GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2 August 1, 2014 › 2009 › 07 › final-august-gos-2014.pdfThe Special...

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA

Mail: Rice Street Station, PO Box 17146, St Paul, MN 55117 Phone: 651-291-1757 Email: [email protected] FAX: 651-291-2753

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2 August 1, 2014 1. The following District Meetings are announced: First District August 2 Cannon Falls #4452 @ 9:30 AM Dept Rep TBD Second District August 16 Mankato #9713 @ 12:30 PM Dept Rep TBD Fourth District August 2 Mendota #6690 @ 9 AM Dept Rep TBD Sixth District August 2 Sauk Rapids #6992 @ 1:00 PM Dept Rep TBD 2. 2015 Membership Information should be in the possession of Post Quartermasters via their

computer. Remember to remind your members that they should try and sign up a New or Reinstated member for 2015. Each Post needs 5% New or Reinstated members to stay even with last year. (Reminder: The Department of Minnesota, VFW is on Direct Dues. The majority of a Post's members will mail their dues directly to National Headquarters.)

3. The Department Fall Conference will be held in Willmar, September 12-14, 2014. Enclosed in

this mailing are forms for room requests. The Department Council of Administration will meet at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, September 12th and Sunday, September 14th at 9:00 A.M.

4. Posts are hereby notified that the following payments are now due in Department Headquarters.

Contributions to the Department Hospital Recreation Fund ($50.00) and Camp Courage ($10.00).

5. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY time begins now. Department Voice of Democracy Chairman, Bob

Harris requests that the Post VOD Chairman contact High School Advisors, Teachers and Principals the first week of school to discuss the plans to sponsor the 2014-2015 VOD Program. The Theme this year is “Why Veterans are Important to Our Nation’s History and Future”. Post VOD Chairmen are urged to order your materials NOW to be prepared for the 2014-2015 Program. Materials needed are Student Brochures, Posters, Plaques and Certificates. Any questions, please give Bob a call at (612)817-8261. Posts are requested to use Department form when submitting student tapes or CDs. Please make sure that the student picture is sent with the application.

6. All District Commanders, Elected and Appointed Department Officers who have not previously

done so, must send proof of eligibility for the V.F.W. to the Department Commander. A copy of your DD-214 or proof of eligibility must be sent to Department Headquarters before August 15, 2014.

7. All Posts having special events and desiring a Department Representative should send the

invitation (in writing) at least 45 days prior to the event and be prepared to pay the expenses of the Representative. A Department Representative WILL NOT be assigned when events conflict with Department or National Events.

8. NEED AN AMERICANISM PROJECT??? The Special Minnesota V.F.W. 16 page Color Book

is still available for First and Second grade students. Cost is $.50 plus postage. Make it a coloring contest. Instructions on how to set up the contest is on enclosed form.

-OVER-

General Orders 1 August 2014

9. REMINDER: The Youth Baseball Tournament is August 7-10, 2014 in Brainerd. Remember to support your local team.

10. For more information on the Department of Minnesota, VFW…. Please visit our Web Page and

the Post Resources Page (Password Protected) at www.mn.gov/vfw . 11. The Department will no longer have District Club Inspectors. The operation of all Clubs,

Canteens and Gambling will be the responsibility of the Post Commander, Quartermaster and Trustees. Failure to comply with local, State and Federal laws, licenses and regulations may result in the Suspension of your Post Charter. Please refer to Section 211, 708 and 709 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.

12. Posts are reminded that they MUST have a Post Representative at every District meeting.

These representatives MUST sign in at the meeting to receive credit. BY ORDER OF: Gary Anderson State Commander Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. OFFICIAL: James R. Hesselgrave Adjutant/Quartermaster


Receiving the monthly General Orders: If you did not receive the GOs in the method that you were expecting or did not receive them by the 1st of the month… there may be a problem with the information we have on file. Please let us know whenever you have questions or concerns regarding the receipt of your GOs- You should receive a copy EVERY Month (aside from July) in the manner you/your Post have requested. If this is not happening, you must let Department Headquarters know so that we can be sure we have the correct contact information or if there are technical difficulties that need to be addressed. Post Service Officers NOTE: A Post Service Officers School of Instruction will be conducted at 8:00am on Saturday, September 13th in the Willmar Conference Center as part of the VFW Fall Conference in Willmar. It is suggested that ALL Post Commanders and Quartermasters do what they can to ensure the Post Service Officer attend this school of instruction . Department Website Passwords have been mailed via USPS to all POST COMMANDERS along with their District Rosters & POST QUARTERMASTERS in their Qm Mailing from. The password letter is Cherry Pick in color to hopefully make it a little easier to keep track of. NEW Passwords will take effect on August 1st and OLD passwords will deactivate at the same time. Please keep this information safe. At your discretion, you may share this with your Post Quartermaster or others that would need access to conduct Post business. REMINDER for ALL Post Commanders: Please share your Membership Packets and Community Service Books with other Officers within your Post. These are all available online using your passwords to the Department and National websites too. If you would prefer a CD or additional hard copies of any booklet, please use the enclosed “July Commander & Quartermaster Mailings” Form. IMPORTANT Post Election Report Information- Please notice there are Roster corrections included in this General Orders. Whenever there are ANY changes to your Post Rosters please notify Department Headquarters and National as Soon as Possible. ***Please send in a Post Officer (or contact) to serve as your receipt person for the emailed General Orders. If you still wish to receive G.O.s through USPS, please submit the $35 Assessment to Department Headquarters. If we do not have an identified Post Email Point of Contact for the GOs, your Post will be assessed $35 to receive the Hard Copies and after October 1st this assessment will be permanent for the 2014-15 year. Contact updates can be sent to [email protected]


MORE…. Full Page Bulletins in THIS General Orders

• How Posts Want Leadership Mailing • 2015 Raffle Calendar Association

Letter • Membership ‘Ambassador’ Program • Fall Conference Ads, Schedule,

Housing and Banquet Forms • Trustees Checklist • VFW State Horseshoe Tournament • Leonard Buysse Motorcycle

Membership Ride 2014

• Community Service Form • Personal Community Service

Tracker • Gopher Oversea’r Ad Rates • Poppy Order Form • Coloring Book Bulletin • What to Do When an Officer Visits • Voice of Democracy/Patriots Pen

Apps • Teacher of the Year Materials

GO TO

www.mn.gov/vfw

GENERAL SITE ACCESS:

Fall Conference: Housing Form Schedule FC Banquet Form

Other: Community Service Report Form Youth Program Information Veterans Activity Information

PASSWARD ACCESS ON ‘POST RESOURCES’:

Reports: Community Service Report Form Current Month’s General Orders Program Contest Entry Forms

Poppy Order Form Reporting Forms And More…

ROSTER CORRECTIONS

FOURTH DISTRICT 4th District QM: Vern Wehlage, 185 Century Trl, Lino Lakes; 651-484-2425

FIFTH DISTRICT

5th District Legislative: Brian Gislason, 309 Trott Ave SE, Willmar 56201; 320-235-7592

SEVENTH DISTRICT

Post #230: Adjutant Gerald Wegscheid phone 763-571-4736

BUDDY POPPY

"The 2013 -14 Buddy Poppy year for Commander Frank ended with a bang!"

Most everyone at the Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day reported a great day. A lot of Poppies distributed and lot of money collected. National Convention had five Poppy displays from Minnesota, all five received a ribbon.

Cat I, Post 7902,Osakis, 3rd place. Cat II, Post 3723, Owatonna, 2nd place.

Cat III, Post 4452, Cannon Falls, 2nd place. Cat III, Post 4393, Northfield, Honorable Mention.

Cat IV Post 363, Fridley Jr. Girls, 1st place.

CONGRATULATIONS to all!! ~Submitted by Jim Rowe, Buddy Poppy Chairman


2014-15 COMMANDERS

PROJECT

This year State Commander Gary Anderson & State Auxiliary President Doris Anderson have

chosen to support the National Commander’s & President’s project.

