A non-profit official publication the Department of the Pacific Areas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Volume XVIII – Number 10 MAY 2015 FREE “Fight for our Vets!”
Typhoon / Around the Pacific Table of Contents 2014-2015 Department of Pacific Areas Convention Section: Page: and Department Officer’s Comments 2 Grand of Pacific Areas Scratch Commander 2 Senior Vice Commander 3 14-18 June 2015 Angeles City, Philippines Junior Vice Commander 6 Reservation deadline 01 June 2015 Junior Past Department Commander 7 Chief of Staff 7 http://vfwdeptpacific.org/CONVENTION/ Adjutant 8 Quartermaster 8 Judge Advocate 11 Department Committee Reports 13 Americanism Chairman 13 Clark Cemetery Committee Chairman 14 Convention Chairman 16 Convention Book Chairman 16 Legislative Committee Chairman 17 Legacy Life Membership Chairman 18 Life Membership Chairman 19 National Home for Children Chairman 20 The VFW Department of Pacific Areas and Grand of Pacific Areas POW-MIA Chairman 22 Council of Administration will be held at the Oasis Hotel, Angeles City, Public Servant Award Chairman 24 Philippines. VOD / PP / Teachers Award Chairman 25 Safety Chairman 26 Assistant Department Service Officer 28 Hope to see you there! Editor 28 Around the Pacific - Community Report 29 ------VFW Pacific Areas General Announcements 42 Cootie Corner Announcements 45 Pacific Areas Photo of the Edition 46 Pacific Areas Joke of the Edition 47 Letters of Intent 47 49th Convention Rules of Order 51
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1
Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt OOffffiicceerr’’ss CCoommmmeennttss
From the Commander:
Warmest regards to all my exceptional comrades within the Department of Pacific Areas.
April was an extremely busy month. First of all, led by our Membership Chairman SVC Homer Kemper, went through the process of determining who qualified to earn All State recognition, thus making them eligible for possible All American selection. The initial key requirement was to reach 100% plus one in Membership by 30 April. Several Posts and four Districts distinguished themselves by achieving this first requirement. Unfortunately, a few came up a little short in achieving some other of the All State eligibility requirements. In any case, I salute them all for attaining the 100% Membership level, as Membership is most important toward supporting our Veterans, families, widows and orphans.
The All State winners are:
District II District VII Post 1054-Yokosuka, Japan Post 3457-Saipan Post 9555-Yokota, Japan Post 9892-La Union, Philippines Post 9612-Camp Zama, Japan Post 11447-Subic, Philippines Post 10223-Camp Humphreys, Korea Post 12130-Cebu, Philippines Post 10217-Korat, Thailand
CONGRATULATIONS!
Had the opportunity to visit District II in Japan and participate in an outstanding charity event that they held on behalf of the VFW National Home for Children. Post 1054 held a Charity Concert for the National Home. I was honored to speak on behalf of our National Home during the concert. Over $2,000 was collected to help the Home and its children.
Congratulations to our newest Posts to reach 100% - Post 12109, Waegwan, Korea and Post 9876 in Pattaya, Thailand.
Well, our Department Convention is to be held next month. I urge each of you to register and join in on this important and enjoyable event. Simply go to DPA website and click on convention link. Also, Posts, Districts & Pup Tents-send your ads in to Convention Chairman Bob Zaher [email protected].
We are having a banner year, as one of our PDCs described it - keep it going and THINK MEMBERSHIP in support of our Vets, families, widows & orphans.
Warmest Regards from the Pacific,
Bear ------““FFiigghhtt ffoorr oouurr VVeettss!!”” ASK SOMEONE TO JOIN TODAY!
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Senior Vice Commander:
Comrades,
First of all I would like to congratulate all the Districts and Posts on achieving All State. As all the All State winners hopefully are aware of your next goal should be to finish the year with All American. The major work and dedication should have been completed your focus should be achieving the 85% retention, which will also help the DPA reach the 100% in membership. Comrades we are nearing the end to an incredible banner year, however the banner year will not be complete unless we put the DPA over the 100% in membership at the National Level.
I would like to thank every Comrade within the Pacific for all your dedication and support you have gave this year to our DPA Commander Bear Hudson, his elected and appointed Officers, and the Committee Chairmen. All of the Department should be very proud of an outstanding year as we stood tall and followed our Commanders Theme “Fight for our VETS” during the 2014-2015 year!
I would like to once again thank all who have recruited new or reinstated members as you will see in the posted membership statistics we made excellent progress in climbing to the at National however we are still behind that 100% mark. As of 04 May 2015 we are ranked # 5 Nationally at 98.34% compared to last month ranking of # 7. The bad news is that we are 187 members away from sending the DPA over 100%. Keep up the great work in recruiting and put the DPA BACK on TOP Nationally where we deserve to be.
WE NEED 187 COMRADES TO REACH 100%. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF EVERY COMRADE IN THE PACIFIC WOULD RECRUIT ONE NEW MEMBER?
Comrades did you R-cruit new members? Did you reach out and R-einstate members? Did remind annual members to pay their dues and R-etain continuous members?
Thanks again to all the Comrades of the Pacific for your support during my term as DPA SVC this year our membership percentages are still increasing and your recruiting efforts reflect in our current statistics. Please take the time and effort and ask the simple question to all that you meet are you a VFW member and always carry your applications! REMEMBER 187 COMRADES NEEDED LETS GET OUT THERE AND RECRUIT AND FIGHT FOR OUR VETS!
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the DPA Convention in Angeles City, Philippines.
Yours in Comradeship and Service, Homer Kemper Senior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------See MEMSTATS below and Recruiting Tips on the following pages.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
MEMSTATS (AS OF 04 MAY 2015) Prior N/R Prior State Post Dst Life New Reinst Cont Total Percent Div City Retention Year LM Annual DPA 9723 1 744 18 5 50 817 800 102.12% 1 OKINAWA 8 59 61.71% D. 1 744 18 5 50 817 800 102.12% JAPAN 8 Totals DPA 1054 2 711 10 0 10 731 700 104.42% 2 YOKOSUKA CITY 28 17 58.82% DPA 9555 2 339 20 1 38 398 390 102.05% 2 YOKOTA AFB 1 42 88.10% DPA 9612 2 369 4 41 14 428 367 116.62% 2 CAMP ZAMA 11 12 100.00% D. 2 1419 34 42 62 1557 1457 106.86% JAPAN 40 Totals DPA 8180 3 624 2 1 25 652 779 83.69% 1 SEOUL 4 151 20.53% TONGDUCHON- DPA 9985 3 193 126 2 45 366 473 77.37% 2 5 285 18.60% UPREA DPA 10033 3 458 21 2 22 503 510 98.62% 2 TAEGU 2 46 43.48% DPA 10216 3 906 94 8 86 1094 1193 91.70% 1 SONGTAN-SI 18 343 39.07% DPA 10223 3 221 48 1 17 287 275 104.36% 3 CAMP HUMPHREYS 3 66 36.36% DPA 12109 3 19 10 0 23 52 51 101.96% 9 WAEGWAN 0 34 58.82% DPA 12147 3 19 34 2 1 56 0 0.00% 10 SEONGNAM 19 0 % D. 3 2440 335 16 219 3010 3281 91.74% KOREA 51 Totals DPA 727 4 73 0 0 5 78 79 98.73% 8 TAICHUNG 0 5 100.00% DPA 9957 4 325 0 0 16 341 350 97.42% 3 TAIPEI 0 19 84.21% D. 4 398 0 0 21 419 429 97.66% TAIWAN 0 Totals DPA 9876 5 401 13 0 54 468 468 100.00% 2 PATTAYA CITY 2 74 77.03% DPA 9951 5 234 5 0 17 256 255 100.39% 3 BANGKOK 1 27 81.48% DPA 10217 5 115 5 2 19 141 139 101.43% 6 KORAT AF BASE 0 26 88.46% DPA 10249 5 240 2 1 25 268 269 99.62% 3 UDORN 5 39 84.62% DPA 11575 5 91 0 0 10 101 102 99.01% 7 PHNOM PENH 0 13 92.31% DPA 12074 5 68 3 1 33 105 114 92.10% 6 CHIANG MAI 2 55 65.45% DPA 12146 5 2 24 1 0 27 0 0.00% 10 BANCHANG 2 0 % D. 5 1151 52 5 158 1366 1347 101.41% THAILAND 12 Totals DPA 1509 6 332 15 1 18 366 385 95.06% 2 YIGO 1 50 42.00% DPA 2917 6 164 4 1 30 201 223 90.13% 4 AGAT 1 60 58.33% DPA 3457 6 198 18 5 12 236 219 107.76% 4 SAIPAN 10 32 46.88% D. 6 699 37 7 60 803 827 97.09% GUAM CNMI 12 Totals DPA 124 7 113 0 0 0 113 103 109.70% 7 BAGUIO CITY 13 0 100.00% DPA 2485 7 1576 24 1 59 1660 1682 98.69% 1 ANGELES CITY 43 134 56.72% DPA 9892 7 237 11 1 4 253 244 103.68% 4 BAUANG,LA UNION 6 12 50.00% DPA 11447 7 381 6 5 18 410 407 100.73% 2 SUBIC BAY 14 36 72.22% DPA 12130 7 37 17 0 29 83 65 127.69% 9 CEBU 0 47 80.85% D. 7 2344 58 7 110 2519 2501 100.71% PHILIPPINES 76 Totals DPA 15055 99 490 38 3 40 571 606 94.22% 2 DPA 15
D. 99 490 38 3 40 571 606 94.22% 15 Totals DPA 9685 572 85 720 11062 11248 98.34% PACIFIC AREAS 214 Total
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
RECRUITING TIPS WINNING TIPS FROM VFW “ALL AMERICANS”
I. With every new person you meet ask, “Are you a veteran?” and “Did you serve overseas?” You can immediately establish a common bond and confirm their eligibility.
