“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======National President. Also, Patti Leitner at the Presidents Update Installation of Officers Ceremony, and Karlene Beams TO BE READ AT MEETING AND FILED at her post as Page. Great photos ladies ! Dear Brothers and Sisters I hope you were able to stay cool and dry in August. ****************************************** September means fall will be “in the air”. What better time to celebrate than at our Fall Festival and Homecoming weekend September 14th and 15th. Come Friday and meet our District 10 Representative while enjoying a Linda Evans picnic style dinner around the pool. Saturday will be our C of #5 Maple Lane A meeting, followed by the programs presentation. This is our Greenbrier, AR 72058 third round of training for you to make sure you have what 501-269-0439 you need to work the programs that benefit our Veterans. If [email protected] you were not able to attend previous training sessions, please make an effort to attend this program presentation. We will be National Membership Contest also be talking about MALTA, On Line Academy, and the new Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation Book. Bring Help Us with Training and Promoting and Win Money! your questions, our chairmen will be around all weekend to Auxiliary Membership Chairman, this is your chance to answer them. Our activities will end with a wonderful dinner win a National Award. We want to know how you have followed by Karaoke. been successful in promoting training with members on By now you have all had your first District meetings. You recruiting within your Auxiliary. Your tips will be should be sharing what you have done recently, and what you shared across the country. To participate, you need to have coming up! What works for your auxiliary may also work for another and in the end our veterans benefit from the send to your Dept. Membership Chairman by December work you all do. 31, 2018, exact information on how you trained your Mentors- have you checked in with your District Presidents? Auxiliary members in the art of recruitment (training How did their meeting go? Do they have any questions? materials, PowerPoints, handouts, etc.). Linda Evans, District Presidents – Have you spoken to your Auxiliary Membership Chairman will forward one winner to the Presidents? Have you been able to help them with their National Ambassador 1/31/19, so the award can be questions? Members – if you have any questions – just ask! announced at the 2019 National Mid-Year Conference. Keep communicating – that is what keeps us strong! We still need a lot of new and rejoined members to meet our Create A Fact Sheet or Brochure first quarter goals. Please recruit, recruit, recruit! Our ability to support our Veterans in the manor they should be comes from A second possibility of obtaining a National Award adding members. It is true, there is strength in numbers! Find with the same December 31, 2018, deadline to Linda those husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, grandparents and Evans, Membership Chairman is a fact sheet or grandchildren who have a veteran in their family. One of the brochure that you/or your members created to pass out great ways to honor them is to join our organization. “No one to potential or new members. When creating these fact does more for Veterans than the VFW” and we are beside the sheets or brochures be sure to include information you VFW all the way! would have loved to have received yourself as a brand Line Officers presented recruiter pins at District meetings in new member. The same timeline as above. Winner August. It was a proud moment for those presenting and receiving. Your next chance to have me give you your pin will named at the 2019 National Mid-Year Conference be at Fall Fest. Make Me Proud Arkansas! Call me if you need help, and if you want or need Loyally…..Laurie training, I am available on Saturdays, do not like to PS: Check out the VFWA E-Newsletter that was sent on 8-16- drive at night. 18! Photos of National Convention are now available to view. Linda There are some great shots of PDP Vicki at the Circle of

Excellence Ceremony, with Lois Callahan assisting the 1

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

Kim Davis Donna L. Bader 1201 Daniel Drive 14 Irvin Lane Paragould AR 72450 Plumerville, AR 72127 870-476-4963 501-208-2941 [email protected] [email protected] SAFETY IN AMERICA/DISASTER Hello sisters and brothers! PREPAREDNESS With the uncertainty of our world today, it is important Whew! What a busy summer! to be prepared for emergencies. The following information is only a basic guideline. For more You all blow me away with all the wonderful things information on things to do to secure your safety and you are doing for our nation's heroes and their families! that of your family, go to FEMA.Gov Keep up the great work and keep reporting. You ALL inspire me when I become weary. BACKPACK IN YOUR CAR WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Use the resources on vfwauxiliary.org. If you're not Flashlight and Batteries or Safety Light (Snaplight), comfortable with a computer, visit your library and ask Emergency Blanket Bottled Water Crackers for help. (Be sure and take membership applications Canned Food and Can Opener Whistle with you, because when they see what great things you're up to...they'll want to be a part of this great METAL CONTAINER W/LID AND HANDLE IN organization!) Print the resources card and post them AN EASY ACCESS LOCATION IN YOUR HOME WITH THE FOLLOWING: at your shelters, food banks, libraries, etc. Important papers, such as copies of bank information

