Summer 2015

TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER2015 National Publications Contest

Texas VFW District 28 Post 9078 members take part in the Round Rock Independence Day Parade July 4.

inside95th Annual State Convention

4th of July CelebrationsRemembering D-Day, Loyalty Day,

Victory Over EuropeFlag Day Ceremonies

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Supporting Our Veterans

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3Texas VFW Summer 2015

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

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

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

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

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

Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustra-tions, 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.

Learn more about recent by-law changes passed at the

116th National Convention.

Over 1,100 veterans and auxiliary members attended the 95th Annual

Convention in Houston, Texas.

In the News 4 Commander’s Column

6 Veterans in the Community

8 News from Capitol Hill

9 One Auxiliary Article

10 Texas VFW Foundation

12 News from Washington D.C.

13 4th of July Parade with Post 4008

14 4th of July Celebrations

16 95th Annual State Convention

19 All State Posts

20 Highlights from Loyalty Day

22 Victory Over Europe

23 Memorial Day Celebrations

25 Texas VFW Membership Application

26 Remembering D-Day/Flag Day Ceremonies

28 Post 8904 Remembers Victory Over Europe

Changes to Ladies Auxiliary By-Lawspage 9

95th Annual State Convention Highlights page 16-17, 19

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

www.texasvfw.org

Summer 2015

Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNNer2015 National Publications Contest

Texas VFW District 28 Post 9078 members take part in the Round Rock Independence Day Parade July 4.

inside95th Annual State Convention

4th of July CelebrationsRemembering D-Day, Loyalty Day,

Victory Over EuropeFlag Day Ceremonies

ABOUT THE COVERTexas VFW District

28 Post 9078 members take part in the Round Rock Independence Day

Parade July 4.

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

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

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

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

Volume LXVV, Number 1, © August 2015. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN

Texas VFW Summer 20154

Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorDan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant EditorErin Marlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editormedianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic DesignDEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535

2015-2016 DEPARTMENT OFFICERSCOMMANDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 Dan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N I35. Austin, TX 78753SR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . 2207 Blue Water Bay, Katy, TX 77494JR VICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4815 Eddie Torres . . . . . . .663 Moursund Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78221JUDGE ADVOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494SURGEON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3359 Doc Howard . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044CHAPLAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4816 Norman Macey. . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct, Humble, TX 77346CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5076 John Lozanski . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd, Heath, TX 75032INSPECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 Lonnie Garza. . . . .1769 Jacobs Court, New Braunfels, TX 78130IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR. . . . . . . . . 7426 Joe Hayes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135COUNCIL MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8932 Larry Velasquez . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413ADJ/QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3377 Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST ADJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 Dan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6378 Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . 3413 Dave Adams . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . 4008 Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 76513DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . 12041 Larry Sanders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 457, Lytle, TX 78052DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . 3278 Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . 2775 Robert LaFleur . . . . . . . . . .3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . 5076 James Pratt . . . . . . . . . 2018 Royal Crest Dr., Garland, TX 75043OFFICER OF THE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . 2427 Stephen Biehl . . . . . 28314 Hardin Store Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORSSERVICE OFFICER/WACO. . . . . . .6008 Lloyd Coffman . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON. . . . 15045 Richard Pallanez . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2015-2016 DISTRICT COMMANDERSDISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9168 Guy Northrup . . . . . . . . . . . . 1402 Summer Time Trl, Lewisville, TX 750672 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 James Seales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Gary, Bridge City, TX 761113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6796 Jerry Greene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10523 Ferguson Rd, Dallas, TX 752284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5619 Rudy Carr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5623 Hazen St, Houston, TX 770815 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2933 Keith Foley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 787616 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2375 Jose Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .336 E. CR 2208, Kingsville, TX 783638 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3278 James Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7800 FM 2125, Brownwood, TX 768019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1475 Hank Dompe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606 S Hoyne, Fritch, TX 7903610 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 Rod Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 7990412 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8560 David Nichols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 1, Chicota, TX 7542513 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1480 Tim Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1328 Ranchero Rd, Kerrville, TX 7802814 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10376 Bob Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1501 Nortwood Dr, Marble Falls, TX 7865415 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8558 Randy Duckworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 E Oak St, Nocona, TX 7625516 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3903 Brian Satsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9830 Hein Rd, Richmond, TX 7746917 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4709 Gary Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Virginia Lane, Conroe, TX 7730418 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2410 Loren Pogue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 809, Donna, TX 7853719 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3893 Dick Shawver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19151 Valley Dr, Flint, TX 7576220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8111 Robert Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 Shadewell, San Antonio, TX 7822821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10429 Lynn Toomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937 Behrens Court, Crowley, TX 7603624 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4403 Jack Mageluzzo. . . . . . . . . . 1003 N Benavides St, Port Lavaca, TX 7497925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6284 Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 7976228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10427 Danny Soles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13204 N Ridge Cir, Leander, TX 7864129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 Roy “Bobby” Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 7670530 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4376 Randall Johnston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Oak Hills Dr, Mabank, TX 75156

