A non-profit official publication the Department of the Pacific Areas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the

Volume XX – Number 9 April 2017 FREE “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

Typhoon / Around the Pacific Table of Contents 2016-2017 Section: Page: Department of Pacific Areas Convention and Department Officer’s Comments 2 Grand of Pacific Areas Scratch Commander 2 Senior Vice Commander 3 11-15 June 2017, Subic Bay Mai, Chaplain 6 Reservation deadline 01 June 2017 Surgeon 8 Inspector 9 http://vfwdeptpacific.org/CONVENTION/ Department Committee Reports 11 Americanism Chairman 11 Clark Cemetery Committee Chairman 12 Convention Committee Chairman 15 Life Membership Chairman 15 National Home for Children Chairman 16 Pacific House Chairman 18 Roving Ambassador 21 Editor 21 Around the Pacific - Community Report 24 VFW Pacific Areas General Announcements 26 Cootie Corner Announcements 30 The VFW Department of Pacific Areas and Grand of Pacific Areas Pacific Areas Photo of the Edition 31 Council of Administration will be held at the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel Pacific Areas Joke of the Edition 32 located at # 249 Waterfront Road, SBFZ.

Hope to see you there! ------

Back from the computer crash

edition! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

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From the Commander:

Comrades,

At the time of writing this, we are still having problems with our website and getting the Typhoon published. Hopefully by the time you read this both problems will have been resolved.

First thanks to all that helped the department reach 95% in membership by March 17 doing the CINC Duffy’s 2016-2017 Leprechaun Loot contest. Seven Departments were over 95% or better and I was lucky that my name was drawn for the winning prize of $1,000. Commander Duffy is running another membership contest “Shoot for the Top” in membership! Contest runs from March 18 - May 1 inclusive.

Based on the May 2nd Memstats report:

1) Any Department who is 1% or more, above the national membership average 2) Any Department who adds 750 or more members 3) Any Department who adds 2% in membership percentage AND is a minimum of 97% 4) Any Department who achieves 100% or more

The contest officially started on March 18th. The data from the March 18th membership report will be used as the baseline data to determine contest qualifiers. If the Department of the Pacific Area can meet one of the criteria by 1 May 2017, and I am selected as a winner, I will be offering all comrades that recruit a new member from March 18 – May 1 and all Posts and Districts over 97% in membership by 1 May a chance for an award which will be determined after 1 May and presented at our Department Convention.

We are some 380 some members short of 100% for the department. We only have three months left to get there. We currently have 6 posts that are only 10 members or less of making 100%. Please let’s get out there and get those unpaid members to make 100% now not later and you should think about giving them a rebate if they become a Life Member. I hope to have a letter out to all within the next couple of days, in hopes of helping all try to recruit those expired annual members.

April is here and there are many things that still need to be accomplished by end of this month, if you wish your Post, District and comrades to be recognized at out convention in June. The All-State judging will take place, recommendations for awards and other requirements need to be done. Please check to make sure all the Post and District requirements for All-State have been met. Double check with your officers and Committee Chairs to ensure all items are checked off. Commanders, also need to be reflecting on comrades in their Posts who have dedicated themselves and contributed to their Post success, by providing a comrade for each award nomination.

The Convention Registration is opened and JVC Verville has done a terrific job with putting everything in place for our convention in Subic Bay. I’m requesting that all will take advantage of the great price and facility that JVC Verville has arranged for the Department, by asking that all attendee’s, please make your reservation at the Department website and stay at the convention hotel.

Thanks for all you do and continued success with One Vision, One Team, and One VFW.

Yours in Comradeship and Service, Robert “Mo” Moses “Clear the Way” Commander “Leading, Mentoring and Caring” Department of Pacific Areas

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

From the Senior Vice Commander:

Greetings Comrades,

MEMBERSHIP

Thanks to your efforts Department of Pacific Areas was one of eight Departments over 95% on 17 March and eligible for VFW National Commander in Chief Brian Duffy’s Leprechaun’s Loot Contest. A drawing was held and Department of Pacific Areas won $1000. Congratulations!

NCIC Duffy is also sponsoring a contest to win one of three VFW Commemorative Henry Repeating Rifles, (or equivalent cash value), for recruiting between 18 March and 1 May. Commander Moses has decided that, should we win, Posts and District achieving the National goals would draw for the Award. We have several possible ways to win. Departments with 1% or more above the National Membership average will draw for one rifle. Any Department adding 2% in membership and being over 97% will automatically win a rifle.

We are entering the final three months of our membership year, and I’m sure all are implementing their strategies to reach Post, District, and Department goals. This seems an opportune time to recognize some notable successes as of 31 March:

- Post 2485, Angeles City, Philippines has achieved 100% in membership for the 29th consecutive year, since activation of the Post. Cliff Wilsey, Post Membership Chairman, has been instrumental in establishing this noteworthy record.

- All American Post 12146, Banchang, Thailand leads the Department with 131.57% for the year. An exceptional accomplishment for a Post activated just over two years ago.

- Starting the year at 100%, having no annual members, All American Post 124, Baguio City, Philippines has since recruited additional Life Members, bringing them to 116.03%.

We have a large number of annual members whose membership has lapsed, or have renewal dates between now and 30 June. Simply stated, we cannot make 100% as a Department without these renewals. Please monitor closely those members whose renewal dates fall between now and 30 June and contact any who may have let their membership lapse and encourage them to renew. Their status can be accessed through the QM tools web page.

