Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United Statesvfwdeptpacific.org/ATD/artdFeb2010.pdfMOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

Veterans of Foreign Wars

of the United States Department of Pacific Areas

Commander Jim Malott

Military Order of the Cootie Grand of the Pacific

Commander Orville Humfleet

Volume V – Number 9 A non-profit official publication 20 February 2010

The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what is happening locally throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information from outside the

Department, in the various programs that both support. Inputs are due no later than the 15th of the month.

VFW POST 10216 MEMBERS SAVED LIFE OF A COMRADE AND RAISED $2,000 TO REUNITE FAMILY

This is what the VFW is all about!

Comrade Scotty Cornet.

OSAN, SOUTH KOREA – As members of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, we are often asked by other veteran’s “what does the VFW do for me” or “what do I get out of it”. Often our response reverts to the standard line “we advocate veteran’s rights with Congress” or we talk about our VFW service programs, student scholarships or National Home. These are all certainly good programs. I love the line, “you can

get cheap life insurance from us.” The VFW Magazine is full of savings for bulk buy of Depends or wheelchairs, but often these things do not equate to the young veteran who recently returned from Afghanistan or Iraq. I will share with you a story of comrades helping comrades. At the end of which you will be proud to say, “this is what it’s all about:” Scotty Cornett is an Air Force veteran who served in both Vietnam and Korea. He has “paid the dues” with valiant service to his country in both wartime and the cold war. When he retired, he decided to live in Korea, a place he loved and where his friends were. Scotty became a member of VFW Post 10216 in Songtan. He never sought a Post leadership position; that just wasn’t Scotty. But he was always the one there who volunteered to help on Buddy Poppy, or help cook at the Christmas meal, or simply talk with the young Airmen who might visit the Post. Everyone knew Scotty. His friendly smile and unassuming manner endeared him to all who he met. In February of 2009 Scotty had a tragic fall that broke his femur. He was able to limp home by himself, but no one was aware of his poor condition. His body went into trauma and he came in and out of consciousness. Unable to move, his condition quickly became life threatening.

Real Heroes!

The real heros (from left to right) Ron Tichota, Pat “Doc” Higgins, and “Van”

VanHazel. A member of VFW Post 10216 “Van” VanHazel was observant and noted Scotty’s absence. Van said, “I saw his glasses and hat and when I asked where is Scotty, no one knew.” That was on a Friday and Scotty fell on the Wednesday. The cry “where’s Scotty” went out and the search began. They went to his hotel and could hear him moaning on the other side of the door. Van wasted no time and broke down the door. They found Scotty lying on the floor of his room, literally in his own excrement, severely dehydrated and near death. Pat “Doc” Higgins and then Commander Ron Tichota responded immediately and together they made a gurney from a mink blanket and rushed Scotty to the Osan Base Hospital in Ron’s van. Without any doubt, the quick actions of our three VFW folks saved Scotty’s life.

Volume V – Number 9 AROUND THE PACIFIC 20 February 2010

VFW Department of Pacific Areas

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Scotty’s condition was so bad that he was immediately rushed to the nearby Korean hospital at Aju in Suwon City. Scotty was in critical condition for a long time and spent many more long months to become strong enough to MED-EVAC to the United States. Of special note, VFW Post 10216 used their Relief Fund to pay some of Scotty’s immediate bills such as his hotel, AAFES Star Card, and other important costs. There were no questions about this; it’s just the right thing to do. During this period, many of his VFW friends constantly visited him. The Cooties of Pup Tent #8 were especially active in visits; this being their organizations calling of hospital visits. Doc Higgins visited on a near daily basis to ensure Scotty’s welfare. Doc was particularly instrumental in coordinating with the 51st Medical Group at Osan and arranging for Scotty’s eventual MED-EVAC to the United States. Thus began a long and arduous journey for our friend. Scotty was transferred to VA Hospital at Martinez Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care, about 40 miles from Travis AFB. During this entire episode, the VFW had established contact with Scotty’s son, Steve Cornett. Our members were in constant contact with Steve and he became “one of us.”


