Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Military ...vfwdeptpacific.org/ATD/artdApr2010.pdfNAF...

VFW Department of Pacific Areas

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 11 A non-profit official publication 20 April 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.

IInn MMeemmoorriiaamm

EEMMOORRYY RRUUSSSSEELLLL

AA TTrriibbuuttee ttoo EEmmoorryy Comrades and Cooties of Post 9892, Pup Tent 7 and the Pacific and the Russell Family, There are not words that can fully express a loss such as this. How does one fill the void left by the loss of someone who is closer than a brother. How does one express their condolences to his loving family during this time of grief. The words just do not come as easily as do the fond memories of our relationship over so many years. Our leader, our mentor and most of all our friend. For many of us more than a friend and closer than family in our lives. The bond among veterans, especially a veteran of Emory's character makes this loss more significant. Echoing in my memories Emory is constantly my mentor in my VFW and MOC service. It was Emory who asked me if I was interested in serving in the MOC. It was Emory who guided me along with wisdom unmatched by many. It was Emory who accepted my request to nominate me as Department Commander. It was Emory who stood tall and in a firm, caring manner installed me last June to this highly responsible position. Afterwards we walked up to one another and in his caring way he expressed his feelings that touched me very much. We have lost a friend, but as a mentor Emory Russell will always be with us, guiding us. Each of us can pay our respects in many ways. One way is to think about the man and rely on his wisdom to guide us along out path serving the VFW and MOC. The memories he left us with are many and he shall live forever in our Department and Grand through each of us.

Volume V – Number 11 AROUND THE PACIFIC 20 April 2010


We can pay no greater honor than to live our lives as Comrades and Cooties in the example he set for us. For Irene and his family my deepest condolences. They must always know that we will always be here for them, as we are for one another. I miss my friend and long for just one more time together. Hopefully when our time comes for Taps, we will have the opportunity to join our friend. Duty, Honor, Country seemed to be written for Emory Russell for that is how he lived. May God Bless and Care for him and his family always. James Malott Comrade & Friend

--------------------------------------------------------------- All, It takes a long time to grow an old friend that Emory was and always will be remembered as one, may peace be with you Emory. Please pass my condolences to the Irene and family. Yours in comradeship, Bill Wichmann

--------------------------------------------------------------- Frank and All Concerned, It was with great shock and sadness that I learned of the passing of Emory Russell. Emory had been my good friend and co-worker in both the Department and the Grand for many years and it was my pleasure to serve with him and under him in many positions. He successfully led the Department and the Grand during his terms as Department Commander and Grand Commander. The chartering and continued success of Post 9892 and Pup Tent 7 are largely due to his organizational efforts and continued support in any capacity that might be required. He served several terms as Post Commander and Pup Tent Seam Squirrel. On a Department and Grand level he has always been available and willing to accept important positions for the good of the Department and Grand. I know that in recent years Emory did suffer from health problems but he seldom publicly complained of these problems and continued to participate in all activities even if they caused him pain and discomfort. Emory is going to be greatly missed by all of us and we will miss his continuous contributions to the Department and Grand. I only regret that I was unable to see him more often in recent years. We can only be consoled that he is now in a Place of Peace. Audrey and I send our deepest condolences to Irene and the children and we pray that Emory may "Rest in Peace". Frank: I ask that you pass on these remarks and condolences to Irene and the family. Yours in comradeship, Don & Audrey Webster

--------------------------------------------------------------- To all, What can I say? My mentor, my friend of almost 30 years, a true gentleman and a stalwart Comrade and Cootie. His sage advice, his gruff demeanor, his wide wealth of knowledge of the VFW and MOC will be our loss. I've lost track of all the times I have asked him for advice or had a question. He always came through. An end of an era. Emory will be sorely missed by all. My heart goes out to Irene and the family. Their loss is immense.

