Spring 2014

TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER2014 National Publications Contest

Post 8904 Plays Taps at Kosovo remembrance

ceremony

insideOperation

DesertStorm & Kosovo

Campaigns

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Supporting Our Veterans

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3Texas VFW Spring 2014

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Serving Veterans Since 1899What Does The Texas VFW Offer You?Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine

Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.

Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing.

Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW.

Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.

For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.

Kosovo Campaignspage 13

See photos from state-wide ceremonies honoring those who served in Operation Desert Storm and remembering those who have fallen.

Posts participated in Kosovo Campaigns remembering and honoring those who served and those who have fallen.

In the News 4 Commander’s Column

6 Community Involvement Spotlight

8 Operation Desert Storm Ceremonies

10 Texas VFW Foundation Donors

13 Kosovo Campaigns

14 Kosovo Campaigns

18 Community Involvement from Around Texas

19 POW/MIA Mission Reorganization

21 Texas VFW Member Application

24 Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne, remembers Desert Storm

Operation Desert Storm page 8

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

www.texasvfw.org

Spring 2014

TexaS VFW NeWS — 1st Place WiNNer2014 National Publications Contest

Post 8904 Plays Taps at Kosovo remembrance

ceremony

insideOperation

DesertStorm & Kosovo

Campaigns

ABOUT THE COVER

Texas VFW Post 8904, Center and its Auxiliary

held a remembrance ceremony at the

Veterans Memorial in Center, Texas. Post bugler plays TAPS

as Post members lay a memorial wreath in commemoration of those who have

served in Kosovo and for those who have

passed away.

Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.

Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.

The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00.

Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753

Volume LXVIII, Number 4, © June 2014. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.

Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at dan@texasvfw.org.

STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN

Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorDan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant EditorTerri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic Design

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535

2013-2014 DEPARTMENT OFFICERSCOMMANDER, Sylvia C. Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761SR VICE, Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135JR VICE, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753JUDGE ADVOCATE, Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494SURGEON, Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044CHAPLAIN, Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Chaney St., San Antonio, TX 78235CHIEF OF STAFF, Inge Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346INSPECTOR, Peyton Lumpkin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR, Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413COUNCIL MEMBER, Mike Barber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548ADJ/QM, Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST ADJ, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST QM, Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Ralph Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 113, Clyde, TX 79510DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Allen Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1013 Soukup Lane, Killeen, TX 76542DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Edward Torres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663 Moursund Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78221DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Wayne Cooley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3615 Birdhouse Dr., Round Rock, TX 78665DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, David Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032OFFICER OF THE DAY, Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORSService Officer/Waco Sandra Covin . . . . . 6008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799Service Officer/Houston Julio Harros . . . . 3413. . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2013-2014 DISTRICT COMMANDERSDISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205 — Stanley Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1119 Thomas St., Denton, TX 762012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775 — Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 776303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076 — James Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2018 Royal Crest Dr., Garland, TX 750434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427 — William “Bill” Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 222, Tomball, TX 773775 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12058 — Rick Riel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Engelke Rd., Niederwald, TX 786406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8786 — Amando Garcia, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 W Richard Cruz, Freer, TX 783578 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278 — Keith King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 768019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1657 — Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 2684, Pampa, TX 7906610 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .812 — Rod Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 7990412 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3986 — Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 CR 1540, Mt. Pleasant, TX 7545513 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688 — David Judson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Sage Oaks Trl., Boerne, TX 7800614 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008 — Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 7651315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2147 — Preston Leckie . . . . . . . . . . . . 100-B Lincoln St., Wichita Falls, TX 7630616 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8551 — Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 7754117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4692 — Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, TX 7780718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410 — Ramiro Daniel, Sr . . . . . . . . . . . 919 Villa Del Prado Dr., Donna, TX 7853719 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10351 — Henry “Paul” Lester . . . . . . . . Rt 1, Box 5965, San Augustine, TX 7597220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 — Cris Vieyra, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2018 Bruni Street, San Antonio, TX 7822421 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6872 — David Bowers . . . . . . . . . . . . 12514 J Rendon Road, Burleson, TX 7602824 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972 — Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 7795425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284 — Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 7976228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3377 — Frank Andrada, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2525 Hwy 21 West, Dale, TX 7861629 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4819 — Roy “Bobby” Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 7670530 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3894 — Richard Neff . . . . . . . . . . . .1319 Culberson Road, Waxahachie, TX 75165Texas VFW Spring 20144

