2014 Texas VFW Winter Newsletter

Winter 2014

TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER2013 National Publications Contest

Texas VFW Mid-Winter Conference

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Winners

Patriots PenWinners

RVOSI N S U R A N C E

Insuring Texas Homes,

Farms, and RanchesSince 1901

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

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

Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to [email protected]

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

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

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

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

Patriots Pen Winnerpage 18

Sierra Gordon wins the 1st Place $10,000 Voice of Democracy scholarship award with her article entitled “Why I’m Optimistic About Our Nation’s Future.”

Natalie Hasbrooke takes home the 1st Place Patriots Pen $2,000 cash award with her article entitled “What Patriotism Means to Me.”

In the News 4 Commander’s Column

6 Community Involvement Spotlight

8 Voice of Democracy 1st Place Winner

9 Voice of Democracy Additional Winners

10 Texas VFW Foundation

13 Helping Homeless Veterans

14 Vietnam Peace Accord Ceremonies

18 Patriots Pen Winners

19 Teacher Awards


23 Texas VFW Member Application

24 Patriots Club


28 Vietnam Peace Accord Memorial

Voice of Democracy Winner page 8

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

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Winter 2014

Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNNer2013 National Publications Contest

Texas VFW Mid-Winter

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ABOUT THE COVER

State Commander Sylvia Sanchez gets a hug from

Texas Governor Rick Perry while State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy

Grona introduces him to the 700+ attendees

at the Texas VFW Mid-Winter Convention

in Austin, Texas on January 31, 2014.

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

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

Upcoming Events 27 94th Annual Convention

State Commanders Homecoming

http://www.texasvfw.org

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

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

Volume LXVIII, Number 3, © February 2014. All rights reserved.

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

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

Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at [email protected].

STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN

Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorDan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editorwww.medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic Design

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

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

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

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

C O M R A D E S

Because We

Care!

HOW THE TIME HAS GONE. Here we are less than four months before this wonderful year is over. What a great time I have had traveling across this “small” state of ours and the hospitality has been awesome. It’s great to see so many old friends and make new ones. After all, this is what VFW is all about. As in the military, we’re an extended family. I look forward to visiting more districts in the next three months. Recently, while traveling in the Rio Grande Valley, I met an awesome person. Gregorio Barrera, a member of our Greatest Generation, WWII vet and member of VFW Post 8526 in Rio Grande City. He is a former POW from the Bataan Death March. What an honor it was to have met and visited with this American hero. As I check the Department statistics, membership is at 93.61%. This is less than where we were last year, but I am confident with your help, WE can once again make Texas “shine.” In the last few years, our numbers have dropped steadily mainly due to deaths or the non-renewal of our members. Comrades, I am concerned that as the numbers drop nationwide, our voice in Washington will not be as loud as it has been in the past. Our VOICE must continue to be heard. Our lobbyists in Washington are there to fight to keep our benefits and to lobby for our active duty, reserve and National Guard personnel as well as establishing and lobbying for our VFW Priority Goals. But they cannot do it all. We must keep in close contact with our members of Congress in our individual districts. Call or email them whenever you are concerned about veteran’s issues. Make them accountable. We must all strive to do all we can to bring our numbers up. Many of you are very good at recruiting. Some of you say: “I can’t go up to someone and just start talking.” Yes, you can. You can make a difference to someone just by talking with them. Sometimes combat veterans need someone to speak with. As I have mentioned before, there are so many eligible veterans around us and many have not joined because they felt they needed to be asked. Remember, if you see someone with a baseball cap with any of the wars or conflicts on it, walk up to them, thank them for their service, and ask them if they are a member of the VFW. I have recruited several just by asking. Comrades, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves, get off our chairs and contact those comrades who have not yet paid their dues. Sometimes, a visit or a phone call makes a world of difference. Showing you care, “Because WE do Care” means a lot. We must work at reaching out to recruit more members. Do your homework. Make sure you know the key points on just what the VFW does so you can share that with these potential members. To have a strong selling point, we must show the good side of VFW. We need our fellow veterans from the “Greatest Generation” to the “Latest Generation” as members. Each of them is important to our organization. We need to concentrate on our younger veterans, they are our future. Once you recruit them, make them feel welcomed and get them involved. We must also remember there are many women veterans who are eligible. Many are already in leadership positions, and I would like to see more. Nominations and elections are just around the corner. Make sure you nominate someone who will do the job, not just have a title. They must be willing to put in the hours necessary to fulfill their position. With a cohesive and working slate of officers, the post will run smoothly. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Homeless Veteran fund this year, both by the posts and Motorcycle Groups. A special thanks to VFW Post 5871 for their very generous contribution. Funds have been used to help homeless veterans. If we are able just to help one homeless veteran get off the street, we have accomplished our mission. These Comrades served valiantly, now they need our help. The Buddy Poppy is a symbol for the VFW. They are made by hospitalized veterans and the donations from their distribution help those veterans and our relief programs. Many of our posts have not ordered any Buddy Poppies and others have ordered the minimum. Please, do what you can to increase our numbers. Thanks again for everything each of you do for our VFW, your district, and your post. Without you comrades, WHERE WOULD WE BE? You are once again serving proudly to carry out the aims and ideals of the VFW. Thanks also to the Motorcycle Groups, Ladies Auxiliary, and Men’s Auxiliary for your commitment to serve. WITH EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER, we can do wonders. Let’s work our membership, continue our community service, work with our youth, and do all we can to make our great state shine again! May God bless you, your families, the VFW and the United States of America. n

