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The official magazine of the Texas VFW.
Citation preview
Fall 2014
TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER2014 National Publications Contest
Texas VFW Post 10351, Hemphill, celebrates VFW Birthday
insideTexas VFW Birthday
CelebrationsPOW/MIA Services
Recognition of Women in Service
RVOSI N S U R A N C E
Insuring Texas Homes,
Farms, and RanchesSince 1901
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors”
RVOS.com1-800-507-2174
Supporting Our Veterans
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3Texas VFW Fall 2014
CO
NTEN
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Serving Veterans Since 1899What Does The Texas VFW Offer You?Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine
Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.
Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to [email protected]
Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing.
Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW.
Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.
For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.
Texas VFW Celebrates 115 Years pages 18-19
Veterans, auxiliary members, extended friends and family join together to remember
and honor POW/MIAs.
See highlights from Texas VFW Birthday Celebrations
from around the state.
In the News 4 Commander’s Column
6 Veterans Legislative News
8 Texas VFW Foundation:
Helping Veterans in Need
10 POW/MIA Ceremonies from Around Texas
13 Post Remembers Korean Conflict
15 Recognition of Women in Service
16 Post Helps Troops on Texas Border
18 Texas VFW is 115 Years Old
21 Texas VFW Membership Application
22 WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday
24 Post Holds Flag Ceremony for POW/MIAs
Texas Veterans Remember POW/MIAs pages 10-11
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
www.texasvfw.org
Fall 2014
Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNNer2014 National Publications Contest
Texas VFW Post 10351 Hemphill celebrates Texas VFW Birthday
insideTexas VFW Birthday
CelebrationsPOW/MIA Services
Recognition of Women in Service
ABOUT THE COVER
Texas VFW Post 10351, Hemphill,
celebrates the Texas VFW’s 115th
Birthday.
Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.
Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.
The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00.
Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753
Volume LXVIV, Number 2, © October 2014. All rights reserved.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.
Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.
Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at [email protected].
STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN
Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorDan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant EditorTerri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic Design
DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535
2014-2015 DEPARTMENT OFFICERSCOMMANDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Hayes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761SR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753JR VICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . . .2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494JUDGE ADVOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494SURGEON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044CHAPLAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norman Macey. . . . . . . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., Humble, TX 77346CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lavern Terbl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Plantation Ave., Pottsboro, TX 75076INSPECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Bellmeade, Brownwood, Texas 76801IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR. . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Sanchez . . . . . . . . 1906 Ashprington Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251COUNCIL MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413ADJ/QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Grona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST ADJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Inge Conley. . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Rodney Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Glenn James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Glenn Heady . . . . . . . . . . . 6620 Summertime Ln., Watauga, TX 76148DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Robert LaFleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . .1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032OFFICER OF THE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Garza. . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130
DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORSSERVICE OFFICER/WACO . . . . . .6008—Lloyd Coffman . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON . . . 3413—Julio Harros . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2014-2015 DISTRICT COMMANDERSDISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205—Fred Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 695, Aubrey, TX 762272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775—James Seales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Gary, Bridge City, TX 776113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076—Mark Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1826 Meridian Way, Garland, TX 750404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427—Carl Arnold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10106 Mandolin Ct., Houston, TX 770705 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7110—Marvin Brietzke . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 311033, New Braunfels, TX 781316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8931—Al Nunez, Jr. . . . . . . . . . 7221 S Staples St #115, Corpus Christi, TX 784138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278—James Masters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7800 Fm 2125, Brownwood, TX 768019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4818—Ronnie Lance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Oak St., Hereford, TX 7904510 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9173—Jo Ann Knight . . . . . . . . .415 S Mesa Hills Dr. Apt 1204, El Paso, TX 7991212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1183—John Ashcraft, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385 Cairy Ln., Longview, TX 7560413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1480—Tim Casey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1328 Ranchero Rd., Kerrville, TX 7802814 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008—Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 7651315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8558—Randy Duckworth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 E Oak St., Nocona, TX 7630616 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3903—Brian Satsky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9830 Hein Rd., Richmond, TX 7746917 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4709—David Helton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15010 Coaltown Rd.,Willis, TX 7737818 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410—Loren Pogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 809, Donna, TX 7853719 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1836—Alfred Navarro, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903 S First St., Lufkin, TX 7590120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12041—Larry Sanders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 457, Lytle, TX 7805221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10454—Jon Lunkwicz . . . . . . . . . . .12245 Eunice St., Farmers Branch, TX 7523424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972—Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 7795425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284—Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 7976228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6115—Charles Swain . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Bandera Woods Blvd., Elgin, TX 7862129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6008—Roy “Bobby” Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 7670530 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3366—Tom Cloy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 302, Purdon, TX 76679Texas VFW Fall 20144
AS WE APPROACH THE HOLIDAY SEASON, Tina and I want to wish each of
you the most joyous and blessed of holidays
this year. We, in the VFW, are truly blessed
to be part of such a great organization and
are proud to call each of you our friends.
