Fall, 2011Volume 28, No. 1

AMVETS—American Veterans who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II

THE ARIZONA

HOSTETLER, HENDRIX AND KING TO LEAD IN 2012

The Radisson Phoenix City Center Hotel was the site for the 2011 Annual AMVETS State Convention held on May 20, 21, & 22, 2011.

The AMVETS celebrated their 27th Annual; Ladies Auxiliary their 26th while the SONS celebrated their 15th. The hotel is situated at 3600 North 2nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.

AMVETS: AMVETS had a busy three-day schedule. On Friday, May 20th, the SEC Finance, Constitution/Bylaws and Membership Committees met in the morning, with the entire SEC convening at 1:30 p.m. The SEC business meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

On Saturday, May 21st, the Opening Ceremonies were called to Order by Department Commander Jim Hostetler at 9:00 a.m. The entire Head Table was introduced by Commander Hostetler with special recognition given to National 2nd Vice commander Cleve Greer. Commander Greer flew in for the con-vention from his home state of Florida. Department President Elaine Owens and SONS Commander Fredrick King welcomed all present and wished all a good weekend and great convention.

Saturday afternoon was all business and the after-noon session ended with the First Nomination of Of-ficers. Thereafter, AMVETS were free to spend the

early evening at their leisure. The Banquet started at 7:00 p.m. and the meal was outstanding. The theme was Western Style cooking with B-B-Q- Ribs as the main entrée. The dinner was delicious and very ap-pealing.

Award presentations followed dessert. The AM-VETS Post of the Year was awarded to Post 003, Dolan Springs, Arizona. The AMVET of the Year was awarded to Department JA Leo Pimple for the second consecutive year. Mr. Pimple chose not to run for reelection and so the award was very timely and very appropriate for an AMVET that has year-in, year-out given a lot to the organization. Mr. Pimple, the Department of Arizona certainly appreciates your many years of service and dedication.

Studley Night followed the banquet and there were plenty of prizes selected.

The Memorial Service was held Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony was short and simple and touched all present. Thereafter it was back to busi-ness and final call for Nominations.

The final delegate count was held at 10:00 a.m.; doors were shut and nominations begin. In the end the following Department officers were elected: De-partment Commander, Jim Hostetler; Department IVC, Bernice Aris; Department 2VC Sandra Phillips; Department JA, Bryan Cassels; Department Finance Officer, Ralph Velez; Department Provost Marshal, Preston Scull; and Department 3-Year trustee, Car-letta Jones.

National 2VC Greer conducted the Installation Ceremonies immediately after the elections.

After the department elections, Billy Jenkins was elected as Northern District Commander and Bill Vanasdale as Southern District Commander. The ho-tel site selection for the 2012 State Convention was tabled and to be continued and voted on during the Officers Call Meeting scheduled for July 2011.

The AMVETS Business and SEC Meeting were adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

The Ladies Auxiliary followed a very similar schedule to the AMVETS. On Friday, May 20th, the Ladies Auxiliary spent most of the morning and a good part of the afternoon conducting business ses-sions. The evening was climaxed with the annual Poker Run. The event was very successful and en-joyable as usual.

Saturday, May 21st, the Ladies Auxiliary joined in on the Joint Opening Ceremonies and Department President Elaine Owens addressed the delegation and welcomed all. Thereafter, the Auxiliary spent the rest of the morning and the rest of the afternoon conduct-ing business meetings. The Hospitality Suite was opened immediately after the last business session and needless to say, enjoyed by all.

The Banquet, Awards and Studley Night climaxed the rest of the evening. DJ Larry did his gig right af-ter the banquet and continued thru the Studley Night event.

The Ladies escorted AMVETS during the Sunday morning Memorial Services. The Ladies wore their typical awesome uniform – green skirt, white dress blouse and white gloves. Thank you Ladies for a job well done. Continued on page 3

AMVET of the YearLeo Pimple

PG. 8

2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

Editorial CriteriaFollowing are guidelines to aid you in preparing your articles for publication:1. Articles MUST be typewritten. DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS.2. NEW! Submissions may be e-mailed to rvamvets@qwest.net3. Your submissions must be at the editor’s office by: Dec. 15, March 15, June 15 and Sept. 15.4. Photos must have captions to be used with an accompanying sheet of paper which lists name(s) of people in the picture, as well as the date, event and post involved. Do not write on the back or the front of photos. Do not tape or staple photos to your article.5. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity, brevity, etc.

