Greetings to our AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons. Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your Commander for 2012-2013.

The fund raiser to buy a washing machine for The Steadfast House in Asheville was a great success due to the efforts of the Women’s Veterans and others.

The AMVETS theme is: We Fought Together, Now Let’s Build Together for a Better America. Now, more than ever we need to come together and strive to continue with our goals such as 100% in reporting and membership.

By the time you read this, we will have been to the National Convention in Daytona, Fla., and other meetings. Reporting on these meetings will be forth coming.

Once again, thank you for your support and God speed.

Fall, 2012—www.amvetsnc.org

North Carolina

NEWS

Command

er’s

Corner

N.C. Dept. CommanderDAVID BEAM, SR.

INSIDE:

StateConventionp. 8 From the President

AUXILIARY

N.C. Dept. PresidentLInDA

StARnES

We had a very successful State Convention and I am honored to have

been re-elected as your president. I have a wonderful slate of officers and I know the coming year is go-ing to be a great one. I am sorry to report that we lost AMVETS La-dies Auxiliary #42 in Shelby, North Carolina. Hopefully one day that post will be reinstated.

The luncheon was a great suc-cess and I congratulate everyone on their awards. Our Ladies Aux-iliaries work very hard and they deserve to be recognized. Now we are looking forward to the National Convention and hopefully some of our Auxiliaries will receive awards there as well. Keep up the good work.

Thanks again for letting me serve as President of the Depart-ment of AMVETS North Carolina again. Linda StarnesDepartment President

AMVETS Gift MembershipGive a currently serving soldier a gift in your name for only $30. We

will send a gift letter in your name to an active-duty soldier letting them know you appreciate their service and they are now AMVETS

members. AMVETS is chartered by congress to help veterans and we work for them every day.

Send $30 payable and addressed to: AMVETS Gift Membership4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706

-- Page 2 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

commemorative card SamPLe

THIS WREATH PLACED BY ROBERT HORN

IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER

Edward g. horn

Us army 1942-1946 bronze star

Amvets post 906 Boiling spring lakes

SamPLeoNLY

moreoN

Page9

Table of Contents

Officers’ Reports .....................................................3

Women Vets Rock! ...................................................4

Local News ...............................................................5

Post News .................................................................7

State Convention .....................................................8

Wreaths Across America .........................................9

Post News, continued............................................10

Membership Application ......................................16

DEADLINES FOR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES January 15 to print March 25July 15 to print September 25

October 15 to print December 25To contribute to your NC AMVETS NEWS, mail submissions to:

NC AMVETS - Attn. Nancy Shiverdecker13470 Old Beatty Ford Rd., Rockwell, NC 28138

cib2marine@yahoo.com704-267-6410

The NC AMVET News is published three times per year by Midwest Publishing, Inc.

A Prayer For Those We Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this and the life to come; knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

MARK YOURCALENDARS

AMVETS North Carolina now has a Facebook Page! If you are not already on Facebook - it’s free to join and a great way to keep in touch with family and

friends. Click on the facebook logo to join. You can post pictures, comments, share events and much more.

AMVETS on the webAMVETSNC.ORG

Yes! We’re on FACEBOOK

-- Page 3 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

NEC Report

AMVETS Career Centerby Radio Charlie

Greetings Everyone:Click on the graphic to hear the radio broadcast that Charlie did for Flag Day. Grab yourself a cup of bad coffee and a stale doughnut and enjoy his commentary

about Red Skelton’s Pledge of Alligience. It runs for about 10 minutes. The Job Fair that we’re co-sponsoring with our local Department Employment

Services office, is at the end of the CD.

Regards, Joe Cutrone

MARK YOURCALENDARS

Things have been hard in the state. We worked diligently on our membership and came up a little short. I believe this will improve next

year, and our 1st Vice says we will succeed.All the Americanism entries were judged and

winners were forwarded to National Headquarters. All the ROTC medals and certificates that were re-quested have been presented by an AMVETS mem-ber whenever possible.

The biggest thing that has happened to our state is the opening of the AMVETS Career Center in Stanly

County. Response to the center has been so great that they are looking to open another Career Center in our state of North Carolina.

We will hold our next D.E.C. meeting in States-ville, N.C., at the Ramada Inn on October 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2012. Our Winter D.E.C. will be held at the Village Inn and Conference Center, at Clemmons, North Carolina on the second weekend in January, 2013.

The entire state would like to thank Commander Fry for attending our Department Convention. This

is the only time that the sitting Commander has attended our Convention.

At this Convention, we elect-ed David Beam as Department Commander; 1st Vice Grover (Buddy) Waller; 2nd Vice Keith Dean; 3rd Vice Danny Crotts; Finance Officer Laura Britton; Judge Advocate Nancy Shiverdecker and Provost Marshall Monroe Poplin.

BY Michael W. Rozmaryn NEC, PDC

Thank

You

SPONSORSDeane White

Elegant Systems LLcIndustricare

RWS construction Inc.Tar Heel Wealth Management

Viking Tactics Inc.Webb's Maintenance & Piping

PLATINUMGreenville Dental Lab Inc.