Commander Jim Malott visits with Scotty.

Tremendous Support!

We were fortunate that our VFW Department of Pacific Areas Commander, Jim Malott, lived at nearby Moffitt Field. Jim became a key figure in Scotty’s recovery and made numerous hospital visits. Jim said that Scotty constantly talked about seeing his son and family again. Depression was setting in and Jim believed that a visit by his son Steve would greatly improve Scotty’s spirits. But such a visit is a costly affair. The VFW came to the cause of a comrade yet again. As a former Commander of VFW Post 10216, Jim contacted the current Commander Shawn Watson and asked for help.

Shawn conceived the idea of a fund raising drive to raise money for Steve to visit his father, with Keith Michael as chairman. The fund raiser included VFW members from around the world, the local military and community businesses. Importantly and symbolically, we received donations from Department of Pacific Commander Malott and past Commanders Teets, Sass, Weber and Lyons; District III Commander Darin Combs and each and every officer of VFW Post 10216.

VFW members accept “JJ and Friends”

donation to the Scotty Relief Fund.

The Results! In the course of three weeks, VFW Post 10216 was able to raise $1,500.00 from donations. Scotty’s friends played important roles in fund raising; Mr. Lim, owner of JJ’s Cantina raised over $500.00 from his customers and Scotty’s friends. At our January Post meeting, VFW Post 10216 contributed another $500.00 from our Relief Fund, so that our final contribution was $2,000.00. The Cornett family is reunited after many years. Steve said, “Pop was able to meet his Grandson, Mason, and my wife, Elizabeth for the first time.”

The Cornett family is reunited. From left to right Steve, Scotty, Elizabeth, and Mason.

Father and son reunited!

Department Commander Jim Malott was crucial in arranging for the visit and helped the Cornett family during their stay. Jim is now helping get Scotty moved closer to his family at a VA Hospital in Texas.

A salute to the contributors:

Scotty’s friends from around the world contributed to the fundraiser. Dept Pacific Areas Commander Jim Malott; District 3 Korea Commander Darin Combs; Past Dept Commander (PDC) Frank Sass; PDC Dave Teets, PDC Rhett Webber, Walt Greager, Jimmy Hudson, Post 10033, good friends Eric Morin and Dave Wittrock, Shaman Carnes, Ralph Rostock, Mike Gilmore, Jack Dane, Post 10216 Commander Shawn Watson, SVC Hammerstrom, JVC Higgins, Dave Beil, , J.R. Powell, Surgeon Dillingham, HRC VanHazel, QM Davis, Chaplain Quintero, Dave Beil, Adjutant Michael; Services Officer Huggler, Trustee Damian Cone, Trustee Ron Tichota, Trustee Matt Pierce, Officer-of-the-Day Matt Pierce, Guard S Price, Alan Laughter, Public Relations Bob Frace, Charles Woods, JJ’s Cantina, James Gibson, Jeff Hager, Jim Groff, James Groff, Jim, IRD, Pete, Eric Blodgett, Barry Wenick, Matt Mudra, Linda, Dixon, Rosenberg, Mike Mathers, Kelsey Sweeney, Sunshine, Kristina Gasaway, Ruz & Cheg, Yekna, Dirty Jerez, Ron “Diddy”, Jo, Rico “Chief”, Osan Pharmacy, Jarom & Mel Boyes, Steve Fisher, Kane & Ellen Smith; Luke and Cassity Casper, Matt “Hayseed” brooks, C.A. Chance, Kerker, Schabb, Matthews, R.E. Casey Hays, Post 10215, Gary Peitzmeyer, Ernie Fowl, Jim Smith, .and all those others I missed or “anonymous.” Thanks to everyone for making this happen. Eric Morin who resides in Brazil was in constant contact with Jim Malott and Scotty. Department Commander Jim Malott said it succinctly when he told Steve Cornett in an e-mail, “It is what the VFW does, taking care our veterans, and it is especially nice when we have an opportunity to care for one of our own.”