Yours in Comradeship and L.O.T.C.S., Jerry Prinz

--------------------------------------------------------------- Comrades and Cooties, My condolences to all who knew Emory Russell and to his family. Emory was a fine example of a Comrade and a Cootie. In fact, Emory was the first to fine me at a Grand Scratch for “Killing Cooties” and really seemed to enjoy making me pay for it too. I will miss Emory. Yours in comradeship and L.O.T.C.S., John “J.J.” Johnson

--------------------------------------------------------------- Comrades, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Emory Russell and express my condolences to Irene, his family, and to all Comrades. Emory was a superstar in the VFW and MOC and a friend to everyone he met. I am glad to have had the opportunity to have known him even though it was only for a couple of years while attending Conventions and CofAs, just sitting in hotel the lobby with him just talking about a wide array of topics. I think that anyone who met Emory was a better person for it. I know I am and he that will truly be missed. Yours in comradeship and L.O.T.C.S., Joe Mortimer

--------------------------------------------------------------- Rose and I were saddened to learn of Emory's passing during our trip to Tripler AMC, Hawaii. Emory put alot of his personal time and effort into VFW Post 9892, being elected Post Commander numerous times and he served as Department Commander, too. As a member of Post 9892, I will miss his presence and support. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Irene and their sons and family. Rhett & Rose Webber DPA PDC

--------------------------------------------------------------- Emory Russell was at true friend and Veteran. He was always ready to help anyone who asked him, but did not force his ideas on you. He dedicated many hours to the VFW and Grand of the Pacific to ensure they where the best that they could be. He will be missed by all who knew him. PDC BARNEY PATSEL Greeneville, TN 423-525-2806

--------------------------------------------------------------- Emory was a good friend to me and Elena; we were saddened when we received news of his passing. I have loss a good friend and a super comrade. We wish to pass to Iren and family our sincere condolences on their loss. He will be remembered in our prayers. May he rest in peace. Frank and Elena Sass

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LLeesstt WWee FFoorrggeett OOuurr FFrriieenndd



DDiissttrriicctt 11 OOkkiinnaawwaa JJaappaann

DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass

DDiissttrriicctt 11

OOkkiinnaawwaa JJaappaann VVFFWW PPoosstt 99772233

VFW POST 9723 COMRADES ATTEND USO SALUTE

KADENA AIR FORCE BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN – On 27 March 2010, Comrades of VFW Post 9723 attended the USO Service Salute at Butler Officers club the pictures are of life members of Post 9723 and some of the wife's Okinawa friends Commander Stewart, Major Glenn, Dennis Provencher, Alfred Meyers, and Kimball Wilson.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HHeeyy,, CCoommrraaddee!! SSoommeeoonnee aasskkeedd yyoouu ttoo jjooiinn tthhee VVFFWW,, ddiiddnn’’tt tthheeyy??

WWhhyy nnoott aasskk ssoommeeoonnee ttooddaayy aanndd lleett tthheemm ttaakkee ppaarrtt iinn tthhiiss ggrreeaatt oorrggaanniizzaattiioonn??



VFW POST 9723 COMRADES TAKE PART IN JOB FAIR

KADENA AIR FORCE BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN – On 30 March 2010, Comrades of VFW Post 9573 took part in a Job Fair at the schilling Recreation Center, Kadena Air Base attended by Commander

Stewart, Dennis Provencher, Al Pearson, Charlie Ethridge and Dennis signing up some new members for VFW Post 9723.

Dennis Provencher signing up two new Comrades.

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VFW POST 9723 COMRADES AWARDED

Commander Stewart giving an award to Comrade George Cabrera (left) and Comrade Zoboblish (right) during a Post meeting.



DDiissttrriicctt 22 MMaaiinnllaanndd JJaappaann

VFW POST 1054 AWARDS ADOPT-A-UNIT SAILORS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – VFW Post 1054 Junior Vice Commander Terrence Noonan presents certificates of appreciation to active-duty personnel at Afloat Training Group, Western Pacific (ATGWP), Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. ATGWP personnel awarded the certificates recently participated in a community service project sponsored by VFW Post 1054. ATGWP is Post 1054's adopted unit.

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VFW POST 9612 ATTENDS JOB AND CAREER FAIR EXPO ON BOARD NAF ATSUGI

VFW National Employment Service

Past Department Commander Dave Teets (left) and Commander Joe Mortimer (right).

NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN – On 31 March 2010, the Fleet and Family Support Center, U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, conducted its First Annual Job and Career Fair Expo held at Club Trilogy. VFW Post 9612 was invited to attend and Past Department Commander Dave Teets was manning the helm and Commander Mortimer popped in a few times in between breaks from his full-time job at the Fleet and Family Support Center. VFW Post 9612 provided the community with information regarding VFW National Employment Service, VetJobs, employment, Veterans information, some VA information, and also did a little recruiting.

www.vetjobs.com



DDiissttrriicctt 33 KKoorreeaa

VFW POST 10216 ASSISTS OSAN AIRMAN

OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA – Osan Air Base in Korea suffered a tragic event on 05 April 2010 when there was a catastrophic fire in one of their Airman’s dormitory rooms. The fire resulted in the complete destruction of the room of Senior Airman (E-3) Katrese Massey she lost all of her personal belongings. The Osan Fire Marshal described the room as “a burned out cinder, even the TV and stereo system were a lump of plastic”. An urgent request went out to the Osan community from their Chief’s Group (E-9 senior leadership group) asking for donations to assist this young airman. Post Commander Shawn Watson heard of this plight and immediately jumped into action, garnering the approval of three Past Post Commanders that would allow commitment of the Post Relief Fund to assist Katrese. The Post had concurrence within 30 minutes of initiating the request and significantly, the VFW was the first organization to provide SrA Massey with funds to assist her. Word quickly spread through the Chief’s Group that the VFW had responded and the 51st Fighter Wing Commander was told of the donation. Importantly, the military leadership learned that this donation and others like it are a direct result of our Buddy Poppy program and generates funds for relief efforts. Good timing, with the Memorial Day Buddy Poppy activities coming up. But most importantly, the VFW provided direct, rapid and needed support to a young airman in time of need. That's what the VFW -- and specifically the Relief Fund is all about. As VFW members, we should all be proud of what we have just done.

Here are some responses from the Chief’s Group and VFW leadership: From: Dryden, Rebecca J CMSgt USAF PACAF 51 CS/SCX April 07, 2010 Subject: VFW Donation for Dorm Fire All I can say is WOW! Our AF Family is amazing! VFW, you are always there, through thick and thin!! Words can't express how much I appreciate the helpful hand for my Airman. Her name is SrA Katrese Massey. She is truly the type of Airman who will pay this forward 10-fold one day. Thank you VFW! v/r Chief D

--------------------------------------------------------------- Comrades, Community involvement and leadership like this makes me proud to say my VFW roots came from Post 10216. Well Done Comrades! What you did for the Airmen says a great deal about your support of the men and women serving our country and your community. Thank you so very much. Yours in Comradeship, Jim Malott Commander Pacific Areas

--------------------------------------------------------------- Comrades of VFW Post 10216, This is what the VFW is all about. The added benefit is the publicity The Post and VFW has and will continue to receive. It was a great idea to Let the Wing Commander know that the contribution was from the Buddy Poppy sales. Many Posts are limited to the number of Buddy Poppy fund raisers they can have per year. Donations like this make it difficult for the Commander to deny such requests. I applaud your efforts and generosity. Thank you for representing all of us not only in words, but in deeds alike. Keep up the great work. YIC and Service, Darin Combs Commander, District III

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This is what we are here for!

VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

DDiissttrriicctt 55 TThhaaiillaanndd

COMMUNITY COMRADESHIP FOR BIRTHDAY BEAR

SURIN, THAILAND – On April 3rd, a Birthday Party for your loyal District V Commander Bear Hudson was held in up country Thailand at his home in the jungles of Surin. In the true spirit of comradeship, Comrades from throughout Thailand flew, drove, or took trains and

buses to join in. Over 100 attended. Are they trying to tell him something, like he is aging too fast? Alot of our comrades and wives and friends gathered together, sharing camaraderie for another type of event.

Some of the more than 100 comrades and guests in attendance.

Many of the group joined in together at 0700 on the next morning for a farewell "Irish Breakfast (left Photo). Commander Al Serrato Commander, VFW Post 9876 Pattaya (L) and Past Commander Bob Owens, VFW Post 9951 Bangkok (R) ponder the amber brew refreshment for potential embibement

(right photo).