R S B TobaccoGOLD

Rhodes & StaffordSILVER

Arbor Pharmaceuticals Inc.Global Process Automation Inc.

Editorial CriteriaFollowing are guidelines to aid you in

preparing your articles for publication:

1. Articles MUST be typewritten.

2. DO nOt tYPE In ALL CAPS.

3. Photos should be high resolution full

color jpegs.

4. Editorial can be submitted as a .txt

or .doc file.

5. We do accept .pdfs but prefer the text

and photos to be orginals.

6. The editor reserves the right to edit

any submission for clarity, brevity, etc.

7. E-mail submissions to: cib2marine@

yahoo.com with your post number or

the subject of your submission in the

subject line.

-- Page 4 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012Local News----------------------------------------------------

Women Vets Rock!The Women Veterans Committee put on a

fund raiser at the April DEC in Henderson-ville. We raised $2,000 to purchase a com-

mercial washing machine for the Steadfast House in Asheville. It took work, communication and de-termination to accomplish our goal.

Big thanks to all who participated and donated money. Thank you to T & L Equipment of Charlotte for working with us on price, delivery & installation of the washing machine.

FaQs about the veterans retraining assistance Program (vraP)

1) Question: Who can use the VRAP?Answer: To use the program a Veteran must:• Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old• Be unemployed (as determined by Department

of Labor (Dol))• Have an other than dishonorable discharge• Not be eligible for any other VA education ben-

efit program (e.g., the Post-9/11 Gl Bill, Montgomery Gl Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)

• Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to un-employability

• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

2) Question: What can I use the VRAP for?Answer: Participants must be enrolled in a VA ap-

proved program of education offered by a Commu-nity College or Technical School. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certification and train you in a high demand occu-pation as determined by Dol.

3) Question: How much does the VRAP pay?Answer: You may receive up to 12 months of pay-

ments at the full-time Montgomery Gl Bill-Active Duty rate (currently $1,473 per month).

4) Question: Will the payments under this pro-gram be sent directly to the school like payments under the Post- 9/11 Gl Bill?

Answer: No. The benefit will be paid directly to you and you are responsible for paying your expenses including tuition, fees, and books.

5) Question: When, where, and how can I ap-ply?

Answer: The program begins July 1, 2012. Watch the Gl Bill website and follow our Gl Bill Facebook page for more details on when, where, and how to ap-ply.

EMPLOYMENT-RELATED INTERNET SITES August 3, 2012

SITE NAME ADDRESS DESCRIPTION

DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY www.ncesc.com Job Listings. Relocation information.

AMERICA’S JOB BANK www.ajb.dni.us Nationwide listings of jobs by state.

FEDERAL JOB LISTINGS www.usajobs.opm.gov Civil Service job listings.

BEST JOBS IN THE USA TODAY www.bestjobsusa.com Job listings. Employer job postings. Employer profiles.

MONSTER.COM www.monster.com www.occ.com

Resume posting. Worldwide job listings. Careers assistance. Career fairs.

COLLEGE GRAD JOB HUNTER www.collegegrad.com Salary/cost of living calculator. Job listings. Resume preparation. Entry-level jobs for college graduates.

JOB WEB www.jobweb.com Job listings. Career planning.

MONSTER TRAK www.monstertrak.com Job listings. Resume preparation. Guide to graduate school. Targets college students.

EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT SERVICE www.educatorjobs.com Teacher placement service.

TRUE CAREERS www.truecareers.com Job listings. Resume on-line. Resume tips. For technical and professional job seekers.

TOP USA JOBS www.topusajobs.com Search for jobs. Career resources. Resume preparation

JOB HUNT www.job-hunt.org On-line access to job search.

CAREER MAGAZINE www.careermag.com Employer data. Resume bank.

JOB BANK USA www.jobbankusa.com Job and resume data. Employer data.

RECRUITERS ON-LINE NETWORK www.recruitersonline.com Job listings. On-line resumes.

MANAGEMENT RECRUITERS INTERNATIONAL www.mrinetwork.com Executive, management, professional and

technical jobs

JOB SPOT www.jobspot.com Technical and recruitment service (Head Hunters).

FEDWORLD.GOV www.fedworld.gov Government job listings. Links to federal agencies.

INDEED www.indeed.com Nationwide listings of jobs.

SIMPLY HIRED www.simplyhired.com Seymour Johnson AFB 919-722-0117 Victor Kosinski 2100 Presbyterian Lane Veterans Employment Consultant II Kinston, NC 28501 Division of Employment Security (252) 526-4435 Office victor.kosinski@ncesc.gov (252) 526-4440 Fax

6) Question: What will happen when I finish my program?

Answer: The Dol will provide employment as-sistance to every Veteran who participates, upon completion of their program.

7) Question: What do I do if I need a job now?Answer: There are extensive employment re-

sources available for Veterans provided by the Fed-eral Government. Visit http://lcvww.fedsh irevcts.gov/ and the Department of Labor’s http:l/www.dol.gov/vets to learn more.