Please be safe during the season in your
travels. It has been a very busy year
for travel.
As I cross this great state and visit with
our members and our Posts I can tell you that truly “No One Does
More for Veterans.” I can also tell you that in many cases, those
things that you do for veterans are never reported. I know that we can
do a better job reporting our Americanism projects, Youth projects,
Community Service, and Veteran Participation Reports. These
reports are what we are all about and let the public know that we are
fulfilling our mission. They also highlight what you, as a Post, are
doing in your communities. This helps your Post in many ways but
the most important way is that it helps you with your membership.
It is a fact that those Posts that are most active in their communities
have great recruiting programs. We are four months into this VFW
year and we a running far behind in our objectives for the year. I ask
that every VFW Leader, at every VFW level please emphasize the need
to be recruiting and retaining every day. We can make our objectives,
but to do so we all need to be recruiters.
I believe that one of the most important meetings conducted in
the VFW is the District meeting. Many times this is the only chance
for our Posts to receive the most up to date information and more
importantly, to meet their Department Officers. As such, as a Post
Commander, it is your responsibility to ensure that yourself, or your
representative attend all properly called District meetings. I have
made this a priority this year because I believe this makes the VFW
better at all levels. Besides that, where else can you get a great meal,
enjoy the camaraderie of our members and maybe win a raffle item!
I would like to add a special thanks to the members of our two
great auxiliaries. Both the Ladies and the Men’s Auxiliaries do great
things for our Posts. Without their help, many projects would go
unfunded or we would not have enough volunteers to do them. Please
take the time to thank them for their service to our organization.
I want to thank each of you for the hospitality you have shown
Tina and I in our travels. We are always welcomed and no matter
where we go, the welcome is always outstanding. Again, please be
careful during the holiday season. Thank you for the opportunity to
serve as your State Commander. n
C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e
1013⁄16
101⁄2
103⁄4107⁄8
1013⁄16
101⁄2
103⁄4107⁄8
81⁄4
88
1⁄8
77⁄8
73⁄475⁄8
83⁄8
81⁄4
88
1⁄8
77⁄8
73⁄475⁄8
83⁄8
81⁄4 8
81⁄8
77⁄8
73⁄4
75⁄8
83⁄8
81⁄48
81⁄8
77⁄873⁄4
75⁄8
83⁄8
107⁄8
101⁄2
1013⁄16103⁄4
107⁄8
101⁄2
1013⁄16103⁄4
25_B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Master_Installment, Verticalupdated 2/2012
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6 Texas VFW Fall 2014
L e g i s l a t i v e
Veterans Legislative News
REMEMBER WHO VOTES AGAINST VETERANSOn election day, the VFW wants you to remember eight members of Congress who voted against legislation that would help the Department of Veterans Affairs overcome its nationwide crisis in care and confidence, as well as 13 others who were not present for the vote. H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, passed overwhelmingly in the House by a vote of 420-5, and in the Senate by 91-3, but the hypocrisy of the eight “no” votes, according to VFW National Commander John Stroud, is that between 2003 and 2010, five of the congressmen and senators voted to approve more than a half trillion dollars in supplemental war funding with little regard to corresponding offsets or spending oversight, but in July they would vote against $16 billion to improve the care and services the VA provides to wounded, ill and injured veterans. “The VFW has a long memory when it comes to remembering those who vote for war but not the warrior, and though we will never tell our members and supporters who to vote for, we will always tell them who in Congress does—or does not—support veterans, service members and their families.” Read more at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/VFW-Election-Day-Advice/.
