,000 $58.00/ $60.00 / next year this practice will be discontinued. If you know your 2917 X X X 500 20,000 Post will not be represented at the Convention, give your $58.00/ $60.00 / 3457 X X District Commander money to cover the bond. The cost of 500 20,000 QM bonds has not change in several years, but just to be $58.00/ $36.00 / 8180 X X X sure, I will contact the bonding company in April and publish 500 12,000 $58.00/ $75.00 / the bond prices in the May Typhoon. 9555 X X 500 30,000 $116.00/ $75.00 / 9612 Online Banking. With the Department now using Navy 1,000 30,000 Federal Credit Union as its primary bank, online banking has $58.00/ $75.00 / 9723 X X become the preferred way to send money to Department or 500 30,000 $290.00/ $180.00 / receive money from Department. Many Council Members 9876 X X X 2,500 72,000 and some Posts have already set up accounts that make $58.00/ $12.00 / 9892 online transactions possible. It would be nice to see every 500 4,000 Post registered, no matter who you bank with – as long as it is $39/ a US banking institution covered by FDIC. Typically, to 9951 X X X 13,000 register you need the name on the account, type of account (unpaid) $58.00/ $100.00 / 9957 X X X (checking or savings), bank routing number, and account 500 40,000 number. All this information is available to you through your $58.00/ $24.00 / 9985 X X bank. For our Department, the information follows: 500 8,000 $58.00 / $45.00 / 10033 X X X NAME: VFW Department of Pacific Areas 500 15,000 $58.00/ $9.00 / TYPE: Checking (for others Posts using Navy Federal, type 10215 500 3,000 account is ASSOCIATION) $87.50 / 10216 X X X ROUTING NUMBER: 256074974 35,000

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 7026181979 $58.00/ 10217 X X X $15/5,000 500 That’s all you need to begin online banking with us. It (unpaid) $58.00/ $30.00 / 10223 X X X saves time, aggravation and money. Try it. 500 10,000 $58.00/ $45.00 / 10249 X X Typhoon Readership. This is not really my area of 500 15,000 $58.00/ $9.00 / expertise, but I know all the hard work that goes into putting 11447 X X X this newsletter together 10 times a year, and that there is 500 3,000 $58.00/ $45.00 / 11575 plenty of useful information contained herein. I suspect our 500 15,000 readership is less that 5% of our members. Perhaps if it were $58.00/ $45.00 / 12074 X X more widely distributed, our membership might even get a 500 15,000 $58.00/ $ 9.00 / boost. Information keeps people involved. So here’s a 12109 X X X suggestion. DISTRICT COMMANDERS, download it every 500 3,000

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

$9.00 / $30.00 / Dist I X X Dist VII 3,000 10,000 $9.00 / Dist II X X X 3,000 $15.00 / Dist III X X 5,000 Yours in Comradeship, $9.00 / Dist IV X X X 3,000 Peter Callaghan $96.00 / Dist V X X 32,000 $9.00 / Dist VI X X X 3,000 USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG Surgeon Patrick “Doc” Higgins

Well Comrades, it’s that time again where I try to impart some usable information to make our lives easier by being better prepared to care for ourselves. Additionally, this information could save you money!

The cost of health care is high and getting higher. Many of us wait to go to a doctor until a small problem becomes a much larger one, requiring much more expensive care. The average cost of a Doctor’s office visit is about $199 and the average ER visit is about $922 Studies have shown that about 25% of these visits are unnecessary, that 26% of people say increasing costs are increasing stress levels, 17% say that these increases make it difficult to save for retirement, 11% say these increases make it difficult to afford food, heat and housing and over 72% worry that deductibles and Co-Pays would increase over the next 2 years. Even if you have good insurance, some money is coming out of your pocket either as increased premiums or co-payments.

Most of us do not “shop around” for a provider or a better price when we need to find a doctor. Here in Korea we have been able to meet with several hospitals to arrange for decreased prices or concessions for VFW members who utilize their services or facilities. This has increased accessibility and decreased costs for our members. Another thing we have done is work with clinics and hospitals and provided “Taking Care of Yourself” books. These are inexpensive (less than $10 each) and are easy to follow and use. These books give suggestions on home care or going to a Doctor. Some examples are: you have a severe headache for several days and wonder if you should go to the Doctor; you cut your hand while cooking and it’s still bleeding and you wonder if you need stitches; your child has a fever and a runny nose and you wonder if it is a cold or flu. These books can help with the decision making process and choice of care. Even though most of us have some sort of medical coverage, we can still utilize our premiums wisely.