So the next time a veteran asks you, “What does the VFW do?” You can tell them this story and say, “This is what’s it’s all about!”



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DDiissttrriicctt 11 OOkkiinnaawwaa JJaappaann

VFW POST 9723 BLOOD AND BUDDY POPPY DRIVE HELD AT USO KADENA AIR BASE

DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass

DDiissttrriicctt 11

OOkkiinnaawwaa JJaappaann VVFFWW PPoosstt 99772233

VFW Post 9723 Blood Drive held at the USO Kadena Air Base on 27th of Jan 2010. From left to right Comrades Stewart, Wilson, Kennedy, Ash, and Provencher.

Two Navy Seabees who at the Blood Drive.

Blood Drive and Buddy Poppies. Comrades Ash and Provencher at USO

Kadena Air Base

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Click and see what is going on in your VFW: www.vfw.org



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VFW POST 9723 VOD AND PATRIOTS PEN AWARDS

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN – On 04 February 2010 at the Kadena Middle School at a presentation of awards to the winners of the Patriots Pen there were 3 winners and one was also the District Winner Present were the following Comrades Commander Stewart, Quartermaster Provencher and Life Member of VFW Post 9723 Major Glenn USMC Retired who is a teacher at the school and the Principle of the school Mr. McClain this was done in the Schools closed circuit TV room and sent throughout the School to each room to be watched by the students on their TV System.

DDiissttrriicctt 22 MMaaiinnllaanndd JJaappaann

DISTRICT 2 MAINLAND JAPAN QUARTERLY MEETING

YOKOTA AIR FORCE BASE, JAPAN – On Saturday, 23 January 2010, Comrades of District 2 Mainland Japan gathered for their Quarterly Meeting hosted by VFW Post 9555 in Yokota. Discussed a

variety of topics to include the National Life Saving Award, Memorial Day preparations on NAVSUPFAC Negishi, recruiting, VOD/PP, and more.

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Click and see what is going on in your Department: www.vfwdeptpacific.org



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VFW POST 9612 VOD/PP AWARDS CEREMONY

CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN – On 05 February 2010 at the Zama High School on USARJ Camp Zama, Commander Joe Mortimer, Adjutant Dick Keeley, and Past Commander Herb Hooper, presented awards to the top three winners in the Voice of Democracy division, and the top overall winner in the Patriot's Pen division. The ceremony was hosted jointly by the ZAHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Camp Zama's Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The first- through third-place winners in the Voice of Democracy division were Crystal Quinn, a ZAHS senior; Jalyn Jones, a sophomore; and Jake Harris, also a senior. The three were awarded U.S. savings bonds in the amounts of $1,000, $500, and $100, respectively. The winner in the Patriot's Pen division was Mary Camele, a seventh-grader at Zama Middle School, who was awarded a $100 saving bond. "This opportunity improves students' writing skills and also gives them the opportunity to see what the world is really about," said Sgt. Maj. George Dale, the ZAHS JROTC commandant. "The students have to sit, think and do little research and also talk to other people to write the essay.

"This year's theme gave them a chance to see the world really does have heroes," added Dale. "The world has situations where you have to step up and do something. It's hard for some students, but they're encouraged and sometimes pushed to do that." The ceremony was attended by approximately 70 people, including the competitors' families, JROTC members and friends. "I never heard of the opportunity to receive a big scholarship like this when I was in school," said Dale. "I'll have to keep encouraging and pushing students. It's hard, but it's all for them." "It was great,' said Quinn. "My motivation is my parents and my [JROTC] sergeant major, but most importantly, God. He helped me get through this. Without him, I could not have done this. I'm thankful to him for everything." One of the more unique essays from this year's Voice of Democracy competition was written by Joshua Domingo, a sophomore, in Japanese. The subject of Domingo's essay was his mother. She was encouraged to enter in the contest even though he had just transferred from a Japanese school and possessed limited English-speaking ability.

