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52 Continuous Years of 100% Membership Issue 52-1 September 2019 Tom Judd & Sheila Lee-Eiler Elected to Lead AZ VFW in 2019-2020

Tom A. Judd was elected Sheila Lee-Eiler was elected as State Commander of the Vet- the Department of ’s Pres- erans of Foreign Department ident in June of 2019. She joined of Arizona on June 1, 2019. the VFW Auxiliary in March 2008 Tom was born in Spring- at the Sandy CoorPost 1433 in erville, Arizona and grew up Glendale, Az., under the eligibility in Alpine, Arizona. He was in of her father, Chester H. Lee Sr.A the Navy from Korean War Army who 1970 to 1974 as an Interior earned 4 Bronze Stars while in ser- Communications Electrician vice. on board the USS Leonard F. Sheila has served her aux- 0DVRQ''ZLWKWZRWULSVWR9LHWQDPDVJXQ¿UH iliary as President 2009 – 2012. She also served as the support, Yankee Station, Sar and Operation Line- District 3 President 2012 – 2015. She has served as Vet- backer Two. Operation Linebacker Two they were erans and Family Support, Scholarship and Member- the decoy as they were the older ship. In recognition ship programs chairman for the Department of Arizona. of his service he received the National Defense Ser- Where she won National awards for all 3 chairmanships. vice Metal, Vietnam Service Metal and the Republic Sheila is married to Dept. of AZ, VFW Sr. Vice Com- of Vietnam Campaign Metal. He retired from Arizo- PDQGHU-HɣUH\(LOHU5HWLUHG1DY\6XEPDULQH9HWHUDQ na Public Service Company in 2016 after 25 years. They have 3 children between them, and all are members After being eligible since 1972 he joined the VFW in of the VFW and Auxiliary. Future auxiliary members are 2008 at Post 9907 Show Low AZ were he has his Life grandchildren James, Lyra and Joshua. Membership. In 2011 he became Post Commander to 2013 and District 6 Commander from 2013 to 2015. He is married to Melody Judd Sr. Vice Presi- dent VFW Department of Arizona Auxiliary. What’s Happening in D.C. Sign up to receive Washington Weekly and stay LQWKHNQRZ RQ NH\ LVVXHV DɣHFWLQJ YHWHUDQV DQG .You’ll get the latest on what’s happening with ’ legislation, national security and RWKHU QHZV DɣHFWLQJ $PHULFD¶V GHIHQGHUV *R WR http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm and IROORZGLUHFWLRQV