Other things that are important are: developing your home medicine cabinet so that you have the right items on-hand to take care of most problems; developing the ability to discuss with your provider as to what and why for any medications and procedures.

Items that one should have in home medicine cabinet:

- Acetaminophen(Tylenol), Aspirin, Ibuprofen(motrin) and/or naproxen sodium (for pain relief and fever reduction) - Chewable Aspirin(baby aspirin) (for symptoms of heart attack) - Antacids Department of Pacific Areas Page 6

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

- Antihistamine tablets or syrup - Antidiarrheal medicine - Cough medicine - Decongestant tablets or liquid

Items for home medicine kit: - Package of wet wipes Safety Pins - Alcohol wipes Sterile gauze - Antibiotic ointment Sunscreen >SPF15 - Antiseptic ointment or wipes Activated charcoal or ipecac - Bandages of many sizes - Poison control center phone number - Medicine spoon Tweezers - Cold pack Scissors - Q-Tips Disposable gloves - Ace wraps (3” and 4”) Thermometer, oral, Non-glass - Adhesive tape

That’s about it comrades and remember, “Don’t ruin your body today so you will have a place to lie when you finally get old”. Take care and see you again next month.

YIC,

“Doc” Higgins USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG

POW/MIA Program Chairman Rhett Webber

VFW Overseas Initiative Helps POW/MIA Mission

‘On POW/MIA and other high-interest issues, no one does more for veterans’

WASHINGTON — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. returned from a trip to Europe to meet with Russian officials regarding their renewed support of America's POW/MIA mission, and to meet with U.S. troops stationed in Italy to discuss how VFW can better serve them and their families.

In Moscow, John E. Hamilton met with the leadership of the Committees for Veterans Affairs and Defense in their State Duma, and the Russian Federation Council Committee for Security and Defense. He also met with two of Russia’s largest veterans’ organizations, the War Veterans Committee and the Combat Brotherhood, and the Russian co-chair of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, Dr. Yekaterina Priyezzheva, who in July attended the VFW’s 113th National Convention in Nevada.

"Our veteran-to-veteran initiative in Russia is vital to gaining further access to eyewitnesses and documents inside their central military archives,” said Hamilton, a triple Purple Heart recipient for wounds received as a Marine rifleman in Vietnam.

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“This is because the VFW can open doors no politician or bureaucrat can access because our sole agenda is purely humanitarian with no strings attached,” he said. “The Russians understand this, having still about 265 of their own missing in Afghanistan. We want to help determine the fate of possibly thousands of missing Americans dating back to World War II, and return them home to their families. On POW/MIA and other high-interest issues, I am proud to say that no one does more for veterans than the VFW."

Accompanied by VFW Washington Officer Executive Director Robert E. Wallace, Hamilton also met with U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, was briefed on political-military issues by U.S. Defense Attaché Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, and was able to meet with the Marine Security Guard Detachment and other embassy staff.

In Italy, he received update briefings by U.S. Army Garrison-Vicenza, U.S. Army Africa and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as well as installation tours of the medical clinic and warrior transition unit, along with lunch with the troops and dinner with local VFW Post 8862. He would also have validated the military’s top personnel concerns: threats to their pay and benefits, retirement system, and other Quality of Life programs. Hamilton promised to continue to champion their issues in the White House and in Congress.

The VFW National Commander also attended the VFW Eastern Conference meeting in Germany, and placed a VFW wreath at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landing.

This trip followed one he made to the People's Republic of China to help U.S. researchers gain further access into China's military archives. He also met and thanked American military and civilians assigned to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Thailand and Vietnam who do the onsite investigations and recoveries in .

"Overseas trips are vitally necessary because of VFW’s international work on the POW/MIA issue, which is unmatched by any other veterans’ organization," said Hamilton. "It's also a great opportunity to personally express our entire organization's appreciation to our military and civilian personnel serving around the world, and to thank our overseas VFW comrades for what they do daily to support the troops and their families."

For more on U.S. full accounting efforts, go to the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office website, or the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command website.

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command personnel are currently in the , to search for Death March graves, of unaccounted and missing in action American POW’s.

