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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 :
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
If the surviving spouse lives in these states:
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
If the surviving spouse lives in these states:
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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