Volume IX Back to Basics Tammy Duckworth taking questions from veterans at JUSMAG Thai. Volume IX – Number 2 "Back to Basics" 20 September 2013 Department of Pacific Areas Page 14

Volume IX – Number 2 "Back to Basics" 20 September 2013

Veterans of Foreign Wars

of the United States

Department of Pacific Areas

Commander

Darin Combs

The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases local activities throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas through articles, photos, etc. The Department Editor may provide articles on the various programs that both support.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Department Commander’s Visit to District I

The arrival of the Department Commander at the Air Terminal Naha, Okinawa on the 11th of Sept 2013. He was met by Commander Dennis Provencher and Comrade John Bowers.

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II

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VII


Department of Pacific Areas Page 2

Department Commander attended a Post 9723 meeting held on the 12th of September Where he presented a certificate, check and some pins to Mr. Bob Evans,

Father of Samuel Evans, the District and Post Boy Scout of the Year winner. Samuel could not attend the presentation because he is attending College in the States.



Commander Watson swore in a new member.

Commander Watson addressing the Comrades of Post 9723



Post 9723, District I Recruiting

Commander Dennis Provencher signing up a new life member to Post 9723 on 6 September 2013 during a Job Fair located at Camp Foster.



VFW Post 9723 Buddy Poppy Drive

Buddy Poppy and Membership drive in front of the Camp Foster Commissary with Comrades Larry Strain, Stan Stewart and David Boughton, with David's Grandson on the 15th of Sept.



VFW POST 1054, DISTRICT II

COMRADE FRANK HUNTER HEADLINES POST 1054 FRIENDSHIP DAY ACTIVITIES.

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – Yokosuka's 37th Annual Friendship Day was held 3 August onboard Naval Station Yokosuka. Post 1054 sold “shave ice” and other items to raise funds for the post and interact with the Yokosuka community. Comrade Frank Hunter played his bagpipes and soon had an admiring crowd all wishing to have their picture taken with him. Post Commander Mike Castro and Comrades Jon Way (event coordinator), Terrance Noonan, Mike Lutman and Rick Farris were on hand to support the event. Mr. Mitchihiro Shobutani and Mrs. Sayuri Lutman also pitched in and provided great support during a very successful day. The event was capped off by a fantastic fireworks display put on by the City of Yokosuka.



POST 1054 KICKS OFF 2ND

ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – VFW Post 1054 Comrades Jeff Lindaman, Rick Farris, Mike Lutman and Post Commander Mike Castro are coordinating and participating in the John C. Parker Memorial VFW Post 1054 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting our Wounded Warriors. The event will be held at Camp Zama, Japan on 4 October 2013. The goal is to not only raise funds but also awareness for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the Gary Sinise Foundation. WWP has a big, audacious goal – foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history. At the Gary Sinise Foundation, they serve our Nation by honoring our defenders, Veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need, including wounded warriors and their families. They do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. The fund raising goal is $5,000. Please join them on the course or through donations. You can give online safely and securely at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/group-fundraising/POST1054/. 100% of your tax deductible donation on our fundraising page will go directly to Wounded Warrior Project. Other funds raised separately will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Thank you for supporting our Wounded Warriors and the mission to honor and empower them. Your generosity helps fuel programs, which positively change and save lives!



VFW POST 9612, DISTRICT II

COMRADE ASSISTS VFW POST 1924 SOUND OF FREEDOM BUDDY POPPY MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN

FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA – Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) assisted in the set-up and registration of the Sound of Freedom Buddy Poppy Poker Run will be sponsored by VFW Post 1924, Fallbrook, California, from 8:00am to 10:00am, followed by lunch and entertainment until about 6:00pm. Riders travelled to several locations picking up a card to include a total of 5 cards. Winners were based on the best hand drawn. Cost was $20.00 per rider and raised over $5,000.00 in proceeds, which benefit VFW Relief Fund for vets in need and their families.

