Gsw March 2011 Web

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NEWSLETTER

UNITED WE STAND TO WIN, DIVIDED WE FALL - AND ARE FORGOTTEN

March 2011 Vol. 56 No. 1 P.O. Box 361986Birmingham, AL 35236 Editor Corinna Gibson-Ashmead

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

A nonprofit national military widows service organization chartered by the United States Congress

...continued on page 2

TABLEOF CONTENTS2011 Nominations Guidelines.................Page 15

Around The Country ........................... Page 16

Board Chairmans Report ..................... Page 2

Color the Hill Gold ............................... Page 9

Convention Childcare ..........................Page 13

Convention Hotel Information ................Page 15

Convention Registration .......................Page 11

Convention Schedule ...........................Page 10

Convention Tours ................................Page 13

Did You Know ....................................Page 19

Education Scholorships .........................Page 20

From Your Supply Officer ......................Page 22

Government Relations Report ................ Page 3

National Convention and

Regional Conferences 2011 ..................Page 14

Parliamentarians Chat Room .................. Page 9

Region Updates ................................. Page 18

Save the Date ....................................Page 20

Service Officer ................................. Page 8

Snowball Express V .............................Page 21

Some Standing Rules Updates .................Page 15

Survival Claims Sheet ..........................Page 23

VAVS Notes ...................................... Page 22

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Here it is February and a new year. I hope everyone

had a wonderful holiday season and that the New Year

is good to us all. Thank you to all who sent Christmas

cards, emails and called me. We truly are a family!

It is time to give you all a gentle reminder that yourVAVS and Community Service Reports are due

and it is time to make your reservations to attend

your Region Conferences. It is very important to

attend as you will be selecting members to run for

be forwarded to the National Parliamentarian for

presentation at the National Convention in August. It

to be elected before your

Region Conferences. I

will be attending some of

your Region Conferences;

thank you to all who have

invited me. I wish I could

attend them all. I enjoy

reading the newsletters

that are sent to me, theygive me an idea of what activities you all are involve

in, the events you attend, and the fun things yo

do. Please continue to send pictures to our Nation

PURPOSES

nation.


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for our website. I want to tell you all how much I like

the phone calls I receive from members. I mean it

when I say Im available to you, if you have a concern,

Our Convention in St Louis is going to be wonderful

newsletter for all the information.

Lets all plan to have a cup of tea together at our annual

Stay At Home Tea on 14 February. This is a good

way to remember Gold Star Wives and the wonderful

friends we have made through the years. Why not call

one of your friends and celebrate together.

I have heard there is a possibility of two new chapters

being formed. This is wonderful news and I hope it

turns out to be true.

The military hotels (Shades of Green, Orlando,FL/

Germany) are offering half price room for survivors!

This is a reduction from the already low prices offered

in Florida kept us indoors and you all further north

are suffering through this incredible winter. Stay

warm and stay safe. And remember, Im just a phone

call away.

Kit

BOARD CHAIRMANS

REPORT

Winter will soon be over and many of us will b

happy when the weather turns warmer and the sno

disappears. Volunteer days are missed when the roadare icy and school is dismissed until the plows hav

cleared paths for vehicles. I know that you who live

the southern areas do not have this weather normall

but this year it seems as if you have had snow an

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you

we met many interesting guests. We also had thpleasure of having our picture taken with Preside

website. There was a show on TV showing how th

volunteers decorated the White House for Christm

and I really enjoyed seeing the wonderful decoration

that the volunteers had spent hours arranging fo

visitors and guests. If you live in the Washington

and saw them also.