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VFW POST 9612 ATTENDS TAIYUKAI (JAPANESE VETERANS) NEW YEAR RECEPTION

Comrades Adjutant/Quartermaster Keeley and Commander Mortimer with former members of the Japanese military (left photo).

Senior Vice Commander Dean, and Adjutant/Quartermaster Keeley (right photo). YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – On Sunday 24 January 2010, Comrades of VFW Post 9612 attended the Taiyukai (Japanese Veterans) New Year Reception at the Royal Hall in Yokohama. Commander Joe Mortimer, Senior Vice Commander Vinnie Dean, and Adjutant / Quartermaster

Dick Keeley of VFW Post 9612 were in attendance. This was a great opportunity to meet veterans of our host nation Japan to share stories and simply getting together to know each other in the spirit of friendship!

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VFW POST 9612 HELD PRESIDENT’S DAY QUIZ AND RECRUITING DRIVE ON NAF ATSUGI

Commander Mortimer and Senior Vice Commander Dean giving the President’s Day Quiz and speaking with prospects for membership.

NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN – On 15 February 2010, in the dining area of the Navy Exchange Food Court on board U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Commander Joe Mortimer, Senior Vice Commander Vinnie Dean, Judge Advocate John (J.J.) Johnson, and Surgeon Matt Maness held a President’s Day Information table where we passed out information pamphlets for a History of President’s Day and also held a President’s Day Quiz, where if someone participated in the quiz, they would receive $5.00 discount on their membership or for someone in their family within the local area paid for by Commander Mortimer if they qualified and decided to join the VFW.



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DDiissttrriicctt 33 KKoorreeaa

DISTRICT 3 KOREA AWARDS RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

VFW Post 10216 Commander Shawn Watson accepts the Law

Enforcement and the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award on behalf of the Post from Junior Past Department

Commander Larry Lyons.

VFW Post 10033 Commander Darin Combs accepts the Firefighter of the Year Award on behalf of the Post from Junior Past Department Commander Larry

Lyons.

District Service Officer and National Military Service Committee member gives the District

Service Officer Report and provides education to the District Officers and Post Commanders.


DDiissttrriicctt 33 KKoorreeaa

DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA – District III held its quarterly meeting on 06 February 2010 with VFW Post 10033 hosting the event. This was Commander Darin Combs’ Homecoming meeting and the first that VFW Post 10033 has hosted in a few years. The District was honored to have the Junior Past Department Commander Larry Lyons present the Department Firefighter, Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Awards to VFW Post 10033 and VFW Post 10216. The District meeting was very successful with all 7 Posts in the District being represented.



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DDiissttrriicctt 55 TThhaaiillaanndd

VFW POST 10217 ATTENDS THAI VETERANS DAY


DDiissttrriicctt 55 TThhaaiillaanndd VVFFWW PPoosstt 1100221177

Past Post Commander Florencio "Val" Valenzuela (left) in

formation with the Thai Veterans.

Three Thai veterans pose with Post Officers for photo opportunity. Post members from

left to right are Quartermaster Ed Medlin, Adjutant Bill Chapman, Junior Vice Commander Dennis Bridgford, Commander Byron Petrides, and Chaplain Val

Valenzuela. KORAT, THAILAND – On Thai Veterans Day, 5 of us showed up early in down town Korat by the Ya Mo statue to participate in the ceremony. Many of the Thai military were there as well, all looking very sharp in their uniforms. There were some speeches, a 21 gun salute, and playing of Taps (the Thai version, of course). Many different organizations posted flower wreaths, and some of the Thai Army women were selling Buddy Poppys.

After the ceremony was finished there at Ya Mo, we went south to the army base for a parade of marching troops and Veterans, followed by a religious observance with many monks in attendance. Then we all went inside the huge event room for a fine lunch and some music and entertainment. Our post presented a 5,000 Baht (approximately US$150.00) donation to the student’s scholarship fund. VFW Post 10217 is developing a closer relationship with the Black Panthers (Sua Dum), the Thai War Veterans Association. Several of us are members and attend their meetings and other events. They help us to prepare for Thai holidays such as this Veterans Day, where we all joined together to honor their Vets who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and probably some other conflicts of which I am not aware.