II. Have every member, old and new to complete a list of eligible family members and friends. Often, they have never been asked.
III. Always visit a prospective member in person. Calling and writing are great campaign tools, but nothing works better than a handshake and eye-to-eye contact.
IV. Always carry an application and a membership brochure. Insist that everyone on your team carry them too. It is hard to recover a lost opportunity.
V. Set up recruiting booths at malls, department stores, fairs, special public events and other high traffic areas. Use the videotapes available through National Headquarters. Plan your display carefully. Be prepared to follow up.
VI. Do not overlook lapsed members. Their circumstances may have changed and they are ready to return.
VII. Use the “Shotgun Mailer” as part of your membership campaign (Many All Americans have used it).
VIII. Visit other Veteran, Fraternal and Civic Organizations. Let your concern and willingness to help be known and understood by all.
IX. Include membership in other programs. For example, while promoting Buddy Poppies – don’t forget to ask, “Are you a veteran?” and “Did you serve overseas?”
X. Membership is more than a reflection of recruiting ability. It also reflects your leadership ability, the quality of your programs and the overall health of the organization. ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Junior Vice Commander:
Comrades,
Below are the final numbers for the CSR’s for this year. I would like to thank everyone for your hard work. We had another great year serving our community with 5,337 reports. We traveled over 505,494 miles with 23,866 volunteers and 92,823 hours. Our gifts were over $563,076.13. The values of Buddy Poppies Bought were $1960.25 and Sold were $21,097.33. Thank you for taking the time to serve our community and for taking the time to report. The Department Community Service Post of the year will be announced at the Convention.
Do not forget that inputs and nominations for the annual awards are due not later than 29 May 2015. Please see "DPA Forms Portal" link on the Department website and make your nominations for:
Outstanding Post Outstanding Post Commander Outstanding Quartermaster Outstanding Adjutant Outstanding Service Officer Outstanding Member Outstanding Contributing Business Outstanding Contributing Individual Outstanding Membership Chairman
Post Dist May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Total 9723 1 17 10 14 17 21 17 19 15 16 19 14 17 196 1054 11 24 23 31 25 27 27 15 16 14 43 27 283 9555 2 18 3 13 17 28 27 14 9 4 12 39 17 201 9612 95 98 78 59 94 96 92 78 94 65 71 63 983 8180 13 12 14 3 2 10 3 11 11 7 3 0 89 9985 7 1 1 6 7 5 7 1 1 4 5 8 53 10033 2 1 1 1 3 5 2 1 7 2 1 2 28 3 10216 22 28 11 6 9 12 13 12 10 10 8 6 147 10223 5 5 4 6 6 5 6 4 7 5 5 3 61 12109 4 2 1 1 1 3 4 1 1 1 2 0 21 727 8 8 6 6 5 6 7 7 7 6 7 6 79 4 9957 2 0 5 7 0 3 4 1 1 0 0 0 23 9876 35 36 25 27 25 26 29 31 26 24 28 13 325 9951 47 13 4 22 19 21 16 19 24 54 57 4 300 10217 17 20 22 16 15 18 12 14 14 14 13 17 192 5 10249 10 1 3 1 1 10 12 9 5 3 5 1 61 11575 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12074 2 20 25 37 32 17 18 20 14 30 17 7 239 1509 37 25 13 7 4 4 5 4 9 12 31 27 178 2917 6 4 2 4 3 2 7 3 3 4 22 27 24 105 3457 17 16 17 9 18 14 15 12 10 11 17 4 160 124 6 5 5 6 13 4 8 4 6 3 2 7 69 2485 56 54 60 77 75 75 70 80 95 90 145 151 1028 9892 7 4 22 27 18 20 14 15 33 75 64 80 13 385 11447 4 4 9 5 5 5 4 5 2 3 3 1 50 12130 12 3 10 5 14 7 6 6 4 2 3 3 75 Total 443 410 385 388 430 431 405 389 459 475 623 418 5256
Yours in Comradeship, Robert “Mo” Moses Junior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Junior Past Department Commander:
Comrades,
Post elections have been completed. We are now past the All State Deadline. Which means we are getting close to the end of our Year. Don't forget the Election reports. The Department is just shy of 200 members from being 100%. Let's rally the last couple of months and get the Department to 100%. We can do this!
I would like to take this time to thank each of you for all of your help over the last four years. It has been a truly great honor severing the Department in the Top Three Chairs and as Junior Past Commander this year. As I move out of the Junior Past Chair, I want to let you know that I will continue to be here. Anyone that has any questions, I'm still just an email or a phone call away.
I'm looking forward to seeing those of you that will be attending the Department Convention in Angeles City. Which by the way, if you have not registered it's not too late.
Thank you!
Yours Always in Comradeship, Shawn Watson Junior Past Department Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Chief of Staff:
Comrades,
It’s been a banner year for our Department with two new Posts instituted by Department Commander Hudson. VFW Post 12146 in Ban Chang, Thailand with the help of the new Post Commander Doug Cilley and Post Quartermaster Lou Holub and the new VFW Post 12147 in Seoul, Korea with the leadership of our National recruiter Larry Lyons and District III Commander Casey Roberts. Well done!
Our Department still need some help in the membership area, we are nearing our goal of 100% so Comrades reach out today and recruit at least one member, I did.
Hope to see you at our Department Convention in Angeles City Philippines, 14-18 June 2015.
Thank you for your continued support.
Cheers!
Yours in comradeship, Bob Zaher Chief of Staff Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Adjutant:
Comrades,
We are in the final months of the VFW year. I hope you are doing your best at all levels to finish the year strong. There are a lot of administrative activities that must occur before starting the new year on the right foot. The first of these requirements is the election report. Most of our posts have submitted election reports, but there are a few still needing to file. If you have any troubles filing, please let me know. The following posts have not submitted an electronic election report as required (as of 05 May 2015):
District 1: Post 9723 District 2: Post 9555 District 3: Posts 9985, 10216, 12147 District 5: Posts 12017, 12146 District 6: Post 1509 District 7: Post 124
I have not received many Delegate Letters. Please keep in mind letters must be on file with me and delegate fees paid before being able to vote on any matter during convention.
Our Scout of the Year is Eagle Scout Morgan Baek who was nominated for the award by Hill 303 Post 10033 in Daegu, South Korea. Morgan earned his Eagle at the age of 15 and continues to excel in the Souting program. He organized a Venturing Crew in Daegu and is excelling in that program as well. Additionally, Morgan is the Order of the Arrow Clan Chief. He is very active in the JROTC and ranks high in the top American High School wrestlers in Korea. We wish him well as he competes at the National Level.
Please feel free to contact me if you need anything. You may email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to get back to you within 24 hours.
Yours in comradeship and service, Darin Combs Adjutant Department of Pacific Areas
------From the Quartermaster:
Comrades,
Quartermaster Bond rates for next year have risen by $.50 per $1,000 of coverage up to $25,000. For bonds over $25,000 the rate remains the same as before. I’ll try to have the new Bond Rate Schedule published in this issue of the Typhoon to make it easier for you to figure out.
Let’s discuss Delegate Fees, a formula that has been made deliberately complicated by demented lawyers and deranged accountants. To figure out how much your Post owes in Delegate Fees, take your total membership count for the year as of May 31, 2015. Divide this number by 30, and round up even if the remainder is 1. Example: your Post has 151 members as of May 31. Divide by 30 and round up – you have 6 delegates, or 6 votes on any voting matter to come before the Convention.
But wait! There’s more! Your Post gets an additional delegate vote if one of your Post members present at the Convention is a Department Officer, including Chief-of-Staff, the Adjutant, and the Inspector. The Department National Council Member gets an additional delegate vote. As does any Past Department Commander, the Post Commander, and the District Commander. It is possible, even likely, that one member of your Post could hold more than one of these positions. That person still only gets one vote.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
If you are not confused by now, I must be doing something wrong. But don’t worry. At the Convention, we will canvass every Post present to see who counts as an extra delegate, and then determine your total delegate count. Once the final number is reached, multiply that number by $6.00, and that is the amount of your delegate fees.
Finally, the cost for Buddy Poppies will remain the same next year - $58 per box of 500 Poppies.
I hope to see many of you at the Department Convention in Angeles City next month.