National Service Office Staff3333 North Central Ave, Suite 1050, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2407

(602) 627-3276 Fax 928.341.8539

National Service Officer Paul ZangerNational Service Officer Dawn Reynolds

ARIZONA AMVETS NEWS: Official Publication of AMVETS, American Veterans

P.O. Box 91191, Phoenix, AZ 85066-1191 Phone (623) 536-0362 Fax (760) 768-2103

E-mail: ralphv@calexico.ca.gov and rvamvets@live.comPublished Quarterly

Department Elected Officers 2011/2012Commander (Cmdr.) H. Jim Hostetler Post 0651st Vice Commander Bernice Aris Post 7702nd Vice Commander Sandra Phillips Post 039 Judge Advocate (JA) Bryan Cassels Post 039Finance Officer (FO) Ralph Velez Post 065Provost Marshal (PM) Preston A. Scull Post 089One-Year Trustee Albert Martinez Post 065 Two-Year Trustee Charles Sagere Post 015 Three-Year Trustee Carletta Jones Post 065 National ExecutiveCommittee (NEC) Person Ernest C. Epps Post 066Alternate NEC Person Fred Jervis Post 011

United District CommandersNorthern District Billy Jenkins Post 005Southern District Bill Vanasdale Post 770

Department Appointed Officers 2011-2012Executive Director (ED) Ralph Velez Post 065Chaplain Dave Johnson Post 011Service Officer Misti Isley-DeCaire Post 001Inspector General (IG) Gil Devine Post 003Public Relations Officer Ima Denmon Post 065Deputy Provost Marshal Vacant Post 000Deputy Provost Marshal Vacant Post 000ROTC Program Director Albert Martinez Post 065Membership Director Bernice Aris Post 770Editor AZ AMVETS News Ralph Velez Post 065

VA Medical Center Service Officers (SO) & Volunteer Service Reps. (VAVS)

VAVS Phoenix Albert Martinez Post 065Deputy VAVS Phoenix VacantVAVS & SO Prescott Misti Isley-DeCaire Post 001VAVS Tucson Frank D. Smith Post 039Deputy VAVS Tucson Jonathan Burleigh Post 039

ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT-Midwest Publishing, Inc.10844 N. 23rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85029-4924, 602-943-1244

ARIZONA AMVETS NEWS: Official Publication of AMVETS: American Veterans P.O. Box 91191, Phoenix, AZ 85066-1191

Phone (623) 536-0362 Fax (760) 768-2103E-mail: RAlPHV@CAlEXICO.CA.GOV

Published Quarterly

Moving?Let us know eight weeks before you move

and attach your address label from current issue here.

New Address:__________________________________________________

Name________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip_________________________________________________

Please fill in your new address and mail to:Arizona Department of AMVETS, Inc.

P.O. Box 91191, Phoenix, AZ 85066-1191

We have plenty of 2011 Arizona Pins available.

The 2012 pin will be voted on during the November SEC meeting.

Arizona AMVETS News ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

The annual elections followed the memorial service and the following were elected buy their colleagues: De-partment President, Ms. Kay Hendrix; Department IVP Linda Cheatham; 2VP Tara Blume-Ross; 3VP Debra White; Secretary, Tommy Epps; Treasure, Lynda Apple-ton; and NEC, Denise Campbell.

The SONS had a much easier schedule compared to AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary.

The Opening Joint Ceremonies were addressed by Commander Fredrick King on Saturday morning and he welcomed all present at the Head Table and also the entire delegation. Commander King wished all a great convention.

Most, if not all, of the SONS Business meetings were conducted on Saturday, May 21st. The afternoon meet-ing culminated with the following officers elected for membership year 2012: Department Commander Fred-rick L. King; IVC Ben Howard; 2VC Faheem B. Hasan; and 3VC Mannie Hester.

At the end of August we are 175,659 members strong. We gained 1,897 members in August. Keep up the good

work! When you reach out to returning soldiers be current, be aware of initiatives AMVETS and other service organizations are working on. Your state should be working on shelters for homeless veterans. Where are the shelters? You should know. Find out and share the information with every post. If you know a small business owner ask him if he has jobs available for veterans. Every Department needs to take the initiative, learn and pass on the information to the posts. When you see or develop successful programs call me. I’ll add it to the monthly membership report.

We each bring different skill sets to a task. Some people are well-versed in computers and have used them throughout their careers and volunteer ser-vice. In the fast paced digital world I have watched MS Excel morph a few times. As soldiers retire a second time from their volunteer careers the new person in the seat may not know excel in the detail

necessary to process membership. We do have on-line tutorials but there is nothing like a warm hand on the shoulder saying let me show you how this is done. Departments should be looking for these transitions and opportunities to help.

Finding a job in America today is challeng-ing. As we gear down overseas returning soldiers are going to need your help finding work. Depart-ments, find ways for AMVETS to help. Develop a program. See what works. Use those 30-plus years of skills and apply it to this problem. We are devel-oping some pilot programs and have some ideas. Try some of yours out and let me know what works.

Go to our website and check out item 22 on membership’s home page. Let me know what works and what doesn’t.