VFW Commander-in-Chief John Stroud and Ladies Auxiliary National President Ann Panteleakos are joining forces during the 2014-2015 year to support the VFW’s premier program: National Veterans Service (NVS). The goal? To raise $1 million for the program. Let’s get back to basics. Let’s build the number 1 veterans service organization into a powerhouse FOR VETERANS & THEIR FAMILIES!

The VFW’s nationwide network of 276 service officers are highly skilled professionals and the absolute best in the field. In 2012, they recovered $3.7 billion in VA benefits for 125,000 veterans and their families. The program provides all veterans with the assistance and support they need to navigate the VA claims system, secure benefits they deserve, and get the services they and their families need- at no cost! Our service officers cut through the red tape for the veterans, and their record proves it. The bottom line: NVS is truly changing lives and letting our veterans and their loved ones move forward.

Watch for more information about donating to the Commander’s Project this year!

MEMBERSHIP

I would like to congratulate Gary Anderson on his election as our State Commander. I wish him all the best of luck this year. We all need to

work together to make this a memorable year for Commander Anderson.

Also I want to Thank all of you for having the confidence in me to be your Senior Vice Commander.

This should be a great year if we all work together as a team.

July 1, 2014 starts the new Membership year. As the Membership Chairman, my goal is to get the

Department 100% in Membership, this can be accomplished is we all work together.

In this month’s and future general orders you will read about the Department Ambassador program please read and take advantage of this year’s program. Remember to Retain, Recruit, and Reinstate!

If you have any questions please contact me at [email protected] ~Submitted by Duane Hermanson, Dept. Sr. Vice Commander & Membership Chairman


COMMUNITY

SERVICE

What is the focus of YOUR Post?

Community Service should be near or at the top of your list! Most Posts do a great job working their Community Service Programs… Unfortunately, there are a number of Posts that may not be ‘working it’.

Where does your Post stand… we may not know if you haven’t sent in any Community Service Monthly Reports!

Please send in a Report EVERY MONTH to keep us updated on all of the great work your Post is doing!

Some Tips on Completing CS Reports:

Where to get Report Forms: -Most Monthly General Orders -State VFW website on the ‘VFW Programs’ Page -Call or Email VFW Headquarters -Save a copy onto your computer -Print extra copies for future use

(DO NOT submit the Personal Service Record form included in this GOs… this form is ONLY to be used a worksheet for members to track what they do. You could collect these to assist in completing your form- just don’t use them as your Official CS Report for Department.)

Completing Forms: -Include your Post/Auxiliary/Men’s Auxiliary on ONE FORM and as ONE TOTAL (Do NOT list each Entity Separately OR on Separate forms) -Complete monthly form the month FOLLOWING the projects/donations

(i.e. June activities will be on a JUNE report that is complete & turned in during JULY)

-Do NOT mark portions of the Report “See Attached”- ALL information should be included in the space provided on the 3 page form… this applies to the activity, time spent, # of members and everything -Provide basic titles/concepts of the task being accounted for… Save all of the particulars of the activities for your Year-end Community Service Book/Records -Be sure your Form is Complete and all numbers are TOTALED

Keep up the Great Job… Be Sure to REPORT your efforts and

Thank You ALL for the great work you do throughout our Minnesota Communities!!

~Submitted by Joe Mauricio, Dept. Jr. Vice Commander & Community Service Chairman


LEGISLATIVE

Comrades,

I would like to congratulate all of our newly elected Post Commanders. Thank you for being willing to step up and serve Minnesota Veterans. As we work together in the coming year I hope to be able to provide you with useful information to make our Department’s Legislative Programs strong and as effective as they have been in the past.

As a new commander now is the time to sit down and write a letter of introduction to your current elected officials, both state and federal. Introduce yourself and let them know that we in the VFW appreciate their support of Veterans’ legislation. If you don’t’ know who your elected officials are simply contact your county court house for the elected official’s contact information. This being an election year, I’m sure you may be surprised at the number of responses you’ll get from your elected officials.

If you are a Post Commander and contact your following legislative officials, you will receive three (3) points towards your All-State Commander’s points: • U.S. Representative •U.S. Senators (2) •State Representative •State Senator A copy of your letters must be sent to the Department Headquarters, attention Tom McLaughlin. Also please keep a copy for your Commander’s book. Keep the Faith, ~Submitted by Tom McLaughlin, Legislative Chairman

MILITARY ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM

Helping Veterans in times of needs does not always start with the UNMET Needs Program. Every Post that distributes Poppies should have a relief fund set up, In accordance with section 704 in the National Bylaws and MOP.

There are a lot of great things that we can do with the National Military service program. For a brief overview please see attached flyer in the GOs.

~Submitted by Lee Bojarski, Military Assistance Program Chairman [email protected]

GOPHER OVERSEA’R

As you know we are kicking off a new era of the Oversea’r!! But I still need all of the help I can get to make it great!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

I want to tell the organization all the great things you at the Post and District are doing.

Also, the Oversea’r is now taking Ads (please see attached flyer)

~Submitted by Lee Bojarski, Gopher Oversea’r Editor [email protected]


POW / MIA

VFW Action Corps Weekly July 11, 2014

Five MIAs Identified The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identifications of remains belonging to five American servicemen who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returned home are:

• Marine Corps Pfc. Randolph Allen, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, lost on Nov. 20, 1943, in Tarawa. The date and location of his burial is yet to be announced.

• Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Gerald V. Atkinson, 358th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, lost on April 10, 1945, north of Berlin. He will be buried with full military honors Aug. 16 in Chattahoochee, Fla.

• Army Air Force Staff Sgts. Robert E. Howard, 21, of Moravia, Iowa, and David R. Kittredge, 22, of Oneida, Wis., lost April 16, 1945, when their B-26B was shot down while on a bombing raid to Wittenberg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. Howard will be buried July 19, in Moulton, Iowa; Kittredge on a date and location to be announced.

• Army Master Sgt. Lawrence O. Jock, Battery A, 955th Field Artillery, 8th U.S. Army, was lost July 14, 1953, in North Korea. He will be buried with full military honors Aug. 1 in Malone, N.Y.

~Submitted by Dr. Jim Tuorila, POW/MIA Chairman

STATE FAIR

The State Fair Booth has been in a gradual decline in the past few years.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will not staff a table in the 4H building like it did in the past. The main reason is that people are using the Veterans of Foreign Wars both for a free ticket to the fair without putting in the time at the booth. We will however still have informational pamphlets available at the booth for fair goers.

What we are doing this year is focusing all the effort on the Veterans Appreciation Day at the Fair on Tuesday August 26th (see flyer for more information). With myself and Department officers from both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary we will be able to not only hit more Veterans but also get the most “Bang for our Buck”

~Submitted by Lee Bojarski, State Fair Chairman [email protected]


TEACHER OF THE YEAR

November 1st is the date all of your Teacher nominees are due at your local VFW Post level. Please have all entrees judged and sent on to your District Teacher of the Year Chairman by Nov. 15th. Attached are the forms necessary with all instructions to make this an easy program to participate in. Remember to honor your Post members who are teachers. If you have any questions about the Teacher of the Year program please call me at: 763-434-9708. All District winners are to be sent on to Department level for judging at the following address:

Jeffrey Jarosz Dept. Teacher of the Year Chairman

14944 W. Vermillion NE Ham Lake, MN 55304

To help your Teacher of the Year entry win at the Post, District and State level include items in their resume’ that will show some of the things listed below that the judges are required to look at. The judging criteria set forth by National is as follows: JUDGING CRITERIA CITIZENSHIP – 1-25 Points – On a scale of 1-25, to what extent does the teacher encourage and/or model good citizenship and community involvement? INNOVATION - 1-25 Points – On a scale of 1-25, how much innovation (new ideas, new tools, new resources, and new approaches) does this teacher utilize in the classroom? Does this teacher’s effort reflect an ongoing desire to stimulate the students with new things? RESOURCES – 1-25 Points – On a scale of 1-25, to what degree has this teacher demonstrated an ability to identify and utilize new and exceptional resources to fund, facilitate and provide materials for his or her classroom? Does this teacher tap into outside agencies, organizations and individuals to acquire materials and expertise in the classroom? As an example – bringing speakers, finding in-kind and monetary donations, utilize local opportunities like museums, field trips and local events. PASSION – 1-25 Points – On a scale of 1-25, to what degree does this teacher appear to be passionate about the profession of teaching? Are they regularly seeking to upgrade their skills? Do they try and find ways to encourage their students? Do they take a personal interest in their student’s individual success?