Yours in comradeship, Pete Callaghan Quartermaster Department of Pacific Areas
2014-2015 POST AND DISTRICT AUDITS / POPPIES / QM BONDS
AUDITS BUDDY POPPIES QM BOND JUNE 14 SEP 14 DEC 14 MAR 15 SUBMITTED ORDERED 14-15 ORDERED 2014-15 9723 X X X X $58.00/500 $100.00/$40.000. Pd. District I X X X X X $9.00/$3,000 Pd. 1054 X X X X $58.00/500 $70.00/$28,000 Pd. 9555 X X X X $58.00/500 $60.00/$20,000. Pd. 9612 X X X X $58.00/500 $65.00/$26,000. Pd. District II X X X X X $12.00/$4,000 Pd. 8180 X X X $58.00/500 $60.00/$20,000 Pd. 9985 X X $58.00/500 $24.00/$8,000 Pd. 10033 X X X X $58.00/500 $60.00/$20,000. Pd. 10216 X $58.00/500 $75.00/$30,000 Pd. 10223 X X X X $58.00/500 $45.00/$15,000 Pd. 12109 $58.00/500 $9.00/$3,000 Pd. 12147 District III X X X $12.00/$4,000. Pd. 727 X X X X $58.00/500 $9.00/$3,000 Pd. 9957 X X X $58.00/500 $100.00/$40,000 Pd. District IV X X X X X $9.00/$3,000. Pd. 9876 X X X X $58.00/500 $150.00/$60,000. Pd. 9951 X X X $58.00/500 $15.00/$5,000 Pd. 10217 X X X X $58.00/500 $39.00/$13,000. Pd. 10249 X X X X $58.00/500 $39.00/$13,000. Pd. 11575 X X $58.00/500 $12.00/$4,000 Pd. 12074 X X X X $45.00/$15,000. Pd. 12146 District V X X X X $39.00/$13,000. Pd. 1509 X X X X $58.00/500 $60.00/$20,000 Pd. 2917 X X X X $58.00/500 $60.00/$20,000. Pd. 3457 X X X X $58.00/500 $45.00/$15,000. Pd. District VI X X X X $9.00/$3,000. Pd. 124 X X X X $58.00/500 $9.00/$3,000. Pd. 2485 X X X X $58.00/500 $175.00/$70,000. Pd. 9892 X X X X $58.00/500 $30.00/ $10,000. Pd. 11447 X X X X $58.00/500 $36.00/$12,000 Pd. 12130 X X X X $58.00/500 $9.00/$3,000 Pd. District VII X X X X X $21.00/$7,000 Pd.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
VFW QUARTERMASTER BOND
$3.50 Per Thousand $2.50 Per Thousand $2.00 Per Thousand $l.75 Per Thousand
$ 3,000.-----$10.50 $ 26,000.----$ 65.00 $251,000.----$ 502.00 $501,000.---$ 876.75 $ 4,000.-----$14.00 $ 27,000.----$ 67.50 $252,000.----$ 504.00 $502,000.---$ 878.50 $ 5,000.-----$17.50 $ 28,000.----$ 70.00 $253,000.----$ 506.00 $503,000.---$ 880.25 $ 6,000.-----$21.00 $ 29,000.----$ 72.50 $254,000.----$ 508.00 $504,000.---$ 882.00 $ 7,000.-----$24.50 $ 30,000.----$ 75.00 $255,000.----$ 510.00 $505,000.---$ 883.75 $ 8,000.-----$28.00 $ 40,000.----$ 100.00 $256,000.----$ 512.00 $506,000.---$ 885.50 $ 9,000.-----$31.50 $ 50,000.----$ 125.00 $257,000.----$ 514.00 $507,000.---$ 887.25 $ 10,000.-----$35.00 $ 60,000.----$ 150.00 $258,000.----$ 516.00 $508,000.---$ 889.00 $ 11,000.-----$38.50 $ 70,000.----$ 175.00 $259,000.----$ 518.00 $509,000.---$ 890.85 $ 12,000.-----$42.00 $ 80,000.----$ 200.00 $260,000.----$ 520.00 $510,000.---$ 892.50 $ 13,000.-----$45.50 $ 90,000.----$ 225.00 $270,000.----$ 540.00 $520,000.---$ 910.00 $ 14,000.-----$49.00 $100,000.----$ 250.00 $280,000.----$ 560.00 $530,000.---$ 927.50 $ 15,000.-----$52.50 $110,000.----$ 275.00 $290,000.----$ 580.00 $540,000.---$ 945.00 $ 16,000.-----$56.00 $120,000.----$ 300.00 $300,000.----$ 600.00 $550,000.---$ 962.50 $ 17,000.-----$59.50 $130,000.----$ 325.00 $310,000.----$ 620.00 $560,000.---$ 980.00 $ 18,000.-----$63.00 $140,000.----$ 350.00 $320,000.----$ 640.00 $570,000.---$ 997.50 $ 19,000.-----$66.50 $150,000.----$ 375.00 $330,000.----$ 660.00 $580,000.---$1,015.00 $ 20,000.-----$70.00 $160,000.----$ 400.00 $340,000.----$ 680.00 $590,000.---$1,032.50 $ 21,000.-----$73.50 $170,000.----$ 425.00 $350,000.----$ 700.00 $600,000.---$1,050.00 $ 22,000.-----$77.00 $180,000.----$ 450.00 $360,000.----$ 720.00 $ 23,000.-----$80.50 $190,000.----$ 475.00 $370,000.----$ 740.00 $ 24,000.-----$84.00 $200,000.----$ 500.00 $380,000.----$ 760.00 ($501,000. And UP) $ 25,000.-----$87.50 $210,000.----$ 525.00 $390,000.----$ 780.00 $1.75 Per Thousand $220,000.----$ 550.00 $400,000.----$ 800.00 ($3,000. To $25,000.) $230,000.----$ 575.00 $410,000.----$ 820.00 $3.50 Per Thousand $240,000.----$ 600.00 $420,000.----$ 840.00 $250,000.----$ 625.00 $430,000.----$ 860.00 $440,000.----$ 880.00 ($26,000. To $250,000.) $450,000.----$ 900.00 $2.50 Per Thousand $460,000.----$ 920.00 $470,000.----$ 940.00 $480,000.----$ 960.00 $490,000.----$ 980.00 $500,000.----$ 1,000.00
($251,000. To $500,000.) $2.00 Per Thousand Form #9/00-ED2011 ------
Someone asked you to join. You can ask someone today.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Judge Advocate:
Comrades,
In this issue of the Typhoon I will present a resolution submitted by Post 10217 that was approved as amended by last year's National Convention, but not listed in the National Commanders recommended resolutions for consideration at the 116th National Convention in July this year. Also, you will find the Department Rules of Order for the 49th Department Convention elsewhere in the Typhoon, so please review them if you’re going to the Convention.
RESOLUTION ON HERBICICE EXPOSURE
The below proposed resolution was approved by the 48th Department Convention and designated R629 at the 115th National Convention last year, however it is not mentioned in the Commander-in Chief's resolutions published on April 6, 2015. That being so Post 10217 through District V is submitting the resolution again to ensure action will be taken at the 116th National Convention. Therefore, the below resolution will be presented to the 49th Department Convention for approval and if adopted further submission to National.
Resolution No. ______
EXTEND THE PRESUMPTION OF EXPOSURE TO HERBICIDES TO VETERANS STATIONED AT ROYAL THAI MILITARY BASES DURING THE VIETNAM WAR
WHEREAS, it is a well-documented that herbicides were used for vegetation control and to clear base perimeters at Royal Thai installations between 28 February 1961 and 7 May 1975; and
WHEREAS, it is also documented that tactical herbicides obtained from Vietnam, as well as commercial grade herbicides, were used in Thailand; and
WHEREAS, many U.S. military service members stationed at Royal Thai Military installations throughout Thailand are suffering from diseases which include many types of cancer, as well as diabetes and other chronic diseases; and
WHEREAS, these diseases are recognized to be presumptive to herbicide exposure; and
WHEREAS, base personnel received military training such as small arms qualification training near the base perimeter; and
WHEREAS, current policy by VA restricting the presumption of exposure to herbicides to only those personnel who were military police and those with specific duties on the perimeter of installations does not recognize that many personnel working at these bases were given adjunct assignments (guard duty) on the perimeter which was poorly documented; and
WHEREAS, military service members with boots on the ground, at any time and. point in Vietnam are automatically considered to have been exposed to herbicides; and
WHEREAS, the restrictive policies of VA unfairly exclude personnel who were assigned adjunct duties on the perimeter but cannot prove it; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact legislation granting the presumption of exposure to any veteran who was assigned to a Royal Thai military installation from 28 February 1961 and 7 May 1975.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
Submitted by: Post 10217 through District V to be considered by the 49th Department Convention held in Angeles City, Philippines, June 2015.
NOTICE 05-01-2015: The following resolutions have been submitted by email attachments to All Commanders, Adjutants, Council Members and PDCs for review. Also, the resolutions may be reviewed on the Department Website under the Judge Advocate's page by clicking on "Resolutions."
Department Resolution No. 1 CVC – This is an ongoing Department resolution that will be voted for continuance as amended at the 49th Department Convention.
Resolution Herbicide Exposure – Intent of this resolution is to request Congress to provide funding for Veterans assigned to Royal Thai military installation that were exposed to herbicides during the Vietnam conflict. A motion will be made at the 49th Department Convention on this resolution and if approved will forwarded to 116th National Convention for consideration.
Resolution Foreign Medical Program Travel – The resolution concerns overseas travel under the FMP and is submitted by Post 12074 through District V to be considered and voted on at the 49th Department Convention. If approved it will be forwarded to the 116th National Convention for consideration.
Commander-In-Chief Recommended Resolutions – These are recommended resolutions by the CINC for the 116th National Convention that will be reviewed in committees at the National Convention. The resolutions will then be recommended or not for vote on the convention floor. The CINC resolutions require no actions or vote by the 49th Department Convention, however, they may be discussed if deemed necessary.
Comrades, if you have any questions on what has been presented please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or [email protected]. God bless you comrades and God bless America.
THE JUDGE’S SAYING:
Yours in comradeship, Bill Wichman Judge Advocate Department of Pacific Areas
------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Historian:
Fellow VFW Comrades,
This month will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Operation Frequent Wind
On April 30, 1975, the largest helicopter evacuation in history occurred in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. American combat troops had been out of the country for two years and the U.S. and North Vietnam were under a ceasefire, but the communists were about to overrun Saigon.
Military leadership and U.S. administration officials debated on whether to evacuate the remaining embassy staff and other Americans remaining in the capital city. The North Vietnamese forces attacked the Saigon Airport destroying runways and triggered the helicopter airlift since airplanes were not then a viable way to conduct an evacuation. The operation was named Frequent Wind.
In 24 hours, the 100 U.S. Marine, Air Force, CIA Air America helicopters managed to airlift 7000 Americans and South Vietnamese to Navy ships off shore.
Saigon fell to the North shortly after this historic operation. The pilots who flew in Frequent Wind were indeed heros.
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
You may find out more details about the Evacuation of Saigon on the web.
Please remember to send me changes or updates to Post or District History. I prefer my personal email address: [email protected]
Thanks for everyone's support in assisting our Commander in his charter to Fight for our Vets.
Yours in Comradeship, Tom “Bergie” Bergam Historian Department of Pacific Areas ======Department Committee Reports
From the Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman:
Comrades,
Burial services at Clark continue unimpeded with the current VFW / ABMC / CDC approval process resulting in most requests being processed in 3-4 days.