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

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6 Texas VFW Winter 2014

TEXAS LEGENDS MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT

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

Texas VFW Post 8273, Frisco — Post members helped coordinate a Military Appreciation Night held on January 18, 2014 at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Mavericks farm team “Texas Legends.” The Patriot Guard Riders entered the floor in a grand fashion

prior to tipoff and the Wounded/Disabled Veterans fired a 21-gun salute after the National Anthem. At halftime Post members unveiled a 20´x30´ flag to honor a fallen Soldier. In addition, the American Fallen Soldiers Organization presented a rendering of the deceased Soldier to the family.

TEXAS LEGENDS MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT

mailto:keith.king%40yahoo.com?subject=Texas%20VFW


L-R: State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, Sierra Gordon, State Ladies Auxiliary President Melanie McConaghy, and National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud.

DECEMBER 25TH 1776, George Washington leading 2,400 men

across the Delaware River—these men, a collection of farmers,

store owners, fisherman and everything else; some fathers, husband,

brothers; were about to face the British Army. They whispered

together in hushed tones as they glided over the icy cold water

on that foggy night; no one knew what the future held. They

had suffered through freezing temperatures and starvation at

Valley Forge, New York’s Gouverneur Morris of the Continental

Congress wrote, “An army of skeletons appeared before our eyes

naked, starved, sick and discouraged.” These men overcame all

these hardships and through the ingenuity of a surprise attack won

the Battle of Trenton.

These were the kind of men who founded America and made her great. Those who endured hardships, sacrificed much

and fought for what they believed. They never lost hope in their country nor their God, and now we see them as heroes.

That was over 200 years ago, now it seems like our country is falling apart. There’s the huge deficit, high unemployment

numbers, rising taxes, the list could go on and on. Many Americans have lost all hope for America’s future and it sounds

understandable. But let me tell you another story.

It was a September night in 2009, U.S. Marine Dakota Meyers was about to experience what he later described to be

the worst night of his life. He was part of a security team supporting a patrol in Afghanistan. Suddenly the lights flashed out

of the nearby village and gunfire erupted. The patrol was being ambushed, and Meyer knew his friends and fellow Marines

were trapped inside. He, along with Staff Sergeant Juan Rodriguez Chavez, leaped into the Humvee and raced into the

gunfire. They risked their lives to carry out 36 men.