KANSAS CITY, Mo. rate partnerships, the VFW has also surpassed $11 mil- William J. “Doc” Schmitz, OLRQLQ¿QDQFLDOJUDQWVDQGPLOOLRQLQVFKRODUVKLSV of Corning, N.Y., has been awarded to veterans, and is celebrating 100 years of elected the new leader of its National Veterans Service and National Legislative the 1.2 million-member Service programs which advocate for the best possible Veterans of Foreign Wars of TXDOLW\RIOLIHVROXWLRQVDQGEHQH¿WVRQEHKDOIRI$PHU- the United States. Schmitz’s ica’s veterans, service members and military families. election to VFW Command- “Doc” Schmitz served in the United States Navy er-in-Chief occurred at the from 1966 to 1970, with deployment to Vietnam as a conclusion of the organiza- corpsman attached to United States Marine Corps in- William J. “Doc” Schmitz tion’s 120th national con- fantry and artillery. He then joined the VFW in 1971 vention in Orlando, Fla,. at Post 524 in Corning, N.Y., where he has served the which drew approximately 10,000 veterans, and mil- VFW in many vital leadership positions at the local, itary family members. state and national levels. 6FKPLW] WDNHV RɤFH GXULQJ D WLPH RI During his tenure as national commander, great momentum for the organization which recently Schmitz will log thousands of miles across the U.S. and DQQRXQFHGLWV¿UVWLQFUHDVHLQPHPEHUVKLSQXPEHUV abroad to promote the many objectives of the VFW. in 27 years, reached a milestone achievement of more His charge to members and supporters the $102 mil- WKDQELOOLRQLQEHQH¿WVDQGFRPSHQVDWLRQFROOHFW- OLRQ QRQSUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ RYHU WKH QH[W \HDU LV WR ed from the VA on behalf of veterans, and fought for “Dare to Care,” calling on individuals to help confront the successful passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam the challenges that hinder America’s service members Veterans Act of 2019. Through donations and corpo- and families from living their best lives. Arizona VFW 6WDWH2ႈFHUV 1DWLRQDO&RXQFLOPDQ0LNH)HUJXVRQ3632 Tempe District Commanders &RPPDQGHU 7RP-XGG9907 Show Low #1 'HQQLV'ROH 769 Quartzsite 6U9LFH&RPPDQGHU-HႇHU\(LOHU1433 Glendale #2 $ODQ7RELVK 7400 Cottonwood -U9LFH&RPPDQGHU/DUU\:LOOLDPV3713 Coolidge #3 %REE\7UXMLOOR3715 Phoenix 4XDUWHUPDVWHU6NL.XF]\QVNL 3632 Tempe #4 -RH'RUD 720 Phoenix $GMXWDQW*HQH:RRG9400 Sunnyslope #5 5D\*HUYLQJ 549 Tucson -XGJH$GYRFDWH 0LNH.HPHU\12043 Maricopa #6 $QWKRQ\+HUQDQGH] 1704 Globe 6XUJHRQ0DUN6KRUW9400 Sunnyslope #7 -LP0F&RUPLFN 9972 Sierra Vista &KLHIRI6WDႇ5D\7KRPDV3632 Tempe #8 'DYLG3ULFH 10005 Bullhead City &KDSODLQ3KLO(ULFNVRQ7968 Apache Junction #10 -LP-RKQVRQ9399 Apache Junction 6HUYLFH2ႈFHU0LNH)HUJXVRQ3632 Tempe Arizona Auxiliary 6WDWH2ႈFHUV 1DWLRQDO&RXQFLO.LP+DUQH\9972 Sierra Vista District Presidents 3UHVLGHQW6KHOLD/HH(LOHU1433 Glendale #1 &KDUOHQH3DUNHU 6U9LFH3UHV 0HORG\-XGG9907 Show Low #2 -R\%RUN -U9LFH3UHVLGHQW -DQDH.HPHU\12043 Maricopa #3 /RLV0RRUH 6HFUHWDU\7UHDVXUHU.LP6ORDQ 10188 Tucson #4 Weezie Burrell &KDSODLQ 5KRQGD)ROOHWW11014 Meadview #5 &DURO*HUYLQJ &RQGXFWUHVV-RKQQLH'H%RDUG404 Mohave Valley #6 %UHQGD.LQJKRUQ *XDUG %DPEL-RKQVRQ9399 Apache Junction #7 5HED'HUPRG\ &KLHIRI6WDႇ&DWK\6HLSSHO6739 Camp Verde #8 %REE\'H%RDUG 3DWULRWLF,QVWUXFWRU*DUUHWW*UDF\40 Avondale #10 0HOLVVD0DUWLQ AZ VFW Commander Tom Judd Post 9907, Show Low recruiting new members but when extent that your schedules will al- you are recruiting a new member low, so I ask you to join a Post. are also trying to recruit mem- The many programs, scholarships bers for the Auxiliary. By having a given, hours of community service spouse/family member involved done, helping many of our veter- with the Auxiliary usually will en- ans with their disability claims and sure involvement by a new member compensation, the amount of mon- within the Post and a higher rate of etary contributions made for so retention rate than individual mem- many causes. The list goes on and bers. So now I go to retention as we on. We all do our part and we hope have over 3500 members in the De- you will assist us by transferring to partment of Arizona who have not one of our Posts. paid their dues in the last two years Another moto we go by is DQGZHKDYHWR¿[WKDWDQG¿QGRXW “If not us, then who”! Let’s make what we are doing right and not do- the voice of the VFW so strong that ing right. no one will ever doubt our cause or I would like to thank our diminish our name! Please contact Comrades and Auxiliary, “members at large” who renewed us if we can assist you in any way. I First of all I would like to their dues this year. Your contin- would thank you for all of your hard Congratulate Gene and Kim for a ued loyalty and support of our great work, your many contributions to great job this past year and they organization greatly assists us to our programs helping Veterans and could not have done it without all accomplish our membership goals. families and recruiting new mem- of the hard work of our members. You can further assist us by reach- bers. Let’s not forget we are going Yes that is a tough act to follow but ing out and joining one of our many for 53 consecutive years greater I know that we can do it as we still VFW Posts located throughout the than 100% for the Department of have our great hard working mem- state. So this is an OPEN INVITA- Arizona and that is you. And re- bers who’s heart is in their work. I TION to all members at large to do member I am here to help and if am Honored to be the State Com- just that. We would be happy to as- ,GRQ¶W KDYH WKH DQVZHU ,ZLOO ¿QG mander for Arizona as I believe it is sist you in locating a Post near you someone who does. one of the top Departments in the and answering any questions you VFW. We have a lot of work to do may have. Whatever the reason that 7+$1.6)25$//<28'2 and I know we can get it done as we you are a “member at large” now is 9HWHUDQVRI)RUHLJQ:DUV have a great hard working Auxilia- the time to join a Post! We all know 'HSDUWPHQWRI$UL]RQD ry. And once again I will ask if you that there is strength in numbers State Commander don’t have an Auxiliary why not? and we hope that you will become “Standing Watch” We are doing a great job of an active member, at least to the Tom Judd Keep in Touch !!! Everything at your fingertips

VFW1DepartmentofArizonaVFW1Departmento YIZD]FRP Congratulations Tim Borland, Jr Vice CIC Designee ber and has served in numerous VFW grow. As did past generations National positions the last 19 years. before us join, so will our future Tim earned his eligibility to join the members from Korea Service, Iraq, VFW during his 28-year long career and other operations in the U.S. Army, retiring as a First since the attacks on our great nation Sergeant at Ft. Huachuca in Sierra in September of 2001. Vista in 2007, with deployments to Korea and Iraq. Tim and his wife Shannon reside in Benson, Arizona. Tim’s passion and loyalty for this organization is strong as he continues to travel all over the

Nation promoting the VFW and

encouraging younger members

from Iraq and Afghanistan to join.