VFW COMRADE ATTENDED COMMORATION OF KOREAN WAR VETERANS AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 365

VISTA, CALIFORNIA – On Friday, 26 July 2013, Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) attended the commoration of Korean War Veterans at American Legion Post 365, Vista, California. Sixty years ago, the Korean War came to a close. After three bloody years, the United States, the People's Republic of China, North Korea and South Korea agreed to an armistice.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=602433583110344&set=gm.351477031647468&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf



COMRADE ASSISTS VFW POST 1924 COLOR GUARD AT FALLBROOK CONCERT ON THE GREEN

FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA – On 08 August 2013, Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) participated as volunteer Color Guard member with VFW Post 1924, Fallbrook, California, carrying the U.S. Coast Guard flag during the Concert on the Green Event in Fallbrook, California. Fallbrook’s Concert on the Green took place at the 30-acre Grand Tradition Estate on a grassy area overlooking a beautiful lake and gazebo. The summer concert features a blend of American Pops and light classical. A complete picnic dinner and table dining are available to concert-goers. The event was presented by the Fallbrook Music Society.

‘The Armed Forces Salute’ is performed by members of Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 carrying the colors during the Fallbrook Music Society’s 28th annual Symphony ‘Pops’ on the Green, 08 August 2013.



COMRADE SPREADING THE WORD OF SCOUTING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES FOR VETERAN GROUPS

VISTA, CALIFORNIA – On Saturday, 17 August 2013, Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) attended General Monthly Membership Meeting American Legion Post 365, Vista, California. Met with American Legion District 22 Commander and discussed volunteer opportunities with Boy Scouts of America and meeting officials with Area 6 Western Region Boy Scouts of America.

COMRADE PROVIDED FREE SEWING SERVICE FOR VFW POST 1924 HONOR GUARD / COLOR GUARD

FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA – During the month of August and September 2013, Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) purchased and donated patches and performed free sewing services for VFW Post 1924, Fallbrook, California, Honor Guard / Color Guard detail totaling $280.00 donated.



COMRADE HONOR GUARD DETAIL DURING BURIAL FOR COMRADE OF VFW POST 1513 ESCONDIDO

ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA – On Saturday, 07 September 2013, Comrade Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) attended burial ceremony with comrades of VFW Post 1513 Escondido, California, for the burial of Past Post Commander Dixon.



FOUND SOME COOTS AND HAD SOME HOOTS

Joe Mortimer, Cootie #1218, Pup Tent 1, Honey Bucket Special, Happy Fertile Hunting Grounds of Mainland

Japan, Grand District 2 Councilmember, Grand Duffle Raising Chairman, Grand of the Pacific Military Order of the Cootie, (Honor Degree), Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

VISTA, CALIFORNIA – On 24 Aug 2013, Grand 2 District Council Cootie #1218 of Pup Tent #1, Grand of the Pacific had a lousy scratch here at Pup Tent 40, Vista, Grand of California, today and had the displeasure of meeting and greeting face-to-face with Grand BIG BUG Commander Bruce Mackamul! In straight talk, he is a great Coot, so were the other Coots, and we really had a hoot, before we had to scoot! We had the displeasing oppoooorrrrrnatunitaaaaay to bring into the seams a new Nit today. (Now I know why sometimes lions eat their young.) SHEESH!! Just when I thought my Pup Tent was bad,... I am now convinced! Ha ha ha! It was great to finally get myself back into a Cootie environment again! Boy, to think I will get to do this next month too is too much to contend with! Can I stand this burden? That said, I miss you all very much muchos grande! (See, I am learning to talk "California Talk" too!) I cannot wait to see y'all at the CofA! This Cootie article will self-destruct one minute ago.



District V

U. S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth visit in District V

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth with members of the various VFW Posts in Thailand at JUSMAG Thai.

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth taking questions from veterans at JUSMAG Thai.



Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth with members of the RAO, JUSMAG Thai.

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth with Commander VFW Post 9951.



VFW Post 10217, District V

Seattle Mariners Honored One of Our Own Our comrade, Post 10217 member, Marleen Madding, daughter of SGM (R) Frederick Berg, Sr,, Post

Commander, was honored to represent Desert Storm Veteran Women by the Seattle Mariners. Honors took place for the VIP Veterans during the pre-game Memorial Day ceremony on Monday 5/27/2013. Cheering her on from the stands & photographer, daughter, Isabel and husband, John.

Comrade Madding is on the left

Comrade Madding is 4th from the right

Documents

Volume IX Back to Basics Tammy Duckworth taking questions from veterans at JUSMAG Thai. Volume IX – Number 2 "Back to Basics" 20 September 2013 Department of Pacific Areas Page 14