It’s people like these that make me optimistic about America’s future. There are people still willing to stand for what

they believe and to sacrifice all to save those they love and the country they love. There are people who know the world is

more than themselves and are determined to make a difference. People like Chloe Russo, a six year old from Minnesota who

raised over $1000 to fight childhood cancer. Or a group of homeless children in Virginia raised $500 through a lemonade

stand and donated it to the Special Olympics. Mike Huckabee said “Those faces I saw…gave me confidence that we’re a

nation that might be traveling uphill, but still a nation that knows how to climb uphill.”

I may not be optimistic about all the legislation that will be passed or how are [sic} elected officials are acting in

Washington, but I have hope for America because of Americans. The people who still believe in America, they will fight for

their children and grandchildren’s future. I have hope in these people and therefore I have hope for America’s future. Things

may be hard in America right now but as Ronald Reagan said in a radio address, “We Americans have never been pessimists.

We conquer fear with faith, and we overwhelm threats and hardship with courage, work, opportunity, and freedom.” The

same American who withstood two World Wars, a Depression, and many other national crises is the same America who can

fight through the hard times we are facing now. Because life isn’t always perfect, it isn’t always pretty, but that doesn’t mean

we should give up all hope of recovery.

Looking across the Delaware that Christmas night all hopes for America may have appeared very bleak, but because

they didn’t lose hope, America exists today. So as long as courageous young people don’t give up hope, if we keep fighting for

what we believe in, we can make an America who can withstand the terrorist, the depressions, the debt, the wars, even the

corruption of politics and come out even stronger. Because of our struggles the next 200 years can be even better

than the first. n

Why I’m OptImIstIc AbOut

Our NAtION’s Future

by Sierra Gordon

V o i c e o f D e m o c r a c y

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1,911 students participated in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program. $189,860 in scholarships were given to students to aid in their college educations.

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Texas VFW Winter 2014

1st Place—$10,000 Department of Texas VFW FoundationSIERRA GORDON, Zephyr, TexasSponsoring Post: 3278, Brownwood, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D82nd Place—$7,500Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 8552, Del RioPATRICK LYONS, Carrollton, TexasSponsoring Post: 8923, Carrollton, D33rd Place—$6,500W.T. “Pete” Evans Scholarship and Texas VFW FoundationADAM GREIG, Bloomburg, TexasSponsoring Post: 5870, Queen City, D124th Place—$6,000Camp Bowie Post 708 and Auxiliary Scholarship and Veterans Memorial, Inc.HOLDEN TANNER, Houston, TexasSponsoring Post: 5619, Houston, D45th Place—$5,500Past State Commander M. John Knapp and Dept of Texas Ladies AuxiliaryETHAN BECKER, Belton, TexasSponsoring Post: 4008, Belton, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D146th Place—$5,000Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 3903, RosenbergBAILEY WICHERT, Pampa, TexasSponsoring Post: 1657, Pampa, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D97th Place—$4,500I/P. Sarge Bell Memorial Post 3377 and Texas VFW FoundationKIRSTEE DUNLAP, Beeville, TexasSponsoring Post: 9170, Beeville, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D68th Place—$4,000Texas VFW Motorcycle Group John Fair Memorial ScholarshipNATALIE MARSHALL, McKinney, TexasSponsoring Post: 2150, McKinney, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D19th Place—$3,500Scholarship Name: VFW Post 1657, Motorcycle Group #28, and Ladies Auxiliary, Pampa and Texas VFW FoundationPATRICK MOLINA, Monte Alto, TexasSponsoring Post: 7473, Elsa, D1810th Place—$3,000Stewart-Wendell Post 3904ISAAC SOMMERS, Boerne, TexasSponsoring Post: 688, Boerne, D13