Yours in Comradeship,

Rhett O. Webber USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG

Judge Advocate William Wichmann

In this issue of the Typhoon I will discuss the preparing and handling of resolutions and talk about the upcoming Chinese New Year’s that will be celebrate in the Pacific Areas starting the 10th of February this year.

Preparing a Resolution In order to understand the procedure of preparing a resolution we need to know the definition of a resolution. Therefore, it is defined as a formal expression, opinion, or intention agreed on by legislative body. With that said, it follows that the policy of the VFW is established in resolutions adopted by the delegates attending Department or National Conventions. Most such resolutions are originated at the Post level and passed through channels to Departments before being acted upon at a National level.

Also, a resolution may deal with a local problem, in which case it needs no action at a higher level other than the Post. If the issue concerns an area larger than that served by the Post, after Post approval the resolution should be presented before the District

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013 meeting if it encompasses District jurisdiction. All resolutions of Department wide or National concern shall be acted upon by the Department Convention.

In discussing resolutions with National the biggest concern is preparing a resolution that makes sense. Generally, all resolutions contain two separate parts; a statement of the problem to be solved, and the proposed solution to the problem. This is accomplished using “Whereas” clauses that outline the problem and a “Be It Resolved” section that is the proposed solution. The following resolution is an example of correct format that is currently effective in the VFW:

Resolution No. 431

CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY A U.S. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY

WHEREAS, in 1949, the U.S. Air Force assumed responsibility of in the Philippines and officially renamed it . The Air Force also assumed sole responsibility for budgeting and administering the Clark Veterans Cemetery, which was established in 1947 as the final resting place for 5,056 reinterred non-World War II veterans from the Fort McKinley cemetery near , two smaller Stotsenburg cemeteries and the Navy’s Sangley Point cemetery; and

WHEREAS, the devastation caused by the combination of Typhoon Yunya and in 1991 caused the Air Force to abandon Clark Air Base. Following the complete departure of U.S. military from the Philippines in 1992, the Clark Veterans Cemetery fell into serious disrepair because no provisions were made for its perpetual care, unlike the American Cemetery in Manila, which falls under the auspices of the American Battle Monuments Commission; and

WHEREAS, in June 1994, upon deciding the Clark Veterans Cemetery was a disgrace, VFW Post 2485 organized a general cleanup of the entire cemetery with volunteers from all local area veterans’ organizations; and

WHEREAS, in November 1994, VFW Post 2485 signed a Memorandum of Agreement (renewed in 2005 for 25 years) with the Clark Development Corporation — the Philippine government entity responsible for the former Air Base — to operate and maintain the Clark Veterans Cemetery, which also allowed for the resumption of burials for qualified veterans. That responsibility continues today, and at great expense and effort, with no U.S. federal assistance; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon the United States Government to reassume full operational control of the Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines.

Submitted by the Department of Pacific Areas To Committee on NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Handling of Resolutions

Now that preparing a resolution has been discussed what is done with it and how is it handled? That is a good question and the following is a guide to handling a resolution at various levels:

Post 1) Adopted resolution for the Post area or community is handled locally. 2) If adopted by the Post and concerns District area of responsibility it then would be presented at the District level for adoption. 3) The Post adopts a resolution that concerns comrades within the Department area it would be sent through channels to be resolved at the Department Convention. 4) If a Post adopts a resolution that is of National concern it must go through channels and acted upon at the Department Convention prior to forwarding to National.

District 1) Adopted resolution that affects Posts within its area of responsibility is handled locally. 2) If resolutions concern areas outside its area, but within the Department boundaries, it shall be forwarded for action at the Department Convention.

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3) When District adopts a resolution that is of National concern it shall be submitted to Department for action at the Department Convention prior to forwarding to National.

Department 1) Any resolution presented by a Post, District, Department officer, or Department Convention, shall be acted on at the Department Convention if it concerns matters within the Department’s geographical area or of National concern. 2) A resolution that is disapproved at the Department Convention or not acted upon will not be considered by the National Convention.

Notice: When submitting a resolution to the Department Convention it should show a notation on the bottom of the resolution page of the previous action taken; e.g., approval by Post and, if applicable, by the District. Also, any unit submitting a resolution should write a cover letter with the resolution as an attachment thereto, ensuring delivery to the Department Adjutant and Judge Advocate at least six (6) weeks prior to convening the Department Convention. This will give proper time for review and distribution to all Posts, Districts and those concerned prior to the Convention.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2013 It’s time for comrades to forget celebrating bringing in the New Year 2013 as its past history and the Lunar New Year is upon us in the Pacific Areas. So, now is the time to enjoy and engage in festivities by ringing in another lunar year, normally called Chinese New Year. With that said, I would like to share some information on the forthcoming Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival that will begin on the 10th of February this year.