America is the strongest most resilient nation on the planet. We are going to succeed and we will be able to provide a better life than we had for our children. Veterans are the strongest, hardest work-ing, self sacrificing group of Americans I know. Thank you for all your hard work and keep at it!

Membership Report August 2011

Continued from cover

2010-11 2009-10 2008-09Total 175,659 176,925 176,758Annual Total 56,340 58,906 63,272

Annual % 32.07% 33.29% 35.80%New 13,622 14,010 14,645New % 7.75% 7.92% 8.29%Renewed 42,718 44,896 48,627Renewal % 73.34% 72.46%

Life Total 119,319 118,019 113,486Life % 67.93% 66.71% 64.20%New 3,117 5,531 4,340Converted 483 954 767Current 115,719 111,534 108,379

Female 7,237 7,046 5,521% 4.12% 3.98% 3.12%

Deceased 3,037 2,639 2,8440 0 0

1173 1,136 1,25121 21 22

1,843 1,482 1,571

Projected Membership Totals for 2010-11 175,815

2008-9 New Revoked 2009-10Posts 1,177 31 32 1,176

Life

Monthly Membership Report

Charter AnnualAnnualCharter Life

August 31, 2011

4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans/Illnesses_Appendices.doc Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004 Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005 Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/ Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337 Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/ Public Health/SARS http://www.publiche alth.va.gov/ SARS/ Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub= 4 Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_ individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html Title 38 Index Parts 0-17 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid= 1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_ 02.tpl Part 18 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid= 1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_ 02.tpl Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid= 1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02..tpl

Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid= 1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02..tpl Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS target=_blank> ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1..5. 2&idno=38 Title 38 § 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART 4—SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart A—General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess. gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid= 1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1..5. 1.96.11&idno=38 U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/ VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html VA Life Insurance Handbook — Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310 VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/ VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/ VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/ VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/ VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/ Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/ VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13 VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http://www.publichealth.va.gov/ VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main. asp WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_ usc&docid= Cite:+38USC1110 War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/ Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/ What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3

Help yourselfto these government

resources and pass it on!

Arizona AMVETS News ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Thank

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2011 OFFICERS CALL

The July 2011 Officers Call meeting was called to Order by Commander Jim Hostetler at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011. All newly elected officers were present for

the summer meeting.All officers voiced their goals for the coming year and the

main focus often repeated throughout the morning was increase in membership for 2012; increase in revenues with perhaps an-other department raffle as the one recently experienced; and cri-tique of the 2011 State Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Second Vice Commander Bernie Aris reported that the to-tal membership was close to last year’s strength – 1,538 – and asked all present to please make one last pitch at renewing those who had not renewed for 2011.

The remaining business item carried over from the May, 2011 State Convention was the selection of the 2012 State Conven-tion Site and execution of the contract. The Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona was the preferred site for 2012. IVC Sandra Phillips negotiated the contract and presented the facts during the meeting. Upon discussion and comments, the officers present unanimously voted in favor of the Desert Diamond and asked the Executive Director, Ralph Velez, to execute the con-tract.

It was decided to meet in Tucson for the November 2011 SEC Meeting and selected November 12, 2011 as the preferred date, with Saturday, November 19, 2011 as the alternate date. Post 770 SEC Mitch Wilson was to check on the availability of the Tucson Estates Community Center.

COME AND GATHER TOGETHER FOR THE 10TH YEAR SINCE

9/11/01 SPONSORED BY THE HOMETOWN CRIER,

VFW POST #10386, CASTLE ROCK EVENT CENTER, AMVETS POST #3, MOHAVE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, GOLDEN

VALLEY FIRE, AMERICAN LEGION POST #22, CHLORIDE VFW POST, PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS, VIETNAM VETERAN'S OF

AMERICA, DOLAN SPRINGS VFW #9833, YUCCA AMERICAN LEGION, AMERICAN RED CROSS, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA,

WESTERN STATES ALLIANCE AND MORE!!!

ALL AT ONE PLACE, UNITED FOR THE CAUSE OF HONORING VETERANS, ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS AND TO REMEMBER

ALL THE LIVES LOST FOR OUR FREEDOM.

SUNDAY, 9/11/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BEGIN AT 9:00 A.M. WITH

PRESENTATION OF THE FLAGS, INVOCATION, SOUNDING OF THE BELLS, 21 GUN SALUTE, NATIONAL ANTHEM, AND TAPS. SPEAKERS TO FOLLOW FROM 10:00 THROUGH TO 2:00 P.M. HONOR PRESENTATIONS, BOOTHS FROM VETERAN GROUPS WITH RAFFLES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR A 9/11 REMEMBRANCE

MONUMENT, KID'S CORNER WITH GAMES, PRIZES AND MORE.

CASTLE ROCK IS DONATING 15% OF ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGE PURCHASES.

FREE ADMITTANCE, PARKING AVAILABLE, HANDICAP PARKING AVAILABLE...