Significant Activities:
08 April 2015 VFW Post 2485 provided military burial honors for Thomas Dodd Ettenborough, SN, USN. (Clark)
21 April 2015 VFW Post 2485 provided military burial honors for Littleton J. Fortune, TSgt, USAF. (Clark)
23 April 2015 VFW Post 2485 provided military burial honors for John R. Reveille, GySgt, USMC. (Clark)
25 April 2015 Australian Returned and Services League, Angeles City, hosted their annual ANZAC Day Observance, on the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings of World War I. A defining event in Australian and New Zealand history. (Clark)
As of 30 April 2015, Grave Digger membership stands at 1291, an increase of seven since last month. Grave Digger Memberships will continue to be offered as a legacy commemorative program, with donations used for indigent Veteran burials, upgrade of burial equipment, and to help defray the expenses of our annual Veterans Day Ceremony. New Grave Diggers:
Tony W. Ritchie VFW Post 12130 Michael J. Mellis VFW Post 12130 Robert Douglas Johnson VFW Post 2485 Barry Cross VFW Post 2485 Andrew E. Mayeaux, Jr. VFW Post 12074 Dr. Lawrence E. Walker VFW Post 2485 Eric V. Zarriello VFW Post 2485
A copy of the monthly Clark American Cemetery report can be downloaded from the VFW Post 2485 website at: http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery_report.doc
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY MAY 2015 UPDATE VFW POST 2485 John Gilbert, Chairman
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
Many Veterans have concerns regarding the actions to be taken, and arrangements to be made, upon their death. Without some prior preparation their last wishes and stated preferences may not be followed, and additional expenses incurred. This lack of planning also leads to additional hardships for survivors during a difficult period.
Post 2485 has researched local options and conducted negotiations with Funeral Homes here for specific services, to include pre-payment options. Additionally, issues including determination of legal next of kin, U.S. Embassy involvement, required documents, and information on inheritance and benefit issues have been thoroughly researched. Three Assistance Seminars for local Veterans have been conducted to date, with good results.
Although some requirements are unique to the Philippines, much of what we have learned generalizes to the death of any U.S. citizen abroad. If you would like copies of our Seminar materials or have specific questions, please contact me.
Yours in comradeship, John H. Gilbert, Ed.D. Clark Cemetery Chairman Department of Pacific Areas http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Convention Chairman:
Comrades,
Department Convention 2015 Angeles City, Philippines – Oasis Hotel – 14-18 June 2015
Comrades, if you have not registered online for this year’s Department convention please do so now. Department website will be closing down 10 June 2015 we have over 60 Comrades registered to date.
It has been a Department tradition for each District / Post / Pup Tent to make a donation to Department hospitality room in their name. So please keep up the tradition so that we have a well stocked hospitality room for all to enjoy.
VFW shirt will be available at the convention, if you would like to order a shirt please send me an email ([email protected]) with your size, name and Post number. Shirts will cost P600.00
Looking forward to a great Convention and a Lousy Scratch! If you have any question or need any assistance please contact me.
Cheers,
Yours in Comradeship, Bob Zaher Chairman, 2014-2015 Convention Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Convention Book Chairman:
Comrades,
We have only one month left until we go to the printer with this year’s convention book (cut-off date 31 May 2015). We need your help! Please send in your District, Post, and Pup Tent ads soonest. If you need any help in building a page let me know and I will be glad to help.
Here are the current price list:
1 Page, Color $200.00 ½ Page Color $100.00 1 Page, B/W $100.00 ½ Page, B/W $50.00 Business Cards $10.00 Booster Ads $2.00
Yours in Comradeship, Bob Zaher Chairman, 2014-2015 Convention Book Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Legislative Committee Chairman:
Comrades,
Congratulations to General Joseph Dunford, the president’s nominee to fill the billet of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. If any Post has not reported their VFW Weekly registration drive (as part of their All-State requirements), please get that in to me ASAP. Here are some of the current legislative highlights concerning vets:
1. VA Appropriations Passes with VFW Opposition: On Thursday, April 30, the House passed H.R. 2029, the “Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016.” The VFW came out in strong opposition to this bill, which will fund VA at a level that is $1.5 billion below the VA Secretary’s request. VFW’s Action Corps members sent more than 8,000 emails to the House of Representatives calling for the bill to either be amended to fully fund VA or for all House members to vote “No.” An amendment was offered that would increase funding by approximately $950 million, but the measure was rejected. The VFW will work with the Senate Appropriations Committee to ensure they understand the importance of fully funding VA. Your participation in Action Corps makes a difference and we will need you to weigh in again on this issue in the near future. To read the letter that was sent to the House, click here: www.vfw.org//uploadedFiles/4-29BlastLettertoHouseonMilConVA.pdf.
2. House Armed Services Committee Advances NDAA: The House Armed Services Committee, in a bipartisan 60-2 vote, passed their 2016 defense policy bill on Thursday. The $611 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets the spending and policy guidelines for Defense Department efforts and programs in the next fiscal year. The Committee voted to add billions to keep a list of Defense Department weapon programs from cuts, and signed off on a $495.9 billion base Pentagon budget and an $89.2 billion war account. Highlights include:
a. The bill enhances the military retirement system, which follows recommendations by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, by updating the current 20-years, all-or-nothing system with a blended benefits package which, in addition to a retirement annuity for retirees, will give all troops a government 401(k) retirement contribution. b. The measure protects the Air Force's A-10 attack plane fleet and endorses extra funding for additional fighter jets for the Navy and Marine Corps. c. The committee approved a provision that urges the Defense Department to award the Purple Heart to six military members killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
3. New Army National Guard Director Confirmed: The Senate confirmed the former adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard to be the next director of the Army National Guard. In his new position, Maj. Gen. Timothy Kadavy will be responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all programs, policies and plans affecting the Army National Guard and its more than 350,000 Citizen-Soldiers. Kadavy will succeed Maj. Gen. Judd H. Lyons on a date yet to be announced. He was commissioned in 1984, and his overseas deployment history includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq and Afghanistan. Read his bio here.
4. Potential Exposure at Fort McClellan: Last week, VA published a website to inform veterans of potential toxic exposures at Fort McClellan. Ensuring that veterans who suffer from deteriorating health conditions consistent with exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) are able to obtain the care and benefits they need has been a top priority for the VFW. This announcement is a step toward recognizing that these veterans may have long-lasting health effects that are a direct result of their service at Fort McClellan. The VFW will continue to push VA and Congress to ensure they receive the benefits and services they deserve. To read more, visit: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/fort- mcclellan/.
Comrades, this concludes my report on legislative matters concerning veterans. If you have any questions you may contact me at [email protected].
Yours in Comradeship, Jonathan Brazee Legislative Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Legacy Life Membership Chairman:
Comrades,
Yours in Comradeship, Bob Zaher Chairman, 2014-2015 Convention Book Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Life Membership Chairman:
Greetings from DPA Life Membership Chairman,
1. The Department ended the 2013-2014 Year with 9,442 Life Members. Despite deaths and transfers to other Posts, we continue to increase our Life Membership with a total of 9698 on board as of 11 May 2015 (an increase of 256).
2. A few years ago, the Department record for new or reinstated Life Members recruited was set at 188. To date, the new record of 220 has been set and counting. Kudos to all who have made this happen.
3. Congratulation to the following Posts for winning DPA paid Life Memberships for recruiting new or reinstated (N/R) Life Members.
POST N/R Life Members Recruited Total Free LM’s
124 13 2 1054 28 2 2485 46 3 3457 10 2 9612 12 2 10249 5 1 11447 14 2 12147 20 4 9985 5 1 10216 18 1
4. The following Posts have earned DPA paid Life Memberships pending receipt of an application sent to the DPA LM Chairman:
2485 3457 9985 10216 12147 (2)
5. To qualify for a DPA paid Life Membership, the following criteria must be met:
a. Posts over 1,000 Members 15 N/R LM b. Post from 500-999 Members 10 N/R LM c. Post under 500 Members 5 N/R LM
Yours in Comradeship, Cliff Wilsey Life Membership Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the National Home for Children Chairman:
Comrades,
From the National Home Chairman:
As part of the 90th Anniversary Celebration the National Home is present a bit of their history each month.
The National Home's first family arrives March 9, 1925 — the Polletts
On March 2, 1925, Sgt. Edward Pollett left his home in Halfway, Michigan to pick up his retirement check at Fort Wayne in Detroit. He never made it back home; he was hit by a street car while crossing a road in downtown Detroit and later died of his injuries. His widow soon found out her husband’s retirement pay stopped after his death. Annie Pollett, a World War I widow, and her six children were left destitute.
The Halfway VFW post spoke to Dr. Candler about the family’s plight, and arrangements were made for the Pollett’s to become the first family to live at the new VFW National Home.
Annie Pollett and her six children – Lillian, Howard, Mary, Thomas, Woodrow, and Margaret – arrived at the National Home on March 9, 1925. They soon were settled in a farmhouse on the property, and the children attended school in Eaton Rapids. At the time, the National Home was a working farm with fields of oats, cows, chickens, and more.
“We were surprised to see such a nice farm,” Lillian later wrote in a letter. “The boys too were happy when they saw all the stock and dogs.” READ More on VFW First Family
National Home Donation Report
Here is the last listing of our District’s and Post’s that have made their annual donation to the VFW National Home for the Children. This report is as of 30 April 2015 received in from the NH.