LET US BE THE REASONTHEY STAY MY FELLOW COMRADES IN ARMS of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Patriots of the Auxiliary, among the challenges in life, no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of answering the call of service to those who have risked all and sacrificed much for the veneration and love of their country.

The magnitude and difficulty of the trust placed upon my shoulders by your confidence in my abilities has awakened within me a sincere appreciation for the great task ahead.

I am reminded of the founding of our great organization in 1899 and the thirteen veterans who met, simply to take care of a fellow veteran that was sick with malaria and had lost his job and was homeless living on the streets. I think about how the Veterans of Foreign Wars in its 116 years of existence has never strayed from its core mission of honoring and helping veterans of the United States no matter the odds. The very core of our strength lies in helping veterans.

As such this is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly, nor need we shrink from honestly facing the conditions in our organization today.

In the last several years we have lost not thousands, no we have lost tens of thousands of our comrades in arms from our ranks as they transfer to higher headquarters and their just rewards.

As our ranks have thinned and our replacements, if we have any, trickle in, it becomes more of a challenge to fulfill our mission of helping veterans and inside our own organization we have seen the important work we do make a lasting and significant difference in our communities, our state and our nation.

I firmly believe that if the tree of liberty requires the blood of patriots from generation to generation to survive than the fires of veterans’ advocacy need the passion of veterans rekindled from generation to generation as well.

To paraphrase a couple of quotes from Thomas Paine, “Truly these are the times that try men’s souls, the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this time of crisis shrink from their obligations, yet those who stand it now will always have the love and appreciation of generations to come.” “For if there be trouble, let it be now in my time, so my children may know peace.”

Here is a simple fact. NO ONE LEAVES THE VFW BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO SUPPORT VETERANS. They leave because of the “Petty Jealousies and Trivial Personalities.”

By the confidence you have placed in me as your State Commander I will not let the “Petty Jealousies and Trivial Personalities” of a few within our ranks extinguish my passion for veteran’s advocacy as I am not a summer soldier or a sunshine patriot. I am a Veteran of a Foreign War and I have, as have you, earned my spot in the front ranks of American citizenship.

I would ask that through your active participation in the Veterans of Foreign Wars that you be the person that invests and dedicates your time into our newer generation of veterans that are only now discovering how the VFW can enrich their lives and recapture that spirit of comradery they had in the military and greatly miss as a civilian.

LET US NOT BE THE REASON THEY LEAVE, LET US BE THE REASON THEY STAY. n

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

6 Texas VFW Summer 2015

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

VETERANS IN THE COMMUNITY

Texas VFW District 28 Post 4443, Austin—Members visit patients at the Riverside Rehabilitation Center to give a presentation about Loyalty Day May 1.

Texas VFW District 29 Post 6008, Hewitt—A member greets local service member who just returned home from Afghanistan at the airport June 6.

Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler—Commander William (Radar) Williamson and Ladies Auxiliary President Diane Garner serve up burgers for Independence Day.

Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne—Members and extended friends and family participated in a D-Day Remembrance at Bear Moon Bakery, Boerne, Texas.

Texas VFW Post 6115, Elgin—

Commissioner Willie Piña and Past

District Com-mander Ray Dudley

present U.S. Flag to Bastrop Senior Center President

Charlie Carman at the Bastrop Senior

Center July 16.