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VFW POST 12074 CELEBRATES THAI VETERANS DAY WITH LOCAL AREA THAI VETERANS

The plaque was presented by the Commanding General of the 33rd Army Area (North).

CHAING MAI, THAILAND – On 03 February 2010, Twelve members of VFW Post 12074 joined the Thai Military in celebrating Thai Veterans Day. Post Commander Mike Holmes was presented with a plaque, thanking VFW Post 12074 for its support of Thai Veterans, particularly the annual donation of jackets and blankets to Thai Veterans prior to the cold season. VFW Post 12074 has established a very close relationship with the Thai Veterans in the Chiang Mai area.

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If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.



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DDiissttrriicctt 66 GGuuaamm

VFW POST 2917 VOD / PP AWARDS

Commander Carroll and Chairman Bradford with all the St. Anthony's Catholic School Patriot Pen participants.

GUAM – St. Anthony's Catholic School Principal, Sister Doris SanAgustin, RSM has been a strong supporter of the VFW Patriot Pen Program. Every year the school has participated in the Patriot Pen program and has nominated a deserving teacher for Elementary and Middle School category's. We thank you for strong support for our program.

Students at St Anthony's Catholic School preparing for morning colors.

They perform this ever day.

Commander Robert Carroll Presenting the VFW Post 2917 Teacher of the Year Certificate and check for $100.00 to Mrs. Anna Stroud Cristosomo for

Middle School Teacher.

Commander Robert Carroll presenting the VFW Post 2917 Teacher of the

Year Certificate and check for $100.00 to Mrs. Marie Leon Guerrero for Elementary School Teacher.

Past Department Commander Jerry Kraus, VFW Post 2917 Commander Robert Carroll and VODPP Chairman Bill Bradford presenting the Patriot Pen winner Alfonso Garcia with the Department Bond for $500.00, District Six check for $75.00 and VFW Post 2917 check for $50.00. Presented the winner with the Patriot Pen Certificate. Chairman Bradford also presented

Alfonso with a VFW Kevin Harvick hat.



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PPuupp TTeenntt ##11,, HHoonneeyy BBuucckkeett SSppeecciiaallGGrraanndd ooff tthhee PPaacciiffiicc,, MMiilliittaarryy OOrrddeerr ooff tthhee CCoooottiiee

NEW OFFICERS IN THE SEAMS OF PUP TENT #1

From left to right standing Cooties Gill Gaunce, Efrain Castro, Homer Kemper, Dick Keeley, Eugene Stump, Sean Tazko (hidden by Robert Moses’s

hat), Robert Moses, Frank Hunter, and seated are from left to right are Kirk McKnight and John Johnson. HEY!! Wait!! Where is Joe Mortimer?? Oh yeah. Somebody had to take the bloody picture!!!

A disgusted Cootie ONE (left) and new Seam Squirrel (Elect)

Joe Mortimer (right). What a mug! HEY! Change your tassels!!

Newly elected Officers for Pup Tent #1 top chairs are as follows:

Seam Squirrel: Joe Mortimer Blanket Bum: Frank Hunter Hide Gimlet: Homer Kemper

NNooww II kknnooww wwhhyy lliioonnss ssoommeettiimmeess eeaatt tthheeiirr yyoouunngg!!!!

WOOF! Ya got ta b kiddin’ me! Only Heaven can help us now!!



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DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt aanndd GGrraanndd AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss

DPA ALL-STATE PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010 To view the Department of Pacific Areas All State Program, please click on the link below:

http://vfwdeptpacific.org/Awards%20Programs/allstateDPA.pdf

--------------------------------------------------------------- POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS

All members please submit! Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month.

--------------------------------------------------------------- VFW BUDDY POPPY DONATIONS

Donations for Buddy Poppys are greatly appreciated and accepted. Please see your Post Buddy Poppy Chairman for details.