VFW-SVA LEGISLATIVE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPENThe VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently announced a fellowship program to bring up to 10 student veterans to storm the halls of Congress alongside VFW’s advocates this March. Those interested must complete an application no later than December 31, 2014, to include an essay highlighting one of the VFW’s Legislative Priority Goals and what it means to the veterans’ community today. Applicants must also be VFW members in good standing who are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university with an active SVA chapter. For full details and to apply, visit: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/VFW,-SVA-Fellowship-Program-to-Bring-Student-Veterans-to-Capitol-Hill/.
MARINE CORPS CHANGE OF COMMANDToday at Marine Barracks, Washington, outgoing Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, handed the Marine Corps over to Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr. Amos is retiring after 44 years of service to our nation. Gen. Dunford, an Infantryman, becomes the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. To learn more about the change of command, visit: http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/518707/passing-of-corps-dunford-becomes-36th-commandant.aspx.
CONCERT FOR VALOR UPDATEHBO and Starbucks are co-sponsoring a Concert for Valor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with entertainment from every musical genre. This is a free, open-air concert with no tickets, seating or reservations. The National Park Service is expected to open up the area around 10 a.m. for early birds to spread out their blankets as close to the stage as possible. Concert promoters expect to far exceed the half million who usually attend Independence Day fireworks. More details will be posted on the Concert for Valor website as they become available. See http://www.theconcertforvalor.com/. OVERSEAS HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES APPROACHING
The U.S. Postal Service has released its recommended deadlines for routine and express mail to
overseas military and diplomatic corps serviced by APO, FPO or DPO addresses. To ensure delivery before Dec. 25, the Post Office is recommending standard mail and packages be sent by Nov. 8. Read more at http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2014/pr14_053.htm. KOREAN WAR SOLDIER RECOVEREDThe Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains of Army Sgt. Cameron M. Flack, 18, of Union Mills, N.C., who was declared missing-in-action in North Korea on Dec. 12, 1950. He was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was accounted for on Oct. 8 and will be buried with full military honors in his hometown on a date yet to be announced.
7Texas VFW Fall 2014
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8
• The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, Warrior Down Fund is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served.
• Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations.
• The Warrior Down Fund is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds.
• The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if still in the military before application can be processed.
• Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw.org; by emailing the Foundation at [email protected]; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.
Your small donation makes a BIG difference.
I GAVE,WILL YOU?
CLICK HERE
The Texas VFW Foundation accepts memorials in honor of your loved ones. Those funds are reserved for the family of the deceased. If the family declines assistance, the funds are utilized in the Veterans Assistance Program.
8 Texas VFW Fall 2014
Helping Veterans in Need
From the Texas VFW Foundation
Bonnie, a US Army veteran, suffers from colon cancer and injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident while driving herself to the ER. She was unable to work at her temp job due to her hospitalization. The Texas VFW Foundation provided rental assistance to stave eviction.
Bonnie writes, “It is with much gratitude that I am writing to thank you for helping me pay a portion of my rent to keep me from being evicted. It has been quite a struggle financially for the past three months and your assistance lightened my load. I finally got hired on as a permanent employee with the same agency I’d been working for over 5 years as a temp employee. The future is looking brighter, and I wanted to acknowledge your help and extend my gratitude and appreciation!”
Please remember to include the Texas VFW Foundation in your list of charitable contributions
before year end! We have served 337 veteran households with $457,219 in financial assistance this last year because of generous donations and grants.
With your year-end donation we can continue to fight veteran homelessness!
