AMVETS Department Elects New Commander, Ladies … AMVETS - Sound-Off Fall... · Ladies Auxiliary...

Chartered by The Congress ofthe United States of America

AMVETS ★ DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN VOLUME 29 ISSUE 1 – fALL 2017

Commander Jim Ruppel

PresidentDarlene Hempel

White Clover PrincessAbigail Berna

2017-2018 Officers & Reports .................................3-4

White Clover Princess Report .................................... 4

Ladies Auxiliary News .............................................5-6

AMVETS Officer List ................................................. 7

Highlights from the State Convention ....................8-9

Post News .............................................................10-13

AMVETS News ....................................................14-15

Calendar of Events .................................................... 15

Inside This Issue

No

N-P

ro

fit

or

g.

U.S

. Po

Sta

ge

PaiD

Ber

LiN

, Wi

Per

mit

No

. 27

AM

VETS

Dep

artm

ent o

f Wis

cons

inPO

Box

171

3O

shko

sh, W

I 549

03

AMVETS Department Elects New Commander,

Ladies Auxiliary President and White Clover Princess

2017

2018

2 AMVETS Department of Wisconsin fall 2017

HAVE YOUPAID YOURDUES?

Mail to: AMVETS Department of Wisconsin P.O. Box 1713

Oshkosh, WI 54903-1713

* A National minimum amount that may vary from state to state or Post to Post.

Yes! Enclosed is my $20.00* annual membership dues for AMVETS. I certify that I have met the minimum membership requirements–that I have served actively and honorably (since September 15, 1940) or am currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves.

Name __________________________________

M _________________ F _________________

Address ________________________________

City, State, Zip __________________________

Telephone ( ) _________________________

D.O.B. _________________________________

Branch of Service ________________________

Entered Service __________________________

Discharged _____________________________

Type of Discharge ________________________

Signature _______________________________

Date ___________________________________

History of AMVETS

In 1944, while World War II was still raging in Europe and in the Pacific, thousands of young men were being sent home with battle wounds and medical discharges. These veterans had a desire and felt a need to stick together; therefore, they began forming clubs which they called American Veterans of World War II. Soon, representatives of in dividual clubs united to help veterans help themselves; thus AMVETS was born. On July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the Congressional Charter and since then, AMVETS has amended its charter in 1953, 1966 and 1984 so that today, AMVETS is the only Congressionally Chartered veterans organization open to all honorably discharged veterans who served honorably after September 15, 1940, plus those personnel presently serving on active duty or in the reserve component. Through the years, AMVETS has proven to be the most progressive veterans organi zation through exhibits of volunteer work, programs and service to veterans, their fami lies and communities throughout America. Your membership fee entitles you to each and every issue of Wisconsin AMVETS ‘Sound Off,’ published quarterly.

Get Involved with AMVETS

Announce Your Post and DistrictEvents on Our Department Websiteat www.amvets-wi.organd then visit the site often.

Contact our Webmaster,Jim Ruppel, today!

Sound Off News is an official publication of the Department of Wisconsin AMVETS and is published as a service to members and other interested individuals and organizations. Views expressed herein are those of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of AMVETS, as a whole. All AMVETS members are urged to submit materials for publication. The Editor reserves the right to edit any materials for length, clarity, brevity, etc.

Judy Berna, Editor [email protected]

MOVING?LET US KNOWEIGHT WEEKS

BEfORE YOU MOVE

Attach your address/label

from current issue here

New Address:

Name_________________________________

Address_______________________________

City__________________________________

State _________________________________

Zip___________________________________

Then fill in your new address and mail to:AMVETS Dept. of WI

P.O. Box 1713Oshkosh, WI 54903-1713

Sound OffMaterial Due Dates in 2017-2018

Winter Issue: November 1, 2017

2018 Due Dates

Spring Issue .........................February 1, 2018

Convention Issue ......................... May 1, 2018

Fall Issue ................................. August 1, 2018

AMVETS Mission

Statement

To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families and the community where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.

I Pledge AllegIAnce

To The FlAg oF The

UnITed STATeS oF AmerIcA

And To The rePUblIc For

whIch IT STAndS

one nATIon Under god,

IndIvISIble,

wITh lIberTy

And jUSTIce For All.

The following are guidelines to aid you in preparing your articles for publication.

1 Typewritten, double-spaced, on one side of standard white paper. Typewritten, double-spaced, on one side of standard white paper; e-mail preferred.

2. Normal rules of capitalization and punctuation should be followed.

3. Each photograph should identify the person(s) or group(s) in the photo and the activity in which they are involved. Please indicate the article the photo(s) accompany.

4. Photographs should not be stapled to the articles or each other (the staple marker will show in reproduction).

5. Articles should not be written on the backs of photos but on a separate piece of paper as prescribed in Number 1.

6. Articles must be in on time!!

7. Regarding digital photos - please send editor e-mail photos or hard copy photographs. Please include captions.

Editorial Criteria

AMVETS Sound Off

Official Publication of theAMVETS Department of WisconsinPO Box 1713Oshkosh, WI 54903-1713

Published quarterly at Miltown Creative LLC.

AMVETS Sound Off is created under the Direction of the Executive Director of AMVETS, Department of Wisconsin, a Congressionally Chartered nonprofit organization.

Subscription Fee: Annually, which is paid through membership dues.

Sound Off StaffJudy Berna, EditorEmail: [email protected] Berna, Co- EditorBob Dessort, Photographer

Editorial OfficeAMVETS Department of WisconsinPO Box 1713Oshkosh, WI 54903-1713414-273-5288 or 414-273-5240E-mail: [email protected]

Department Officer Hours:Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

fall 2017 AMVETS Department of Wisconsin 3

Greetings to AMVETS and members of the AMVETS family.Thank you for trusting me with the honor of being your State

Commander for the following year. I will do my best to represent the interests of this great organization in an exemplary manner.

President Darlene’s and my project this year will be the same as Commander Forry’s was, Fisher House. My wife and I have been strong supporters of Fisher House since it was in the concept stage, working at numerous fundraisers to make it a reality.

The year has started out busy, as I was warned it was going to, with installation of officers at Post 1032, Post 51, Post 120, and the Second District. Now it’s off to National Convention in Norfolk, Virginia.If any posts or districts would like me to attend a meeting

or function, I will be honored to do so. My email is [email protected], and my phone number is 262-375-3891 (home) or 262-960-4575 (cell).

Yours for AMVETS,

Jim RuppelCommander

Greetings from Your Department Officers…

Commander’s Welcome

Jim Ruppel

First and foremost, THANK YOU for your confidence in electing me to the position of Vice Commander-Membership. I will do my very best to continue to earn your respect and support. While we are still transferring information from Jim Ruppel to me know we have three (3) new Posts in the works or at least in discussion. Baraboo, Grand Marsh & New Richmond. We will continue to try and bring them into the fold.

Do you have an application in your Wallet? Take the time to offer a membership to another veteran. We are pretty easy to recognize. We walk tall, talk straight and shot from the hip. You can pretty well pick us out in a Crowd. Looking at license plates or one’s car, also works. As I learned in my past job as Vice Commander-Programs, the District Commanders are a very

valuable asset along with being a great source of help. I will continue to rely on them and their expertise on the “New Post Committee”.

If I can help, don’t hesitate to drop me a line at: [email protected] or give me a call at: (262) 822-4886. If I can’t get to your call, leave me a message at this number, it sends me a voice mail through my email program letting me know you called. I will get back to you as soon as possibly can. This year has started off with a bang. Let’s keep it going.

Dale Peterson1st Vice Commander - Membership/New Post

Dale Peterson

1st Vice Commander – Membership/New Post Report

Convention 2017 in Green Bay has come and gone and a new program reporting season has been initiated. My predecessor, Dale Peterson performed a fantastic job working with Wisconsin Post’s ensuring that our Department was recognized as a leader in the AMVETS community in our nation. I hope to maintain the standards of those before me, as well as encourage additional programs that do not regularly get reported. The process is not time consuming or difficult. Not that long ago, national made changes allowing any member in good standing access to the program reporting web site; this created a pathway for anyone with basic computer knowledge to report their volunteer time on a computer, iPad, tablet, or even a smart phone. I will be creating some webinars on programing reporting and upload them on youtube and possibly some live interactive webinars where AMVETS can log in and receive additional training in the ease of their homes. I

look forward to seeing all of you in September.

