MICHIGANMICHIGAN

OVERSEASOV• ReportingER yourS positiveEA impactS onVETERANV the EMichiganTE communityRA • N January/February/March 2010 Volume 77 Number 3 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Greetings Comrades, Sisters and Comrades, we just completed our Brothers, Lloyd Mid-Winter Conference at Kala- Jack I have a bone or two to pick. When mazoo. Our National Representative, we open a meeting the Commander Putman II Wally Hogan, Past Commander-in- Pray recites a paragraph that reads, “Com- Chief from Wisconsin summed it up rades, we are assembled again to Senior in one word when he gave his Junior transact business of mutual benefit. Do Vice Commander remarks after the Voice of Democ- Vice Commander not let petty jealousies or trivial per- racy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the sonalities influence our deliberations. capacity they function. A SOP (standard Year awards were finished. He Michigan is above 90% for this year and Let us uphold always the obligations of operating procedure) was published and started his remarks by saying, “WOW!” about 4,700 members short of last year’s unselfish comradeship and loyalty to our there are copies out there. If you cannot Many of the attendees were overwhelmed 100% mark. We show some 8,900 mem- organization and the government of the find one, contact the Men’s Aux Liaison, by the reading of the winning speech. bers from last year that did not pay their United States of America.” To me that Jim Niner, and I’m sure he can get you Such a powerful message from such a dues for this year for whatever reason. statement has a great deal to do with the one. The other thing is communication young person. Congratulations to all the How do we find out why these valuable way this organization is run and how we between the men’s aux and their respec- students that took the time to enter our members decided not to belong to the conduct ourselves. However, I have heard tive Posts; if we don’t communicate, we scholarship programs and a big thank you VFW? Let’s try to contact them either by too many comrades complain about deci- get nothing done. I was at a District and a job well done to the Post and Aux- phone, mail or in person and ask them to sions that were made by a higher authority. meeting the other day and a question came iliary chairmen that get the program out reinstate their membership. In my opinion, once a decision has been up about the men’s aux election report. to the schools in their areas and do the If you have new members, make sure made that item is settled. You can only Being a past Post Quartermaster. I know work needed to get their Post winners to they know about their benefits as vet- appeal the decision to the next higher for a fact that the Post Quartermaster the District level. We can rest easy erans. They need to get with a VFW Ser- authority, and once that is done the item is receives a packet from the National organ- knowing that our future leaders, these vice Officer and file a claim. This is very no longer to be debated. I have heard too ization with the Post election report in it young students, know what veterans are important for young veterans returning many rehashes of some items and I’m and an election report for the men’s aux. and that they are aware of your sacrifices. from current war zones. The sooner you really getting tired of them. I was always That election report is also available on We are halfway through the 2009-2010 are registered with the VA, the better told that if you have nothing good to say the Department Web site. VFW year and February brings a new chance you will have to get the help about someone or something, then say We have been working hard on mem- round of District meetings. Post Comman- needed when and if you need it. My Post nothing. I know we are not perfect and I bership, but we still have a ways to go. We ders, make sure your Post is represented at has a Service Officer, Dave Gay, who have made statements that I was sorry for need to get out there and knock on doors the District meetings. Try to come away visits with and assist veterans every third later, but some things need to be finished. and bring the members back that we let with some new knowledge about the VFW Friday of the month. Last time he was We also seem to be having some prob- slip away. We have a new recruiting tool and our programs that you either forgot or there, he helped 21 veterans file claims. lems with determining what the function that every post should have by now, so didn’t know in the first place. Every Dis- Many of them are WWII veterans that of the men’s auxiliary is and in what let’s get to work. trict Commander was given a new should have been helped years ago. They brochure at Mid-Winter that highlights the just didn’t know the help was available. various VFW programs and gives a brief Let’s continue working on our mem- talking point and should be used to talk to bership and for our veterans to be sure ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER people about joining our great combat vet- they know we are there for them. God erans organization. bless those serving all over the world March will begin the process of Membership. The Department of and God bless the USA. nominations for next year’s officers. Robert D. The Bylaws now state that nominations for elective offices shall be held in Weiss Michigan’s No Smoking Law March and elections shall take place in April. The newly elected officers will Adjutant/ Effective May 1, 2010 not take charge of the office until the Quartermaster State Commander is sworn in at the Date: February 3, 2010 law by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm State Convention. with Web pages and has already made and are expected to be in compliance. A Bylaw change to do away with the changes on our Web page. To: Michigan VFW Posts and Affiliates Michigan is now the 38th state to adopt July Council of Administration and hold I want to take this opportunity to thank Michigan VFW Officers & Members this type of no smoking law. the first C of A meeting on Sunday for Gary Brown for all of his time and effort Effective May 1, 2010, the budget purposes (to pass the next year’s that he has put into our Web page in the From: The VFW Department of Michigan Michigan Public Code is amended to budget and to cut our budget back on the last 12 years. Gary received no pay for any prohibit smoking in public places, in conferences) will be reintroduced at this of his work and spent many hours after Subject: No Smoking Law Compliance places of employment, and in food year’s State Convention. Remember, in work on his computer making our Web service establishments. 2012, the National Convention will be site what it is today. Non- Exemption The new law further requires that a no held in July and the State Convention will We have some new training programs (No Michigan Post is Exempt) smoking sign or the international no be moved back to the middle of June. It is that we will be presenting this year. Paul smoking symbol be clearly and conspic- important that we make the change now, McIvor and I have collaborated on The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Depart- uously posted at entrances to and within rather then later. meeting motions and will continue to ment of Michigan, hereby notifies all every building. We have a new Webmaster. His name is keep you all up to date on procedure. Michigan Posts and/or lounges, they are Additionally, the new law requires that Dave Marin from the 8th District; he has Please make an effort to attend these not exempt from the State’s new no ashtrays and other smoking parapher- also worked with the Department training seminars for the betterment of smoking legislation as passed by the nalia be removed. Employment program. Dave is familiar your Post, District and Department. Michigan Legislature and signed into Thank you for your compliance. Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 2 STATE CHAPLAIN STATE SERVICE OFFICER One of the great benefits of being in Advocating for Others the service is becoming aware of disci- pline and self-discipline that is impor- Elmer R. This past year has been very trying tant to get anything done. In our and challenging as we move into the Dan journey of life and aging – a measure Liimatta New Year and face a new way of doing business. As you may or may not be Crocker of self-discipline can be a great help State Chaplain for life, health and every good gift. aware, the Michigan State Legislature State There are three essentials to aging passed Senate Bill 250 and became part Service Officer gracefully: 1) To eat right, 2) To exer- with all diligence; for out of it are the of Public Act 112 of 2009. cise, and 3) Keep a good attitude. These issues of life.” –Proverbs 4:23. The provisions of SB 250, Section sound simple, and yet the success Many who study human behavior say 501 creates, a five member advisory erans Affairs. Once the Regulations are in involves a measure of being consistent that one of the most important things in board made up of two large Veterans Ser- place, the VA will process accordingly. to these three principles. These areas our life is our attitude. Attitude affects vice Organization (VSO’s), 2 medium The Department of Veteran Affairs has have been discovered through various everything we think and do. We cannot VSO’s, and 1 small VSO. A large VSO is initiated a program to collect data on studies and observations. control many of the life experiences that defined as one that can certify that its Vietnam naval operations for the purpose Recently when I was reading, “War As I we face, but we can control how we deal membership exceeds 30,000 members. A of providing Regional Offices with infor- Knew It” by General George S. Patton, Jr. I with them. Perhaps faith is an attitude, medium is defined as a VSO that can cer- mation to assist with development in Haas- came across an interesting illustration. He love is an attitude. Somewhere in our life tify its membership is between 2,500 and related disability claims based on herbicide never believed in digging fox holes or we make decisions as to how we will deal 29,999 members. Finally, a small VSO is exposure from Navy Veterans. To date, the trenches. His view was that it was a waste with life’s issues. Many studies indicate defined as a VSO that can certify its VA has received verification from various of time and energy. Digging is primarily that we develop our attitudes of love, membership is between 1,000 and 2,499. sources showing that a number of offshore defensive. He said, “Wars are not won by trust, anger, etc. before we are five years On November 10, 2009 at a meeting of “blue water” naval vessels conducted oper- defensive tactics.” It has a negative effect on old – and they are very hard to change. I the Commanders Group held in Lansing, ations on the inland “brown water” rivers the soldier who has to think that the enemy believe the Lord is trying to teach us a and based on the criteria above, the VFW and delta areas of Vietnam. is stronger. Also, it announced to the enemy better way, but we are slow to learn – and American Legion automatically were In addition the VA has identified cer- that he was stronger than you and you were unless there is a life-changing experience. seated on the Advisory Board. The DAV tain vessel types that operated primarily going to stay where you were. His belief I had a friend who knew the insides of and AMVETS, through a group vote, were or exclusively on the inland waterways. was that you kept the enemy on the move several jails, attended many AA meet- selected to fill the medium VSO’s and the The ships and dates of inland waterway and get the campaign won. Don’t let the ings, knew the street language, and vis- Marine Corps League, through a vote of service are listed below. If a veteran’s enemy get the upper hand. ited soup kitchens. One day he came to the group, was selected as the small VSO. service aboard one of these ships can be I thought of this as a great illustration me with a big grin and said, “Gratitude This Advisory Board met to offer input confirmed through military records how when we face life’s battles, espe- changes attitude.” He had discovered for the criteria on the grants that the during the time frames specified, expo- cially with sickness. Life is more than that it made a big difference to him how Department of Military & Veterans Affairs sure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) pain or some limitation. Health is normal he looked at life and its experiences. (DMVA) would oversee. The initial grants is conceded, and if the veteran has one of to the body, not sickness. Our body does This maybe why we have the Beati- will be for the period of April 1, 2010 to the conditions listed in 38CFR3.309 (e), everything it can to fight illness. Many tudes in the Bible, Matthew 5, 6 and 7. September 30, 2010, and in all likelihood, service connection can be granted. of life’s experiences can be tempered by “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they may be extended through September 30, All vessels of Inshore Fire Support our attitude. The scripture reminds us, shall be called the children of God.” 2011. This, of course, is all dependent on [IFS] Division 93 during their entire “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” –Matthew 5:9 the economy here in the State of Michigan. Vietnam tour: –Proverbs 23:7 and “Keep your heart No Foxholes! The five grants will consist of two large, USS Carronade (IFS 1) two small and one specialized grant for USS Clarion River (LSMR 409) [Landing paralyzed veterans’ issues. Ship, Medium, Rocket] Department Service Officer After careful consideration, and in an USS Francis River (LSMR 525) effort to continue efficient and effective USS White River (LSMR 536) Service Programs here in the State of All vessels with the designation LST SUCCESS STORY Michigan, a meeting was held on January 5, [Landing Ship, Tank] during their entire In the summer of 2006, one of our veteran had a chronic condition that he may 2010 at the DAV Department Headquarters tour [WWII ships converted to transport staff members had the opportunity to have or may not have ever filed a claim in Fraser, Michigan. State Commander, supplies on rivers and serve as barracks participate in the Annual Memorial Day with the Department of Veterans Affairs. David Hutson, Adjutant/Quartermaster, for brown water Mobile Riverine Forces] Services conducted at our State Capitol Our advocate told the veteran that if he Robert Weiss, myself, and the leadership of All vessels with the designation LCVP at the request of State Senator, Valdi could, he would help, because it sounded the following VSO’s: The American [Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel] Garcia. After the service was over, a light like a valid claim that needed to be devel- Legion, Disabled American Veterans, during their entire tour. luncheon was provided by the good Sen- oped. In fact, a few days after this Marine Corps League, and the Military All vessels with the designation PCF ator and our staff member was intro- learning experience by our staff member, Order of the Purple Heart have agreed to [Patrol Craft, Fast] during their entire tour duced to a WWII veteran from the he sent the veteran the necessary paper- petition as a coalition to the Department of [Also called Swift Boats, operating for Greatest Generation, by his son. work to start what would become a long Military and Veterans Affairs for all avail- enemy interdiction on close coastal waters] In the conversation, time was not an journey, one where the veteran could able grants. With all due respect to the other All vessels with the designation PBR issue; our advocate was captivated by never have visualized the outcome. VSO’s involved that are not part of our [Patrol Boat, River] during their entire this gentleman who shared his experi- After a lengthy delay and numerous coalition, we are confident that we can pro- tour [Also called River Patrol Boats as ence from a time when most of us were attempts in securing the veteran’s claims vide the service needed to ensure that the part of the Mobile Riverine Forces oper- not born. A time when fighting for the file from the Records Storage Center in requirements of the grants are met with ating on inland waterways and featured in rights of others was not taken for St. Louis, it finally arrived at the Detroit excellence in the delivery of service. the Vietnam film “Apocalypse Now”] granted. A time when veterans got dis- Regional Office in December 2007. So, by the time that this article goes to USS Ingersoll (DD-652) [Destroyer] [Oper- charged, they went back to their home After an extensive review of the file, it press, our coalition will have submitted our ated on Saigon River, October 24-25, 1965] towns, got a job, raised a family, and in was determined that the veteran never first request for the two large grants by Jan- USS Mansfield (DD-728) [Destroyer] most cases, did not speak ill of anyone. filed for the condition. In February 2007, uary 20, 2010, and this will be shortly fol- [Operated on Saigon River August 8-19, As people came and went from the a claim was completed by one of our lowed in early February, with the second 1967 and December 21-24, 1968] luncheon area and as the veteran’s stories Field Advocates and finally submitted request for the two small grants. USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) came and went, it was apparent that this for the claimed condition. You may wonder how much the grants [Destroyer] [Operated on coastal inlet north of Da Nang, June 2-5, 1966, pro- MICHIGAN OVERSEAS VETERAN Almost a year later, the file was trans- are going to be. At this time we are antic- (ISSN 1067-0661) is published quarterly, ferred to Cleveland, Ohio and assigned to ipating that the two large grants will be tecting Marines holding a bridge] January/February/March, April/May/June, the Tiger Team which had jurisdiction over $500,000 apiece. We will not know how USS Basilone (DD-824) [Destroyer] [Oper- July/August/September, and October/ older veterans’ claims. On February 12, much the two smaller ones will be until ated on Saigon River, May 24-25, 1966] November/December, at American Graphics 2008 a decision was rendered by the Tiger they are announced. USS Hamner (DD-718) [Destroyer] [Oper- & Design, 3380 S. 108th Street Greenfield, Team and it wasn’t good. The decision was In my last article, I indicated the fol- ated on Song Lon Tao and Long Song Tao WI 53227, by the Department of denying the claim because it was a “fire- lowing three conditions would be added to Rivers, August 15-September 1, 1966] Michigan, Veterans of Foreign Wars at 924 related” case and that no service medical the presumptive list as a result of Vietnam USS Conway (DD-507) [Destroyer] [Oper- N. Washington Ave., Lansing (Ingham), records were available. This was inter- service and herbicide exposure – B cell ated on Saigon River, early August 1966] Michigan 48906. PERIODICALS esting in itself because the rating decision leukemia’s, such as hairy cell leukemia; USS Fiske (DD-842) [Destroyer] [Oper- POSTAGE PAID AT LANSING, MI AND ated on Mekong River, June 16-21, 1966] ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. that denied the claim, listed service med- Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart Members receive this publication as part ical records as evidence used. Huh! disease. The regulations governing these USS Black (DD-666) [Destroyer] [Oper- of their dues. Subscriptions for non- In a fire at the NPRC (MPR) on July 12, conditions and secondary issues have not ated on Saigon River, July 13-19, 1966] members is $4.00. Postmaster: Send 1973, a disastrous fire destroyed approxi- been published. Until the regulations are in USS Providence (CLG-6) [Cruiser, Light, address changes to National VFW, 406 mately 16-18 million Official Military place, claims for these conditions cannot Guided Missile] [Operated on Saigon W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. SUCCESS, continued on page 3 be adjudicated by the Department of Vet- SERVICE, continued on page 3 3 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran CAMP TROTTER DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR Trotter Tales Greetings Comrades, Quartermasters, when submitting your Rick Thanks to all of you that attended Andy audits, please make sure your Post and our Camp Trotter meeting. I was dis- Conklin District number is in the upper right Zellman appointed there weren’t more Ladies corner of the paper. This makes the filing Auxiliary members there, as their Camp Trotter process much easier for all concerned. Department input and support is always very wel- Director I’d like to commend a number of Inspector come. Those that were there must Quartermasters and trustees and Com- have noted how committed the mem- manders in this article. The number of column 11 minus column 12 must bers of the Camp Committee are to speedboat. The proceeds will be used as a returned audits for correction has match the totals down in column 13. the progress and successfulness of the nice down payment on a newer pontoon dropped quite a bit. Thank you comrades. 6. Numerical figures are illegible or the Camp. We had two generous donations: boat for the enjoyment of our kids and We still, however, have a few that are copied form is very dark. one for $24,150.00 from the Ladies guests. All can help by purchasing a continuing to have the same errors on the 7. Trustee’s signatures. All three trustees. Auxiliary and one from The Foundation ticket for $5. If you can’t use the boat, quarterly audits. Comrades, if you are Lastly, we still have a few audits that of American Veterans for $5,000. and you win, you can sell it to raise having problems in this area, please con- were returned for correction (through WOW! As we all are aware, times are money for your Post. It’s a small invest- tact your District Quartermaster or past respective District Commanders) and difficult all over the nation so it’s mon- ment that can pay off for you and benefit Post Quartermaster for assistance. You were due in March, 2009, that have not umental to have received these large the Camp. If anyone has a decent pon- can also attend one of the classes at the been returned as corrected. This also donations. We are committed to getting toon they would like to sell or donate, Department Conferences or one in your holds true for audits due in June. Com- the camp in pristine condition and contact one of the committee members. District, if they have one. rades, errors on these uncorrected/unre- making it a comfortable and a pleasant We are faced with many challenges this The most common errors on the vised audits can, and will, affect your experience for our kids. The buildings year, the first of which is filling all the audits are: current audits. Please see what can be are in need of major renovation to positions at the Camp with qualified 1. Starting balances of the quarter done about these, as those incorrect accomplish this goal and we are trying. and responsible people. We met with (column 10) do not match the ending audits can be the reason some audits To get a proper perspective of the the head of the State of Michigan Camp balances on the previous quarterly were returned. Should you have any Camp, you need to come and visit it. Consultant and were brought up to report (column 13). These figures questions, please feel free to contact me Plan to attend Trotter Days or the June speed on the rules and regulations we must match. at 734-586-4685 or 734-625-2566. OTS and golf outing at Camp Trotter. If need to comply with. We need to finish 2. All accounts are not listed, i.e.; All Post inspections have been reviewed you have a camper, come up and stay a the siding project, new heating and Bingo, lottery, keno, savings, and have been returned to the respective few days and get the total picture. We cooling, paint, and repair all the inte- lounge, cash on hand and such. District Commanders for dissemination to are centrally located in the state so if riors as needed. I think we should dedi- 3. Reconciliation of funds balances their Posts. You should be receiving your you’re headed north, make it an cate the entire month of May to fixing (box 17) is not being completed. Post copy (if one was provided) in the near overnight rest stop. up the Camp. If you can help, please 4. The totals in the net cash balance at future. The areas of attention on the inspec- At the Mid-Winter Conference, we feel welcome. If you can’t, consider the end of the quarter (box 15) MUST tions are highlighted in either blue or red, accepted the highest bid for the old pon- making a donation so we can have the MATCH the total in the reconciliation depending on the importance. Please try toon boat. It was in bad condition and funds to do it. Thank you for all you do of funds balance (box 17). and correct these items quickly, so you’ll be had not been used in several years. We for this organization and thank you for 5. The totals across for column 10 plus prepared for your next inspection. are currently holding a raffle for the supporting Camp Trotter! Military Order of the Cootie SUCCESS, continued from page 2 twice. It appeared to the VA that the enve- lope that it was sent in was empty, but in “I Care, You Care, We All Care” Personnel Files. The records affected were fact contained the following information: Army Personnel discharged from Veteran hospitalized in 1944 for an 80th Grand of Michigan VFW National Home November 1, 1912-January 1, 1960, and extended period for the claimed condition. Cootie Christmas Party of 2009 Air Force Personnel discharged from Sep- A letter was sent to the VA by the VFW tember 25, 1947-January 1, 1964 (with addressing the above information and Greetings, Comrades and Michigan MOC and not the names alphabetically after Hubbard, James requested that the claim be reconsidered and Sisters! In December, The National Home or the E.) So this fire affected the veteran’s claim. that the original filing date be protected for Grand of Michigan had its Department of Michigan. However, in 1988, a collection of com- payment purposes. The file was then bro- 80th VFW National Home Any donations sent to the puter tapes containing ten million hos- kered to Togus, Maine for a rating decision. Cootie Christmas Party. Our Department of Michigan and pital/treatment facility admission records On December 2, 2009, the VA granted Grand Commander Earl Teft the National Home will not was transferred to National Personnel the veteran’s condition and on December and the Grand of Michigan be forwarded to us. Send Records Center. These records, originally 14, 2009 he got an early Christmas would like to thank all our comrades and donations to: Ernest A. Paulin, Grand created by the U.S. Army Surgeon Gen- present deposited in his checking account eral’s Office (SGO), were discovered by in the amount of $7,700. Aux sisters for their help in making it Quartermaster, 710 Aldrich Street, the National Academy of Sciences and In another conversation with the veteran happen. We had a great turnout and the Linden, MI 48451-9050 or call him at offered to the National Archives for use on January 7, 2009, he called to say thank kids enjoyed the day. 810-735-7920. by NPRC. Between1988-1990, NPRC you and that he never thought that this The VFW has been very helpful in You have heard it before and will hear was able to salvage 7.8 million records of would ever happen! In fact, he thought our supporting the Grand of Michigan and its it again. The lifeblood of our organization individuals’ admissions for use as a major staff member was just “blowing smoke” at projects. But we can’t stop now. We still is membership. Without it, there would supplement to other smaller sources of him back in 2006. He also stated that we need your assistance in supporting our be no VFW or Cooties. Also remember medical information. are one of the “good guys” and he wanted June program. We will be sending our this year’s motto: I Care, You Care, We In July of 2009, we were finally able to the claim to go back to 1945. He was told, National Home kids on a trip to San- All Care in order to “Keep ’Em Smiling retrieve the file back from the VA to do unfortunately, that could not happen dusky, Ohio. We could really use your in Beds of White.” another review with the SGO records in because he never filed a claim until 2007. help with this project, too. mind. When the original claim was filed in His comment was, “Listen, I never thought PGC Robert E. Wilson 2007, the VA requested service medical that I could get what I got and inasmuch as Please, when sending your contribu- records, but the fire-related issue became the VFW was able to do this for him, we tion, make your checks out to: Grand of VFW-Cootie Liaison the issue. What the VA failed to do was to could do that also.” We informed him that review a one page document that was sent we are good, but not that good! STATE POOL LEAGUE SERVICE, continued from page 2 22-25, 1968] We are on the home stretch for our 2010 One final note, we know there are Men’s State Pool Tournament at the Man- Dennis River 3 days during January 1964] many of you who have expressed con- istee VFW Post 4499, which will be held USS Mahan (DLG-11) [Guided Missile cerns regarding our Receptionist/Claims April 22, 23 and 24, 2010. I must admit Craycraft Frigate] [Operated on Saigon River Consultant Jane Kanyo. She wanted each this has been a real ride for me as your first State Pool October 24-28, 1964] and every one of you that sent cards, e- time State Pool Director. We have had our League Director USS Okanogan (APA-220) [Attack Trans- mails and lifted her up in your prayers, to ups and downs getting everything in place, port] [Operated on Saigon River July 22- know that she has been truly blessed by but with the help of our Past Director and 23, 29-30, 1968 and August 5-6, 1968] the love that has been shown by the VFW past and present staff, we assure all of our the players that our Pool League Pro- USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) [Combat family. She continues to receive treatment players another great event! grams are totally supported by your ticket Stores Ship] [Unloaded supplies on and we ask that you continue to keep her All of the Districts are in full swing sales. One point of information: all of the Saigon River and Cam Rahn Bay, April in your thoughts and prayers. with their playoffs. I would like to remind POOL, continued on page 4 Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 4 DISTRICT 5 REPORT DISTRICT 6 REPORT Walter L. Clingan Ralph “Rusty” Benschoter District 5 Commander District 6 Commander