C O M R A D E S

Because We

Care!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS YEAR IS ALMOST OVER. What an awesome year it has been traversing this “small” state of ours, seeing many old friends and making many new ones. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your State Commander. CONGRATULATIONS to all newly elected post and district officers. I wish you a very successful year. Thanks for the great hospitality. Words can never express my gratitude for all that you have done, and thanks to all of you for the best wishes you sent when Henry was hospitalized. His back is still bothering him, but otherwise is doing well. Comrades, we have had many challenges this year. Our greatest was the $10 increase. I would like to thank each of our continuous members who paid their dues, despite this increase. Please continue to pay your dues each year. YOU continue to be part of the Department of Texas. Consider getting your Life Membership on the Installment Plan. One year and you’re done. To our new members who have joined this year, we to welcome you with open arms. Comrades, ALWAYS remember, we belong to a very elite organization, one who many can only wish to be a part of. At printing, we still have not reached quota, but I am hoping that the dues keep coming in and we will, by the end of June make “Texas Shine once again.” Membership, membership, membership. Without members, we would not be able to help our veterans, do our community service activities or help our youth. Without members who are dedicated to the VFW goals, we will slowly die. We must continue to actively recruit new members, especially younger members as they will carry on the torch once we are gone. Don’t forget our lady veterans! I must say it has been great to see the number of lady veterans in attendance increase at district meetings and state conventions. When I first started attending there were three or four of us. Please take the time to LISTEN to our new members and make them feel welcomed. Eligibility in our great organization is very exclusive. Section 230103 states that to be eligible, one must have received an honorable discharge, served in a combat zone or received an expeditionary medal, or received imminent danger pay. Comrades, there have been several instances this year where members have been challenged because of questionable eligibility and many were found to be ineligible. Several of these have been officers. It is of utmost importance that when a veteran submits an application for membership, that a membership committee properly review the proof of eligibility. Make sure prior to the start of the new year that you have the proof of eligibility on all officers for the ensuing year on file and certainly before installation to the elected office. At each district meeting I attended, I made it a point to highlight the outstanding volunteer work our Ladies Auxiliaries, Men’s Auxiliaries, and VFW Motorcycle Groups have accomplished this year. Please do not stop reporting. All of these activities are reported to Congress twice a year. I am so proud of the awesome job each of you is doing. I am disappointed that many posts out there felt it was not important to do their Veteran Projects. Well comrades, this is a requirement and many of you are not holding up your end of the deal. When I campaigned, I stated that whether you are the largest post or the smallest post each of you is important to OUR Texas VFW. Without you the puzzle would not be complete. So NEVER feel that your post does not count because it does. All we ask is that you do what is expected of you. In closing, as I sadly write this last letter as State Commander, I want to thank all of you for the support given me for the last 5 years I have been on “the road.” Thanks for the many hours you have volunteered for our wonderful organization and especially THANK YOU for your friendship. May God bless each of you. Wishing Joe and Tina a very successful year next year as Joe becomes OUR State Commander and Tina our First Lady.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! I will never forget them.

C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e

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25_B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Master_Installment, Verticalupdated 2/2012

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6 Texas VFW Spring 2014

HELPING VETERANS AROUND TEXAS

C o m m u n i t y I n v o l v e m e n t

Texas VFW Post 6899, Trinity — Post members build USMC veteran David “Buddy” Williams and his faithful dog “Peanut” a wheel chair ramp. The men and ladies of Post 6899 have been instrumental in assisting those in need and have adopted the old SeaBee slogan “Can Do.” Front L-R: USMC veteran Buddy Williams and Peanut. Back L-R: Commander Johnny Arnold, Gene McLeod, Bryant Jenkins, Lyle Ford, and Don Chambers. (not pictured: Al Williams)

Texas VFW Post 9078, Round Rock — Post Commander attended a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Veterans Resource Center at the Art Institute of Austin. L-R: Bruce Rollman, Commander, VFW Post 9078; Joel Robles, Dean of Students; and Victor Polanco, Texas Veterans Commission.