In this issue you will find the information fo

our National Convention being held in St. Loui

on all the details for the business meetings as we

as offering tours in the area. I have never toured th

St. Louis Arch, but it is visible for miles if you hav

traveled though St. Louis.

time Gold Star Wives had a different system o

voting. If you are a long time member then you wi

remember that the chapter presidents voted for the

chapter at Convention, with the number of vote


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member-at-large, if in attendance at the Convention,

had a personal vote. If a chapter president was not

at Convention then the chapter had no voice unless

they had a representative in attendance to cast their

votes. Today all members are given the opportunity

each Region nominates a member from their Region

more than 3. We encourage you to take the time to

read the information and then send your ballot to the

designated address. If you want to know more about

February 14th is always a special day because it is

tea and think about all the members of Gold Star

you have been a member and the many friendships

special people and I enjoy being with them once a

month for our meetings. At our Christmas Potluck

dinner we shared our stories with each other which

made our meeting very special. I made my donation

will consider doing the same.

of a WWII pilot who was missing in the Philippines

stick pin! We did not receive any credit for the pin,

but it was given to them by GSW. If you did not see

the show then look for it on the Hallmark Channel

in the future.

Communication today is very quick with emails and

the computer. An issue that arose recently involved

chatting online, but the Gold Star Wives Yahoo Grou

will not have this feature. This has been discuss

previously at Conventions and that is when t

decision was made to not allow chat rooms.

I want to leave you with a quote from Albert Pine.

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we

for others and the world remains and is immortal.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONSCOMMITTEE REPORT

This is a new Congressional year and a new year for a

our bills. Presently, the Government Relations Committ

(GRC) is busy educating legislative staff members abo

our legislative issues. Here is our latest update as

February 10, 2011.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIIncrease): We are waiting to hear from Congression

leaders for confirmation that they will introduce th

the bill died at the end of the 111th Congress and mu

be re-introduced for the 112th Congress.1 Representativ

are presently working to help educate his staff about th

will be both a House bill and a Senate bill to support th

communicate through the chapter presidents and on th

message boards to provide you with the bill numbers.

Survivor Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemni

Compensation (SBP/DIC)


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GRC.

bill was generated by Congress, not the GRC. The GRCwill work diligently and collaborate with the appropriate

provided a fact sheet that you may use as a guideline. We

need your help to make this a reality! Your legislative

their district and you are their constituent. Also, if you feel

to support the bill. Your personal story will give meaning

to the bill. Please feel free to call or email me if you haveany questions and/or concerns.

*****************************************

ISSUE

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

(DIC) INCREASE

the surviving spouses of veterans who die on active duty or

as the result of a service- connected cause. We are waiting

BACKGROUND:DIC

Affairs to the surviving spouses of veterans who die

on active duty or as the result of a service-connected

CALLTOACTION: We will notify the chapter presidents

as soon as the bills are introduced. We strongly urge you

ask them to support this vital legislation. Visit your local

to bring it to the attention of the Senator or Representativ

Again, as soon as we have a bill number we will announc

it on the boards and notify the chapter presidents.

*****************************************

Here are some talking points for the DIC increase

died while serving this country or as the result ofservice-connected cause.

Surviving spouses whose veteran spouse die

before 1993 receive rank-based DIC which

based on rank of the veteran who died.

Surviving spouses whose veteran spouse died aft

1993 receive which is current

$1154.

currently pays 43% of what a 100% disabled vetera

Federal survivor programs pay 55% of the employee

or service members retirement pay to the survivin

Other survivor benefit programs are based on percentage of the deceased employee or servi

low to start with, and that dollar value of each COL

was less than it would have been if the initial amou

low. COLAs are a percentage of that low amou

programs with each COLA.)

amount of Social Security ($300 to $400 per month


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of them are faced with a choice of paying their rent

and utilities or buying groceries. While this level of

rental assistance. I seriously doubt that any member

of Congress or members of their staff could manage

with such a low income.

needed at home to care for their husbands and had

no opportunity to pursue a career that would provide

These caregivers saved the Government untold

millions of dollars by taking care of the veteran at

home rather than having him admitted to a nursing

home or other care facility. There are documented

care for their veteran husbands.

When their husbands died most of these caregiver

widows were too old and/or too disabled to pursue

a career that would provide an adequate income or

The contributions of and need for caregivers have

recently been acknowledged by legislation awarding

contributions of caregivers of veterans from previouswar eras.