Comrades, speak of is our Political Action Com- We are well into our winter and looking receive the benefits that are due. This article finds us seven months into mittee. At first glance there seems to be real hard for spring. By now every Post Our District meetings are very important this command year. A lot has been no benefit for our veterans here, but we has had a chance to get things in order and and each Post must have a representative at accomplished in that time, yet much need to remember that it is our politi- know where you stand for programs that the District meetings. This is a requirement; remains to do in the five months cians that eventually enact the laws that must be completed. All the Post com- if the Post Commander cannot make the remaining. During the last seven months, affect us all. A strong Political Action manders and officers are doing an out- meeting, then you must find a member to both my officers and myself have Committee helps us in our continuing standing job. The audits are being turned attend the District meetings. expended a lot of time and energy trying lobbying of Congress for veteran bene- in and adjusted within the deadline time Please remember the Veterans of For- to impress upon each Post the importance fits and rights. We may not like the period and everyone has been seriously eign Wars motto: “Veterans Helping Vet- and the need to protect their nonprofit game of politics, but it is one we need to involved in all the necessary programs erans.” As long as we keep this principle status by reporting both their community, master if we are to succeed in pro- that are required by the Department. in our thoughts and actions, then mem- as well as their hospital service. On the tecting our veterans’ rights. I hope that Thank you all for your hard work. bership will grow. As our State Com- whole our message has been well each Post will support this program As the District goes, we are doing real mander’s theme states: “Be all you can received. The great majority of our Posts with a donation. well on the membership program. We be.” And when you follow this theory, are doing a great job of reporting their Finally, before I let you go, I would need to really push this program into high only good things will come your way. activities, but a few remain. We will be like to address the subject of member- gear. Remember the reinstate members. I apologize if I missed anyone in the redoubling our efforts to get this message ship. If you know me or have ever met Once they are members, we want to keep previous MOV, when I thanked the people out to these Posts. It is our goal to be me you know that the last thing I speak them. Our membership is very important. for helping out with the Texas Hold ’em reported in all categories across the board of on my way out the door is member- As of the 1st of January we have three (3) events. Everyone that helped out was very by Convention. With a little help from ship. Membership is everything! Posts that are 100% in membership and important and their help was very much our delinquent Posts this is well within Without it all of our programs, all of our our District is at a very respectful 91.62%. appreciated. To everyone that worked on our grasp. veteran support, all our youth programs, Thank you for your hard work in the this, I want to thank you again. While reporting is important, it is only all our community service suffers. This membership drive. Remember, without So far everything is going well in our a first step. One that gives each Post a organization needs – and must have – a members we have nothing. The Veterans District. I have visited all of our Posts firm position from which they can reach strong and committed membership to of Foreign Wars has a tremendous amount and have met many of our Post officers out beyond to do that which the Veterans accomplish our goals. In the first seven of benefits that are offered to the veteran and members, and I am here to tell you of Foreign Wars is now asking. I speak months of this year, our District has and their family. If you look at our organ- we have some very dedicated and hard- here of those core issues that make us made great strides in this area. Today we ization from Post, District, State and working individuals within our District. who we are: Military Assistance, Poppies stand at 94.56 percent, second in the National, we have a lot of good people With the start of a New Year I hope and our Political Action Committee. Department. November and December that have one goal in mind: to protect our and wish for nothing less than the best Military Assistance needs no expla- were great months for us. We were able veteran’s rights and to make sure they for everyone. Have a great year. nation. It is simple what we do, why to bring a large number of our unpaid we are here. There are programs at members into the fold for another year, both the department and national along with recruiting new and reinstated levels that do a fine job in this area. members. Now it seems the January dol- DISTRICT 7 REPORT Each of our Posts needs to support drums have set in and our growth has their efforts. We can best do this by slowed. We need our Commanders, Jim Tanner donating to our Military Assistance along with their officers, to redouble District 7 Commander program. I encourage each Post in our their efforts to retain our remaining District to consider making a dona- unpaid members as well as recruit. We Comrades, above 90%. If we all get busy getting tion. The need here is great and grows are in a position this year to achieve our We are now halfway through our new members into our Post we not only greater by the day. 100% goal and to begin to grow again. 2009-2010 year. We just had our Mid- could bring our District up to 100%, but Poppies are another program that This District, along with our Depart- Winter Conference at the end of Jan- it would also help put the state closer to needs no explanation. Distributing pop- ment, has experienced a decline in uary in Kalamazoo. At the conference, 100%, as well. We have another five to pies each year helps to fill the relief membership over the last several years. a wide range of issues were covered six months to accomplish this, so let’s funds of our various Posts. I encourage This is the year to stop the slide and to such as membership and Bylaws, do our very best to be at 100% by June each Post to purchase a minimum of 500 reverse it. You have all done a great job reports, and all areas that enable the for our State Convention. As of Feb- poppies. Most have already done so, but so far this year in this area, but now is Veterans of Foreign Wars to continue to ruary 4, 2010 the Dept. is at 93.34% many have not. This is a win-win situa- not the time to stop. My officers and I support our fellow veterans and honor with the 7th District at 90.96%. There tion. By purchasing poppies you support are here to help. Rest assured we will be our deceased comrades. are four Posts in the District that are at those veterans who produce them and by there for the rest of the year, pushing It behooves us all to know our 100% or more. distributing them you fill your relief fund each of you to excel in this area. With a National, State, District and Post Our State Service Officer Dan Crocker for use in veteran relief at your Post level. little effort we will accomplish all we Bylaws. With this knowledge it enables has set a date of May 13, 2010 to conduct The last program that I would like to have set our sights on. us as members of this great organiza- a service officer class at Dept. Headquar- tion to fulfill properly the goals that ters. I hope all Posts take advantage of this organization established over 100 this and send their service officers. Since POOL, continued from page 3 April 10th at 1:00 p.m. This is because years ago. the State of Michigan cut the annual the original date, April 3, is Easter At our conference in Kalamazoo, funding by 25% that they provide to the District chairmen have been given the weekend and only three (3) days after the Commander Dave Hutson announced Service Office, the workload has tickets you are required to sell to play in deadline for all rosters to be in. that he was very pleased with the mem- increased for the office, due to the loss of the State Tournament, as well as the Your District Chairman has all the infor- bership standings. All Districts are most of the Field Service Reps. tickets for the three-day stay at the Little mation on hotel/motel rooms. When River Casino in Manistee or any other reserving your rooms, make sure you inform hotel in Manistee. These tickets can be the hotel/motel that you are with the VFW used anytime in 2010. The drawing for State Pool League to receive the discount! DISTRICT 8 REPORT the hotel stay will be held at the Belding If your District wishes to submit a rule VFW Post on Saturday, February 27, at change, it must be submitted to me 30 Douglas Broek 2:00 p.m. Anyone interested in receiving days prior to the Tournament. District 8 Commander a chance to win the hotel stay should con- Lastly, I have assigned Bob Hubert tact their District chairman. from the Shepherd VFW Post as our new Comrades, reported Hospital and Community Ser- All rosters, entries, raffle tickets and Head Referee. I urge all of the shooters to I would like to say ‘Thank You’ for vice at least once. Continue to turn in monies must be in the hands of the State keep up with our progress on the Website, your continued support. As of January your reports each month. Each member Pool League Quartermaster by 12 Mid- www.vfwstatepoolleague.org 31st, our membership is over 93%. should be turning in their activities to the night, April 1, 2010. I’m looking forward to seeing all of GREAT!!!!!!! Keep up the good job and Commander for the month, so your A State Pool League Committee our pool players (which I only get to see see if we can hit 98%. Your Quarter- monthly activities reports for the Post can meeting was held on January 9th at the once a year) and sharing the great sports- master can run an unpaid listing and just be turned in so you get the proper credit. Swartz Creek VFW Post to make sure manship we have. pay the per-capita for those names, but be Auxiliary President Lancea Daly and everything is done and in line for our If any one of you has any questions, careful of those veterans that have passed my Testimonial will be on May 22 at the tournament. One item was changed – the please feel free to contact me at 616-550- away. As of the Mid-Winter, we have five Otsego Post 3030. Social hour will be at pool draw was re-scheduled to be held at 6990. I’m looking forward to seeing “my (5) Posts that are at 100% or better. 5:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m. Cost the Belding VFW Post on Saturday, family” at Manistee. Hopefully by this time, all Posts have will be $10.00 or less. 5 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran DISTRICT 9 REPORT DISTRICT 11 REPORT Ron Deverraux Chet Cousins District 9 Commander District 11 Commander

Comrades, reports. If you don’t know if it can go Greetings Comrades and Sisters, part in the Voice of Democracy and By the time you read this, Mid-Winter on the activity or hospital report, report By the time you read this, our Mid-Winter Patriot’s Pen Program. The Voice of Conference will be over and there will be it anyway and let Department be the Conference in Kalamazoo will be over and Democracy 1st Place winner for the Dis- only a few short months left in this year. judge. Just keep reporting. our District meeting on February 7, 2010 trict was Priya Vedula from Mt. Pleasant, I would like to send a heartfelt thank you Remember that the nomination of will be done. Right now we are working on Post 3033. The 1st Place Patriot’s Pen to all of the students for your Voice of officers is in March with nominations our membership, which is still under 100%. winner for the District is Matthew Voss Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essays and staying open until election of officers Post Commanders, this is where I need your from Mt. Pleasant, Post 3033. Both win- hope to see you back next year. in April. After the election, send one help the most. I believe we can still get ners got to go to the Mid-Winter Confer- As of this writing the 9th District copy of the election report to National, 100% membership before my term is up. ence in Kalamazoo on January 30, 2010. membership stands at 94.58% with 12 one to Department, and one to the Dis- Thanks to all the students who took Congratulations to both. Posts in the District now at 100% or trict Commander. If you have a Men’s higher. I thank all the Post Comman- Auxiliary at your Post, a copy of their ders and their membership chairmen election report must go to Department for the effort they have made to mem- and one copy to the District Com- DISTRICT 12 REPORT bership this year. Without member- mander. They must be done by the end Richard Rought ship, we will no longer be able to reach of April. District 12 Commander out and help veterans in need or their Let me leave you with something that families. We use the numbers in our one of the members in the 9th District Greetings, Comrades and Sisters of the at the March meeting with the elections to membership in Washington to pass leg- gave to me just before he died this year: 12th District, be held at the April meeting. Comrades, islation to help veterans, to improve “The VFW is not really an organization. This year is moving along very rapidly. please consider it an honor to be nominated the VA system, and see that no veteran It is a concept – an idea – an endless Seven months are behind us already. Every- for a position as an officer in your Post. is left behind or forgotten. Comrades, devotion – a rallying point – a center of thing is still running relatively smoothly. I would like to congratulate Gold Bar this is why we are here. patriotic concern and love of fellow man As always, membership is a high pri- Post 5096. Their teacher of the year Keep reporting what your Post is such as the world has never seen.” ority. As of February 1, two of our Posts nomination from the Mason County doing on your activity and hospital Don, you will be missed. have passed the 100% goal. Congratula- Central Middle School was chosen as tions to Arcadia and White Cloud. Almost Michigan’s Teacher of the Year for all of our Posts are above 90%. 100% for all grades 6 through 8. Posts is definitely within reach. There is a I would like every Post to consider DISTRICT 10 REPORT new recruiting brochure available for use. sending a delegate to the upcoming State This brochure will be an extremely helpful Convention to be held in Dearborn on June Rick Young tool when talking about the programs that 24th through 27th. Our past District Com- District 10 Commander the VFW supports. Each Post will receive a mander, Billy Stancroff, is a candidate for packet of them at the District meeting. the office of Department Junior Vice Com- To the Comrades and Sisters of the The deadline for submission of reports Monthly reporting has improved. How- mander. The more Posts that are repre- 10th District, for consideration for All-State is 30 ever, we are still a little lax in Hospital sented, the more support we can show. To start off, I would like to remind April 2010. Each Post Commander and Youth Activities reporting. I am sure Michigan Day at our National Home all Posts to attend all District meetings should be striving to achieve All-State that we are all involved in these activities. for Children in Eaton Rapids will be held as set forth in our Bylaws. If Comman- recognition. Please refer to your Com- However, they are not getting reported. on August 1st this year. Plan to show your ders are unable to attend, you need to mander’s Roster for all requirements Elections will be upon us very soon. Our support for the kids and have a good time, contact me and make sure to arrange needed to be met, and contact me with Bylaws require that nominations for the too. Keep up the good work. District 12 is for a representative to attend in your any questions. You can reach me by 2010-2011 officer positions are to be made one of the best!! “Be All You Can Be” place. I would encourage all of you to phone at 810-569-2193 or by e-mail at attend the District meetings and [email protected] Department functions to learn the pro- Our quarterly audits are doing Wreaths Across America grams and what it takes to succeed in better, but we aren’t 100%. We need to VFW Post 702 and Auxiliary were hon- Scouts, Ricky Conklin, played Taps. your year. pay attention to the details such as ored to host the Wreaths Across America Our guest speakers for the day were VFW Our membership is our biggest pri- Block 17, reconciliation of fund bal- Ceremony on December 12, 2009 at the Department of Michigan Commander Dave ority. We are losing a number of cur- ances, which should match Block 15, Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, with Hutson, VFW Department of Michigan rent members and not bringing in new total fund balance. If you need help, the laying of the wreaths taking place in Auxiliary President Jan Meyers, Chairman members to replace them. So how do please do not hesitate to contact me so their cemetery. With this ceremony taking Pro Tem of Grand Rapids Home for Vet- we do this? We need to get out and that I can get someone to assist you. Be place at the Veterans Home, the residents erans Board of Directors Ernie Meyers and recruit. We have a number of returning sure you get your quarterly audit have an opportunity to not only attend the Keith Sikkema from the Civil Air Patrol. Afghanistan and Iraq veterans and we mailed or faxed to the Department ceremony, but to participate. Wreath Also in attendance were VFW District 8 need to tap into this resource. Visit the Headquarters by the last day of the cookies were provided by the Patriot Commander Doug Broek and VFW Dis- local armories, VA hospitals, and Uni- month immediately following the quar- Guard Riders and one of our local Boy trict 8 Auxiliary President Lancea Daly. versity of Michigan-Flint has recently terly period. opened a Student Veterans Office; this At the writing of this article, over half Pictured holding wreaths, L-R: would be an excellent place to begin. the Posts in the District have not ordered Dave Hutson, VFW Dept of MI Let’s get mentoring working. Talk with Buddy Poppies. This program is designed Commander; Ron Oakes, VFW your fellow Posts that are already to help you. The money goes into the 702 Commander; Steve VanValken- 100% and get tips from them on relief fund to aid and assist your fellow burg, Dept. of MI Hospital Repre- recruiting, reinstating or gaining new comrades in need. Do you have members sentative to Grand Rapids Home members. It is only by maintaining our who are experiencing financial difficul- for Veterans; Jack Allen, Patriot numbers that we will remain a thriving ties? This fund may be used to pay their Guard Riders; Larry Foster, Dept. organization and have a powerful voice dues. Refer to Section 704 in the Manual of MI Hospital Representative with our legislators and congressmen of Procedure for details on how to use Deputy to Grand Rapids Home for to encourage support of veterans’ your relief fund. Veterans; and Doug Broek, Dis- issues and benefits. Our next 10th District meeting is 28 trict 8 Commander. It still isn’t too late to report your February 2010 at the Caro Post 4164. hospital activities, youth activities, There will be a service officer class at community service and Americanism 10:00 a.m. The last District meeting projects. This is what the IRS looks at under my command will be 16 May for your nonprofit status. If you are 2010 at the Davison Post 4087, which not adequately reporting, it will catch will include a Quartermaster class at up with you. Any monetary donations 10:00 a.m. All District meetings will Pictured are reportable. Be sure to get full start at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon from laying a reports into Doug Masseau, Activities 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. wreath, Director at the Department HQ We have to work like we fight…all Dave located at 924 N. Washington Avenue, together, team up and help those in need of Hutson Lansing, MI 48906. Reports must be a hand or two because WE HONER THE and Jan submitted by the 10th of each month. DEAD BY HELPING THE LIVING. Meyers. Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 6 DISTRICT 13 REPORT DISTRICT 15 REPORT Larry Marchlewski, Sr. Bud Whipple District 13 Commander District 15 Commander