This year, each winning teacher category at State VFW level will win $500. Plus a night at our magnificent hotel for the Winter Conference and a beautiful plaque and a place at the table for themselves and a guest. Our State Commander has elevated the Teacher of the Year program to new heights this year and is a true believer that our Teachers are responsible for the quality education of our next generation. Be sure to send in your entry to your VFW post by November 1st, 2014. Attached to this e-mail is the Official VFW Teacher of the Year entry form. Simply fill in the blanks and print the entry on your computer. Reward a deserving Teacher for their extra effort. Fill out an entry form today!!

If you have questions regarding the Teacher of the Year program please notify:

~Submitted by Jeffrey E. Jarosz, Teacher of the Year Chairman [email protected], 14944 W. Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304


VETERANS DAY/ MEMORIAL DAY

Greetings Comrades: As your new Department Veterans Day and Memorial Day Chair I will be giving classes at the Fall and Midwinter Conferences.

To Start with Veteran’s Day will be on a Tuesday November 11th this year so planning your events for this most honored of days will be tricky. The Department Commander will start his day along with the other large Veteran’s organizations at the Department of Minnesota Veterans Affairs Breakfast at The Inver Grove Heights Community Center located at 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 at 8:30 AM with a program at 10 AM. He will also be attending his Home Districts Veterans Day Program at 2 PM at the Minneapolis Veterans home. As a show of our pride in the VFW, I invite you all to make a donation to the breakfast. Your Post can make the checks out to the Department of Minnesota and in the memo section denote it is for ‘Veterans Day’ breakfast- we are not the only ones hurting for funds. Remember Gambling revenue can be used as Department is a A-21 category. Then show up with your service caps for the breakfast or program. Why, as the best organization in the world that honors the dead by taking care of the living, do we not show up for these State wide public events is hard for me to understand.

As a final note, I know traditionally a lot of Posts use Veterans day as their membership dinner day but with the limited number of Officers we have to attend these functions why not think outside the box and have a brunch or luncheon on a weekend or Friday when some of the requested Department officers can attend. Keep your chins up and look for more information on my classes next month till then… Lead the Charge!

~Submitted by Don LaCroix, Veterans Day and Memorial Day Chair

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/

PATRIOTS PEN

All post / Auxiliary chairmen now is not to soon to be contacting your schools and promoting the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen programs.

Please be sure to use the STATE Entry Forms These can be found in future GOs as well as on the

Department Website ‘VFW Programs’ Page ( www.mn.gov/vfw )

When sending out contact/media release information PLEASE note that interested Participants should contact you at the Post (or you can add VFW

Headquarters as a contact).

This information is VERY important to ANY communication you release about the programs.

This way, people will get connected to you or Department HQ where they will receive proper information AND a participating Post in our State.

We have found that the National VFW Website is supposed to provide any interested searcher with a Minnesota Post to sponsor their essay, but the system does not operate

properly and students have missed their chance to participate.

It would be a shame for a student to miss out on a scholarship! ~Submitted by Bob Harris, Voice of Democracy/ Patriots Pen Chairman


VETERANS ACTIVITIES

P l a n t o B I D o n O p e n E v e n t s a t F a l l C o n f e r e n c e ! ***************************************************************************

Archery .........Open for 2014 and Beyond

Bean bag.......Aug. 23, 2014, Chaska Post #1791 Open for 2015 and Beyond

Bowling ........Mankato Post #950 will host 2015, 2016

Cribbage ......Owatonna Post #3723 to host 2015

Fishing .........Open for 2014 and Beyond

Golf ...............Aug. 9-10, 2014, Owatonna Post #3723 (Owatonna Post #3723 will host 2015, 2016)

Horseshoes ..Open for 2015 and Beyond

Military Rifle Match...2014 Dilworth Post #1223 Open for 2015 and Beyond ** To be held when Ammunition becomes available**

Pistol comp...2014 Brainerd Post #1647 to Host TBA Open for 2015 and Beyond

Trap shootingOpen 2014 and beyond *************************************************************************

NOTE: Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events.

~Submitted by John Anderson, Veterans Activities Chair [email protected] or 612-432-8708

YOUTH

ACTIVITIES

Here we are, another year starting, is everyone ready? Thank you all for all you do for the Youth of our state, but we can do more. The State Baseball is fast approaching, August 6 to the 10th in Brainerd. This will be a great venue. Some of the posts sponsoring baseball are completing rosters as require, but I have had to request new ones from many of you. We have the form on the website, just fill it in, print it, and have the post officer verify it prior to sending it in. When it asks for names, addresses, and birth dates, that is the information that should be on it. It also tells you to type it, there are several that are hand written that I cannot read the names and will not accept. Don’t forget Fall Conference in Willmar, as this is a very informative meeting. We will also be accepting letters of interest for hosting the 2016 Hockey and Baseball Tournaments.

The Youth Activities Committee will be awarding the following Bids at Fall Conference in September:

2016 Hockey 2016 Baseball

********************************************************************* BASEBALL: 2014 – Brainerd Post #1647 – August 7-10

HOCKEY: 2015 –Thief River Falls Post #2793 – March 27-29

*********************************************************************** Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events

~Submitted by Rick Bugbee, Youth Activities Chair


We will soon be sending out the Annual Commander and Quartermaster mailings.

We need to hear from you as soon as possible as to how you wish to receive your materials.

As you may know, all of the documents (see list below) that are helpful in running your Post, are now available on-line. Of these, the National Leadership Manual (over 120 pages in size) and Quarter-master Manual are ONLY available on-line.

In an effort to be sure ALL of our Minnesota Posts receive these valuable materials in a manner that is most useful to them, Department Headquarters would like to try and accommodate the ability and wishes of each of our Posts in receiving these documents.

IMPORTANT!! July Commander & Quartermaster Mailings

Please review the options below regarding your Post’s materials and select the method that best suits how your Post operates.

RSVP to Department Headquarters no later than July 15. If we Do Not hear from you by July 15, it will be presumed that your Post will access/download these materials from the Internet on your own.

Email your request to: [email protected] OR

Post #________ Dist#______ Contact Name & Position_____________________________ Mailing address:________________________________________Phone #_____________

Would like their Mailings in the Following Manner:

NOTE: If you plan to get ALL of your documents from the Internet, you DO NOT need to respond.

Mail your request to Department Headquarters: Dept of MN Veterans of Foreign Wars Rice Street Station PO Box 17146 St Paul, MN 55117

Please mark the appropriate boxes and Include any fees when submitting your request. Document Price Mark with

“X” or Qty. Total Amount

for Item

CD - Manuals Includes Leadership Manual, QM Manual, Congrats You’re a Post Commander Booklet, Membership Booklet, Community Service Booklet, Brainstorming on Membership Booklet)

($1.50 each)

Leadership Manual (Hard Copy) ($7 each)

Quartermaster Manual (Hard Copy) ($3 each)

Congrats You’re a Post CMDR Booklet (Hard Copy) ($2 each)

Membership Booklet (Hard Copy) ($2 each)

Community Service Booklet (Hard Copy) ($2 each)

Brainstorming on Membership Booklet (Hard Copy) ($2 each)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

One (1) of each item below has been sent to each Post Commander with July GOs (or was received at OTI)