District / District / District / Life District / Life Reported POST Reported POST Post Members Post Members Donated Donated District 1 Yes $100.00 District 5 No 9723 Yes $60.00 142 9876 No 4 District 2 Yes $100.00 9951 No 7 1054 Yes $100.00 66 10217 Yes $90.00 12 9555 Yes $100.00 157 10249 No 3 9612 Yes $200.00 26 11575 No 4 District 3 No 12074 No 0 8180 Yes $250.00 10 District 6 Yes $100.00 9985 Yes $200.00 6 1509 No 27 10033 No 15 2917 Yes $100.00 1 10216 No 78 3457 Yes $50.00 2 10223 Yes $250.00 8 District 7 Yes $50.00 12109 No 0 124 No 0 District 4 No 2485 Yes $269.85 21 727 No 10 9892 Yes $120.00 3 9957 No 53 11447 Yes $50.00 7 12130 Yes $150.00 Total $1,260.00 571 Total $979.85 91 Donation Confirmed
Donations for the National Home Museum: Donate for the museum today
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
They need to raise approximately $130,000 to make this all happen. You can donate specifically for the museum. If you have pictures or artifacts that you would like to donate or loan, please call Sue at 866-483-9642 or email [email protected].
Special Shout out to: John C Parker Memorial VFW Post 1054, Yokosuka, Japan Post 1054 went above and beyond the call, when they arranged for a Fund Raiser on behalf of the VFW National Home for Children. The Nuthin' Fancy band performed the night free of charge at Music Bar Angols.
Left to right of the picture, Coordinator of the event, Comrade Mike Castro, Post CDR David Robinson, Dist 2 Adj, Mike Lutman, Dist 2 CDR Rick Farris, and there translator Mrs. Liz Lutman. The live Band Nuthin' Fancy back ground.
Dept CDR, SVC & JVC First time since 1956 Top three Chair in Yokosuka Japan at the same time.
District Commanders and Post Commanders
I really want to THANK everyone who has made a Donation to the National Home this year either to support the Children themselves or to the National Home as a whole. It has been a honor to be selected and entrusted with being the Departments of Pacific National Home Chairman for this year. Again, thank you to all that have contributed to the National Home this year and I hope that those of us will continue to support them.
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.
Please report any and all donations that you make to the National Home to me so they can be recorded and tracked. Email them to [email protected]
Yours in Comradeship, Randell E. Himes National Home for Children Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the POW-MIA Chairman:
Comrades,
BODY FOUND, POW-MIA BRACELET SURRENDERED TO FAMILY
Constance Barna-Voorhees thought she would go to her grave with the metal bracelet that graced her right wrist for 45 years.
The POW-MIA bracelet she got during the height of the Vietnam War bears the name of Bunyan Price Jr., a U.S. Army staff sergeant who was killed and buried in a mass grave after his helicopter was brought down by enemy fire on May 2, 1970.
Sitting in the living room of her Fernwood Drive home, Barna-Voorhees, 80, still instinctively reaches for the bracelet. It's gone, replaced by a faint strip of pale skin. A tan line is all that remains of the thin metal band, but she can recite its inscription from memory: Spec. 5 Bunyan Price Jr. 5-2-70.
“Both my kids, I told them, 'You bury that with me. Even if I'm cremated, it goes with me. Nobody gets it. It stays with me if he's never found.' And that's how it was. I never thought I'd take it off. Forty-five years. Who would think?”
Last year, Price's remains and those of two fellow U.S. Army soldiers were recovered by the Hawaii-based Joint MIA-POW Accounting Command just inside Cambodia from Vietnam. On April 11, Price's family buried him in his hometown of Belmont, N.C.
Barna-Voorhees didn't know Price had been found, but her daughter in Pennsylvania saw a Charlotte Observer article about his procession and burial ceremony on Facebook.
“My daughter calls me and said, 'Mom, you'd better sit down,” said Barna-Voorhees. “I thought, 'Oh my God. Did something happen to my granddaughter?' She said, 'They found the remains of Bunyan Price Jr.' I'm glad I sat down.”
Constance Barna-Voorhees holds up a photograph taken last week of her handing over the POW-MIA bracelet she wore for 45 years honoring Bunyan...
Though the news came too late for her to attend Price's funeral, Barna-Voorhees discovered that Price's sister, Wanda Hanley, lives in Charlotte. Last Thursday, she and her husband, Jim Voorhees, made the 127-mile trip to hand over the bracelet to Hanley. It was a bittersweet moment, Barna-Voorhees said. “It was like losing a little part of yourself,” she said. “In my head, he's a member of my family. You know, I'm this tough Hungarian who never cries. Forget about it; it was over. I cried, she cried. It was very emotional. He was just 20 years old. He never got to live life.” Adding to the mixed emotions of the day was relinquishing the steel bracelet Barna-Voorhees had worn for more than four decades. She'd refused to take it off during six minor surgeries, even telling doctors she'd skip the operations if they made her remove it. “I could take off my wedding ring,” she said. “This is my high school graduation ring from '52. I could take this off and not be bothered. But taking off that bracelet bothered me a lot. My neighbor came for coffee the other day and said, 'You're still reaching for it.'”
Barna-Voorhees was a 35-year-old mother of three living in Port Murray, N.J., when she got a letter asking for a small donation in return for a bracelet honoring a prisoner of war or soldier missing in action. When her bracelet arrived a month later, it lay flat in the envelope. “The letter said, 'Please wear this until he comes home, dead or alive,'” she recalled Sunday. Barna-Voorhees took that pledge seriously. Her first husband, Thomas Barna, was a Korean War veteran. Her Uncle Butch was a Marine in Japan and her Uncle Jimmy had spent two years in Europe during World War II. “Both, thank God, came home unscathed,” she said.
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“CeeCee,” as she's known to her grandkids, wasn't the only member of her family to wear a POW-MIA bracelet. Her mother wore one in honor of an Army captain who was rescued from Vietnam in the late 1970s. Her daughter, Kate Fentzlaff, had worn a bracelet honoring Price as well. “But from taking it on and off, on and off, it snapped right in the middle,” Barna-Voorhees said. “That's why I never took mine off. I thought, 'I'm not going to break this thing.' I'm not a superstitious person, really, but I thought if I took this off, what's going to happen?”
Early on, she held out hope that Price was still alive and would eventually make it home. But as the months ticked away, Barna-Voorhees watched a documentary about the Viet Cong's treatment of POWs, showing American soldiers in filthy bamboo cages too small to stand up in or stretch out their legs. “They were fed garbage with bugs and everything,” she said. “I went totally crazy, so then every day I prayed, “Please, let him be dead.' An animal isn't treated like that.
”Until his body was recovered two miles inside the Cambodian border, some thought Price had been taken as a POW. He was one of eight soldiers riding in a UH1H Huey when the chopper's tail was hit by machine gun rounds and caught fire, forcing co-pilot Dan Maslowski to land in a rice field. “So apparently, when they got out, one or two of them ran and escaped, but eventually the Viet Cong caught them,” said Barna-Voorhees. “They became POWs. But Bunyan and these two other young men were caught immediately and shot, boom, right on the spot.” Barna-Voorhees paused, took off her glasses and dabbed her eyes. “We live the way we live because of young men like him,” she said.
Yours in Comradeship, Alex Roese POW-MIA Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Public Servant Awards Chairman:
Comrades,
Howdy I have been the Chairman for the Public Servant Award these past two years and as my chairmanship expires I want to thank everyone for their support in making this a successful two year.
Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects Emergency Medical Technicians (EMS), Law Enforcement (LAW) and Firefighter Personnel (FFP) to receive VFW Public Servant Awards. Post Safety Chairmen are encouraged to submit a candidate for these Awards to their Department Headquarters by 30 November 2015. The Department will select a single candidate for each of the three awards and sumit those to VFW National Headquarters by 1 February 2016.
VFW National Emergency Medical Technician Public Servant Citation: Any individual, who actively gives emergency medical treatment, provides recue service or civil disaster assistance as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provide rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.
VFW National Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation: Any individual who serves in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. This award does not apply to individuals employed by private companies or security services.
VFW National Firefighters Public Servant Citation: Any individual who actively fights fires as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires and gives assistance to our nation’s citizens.
Criteria for these awards – Candidates must have demonistrated:
1) Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve. 2) Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties. 3) Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession
Documentation required for all Candidates:
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
1) Nomination letter containing the candidate’s name, title, address, telephone and identifying the award for which the individual should be considered. 2) One (1) page resume of the candidate’s overall background. 3) One (1) page resume of the candidate’s background in their field. 4) One (1) page listing of the candidate’s accomplishments and awards in their field. 5) Photograph (preferably a head shot) of the candidate.
Reminder: The total packet is ONLY six (6) pages.
Starting with the July Typhoon the new Chairman will be Rick Farris from District 2 and he will introduce himself at that time.
Yours in Comradeship, Fred W Berg, Sr. Public Servant Award Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Voice of Democracy / Patriot’s Pen / Teacher’s Award Chairman:
Hello Comrades,
As my Chairmanship comes to an end I would like to thank everyone for the participation into the program. l. The Next VOD / PP / TA Chairman will be Rick Farris from District 2 and he will introduce himself in the July Typhoon.
2. Hopefully all District / Post VOD / PP / TA chairmen have begun making contacts with students and teachers for this year’s VOD / PP / Teacher’s Award nominations. For those that have not seen the themes for this year’s contest they are:
Voice of Democracy: My Vision for America
Patriot’s Pen: What Freedom Means to me
The updated 2015-16 entry forms should be available online at www.vfw.org
Contact information: Kris Harmer [email protected] or (816)-968-1117
Again I want to thank everyone and your new VOD / PP / TA chairman will be on board soon.
Yours in comradeship and service, Fred W Berg, Sr. Voice of Democracy / Patriot’s Pen / Teacher’s Award Chairman Department of Pacific Areas ------RECRUIT SOMEONE TODAY
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Safety Chairman:
Comrades,
LAWN MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Most homeowners generally do not consider lawn maintenance a dangerous activity. However, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSM), more than 230,000 people per year are treated for injuries resulting from various lawn and garden tools and equipment including lawn mowers, trimmers, edger’s, and other power equipment. These injuries range from minor to severe lacerations, loss of fingers, toes, and legs, broken and dislocated bones, mild to severe burns, and eye injuries.