Districts and Posts leading the way in Membership as of 31 March:

District over 100%:

District 5 103.46%

Posts over 100%:

Post 12146 131.57% Post 124 116.03% Post 9951 107.11% Post 10249 106.17% Post 3457 105.39% Post 10033 102.25% Post 9612 101.20% Post 11575 100.93% Post 2485 100.36%

Our Top Recruiters in DPA continue to post impressive numbers and carry the load for the Department as of 31 March:

Gasper Delise Post 9985 103 Cliff Wilsey Post 2485 45 Leon Ellison Post 10216 29 Larry Lyons Post 12147 25 Al Fitchett Post 10249 16 Cynthia E. Schmitz Post 10216 16

A total of 119 Comrades have now recruited 1 or more new members. Help them out and each recruit a new member between now and 30 June.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

ALL STATE

Recent problems with the Typhoon and DPA website have complicated the communication process, and the availability of requirement status information for those Posts and Districts vying for All State. Ensure that you report completion of each requirement to the respective Committee Chairman and have verified. Please notify me when you have met all requirements.

Chairman, you may wish to check those Posts and Districts reaching the membership requirement and inform them of any deficiencies in your respective areas. This will allow for any needed corrective actions prior to 30 April.

District Commanders please be reminded of the All State requirement for at least one Course of Instruction for Post and District Officers. Please provide me your Course of Instruction or lesson plan and course content to receive credit for this requirement. Also, please insure you have a Service Officer on your current General Order on file with the Department Adjutant.

All State recognition at the Department Convention is contingent on satisfying all requirements by 30 April. Districts and Posts failing to satisfy all requirements by 30 April, but meeting requirements by 30 June, will be recognized at the C of A in December.

LOOKING AHEAD

Any of you desiring an appointed position in the Department for 2017 – 2018, please contact me and let me know your specific interests.

Yours in Comradeship and Service, John Gilbert Senior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

MARKETING SUPPORT SYSTEM VFW DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS

This month’s article covers a hotchpotch of recommendations.

1. Annual, Life and Legacy memberships:

a. Bring new members on as Life members or convert Annual members to Life members. Transitioning Annual to Life members saves a tremendous amount of time and effort in locating, convincing and processing annual renewals. Avenues to increase Life memberships include:

i. Advertise the installment plan.

ii. Fully utilize National funding that pays for indigent veteran’s memberships.

iii. Be creative in using the DPA membership funds (e.g. If a post receives enough funds to upgrade two memberships, see if four members agree to split the cost with the post to become a Life member.).

iv. Posts hold events to generate funds to upgrade memberships from Annual to Life.

v. Posts put in their annual budgets enough funds to upgrade a certain number of memberships. This can include having new members pay for their initial annual dues and the post cover the additional cost for an Annual membership. To assist in budgeting, posts should determine the total cost of upgrading all members to an Annual membership.

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b. Every attempt should also be made to have Life members become Legacy Life members. Some of the above methods are ways that can assist in this effort.

2. Improving visibility:

a. Pacific Stars & Stripes website: Public Service Announcements (PSA) are available for non-revenue generating events. Have the DPA get a PSA for the Adopt a Unit program and/or benefits assistance.

b. Free publicity: If a Post holds an event where sponsors are solicited (e.g. beach bash, golf tournament, etc.), recognize the sponsor with a plaque or banner that the sponsor can display at their establishment.

c. Integrate recruiting into all Post events and activities. All Post members are recruiters. We need to recruit at all opportunities.

i. During Service Officer or VA Outreach events, have a table there with a banner that prominently displays that we are with the VFW. Have recruitment material on the table.

d. Develop relationships with and support other local organizations (e.g. on and off base women's groups, RAO, FRA, RSL, etc.) as well as out of area organizations. Developing these relationships will increase VFW's visibility and hopefully bring in new members.

3. The DPA and Posts need to ensure they keep the information on their websites and Facebook pages up to date! There is nothing more frustrating for a person visiting your website / Facebook page to click on the "Events" link and find it blank or the most recent event was a year ago. Equally frustrating for a visitor is to call the listed phone number or send an email only to find it is incorrect.

a. Having an out of date website or Facebook page says volumes about the Post and their overall attitude.

4. Soliciting and utilizing member feedback: Not only potential members, but every member in good standing is a customer of the VFW. If we treat our customers badly, they will vote with their feet.

a. In the Marketing section of the DPA website are recommended questionnaires to provide new (recommend three months after joining) and current (recommend annually) members on how to increase membership and quality of services.

5. When a non-VFW member asks for benefits or other assistance (e.g. Disability claim) ask them where he / she learned of the VFW. This will let us know what marketing efforts are working.

PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR INPUT, COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS TO: Jon Crist at [email protected] OR John Gilbert at [email protected]

Quote of the Month: “The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

From the Chaplain:

First and foremost! Thank you for your dedication to our great country and our great department.

Comrades,

I saw on Facebook, SVC John with the Philippine Veterans Federation Officers at Cebu Veterans Cemetery. They were doing a site survey to do repairs and clean up the disrepair at the cemetery. Always leading by example.

Our Post is also taking on a project, upgrades and repairs to a Korean Elderly Care Home. One of their residences is a 90-year-old vet, Mr. Han Man Su, and he was very happy to see the folks show up. Put his Hat and Medal on and shared his stories. Things like these are done all around the Pacific by YOU the members of DPA every day. Brining smiles to those who need a smile, and caring for those who came before us. Keep up the amazing job you are already doing, and keep being a mentor to the younger members, they are watching and learning.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Comrades, again this month it is my duty to notify all of you of our Comrades who have fallen. William Burcham and Thomas Weightman Post 9723 and Robert Wilson Post10249, have passed. Please keep their families in your prayers.

Again, please make sure your Post Chaplains get the names of anyone who passes so we make sure they are recognized. If you are unable to attend your Posts meetings to inform your Chaplain email me directly at either [email protected] my [email protected] . Also On Facebook Chaplains of the Dept. of the Pacific VFW.