-- Page 5 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

Local U.S. army recruiting commanders visits career center

Captain Timothy Page, U.S. Army Recruiting Company Commander, Charlotte, Sergeant First Class, Scott Dickinson, U.S. Army

Recruiting Station Commander, Kannapolis, paid a personal visit to Pfeiffer University’s Misenheimer campus to tour North Carolina’s first AMVETS Veterans Career Center.

After being served bad coffee and stale donuts the commanders were given a detail briefing about the center’s mission, goals, and operation by the Deputy Commander, Gerry Pion, Computer Specialist, Joseph Cutrone, and the Career Center Commander, Charles Cosgrove.

The general consensus of opinion was during, what some economist call the worst recession since the great depression, the AMVETS Veterans Career Centers are well-suited to assist those who are serving and are serving in our military as they transition into the civilian careers and jobs.

Captain Page and Sergeant First Class Dickinson departed leaving behind two “Army Strong” coffee mugs and an appreciation for what AMVETS volunteers are doing to help out troops.

North Carolina’s first AMVETS Career Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Inquiries can be made by calling 704-463-3026 or amvet@fsmail.peiffer.edu.

Left to Right: Captain Timothy Page, U.S. Army Recruiting Company Commander, Charlotte, Sergeant First Class, Scott Dickinson, U.S. Army Recruiting Station Commander, Kannapolis-

Point of ContactCharles Cosgrove704-463-3026amvet@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu

20th annual golf tournament

The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce 20th Annual Golf tournament was held on Wednesday, June 6th at The Tillery Traditions

Country Club in Mount Gilead, NC. The NC AMVETS Career Center 1 display was

well-received.

Job Fair

Here are some pictures from the Stanly County Job Fair (June 21, Thursday, 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m.) that we co-sponsored with the

Stanly County Department of Employment Security.The event got two front page articles in the

Sunday editions of the Stanly News and Press.There were an estimated 200 plus in attendance

and 20 vendors.About a quarter of the participants arrived as

much as an hour early.

Left to Right Joe Cutrone NC Career Center 1 Information Systems Specialist) – Frankie Morton (Stanly DES Veterans Representative) – Charlie Cosgrove (NC AMVETS Career Center 1 Commander)

Left Charlie – Right Dwight Holmes Salisbury, NC Veterans Outreach Representative

Fellow in white shirt and tie is Tony Clark – NC Committee for the Support for the Guard and Reserves

Our first Applebees fund-raiser

Local News----------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

-- Page 6 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

U.S. coNgreSSmaN LarrY KiSSeLL viSitS amvetS career ceNter at PFeiFFer UNiverSitY

July 2, 2012 (Misenheimer, N.C.)—Today U.S.

Congressman Larry Kissell (N.C. 8th Congressional District) visited the AMVETS Career Center on Pfeiffer University’s Misenheimer campus.

C o n g r e s s m a n Kissell, a native of Montgomery County,

serves on the House Armed Services Committee and its subcommittees on Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces and is co-chair of the Invisible Wounds Caucus, a group of congressional members dedicated to supporting and protecting American veterans suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

“While the economy throughout most of the country plummeted in 2008, North Carolinians in rural communities and those whose jobs were historically in manufacturing have been suffering for nearly a decade,” said Congressman Kissell. “It’s imperative that veterans of the armed services who wish to live and work in North Carolina have access to education and employment opportunities that allow them to do just that.”

The AMVETS Career Center, which opened in Pfeiffer’s Jane Freeman Hall in Dec. 2011, is the only such site in North Carolina. With a mission to meet the employment needs of veterans of the U.S. armed forces, the Center connects veterans with job fairs, job listings and education opportunities that will help them qualify for available jobs. During the summer, the Career Center is open Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information about the AMVETS Career Center and its services, contact

Charles Cosgrove, Center Commander, (704) 463-3026.

Job searchers may visit the following websites for more information about specific openings. For technical opportunities: www.nesc.com; for North Carolina government employment: www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs; for North Carolina’s job matching system: www.ncjobconnector.com; and for federal job openings: www.usajobs.gov.

PHOTO CAPTION: U.S. Representative Larry

Kissell (N.C. 8th Congressional District), 2nd row/far left, met with officials from the AMVETS Career Training Center on Pfeiffer University’s Misenheimer Campus to learn about the Center’s activities and needs. Others on hand included (from front, l-r) Joe Cutrone, ret. U.S. Navy, volunteer; Frankie Morton, veterans employment representative, division of workforce solutions, N.C. Department of Commerce; Mike Miller, president, Pfeiffer University; Charles Cosgrove, Career Center Commander; and Jerry Pion, Career Center Deputy Commander.