2015 VFW Programs Calendar Raffle

TO: Post Commanders, Ladies Auxiliary Presidents and Men’s Auxiliary Presidents. SUBJECT: 2015 Calendar Raffle Details. The Raffle Calendars will be available on August 15, 2014 and we will begin to distribute them to all Districts and Posts as needed. (Some advance Orders have already been placed. Please use the Raffle Calendar Order Form contained in this letter to order Calendars as needed.) We will be using the District Commanders, the line officers, District Meetings and the Fall Conference to distribute the Calendars to your Post or Auxiliary. This is a fund raiser for not only V.F.W. programs, but also for your Post and the Auxiliaries. The calendars may be sold by all members of your Post, Ladies Auxiliary, Men's Auxiliary, Pup Tent, or any volunteers that want to help out. They may be sold to members, friends, businesses, relatives, etc. Virtually anyone who wants to buy a calendar can be part of the raffle. For each calendar sold the selling Post or Auxiliary will receive a $5.00 rebate to be used as they wish within their Post or Auxil-iary. Commanders and Presidents, we will need you to control this within the Post or Auxiliary. You do not have to pre-pay for the calendars and you are financially responsible for only the calendars that your Post or Auxiliary have actually sold. (ALL unsold calendars must be turned into the Department Repre-sentative at the Midwinter Conference or your District meeting after January 2, 2015. Failure to do so will result in your Post being financially responsible for all the calendars ordered.) The first of four (4) drawings will take place in January 2015. This drawing will be for January, February and March combined. We would ask that you send the ticket stubs and a check for your sold calendars every two to three weeks to this address: VFW Charitable Association ATTN: Treasurer Rice Street Staation, P.O. Box 17146 St. Paul, MN 55117 **Please collect donations for your Post or Auxiliary and make out one check for all Calendars sold.** Make all checks payable to: VFW Charitable Association ATTN: VFW Programs


DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA RICE STREET STATION – PO BOX 17146

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55117 651-291-1757

Fax: 651-291-2753 Web page: www.mn.gov/vfw Email: mnvfw@ vfwmn.us


Be sure that your Post number is written on the ticket in the space provided. Also, please circle either P (Post), A (Ladies Auxiliary) or M (Men’s Auxiliary). You must send the full $20.00 per calendar back to us at the above address and we will send YOU a check (your share) after January 2, 2015 for all the calendars that were sold through your Post or Auxiliary . We feel that this is a great opportunity to enhance our V.F.W. Programs within our organization and for all of our Posts and Auxiliaries to financially help themselves. We feel that this is a great deal with a daily prize ranging from $50.00 to $1000.00 and a total of $27,250.00 in prizes for the year. The calendars will also make wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers for Christmas. Commanders and Presidents, we hope that you will involve your Post and Auxiliary membership in this program. We feel that this is a no brainer for both the Posts, Auxiliaries, our organization, and our VFW programs as a whole. If you have a Post Home, we can provide flyers for display and if you have a gambling booth you can display the flyers and calendars there to enhance your calendar sales. Thank You!

RAFFLE CALENDAR ORDER FORM Post or Auxiliary number _________ located in ________________________, Minnesota would like to Order _______ Raffle Calendars. Please deliver these Calendars to: NAME: __________________________________ PHONE NO. _________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________ CITY: ____________________________ STATE: ________________ ZIP: _________________ REMINDER: Raffle Calendars CANNOT be shipped, they must be delivered or Picked up to/by the Post or Auxiliary.

Please duplicate this Form and send to: VFW Charitable Association, Rice Street Station, P.O. Box 17146, St. Paul, MN 55117


Veterans of Foreign Wars Ambassador Program

The Definition of an Ambassador is, an authorized representative or messenger. This is what we all are as Veterans of Foreign Wars Members. Every time we go out in the public or the public comes to us. WE ALL represent our great Organization, Is what they are seeing a good or bad thing? I WILL have events across the State of Minnesota where Qualified and Knowledgeable Members will be on hand with the local Post and District.

However I cannot do it all myself!

This Organization was built on its grassroots. It is by our local Post that we will continue the good work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and keep our organization alive. Each event our Post or District attend the Department will pay up too $100 of the cost of space. Here are a few examples: Cost to have a table at fair $50 – Department pays you $50 Cost to have two table at fair $100- Department pays you $100 Cost to have a Table at a trade show is $120 – Department pays you $100 All Payouts are contingent on the Post-District Sending in the Receipt for the event to the Department Quartermaster for review. Also, yes this is a Membership drive BUT your Post should also be focusing on all of our great programs that will show the public our organization is worth their Membership, Such as: *Veterans Service *National Security & Foreign Affairs *Legislative Service *VFW Action Corps *National Military Services *Youth Development, Scholarship & Recognition *Buddy Poppy *Citizenship Education & Community Services Department Headquarters will have all available information available upon reasonable request.

If you have any other questions call the Department Quartermaster at 651-291-1757.


VFW FALL CONFERENCE BOOK Advertising

September 12-14, 2014 Willmar

ADVERTISING RATES FOR V.F.W. STATE, DISTRICT, AND POSTS FOR THE CONFERANCE BOOK.

PAGE SIZE RATES

FULL PAGE (8" X 11") $200.00 ONE HALF PAGE $125.00 ONE QUARTER PAGE $75.00 PATRON $35.00

ALL ADS MUST BE READY TO BE SENT TO THE PRINTER “AS IS”.

Our printer has notified us that ads which are not camera

ready will be charged an extra $10.00.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Finstad-Week Post 1639

AND MAIL TO: Brian Gislason VFW Post 1639 309 Trott Ave SE Willmar, MN 56201

DEADLINE DATE FOR BOOKLET: August 15th, 2014


FALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE September 12-14, 2014

(TENTATIVE)

Council Meetings & Schools of Instruction Willmar Conference Center- 2100 E Hwy 12, Willmar, MN 56201

VFW Headquarters

Best Western Plus- 2100 E Hwy 12, Willmar, MN 56201

Auxiliary Headquarters Holiday Inn Express & Suites- 2100 E Hwy 12, Willmar, MN 56201

FRIDAY, September 12, 2014:

10:00 A.M. -6:00 P.M. Registration – Held at VFW Post #1639, 1108 SE Highway 12, Willmar

1:00 P.M. Finance Committee – Executive Boardroom 2:30 P.M. Gambling Meeting – Gallery 7

6:30 P.M. VFW Council of Administration – Gallery 7 7:00 P.M. Auxiliary Council of Administration – Gallery 1-4

SATURDAY, September 13, 2014:

7:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Registration- Willmar Conference Center Atrium

8:00 A.M. Finance Committee – Executive Board Room 9:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. PROGRAM EXHIBITS – Gallery 7 **Watch for Special Medicare Information Sessions by Humana in the Conference Center Atrium *BANQUET Tickets available during Exhibit Hours

SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION/PROGRAMS SEMINARS 8:00 A.M. Session Legislative (Only One Session) – Gallery 5-6 Poppies – Gallery 1 Citizenship Education (Americanism/ Loyalty Day/ Teacher of the Year/ Veterans Day/ Memorial Day) – Gallery 2 Youth Activities/ Scouting (One Session) – Gallery 3 Voice of Democracy/ Patriot’s Pen – Gallery 4 9:45 A.M. Session Service Officers/ Employment (One Session) – Gallery 5-6 Community Service – Gallery 1 Public Relations – Gallery 2 Veterans Activities – Gallery 3 Safety/ Hospital/ Blood/ Cancer (One Session) – Gallery 4


12:00 Noon Session Membership Training & MAP (One Session) – Gallery 5-6 Poppies – Gallery 3 Citizenship Education –Gallery 4 Youth Activities (Bids) - Executive Board Room 12:00 P.M. Auxiliary Secretary Meeting – Gallery 1-2 12:30 P.M. Auxiliary Treasurer/Trustees/Membership Meeting – Gallery 1-2 1:30 P.M. Session Community Service – Gallery 1 National Home/ Homeless Veterans (One Session) – Gallery 2 Voice of Democracy/ Patriot’s Pen – Gallery 3 National Security/ POW/MIA (One Session) – Gallery 4 Veterans Activities (Bids) - Executive Boardroom 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Quartermaster Seminar (Including Subscription Dues) *RECRUITERS Class (starting approx. 2 pm) (One Session) – Gallery 5-6 3:00 P.M. Men's Auxiliary Seminar – Gallery 2 NEW- Websites, Social Media & Your Post – Gallery 1 Basics of Email, Accessing Nat’l & Department Websites- Gallery 3 3:00 P.M. Poppy Tea (Theme- Poppy Beach Party) - Hosted at Willmar Post #1639 (1103 Highway 12 SE, Willmar, MN 56201) *Poppy Display Contest during Tea*

4:30 P.M. Church Service - TBD 5:30 P.M. General Reception – Conference Center Atrium 7:00 P.M. Banquet – Grand Ballroom (Cash Bar-Reception Area) SUNDAY, September 14, 2014: 8:00 A.M. Auxiliary Council of Administration – Gallery 1-4 9:00 A.M. VFW Council of Administration – Gallery 7

Revised 7-22-14


VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA

FALL CONFERENCE HOUSING RESERVATIONS

September 12-14, 2014 Willmar, Minnesota

In order to be processed, all information must be complete. Each room must have a name and type. Housing requests will be handled as received.