Widows who lose their veteran husbands at a younger

age may have been their veteran husbands caregiver

and raising two or three children simultaneously.

When the husband dies, they are often left to care

stops and the childs Social Security stops, but in this

day in age the children often remain in the family

by both the caregiving and the death of their father and

are not yet able or ready to establish a life and career

of there own. The widow is then left trying to support

The children of those who die on active duty are often

to pursue an education or leave the family home to

establish a life of their own. This situation also leav

child or children.

when there is NO increase in the COLA, there is N

IS a change in th

economy.

*****************************************

ISSUE

Survival Benefit Plan/Dependency and

Indemnity Compensation Offset (SBP/DIC)

BACKGROUND

Affairs to the surviving spouses of military servic

members who die on active duty or of a service-connecte

cause. Some of these surviving spouses also qualify for a

member died on active duty or if the military servic

Currently, military surviving spouses who qualify f

Gold Star Wives and our supporters question why th

53,000 surviving spouses who choose not to remarr

after the age of 57 or are under the age of 57 are bein

LEGISLATIONS

CALL TO ACTION Gold Star Wives and its supporte

Congress and ask them to support this vital legislation. Vis

and ask them to bring it to the attention of the Senator

Representative.


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Talking Points for SBP/DIC Offset:

surviving spouses and their children for separate and

distinct purposes.

When a surviving spouse qualifies for both survivor

children reach the age of majority.

For many surviving spouses, and especially those whose

the offset.

Bill numbers

Once a bill is introduced, a number is assigned to the bill.

If the bill is coming from the House side it will have an

HR for the House of Representatives in front of the billnumber. When we have a bill is introduced from the Senate,

it would have an S in front of the number.

You should call your Congressional Representative for

bills beginning with the letters HR and your two senators

for bills which begin with the letter S.

How do I contact my elected official?

To whom do I speak?

staffis an

important step in becoming a part of the discussion and a

powerful voice on survivor issues.

Identify yourself by name and as a member of the all-

and, if you choose, tell your personal story, and how you

spouses death affected you and your children.

Tips for Successful Interactions:

1.

If they sound impatient, dont be dissuaded! They ar2.

just busy and under pressure.

3.

you can get your request or information/story acros

quickly and effectively.

4.

or mail.

5.

are asking them to support and/or co-sponsor.

6.

Remember after a few minutes, you will lose the7.

interest-- be short and powerful.

easier for them to take notes.

If they ask questions that you cannot answer, te9.

t and sh

question.

Although surviving spouse is technically correct, th10.

words widowand widowerhave more impact.

When you mention your deceased spouse use his or h11.

If you are asked about Gold Star Wives ofAmerica:

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (GSW) is a Veteran

of service members who die on active duty or as the result o


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SERVICEOFFICER

TRICARE to Extend Dependent Coverage to Age 26.

children up to age 26 and to provide an option to make

to ensure that military families dont get left out of the new

national health care reform law. The new program will

age of 21 or 23 for full-time college students.

sponsored health care coverage will be eligible to purchase

in place, eligible young adults may submit an application

and premium payment to the appropriate regional

receive an enrollment card after they buy coverage and

www.tricare.mil/

subscription.

. If you were

drinking water supply. You can register for water testing

https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater.T :

[email protected].

Converting Prescriptions from a Retail Pharmacy

to Express Scripts.

your out of pocket costs by moving your current ret

maintenance prescriptions to home delivery if you pref

the convenience of getting prescriptions mailed directly

maintenance prescription dispensed at a retail pharmac

They will contact your provider to obtain a new writt

prescription for home delivery which will arrive in abo

http://www.express-scrip

com/TRICARE.

Caregivers Support Line. Caregivers are the fam

members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans w

are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illne

or aging. The VA opened a toll-free National Caregiv

Support line on Feb. 1, 2011. It serves as a prima

resource/referral center to assist caregivers, veterans a

others seeking caregiver information to help in the care

our Veterans and Survivors. The Support Lines toll-fr

number is 1-855-260-3274.