10 Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
POW/MIA REMEMBRANCES—SEPT. 19
Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands — Post & Auxiliary participated in a POW/MIA Ceremony at local Regent Care nursing facility,
distributed POW/MIA flagsTexas VFW Post 8551, Sweeny —
In attendance were State Commander Hayes and State Dep. Insp. Conley. Several members from Post 2438 were in attendance
including Don Wells, Sr. Vice Cdr.; Ken Thames, Quartermaster; and Brad Wertz, Chaplain.
Texas VFW Post 2369, McAllen — Past District Commander, Felix Rodriguez; Roberto
Martinez; Quartermaster, John West; present a Certificate of Appreciation to Korean War POW
Gregorio Gonzalez.
Texas VFW Post
9190, Haltom City —
Post members
and invited guests held a fish fry in
observance of POW/MIA Day.
Texas VFW District 14 — Texas VFW District Fourteen State officers participate in a POW/MIA Day ceremony.
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
11Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW District 20 — Post Commanders Robert Martinez (Post 8111) and Robert Otto (Post 9186) read portions of the ceremonies for POW/MIA at the San Antonio Veteran’s Plaza.
Texas VFW Post 4818, Hereford — Prayer ceremony was held at the POW/MIA table.
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler — The Post held a POW/MIA missing man ceremony. Those in attendance included District 12 Commander John Ashcroft, Regional Director for Senator John Cornyn, and Louellen Lowe. Afterwards members participated in a remembrance balloon release.
Texas VFW Post 7426, Farmersville — Post members displayed a missing man table and held ceremony for all POW/MIAs.
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
12 Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
POST OBSERVES KOREAN CONFLICT ANNIVERSARY
THE KOREAN WAR began as a civil war between North and South Korea in 1950. But the conflict soon became international when, under U.S. leadership, the United Nations joined to support South Korea. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) entered to aid North Korea. The war left Korea divided and brought the Cold War to Asia.
“On July 27, 1953 at 10 a.m. in Panmunjom, Korea, Lieutenant General William K. Harrison sat down at a table marked by a small U.N . Flag and signed the copies of the cease-fire agreement for the U.N.,” described Post Commander Bill Owens. “General Nam sat at the North Korean flagged table and signed the cease-fire agreement for North Korea and China. By 10:12 it was all over. A few hours later General Mark Clark signed the documents. South Korean President Syngman Rhee would not sign the cease-fire agreement.”
The cease fire would go into effect at 10 p.m.
“The first Americans were killed north of Osan, Korea on July 5, 1950,” said Commander Owens. “ The last American killed was Sergeant Harold R. Cross Jr., K. Company 3rd Battalion 5th Regimental Combat Team, by a mortar blast just prior to the 22:00 hour cease-fire.”
Lasting from June 25, 1950 until July 27, 1953, 36,913 Americans died in, over or offshore Korea during the war. During the conflict, 1.6 million Americans served in the war zone.
Members of the local No. 6439 Post that served in Korea during the war were Marvin Blevins, Burl Brim, Richard Fourmentin, Bill Owens and Harold Scott. Members that served in Korea after the cease fire were Darryl Morris, John Devoss, Zeb Roberson, Robert Powell and Farris Nation. n
Members of VFW Post 6439, Glynn Moore, gathered on July 27, 2014 to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the cease-fire that put an end to the Korean Conflict.
On July 27, 1953 at 1600 hour north of the Hwachon Reservoir, Sergeant Bill J. Owens received the news of the
cease-fire. “I was happy it was over,” says Owens. “We didn’t celebrate victory. We celebrated being able to go home. I’d
hardly been out of Dodson and I found myself in Korea.”
Members of Glynn Moore Post
No.6439 observing the Korean
Conflict cease-fire anniversary on July 27. (front) L-R: Zeb
Roberson, Marvin Blevins, Richard
Fourmentin, Johnny Barnett, Bill Hatch, John Devoss, Billy
Langford. (back) L-R: Farris Nation, Robert Powell, Dennis Cudd,
Jerry Haralson, Harold Scott, Commander Bill
Owens, Tony Stephens, Hugh Kutch, Jimmy Langford and James
Ammons.