--------------------------------------------------------------- MOC PADDY DADDY PROGRAM

M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website: The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up! Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the application to me along with a check made out to “Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail [email protected].

Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman

DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS

Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log onto:

http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to: VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000

If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant /

Quartermaster.

--------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK

CEMETERY

Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help.

http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm

If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.



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MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING

Keep on recruiting and see how far we can get beyond

our “Bag Limit!” -------------------------------------------

IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE

Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over time. It’s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew!

------------------------------------------- MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING

AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing: - Ensure you complete the application fully, - Include proof of eligibility, - Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out to “VFW Post ________.”) Temporary membership is then granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives their VFW Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP VERSUS ANNUAL CONTINUOUS

MEMBERSHIP

2009-2010 Life Membership: Up to Age 30 - $425.00

Age 31 through 40 - $410.00 Age 41 through 50 - $375.00 Age 51 through 60 - $335.00 Age 61 through 70 - $290.00 Age 71 through 80 - $225.00 Age 81 and Older - $170.00

““IItt’’ss nnoott wwhhaatt yyoouu ppaaiidd ttoo bbee aa mmeemmbbeerr,, iitt’’ss wwhhaatt yyoouu ppaaiidd ttoo

bbee eelliiggiibbllee..””

VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Legacy Life Member levels (left to right) are

Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The VFW's Legacy Life Membership provides an opportunity for Life Members to leave their mark on the nation's largest combat veterans' organization. Available only to current Life Members, the new Legacy Life Membership not only offers expanded and exclusive benefits, but also helps ensure that the VFW's good work will continue for generations to come. Legacy Life Members can select from three membership categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Each offers a selection of exclusive benefits. Once activated, your membership will endow additional income - made in your name - that will provide a stable financial foundation for both your Post and the VFW. For more information logon to:

http://www.vfw.org -------------------------------------------

?????????????????? HHaavvee yyoouu aasskkeedd ssoommeeoonnee ttoo jjooiinn

ttooddaayy??

WWhhaatt aarree yyoouu wwaaiittiinngg ffoorr??



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VFW 2010 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas, This is a great opportunity for those who publish newsletters! On 04 January 2010, the VFW Publications Department announced that it is accepting submissions for VFW 2010 National Publications Contest. Issues published between 01 January 2009 and 31 December 2009 are eligible. All National entries must place first in Department level contests. Mail entires to Department Adjutant Dick Keeley at the address below. Entries must be received no later than 15 March 2010 for consideration in Department level contest. Richard A. Keeley USAGJ Box 2175 APO AP 96338 All publications will be categorized by the membership size of the Department, District, or Post they represent. For the contest, Departments will be defined as:

- Large (25,000 or more members), - Medium (11,000-24,999) and - Small (10,999 or fewer). Districts will be defined as: - Large (4,000 or more), - Medium (2,500-3,999) and - Small (2,499 or fewer). Posts will be defined as: - Large (300 or more), - Medium (200-299) and - Small (199 or fewer). All first place Department level contest winners will be mailed to the Publications Department at the National Headquarters address by 05 April 2010. Send us your entries and good luck to everyone!!

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DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT FFUUNNDDRRAAIISSEERR Comrades, We have these beautiful VFW lapel pins (or can be used as tie tac) to raise funds for VFW Department of Pacific Areas. The price is US$3.00 for each pin. Let me know how many of the Eagle or Cross of Malta pins you would like for your Post or yourself. They make great giveaways to your VFW friends. Place your order and advise your APO mailing address and I will forward. Payment should be made to VFW Department of Pacific Areas, but please send the check to me so I can account for all the pins and receipts before turning over to Tony. Let me know how many of each kind you want. My mailing address is: RAO (9951) c/o Chief, JUSMAGTHAI APO AP 96546 Yours in comradeship, James Oden Senior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas

LLOOOOKK HHEERREE!!

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See you in the next edition!

Documents

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United Statesvfwdeptpacific.org/ATD/artdFeb2010.pdfMOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information