and insurance for health, home, and auto If I can ever be of help, please reach out. 2 week supply of medications Spare set of keys for home and auto Phone and charger Flashlight and Because "We Can Do It!" batteries School has started. It is time to get the Flag And we keep the sun shining on our veterans! Education information into the school rooms. Also make sure to get the National Teacher Citizenship With love, Kim Award applications out to the schools. Talk to your school officials and plan a flag folding ceremony in a Additional Note from President Laurie: classroom or auditorium setting. Teach Patriotism by Thank you so much to all the Chairmen and example – always stand at attention and salute our Volunteers that helped make the first Family Freedom Great American Flag as the National Anthem is played Festival such a success. The VFW supported our and when the Flag goes by in a parade. Event is a huge way. Thank you Commander Griffin Flags Across America: Put American Flags out on and your team for your attendance and labor. We Patriot’s Day (9/11/18) and POW/MIA Appreciation couldn’t have done it without you. Also a big thank Day (9/16/18). you to those that visited and came to support all of the It is up to us to “Keep The Sun Shining on Our booths that were decorated so very Patriotic. . It was a Veterans” and I “Believe, We Can Do It”. very hot but this Auxiliary showed what they are really Always grateful, Donna made of. 2

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

Vicki McGahhey Lois Callahan 108 Lavender Ln. 363 Lawson Road Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Little Rock, AR 72210 870-718-3803 501-840-2135 [email protected] [email protected] Brothers and Sisters, We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful organization to belong to where we can honor our Dear Members: veterans and promote patriotism; which is so greatly There are many ways to support the VFW National needed now in our country. We need to grow our Home for Children. One way is to become a VFW organization by recruiting new or rejoined members; and we need to retain them! In order to maintain the health National Home for Children Life Member. and viability of each Auxiliary and our organization; we One Arkansas Auxiliary has a fun and effective need to be mentoring. Any member can be a Mentor. All way of purchasing Life Memberships. Each they have to do is C A R E. meeting, they collect money from attendees. Once C - Catch the member when they first join. Take them every quarter, they place their member’s names in under your wings and show them the ins and outs of our organization; and encourage them to greater heights or drawings for Life Memberships. simply keep them coming back for more of the wonderful Another Auxiliary shared that they have made it a things the VFW Auxiliary has to offer. practice to purchase a Life Membership for their A - Ask them to participate. Most people will not just President each year. jump in and volunteer to do things. They need to be Applications for Life Memberships can be found on asked. Invite them to join you in what you are doing. It the National Home Website: vfwnationalhome.org. has been shown that if a member has not been active in the first three months of joining; it is likely they will not Please be aware that the price of a Life renew their membership after the first year. Membership will increase from $35.00 to $50.00 R - Remember what is felt like to be new? We all were beginning January 1, 2019, so become a Life once new members of the Auxiliary. Remember what it Member soon. felt like and you didn't have any idea what was going on? I hope that you are preparing for your Buddy Poppy Ask them to sit with you so you can explain our rules and Distribution Drives. Our Buddy Poppy / VFW traditions. Help them understand why and when we do National Home for Children Ambassador, Renee certain things. Fulk, has asked that you share your experiences E - Engage them in a program that fits them. There are many different ways to become involved in the Auxiliary. and accomplishments while distributing Poppies We have to get to know our members to see their with her. Please let me know about your successes passions and likes. Once we do that; I'm sure we will find and I will pass them along to her. Remember: some project or program to involve them. Every day is Veteran’s Day, you don’t have to wait I hope you start a Mentoring Team in your Auxiliary for Veteran’s Day to schedule your Distribution. soon. By welcoming and mentoring new members; Yours in Patriotism, Lois Callahan I "Believe We Can Do It" and ensure the growth and viability of our organization. "Keep the Sun Shining on our Veterans" Love, Vicki 3