A matter of fact, when Tim does

become our Jr. Vice Command-

er in Chief, he will represent the

Tim Borland, Life Member of ¿UVW ,UDT 9HWHUDQ WR GR VR  7LP¶V James R. Bob Currieo VFW Post vision for the future is “Every Vet- 9972 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, was eran Counts” which includes every Tim and the Buddy Poppy Child at the National Convention in Orlando, Florida elected our next National Jr. Vice FRQÀLFWZDU VLQFH :RUOG :DU , Commander-in Chief Designee this Every veteran will not be forgotten past July at our Western Confer- nor will any veteran ever be left be- The Department of Arizona and its ence Meeting in Orlando and if all hind. We must remember our past, Auxiliary are very proud to have Tim goes according to protocol, will be- present and future generations who has our future Commander in Chief. come our next Jr. Vice Commander have served and are still serving to- This will be our Department’s 3rd in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign day. Tim has a huge responsibili- Commander in Chief and actually Wars of the United States in Reno W\DKHDGRIKLPEHLQJWKH¿UVW,UDT the 3rd Commander in Chief from Nevada in July 2020. He is a Triple War veteran as our future Chief, James R. Currieo VFW Post 9972. Crown winner, Western Conference but he looks forward to promot- Congratulation again to Tim and the Chairman, National Council Mem- ing this as his platform to help the best of luck in the years ahead.

Trust, But Verify... A Trustee’s Guide to Proper Audit Doveryai, no proveryai is an old Rus- These losses can be mitigated and even pre- sian proverb that means, “Trust, but veri- vented from ever happening if Post Trustees took the fy.” Ronald Reagan is credited with making time to review and audit the books and records of the that a well known saying, using it frequent- Quartermaster and Adjutant as they are required to do. ly during his negotiations with the Russians VFW National has a manual that Trustees can during talks about the Intermediate-Range UHIHUWRZKHQXQGHUWDNLQJWKHLUDXGLWV

June 2019 respectively. Each of the new Health Administration, South- Arizona will have two new homes will have three 20-bed ern Arizona Veterans’ Adminis- Veterans’ Homes in two years. A skilled nursing units and 20-bed tration Health Care System. ground-breaking ceremony for memory care units. Support from the local WKH DFUH )ODJVWDɣ VLWH ZDV The ground-breaking community was clearly visible. held on June 1st and the cere- ceremony in Yuma was espe- City Mayor Douglas J. Nich- mony for a facility of similar size cially well-attended with stand- olls spoke passionately about occurred on June 22nd in Yuma ing-room only under the canopy the value his community places by the Arizona Department of set up for the event. Represen- upon support for its veterans. He Veterans’ Services. tatives from VFW Yuma Posts was joined by Yuma City Council The Arizona Legislature 8242 and 1763, Wellton Post members and the Yuma Police recently approved $27 million 6790, Havasu Post 9401, and Si- Department Honor Guard. for the two facilities. Seventy erra Vista Post 9972 were pres- Also in attendance was a percent of the total cost of con- ent. The Disabled Veterans of civilian group that demonstrat- struction will be contributed America, the American Legion, ed the community’s support for by the federal government. The the Vietnam Veterans of Ameri- its veterans in its own unique Weitz Company, a full-service FDWKH0LOLWDU\2ɤFHUV$VVRFLD- top-rated construction company tion of America, and the Arizona way. The Desert Quilting Bee and the oldest commercial con- Veterans’ Service Advisory Com- from the Foothills area of Yuma tractor west of the Mississippi mission were also represented. brought examples of the quilts was awarded the contract to car- Wanda Wright, Director they are making for the veterans’ ry out the projects. Their work of the Arizona Department of home. When it opens in 2021, is expected to be completed by 9HWHUDQV¶ $ɣDLUV ZDV WKH NH\- they are committed to complet- mid-2021. note speaker. She talked about ing 160 quilts to be donated to There are two existing her passion for assuring that the veterans who will reside in Arizona veterans’ homes in Ar- all of Arizona’s veterans should the facility. izona. In central Phoenix and have the best care possible. Also $UWLFOHDQGSKRWRVE\ Tucson there are 200-bed and attending was Steve J. Sample, 7RP  $OLFH 9RQ$KOIHOG DQG 120-bed skilled nursing facilities the Assistant Director, Veterans -RDQ0F'HUPRWW