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a

comprehensive institution of higher education affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Pfeiffer is committed to providing educational excellence, scholarship, and service opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students across North Carolina on campuses in Charlotte, Misenheimer, and Raleigh, and online. Visit Pfeiffer at www.pfeiffer.edu or www.facebook.com/pfeifferuniversity. Pfeiffer University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges

of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

ricHFieLd Food LioN coNtriBUteS coFFee aNd doNUtS to PFeiFFer UNiverSitY amvetS career ceNter Michael Gullett, Richfield Food Lion Store Manager, heard that Pfeiffer University’s AMVETS Career Center was serving foxhole coffee and nautical donuts to all who walk through their portals. As a junior Army non-commissioned officer, and super market manager, he had the experience and wear-with all to improve the situation. One morning Michael saw “the center’s” commander walk into the store. He greeted him

with a smile, a dozen fresh donuts and a can of coffee telling him compliments of Food Lion for each day “the center” is open from our military. These sentiments were echoed by the assistant manager, Michael Ward, who has been with Food Lion for 24 years. This not only reflects Food Lions company police but the attitude and patriotism of their employees. Food Lion is the only national grocery store chain to receive the 2010 Employer Support Freedom Award. It is presented by the United States Department of Defense as the highest recognition given to employers for their outstanding support of their associates who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. In addition to the benefits required by law, Food Lion provides: • Active Duty differential pay for full-time

associates• Assistance in paying premiums of group and/or

dependent health insurance• Free counseling for deployed associates families• Ability to disperse accrued vacation pay to

spouses• Financial assistance in emergency situations • And, other benefits

Eric Watson, Delhaize, America’s Vice-President of Diversity and Inclusion, confirmed Food Lions commitment to our military by saying “Food Lion is proud to support its military associates who serve as members of the Guard and Reserve to protect the freedom we enjoy every day. We recognize our associates for going beyond the call of duty serving both our country and company.”

tHe NatUre to Serve.  tHe KNoWLedge to Lead.

Local News. Cont.----------------------------------------------

-- Page 7 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

PoSt 18 amvetS PoSt 18 memBer ceLeBrateS 100th PoW-mia PerFormaNce

An AMVETS life member of Post 18 in Spring Lake, North Carolina recently performed his 100th Missing Man Table ceremony. He per-formed at American Legion Post 382 in Sanford, NC for an audience

of over 90 people as part of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club Patriot Run fundraiser for Army Fisher House. The Judge Advocate of Post 18 and retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, is widely known throughout North Carolina. Nationally, Dave has performed hundreds of volunteer hours for thousands of spectators and remains in very high demand and currently serves as the State POW-MIA Chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Twelve years ago, he identified a great need of veterans groups to recognize those who have not returned from war. Although the round white table with items and empty chair were recognizable, he wanted the table or the missing man to come alive, at least in spirit. So he developed, refined, and produced, a very unique Prisoner of War – Missing In Action table ceremony or “Missing Man” ceremony. He has produced several versions adaptable for a variety of audiences and ceremonies. These include background music, spotlights, table item narration, singing of up to three songs with gloved hand gestures and symbolism, and a final hand salute including the playing of Taps.

It all started in the Spring of 2000, when Dave organized a POW-MIA cer-emony detail with sabers and flags as part of a Senior NCO Induction ceremony. He narrated the meaning of the various rose, candle, lemon, and salt, table items. “It went very well,” he said, “but something seemed to be missing. Who was the missing man and what would he say to the audience? Could the empty chair be an aircraft ejection seat?” Of Dave’s 30 active duty years in the Air Force in the aircraft maintenance career field, his primary duty was as an egress or escape systems technician. He’s also credited with three “saves,” pilots who eject-ed safely out of a disabled aircraft directly due to his recent maintenance of the canopy, seat, and parachute system. One was from an F-15 Eagle fighter jet that went down in Daun, West Germany in 1978. The other two were the front and back-seater from an SR-71 Blackbird over the South China Sea near the Phil-ippine Islands in 1989 during an operational mission. He went on to say that though he missed serving in the Vietnam War by just over a year or so, he was trained by Vietnam veterans throughout his maintenance career. “I remember my ser-geants in the egress shop talking about those who “punched-out” of F-4s, F-105s, and B-52s. Many were shot down and killed or missing in action but many became POWs.” Then it suddenly became clear to him after a Memo-rial Day ceremony in 2000 in Altus Oklahoma. Someone Played “Some Gave All”, a Billy Ray Cyrus song, on the juke box, and it (the ejection seat pilot) ‘spoke to him.’ “It was him in the empty chair. I had to learn that song,” he said. And so he did, adding gloved hand gestures. And that’s where Dave’s legacy really began. He was then selected to a very special duty assignment and became the Director of the Air Force Enlisted Heri-

tage Research Institute and Enlisted Heritage Hall Museum and moved to Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama…the only position of its kind in the Air Force.

From 2000 through 2004, some highly notable performances have been for the Department of De-fense National Prayer breakfast in Washington DC; two Air Force Sergeants Association International Conventions in Jacksonville Florida and Columbus Ohio; the American Legion’s Forty and Eight Society National Convention in Salt Lake City Utah, several Alabama state conventions for the Veterans of For-eign Wars, the American Legion, and Forty and Eight Society, as well as various posts throughout Alabama. As Alabama State Commander of the Korea Defense Veterans in 2003, he performed at the 50th anniversary of the Korean War at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall’s Monument Park and for the Alabama Ex-Pris-oners of War and Alabama Veterans Administration. Throughout the nation, he has also performed for large graduations at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy, 5 Air Force NCO Academies, 4 Airman Leadership Schools, and the Southeast Regional Recruiters Banquet, as well as special performances for the World War II Army Air Corps Enlisted Pilots Association, Vietnam Working Dog Asso-ciation, and a Jolly Green Association Reunion. At the end of his tour, Dave returned to aircraft maintenance for his final assignment at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina as the A-10 Thunderbolt II (or Warthog) Maintenance Superin-tendent, then Chief Enlisted Manager for the 23d Fighter Group, home of the fa-mous “Flying Tigers” who were very active in Iraq and Afghanistan at that time. He continued to perform and have significant impact throughout the region.

