August/September 2015

Transcription

Vol. 47, No. 1
SSN 0745 4031
Scan this QR code to find VFW
web resources that will keep you
informed and ready to engage.
Convention Celebrates Success on Many VFW Fronts Special Coverage Inside on Pages 7-9
The arching fireworks that entertained State Convention
Patriotic Rally participants served as a fitting tribute to the
many successes that the Department of Pennsylvania VFW
launched for veterans, military personnel and communities
during the 2014-15 program year. As each colorful powder
explosion echoed across Gettysburg–reminding attendees of
the many powerful cannon blasts that enveloped the nearby
historic battlefield in a heavy fog 152 years ago–VFW and
Ladies Auxiliary members cheered the booming display that
celebrated both freedom and the significant impact that both
organizations have had on those they serve.
The popular pyrotechnic show was not the only
convention highlight that drew frequent applause. Award
recognition programs, committee reports announcing
new progress on key issues, speakers promoting veteranfriendly resources and the installation of what is probably the
Convention ... continued on page 11
Congratulations to PA Department’s
Own PSC John Biedrzycki for Being
Installed as VFW Commander-in-Chief
State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., is
congratulated by then VFW National Sr. Vice
Commander-in-Chief John A. Biedrzycki, Jr.
Top membership performers included (from left) the only All-State District Cmdr. Dwayne Anders (22) shown with State
Cmdr. Gary R. Smith, All-State Captains Post 1620 Cmdr. John Stutzman and Quartermaster Ricky Snyder, and Post
6393 that won three top awards represented here by Chaplain Peter Hook and District 8 Cmdr. Nathaniel Smith.
Past All-American State
Commander (2002-03) John
A. “Big John” Biedrzycki of
McKees Rocks Post 418, a
retired Pittsburgh educator
and Army veteran of service
in Korea during the Vietnam
War, became only the 10th
Pennsylvanian to serve as the
National VFW Commanderin-Chief on July 22. Chief
Biedrzycki, who resides in
Robinson Township just
outside of the Steel City and
who graduated from the
University of Pittsburgh,
was elected and installed at
the National Convention in
Pittsburgh where he spent
much of his life.
When he was sworn in,
Big John became the first VFW member from the Commonwealth
to wear the Commander-in-Chief’s hat since Uniontown’s
Joseph Vicites held the position in 1971-72. He is only the third
Pennsylvanian to serve as Chief since 1959.
This issue includes expanded coverage of Biedrzycki’s election
and his service to the VFW. Congratulations, Big John!
VFW’s Strong Support of PA Troops Marches On
A VFW life member, PA Air National Guard TSgt. Keith
Gregory accepts the PA VFW Eagle Award from incoming
State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., during the
State Convention. Joining him is his mother, Kathleen.
Chalfont Post 3258 adopted the Air National Guard
F-111th Attack Wing and attended a luncheon
honoring supporters at the Horsham Station. Shown
from left are Command Chief Master Sergeant
Paul Frisco, Brigadier General Anthony Carrelli,
Quartermaster Jim Dunn, Commander Woody
Hippel, Colonel Mike Regan and Major Brian Wilson.
A dedicated team from West York Post 8951 and
its Ladies Auxiliary honored the PAARNG 28th ID’s
828th Finance unit as its prepared to deploy to the
Middle East. The Post provided and served the
Guardians lunch and greeted them personally to
wish them a safe and successful mission.
Page 2
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
Leading the Way Forward in 2015-16
From the State Commander
Let’s Respond to a VFW “Call to Service”
Glenn R. Umberger, Jr. - [email protected]
What a start
to our new year!
It literally started
with a “bang”
from the fantastic
fireworks show
at the State
Convention’s
Patriotic Rally in
Gettysburg. Next
we hosted the
National Convention in Pittsburgh and
elected our own “Big John” Biedrzycki
as our Commander-in-Chief. With this
much momentum, there is no telling
what else we will accomplish this year!
State Commander Umberger makes the
transition to State Commander with PSC
John A. Biedrzycki, Jr., officiating.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone for
their support and volunteering to make
all those events successful. You have
demonstrated the strength and resolve
of this great State. But, this is just the
beginning and we have a lot more to
accomplish this year.
The theme for this year is
“LDRSHIP,” which stands for –
Legislative, Dedication, Recruitment,
Service, Hospital, Integrity and
Patriotism. Let’s use these seven
ingredients to strengthen the VFW, our
communities and our Country.
For this year’s Commander’s
Project, “A Call to Service,” we
will focus on community service,
community activities and community
involvement. Every individual
community has a real need and a
solution that is unique.
So many Posts and their Auxiliaries
support meaningful programs that
address community needs. Please
continue to support those programs and
others that benefit our fellow Veterans,
Service Members and their Families.