$2,500—Robert O. “Bob” Pugh MemorialLAUREL ROBINSON, Huntington, TexasSponsoring Post: 1836, Lufkin, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D19$2,250—Francis Sullivan MemorialNATALIE SALAZAR, San Antonio, TexasSponsoring Post: 2059, Kirby, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D20$2,000—RVOS InsuranceALYSSA VAN BUREN, Kaufman, TexasSponsoring Post: 4376, Seven Points, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D30$1,500—VFW Post 6008 and its Men’s AuxiliaryJULIUS van TASSELL, San Marcos, TexasSponsoring Post: 3413, San Marcos, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D5$1,250—Post 2554 C.L. Bridge MemorialTAYLOR DUNGEN, Columbus, TexasSponsoring Post: 6113, Columbus, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D16$1,000—VFW Post 10428, Kingsland, and its Ladies AuxiliaryVANESSA CAMPBELL, Colleyville, TexasSponsoring Post: 10454, Grapevine, D21$1,000—Dennis L. Cunningham, Post 8550, El PasoMARIAN HUGHES, Lago Vista, TexasSponsoring Post: 10427, Leander, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D28$1,000—Frank Burns Post 5619, Inc.ANDREW SEALE, SAFB, TexasSponsoring Post: 10455, Burkburnett, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D15$1,000—E.G. Mudd Insurance Agency in Memory of Past State Commander Earnie MuddVICTORIA WHITE, Port Neches, TexasSponsoring Post: 4820, Port Neches, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D2$1,000—West Brazos VFW Post 8551 AuxiliaryDANIELLE PENN, Yorktown, TexasSponsoring Post: 8146, Yorktown, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D24$1,000—Jerome HenzeEMILY ISBELL, Midland, TexasSponsoring Post: 7208, Midland, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D25$1,000—Ladies Auxiliary District 16 VOD ScholarshipANDREW KING, Lorena, TexasSponsoring Post: 6008, Hewitt, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D29$1,000—Department of Texas VFW FoundationISAAC BAUTISTA, El Paso, TexasSponsoring Post: 8782, El Paso, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D10$1,000—Department of Texas FoundationALEA CARRELL, Anderson, TexasSponsoring Post: 4006, Navasota, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D17


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

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

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

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

[email protected]; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATIONTEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

TEXA S VFW FOUNDATION

Helping Veterans in Need

Your small donation makes a big difference.

Ada D.—Texas VFW Foundation assisted Ada

with rent and utility bills during a difficult time

Charles T.—Texas VFW Foundation assisted Charles with two months of bills due

to a debilitating strokeAda D. was a Vietnam veteran’s surviving spouse who had just lost her husband, and was having trouble paying the bills at this difficult time. Texas VFW Foundation assisted with her rent and utilities.

“I am so grateful! The checks arrived today. At one point I was feeling all alone but knew God had a ‘ram in the bush’—that ram being the Texas VFW Foundation. My family couldn’t help out because of their own financial obligations and you were a God send assisting me during a very difficult time. I’ve had some good days and bad and still feel the pain from losing my husband. It will be a while before it moves on but I am hanging in there. I pray when you receive this letter it finds you in the very best of health. I thank God for people like you. This is coming from the bottom of my heart.”

p.s. I will never forget what you all did for me.

“I am thankful for your organization, for without you I would have been unable to keep my lights on this year. Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this letter but due to the stroke it takes me a bit longer to get things done. Thank you so much for your aid. You are indeed a Godsend for people in my condition. You went above and beyond my expectations. I requested your assistance with one month’s payment and you took care of two months. I was shocked and grateful that anyone would consider doing that. It really did take a load off my mind. God bless you, and everything you stand for. I will never forget what you all did for me.”

Recently, Past State Commander Wayne De Pute’s lovely wife, Millie, passed away. The Depute family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the Texas VFW Foundation in lieu of flowers.