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

Cheri Wood

Beverly Williamson 245 Swinging Bridge Rd. 14575 Col. Glenn Rd. Beebe, AR. 72012 Little Rock, Ar. 72210 (501) 658-5531 501-749-1346 [email protected] [email protected] Well Arkansas this is one of our most important The Good News Is…I would bet my dog, Molly, that your months of the year. It’s “SUICIDE PREVENTION Historian has a nice collection of pictures saved. You can MONTH”. always tell who the Historian is by the camera in hand Do you know someone who may be at risk? Do you always pointed at someone and waiting to get “that great know the 5 signs? Do you know who your nearest smile” before she/he can click and get out of your line of Suicide Prevention Coordinator is? view. If you have pictures taken at the first Family Here are some websites to help you… Freedom Festival, a Buddy Poppy Drive or a POW/MIA VETERANS CRISIS LINE – Remembrance Ceremony; Youth participating in a Flag VeteransCrisisLine.net – 1-800-273-8255 press 1 Presentation or Flag Retirement Ceremony or other unique CHANGE DIRECTION – events…ALL ARE NEWSWORTHY. www.changedirection.org OBJECTIVE ZERO FOUNDATION – Need Help… Go to: vfwaux.org/Programs and scroll OBJECTIVEZERO.ORG – 202-815-2681 to…Historian/Media Relations. You will then select MAKE THE CONNECTION- “Publicity and Press Releases” and “How to Share Your www.MakeTheConnection.net Local Story Ideas and Events”. HELP HEAL VETERANS – HealVets.org SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE – Ask yourself…”Is this subject newsworthy” and “How do I www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org – 1-800-273- want to share this information”. 8255 press 1 Once you decide: Read the “How to get your event Our Veterans suffer every day. When they suffer we covered” section of Helpful Hints and “How to write your suffer. So let’s band together, show them they are not Press Release”. Your first sentence should be interesting alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. and factual to grab their attention! Remember the five W’s 1 lost Veteran is one to many. It’s our job to care for of news to always include in your information… WHO, and support them in any way we can. WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY. Always and Are you having a special event for this month? Be Proofread (more than once is recommended). sure to report it. You are welcome to share it on DEPT. OF ARKANSAS HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Including a photo with your story always works to your ON FACEBOOK Reporting top 3 Posts and Chairman… benefit. Make sure to identify all the W’s of the photo and st list the photo identification number. If you miss an 1 place goes to 10442 Rose City, Dist.13 Karen opportunity to get the entire article published; there may be Sanders 2nd place goes to 7769 Beebe, Dist.5 April Adams space available for a nice photo with an informative rd caption. Mail your Thank You notes and save a copy for 3 place goes to 4766 Mountain View, Dist.5 Dept. Pres., Laurie Herman’s photo album. Need help, just Peggy Presley call. Amazingly these reports came in one right behind the other. It’s great to see the diversity in the Respectfully, Bev reports. Keep them coming and lets… “KEEP THE SUN SHINING ON OUR VETERANS” 4

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======favorite candidate - and are encouraged to do so. • Do wear clothing/pins with the VFW Auxiliary emblem.

Martha Cothren DON’Ts 717 Whispering Pine Road • Don’t endorse candidates on behalf of the VFW Little Rock, AR 72210 Auxiliary as a Local, District, Department or 501-529-4155 National Leader. [email protected] If we will follow these guidelines, we will be off to a good start in supporting our veterans through Hello Brothers and Sisters! the legislative process. It’s a great day to be an American…..as is every day we are allowed to wake up in this great country! One of One of the very important projects that we need to the greatest things that we have to be grateful for is that begin concerns registering 18-year-olds to vote. At we are allowed to have a voice in running our country Fall Festival I will have registration forms for each through our voting process. I was glad to see such a auxiliary. Contact your local school district and great turnout at our Family Freedom Festival where I had make arrangements to be at the school during lunch handouts for you to use in signing up people for Action to have a voter registration table. Make sure you Corps Weekly. The more people we can get to contact have member application forms, too!!! While you our senators and representatives about veterans’ issues, are there, ask to speak to the Civics teacher about the more our voices will be heard!! Don’t forget to use lessons about how a bill becomes a law. Most the list of the addresses, phone numbers, and email teachers will be glad to have you join them for a addresses you picked up to contact our congressmen class session to talk about why voting is so about any issue not listed in Action Corps Weekly! important. It is imperative that we teach our I also want to encourage you to get involved in students how important our law-making process is Congressional and Presidential elections, hold voter to us as the citizens in our country!! registration drives, Town Hall meetings and other events I am really looking forward to Fall Fest and featuring candidates for public office. This is a positive President Laurie’s Homecoming!!! Let’s have a huge action and it shows veterans and those who support turnout and “Believe We Can Do It” as we “Keep the veterans’ issues to be a strong group of voters that most Sun Shining on our Veterans!!!” candidates want on their side. Loyally, As we approach the Congressional and Presidential Martha campaign season, here are a few items to keep mind as you get involved and attend and host candidate functions and Town Hall meetings:

DO’s • Do attend candidate Town Hall Meetings and other events and push our issues. • Do set up voter registration drives/Get Out the Vote Campaigns on the local level. • Do provide carpool service on Election Day to help the elderly and disabled get to the voting booth. • Do support and work for your favorite candidates as a voting constituent. As an individual and VFW Auxiliary *********************************************** member you can work or campaign on behalf of your 5