DDiissttrriicctt 77 PPhhiilliippppiinneess

ANGELES CITY VFW POST 2485 -- NEW LIVES FOR OVER 1,000 FILIPINO CHILDREN --

DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff PPaacciiffiicc AArreeaass

DDiissttrriicctt 77,, PPhhiilliippppiinneess

VVFFWW PPoosstt 22448855 Results of the operation (left) and the before photo (right).

ANGELES CITY, PLILIPPINES - A big Post with a big heart, Angeles City Post 2485 has contributed quietly over the past 20 years through its Children’s Operation Program toward providing new lives to more than 1,000 Filipino children with cleft lips or cleft palates, or both, mostly from indigent families. It is one of the most heartwarming and successful Post initiatives in DPA. Since inception of the “Kid Ops” program in 1990, there has been a steady flow of children from the surrounding community and from as far away as Leyte and Samar islands down south. “The kids brought to me,” says Program Chairman Cliff Wilsey, “usually have terribly deformed mouths. Since most are very young they don’t realize what a difficult life they would lead without proper medical attention. The best time to treat them is in their early years.” But some older children have also been helped by the initiative, children who daily experienced mockery by other children. The oldest was Blessedy, a 16-year-old girl living in Angeles City. Like so many other such children, she was closeted at home and not getting an education, which meant two strikes against her, with the third strike coming at any time: banishment to relatives in a distant province. Fortunately, however, someone heard of the Post 2485 program and Blessedy’s parents took her to Comrade Wilsey’s office. That was ten years ago; today, Blessedy is happily married and has a beautiful baby daughter. The average age of the children who pass through Post 2485 for cleft lip/cleft palate medical attention is 3~4 years old, making them mentally and physically pliable. Still, all the children must undergo an examination prior to treatment to determine whether they are medically fit for the surgery, although it is well documented that most babies born with a cleft lip or palate are otherwise healthy and have no other birth abnormalities. In the U.S., cleft lip and cleft palate are the fourth most common malformations at birth, affecting one of about 800 newborns. (No statistics are available for the Philippines.) The condition is called “multifactorial,” a combination of genes inherited from both parents and

environmental factors. The symptoms are visible early in a mother’s pregnancy. Besides the obvious dental problems, associated complications are feeding difficulties, ear infections and hearing loss, speech and language delay, and psychological problems such as how an affected child views him or herself. Examinations and treatment for all related problems is expensive, however, and in the Philippines only the rich can afford to pay the medical fees. Post 2485 does not budget funds for the Kid Ops Program. All expenses are covered by donations from members and non-members around the world, mainly from the U.S. Fifth-grade students in the Grace McWayne School in Batavia, IL, for instance, have donated to the program since its start, raising an average of $1,000.00/year through used book sales and other activities. That’s enough to pay for treatment of three children. In return, Comrade Wilsey always sends the students sets of before and after photos of each child who benefits from their donation. Here are before and after photos of Ms. Norjera Datumanon of Angeles City, the 1,000th child to benefit from Post 2485’s program. She turned seven last December, and had a cleft lip operation in March 2010 that cost $400.00. What a tremendous difference! She is now a truly beautiful child. Donations are never solicited for the Kid Ops Program. But the merit and success of this program for treating poor Filipino children has spread widely by word of mouth, and donations are welcome and sorely needed. Operations cost between $300.00 and $450.00 each, depending on the severity of the child’s condition. A difficult case might cost as much as $600.00. For the parents and children who make the sometimes long trip to Post 2485, Comrade Wilsey is like a saint, and they will always remember and be grateful to the VFW. The families often send poignant thank you notes to the Post.



PPuupp TTeenntt ##88,, CChhookkuumm CChhiinnggoo GGrraanndd ooff tthhee PPaacciiffiicc,, MMiilliittaarryy OOrrddeerr ooff tthhee CCoooottiiee

PUP TENT 8 ELECTIONS HELD

It all began on a somber note. Seam Squirrel Hammer asked the Sky Pilot to remember our National Home.