THIS IS THE TIME TO REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET!

6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST 2011:Trying to reach the Phoenix Airport from the West Valley during rush hour

can be brutal and that’s exactly what I experienced on Monday, August 8, 2011 as I drove to the airport to catch my flight to St. Louis. What complicated matters was that I thought my flight left at 5:45 p.m. and boy was I off. My flight was scheduled to depart at 6:45 p.m. and although I was not stressing nor pressing harder on the accelerator, I kept thinking that I was going to miss my flight to the AMVETS National Convention.

In the end my flight was perfect, with no Midwest air turbulence whatsoever. I arrived at the St. Louis airport around 11:15 p.m. and noticed that the majority of the tornado-hit airport had been repaired and seemed to be back in full opera-tion. I walked out and took a $40 taxi to the hotel. Arriving at the hotel around 12:30 a.m., I found myself in the lobby alone and no one behind the registration desk. I picked up the house phone and was answered promptly and I begin the process of checking in. To make a long story short, I got to my room after 1:00 a.m.

TUESDAY, 9 AUGUST 2011: I printed a convention agenda prior to my leaving Phoenix and noticed that

Tuesday morning was for annual awards, so I took my time and went to the reg-istration desk before noon. I rechecked the committee meetings I intended to at-tend and sure enough, right on target. I attended the DIVERSITY COMMITTEE meeting at 1:30 p.m. and much to my surprise, neither the Chairperson nor the Vice-Chair was present for the Committee.

Being a former member of the Committee, I greeted current member Edward Wright from Illi-nois and Ms. Fertie Brand from Florida. Since the Chairpersons were not present, Mr. Wright took it upon himself to start the meeting. There was no agenda however, it was recommended that the Committee resurrect itself and start to structure some form of resolutions for national review and consideration.

Immediately after the Diversity Committee meeting I walked down the hall-way and sat in the AMVETS VAVS & Rehabilitation and Medical Services Hospital Benefits Committee Meeting. Compared to the DIVERSITY COM-MITTEE, this committee is really busy and active. The Committee members reviewed a considerable amount of VA related Resolutions that were reviewed, considered and adopted by the Committee. All resolutions, whether adopted or rejected, were forwarded to the Convention delegation for consideration. The rest of the evening was spent politicking and mingling in the hospitality rooms. The California, Ohio, and Illinois hospitality suites were situated downstairs and all three had patio tables and chairs, plus a view of the pool - Really nice setting.

WEDNESDAY, 10, AUGUST 2011:Wednesday morning had a light sched-

ule – pick up banquet tickets; attend the AMVETS Exhibition/Trade Show which was very well organized and informative. I ordered a table for the banquet and then added three more seats for late-registered Ladies Auxiliary members.

The Joint Opening ceremony was awesome and well-attended. The AM-VETS 1st Business Session started right after the Joint ceremony and took us through the hour of 3:45 p.m. The AM-VETS were recessed until 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

The Missouri Night was held on Wednesday evening and I finally got to see the majority of the Arizona delegation. Representing the Ladies were NEC De-nise Campbell, PDP Elaine Owens; newly elected Department President Kay Hendrix; PDP Tommy Epps; PDP Sheila Jackson-Atchison; PDP Debbie Co-lumbus and Lowanda Durroughs. The AMVETS attending were NEC Charles Epps; Department Commander Jim Hostetler; and Department Executive Direc-tor Ralph Velez. Hot dogs, hamburgers and incredible live music were enjoyed by all.

THURSDAY, 11 AUGUST 2011:The majority of Thursday was all business with

Resolutions and 1st Nominations in order. There were a lot of resolutions adopted regarding VA medical and related benefits. California introduced a resolution asking that the National Convention site rotate amongst the 6 National Districts but it was rejected by a 2-1 vote.

The 1st Nominations were limited to National Provost; National JA; National Finance Officer; 2nd Vice Commander; 1st Vice Commander; and National Commander.

Thursday evening I had the opportunity to at-tend the St. Louis Cardinal-Milwaukee Brewer baseball game at Busch Stadium. What a sight!

FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST 2011:AMVETS third business meeting took up the majority of Friday morning.