The Chinese use the lunar calendar for their festivals. That being so, the date of the Chinese New Year changes from year to year. This date corresponds to the new moon (black moon) in either late January or February. Traditionally, celebrations last for fifteen days, ending on the date of the full moon. However, normally the public holiday is three to seven days. Also, the date is based on the Chinese zodiac that follows a twelve year cycle, each of the years being named after an animal. The Chinese believe that people born in a particular year take on the characteristics of the animal associated with that year. This year’s animal is the "Snake" and the Chinese New Year is called “The Year of the Snake”. You are a “Snake” if born in the year of 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013…etc.

It has been said, a comrade who is born in the year of the "Snake" is the wisest and most enigmatic of all. They can become a philosopher, a theologian, a political lizard or a wily financier. Such person is a thinker who also likes to live well. The snake - person loves books, music, clothes, and fine food; but with all his fondness for the good things of life, his innate elegance gives him a dislike for frivolities and foolish talk. However, a snake person knows how to wind down and relax when such opportunity arises. This Type of comrade often makes protective and caring friends... Are you a "Snake"?

Comrades, if you have any questions on what was presented please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or [email protected]. "God bless you comrades, God bless America ”.

THE JUDGE’S CHINESE NEW YEAR SAYING:

Yours in Comradeship,

Bill Wichmann

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Convention Book Chairman Robert Zaher Convention Book 2013

Comrades,

We only have four months till convention time, so please get your inputs to this year's Department convention book. Remember this is the only Department fund raiser that we have, so please support it.

Here is the current price list: 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.

Besides the ads, captioned photographs of Post and District commanders in action with their unit members always enliven and add spice to the convention book. Send in your best and we will do our best to include them in the book, though we cannot promise to publish all photos submitted. Also, if you need any help designing your Post, District or Pup Tent ads, the convention book staff can assist you in this regard. You can contact me at

Cheers,

Bob Zaher USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG

National Military Services Chairman Ken Swierzewski

Greetings Commanders, I am reiterating the requirements for donations to the NMS program in order to meet one of the qualifying requirements for All American. In order to be eligible for All American Status, a Post must donate $100 to the NMSP. The District is required to donate $250, and the Department must donate $500. Those are the minimum required donations. You can go on line to VFW.org and make your donations on-line. Please remember if you are making a donation on behalf of your Post or District, make sure that you follow the steps on the form so that the credit is correctly given. In addition, please send me a copy of your receipt - this helps me make sure that the Posts and Districts in the Department have been given credit..

If you have any questions, please send me an email at [email protected]. If you have made any donation, did you report it to the NMSP Chairman as required? If not, send me the information.

Yours in Comradeship,

Ken Swierzewski

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Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Message to the Department of Pacific Areas

Comrades of the Pacific Areas, federally employed in the United States (continental 48 States) for a minimum of two years before applying for First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all you do for another overseas assignment. I could stay three years in the our nation’s active duty personnel, veterans, and families! I States for the 10-year GS retirement. Not as much money, hope everyone doing great! however, I could still get another job. Regardless, my desire is to return to the Pacific as soon as possible. I never thought this day would come. I thought with the Federal Government hiring freeze, I would be spared this for Regarding my duties with the VFW Department of Pacific a little while longer, however my Priority Placement Program Areas, I intend to maintain my memberships in all my current (PPP) assignment came in two weeks ago. I will be positions, at least for most of them, up to the end of the VFW transferring from the Fleet and Family Support Center, U.S. administrative year in June, since most of my Department Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to Public Works Department, duties are via electrons at this stage of the game. I do intend U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to travel to the Philippines in June 2013 to attend the annual sometime before 07 April 2013. I do not have further details convention. By then I will have a better picture of my future at the moment, however will fill you in as time goes along. I situation. I will also be exploring options I will be able to just wanted to give you all a heads-up for now as this has support the Department with while I am in California. been an extremely busy time for me as I try to turnover and conduct pass down of all my community activity duties, some That is all for now. I will keep you all appraised as time goes of my veterans service duties, pack out my house, obtain on. information on my new location, and check out from NAF Atsugi. I will need to be there at Camp Pendleton for a Yours in Comradeship, minimum of one year due to the Permanent Change of Station move. If I remain a GS employee, I have to be Joe Mortimer ======National Scouting Team Representative Joe Mortimer