From 2004 through 2007, some notable presentations have been for Womack Army Hospital Medal of Honor dedication, 82d Airborne Brigade Dining Out, and 1st Battalion Field Artillery Regiment Gunslinger Welcome Home events on Fort Bragg; Georgia Air National Guard Career Advisors Conference in Savan-nah; and several Chief and Senior NCO Induction ceremonies, annual awards, Air Force Balls, and Maintenance Professional of the Year awards banquets at

Pope and Seymour-Johnson Air Force Bases. Since his retirement in 2007, Dave remained very active at his AM-

VETS post and also performed at Hill Air Force Base Utah for a huge Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet of nearly 1000 aircraft main-tainers and guests, as well as to a Vero Beach Florida Police Department Retiring Officer dinner. Closer to home, he has performed for Fayetteville Chapter Ex-POWs, the Fayetteville Veterans Park Dedication, Memorial Day celebrations at Freedom Park, Harnett County Veterans Park Mon-uments Dedication in Lillington, Western Harnett High School JROTC Military Ball, Sand Hills Veterans Cemetery Wreaths Across America, and the Travelling Vietnam Wall Memorial ceremonies in Kinston, as well

as several veterans groups state conventions.

dave, your nation-wide performances are truly legendary. thanks for a job well done, chief!

-- Page 8 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

Pat Walters was this year’s recipient of the Battleship Award. How awesome that it was presented to her by her husband Jim.

State convention

We were privileged to have our National Commander Gary Fry attend our State Convention and Honors & Awards Banquet.

Alyce Knaflich of Post 333 was the AMVET of the Year Recipient. Alyce is a truly dedicated veteran helping other veterans especially the homeless female veterans.

-- Page 9 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

For those of you who are sales-shy, forget-about-it! Look at this program differently. You don’t have to use pushy sales techniques. Our job here as Veterans is to offer an opportunity to everyone we come into contact with during our daily lives is to provide a means (the wreaths) to “Remember the fallen”, “Honor those who

serve and their families”, and “Teach our children the value of freedom”. If they’re not interested, talk to somebody else. No pressure whatsoever. It’s a personal “feel good thing”.

The 2 blank lines on the ‘AMVETS letter’ are for your name and a contact number should your ‘prospect’ delay the purchase during your proposal. You want them to call you back. Note that wreath orders must be placed by October 20th.

On the ‘letter’ reverse side, provide info as follows for producing the ‘com-memorative card’:

--Sponsor’s name --In Memory or in Honor of --Veterans name --Branch of Service --Dates of Service Please provide the Sponsor’s address for mailing the commemorative card, if differ-

ent than the info provided on front side. It will be accompanied by a formal thank-you letter and the commemorative card(s). Provide the sponsor and/or prospect with a Wreaths Across America signed ‘Thank You For Your Ser-vice and Sacrifice card’. If you didn’t attend our last Regular Post meeting and didn’t get some of these t-y cards, I can send some to you.

The Wreath Sponsorship Form is to be com-pleted with sponsor’s name, address, etc. Please note that checks are to be made payable to Wreaths Across America TM. Send the completed forms, checks, money orders and cash to me at 1059 Acacia Road, Southport, NC 28461.

For the ‘local’ AMVETS members, Bill Clark graciously provided a copier to print 150 copies each of the invitation letter and the Wreath Sponsorship Form...Laura Britton performed the labor. Thank you to both folks for your contribution. Call me at 520-7230 and I’ll be glad to deliver some copies to you.

We placed 67 wreaths last year. Our goal is 300 this year. Post 906 will receive $5 back from Wreaths Across America for each wreath we sell. It’s a good fundraiser for us. Knock on the doors of small businesses, especially when they may just be Veter-ans. Brunswick Pest Control here in Boiling Spring Lakes has already pledged 10 wreaths as they did last year. Owner Rick Murdaugh’s dad was a Veteran and he an Army ‘brat’.

Please remind every contributor that we’d love to have them join us at the graveside ceremony. For Son-sorships of $100 or more, a thank you letter and com-memorative card will be encased in a frame suitable for displaying on a wall. ALL Sponsors will receive a commemorative card either at the cemetery or via mail. Examples of these items are attached, in Word format.