The delegation was excused right before noon. The National District meetings were held throughout the afternoon and our meeting – District VI – was held at 2:30 p.m. in the Missouri Meramac Room. Arizona hand carried the annual dues and yours truly hand delivered the check to the current District 6 Commander, Sarah Langley. Alaska was next in line to assume the District VI Commanders

JOURNEY TO THE ARCH – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI By Ralph Velez

Arizona AMVETS News ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

seat. Arizona follows in order and will name its District VI Commander during the 2012 National Convention, scheduled to held at the Hilton, Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Annual Commander banquet was held Friday evening and as is the norm, quite a show. All affiliations are introduced; Officers named and the Dias (head table) is escorted in. The Arizona table of 10, plus the three additional seats were seated right next to each other. The tables were an arm’s length from the Mis-souri National Guard Band and quite frankly, it wasn’t too noisy. They played mostly for the escorting and pre-dinner mingling. Friday night was probably the first night that I hit the sack before 11:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST 2011: The fourth and final Business Meeting started promptly at 8:30 a.m. with

some housekeeping announcements, annual Committee reports by National Of-ficers and second and final nominations. All of the above mentioned offices were limited to one nomination and as a result, it was motioned by the floor to adopt and pass one unanimous vote for all candidates. The motion was called and a

second was cast prior to the final delegate and creden-tials report and it was ques-tioned if Bylaws allows for national convention elec-tions without a Credentials Report. National Execu-tive Director Jim King an-nounced that it was legal, called for the question and a unanimous vote was casted for all seats. Motion passed. After the vote, PNCs JP Brown and Stahl refuted the

opinion from National Execu-tive Director King.

So, we have Gary Fry as Na-tional Commander; Cleve Greer as 1st Vice; John Mitchell Jr. as 2nd Vice; Joseph Sulzer as National JA; and Mr. Gary Sal-lade as National Chaplain. Mr. Arthur majors was reelected as National Provost Marshal.

After some sightseeing and visiting with friends who live in the St. Louis area, I returned to Phoenix at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday with temperature at 111. Welcome back to Arizona.

I thank the Department for allowing me to attend the national convention as the delegate for Arizona. PDC Fred Jervis was not able to attend and so I at-tended the convention in his place. Thanks Fred. I owe you.

Fall Activities

Events

List of AttractionsThe Gateway ArchGateway Arch RiverboatCruisesOld CourthouseKiener PlazaEads BridgeDiscovery Bike RentalsMuseum of WestwardExpansionCitygardenThe Eugene Field House&St. Louis Toy MuseumHelicopter Tours

Walking Tours

Plan A Trip

Groups

List of AttractionsAttractions in the Core include the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Gateway ArchRiverboats, Citygarden, Riverfront Trail, Discovery Bike Rentals, Kiener Plaza and EadsBridge. The Core will also feature activities, events and special exhibits created by theNational Park Service, as well as other partners.

The Gateway Arch 11 North 4th StreetSt. Louis, MO

The nation’s tallest monument, standing 630 feet tall,has beckoned visitors for more than 40 years with itsiconic, awe-inspiring shape. The vision of renownedarchitect, Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Archcommemorates Thomas Jefferson and the westwardexpansion of the United States. A visit to St. Louisisn’t complete without standing at its base andplaying professional photographer, and the view fromthe outside is only half of the experience.

Gateway Arch RiverboatCruises50 South Leonor K Sullivan Blvd.St. Louis, MO

Take a ride on replica 19th-century paddle-wheelboats, Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, located onthe riverfront below the south leg of the GatewayArch. Enjoy cruise narration, provided by the NationalPark Service and the vessel’s captain, that offers ahistorical overview of the area and the role thisworking river still plays today. There’s a cruise forevery occasion.

Old Courthouse11 North 4th StreetSt. Louis, MO

Experience a significant part of U.S. history during avisit to the Historic Old Courthouse, completed in1862. The Courthouse is the site where Dred andHarriet Scott, both slaves, pleaded with the court fortheir freedom, and Virginia Minor petitioned forwomen’s right to vote in the 1870s. Embrace historyin a restored courtroom from the 1860s and viewexhibits and murals depicting historic St. Louisevents.

Kiener Plaza6th, 7th, Market and ChestnutStreetsSt. Louis, MO

A great gathering place in downtown St. Louis, KienerPlaza provides one of the best views in town of theHistoric Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch. Inthe center of the plaza is a pool and fountain, whichcontains a statue known as “The Runner” by sculptorWilliam Zorach. In the 1800s, Kiener Plaza was hometo a jail that used to hold prisoners awaiting trial atthe Old Courthouse, including slaves who sued fortheir freedom.

Eads BridgeSt. Louis, MO

The Eads Bridge is the first road and rail bridge tocross the Mississippi River. James E. Eads designedand built the bridge, which at the time of completionin 1874, was the longest arch bridge in the world.Today, the bridge serves pedestrian, bicycle,vehicular and Metrolink light rail traffic.

Discovery Bike RentalsOn the Riverfront below theGrand Staircase of the GatewayArchSt. Louis, MO

For the active adventurer, capture the sights andsounds of St. Louis on a rental bicycle. Take aleisurely ride along the Bike St. Louis trails or thenewly restored Riverfront Trail, an 11-mile trail thatfollows the Mississippi River starting at Biddle Streetand heading north. Bicycles and quadcycles areavailable, the latter of which is a great way for theentire family to ride together as it seats up to four orsix people.