Architectural overview and rendition of the proposed Yuma Veterans Home. New Veterans Homes Ground-Breaking Jeffrey Eiler, Dept Sr. Vice Commander Post 1433 Glendale Comrades, As we start the SDUDJUDSK³$Q\RɤFHURUFRPPLWWHHPHPEHUZKRVH 2019-2020 year, I would like membership is not in good standing by reason of failure to again express my sincere to pay current dues by their anniversary date SHALL gratitude for your support IRUIHLWHOLJLELOLW\WRKROGDQ\RɤFHLQWKDWDGPLQLVWUD- and trust you have provided tive year.” So keeping this in mind please ensure all me from the beginning. \RXUSRVWRɤFHUVSD\WKHLUGXHVDKHDGRIWLPH,ZRXOG As we all knew we could love nothing more than to attend the District meetings we made the 52nd year of DQGEHDEOHWRFRPPHQGHYHU\RQHIRUVWD\LQJRɣWKH 100%+ membership and list. we need to continue that Finally, as I am sure you will get tired of hear- momentum to achieve 53 ing, lets start working our programs. Review the re- years!!! AS we have all heard, the best value is the sub- quirements for All-State and All-American Post and scription life program. This is something we should be Districts. There really isn’t any reason we cannot recommending to everyone we sign up. have every Post All-State if we just work our VFW pro- In addition to the membership, one of my hot grams!! button items during the last year while I visited the Again Thank you for the honor of being your GLVWULFW PHHWLQJV ZHUH WKH 3RVW DQG 'LVWULFW 2ɤFHUV Department Sr. Vice Commander! whose annual dues were going to expire in a relative- With Honor, ly short time. Per the National By-Laws Sec.215 Pg.15 -HɣUH\(LOHU676668615HW +HOSD+RPHOHVV9HWHUDQ If you are a homeless veteran, at-risk of homelessness or a provider trying to assist a homeless veteran, please call the National Homeless Veterans Resource line at: 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Larry Williams, Dept Jr. Vice Commander Post 3713, Coolidge Hello Brothers and Sisters this year you need all three Teacher of the year which I would like to thank you High School, , and Elementary teacher all for letting me represent you to qualify for All American. If you have any questions as your Jr. Vice Commander about the programs, please look on the Department I'm looking forward to a great website vfwaz.com it has a lot of information. Com- year. Had a wonderful year as manders please remember that you are responsible your Judge Advocate. As we for all programs and the reports to the respective com- begin the year let us remember rades that are in control of the programs or the reports all those that are not able to be be sure you ask from each comrade that you send the here or with their families. programs and reports to send you acknowledgment I want to say congratula- that they have received your reports and or programs. WLRQVWRDOOWKHRɤFHU VWKDWKDYHEHHQHOHFWHGRUDS- If you are having an event of some kind, please contact pointed for this year. You can make it great if you have us if you what someone from Department to show up a positive mind set. What we need to remember we are at the event so we can work it into the schedule. I know one team both the Comrades and Auxiliary if we want there is a lot of things that are going on inside of the to make the VFW grow in membership and strength. state. Communication is the key to the success so let all We need to work together in the Post's and the Dis- NHHSFRPPXQLFDWLQJZLWKHDFKRWKHUIRUWKHEHQH¿WRI trict's along with the State. When we work together, we the VFW. are the strongest. Now with, that being said let's get to Let's get 100 +% for 53 years in a row! With this all be- work on this year's Reports, Programs and Member- ing said I want to Thank You all again for your support ship (RPM). and help though the years that I have been in the VFW. Remember that the VOD and Patriots Pen 'HSDUWPHQW-U9LFH&RPPDQGHU are both a Comrades and Auxiliary programs. Also, /DUU\:LOOLDPV Mike Kemery, Dept Judge Advocate Post 12043 Maricopa A start of a new year many arguments arise due to the wording of the By- and many of us have new /DZV RI WKH GLɣHUHQW FRPPLWWHHV DQG WKHLU UHVSRQVL- positions within a Post, Dis- bilities. Also, study Article II – Posts, of the Manual trict, or Department. As with RI 3URFHGXUH VSHFL¿FDOO\ 6HFWLRQ  ± 2ɤFHUV DQG any new position, we feel a Chairman, Duties and Obligations. Many things can little timid because every- be cleared up easily. thing is untried territory for Let your Commander know that you are active us. By being a Judge Advo- and interested in being the best Advisor you can be. cate means being an advisor Rest assured, no one knows it all, but be accurate in to the Commander and it is what you do know. This will let the Commander make VRPHWLPHV WKH ¿UVW SRVLWLRQ the best decision. Also, never be afraid to call your next to where our knowledge means so much. None of us higher counterpart for advise on any situation that you want to do things wrong. are not certain. Some study time of the National By-Laws and Since being elected as the Department Judge the Manual of Procedure in the Podium Edition for Advocate I learn things each day. An interpretation 2019 should relieve a lot of questions. Forms are also of how something is written does vary from person to illustrated within the book. Most of the issues faced person. Opinions do matter. Don’t be afraid of yours. would be discipline and information on that would be But do it by knowing as much as possible. Study is the found Article IX - Discipline (Section 901) of both the best weapon in getting a situation resolved. The Judge By-Laws and Procedures in the book. Certainly time Advocate position can be an extremely valuable tool for studying the Department By-Laws, District By-Laws, the Commander. and most importantly, the Post By-Laws, would make I will do my best that I can. Now do yours in a Judge Advocate very important to your Commander. making the Department of Arizona the best of them all. Most of you are at the Post level. It is here that 0LNH.HPHU\'HSW-XGJH$GYRFDWH

VFW: NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS VFW National Relief Fund, Help Those in Need