“Do a good turn every day”

Comrades of the Pacific Areas, Share your Scouting successes along with failures. It might help others. If you have a great idea that worked for you, First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all you do for share it with me, and I will pass it along to the other Districts our nation’s active duty personnel, veterans, and families! I and Posts. If there is anything you need to make your hope everyone doing great! Scouting Program a success, please contact me. I always value your feedback. I am a little behind, however I am almost completed with the Department of Pacific Areas Scouting Team Guide and will Do a good turn every day! send a draft e-mail copy to our current VFW Scouters for the first draft chop. After a week or so, I will forward it to the Yours in Comradeship, Department Judge Advocate for his input and submit through the Department leadership for approval. Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr.

Department of Pacific Areas Page 12

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Certified National Recruiter Joe Mortimer

“Did you ask someone to join today? All you have to do is ask.

All they can do is say, YES!”

Comrades of the Pacific Areas, Stay the course! Roll up your sleeves, put on your “War First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all you do for Faces,” and keep recruiting!! our nation’s active duty personnel, veterans, and families! I hope everyone doing great! Good hunting!

Yours in Comradeship, KEEP ON RECRUITING!!!!! Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr. Share your recruiting successes along with failures. It might help others. If you have a great idea that worked for you, share it with me, and I will pass it along to the other Districts and Posts. If there is anything you need to make your Synonymous with volunteerism and community service, recruiting year a success, please contact me. I always value membership in the VFW is a way for veterans to continue to your feedback. make a difference.

If you need any assistance or advice, please feel free to contact me. ======Department Chaplain Joe Mortimer “Spiritually Speaking”

Comrades of the Pacific Areas, If no one had passed away, it is great to know that as well. Please see chart below of reports received. First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all you do for our nation’s active duty personnel, veterans, and families! I In my role as Department Chaplain, I attempt to help each of hope everyone doing great! the District and Post Chaplains carry out their responsibilities in ministering to veterans and their families as they seek to nurture the living, care for the dying, and honor the dead. TAPS REPORTS I have mentioned this in past Typhoons and e-mails. The TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS! If you need any death of a Comrade is a every emotional and challenging assistance or advice, please feel free to contact me. time. With that said, officially reporting on the death of a Comrade is often a forgotten duty. Currently I have received Be moral and spiritual! a total of 12 Comrades whom have passed away. That could be great meaning so few have passed away or that they just Yours in Comradeship, simply are not being reported. Please send monthly reports. Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr.

Department of Pacific Areas Page 13

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

DEATH REPORTS RECEIVED (2012-2013) As of: 10 February 2013

# – Indicates Number of Deaths Reported During Month from Reports Received NRR – No Reports Received

District 1 – Okinawa Japan Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 9723 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR

District 2 – Mainland Japan Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 1054 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9555 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9612 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

District 3 – South Korea Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 8180 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 9985 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10033 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10215 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10216 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10223 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 12109 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR

District 4 – Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 727 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 9957 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR

District 5 – Thailand / Cambodia Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 9876 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 9951 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10217 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 10249 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 11575 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 12074 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR

District 6 – Marianas Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 1509 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 2917 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 3457 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR

District 7 – Philippines Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Post 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 124 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 2485 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 9892 NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR NRR 11447 0 5 2 0 2 0 1 0

--- END OF REPORT ---

Department of Pacific Areas Page 14

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Legacy Life Membership Chairman Robert Zaher

DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS LEGACY PROGRAM

Commanders and Quartermasters Please Take Notice

The following comrades have signed-up in this year’s Department Legacy Life Membership Program. Your Post will be receiving a dividend from the National HQ forever for these members who have made this commitment.

Ronald Burrus Donald Button William Bradford Edgar Tudor George Beck Robert Hines Homer Kemper Francis Hunter Ricky Farris John Istvan Michael Lutman William Hudson Robert Woodruff Dennis Doty Kenneth Swierzewski Thomas Elliott Randell Himes William Bartlett Billy Haney Lon Garwood Thomas Burnett Michael Castro Gerald Kraus Thomas Darkus Steven Gebhardt Scott Simms Jeffery Rowan John Gilbert Ronnie Harvey Larry Rader John Marshall

A big salute to the Department Jr Vice Commander William “Bear” Hudson for becoming a Gold Legacy Life Member.