HELPING VETERANS AROUND TEXAS

8 Texas VFW Spring 2014

C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s

Texas VFW Post 8788, McAllen — Post members gathered in remembrance of Operation Desert Storm.

Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills — Post members gathered to honor those who served in Operation Desert Storm.

Texas VFW Post 9174, San Antonio — District 20 held its remembrance ceremony at VFW Post 9174. Posts 76, 4853, 6012, 9174, 9186 and 12041 were all in attendance. Left photo L-R: Patricia Soto, Bouglas Brown, Felip Zuniga and Cris Vieyra Jr. Right photo L-R Patricia Soto, Pat Tucker, Armando Gonzales, Dale Cosper (6012), Robert Reiner, Douglas Brown (9174), Felip Zuniga (9186), Cris Vieyra Jr. (76), Jack Steel (12041), Patricia Hewitt (4853), James Bennett (12041), Mrs. Bennett and Alfred Rivera.

Operation Desert Storm

9

C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s

Texas VFW Post 5706, Garland — Members gathered for an informational speech on Operation Desert Storm.

Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen — Post members gathered at Allen Veterans Memorial for a war discussion.

Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — A ceremony honoring those who served was held at the post.

Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — Members held a remembrance program at Veterans Memorial in Center, TX. Memorial wreath placed in remembrance and Taps played for those who were lost.

Texas VFW Post 856, Austin — Members held an Operation Desert Storm ceremony at their post, honoring those who served and those who were lost.

Operation Desert Storm

Texas VFW Spring 2014

10 Texas VFW Spring 2014

• The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served.

• Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations. • The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a

grant will not directly receive any funds.• The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if

still in the military before application can be processed.• Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw.org; by emailing the Foundation at

foundation@texasvfw.org; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATIONTEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

Helping Veterans in Need

Your small donation makes a big difference.

Texas VFW . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000 VFW Post 7110 . . . . . . . . . . .6,000Dell, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,000Western Coatings Co., Inc. . .7,000

Auxiliary 6284 . . . . . . .$3,000Petri Electric, Inc.. . . . . .3,000Telepro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,307Ropes & Gray, LLP . . . . .2,300Auxiliary 8552 . . . . . . . .2,000Terrie Lenert . . . . . . . . .2,000VFW Post 2773 . . . . . . .1,125VFW Post 837 . . . . . . . .1,100 Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . .1,000Dianna Halevy . . . . . . . .1,000Exelon Generation. . . . .1,000Malcolm Reed . . . . . . . .1,000Jlayne Vines . . . . . . . . . .1,000

PLATINUM LEVEL ($5,000+)

Thank You To our Generous Texas VFW FoundaTion donaTors!

Gold Level ($1,000+)

Preferred Medical . . . . . . . . . $880Auxiliary 9168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800Larry Koser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750VFW Post 8456 . . . . . . . . . . . . 600Auxiliary 3903 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550TTARP Investments, Inc. . . . . . 550Allen Samuels Dodge, Inc. . . . . 500Auxiliary 1806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500Auxiliary 6873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 BS Hotel Partners, Inc.. . . . . . . 500Jones Bros. Dirt & Paving Contractors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 500Lakeside Trailer Repair, Inc. . . . 500Kevin O’Halloran . . . . . . . . . . . 500Pratt Homes, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . 500Stratus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500Harry & Patricia Strunk . . . . . . 500Ron & April Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . 500

Silver Level ($500+)

I GAVE,WILL YOU?