Mike Hanke2nd Vice Commander-Programs

Mike Hanke

2nd Vice Commander-Programs

It has been a year of learning the ropes and I do appreciate the vote of confidence that you, the membership, has given me and will do my best to take care of business. I want to thank those that have helped me make sure that I wouldn’t miss anything. Special thanks to Ralph Beck, my compadre, for all the work that he has done to make for a somewhat smooth transition in the state office. As you know a virtual office has been running since the end of 2016. We will continue our hard work to improve procedures and set up many of the day to day operations to run more efficient.

We are coming up to the beginning of a new membership year on September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018. You should be getting your membership dues reminder in the mail from

National Headquarters very soon, if you don’t have it already. Please get your annual dues taken care as soon as you can.

If you have moved, changed your phone number, or get an email address please update that information by contacting the Department office. It costs the Department a lot of money for paper, ink, postage and labor or a wrong mailing address. Email or access to the State website is extremely cost effective and a lot faster. There is one thing that needs to be kept up and that is a current email address.

National Headquarters sent the membership cards to the Department office. You will be able to get the new cards at the September SEC meeting. If you would like to make other arrangements to get them sooner let me know.

Most of the revalidations have been completed and sent to National. For those that need to still get them into the Department office please do so as soon as possible. Please call if you are needing help with completing the forms. Part of the revalidations is making sure that you are filing your post’s IRS form 990 on a yearly basis. If your post is revoked it will be a long drawn out process to get your tax exempt status back. Please make sure that you stay on top of them.

Our Fall SEC Meeting is coming up soon. All State elected or appointed Officers, Chairman, District commanders, and VAVS Reps please get your reports in by September 10th. Also, for any of the districts or posts that would like to advertise in the SEC booklet please have it in to the Department office by September 10th.

Communication is a big part of today. So AMVETS is using every opportunity to get the information out there. Take a look at the AMVETS National Headquarters’ new look of the website (amvets.org). It’s a great look.

Did you know that we have a Facebook page? If you want to join go to your Facebook page and at the top of the page there is a “search box”. Type in “AMVETS DEPARTMENT of WISCONSIN”. Make sure you type in the correct name because there are other Facebook pages that have similar names. Open the page and hit the Join button. You will then receive up to the minute posts about events and information affecting veterans.

We would like to offer you the opportunity to receive your “Sound Off” by email. If you are interested please send an email to [email protected] and let me know that you would like to get the newspaper emailed to you. There is another way that you can get the “Sound Off”. Go to amvets-wi.org. On the home page click on “Sound Off”. It will take you to the current newspaper and just below is it says “Click for Sound Off Archive” and you can always look back at older editions. This would help to cut our costs for producing the state newspaper.

From the desk of your State Executive Director Angela (Angie) Hill

Angie Hill

A Walk Down Memory LaneDo you have any pictures from the first event you went to whether it was a White Clover drive, meeting, SEC, King weekend, State campout, brat fry? If so, please send them to me. Please add a description of the pictures. You can scan and email to me pictures and

descriptions at: [email protected] or mail them to me at: Judy Berna

13304 W County Road BHayward, WI 54843

Veterans will be able to use the Army and Air Force Exchange online starting November 11, 2017.

Go to https://www.shopmyexchange.com to register for this great opportunity to use the exchanges tax free.

Click on “TAKE THE FIRST STEP” to qualify for this benefit.


Before I start my report, I would like to thank the membership for electing me your NEC representative for 2017-2019. A special thank you to PDC Jim Tratz for his years as ALT. NEC AND NEC.

As of the convention in June, we had 3805 members. Post 2017 from Lake Halle was chartered at convention. WELCOME TO THE AMVET FAMILY.

Please attend some of upcoming state events and meet some of your AMVETS family.

Yours in AMVETS

Dennis (DB] BarringtonNEC

NEC Report

Dennis (DB] Barrington

Hello AMVETS State,The AMVETS Riders are very busy; IT IS riding season!

Please remember to watch out for the motorcycles when you are out driving around town, no matter where you go!

First of all, thank you for the support and the award for AMVETS Rider of the year! I am humbled!! And yes excited. Thank you all!

The Chapter 120 Riders will have their Annual Fundraiser Sept.30th in Union Grove at the Ironwood Chophouse. I am looking forward to seeing you all there!

On July 22nd the Chapter 6440 Riders had their annual Poker run in Chippewa Falls. I was happy to attend, it was a beautiful day and ride!! The party afterward was a great time to mingle and meet everyone. If you missed it, you missed a lot!!

Chapter 13 did a Poker Run on Aug 27th, if you are in the area, please support these groups. They had a motorcycle raffle going, $75.00 a chance. Chester Maine is looking to start a new Chapter in the Fox Valley area hosted by Oshkosh Post 7. He is looking for Riders in the Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac, Appleton, Greenville and New London areas. If you’re interested, please call Chester at 1-920-970-6059. Let’s form a new Charter in the area!!

Watch those mirrors closely; we are back on the roads!

Be Safe!

Kim BarbianState President AMVETS Riders!

Kim Barbian

No hellos and unhappiness to all of you sorry Sad Sacks. As I write this, it does not come clear to me that the convention is over and another year has passed. A scrimmage was held at the convention; mayhem was in full swing and it was impossible to accomplish anything.

Since I did such a miserably poor job as Saddest last year, I am being punished and forced to attempt to lead this unique group of individuals for another year.

All Sad Sacks are reminded there will be a scrimmage at the next SEC meeting in Plover 16 Sept, hopefully after lunch. As usual, nothing of importance will be discussed and only sound decisions will be made on everything.

I hope to not see you Sacks at the next scrimmage.

Joe BaumannDept. Saddest

Sad Sack Report

Joe Baumann

AMVETS Riders of Wisconsin

Why I would like to represent the AMVETS asMiss AMVETS White Clover Princess

I would be tremendously honored to represent the

AMVETS as Miss AMVETS White Clover Princess because this organization is filled with so many wonderful and genuine people, who do great things for the veterans. It is a unique opportunity to show my gratitude towards the active and retired military veterans, to whom I will be forever grateful. Not only that but a way to acknowledge with appreciation the soldiers who have passed on, like my grandfathers. I have volunteered at a few events such as; Clover Drives, setting flags out at local cemeteries for Memorial Day, and other community events. Growing up doing these events is something I’m glad I could take part in,

will always remember and would love to continue to do more often. As the Miss AMVETS White Clover Princess, I would look forward to getting to know more about our veterans and thanking them for the freedom we have. Most importantly I would have the privilege of representing something that truly matters and what should never be taken for granted, our veterans who gave us our freedom.

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I look forward to meeting more veterans, helping them and their families and spreading the word about the AMVETS.

Thank you,Abigail BernaMiss AMVETS White Clover Princess2017-2018

White Clover Princess Report

Abigale BernaWhite Clover Princess

This is a well-written article about a father who put several of his kids through expensive colleges but one son wanted to be a Marine. Interesting observation by this dad. See below. A very interesting commentary that says a lot about our failing and fallen society.

By Frank Schaeffer of the Washington Post “Before my son became a Marine, I never thought much about who was defending me.

Now when I read of the war on terrorism or the coming conflict in Iraq, it cuts to my heart. When I see a picture of a member of our military who has been killed, I read his or her name very carefully. Sometimes I cry.

In 1999, when the barrel-chested Marine recruiter showed up in dress blues and bedazzled my son John, I did not stand in the way. John was headstrong, and he seemed to understand these stern, clean men with straight backs and flawless uniforms. I did not. I live in the Volvo-driving, higher education-worshiping North Shore of Boston I write novels for a living. I have never served in the military.