Send me the Following:

 FULL NAME and NICK NAME (if they have one). Some Comrades are known more by their Nicknames.  Post Number/Pup Tent  Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines/Coast Guard

Chaplains continue to send your Taps reports. And again, Thank You for your Service, God Bless you and yours.

“Rest Easy, we’ll take it from Here”

Yours in Comradeship, Warren “MAX” Maxson Chaplain Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

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From the Surgeon:

Comrades,

The Seven Health Issues Confronting Veterans

Serving in the theatre of conflict as many of our veterans have, they have been exposed to many things that cause health issues. I came across this medical article that spoke about the Seven Health Issues Confronting Veterans today. Even though each veteran has their own health issues, sometimes they are combined with others. This article focused on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and how even today, over 20 years later from the first Gulf War how our veterans are being affected.

Musculoskeletal Injuries and Pain

Just over half of all veterans' post-deployment health visits address lingering pain in their backs, necks, knees, or shoulders, according to an August study in the Journal of Pain, about 100,000 veterans of the Gulf War nearly 20 years ago have reported chronic muscle pain. Previous research indicated that regular, sustained exercise can help reduce that pain, which doctors encourage to help avoid disability.

Mental Health Issues

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among soldiers has been well publicized, other mental woes can also result from the trauma of war. A study in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that one in 10 Iraq war vets develop serious mental problems, including violent behavior, depression and alcohol abuse. The study found that PTSD or depression seriously impaired daily functioning in 8.5 percent to 14 percent of these vets.

Disabling on its own, PTSD is also linked to the development of physical illnesses for veterans as years pass. Researchers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., reported this year that 54 percent of veterans with PTSD also had sleep apnea, compared with 20 percent of PTSD patients in the general population. PTSD in vets is also associated with a greater risk of developing dementia, according to a June study in Archives of General Psychiatry.

Chemical Exposure

Research by the American Heart Association found that exposure to nerve agents such as sarin — which can trigger convulsions and death on the battlefield— may cause long-term heart damage in Gulf War veterans. The damage can include an enlarged left ventricle, heart rhythm abnormalities or a reduction in the pumping strength of the heart.

Infectious Diseases

As a rule, all military personnel are given routine vaccinations before deployment. Yet veterans suffer disproportionately from certain infections that civilians almost never experience for which vaccines are not available, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They include bacterial infections such as brucellosis, which may persist for years; campylobacter jejuni, which causes abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea; and Coxiella burnetii, which in chronic cases can inflame the heart.

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by the bite of a sand fly native to the Middle East, is a particularly brutal condition veterans experience. Those infected suffer weight loss, fevers, headaches, muscle pain and weakness, anemia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. It can be fatal if untreated, according to the VA.

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Noise and Vibration Exposure

Hearing loss and impairment — including persistent ringing and buzzing in the ears — are common effects of harmful noise from gunfire, heavy weapons, noisy engine rooms and aircraft, Hunt said. Additionally, vets who regularly worked with machinery can suffer vibration exposure, which can prompt irreversible lower back pain or numbness and pain in the hands and fingers, according to the VA.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI, often brought on by a blow or jolt to the head, disrupts brain function and has been called the signature wound of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the National Academy of Sciences. Blast exposures and other combat- related activities put service members at greater risk for sustaining a TBI compared to their civilian counterparts, according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.

Common effects of TBIs include cognitive issues such as shorter attention span, language disabilities, and an inability to process information. Vets can also suffer from lack of motivation, irritability, anxiety and depression, headaches, memory loss and PTSD.

Urologic Injuries

Penetrating injuries to the groin area during battle are often treated only after life-threatening injuries have been dealt with, injuries to the bladder, ureters, kidneys and genitalia usually require complex surgery, Smith said, but complications often arise because treatment must be put off.

Yours in Comradeship, Michael Napsey Surgeon Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

From the Inspector:

Hello our great Comrades of the Pacific Areas,

Below is the up-to-date progress report of our Post/District Inspections as of 5 April 2017. Please note that the information on the chart is a management tool only. However, I hope we can closeout our final Inspections ASAP!!! I can be reached at: [email protected] anytime for questions.

I am very pleased to announced that our Post 11575 out of Cambodia was re-inspected on 27 Feb 2017 by Deputy Inspector Tom Friend and everything is now in order. I would also like to thank D5 Commander Fred Berg for his oversight and leadership to ensure the Inspection was completed and to Post Commander John Muller and QM Roy Day for ensuring all paperwork/funds were ready to be inspected. Our final Post should be inspected shortly, I am sure they will perform well and our Department will be at 100%.

In closing, please take care of yourselves and your families, I have registered for the Department Convention and I look forward to seeing many of you in June!!! May your god bless you, your families, and the good ole USA!!!

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DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS FOR 2016-2017

DISTRICT / POST RECEIVED DATE NOTES District I 18 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9723 18 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER District II 22 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 1054 21 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9555 22 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9612 22 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER District III 25 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 8180 10 Aug 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9985 10 Aug 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 10033 10 Aug 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 10216 18 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 10223 21 Nov 016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 12147 PENDING DATE PENDING FROM D3 DEPUTY INSPECTOR District IV 06 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 727 06 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9957 06 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER District V 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9876 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9951 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 10217 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 10249 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 11575 10 Mar 2017 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 12074 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 12146 15 Oct 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER District VI 13 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 1509 13 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 2917 16 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 3457 16 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER District VII 02 Dec 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 124 02 Dec 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 2485 23 Nov 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 9892 02 Dec 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 11447 02 Dec 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER 12130 21 Sep 2016 COMPLETE ALL IN ORDER

Yours in Comradeship and Service, Kevin E. Mitchell Inspector Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

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From the Americanism Chairman:

Comrades,

National Former POW Recognition Day

April 9th is designated by Congress as the Presidentially proclaimed observance of National Former POW Recognition Day. On April 9, 1942 United States forces surrendered on the Peninsula, beginning the . The park observes the day through programs and raising the Avenue of Flags in the national cemetery. Since 2011, by Presidential Porclamation April 9 will be observed as Former POW Recognition Day.