Good luck and let me know if I can assist you. And THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND

SACRIFICE. Jerry Wolf

”To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can hap-pen… to be forgotten is the worst.” -Pierre Claeys-sens (1909-2003)

30 December 2011 AMERICAN VETERANS Post #906 BOILING SPRING LAKES, NC Gerald (Jerry) E. Wolf, Sr. Benjamin Hartman Commander 1st Vice Commander Ms. Karen Timko 380 Fifty Lakes Dr. Southport, NC 28461

Dear Mr. Timko,

On behalf of AMVETS Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes, thank you for your wreath sponsorships in the 2011 National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony at the Wilmington North Carolina National Cemetery on 10 December 2011. Sponsorship cards were provided to you previously to commemorate your offerings In Memory of your Mother, Evelyn Timko, and In Memory of your Father, John Timko. Also enclosed is a ‘Thank You’ from Wreaths Across America.org. I encourage you to visit their website and enjoy the history of the Worcester Wreath Company and photos of previous events all across America honoring veterans and memorializing our fallen comrades. On behalf of Post 906 members, thank you for your act of kindness and remembrance. Gerald (Jerry) E. Wolf, Sr. Commander, Post 906 ”To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen… to be forgotten is the worst.” -Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003)

Dear Friends & Fellow Veterans,

On December 15, 2012, repre-sentatives of AMVETS and AMVETS Auxiliary Post 906

Boiling Spring Lakes, friends and fam-ily, will again participate in the National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony by placing sponsored wreaths on Veterans’ graves at the Wilmington National Cemetery, 2011 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.

At last year’s Ceremony, hundreds of wreaths sponsored by Boy Scout troops, women’s groups, other veteran service organizations and individual donors were placed in memory of the brave protectors of our country. Charitable contributions from friends and members of AMVETS Post 906 donated and placed 67 wreaths.

What an honor it was to lay a wreath upon a Veterans grave in a National Cemetery interning over 5000 gravesites recognizing their sacrifice for our freedom. As a sponsor of this event you are welcome to join us at the Cemetery at 1100 hours that morning. It is truly a moving and memorable experience you will not soon forget.

Your donation is only $15 per wreath as a Personal Sponsorship. We welcome Family Sponsorships of four (4) or more and Small Business Sponsorships of ten (10) wreaths or more, all at only $15 per wreath. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of 300 wreaths.

Found throughout experience over the years, the wreath-laying tradition is NOT only for the fallen and those who have passed on, but for living veterans, our active military, and for their families – all of whom have sacrificed to provide for our freedoms. If you ask a Gold Star Mother about the loss of her son or daughter, their biggest fear is their memory will be forgotten. That is why WAA believes it is so important to take the time amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, to stop and remember our blessings that have come at such a great cost. A famous quote states “One is never truly dead until they are forgotten.”

Wreath orders must be placed by October 20th. A commemorative card will be provided to the sponsor.

Will you join us in reaching our goal to pay homage to our fallen veterans who so proudly fought for the freedom we enjoy today?

Thank you for your generous and patriotic participation in this project.

-- Page 10 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

PoSt 201amvetS’ Parade to celebrate america’s independence

On July 7, AMVETS Post 201 hosted a very special American Independence Celebration at Lake Royale. The AMVETS’ parade is an annual event where families are encouraged to decorate bicycles and golf carts in the spirit of the 4th of

July independence celebration. This year was very special since our Chaplain, CW2 Seth Taylor, US Army, had just

returned from a year deployed in Kaiwait with the 1452nd TC CBT HET Company / Maintenance Platoon of the North Carolina National Guard. Their assignment was to remove and redeploy heavy mobile equipment from the Iraq War, as that military operation was being phased down. They accomplished their mission without loss of one person. Patrick Nichols [grandson of our Post member Tom Nichols], E-4 with NC National Guard, was also deployed with the same company. Both Seth and Patrick were honored at our ceremony with an official welcome home!

The Girl Scouts of Troop 1111 participated in the ceremony by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Declaration of Independence was read by Makayla Stoddard, Seth Taylor’s daughter. During the ceremony special recognition was given to Tom Wall, our Adjutant, who was recognized as the Post 201 AMVET of the Year.

The ceremony was concluded with the award of trophies for the top three entries for bicycle and golf cart decoration, as determined by our distinguished panel of judges. Following the festivities, AMVETS sold hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Left: Tom Wall is Post 201 AMVET of the Year

Right: Girl Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance

Right: Makayla reads The Declaration of

Independence

Left: CW2 Seth Taylor is welcomed home by Tom Nichols and Lake Royale Residents

Left: AMVETS’ parade passes a marina parking lot

Good community participation in AMVETS’ parade

The Golf Cart Category winner

-- Page 11 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

PoSt 320 - roaNoKe raPidSGreetings from the Roanoke Valley

The months of May and June have been very busy for Post 320. As some of you know Post 320 has taken on the responsibility of being the sponsor of Boy

Scout Troop 146 here in Roanoke Rapids. The Scout Hut and property belongs to Post 320. The Post acquired the Property from the Roanoke Rapids City School District about a year and a half ago. The Scout Troop has been a part

Roanoke Rapids sense 1935 and has produced many Ea-gle Scouts and outstanding Citizens in and around the Roa-noke Valley. Over half of the Leaders in the troop are Life Members of Post 320. Randy Spence Scout Master, Mike Garris, James Tuck, Willie Ferguson and Randy Ferguson. The Troop has been going through a lot of building up grade and the post has very helpful in making this happen. They have added a new storage room to the back of the scout hut and a new roof and the post has helped with the upgrade. Many local veterans org. and many civic org. have helped also. This up grade has been in the process for a long time and it has come to reality. The property is adjacent to the property that already belongs to the post.