Name (Please PRINT in Boxes)

Address

City State MN Zip Phone Post # District #

Please select choices #1, #2, #3. Housing will be assigned on a First Come- First Serve basis Choice # Hotel: Rooms: Rate per Night:

Best Western Plus Single King $89.99+tx (VFW Conference Hotel) Double/Double $89.99+tx (Attached to Conf. Center)

Holiday Inn Express Single King $89.99+tx (Aux. Conference Hotel) Double/Double $89.99+tx (Attached to Conf. Center) Limited Suites Available at $129.99+tx Call VFW HQ at 651-291-1757

Days Inn Single Queen $64.99+tx (4 Blocks Away) Two Queens $64.99+tx

Country Inn & Suites King Single $99.99+tx (3 miles Away)

Super 8 Single/Double $57.00+tx (3 miles away)

Sharing With:

Special Requests:

Arrival Date Departure Date

Credit Card Information: (Reservation will not be made without a guarantee) Type of card: Number:

Name on Card: Expiration Date: OR

Check # for one (1) night made out to the Hotel Chosen Above

Yes-Please send me an Email from Dept. VFW confirming my ‘Reservations have been Received’

**DEADLINE DATE: August 12, 2014** Rev. 6/23/14

DEADLINE:

August 12, 2014 They will release any

remaining rooms at this time

Mail Reservations To: Dept. of Minnesota, VFW

Rice Street Station PO Box 17146

St. Paul, MN 55117

OR Contact Melody With Questions:

651-291-1757 [email protected]


Ve te rans o f Fo re ign Wars D e p a r t m e n t o f M i n n e s o t a

Saturday, September 13th, 2014 Willmar Conference Center

Willmar, Minnesota

Social 5:45 pm in Conference Center Atrium Banquet 7:00 pm in Grand Ballroom

Menu

Montreal Pork Chop (7 oz. boneless bacon wrapped pork chop grilled with Montreal seasoning and served with a mushroom white wine demi sauce)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes Rosemary Roasted Fresh Vegetables

House Salad Rolls & Coffee

Alternating Chocolate Tiger Cake & White Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cake

Tickets $25 each

Send Order Form to:

Brian Gislason VFW Post 1639

309 Trott AVE SE Willmar, MN 56201

No tickets will be mailed out. Please pick them up at the Registration

Fall Conference Banquet Reservation Form Banquet: Saturday, September 13th, 2014 Please reserve ____ tickets at $25 each. Enclosed is check #_______ to “Finstad-Week Post #1639” for $_____ Name:_________________________ Phone Number:______________

Email:________________________ Post/Auxiliary #_____ District #_____

Special Dietary Request______________________________________

Deadline: September 5th, 2014

Send Order Form to:

Brian Gislason VFW Post 1639

309 Trott Ave SE Willmar, MN 56201


34rd ANNUAL VFW STATE HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT

IN OWATONNA, MN 12 JULY 2014

Starting time 9:00 AM

COME AND JOIN THE FUN AND COMRADERIE WITH YOUR VFW COMRADS.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A PRO – WE HAVE CLASSES FOR THE 2% TO 60%.

MUST BE A PAID-UP MEMBER OF THE POST OR AUXILLARY (MENS OR WOMENS). PLEASE SIGN UP BY – 5 JULY 2014

SEND ENTRY FEE OF $12.00 AND RINGER PERCENTAGE TO:

MIKE MEYER 527 GLENDALE ST.

OWATONNA, MN 55060 CELL: (507) 363-2046


2014 Leonard Buysse Memorial

Motorcycle Ride

August 15 - 17, 2014

Tentative Route (Subject to Change)

Friday, August 15, 2015 Riders wishing to stay overnight in the Elk River area, should meet at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex (VFW Post 5518), 7350 Quaday, Otsego, MN, between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Hopefully, they will have dinner and refreshments. Please let us know if you are staying overnight and we will block rooms. (The Leonard Buysse Ride is a ‘pay as you go’ Ride.) LEAVE LOCATION ARRIVE LOCATION Saturday, August 16, 2014 9:00 AM Otsego 9:30 AM Coon Rapids (9625) 10:00 AM Coon Rapids 10:15 AM Brooklyn Park (3915) 11:15 AM Brooklyn Park 11:45 AM Crystal (494) Lunch 12:45 PM Crystal 2:15 PM Litchfield (2818) 2:45 PM Litchfield 3:30 PM Willmar (1639) 4:00 PM Willmar 4:45 PM Benson (1403) Dinner/Overnight Sunday, August 17, 2014 9:00 AM Benson 10:00 AM Cemetery (Starbuck) 10:30 AM Cemetery 10:45 AM Starbuck (4582) Lunch and presentation ---go separate ways. **NOTE** We would like as many riders as possible to hook-up with us along the way Or in Benson. It would be nice to have a large number of bikes going from Benson to Starbuck on Sunday. NOTE: If you have VFW Riders that are members of your Post, we ask that they come to the stop closest to your Post. Additionally, we are asking any and all VFW Riders to travel with us --- part way --- or all the way!!! For more information or meeting locations other than those listed, contact Department Headquarters at 651-291-1757.


Year:

Title:

1Describe:

Hours $ 2

Describe:

Hours $ 3

Describe:

Hours $

REPORT for the calendar month of:

Email Address:

(One JOINT report per month)

DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA, V.F.W PROGRAMS MONTHLY REPORT FORM

(Reporting Year: April 1 – March 31) (Use this form to report each Calendar month’s activities.)

District # Post/Auxiliary #

Distribution of Literature

Flag Presentation or Education # Members:

# Members:

# Members:

PREPARED Phone #:

The following Community Activity Projects have been completed during this Calendar month:A. AMERICANISM AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:

Organized and Assisted in Fund Drives (March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, etc)

Hours $4

Describe:

Hours $ 5

Describe:

Hours $ 6

Describe:

Hours $ Hours Amount

7Describe:

Hours $ 8

Describe:

Hours $ 9

Describe:

Hours $

YEAR

Loyalty, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor, Veterans Day

# Members:Other Americanism Projects

P.O.W./M.I.A. Program

Pedestrian Safety

# Members:MONTH

# Members:

# Members:

B. SAFETY:

# Members:

CAT A

Recreational Safety

# Members:

Drug Awareness # Members:

# Members


10Describe:

Hours $ 11

Describe:

Hours $ 12

Describe:


13Describe:

Hours $ 14

Describe:

Hours $ 15

Describe: Community Involvement & Recognition

# Members:

Members/Family # Members:

C. AID TO OTHERS:Senior Citizens

# Members:

Other Safety Projects # Members:

Home and Fire Safety # Members:

Highway Safety

CAT B # Members

Hours $ 16

Describe:


17Describe:

Hours $ 18

Describe:


19Describe:

Hours $ 20

Describe:

Hours $

D. SCHOOL AND CHURCH ASSISTANCE

# Members:

Volunteerism in School

Voice of Democracy # Members:

# Members:Other School or Church Projects

# Members:

E. YOUTHSports Organizations

CAT C # Members

Other Aid & Other Projects # Members:

CAT D # Members

# Members:


YEAR 21

Describe:

Hours $ 22 Other

Describe:


SUBTOTALS (Categories A, B, C, D and E)Hours Amount

23. (Report Activities for this month only.)DATE PROJECTS &

DESCRIPTIONSDONATIONS &

SERVICESPINTS OF BLOOD

TOTAL HOURS

TOTAL MILES

# OF MEMBERS

# OF PATIENTS VISITED

# Members:

THESE FIGURES SHOULD BE ADDED TO CATEGORY F AND PUT ON PAGE (3)

MONTH

F. HOSPITAL/ BLOOD:

# Members:

# Members

CAT E # Members

Youth Essay

X $75 X $.14 $ - $ -

Line 27 Line 27 Line 25 Line 27 Line 26

252627

PLEASE RETURN TO:

TOTALS FROM CATEGORIES A, B, C, D, E, AND FTHE FOLLOWING MUST BE FILLED OUR OR NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN!!!!