What I should shred, and when? Shred everythi

with your signature, date of birth, social security numb

account numbers, passwords or pin numbers. Shred cre

card statements after 45 days unless you need them f

number appears on them. Shred bank statements, p

improvements on your home, and medical and prescripti

records.

any personal information or credit card numbers ov

the phone to callers claiming to update VA prescripti

information.


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Come join the GovernmentRelations Committee

Wear Yellow and Walkthe Halls in Congress!

Who? Gold Star Wives

What? Visit your Senators andRepresentatives

Where? Capitol Hill

When? Thursday, 7 April, the day beforethe Mid-Atlantic Region Conference

Why?

discuss GSW issues with a mentor and other GSW members!

Dress attire: Wear yellow and dont forgetcomfortable walking shoes!

RSVP: Please respond as soon as possible,this helps us make the necessaryappointments!

If you are interested in attending this preconvention activity, please contact Kay Wit

[email protected] or Vivianne Wersel [email protected]

We will need your name, the names of your Senators, and your Representative, an email address, iyou have one, and a good working phone number tocontact you. If you are not sure who your Representative is, let us know your zip code. We will provideyou information electronically before the event.

Our day will start at 9:00 AM with a quick brief andpairing with your mentor. We will leave the hotel a

9:30 AM and arrive on the Capitol Hill at approximately 10:00 AM to meet with your Congressioing rooms at 12:00. After lunch, we will continue comfortable walking shoes and bring your camerathere will be plenty of photo opportunities.

PARLIAMENTARIANSCHAT ROOM

Our Region Conferences are almost upon us, and for those

who are able to attend, they should act as a tonic to boost us

out of the winter doldrums. Of course Spring will do that

unusually cold, snowy, icy, and high wind winter. I used to

live in a cottage in the pines, but now after four trees came

crashing down Im living in a cottage in a clearing!

Id like to take this opportunity to remind all chapters

to strive for simplicity and clarity when writing your

Resolutions (dont bring in the kitchen sink). Remember,

the preamble, the Whereas, (or reason) for the Resolution

funds or for an action to be taken. The last copy of the

resolution. When Resolutions are written and voted upon,

please send them to me within 10 days of your Region

Conference.

GSW National Parliamentarian

Crompond, NY 10517

The Resolutions will be submitted to be numbered and

copied for distribution to delegates at the Convention.

Remember, if necessary you may submit an eleventh hour

Resolution at Convention, but please try to make sure you

have enough copies for the delegates. Please date them

and indicate where they come from (State and Chapter)

and add a telephone number so I can contact you if they

need clarifying before submission.

Here in up-state New Yorks 19

th

district, we have a newRepublican Congresswoman named Nan Hayworth. I will

be introducing myself to her shortly on behalf of Gold

Star Wives and hope that she will be as sympathetic and

supportive to our cause as was Congressman Hall.


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66th Annual NationalGold Star Wives Convention

August 2 7, 2011Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, St Louis, Missouri

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 2 4:00 6:00 p.m. Registration for Board of Directors& Credentials Committee

Wednesday, August 3 7:30 8:00 a.m. Registration for Board of Directors& Credentials Committee

8:00 12:00 noon Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 5:00 p.m. Ballot Counting

Lunch on your own

1:00 5:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 5:00 p.m. General Registration

6:30 8:00 p.m. Welcome Hospitality

(Appetizers, Cash Bar) Optional

Thursday, August 4 8:00 11:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting

Lunch on your own

1:00 5:00 p.m. Opening Session

6:30 9:00 p.m. Presidents Reception

Friday, August 5 8:00 9:15 Business Meeting Resumes

9:15 11:15 Memorial Ceremony forDeceased Spouses

(Wear yellow, hats, pins)