It had been hard enough sending my two older children off to Georgetown and New York University. John’s enlisting was unexpected, so deeply unsettling. I did not relish the prospect of answering the question, “So where is John going to college?” from the parents who were itching to tell me all about how their son or daughter was going to Harvard. At the private high school John attended, no other students were going into the military.

“But aren’t the Marines terribly Southern?” (Says a lot about open-mindedness in the Northeast) asked one perplexed mother while standing next to me at the brunch following graduation. “What a waste, he was such a good student,” said another parent. One parent (a professor at a nearby and rather famous university) spoke up at a school meeting and suggested that the school should “carefully evaluate what went wrong.”

When John graduated from three months of boot camp on Parris Island, 3000 parents and friends were on the parade deck stands. We parents and our Marines not only were of many races but also were representative of many economic classes. Many were poor. Some arrived crammed in the backs of pickups, others by bus. John told me that a lot of parents could not afford the trip.

We in the audience were white and Native American. We were Hispanic, Arab, and African American, and Asian. We were former Marines wearing the scars of battle, or at least baseball caps emblazoned with battles’ names. We were Southern whites from Nashville and skinheads from New Jersey, black kids from Cleveland wearing ghetto rags and white ex-cons with ham-hock forearms defaced by jailhouse tattoos. We would not

have been mistaken for the educated and well-heeled parents gathered on the lawns of John’s private school a half-year before.

After graduation one new Marine told John, “Before I was a Marine, if I had ever seen you on my block I would’ve probably killed you just because you were standing there.” This was a serious statement from one of John’s good friends, a black ex-gang member from Detroit who, as John said, “would die for me now, just like I’d die for him.”

My son has connected me to my country in a way that I was too selfish and insular to experience before. I feel closer to the waitress at our local diner than to some of my oldest friends. She has two sons in the Corps. They are facing the same dangers as my boy. When the guy who fixes my car asks me how John is doing, I know he means it. His younger brother is in the Navy.

Why were I and the other parents at my son’s private school so surprised by his choice? During World War II, the sons and daughters of the most powerful and educated families did their bit. If the idea of the immorality of the Vietnam War was the only reason those lucky enough to go to college dodged the draft, why did we not encourage our children to volunteer for military service once that war was done?

Have we wealthy and educated Americans all become pacifists? Is the world a safe place? Or have we just gotten used to having somebody else defend us? What is the future of our democracy when the sons and daughters of the janitors at our elite universities are far more likely to be put in harm’s way than are any of the students whose dorms their parents clean?

I feel shame because it took my son’s joining the Marine Corps to make me take notice of who is defending me. I feel hope because perhaps my son is part of a future “greatest generation.” As the storm clouds of war gather, at least I know that I can look the men and women in uniform in the eye. My son is one of them. He is the best I have to offer. John is my heart.

Faith is not about everything turning out OK; Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.”

Oh, how I wish so many of our younger generations could read this article. It makes me so sad to hear the way they talk with no respect for what their fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers experienced so they can live in freedom. Freedom has been replaced with Free-Dumb. Please pass this on…

--“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. The Christophers

A Father’s Story About “TotDay” & Not “Back In The Day”.John Is My Heart


We, the mothers, wives, widows, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, stepdaughters and granddaughters of the American Veteran and female veterans, fully realizing our responsibilities to the community, state and nation, associate ourselves for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to safeguard the principles of freedom, liberty and justice for all; to promote the cause of peace and goodwill among nations; to maintain inviolate the freedom of our country; to preserve the fundamentals of democracy and Americanism; to perpetuate the friendship and associations of the American Veteran and to dedicate ourselves to the cause of mutual assistance…this by the grace of God.

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary has been serving their families, communities and our nation’s veterans for over 50 years. All of our service is accomplished through volunteer hours and contributions of our members and supporters. Because of our members and people like you, who care and want to make a difference, we are able to support our various projects throughout the United States. Donations to John Tracy Clinic, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, PAWS With A Cause, and Freedom’s Foundation enable each of these organizations to provide the care to those children with disabilities and medical conditions, physically challenged adults and children, and instill patriotism in the youth of America.

Auxiliary Preamble

Greetings to the whole AMVET Family!Thank you, Auxiliary, for electing me your President for

this next year. Having done this before does not mean that I know all about it. There is much to learn and do in the upcoming year.

My year has started off with a bang. On my way home from Post 60’s picnic, I was driving in the middle lane by exit 47-Good Hope Road-when my right front tire went “bang!” I was lucky to get to the shoulder safely and a sheriff’s deputy pulled in right behind me. After calling my insurance company

for the roadside help, I was back on the road, almost 2 hours later, going 55 mph. all the way to Poy Sippi. I hope the picnics with 1051 and District 4 in New London have better endings!

My theme for 2017-2018 is “Get Hooked on Fisher House.” Commander Jim and I will be working together for this worthy cause.

Be sure to extend your invitations to me for your functions and meetings. I would like to visit each auxiliary during the year and many of the posts. I plan to be in Norfolk for the August Convention and election of Marvell Ruppel to the office of National President. The dedication in New London and Labor Day in Redgranite are also coming up. Help me fill in more of the calendar.

God bless our troops and veterans; God bless America!

Darlene HempelDepartment President

Ladies Auxiliary NewsA Message from Department Auxiliary President

Darlene Hempel

On Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17 the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 50, Phillips manned the Hospitality Table at the 34th Annual Czech-Slovak Community Festival which was held at the Phillips High School in the Commons area. The auxiliary was in charge of selling the 10 different flavors of kolacky at the Hospitality Table. A total of 11,000 kolaches were baked by the local ladies. There also was a kolacky eating contest, or enter the homemade kolacky baking contest. The festival was very well attended.

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President Dolores Gradinjan went to Phillips Middle School sixth grade teacher Brent Edwards with an idea. She asked him if the students might be willing to raise money to send a local veteran on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Students immediately began collecting donations. The student council put on a dance, with all proceeds going towards the Honor Flight project. The students raised $600 for Phillips veteran Joe Heizler to take part in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Standing left to right are: Sara Tucke, Jensen Weik, Autumn Bell, Rachel Callow, Justin Revie, Alyssa Huffman, Devynn Delasky, Joel Nyberg, Samantha Morrone, Andrew Degroot and AMVETS Auxiliary President Dolores Gradinjan. Seated are vet Joe Heizler and Phillips Middle School sixth grade teacher Brent Edwards

Dolores Gradinjan received the PCREA 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Award at the spring Price County Retired Educators’ meeting, which was held on April 11, 2017 at AJ’s Restaurant in Park Falls. Along with the certificate, Dolores received an Outstanding Volunteer pin and a letter of commendation from the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association. She received the award based on her number of community service volunteer hours.

Auxiliary Post 50 Outstanding Volunteer Award

Auxiliary Post 50 34th Annual Czech-Slovak Community Festival

Auxiliary Post 50 Honor Flight Donations


PresidentDarlene Hempel

1st Vice PresidentCarol Amborn

2nd Vice PresidentShari Hagel

3rd Vice PresidentJudy Berna

Chaplain Debra Burdick

Treasurer Kelli Koellner

Executive Secretary Louise Paul

Legislative/LiaisonLynda Taylor

ScholarshipPaula Cummings

Sgt. at ArmsMary Woiak

ParliamentarianLynda Taylor PRO/HistorianChar Wagner

AmericanismJoanne Johnson

NECSandy Conradt

Alternate NECAnn Palm

White Clover LiaisonJoan Sirek

HospitalCathy Tratz

Bylaws /ResolutionsLynda TaylorLouise PaulEllen Schmidt

Convention/Election RulesPaula Cummings

Convention BoardSandy ConradtCharmaine WagnerJoanne Johnson

finance CommitteeKelli Koellner Louise PaulDarlene Hempel Ann PalmSandy Conradt Judy BernaEllen Schmidt Linda Dueno-Dufek

Ways and MeansJudy BernaEmily RataichekDeb Suchon

Luncheon Sandy Conradt

President’s fundMary Woiak

Personal CommitteeRobin SterletskeElaine LudkaLinda Dueno-Dufek

Audit CommitteeRobin SterletskeCharmaine WagnerElaine Ludka

Nominating CommitteeJoanne JohnsonHelen DessortAnn Palm

Convention CredentialsDeb SuchonEmily RataichekNancy FordNew Auxiliary Carol AmbornDarlene HempelLouise PaulJoan Sirek

Support CommitteeCarol AmbornLouise PaulCandy EndresRobin SterletskeSandy ConradtJoan Sirek

2017-2018 Ladies Auxiliary Officers and Committees

Wisconsin is Proud to Announce AMVETS National Ladies

Auxiliary 3rd Vice President Joan Sirek

Wisconsin is Proud to Announce AMVETS National Ladies

Auxiliary President Marvell Ruppel

Congratulations to Joan Sirek for being elected the AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary 3rd Vice President on August 12, 2017.