Total amount of monies used/donated to complete projects on this report.Total numbers of members actively involved in completing projects on Number of hours members donated to complete projects on this report.

27 below.Add Total above to:

COLUMN TOTALS:DOLLAR VALUES:

To be added to 25, 26 and

St Paul, MN 55117Rice Street Station- PO Box 17146Community Service Joe Mauricio

MONTHLY REPORT DEADLINE:

This form MUST BE Postmarked by the 20th day of the following month and into the Department Office no later than the 25th.


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DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA RICE STREET STATION – PO BOX 17146

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55117 651-291-1757

Fax: 651-291-2753 Web page: www.mn.gov/vfw Email: [email protected]

The Gopher Oversea’r is the official Veterans of Foreign Wars Print in Minnesota. We Publish our paper three times a year to nearly fifty thousand Veterans in Minnesota. Our paper is four columns wide and fifteen inches deep. Please see rate chart below:

Colum Depth in Inches Columns Width one two three four five 1 column 2 1/4 “ $40 $80 $120 $160 $200 2 column 4 3/4 “ $80 $160 $240 $320 $400 3 column 7 1/2 “ $120 $240 $360 $480 $600 4 column 10“ $160 $320 $480 $640 $800

How To Provide Us With Your Ad • The Gopher Oversea’r is published electronically on our computers in house. Our Editor imports your elec-

tronic file directly into the newspaper. We prefer you to send all ads in TIFF or PDF format. • All necessary font and graphic files relating to the ad must be included with your file. Image resolution

needs to be no less then 300 dots per inch (dpi). PDF files, please embed complete fonts (not subsets) and graphics. Please do not enable any password protection or security block when creating a PDF.

• Convert all RGB or CMYK color to a Grayscale Format. • All ads must be “Camera Ready”. If they are not you will be charged as additional twenty five dollars.

**Before you send us any money be sure to talk to the Editor and make sure

space is available and your Ad meets our requirements above**

The Deadlines for Ads in this years Papers are: July 28, 2014 November 24, 2014 March 30, 2015 *all dates are subject to change

Please call us directly about payments, ad space, insert rates and non profit discounted rate. Thank you, Lee Bojarski Assistant State Adjutant Phone: (651)291-1757 Fax: (651)291-2753 Email: [email protected]


Revised February 24, 2014

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA

NEW POPPY ORDER FORM

Date _______________________

POST/AUXILIARY LOCATION_________________________________ NO. ____________ DISTRICT __________ Poppy Department Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Rice Street Station, P.O. Box 17146 St. Paul, MN 55117 Please place our order for the following: _______________Buddy Poppies (Assembled) @ $115.00 per 1,000………………….………… $ _______________Buddy Poppy Parts @ $575.00 per 5,000*……………………………..……… $

*Poppy Parts will only ship in quantities of 5,000 and WILL NOT be broken up

_______________Poppy cards, easel-back @ $1.00 each (For re-sale to merchants)....…………….… $ _______________Poppy coin canisters @ $1.10 each NEW PRICE CHANGE…….…………$ _______________Poppy promotion caps @ $.30 each…………………………………………… $ _______________Poppy promotion buttons @ $.30 each…………………………….……….….. $ _______________"Buddy Poppy" MEMORIAL WREATH @ $4.50 each………………....……. $ _______________Story of the "Buddy Poppy" @ $6.50 sold only in pkg of 100…………..……. $ TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER……………………………………………$

Ship the above to: Title Address:

(Street No., Rte.No., etc. **NO PO BOX**) (Town and State) (Zip) PLEASE NOTE: Poppy orders are shipped via UPS. To avoid delay, please give a street address or route number. U.P.S. CANNOT DELIVER TO A POST OFFICE BOX. Signed Title

**Important information to fill out on the back. IF you do not complete this information, your order

will not be shipped until January 1st**

FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY: Date received Date recorded Date shipped

Partial shipment Order completed Date Paid/Invoiced


Revised February 24, 2014

IMPORTANT

None of this Material will be included with your order unless requested

PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY, IF ANY, YOU NEED OF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL. REQUEST ALL YOU NEED, BUT NO MORE THAN YOU WILL USE. POPPY DEPARTMENT Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Please include the following with our Poppies: QUANTITY ITEM _______________ Arm bands _______________ "Helps for the promotion worker". Hints on how to do a more effective job of promoting Poppies. _______________ Pledge cards. Receipt books will be furnished automatically at no additional cost with each order of 25 easel-back cards. This receipt can be used by the merchant as proof of a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION.

Please Fill out the below information.

**If you do not fill it out your shipment will be filled after January 1st**

When do you need your orders (Circle one) Preferred Delivery method (Circle One

A-Immediately (Ships same day UPS *NO PO BOX*) 1-Ship via UPS (*NO PO BOX*)

B-Within in a Month or write in a date below 2-Pickup Directly at Department Headquarters

**Poppy Cards may be shipped separately** C- After January 1st (Will ship first in first out)


* * * * * RULES FOR V.F.W. COLOR BOOK CONTEST IN SCHOOLS * * * * * 1. Show sample of the color book to grade school principal for the approval to distribute to 1st, 2nd or 3rd graders for the coloring contest. 2. After determining the number of students in the grades suggested by the principal or teachers, immediately order that number of books from VFW State Headquarters, Rice Street Station - PO Box 17146, St. Paul, MN 55117. The cost is only $.50 per book, plus postage. 3. After the coloring book contest is approved by the principal and teachers, determine if the Post and/or Auxiliary should provide the judges. We should offer to provide the judges so as not to overburden the teachers. 4. When choosing judges, most likely in your Post, Auxiliary or the local neighborhood, you could find two or three judges who have some knowledge of art or education. Be sure to avoid any conflict - don’t choose judges who have students in the grades being judged in the color book contest. 5. FOR PRIZES: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons now cost a fortune, instead you might consider prizes of silver dollars. Example: $3.00 First prize; $2.00 Second Prize and $1.00 Third Prize. General Orders 30 August 2014

WHAT TO DO WHEN A DEPARTMENT OR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE VISITS YOUR POST!