ELECTIONS: Pup Tent completed the messy business of the 2010-2011 elections. Here’s what we ended up with: New Seam Squirrel Shawn Watson; Blanket Bum Doc Higgins; Hide Gimlet Alan Laughter; CCDB Keith Michael; Tight Wad 1-Year Dave Beil; Tight Wad 2-Year Damien Cone; Tightwad 3-



Year Thomas Dillingham; Hungry Cootie Keith Michael; Pill Pusher Damien Cone; Shyster Matt Pierce; Sky Pilot Billy Quintero; KCR Takeshi Okazaki; Hospital Chairman Ron Davis; National Home Chairman Alan Laughter; Membership Chairman Doc Higgins; Blood Chairman Charles Woods; Provost Marshal Warren Maxson; Jimmy Legs Shane “Sid” Sidell; Shirt Reader Steve Higley.

Past Grand Commander Frank Sass conducted the Installation Ceremony.

Good of the Order: Seamy Hammer convened another one of those Kangaroo Courts and turned the

gavel over to Judge Dredd “Alan Laughter”. Wish we were bringing Alan to Thailand with us, he’d be great bait for the Ladyboys!

Ironically, Shawn Watson was appointed as the prosecuting attorney and he was a fishing buddy of Judge Dredd. Things turned worse for Doc when we saw the prosecutor and Judge indicating the universal “dead meat” sign. When challenged by Defense Attorney Squelch, they explained that they were merely saying “no fish this weekend”. Suuuuuuure.



PPuupp TTeenntt ##1111,, KKuurriippoottss GGrraanndd ooff tthhee PPaacciiffiicc,, MMiilliittaarryy OOrrddeerr ooff tthhee CCoooottiiee

PUP TENT OF THE PAST

This picture was publiished in the China Post, Taipei, Taiwan, about November 1966. Members of the Military Order of the Cootie, TT's Pup Tent #11, Taipei, Taiwan celebrate a monthly social gathering at the River Side Bar-B-Que. From laft to right are Jim Gouldman, Ed Harmon, Don Webster, George Loy, Joe Arrigo and Lou Tempia. Unfortunately all have since passed on except Cooties Don Webster and George Loy. Don now resides in California with his wife, Audrey, and is still active in the Grand of Pacific. George is retired and now living in Georgia with his wife, Kay. TT's PT #11 charter was surrendered in the early 90's due to insufficient local members or candidates. The number was later taken by the Pup Tent in Olongapo, Philippines which now operates as Kuripots Pup Tent #11.

DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt aanndd GGrraanndd AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss

DPA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Department of Pacific Areas Annual Convention

20-24 June 2010, Bangkok, Thailand www.vfwdeptpacific.org

The Department of Pacific Areas Annual Convention will be held at the Karnmanee Palace Hotel (www.karnmanee.com) from 20-24 June 2010. The registration page is on the Department of Pacific Areas Website, so make your plans and bring the family, its a great opportunity to meet comrades and enjoy a relaxing holiday.

--------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

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MOVNG, TRANSFERRING, OR LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST?

If moving, be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss any of your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other VFW benefits.

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

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

--------------------------------------------------------------- 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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HHeeyy,, aasskk ssoommeeoonnee ttoo jjooiinn!!

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:

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------- RATES FOR 2010 VFW DPA ANNUAL

CONVENTION BOOK ADVERTISEMENTS

Full Page Color Half Page Color Quarter Page Color Full Page B&W Half Page B&W Quarter Page B&W Business Card Boosters Names

$200.00$100.00$60.00$90.00$45.00$30.00$10.00

$3.00 NOTE: Amounts are in U.S. Dollars.

Advertising Rebates!!! A 40% rebate starts right after $400.00 worth of advertisements sold (this does not include Boosters Names). Boosters Names after thirty (30) sold will qualify you for a $0.40 rebate per Boosters Name. Remember each Post, District, and Pup Tent are separate for calculating the rebates, no combining of Post and Pup Tent or Post and District to qualify for rebates.

Advertisement Material 1. All photos should have captions for recognition purposes. 2. If possible – recommend using PDF files that can be easily processed for magazine display ads. 3. Images should be with resolution no lower than 300 ppi (dpi).