Comrades, Your Department and Post thanks you for your support.

Cheers,

Bob Zaher

Department of Pacific Areas Page 15

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Americamism Chairman Billy Quintero

USS PUEBLO in Pyongyang

REMEMBERING THE PUEBLO INCIDENT – 1968 My goal for Americanism is to identify those key “Americanism” dates such as Veteran’s Day and urge Posts to commemorate the date with a Post event. I also want to make my articles interesting by recalling important dates in our military history in the Pacific Areas, such as Pearl Harbor Day. For this month, I have selected “The Pueblo Incident”. January 23rd marks the 35th anniversary of the unlawful seizure of the USS Pueblo by North Korea in 1968. This incident was preceded on 22 January by the attempted assignation of the South Korean President, yet the Pueblo was never advised of this increase in tensions. On 23 January, Pueblo was approached by a North Korea sub chaser and her nationality was challenged; Pueblo responded by raising the U.S. flag. The North Korean vessel then ordered her to stand down or be fired upon. Pueblo attempted to maneuver away, but was considerably slower than the sub chaser. Additionally, three torpedo boats appeared on the horizon and then joined in the chase and subsequent attack. The attackers were soon joined by two MiG-21 fighters. The sub chaser opened fire with a 57 mm cannon, killing U.S. sailor, fireman Duane Hodges. The Pueblo was seized and brought to Wonson, North Korea and 83 Americans became POW’s of north Korea. Only a small percentage of the classified material aboard the ship was destroyed. The crew were starved and regularly tortured while in North Korean custody.

On 23 December 1968, the crew was taken by buses to the DMZ border with South Korea and ordered to walk south one by one across the “Bridge of No Return", exactly eleven months after being taken prisoner. To our countries shame, the government and military failed to recognize the Pueblo’s crew as POW’s, due to technicalities. It was only after an Act of Congress in the passage of Public Law 101-189, that authorized the POW Medal to the crew of the USS Pueblo on December 22, 1989, and the medal was awarded to the crew on May 5, 1990. The USS Pueblo is a “war trophy” in Pyongyang, North Korea, but remains the second-oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy, behind the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides"). Let the VFW remember these brave Americans and their status as POW’s.

Editor’s Note: The USS Henderson (DD785) while on station in the Sea of Japan was ordered to come to the aid of the USS Pueblo while she was being engaged by North Korean warships. As it approached the area, the USS Henderson was ordered to stand by and wait for the USS Kitty Hawk and her escorts. Late that evening, after an extended wait, all U.S. Naval warships were ordered back to normal patrol in the Sea of Japan. For the next few days the crew of the USS Henderson was strangely silent. They were saddened they were not allowed to rescue the USS Pueblo and her crew. It was not a good feeling as they felt it was a responsibility to do whatever was needed to protect American servicemen. On the USS Henderson were two sailors who later became members of the Department of Pacific Areas; Petty Officers Mac McKinley of Post 1054 and James Malott of Post 12109. USAF fighter jets were also standing by at Osan Air Base, but never launched. (Could have, Should have, Would have if we were allowed to – What were the U.S. leaders thinking?) We were ready! We wanted to! – James Malott

Department of Pacific Areas Page 16

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Legislative Committee Historian Chairman Bill Bradford Robert Moses Comrades, Comrades of the Pacific, I have provided a list of all Posts President Barack Obama signed within the Department of Pacific Areas with the current two key veterans bills into law, each of which was supported status of your Post Historical file. Many just need to update by the VFW. your commanders while others may need a little more. I would like to thank those Comrades have submitted your The first bill was the Improving Transparency in Post Histories to update the department history file. If you Education Opportunities for Veterans Act (HR 4057), which have any updates, please send them in Microsoft Word was crafted by the VFW and ensures VA offers quality format to [email protected] and I will ensure that consumer information and consumer protections for student- your Post History will be entered into the Department history veteran. file. Keep up the good work.