Congratulations to Marvell Ruppel for being elected the AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary President on August 12, 2017. May you have a wonderful year! Excerpts from a AMVETS

National Headquarters FY18 Budget Proposal

The focus is defining the organization to have a positive direction defined. This is very exciting to see what will be coming up this next year.

Goals for the fY 2018 Budget• BuilduponAMVETSnationalreputationasaleadingveteransserviceorganization,

increasing influence and positive impact on the veteran’s community• Providetop-notchadvocacyasareliable,expertsourceofinformationforCongress

and the White House.• Increaseefficiencyandfrequencyofcommunicationwithmembers• Maintainaworldclassprofessionalstaffcapableofplanning,executingandmanaging

the organization’s national responsibilities and activities• Providetheorganizationwithaccurate,well-managedfinancialstatements,forecasts&

analysis• GrowAMVETSoverallmembership

Goals for Admin• Develop&leadatop-notchstaffatNationalHeadquarterscapableofelevatingthe

organization’s influence, reputation & efficiency• ExecutethewilloftheNEC,NationalCommanderandmembers• EnsuretheAMVETSConstitutionandBylawsareadheredtobyall• Managerevenuetosustainandgrowtheorganization

Goals for Legislative• Continuecultivatingareputationofbeingareliable,expertsourceofinformationfor

federal lawmakers and the presidential administration• Contract a professional firm tohelpopendoors and increaseAMVETS impact on

Capitol Hill: The Nimitz Group• Increase AMVETS opportunities to leverage the media in advocacy on matters

concerning veterans and families• Maintaintheorganization’sinfluencewiththeUSDepartmentofVeteransAffairs• ReservethebanishmentofAMVETSfromtheIndependentBudget• Createlegislativefixto501(c)(19)tax-deductibleproblem

Goals for Membership• GrowAMVETSoverallmembership• Increasethenationalretentionrate• ContinueworkingtowardestablishingneDepartmentsinWY,NH,NV&MS• IncreaseresourcesforPoststorecruit• Reachmembersmoreofteninmoreefficientandimpactfulways

Goals for Communication• Provideaworld-classprintedmagazinefourtimesperyearmailedtoeverymember

at no cost to the organization • Design,launchandmaintainanintuitive,user-friendlymobile-optimizedwebsitethat

delivers needed info for members, potential members, donors & supporters• Develop and execute the organization’s first aggressive, effective communications

plan in nearly a decade• Continuebrandgrowthinsocialmedia• LaunchamediacampaignatthelocallevelbasedaroundtheNationalCommander’stravelsCreate and grow an electronic newsletter sent 48 times per year.

★★★★★★★★★★★


“Shifty” By Chuck Yeager

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you’ve seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn’t know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the “Screaming Eagle,” the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat. Making conversation, I asked him if he’d been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made. Quietly and humbly, he said “Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945...” at which point my heart skipped. At that point, again, very humbly, he said “I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . .do you know where Normandy is?” At this point my heart stopped. I told him “yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what D-Day was.” At that point he said “I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem.” I was standing with a genuine war hero ... and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said “Yes. And it’s real sad because,these days, so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can’t make the trip.” My heart was in my throat and I didn’t know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I’d take his in coach. He said “No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to make an old man very happy.” His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on Jan. l7 after fighting cancer. There was no parade. No big event in Staples Center. No wall-to-wall, back-to-back 24x7 news coverage. No weeping fans on television.

And that’s not right!

Leslie L. DeMeyer, 89, of Plover, passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 18 at King Veterans Home.

Les was born December 12, 1927, in Spirit Falls, Wisconsin. The son of Joseph and Eva (Winchell) DeMeyer. In 1944, Les entered the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the U.S.S. De Haven as a first-class fireman. After discharge, he continued to serve his country in the Navy reserves. He devoted a great deal of his time to the AMVETS. Les was a member of AMVETS 37, AMVETS 1051 where he served as Commander and other positions, VFW 1062 and PLAV 185. He served as state commander from 1996 through 1997. He worked for Chrysler corporation for 28 years

with perfect attendance.Les is survived by his wife Irene (Eileen) of Plover; children and step children James

(Gloria) Shepard, Mesa, AZ; Randy (Janet) Mau, Sumerset, KY; Kathy (Jimmie) Schumacher, Ocala, Fl; Leslie DeMeyer, Cudahy; Joyce DeMeyer, West Allis; Daniel (Patrice) DeMeyer, Waukesha; Michael (Debra) Maslowski, Rosholt; Diane (Dale) Glodowski, Rosholt; Neal (Sandee) Maslowski, Stevens Point; Brian (Barb) Maslowski, Stevens Point; Christine Maslowski (Dennis), Keller; Lisa (Mark) Radomski, Muskego. He has 23 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing and spending time with family. He was known by many for his great sense of humor and endless jokes.

The family would like to thank the staff at King Veterans Home for the outstanding care they provided for Les during his stay.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 27th at King Chapel. Visitation will begin at 12:30, service at 1:30 followed by burial in King Cemetery with full Military honors provided by AMVETS Color Guard.

Leslie L. DeMeyer Obituary

America’s Run for the FallenBEGINS APRIL 7, 2018 ~ TIL WE ARE DONE

On Memorial Day of 2008 in Norfolk Virginia, the Honor and Remember Flag was publicly unveiled to become a nationally recognized symbol of remembrance. This flag was established as a tangible reminder to all Americans of the high price paid for the freedoms we enjoy. It represents all generations of fallen heroes from all wars, all branches of service and all causes of death. It is a daily visual celebration of the lives it represents and a sign of appreciation to the thousands of grieving families left behind.

Three weeks later on the west coast…On Flag Day, June 14, 2008, a dedicated team of runners ran across America from Fort Irwin, CA to Arlington National Cemetery, one mile for every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine killed since the War on Terror began. For ten weeks, team members marked each mile with an American flag and biographical sign card in an apolitical reflection of remembrance of each service member. During the course of these historic events the founders of these organizations met and instantly realized that their missions were perfectly aligned. Since that moment they began a lasting friendship and a goal to continue a parallel path.

Each year since the first run across America, runners from around the world have joined Run for the Fallen in remembering our fallen. Over 50,000+ participants and over 200,000+ miles have been collectively run in remembrance of those heroes, organized in over 26 states.

But more still needed to be done. A plethora of state runs continue to exist with additional being added yearly. In hopes of combining resources in 2014 Honor and Remember and the Run for the Fallen organizations were officially merged, dedicated to continuing and consistently growing the mission to pay tribute to more military fallen heroes and their families across the country. Since their inaugural beginnings were both in 2008, rapidly approaching is the combined tenth anniversary. In memory of that first event and to include the subsequent increase in military casualties they are preparing to launch a second organized run across the United States, closely duplicating the original 2008 event. Creating, Spring of 2018 “America’s Run for the Fallen”.