4. Cut-Off for receiving advertising material will be Friday, 14 May 2010. 5. If they want a double page, double the price. Please send advertising material to:

Wayne Harrison – [email protected] or

James Oden – [email protected] This is not too early to be approaching firms for advertising. If you are dealing with commercial companies, they may have an advertising agency and need time to get the artwork arranged or even budget for the cost. Make it a Thanksgiving Resolution over your Turkey and Pumpkin Pie to get your customers to advertise early for the 2010 DPA Convention Book. For your Post, Pup Tent and District Ads, start working them up now! We can accept material for the Convention Book immediately and prepare the layouts. Again from a previous message, don’t everyone send your advertising on 12-13 May 2010. Layout is the issue and we need the ads to work up the pages and fit. Help us out, this is our first time.

--------------------------------------------------------------- VFW DPA PACIFIC AREAS PEN

You know about the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests. Well here is a new one for all Comrades of the Pacific Areas to take part in! It is the Pacific Areas Pen (PAP) Essay Writing Contest sponsored by Jim Malott, Commander, Department of Pacific Areas. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place entries and is sponsored at no cost to the Department of Pacific Areas. Entries will be judged and winners announced at the VFW June Convention. The Theme for the 2009-2010 PAP is:

“What Being a VFW Member Means to Me”

We invite you to join! Contest entry forms are available by contacting your Post Commander or by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]

What is the Pacific Areas Pen? - Conducted throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas (DPA), the Pacific Areas Pen (PAP) Essay Writing Contest competition is open to all VFW members in good standing of the Department of Pacific Areas and gives ALL VFW members an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on the VFW with the prospect of winning First, Second, or Third Place for their efforts. Winning essays will be published in the Around the Pacific Newsletter. - The Commander, Department of Pacific Areas chooses the year’s theme. The contest entries are submitted directly to the DPA PAP Chairman. A judging committee will be formed at the DPA Annual

Convention or Mid-Term Convention and winners for First, Second, and Third Place will be selected. Winners will be announced and awards will be presented during the Banquet. 2009-2010 PAP SPONSOR: Jim Malott, Commander, Department of Pacific Areas 2009-2010 PAP CHAIRMAN: Mailing Address: Joe Mortimer VFW DPA PAP Chairman PSC 477 Box 32 FPO AP 96306-1232 E-Mail Address: [email protected]

2009-2010 PAP CONTESTANT RULES THEME: The Commander, Department of Pacific Areas chooses the year’s theme. For 2009-2010 the theme is:

“What Being a VFW Member Means to Me” DEADLINE: The completed essay and entry form must be in the hands of the PAP Chairman by 01 June 2010. ESSAY CONTENT: 1. Contestants are allowed to enter only once (each PAP contest cycle). 2. Contestants must write their own essay and must be the contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. 3. The approach to the PAP Theme should be positive and clearly focused. 4. All essays should be typewritten in English with no color or graphics and not more than 400 words in length. Essays over the word amounts will be eliminated. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. 5. Every word is counted regardless of length, however the essay title (theme) or added foot notes do not contribute to the word count. 6. Contestants may have someone check the essay for punctuation, grammar, and/or spelling, however the content must remain the contestant’s. 7. In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay, i.e., do not put their name on their essay, etc. The entry form is the contestant’s essay cover sheet. OFFICIAL ENTRY SUBMISSION: 1. The 2009-2010 Official Pacific Areas Pen Competition Entry Form MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL contestants, accompany the essay submission, be signed by the contestant, and be signed by any of their elected Post Officers, i.e., Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Adjutant, Quartermaster, etc., for verification of the contestant being a VFW member in good standing. a. MAIL IN ENTRY: The contestant may submit their Official Entry Form together with their essay and send to the PAP Chairman. The contestant is responsible for the postage of their entry and submitting with sufficient time to be received by the PAP Chairman prior to the deadline. b. ELECTRONIC ENTRY: The contestant may scan their Official Entry Form and submit with their essay in an e-mail to the PAP Chairman. The e-mail subject line should read: “PAP CONTEST ENTRY”



2. To receive an entry form, see your Post Commander for a copy or send an e-mail to: [email protected] 3. All essays received become the property of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pacific Areas who retains the rights to use essays and likeness in the promotion and execution of the organization’s programs and activities. JUDGING: 1. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally. 2. Contestants will be judged on how well they understand, develop, and present the theme: a. Knowledge of the Theme (Worth 30 Points): (1) Contestant must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. (2) Demonstrate contestant has researched the issue extensively. b. Theme Development (Worth 35 Points): (1) Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when, and why. (2) Relate the theme to your own experiences. c. Clarity of Ideas (Worth 35 Points): (1) Contestant wrote essay in an easy-to-understand format. (2) Leave the reader with a clear understanding of the contestant’s explanation of the theme.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONTESTANTS!