Museum of WestwardExpansion

Experience the Old West with a visit to the Museumof Westward Expansion. See how mountain men

8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

Post 2 ReportHOME SWEET HOME

AMVETS Post 2, Yuma, Arizona is up and running. We’re FINALLY open, stated Commander Mike Condon during my visit on Friday, July 29, 2011. Executive Director paid Post 2 a visit and was quite impressed

with the building.Last Wednesday, July 27, 2011, we had our first spaghetti dinner and we were

able to fill the building. The post is planning on having spaghetti dinners every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tacos are on the horizon as an additional weekly meal.

Post 23 has a full bar and lots of parking and the post is open 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Cards and dominos are available to all members. Lunches are served daily and presently hamburgers, brats with kraut, and jumbo hot dogs with all the trimmings are being served.

The building holds approximately 65; telephone and internet were was in-stalled during the past week. The post telephone number is 928.726.0102.

Post 2 was recently approved by the Federal Government to receive govern-ment surplus. The Yuma area has plenty of surplus items and Post 2 intends to take advantage of the items. Currently, Commander Condon is negotiating for an additional modular building to add to the existing 1,500 square foot modular. The goal is to have approximately 3,000 square feet and enable the members to “rock and roll”, stated Commander Condon. The “Snow Bird” is just around the corner and it is hoped that the modulars can be connected by earl fall.

Post 2 has been donating funds to the Disabled Veterans Charitable Trust, Amberley’s Place and Helping Hands on a monthly basis. The post is 100% volunteer run and all members are doing an excellent job. On the average Post 2 has at the very minimum one veteran walk in every day, most, if not all, re-questing some form of assistance. The current membership is 85 and the goal by September 1 is 125.

All of our functions are charity driven, stated Commander Condon. We keep our product costs and expenses and split the difference with our charities. Cur-rently Post 2 is trying to find a commercial painter whose task will be to paint the roof identifying the place – Post 2 -; an American flag and the words, “thank you for serving”. Post 2 modular is the flight pattern to the Marine Corp Air Station and the goal is for every helicopter and jet to see and read the wording.

Post 2, Yuma, Arizona would like to extend an invitation to all of you to visit our new post and join us in the excitement. (It’s a construction zone, but who cares, we’re having fun).

As John Paul Jones said, “We have not yet begun to grow”. Well, it’s nearly what he said, commented Commander Condon with a big smile.

A list of people donating to Post 2 would be too long to mention, but some of the stores and restaurants are listed below:

WALMART AMERICAN LEGIONCOCOPAH CASINO GAMA AUTOLOWES SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR STORESHOME DEPOT HANKS HARDWARECHICKEN ON THE RUN ESTES CEILING TILESTAPLES SAM’S CLUBTHE MAD GREEK SMART & FINALAPPLEBEES ELKSMARINE CORP AIR STATION (MCAS)

We are truly blessed to have so many friends in and around the Yuma Foot-hills area. Please come and visit us. Remember, we are 10 miles east of Yuma. See you soon.

AMVETS POST 2 COMMANDER MIKE CONDON8889 E. SOUTH FRONTAGE ROADYUMA, AZ 85365928.726.0102

“Couldn’t have done it without my wife, June. Quite a gal, that one.”

Jimmy Espinoza, volunteer

Mike and June Condon

Leo Pimple receiving the AMVET OF THE YEAR Award from Commander Jim Hostetler.

Arizona AMVETS News ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

By Howard Kozda & Don SchmittPost 11 Report

AMVETS Post 11 has been busy since the last SEC Meeting. Here are some of the things that our Post 11 has been doing since the

Convention

1. Our post has designed and maintains a web site for Post #11 at www.freewebs.com/amvets1 It gets updated every month.

2. As always, we donate time and do-nations to our host home DAV Chapter 18. We are very great full for them allow-ing us the call their home, our home.

3. Our Commander has set up a face book page for the Southern District. To find it just search for “AMVETS United Southern District of Arizona”.

4. Post #11 donated $100 for care packages for Marines in Iraq.

5. Post #11 Donated $60 to American Le-gion for their Golf Tournament Fund Raiser.

6. We will have another Oktoberfest fund raiser some time in early November and we are inviting the VA Blind unit as our quests. We will also be doing a chicken drop then.

7. We will continue to donate time and funds to any worthy cause that comes our way. After all, the name of the game is “VET-ERANS HELPING VETERANS!”

WASHINGTON (July 07, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has embarked on a major initiative to reach out to women veterans in order to solicit their input on ways to enhance the health care services VA provides to women veterans.

“We are taking a proactive approach to enhancing VA health care for women Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are seeking the input of women Veterans so that VA can continue to provide high quality health care to the growing numbers of women veterans.”

Representatives at VA’s Health Resource Center (HRC) are placing calls to women Veterans nationwide, asking them to share their experi-ences with VA and suggest potential enhancements that will further VA’s mission to provide the best care anywhere.

Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veter-an population. Of the 22.7 million living veterans, more than 1.8 million are women. They comprise nearly eight percent of the total Veteran population and six percent of all veterans who use VA health care services.

VA estimates by 2020 women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population and 9.5 percent of VA patients. The HRC, which started placing calls on June 1, is contacting women Veterans who have enrolled, but have not begun using VA services. “Through this contact center, we are placing friendly, conversational calls to women veterans,” said Patricia Hayes, chief consultant of the VA’s Women Veterans Health

Strategic Health Care Group. “We want these veterans and their care-givers to talk candidly about why they are not using VA, whether they are aware of the gender-specific services we offer, and what additional services they would like to see VA offer.”

The HRC representatives making the calls are also informing women Veterans about the services VA offers and quickly connecting them with appropriate departments if they are interested in trying VA health care. Veterans who have complaints about VA are connected to a patient advocate who helps resolve issues.

VA has trained professionals in all aspects of women’s health, including general primary care, osteoporosis management, heart disease, mental health care, menopausal services and obesity-related issues, such as diabetes. Preventive screenings for breast and cervical cancer are also areas in which VA excels. Soon, all VA facilities will offer comprehensive primary care for women from a single provider.

The Women Veterans Health Care program has made sig-nificant changes in the last few years to enhance the health care offered to eligible women veterans. This progress includes:

• Adopting key policies to improve access and enhance services for women veterans;

• Implementing comprehensive primary care for women veterans;

• Conducting cutting-edge research on the effects of military service on women’s lives;

• Improving communication and outreach to women veterans; and

• Providing mental health, homelessness and other services designed to meet the unique needs of women veterans

For more information about VA programs and services for women veterans, please visit: www.va.gov/womenvet and www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth.

VA Creates Women Veterans Call Center Major Outreach Effort Launched

by 2020 women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population

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Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS United Southern District of Arizona will hold it's next meeting on09/11/11 at DAV #18 in Tucson, 4656 E. 1st Street. Meeting to begin at 10:00AM.

September 6 at 4:57pm · Like · Comment

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS Post # 11 will hold its general membrship meeting on 09/12/2011 atDav #18. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

September 6 at 4:56pm · Like · Comment

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS Post # 11 will hold its December general membrship meeting on12/13/10 at Dav #18. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

December 11, 2010 at 7:13pm · Like · Comment

RECENT ACTIVITY

Amvets United Southern District of Arizona edited their Founded, Websiteand Company Overview.

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS United Southern District of Arizona will hold it's next meeting on12/12/10 at DAV #18 in Tucson, 4656 E. 1st Street. Meeting to begin at 10:00AM.

December 7, 2010 at 5:52pm · Like · Comment

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS Post # 39 has changed its monthly Membership meetings to the 2ndSaturday of the month at noon. They have also moved their meeting place toDAV #28, 5771 S. Country Club.

November 25, 2010 at 7:51am · Like · Comment

RECENT ACTIVITY

Amvets United Southern District of Arizona changed their Website.

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaAMVETS Post #11 also has it's own website, feel free to visit athttp://www.amvets1.webs.com/

AMVETS | ** MICKEY SHAW ** Post # 11www.amvets1.webs.com

November 21, 2010 at 10:15am · Like · Comment

Amvets United Southern District of ArizonaThe AMVETS Dept of Arizona will hold its Fall SEC meeting Nov 20th, 2010, atPost 770. Located at 3015 South Kinney Road, 85713. The meetings begin at10:00 AM

November 19, 2010 at 5:41pm · Like · Comment

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MoreSince WWII, AMVETS is the mostinclusive of the leading veterans'service organizations, open to allwho have served honorably andthose still in the military, bothactive and reserve.

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10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

By Manny MadridPost 65 Report

By ?Post 89 Report

Post 65 hosted the July Coalition festivities and offered food, music and a great time to all in attendance.

I was unable to attend the July Officers Call Meet-ing in Tucson.

I was unable to attend the National Convention this year.

The fall schedule is rapidly filling with the Chil-dren’s Halloween Party scheduled for October 30th.

Post 65 will be participating in the annual November 11th Veterans Parade in Phoenix, Arizona.

The annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner and Children’s Christmas Party will follow.

I continue to assist Department Commander Homer Washington with Post 65 membership renew-als.

As has been the case for the past few years, the la-dies Auxiliary participated in the July Christmas gift sharing at the Carl Hayden Veterans Hospital and I

would like to once again personally thank the ladies for their fine efforts. This program is so great that it makes me feel like us veterans are truly helping other veterans.