7Texas VFW Summer 2015

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9

A u x i l i a r y B y L a w C h a n g e

Texas VFW Summer 2015

VFW Authorizes One AuxiliaryBY NOW I AM SURE YOU ARE AWARE that at the recently completed 116th VFW National Convention, the by-law change concerning the Ladies Auxiliary was passed. Effective August 21, 2015, there will be no Ladies Auxiliary, only the “Auxiliary.” There have been several questions asked and I will try to explain to you as best that I can.First, this is not a consolidation of auxiliaries. Just because you are a member of the Men’s Auxiliary does not mean you will be automatically transferred or be automatically entitled to transfer to the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary can and will ask each prospective member for their proof of eligibility. Each member of the Men’s Auxiliary, if they desire, must make an application to the Auxiliary to become a member. This by-law change did not eliminate the Men’s Auxiliary. We believe, after speaking with the National Officers, that a by-law change will be forthcoming at next year’s convention eliminating the option of Departments forming Men’s Auxiliaries. At the least, I suspect that the Department will have a by-law change submitted for next year’s state convention, to eliminate Men’s Auxiliaries in the Department of Texas. Until such time, the Men’s Auxiliary should operate in accordance with the Guidelines.

A Post may vote to disband the Men’s Auxiliary in accordance with the Guidelines for the Men’s Auxiliary. To do so, a Post may, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members present at a meeting following a written notice mailed or delivered to each member in good standing of the Post at least ten (10) days before such meeting, vote to request to the State Commander that the charter of the Men’s Auxiliary be cancelled. The State Commander may, with the approval of the District Commander, order the cancellation of a Men’s Auxiliary charter. In the event of a cancellation, all monies, properties, etc. of the cancelled Men’s Auxiliary become the property of the Post. If the Post decides to give it to the “Auxiliary,” then it must be voted on with majority approval. I know, after speaking to some of our Men’s Auxiliaries, that they plan to ask the Post to cancel their charter so that they might start working now in forming the one “Auxiliary.” THAT IS NOT MANDATED OR REQUIRED AS OF THIS CURRENT TIME.

Until such time as the National or Texas VFW by-laws are changed or the Post votes to surrender the charter, the Men’s Auxiliary will still exist.

If you have any questions, please call.

Roy J. Grona Texas VFW, State Adjutant/Quartermaster

10

Your small donation makes a BIG difference.

I GAVE,WILL YOU?

CLICK HERE

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

10 Texas VFW Summer 2015

Helping Veterans in NeedA huge THANK YOU to the following for their

generous Foundation donations:

8200 12041 3359 4709 7207 8111 8800 8904 8936 9174 2410 2427 4008 5621 7110 8456

8573 8577 8800 9174 9213 46954709481548175073507454005620587561196205

6382644167966872687371087426778278738136820082308248855185588621

862787878790890489058919893189679078912916891719194919692138551

VFW Posts

LA District 1District 14

DistrictsVFW 2410 MC

VFW of Arizona Charities

Other

41467110918210354120581309

214724272772277527863359

337738923893390339053972

40084136414541464372

Ladies Auxiliary Posts

VFW 2410 MC

Texas VFW Motorcycle Group commits $10,000 a year to feed hungry veterans and their families.

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

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

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

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

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

12 Texas VFW Summer 2015

N e w s f r o m W a s h i n g t o n D . C .

NEWS FROM WASHINGTON D.C.VFW Elects New National Commander

THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS of the United States (VFW) concluded its 116th National Convention by electing Pittsburgh-native John A. Biedrzycki Jr. as its new national commander.

Biedrzycki served in the U. S. Army from 1967-1970. He served in Korea with the 7th Infantry

Division, and his decorations include Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Medal. He is a

VFW Legacy Life Member and served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, County, District and Department (state) levels prior to his elections to national office. He has been a member of the VFW for 46 years, having first joined the VFW at Post 418 in McKees Rocks, Pa., in 1969.

In his acceptance speech, the VFW’s new leader called on the organization’s nearly 1.4 million members to recommit themselves in service to others, which was one of the primary reasons his organization’s founders formed in 1899, and formerly merged here in Pittsburgh in 1914. He also urged everyone to consider how much poorer the country would have been had the VFW never existed.