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

mailto:foundation%40texasvfw.org?subject=Application%20request



http://www.usaa.com/vfwcc


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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the SERVolution TEAMSupport NORMAN MACEY for State Chaplain

Over 20 VFW Leadership Positions Held

[email protected]


POST CONDUCTS “COATS & CASH” FUNDRAISER

HELPING HOMELESS VETERANS FROM AROUND TEXAS

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

Texas VFW Post 5871, Huntsville — Post Commander David Lanoue and Post member Jeff Clark lived in a trash dumpster for three days December 8-11, collecting “coats and cash” for homeless veterans from the local community. Over the three-day period they collected hundreds of coats and $2,239 which was presented to State Commander Sylvia Sanchez at the Texas VFW Mid-Winter Convention in Austin. The funds will be used towards the State Homeless Veteran initiative that will provide supplies to homeless veterans stand-downs across the state. State Commander Sanchez said that “Commander Lanoue, Comrade Clark and the members of the Huntsville Post exemplify the fact that no one does more for veterans than the VFW.” Sanchez then flooded them with praise for their commitment to our fellow veterans who are less fortunate.

Texas VFW Post 856, Austin — A Homeless Stand Down was held at the Post’s location in Austin, Texas on October 25th, 2013. The event helps inform homeless veterans about their benefits and various organizations available to help. The veterans are given flu shots, hair cuts, sleeping bags, clothes, boots and tennis shoes.

Afterwards, everyone enjoys a great lunch and then the veterans are driven to locations of their choice. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers and companies who made donations!

Texas VFW Post 8936, San Antonio — Post members, Ladies Auxiliary and volunteers along with State Commander Sylvia Sanchez cooked and served dinner to approximately 100 homeless veterans and their families at a Christmas dinner hosted by the V.A. Homeless Program on December 19, 2013.

District 20 — Commander Cris Vieyra and homeless veteran chairman Gilbert Uriegas, both from District 20, collected clothing and new socks that were donated by Post members. The collected items were donated to homeless veternas in the area.


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

Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — Members of Texas VFW District 20 gather at Texas VFW Post 1533 for commemoration of the signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord.

VIETNAM PEACE ACCORD—JANUARY 27

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

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

American Legion Post. Everyone welcome on this tour.

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Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands — Post held Vietnam Peace Accord remembrance ceremony at College Park High School and gave welcome home challenge coins to Vietnam Veterans.

Texas VFW Post 10351,

Hemphill — Local students presented a poster

of events of the war, sketches and

a timeline. The District Patriot Pen

Winner was also acknowledged.

Texas VFW Post 6717, Odessa — Post members gave party and flags to the Odessa Youth Track Club in recognition of the

Vietnam Peace Accord.

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

P a t r i o t ’ s P e n A w a r d W i n n e r s

WhAt pAtrIOtIsm meANs tO meby Natalie Hasbrooke

THE MAJORITY OF AMERICA HAS FELT IT; a tugging

at your heart, an overwhelming sense of pride and triumph

swelling within you at the sight of the stars and stripes, and

the inspiration to live not in your country, but for your

country. We illustrate these emotions in one, simple word:

Patriotism.

To me, patriotism is loving your country the way

you love your family. It dares us to strive for superiority

and achieve the highest of achievements. It’s the

inextinguishable devotion for the welfare of the land

that you live in. Patriotism is looking at the American

flag and seeing beyond the banner and noticing what

the stars and stripe represent; the beginning of a

strongwilled country. And as I flip through the pages

of my American History textbook, I am aware of the

recurring example of patriotism displayed by our

founding fathers. I am also inspired by those who have spoken out and fought for

our country overseas and at home. Patriotism is the omnipresent force that devotes us to protect

America, support America, and sacrifice for America.

Nathan Hale, a soldier during the American Revolution, once said, “I only regret I have but one

life to lose for my country.” These were his last words before being hanged by the British. I think he

means that for his country, he would die a thousand deaths if it meant possible freedom for the ones

he loved. This is a virtue all patriots should possess. Patriots advocate unity, enforce equality, and

support the unalienable rights endowed to us by our forefathers. Patriotism is a sense of belonging,

a feeling of being a part of something bigger than you, larger than life.