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is ac- In addition to individual gifts, the VFW is encour- cepting donations to help veterans, service members aging its Departments, Districts and Posts to contribute and military families impacted by Hurricane Dorian. WRWKHUHOLHIHɣRUWV 3RVW5HOLHI)XQGVFDQEHXVHGWRDV-  )URPKXUULFDQHVWRUDJLQJZLOG¿UHVHDFK\HDU sist per Section 704 (a) of the Manual of Procedure.) natural disasters leave many in desperate need of as- sistance. The VFW's Disaster Relief Fund provides our The VFW Department of North Carolina is cur- organization the opportunity to react quickly with im- rently collecting disaster relief/recovery supplies for PHGLDWHUHOLHIWRWKRVHLQWKHDɣHFWHGDUHDV those impacted by Hurricane Dorian. They have desig- To support the VFW Disaster Relief Fund, do- nated two locations to receive items: nate by sending checks payable to the VFW, earmarked “Disaster Relief” to: VFW Department of North Carolina Headquarters 917 New Bern Ave. Veterans of Foreign Wars Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 Quartermaster General 406 W. 34th Street VFW Post 670 3928 Doc Bennett Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306 Service Office Opens in Tempe at 6423 S. Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85283 As the largest organization of combat veterans, call 480-941-5258 (Mon-Fri 8 to 3pm) for an appoint- ZHXQGHUVWDQGWKHIUXVWUDWLRQVWKDWFDQDULVHZKHQ¿O- ment. LQJDFODLPZLWKWKH'HSDUWPHQWRI9HWHUDQV$ɣDLUV  :H KDYH VHUYLFH RɤFHUV ZKR DUH H[SHUWV LQ The claims process can be confusing and one that ser- dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. vice members and veterans shouldn't try to navigate Our cadre of highly-trained and professional advo- DORQH7KDW VZK\WKH$=9):HVWDEOLVKHGDQRɤFHLQ cates help veterans cut through bureaucratic red tape. Tempe to help all veterans, service members and their In 2016 alone, VA reports veterans represented by the IDPLOLHV9):6HUYLFH2ɤFHUVDUHZLWK$PHULFD VYHW- VFW received more than $7.2 billion in earned bene- HUDQVHYHU\VWHSRIWKHZD\RQFHWKH\ UHUHDG\WR¿OH ¿WV9):6HUYLFH2ɤFHUVDUHWUDLQHGH[SHUWVKHOSLQJ DFODLP7KLVLVDVHUYLFHWKH9):LVSURXGWRRɣHU veterans develop their case with ease by reviewing and free of charge--to anyone seeking assistance with the applying current law, pertinent legislation, regulations claims process. and medical histories. As skilled professionals, we as- $W WKLV WLPH ZH RQO\ KDYH RQH 6HUYLFH 2ɤ- VLVWLQ¿OLQJIRUGLVDELOLW\FRPSHQVDWLRQUHKDELOLWDWLRQ cer servicing the Tempe location every Tuesday from DQGHGXFDWLRQSURJUDPVSHQVLRQDQGGHDWKEHQH¿WV 10:00am to 2:00pm. We are looking for volunteers to and employment and training programs. Furthermore, VHUYHDVD6HUYLFH2ɤFHUDWWKH7HPSHORFDWLRQVRWKDW we won’t hesitate to request hearings before the VA ZHZLOOKDYHWKHRɤFHVWDɣHGGD\VDZHHN,I\RXDUH and the Board of Veterans Appeals to present oral ar- LQWHUHVWHGLQYROXQWHHULQJRUZLVKWR¿OHDFODLPSOHDVH guments when needed. TOM JUDD DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA COMMANDER 2019-20 HOMECOMING

USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) September 21, 2019 4:00pm to ??? VFW Post 9907 Show Low, Arizona Saturday... BBQ Rib Dinner, Fun, Karaoke etc... Mail Checks to: Sunday... Scout Breakfast.... all this for only $30.00 Melody Judd Contact: Melody Judd, 928-940-0694 381 N. 3rd Avenue [email protected] Show Low, AZ 85901 DEPT. OF ARIZONA VFW & VFW AUXILIARY FALL CONFERENCE 2019 OCTOBER 4-6, 2019 Hilton Tucson East 7600 East Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85710 Room 99.00 + Tax Reservations number:1-800-445-8667 ask for: “VFW FALL CONFERENCE 2019” group rate HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE SEPT 4, 2019 Tentative Schedule: FRIDAY Oct 4, 2019 - Surf ‘n’ Turf at Post 549. 5-7pm (Shuttle to/from hotel will be available). SATURDAY Oct 5, 2019 9:00am Welcome and Introductions, Programs Presentations LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 4:00-5:00 pm - No Host Social Hour 5:00 pm - POW-MIA Ceremony / Dinner / Recognition of Volunteers SUNDAY Oct 6, 2019 .... C of A Meetings 9:00am

Deadline for Dinner Reservations is Sept 15, 2019 $35.00 (after Sept 15 - $40) (Menu is being negotiated at this time)

Send Dinner Checks to: Table reservations may ONLY be made Veterans of Foreign Wars for tables of ten. $350.00 must be on ONE 6423 S. Ash Ave check and noted “Fall Conf. Table of 10”. Tempe, AZ 85283 $OORWKHUVHDWLQJLV¿UVWFRPH¿UVWVHUYHG Payable to:”VFW Dept of AZ” Please note on check: For more info: “Fall Conf. Dinner” Ski Kuczynski 480-941-5258 email - [email protected] VFW & Auxiliary C of A Meetings are Sunday at 9:00am VOD / Patriots Pen Entries Now Being Taken