The run will begin in San Diego, California and conclude approx. 100 days later in Arlington National Cemetery. This time including nearly 20,000 service members in 18 states over 6,000 miles. The needs are many, including overnight stays everyday, food, planned ceremonies and more. We will be looking for dedicated runners and volunteers to assist in managing particular areas of the country we will be running through. One mile for each hero lost since the War on Terror began in 2000 with the USS Cole. Due to the extreme temperatures during the summer months along much of the route. The timeframe will shift to spring with a finish when all service members have been honored. Tentative Dates April 7th – August 5th, approx. 120 days.

Contact information:Honor and Remember, Inc.PO BOX 16834Chesapeake, VA [email protected]: 757-598-3524

A fifth woman in the U.S. Air Force plans to attempt special operations training, an official said.

The female service member, who wasn’t identified, is in Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas and wants to become a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist, according to Marilyn Holliday, a spokeswoman for the Air Education and Training Command.

If she becomes a TACP candidate, she will be the second in the pipeline. Another woman entered TACP training Aug. 6, Holliday said.

Three other women have tried to become special operators: One TACP retrainee ended up removing herself from training due to a leg injury last year; a combat rescue officer candidate passed the physical test but never completed the selection program application; and another non-prior service TACP candidate couldn’t meet entry standards following BMT, according to Holliday.

5th Air Force Woman to Attempt Special Operations Training

OffICERS

Department CommanderJim Ruppel Vice Commander MembershipDale Peterson Vice Commander ProgramsMike Hanke Senior 1 Year TrusteeRobert Lund 2 Year TrusteeWayne Amborn 3 Year TrusteeEric Bates Provost MarshalDale Wiegand Judge AdvocateJames Smejkal, PDC Convention Board ChairDuane Miskulin, PNC National Executive CommitteemanDennis Barrington Alternate National Executive CommitteemanSteve Chesna (PDC)

Administrative Board ChairBill Forry, PDC

DISTRICT COMMANDERS

first District CommanderLarry Johnson Second District CommanderBarbara Richwalski Third District CommanderRobert Gamble fourth District CommanderJeff Bedward fifth District CommanderStu Kohlin Sixth District CommanderRichard Jeske Seventh District CommanderEric Bates Eighth District CommanderEd Flint Ninth District CommanderPat Young

VAVS HOSPITAL REPRESENTATIVES

VAVS CoordinatorKen Wendt Chippewa fallsRobert Lund Tom Vodacek Iron MountainBarry Holm KingKen Wendt Armin Conradt, PDC MiddletonJoe BaumannEric Bates

Minneapolis OPENED TomahCharles Roth Harry Lutz William Brokopp Union GroveDale Peterson Don Larsen Sr. ZablockiDennis BarringtonFrank Lopez

AMVETS Officer List

Exciting News!!!There is going to be a new look for the Sound Off coming in the spring of 2018!!!For those of you who email me the fantastic things you are doing in your communities

please continue to do so!I would ask that you attach your photos separately from your report or description of

the photos. You can have many attachments in one email. It is easier for me if everything is separated.

For those of you who mail the photos to me, please continue to do so!It is wonderful to see what you are all doing for our veterans, their families and

communities!If you have any questions please call or email me.

Judy [email protected]


Kenn Murphy and his Edward L Janczak award and Kenn Murphy and Post Commander Peter Jozefowski. Kenn received the Distinguished Service Cross the Nation’s 2nd highest award for Valor and Bravery in the Vietnam War. He received two Purple Hearts and was nearly killed in combat. He was nominated by the AMVETS into the Tomah VA Medical Center “Hall of Fame.” Kenn volunteer managed the Veterans Memorial Hall in Necedah for 26 years, accumulating 26,000 volunteer hours. Kenn has been Commander of Necedah’s Military Funeral Honors Firing Squad for 50 years. He is presently a financial volunteer at Veterans Memorial Hall, volunteering 40 hours a month. He was named Necedah’s Citizen of the Year. Kenn and his six brothers are the namesakes of Murphy AMVET Post 2180 Necedah.

Ted Sterletske performing the Seating of the Honored Guest.

AMVET of the Year Wayne Amborn.

AMVETS Rider of the year Kim Barbian. Auxiliary Member of the Year Darlene Hempel. Sons of AMVETS Member of the year Todd Barbian.

Commander Bill Forry and President Sandy Conradt laying the wreath at the memorial service.


AMVETS Miss White Clover Princess 50th Anniversary! Nineteen Past White Clover Princesses were in attendance along with Abigail Berna White Clover Princess for 2017-2018.

President Sandy Conradt –White Clover Princess Cassie Slaney raising money for the Fisher House.

Having fun singing!

Some of the Ladies Auxiliary members along with Past National President Kathy Berning.

Sunday’s Memorial service of members lost over the yearHonor Guard at the memorial service.

Jim Ruppel getting installed as the New Commander. Newly elected Auxiliary President Darlene Hempel visiting the AMVETS meeting.


Lisa Drossart is the Post Commander of AMVETS Post #11 of Green Bay. She organized a fundraiser for her 40th birthday for the VA Fisher House located in Milwaukee that took place on May 18 in Green Bay. There were 8 local Veteran organizations that participated in this event, it is now planned to do this annually. Picture attached is the presentation of funds totaling $7443.35 that took place on July 22, 2017 in picture is PDC Bill Forry, Lisa Drossart, Mario Orsini (Lisa’s son), and Betty Allen Post Commander of American Legion Post #539

Post 30Greenville, WI

AMVETS Post 30 Commander Kim Craddock and 2nd Vice Commander Dennis Craddock in AMVETS dress supporting the 128th ACS and their son Kenton as he deploys. Over 60 years of service standing for this picture and a heck of alot more behind them. Thanks everyone for the support and prayers for the 128th’s mission. Go Guard!

Post 11Green Bay, WI

Post 30 wants to thank Past Commander Bill Forry, his wife Lynn, and our 2016-2017 White Clover Princess Cassie for all the support for our events this past year. Being a smaller post makes it challenging at times but partnering on events has proven a big win. Their attendance and partnership really made AMVETS stand out in our community. Our District 4 Commander Jeff Bedward also came out and helped us at our recent Cat Fish races where we sell White Clovers each year. Greenville events always pay tribute to veterans, it how that town rolls, and Jeff actually got on stage with our 1st Vice Rory Kaddatz to help with that honor. Partnering with Post 35 for New Dublin parade and volunteer work at King (Dice/Mini Golf) are a couple of other efforts we were happy to be a part of. We thank everyone who promoted and/or gave blood during our Mash Blood drive at Houdini Plaza in Appleton in June. The Army National Guard and the Oshkosh Military Veterans Museum helped make the Blood Drive a success Over 390 donors gave on that stormy day and we beat last year’s numbers!

We need you!!!!! Hoping to get some of the Posts to join with us to do the Pull of Honor at Appleton Airport on September 9th. This is a great way to market AMVETS and give to Old Glory Honor Flight plus have some fun. We look for each post to have 2 or more people sign up with Kim Craddock, Post 30 Commander or with Jeff Bedward, District 4 Commander to be part of a AMVETS team. We also want to have an AMVETS Table to share and possibly recruit some new members. Contribution to a 20 person pull of honor team is $75.00 ($1500.00 team fee) a person and all of it goes to Old Glory for future flight funding. Kim can be reached at 920-619-2842. https://atwairport.com/community-partnerships/pulling-for-honor/

Walking in the Fourth of July parade in Oshkosh is Post Commander and 4th District Commander; Jeff Bedward and AMVETS Miss White Clover Princess; Abigail Berna.

Post 7Oshkosh, WI

Fourth of July parade in Oshkosh pictured left to right is: AMVETS Miss White Clover Princess; Abigail Berna, Post Commander and 4th District Commander; Jeff Bedward, Auxiliary Hospital Officer; Cathy Tratz and State Executive Director Angie Hill.