Finally, I think the most important role in patriotism is appreciating and thanking veterans not

only in times of war, but also in times of peace, for them serving is something we can never repay

them for and those veterans can never be thanked enough for putting their lives on the line for us,

and the least we can do is say two simple words to them: Thank you. n


PATRIOT’S PEN W I N N E R S

1st place $2,000—Department of Texas VFWNatalie Hasbrooke, Boerne, TexasSponsored by Post 688, Boerne, District 13

2nd place$1,000—Department of Texas VFWTyra Rodden, Van, TexasSponsored by Post 7211, Tyler and its Ladies Auxiliary, D-12

3rd place$500—Department of Texas VFWRuth Mitchell, Pecos, TexasSponsored by Post 6284, Kermit, and its Ladies Auxiliary, D-25

Pictured L-R: State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, State Ladies Auxiliary President Melanie McConaghy, Natalie Hasbrooke, National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud.


Pictured L-R: State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, Jay Moore, State Ladies Auxiliary President Melanie McConaghy, National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud.Sponsored by VFW Post 6873, Abilene, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 8.

Pictured L-R: State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, Darlene Elmore, State Ladies Auxiliary President Melanie McConaghy, National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud. Sponsored by VFW Post 10351, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 19.

FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS, Kay Pittman, a music teacher at Travis Elementary School in Pampa, has produced and conducted an annual Veteran’s Day program. What started as a small event at the school has progressed to a community-wide program that is held outside of the school and open to all of the surrounding communities. A member of the ladies auxiliary to vfw post 1657, Kay’s husband is a Korean War veteran and her son currently serves in the U.S. Navy. Kay takes different grade levels to visit veterans in nursing homes and has been involved in getting care packages to our military. It is through her actions that her students understand that the freedom they enjoy today has come at a great price and that it is a honor and privilege to live in the United States. Jennifer Studebaker, the Principal of Travis Elementary, said, “Mrs. Pittman’s commitment to her students knowing and understanding of our country’s freedom and the men and women who have made that possible is invaluable.” n

A TEACHER SINCE 1995, Darlene Elmore teaches seventh grade math at Hemphill Middle School. In addition to teaching math, Darlene implemented the “Patriots’ Club” for grades five through twelve. The Patriots’ Club offers students the opportunity to explore, learn and celebrate special patriotic days throughout the year releated to our military. The club’s purpose is to develop Americanism and honor those who served through edcuation and recognition. Students prepare and share presentations, poems, readings from books, colleges, military replicas, interviews with community members and many more creative ideas. Darlene’s leadership in the Patriots’ Club is based on her service in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1994. A member of Texas VFW Post 10351 in Hemphill, Darlene served during Operation Desert Storm earning a Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Currently, her daughter serves in the UI.S. Army. One of her students said of her, “Mrs. Emore is dedicated to making us the best students we can be!” n

A WORLD GEOGRAPHY AND U.S. HISTORY TEACHER FOR 21 YEARS, Jay Moore, from Abilene High School, stimulates his students’ interest in history through his passion to connect our youth with their past, especially as it pertains to their community. Jay is the creator of “History in Plain Sight,” a video series documenting abilene’s history. His most recent documentary detailed the impact that camp barkeley had on abilene and how it led to the establishment of Dyess AFB. He has also published numerous articles to include, “I Met Joe Brown,” a piece retelling the story of his chance encounter with World War II veteran Joe Brown. Mr. Brown’s story of survival is retold each year to students in Mr. Moore’s history class. Additionally, he includes personal stories as related by Abilene veterans, past and present. Jay’s influence is not restricted to the classroom. He continually mentors his students to become more active citizens in their community. The 2013 winner of the Texas Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award, this year his classes are championing the cause of former Abilene High School student Reyes Flores to correct the misspelling of his name on the vietnam memorial wall. n

6-8th Grade—Darlene Elmore

9-12th Grade—Jay Moore

Pictured L-R: State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, Kay Pittman, State Ladies Auxiliary President Melanie McConaghy, National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud. Sponsored by VFW Post 1657, Pampa, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 9.