11:15 12:15a.m. Business Meeting Resumes

12:30 1:30 p.m. Presidents Luncheon

2:00 5:00 p.m. Business Meeting Resumes

Optional Evening

6:00 10:00 p.m. Skyline Dinner Cruise Optional

Saturday, August 6 8:00 12:00 a.m. Business Meeting Resumes

Memorial Service for Members

12:00 Box Lunch Optional

Workshops:

a. Gold Star Wives:Our Path 1945 to 2010

b. Long Term Care Facts

1:30 p.m. Business Meeting Resumes

6:30 7:00 p.m. Cash Bar

7:00 10:00 p.m. Banquet and Installation

Sunday, August 7 8:00 11:00 Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, August 7, 8, and 9: Optional Tours athttp://discover-stlouis.com/GoldStarWives.html

HOTEL

INFORMATION

Sheraton WestportChalet Hotel

191 Westport Plaza

St Louis, MO 63146

Rates are availableAugust 1 10, 2011;

Convention Dates areAug 3 7, 2011

For reservations call314-878-1500.

Be sure to mention GoldStar Wives for convention

rate of $99.00 per room

Reservations may also bemade by linking to Gold StarWives Of America 66 (ORcopy and paste the followinglink into a web browser) http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/goldstarwives

The Sheraton offers freeshuttle from St Louis LambertAirport every half-hour. Goto the hotel shuttle stop in

either terminal and wait forthe shuttle. The hotel offersfree parking and is locatedjust off Interstate 270 at thePage exit. Follow signs toWestport Plaza.

Reservations must be madeno later than Wednesday,July 6 to obtain conventionrate. Reservations may becancelled until 6:00 p.m. on

the day of arrival.

Amenities include fitnesscenter, indoor and outdoorpools, full service conciergelevel, shuttle to local area andcasinos, car rental available,variety of restaurants withinwalking distance.


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CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORMYour Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: ____________________________________

Email: __________________________________ Phone: __________________ Cell Phone: ______________________________

Is this your first convention? Y N Are you a Veteran? Y N Branch of Service: ____________________________________

Member status: MAL: __________________ Chapter: ______________________ Region: _____________________________

Present Office: Natl __________ Chapter: ______________ Region: ______ Past Natl Pres ____________________________

Special Needs: Handicapped _____________ WC rental _______________ Other ___________________________________

Emergency Contact Name: ________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Is this your first convention? Y N Are you a Veteran? Y N Branch of Service: ____________________________________

Name of Spouse: ________________________________ Branch of Service: ________________________________________

Name(s) of Guest(s): ________________________________________________________________________________________

Member Registration: (*includes:Registration, Presidents Reception, Luncheon, & Banquet) $101.00

Wednesday Hospitality Night: (optional) Appetizers @ $18.00 = ________

Saturday Workshops Lunch (optional) Box Lunch @ $20.00 = ________

Saturday Workshops: Circle one you would like to attend

#1 Long Term Care Facts

#2 Gold Star Wives: Our Path 1945 - 2010

*Thursday Presidents Dinner: Members choice: Pecan Chicken_____ Grilled Tilapia_____

*Saturday Installation Banquet: Members choice: Pork Loin______ Beef Tenderloin______

YOUR GUESTS;

Wed. Hospitality: Appetizers # attending ________ @ $18.00 = ________

Thurs. Presidents Reception/Dinner: # of Pecan chicken_____ @ 36.00 $ = ________

# of Tilapia________ @ $36.00 = ________

Fri. Pres. Luncheon: Mixed Greens Salad with Chicken # attending _________ @ $18.00 = ________

Sat. Installation Banquet: # of Pork Loin_________ @ $37.00 = ________

# of Beef Tenderloin_______ @ 37.00 = ________

TOTAL: (For Member and Guests) ________

Check # _______ (Made out to Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.)

Please mail this form with check to: GSW, P. O. Box 361986, Birmingham, AL

Registration form plus check must be POSTMARKED JULY 6, 2010.

Registration after 7/6/2010 must include a $25.00 late fee.