In May we had our elections and June we did the induc-tions into office. We had the State Commander Mr. David Beam at our June meeting and he gave the oath to the new officers, Post Commander Randy Ferguson, 1st Vice Mike Garris, 2nd Vice James Tuck, Adjutant Mike Sheppard, Fi-nance Officer Mrs. Tammy Glover, Provost Marshal Willie Ferguson, Judge Advocate Doug Mason and Chaplain Mr. Kenneth Brantley. We would like to thank these veterans for stepping up and taking part in the operation of the post and keeping it going.

Past Commander Keith Banty Presented the Command-ers award for the post from the state to Gilbert Lane and The AMVET of the Year for Post 320 to Glenn Moseley.

At the past State Convention In Greensboro NC, Keith Banty Commander of Post 320 and Finance Officer Post 320 Randy Ferguson were in attendance. Several items were submitted and voted on by those there. New officers were inducted at the state level by National Commander Mr. Gary L. Fry.

Randy Ferguson from Post 320 in Roanoke Rapids was inducted as Eastern District Commander for the next term 2012-2013.

Commander Ferguson would like to thank those that have faith in him to do the job that is ahead of him in the next year.

The Eastern District also inducted Harold Bonin as First Vice Commander from Post 638 Raleigh, Victor Kosinski as Adjutant from Post 1111 Kinston and Tom Nichols as Fi-nance Officer from Post 201 Louisburg.

Commander Ferguson is proud to have the experience of these three vets to help him this year.

Well done to all that have the time and skills to help those that can’t help themselves.

God Bless us all.Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next DEC,

have a great and safe summer.Stay cool.

Boy Scout Hut 146 with new addition with the help from Post 320

Pictured left to right New Officers For 2012-2013 Provost Marshal Willie Ferguson, State Commander David Beam, Adjutant Mike Sheppard, Post Commander Randy Ferguson, 1st Vice Mike Garris, Judge Advocate Doug Mason, 2nd Vice James Tuck, in front is Finance Officer Tammy Glover.Not Pictured is Chaplain Kenneth Brantley

Past Commander Keith Banty, Gilbert Lane Commanders Award and Glenn Moseley AMVET of the Year Post 320

State Commander David Beam Congratulates Eastern District Commander Randy Ferguson for his induction as Commander of AMVET Post 320 Roanoke Rapids

GO AMVETS!

-- Page 12 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

A proud tradition—

amvetS

PoSt 333

PoSt 905 - aSHeBoro

Ladies Auxiliary of 905 had a Car Wash / Hot Dog sale on Saturday

July 14th. Proceeds went to one of our Veteran’s Pete Sullivan who has become very ill. The Sons of the AMVETS gave out fans to WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans also at the car wash.NEC Mike Rozmaryn swears in AMVETS, Sons of AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary at Post 905 Asheboro.

-- Page 13 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

AMVETS & AMVETS AUXILIARY elects 2012-2013 Officers

The election of AMVETS & AMVETS AUX-ILIARY 2012-2013 officers was held and all were sworn in during the May 2012 Annual

Meetings.AMVETS Officers are: Gerald (Jerry) E. Wolf,

Sr., Post Commander; Jim Walters, 1st Vice; Chris Okun, 2nd Vice; Bill Clark, Judge Advocate; Carl Weaver, Provost Marshal; Rachel Okun, Adjutant; Bob Boyd, Finance Officer; Rena Fisk, Chaplain. Laura Britton was appointed Service Officer.

Picture of the Officers of AMVETS Post 906 and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary 906.

Back Row – Left to Right: Ingrid Weaver, Pat Walters, Rachel Okun, Sue Dick

Front Row – Left to Right: Laura Britton, Bob Boyd, Jerry Wolf, Jim Walters, Rena Fisk, Bill Clark

AMVETS AUXILIARY Officers are: Pat Wal-ters, President, Linda Rumsey, 1st Vice, Rachel Okun, 2nd Vice, Sue Dick, 3rd Vice, Secretary, Ra-chel Okun, Treasurer, Ingrid Weaver.

AMVETS is the fourth largest veteran’s ser-vice organization in the U.S. dedicated to assisting the veteran community and current members from all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. AMVETS and AUXILIARY signature programs include the National American-ism Contests awarding JROTC achievement medals and scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors, support to veterans in need, Troop Care packages, Cell Phones For Soldiers, hospital visita-tions to veterans, and monetary support to St. Jude’s for the treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases.

Boiling Spring Lakes is the home of AMVETS Post 906, covering Brunswick and New Hanover counties, meeting monthly on the first Monday. The Auxiliary meets at 6 p.m. and the AMVETS general meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Boiling Spring Lakes VFW, 3161 NC hwy. 87. For additional information, call 520-7230 for AMVETS or 845-3498 for AM-VETS Auxiliary.