LAWN MOWERS: Lawn mowers are available in two types: walk-behind mowers and riding mowers. Rotary blades located underneath the mower rotate approximately 200 miles per hour or 300 feet per second. Though somewhat protected with guards, all mowers are potentially dangerous when the operator does not use good judgment or fails to follow safety procedures. These types of mowers are commonly used by young children, since they are generally light in weight and easy to manipulate in most lawn conditions. Practice the following safety tips to prevent injury: Do a walk-through of the yard prior to mowing. Wear boots or shoes with good traction to avoid slipping and falling. Don’t allow young children to operate a walk-behind mower that they cannot safely control. Wear proper protection against flying debris and noise (long pants, hard shoes, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc.). Allow the engine to cool before storing it in a storage shed.
RIDING MOWERS: Don’t allow extra riders. Test drive the mower, and become familiar with it before engaging the mower blade. Put the riding mower into neutral before starting it of shutting is off. Make sure the transmission is out of gear and the mower blade clutch is disengaged before starting the engine.
Mow up and down sloping terrain. Do not mow across a slope. Keep the mower in gear when going down slopes. Slow down when turning and when working on slopes. Don’t operate a riding mower when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that impair judgment. Don’t let children operate riding mowers until they can safely steer, brake, and adjust gears, and until they have had proper instruction.
POWER TOOLS: In addition to mowers, an assortment of power tools is available that helps us manicure and shape our landscapes. Electric and gas-powered weed trimmers, lawn edger’s, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers do the work that used to take days and many backaches to accomplish. However, this equipment is potentially dangerous and should be used with caution by those trained on how to use them safely. The CPSC estimates that in 1989 there were approximately 4,600 hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with power lawn trimmers or edger’s. About one-third of the injuries were to the eye. Weed trimmers can throw stones, sticks, and other objects at high speeds. Lawn edger’s with metal blades can cut through, splinter, or cause sparks. Hedge trimmers are sometimes heavy and difficult to hold for long periods of time, resulting in cutting accidents due to fatigue. Leaf blowers are loud and can produce air gusts in excess of 200 miles per hour, lifting small rocks and other objects into the air.
LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICALS: Many homeowners and landscape maintenance companies rely on periodic applications of natural and synthetic insecticide / herbicides and fungicides to treat for a variety of insects, invasive weeds, and plant diseases. If you are thinking of using a lawn and garden chemical, read the label carefully to determine the product’s toxicity to humans, animals, and the environment. The product label will give the recommended application rate and instructions, and will advise of any protective clothing or equipment required to apply the product. Heed the label directions, and use only the amount of chemical specified.
YARD WORK SAFETY QUIZ
When the weather warms up, our hibernation ends. We need to get up, stretch, and tackle both indoor home improvement projects, like setting up your LifeShield homes alarm system, and outdoor projects around the home. Spring brings with it
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 25
Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015 gardening, landscaping, and mowing duties, but before you bring out the garden hose, take this quiz to check your yard work safety smarts.
1. Protective goggles are important for: A. Anyone on home improvement TV shows who wants to look like DIY experts. B. Anyone who has no fashion sense. C. Anyone working with power tools, lawn mowers, or gardening tools.
2. Wearing appropriate gardening clothing means: A. Checking that your shoes match your rake. B. Loose flowing clothing so you feel like Mother Earth. C. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes anytime you are mowing the lawn, use power tools, clearing brush, or doing anything near plants and insects.
3. Ways young kids can help with yard work include: A. Giving them chain saws and clippers and letting them trim the hedges. B. Teaching them to work together while pushing a lawnmower. C. Supervising while they do non-strenuous, easy-to-manage tasks such as digging small holes, planting seeds, and raking leaves.
4. Wild plants in your yard are: A. Always delicious. B. Sometimes poisonous, so get the kids or so get the kids or dogs to walk in front of you. C. Potentially dangerous, so always wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and wash your hands after working outside.
5. The best time to mow the lawn is: A. After you’ve had a few beers B. During a good rain storm – the grass will be nice and clean. C. Early morning or evening, when the grass is dry and the sun is not beating down on you.
6. The best trees to plant are: A. Trees? Who needs Trees? B. Christmas trees! C. Trees that will survive in my region, climate, and location, will look attractive near my home, and will be resistant to the insects, and animals in my area.
7. Vegetable gardens should be planted by: A. Anyone with a few acres and a tractor. B. Mean farmers in cartoons about chickens and cows. C. Anyone who loves vegetables! Your garden can be grown in pots on a patio or in an area of the backyard.
8. When working outside your home, keep your home secure by: A. Opening all doors and windows, even if you are on the opposite side of the house. B. Leaving your key in the front door lock, so you don’t lose it. C. Locking your doors and windows so no one sneaks into your home while you work. It is difficult to monitor your homes security if you are mowing the lawn or working in the backyard.
Read more: http://www.lifeshield.com/homes-security/yard-work-safety-quiz/#ixzz3ZEkaAQ4X
Yours in Comradeship, Rhett O. Webber Safety Chairman Department of Pacific Areas 63-45-458-0159 or 63 921-374-7857 [email protected] ------
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
From the Assistant Department Service Officer:
Comrades,
The TRICARE Overseas Program Point of Contact Program gives beneficiaries access to a live person that will help answer beneficiary questions, concerns and help them navigate TRICARE while living overseas. An overseas TRICARE POC can (1) help beneficiaries enroll in a TRICARE plan overseas; (2) file their medical and dental claims; (3) answer questions about coverage options and benefits; and (4) navigate TRICARE's electronic self-service options. For help locating your POC, contact your TRICARE Area Office. To learn more about the TRICARE Overseas Program Point of Contact Program, visit the TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas webpage at: tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/TPRO.aspx?sc_database=web. For more on TRICARE, visit the Military.com TRICARE section.
Yours in Comradeship, Barry P. Moshinsky Assistant Department Service Officer Department of Pacific Areas ------From the Typhoon / Around the Pacific Editor:
Comrades,
The Annual Convention and Grand Scratch is next month and we will all be together again in Angeles City, Philippines! It will be great to see everyone again! It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as your Editor for the Typhoon / Around the Pacific newsletter. I thank everyone very much for your inputs. Reminder, inputs the next edition are due on 05 July 2015. There is no edition published in June. Please see information below:
Your Submissions Are Important
The “Typhoon / Around the Pacific” Newsletter is a non-profit publication of the VFW Department of Pacific Areas reporting on VFW programs and activities. This is YOUR newsletter and it will only be as good as the submissions YOU send, so I solicit your support on providing articles and photos. All Department officers and chairmen have a piece of this pie and need to submit their report for the month. Please do not wait until the last minute. Anything sent to me after the 5th of the month, I am not able to guarantee late submissions will be able to get in. It takes time (several days) to edit, move things around, see what fits where, etc., and it is difficult to do if I have to continually readjust due to late submissions.
NOTE: If a slight delay is needed please notify me in advance, so I can coordinate your submission. As Editor I need time for preparing the newsletter for publication to meet the distribution deadline. I thank you in advance for your support.
The above note should be the exception and not the norm. I continually receive late or last minute inputs. This really slows down the service we provide. Please do your best to be on time.
Submission Format
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
VFW DPA Typhoon / Around the Pacific Newsletter: (Monthly)
Format: Arial Font / 10 Pitch / Single Page (Two pages if needing to use charts, etc.) Photos / Graphics: JPG, PNG, GIF, etc., ok / No larger than 1MB each / No PDFs Date Due: 5th of the Month (except for July and December) Published: Between 10th - 15th of the Month (except for June and December) Send to: [email protected] Label File as: Typhoon Jan 2015 Position Name.docx ATP Jan 2015 Post Number.docx Sample Label File: Typhoon Jan 2015 JVC Moses.docx ATP Jan 2015 Post 2485.docx
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 ======
AArroouunndd tthhee PPaacciiffiicc CCoommmmuunniittyy RReeppoorrtt
District 1 Okinawa Japan District 1 Okinawa Japan
VFW POST 9723 BUDDY POPPY DIVE
======
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
District 2 Mainland Japan District 2 Mainland Japan
JOHN C. PARKER MEMORIAL VFW POST 1054, THE “NUTHIN’ FANCY BAND” AND MUSIC BAR ANGELO RAISE MONEY FOR THE VFW NATIONAL HOME
LEFT TO RIGHT: Nuthin’ Fancy Band members Momo, Takume Ito, Mike Contoni, Mike Pierce, Oki and Todd Wiley.
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – 25 APR 2015: Fresh off their success with the First Annual Buddy Poppy Drive concert, VFW Post 10545 hosted their First Annual National Home Fund Raiser. Once again, they teamed up with The Nuthin’ Fancy Band (shown above) and Music Bar Angelo to let music bring people together and allow the message to be heard. As with the Buddy Poppy Drive held earlier in the year, Post Service Officer Mike Castro provided the leadership for the event. Knowing that this event might not be as openly received as hoped, he worked hard to advance the local communities understanding of the National Home. Comrade Mike Castro produced an advertisement poster and Post Adjutant Mike Lutman produced an information pamphlet. His lovely wife Sayuri provided all the translation work and also served as the Japanese translator for the local community in attendance.
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LEFT: Event Advertising Poster RIGHT: Event Information Pamphlet showing front panel, pg1 (right) and back panel, pg4 (left) .
Comrade Castro’s goal was simply to raise money for the National Home; however neither he nor his Comrades had any idea how successful this event was going to be. What really helped generate interest in the event was the attendance by the Department of Pacific Areas Commander, William “Bear” Hudson who was in town for the District 2 Convention. With a video provided by the National Home and a presentation from Bear, Mike was able to help educate the community regarding the families and children in our National Home. That awareness helped to stimulate the fund raising effort and was critical in reaching the level of donations obtained. Also in attendance supporting the event were Comrades from District 2 VFW Posts 9612 and 9555. Their help was invaluable and made the evening even more special.