Please call Jamie Tomek at 573-324-3668 or email at: [email protected]


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66th National

ConventionTours

Discover St Louis is offering the following tours for Gold Star Wivesof America convention attendees. www.discover-stlouis.com hasa button on the top that says GSW that you click on for a tour

registration form or put the following in your web browser for a link

http://discover-stlouis.com/GoldStarWives.htmlSkyline Dinner Cruise - Friday, August 5, 2011

Experience the beauty of the St. Louis skyline as you cruise & dine on theMississippi River aboard a replica of a 19th century paddle-wheeler.6pm-10pm. $62 per person adult; $41 pp children 3-12.

St. Louis City Tour - Sunday, August 7 2011 - Enjoy an

afternoon narrated city tour of downtown St. Louis, Forest Park,and historic neighborhoods. Dinner at Hwy 61 Roadhouse included.12-6:30pm $67 per person

Hannibal and Clarksville, MO - Monday, August 8, 2011- Sneak away for a days adventure in Clarksville, MO and H

annibal, MO, home to the famed author, Mark Twain. Enjoy the lo-

cal artisans and their crafts in Clarksville before we head up toHannibal to visit the home and museum of Mark Twain. Enjoy a one-hour

sightseeing cruise along the Mighty Mississippi. Lunch is included.8am-6:30pm $94 per person

Historic Kimmswick - Tuesday, August 9, 2011 Just 30 miles

south of St. Louis lies the quaint river town of Kimmswick, MO. Stroll,shop and dine in this small town. Lunch at the famous Blue Owl (fea-tured on the Food Networks Road Tasted) is included along with a

tour of the Anheuser Estate. 10am - 3:30pm $48 per person

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Name ________________________________________________

Telephone _____________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________

Please indicate which events you wish to attendSkyline Dinner Cruise Friday, Aug 5, 2011 6 10 p.m.

$62 per adult X ___ attending = $ ______________$41 per child X ___ attending = $ ______________St Louis City Tour Sunday, Aug 7, 2011 12 noon 6:30

$67 per person X ___ attending = $ ______________Hannibal & Clarksville Mon, Aug 8, 2011 8 - 6:30 p.m.

$94 per person X ___ attending + $ ______________Historic Kimmswick Tue Aug 9, 2011 10 3:30

$48 per person X ___ attending + $ ______________Total for Tours $_______________Please make check or money order payable to Discover St Louis,

LLC and mail to Discover St Louis, LLC5902 Columbia Ave

St Louis, MO 63139There will be a $20.00 fee charge on all checks returned by the bank due

to insufficient funds. Thank you for your cooperation. To charge to credit

card or for questions, please call 800-628-3093.

Child CareInformation and Registration

We will be offering childcare to children attending the Gold StarWives of America, Inc convention August 4 6 through the local

franchise of Seeking Sitters (www.seekingsitters.com). The hotelhas given us the room across the hall from our meetings to house

the child care, so the children will be close. Service providers arefirst aid, CPR trained, with background checks. This service came

recommended to us by a state agency because of their work withmilitary families in the past and they are waiving some of their fee

We will offer the child care service as follows:Thursday, August 4: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Friday, August 5: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Saturday, August 6: 8:00 to 12:00pm and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In addition, we are open to offering private childcare if requested

Seeking sitters uses Missouri childcare guidelines for ratios ofchildren to providers as follows:

Up to 18 months 2 children for each sitter

18 months to age 3 4 children for each sitterAge 3 to age 10 6 children for each sitter

Age 10 to Age 13 8 children for each sitter

In order to help us plan for childcare we are offering a discount fothose registering their children no later than Sunday, July 10. Feesare as follows:

By July 10 After July 10Up to 18 months $180 $200

18 months to age 3 90 110Age 3 to Age 10 70 90

Age 10 to 13 50 75

To register please send check for the fees payable to Gold StarWives of America and a completed registration (below) for eachchild to:

Jamie Tomek215 S Cuivre

Bowling Green, MO 63334

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Childs First Name _____________________ MI (Middle Initial) __

Last Nam _____________________________________________

Nickname _____________________ Date of Birth ____________

Age Aug 1 ____________________________________________

Parents Name _________________________________________

Address ________________ City ______________State_______

Amount Enclosed for Child Care ______________________

Seeking Sitters will request additional information for your childsuch as allergies, medical issues, etc. at check in.