Hello again, Comrades and Ladies of to keep our present soldiers, sailors and Greetings, Comrades and Sisters of the activities, and drug and safety. Many District 13. How time is flying by. Four airmen supported in their mission and help 15th District, Posts have members that do not attend more months and we will be changing their families while they are protecting our Here in the Western U.P. we are in the the meetings, but are still active in the Commanders again. I almost think this great country and our way of life. middle of winter. So far, we have seen community. Ask your attending Post office should be a two-year position. I no The next thing I would like to remind everything: lots of snow, some very cold members if they know of members that more get things rolling and working well, everyone of is to pay your Post dues by days, some warm days, some sleet and are involved in these types of activities. It and we are doing a turnover. If the officers December 31st of every year. If we have some rain. By the time you read this, we might take a few phone calls, but good had to do two years, we could accomplish to chase you down to remind you, it just will be looking forward to some springtime reports are what we are striving for. a lot more and the going out Commander makes things that much harder on the weather. Please mark your calendar for the Hospital reporting has improved from would have gotten more done with more officers and others that are involved. I next District meeting. This District meeting 95% reported last quarter, to all Posts time. Oh well, we will just have to do as would remind all officers that if your will be held in South Range on April 24 and reported as of 1/25/10. Thanks to all of much as we can with what time we have. dues are not paid by that date, you will be 25, 2010. Everyone should attend Spring the members that have made this pos- Let’s talk recruiting and retention of new relieved from office and will not be eli- Convention, as this is election time for our sible. Keep up the good work and keep and established members. Comrades, I gible to run for office until the next year. District. Traveling is easier at this time of the reports coming. know for a lot of the Posts, it is hard to get I have been making my way around to a year, so I expect 100% of the Posts make Before closing, I must say a little on those new members if you don’t have any lot of the Posts in our District. If I haven’t the meeting. If you have members in your donations. I know every Post does not have in your area – but they are there. You just been to yours – watch for me – I will be Post that would like to become active in the ability to donate to everything. Those have to seek them out and inform them of there as much as I can get around. I like District, contact our Sr. Vice Commander, Posts looking for All-State status know our great organization and what we do for what I have been seeing and I know you all Dan Caron, in Calumet. which donations earn the most points. Here them and all who have served our great need assistance from time to time. If you It is late in the year, but never too late in the 15th District, we host the Day of nation and are still serving. Then there are need my help on any matter, please call me to think about membership. At the end of Challenges and many students from around the ones that have been members and just and I will make special arrangements to January only Post 4624-Hubbell was at the U.P. attend and have a lot of fun. Only got sidetracked for the past year or so. Get meet with you or have one of our other 100%. The District stood at 90.6%, with six Posts in the District have donated to this those Post rosters out…call these mem- officers come to assist you. I have been 226 more members needed to reach full event. I would like to see every Post donate. bers…go to their homes, see where they called on quit a few times, and I appreciate strength. It is time for your Quarter- The donation can be small, but it shows hang out and hang out with them. Tell those that seek me out. Together we can master to log in to the national Web site your dedication to this great event. I also them you have missed their presence solve a lot of problems but if you don’t ask, at www.vfw.org and download your list believe that all Posts should be donating to around the Post. Remind them of what we I will never be able to help. of unpaid members. The unpaid are the the Military Assistance Program, MAP. All do and that we need them; how important I will close here and wish you all the best chance for increasing your numbers. that is needed is to sell a few pins to your it is that they get back involved and help to best of health and hope to see you all at the All Posts in the District have been members or friends of the Post. My Post has spread the message of our great organiza- next District meeting at Post 2051-Emmit reported in community service for many an open bar and we use it to sell our pins to tion and country. Let them know how County on 6 February 2010 at 10 a.m. God months. As I look at the content of the the customers. important it is they stay focused and work Bless you all and stay safe and well. reports, there remain some areas where I will see you in South Range for we could do better. These areas are youth Spring Convention at the end of April. DISTRICT 14 REPORT Department of Michigan Ladies Auxiliary Joseph Frappier and Foundation for American Veterans District 14 Commander Make Donations to Camp Trotter Comrades and Sisters, Home and its years of service to our vet- Hello from the U.P. of Michigan. erans and their families. VFW National January of 2010 is already ending and Commander-in-Chief Tommie Tradewell, February is closing fast. So let’s all get Ladies Auxiliary National President Jan reports in on time and keep after mem- Tittle, and the National Home Board of bership. Also remember NMS, PAC, Trustees, along with 200 guests, filled the Activity and Hospital reports, Ameri- Home’s community center for a birthday canism and Buddy Poppy. party unlike any other at the National Home. Buddy Poppies should have been pur- The National Home Board of Trustees chased by now. May is right around the announced a special flag project. The corner, so let’s get out there and sell more trustees of the home will work to obtain a than ever. Remember, you can sell Buddy state flag from each department for display Poppies all year long. When your communi- in the National Home’s community center. ties are having a celebration, set up a booth The National Home thanks everyone and get the Poppies out in the community. who attended and made this special night Department Auxiliary President Jan Meyers, PDP Sheryl Proteau and PDP Sandi Now for some big news! The VFW possible and is grateful for everyone that Onstwedder presented a check for $24,150 from the Ladies Auxiliary to Camp Trotter National Home for Children in Eaton has honored veterans and active-duty mil- Chairman Andy Conklin, along with 4th District Commander Joe Tebor presenting a Rapids, MI celebrated its 85th birthday on itary by providing their children and fam- $5,000.00 check from the Foundation for American Veterans. The generous donations January 13, 2010. The momentous occasion ilies with help and hope since 1925. will be used for building renovations. Missing is PDP Linda Burton, who along with brought people from across the country to Now you know the news that is the news. Sheryl and Sandi raised this money during their tenure as Ladies Auxiliary Depart- honor the rich tradition of the National Remember, keep ’em rolling out to sea… ment Presidents. Pictured, L-R: 4th District Commander Joe Tebor, PDP Sandi Onst- wedder, Camp Trotter Chairman Andy Conklin, PDP Sheryl Proteau, Dept. Auxiliary B.V. Goodell VFW Post 552 President Jan Meyers and Dept. Commander Dave Hutson. Camp Trotter is a Children’s Summer camp includes summer activities on site and Local Elks Lodge Work Together Camp located on the shores of one of west including swimming, boating, hiking, Michigan’s beautiful and picturesque biking, arts and crafts, archery, softball, to Help Those in Need lakes. It is owned and operated by the volleyball, as well as campfire activities. B.V. Goodell VFW Post 552 Department of Michigan Veterans of For- The children are given a general knowl- Members, Ladies Auxiliary and eign Wars of the United States. The man- edge of science, art and nature, and taught Men’s Auxiliary teamed up with agement and oversight is carried out by a patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kin- Allen Park Elks Lodge 2194 to committee of elected members of the dred virtues. We try to further instill upon donate over 200 unwrapped new Michigan VFW. We take pride in keeping our campers morals and values by com- toys to the Blessed Hope Chris- our camp in pristine condition to ensure bining educational activities with fun. Our tian Church of Lincoln Park, MI. the comfort and safety of our guests. The goal is to guide and assist our youth to B.V. Goodell Post also Pictured in back, L-R: Duke Johnson, Blessed Hope camp is fully licensed and insured with the build a more conscientious, responsible donated food, clothing and other Volunteer Worker; Pastor Gary Schippling, Michael State of Michigan. Camp Trotter exists and productive society. The generosity of items to the church. The Blessed Ball, Commander VFW Post 552; Mike Powers,Allen primarily for children of veterans, but is donations like this help us accomplish this Hope Christian Church is a Park Elks; and Jason Ball, Men’s Auxiliary Post 552. not limited thereto; we offer five weeks of goal. THANK YOU! community outreach providing Pictured in front is Rose Konczal, Ladies Auxiliary camping to children seven to twelve years all those in need. 552 and Shawn Garcia, Ladies Auxiliary 552. old from all over the United States. The The Camp Trotter Committee 7 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran Auxiliary News DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT AMERICANISM It’s Time for America’s Military Heroes! I hope you had an opportunity to attend the student’s reception for the The Department of Michigan Mid-Winter conference. Good luck, Cindy, as you seek Voice of Democracy winners, Ladies Auxiliary is alive and the election for the remaining two-year term of office. Patriot’s Pen Winners and the Teacher well. We continue to recruit and The Department Office has hosted three Texas Hold of the Year winners held on Saturday reinstate members. As of today, ’ems in an effort to raise funds. It seems that every time afternoon at the Mid-Winter Confer- we are at 94.39% with more than we have the event, we are challenged with snowstorms; ence in Kalamazoo and enjoyed 70 Auxiliaries over 100%. Many consequently we have not been able to raise the funds seeing the students involved in the Auxiliaries just need a couple we had hoped for. We will have one more Texas Hold Americanism program. more members to make 100%. ’em on February 18-21 and hope to have a break in the Barbara As Americanism chairman for the Jan Meyers Let’s keep the momentum weather. Our 3-digit lottery fundraiser in November Milewski Michigan Department Ladies Auxil- rolling…we can make 100%, I was a success, and we will be holding another one in iary VFW, I received a copy of a letter am quite confident that we can! April. If you wish to purchase a $10.00, 3-digit lottery from Steve Van Buskirk, Programs Director, for the Veterans Mid-Winter conference was a huge success. Thank ticket, please call the Department office. of Foreign Wars of the United States regarding a Loyalty Day you to the program chairman for going over your Congratulations go out to the Carrick-Jarosz Jr. Girls Pictorial Cancellation for May 1, 2010. I also received a copy annual reports and for answering questions on how to Unit 9411 in Homer. This unit was instituted in December. of the letter from Commander-in-Chief, Thomas J. Tradewell, fill them out correctly. Remember, the chairman must More exciting news – Newport Auxiliary 3943 has Sr. addressed to the local Postmaster giving permission to use receive your annual report before April 25, 2010. been reactivated, and these ladies are enthusiastic and the VFW emblem for a Pictorial Cancellation and the infor- Commander Hutson and I will have the honor of ready to go. The Department will be instituting two mation about the U.S. Postal Service Pictorial Cancellation. escorting our Voice of Democracy winner, Alyssa new Auxiliaries, one in District 9, Ionia and the other in There is no charge to the VFW for the production of the McAlvey from District 9 (sponsored by Post/Auxiliary District 8, Pullman. Thank you to Rosemary Lehner hand stamp or for the Postal Service’s staffing of the tempo- 5065), and wish her the best as she moves on to the and Joyce Redfern for helping to organize these Auxil- rary station. Additional Loyalty Day materials are available at National competition. We also send best wishes to iaries. We welcome all of you to our organization. www.vfwstore.org, under citizenship education. Patriot’s Pen winner, Sydney Elmer, from District 10 By the time you receive this edition of the Michigan The VFW Posts and its Ladies Auxiliaries in Michigan (sponsored by Post/Auxiliary 4642), as she moves on to Overseas Veteran, we should have our new Web site up have an opportunity for a one-day Pictorial Cancellation by the National competition. and running. Check it out at lavfwmi.org; we hope you applying to your local post office no later than March 1, We are very excited and honored to have our Grade will find it user-friendly and loaded with information 2010. Participating with your Post to hold this event for Loy- 1-5 Teacher of the Year, Patricia Mazure, win at the that you find helpful. We continue to be open to new alty Day on or around Saturday, May 1, 2010, will publicly National level, as well. ideas. Please let us know if you are looking for some- reaffirm the complete loyalty of the citizens of Michigan to Congratulations go out to Cindy Peto. Cindy was thing on our Web site and are unable to find it. the United States by commemorating this date in U.S. his- appointed by the National Home Board of Trustees to Thank you for all you do for our Ladies Auxiliary, but tory. This would be a statewide Loyalty Day event. fill the office vacated by the passing of James N. Gold- most of all for all you do for our Veterans. “By Bridging In June, we will present the Department Awards for the smith. Cindy was endorsed by the delegation at the Together in Service” we can continue to make a difference. chairmen achieving the best overall program. Be sure to let me know what your Auxiliary did. As the Americanism/Patri- otic Chairman for your Auxiliary, you will be bringing your JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT American flags to the Department Convention at the Hyatt. This June, our Department President Jan Meyers would like This is an exciting time for tool for you, you can purchase it on your own or ask if to have the small American flags (Color Bearer flags) brought Jr. Vice Presidents at the Auxil- you can use the 2009 version when the Auxiliary buys to Convention to usher in your Auxiliary president. If your iary, District and even Depart- the new version for your incoming President. Auxiliary no longer has these flags, please check with neigh- ment levels! Time is flying by Remember that the VFW, Ladies Auxiliary and Men’s boring Auxiliaries to see if they have two you may borrow. and we will soon be installed as Auxiliary Supply Departments have merged. You may shop Since most Auxiliaries use four flags for floor work, there Sr. Vice Presidents. online at www.vfwstore.org, call 1-800-821-2606 or order should be some to share. Please check on the flags early so we It is important that you learn from the 2009-2010 VFW Store Catalog, page 93. can have an excellent Aisle of Flags for our President Jan. all you can about our National • The Ladies Auxiliary Podium Edition (Stock Thank you for all that you do for our Veterans. Bylaws and Ritual. Become Number 4007) includes the Bylaws, Booklet of familiar with the President and Instruction and Ritual in one spiral-bound book. CAMP TROTTER DAYS CHAIRMAN Mariann Sr. Vice President responsibili- Price: $8.00 Hamann ties, along with the election • Purse-size Ritual book (Stock Numbers 4005) Spring is in the Air process. The Sr. Vice President Price: $3.50 and It’s Time to Think may choose not to move up to the office of President. • Bylaws with the Booklet of Instructions (Stock of Camp Trotter Days You or another officer may be asked to skip a chair. Numbers 4006) Price: $3.50 Weekend! The 2010 Version of the Bylaws and Ritual are now I look forward to serving with you as Sr. Vice Presidents. available from the National Supply Department. If your May God continue to bless the USA, our veterans The annual Memorial Day Auxiliary does not purchase this important reference and all of you! fundraiser will be held May 28-30th, 2010 with the raffle drawing at 4 p.m. LEGISLATIVE/PAC CHAIRMAN Laura Laney on May 29, 2010. Have you heard of all the improve- Greetings, Sisters and Comrades: that Congress will act on these issues. Please write or ments that have been made at the Camp from your generous First of all, I’d like to start personally contact your Congressmen regarding the fol- donations? This would be a perfect time to bring your out by thanking all the Auxil- lowing issues. It is sufficient to just ask for their sup- family and neighbors to spend a few days! If you have a iaries for all the hard work that port of these VFW approved issues. child that will be attending the camping season, let them they are doing to promote this VA Health Care see firsthand of what the camp is offering. program. Your generous dona- • Ensure a sufficient VA budget that properly meets We have cabins with 16-32 beds that are available at a tions make it possible for us to the health care demands of all veterans. cost of $5.00 a night and $1.00 a person per bed (you need support our Posts and veterans • Establish sufficient, predictable and timely to bring your own bedding). through contacts with our leg- VA funding. If you have a camper, we have electrical hookups at $5.00 a Diana Ward islators and lawmakers to • Ensure unique health care and benefits challenges night. Also, you can bring your camper out earlier in the week, develop better laws to benefit of Iraq and Afghanistan war vets are met, including and stay an extra day or so. We also have space for tents. the veterans and that is our primary goal. It is one of increased funding for traumatic brain injuries and We start off the weekend with a Potluck on Friday about the ways that we can truly show our appreciation improved access to care. 6 p.m., then S’mores by the campfire and fellowship time and consideration for their service and sacrifice for • Hire specialized health care providers for women with friends. Saturday morning, the Newaygo Honor Guard our country. veterans who provide training for gender-specific will raise the flags at 9 a.m., followed with a welcome from Each year at the National Convention, the VFW care, mental health care and military sexual trauma. the Camp Trotter Board of Directors and Days committee establishes a set of Security and Priority Goals. These • Improve VA outreach so that all veterans – espe- chairman. If the docks are in and we are able to hire a life- are issues that the VFW has determined should be the cially female, minority and rural veterans – are guard, there will be swimming Saturday afternoon. focus for passing through Congress to better the lives aware of the range of health care services and Registration for the children’s games will start at 10 a.m. and benefits to our veterans, active duty military and benefits available to them. with an admission cost of $1.00 per child. Games will start reservists. It is essential that we get our voice heard so LEGISLATIVE/PAC, continued on page 8 CAMP TROTTER, continued on page 8 Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 8

Cancer Aid & Research DISTRICT 5 PRESIDENT Karen Rasey Winter is waning and start looking closely at any points you and spring will be can still work on. Dear Sisters of you want to hear more. here soon. Three of REMEMBER your report must be in the 5th, Congratulations to Alyssa McAlvey, our our four confer- my hands by April 25. Well, Mid-Winter State winner of the Voice of Democracy ences are complete. March is National Colorectal Cancer is over. I hope Essay contest from Post 5065 of the 9th Our VFW year is Prevention Month – if you are over 50 you everyone who District. The whole 5th District wishes going by fast! should be screened. Screening saves lives!! attended had a Alyssa good luck at National in Wash- The Cancer booth We aren’t done yet. We can send dona- good time and ington, D.C. in March. Our District winner at Mid-Winter was a tions to National until May 15. Let’s have your trip home Erin Donohue, who was sponsored by Post Deb Eernisse great success! I one last fundraising push, and get as many was a safe one. I 6802, came in a very close 2nd Place. want to thank donations as we can. Remember, if want to thank all of you for doing so well I want to thank all of you for wel- everyone who contributed – whether it was Michigan is 1st Place in our Membership with your membership. coming myself, Joyce and Linda at your money, items or your time helping in the Group we will receive 25% of our total We made our 90% before December meetings for your inspections. We left booth – you all helped to make it a success! contributions to present to a local cancer 31, but DON’T stop now. There is still a each of your meetings with ideas to take We are heading into the home stretch! research institution here in Michigan! lot of work to be done. It would be great back to our own Auxiliaries. I hope to see Annual reports will be due soon. You have Let’s work together to bring home a big to make our District 100%. Currently we you at our District meetings. I’ll enjoy a little time to get out your guide sheet check for Michigan! are in 7th place in the state. I thoroughly getting to know you better. enjoyed my “Night on the Town.” It was Be sure to hug a veteran and thank CAMP TROTTER, continued from page 7 lemonade are served all day. a murder mystery dinner. I like to say them for all they have done for us. Sunday morning a continental break- everyone else went to a “who done it.” I Remember we are here to remember our shortly after – RAIN OR SHINE. Please fast will be served at 7:30 a.m. with went too, and “I did it.” Be sure to ask if dead by honoring the living. remember, if it’s raining in one area it may cereal, fruit and more for a donation from not be in another. We live in Michigan!!! each person. This will leave you time to Saturday at 8 a.m. we will serve pan- be packed up and on the road for your DISTRICT 6 PRESIDENT Linda Woda cakes, sausage links, coffee and juice for Posts’ Memorial Day events. $4.00 a person. If you would like to join our committee, we Hello Ladies of greater good of our organization. For lunch, we will serve sloppy joes, only work the one weekend a year – we would the 6th District, We have struggled throughout the year macaroni and cheese, chips, Jell-O and love to have you! I’ll be at Camp May 25th if It simply amazes in membership. Losing three Auxiliaries cookies. Adults: $6.00; Children 10 years you would like to come earlier in the week. me how time flies. last year really hurt us. At this most dif- and under: $3.00. All money earned goes for the upkeep We are fast ficult time with this struggling economy, Dinner will be a New York Strip (select of our camp after costs. For more infor- approaching the we must fight back and gain new mem- your steak and cook it to your liking at the mation and reservations, contact Merridy home stretch of our bers. If each one of us takes on a personal barbeque pit), baked potato, salad and Lewis, Camp Trotter Days Chairman, year together. I am challenge of just one new member for dinner roll for $10.00 or a hamburger for 5120 Solvel Street, Kalamazoo, MI simply having a this year (and it is not too late), we can $5.00. Banana splits with all the fixings 49004-1915, phone 269-344-5469, wonderful time achieve our goal and show just how and campfire later is included. Coffee and e-mail: [email protected] with all of you and am so proud of all that resilient we are. Please take this chal- our District has accomplished. lenge. I am only a phone call away for LEGISLATIVE/PAC, continued from page 7 employment and small business laws. Because of you, our District had a suc- assistance, ladies. • Solidify Uniformed Service Employ- cessful VOD/PP campaign this year. Con- I was in contact with Lambertville- VA Benefits and Compensation ment and Re-Employment Rights Act gratulations to all our winners. VOD 9656 President Kay Lynch. During our • Ensure Congress provides adequate (USERRA) and reverse legal deci- winners are 1st Place Dewey Kemp 701- conversation, she spoke to me about a resources to enable VBA to reduce sions that tend to favor employment. Lansing, 2nd Place Luke Anderson 1584- monthly gathering the ladies have current backlog of disability claims. • Urge the Department of Labor to be Adrian and 3rd Place Nicolette Desimone started. This is an informal get-together. • Call on congress to use its vial over- more thorough and timely in its 1138-Monroe. Patriot’s Pen winners are Some bring sewing machines, hospital sight to ensure true leadership and USERRA investigations. 1st Place Elena Bruck (she earned a place projects or any other projects they are accountability within VBA. • Urge Congress to mandate that all at Mid-Winter) 3943-Newport, 2nd Place working on. It sounds like a wonderful • Call on VA to determine which disabil- federal agencies fulfill the 3% gov- Alexa Cordray 9656-Lambertville and 3rd time for the members to share in their ities, and level of disability, adversely ernment-wide procurement goal for Place Carrie Ginther 3925-Erie. Thank work and socialize. I would like to hear affect a veteran’s quality of life. service disabled veteran-owned small you, Matt and Ivette David, for an out- from you on the ways your Auxiliaries • Adjust VA’s Schedule for Rating Dis- businesses and require agencies to standing job as our District Chairmen for promote fellowship. Please e-mail ability to ensure that veterans are ade- report their procurement levels and be this once again. ([email protected]) or write me quately compensated. held accountable if they fail to meet I would like to thank Lambertville- and I will compile a list of ideas to bring Military Quality of Life the 3% goal. 9656, Petersburg-6509 and Lansing-701 to the May meeting. We all benefit from • Ensure that active duty, National Defense and Homeland Security for all their hard work hosting our Dis- different ideas and can use these to pro- Guard and Reserve troops receive • Support U.S. troops and their mission trict meetings. I feel we are a better mote our programs and camaraderie. increased pay, affordable health care to prosecute the war on terrorism organization when we travel to places A few thoughts: Keep in mind annual and adequate housing and work facil- around the world. such as these and see how the other Posts reports are due before April 25th, we ities for themselves and their fami- • Increase defense spending to fund and Auxiliaries function. We always take must achieve at least 95% in membership lies. personnel initiatives, troop end- something home from these meetings. by April 30th, send your delegate sheets Seamless Transition strength requirements and needed Remember ladies, without your input our in as soon as possible and keep sending • Encourage seamless transition for weapons programs. District will suffer in the long run. We in those community service projects. vets transferring from DOD to VA, • Halt development and proliferation of must always stand together for the District 6 rocks, and so do you! including electronic medical records nuclear weapons and material. that travel from duty stations to wher- • Urge the continued development and ever veterans receive VA health care. deployment of a ballistic missile DISTRICT 9 PRESIDENT Carley Raleigh • Improve veterans transition services defense system. and benefits, including viable training, • Secure U.S. borders, shorelines and Greetings Sisters goes to Washington, D.C. in March. employment and education programs all ports of entry. of the 9th District, Auxiliary Presidents: Please remember to provide meaningful careers. POW/MIA I am so happy to to go over the annual reports and complete Military Affairs • Archive the fullest possible report that our Dis- those items not yet done. Plan a meeting • Seek to improve the quality of life for accounting of all U.S. military per- trict did reach at with your chairmen to get the reports com- all active duty troops, reservists and sonnel missing from all wars. least 90%, so I was pleted and in on time. The date for the their families. • Ensure the U.S. government keeps the able to enjoy my reports due into the Department chairmen • Provide a military base pay raise to POW/MIA issue elevated as a “Night on the is April 25th. restore full comparability with private national priority. Town” during Mid- President Jan and Commander Dave sector wages. • Urge the President and Congress Winter Convention. Thank you so much will be having their joint testimonial on • Support efforts to lower the Guard fully fund the Joint POW/MIA ladies for all your hard work. Our congratu- April 16th through April 18th at the and Reserve retirement pay age from Accounting Command through a lations to President Jan as Michigan also Ramada Inn in Lansing. If possible, plan 60 to 55. dedicated single line item appropriate made 90%. I hope she enjoys her “Night on on attending…I’m sure you will have a • Oppose any TRICARE fee increases. in the Defense budget. the Town” as much as we did. As usual, good time!!! Veterans Employment Many of the Auxiliaries have yet to get everyone learned a lot at Mid-Winter, while Don’t forget our District meeting in • Urge Congress to immediately their pins. Please contact me so that I can enjoying time with our sisters from around May, as it is the Installation for the address the highest unemployment get those in the mail to you. Please the state. The 9th did it! Congratulations to incoming District President. rates among veterans in recent history remember that you need to take donations Alyssa McAlvey from Post 5065, who came Everyone take care of yourselves as by requiring all federal programs to for five pins. You should be reviewing your in 1st in our state in the Voice of Democracy the winter ends, so you can continue to adhere to already existing veterans’ guide sheet and finalizing your program. essay contest. We all wish her well when she offer care and support for our Veterans. 9 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran

DISTRICT 11 PRESIDENT Jane Dady DISTRICT 13 PRESIDENT Arvella Peterson

Big, warm fuzzies! working on your annual reports. At your Dear Sisters: ment President, Jan. In February, we Congratulations to next meeting, or call for a special one, get Here we are in had our District meeting and we went all the Auxiliaries together with all the ladies to make sure a new year, 2010, over getting ready for our Annual who achieved 100% everything you have done is reported. and I hope Reports. Don’t forget to double check in membership! The There is some time left, so if you need to everyone had a your Guide Sheets and make sure you rest of you are so do something to complete the report, you great holiday and have everything done that needs to be very close. Please can still get it done. Make sure you send a happy new year. done. Your Annual Reports must be in make some extra the reports in on time so you can be recog- I attended Mid- to Department by April 25th and effort to contact any nized for everything you do. Winter and I want Chairmen…let’s not be late. Also, I sister who hasn’t paid yet. Find out if they For upcoming dates, like St. Patrick’s to congratulate all our Voice of Democ- want you to keep working on member- need help. We don’t want to lose a single Day, pin a shamrock on a veteran – you racy and Patriot’s Pen winners. District ship and bringing in those new mem- sister. Every one of you is important to just might get a smile or a hug. For Easter, 13 submitted Andrew Smith, Alpena as bers. Remember our year does not end this organization. let us never forget our veterans and those the Voice of Democracy winner and until June 30th. All of you have done a fantastic job in in service. Invite one to dinner; send a care Sara Marsh, Millersburg as the Patriot’s If you need help with anything, don’t reporting your community service. Please package or a card. Always show your grat- Pen winner. A good time was had by all forget I am just a phone call away. In keep the reports coming in. You all work itude for all they have sacrificed. and getting a refresher course on all our May, we will be having our final Dis- so hard for our veterans. I am very proud Our Commander Chet Cousins and my programs was a plus. trict meeting, and I hope I will see of all of you. testimonial will be April 10th in Hale. I I want to thank each and every one everyone there. It will be held in Indian The Voice of Democracy has been a won- really look forward to seeing you and let- of you for working on your member- River at Post 7439. It would be nice to derful experience. From handing out appli- ting you know how absolutely amazing ship as I was able to have my “Night on have 100% of the Auxiliaries repre- cations at the schools to giving out the each and every one of you are. President the Town.” We all had a great time sented. Look for more information in awards at our District awards presentation. I Jan’s testimonial is in May. I hope many of spending the evening with our Depart- your packet that will be coming. wish our winner all the luck in Kalamazoo. you can attend and let Jan know what a By the time you read this, Mid-Winter fantastic job she has done and give her our Deborah Paavola conference will be over. We had a fantastic heartfelt thanks. DISTRICT 15 PRESIDENT “Winter Fun” basket that raised money for Memorial Day is just around the corner. Greetings Sisters Escrow Fund. cancer. The Buddy Poppy entries from the Participate in a service with your Post or of the 15th, All chairmanships should be in full Auxiliaries and Junior Girls were beautiful. attend one. Please remember and pray for Here we are swing with their programs and working Believe it or not, it is time to start the POW/MIA’s. more than halfway toward their year-end goals. Working through the year together will help accomplish these Yolanda Lyons and it is won- goals because many programs overlap. DISTRICT 12 PRESIDENT derful to see so The Day of Challenge will be held at By the time you of the District at the meeting. After all, any many Auxiliaries Michigan Tech University on March 20th. read this, Mid- business conducted at our meetings has a at 100% or over Come and cheer the 30+ teams sponsored Winter Conference direct impact on all of the Auxiliaries in the in membership. Sisters, you are doing a by the VFW as they are challenged in will be over. How- District; if you aren’t there to provide input, wonderful job!! It is because of your physical fitness, coordination and leader- ever, I want to thank your District officers have no way of hard work the District made 90% by ship. It is an event you will not forget! each and every knowing what your feelings are about a December 31 and I got to take part in District 15 Spring Convention will be member of District given issue. So please make every attempt the “Night on the Town” at Department held on April 24th and 25th in South 12 who made it pos- to attend and make your voices heard. Mid-Winter –Thank You! Range at Post 6165. Please make plans sible for our District The District Past Commanders/Past Community service reports are to attend, as it would be great to have all to reach 90% by December 31st. I know Presidents dinner will be held on Saturday, coming in and most Auxiliaries are Auxiliaries participate. This will be your how difficult it was, but you all need to April 10th, at Post 5315 in Baldwin. A reported. I know all the Auxiliaries are chance to congratulate the VOD and know how much your efforts were appre- social hour will begin at 2:00 p.m. and doing community service, so please get Patriot’s Pen Contest winners from the ciated. Not only did we top 90%, we also dinner will be served at 3:00 p.m., with the those reports in!! 15th District. More information on the helped Department exceed its goal of program to follow. More information will March 31 is the deadline for the Patri- Spring Convention will be forthcoming. 90%. Thank you so very much for every- be sent out soon by Commander Rought otic Art Contest. I hope the 15th will be Thank you for your support for our thing you accomplished. You are a won- and myself regarding costs, menu and well represented, and remember to make veterans. Let us work together to help derful group and I am so impressed by reservations. I hope you will mark your your donation to the Patriotic Art those who are in need. your accomplishments. I needed to be able calendars now and avoid any possible con- to tell all of you that before I got into other flicts with other plans later. business. Once more, thank you for what It doesn’t seem possible that half of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Purchases Silver you do – not just for yourselves, but for year is gone already; I have so enjoyed for USS New York our heroes. Without membership goals, we meeting and talking with all of you during would not be able to continue doing the the inspections, and I really look forward The Navy has a tradition of things we do best – working to make to seeing how the rest of this year pro- carrying “ship’s silver” on board things better for our veterans, our youth gresses. After all, you have shown me that for special occasions and diplo- and our communities. we can perform miracles with hard work matic events. Tiffany & Co. has Our next District meeting will not be until and dedication, so I am sure there will be long been a part of that tradition. March 7th, but make sure you get the infor- a few more pleasant surprises before the Working with the Navy, they set mation on your calendars and out to all of end of June. Keep working on your mem- up a registry to allow the public your members. The meeting will be at Post bership numbers, keep doing the special to take part in this historic event. 2335 in Mecosta, and dinner will be at projects that result in community service “It is a privilege to help the 11:30 a.m. The Auxiliary meeting will begin hours/money/time, keep supporting our Ladies Auxiliary VFW recognize promptly at 1:00 p.m. I hope to see many of programs and our veterans, and keep a National President Jan Tittle pur- the importance of this ship by purchasing our Auxiliary sisters from the western part smile on your faces. chased a piece of silver from Tiffany’s something from the registry,” National gift registry for a very special recipient, President Tittle said. “Not only are we Wixom Post 2269 a U.S. naval ship. On November 7, 2009 paying tribute to those who died that ter- the USS New York was officially com- rible day in September, but we are helping On Monday, December 21st, missioned in New York Harbor at Pier launch a ship whose mission it will be to the Ladies Auxiliary from the 88. The ship is especially significant protect our shores from it ever happening Wixom Post 2269 visited the VA because of the materials used to make again. And the sailors on that ship are Hospital in Ann Arbor. Pic- her bow; 7.5 tons of steel from the America’s Military Heroes.” tured, L-R: Pam Young the wreckage of the September 11, 2001 ter- National President Tittle chose a VAVS Rep, Kay Ash, Judy rorist attacks at the Twin Towers site. Regency service tray that will be engraved Warren and Marian Belaire. Three new U.S. naval ships were made with “USS NEW YORK,” as well as saying The 100 hand-sewn Christmas with the wreckage steel and the USS New “A Gift from The Ladies Auxiliary to the stockings made by Marian York was the first to be commissioned. As Veterans of Foreign Wars.” The Ladies Belaire were filled with the site www.ussny.org says, “Her bow, Auxiliary VFW’s gift will be accompa- assorted toiletries, candy, forged from steel salvaged from the nied by a card that reads, “In Honor of oranges, socks and a heart- wreckage of the World Trade Center, Our Military Heroes, Jan Tittle, National shaped pillow. They handed embodies the strength and determination President, Ladies Auxiliary VFW.” out the stockings to the patients at the kidney dialysis and chemo rooms, community of the people of New York – to recover, to To learn more about the USS New living center and the urgent care waiting room. rally, and to take the fight to the enemy.” York, go to www.ussny.org Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 10 Ladies Auxiliary 4499 Helps Toys for Tots Breaking Big Ground at the Little Post Sponsored by 5-CAP TOYS-FOR- The gray-bricked building sits atop a hill July 2000. In July 2000, he began serving in TOTS, this benefit was hosted by across from the Shiawassee River in the the U.S. Army National Guard (Active Post 4499. This three-day event, small mid-Michigan town of Linden (pop. Guard Reserve), retiring from active duty held in the Post hall, collected 3,500). It is a picturesque scene complete February 2009. Cheryl said “We met in the $5,500 in cash, as well as toys with a gazebo, working waterwheel and an Army, but after having children we did not valued at over $30,000. Along with old 1840’s mill and dam. The building has want to both be in (the service) at the same other organizations during that been home to the Price, Crane, Robinson’s time,” which explains breaks in their time, we served 724 children from VFW Post 4642 since 1949. We may be service time. She added “We took turns 298 households within Manistee Post 4642, but the Linden community often going to war and being civilians…we lived County. Char, Bonnie and Phyllis refers to us as the “little Post.” both sides of the coin.” were the committee members from Linden’s Post is truly having a monu- In the past several months, Linden’s the Ladies Auxiliary. mental year. They are setting one record Post 4642 has added 10 new members. after another of historical firsts. In just Total membership is 102…82 Life Mem- three months, the Post has had three bers, 6 new transfers, 1 reinstated and 13 groundbreaking events. At a regular annual. This puts the Linden Post at meeting in November 2009, the Post 104%. I say, “hats off to the little Post in swore in a third generation Hogan. More Linden, Michigan!” If you are ever in this than 30 years separate VFW member area, please feel free to visit us. Business Woody Hogan from his son, Dennis, and meetings are the second Thursday of each another 28 years separate Hogan from his month and our social (dinner) meetings National Home Secures Mini-Bus, grandson, Aaron. Woody Hogan served are the fourth Thursday of each month. with the Navy in World War II, his son Our door is always open. Passes Goal Dennis served with the Army in Vietnam, At National President Jan Tittle’s Send your birthday card or donation to: and his grandson Aaron served with the Homecoming in September, she VFW National Home for Children Army in Iraq. Aaron Hogan, 33, was announced that the National Home was 3573 S. Waverly Road sworn in before 28 VFW members in a in need of funds to purchase a mini-bus Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 private ceremony, joining his father and for the Home campus in order to comply grandfather as active members of the Post. with Michigan transportation laws. The Affectionately known as “Hogan’s members responded immediately at Heroes,” Woody, Dennis, and Aaron made Homecoming, adding nearly $500 to history as the 4642’s first VFW members President Tittle’s surprise donation of representing three generations. Veterans Mary Dunkley (right), Don Vil- $5,000 to start the fund. President Tittle In December 2009, the Post swore in the liard and Terrell Callebs were sworn in at then asked members to consider sending first female member since it was chartered the Linden VFW Post 4642. Dunkley is the Home an 85th birthday card, tucking on December 16, 1945. Marine Sgt. Mary the Post’s first female Marine. a donation inside and perhaps including a Dunkley, 40, and her husband Richard, also key chain, one of which will be chosen in serving as a member of the Army National June for the keys to the mini-bus. Guard and attached to the 125th Infantry National President Tittle learned Brigade in Flint, Michigan, moved to during her recent trip to the Home that Linden in 2003. Mary enlisted in 1987 and the goal of $50,000 for the bus fund had was active until 1993, during which time been exceeded, and as of January was at she was deployed overseas serving in the Gulf War, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. more than $100,000. The bus has been National President Tittle and VFW Com- When she arrived in Saudi Arabia in 1990, purchased and the remaining funds will mander-in-Chief Tommy Tradewell stand she was part of the Surveillance Recog- be set aside, specifically for mainte- with VFW National Home residents by nizance Intelligence Group (SRIG) and the nance. The Home would still like to add the newly acquired mini-bus, which the first female to arrive there. Mary has two to this fund, so they know the mini-bus Home needed in order to comply with Aaron Hogan hugs his father, Dennis, at sons and was honored that she was the first will be taken care of for years to come. Michigan transportation laws. the VFW meeting after being sworn in. female member of the Post. Aaron’s grandfather, Woody, is on the left. On January 14th, 2010, the Post marks National President Attends another precedent by swearing in the first husband and wife, Robert and Cheryl Veterans Day Events, Presents Donation Stewart of Linden. Cheryl was in the Army from 1984 to 1988 and from 1989 to 1992. for Memorial Restoration She served in Desert Storm from December Kansas City, MO – Ladies Auxiliary all members in honor of the men and 1990 through March 1991 in Dhahran, VFW National President Jan Tittle of women who fought in the Vietnam War. Saudi Arabia, in the 202nd Military Intelli- South Carolina represented the 550,000 After the ceremony, President Tittle gence Battalion as a personnel sergeant and members of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW in had the honor of giving a $10,000 dona- photojournalist. Rob was in the U.S. Army Washington, D.C., for Veterans Day events. tion to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1983 to 1988, the U.S. Army Reserve Feb- Rob and Cheryl Stewart became the first On Veterans Day morning, President Fund (VVMF) for restoration work to be ruary 1993 to February 1994 and then the husband and wife members of the Tittle attended a breakfast at The White done on The Three Servicemen statue, U.S. Army from February 1994 through Linden VFW Post 4642. House, where she was able to speak with which is featured on the cover of Presi- First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill dent Tittle’s National Program Book. National President Tittle Biden about their mutual concerns, VVMF President and Founder Jan C. including active-duty military and their Scruggs accepted the donation, and Maintains Ties to Taiwan families. “We are so fortunate to have an National President Tittle is asking mem- ally in Mrs. Obama,” President Tittle said bers to consider giving a gift toward National President Jan Tittle continued responded to the increase of female vet- of the First Lady’s commitment to military restoration efforts in honor, or in the Ladies Auxiliary VFW’s annual trip to erans by opening a special center for families. “Those who give their lives to the memory, of their Vietnam veteran to the East to maintain the friendship women. The hospital’s slogan, posted over military have unique stresses, and we want VVMF. Millions of dollars in renovations between the Auxiliary and the Republic of the main entrance of the hospital is, “Long to work to make their lives better.” are needed for the entire Vietnam Vet- China’s Veterans Affairs Commission Live People, Long Live Generations.” Later that morning in the wind and erans Memorial site, including The Wall, (VAC). While in the country, the Vice A trip into the mountains brought Presi- rain, President Tittle attended services at The Three Servicemen statue and sur- President of the Republic of China, Siew dent Tittle and her daughter, member Jamie Arlington National Cemetery with VFW rounding areas. For more information Wan-Chang, met with her. President Godfrey, to the Ching Jeng Veterans Farm, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief about the memorial and restoration Tittle’s visit coincided with a visit by the which is a working sheep and tea farm open Richard Eubank of California, where efforts, go to www.vvmf.org Commander and President of The Amer- to the public. All the proceeds from the farm they presented a wreath. They were Ladies Auxiliary VFW members vol- ican Legion and Auxiliary, who all met go to veterans’ care. “What this country accompanied by VFW and Auxiliary unteer millions of hours and give thou- with the Vice President and were briefed does for its veterans is amazing,” said Pres- members from Virginia, Maryland and sands of dollars to supporting veterans, on the Taiwan and U.S. relationship. ident Tittle. “They put an incredible amount the District of Columbia. military service personnel and their fam- Sites during President Tittle’s trip of thought into how best to serve their vet- President Tittle’s next stop was the ilies. Members also fund cancer research, included the Taipei Veterans Hospital, erans and their citizens.” Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where she offer youth scholarships and serve in where physicians are given housing on site, More on President Tittle’s trip to Taiwan and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief their communities in numerous ways. so as to make care for veterans as accessible will be featured in the March 2010 issue of Eubank presented a wreath on behalf of Learn more at www.ladiesauxvfw.org as possible. The hospital has also recently Ladies Auxiliary VFW Magazine. 11 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran Veterans Day At 11:00 a.m. on the 11th day of November, 1918, the guns fell silent over the trenches of the Western Front in Europe bringing the Great War, later called World War I, to an end. Approximately 37 million soldiers and civilians on both sides lost their lives in five years of war. Of those, 116,708 were Americans. Originally called Armistice Day, it was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans. Detroit Veterans Day Parade On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the Metropolitan the area participated with an estimated 1,000 people Veterans Day Parade the largest in the country. If you Detroit Veterans Coalition hosted the 4th annual Detroit marching in the parade. It is the goal of the Metropolitan would like more information, check out their Web site at Veterans Day Parade. Veterans’ organizations from around Detroit Veterans Coalition to make the annual Detroit http://metrodetvetcoalition.t35.com/parade%20info/

State Honor Guard leading the Dept. of Michigan VFW delegation in the Detroit Veterans Day Parade. Members of the James Europe Post 2233.

Pictured, L-R: State Inspector Rick Zellman, State Commander Dave Hutson and Honor Guard member Philip Gannia after the parade. The State Honor Guard performs a flag folding ceremony.