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

Sherry Barnes Becky Lamb P.O. Box 536 526 Valley Loop Hartford AR 72938 Heber Springs, AR 72543 Hm 918-658-3976 Cell 918-658-5457 501-206-8158 [email protected] Hello Members, Members, Schools have started and before you know it Scholarship Welcome to September. Have you visited the deadlines will be here. The VFW student essays are due to schools, home schooled, church youth groups, be at the posts on Halloween, October 31. 4H, boy and girl-scout troops, youth sport It’s time to get into the schools and invite educators to be groups in your area? Have you informed them involved in our three programs that involve students and of our programs and goals to get our youth education. The Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essays involved with projects that help our veterans, are the first to be due and students can begin working on their families, and our communities? them now. I’ve prepared a letter that explains these Veterans and Family Support, Americanism, contests and the importance of getting our youth involved. BUDDY Poppy-National Home, Hospital, It gives the themes, deadlines and ages of participation and Scholarship, Youth Activities. Let's get our it also gives the website where more info and entry forms youth interested. can be downloaded. You can download the letter from the Arkansas Auxiliary Website and from the Arkansas Now let's get started with my special project for Auxiliary Facebook. We hope you will take one to any Youth Activities this year. Recycling, I want you educator who might be interested. to show me what our smart youth can do with The third student program is the Young American Creative recyclable materials. It can be patriotic art, Patriotic Art contest. NEWS FLASH!!! The rules have changed dramatically for this contest–it will now allow 3-D collecting or writing about why we need to forms of art! Three-dimensional art can be made from recycle in America. Remember to get the paper, clay, wood, metal, papier-mâché, pottery, glass, Kindergarten through 5th grade involved. Have wire, cloth, ceramic, etc. If art can be made from it then it a contest, take pictures and put them in the can be entered, with the exception of digital art, newspaper, on social media, ect.. Let the world photography, and jewelry. know! The youth is our future. So get the word out! Identify likely individuals with whom you can discuss these scholarship opportunities. Remember to recognize and reward them with Suggestions include: R.A.P. coins/cards, certificates, prizes, even a • Schools and JROTC Units pizza party, ect... Ideas and information about • Church or youth groups Youth Activities can be found on • Youth-focused organizations www.vfwauxiliary.org/programs/resources. • Home school associations Thanks to everyone who attended the • Parent-teacher associations Department Family Freedom Festival August • Youth sports teams 25th. Hope you enjoyed it. Make students aware by sharing these wonderful Auxiliary September is suicide awareness month. projects and getting the word out to Local Libraries, on Explain the tear drop and get our youth to help Social Media, Radio, Newspapers, TV, and Bulletin Boards distributed them. POW/MIA day-pass out flags. at local businesses and employers. Let’s get more students Fairs are still progress get the youth Involved. involved than ever this year! BELIEVE WE CAN DO IT " Keep the sun shining on our Veterans! Sherry Barnes BECKY  6

“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

Mary Jo Eubanks Hope Gilbert 2823 College #12 704 Foxboro Drive Conway, AR 72034 Jacksonville, AR 72076 501-269-8433 501-517-2495 [email protected] Dear Sisters and Brothers, Are you ready to have FUN IN THE SUN? Hard to believe September is here already! I will It was Hot, Hot, Hot at the Freedom Fest at be attending the next VAVS quarterly meeting on Headquarters. But a good turnout. the 20th. There are 43 service organizations in the central Arkansas area and I am honored to be there Of course I set up a table for the President's Project to represent our VFWA. We always have a lot to and had questions asked, donations (money & fishing discuss, and we are given good information to items) donated and flyers picked up on both the share with our members. Fishing Derby and Veterans Wagons. Call Karlene Several special events will be coming up soon at Beams 501-762-2001 if you are able to volunteer at Towbin, and everyone is always welcome at any of the Fishing Derby on October 13 or send your cash the activities. Saturday, Sept. 8th will be our donations to Linda Evans, Department Treasurer. VFWA sponsored monthly bingo at 1:30 PM; st Friday Sept. 21 there will be a POWW-MIA We still are a long, long way away from getting both luncheon and ceremony at 11:00; Saturday the 22nd of these activities completed. will be the Rolling Thunder POW-MIA Remembrance starting at 11:00, and Saturday, How are you doing on your fundraisers? Hard to get October 13th will be our VFWA sponsored people to volunteer? I talked with someone recently Veterans fishing derby. Mark your calendars and that had a "Bakeless Bake Sale" you read that right. come on down! They send out a request to their members for donations instead of baking goodies to sell. Here is a list of the current most URGENTLY NEEDED items for hospitalized veterans: It went over big and no hassle in baking and selling. Toothpaste, Single-blade razors, Deodorant and Give it a try. Body Wash for men and women (please—no hair