The second bill, S 3202, is a comprehensive bill that improves cemetery protections for grieving families of veterans, Post Historical update file for 2012-13 establishes an open-air burn pit registry for veterans, POST Site Updated Comments launches a pilot program for veteran’s transition resources 10033 YES NO up to 2010 and ensures proper maintenance of Clark Cemetery in the 10215 YES NO site only-no history Philippines. 10216 YES YES CURRENT 10217 YES YES CURRENT Other VFW-supported bills that were reintroduced in January 10223 YES NO up to 2007 included the following: 10249 YES YES CURRENT 1054 YES NO NEED 2011-12 **H.R. 303 legislation that would extend full concurrent 11447 YES NO up to 2007 receipt to all military retirees receiving VA disability pay and 11575 YES NO site only-no history their retirement pay---current law provides concurrent 12074 YES NO site only-no history receipt on a phase-in schedule for only those retirees rated 12109 YES YES CURRENT 50% or above by VA. 124 YES NO site only-no history 1509 YES NO up to 2003 **H.R. 288 allows dependent children of veterans covered by 2485 YES NO up to 2008 CHAMPVA to remain eligible until age 26 (this provides equity 2917 YES YES CURRENT with DOD and the Affordability Health Care Act which 3457 YES NO up to 2003 increased eligible age from 23 to 26 under their plans) 727 YES NO up to 2005 8180 YES NO up to 2004 **H.R. 32 would repeal the offset for military spouses 9555 YES NO up to 1999 receiving survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan 9612 YES NO up to 1982 (SBP) and DIC from VA - also referred to as the Widows Tax. 9723 YES NO history only 9876 YES YES CURRENT For information on any of the above bills visit the VFW 9892 YES NO up to 2009 advocacy site at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/bills/ 9951 YES NO up to 2004 9957 YES NO up to 2003 Yours in Comradeship and Service, 9985 YES NO up to 2004

Robert Moses Yours in Comradeship, USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG Bill Bradford

Department of Pacific Areas Page 17

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

National Home Chairman

Rhett Webber

The Tribute Park See Catalog Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Present. Preparing for the Future.

OUR MISSION IS OUR PROMISE: to honor our nation's veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families. You can help make sure that promise never goes unfulfilled today and in the years to come. When you place an item in the park, you provide a timeless expression of your dedication to the mission of the VFW National Home for Children -- and you help create a peaceful and beautiful park that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. You also ensure we are able to serve future generations of military and veteran families, as your net donation will be placed in our Amy Ross Endowment Fund, a permanently restricted endowment fund created to generate annual income for the National Home. Our catalog provides a listing of the types of tributes available in the park. Only items listed in this catalog are allowed in the park, but it is subject to change. Minimum donations are also subject to change. Please communicate directly with the National Home’s Donor Relations Department at 866.483.9642 or [email protected] before sending a donation to dedicate a tribute in the Tribute Park.

About VFW National Home for Children:

The VFW National Home for Children serves as a living memorial to America's veterans by helping our nation's veteran and military families. Since its founding in 1925, the VFW National Home for Children has grown from an old frame farm house, to a sprawling campus with forty-two homes.

The National Home's services have evolved to meet the changing needs of America's military and veterans' families. Through our national Helpline and our on-campus programs, we are able to help families and children through times of crisis, both here on our campus and in their own communities nationwide. Life membership only costs $25.00 per member! www.HelpHopeHonor.us

Yours in Comradeship, Rhett O. Webber

Department of Pacific Areas Page 18

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Clark Cemetery Committee Chairman John Gilbert

VFW POST 2485

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY This is the VFW Post 2485 Clark Veterans Cemetery Report for January 2013.

Labor cost for our five local hire employees to maintain the grounds of Clark Veterans Cemetery was $1220. Peregrine Corporation provides 24 hour security and, with assistance from Clark Development Corporation, maintains the outside area.

Total Cemetery expenses for January 2013 were $5628. This includes new equipment, and the cleaning of the initial 800 Headstones.

Burials, Ceremonies and VIP Visits:

January 3 … VIP Tour of Clark Veterans Cemetery for American Legion National Director for Americanism and Youth Programs, Mr. Buss. (Clark) January 6 … Navy COMREL assistance at Clark Veterans Cemetery by visiting unit. (Clark) January 9 … VFW Post 2485 provided military burial honors for Arthur J. Stibick, Jr., PVT, USA. (Clark) January 25 … VIP Tour for visiting delegation from the US Philippines Society, including former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines John D. Negroponte. (Clark) January 30 … VIP Tour for General Carlisle, CG, Pacific Air Forces. (Clark)

Donations total: $1926.

Received $1076 from organizations. Received $675 from individuals. Received $175 from Grave Digger memberships Donations for the Headstone Cleaning Project total $2556 thus far. This amount is sufficient to clean and restore over 1250 Headstones, with 1200 cleaned to date.