“If not for the VFW, who in our communities will help organize and participate in patriotic salutes to our nation and remember those who serve or fell?” he asked. “If not for the VFW, who will help America’s veterans and troops navigate the complex VA claims system, or ensure their individual needs are properly take care of? And if not for the VFW, who will give a collective voice on Capitol Hill against all the noise generated by 30,000 registered lobbyists who, other than lip service, don’t have the best interest of veterans, service members and families first on their agendas?”

A retired high school history teacher, Biedrzycki also stressed that “freedom isn’t free”—something America tends to forget.

“The success of America was built on the service and sacrifice of many Americans, but our continued freedom falls squarely on the shoulders of those who wear the uniform. Everyone in the VFW understands that,” he remarked.

During his tenure he will log thousands of miles within the U.S. and internationally to promote the VFW, veterans’ issues, and quality of life initiatives for active-duty, Reserve and Guard members, and all their families.

Also elected were Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Brian J. Duffy of Louisville, Ky., and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Keith E. Harman of Delphos, Ohio.

Biedrzycki will lead under the theme Loyalty, Honor and Service for the ensuing year; values that have long-guided the VFW and its new national commander alike. n

Hearing on Pending Health LegislationTHE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH recently held a hearing to consider a number of important bills pending before the Subcommittee. Subcommittee members discussed the importance of improving VA construction and leasing processes and ensur-ing VA employees are held accountable for poor performance and wrongdoing. VFW Senior Legislative Associate Carlos Fuentes tes-tified, offering the VFW’s support for most of the bills and recom-mendations to strengthen others. In his testimony, Fuentes urged the Subcommittee to consider improving VA’s hiring authorities to ensure VA is able to quickly fill vacancies when it fires bad employ-ees. To view a video of the hearing, visit: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/legislative-hearing-3. n

Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration BeginsTHE VFW, through DOD’s Vietnam War

Commemoration partnership program, is working in local communities to recognize the sacrifice, service and tremendous contribution our Vietnam War veterans have made to the security

of our nation. The Commemoration will have ongoing events at more than 2,100

locations in local communities around the country. To learn more about where events are taking place or how to become a partner visit: http://www.vietnamwar50th.com. n

The VFW Wants to Hear from YouIN OUR CONTINUED EFFORT to better represent the needs of our membership on Capitol Hill, the VFW is asking you to take a short survey on what’s important to you when you seek health care. To take the survey, click here: https://www.research.net/r/VACareSummer15. n

Korean War MIA IdentifiedTHE DEFENSE POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of Army Sgt. 1st Class John C. Keller, 26, of the Bronx, N.Y., who had been missing in action since the Korean War. He will be buried with full military honors on a date and at a location yet to be determined. In No-vember 1950, Keller was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from their position northwest of Unsan, North Korea. He was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950. It would be later learned he had been captured by the Chinese, but died in 1951 as a result of malnutrition and medical neglect. Read more at: www.dpaa.mil. n

13

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

THE VERY FIRST BELTON 4TH OF JULY PARADE was held in 1850 and has been an annual event since 1919. The parade boasts more than 30,000 spectators and hundreds of participants who make the magic happen. As in typical grandeur, this year contained floats, bands, marching units, decorated vehicles, antique cars and bicycles. In 2008, USA Today named the Belton 4th of July Parade as one of the Nation’s “Top Ten Places to Fly Your Flag on the 4th.”

Henry T. Waskow VFW Post 4008, Belton, Texas has supported the parade for the last 25 years. During the last five years the Post has participated in the parade along with the Adopt a Unit 4th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Coordination starts weeks in advance between the Post and 4th Squadron. The Squadron provides soldiers to ride in the parade each year. Sonny Wooley provided the Post with a new trailer and several comrades worked to turn it into the Henry T Waskow VFW Post 4008 float. The theme this year was “Home Town Hero.” There were over 300 floats, including the Commanding General from 1st Cavalry

Division, Fort Hood; Major General Michael Bills (Grand Marshall); along with the 1st CAV Band and Mounted Soldiers on horseback.