Heat for Heroes Works to Help Veterans in Crisis

To further compound the growing energy plight faced by thousands of Wisconsin

Veterans, particularly those with service related disabilities, the soaring increases in energy costs in recent years have also resulted in those Veterans with limited incomes facing a life threatening energy-related crisis situation. At no fault of their own, these American Heroes are struggling with the daily challenge of paying for basic necessitates such as food and medication, while fighting to pay for escalating costs of heating their homes. This has forced them to make the tough choice between eating and heating in order to survive Wisconsin’s bitter cold winters and blistering hot summers.

facts• Wisconsinishometoover413,000Veterans• Today, there areover62,000disabledVeterans inWisconsin,manywaiting

over 125 days after duty to receive Federal disability benefits• ThousandsofVeteransfallbelowtheFederalandStatepovertyline• Over16,000WisconsinVeteransarecurrentlyunemployed• Next to health challenges and limited incomes, the principle cause of

homelessness in Veterans is their inability to pay for the escalating costs to keep their heat and power on

• To date, the Heat for Heroes Campaign has served over 7,000 WisconsinVeterans!

for Heroes in need of energy assistance call!1-800-891-9276www.heat4heroes.org


Riedemann-Thompson AMVETS Post 35 held their annual White Clover drive in Watertown, WI. The people of the area came thru for us this year, this was the best drive we have had in a long time. A portion of the contributions that we receive through this drive goes towards our annual Easter Egg Hunt that our post has conducted since 1947.

Post 50Phillips, WI

AMVETS & Auxiliary Post 50 Phillips, Wisconsin sponsored a Honor Flight float with local Veterans that have been on the “Never Forgotten Honor Flight”

AMVETS Post 50 Phillips, Wisconsin conducted their 10 annual “Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs” program. It was held with the 4th grade class in Phillips on Solberg Lake. It was also held in Prentice 4th grade with the support of the Prentice VFW at Buccaneer pond. A hundred fishing poles and tackle was purchased and given the students to keep. All student had a great day of fishing.

Commander Mark Kottwitz also participated in the parade. 1st Vice Danny Bauer in the back and Driver Michael English adjutant. Thanks Mike for your time and the use of your vehicle. It was nice to see the huge attendance and all the applause and recognition that we received.

Our color guard marched in this year’s 4th of July parade. From left to right Denny Berg, Henry Galgert, Al Zabel (color guard commander), Ted Frank, Russ Sell and Eric Gerard. Great Job, you looked great.

The following members helped with this from left to right Denny Berg, Eric Gerard (finance officer), Mark Kottwitz (commander), Larry Ready, Danny Bauer (1st vice), Gary Winkler (Chaplin), Michael English (adjutant). Not pictured Ollie Cole, Frank Braatz and Ralph Scholl.

Post 35Watertown, WI

Post 63Octonto, WI

On July 10th (left) AMVETS Commander John Windross presents Adjutant/Finance Officer Kenneth Exferd with four Post Commander Certificates the 1st was for Appreciation for Outstanding Support for the AMVETS Post for the aims purpose and principles of the AMVETS, the second, Special Achievement for rendition for special Achievements in the AMVETS Post and for outstanding participation in Fundraising Activities, the third, Distinguished Service rendered to the AMVETS Post and local community and to the aims purposes and principles of AMVETS and he received the fourth, Meritorious Service rendered in support of AMVETS and community. Ken has been an AMVETS Post 63 member since 1990 and has served in different officer positions and he has given one hundred percent for the Post and worked hard to help the community.

Stay connected with the AMVETS Department of Wisconsin on Facebook.

Do you have Facebook?

If you do, start following us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/180159465349150/

To see upcoming events, pictures, veteran topics and much more!


Post 1032Reedsville, WI

Post 1032 in Reedsville recently laid engraved bricks in the Reedsville Area Veterans Memorial Park. Bricks were purchased to honor family members, Veterans, business or organizations and local groups. It has enhanced the look of the park for visitors to enjoy. Purchasing bricks helps to keep the upkeep of the park. They come in sizes of 4" x 8" ($100) 8" x 8" ($200) or 8" x 16" ($300) Interested parties can contact Post 1032 at 920-374-1729.

Post 99Manitowoc, WI

AMVETS and Auxiliary Post 99 and a representative from VFW 659 hosted an ice cream social at St Mary’s Nursing Home in Manitowoc. The veterans were honored with gifts and everyone enjoyed bingo and ice cream. All veterans and Post members had their picture taken for the event.

AMVETS Post 99, Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS visited veterans at River Wood Estates for bingo and an ice cream social. The veterans received gifts and all the residents were invited for bingo and ice cream. From left front: Carl Domoneski, Bill Kretsch, Hildegarde Rebeneck, Marvin Pozorski and Marvin Baker all veteran residents received cookies donated by Subway in Rapids. Back row left: Gio Flores, Bella Bolden, Linda Dufek, Carolyn Swaboda, David Spindler, Chris Mahloch, Ed Mahloch, Roger Dufek holding Subway cookies, Dennis Scherer, Fred Giesler, and Diane Benzschawel.

Members of Post 99 and Auxiliary counted and folded over 2500 American flags for disposal. AMVETS Post 99 is the drop off place for flags in Manitowoc County. Pictured from left: Carol Wheelock, Chris Mahloch, Ed Mahloch, and Dennis Scherer. Back row: Dave Anderson, Roger Dufek, Larry Yax, Linda Dufek and Bob Hansen.

Wisconsin signs extension for funding

homeless vet programsThe Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs says its programs for homeless

veterans will remain open at state homes in King and Union Grove and are accepting new participants.

Tuesday’s announcement comes after the department signed an agreement offered by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to extend funding for the transitional housing programs.

State Veterans Affairs Secretary Dan Zimmerman says his department is excited that the VA will once again partner with the state to help meet the programs’ goals.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration decided to extend funding to house homeless veterans at the state homes. The one-year grant extension was signed Tuesday.

Before the reprieve, state officials learned in June that federal reimbursements for the homeless housing programs at King and Union Grove would end in September.


Post 1051Stevens Point, WI

AMVETS Post 1051 at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport Veterans Free Fly Out Event.

Post 1051 Honor Guard L-R Tom Bredow (also took flight), Commander Worzy, Distinguished Veteran that went Up Up & Away, Gordie Harmon, Dave Bellinger and Bob Shimmer. Not pictured is our Faithful Bugaler, Steve Lane.

Post 2180Necedah, WI

Veterans from Bldg 404 at Petenwell Veterans Park. AMVETS Post 2180 will have the veterans for several events this year. Nearly 50 events, that is more than any other Post in the state.

Saturday July 1st Parade in New Miner Necedah AMVETS and Veterans Color Guard.

Veterans from Tomah VA Medical Center Rehabilitation Building at Petenwell Veteran Park north of Necedah for an AMVET picnic dinner.

Veterans from 404 Tomah VA Medical Center at the Korean War Memorial Plover, WI.AMVETS Picnic Dinner (June 5th 2017).

National Desert Storm Memorial

The National Desert Storm War Memorial (NDSWM) is a new national monument that has been approved by Congress and President Trump (March 2017) to be built by 2021 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

It honors the 650,000 service members who served and 383 military members who died in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Construction of the Memorial is led by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association, a 501(c)3 organization in Washington, D.C. The association is led by an Honorary Board Chairman, Former President George H.W. Bush, and a Board of Directors comprised of Desert Storm Veterans from most branches of the military.

BUILDING THE NATIONAL DESERT STORM WAR MEMORIAL STARTS WITH YOU!

You can make a difference. Working together, we can honor the lives of those who were lost during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield; and we can pay lasting tribute to the war’s veterans and the liberation of the country of Kuwait.

We are deeply grateful for your generous gifts and will do our best to acknowledge every member of our donor community personally - Civilians, Veterans, Active Duty Military, Corporations, Foundations, Non-Profits, and Foreign Governments alike - who have all so generously donated to help transform our vision into a reality.

DONATE

Your donation allows us to connect people and create partnerships around the world to build the Memorial. We are a federally recognized non-profit, 501(c)(3) with EIN 37-1647413.