As of 31 January 2013, Grave Digger membership stands at 1195, an increase of 7 from the previous month. New Grave Diggers:

LT Christian “Spanish” Barcelon Supporter Norris L. Provencher Supporter Dennis E. Provencher VFW District I / Post 9723 Gary D. Simmons Supporter Sueko Provencher Supporter Scott Murray Supporter Jolene K. Goranovic Supporter

If you would like to receive a copy of this report, you can download it from the VFW Post 2485 website at: http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery_report.doc

Yours in Comradeship,

John H. Gilbert

Department of Pacific Areas Page 19

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

VOD/Patriot Pen/Teacher’s Award Chairman John (Pat) Clark

Greeting Comrades,

We completed our judging for the Department of the Pacific winners of the Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen and Teachers Awards at the December 2012 Council of Administration at Subic Bay. We are pleased to announce the winners and wish them all the best in the National VFW selection process. The winners are:

Teachers Awards Partriots Pen K-5 Sylvia Saiki, Yokota East Elementary, Yokota AB, Post 9555 Robert B.M. Schmidt, Morrison Academy, Taiwan Post 727 6-8 Randy Schmidt, Morrison Academy Taiwan, Post 727 Voice of Democracy 9-12 Lt Col (Ret) Donald Hedgpeth, Seoul American HS, Post 8180 Jaydene A. Ermitano, Mariana HS, Saipan, Post 3457

I also would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the judges that were asked to complete the DPA judging process. They are Comrades Doc Higgins, John Gilbert, Frank Hilliard and Joe Mortimer. With their guidance, patience and time we completed the process in complete professional manner. I would also like to thank all Comrades, Posts and Districts who participated in the Department program. Thank you again Comrades.

Yours in Comradeship and Service,

John (Pat) Clark USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG

Editor James Malott

Publication Schedule Typhoon: Monthly on the 10th, except December and June. Inputs are due by the 5th.

Around the Pacific: On the 20th of July, September, November, January, March, May. Inputs are due by the 15th.

NOTE: If you think your input will be late please notify me in advance of the due date.

IMPORTANT! In order to maintain reasonable size of our newsletter I ask that whenever possible for articles be no longer than one page.

Please send all articles to my Department email address: [email protected]. Sending them to my Hotmail just increases the chances of being left out. I try to keep track, but it is better to use the official email address.

Thank you for your support for of our newsletters, our Department and the VFW.

Yours in Comradeship,

James D. Malott

Department of Pacific Areas Page 20

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Photograph of the Month

$$$$ Is Willie T or Don Buying A Round????

VFW Chief Ed Banas, Comrade Willie T, PDC Don Webster, MOC PSC Steve Mason and Comrade Orville Humfleet enjoying the Department Convention on Saipan, 2004.

Department of Pacific Areas Page 21

Volume XVI – Number 07 TYPHOON February 2013

Pacific Areas MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

General Announcements Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits. DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY “It’s not what you paid to be a member; it is what you paid to be eligible.”

VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Legacy Life Member levels (left to right) are Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and VFW Life Members can now take the next step in ensuring veterans a better group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the tomorrow by becoming a Legacy Life Member today. Be remembered for your caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in service as a veteran and VFW member. It’s easy to get started. Choose from need of your help. http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm Gold, Silver or Bronze, each with its own prestigious benefits. Gold $1,200, Silver $800, Bronze $400 DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS For more information logon to: http://emem.vfw.org/

Become Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing a assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be member done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a and perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed support properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General the Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted Depart on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in ment of processing: Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire - Ensure you complete the application fully, to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log: - Include proof of eligibility, http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf - 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 - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future made out to “VFW Post ______.”) Temporary membership is then granted to donations to: attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly VFW Post 2485 recruited Comrade receives their VFW Attn: Grave Diggers

PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000 VFW Cootie Corner Announcements 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. PACIFIC AREAS PADDY DADDY PROGRAM M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Membership Information 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 IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the application to me along with a check about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save made out to “Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will money over time. It’s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew! Log onto: have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail [email protected]. http://emem.vfw.org/ Yours in Comradeship & L.O.T.C.S.,

Billy Haney, Pup Tent #2

Military Order of the Cootie

Paddy Daddy Chairman

Department of Pacific Areas Page 22