CLICK HERE

The Texas VFW Foundation accepts memorials in honor of your loved ones. Those funds are reserved for the family of the deceased. If the family declines assistance, the funds are utilized in the Veterans Assistance Program.

http://www.usaa.com/vfwcc

MILITARY United States Marine Corps – Vietnam 3rd MAF Combined Action Group Awards – Bronze Star w/”V” for Valor, Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Citation, National Defense, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal w/Palm

POST 4816 PORTER TEXASPost Jr. Vice Commander, All-State Commander (2), Post Chaplain, Trustee (3), Chief of staff (2)

DISTRICT 17Jr Vice Commander, Sr Vice Commander, District Commander, Trustee (2), Chief of Staff

DEPARTMENT OF TEXASState Inspector, Membership ChairmanAwards – John Spahr Awarded Outstanding Immediate Past District Commander 2012-2013

NATIONALAid-De-Camp (2), Assistant Inspector General, Deputy Chief of Staff, Veterans Resolutions Committee, Programs Committee

MINISTRYComrade Macy has served 26 years at Grace Church of Humble as Jr & Sr High Sunday School Teacher, Director of Outreach Barnabas Ministry, Captain & Head Usher, Director Life Development (Middle Age), Pastoral Care Ministry, Board of Trustees, The Chaplain Discussion Group (Facebook), Veterans & Families Connect Group, Trained Chaplain at Memorial Hermann NE Humble Texas, Church Elder and Licensed Minister Global Network of Christian Ministries.

Join the SERVolution TEAMSupport NORMAN MACEY for State Chaplain

Over 20 VFW Leadership Positions Held

njmaceyiii@aol.com

13Texas VFW Spring 2014

C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s

KOSOVO CAMPAIGN—MARCH 24

Texas VFW Post

1514, Village

Mills — Eleven Post

members gathered to

remember those who served in

Kosovo.

Texas VFW Post 3278, Brownwood — The Post along with the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries observed the beginning ofoperations in Kosovo.

Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine — L-R: Chaplin Dickey Carter, Surgeon Steve Cramer, Member Robert Dawson, Commander Jon Lunkwicz, Member Alan Beller, Member William Fredde, and Member Joe Barnes.

Texas VFW Post 5619, Friendswood — The Post celebrated the Kosovo Campaign, 28 Feb 98-21 Jun 99. Comrade Ehlenger read the history and the events

leading up to the campaign. Members enjoyed dinner and refreshments to celebrate the event.

Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — Kosovo ceremony held at the Post.

14 Texas VFW Spring 2014

C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s

KOSOVO CAMPAIGN—MARCH 24

Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — Members gathered to place wreaths and one member played Taps for those who have fallen. Here, the members are participating in the Pledge of Allegiance as a starter to the ceremony.

Texas VFW Post 4146, Victoria — Members, friends, family and invited guests participated in a Kosovo remembrance ceremony at the Post.

Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen — L-R: Charlie Robinson, PostMember; D.A. Lux, Post Event Coordinator; Bela Marton, Interim Post QM; Jack Rettig, Post Trustee; Rolland Cannon, Post Member; Peder Mockler, Post Junior Vice Commander; Peder Mockler’s son (Photograph by Phillip Norton, Post Commander)

Texas VFW Men’s Bulova Quartz Medallion Watch

W h i l e Q u a n t i t i e s l a s t

Quality Bulova watch with date feature and two-tone silver and gold clasp band. Medallion VFW emblem on face with Texas VFW.

Makes the perfect gift or for special recognition of a member who goes above and beyond!

18 Texas VFW Spring 2014

C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e

Texas VFW Post 5617, Fort Worth — The Post celebrated its 75th year of service to the veterans and community in the White

Settlement area.

Texas VFW Post 9828, Lindale — Post members set up a recruiting booth using Buddy Poppies to attract and educate eligible

members and the general public about the VFW.

70th Anniversary D-Day

Vi Ranney, Tour Manager, 605-665-3596

Be on Normandy for the big 70th anniversary of D-day. Heads of State from many countries, special music, honors for WWII Vets

will fi ll emotional ceremonies. This 13-day WWII tour visits all important sites in France, Luxembourg, Belgium & Germany.

Vietnam Departs March 25, 2014

Sights include Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta, military bases, Hue, Quang Tri, Former DMZ, DaNang, Hoi An, Hanoi & much more.