To donate go to: www.ndswm.org/donateOrSend Check or Money Order to:NDSWMP.O. Box 29091, Washington, DC 20017


AMVETS is so proud of the members and advocates who took the time to read our alert over the weekend and email Congress regarding the damaging Choice bill that was being brought to a vote. The bill was thankfully defeated.

Even better, a revised bill unanimously passed the House this afternoon. AMVETS has joined with the American Legion, DAV, VFW and five other VSOs in applauding passage of this bill which provides the Choice program $2.1 billion in funding for six months. Most importantly there are no PAYGO offsets and it also authorizes 28 urgently-needed medical facility leases to expand VA’s internal capacity for care, in addition to providing VA new tools and authorities to recruit, hire, and retain quality medical personnel.

You may have heard about a new “forever GI Bill” that is working its way through Congress and may become law by the end of the year. What exactly is in this law? Is it good for you? We attempt to cut through all the legal language and explain it here.

What Is New About This GI Bill? There are several changes being made to the Post-9/11 and other GI Bill programs. Read on to see which ones affect you. Remember this is only a proposed law; things can and probably will change.

Time Limits – The biggest attraction of this legislation is that it removes the 15-year time limit for those using their Post-9/11 GI Bill. Sounds great, but that ONLY applies to people (veterans and dependents using transferred benefits) who become eligible AFTER Jan. 1, 2018. So if you are a veteran using your GI Bill, an active-duty member planning to use the GI Bill, or a dependent of either a veteran or active-duty member, this does not apply to you at all. Current veterans, active-duty members, and dependents will still have 15 years from their discharge date to use up all their GI Bill benefits, or they will lose them.

Reservists – Reservists called to active duty under sections 12304(a) (when a governor requests federal assistance in responding to a major disaster or emergency), and 12304(b) (when the DoD mobilizes reservists in support of a combatant command) are now eligible. Previously, only reservists called to active duty by presidential order as a result of a national emergency were eligible. This applies to all reservists mobilized after Aug. 1, 2009, but reservists can receive payment only for classes that start after Aug. 1, 2018. Reservists who were receiving REAP payments may now be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Currently, there are less than 4,000 people eligible for this benefit.

Dependents – Fry Scholarship recipients are now eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Dependent’s Education Assistance (DEA) monthly payments will increase by about 50 percent, but the maximum number of months that a dependent can get DEA decreases from 45 to 36. This is effective Aug. 1, 2018. Some changes will be made to the transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill to make it easier to reallocate transferred benefits if the sponsor or dependent passes away.

Housing Allowance – Housing allowance is now based on the campus location where you attend classes, not necessarily the main campus.

School Closings – If you are attending a school that closes or loses accreditation and you don’t get credit for the classes you took, you won’t have to pay back any GI Bill benefits you received at that school. This is effective 90 days after the passage of the law. Unfortunately, it isn’t retroactive.

Testing Programs – Under the new law, you will normally be charged less GI Bill entitlement for taking standardized tests such as CLEP, GMAT, etc.

Benefit Tiers – Currently, your GI Bill benefits are based on the amount of active-duty time you have. If you have less than 36 months active duty, you may get less than the full amount of GI Bill benefits. (See our benefit tiers page.) The new law makes some minor changes to this and says that anybody who receives a Purple Heart will get the full GI Bill amount no matter how long they served on active duty.

STEM Classes – There is a big push these days to get veterans enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. This new GI Bill creates the “Edith Nourse Rogers Scholarship.” This program will pay veterans up to $30,000 if they are enrolled in a STEM program, have used up all their GI Bill benefits, and have at least 60 semester/90 quarter hours credit toward a STEM degree. It also will pay those who already have a STEM degree and are working on a teaching certification. This is effective Aug. 1, 2018. The new law also creates a High Technology Pilot Program that covers the full cost of high technology training not necessarily offered by a school. The details are sketchy, but the law says it is for people otherwise eligible under the GI Bill. Trainees will get the normal monthly housing allowance payments, and the VA has to monitor the companies giving the training to ensure the training results in gainful employment. This isn’t scheduled to start until spring 2019.

Are There Downfalls to the New GI Bill? Sounds good, right? More people eligible for the GI Bill, more types of training, more money paid to veterans – all in all, a win-win situation. Well, of course it has to be paid for, and Uncle Sam didn’t forget this.

The money will come in part by reducing the amount of Monthly Housing Allowance that new people get. There was a little-noticed provision in the 2015 military budget that slows the rate of increase in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) so that active-duty BAH no longer pays the full amount of the housing cost. As a result of that law, active-duty BAH is being reduced 1 percent every year from 2015 to 2019 so that by 2020 BAH will only cover 95 percent of a military member’s housing cost. The VA’s Monthly Housing Allowance, which is paid to GI Bill recipients, wasn’t affected by the earlier legislation. This new law changes that. Effective Jan. 1, 2018, the GI Bill housing allowance will also decrease. This will mean that anyone eligible for the GI Bill after January 2018 will get an average of $100 a month less housing allowance. This affects only those who begin getting GI Bill benefits after Jan. 1, 2018. If you are currently getting GI Bill benefits, you will see no changes. Of course, you won’t get the extended time limits or many other benefits of the new law either. As you can see the proposed changes will impact not only veterans but their families as well.

www.military.com

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin backed away Wednesday from a proposal to cut Individual Unemployability benefits for disabled veterans during a Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing that followed weeks of efforts by AMVETS to kill the measure in its crib.

“As I began to listen to veterans and their concerns and [Veterans Service Organizations] in particular, it became clear that this would be hurting some veterans. This would be a takeaway from veterans who can’t afford to have those benefits taken away,” Shulkin told the Senate committee. “I am not going to be supporting policies that hurt veterans, so I would look forward to figuring out how we can do things better.”

Shulkin’s testimony directly follows an entire day during which AMVETS leadership visited all 100 Senate offices to advocate against the cuts and a letter signed by 57 members of Congress sent to Shulkin Monday citing and underscoring AMVETS’s concerns about rescinding benefits to 225,000 of our nation’s most vulnerable veterans.

The VA’s initial budget recommendation proposed to eliminate the Individual Employability benefit for veterans aged 65 and older. This benefit currently pays 60- to 90-percent disabled veterans at the 100 percent disabled rate if their service-connected disability prevents them from working. The justification for this proposal has been that veterans 65 are eligible for Social Security instead. But the veterans receiving this benefit are precisely those who have been unable to work because of their service-connected disability and are therefore able to collect very little from Social Security, if anything at all.

As a result of AMVETS’ advocacy and as of the end of Wednesday’s hearing, this change now seems unlikely to ever become law.

In conversation with Veterans Service Organization representatives toward the end of the hearing, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Sen. Johnny Isakson referred to the proposed cuts to Individual Unemployability benefits as “a non-starter” and acknowledged that “anyone else will pretty much tell you it’s a non-starter, too.”

AMVETS is the nation’s largest and oldest Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization that is open to and fights for all veterans who served honorably, including reservists & guardsmen. AMVETS has been a nonpartisan advocate for veterans and their families for more than 70 years.

VA Secretary, Lawmakers Swayed by AMVETS’ Campaign

Against Cuts to VA Disability Benefits

Congress Looks At Making Changes to the GI Bill

Thank You!

AMVETS

AMVETS Mission StatementTo enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served

honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.

As one of America’s leading veterans’ service organizations with over 250,000 members, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserves.

The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms.

Veteran ServicesOne of the most visible is our network of trained national service officers (NSOs)

accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, these dedicated men and women can be found in close to 50 states, providing sound advice and prompt action on compensation claims at no charge to the veteran. In one recent year alone, AMVETS national service officers processed more than 74,000 claims.

Our Programs – AMVETS in ActionIn addition to the work of our national service officers, other AMVETS members, as

well as those in the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, will devote as many as 1 million hours of free time a year to brighten the lives of hospitalized veterans. Here, something as simple as playing cards with the lonely or watching television with the disabled can make a world of difference.