To those who do not have a
program that they support, you are
encouraged to select one that will
show the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a
productive member of the community.
No Post is too small to get involved
in their community. In fact, it may be
a lack of community involvement that
has kept new members from coming
into small Posts to help them grow. Any
Post is capable of honoring their local
police, fire and EMT professionals.
Any Post can contribute in some way
to benefit those needing a helping hand
through donations to food pantries and
other assistance programs.
Submission of Community
Activity Reports is essential, so we can
document all the positive contributions
being made. This documentation
enables us to substantiate our actions as
a Veterans Service Organization.
Receiving credit towards the
“All State” contest for your program
participation is easy. Conduct your
activity, service or program in your
community, while wearing your VFW
shirts and hats. Take pictures of the
event and submit them to Department
HQs with a write-up of what occurred
and who was involved. Invite
Community Leaders to join in the event
Desert Storm veteran Umberger addresses
State Convention delegates.
and ask the media to cover it.
Younger Veterans are looking for
projects to get involved in, where they
can volunteer some time and see an end
result when done. They are looking for
family-friendly events where they can
bring their spouses and children to do
something together.
We had such a great start this
year. Let’s work hard to make this as
memorable of a year as possible; it will
surely be a special year with Big John
serving as Chief.
Go Team Pennsylvania!!
PA Leaders Pledge to Serve with Honor and Integrity
PAGE 3
AT YOUR SERVICE: MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
VFW Salutes New Agent Orange Decision
Contaminated C-123 aircraft that those who served aboard or
used years after Vietnam War worked on the C-123 aircraft were
The Veterans of Foreign Wars exposed to the herbicide, both during
celebrates the recent decision by the and after Vietnam, when many of
Department of Veterans Affairs to the aircraft remained in service for
begin accepting disability claims aeromedical transportation or in a
from veterans potentially exposed mosquito abatement role in the U.S.
All airmen who were assigned
to Agent Orange-contaminated
to
flight,
ground or medical crew
aircraft in the post-Vietnam era.
duties
at
Lockbourne/Rickenbacker
The decision by VA Secretary Bob
McDonald could now benefit as Air Force Base in Ohio (the 906th
and 907th Tactical
many as 1,500
US Air Force Museum Photo
Air Groups or
to 2,100 Air
355th and 356th
Force and Air
Tactical Airlift
Force Reserve
Squadrons), at
personnel, who
Westover AFB
might suffer
in Massachusetts
from any of 14
(the 731st Tactical
presumptive conditions that are
Air
Squadron
and
74th Aeromedical
determined to be related to Agent
Evacuation
Squadron),
or with
Orange exposure.
The VA secretary made the 758th Airlift Squadron in
the decision to expand benefits Pittsburgh, during the period
following a 2015 report by the 1969 to 1986, and who may have
National Academy of Sciences developed an Agent Orange-related
Institute of Medicine on Post- disability, are encouraged to file a
Vietnam Dioxin Exposure in Agent disability compensation claim.
Call (717) 234-7927 to find a
Orange-Contaminated C-123
VFW
Service Officer near you.
Aircraft. The report found evidence
PA Desert Storm Bonus Deadline Approaching
Proposed Bill to Extend Aug. former members of the United
31st Deadline Awaits Passage States Armed Forces, a reserve
On April 24, 2006, House Bill
1820 was signed into law as Act
29 of 2006. This Bill establishes
the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans
Benefit Act. On November 7,
2006, Pennsylvania voters gave
overwhelming approval to a ballot
question to fund the program. The
bond issue created a fund for the
payment of compensation to, or
on behalf of, eligible current and
component of the United States
Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania
National Guard.
The deadline for submitting
bonus applications is August 31,
2015. As of press time, HB 175,
which would extend the deadline to
August 31, 2018, was not passed by
the State Legislature.
For more information call tollfree (866) 458-9182.
(ISSN 0745 4031) OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPT. OF PENNSYLVANIA
VFW - Act of March 1879
Dedicated to the comradeship of those who borne arms in defense of the USA,
to the principle of informed and active patriotism, working to keep us strong and free.
Periodicals postage paid @ Harrisburg PA Post Office. Four issues printed annually
dated August/September, November/December, March/April and May/June
Dept. of PA Veterans of Foreign Wars, 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943
State HQ - (717) 234-7927 - Fax: (717) 234-1955
www.vfwpahq.org - Facebook: "VFW Department PA"
Editors: State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., and Department State
Adjutant/Quartermaster John B. Getz, Jr.
Produced by Department Communications/Public Affairs Director David A. Sandman
$0.85 cents of membership dues is for a subscription to Pennsylvania VFW News.