LEFT TO RIGHT: District 2 CDR Rick Farris watches as DPA CDR William “Bear” Hudson, DPA SVC Homer Kemper and DPA JVC Robert “Mo” Moses share the stage while discussing the VFW National Home for Children. This was the first time all three of the DPA top chairs were in Yokosuka since 1954. Mrs. Sayuri Lutman (right) provided Japanese translations for all of the guest speakers that evening.
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Ultimately, the event raised $1940.26 in cash donations. VFW Post 1054 voted to increase their donation to round up the money raised to an incredible $2,000.00! When you add in the donations of band rehearsal time, personal travel, sound room rental, event fees, the venue at Angelos and other material provided, the total donation is approximately $7,000.00!
LEFT: VFW Post 1054 Commander David Robinson presents a Certificate of Commendation (CENTER) to the Nuthin’ Fancy Band for their ongoing support of VFW Post 1054 fund raisers. A certificate was also presented to Music Bar Angelos for their great support. RIGHT: The National Home Fund Raiser event committee; Comrades Mike Castro, Rick Farris, Mike Lutman and David Robinson share the stage with the Nuthin’ Fancy Band to thank everyone who came out to support the fund raiser.
Commander David Robinson officially thanked the band and Music Bar Angelo for their support saying “Your kindness and generosity is helping thousands of military and veteran families and is a testament to your dedication and service in your community. You have brought great credit upon yourself and you have exemplified the VFW motto of Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living.”
In VFW ritual, we ask for blessings upon the widows and children in our National Home and to help us FULFILL OUR DUTY TOWARD THEM. The Nuthin’ Fancy Band and Music Bar Angelo helped VFW Post 1054 to continue their efforts in meeting that obligation, but a special recognition goes to the local community who came out to help those in need in a different country more than 6,000 miles from Japan. The Comrades of VFW Post 1054 think that is indeed a very special blessing in itself. ------
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VFW POST 9612, CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN INSTALLATION
On 01 April 2015, VFW Post 9612 Newest Member SFC Daniel Boudreau and VFW Post 9612 2015-2016 installation held for incoming officers. ------DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS VISIT 24 APRIL 2015
VFW Post 9612 had the pleasure of picking up CDR Hudson at the Haneda Airport. JVC Butch Malone, QM/ADJ David Wykes, DPA CDR “Bear” Hudson, SVC Randell Himes ------
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VFW POST 1054 CANTEEN WELCOME PARTY FOR DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
Hey where did all the 1054 guys go to? Oh, that right they let at around midnight. Something about going to turn in to a pumpkin or something like that. lol Rick Farris, what’s up with that letting VFW Post 9612 take over your Canteen? ------DISTRICT 2 MEETING 25 APRIL 2015
First time since 1956 to have the Department of Pacific Areas Top Three Chairs in Mainland Japan. ------
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VFW POST 9612 COMRADE LIVING HISTORY CIVIL WAR REENACTOR IN PRADO CALIFORNIA
PRADO, CALIFORNIA - Comrade Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, District 2 Mainland Japan, on the weekend of 11-12 April 2015, volunteered as a Living History Civil War Reenactor with Company E, 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, Union Army of the Potomac the “Wolverine Brigade” under General Custer and member of the American Civil War Society. As living historians, we try to simulate as best as possible living conditions in camp and battlefield simulations as close as possible during the Civil War years for the public to experience.
Just for fun and living up the living history experience for the guests in attendance, Comrade Mortimer “signed up” and “swore in” over 40 Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and their parents into the 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment using replica enlistment forms from the 1860’s. The Scouts and parents have never used a quill pen before and thought it was great to be able to sign their name with one.
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Comrade Mortimer had also celebrated his 51st birthday in Civil War field style with a piece of hardtack and matches for a “birthday cake.” ------VFW POST 9612 COMRADE AND VFW POST 1513 ESCONDIDO CALIFORNIA TAKES WOUNDED VETERAN OUT FOR AN EVENING OF WARRIOR BOWLING
ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA - Comrade Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, District 2 Mainland Japan, volunteered his time with Comrades and family members of VFW Post 1513 Escondido, California, on 16 April 2015 on a patient outing with Sergeant Alex Hussey at a bowling alley in Escondido, California. Alex lost both of his legs, most of his left hand and the middle finger of his right hand in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Do you think this stopped him brom going bowling? No way! With a little help, we took him out there and he bowled better than everyone else that night!
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------VFW POST 9612 COMRADE LIVING HISTORY CIVIL WAR REENACTOR IN OAK GLEN CALIFORNIA
OAK GLEN, CALIFORNIA - Comrade Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612, Camp Zama, District 2 Mainland Japan, on the weekend of 02-03 May 2015, volunteered as a Living History Civil War at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California, as a Master-at-Arms Leading Seaman with the U.S. Marine Detachment Brooklyn Navy Yard along with Company I, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Union Army of the Potomac, Union Army of the West. As living historians, we try to simulate as best as possible living conditions in camp and battlefield simulations as close as possible during the Civil War years for the public to experience. ======
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District 5 Thailand / Cambodia District 5 Thailand / Cambodia
In Memoriam Dan Generette
BAN CHANG, THAILAND - Newly opened VFW Post 12146 in Ban Chang, Thailand, mourns the passing of Dan Generette a charter member of Ban Chang VFW Post 12146 Ban Chang, Thailand, who passed away in Bangkok, Thailand on 26 April 2015. He was born in South Carolina 17 June 1953. He was much beloved and respected with many friends in both the Thai and expatriate community.
Dan enlisted in USAF 1972, retired as a Master Sergeant in 1996. He owned and operated Delta Golf Global Services an airport support service company operating out of UTapao Thailand. Dan lived with wife and two children in Ban Chang, Rayong, Thailand for the past 18 years. Ban Chang VFW Post 12146 members with Dan’s wife and son taken at Wat Ban Chang.
May he rest in peace. ======
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District 7 Philippines District 7 Philippines
VFW Post 2485 and Mighty Pinatubo Pup Tent 15 entries at the annual Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367 Chili Cook Off in San Antonio, Zambales, 11 April 2015. As always a great event.
VFW District 7, Phillippines, Officer Installation for 2015-2016 by Past Department Commander Ken Schaefer. Congratulations to incoming Commander Carl Burke and his Officers for the coming year.
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Officer Installation at VFW Post 124, Baguio City, on 18 April 2015. Over 80 members and guests enjoyed the Ceremony and a great evening of comradeship, food and libations. Congratulations to the new Commander, Larry Senato, and the Officers for 2015-2016. Much success in the coming year.
VFW Post 2485 Post member and MIA Researcher Robert Lucke recently traveled to Palawan for the 70th Liberation Anniversary Observance. Noted World War II Historian Dr. Jose of UP Dilliman was one of the Guest Speakers. Robert is also researching two suspected MIA Grave sites in Palawan.
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Bataan Death March Observance 26 April 2015 at Capas National Shrine, Tarlac, site of the Camp O'Donnell POW Camp. Special Guest Mr. Richard McMahon, President, Maywood Bataan Day Organization. Hosted by VFW Post 2485 and their chartered Boy Scout Troop 485.
VFW Post 2485 Burial Assistance Seminar on 22 April 2015. A total of 16 Veterans and Family Members were provided information and assisted in making final arrangements. ======MMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP IISS TTHHEE KKEEYY TTOO OOUURR FFUUTTUURREE!! RREECCRRUUIITT TTOODDAAYY!!!!
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass GGeenneerraall AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
MOVNG, TRANSFERRING, OR LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST?
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. ------ASK SOMEONE TO JOIN TODAY!
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VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
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/ ------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. ------
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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. ------POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS All members please submit!
Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month. ------
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VFW MEMBERSHIP
“It’s not what you paid to be a member, it’s what you paid to be eligible.”
======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.
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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: [email protected]
Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military Order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman ======
PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass PPhhoottoo ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn
THE NEW ARMY ======
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass JJookkee ooff tthhee EEddiittiioonn
Submitted by Bob Zaher, VFW Post 2485, Angeles City, Philippines
*Should children witness childbirth? Good question.*
Here's your answer. Due to a power outage, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very dark so the paramedic asked Kathleen, a 3-yr old girl to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby... very diligently, Kathleen did as she was asked.
Heidi pushed and pushed and after a little while, Connor was born. The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Kathleen for her help and asked the wide-eyed 3-year old what she thought about what she had just witnessed. Kathleen quickly responded, 'He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place.... smack his arse again!’
*If you don't laugh at this one, there's no hope for you!* ======
LLeetttteerrss ooff IInntteenntt -- 22001155--22001166 VVFFWW YYeeaarr
LETTER OF INTENT 2015-2016 VFW YEAR
Junior Vice Commander
John H. Gilbert
I am proud to announce my candidacy for the position as Department Junior Vice Commander for the 2015-2016 term. As a Gold Legacy Life member of VFW Post 2485 in Angeles City Philippines, and current VFW District 7 Commander, I have established a solid record of accomplishments which have enhanced services to our members, benefited our local communities and improved support of VFW National programs. I would like to bring my experience, expertise and energy to Department level and contribute to furthering our Department and National goals.
My record in a range of elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels makes me uniquely qualified for the position of Department Junior Vice Commander. Please consider my previous experience:
Department Clark Veterans Cemetery Chairman (2011-Present) Post 2485 Commander (2012-2014) (All American 2013-2014) Department Chaplain (2013-2014) District 7 Commander (2014-Present) National Aide de Camp (2011-2012)
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I believe strongly in the aims of the VFW and, if elected, I will work tirelessly to advocate for our Veterans, families, and active duty personnel. I’ve developed a firm grasp of national issues, as well those unique to our geographic location, and will be an active advocate for our cause. If elected to serve as Department Junior Vice Commander I will strive to represent our Department in a positive light and be responsive to the needs of our membership.
I look forward to seeing each of you at the upcoming 2015 Department Convention in Angeles City, Philippines in June.