By Bev Odom, The Red River Sun
Photos courtesy of The Sun
14 Texas VFW Fall 2014
I n M e m o r i a m
Texas VFW News
Quarterly
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Roy J. Grona P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468
Dan West P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468
Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars. P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468
0 0 8 1 7 7 9-20-2014
$20.00
Dan West
(512) 834-8535
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74,87120,43020,234 74,,871
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71,55017,88720,860 75,985
97.93 98.55
Texas VFW News August 2014
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0
76,000
72,147
2,724
0 74,871
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212 852
218 245
430 1,097
75,96820,860321576,000
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97.93
Fall 2014
9-20-2014
Herman Constable
John Knapp
TWO PAST STATE COMMANDERS, Herman Constable, 1976-77, of Texas VFW Post 4458; and John Knapp, 2002-03, of Texas VFW Post 5617 passed away in October. Cards and condolences may be sent to Texas VFW, P.O. Box 14668, Austin, Texas 78761 and will be forwarded to the families. Both Comrades served their country, the VFW and their respective communities with honor and distinction and their presences will be greatly missed.
15Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
RECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SERVICE
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — USAF Veteran and Auxiliary member Barbara Hughes places
the Memorial Wreath in honor of all Women Veterans.
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya —
Post members held a VPR gathering for Recognition of Women in Military on
October 18, 2014.
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Post members held a Recognition of Women in the Military and served homemade ice cream.
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — L- R: Quartermaster Larry Hume, Post Commander Mike Langford, two unidentified civilians, Surgeon Dr. Robert Hughes, Aux. Member Barbara Hughes, Post Chaplain Gene Hutto; Post JA Charles Kreisel, Aux. Sr. Vice Sandy Risinger and Aux. member Becky Maidic.
16 Texas VFW Fall 2014
POST AIDS TROOPS ALONG THE TEXAS BORDERTexas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — The Post
traveled to Austin, Texas to rally a load of care packages coming from Tennessee then delivered the care packages to troops deployed along
the border. The mission took approximately 120 hours.
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROBERT A. MCDONALD has directed all Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and benefits facilities to continue to hold quarterly town-hall events to improve communication with, and hear directly from, Veterans nationwide. This follows the recent completion of town-halls at these facilities held between August and the end of September of this year.
“Every one of our medical centers and regional benefits offices held town hall meetings around
the country in August and September, but we have more listening to do to better serve Veterans and their families,” said Secretary McDonald. “As part of our Road to Veterans Day, VA is taking a hard look at everything we do in order to reorganize the Department around the needs of Veterans. Direct feedback from Veterans, employees and stakeholders is an important component of that Roadmap, and key to improving our services and operations,” Secretary McDonald added.
Details of events at each location will be forthcoming from local facilities. Additionally, VA is looking to continue to improve the town hall notification process, making sure we have the benefit of extensive local input. In addition to Veterans and their families, the quarterly meetings are open to Congressional stakeholders, Veterans Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and other community partners. n
Secretary McDonald Announces VA to Continue Town Hall Events at VA Facilities Nationwide
18 Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler — (above)
VFW Birthday Roll Call and Tolling of the Bell Ceremony was conduted by Post Commander, Radar Williamson;
Service Officer, Karl Little; and Quartermaster, Larry Garner.
Texas VFW Post 2427, Tomball — VFW members celebrated the importance of the VFW and their
appreciation for being part of such a great veterans organization.
Texas VFW Post 3903, Rosenberg — Members along with Ladies Auxiliary celebrated the 115th Birthday of the VFW.
Texas VFW Post 7108, Helotes — The Post held a ceremony including a welcoming of members and guests, salute to the flag, and prayer by their
Chaplin. A brief history of the creation of the VFW was addressed followed by ceremonial cake and beverages.