The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have faced innumerable challenges while dedicating their lives to the defense of our liberties. Contending with perilous combat zones, deployment overseas, and long absences from home, generations of service members have answered America's call in its hour of need. On National Former Recognition Day, a grateful Nation acknowledges a debt that can never be repaid and honors those who faced the most unfathomable of challenges with the utmost bravery and conviction.

America cherishes those veterans who have returned home after imprisonment on foreign soil. We remain dedicated to fulfilling the sacred trust to care for all who have borne the battle. This day and every day, each of these heroes holds a special place of honor in our hearts and the well earned support of a thankful Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2011, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance by honoring our service members, veterans, and all American prisoners of war. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Yours in Comradeship, Ronald J. Davis Americanism Chairman Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

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From the Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman:

Comrades,

CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY APRIL 2017 DEPARTMENT RESOLUTION 1

Comrades, below is a draft and revised Department Resolution for consideration at the upcoming convention in June. It is updated and written to include a provision for offering a onetime allotment of gravedigger funds toward our VFW Post 2485 POW/MIA Research Team and to allow funds raised by grave diggers, as deemed appropriate by the Department CVC Chairman, to be diverted to assist the team's funding. Our VFW Post 2485 POW//MIA Research Team does unique and important work worthy of recognition by the Department of Pacific Areas and in support of the Department’s POW/MIA program.

Currently, as we’ve mentioned, the Post Grave Digger fund is able to meet foreseeable Clark Veterans Cemetery equipment expenses with accrued funds. When the cemetery renovation is complete with storage space, we will purchase a larger tent and more chairs among other items. We may need to purchase or fabricate a heavy lift device to move concrete crypts sometime in the near future when the decision is made to use concrete. The Grave Digger fund can currently meet these foreseen current and near future needs thanks to the support of so many across the Department over the years.

Some artifacts found on a recent excavation.

However, in the spirit of perpetuating the memory and the history of our deceased comrades, both recently deceased and those missing and presumed dead during WWII in the Pacific Theater, we'd like to expand the Department’s scope of operations to include those missing in action within the Department of Pacific Areas. VFW Post 2485 and Department of

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Pacific Areas has a unique opportunity and a Research Team comprised of motivated VFW members who are engaged in research to locate historical sites, excavate artifacts, and conduct archeological investigations of battle fields and crash sites, and work to locate those missing in action within the Department of Pacific Areas.

They are not heroes, but they are looking for more than a few heroes who never returned home, and they are in need of funding. https://www.facebook.com/groups/218013661723510/

Our POW/MIA Team in the field.

My plan is for the Post POW/MIA Research Team to also raise funds independently, to be supplemented by our Post revenue, and to specify what expenses are eligible for Grave Digger funding. I will require the VFW Post 2485 POW/MIA Chairman to report to the Department POW/MIA Chairman, publish their research or field reports in the Department Typhoon, and, if deemed necessary, to brief the Department Leadership during the CofA and convention. I extend our Post 2485 POW/MIA Research Team services to the Department in the hopes the Department will embrace our unique and important work searching for lost heroes who never returned home from the Pacific Theater.

As the CVC Chairman, I am hopeful we can help them with a onetime allotment of existing funds and with future Grave Digger funds raised as deemed available by the CVC Chairman as well as any unforeseen cemetery needs that may arise in the future. Please, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.

Department Resolution No. 01 – CVC and POW/MIA

NOTICE 06-13-17: This resolution concerns the Department of Pacific Areas only and was adopted at the 41st Department Convention on June 21, 2007. The resolution is reviewed each year for possible amendments, continuance or rescinding, and will be voted on at the 51st Department Convention in June 2017.

SUPPORT CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY AT FORMER IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, the Clark Air Base Cemetery was founded in 1947 and contains the remains of U.S. Veterans of all U.S. Services, Philippine Scouts, U.S. citizens and their dependents, as well as Philippine citizens. The cemetery provides 12,000 gravesites in an area encompassing about 20 acres. With nearly 8,800 interned at Clark Veterans Cemetery of which about 2,500 are U.S. Veterans, and Philippine Scouts, and

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WHEREAS, the Clark Veterans Cemetery was budgeted for and maintained by the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1991, when the Philippines Air Force and Clark Development Corporation (hereafter, CDC) took over management of the cemetery, and

WHEREAS, in 1994 VFW Post 2485 (hereafter, Post) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (hereafter, MOA) with CDC that gave the Post permission to maintain Clark Veterans Cemetery and open it to departed U.S. Veterans, including Philippine Scouts. In 2006 the MOA was extended to twenty-five (25) years for the Post to maintain the Clark Veterans Cemetery, and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Government (ABMC) has taken over major expenses for CVC maintenance, however the AMBC does not allowed funding to do burials and ceremonies. That being so VFW Post 2485 will continue to incur costs for indigent Veterans burials and support of ceremonies, and

WHEREAS, the VFW charter perpetuates the memory and the history of our dead and VFW Post 2485 has a unique POW/MIA Research Team, consisting of VFW members, engaged in research to locate historical sites, excavate artifacts, and conduct archeological investigations of battle fields and crash sites, and work to locate those missing in action within the Department of Pacific Areas, and

WHEREAS, the by-laws of the VFW organization dictate that a Post shall not solicit funds or donations or otherwise engage in fund-raising activities or projects outside the immediate geographical area or community of the Post, and

WHEREAS, this limits the Post’s ability to solicit funds to properly budget as costs increase over the years, so the Post must realize more funding to provide proper upkeep, thus needs to solicit outside its area; now therefore, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Department of Pacific Areas fully supports the Post in its endeavors with Clark Veterans Cemetery and POW/MIA research and archeological investigation, and hereby authorizes solicitation of funds for management and upkeep of the Clark Veterans Cemetery and POW/MIA research within the geographical areas of the Department; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman may be appointed by the Department as recommended by the Post. As officers of the Department the chairman shall provide a report to the Department Convention and at other times as deemed necessary. The Post POW/MIA Research Team Chairman shall report to the Department POW/MIA Chairman upon completion of a site research mission and prior to the Department convention and as otherwise deemed necessary.