Since there are over 262 V.F.W. Posts in Minnesota and it seems there are almost that many invitations or requests for Department Representatives, if your Post does have an assigned representative of the Department, it should be considered an important occasion. If it should be a National Officer it should be and is considered a very important occasion. Department Representatives assigned by the Department Commander are his representative and spokesperson for the Department of Minnesota, Veterans of Foreign Wars. We’d like to add a few suggestions as the do’s and don’t do’s when you have a Department representative visit your Post. Since he/she will be a stranger to many of the people attending the event, please assign someone to be with him/her to introduce him/her around. Don’t leave him/her in a corner or make him/her shift for himself/herself unless he/she requests to do so. Don’t let someone with a gripe, problem or idea, corner him/her for any great length of time. The intent is to be part of the program and meet as many members as possible. Advise him/her in advance as to what you expect of him/her in or during the program such as a speech. Also, let him/her know if you have scheduled other speakers. It isn’t the intent of the Department to schedule Department Representatives to attend Post functions to be like a “bump on a log” and just sit at a head table. He/she is expected to bring a message on behalf of the Department Commander. If you are to have a lengthy program, don’t let the Department Representative be the last speaker, when everyone has been making excuses for the length of the program. The Department only pays expenses of Officers to Department events, therefore, if lengthy travel or overnight lodging is required, it is hoped that your budget is such to help offset some of the costs to the Department Representative attending your Post function. Because these Department Officers must pay their own expenses, if someone is selling raffle tickets or other chances - ask the Comrades or Sisters to by-pass the Department Representative - no doubt he/she will notice that there is a raffle and if he/she wants to take a chance - he/she will surely make the offer. If he/she is planning to return to his/her home that same evening and has a considerable distance to drive - give him/her the opportunity to leave at a reasonable time - don’t let someone coax him/her into staying until closing time. If you are having an event that you feel that it might be of interest to the news media in your area, contact Department Headquarters for pictures and a biography of the Department Representative. Please limit receptions before banquets and other events to one hour.


2014-2015 OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM VOICE OF DEMOCRACY COMPETITION

MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL ENTRANTS SUBMIT WITH TAPE, COPY OF SPEECH & **STUDENT PHOTO**

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name: First, M.I., Last

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City, State, Zip

(______) ___________________________________ __________________________________________________ Home Phone E-mail

___________________ ___________ __________________________________________________ Date of Birth (day, month, year) Grade in School Name of teacher

________________________________________________________________________________________________ School Name, City, State

TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT AND STUDENT’S PARENT/GUARDIAN ______________________________ ____________________________________ ____________ First Name You’d Like on Your Badge Jacket Size (XS,S, M, L, XL, XXL)

________________________________________________________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian Printed Name & Signature Date

(______) _________________________ __________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Daytime Phone Parent/Guardian’s E-mail

2014-15 THEME "Why Veterans are Important to Our Nation’s History and Future"

THE RULES Who can enter? The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or in an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school. Foreign exchange students, students over age 20 and previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners are ineligible. What do I need to enter? Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds) essay on a standard cassette tape or CD on this year’s theme. Label your cassette or CD, neatly typed essay and a picture with your name and complete the entry form. Provide these four items to your school/group competition or your local VFW Post for judging. All recordings must be in your own voice (hearing or speech impaired students should con-tact the Voice of Democracy National Office at (816) 968-1117 for special instructions), without music, special effects or background sounds. Songs and poetry are not acceptable. You may not provide anything in the essay or recording that will identify you in any way. You may enter only one Voice of Democracy competition per year. Where do I submit my entry? To advance to the next level, all entries must be judged at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the local VFW Post competition. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the local VFW Post provided they have not competed at a school/class competition. VFW Post winners compete at the VFW District level. District winners compete at the VFW Department (state) level. Department winners receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the VFW National level. All winners must begin at the Post level. What is the deadline for my entry? All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of that VFW Post by midnight, Nov. 1, 2014 It is the responsibility of the student to meet this deadline by submitting their entry to the proper location. To identify a sponsoring Post in your area, Contact the Department MN VFW at 651-291-1757 WHAT ARE THE JUDGING CRITERIA? Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. Delivery is worth 35 Points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.

-OVER- General Orders 32 August 2014

OFFICIAL RULES FOR STUDENTS ADVANCING TO NATIONAL LEVEL If selected as a first-place state winner, I have the consent of my parent/guardian and school to attend the Voice of Democracy Na-tional Finals in Washington, D.C. from March 1 through March 5, 2015 as a guest of the VFW National Organization. I understand that state winners who do not attend as stated above will forfeit all rights to compete in the National Finals and will be replaced by their state’s second place winner. In the event my tape is selected for entry into the 2014-2015 National Voice of Democracy Competition, I do hereby for myself, for my heirs, executors, administrators and assignees; waive, release and discharge all rights and claims which I have or which may hereafter accrue against the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and/or the several Departments (state organizations) of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and their respective officers, agents, successors and assigns from any damages which may be sustained by me in connection with my participation in or association with the VFW Voice of Democracy Competition and/or arising out of my travel to and during the Competition. In the event of sickness, accident or injury in connection with the Com-petition, I consent to and accept the services of a duly licensed medical, surgical or dental specialist selected on my behalf and for such treatments, as they may deem necessary. I understand that VFW will not be liable for such treatment. I further understand that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States retains non-exclusive rights to use my tape, essay and likeness in the promotion and execution of the organization’s programs and activities.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES (ABOVE) I certify that I am the sole author of the enclosed audio/essay entry and that I have only entered the competition once. I understand that if it is found that I have entered any other Post’s competition, I face elimination from the competition and will return any and all prizes or incentives awarded.

_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________ Signature of Student Participant Date

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW/AUXILIARY POST Due to District By November 15

I certify that this student is an authorized entry in our VFW Post Level Voice of Democracy Competition. ____________________________________________________________________________ ______________ Post Commander’s/Chairman’s Signature Post #

____________________________________________________________________________

Ladies Auxiliary President’s/Chairman’s Signature

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Post Address City, State, Zip

No. of students participating ________ No. of winners advanced to District ________

Amt. of Post/Aux. scholarship awards $ ____________________________________

Amt. of Post/Aux. additional expenses (banquet, pins, etc.) $ ______________________

Post Chairman: Be sure to include a taped copy of the speech, typed copy of the speech and a **PICTURE** of the student.

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW/AUXILIARY DISTRICT Due to Department By December 6 I certify that the student named in the previous section is the duly selected winner of the 2014-2015 Voice of Democracy Contest District Competition and is our sole entry into the Department finals. ___________________________________ _________________ ________________________________ District Chairman’s Signature Dist. # Date District Winner will be Informed

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City, State, Zip

(______) ________________________________ ________________________________________ Phone E-mail District Chairmen: Be sure that you have received a taped copy of the speech, typed copy of the speech and a **PICTURE** of the student.

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN I certify that the student named in the previous section is the duly selected first-place winner of the 2014-2015 Voice of Democracy Department Competition, is our sole entry into the National Judging and will attend the National Finals in Washington, D.C. The winner has been___ will be___ (check one) notified that they are the first place Department win-ner on January 24, 2015. Note: National Headquarters will contact your winner after this date to make travel arrange-ments for them to be in Washington, D.C. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Department Chairman’s Signature

(_______) _____________________________ (_______) ___________________________________ Daytime Phone Fax

E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ General Orders 33 August 2014

OFFICIAL STUDENT ENTRY FORM 2014-2015 PATRIOT’S PEN COMPETITION MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL ENTRANTS

**Please include a photo of the student** _________________________________________________________________________________________ Name: First, M.I., Last

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City, State, Zip

(_____) ______________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ Home Phone E-mail Date of Birth (day, month, year)

_____________ ________________ _________________________________________________________

Grade in School Essay Word Count School Name, City, State

_________________________________ __________________________________________ Print Parent’s Name(s) Print Teacher’s Name

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTEST RULES _________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Student Participant Date

2014-15 Theme: “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans”

What are the rules? • Students in 6th, 7th and 8th Grade may enter • Essay length: 300-400 typewritten words. • You must write your own essay. • All essays should be typewritten in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words

or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every word is counted regardless of length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.

Deadline: The completed essay, entry form, and picture of student must be in the hands of the VFW Post Chairman by midnight Nov. 1, 2014. In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay. Do not put your name on your essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay. Essays must be written exclusively for this competition. Use of the same essay for other competitions will result in disqualification. Contestants are allowed to enter only once (one Post competition). Contestants found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the com-petition and will be required to return any and all prize money awarded or received. The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally. All essays become the property of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW retains non-exclusive rights to use your es-say and likeness in the promotion and execution of the organization’s programs and activities.