Texas VFW Post 8923, Carrollton —
(right) Members from District III celebrated the VFW’s 115th
Birthday at Post 8923.
VFW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS—SEPT. 29
19Texas VFW Fall 2014
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Members hosted a VFW Birthday party with homemade ice cream, cake and refreshments. Front row: Judge Advocate Charlie Wetherbee, Christie Hanich, Rolande Funke, Adjutant Frank Hill, Jack Mulhollan, Ray White. Back row: Quartermaster Bob Worrall, Bill Sultenfuss, Service Officer Carl Frantzen, Jr. Vice Commander Tad Hanich, Post Commander Andrew Camplen, Trustee Dave Judson, Trustee Eric Vickery, Post Surgeon Matt Mcguire, Bill Mayo, Bud Holzman, John
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya — Members participated in a VFW Birthday celebration and are shown here holding a commemorative banner.
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — (left photo:) L-R, Aux Chaplain Mary Fausett, Aux Sr. Vice Sandy Risinger, Aux Treasurer Theresa Hume, Town and Country Real Estate employee, Quartermaster Larry Hume.(right photo:) Post Commander Mike Langford presents a postal employee with a birthday cupcake.
Texas VFW Post 8397, San Antonio — Post Commander, Cris Vieyra Jr. spoke about the history of the VFW on its 115th year of service. Pictured L-R: Post 76 Commander; Albert Mireles; Ladies Auxiliary Vice President, Linda Ann Trub; Post 8397 Commander, Cris Vieyra Jr.; and Post 8397 Sr. Vice Commander, Armando Sanchez.
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21Texas VFW Fall 2014
I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund.
Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: _____________________________________________Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.
p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express Credit Card Number: ________________________________________________________
Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________
Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761 | For questions call: (512) 834-8535
Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate electronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed, and providing alternative payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the time of enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: Up to 30 days – continue to bill; 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward; More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.
Lobbying for Veterans & MilitaryProviding Disaster Relief
Community VolunteerismFunding College Scholarships
Phone Cards for TroopsSupporting Youth Groups
Emergency Financial AssistanceSupporting Memorials
Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements
Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America.Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in,
or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.
Name: _________________________________________________Email: ________________________________________ First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.)
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone: ___________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY)
Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines
Current Status: p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/ReserveI served in: p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)
Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*
*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service).
I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($45) p Life Member* p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($45 Initial payment)
L I F E M E M B E R S H I P F E E S C H E D U L EAGE as of DECEMBER 31st ONE-TIME PAYMENT Initial Payment 11 payments ofThrough Age 30 $425.00 $45.00 $38.6431 – 40 $410.00 $45.00 $37.2741 – 50 $375.00 $45.00 $34.0951 – 60 $335.00 $45.00 $30.4561 – 70 $290.00 $45.00 $26.3671 – 80 $225.00 $45.00 $20.4581 AND OVER $170.00 $45.00 $15.45
22 Texas VFW Fall 2014
Texas VFW Post 6209, Shiner — Members hosted a birthday party at Shiner Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for WWII veteran Jessie Canales, who turned 100 years young, on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Jessie has served the VFW for 60 years. He was presented a Citation of Achievement for his service and received a State Commander’s pin along with gifts and cards from friends and family. The event was attended by over 100 guests
that were entertained by the talented duo of singer Vic Patek and music
guru Gerard Janak. Pictured with Comrade Jessie Canales is Post Commander Harvey L. Dlouhy (left) and Post Quartermaster Donald Maillet (right).
Texas VFW District 3 — Members prepared and served hundreds of patients from the Dallas V.A. Hospital.
C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e
POST HOSTS 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR WWII VETERAN
POST MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN VA PATIENTS DAY OUT
Please note that Texas VFW Post 10376, Marble Falls, is an all-state honors winner. This was inadvertently omitted from our last issue. Thank you.
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Texas VFW Post 8904, CenterPost members held a POW/MIA ceremony at
Veterans Memorial. They read names of former county POW’s and those still MIA. A new POW/
MIA flag was installed at the court house while bagpipes and Taps were played.