--------------------------------------------------------------- VFW DPA DISTRICT 5 NEW WEBSITE

Click today and see what is happening!

http://www.vfwdistrict5.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------

INVITATION

VFW Commander-in-Chief and Adjutant General in Korea 06-09 May 2010

Comrades of the Pacific, I am sending out a reminder and invitation (in case you didn't get the first email) to see our National Commander in Chief and Adjutant General in Korea 6-9 May. The VIPs will arrive at Yongsan Army (Garrison, Base, Post, Yard) 6 May. On that day, the CINC will meet with the United States Forces Korea (USFK) Commander and give interviews to the American (remember when it use to be called Armed?) Forces Network. On 7 May, the VIPs will tour the DMZ and visit the Soldiers stationed on the front line winding up the day at Osan Air (Base, Garrison, Post, Yard) where Post 10216 will host. While at Osan, the CINC will visit with the 7th AF Commander and/or the 51st FW Commander. On 8 May, there are activities planned that will include a Loyalty Day parade, Social, and District Convention. If you would like to meet attend these events and are not in Korea, please let me know if I can help with your travel arrangements, lodging, etc. We would love to have you. Yours in Comradeship and Service, Darin Combs Commander, District 3

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VVFFWW CCoooottiiee CCoorrnneerr AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss

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

If you make a donation or become a member, we thank you very much

and ask you to please inform your Pup Tent’s Custodian of the Crummy Duffle Bag and be quick about it!

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111th VFW National Convention

Convention Information: - Mail-in Registration Form/Online Registration Form - Pre-Registration Brochure - Convention Agenda Housing: - Department Hotel Assignments - Mail-in Housing Form/Online Housing Form - Department Assignments (Quick Map) - Hotels & Attractions (Map) Parking: - Downtown Parking Map - RV Campgrounds Special Discounts/Services: - Tour the VFW National Home for Children - Scootaround - Mobility Solutions - Food & Drink - VFW Golf Tournament - Visit a Local Post

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Women Veterans VA Health Care and VA Disability Claim

The VFW is interested in the timeliness, quality, and accessibility of health care female veterans are receiving at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. We would also like to know if VA is meeting your expectation of privacy during both office check-in and during the actual physical examination. We are seeking comments regarding experiences you have encountered both negative and positive. Please send to [email protected], using the subject line Female Veteran Concerns. In addition, if you have questions about your VA disability claim please contact us at the same email address listed above.

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Post-9/11 GI Bill Fact Sheet Since 1997, the VFW has been lobbying Congress to update the 20-year-old peacetime Montgomery GI Bill with 21st century tuition realities. The VFW did this by testifying at more than 40 congressional committee hearings, through hundreds of VFW Legislative Committee member visits to every House and Senate office in Washington and within their home states, and through the grassroots lobbying effort of 2.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members at 8,300 VFW Posts nationwide. Although the Montgomery GI Bill was good peacetime legislation, it only paid about 70 percent of the average cost of today's public tuitions, and barely 30 percent at private schools. VFW service officers are key in helping veterans and their dependents file for educational benefits. They are expert advisors and the veteran's best advocate in obtaining government-entitled benefits. Service officers can answer eligibility questions, explain benefits and will provide expert assistance in filing your application to enroll in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.

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See how you can help: http://www.vfw.org/

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

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SSeeee yyoouu iinn tthhee nneexxtt eeddiittiioonn!!

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Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Military ...vfwdeptpacific.org/ATD/artdApr2010.pdfNAF...

Documents

Transcript of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Military ...vfwdeptpacific.org/ATD/artdApr2010.pdfNAF...