Intent of this resolution is; 1) to officially recognize support for Clark Veterans Cemetery, 2) to allow funds from Grave Digger memberships to be allocated to perpetuate the memory and history of our deceased and missing veterans, 3) that solicitation may be conducted within the Department areas and 4) provide officially a Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman to be listed as an officer of the Department.

Comment. Some burial expenses incurred are replacement of equipment to lower caskets, tents used at burial/ceremonies, administrative costs, and honor guard uniforms. The Grave Diggers program will continue as a legacy and historic program to recognize those who have and will continue to support the Cemetery, and to serve as the primary fundraising vehicle for deceased veterans and missing in action. It has been indicated by the Department CVC Chairman that the Grave Digger program is currently well funded and he foresees no major fundraising efforts as in the past; however, the authority to raise funds will help to insure that Post 2485 can meet current and projected expenses in the future and extend our role to locating those missing in action.

Footnote: The above resolution can be found on the Department Website under the Judge Advocates page by clicking on “Resolutions” to find the appropriate link.

Information is available on the VFW Post 2485 website http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery_report.doc and Clark Veteran's Cemetery Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ClarkVeteransCemetery.

Yours in comradeship, Norman G. Smith Clark Cemetery Chairman (2016-2017) Department of Pacific Areas

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From the Convention Committee Chairman:

Comrade DPA Post / District / Department Leadership & Other Members,

I am enclosing the blank electronic registration form for the upcoming convention. Our webmaster did a great job of getting the DPA Convention Online Registration uploaded. However, he also found that the DPA website has a software malware virus and has the technical guys working it. Some are able to go online and register without a problem and some are not. I am sending this to the DPA Post / District / Department Leadership's personal emails if I have one in my address book. Please distribute this form to as many of your members as possible. If they are not able to get online to register - they may send them to me at my personal email at [email protected]. I will ensure that they get uploaded immediately and that I send a confirmation of all registrations.

I would like to ensure the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel (Headquarters Hotel) is sold out prior to 1 May 2017 so that we have exclusive use of the hotel and so that I do not have to return any of the rooms on that date. Rooms returned to the Hotel Booking System will be almost double the rate that I have negotiated. All rooms will be assigned on a FIRST-COME- FIRST-SERVED BASIS. We have 69 rooms available in the headquarters hotel. All the suites and queen bed rooms are sold out. The remaining are "two-bed" or "three-bed" rooms . Remember that all room reservations must be made through the Convention Committee NOT DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL!

I also need to get a headcount (commitments) on the number of people wishing to attend the tours so that I can negotiate tour rates. Please pre-order your Shirt size so I can ensure I have appropriate stock for the convention. Sorry for the inconvenience but I do not want to delay the registrations. Also attached are the schedules for your use. Rooms are filling up fast at the Headquarters Hotel. We have already booked more than 52% of available rooms in the last two weeks. We have a back-up hotel if needed. If you have any questions you may contact me at anytime. [email protected] 011-63-47-251-3203 (Landline) 0918-249-1184 (Mobile)

Yours in Comradeship, Michael R. (Mike) Verville Convention Committee Chairman Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

From the Life Membership Chairman:

Greetings Comrades,

DPA now at 10,148 Life Members, an increase of 115 Life Members over last year and growing strong. This represents 90.64% of total Membership. GO LIFE!

Recruitment of N/R Life Members stands at 199, which remains somewhat behind last year’s effort.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

The Department will once again provide paid life memberships to posts meeting the following criteria:

Posts over 1,000 Members Posts with 500 - 999 Members Posts under 500 Members 1 Life Membership for each 1 Life Membership for each 1 Life Membership for each 15 N/R Life Member recruited 10 N/R Life Member or Multiple 5 N/R Life Member or Multiple

The following Posts have earned DPA paid Life Memberships or stipends of $400 to be used in promoting the Life Membership Program:

Post # Total Earned 124 3 1054 1 2485 1 3457 1 9555 1 9612 4 10216 1 11447 2 12146 2 12147 2

Yours in Comradeship, Cliff Wilsey Life Membership Chairman Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

From the National Home for Children Chairman:

Every child deserves a happy family

Comrades,

Another month has come and gone. We will soon be at the Departments Convention. With two month to go, we still need some of our District and Post to give their annual Donation to the National Home for Children.

District and Post Commander’s if you are planning on qualify for All State and All American. The National Home is one of the easiest blocks to get check off. Please get with your Quartermasters and have them make the required donation as soon as possible.

As March’s winds blow down and April showers arrive the VFW year end will soon be upon us. Currently there are three (3) Districts and seven (7) Posts as of this newsletter that has not given a donation to the National Home. Your donation to the support of the VFW National Home for Children goes a long way in providing supporting them.

If you are having problems with the National Home’s web site you can always let me know. I am here to assist you if you are having problems. Just send me an email. [email protected].

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day March 29, 2017 (Taken from NH Blog Site )

The spanned eleven years of combat. Eleven years of soldiers fighting in some of the most unforgiving conditions you could imagine. Unbearable heat, constant wetness, dangerous terrain full of deadly animals and booby traps.