Following the parade the Post held its Annual 4th of July meal for its comrades and guests. The Post Commander Roger DeWeese intro-duced the 4th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry, Fort Hood Commander LTC Ryan Howell and his XO MAJ William “Will” Wood, along with the four soldiers SSG Sean Kerber, SGT Jose Posada, SPC Gary Hagen, and PFC Doval Engram who rode in the parade. The Commander also introduced MAJ Wood’s family and other guests.

The Commander thanked comrades for preparation of the brisket and sausage that was cooked the day before. He also thanked the parade decorating committee and mem-bers of the Lady Auxiliary for their prepara-tion of food and raffle of items after the meal. Thanks were given to this great nation and to the soldiers who serve it. The event was well-attended and everyone had an excellent time during the meal and the raffle event. n

ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADEBy Loy Dean Gardner II

ON THE 9TH OF APRIL, 1945, the Henry T. Waskow Post 4008 was given its Charter. There were 68 Comrades who signed the Charter

that day. One of the 68 comrades to sign was August Waskow the brother of Henry T. Waskow. The original Post was built at 2311 South Pearl Street, Belton, Texas. In the mid 80’s a tornado destroyed the Post. Soon after the clean up a new Post went under construction on the same property, then they moved the building to the center of the property. Over the years the Post has made some additions. There has been a Post on this property for seventy years and counting.

Captain Henry T. Waskow was killed in the battle for San Pietro and the Liri Valley during the attack on the Winter Line. He fell, leading his com-pany in the assault on December 14, 1943.

Ernie Pyle, the famed war correspondent, was at the foot of the mountain the night they brought Captain Waskow’s body down by pack mules. He stood close by as the men of Com-pany B, 143d Infantry, 36th Division, paused for a last visit and said goodbye to their leader.

He wrote to the world, “In this war I have known a lot of officers who were loved and respected by the soldiers under them. But never have I crossed the trail of any man as beloved as Captain Henry T. Waskow of Belton, Texas.”

Pyle’s story informed John Huston’s documen-tary The Battle of San Pietro (released in 1945) and heightened interest in it. The character of Captain Bill Walker (played by Robert Mitchum) in William Wellman’s motion picture The Story of G. I. Joe is partly based on Pyle’s column about Waskow’s death. The U.S. Army insisted on changing the surname of Waskow to Walker in the film’s screenplay. Henry T. Waskow High School (Belton New Tech Waskow) in Belton and VFW Post 4008 are named after Waskow. n

Belton, TexasHenry T. Waskow VFW Post 4008

14 Texas VFW Summer 2015

I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y C e l e b r a t i o n s

TEXAS VFW POST 6522, BELLVILLE—Members present a U.S. flag to a Boy Scout troop member as part of an Independence Day celebration in Bellville, Texas.

TEXAS VFW POST 8904, CENTER—Member, dressed up as Uncle Sam, talks with U.S. Air Force

Veteran Milton Horton, a resident at Holiday Nursing Home as part of an Independence Day celebration.

TEXAS VFW POST 2772, SHERMAN—Commander Bart Ford and Jr. Vice Commander Penny Poolaw celebrated the 4th of July by performing flag folding ceremonies for a Boy Scout troop in Sherman, Texas.

16 Texas VFW Summer 2015

S t a t e C o n v e n t i o n

95th Annual State ConventionBy Dan West, State Commander

This year over 1,100 Texas veterans and auxiliary members participated in the Texas VFW 95th Annual State Convention in Houston, Texas. Starting with the golf tournament on Wednesday, June 10th 2015, sponsored by District Four, teams of four played 18 holes of golf. All had a great time and District Four volunteers staffed the event, under the direction of Convention Chairman Earl Conley. It was an exceptional golf tournament complete with breakfast, lunch and door prizes for each golfer, including awards for finishing teams and individual awards for longest drive, closet to hole and closest to the middle of fairway.

At the final Council of Administration meeting for the 2014-2015 year, State Commander Joe Hayes recognized Districts 13 and 14 for their outstanding performance in membership growth as the only two All-State Districts. Commander Hayes also thanked every member for their tireless dedication and commitment to the VFW.