Voice Of Democracy Scholarship Contest: Need money for college? The Veterans of Foreign Wars … the VFW … gives out more than 2 million dollars in college scholarships every year to 9th … 10th … 11th and 12th grade students through its Voice of Democracy scholarship contest. All you need to do is write and record a 3 to 5 minute audio essay on a patriotic theme. This year’s theme LV³:KDW0DNHV$PHULFD*UHDW´7KHWRS1DWLRQDOSUL]HLVDVFKRODUVKLSDQG¿UVWSODFH state winners receive a trip to Washington, D.C. Visit the VFW’s website at: www.vfw.org for additional information. The student entry deadline is October 31, 2019. For applications and info: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest: Would you like to win money for college? The Veterans of Foreign Wars … the VFW … gives out over 1 million dollars in awards every year to 6th, 7th and 8th grade middle school students through its Patriot’s Pen essay contest. All you need to do is write a 300 to 400 word essay on a patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “What Makes America Great.” The top National prize is $5,000. Visit the VFW’s website at: www.vfw.org for additional information. The student entry deadline is October 31, 2019. For applications and more info: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships AZ VFW Visit to Washington DC Some years back, and we have also for years been I remember listening to a saying 'why don't we have better senior member of a partic- people running things so that mis- ular veteran's agency speak takes aren't being made'. Well, we at a meeting that was held do, but only if we include ourselves to discuss what was to be in the process! When these agen- GRQH WR ¿[ D FDWDVWURSKLF cies or our congressional reps ask breakdown in this agency's XVWR¿OORXWVXUYH\VLQRUGHUWRJHW SUDFWLFHV7KHVHQLRURɤFHU RXULQSXW¿OOWKHPRXW,IWKH\DVN was defending the agency's for suggestions...suggest! In fact, negligent position, saying don't wait to be asked. All services that they were just follow- we utilized for our various needs ing the directives they were have a means for feedback. USE given. Years later, we are Glenn Hohman, Gene Wood, Jim Ellars & Tom Judd ,7&RQJUHVVLVGH¿QLWHO\QRGLɣHU- VWLOO¿JKWLQJWRFRUUHFWWKDWNLQGRIWKLQNLQJZLWKLQJRY- ent. They need and want your input and help. Never HUQPHQWRɤFHV$V\VWHPLFIDLOXUHZDJRQFLUFOLQJRU DVVXPHWKDWWKHSHRSOHZKRDUHHOHFWHGIRURɤFHFRPH laziness? The lessons learned since that meeting is that with a suitcase full of worldly knowledge about the oversight and direct action by "people in the know", committee's they are assigned to or the myriad of is- when missing or ignored by the system, causes failures sues that Congress handles. WE are a vital extension of at all levels. What we have started to do right since that WKHLUVWDɣ7KH\DUHRXUUHSUHVHQWDWLYHVLW VRXU&RQ- meeting is to make agencies more accountable, but gress...help yourself by helping them! Start by being more importantly, we include more of those "people in knowledgeable. Don't wait for others to tell you...sign the know" into the process by seeking their input and up for the VFW's Action Corps Weekly Bulletin (vfw. participation in formulating the practices and policies org) and make yourself smart about what Congress is that are crucial to good results, getting help from the really doing, or not doing, for us! YHU\ SHRSOH ZKR ZHUH DɣHFWHG E\ DQ\ GHIHFWV LQ WKH agency's practices and policies. Those "people in the -LP(OODUV9):'HSWRI$UL]RQD know" are us! We have always had a horse in this race, 1DW O/HJLVODWLYH2ɤFHU Gene Wood, Dept Adjutant, PDC Post 9400, Sunnyslope Comrades, Sisters, and izona National Guard Muster, 2 NASCAR races, Hu- Brothers, mana’s Rock & Roll marathon, COMiCON, and events Most of you know this at Pleasant Harbor Lake Pleasant just to name a few. past VFW year was an unfor- We started new events. (1) During the Fall Conference gettable year for The Veter- recognizing those Special persons that take the extra ans of Foreign Wars and our step to provide services and assistance for Veterans. Auxiliaries. As for The De- (2) During the Winter Conference taking the VOD/ partment of Arizona, we are PP students on a tour to the State Capitol and Wesley 71 Posts strong with 66 Posts Bolin Plaza. (3) We are in the early stages of a program achieving 100% in member- with Department of Correction where Veterans incar- ship. Of those Posts 17 made cerated and are reaching their discharge dates can start All State with 11 achieving All American. The 71 Posts WKHSURFHVVRI¿OLQJIRUDQ\VHUYLFHFRQQHFWHGLVVXHV make up 9 Districts With 8 Districts achieving 100% in We are also in the early stages of a Service Dog Pro- membership. Of those Districts 5 made All State with gram. As with all new programs things move slow at 4 Districts achieving All American. Knowing that the ¿UVW:HZLOOFRQWLQXHWRPRYHIRUZDUGZLWKWKHVHQHZ last time National made 100% plus was 27 years ago. programs. The Department of Arizona made 52 years in a row at The VFW and Auxiliary Team all understood 100% as a result The Department of Arizona achieved the mission. The programs that needed to be acted on $OO$PHULFDQ7KHGLɣHUHQFHWKLV\HDUZHPDGHLWZHOO WRRNSULRULW\IRURQHJRDOWKDWZDVWR¿QLVKDWWKHWRS before our State Convention. It would be 7 years since with everything. the last time that was accomplished. I want to thank Kim Harney and her Auxiliary We all worked hard as a team to accomplish for being part of my TEAM and the VFWAZ TEAM. We everything that was needed to put Arizona at the top. are 25,110 members STRONG! I am proud of each one The Department purchased a trailer for Membership of you. Now let’s get started on the 2019/2020 year and National with our ideas developed an eye catch- for Commander Tom Judd and President Sheila Eiler. ing wrap that includes the new VFW logo. The Mem- “ Communication! Key to Successful Service” EHUVKLS7HDPJRWRQ¿UHZLWK0DUN6KRUWLQWKHOHDG *HQH:RRG and recruited 1698 new and 485 recovered Members. 'HSDUWPHQW The events that we were able to attend were the Ar- $GMXWDQW3'&