Professional guides---Great Hotels---Many Meals–Economically pricedWWII veterans receive Discount–Perhaps get a group together from your VFW or

American Legion Post. Everyone welcome on this tour.

For a brochure call toll free: 888-414-4177www.rupipertravel.com

The BiggestCelebration

Ever! Departs June 1& Aug. 6, 2014

BEFORE

AFTER

In 2009, the Texas VFW donated the old Post in Fort Davis, Texas to Fort Davis County and it underwent massive renovations. A dedication ceremony

was held on May 26 (Memorial Day) 2014 and was attended by District 25 Commander, Mel Parker.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FROM AROUND TEXAS

19Texas VFW Spring 2014

P O W / M I A

VFW SUPPORTIVE OF POW/MIA MISSION REORGANIATION$25 $25

Meet Ms. Current.Your Neighbor,

Proud Military Supporterand NEC Retail Enthusiast!

T h a nk y ou t o t he t ex as v f w f or i t s sponsorship of t he ro t bik e r r a l ly, a us t in, t xJune 12-15, 2014

THE NATION’S LARGEST AND OLDEST MAJOR COMBAT ORGANIZATION is supportive of a Pentagon announcement to realign the organizations charged with locating and identifying tens of thousands of American troops who have yet to return home from their wars.

“What’s most important about this initiative is that the Full Accounting Mission continues, and we appreciate Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s personal involvement to reshape a multi-organizational structure that shares unity of purpose into one that also shares unity of command,” said William A. Thien, a Vietnam veteran and national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Over the next 18 months, a Pentagon team will examine the requirements necessary to merge policy guidance, archival research and analysis, and worldwide field investigations and recovery operations into one organization. Those tasks are currently performed by the Defense POW/MIA Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, and portions of the Air Force Life Science Equipment Laboratory. Also being realigned is the scientific element of the mission, which moves JPAC’s Central Identification Laboratory under the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, which already encompasses the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory. Included in the new look will be a centralized budget, a consolidated case management system, and expanded public-private partnerships. “Any effort that helps to recover, identify and return more missing service personnel to their loved ones is a positive initiative,” said Thien, “and the VFW looks forward to continuing to work with the secretary and his team to make this happen.” n

• Whataremyoptions?• Whichplanisrightforme?• HowdoIchoose?

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I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund.

Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: _____________________________________________Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.

p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express Credit Card Number: ________________________________________________________

Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________

Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761 For questions call: (512) 834-8535

Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate electronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed, and providing alternative payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.

Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the time of enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: Up to 30 days – continue to bill; 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward; More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.

Lobbying for Veterans & MilitaryProviding Disaster Relief

Community VolunteerismFunding College Scholarships

Phone Cards for TroopsSupporting Youth Groups

Emergency Financial AssistanceSupporting Memorials

Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements

Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America.Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in,

or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.

Name: _________________________________________________Email: ________________________________________ First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.)

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone: ___________________________

Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY)

Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines

Current Status: p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/ReserveI served in: p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)

Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*

*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service).

I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($45) p Life Member* p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($45 Initial payment)

L I F E M E M B E R S H I P F E E S C H E D U L EAGE as of DECEMBER 31st ONE-TIME PAYMENT Initial Payment 11 payments ofThrough Age 30 $425.00 $45.00 $38.6431 – 40 $410.00 $45.00 $37.2741 – 50 $375.00 $45.00 $34.0951 – 60 $335.00 $45.00 $30.4561 – 70 $290.00 $45.00 $26.3671 – 80 $225.00 $45.00 $20.4581 AND OVER $170.00 $45.00 $15.45

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Texas VFW Post 688, BoerneFront row: Mark Camplen, Jeff Camplen, and Kevin CamplenMiddle row: Sr. Vice Commander Ken Schatte, Jr. Vice Commander Andrew Camplen, John Pritchett, Roland Funke, Judge Advocate Charlie WetherbeeBack row: Trustee Eric Vickery, Ray Hancock, Jack Mulhollan, Bill Mayo

w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g

Post 688 members gathered at Boerne Veterans Park in remembrance of the ending of Operation Desert Storm and to honor all those who served in Operation Desert Storm.