Prior to the opening ceremonies and throughout the convention, attendees had the opportunity to visit with and purchase services and keepsakes from over 30 different vendors, including VFW products and Texas VFW branded merchandise from the National VFW Emblem & Supply Store.

A first this year, the Texas VFW hosted a veterans job hiring expo with the Texas Veterans Leadership Program of the Texas Workforce Commission that featured over one hundred employers that just over 900 veterans looking for jobs where able to talk face-to-face with.

After introductions and salutations from the State Commander, the top 31 Posts in the State were recognized as All-State Posts and presented their awards by State Commander Hayes and National VFW Representative Past Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak.

After the awards, State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona took control as the Master of Ceremonies and introduced our key note speaker, National VFW Representative, Past Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak, who talked about the need for the VFW to expand its programs as the Iraq/Afghanistan veteran will need the services of the VFW and the Veterans Administration for the next 60-70 years and that VFW members needed to be more involved in the political process

Business meetings for both the VFW and Auxiliary followed the next day that included reports from committee chairman, recognition of Honor Roll Posts, individual recruiting awards and nominations for state leadership positions.

Later that evening at the State Awards Banquet Master of Ceremonies State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona, asked State Commander Joe Hayes and National VFW Representative John Gwizdak to present all of the State level awards to the winners who were called to the awards

platform individually (see insert for list of awards and winners).

On Saturday, VFW and Auxiliary meetings reconvened, nominations reopened, and elections held with Dan West elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2015-2016 year. The following were also elected to the following State positions; Senior Vice Commander—Peyton Lumpkin; Junior Vice Commander—Edward Torres; Quartermaster—Roy Grona; Judge Advocate—Ken Burton; Surgeon—Thomas “Doc” Howard; Chaplain—Norman Macey.

At the installation ceremony held later that afternoon, State Commander Dan West announced his appointments (see page 4) and thanked the many people and Posts that helped him in his VFW career. State Commander West and State Auxiliary President Jayne McCormick invited all present to attend the Commander’s and President’s Reception immediately afterward where everyone had an opportunity to meet and visit with the newly elected comrades and sisters of the Texas VFW for 2015-2016. n

17Texas VFW Summer 2015

S t a t e C o n v e n t i o n

2015 STATE AWAR D W I N N E R S

A L L STATE D I STR I CTS

C HAP L A I N AWAR D

R UTH E R FO R D W I N N E R SSYLV I A S AN C H E Z AWAR D

J.T. Rutherford AwardsRobert Lafleur, Melvin Parker,

Joe Hayes

All State District CommandersD-13 Tim Casey

D-14 Roger DeWeese

Danny Henry AwardMichael leonard, Texas VFW Post

9213 McQueeny, D-5

Quartermaster AwardMichael Contreras, Texas VFW

Post 8790, Houston, D-4Glen M. Gardner, Jr.

Sylvia Sanchez AwardRamiro Daniel, Sr. Immediate Past

District Commander District 18

William B. Moody AwardCharles Bowen, Texas VFW Post

6873, Abilene, D-8

Outstanding Service Officer Award

Bruce Alford, Texas VFW Post 837, San Antonio, D-20

Outstanding Auxiliary AwardYolanda Guajardo, Texas VFW Auxiliary 7108, Helotes, D-20

Publication AwardsTexas VFW Post 430, Canyon, D-9

Editor Larry BoyerCommander Norman Bearden

Motorcycle Group AwardUnit 30, Texas VFW Post 7108,

Helotes, D-20

Community Service AwardsTexas VFW Post 3966, Devine

Texas VFW Post 8551, Sweeney

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19Texas VFW Summer 2015

A l l S t a t e P o s t s

VFW Post 9191, KilleenVFW Post 4709, ConroeVFW Post 912, BaytownVFW Post 1533, San AntonioVFW Post 12041, LytleVFW Post 8111, San AntonioVFW Post 8397, San AntonioVFW Post 9213, McQueeneyVFW Post 8554, MasonVFW Post 7473, ElsaVFW Post 8621, AliceVFW Post 7108, San AntonioVFW Post 6970, PoteetVFW Post 2375, KingsvilleVFW Post 12075, HumbleVFW Post 3895, La Joya