Veterans Day Ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery On November 11th, 2009, the Fort Custer National Cemetery held its annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Danielle Hoonhorst of Captain Claude The Honor Guard stands by, prior E. Hale, Jr. Post 4073, who also works at to being given the command to Post the Fort Custer National Cemetery, sings State Auxiliary President Jan Meyers the Colors. the National Anthem. The Avenue of Flags. and State Commander Dave Hutson. Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 12 13 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran 2009-2010 Voice of Democracy Contest and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest Programs Department of Michigan ¥ VFW and Its Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Winners

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place 6th Place $6,000.00 Ralph J. Seabold Scholarship $3,500.00 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship $2,500.00 Hazel Park VFW Scholarship $1,500.00 James N. Goldsmith Scholarship $1,000.00 Eric & Delores Halverson Scholarship $1,000.00 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship District 9 Ð Post 5065, Sheridan District 5 Ð Post 6802, Richmond District 10 Ð Post 2777, Burton District 14 Ð Post 5670, Gwinn District 15 Ð Post 6165, South Range District 4 Ð Post 1519, Livonia Alyssa McAlvey Erin E. Donohoe Andrea Walls Meredith Buck Ben J. Jaszczak Alexander J. Hepperle 11th Grade Ð Fellowship Baptist Academy, Carson City 11th Grade Ð Northville High School, Northville 12th Grade Ð Genesee Christian High School, Burton 12th Grade Ð Gwinn High School, Gwinn 12th Grade Ð Houghton High School, Houghton 12th Grade Ð Franklin High School, Livonia

7th Place 8th Place 9th Place 10th Place 11th Place 12th Place $1,000.00 Newberry Scholarship $1,000.00 Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship $1,000.00 Orvel Walter Memorial Scholarship $1,000.00 Past Commanders Club Scholarship $500.00 Dick and Vi Thorp Memorial and $400.00 John & Shirley Sweebe, $400.00 Donald Mrdjenovic, District 8 Ð Post 1527, Kalamazoo District 12 Ð Post 446, Muskegon District 13 Ð Post 2496, Alpena District 7 Ð Post 3102, Buchanan $500.00 VFW Post 4644 Scholarship and $200.00 Rob & Marcia Weiss Scholarship Zachary F. Terry Amelia Ecker Andrew E. Smith Samuel P. Hagey District 6 Ð Post 701, Lansing District 11 Ð Post 3033, Mt. Pleasant 12th Grade Ð Mattawan High School, Mattawan 10th Grade Ð Mona Shores High School, Norton Shore 12th Grade Ð Alpena High School, Alpena 12th Grade Ð Saint Josephs High School, South Bend, IN Dewey D. Kemp Priya Vedula 12th Grade Ð Home School 12th Grade Ð Sacred Heart Academy, Mt. Pleasant Patriot’s Pen Winners

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place $1,000.00 Bond, Wes Longenbach Memorial Award $750.00 Bond, Ladies Auxiliary Award $500.00 Bond, 15th District Award $400.00 Bond, 9th District Award $500.00 Bond, Barry & Pam Walter Award District 10 Ð Post 4642, Linden District 14 Ð Post 3676, Sault St. Marie District 6 Ð Post 3943, Newport District 4 Ð Post 5572, Allen Park District 11 Ð Post 3033, Mt. Pleasant Sydney M. Elmer Madelyn K. Collia Elena Bruck Elizabeth L. Lewandowski Matthew D. Voss 8th Grade Ð Linden Middle School, Linden 6th Grade Ð Sault Area Middle School, Sault St. Marie 7th Grade Ð St. Charles School, Newport 8th Grade Ð St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park 7th Grade Ð Home School, Mt. Pleasant Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 14 Does America Still Have Heroes? When is the Right Time By Alyssa McAlvey driving force behind them: Their families. to Honor Our Military Heroes? Parents, spouses, and children are sacri- “We don’t have to turn to our history ficing time and those special moments in By Sydney M. Elmer made sacrifices to secure the lives we lead. books for heroes. They’re all around us. everyday life with their loved ones. Sons are Two days per year is a good start but prob- One who sits among you here tonight epit- missing their first baseball game with their When is the right time to honor our mili- ably not sufficient to express the magnitude omized that heroism at the end of the dads, daughters are missing their shopping tary heroes? People of the military risk their of the debt we owe these men and women. longest imprisonment ever inflicted on trips with their moms, husbands and wives lives daily for our freedom and the protec- Military heroes should be honored on a men of our armed forces. Who will ever are, for the time being, raising families tion of our rights. They make sacrifices in daily basis in our actions and thoughts. forget that night when we waited for televi- single-handedly, and moms and dads are their own lives to ensure that the lives of the Americans should behave in a way that sion to bring us the scene of that first plane separated from their children for the greatest American citizens are not disrupted now or exhibits pride and patriotism in the landing at Clark Field in the Philippines amount of time in their whole lives. They are for generations to come. Our military men United States. Citizens of this country bringing our P.O.W.s home? The plane door all sacrificing these things for one cause, so and women deserve to be respected and should respect the rights that have been opened and Jeremiah Denton came slowly that the freedoms we have in America will honored for their unwavering commitment secured for themselves and others. They down the ramp. He caught sight of our flag, remain in America. You cannot tell me this to preserving the rights that our forefathers should strive to maintain the freedom our saluted it, said, “God bless America,” and would be an easy feat for just anyone. I think battled for so many years ago. military has worked so hard to protect. then thanked us for bringing him home.” people often overlook the sacrifices made by Heroes of military should be honored My maternal great-grandfather earned Ronald Reagan made a great statement military families, yet their sacrifices are so individually when they return home from a purple heart in World War II for being then, and it still holds truth for us today. We great. Sometimes their sacrifices are the war. They should be given a hero’s welcome wounded in battle. When he returned don’t have to look in the past to find heroes, greatest, because sometimes, soldiers don’t as soon as they touch American soil. Mili- home to Michigan, he was greeted at the because they surround us today. Two of our make it home. Sometimes sons never get tary heroes should also be honored at our airport by his wife, three young children, greatest heroes are our P.O.W.s and our mil- that first baseball game, daughters never do nation’s capital by the President of the and his community. He was honored itary families. They sacrifice so much and go shopping, husbands and wives are left to United States. When the military hero many times in Veterans Day parades and gain so little. They don’t make these sacri- raise their children on their own, and some- returns to their hometown, there should be a at his burial with a flag-draped casket and fices for the recognition and they aren’t times moms and dads are forced to give up welcome home celebration recognizing the a gun salute. He was respected in life and looking to be labeled as a hero. They do it, the dream of having their child walk through sacrifices these military heroes have made. in death as all military heroes should be. selflessly, for the country that they love. their front door. Sometimes lives are taken The United States honors its military When is the right time to honor our Prisoners of War, also known as P.O.W.s, far before they should’ve been, and the wake heroes collectively on two days of the year: military heroes? As often and as much as are told every day that they no longer have of sorrow they leave behind them never Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These we can. Honoring military heroes should control over themselves, yet they continue ends. Therefore they give the greatest sacri- days are set aside to allow American citi- know no limits. Anytime we see an Amer- to sustain their pride and dignity by fice, because I can guarantee you, there isn’t zens the time to reflect on how blessed our ican flag, we should think of those who refusing to give in to their oppressors. I one mother or father who doesn’t wish they country is and to remember those who have have kept that flag flying high. have no doubt that there are days when could’ve taken the place of their child. these men and women want to just give up If you don’t believe me that families take and die, but they don’t. What drives these the worst hits in this war, just ask Amanda Three Teachers Selected men and women? What keeps them from Jordan, wife of the late Marine Sgt. Phillip giving in? How can a person in such a state Jordan. Amanda not only had to deal with for National Awards of hopelessness show such perseverance losing her husband, she had to explain it to and dedication? They hold onto the dream, their six year old son, Tyler. This six year old Each year for the past eleven years, Kentucky, was named the winner. William the dream that one day they will make it boy walked around for a week wearing his three exceptional teachers have been rec- V. Melega, a teacher at Chapel Hill High home. One day they will stand side by side 6-foot-3-inch father’s camouflage shirt, not ognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was with fellow Americans and salute their speaking to anyone. She desperately tried to (VFW) for their outstanding commitment selected at the high school level. nation’s flag. One day they will be free. explain that God needed his daddy in to teach Americanism and patriotism to Each teacher receives the VFW Past Jeremiah Denton is the perfect example heaven, only to hear him say, “Well, I needed their students. Commander-in-Chief John Smart award of of the persevering and uncompromising him, too.” Tyler, and many other children The VFW National Citizenship Educa- $1,000 for their professional development spirit of the POWs. Mr. Denton spent seven like him, will grow up without a father, and tion Teacher Award recipients are selected and another $1,000 goes to their school. In years and seven months in the hands of the their mothers will spend the rest of their from entries submitted by local VFW Posts addition, all three teachers receive an all- Northern Vietnamese. At one point he was lives trying to explain why. But at the end of in every state, District of Columbia and expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., told to do an interview that would be good the day they will still stand when their overseas. There are three categories of com- where the awards will be presented during propaganda for the Communists. When nation’s flag is raised, because they know the petition: elementary school (K-5), middle the Veterans of Foreign Wars National asked his position on the war, he answered, price it took to have the freedom to raise it. school (6-8) and high school (9-12). During Legislative Conference, March 6-10, at the “I don’t know what is happening now in Does America still have heroes? Are you the competition, nearly $218,000 in awards Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Vietnam, because the only news sources I kidding me? Look a child in the eye and tell were presented to more than 1,150 teachers Steve Van Buskirk, director of VFW have are North Vietnamese, but whatever him that his father, who is a POW over in at various levels in the VFW. Programs, acknowledged, “Honoring the position of my government is, I believe Iraq, is not a hero. Look a soldier in the eye Patricia Mazure, a K-5 teacher at America’s teachers has been a tradition in it, support it, and I will support it as long and tell him that his mother is not a hero for William C. Taylor Elementary in Trenton, for nearly 100 years. Next to parents, as I live.” He silenced the room with this supporting him in defending his country. Michigan, has been named the winner at they hold the key to raising up young comment. A week later he was given the I’d bet my life on it that you can’t. These the elementary school level. At the middle civic-minded patriots who will perpet- worst torture treatment that he ever men and women are sacrificing years, if school level, Mark D. Leet, a teacher at uate the values that have made this received. It continued all night long and not all of their lives to making sure Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg, nation great.” left, even, the Vietnamese guards with tears America remains a free country. They are in their eyes. Jeremiah Denton was finally giving everything so that you and I can brought back home, and the first thing that stand and salute our nation’s flag. They love 2009-2010 Department of Michigan he did was salute his nation’s flag. America and show it in their everyday I cannot properly articulate the heroic lives. I believe America does still have Teacher of the Year Winners deeds of our military without looking at the heroes, and they are my reason why. Pictured left to right: Grade 9- 12: Ben Phlegar, New Federal Job Site Launched Social Studies, The Office of Personnel Management FedsHireVets.gov will become the main Charlotte High launched a new Web site this week to help source for employment information for School, Char- military veterans and their families find both veterans and hiring officials. View lotte, MI, Spon- employment with the federal government. the site at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/ sored by Post 2406 and District 8; Grade K-5: MICHIGAN OVERSEAS VETERAN Patricia Mazure, Official Publication of the Department of Michigan • Veterans of Foreign Wars W.C. Taylor Ele- 924 North Washington Ave. • Lansing, MI 48906 mentary School, Subscription rate: $4.00 per year Trenton, MI, Sponsored by Name Post 9283 and District 4, Winner of the National Address Teacher of the Year for Grades K-5; Grade 6-8: Phil Quinian, Applied Technology Mason County Central Middle School, Scottsville, MI, Sponsored by Post 5096 and City State Zip District 12 15 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran 100% in Membership Posts that attained at least 100% in membership were honored. The Honor Post Banner for 2009-2010 was accepted by the Post, if in attendance, or by the District Commander.

Newly Formed Post 12082 Receives Honor Post Banner

Post Sr. Vice Commander Phil Patterson and Post Quartermaster Lynn Pat- terson of the newly formed Post 12082 in the 9th District receive their Honor Post Banner from State Commander Dave Hutson. Phil and Lynn are both Iraq Veterans. Welcome, comrades. Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 16

Teacher of the Year, Grades 6-8, Phil Teacher of the Year, Grades K-5, Patricia Teacher of the Year, Grades 9-12, Ben Quinian is presented his award. Left to Mazure is presented her award. Left to Phlegar is presented his award. Left to right: Ladies Aux Teacher of the Year right: Ladies Aux Teacher of the Year right: Ladies Aux Teacher of the Year Chairman Barbara Milewski, State Chairman Barbara Milewski, State Com- 1st Place Patriot’s Pen winner Sydney Chairman Barbara Milewski, State Commander Dave Hutson, Teacher Phil mander Dave Hutson, Teacher Patricia M. Elmer is presented her award. Left to Commander Dave Hutson, Teacher Ben Quinian, State Ladies Aux President Jan Mazure, State Ladies Aux President Jan right: State Commander Dave Hutson, Phlegar, and VFW Dept. Teacher of the Meyers, and VFW Dept. Teacher of the Meyers, and VFW Dept. Teacher of the student Sydney M. Elmer and State Year Director Patrick Patterson. Year Director Patrick Patterson. Year Director Patrick Patterson. Ladies Aux President Jan Meyers.

5th Place Patriot’s Pen winner Matthew 4th Place Patriot’s Pen winner Elizabeth L. D. Voss is presented his award. Left to 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen winner Madelyn 3rd Place Patriot’s Pen winner Elena Lewandowski is presented her award. Left right: State Commander Dave Hutson, K. Collia is presented her award. Left to Bruck is presented her award. Left to to right: State Commander Dave Hutson, student Matthew D. Voss, State Ladies right: State Commander Dave Hutson, right: State Commander Dave Hutson, student Elizabeth L. Lewandowski, 9th Dis- Aux President Jan Meyers and Patriot’s student Madelyn K. Collia and State student Elena Bruck and State Ladies trict Commander Ron Devereaux, and Pen Chairmen Gloria Dobbie and Ladies Aux President Jan Meyers. Aux President Jan Meyers. State Ladies Aux President Jan Meyers. Patrick Patterson.

During the Patriotic Ceremony on Sat- The Teachers of the Year, Voice of Dept Chief of Staff and Past State Com- urday afternoon, the State Honor The students present the American flags, Democracy winners, Patriot’s Pen win- mander Ernie Meyers received the Guard presented the flags of each from the original flag at the beginning ners, Dept. Chairman and State Com- “organic” meal during the Voice of branch of the service. of the Republic until today. mander and State Ladies Aux President. Democracy Banquet.

2nd Place Voice of Democracy winner 4th Place Voice of Democracy winner 1st Place Voice of Democracy winner Erin E. Donohoe is presented her award. Meredith Buck is presented her award. Alyssa McAlvey is presented her award. Left to right: State Sr. Vice Commander 3rd Place Voice of Democracy winner Left to right: State Ladies Aux Jr. Vice Left to right: State Commander Dave Lloyd Putman II, student Erin E. Andrea Walls is presented her award. Left President Mariann Hamann, State Jr. Hutson, student Alyssa McAlvey and Donohoe and State Ladies Aux Sr. Vice to right: 5th District Commander Walter Vice Commander Jack Pray and student State Ladies Aux President Jan Meyers. President Patricia Patterson. Clingan and student Andrea Walls. Meredith Buck.

State Commander Dave Hutson pres- ents the Voice of Democracy Trav- eling Trophy to Post 5065 Sr. Vice Commander Terry Dowdell and Ladies Auxiliary President Jean Petersen. Left to right: State Com- mander Dave 5th Place Voice of Democracy winner Hutson, Ladies Ben J. Jaszczak is presented his award. Auxiliary Presi- Left to right, Dept.VOD Director Patrick State Commander Dave Hutson presents the dent Jean Petersen, Patterson, student Ben J. Jaszczak and Patriot’s Pen Traveling Trophy to Post 4642 Com- Post Sr. Vice Commander Terry Dowdell and Department VOD Director Ladies Aux. Chairman Gloria Dobbie. mander Ty Fry. Patrick Patterson. 17 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran Comstock Ladies Auxiliary 6252 James Europe VFW Post 2233 Hosts Dinner for VA Hospital Patients Celebrates 75th Anniversary Once a month, the Comstock Ladies Auxiliary 6252 provides a free dinner for On October 3, 2009 the James Europe Post 223 celebrated their 75th anniversary. patients from the Battle Creek VA Hospital. The dinner in November, which was the Fifty-year member, Halbert Tillman, was in attendance. The Post also honored their Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixin’s, just happened to fall on Veterans Day. They Firefighter of the Year, Terrill Hardaway and Policeman of the Year, Deonne Dotson. are helped by members of local Boy Scout Troop 221. Both were presented with plaques and awards.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 221 help serve Battle Creek VA Hospital patients enjoy a 50-year member Halbert Tillman with the holiday dinner. hearty meal. Honor Guard member C. Price. Happy 75th Anniversary!

Ladies Auxiliary 6252 President Jackie Maxene Lake and Wilma Cool of Ladies Knapp (seated) and Ladies Auxiliary Post Firefighter of the Year, Terrill Hard- Post Policeman of the Year, Deonne Auxiliary 6252. member Wilma Cool. away, is presented his award by Post Dotson, is presented his award by Post Commander Roscoe Burton. Commander Roscoe Burton. Heroes Twice Over Veterans who once served their country raises money to help homeless vets, fight continue service in support of their commu- cancer, support Camp Trotter, assist nity as Romulus Goodfellows Inc. accepted Michigan’s VFW National Home for a $10,000 donation, the largest single dona- Children in Eaton Rapids, and provides tion ever, from Romulus VFW Post 9568. advocacy and other special services to The money was used this past holiday season local Veterans and their families. To all the helpers to purchase food and toys for local families By the time this article is published, the that put on the struggling in these very difficult times. Romulus VFW will have participated in dinner – thank you The membership, numbering some 146 Detroit’s 4th Annual Veterans Day Parade for what you do! veterans, accomplish amazing things. The (November 7, 2009) toasted the U.S. stereotype of a bunch of old guys sitting Marine Corp’s 234th Birthday (November in a smoky bar telling war stories couldn’t 10, 2009) and honored Veterans from Happy Birthday, Commander be further from reality. Together with a every branch of service on November 11, force of associate members, Commander 2009 (Veterans Day). On November 27, 2009 State Commander Dave Hutson turned 60. Past State Com- Ron Allen and a couple dozen very dedi- Romulus VFW Post 9568 is an active mander and Chief of Staff Ernie Meyers organized a surprise birthday party at Post cated veterans host regular spaghetti and Post with a reputation built on disciplined, 2406-Charlotte. Instead of gifts and cards, it was requested that new memberships be steak dinners, karaoke and entertainment hardworking, friendly Veterans. They are bought. Those District Commanders that could make it presented Commander Hutson nights, Scottish doubles pool tournaments represented by members from WWII, the with the number of new members that their District had signed up. Everyone knows and various other holiday parties and spe- Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf that Commander Hutson likes to sing, so Karaoke followed. cial occasion breakfasts. War and a couple of active duty personnel Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Commander. Post 9568 sponsors Cub Scout Pack currently serving in the Afghanistan/Iraq 857 and even funded three separate War. They are always looking to grow camping trips for the boys. In exchange, their membership and invite all Veterans the Scouts helped out with the steak cook- who have served honorably in the U.S. outs; cleaning up and performing other Armed Services to consider Post 9568. civic duties that helped earn them dif- ferent badges. The Post also continually Reprinted with permission.

Dave cutting the cake. It was almost too Dave’s birthday cake. pretty to cut.