So can the assistance we give those who want to finish their education. Each year AMVETS awards scholarships totaling $40,000 to deserving high school seniors, ROTC students and veterans pursuing higher education.

But helping others is not limited to our fellow veterans. AMVETS members in more than 1,400 posts nationwide also promote and support “quality of life” community-service programs ranging from Special Olympics and ROTC to scouting and organ-donor projects.

Your Voice in DCOver the years, AMVETS has been at the forefront of public policy related to national

defense, services for homeless veterans, adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation by disabled military retirees, veterans employment and training, POW/MIA accountability and flag protection.

Apart from these initiatives, the organization has thrown its monetary support behind work on such national monuments as the USS. Arizona, the Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It also sponsors its own carillon program to honor America’s deceased servicemen and women. Since 1949, when President Truman dedicated the first carillon at Arlington National Cemetery, this program has grown to encompass more than 60 sites in the United States and overseas.

Another tribute unique to AMVETS is the Silver Helmet Award, often referred to as the Veterans Oscar. A replica of the World War II GI helmet, this prestigious award is presented annually to recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields. Want more information? Go to www.amvets.org or www.amvets-wi.org


“A veteran is someone who at one point in their life,

wrote a blank check made payable to

The United States of America for any amount,

up to and including their life.”

September 16thSEC meeting at Shooter’s in Plover

September 22nd - 24thState campout in Brussels

September 30thAMVETS Riders Chapter 120 Annual FundraiserWhere: Union Grove at the Ironwood Chophouse

October 28thLadies Auxiliary Department fundraiser - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PMWhere: Fisher’s Westward Ho, 4905 County Rd S, Oshkosh.

October 29thPost 42 Fundraiser(See poster below)

December 1st and 2ndFall Dance and SEC Meeting - Waupaca

Calendar of Events

Sunday, October 29, 2017 at “The Rendezvous”

Music by “Mark Jirikovec & His Orchestra” DANCING FROM 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

CASH and RAFFLE PRIZES!!Tickets on Sale Now

$5.00 in advance$7.00 at the door

Plan to attend for a GREAT afternoonof FUN and DANCING !!!!

SEE YOU THERE...

AMVETS POST 42Annual Fundraiser

IRS Form 990This form is needed to update your charter as tax-exempt with the IRS.

Excerpts from IRS website:Form 990-N is due every year by the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of your

tax year.You cannot file the e-Postcard until after your tax year ends. Example: If your tax year

ended on December 31, the e-Postcard is due May 15 of the following year. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day.

If your 990-N is late, the IRS will send a reminder notice to the last address they received.

While there is no penalty assessment for filing Form 990-N late, organizations that fail to file required Forms 990, 990-EZ or 990-N for three consecutive years will automatically lose their tax-exempt status. Revocation of the organization’s tax-exempt status will happen on the filing due date of the third consecutively-missed year.

There are posts that have been revoked and need to get the tax-exempt status back. To find out when was the last time you filed your IRS 990-n (electronic postcard) use the following address to find out. https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

The page will open to Exempt Organizations Select Check. There are 3 searches available.• Organizationseligibletoreceivetax-deductiblecharitablecontributions.• Organizationswhosefederaltaxexemptionwasautomaticallyrevokedfornotfiling

a Form 990 series return or notice for 3 consecutive years.• form 990-N (e-postcard) filers and filings.If you do not know if you are revoked you can go to the 3rd choice. Put your EIN

number in and it will let you know if you have filed and the dates that the 990 has been filed and what years that it was filed. It will not show up if you have been revoked.

If you fail to file your 990 and you’re on the revoked list you will then need to reapply using an IRS 1024 form. In other words you will need to start the process of applying to get your TAX exempt status back. filing fees start at $400 unless you can provide a legitimate reason for not filing within the 3 years. If you need some assistance in filling out the forms contact the Department office.

Forever GI Bill

Dear Fellow Veterans and Colleagues,The President just signed into law the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational

Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” named after the American Legion national commander who wrote the original GI Bill language in 1944. This legislation contains 34 new provisions, the vast majority of which will enhance or expand education benefits for Veterans, Service members, Families and Survivors.

Most notably, Veterans who transitioned out of the military after January 1, 2013 will not be limited to the 15-year deadline to use their GI Bill benefits – hence the bill’s nickname, “Forever GI Bill.” This law also restores benefits to Veterans, who were impacted by school closures since 2015, and expands benefits for our reservists, surviving dependents, Purple Heart recipients, and provides many other improvements.

We see Congress’s overwhelming bipartisan support and the President’s signing as a major accomplishment for our nation’s Veterans. The original GI Bill has long been considered an enormous success by historians, politicians and economists for its impact on the post-war economy and capital investment in our “Greatest Generation.” The passage of this bill ensures that generations to come will continue to walk in that greatness.

As you can imagine, VA has a lot of work ahead of us in order to ensure successful implementation of this new law, and as we roll out each provision, we’ll keep you updated and informed on our progress.

Thank you all for your continued support of our nation’s Veterans, Service members and their families.

Regards,Curtis L. CoyDeputy Under Secretary for Economic OpportunityVeterans Benefits AdministrationU.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashington, DC 20420

Air Force orders another 36 MQ-9 Reaper UAS attack drones

from General Atomics WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB – Unmanned aerial system (UAS) designers at General

Atomics in Poway, Calif., will provide the U.S. Air Force with 36 new MQ-9 Reaper attack drones under terms of a $400 million contract announced last month.

Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are asking General Atomics Aeronautical Systems segment to provide the 36 armed Reaper UASs, which are variations of the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAS.

The latest version of the Reaper -- the MQ-9 Block 5 -- is designed for surveillance and attack missions using a suite of airborne sensors and the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile.

General Atomics refers to the Reaper Block 5 as the Predator B, which has been in production since 2013. Users are the U.S. Air Force and the British Royal Air Force. Other MQ-9 Reaper users are France, Italy, The Netherlands, and Spain.

Compared to the MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 models, the Reaper Block 5 has increased electrical power, secure communications, auto land, increased gross takeoff weight, weapons growth, and streamlined payload integration capabilities.

The Reaper has a high-capacity starter generator and upgraded electrical system with a backup generator that can support all flight-critical functions. The drone has three independent power sources to accommodate new communications such as dual ARC-210 VHF/UHF radios with wingtip antennas for simultaneous communications among multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground parties; secure data links; and an increased data transmission capacity. The Reaper Block 5 can carry heavier payloads or additional fuel.

The turboprop-powered, multi-mission Reaper armed drone can fly for more than 27 hours between refueling at speeds to 240 knots at altitudes to 50,000 feet. The medium-endurance UAS can carry payloads as heavy as 3,850 pounds, including 3,000 pounds of external stores like Hellfire missiles.

The Reaper can carry as many as four Hellfire missiles, two GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, or two 500-pound GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs).

Twice as fast as Predator, the Reaper carries 500 percent more payload and has nine times the horsepower, General Atomics officials say.

The Reaper has a fault-tolerant flight control system, triple-redundant avionics system, and is powered by the Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, integrated with digital electronic engine control (DEEC) to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency at low altitudes.

The Reaper cab carry electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, Lynx multi-mode radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, electronic support measures (ESM), laser designators, and a variety of weapons.

The sophisticated drone has redundant flight-control surfaces; can fly remotely piloted or autonomously; has a MIL-STD-1760 stores management system; seven external payload stations; C-band line-of-sight data link control; Ku-band beyond line-of-sight and satellite communications data link control; more than 90 percent system operational availability; and can self-deploy or fly aboard C-130 utility aircraft.

On this contract General Atomics will do the work in Poway, Calif., and should be finished by August 2020.


Commander Jim Ruppel &

President Darlene Hempel’s Project

AMVETS Department Elects New Commander, Ladies … AMVETS - Sound-Off Fall... · Ladies Auxiliary...

Documents

Transcript of AMVETS Department Elects New Commander, Ladies … AMVETS - Sound-Off Fall... · Ladies Auxiliary...