VFW Post 4443, AustinVFW Post 8786, FreerVFW Post 8541, San AntonioVFW Post 4819, WestVFW Post 9190, Haltom CityVFW Post 7835, GranburyVFW Post 2150, McKinneyVFW Post 8315, SchertzVFW Post 2772, ShermanVFW Post 2148, WacoVFW Post 688, BoerneVFW Post 6873, AbileneVFW Post 4376, Seven PointsVFW Post 2195, AllenVFW Post 7426, Farmersville

All State Posts

DAN NY H E N RY AWAR DO UTSTAN D I N G Q UARTE R MASTE R

L AU RA L AN D R E C E I V E S A L L-STATE P O ST C O M MAN D E R AWAR D

INCOMING LEADERSHIP TEAM OF STATE OFFICERS AND DISTRICT COMMANDERS FOR 2015-16.

20 Texas VFW Summer 2015

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 6522, BELLVILLE—Post Commander, Post members and auxiliary members participated in a Loyalty Day program at District 17 in Conroe, Texas.

TEXAS VFW POST 8787, AUSTIN—The Post presented APD Sergeant Allen Johnson a Law Enforcement Officer Award in honor of Loyalty Day.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LOYALTY DAY—MAY 1

Texas VFW Post 4815, San Antonio—Members along with Safety Patrol students from the Roy P. Benavides Elementary School replace the school’s U.S. flag as part of Loyalty Day ceremony.

TEXAS VFW POST 4395, PASADENA—Member places U.S. flag on a veteran’s grave to remember and salute his fallen comrade.

21Texas VFW Summer 2015

N e w S t a t e C o m m a n d e r W e l c o m e / S t a f f N e w s

Erin Marlow graduated from Watford City High School in 2008. She joined the U.S. Navy out of Fargo, North Dakota.

After completing basic training in Great Lakes, she received her six-month training as a Mass Communication Specialist (MC) at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) located in Fort Meade, Maryland.

Upon graduation at DINFOS, Erin’s first duty station was the USS Iwo Jima. It wasn’t long before Erin was transferred to the USS Bataan, as they were deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AoR) and were in need of MCs.

During the rest of her five year term on USS Bataan, Erin served as part of the Public Affairs team for a 2009 Middle East deployment, Operation Unified Response in 2010 for a humanitarian relief effort for the earthquake in Haiti, and a surge deployment in 2011 to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AoR. This was the longest deployment by a U.S. Navy ship since the record of 327 days was set in 1972.

During her term, Erin was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy ‘E’ Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Flag Letter of Commendation.

In 2013, Erin finished her term and enrolled in the Art Institute of California – San Diego to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic and web design. In 2014 she transferred to the Art Institute of Austin where she continues to earn her degree. She is scheduled to graduate 2016.

Erin currently works as a Department Communications Representative at the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars. n

ERIN MARLOW

Welcome New Staff Member

Dan West, a Gold Legacy Life member of Maurice T. Suttles Post 3413, San Marcos, was elected as the State Commander for the Department of Texas VFW at the 95th State Convention in Houston on 13 June, 2015.

A Veterans of Foreign Wars member since 1996, Dan has served in many positions within his Post and District. He is a four time All-State Post Commander and a two time All- American Post Commander.

He also served two consecutive years as a District Commander winning All-State District Commander both years, as well as All American District Commander and Honor Roll District Commander.

Dan has also served on various State and National Committees and is a “Certified National Recruiter,” having graduated from the first class in 2005

and has earned the “Century” recruiter award twelve times. He has also been recognized as a National Aide-De-Camp, National Deputy Chief of Staff and National Special Aide-De-Camp, is a recipient of the prestigious Department of Texas “J. T. Rutherford” Award and is author of the “District Command-ers, How To” book and “Campaign-ing for a VFW State Office” book.

He served as the State Chief of Staff for State Commander A.R. (Russ) Richards in 2006-2007. From 2008-2011 he served as the Vice Chairman for the National Military Services Committee and from 2011-2013 he served as a Vice Chair for the National Iraq/Afghanistan Committee where he was successful in having commemorative tributes for Operation Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, Operation Enduring freedom, Operation Iraqi

freedom and Women in Military Service added to the National By-Laws and Ritual officially recognizing the service of our newest generation of war veterans.