Dallas Herring Achievement Award

NominationNominated Student: Rachel Okun, Degree Completed Fall 2012Student Written Description:“Taking People where they

are and carrying them as far as they can go,” is a true rep-resentation of my journey to earn a college degree. Grow-ing up in a family of 20 grand-children, only four female, I struggled to gain acceptance from my grandfather. He was a person who believed in male supremacy. He felt that males were stronger in every capac-ity. Females, he felt, should be homemakers and care for chil-dren. This philosophy is one that I refuse[d] to accept.

I once asked my grandfather for help financ-ing dental braces. He said to me, “Rachel, you are not pretty enough or smart enough to have braces. You do not need them. You’re never going to be a model because of the scar on your leg; you are not smart enough to be a doctor or a lawyer or anything that you would need to look pretty…You will never amount to anything but a housewife.” Those words were truly hurtful, but have served as unwavering motivation for my success. It was not until serving in the military, obtaining a college degree, while being a mother, that I saw acceptance from my grandfather. Obtaining these successes however, was not easy.

After working to graduate high school with hon-ors, I have tried for over 10 years to complete my college goal. I joined the military, deployed to Iraq, and was in and out of two different colleges. I got married and moved to Ohio and then to North Caro-lina, still trying to pursue a degree. My husband got a job working for a government contractor and was scheduled to be deployed to Kuwait for a year. That all changed when I discovered I was pregnant. With this life change, my husband gained employment at Sunny Point in Southport, NC rather than deploying. We purchased a home in Ash, NC and from then I went back to college one last time to try and com-plete my goal.

The day before my 29th birthday on Dec. 13, 2011, I reached my goal at Brunswick Community College. With help from my family members, co-workers, and college instructors, I earned an associ-ate’s degree. I know that this is only the beginning of my educational dreams.

In summary: I had a dream; I worked relentlessly and I appreciate my accomplishments. My journey be-

gan as a 14-year-old girl being told that I was not bound for success. I have graduated high school, served in

Iraq, live each day as a proud American vet-eran, a mom, a college gradu-ate, and a full-

time government employee. I am thank-ful for those words from my Grandfather. Recently I wrote to him, telling of my accomplishments. He replied, “Dear Rach, I am proud of you. You have accomplished a great deal more than the boys. Please say hello to my great granddaughter. She is a very pretty girl. She reminds me of you when you were small. Love, Grandpa.” These words prove that with dedication, determination, and passion, we can go as far as we will allow ourselves to dream and I am liv-ing that dream.

AMVETS ORGANAZATIONS HIGHEST AWARDS

On the National level at each year’s conven-tion, their highest award given is the Silver Helmet award.

In each state the AMVET Departments each have one special award that is deemed the highest award given. The NC Department of AMVETS chose for their highest award the Battleship Award. It is the USS North Carolina Battleship Award and this is given at each year’s state convention.

The last female to receive this award was then Lt. Governor Beverly Purdue, until this year. This year I was the honored recipient and first female Auxiliary member to ever receive this award. I was very over whelmed with this great honor coming from the vet-erans who inspire me to work on their behalf, those who have served and those who are still serving our country today, to insure the freedom that we enjoy never goes away. May God grant me many more ways to support our veterans and pay homage to their service to our country.

PoSt 906 - BoiLiNg SPriNgS LaKeS

-- Page 14 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

Click to send photos and articles of local AMVETS activities worthy of placing in the newspapers.

AMVETS Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes

North Carolina

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

TO: Brunswick Pest Control Inc. We appreciate your SPONSORSHIP of 10 wreaths placed during the

NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

at the Wilmington National Cemetery on 10 December 2011

in Honor of US Army LT COL

William H. Murdaugh, Jr.

and in Memory of All American Veterans. ________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your support.

Gerald (Jerry) E. Wolf Sr. Benjamin Hartman Commander, Post 906 1st Vice Commander, Post 906

NJROTC (Navy school) at Ashley High School

Presenter Rena Fisk, AMVET

The recipient at East Bladen High is Wesley Lennon, at West Bladen High it is Lewis Bryan and at East Columbus High it is Kevin Thomp-son.

-- Page 15 --

NC AMVETS NEWS —Fall, 2012

PoSt 920

Find this and many other stories posted daily on our facebook page!

ANDCheck in to our newly

updatedWEBSITE

www.amvetsnc.org

Nada crochets lap covers for the veterans at the V.A. Hospitals. All donations to Nada for three or four-ply yarns are used for baby hats and lap covers.

Left to right: Jerri Halcomb, Judi Bullabough (Auxil. Chaplain), Joanne Shepherd, Linda Starnes (Auxil. President), Alyce Knaflich

(AMVETS VAVS chair), Martie Harris (Auxil. Ways & Means Chair), Margie Rabb (Auxil. NEC), Nada Curphey (Auxil. Americanism Chair)

Ladies Auxiliary distributing Nada’s lap blankets at the Asheville VA.

WE HAVE:

A strong voice for veterans in Congress.

Many local, state and national scholarships.

Our state VA hospitals

Several national insurance programs

Our Special Olympics programs.

A State Service Officer who has the answers.

Various activities in our communities.

Application for membership - please printNC AMVETS Department Headquarters, P.O. Box 1360, Welcome, NC 27374-1360

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