Yours in Comradeship and Service to Veterans,
John H. Gilbert Candidate for Junior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas ------
“VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES POST 10216, SONGTAN, KOREA” COLONEL LEWIS L. MILLETT - HILL 180 MEMORIAL POST 10216
BEST POST IN PACIFIC AREAS 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-13 & 2013-14
FROM: Billy “Q”
TO: Department of Pacific Area
SUBJECT: Letter of Intent
This is to officially inform our great Department that I have decided to run again for the esteem position in our Department as Department Chaplain. As some of you know I held this position back in 1990 till1992. With over 28 years I the VFW, I have been Chaplain at my own Post 10216 in Osan for 22 Years, District III Chaplain for 15 years. Along with on the MOC side of the house I have been Sky Pilot at Pup Tent 8 for 14 years and Sky Pilot for the Grand of the Pacific for one year. Thus I would be bringing a lot of knowledge and desire with me.
Also close to my heart for the last 4 year I have been the Departments Americanism Chairmen. I also have been honored to be Post Commander 3 times in which I was bestowed All American in 2007-08. I also have been District III Commander.
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The Lord has been very favorably to me for these many years. I wish to give back one more year of service to him and our Department.
I thank you for your consideration and I will see you in Angeles City this June.
God Bless all of our Comrades,
Thank you,
Billy “Q”
------
JUDGE ADVOATE LETTER OF INTENT Bill Wichmann
Comrades of the great Department of the Pacific Areas this letter will express my intention to seek re- election as your Department Judge Advocate at the Department Convention in June 2015.
Having been a life member since 1978 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars I have had the privilege to serve in positions at all levels of the organization which includes National, Department, District and Post levels. Additionally, I've held MOC positions in Supreme, Grand and Pup Tents. The following are some notable positions held; National Chairman of the Military Assistance Program Committee, All American Department Commander, All Star Grand Commander, District Commander five years, Commander Post 727 four years and Post 9957 two years. Also, I have been appointed to various National Committees throughout the years, which has provided experience for a better understanding of the VFW.
The Department Judge Advocate's duties are depicted in National By-Laws to provide legal assistance to the Commander, Council-of-Administration and Department Convention. Therefore, it would seem an asset for a Judge Advocate to have had previous experience in dealing with various levels of the VFW organization from National down through to the grassroots level of posts. I do have this experience. In addition when on active duty I did participate on various legal boards and handled legal cases at squadron and Command levels.
In the current position of Judge Advocate I have served for the past eleven years and in that time have processed several sets Post and District bylaws, as well as canteen by-laws, thus reviewing,
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015 rendering suggestions and forwarding the documents to the Department Commander and National for appropriate action. Also, have handled disciplinary cases, produced policy memorandums and written letters for the Commander when required. Whenever called upon I have given my legal rulings honestly in an unbiased manner and in accordance with effective By-Laws and other legal documents.
Comrades, I have made this decision to run again for the Department Judge Advocate position with complete dedication to the principles of this great organization. I'm solely obligated to serving the comrades of the Department of the Pacific Areas and if elected as your Judge Advocate will render judgments by showing no prejudice or impartiality in a manner proper for the Good of the Order of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I would appreciate your support at election time in June...THANKS!!
Yours in comradeship,
Bill Wichmann DPA Judge Advocate ------Letter Of Intent
Comrades,
I am asking for your support once again to serve as your Department Quartermaster for the 2015- 2016 term. For the past three years I have done my best to safeguard the funds entrusted to me, while making sure that their expenditure is in accordance with VFW and Department By-Laws, and in the best interests of our Department.
This is a position that I don’t take lightly, nor is it one that I believe I am entitled to. I need to earn your trust and confidence every day and with every transaction. I continually keep watch over fund balances, and caution against further spending when it is deemed necessary.
Our Department is in excellent financial condition. Interest on our investments earn over $1,000 annually, and I think this is more than satisfactory given the current interest environment. They are safe and available in an emergency.
The new Department Service Officer grant funding has freed money from our General Fund that used to go to the Service Officer. So if reelected, I am going to propose to the Council of Administration that we start a Disaster Fund, as opposed to a Relief Fund, that will make money available immediately for food and shelter to comrades affected by natural disasters. The details can be ironed out at our convention in June.
So it is with humility and a sense of purpose that I ask for your support to continue as your Quartermaster for another year. Thank you.
Yours In Comradeship, Peter Callaghan ======
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June 14, 2015
DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC AREAS
49th CONVENTION ~ RULES OF ORDER
1. Composition: The Department Convention shall consist of:
A. The Commander-in-Chief, Past Commander-in-Chief providing they are member in good standing of a Post within Department.
B. The National Council Member, the Department Commander and all Past Department Commanders who are members in good standing in a Post within Department; all elective officers of the Department, Chief of Staff, Inspector and the Adjutant.
C. District Commanders in the Department. If a District Commander is absent, the District Senior vice Commander, or in his absence the District Junior Vice Commander may register and function as a member of the Convention.
D. All Post Commanders in the Department. If a Post Commander is absent, the Post Senior Vice Commander, or in his absence the Post Junior vice Commander may register and function as a member of the Convention.
E. Delegates elected by the Post not less than 30 days prior to the Convention are to include one delegate and one alternate for each 30 members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post and on record at the time of the election. All other aspects of delegate representation to the Department Convention shall be as prescribed in Section 222 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure and Department By-Laws.
2. Voting: Only members listed above may vote on matters brought before the Convention. The authorized voting shall be:
A. Each voting member of the Convention, except delegates elected by a Post will have one (1) vote. Attendee who are listed in paragraph 1. A. through D. above that are named as delegates by their Posts shall be entitled to cast their pro rata share of the Post’s votes, if so desired. However, each attendee may only cast a single vote as an individual or with the Post as a delegate, but not both.
B. The delegate or delegates of a Post present may vote the Post’s full delegate strength. If there is a division among the delegation of a Post each delegate present may cast his or her vote pro rata share of the Post authorized votes.
C. If a Post Commander or in his absence the Senior Vice Commander, or in his absence the Junior Vice Commander is the only person in attendance at the Convention from a Post, he/she shall
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Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015 be entitled to one (1) vote plus the authorized delegate voting strength of the Post, providing that his/her name appears on the Post delegate letter as a delegate or alternate.
D. The Credentials Committee prior to the first vote shall review the membership figures given by the Department Quartermaster and will poll the Posts to determine which members with separate votes are present, whether they will vote with their Post or separately, and determine total voting strength for each Post. The authorized voting strength for each Post at the Convention will be given in a report of Credentials Committee and shall be approved by the Convention.
E. Roll call votes are governed as follows:
(1) For the election of officers when two (2) or more persons have been nominated for the same office, voting shall be by roll call of Post’s and any other member(s) who may vote separately.
(2) Any Roll Call vote shall be in random manner by draw of Posts numbers out of a hat.
(3) A roll call vote may be called for on any subject (question) to be voted on during the Convention at the discretion of any three (3) officers or delegates representing three (3) different Posts.
(4) On roll call vote any delegate voting separately, any delegation casting its authorized votes together, or any member of the delegation voting separately may pass on the first roll call. If any individual or delegation abstains from voting on the second roll call vote, only the affirmative and negative votes cast will be counted to determine the number of votes necessary for a majority.
3. Arrearages: The Credentials Committee will report on any Post (s) or District(s) in arrearage under the provisions of Section 213 and 413 of the National By-Laws, which includes Posts/Districts that have not submitted Election Reports to Department for the ensuing year by convening of the Convention. Those Posts/Districts in arrearage shall be deprived of all representation at the Convention. Such representation shall be restored promptly upon adjustment of such deficiencies.
4. Quorum: A quorum for transacting business at the Convention will be not less than one (1) delegate from a majority of the Post’s in good standing at the time of the Convention and not less than four (4) members of the Department Council of Administration, one of whom must be the Commander, Senior vice Commander or Junior vice Commander.
5. Discussion of Motions:
A. Any matter brought before the Convention for consideration must be presented as a motion and that motion must be seconded prior to any discussion. Acceptation to this would be motion from a committee that does not require a second.
B. No member of the Convention may speak more than once on any motion until other members present have been given the opportunity to speak. The presiding officer may limit the time of discussion on a motion until all members present have been given an opportunity to discuss the motion once.
6. Election of Department Officers:
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 51
Volume XVIII - Number 10 TYPHOON / AROUND THE PACIFIC May 2015
A. The Department Commander, Senior vice Commander, Junior vice Commander, Quartermaster, Judge Advocate, Chaplain and Surgeon shall be elected by the Convention. District Commanders, by virtue of their office, shall be officers of Department and voting members of the Council of Administration. District Commanders shall be ineligible to simultaneously hold an elected Department office.
B. Any member in good standing in any Post in Department is eligible to hold a Department office. A member may hold one (1) elective and one or more appointed offices, no member may simultaneously hold two (2) elective Department offices.
C. Before nominations are closed, any nominee to a Department office must have the opportunity to decline nomination to the office to which he or she has been nominated.
D. Any member absent from the Convention who is nominated for an office must have written consent to such nomination in the hands of the Department Adjutant before nominations for that office.
E. Nominations will remain open until the presiding officer declares them closed and the Convention is ready to vote. A majority of all votes cast is necessary to elect, and voting will continue until an election is declared. Should there be no election on the first roll call the name of the nominee receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped and so on in successive roll calls until a majority vote is reached.
F. Officers will be installed before the Convention is adjourned.
7. Caucus: Any member of the Convention may call for a caucus to discuss with his fellow delegates any matter to be voted on by the Convention. The presiding office may limit the time for a caucus.
8. Other: Matters not covered by these Rules of Order, the provisions of the Congressional Charter and By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure of the VFW and Demeter’s Manual shall be the authority.
Submitted by: Bill Wichmann Department Judge Advocate ======
SSeeee yyoouu iinn tthhee nneexxtt eeddiittiioonn!!
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 52