By March of 1971, many of the troops had already been removed from the country, but it wasn't until March 29th, 1973, that the last of the troops and prisoners of war arrived safely on American soil.

(Pictured to the right, the last 55 troops to leave Vietnam debark their Air Force C-141 at Travis Air Force)

The reception for these veterans was not full of the parades and celebrations that the veterans of previous wars had experienced. While the war was happening in Vietnam, a different kind of conflict was being waged within the U.S. The country was reeling from the assassinations of President Kennedy and several major civil rights activists. The civil rights movement was in full swing, desegregation was being implemented, and on top of all of that, many of the American people didn't understand why the U.S. was involved in Vietnam. The United States was experiencing one of the most tumultuous times in its history, and as these soldiers returned from this highly controversial war, many of them were shunned and neglected and not given the treatment that their courage and resiliency deserved.

The next year, in March of 1974, President Nixon made the declaration:

"As a Nation, we have acknowledged our deep respect and admiration by setting aside March 29, 1974, as Vietnam Veterans Day to remember that the honorable peace America achieved came through great sacrifice. Those who served, those who gave their lives, those who were disabled, and those who are still missing in --and whose full accounting we shall continue to seek--deserve the profound gratitude of their countrymen."

In a time when the country was at its most divided, and many men were burning their draft cards, there were men who were loyal and brave, who fought for their country when it was popular not to. Thank you Vietnam Veterans. We acknowledge your sacrifices, we apologize for your mistreatment, and we celebrate your bravery.

President Trump signed S. 305, the “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017” into law. The act encourages the display of the U.S. flag on March 29 which is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The bill passed the Senate in February and passed in the House last week. Former President Barack Obama declared March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012.

This new law will make the date a commemoration of Vietnam veterans every year.

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 17

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

National Home Donation Report

This report is updated as of 31 March 2017 as received in from the NH and the Post Quartermasters.

District / Post District / Post District / Post Reported District / Post Reported Donated Donated District 1 No District 5 Yes $100.00 9723 Yes $50.00 9876 No District 2 Yes $217.00 9951 Yes $50.00 1054 Yes $100.00 10217 Yes $50.00 9555 Yes $50.00 10249 Yes $50.00 9612 Yes $100.00 11575 No District 3 Yes $50.00 12074 Yes $50.00 8180 Yes $50.00 12146 Yes $50.00 9985 Yes $50.00 District 6 No 10033 Yes $50.00 1509 Yes $50.00 10216 No 2917 Yes $100.00 10223 Yes $50.00 3457 Yes $50.00 12109 No District 7 Yes $50.00 12147 Yes $50.00 124 Yes $50.00 District 4 No 2485 Yes $265.41 727 No 9892 Yes $50.00 9957 No 11447 Yes $50.00 12130 Yes $50.00 Total $817.00 Total $1,065.41 Grand Total $1,882.41

Make sure to send me a copy of any donations so I can check on it and check it off. Email them to [email protected]

The VFW National Home for Children serves as a living memorial to America’s Veterans by helping our nation’s veteran and military families during difficult times.

Yours in Comradeship, Randell E. Himes National Home for Children Chairman Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

From the Pacific House Chairman:

Comrades and Coots of the Pacific,

At the VFW National Convention this past July our National Home Chairmen Randall Himes and I did some more research on the Pacific sponsoring a House at the National Home. We found out that at the Home there are 2 Duplex’s and that one or two of the individual homes would be available for sponsorship. So we investigated more and found out that it only cost $4,000.00 a year for a sponsorship of half of a duplex. I said where do we sign up! They told us we were number one on the list for a half of a duplex. Well after months of perseverance we were notified last night that the Air National Guard House sponsored by Florida was available. I immediately called the National Home.

After coordinating with Sue Alverson at the Home. We agreed that I would sign responsibility and sponsorship of the home effective 1 January 2017. This would give us time to raise the first $4,000.00 for this. Since it was in the donation contract of the person donating the construction of this house that it would always be call the Air National Guard House. However, in our mines it will be the “Pacific House.” Just remember on the plaque on the house it will say the Air National Guard House sponsored by the VFW & MOC of the Pacific. In order to raise continuous moneys to pay for the

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Maintenance and Utility Bills of this House $4,000.00 per year. We have derived the following program and of course we would always be opened to any and all donations.

Membership into the Pacific House will cost $45.00. With this donation the members would receive a Certificate and a Pacific House Pin along with a tab attached with the year. As seen on the next page.

Additional Year Pacific House Membership would cost $20.00 and the member would receive a new tab for the new year along with the rings so you could clip it on your pin. Again as seen on the next page.

“Bronze Plank Ownership of the Pacific House” would require a generous donation of $100.00. The member or organization would receive a framed Bronze Plank Ownership Certificate along with Pacific House Pin with 1 consecutive year tab. The member would also receive a bi-annual statement on the house and financial status of the Pacific House with accountability of funds in and out. At this June’s Convention and CofA’s after that your name will be predominately displayed on the Plank Owner Banner at these Department Conventions/CofA’s.

“Silver Plank Ownership of the Pacific House” would require a generous donation of $200.00. The member or organization would receive a framed Silver Plank Ownership Certificate along with Pacific House Pin with 2 consecutive year tabs. The member would also receive a bi-annual statement on the house and financial status of the Pacific House with accountability of funds in and out. At this June’s Convention and CofA’s after that your name will be predominately displayed on the Plank Owner Banner at these Department Conventions/CofA’s.

“Gold Plank Ownership of the Pacific House” would require a generous donation of $300.00 or more. The member or organization would receive a framed Gold Plank Ownership Certificate along with Pacific House Pin with 3 consecutive year tabs. The member would also receive a bi-annual statement on the house and financial status of the Pacific House with accountability of funds in and out. At this June’s Convention and CofA’s after that your name will be predominately displayed on the Plank Owner Banner at these Department Conventions/CofA’s.