Kim Harney, Jr. Past Dept. Auxiliary President Post 9972 Sierra Vista What an incredible year for best promotion of creating youth groups and/or the VFW Auxiliary had in Arizo- engaging youth groups in Auxiliary programs. The Pa- na! We did very well at the Na- triotic Art Scholarship Department winner from Aux- WLRQDO &RQYHQWLRQ :H ZRQ ¿UVW iliary 720 won third place on the National level. The place in our group for Veterans Department was also recognized in the Circle of Excel- and Family Support, American- lence ceremony. LVP&KLHIRI6WDɣDQG+LVWRULDQ It was my honor to work with my De- We won second place for Mem- partment Commander, Gene Wood this year. As a bership and Youth and third place for Buddy Poppy/National team, everyone did amazing work for our Veterans and Home. Legislative won an award their families. I can’t thank you enough for everything for the most creative education, resources and train- you did for the Department! ing on the Priority Goals, Action Corps Weekly and the .LP+DUQH\ overall legislative process while Youth won an award -U3DVW'HSDUWPHQW3UHVLGHQW VFW Foundation Post Grants... https://www.vfw.org/foundation ,I\RXU3RVWRU$X[LOLDU\LVLQWHUHVWHGLQDUHFHLYLQJDJUDQWWRKHOSZLWKWKHFRVWRI\RXUQH[WFRPPXQLW\ VHUYLFHHYHQWWKH9):)RXQGDWLRQPD\EHDEOHWRKHOS&RPPXQLW\VHUYLFHSURMHFWVWKDWLQYROYHDORFDOEUDQFK RUDɤOLDWHRID9):1DWLRQDOFRUSRUDWHVXSSRUWHUPD\EHHOLJLEOHWRUHFHLYHXSWRLQDGGLWLRQDOIXQGLQJ )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDQGIRUDOLVWRIDSSURYHGVXSSRUWHUV\RXFDQZRUNZLWKSOHDVHJRWR https://www.vfw.org/community/community-initiatives/post-grants/supporters VFW Foundation Community Support Grant active duty military personnel and their families. Re- VFW community service projects are extreme- quests displaying innovation in service delivery, unique ly important and shouldn't be hindered by budgetary program design that addresses an under-served need OLPLWDWLRQV,QDQHɣRUWWRKHOS9):3RVWVDQG$X[LO- and the likelihood of sustainability after the grant peri- iaries succeed in serving their communities, the VFW od ends will be given special consideration. )RXQGDWLRQWKHRɤFLDO F  FKDULW\RIWKH9):  7KH¿VFDO\HDUJUDQWDSSOLFDWLRQSHUL- - established the VFW Foundation Post/VFW Auxiliary od will open September 2019, so please check back for Community Support Grant to help fund local commu- more information later this year. nity service projects. Available to any VFW Post or Auxiliary, a VFW The Home Depot Community Impact Grant Foundation Post/VFW Auxiliary Community Support The Home Depot is now accepting applications Grant will provide up to $1,000 for performing import- for its 2019 Community Impact Grant. VFW mem- ant and needed qualifying outreach projects in your bers can receive up to $5,000 to fund repairs or con- community! With an easy and streamlined application struction projects at their Post building. Grants will be process, Posts and Auxiliaries can expect to receive a awarded in the form of Home Depot gift cards which decision within thirty (30) days of the application sub- can be used to purchase tools and materials at your lo- mission. cal Home Depot store. All projects must be completed  7KH DSSOLFDWLRQ SHULRG IRU WKH  ¿VFDO within six months of their approval date, so time your year will start Sept. 2, 2019. Please check back for more application accordingly. Get more information and ap- information closer to the next application period. ply today! There is a step by step on the correct way to ¿OORXWWKHDSSOLFDWLRQRQWKH6WDWH:HE6LWH VFW Foundation Regular Grant vfwaz.com. Click “Resources”, “Reports and Forms”, No one understands military and veteran sup- “Home Depot Grant Guide” port quite like we do. To help VFW Departments, Posts DQG $X[LOLDULHV DV ZHOO DV TXDOLI\LQJ QRQSUR¿WV SUR- Attention VFW Chairmen! vide the vital support America's heroes and their fam- For your convenience, all VFW Chairman ilies deserve, the VFW Foundation has established the Guides and Department training tools and resources VFW Foundation Regular Grant. can now be accessed by logging in and visiting the VFW Grants ranging from $1,000 - $15,000, will be Training and Support section on the My VFW page at DZDUGHG IRU DFWLYLWLHV WKDW GLUHFWO\ EHQH¿W YHWHUDQV VFW.org. VFW Member Services is for All Members  7KH9):¶V0HPEHU6HUYLFH&HQWHUVWDɣLQVLGH tee you get the issue in the mail. Any Veteran can call VFW National Headquarters in Kansas City, MO, are about ANYTHING. ready to assist members. All VFW Store orders, includ- One of the most common phone calls con- ing returns and exchanges, can go through the service cerns questions about the Online Membership System, center. At the Member Service Center you can pay your or OMS. The center has been known to walk callers dues, convert to life membership, change your mailing through the training in OMS We try to get new mem- address, replace your membership card and a host of bers up to speed on how to navigate the OMS system. other services. If a member has misplaced an issue of They are ready to help. To reach the Member VFW magazine, calling the service center will guaran- Service Center, call its toll-free number: 1-833-VFW-VETS (1-833-839-8387) or email [email protected] Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Present Winter Conference Organizational Training Jan 11-12, 2020 Voice Of Democracy Patriots Pen & Teachers Awards Banquet Saturday January 11, 2020 Four Points by Sheraton 2532 W. Peoria Ave Phoenix, AZ 85029 