conditioner), Liquid laundry soap, and Men’s Whatever you do, you are doing it for the Veterans. Tennis Shoes in sizes 11, 12, and 13 in good We love and support the members of our military and condition. If your auxiliary could donate any of their families. Be it active duty, retired, or those these items, it would be greatly appreciated. becoming civilians again. If you would like more information on any of the President Laurie theme is "Believe We Can Do It" above events, please call the CAVHS Voluntary Office at 501-257-3288, (or call me---you know I well...."Let's get it done" will share any information that I can). Enjoy this beautiful fall weather and see you soon. Love and friendship,

Hope

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“Keep The Sun Shining On Our Veterans” & “Believe We Can Do It!” Treasurer, Linda Evans President, Laurie Herman Secretary, Karlene Beams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Arkansas VFW, Auxiliary View Issue 03 2018-2019 September 2018 ======

HOSPITAL CONTEST #ONE Terri Gothard RULE #1 – COLLECT ITEMS REQUESTED ON 3644 E Northbrook Cr THE VETERANS NEEDS LIST. Van Buren, AR 72956 RULE #2 – BRING TO MID-WINTER 479-831-5864 RULE #3 – MARK BOXES WITH POST AND GROUP # If you have a desire to volunteer in NW A contact Terri RULE #4 – WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN IN Gothard for all the information. GROUP NOT DISTRICT. ************************************************************* THE WINNERS IN EACH GROUP WILL District Meetings RECEIVE A GIFT FROM ME AT MID-WINTER Forward next meeting to President ASAP HAVE FUN WITH IT Dist. Date. Location Eat/Meet Rep ************************************ 1 10/21 Springdale 2:00 Meet Cheri 2 11/18 Salem 1:00/2:00 HOSPITAL CONTEST #TWO Amanda 4 11/18 Paragould 1:00/2:00 Martha 5 11/3 Beebe 12:00/1:00 Laurie STANDING STRONG FOR OUR 6 11/10 Choctow 2:00/1:00 Laurie VETERANS 7 11/18 Huntington 1:00/2:00 Laurie 9 11/4 Mena 1:00/2:00 Tonya 10 10/7 El Dorado 1:00/2:00 Kim RUN TIME FOR THIS CONTEST WILL GO ALL 13 12/2 9095 Little Rock 2:00/1:00 Laurie YEAR UNTIL APRIL 15, 2019

******************************************** GET A BOOT OF YOUR CHOICE. ARMY, NAVY, Important dates to Remember!!! AIR FORCE, MARINE, COAST GUARD, State Commander & Department President’s Homecoming COWBOY. ANY KIND YOU WANT. USE YOUR September 14-15, 2018 IMAGINATION AND TALENT TO MAKE IT AN Hotel-Towne Place Suites, Marriott, Little Rock West EYE OPENER. GET DONATIONS. PUT IT OUT 12 Crossings Court, Little Rock, AR. 1-501-225-6700 IN YOUR MEETINGS, EVENTS, ANYWHERE Special Rates- Code “Auxiliary” YOU CAN THINK OF. WHEN YOUR BOOT GETS Friday night-Visit #9095 Little Rock Post FULL SEND A CHECK FOR THE AMOUNT TO Saturday- C of A for VFW/Auxiliary LINDA EVANS AND EARMARK “STANDING Homecoming Activities STRONG”. THEN FILL IT UP AGAIN. BE SURE TO SEND ME THE REPORT SO A National President -Sandi Kriebel, February 12-14-2019 Hotel-Holiday Inn Airport WINNER IN EACH GROUP CAN BE CHOSEN. 3201 Bankhead Dr. Little Rock, Ar. 72206, 1-490-1000 ALL OF THE MONEY DONATED WILL GO TO Special Rates, code “Auxiliary” THE HOSPITAL. February 12, 2019: Reception at Hotel (time to be determined) REMEMBER THE WINNERS ARE OUR February 13, 2019- Pot Luck at Towbin (time to be determined) VETERANS February 13, 2019- 6:30pm meal at #9095 Post Home, Little Rock Please plan to attend these events; the Department of Arkansas VFW Auxiliary needs your support!! Contact persons with your questions: Linda Evans and Karlene Beams

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