Arizona AMVETS News ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

POST 89 CELEBRATION

Early Spring 2011, the Mesquite Tree restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona became the setting for the 20th Anniversary of Post 89. Department

Commander Jim Hostetler and Executive Director Ralph Velez were the only non-Post 89 members in attendance.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Chaired by Mr. Legscardo “Legs” Palmer and Co-Chaired by Leo J. Pimple and Preston A. Scull, did an excellent job with the evening program. There were numerous guests in attendance and the high-light of the evening was the number of awards pre-sented. Recognition was given to all past and pres-ent Post 89 members whose donations and voluntary services are many. Of significance is the amount of funds Post 89 has raised over the years and the $50,000 that have been earmarked for the Depart-ment of Arizona Operating fund. The Celebration Program was rewarding and enjoyable. The menu was ala carte and the number and variety of din-ners ordered are way too many to mention. In the end, all enjoyed the delicious dinner and event.

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

Post 89, cont.

Preston Scull

Albert Hall Luc Rhodes

Albert Hall and “Tucson Lew” Lewis

Chris Hagen

Moses Taylor

Kurt & Jo RichterKurt Richter

(L-R) Legs Palmer, John Blair, Gary Abrahams, Cmdr. Hostetler, Jay Peery, Leo Pimple Luc Rhodes, Wayne Pimple, Tom Van Driel

Col. Don Price & Donna Arlene & Col. Don Price

12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

Commander H. Jim Hostetler

Bill Molyneaux & Dale Bailey Smitty” & Lori Schmid

Commander Abrahams & Marian Fletcher

Gayle & Norm Sponcey” Tom & Sharon Dingwall

Nick Chizewsky & Shirley Gebhart Mike & Lindy Roberts

Jay & Linda Peery Polly & Mack Borker

Legs Palmer & Leo Pimple

Post 89, cont.

Arizona AMVETS News --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Willie & Juanita Cotton

Bessie & Harlan Bradford

Teresa & Rev. Mark Browning

Norma & Jerry Bergeman

Robert & Marian FletcherLynnise Moore & “Tucson Lew” Lewis

Tom Van Driel, Jody Van Driel, Wayne Pimple

Katye Hines & Maurice Hill

Willie Cotton

Preston Scull & Clara Billock

14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona AMVETS News

Donna White, Col.Bob White, LaWanda

Chris Hagen & Ralph Velez

Mary Abrahams

Chris Hagen, Ralph Velez, Gary & Mary Abrahams

Roger Carroll & John Donovan

Col. Don Price & Donna & Col. Bob

White

Linda & Bill Molyneaux & Dale Bailey

Greg Patillo & Jan Russell

Jim Hostetler & LaWanda

John “JB” Blair

Cammanders Abrahams & Hostetler

Post 89, cont.

Arizona AMVETS News --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Leo Pimple, Tom Van Driel, & Willie Cotton

Jo Richter & Nick Chizewsky & Shirley Gebhard

Jim Hostetler & LaWanda

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

VERY RARE & Unusual WWII Photographs Isn’t it amazing how a film could last so long in a camera without disintegrating? Fantastic photos taken 69 years ago. Some of you will have to go to a museum to see what a Brownie box camera looked like? PHOTOS

Japanese Kawanishi H8K seaplane after strafing. Kwajalein

The A6M2-N float plane version of the Zero did extremely well, suffering only a small loss in its legendary maneuverability. Top speed was not affected, however, the aircraft’s relatively light armament was a detriment.

Snow on deck. USS Philippine Sea North Pacific 1945

HARVS on the way in shot by a P-47. Rare shot.

Deck crew climbing up to get the pilot out. He did. That’s a fuel tank his foot is on. Empty?

Marines disembark LST at Tinian Island.

Bougainville.

Guam

Outside Bastogne German 280mm K5 firing

U.S. munitions ship goes up during the invasion of Sicily.

Join Now! • Veterans Service

• Legislative Action • State and National Publications • Local Post Activities • Community Service • Memorial Carillons • V.A.V.S. • Scholarships

EligibilityAll American Veterans who were honorably separated after September 15, 1940 or are now serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reservists, are eligible for membership in AMVETS.

Application For Membership

Membership Fees: ANNUAL: $30 LIFE: $200 RENEWAL: $30Send Application to: Arizona Department of AMVETS, Inc., P.O. Box 91191, Phoenix, AZ 85066-1191

Attention Veterans!

I apply for: New Annual Renewal Life Membership & Pay $________ Post dues __________

Printed Name ________________________________________ Service# or SS# ______________________________________

Street Address___________________________________________ City __________________ State _____ Zip ____________

Sponsor __________________________ Phone _____________________ Branch of Service __________________________

Mo/Yr Entered SVC. _______/_______ Mo/Yr Discharged _______/_______ Type of Discharge __________________________

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY) / / Date of Application / / Spouse

Signature______________________________________________________________ *Post dues vary.

THE ARIZONA AMVETS NEWSP.O. Box 91191Phoenix, AZ 85066-1191

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