Reservations number: 1-888-627-9057 ask for the “Veterans of Foreign Wars Winter Conference 2020” group rate Deadline for room reservations: Friday, December 20, 2019 Room rate $109 includes FREE Breakfast for up to 2 persons per room. 8:30-12:30 ....AZ Capital Visit ( Students, Parent only) 9:00-Noon ....VFW and VFW Auxiliary Training 4:00pm .... Student/Parents/District Commanders & Presidents Reception (Pictures) 5:00pm .... No Host Cocktails - Banquet Room Foyer 6:00pm .... Dinner & Awards SUNDAY 9:00am .... C of A Meeting Deadline for Dinner Reservations is Jan.1, 2020 - $35 (after Jan.1 - $40) (the Menu is being negotiated at this time) Send Checks to: Veterans of Foreign Wars Table reservations can ONLY be 6423 S. Ash Ave made for tables of ten (10). $350 Tempe, AZ 85283 must be on ONE check and noted Payable to:”VFW Dept of AZ” “VOD Table of 10”. All others are Please note on check: ¿UVWFRPH¿UVWVHUYHG VOD Dinner VFW & Auxiliary C of A Meetings are Sunday at 9:00am Veterans Court in Arizona https://dvs.az.gov/veterans-court Veterans Court is a collab- their case within the court in that local VA medical facility for a more orative process that includes the jurisdiction and will not be eligible in-depth assessment. It is from this prosecutor, defense counsel, Judge, for Veterans Court. Each Veterans assessment the parties agree upon WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 9HWHUDQ $ɣDLUV Court establishes its own eligibility a treatment plan for presentation and other community based sup- rules but, in general, a veteran must to the Judge. Upon approval of the port organizations. The goal of Vet- request to be placed in the Veterans plan by the Judge, the veteran be- erans Court is to rehabilitate and Court program. The prosecutor, gins the treatment programs called restore veterans as active, contrib- defense counsel and the Judge must for in the plan. uting members of their community. all agree that Veterans Court is the Progress in the treatment The Veterans Court pro- appropriate forum for the manage- program is closely monitored by gram focuses on veterans who are ment of the case. The veteran re- the Court. Non-compliance with currently in, or entering, the Crim- mains eligible for Veterans Court the treatment program can lead to inal Justice System. The Court cre- by making satisfactory progress in sanctions which may include incar- ates and supervises treatment plans their court ordered treatment pro- ceration, community service, and to address the underlying causes gram and by complying with the reprimand by the Judge. In cases of the veterans behavior and sub- other Veterans Court requirements. of continuous non-compliance, a stance abuse issues. Issues com- It is important to remember, no veteran may be removed from Vet- monly addressed by the treatment veteran has a “right” to have their erans Court. The favorable terms programs include: case assigned to Veterans Court. of any plea agreement may revoked Once in Veterans Court, the veteran and a sentence imposed. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder must continuously “earn” the privi- Upon successful completion Traumatic Brain Injury lege of remaining in Veterans Court of the Veteran Court program, di- Anger issues by complying with all the Court’s version eligible veterans may have Domestic Violence requirements. their cases dismissed. Veterans on Alcohol abuse probation may have their probation Drug Abuse Process successfully terminated. Eligible veterans may par- Veterans in Veterans Court By focusing on the root ticipate in the court by voluntarily can expect to be subjected to more problems that contribute to in- requesting their case be transferred frequent reviews by the court to volvement with the criminal justice to Veterans Court which meets as a monitor the veteran’s progress in V\VWHPDQGSURYLGLQJVSHFL¿FUHKD- separate court docket. The prose- their treatment programs. Veter- bilitation programs, the Veterans cutor and the defense counsel eval- ans making satisfactory progress Court provides an opportunity for uate each case and must agree that will be recognized by the Court and the veteran to return to the com- the case is appropriate for Veterans RɣHUHG ZRUGV RI HQFRXUDJHPHQW munity in a more advantageous and Court. The case is then present- Veteran’s not making satisfactory EHQH¿FLDOPDQQHU HG WR WKH -XGJH IRU ¿QDO DSSURY- may expect words of encourage- al. The Department of Veterans PHQWRIDQHQWLUHO\GLɣHUHQWQDWXUH Eligibility $ɣDLUV 9HWHUDQV -XVWLFH 2XWUHDFK and sanctions may be imposed Each Veterans Court is go- VSHFLDOLVW WKHQ YHUL¿HV WKH YHWHU- Successful completion of LQJ WR EH RSHUDWHG GLɣHUHQWO\ GH- DQVHOLJLELOLW\IRUYHWHUDQ¶VEHQH¿WV the Veterans Court program will be pending on the needs of the indi- and conducts an initial assessment marked by “graduation” from the vidual jurisdiction. Veterans with of the veteran’s treatment require- program. For more info go to: cases in jurisdictions without a ments. The veteran, if eligible for https://lawforveterans.org/ Veterans Court will have to address 9$EHQH¿WVLVWKHQGLUHFWHGWRWKH veterans-courts Computer Tips & Tricks Sometimes web pages are a little too big or too small and it would be nice to be able to zoom out or in to make the page HDVLHUWRUHDG,QRUGHUWR]RRPLQ\RXMXVWSUHVVFRQWURO :LQGRZV RUFRPPDQG 0DF DQGWKH SOXV NH\7R]RRPRXW SUHVVFRQWUROFRPPDQGDQGWKH PLQXV NH\DQGWRVHWWKLQJVEDFNWRQRUPDOSUHVVFRQWUROFRPPDQGDQGWKH ]HUR NH\