K-5th Grade—Kay Pittman

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARDS




LESTER GLOBSTAD—IN MEMORIAM

Texas VFW Post 688,

Boerne — Post members participated

in a Vietnam Peace Accord remembrance

ceremony. Pictured L-R: Post Chaplain Tony Spall, Mrs. Spall, Commander

Dave Judson, Post Judge Advocate Charlie

Wetherbee, Jack Mulhollan. Photo by Post

Sr. Vice Commander Ken Schatte.

Texas VFW Post 4853,

Jourdanton — Post members held a

Vietnam Peace Accord remembrance at their

post. Pack 356 from the Cub Scouts participated

in a Color Guard ceremony and then held

their Pinewood Derby immediately after in

the post hall.

On Friday 11 October 2013, while riding his motorcycle

to work, the Co-Chairman of the VFW Motorcycle Group of Texas, Unit 8-837, Lester Globstad was hit and killed.

His wife, Holly Globstad, asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Texas

VFW Homeless Veterans fund. Presenting a check for $1,050

to State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, in memory of Lester Globstad, is Petra S. Bennett

and James Bennett of Texas VFW Post 12041, Lytle and

Motorcycle Unit 8-837.


FUNDS RAISED FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Texas VFW Post 9182, Katy — Texas VFW Post Commander Gary Drahos of Post 9182, Katy, presents a check of $980 for Homeless Veterans to State Commander Sylvia Sanchez. The funds were raised at the Post’s Rhythm and Shoes benefit for Homeless Veterans.

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

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

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

Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________

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

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

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

Lobbying for Veterans & MilitaryProviding Disaster Relief

Community VolunteerismFunding College Scholarships

Phone Cards for TroopsSupporting Youth Groups

Emergency Financial AssistanceSupporting Memorials

Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements

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

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

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

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

THE PATRIOTS’ CLUB, initiated by middle school teacher Darlene Elmore, is a youth club located within Hemphill ISD and is geared to fostering patriotism in students and helping provide an understanding of what the “price of freedom” entails.

The club currently holds a membership of approximately 60-70 enthusiastic students who attend meetings on the first Monday of the month. During the meetings members from Texas VFW Post 10351 discuss the current month’s “remembrance days”—explaining the events to the students and then providing guidance to help them with their research projects. Then, on the actual remembrance day, another Patriots’ Club meeting is held and students present their research projects to the group. Presentations can range from book exerpts, power point slides, drawings, posters, collages, or interviews. Creativity is encouraged.

In addition to the presentations, students participate in other patriotic endeavors such as flag raising ceremonies at the school, setting up POW-MIA tables, and attending various military remembrance dinners.

The students show great interest and take pride in the club. They especially enjoy the stories given by veterans. Perhaps other ISDs can adopt this club’s philosophies and introduce them into their own schools. Thank you to all of the students, VFW members and volunteers who help promote patriotism in young students! n

“The students show great interest and take pride in the club.”




Texas VFW Posts of District 29 — 8 out of 10 posts from District 29 participated, along with their respective auxiliaries, in a Vietnam Peace Accord ceremony held at Texas VFW Post 10426, Mart. Approximately 80 canned items were collected and donated to the Veterans One-stop Food Pantry to serve needy and homeless veterans. Thank you to all the participating posts, auxiliary members and friends and family who were present.

Texas VFW Post 5619, Houston — Members enjoyed sandwiches, chips and refreshments before listening to a history reading on the Vietnam

Peace Accord. Several members are Vietnam veterans so interest was high and an interesting discussion followed the presentation.

Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen — Members held a Vietnam Peace Accord ceremony, speech and silent prayer at Allen Veterans Memorial.

Texas VFW Post 4146, Victoria — Members and friends of the post listened to a speech on the Vietnam Peace Accord while enjoying a delicious fried chicken lunch complete with chocolate cake.

Texas VFW Post 8904, CenterMrs. Myrtle Mosby (right) and daughter Joyce Johnson lay the Memorial Wreath. Mrs. Mosby’s son Mac Curtis Buckley was KIA on July 5, 1968.

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


Documents

2014 Texas VFW Winter Newsletter