Pictured, L-R: Goodfellow President David Allison, VFW Post 9568 Jr. Vice Com- Commander Dave Hutson works mander Terry Alexander, Quartermaster Bob Williams, Sr. Vice Commander Ray up a sweat singing. Party’s over, now it’s time to go home. Lopez, Club Manager Ed Brendtke and Commander Ron Allen. Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 18 65th Anniversary of Finding Your Next Job The Battle of the Bulge: The following article appears in VFW magazine’s A Proclamation by the President special edition booklet, To War and Back. In December 1944, in a dense forest in and wounded soldiers. Even in a climate of high young vet nine-day residency programs. Belgium, a brave band of American sol- On this anniversary, we reflect on the unemployment, jobs still are available for • Texas Veterans Leadership Pro- diers who were surrounded, poorly sup- enduring commitment of our Armed Forces returning veterans. Programs online and gram strives to match recently discharged plied and surviving in brutally cold in defending our liberty, as inspiring today around the country can help. Employment vets with employers and also offers conditions, took the brunt of a furious as it was in 1944. The discipline and opportunities for Iraq and Afghanistan advice on VA benefits. German assault. Their valor defined not courage displayed in the Battle of the Bulge vets have fluctuated dramatically. • VA’s Veterans Employment Coordi- just the beginning of the end of a World continues in Iraq, Afghanistan, and wher- As of October 2009, the unemployment nation Service helps veterans – espe- War, but also one of the greatest genera- ever our men and women in uniform are rate for post-Sept. 11, 2001, vets stood at cially wounded vets – who are interested tions of Americans. Like patriots before serving. They represent the best of our 11.6%, according to the Labor Depart- in working for VA. Services include them, they stood resolute, confident in nation, and we are eternally grateful for ment’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. employment counseling, identifying their training, and determined to preserve their service and sacrifice. Widely varying unemployment rates transferable skills, a career assessment, those enduring American ideals of NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK may show that these individuals are resume and job search assistance, and freedom and justice. On the 65th Anniver- OBAMA, President of the United States of having difficulty transitioning to civilian direct job placement assistance. sary of the Battle of the Bulge, a grateful America, by virtue of the authority vested jobs following Iraq or Afghanistan • Small Business Administration’s Vet- nation remembers the fallen who gave in me by the Constitution and the laws of deployments. “If you served in the mili- erans Business Outreach Program pro- their lives in that critical battle, and we pay the United States, do hereby proclaim tary, you’re disconnected from the civilian vides entrepreneurial development services tribute to the heroes whose indomitable Wednesday, December 16, 2009, as the workforce, you don’t have contacts that a including business training, counseling and strength led to victory in World War II. 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the civilian person has,” Justin Brown, VFW mentoring, and referrals for eligible vet- When asked about the Battle of the Bulge. I encourage all Americans to legislative associate, told USA Today. erans who own or are considering starting a Bulge, British Prime Minister Sir Win- observe this solemn day of remembrance Regardless of the cause of the docu- small business. Four organizations partici- ston Churchill remarked, “This is with appropriate ceremonies and activities. mented high unemployment rates, federal pate in this cooperative agreement and serve undoubtedly the greatest American battle IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have and private programs exist to help vets as Veterans Business Outreach Centers. of the war and will, I believe, be regarded hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of find jobs after returning from war. • Hire Vets First, coordinated by the as an ever-famous American victory.” December, in the year of our Lord two • VetJobs averages more job postings Department of Labor’s Veterans Employ- Confronting not just the advancing thousand nine, and of the Independence than any other military- or intelligence- ment and Training Service, offers links to German Army, but the elements, Amer- of the United States of America the two related job board. An employment assis- online job search engines and resume assis- ican service members withstood the hundred and thirty-fourth. tance section includes information on tance. Its nearly 2,000 One-Stop Career assault and eventually repelled the Nazi how to organize a job search, write a Centers assist with job search, resume forces, but at tremendous cost in lives Barack Obama resume, interview and identify a potential writing, job placement, interviewing skills, employer. Its monthly newsletter for vet- career counseling, labor market informa- erans, the Veteran Eagle, has information tion and financial aid information. National Home Celebrates 85th Birthday about employment and the job market. • The Little Caesars Veterans Program Eaton Rapids, MI – On January 13th, Home. The success of the campaign, due to VFW partners with this job board. offers a $5,000 reduction of the franchising the VFW National Home for Children the hard work of the Ladies Auxiliary (and • American Corporate Partners helps fee, financing benefits and a $5,000 credit celebrated its 85th Birthday! The some VFW members, too!), allowed Tittle vets transition from the military to the work- on the equipment order for the veterans momentous occasion brought people to surprise the guests by announcing the force through career counseling and net- opening their first store in this chain. Ser- from across the country to honor the rich mini-bus had been purchased and was out- working with corporate professionals. Some vice-disabled veterans are eligible for a tradition of the National Home and its side for everyone to see. The new bus was 300 mentors are available from Campbell total benefit of up to $68,000. years of service to our veteran and active- toured by all, amid great excitement, and Soup Company, General Electric, Home For reservists called to active duty, job duty military children and families. truly put the icing on the festive evening. Depot, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo and Ver- protection is afforded under the 1994 VFW Commander-in-Chief Tommy Commander Tradewell had a further izon. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – espe- Uniformed Services Employment and Tradewell, Ladies Auxiliary National Presi- surprise for attendees – announcing a cially those who have been wounded – take Reemployment Rights Act. The Employer dent Jan Tittle and the National Home special flag project. Trustees of the Home precedence for selection in the program. Support of the Guard and Reserve agency Board of Trustees, along with 200 guests, will work to obtain a state flag from each • Entrepreneurship Boot camp for exists to provide assistance in this regard. filled the Home’s Community Center for a VFW department for display in the Veterans With Disabilities provides In November 2009, an executive order birthday party unlike any other at the National Home’s Community Center. entrepreneurship training and small created the Council on Veterans Employ- National Home! Of course, what would a birthday party business management to disabled Iraq ment, charged with increasing the number The 85th birthday celebration was a be without the traditional birthday song? and Afghanistan vets. The Whitman of vets hired by the federal government. traditional children’s birthday party with National Home Buddy Poppy Child Beau School of Management at Syracuse Uni- Each of 24 executive branch agencies must balloons, hats, games and of course, cake Yabs wheeled out a larger-than-life versity, UCLA Anderson School of form a veterans employment program. The and ice cream. Remarks from Tradewell, birthday cake, while the National Home Management, Florida State University’s Office of Personnel Management is tasked Tittle, Board President Raymond Warren Patriot Chorus led everyone in song. College of Business and Mays Business with developing a strategic plan for vet- and National Home Executive Director The National Home thanks everyone School at Texas A&M offer these free erans’ recruitment and employment. Patrice Green reminded everyone of the who attended and made this special night National Home’s important mission to possible and is grateful for everyone that care for, love and serve the children and has honored veterans and active-duty Advances for Women Veterans families of our veterans. military by providing their children and At the birthday party, the National Home families help and hope since 1925. Move Forward received a wonderful gift. National Presi- For more information, please call The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the and a stipend for family members dent Jan Tittle spearheaded a campaign to 517-663-1521 or toll-free at 800-424-8360 United States is applauding two key devel- taking care of veterans buy a new, much needed mini-bus for the or visit www.vfwnationalhome.org opments for women veterans. On November • Allowing catastrophically disabled 19, the Senate passed bill S. 1963, The Care- veterans emergency care outside VA giver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services • Enhanced programs aimed at reducing Senate Moves Vet Bills Act of 2009 (98-0). homelessness among veterans The Senate VA Committee marked up Chairman Akaka promised to meet with “This is major progress toward more fully S. 1963 was previously stalled by Sen- two VFW-supported bills yesterday. Draft Armed Services Committee members to acknowledging the vital military contribu- ator Tom Coburn (R-OK) due to costs. legislation introduced by Committee bring about closure for the families of tions of women during war and peace. We’re In another major development, Secre- Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI) would those who are affected. confident the provisions for women’s health tary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki authorize funding for an advisory board to The other bill – S. 1237, The Homeless care will make it to the President’s desk announced the Department of Veterans make recommendations on care for service Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans quickly,” said Eric A. Hilleman, Director, Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehen- members and their families affected by with Children Act – would authorize $10 VFW National Legislative Service. sive study of women veterans who served environmental hazards at Camp Lejeune, million annually for FY 2011-2014 to S. 1963 includes six VFW-supported during the Vietnam War. NC, and the Atsugi Naval Air Facility in provide jobs, training and childcare for bills. Key provisions include: The research will explore the effects of Japan. Ranking Member Richard Burr (R- homeless women veterans and homeless • Studies on access to care for female their military service on their mental and NC) offered an amendment that would veterans with children. Several amend- veterans physical health. The study is considered authorize VA to provide hospital care, ments offered would expand the grant • Improvements in training and care for the most comprehensive examination of medical services and nursing home care to program to male veterans with children, military sexual trauma women Vietnam veterans to date. veterans who became ill from contami- and allow 5% of the funding to be set • Providing child care services for vet- The VA estimates there are approxi- nated water at Camp Lejeune. Committee aside for facilities in rural areas. erans seeking treatment at VA mately 1.8 million women veterans in the members defeated the amendment, sug- For more information on the bills, • Expanding services to veterans in United States. Nearly 15% of service gesting that DoD should provide the care visit the Senate VA Web site at rural areas members on active duty are female, with as it falls under their jurisdiction. http://veterans.senate.gov/ • Providing caregiver support, counseling numbers on the rise. 19 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran Bringing Man and His Best Friend Together! VA Aggressively Working Claims Backlog