Note: All entries must be submitted to a VFW Post competition. If you have difficulty identifying a sponsoring Post in your area,

call the VFW Department of Minnesota: (651) 291-1757 or e-mail: [email protected]

-OVER- General Orders 34 August 2014

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW/AUXILIARY POST Due to District By Nov 15 I certify that this student is an authorized entry in our VFW Post Level Patriot’s Pen Competition.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Post Commander’s/Chairman’s Signature Post #

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Ladies Auxiliary President’s/Chairman’s Signature

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Post Address City, State, Zip

No. of students participating _______ No. of winners advanced to District _______

Amt. Of Post/Aux. awards and bonds $ _________

Amt. of Post/Aux. additional expenses (banquet, pins, etc.) $_______

Post Chairmen: Please be sure to include a written copy of the winning entrants speech and a PICTURE of the entrant when you forward it to the District Chairman. TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW/AUXILIARY DISTRICT Due to Dept. By Dec 6 I certify that the student named in the previous section is the duly selected winner of the 2014-2015

Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest District Competition and is our sole entry into the Department finals.

_______________________________________ ______ ____________________________________ District Chairman’s Signature Dist # Date District Winner will be Informed

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City, State Zip

(_____) ___________________________ ___________________________________________________ Phone E-mail

District Chairmen: Please be sure to include a written copy of the winning entrants speech and a PICTURE of the entrant when you forward it to the District Chairman.

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE VFW DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN I certify that the student named in the previous section is the duly selected winner of the 2014-2015 Patriot’s

Pen Essay Contest Department Competition and is our sole entry into the National judging.

________________________________________________________________________________________ Department Chairman’s Signature

(_____) _________________________________ (______) ____________________________________ Daytime Phone Fax

________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail

The winner will be notified that they are the first place Department winner on _________________. Note: National Headquarters will contact your winner after this date to notify them of their national placement.


HONORING THOSE WHO TEACH VFW launched the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 1999 to recognize classroom teachers for promoting citizenship education. Three teachers from each level (grades K-5, 6-8 & 9-12) will be selected as national winners. Each national award teacher winner receives the Past Commander-in-Chief John Smart Award and $1000.00. Their respective schools also receive a $1,000.00 award. They receive a paid trip to a VFW national event to receive their award. . Deadlines November 1 - Deadline for teacher nominations at the Post. Post judging should be completed by November 15th and winners sent to District. District judging should be completed by December 15th and winners forwarded to the Department. Department judging should be completed and winners submitted to VFW National Headquarters by January 15th. SPECIAL NOTE: Anyone may nominate a teacher except for the teacher himself or herself. While a school official may nominate a teacher, permission from a school or district is not required. Post chairmen must be sure to send the original nomination form, essay and official Post teacher entry form of the winner from each grade’s category level — along with one-page resume, up to five pages of documentation and a good quality head and shoulders photograph from the winning teachers. Previous state and national VFW winners are not eligible. Judging Select competent and unbiased judges. A panel of at least three to five judges is recommended. The VFW chairman should be present at the judging to provide assistance but should not be one of the judges. Prior to the judging, the chairman should review all nomination forms to ensure they adhere to the rules. Make sure entry is not a self nomination. The nominator should keep to the 350 word limit and sign the nomination. Judges should grant points based on three criteria with the potential of 100 points as follows: 1-50 points - An innovative approach to teaching citizenship. 1-25 points - Development of resources to teach citizenship education. 1-25 points – Passion for teaching citizenship education.

NOTE; JUDGING SHEETS AVAILABLE ON LATER PAGES. Running the Program Here are some important points to remember when conducting the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Program.

• Know the program procedures and judging guidelines thoroughly. • Develop a good working relationship with your Post’s Ladies Auxiliary chairman. • Contact schools early and make a point of explaining the importance of the program to the principal. • Send a news release to your local media with the names of your winning teachers. • Recognize your participants — both winners and judges — with official VFW awards (see the official VFW Emblem and Supply Department catalog for ideas).

• Send an accurate and detailed report of your competition along with your winning Post’s entries to the District as soon as the competition is finished. Your report should include the following:

1) Ladies Auxiliary participation 2) Number of schools 3) Total amount of money spent (including banquet

costs, gifts and citations).

Winning Entry Checklist Here’s what your Post needs to have to your District by November 15th. ❒ Winning Post teacher’s entry form, original nomination form and essay by individual making the nomination. (Up to 350 words.) ❒ Teacher’s one page resume (no more than two sides).

❒ Up to five pages (both sides) of documentation such as news articles or supervisors recommendations. ❒ Good quality head and shoulders photo of the teacher. Above requirements are the same for Districts to send to the Department by December 15th.


Post Teacher Entry Form (Make a Copy for each category winner.) Post Winners Section First Name_______________ MI._____ Last Name_______________________________________ Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip)______________________________________________________ Home Phone ( )____________________ Social Security Number ____________________ (optional – until declared VFW Department winner) Grade level ❍ K-5 ❍ 6-8 ❍ 9-12 Name of School______________________________________________________ School’s Phone ( )__________________________ School’s Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip) _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Post winner must provide a one page resume (no more than two sides), up to 5 pages of documentation (news articles or supervisors recommendations) and a good quality head and shoulders photo (no low grade computer printouts) to substantiate his/her nomination to the Post Chairman who will forward the packet to District Chairman.

Post/Ladies Auxiliary Chairman Section I certify that the teacher named above is the duly selected Post winner of the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Program in his/her grade level category and is our Post’s authorized entry into the District finals. Deadline: November 15, 2014 to District Chairman/designated District representative. Signature of Post Commander/Chairman _______________________VFW Post No. _______ Phone ( ) ____________ Post Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip)__________________________________________________________________ Signature of Ladies Auxiliary President/Chairman ___________________ Auxiliary No.______ Phone ______________ Ladies Aux. Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip) ___________________________________________________________ Total number of schools participating _______ Total number of teacher nominations for all categories: ________ Total dollar amount spent by Post/Ladies Auxiliary for awards for all categories and other (citations, gifts, medals, banquet): $__________

District/Ladies Auxiliary Chairman Section I certify that the teacher named above is the duly selected District winner of the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in his/her grade level category and is our District’s entry into the Department finals. Deadline for all District entries to Department is December 6, 2014. Must


include the Post winner’s original application, essay, resume and up to five pages of documentation and a good quality head and shoulders photo (no low grade computer print outs). Signature of Dist. Commander/Chairman __________________________ Dist. No.____ Phone ( )________________ Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip) _____________________________________________________________________ Signature of Auxiliary Dist. President/Chairman ____________________ Dist. No.____ Phone ( )________________ Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip) ____________________________________________________________________ Total number of schools participating: ____________ Total number of teacher nominations for all categories: __________ List all Posts participating in program: __________________________________________________________________ Total dollar amount spent by Posts/Auxiliaries for awards for all categories and other (citations, gifts, medals, banquet): $ __________ VFW Department Commander/Chairman Section I certify that the teacher listed above is the duly selected winner of the 2014 – 2015 National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in our Department in his/her grade level and is our official entry into the National judging. January 15, 2015 is the deadline for all Department entries to National Citizenship Education Department. VFW National Headquarters, 406 W 34 St, Kansas City, MO 64111. No extensions permitted. I hereby certify that our teacher HAS BEEN or WILL BE (circle one) notified that they are the first place state winner in their grade level on the following date __________________ REMEMBER: National Headquarters will contact your winner and Department Adjutant if he/she is selected as the National Winner. Signature of Dept. Commander/Chairman _______________________________ Phone ( )______________ Address/PO Box (City, State, Zip) ____________________________________________________________ Note: Be sure this form is entirely completed before sending to National Headquarters with your state winner’s original nomination form, essay, one page resume, up to five pages of documentation and a good quality head and shoulders photograph no low grade computer printouts). Remember this form is due back to VFW National Headquarters Citizenship Education Department by January 15th. 2015.


GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2 August 1, 2014 › 2009 › 07 › final-august-gos-2014.pdfThe Special...

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Transcript of GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2 August 1, 2014 › 2009 › 07 › final-august-gos-2014.pdfThe Special...