Comrades and Coots we say a prayer to the widows and orphans at the National Home each Meeting/Scratch we have. This is our turn to help our own out. Will it solve all of our Veterans Families problems? No, But it will help one family at a time! I thank you in advance for your consideration to help our own.

Yours Always in Comradeship, Larry Lyons Pacific House Chairman Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Application for Membership into the Pacific House at the National Home

Name or Organization: ______

Mailing Address: ______

______

______

Email Address: ______

Check desired: ______Membership into the Pacific House ($45.00)

______Continuous Year Tab ($20.00)

______Bronze Plank Ownership ($100.00)

______Silver Plank Ownership ($200.00)

______Gold Plank Ownership ($300.00)

Email form to: [email protected]

Make Check out to: VFW Post 12147 (In the remarks section please print “Pacific House Donation”.)

Mail Check to: Larry Lyons CMR 301 Box 332 APO, AP 96202

Thanks for your unending support!

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

From the Roving Ambassador:

“Roving Ambassadors work under the direction of the Department Commander, VFW Department of Pacific Areas, as a designated special diplomatic envoy, diplomatic representative, and good will ambassador to foster relations between the VFW Department of Pacific Areas in cooperation with the relevant divisions and units that handle relations within the regions for which they are assigned.”

Comrade Commander and Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas,

Due to challenges experienced with the Department Editor Laptop computer, as a Roving Ambassador for the Department of Pacific Areas, I had not made very visits during the month of March 2017. I did visit with and/or attended meetings this month to include the following:

VFW Post 1924 Fallbrook District 1 California (3 meetings and events) VFW Post 1513 Escondido District 1 California (4 meetings and events) Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent 40 Vista District 1 California Forty et Eight Palomar Voiture 1406 Escondido California (2 meetings and events) AMVETS Post 1775 La Mesa District 1 California

Yours in Comradeship, Joe Mortimer Roving Ambassador Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

From the Typhoon / Around the Pacific Editor:

Comrade Commander and Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas,

Due to challenges experienced with the Department Editor laptop computer and the Department Website from December 2016 to April 2017, the Department Website is now working great and I just got the Department Editor laptop computer back from the shop again yesterday 13 Apr 2017 after Jury Duty. I had been working on the newsletters, then the computer would crash. This happened several times causing multiple re-work just to have it crash again and again. I took the computer to another repair shop this time and hopefully we are now fully back on track. I know your frustration as mine is/was at an all-time high. Without the computer and website issues it was extremely challenging to communicate what was going on.

This edition is not my best work, however I wanted to get it out as soon as possible. We were very slim on inputs this edition, which is very understandable giving the circumstances. Next month will be the edition prior to the Annual Convention. Please submit your inputs in a timely fashion, so I may publish in a timely manner.

As time permits, I will re-do all of the newsletters we could not get completed due to the website and computer challenges and get them up on the website through the Commander and the Webmaster. I have to put them all together again from scratch. My back-up drive was infected as well and they could not save everything. All should be back in working order. This is going to be a big task putting together three months of newsletters, and I will be doing this out of my usual newsletter cycle where I have other things scheduled going on, so please bear with me as I am trying to catch up.

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 21

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Letter of Intent Guidance / Format

Commander Moses has set forth the following guidance for submitting Letters of Intent:

- Published in the March, April, and May 2017 editions only. (There is no edition published in June 2017.)

- Include a recent photo. Remember, you are “selling yourself” to the membership.

- The Candidate will save their letter as a .jpg file to fit on one newsletter page with margins of one inch above and one inch below with side margins of 1/2 inch each left and right.

- The Department Editor will not to alter a Candidate's letter other than to make it fit one newsletter page. The font, pitch, spelling, etc., will be up to the Candidate as they will be "selling themselves” to the membership for the position they are striving for.

General Newsletter Submission Format

Submission Format: A significant amount of time is used in reformatting inputs. Please use the following submission format:

Format: Use Arial Font / 10 Pitch / Single Page (two pages if needing to use charts, etc.) Double space after end punctuations just like you did when you were in the military.

Photos / Graphics: Use JPG, PNG, or GIF, place in line with text on the Word document, and include a caption or paragraph of who is in the photo and what they are doing. Do not stretch photos to make them fit. No PDFs.

Date Inputs Due: 5th of the Month (except for July and December)

Date Published: 10th of the Month (except for June and December)

Label File as: “Typhoon Month YYYY Position Name.docx” “ATP Month YYYY Post Number.docx”

E-Mail Subject Line: “TYPHOON MONTH YYYY POSITION NAME” “ATP MONTH YYYY POST NUMBER”

Send to: [email protected]

I am currently working on an SOP for the position of Department Editor, with Past Department Editor Jim Malott, which is about 96% completed. This will make transition easy for someone else who may take this position in the future.

For the Around the Pacific Section, some Posts and Districts we either never or rarely hear from. Lets issue a challenge for this next year for each other to have, at a minimum, at least one input submitted from every District to the Around the Pacific Section. During the mid-term and the annual conventions we hear about the great stuff you are doing, however only a few show up in the publication. This is a great tool for showing the world what we are doing out here and it can aid others to remember what folks are doing when it comes to awards.

DOs / DON’Ts FOR PHOTOS / ARTICLES FOR THE AROUND THE PACIFIC SECTION

1. Do submit “money shots” (meaning whenever possible seeing Comrades wearing their highly recognizable official VFW caps) when interacting with others.

2. Do keep the Around the Pacific section entries to a maximum of one page per event. Half pages are fine.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

3. Do place photos on a Word document in line with text and include a caption or a short couple of paragraphs of what is depicted in the photo. (Do not place in front of text, behind text, etc.)