grooming services for the life of the dog. WASHINGTON, January 4, 2010 – The compensation and pension claims pro- The veteran will not have to face a finan- National Commander of the Veterans of For- cessing over the past three years. They are cial burden in order to enjoy the love, eign Wars of the U.S. said the most impor- working diligently to develop new informa- companionship and endless devotion that tant takeaway from last night’s 60 Minutes tion technology programs that will assist in a dog can give. We feel this is one way we piece on the Department of Veterans Affairs the claims process system, and working can say “Thank You” for the sacrifices was that the VA is aggressively working to jointly with the Defense Department to that the veterans have made! overcome a claims backlog that is currently create an electronic medical and service In order to help those who have given so delaying benefits payments to hundreds of record capability to ease a veteran’s transi- much, Friends 4 Life, Inc. needs your help. thousands of disabled military veterans. tion from DoD to VA care. I cannot possibly explain everything in this “The backlog is something the VFW is As VA continues to expand their out- letter as to how our program works. I can very concerned about,” said Thomas J. reach efforts to eligible veterans, they also tell you, however, that if you belong to a Tradewell Sr., a combat-wounded recommend claimants seek the assistance Jerome Kaminski, President of Friends 4 VFW Post, or any other service group, Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wisconsin. of trained service officers that veterans’ Life, addresses the VFW at the Mid-Winter club, private organization or business, and “We understand the frustration that vet- service organizations like the VFW pro- Conference in Kalamazoo. feel as our sponsors and I feel, I encourage erans and their families experience from vide at no cost to all eligible veterans. Friends 4 Life, Inc. receives dogs from you to call me at 810-798-2474. I will be delayed, rejected or improperly adjudi- VFW-trained service officers last year shelter groups and rescue organizations more than happy to spend time with you cated claims, but we also know there are helped almost 95,000 veterans to recoup and trains them for a life as a com- and go over every aspect of this program no quick fixes,” he said. “That’s why the more than $1.2 billion in earned compen- panion/working dog for disabled veterans. and how important it is to become a VFW will continue to work with VA lead- sation and pension. The VFW also served Friends 4 Life, Inc. even takes the “giving sponsor. The satisfaction that you as an ership and Congress to find a permanent almost 10,000 more at military installa- a second chance” idea one step further; individual, group or company will receive solution, because we know the backlog tions around the country through a pro- we involve volunteers from our local dis- from sponsoring a dog will last a lifetime. will only continue to rise as the veterans’ gram called Benefits Delivery at trict juvenile court system to help with the In the meantime, if you know of a dis- population ages, as more become eligible Discharge, which helps personnel com- training. Through the court’s community abled veteran that would benefit from one from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and plete VA paperwork prior to their separa- service program we are helping troubled of our trained dogs, please contact me. elsewhere, as presumptive illnesses and tion or retirement from the military. teenagers understand that they can make a I would like to close by saying; without programs are expanded, and as more vet- “The VFW is the VA’s strongest ally in difference if given an opportunity. your help, those in need could be passed by. erans learn about the government pro- Congress and sometimes its loudest critic, Friends 4 Life, Inc. depends heavily on Don’t wait for someone else to step up – grams and benefits available to them.” but we recognize that only by working a network of volunteers and sponsors, take the initiative, help to make it happen! The VFW has, for a number of years, together will the claims backlog problem be including Corporate, VFW, and private lobbied the Administration and Congress solved,” said Tradewell. “We are a willing individuals all working for a common Jerome Kaminski, President for additional funding and new oversight to partner in helping to find a permanent solu- goal; to provide a companion dog for a 79871 Kidder Road address the claims problem. In response, tion so that our government can better care disabled veteran. Through this network Romeo, MI 48065 the VA has added 4,200 new employees to for those who have worn the uniform.” we are providing free dog food, necessary 810-798-2474 equipment, veterinary, training and E-mail: [email protected] First Grade Class Collects Christmas Candy VFW Pays Tribute for the Wounded Soldiers’Families The children of Ms. to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Stremlow’s 1st grade class at the Max Larsen Elementary KANSAS CITY, All Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross, Dis- School in Coldwater, MI col- MO, Jan. 18, 2010 – tinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross lected 140 pounds of candy to VFW magazine’s recipients are compiled on two convenient be sent to the U.S. Army Fisher latest special publica- pages. Also, find employment resources House for Christmas. Many tion, To War and especially for veterans, and read how people send our troops over- Back: Afghanistan families cope with the strains of wartime. seas care packages, but over- and Iraq — A New To preview the booklet online, please visit Left to right: Ms. Stremlow, 7th District Chief of look the fact we have many Generation of Vet- www.vfwmagazine.org/towarandback.html Staff Andy Conklin and 7th District Commander wounded warriors right here at erans, is now avail- Copies are perfect for overseas deploy- Jim Tanner with all the children of the class. home! Thanks, kids! able. The magazine’s editors created To ment and welcome home ceremonies. War and Back to honor the sacrifices of To order To War and Back, contact today’s warriors. Shontaye Davis in the Membership Vietnam MIAs Identified This special publication deals with Department at: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Force’s Thunderbirds aerial demonstration matters of critical concern, including the Office announced the identification of team, because he was assigned to the team latest information on TBI, PTSD, the GI National Membership Department Army Spec. Lawrence L. Aldrich of Fort while flying with the Navy on an exchange Bill, medical care, medals, memorials and Veterans of Foreign Wars Worth, Texas. On May 6, 1968, Aldrich was program at the time of loss. On February 20, other relevant issues. 406 W. 34th Street on a search-and-clear mission in South 1967, Goodman and Navy Lt. Gary L. The booklet contains information you Kansas City, MO 64111 Vietnam’s Binh Dinh Province. He was last Thornton took off from the USS Enterprise won’t find anywhere else. Compact Phone: 816-756-3390 seen engaged in a battle manning a M-60 in an F-4B Phantom on a bombing mission chronologies chronicle combat in both Fax: 816-968-2728 machine gun position with two others. An against a railroad yard in Thanh Hoa wars from their beginnings through 2009. E-mail: [email protected] air strike was called in, but one of the bombs Province, North Vietnam. They were struck inadvertently landed on Aldrich’s position, by enemy antiaircraft fire and their plane killing all three. Their unit recovered exploded. Thornton was able to eject at min- Pvt. James D. Donovan Post 78 remains of the other two, but Aldrich could imum altitude, but Goodman did not. not be found. In 1992, a local citizen took a Thornton was held captive until his release in Provide Meals to Homeless Veterans joint U.S.-Vietnamese investigation team to 1973 during Operation Homecoming. a location where he thought the remains Between October 1993 and March 2008, Pvt. James D. Donovan Post 78, along Military Police, who recently returned were buried, but an excavation revealed joint U.S.-Vietnamese teams, led by the Joint with the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary, from a tour in Afghanistan. Pvt. James nothing. In 2006, Vietnamese officials uni- POW/MIA Accounting Command, investi- provided a complimentary meal for over D. Donovan VFW Post 78 also provided laterally investigating the case interviewed gated the crash site twice and conducted two 100 Homeless U.S. Military Veterans on care packages that were donated by two other villagers, who recalled finding the excavations, recovering human remains and Wednesday, November 27, 2009. local businesses. The Veterans were body of an American and burying it where pilot equipment, as well as aircraft debris that Helping serve the meal were our bused to the dinner from Detroit it lay. A second joint investigation recom- correlated with an F-4B. Along with other adopted National Guard Unit, 783rd Michigan Veterans Foundation. mended another excavation, which occurred forensic identification tools and circumstan- in March 2009. That excavation unearthed tial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the human remains and other non-biological Armed Forces DNA Identification Labora- evidence, which led to Aldrich’s identifica- tory used mitochondrial DNA – which tion. He was buried January 31 in his home- matched two of his maternal relatives – to town of Fort Worth. identify Goodman’s remains. The remains of Air Force Maj. Russell C. Additional information on the Defense Goodman of Salt Lake City have been iden- Department’s mission to account for tified and will be returned home to his family missing Americans can be found on the for burial in Alaska. He is to be honored this Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office’s week at Nellis AFB, NV, home of the Air Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 20 OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, TAPSA VETERAN DIED TODAY 6-MARQUETTE 1859-SAGINAW 3293-GRAND LEDGE CARLSON, J. MAGNUS – 92 – USA/WWII ESPINOSA, LEO E. – 91 – USA/WWII FORTINO, PETER P. – 85 – USN/WWII ZAJICEK, GEORGE – 76 – USAF/KOREA KANIA, STANLEY – 82 – USN/WWII 3323-WESTLAND 116-BAD AXE 1887-MENOMINEE FAUBLE, RUSSELL L. – 64 – USMC/VIETNAM DIBBLE, THOMAS – 61 – USA/VIETNAM ALLGEYER, GARY KLINGER, RUSSELL L. – 96 – USA/WWII KUBACKI, IRWIN – 83 – USA/WWII BLANCHETTE, RICHARD R. – 76 – USN/KOREA TUNING, MERLE E. – 81 – USA/WWII Matt David, Editor 147-LIVONIA BRADFORD, ALBERT L. – 85 – USA/WWII 3673-BESSEMER LORKOWSKI, JOSEPH F. – 93 – USA/WWII/KOREA CHALTRY, ADRIAN B. – 62 – USAF/VIETNAM MICHELA, DOMENIC – 87 – USA/WWII Editorial Committee: 345-REDFORD DECKER, DENNIS E. – 62 – USA/VIETNAM 3676-SAULT STE MARIE David Hutson, Commander BOWEN, CARL A. – 59 – USA/VIETNAM ELLAND, JOSEPH L. – 77 – USN/KOREA CARTWRIGHT, DONALD B. – 82 – USA/KOREA Lloyd Putman, Sr. Vice Commander DIMAMBRO, GUIDO – 78 – USA FARR, ROBERT – 89 – USA/WWII FORTIN, EDWIN R. – 88 – USA/WWII Jack Pray, Jr. Vice Commander HAMILTON, ARTHUR J. – 88 – USA/WWII KELLNER, EDWARD M. – 89 – USA/WWII HENDERSON, JAMES N. – 74 – USAF/VIETNAM Matt David, Historian/MOV Editor TOLKO, IRVING E. – 85 – USMC/WWII LUEDTKE, CLAYTON J. – 85 – USA/WWII PERRY, WILLIAM L. – 76 – USA/USAF Marian Belaire, Aux. Committee Member 423-ANN ARBOR MYERS, RICHARD C. – 83 – USMC/WWII QUIMET, PHILLIP – 85 – USA/WWII MAYNARD, BOYD J. – 79 – USA/KOREA NEMETZ, JOHN – 96 – USA/WWII 3701-LAKEVIEW 607-ROGERS CITY NERAT, ANTONE T. – 82 – USCG/WWII ALLEN, CLIFTON – 86 – USA/WWII EDITORIAL POLICY JOHNSTON, JAMES E. – 64 – USN/VIETNAM PEOT, LESLIE Q. – 91 – USA/WWII 3733-FOWLER KARSTEN, MARVIN H. – 84 – USA/WWII PLACE, BRYON K. – 78 – USA/KOREA COOK, RICHARD – USA/KOREA The mission of this paper is to 701-LANSING REMINGTON, DONALD A. – 78 – USAF/WWII/KOREA POWELSON, WILLIAM – USA/WWII strengthen the efficiency of the Veterans BUCHEL, RONALD C. – 79 – KOREA SHARKEY, LARRAINE – 87 – USA/WWII RUDD, DAVID – USA of Foreign Wars by providing timely, COSTELLO, PAUL J. – 84 – USA/WWII 2053-WHITE CLOUD SCHMITZ, FREDRICK – USA/WWII pertinent and accurate information about DORAN, J.W. – 79 – USA/WWII BIRD, PERRY F. – 88 – USA/WWII SMITH, PAUL – USA/WWII the decisions and activities of the VFW FELLOWS, JERRY L. – 68 – USAAF/KOREA OSBORNE, ROBERT N. – 90 – USA/WWII SMITH, CLARENCE – USA/WWII at the Post, District and Department GUNTHER, RONALD – 62 – USA/VIETNAM 2144-HOLLAND 3735-OSCODA level; the relevant affairs of the State and HOWARD, IVAN R. – 83 – USA/WWII BORGMAN, ROBERT J. – 61 – USA/VIETNAM SCHONMEIER, MARVIN – 67 – USA/VIETNAM Federal governments, and the decisions HUGGER, LLOYD J. – 88 – USA/WWII BRUNSELL, ROGER J. – 78 – USA/KOREA STANABACK, BAYARD L. – 79 – USA/KOREA HYDE, EUGENE – 86 – USA/WWII LUCAS, NELSON – 82 – USN/WWII 3900-CALUMET and activities of the national organiza- KROKKER, JOHN – 79 – USA/KOREA VAN DE WATER, CHARLES – 93 – USA/WWII BURICH, ANTON A. – 81 – USA/WWII tion of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. LILLY, EUGENE R. – 90 – USN/WWII 2269-WIXOM 4073-MARSHALL The paper is also the voice of the MITCHELL, NORVAL J. – 82 – USN/WWII COLEMAN, HENRY – 92 – USA/WWII DURHAM, ALAN – 77 – KOREA members. We welcome articles from POHL, LEONARD – 94 – USA/WWII 2272-DURAND HAYES, WILLIAM J. – 94 – USA/WWII members. All articles should contribute POLLITT, STANLEY – 82 – USN/WWII DOLEHANTY, CLEMENT JONES, NORMAN L. – 66 – USA/VIETNAM positively to the welfare of the VFW REED, DONALD – 80 – USN/KOREA STIFF, SILAS – USMC/WWII 4087-DAVISON and its members. We will accept no ROACH, LAWRENCE – 62 – USA/VIETNAM 2284-EDWARDSBURG DANIELS, WILLIS – 89 – USA/WWII attacks on any member or leader of the SHIREY, SAMUEL L. – 92 – USA/WWII MORSE, DEAN – 61 – USA/VIETNAM ESTES, HARRY H. – 83 – USN/WWII SMITH, WENDELL D. – 91 – USA/WWII 2292-EDMORE ORBON, JOHN P. SR. – USA/WWII VFW. We will accept a thoughtful dis- WALKER, FRANCIS – 92 – USA/WWII WILLIAMS, JOHN – 85 – USA/WWII WEATHERFORD, HILLERY L. – 86 – USAAF/WWII cussion of all related issues in the letter ZIOLKOWSKI, FLOYD – 83 – USA/WWII 2358-ROSEVILLE 4093-CARLETON column and reserve the right to reply to 702-WYOMING CIECHANOWSKI, ARTHUR J. – 83 – USA/KOREA CASSIDY, HUGH – 68 – USN those that seem to reflect a misunder- MCELROY, WARREN L. – 85 – USA/WWII HEINS, RANDAL – 62 – USA/VIETNAM 4115-SEBEWAING standing of the VFW and its policies. THORNTON, ROBERT W. – 86 – USA/WWII HOBSON, STERLING E. – 86 – USA/WWII HOOVER, DONALD – 80 – USA/WWII We ask that you keep your articles WILFONG, CHARLES – 88 – USN/WWII MOUILLESEAUX, WILLIAM J. – 86 – USA/WWII 4139-LAPEER brief. We reserve the right to edit all arti- 822-FLINT ROSE, WALTER A. – 86 – USN/WWII BIGELOW, DONALD – 88 – USA/WWII cles. We look forward to hearing from you. MAC INTYRE, MATTHEW – 72 – USAF/VIETNAM 2382-LEXINGTON 4159-ROSCOMMON 830-GRAND RAPIDS VAN DER MAAS, NEIL J. – 85 – USN/WWII GRETZINGER, JOHN The news and opinions expressed VANDERHEIDE, WILLIS – 80 – USA/WWII YOUNGBLOOD, JAMES T. – 85 – USA/WWII SCARLETT, MERLE – USA/WWII are not necessarily those of the Veterans 1075-HARRISON 2496-ALPENA WEEKS, ALVA – USA/KOREA of Foreign Wars, Department of COSGROVE, HARLOW G. DAVISON, ROBERT F. – 81 – USA/KOREA 4162-HAMTRAMCK Michigan or the National Organization. GRIFFIN, IRA – 83 – USA/WWII EWING, ROBERT E. – USA/WWII FYDRYK, ADOLPH – 84 – USA RANDALL, GEORGE – 89 – USN/WWII JASKOLSKI, DANIEL J. – 87 – USA/WWII 4164-CARO Materials for Publication WEST, RICHARD – 88 – USA/WWII MILNER, MARVIN L. SR. – 77 – USN/KOREA GAULT, RICHARD H. – 77 – USA/KOREA Send to: Matt David 1136-WYANDOTTE SKIBA, DANIEL – 84 – USN/WWII HUNTLEY, DONALD – USA/WWII 10 Elder Street BALLOG, RAYMOND J. – 63 – USMC/VIETNAM WAGNER, OTTO – 83 – USCG/WWII JAMISON, DONALD – 89 – USA/WWII Ypsilanti, MI 48197 JAROSZ, CASIMER F. – 90 – USA/WWII 2891-CRYSTAL FALLS LEITZEL, ROBERT S. – 72 – USAF/WWII POMERANING, ROBERT W. – 84 – USA/WWII KOSKI, TAUNO O. – 86 – USA/WWII SHEMBER, CLARE A. – 65 – USA/VIETNAM (734) 883-1506 PTAK, BERNARD G. – 89 – USA/WWII PLOWE, JOHN M. – 81 – USA/KOREA 4249-NEWAYGO [email protected] 1138-MONROE 2945-SANDUSKY CROSBY, RICHARD E. – 84 – USA/WWII BELLESTRI, SANTO J. – 88 – USN/WWII CURTISS, BASEL – USA/WWII FITZPATRICK, GEORGE – 94 – USAAF/WWII Graphic Design & Layout: CUSUMANO, SAM J. – 77 – USA/KOREA 2998-ESCANABA GRABILL, JOSEPH – 78 – USAAF/KOREA American Graphics & Design, Inc. DZIENDZIEL, JOHN F. JR. – 62 – USA/VIETNAM BEAUCHAMP, ERNEST J. – 85 – USN/WWII MOUTHAAN, JOHN R. – 85 – USA/WWII Jenny DeBack, President GENO, JAMES E. – 87 – USA/WWII/KOREA/VIETNAM BRINKER, ROBERT R. – 87 – USN/WWII ROBINSON, HARRY E. – 72 – USA/VIETNAM Cindy Chic, Graphic Designer GIARMO, JOSEPH – 93 – USA/WWII ROBITAILLE, RAYMOND – 83 – USA/WWII ROCHELEAU, ROBERT – 84 – USA/WWII GOETZ, DONALD – 84 – USN/WWII 3019-THREE RIVERS STUART, EARL R. – 84 – USA/WWII www.agad.com KNEGENDORF, ROBERT F. – 82 – USAAF/WWII GRAPH, IVORY – 89 – USA/WWII 4357-BRIGHTON LABEAU, WARREN – 88 – USA VAN ZELE, DONALD – 86 – USN/WWII POLAND, DUANE – 87 – WWII Taps ROTH, VINCENT – 80 – USA/WWII 3023-GRAND RAPIDS 4434-BELLEVILLE WYLIE, FRANK L. – 86 – USMC/WWII BRECHTING, ROBERT L. – 75 – USA/KOREA WRIGHT, RANDALL – 41 – USA/PERSIAN GULF SEND TO: 1146-ST. CLAIR SHORES DAVIS, LAWRENCE E. – 72 – USA 4499-MANISTEE Department of MI VFW ANNUNZI, ROBERT J. – 79 – USN/WWII/KOREA DE VRIES, ARDEN G. – 92 – USMC/WWII/KOREA CROMWELL, ROBERT S. SR. – 85 – WWII/KOREA 924 North Washington ARMSTRONG, CHARLES W. – 79 – USN/KOREA FINNEY, JAMES E. – 93 – USA/WWII DULINSKI, DAVID F. – 91 – USA/WWII CALDERONE, JACK – 82 – USA/KOREA HOEVE, DONALD E. – 77 – USN/KOREA KELLEY, LEO C. – 91 – USMC/WWII Lansing, Michigan 48906 CHUDNOW, MICHAEL – 90 – USAAF/WWII HOLMES, HARRY C. – 86 – USMC/WWII 4553-DETROIT (517) 485-9456 ELIASZ, STEPHEN – 93 – USN/WWII HOUSE, MARVIN – 89 – USA/WWII BORIEO, ALBERT J. – 62 – USAF/VIETNAM FORNESS, JOHN W. HUMPHREYS, DANIEL – USA 4573 – ISHPEMING KMIECIK, DAVID G. – 62 – USA/VIETNAM MC GANN, JOHN J. – 92 – USA/WWII NINNUS, PAUL – 71 – USN/KOREA MAYERNICK, ANDREW J. – 93 – USA/WWII WURN, JACK – 84 – USA/WWII SAARI, ROBERT – 82 – USA/KOREA PADALINO, ANTHONY – 79 – USA/KOREA 3030-OTSEGO TONKIN, WILLIAM D. – 88 – USN/WWII Comrades please copy this form and SORRENTINO, ANGELO J. – 86 – USA/WWII LIVINGSTON, BERNARD A. – 92 – USMC/WWII 4624-HUBBELL use it for the Taps that you send in. TENO, CLIFFORD – 91 – USA/WWII MERINGA, MARINUS – 83 – USA/WWII ERKKILA, CARL E. – 91 – USA/WWII TOMCZYK, RICHARD A. – USA/KOREA TISRON, JACK – 85 – USN/WWII JOHNSON, EMMET G. – 76 – USA/KOREA Send Completed Form To: VFW of VAN WINGERDEN, NICHOLAS – 86 – WWII WALTERS, ELMER – 90 – USA/WWII 4642-LINDEN Michigan 924 North Washington, WOLOWIEC, ALBIN – 86 – USA/WWII 3033-MT. PLEASANT HOGAN, WOODROW – 94 – USN/WWII YOUNG, KENNETH W. – 84 – USA/WWII BRADAC, JOSEPH G. – 80 – USA/WWII KARNOWSKI, HARRY – 83 – USN/WWII Lansing, Michigan 48906 1224-HAMBURG 3055-ST. LOUIS KESSLER, MELVIN – 80 – USA/KOREA DILLMAN , RICHARD – 84 – USA/WWII ERSKIN, RICHARD A. – 70 – USA MILLS, CLYDE – 63 – USA/VIETNAM ______ROSS, LEE – 86 – USN/WWII 3195-MUSKEGON WARDIE, CALVIN – 83 – USN/WWII (Last Name) WINES, RICHARD – 86 – USA/WWII HARMON, MICHAEL J. JR. – 93 – USA/WWII 4646-LYONS 1278-DETROIT 3243-FENTON CONFER, CLARE – 83 – USN/WWII ______ARBOUR, LAWRENCE A. – 88 – USAAF/WWII ALLEN, BRADLEY J. – 59 – USMC/VIETNAM 4837-MARLETTE (First Name) SIMS, CARL E. – 89 – USA/WWII ANGELUSKI, EDWARD M. – 89 – USCG/WWII CRAIG, ROBERT J. – 76 – USA/KOREA 1407-FERNDALE BAKER, STEWART 5065-SHERIDAN ______PHINNEY, ROBERT G. – 64 – USA/VIETNAM BARCUME, GARY – 68 – USMC/KOREA BILLS, DAVID M. – 80 – USMC/KOREA (Age) 1452-CLIO BERBAS, ERNEST J. HAWES, DALE D. SR. – 79 – USA/KOREA JEFFREY, JACK B. – 83 – USN/WWII BITTNER, JAMES A. – 83 – USN/WWII PETERMAN, PHILLIP A. – 89 – USA/WWII ______1454-ALMA BORG, KEENAN – 84 – USN/WWII SWARTZ, JAMES M. – 87 – USA/WWII (Date of Death) CAMPBELL, CLARK – 90 – USA/WWII BRANHAM, HARTZEL – 74 – USMC/KOREA 5096-CUSTER DOUGLAS, BOYD – 82 – USN/WWII GEARHART, LEO C. – 71 – USA TOMASIEWICZ, SIDNEY JR. – 58 – USMC/VIETNAM ______HULINGS, CLAUDE – 87 – USA/WWII GERYCH, JOHN – 90 – WWII 5191-WALDRON (Post #) 1669-ROYAL OAK HEIDTMAN, JACK –WWII WILSON, HARLEY JR. – 77 – USA/KOREA BRAGE, JACK – 70 – USN/WWII KRYZA, RICHARD – 59 – USA/VIETNAM 5319-ATHENS ______BRYCE, RICHARD – 72 – USN/WWII MCCORMICK, CHARLES D. BARBER, LAWRENCE – 79 – USA/KOREA (City) GILL, SAM – 91 – USA/WWII RAYMOR, JOHN – 94 – WWII CARPENTER, BRUCE – 60 – USA/VIETNAM JAUREQUI, RICHARD – 62 – USMC SENTER, REUBEN JOHNSON, LINDLEY – 92 – USA/WWII Branch (Circle One): KNOX, ROBERT G. – 83 – USA/WWII SMITH, ALBERT – 82 – WWII 5598-COOPERSVILLE USA USAAC USN MCMASTER, CARL – 86 – USAAF/WWII SMITH, NEIL – 70 – USAF/KOREA/VIETNAM SIMONS, BERNARD H. – 87 – USN/WWII NITZ, JAMES – 83 – USMC/WWII SPILLERS, JEFFREY – PERSIAN GULF 5670-GWINN USMC USAF USCG REGULA, RICHARD – 85 – USA/WWII STANKEVICH, THOMAS – VIETNAM BOLLERO, WILLIAM F. – 70 – USMC/LEBANON SCHROEDER, HARRY – 90 – USN/WWII STEVENSON, WILLIAM S. – WWII 5695-ST. CHARLES Served In (Circle One): SZPYRKA, RICHARD – 63 – USN/VIETNAM SWARTHOUT, FRED W. CERVA, JAMES D. – 84 – USA/WWII WWI WWII Korea USHER, LEO – 76 – USA/KOREA TOWNSEND, THOMAS H. 5857-ONAWAY 1855-DOWAGIAC VELTHOVEN, FREDERICK – 69 SHAW, ANDREW – 89 – USN/WWII Vietnam Gulf Other SPRINGSTEEN, LESLIE – 88 – USN/WWII WADE, ROBERT J. – 83 – USN/WWII VEIHL, RODNEY G. – 82 – USA/WWII Occupation Forces TANZILLO, DOMINICK – 82 – USA/WWII WORTMAN, RAYMOND J. WHEELER, ROBERT P. – 90 – USA/WWII WRAY, WILLIAM G. TAPS, continued on page 21 21 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran

TAPS, continued from page 20 7310-GROSSE ILE JOLLIFFE, EDWIN – 85 – USA/WWII 5966-DAGGETT 7486-AKRON Auxiliary TAPS PHILLIPPO, HAROLD – 89 – USAAF/WWII ERDODY, FRANK – 86 – USA/WWII 6013-ELKTON 7569-ALPHA 446-MUSKEGON HARRIS, AGNES – 79 5600-ONTONAGON, GRIGGS, LEONARD – 81 – USA/KOREA NOVEY, JOHN P. – USMC/WWII DETAMORE, ALICE HOLT, VIORENE – 78 LETSON, BETTY – 86 6017-PENTWATER 7805-ITHACA HAYWARD, CAROL NULL, MARTHA – 83 SWANBERG, SYLVIA – 96 BELOTE, FRANK W. – 64 – USA/VIETNAM CRAWFORD, JEFFREY – 57 – USA/KOREA 582-ORTONVILLE PALMER, AMYE – 89 5855-PORTAGE JOBBINS, FREDRICK – 77 – KOREA FLEGEL, CLARENCE N. – 88 – USN/WWII MCARTHUR, MILDRED – 89 SCHAEFER, SUSAN – 80 DEE, SUE – 72 STEVENS, PHILIP K. – 84 – USA/WWII LOHRER, MELVIN E. – 79 – USA/KOREA 671-DEWITT SCOTT, DELORES – 73 KOSCIK, CONNIE – 55 6165-SOUTH RANGE ROZEN, ERNEST P. – 85 – USN/WWII WOODARD, MARY – 87 WETMORE, JUANITA – 81 5857-ONAWAY BEACH, TONY – 65 – USA/VIETNAM 7806-MANTON 701-LANSING WOODHAM, HELEN – 83 FAIRCLOTH, GRACE MAY, ALBERT – 86 – USMC/WWII KERANEN, CARL – WWII CASEY, HELEN 3623-CHEBOYGAN WILTON, NORA PYYKKONEN, CLARENCE – 81 – KOREA 7958-HESSEL 822-FLINT ELLIOTT, ELIZABETH – 87 6165-SOUTH RANGE RICE, DAVID CATALINE, ROBERT A. – 71 – USMC/VIETNAM FARMER, SHARON JONES, AUTUMN LINE, GAIL SALO, RUSSELL – 92 – WWII 8236-FLINT WIITANEN, LLOYD – 88 – WWII MCINTYRE, HAROLD – 62 – USA/VIETNAM ROWE, HELEN ST. PIERRE, DOROTHY 6248-DECATUR 6250-STERLING HEIGHTS SANDERS, JAMES E. – 85 – USA/WWII 830-GRAND RAPIDS 3644-CASS CITY NEW, EDNA – 49 BEDNAROWSKI, BENNY – 79 – USA/KOREA 8372-ENGADINE BLEAM, THELMA LOUKS, BEVERLY – 65 6335-LEWISTON 6252-COMSTOCK MATCHINSKE, GILBERT – 78 – USN/KOREA 995-BITELY 3673-BESSEMER PRYOR, ROSEMARIE BRUNELLE, JOSEPH A. – 82 – USA/WWII YALE, HARRY L. – 76 – USA/KOREA DEEHAN, MARIANNE ELLSWORTH, FLORENCE 6464 -FOWLERVILLE EVANS, THOMAS – 83 – USN/WWII 8465-PORT HURON 1008-WATERFORD EVSICH, NORMA AHLBORN, LUCILLE KNAPP, RUSSELL L. – 67 – USA/KOREA BALDOCK, FLOYD – 87 – USA/WWII KLIMEK, NELLIE ROSA, WABIRDA FEINEN, JENNIE 6462-DUNDEE HAVENS, DUANE – 88 – USAAF/WWII 1071-COLEMAN 3676-SAULT STE. MARIE 6507-CHASSELL GRAHAM, CHARLES – 89 – USA/WWII 8846-MUSKEGON PETTIS, MARY – 89 WEIGELT, SARA LAAKANIEMI, CATHERINE – 76 6579-NEW LOTHROP ELLIOTT, DANIEL – 75 – USN/KOREA 1075-HARRISON WEILAND, DONNA JEAN 6754-SPRUCE BURNS, JAMES O. – 87 – USN/WWII KRATOVIL, STEVEN – 89 – USN/WWII DUMO, LIBBY 3733-FOWLER COUTURE, ANGELINE – 80 CHASE, DONALD C. – 88 – USA/WWII 9021-WARREN LEMLE, ROSE THELEN, ARLENE ERBISH, BETTY HENIGE, DUANE J. – 74 – USA AGNELLO, JACK – 85 – USN/WWII MORGAN, VIRGINIA 3734-MUSKEGON 6782-EASTPOINTE 9084-WAKEFIELD VOLZ, KENNETH W. – 81 – USA/KOREA 1136-WYANDOTTE HAUG, JOAN – 91 BROCKETT, LAURA 6691-FRASER BOLLER, WILLIS – 85 – USN/WWII PIKE, VIOLA 3735-OSCODA CAMPBELL, PATRICIA GILSBACK, WILLIAM – 81 – USA/KOREA MISKOVICH, GEORGE – 87 – USA/WWII POMNICHOWSKI, LILLIE ROBERTS, MARYANN – 53 6802-RICHMOND WARNER, DANIEL – 87 – USAAF/WWII 9293-EASTPOINTE 6695-PLYMOUTH MILLER, WILLIAM – 79 – USA/KOREA 1137-BENTON HARBOR SIERADSKI, DELPHINE – 77 CHISHOLM, BEVERLY BRENNER, FRANZ – 68 – USA/VIETNAM 9377-PLAINWELL BOHANNAN, PEARL 3753-PINCONNING 6896-WESTLAND 6754-SPRUCE DI MAGGIO, JACK – 89 – USN/WWII RUDELL, MARYANN BRIGGS, MARGE HOLMES, VERONICA HANSEN, FRANK N. – 83 – USN/WWII 9388-MUSKEGON WESAW, MARY HARTWICK, EVELYN MIEDLAR, FRANCES 6756-CENTER LINE WATSON, TOMMIE L. – 78 – USA/KOREA 1138-MONROE MOORE, DONNA PTASZNIK, LUCILLE HIPPE, EDMUND – 84 – USA/WWII 9411-HOMER BENVENUTO, ANN 3791-FLINT RATKOWSKI, MARGARET 6896-WESTLAND ANDERSON, REX E. – USA/VIETNAM GALLAN, LILLIAN WILLIAMS, THELMA SKRABUCHA, MARY JO CIZIO, THEODORE – USA/WWII AUSTIN, MYLAN G. – 84 – USA/WWII PRATT, BERNICE 3925-ERIE SZPUNAR, GENEVIEVE DUDEK, EDWARD – 88 – USA/KOREA PAYNE NORMAN E. – USA/WWII STUTSMAN, DONNA LA VOY, ROSEMARY – 87 TRIBBS, MARY GIER, RAY – USA/WWII WINNIE, DONALD R. – 65 – USA/KOREA YOUNGLOVE, ARLENE REED, FRANCES – 85 VENAZINDIS, JULIANAN KALIE, GEORGE – USA/WWII 10194-GRASS LAKE 1146-ST CLAIR SHORES 3943-NEWPORT WALL, LILLIAN ROMANOWSKI, EDWARD – USA/WWII WARREN, FREDERICK C. – 90 – USA/WWII DEPEYSTER, BARBARA CURRIVEAN, MARIE 6950-KAWKAWLIN, 6985-CENTRAL LAKE 10329-MANCHESTER GOODHAND, FRANCES EMERSON, ROXANNE BARRERA, JUANITA FOSTER, JACK J. – 90 – USA/WWII HERMAN, VERNON – 85 – USA/WWII 1370-PONTIAC PFUND, MARIE MILLER, JANE RIDEOUT, HARRY W. – 86 – USA/WWII 10770-LEROY BRADSHAW, IRIS WILLIAMS, JOYCE 7439-INDIAN RIVER 7302-HEMLOCK WILLIAMS, EARL R. – 84 – USN/KOREA CROSS, SANDI 4005-CORUNNA KING, BETHANY BYRON, DONALD – 88 – USA/WWII 10884-MAYVILLE ERSKINE, RICHARD JR. – 88 – USA/WWII BRABO, RAYMOND – 87 – USMC/WWII KATHER, AUDREY GURDEN, CYNTHIA 7486-AKRON SEFCIK, EDWARD – 82 – USN/WWII CARDINELL, EARL – 79 – USA 1452-CLIO HARRIS, THELMA BELLER, EDNA – 97 VANCE, RICHARD – 81 – USMC LUMLEY, LARRY – 74 – USA CONVERSE, DELORES – 77 PHILLIPS, BARBARA 7546-DEARBORN HEIGHTS 7309-MASON MACDONALD, RICHARD – 69 – USA 1519-LIVONIA ZWOLENSKY, GLENNA – 86 BALLARIN, HELEN CARUSS, PHILLIP – USA/WWII 15023-LANSING SPERKOWSKI, ELAINE – 61 4034-HOUGHTON LAKE 7575-GARDEN CITY HOVEY, RICHARD – USA/WWII WHITE, RAYMOND K. – 90 – USN/WWII 1794-MT CLEMENS BAIR, CLARA MC ADAM, GRACE – 81 MAYES, WALTER – 87 – USAAF/WWII ARNOLD, DORIS 4087-DAVISON 7580-EAST JORDAN 2233-DETROIT GALVAS, ROSE – 90 CLARK, EMILY MORGAN, EVA – 101 GILBERT, ANNABELLE MAYHEW, DOROTHY Sport Clips Provides Quarter Million Dollar 2272-DURAND MOONEY, ANNE – 87 7581-WAYLAND BOHMAN, BETTY – 84 4090-PORTLAND BRAZIL, ANN Gift to VFW’s Operation Uplink GOOCH, DOROTHY – 81 ROGERS, NORAN CRUSAN, MAXINE HORAN, JANE – 80 4113-ST. JOHNS 7646-ALSTON Nation’s heroes and their families to benefit from single largest KENDALL, LOIS – 80 FORBES, BONNIE BESONEN, AGNES – 87 MORRIS, MARILYN – 82 GURSKI, MARGARET MAKI, TAIMI – 90 corporate sponsorship of Operation Uplink’s “Free Call Day” program. 2292-EDMORE 4139-LAPEER 7956-AUGUSTA JOHNSON, AGNES ERNEST, JUDITH BENEDICT, MELVA Meller, Texas Army National Guard also 2335-MECOSTA GARRISON, MARGIE – 85 KEGLOVITZ, TONI attended the check presentation. KING, DORIS – 86 4159-ROSCOMMON 7958-HESSEL “Our commitment to the men and women 2358-ROSEVILLE TICK, SANDRA – 68 ELLIOTT, FLORENCE who are serving our country, as well as their BALOGH, OVELLA TRASK, PEGGY – 82 8260-NASHVILLE DANNER, JOYCE 4162-HAMTRAMCK CONRAD, ZOE family and friends, is strong and we appre- MURPHY, LAURA SADOWSKI, MARION LUMBERT, BEVERLY ciate all those who worked to make this land- 2492-IMLAY CITY STACHEROK, VIOLET – 83 8275-AU GRES mark donation possible,” Logan said. “The BOWMAN, ELAINE 4187-TECUMSEH DANILOW, DORIS SCHULTZ, DOROTHY – 87 KOHLER, HELEN 8372-ENGADINE memory of wanting to call home during my WALKER, ANNABELLE – 87 MASTIE, KATHRYN KLOBUCHER, HILDEGARDE days overseas is one that stays with me. So, 2496-ALPENA 4249-NEWAYGO 8751-MILLERSBURG we will continue our commitment to our LABARGE, ESTHER – 83 DAVIS, MARTHA – 84 BRENNER, BEULAH MICHAUD, SUSAN – 60 MULLIS, PATRICIA 8846-NORTH MUSKEGON deployed and hospitalized troops through MOLDENHAUER, MARIE – 95 TAYLOR, PATRICIA – 62 BEARDSLEY, NANCY – 70 KANSAS CITY, MO, December 17, Operation Uplink and to the military at PEELING, PAULINE – 89 WOLEVER, MARY – 48 MAPLE, ELOISE – 88 2009 – A $250,000 gift to the Veterans of home with special pricing in our stores.” SEELEY, BEATRICE 4357-BRIGHTON PITTS, JUNE Foreign Wars’ Operation Uplink “Free “Sport Clips’ generosity is extraordi- 2502-SOUTH LYON DIAS, RUTH SANDER, MYRTLE – 91 STUNDAVANT, CHARLOTTE – 80 LOOK, LINDA VANDERLEEST, HELEN Call Day” program by Texas-based Sport nary beyond words. This is a gift that will 2780-TRAVERSE CITY 4461-LAKE ODESSA 9021-WARREN Clips is expected to provide more than 6.5 bring immeasurable joy for so many of ADAMS, ETHEL BURNS, DAWN WADE, SHIRLEY – 80 million minutes of free calls home for our service members and their families. EGELER, PENNIE WALTER, LUCILLE 9023-BRIMLEY JAKEE, J. KAYE 4499-MANISTEE CRAWFORD, RHEA – 92 soldiers over the holidays. We are deeply grateful for Sport Clips’ 2891-CRYSTAL FALLS SKOCELAS, BARBARA MILLER, LILA – 73 Sport Clips’donation is the single largest support through the past few years and all MCNEIL, MARILYN – 72 4573-ISHPEMING SOULLIERE, LOUISE – 97 corporate gift to the program to date and they’ve done on behalf of those who 2964-REED CITY ARSENEAULT, LOIS 9283-SOUTHGATE deserve it most,” said VFW National COASTER, RITA – 82 BENVENUE, AILIE FOSS, MARY will make available free call days for KNAUF, IRENE – 79 BICKERS, INGRID 9455-OWOSSO deployed and hospitalized American mili- Commander Tradewell. SIMS, BARBARA – 82 PETERSON, MARCIA – 64 PALMER, DOROTHY – 75 tary on Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memo- This is Sport Clips’ third year to sup- SPEES, MARJORIE 4624-HUBBELL 9656-LAMBERTVILLE rial Day and Independence Day. port Operation Uplink. In 2007, Sport WOLVERTON, ROSE MARIE – 81 HAINAULT, ALICE MARTIN, RITA – 51 3023-GRAND RAPIDS 4644-DEARBORN HEIGHTS 9914-HIGHLAND The donation doubled Sport Clips’ Clips kicked off its first Operation Uplink HUEY, MARCIA SALZBRUNN, EVELYN STEELE, OLIVE – 98 2009 goal of $125,000 and represents effort exceeding its goal of $30,000 by 3033-MT PLEASANT 4659-SHELBY TOWNSHIP 10704-CASSOPOLIS funds raised by company team members raising $87,000. In 2008, the sports- GUERRERO, PEARL – 82 MORGAN, DORIS – 80 HANDLEY, ELLA MAE VAN ORDEN, JERALDINE – 73 5065-SHERIDAN HENDERSON, LELIA and clients from the franchise’s 670 loca- themed haircutter raised more than 3165-NEGAUNEE BRADBURY, AGNES – 80 15023-AT LARGE tions across the country. $120,000 for the VFW program. CORY, JOSEPHINE – 81 FORTON, DOROTHY ALEXANDER, LERA NELL Sport Clips Founder/CEO and Lifetime Sport Clips has been named one of the HEMMILA, G. IRENE KING, DOREEN – 84 BABINSKI, SUZETTE VFW Member Gordon Logan presented the top 100 franchises in America and one of KARHI, GRETCHIN – 66 LEAK, LOIS BUSK, MARY ANN 3306-HOWARD CITY REYNOLDS, ILVA COATSWORTH, PATRICIA gift to VFW Commander-in-Chief Thomas the top 50 fastest growing franchises by BROCKSCHMIDT, ELAINE – 82 5096-CUSTER DODGE, MARY J. Tradewell. Sr. Texas State Adjutant/Quar- Entrepreneur magazine and is the “Offi- 3323-WESTLAND KNUDSEN, JUNE – 77 HUNTER, ROXIE termaster Roy J. Grona; Past VFW National cial Haircutter” of the VFW. The fran- ARNTSON, RUBY – 91 LESAUSKY, RUTH KELLEY, IVA GRACE BALLARD, JOSEPHINE – 86 SANDERS, MARGUERITE LEGG, DELLA Commander’s James Nier and Glen chise also supports the military with BENNETT, MARY – 89 SWEETNAM, HATTIE MAYLE, MARGARET Gardner; Texas Dept. Commander Mike special store ownership options through CARPENTER, REBECCA – 75 5319-ATHENS PENIX, RENEE Barber; Dept. Sr. Vice Commander Wayne the International Franchise Association’s CARRICO, BERNADETTE – 93 LEE, MARTHA – 91 PERSAILS, RUBY VetFran program. For more information COBB, BERTIE – 84 PATTERSON, GRACE – 72 RILEY, ANN DePute; Dept. Junior Vice Commander DARNELL, MARY 5572-ALLEN PARK SCHLUETER, ANNA John Spahr; and Iraq veteran 2nd Lt. Joseph about Sport Clips, visit SportClips.com EMINGER, HAZEL – 82 ROSSOW, DOLORES – 80 SCHULTZ, PHYLLIS Michigan Overseas Veteran January/February/March 2010 22

Camp Trotter for Children Veterans of Foreign Wars ¥ Department of Michigan Third Annual Charity Golf Outing 91st Annual State Convention Hyatt Regency, Dearborn ¥ June 24-June 27, 2010 Sponsored by Dept. of Michigan VFW Registration Guidelines or paid at the State Convention, but must be rectified before registering Camp Trotter for Children • When registering, each individual • Post Commanders or Post Quartermas- PSC Ernie Meyers, Sr. VFW member must show their Life ters cannot register all the Post delegates 925 Forest Street Member card or membership card for Important Notice: Charlotte, MI 48813-1264 the current year Convention Registration will close • Post Delegate fees must be paid promptly at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, Dear Supporter: • All moneys owed to Department must 2010. No one will be allowed to register The Camp Trotter for Children is holding its be paid after that time. Third Annual Charity Golf Outing, Friday, June 4, • All audits must be up to date If you have any questions, please contact 2010 at Village Green Golf Course located in • Election Reports must be received by the Department Office. Newaygo, MI and sponsored by the Department Department and National of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars. To be a huge success, this Charity Golf • Quartermaster’s Bond must be paid for Loyally, Outing needs your support. the 2009-2010 year Marvin Hamann We do hope you will consider supporting this fundraiser for the VFW Camp Trotter • Any of the above items can be submitted Director of Registration for Children. Camp Trotter for Children was established for children ages 7 through 12. Camp Trotter is located on beautiful Bills Lake in Newaygo County. The Camping Season runs from 4 July through 7 August 2010. Donations from supporters like you make our event one that everyone wants to attend year after year. Donation Opportunities: • Sponsor a hole or tee box. Because of the popularity of sponsoring holes and tees, we are recognizing those individuals, Corporations or Groups with the appro- priate sign on the tee or hole. ($55.00 minimum donation) • Sponsor a Team. $60/person or $240.00 per foursome. • Donate a product or gift certificate that can be used as a raffle prize or a door prize. • Make a monetary donation. The proceeds from this year’s Charity Golf Outing will be used for the mainte- nance update of the many cottages and support facilities of the VFW Camp Trotter for Children. Drop by and see some of your money at work with a major renova- tion that’s already taken place. Thank you for supporting our children’s camp and making this veterans site one to be proud of for years to come.

Ernie Meyers, Sr. Annabelle Furgason Project Director Assistant Project Director E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 1-517-543-0014 Phone: 1-231-834-9376

Donations to the VFW Camp Trotter for Children are tax-deductible under section 501c (19) of the Internal Revenue Code. 23 January/February/March 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran

Rev. Elmer R. Liimatta Ronald L. Devereaux COMMANDER & PRESIDENT’S TESTIMONIAL Candidate for National Chaplain Candidate for RAMADA INN , 7501 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 Department of Michigan May 7-9, 2010 Department Jr. Vice Commander Phone in reservations: 517-627-3211 2010-2011 Ask for VFW Testimonial Deadline for Reservations: APRIL 16, 2010 Room Rate: $89.00 Plus Tax (Includes continental breakfast for Saturday/Sunday) Arrive on Friday for Golf Outing and enjoy the hospitality room. Highly Qualified Sunday Ð Safe drive home Endorsed and supported by: Endorsed by: District 9 State of Michigan VFW Olson-Kiste VFW Post 4406 JOINT TESTIMONIAL His Wife and family Honoring Dave Hutson, State Commander Billy G. Stancroff Kirk Kennedy Jan Meyers, State President Candidate for Candidate for AD BOOK REQUEST Department of Michigan Department of Michigan Department Jr. Vice Commander Department Jr. Vice Commander Full Page: $100.00 Half Page: $50.00 Quarter Page: $35.00 Patron Ad: $3.00 2010-2011 2010-2011 Deadline for Ads Ð April 12, 2010 Make checks payable to: VFW Commander/President Testimonial Please send ad with check to: Rosemary Lehner, 8175 S. Luce Road, Perrinton, MI 48871 Phone: 1-989-763-8929 ¥ E-mail: [email protected]

Amount Enclosed:______Check #:______Endorsed and supported by: Endorsed and supported by: District 12 District 6 Lt. Clement F.Derezinski VFW Post 7729 Morley S. Oates VFW Post 701 His family His family Size of Ad Requested: ______Organization: ______

Contact Person: ______Deb Eernisse Kathy Kirby (name) (phone number) Candidate for Department Guard Candidate for Department Guard Please attach message, special artwork or list of patrons on a separate sheet. 2010-2011 2010-2011 Every attempt will be made to use special artwork if a quality original is provided, preferable in black and white and in a digital format.

JOINT TESTIMONIAL BANQUET Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. and Ladies Auxiliary State Commander Dave Hutson ¥ State President Jan Meyers May 7-9, 2010 Endorsed and supported by: Endorsed and supported by: District 8 District 10 Ramada Inn, 7501 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 Ladies Auxiliary 3030 Ladies Auxiliary 1452 Her family Her family Banquet 5:30 p.m., May 8, 2010 Doors Open at 5:00 p.m. Price $35.00 per person/No tickets sold at the door Banquet Seating will be open Deadline date for ordering tickets: April 26 , 2010 Michigan Overseas Veteran - 2010 Dinner tickets will not be mailed. PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE DEADLINES Pick up tickets at the door. Issue Deadline Issue Deadline April/May/June April 15, 2010 October/November/December November 1, 2010 Banquet Ticket Includes: July/August/September August 1, 2010 January/February/March February 1, 2011 Dinner and 2 drink tickets Please Remember! Complimentary Draft Beer and Soft Drink 1. Do not type all CAPITAL LETTERS. Use capitals sparingly. When in doubt, do not capitalize a word. Cash Bar and Entertainment Use 12-point font type size. Dress code: Business Casual 2. Please no handwritten submissions, as they will not be considered for publication. 3. Do not write on back of pictures. Use a separate sheet of paper. Identify all people in the photograph. Try to limit number of people in photo to five or six, at most. 4. Posts and Auxiliaries are encouraged to submit items of interest from their areas. 5. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space constraints. Name: ______6. Do not submit newspaper articles and pictures from newspapers UNLESS you provide written authorization from the publication involved. 7. Never submit article or photos clipped from newspapers or magazines. Address: ______8. DISTRICT COMMANDERS – Please submit your District Meetings schedule as soon as possible, so it can be published. City, State, Zip code: ______9. MAIL ALL ARTICLES TO MOV EDITOR: MOV Editor Auxiliary Editor Matt David, [email protected] Marion Belaire, [email protected] District #______Post #______

Amount Enclosed: $______Check #______Number of Tickets______Make all checks payable to: VFW Commander & President Testimonial (NO CASH) Mail to: Rosemary Lehner, 8175 S. Luce Road, Perrinton, MI 48871 Phone: 989-763-8929 MICHIGANMICHIGAN OVERSEASOVERS EVETERANVAETSERAN District Meetings • Reporting your positive impact on the Michigan community • January/February/March 2010 Volume 77 Number 3 2010 Coming Events District 4 2010 May 1 Post 9568 STATE COMMANDER May 6-8 Dave Hutson District 5 I hope that all had a happy and rewarding Christmas Buddy Poppy Days State Commander and are now enjoying the New Year. Hard to believe District 6 it’s 2010 already and the 2009 year is a thing of the May 1 Post 7309 past. So let’s all look forward, and not look back in the May 7-8 past as to what we could have one and should have best of the best. Congratulations to each and every Commander & President Joint INSIDE done. Let’s strive to “Be all that we can be” with the one of those fine young men and women. I am very District 7 Testimonial remainder of this year. Make membership a priority, pleased to know that the Department of Michigan Lansing, MI report all activities and live by our creed: “Honor the had a National winner in the Teacher of the Year Officer Reports ...... 1-3 District 8 dead by helping the living.” competition this year. I, and all the line officers May 1 Post 3023 I look back at where we were and where we are (Commander, Sr. Vice, Jr. Vice and June 4-5 at the present. Currently, as of this writing, we Quartermaster/Adjutant), will be at the Legislative District Reports ....4-6 Golf Outing/Officer Training Seminar (the Dept. of Michigan) are at 92.79% and Conference in Washington, D.C. in March and will District 9 Camp Trotter Ð Newaygo needing less than 4,500 members to be at 100% in once again see the winners from around the world. Auxiliary News ...... 7-10 membership. Is this achievable? I’m confident While there, Commander-in-Chief, Tommy T. District 10 that it is and will happen for the great State of Tradewell, will be up on Capitol Hill with his speech May 10 Post 4087 Michigan this year. I want to congratulate all the to the Senate and we will accompany him, along June 24-27 Veterans Day ...... 11 Posts that are at 100% or better in membership with many others. Department Convention and the Districts that have achieved 90% by the In the next few months we will be honoring all District 11 Hyatt Regency, Dearborn Past Commanders and Presidents at dinners put on Voice of Democracy/ end of December as I asked. It is time for all Posts Patriot’s Pen ...... 12-13 and Districts to find the new members, whether by their Posts and Districts. I know I will see some but those that I don’t, my congrats and wishes for District 12 just returning from Iraq or Afghanistan or com- May 2 Post 6333 rades that have been home from combat since continued success to all. I, and my line officers, will 100% WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm – let’s get also be making District meetings and I hope to see in Membership ...... 15 them into the greatest organization that exists. all Posts represented. District 13 Also, let’s not forget the unpaid members and the Lastly, let us not forget our Ladies Auxiliary. They are an important part of the veterans of For- TAPS ...... 20-21 reinstated members that left for one reason or eign Wars. The successes of many of the VFW pro- District 14 another. Let’s remember what we are here for and what we represent to all fellow veterans. grams are a result of the ladies participation in these Camp Trotter Mid-Winter Convention is now over and I want to programs. I think every family has a member or two District 15 Golf Outing ...... 22 thank all the Post and District Directors, Department that are eligible for the Ladies Auxiliary. Let’s give Directors (Pat Patterson and Gloria Dobbie) for their them a helping hand by signing them up today. My wife, Sandy, and two daughters, Amy and Tracy, are State Convention...... 22 effort and time to put on such a great program as the Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen/Teacher of the already members. Oh, and most recently, my grand- Year in and around your communities, and sending daughter, Ashley from Wisconsin joined the Ladies Joint Testimonial ...... 23 on the best of the best onto the state competition. We Auxiliary. No, I didn’t get the challenge coin from had a hard decision with the winners as they were all Jan Meyers for putting her in. I used a niece for very good and they were all winners in my eyes. mine. Do your part and remember: “BE ALL THAT However, the ones picked by the judges were the YOU CAN BE.”