Dan West served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1994 as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant and Marine Drill Instructor. His overseas service was in Beirut, Lebanon, the Korean Peninsula and in Southwest Asia in Operation Desert Shield/Storm where he served with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines as a member of “Task Force Papa Bear” in the Al Buquan oil fields.

His military decorations include two (2) Navy Commendation Medals, three (3) Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Ribbon with (8) deployments stars and numerous other campaign medals, service ribbons and foreign awards. n

DAN WEST

Welcome New State Commander

Barbara Hoffman passed away July 28, 2015 after a long battle with cancer and she will be greatly missed by her family and all of us in the VFW and Auxiliary Family.

Barbara served as Post Auxiliary President to Post 6111. She served as District 21 President in 1969-1970 and as Department President in 1989-1990. She also served as a National Council Representative for Area H in 1998-2000; she was the National Programs Director several times and served as the National Chief of Staff in 1993-1994. She served as the Department Secretary from 2005-2015 helping to modernize the business operations of the Auxiliary.

In all, she served over 56 years in the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW and set a standard of volunteer service for us all to emulate.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Ladies Auxiliary in name of the Voice of Democracy Program or for Cancer Aid. Donations may be mailed to: Department of Texas Ladies Auxiliary | P.O. Box 15285 | Austin, TX 78761

Letter/Cards of condolence can be mailed to: Jim Hoffman | 4490 Eldorado Parkway, Apt 216 | McKinney, TX 75070 n

Barbara Hoffman

22 Texas VFW Summer 2015

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

VICTORY OVER EUROPE—MAY 8

Texas VFW Post 12075, Kingwood—Members Distributed VE Day Remembrance flyers at local Woodlands community center.

Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne—L-R: Al Zambrano, Lloyd Camp, Jack Mulhollan, Ed Mergele, Post Surgeon Matt Mcguirre, Commander Andrew Camplen, and Quarter-master Bob Worrall conduct VE Day at a Veterans Memorial.

TEXAS VFW POST 10351, HEMPHILL—Members visited Hemphill ISD to explain VE Day to the students. Some students provided power point presentations on their VE Day research.

23Texas VFW Summer 2015

TEXAS VFW POST 4395, PASADENA—Members, along with two Boy Scout troops, placed U.S. flags on veterans’ graves at a local cemetery.

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 688, BOERNE—Post members, with the assistance of American Heritage Girls, gather together to place flags on veterans’ graves.

TEXAS VFW POST 1406, DALLAS—Post members participated in Memorial Day festivities at Laurel Land Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

TEXAS VFW POST 4403, PORT LAVACA— Post members participated in Memorial Day festivities, Port Lavaca style.

TEXAS VFW POST 5619, HOUSTON—Members gathered to celebrate Memorial Day.

MAY 25

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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 pay-ment 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

26 Texas VFW Summer 2015

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

A DAY TO REMEMBER: D-DAY—JUNE 6

FLAG DAY CEREMONIES—JUNE 14

Texas VFW Post 2775, Orange—Post Jr. Ed McIntyre and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 23 salute as the buglar plays taps during a Flag Day Ceremony.

Texas VFW Post 8904, Center—Post Sr. Vice Newton Johnson salutes after placing a Memorial Wreath on a D-Day memorial.

Texas VFW District 20, San Antonio—Post 76 Jr. Vice Commander, Robert Hernandez Post 1533, Gilbert Uriegas; Post 76 Commander, Albert Mireles; Post 76 Sr Vice Commander, John Ornales; and VFW Post 8397, Cris Vieyra at a D-Day Ceremony.

Texas VFW Post 9186, San Antonio—Commander Robert Otto and Jr. Vice Commander Arland Schnacker prepare the U.S. Flag for retirement for a Flag Day ceremony July 14.

VFW Post 6797, Post—Members properly disposed of over 500 American, Texas and POW/MIA Flags. Upon completion of retirement, all members partici-pated in burying the ashes.

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Texas VFW Post 8904, CenterMembers participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, Center, Texas in honor of the Victory Over Europe. A pledge was given, followed by prayers and the playing of Taps.