4. Do check the quality of photos before submitting. Grainy or pixilated photos will no longer be placed.

5. Do provide only the photos you want to be used. Avoid sending twenty photos and ask me to select one or two I think are best to publish.

6. Do not send individual photos and e-mail text. Place in a Word Document with the proper file labeling.

7. Do not submit any photo(s) with people displaying gang signs as they will not be published. I have edited these in the past to block them out or cover them up, however it takes too much time doctoring photos. We should not be advocating gang affiliations or activity.

8. Do not take a photo of a newspaper article and send as a JPG for your input.

Please send your inputs in the submission format on or before midnight 05 Nov 2016 Philippines time zone. See you in Angeles City for the Council of Administration.

If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

That’s it for now. Thanks for helping me to help you and thank you all for everything you do for our military active duty, veterans, and their families!

Yours in Comradeship, Joe Mortimer Editor Department of Pacific Areas “Leading, Mentoring, and Caring”

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

AArroouunndd tthhee PPaacciiffiicc CCoommmmuunniittyy RReeppoorrtt

District 3 South Korea District 3 South Korea

VFW POST 10216 HELD VA BENEFITS BRIEFING AT OSAN AIR BASE SOUTH KOREA

SONGTAN CITY, SOUTH KOREA - VFW Post 10216 held a VA Benefits briefing, with 2 of our local VA Reps donating their time. John and John did a great job, and had some great intel for the Post.

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 24

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

MEMBERS OF POST 10216, VISIT LOCAL KOREAN ELDERLY CARE HOME IN SONGTAN CITY

SONGTAN CITY, SOUTH KOREA - Members of Post 10216, visit local Korean Elderly Care Home. Delivering rice and planning out repairs and upgrades to the facility.

Mr. Han Man Su a 90-year-old Korean War Veteran.

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 25

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass GGeenneerraall AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss

MOVING, TRANSFERRING, OR OTHERWISE LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST? LET YOUR POST KNOW

If moving, be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss any of your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other VFW benefits.

IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE?

Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over time. It’s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew! Log onto: http://emem.vfw.org/

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing:

- Ensure you complete the application fully,

- Include proof of eligibility,

- Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out to “VFW Post ______.”)

Temporary membership is then granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives their VFW Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits.

Have you recruiited anyone today? They cannot say, “YES”, unlless YOU ask.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

VFW Life Members can now take the next step in ensuring veterans a better tomorrow by becoming a Legacy Life Member today. Be remembered for your service as a veteran and VFW member. It’s easy to get started. Choose from Gold, Silver or Bronze, each with its own prestigious benefits.

Gold $1,200 Silver $800 Bronze $400

Legacy is tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed. Use the installment plan option to make quarterly payments.

For more information logon to:

http://emem.vfw.org/

VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

“It’s not what you paid to be a member, it’s what you paid to be eligible.”

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY

Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help.

http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.

DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS

Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log:

http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf

- Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to:

VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000

If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

SUPPORT YOUR Veterans & Military Support Programs Adopt- a- Unit Program, “maP” military assistance Program, Unmet neeDs Program, Operation UPLINK & Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship Program

DPA fair share of these pins is only 60 pins total with 30 Gold, 10 Silver and 20 Bronze Pins

Thus these pins will go fast so ORDER TODAY to insure that you get one of these memorable pins and support these programs at the same time !

QTY Cost Sub Total Gold Veterans & Military Support Pin $20.00 Silver Veterans & Military Support Pin $10.00 Bronze Veterans & Military Support Pin $5.00 Grand Total

Make check out to VFW Department of Pacific Areas and mail check along with order form to: Name: ______

Larry Lyons Mailing Address: CMR 301 Box 332 APO, AP 96202 ______

______

______

Order YOUR 2016/2017 V&MSP Pin and support our Veterans and Active Duty Members through these programs Simply fill out the form, write a check for the amount, send it to me and I will mail them to you PLUS…. I’ll cover the cost of shipping and handling. Please note these pins will not be available till I pick them up at the National Convention thus you should receive them in mid-August.

Yours always in Comradeship, Since mailing will take Larry Lyons Veterans & Military Support Chairman some time, email me and I [email protected] will reserve your pin/pins till I get your check !

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 29

Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

Cootie Corner Announcements Cootie Corner Announcements

MOC PACIFIC AREAS PADDY DADDY PROGRAM

M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific Areas is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program.

Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website. The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up!

Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas.

Send the application to me along with a check made out to “Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail:

Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. George Beck Military Order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman

Ee CHI GAE PUP TENT #2

GRAND OF PACIFIC AREAS “PADDY DADDY”

VFW NATIONAL HOME SPECIAL PROJECTS PROGRAM

LIFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

George Beck Name: ______HHD 719th MI BN BX 331

APO AP 96271-5227 Address: ______

Email: [email protected] ______

POST #: ______DEPT / GRAND: ______

Have you recruited anyone today? They cannot say, “YES”, unless YOU ask.

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass PPhhoottoo ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn

Submitted by Joe Mortimer, VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, Japan

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Volume XX - Number 9 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC April 2017

PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass JJookkee ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn

Submitted by Joe Mortimer, VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, Japan

In honor of our computer wowes.

Why did the computer crash?

It had a bad driver. They rammed each other. If you understand English, press 1. If you do not understand English, press 2.

Dr. Seuss Explains Why Computers Crash

If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort, and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.

If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash, and your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash, then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!!!

If the label on the cable on the table at your house says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol, that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall, and your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss, so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse, then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, 'cus sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang.

When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk, and the macro code instructions cause unnecessary risk, then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM. Quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!!

SSeeee yyoouu iinn tthhee nneexxtt eeddiittiioonn!!

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 32