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The Nominations Guidelines, Nominator Forms, an

Candidate Forms have been mailed to all Chapt

Presidents and Region Presidents. The Regio

Presidents will select a Nominations Committ

position in the .

will accept the written and signed Candidate

Applications and the signed Nominator Forms. S

will forward them to me as soon as possible, but n

by contacting your Chapter or Region Presiden

online at www.goldstarwives.org, or the Nation

Nominations Chair. The candidates resumes a

with the printed ballots. If you have any question

please feel free to contact me.

The National President has directed me to mak

certain you are aware that all members may nomina

any member in good standing (2011 dues paid b

nominate yourself. To nominate any member for th

Region Conference and be voted upon at your Regio

Conference as this member would be representin

Region Presidents Please send me the nam

telephone number and email address for yo

Nominations Committee Member no later thaMay 2nd.

At last years National Convention, the members

present discussed the following and voted to include

it in the Standing Rules. The information is included

in the Chapter Assistance Guidelines which all

members do not see so is now a part of the Standing

Rules.

may wear this logo pin. It may be placed over your

heart, on your left lapel or on ribbons received on

nametags at your Region Conference or National

stickpin.

is to be worn to Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

worn on the overseas cap.

Wear yellow and the official GSW cap when

representing Gold Star Wives at functions or

top with slacks or skirt.

An order form was in the September 2010 National

Newsletter.

SOME STANDINGRULESUPDATES

2011 NOMINATIONSGUIDELINES


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AROUNDTHECOUNTRY


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was covered by for her husbands

dedication ceremony held 37 years after his death.

The Lewisville section of the


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These days it seems that everything is costing more,

gasoline, food, etc. For those who feel they need to

go back to school and get a higher education, there are

scholarships for spouses of military service men and

women killed or disabled while in service of our nation.

these scholarships. They also provide scholarships to

the children of these men and women who were killed in

action or disabled. To obtain more information, click on

www.foldsofhonor.com.

and educational counseling to military children who lost

the gap between grants and scholarships and the entirecost of college. As of February, they have been able to

help 146 children and have granted scholarships totaling

tremendous difference, not just monetarily but emotionally.

These families take great comfort in knowing that people

still care about them and that a friendly face will be there

to support their education aspirations.

The foundation encourages and states that it is critical for

families with children to enroll in the foundation even if thechild is very young and not yet ready for college because

the foundation will maintain contact with the parent and

when the child is ready for college the foundation will

work with you to access public and private sources of

grants and scholarships. They will also ensure that the

your child will have to use any savings or will not have to

secure loans to pay for their college.

also qualify for this foundation.

At this time there is no cap on the grants but that is possible

to change. It will depend on how much the foundation

foundation. You can send them money and every dollar

goes to the children or you can shop4good. There are

of the sale to this foundation.

To learn more about the Chi ldren of Fal le

Patriots Foundation, you can go to the websi

www.fallenpatriots.org . I f you wish mo

information on the Shop4good, go to the websi

fallenpatriots.org/for-friends/shop4good/ .

opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veteran

apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. If you a

currently a spouse, you may take a corresponden

may be approved under certain circumstances. A V

Form 22-5490 must be completed. You may obtain mo

military community. You must complete a registrati

form and hit Submit. Then click on the See Scholarshi

areas on the map have military scholarship programand are listed alphabetically on the military scholarsh

EDUCATIONSCHOLARSHIPS

SAVETHE DATEGold Star Wives of America

6th Annual Congressional Reception

Place:


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Dallas, Texas December 9-13, 2010

fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since9/11. The goal each year to provide hope, support, new

memories, new friendships and a sense that Americans

given to insure the freedom America cherishes dearly.

Greeters at the American Airline Chartered and non

This is a way to volunteer and support our recent surviving

spouses and the children of the fallen. There are now over

spouse and walk the same shoes as members of Gold Star

Wives have walked since our beginning in 1945.

Planes from 26 cites, 40 non chartered cities, Austria,

Legion Riders, National Guard, VFW, Army Survivor

Nashville, Fayetteville, Orlando, Pensacola, Atlanta,

were 1350 participants this year most of them children

accompanied with the surviving spouse or guardian. I

would like to thank all GSW members who volunteered

as a Family Coordinator, A Greeter at Chartered and non

Chartered Cities and especially the 4 who gave up 5 days

members made it to several non charters and I especial

thank them. We have many recent surviving spous

who have joined Gold Star Wives who attend the eve

with their children.

and Press and view several videos of the event. You w

were able to build friendships with other children wh

a lounge that provide area to rest and meet some of th

noticed the cold did not seem to brother the childre

but let me tell you, I was shivering from the cold whe

I returned from the hayride.

SNOWBALLEXPRESSV


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Standing Rules, updated at the 2010 National Conventio

is available for purchase at $2.00.

I am sorry that a recent purchase of caps at a higher pri

makes it necessary to increase the purchase price to $15.5

Also, please be aware that I will be out-of-town th

will have enough time to mail your orders before m

departure.

Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.

for people all across the country. Im sure we will allwelcome spring with wide-open arms.

The Valentines 4 Veterans, concert series was slated forFebruary 2011. The concert is design to show appreciation become a VA volunteer, and increase the awareness of theissues facing injured veterans and their families. ThisOperation Iraqi Freedom. These concerts were held inseventeen cities throughout the country. The Voluntaryis always complimentary and open to the public as concert

Hospital forms and send them to me. The forms haveinformation. The deadline of March 1st will be extendeduntil March 31st. Chapter members return your reportreport to your Region President. I also requested that theform be posted on our website, in case youve misplaceyour copy. Whatever the case may be, please contact me

for forms, questions, or any other concerns.

Please let me know who you are, and which facility youare servicing.

The 65th Annual VAVS National Convention will beheld April 27thth, 2011 at Hyatt Regency Hotel inCincinnati, Ohio. A variety of speakers and workshoptopics have been chosen. I will give you a full report atour National in August.

As we move forward I leave you with this quote; Whatwe have done for ourselves alone dies with us; whatwe have done for others and the world remains and isimmortal. ~ Albert Pike

VAVS NOTES FROM YOUR

SUPPLYOFFICER

An active member in good standing, who has previous

received The Special Recognition Award is eligible

receive The Shining Star for services beyond the norm

duties of membership. All recommendations should b

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONAWARD REMINDER


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following fact sheet is provided for your information. The

handle survivor claims. Please remember to contact your

you need additional assistance.

Pension Management Centers for Survivor Claims

DIC, Death Pension, or Burial Claims

If the surviving spouse lives in these states:

Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Texas, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas,Colorado, California, North Dakota, Nebraska, NewMexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Idaho, Washington,Oklahoma, Arizona, Hawaii Montana

Attn: Pension Center (335/21P)

Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Bldg.

1 Federal Dr

St. Paul, MN 55111

OrP.O. Box 11000

St. Paul, MN 555111-0000

Fax: 1-612-970-5724


New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia,District of Columbia, South Carolina, Georgia,Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Connecticut,New Jersey, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,

Vermont, Florida, Puerto Rico

Attn: Pension Center

P O Box 8079

Philadelphia, PA 19101


Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Alabama, MissouArkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennesse

Indiana, Louisiana

Attn: Pension Center

5400 W. National Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53214

Or

P.O. Box 34200

Milwaukee, WI 53234-9907

Fax 414-902-9470

Phone 1-877-294-6380

Questions?

Call the VA National Pension Call Center at

Gibson-Ashmead and email address is now

Lorri Spada

(412) 722-2493

spelling is Portland.

SURVIVORCLAIMSSHEET


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Documents

Gsw March 2011 Web