Postmaster: Send address change to PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
Circulation Dept., (VFW Magazine), 406 WEST 34TH ST.
KANSAS CITY, MO 64111-7503
VA Benefit News & Other Important Health Updates
This information is provided by the Department's Veterans Service Officer program. Call State
HQ at (717) 234-7927 or visit www.vfwpahq.org for the nearest VFW Service Office. State HQ
thanks the State of PA for Act 66 grant funds which expands VFW outreach into rural areas.
VA-Led Consortium Launches Brain
Bank for Research on PTSD
A consortium led by the Department of
Veterans Affairs’ National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has
launched the first brain tissue biorepository
(also known as a “brain bank”) – to support
research on the causes, progression and
treatment of PTSD affecting veterans.
The national brain bank will follow the
health of enrolled participants during their
lifetime. Participants in the brain bank will
donate their brain and other body tissue
after their death. The donated tissue, along
with each veteran’s health information,
will provide crucial information for use in
research on PTSD and related disorders.
“Although we have learned a great deal
about abnormalities in brain structure and
function from brain imaging research, there
is no substitute for looking at the neurons
themselves,”
said
consortium director Dr.
Matthew Friedman.
“Understanding the
cellular and circuit
contributions
to
abnormal brain activity
in PTSD is critical
in the search for potential biomarkers of
susceptibility, illness and treatment response
and for developing new treatments targeting
the conditions at the cellular level.”
The national brain bank will investigate
the impact of stress, trauma and PTSD
on brain tissue in order to advance the
scientific knowledge of PTSD, particularly
the identification of PTSD biomarkers.
PTSD is a significant mental health
concern among veterans. In 2013, 533,720
veterans with primary or secondary
diagnosis of PTSD received treatment at
VA medical centers and clinics. PTSD is
a serious mental disorder resulting from
exposure to direct or indirect threat of death,
serious injury or physical violence, including
sexual violence.
Veterans interested in learning more
about enrolling in the brain bank are
encouraged to call its toll-free number 1-800762-6609 or visit its website http://www.
research.va.gov/programs/tissue_banking/
PTSD/default.cfm
Diseases Associated with Agent Orange
The VA assumes that certain diseases
can be related to a veteran’s qualifying
military service, and these conditions are
called “presumptive diseases.” VA has
recognized certain cancers and other
health problems as presumptive diseases
associated with exposure to Agent Orange
or other herbicides during military service.
Veterans and their survivors may be eligible
for benefits for these diseases:
AL Amyloidosis - A rare disease caused
when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters
tissues or organs;
Chronic B-cell Leukemias - A type of
cancer which affects white blood cells;
Chloracne (or similar acneform disease)
- A skin condition that occurs soon after
exposure to chemicals and looks like
common forms of acne seen in teenagers.
Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at
least 10 percent disabling within one year of
exposure to herbicides;
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 - A disease
characterized by high blood sugar levels
resulting from the body’s inability to respond
properly to the hormone insulin;
Hodgkin’s Disease - A malignant lymphoma
(cancer) characterized by progressive
enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver,
and spleen, and by
progressive anemia;
Ischemic Heart Disease
- A disease characterized
by a reduced supply of
blood to the heart, that
leads to chest pain;
Multiple Myeloma - A
cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood
cell in bone marrow;
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - A group of
cancers that affect the lymph glands and
other lymphatic tissue;
Parkinson’s Disease - A progressive
disorder of the nervous system that affects
muscle movement;
Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
- nervous system condition that causes
numbness, tingling, and motor weakness.
Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at
least 10 percent disabling within one year of
herbicide exposure;
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - A disorder
characterized by liver dysfunction and
by thinning and blistering of the skin in
sun-exposed areas. Under VA’s rating
regulations, it must be at least 10 percent
disabling within one year of exposure to
herbicides;
Prostate Cancer - Cancer of the prostate;
one of the most common cancers among
men;
Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer)
- Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and
bronchus; and
Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than
osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s
sarcoma, or mesothelioma) - A group of
different types of cancers in body tissues
such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph
vessels, and connective tissues.
Page 4
General Orders #1
Having been duly elected and installed, I Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., State Commander, Dept. of
Pennsylvania, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., for 2015-2016, hereby assume command.
1. PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: All previous appointments have expired and are null and
void.
2. THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS HAVING BEEN PROPERLY ELECTED on June 20, 2015,
in conjunction with the 96th Annual Convention in Gettysburg, PA, will be recognized and
respected in accordance with the positions they occupy:
STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER: Thomas A. Brown, VFW Post 928
STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER: Dwight R. Fuhrman, VFW Post 8896
ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER: John B. Getz Jr, VFW Post 3376
NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER: Robert C. Eiler, VFW Post 8805
STATE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Frank J. McGovern, VFW Post 3460
STATE SURGEON: Nelson E. Lowes, Sr., VFW Post 734
STATE CHAPLAIN: Peter R. Hook, VFW Post 6393
3. DISTRICT COMMANDERS: The following members having been properly elected for the
ensuing year are officially recognized as Commander of the District and members of the
Department Council of Administration:
DISTRICT 1 COMMANDER: Joseph Buckley, VFW Post 20
DISTRICT 7 COMMANDER: Alfred Robinson, Jr., VFW Post 974
DISTRICT 8 COMMANDER: James McComb, VFW Post 175
DISTRICT 9 COMMANDER: James Haller, VFW Post 8795
DISTRICT 10 COMMANDER: John Tomasovitch, VFW Post 7251
DISTRICT 11 COMMANDER: Alexander Clabia, VFW Post 8253
DISTRICT 12 COMMANDER: Bruce Kosack, VFW Post 3432
DISTRICT 13 COMMANDER: James L. Lindsey, VFW Post 6558
DISTRICT 14 COMMANDER: Mark Webster, VFW Post 8488
DISTRICT 15 COMMANDER: Elmer Everetts, VFW Post 844
DISTRICT 16 COMMANDER: Earl Colella, VFW Post 5308
DISTRICT 17 COMMANDER: Ralph E. March, VFW Post 5754
DISTRICT 18 COMMANDER: Willard D`Amico, VFW Post 1718
DISTRICT 19 COMMANDER: Rickey Hicks, VFW Post 5887
DISTRICT 20 COMMANDER: Ronnie Byrd, VFW Post 3448
DISTRICT 21 COMMANDER: Terry Stokes, VFW Post 1446
DISTRICT 22 COMMANDER: George Fletcher, VFW Post 7043
DISTRICT 23 COMMANDER: Chester Prinkey, VFW Post 265
DISTRICT 24 COMMANDER: Martin A Puchi, VFW Post 553
DISTRICT 25 COMMANDER: Wayne Perry, VFW Post 7505
DISTRICT 26 COMMANDER: Aaron C. Kepple, VFW Post 4843
DISTRICT 27 COMMANDER: Robert Body, VFW Post 92
DISTRICT 28 COMMANDER: Joseph Benacci, VFW Post 470
DISTRICT 29 COMMANDER: John Winters, VFW Post 3945
4. THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENTS ARE HEREBY ANNOUNCED:
ADJUTANT: John B. Getz, Jr., Post 3376
CHIEF OF STAFF: James J. Ritchie, Post 6495
INSPECTOR: Albert F. Chambers, Jr., Post 6345
STATE PARLIAMENTARIAN: John A. Brenner, Post 2493
STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN:
ARTHRITIS/DIABETES CHAIRMAN Robert A. Mandera, VFW Post 402
BARGER SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN William J. Mayer, VFW Post 8896
BUDDY POPPY CHAIRMAN Richard Olvitt, VFW Post 8951
BY-LAWS CHAIRMAN Albert S. Thomas, Jr., VFW Post 974
CITIZENSHIP EDU./ LOYALTY DAY CHAIRMAN Paul L. Kreiner, Jr., VFW Post 6704
COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIRMAN Thomas M. Hanzes, VFW Post 7599
CREDENTIALS CHAIRMAN Barbara Moore, VFW Post 1586
EMPLOYMENT CHAIRMAN Leslie Harvey, VFW Post 249
FINANCE CHAIRMAN Robert C. Eiler, VFW Post 8805
HOMELESS VETERANS CHAIRMAN Dwayne A. Anders, VFW Post 8724
HOSPITAL/VAVS CHAIRMAN Nelson E. Lowes, Sr., VFW Post 734
HOSPITALITY CHAIRMAN Harry P. Carper, VFW Post 1754
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRMAN Robert C. Eiler, VFW Post 8805
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRMAN James R. Frisbie, VFW Post 7251
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRMAN EAST Dennis Bicking, VFW Post 6495
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRMAN CENTRAL David W. Gyger, VFW Post 3502
INTERNAL AFFAIRS SPECIAL ADVISOR-EAST Benjamin A. Mastridge, Sr., VFW Post 6495
INTERNAL AFFAIRS SPECIAL ADVISOR-CENTRAL Frank G. Mills, Sr., VFW Post 1754
LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIRMAN Dominic A. DeFranco, VFW Post 764
LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIRMAN Nelson E. Lowes, Sr., VFW Post 734
NATIONAL HOME CHAIRMAN James J. Ritchie, VFW Post 6495
PATRIOT’S PEN CHAIRMAN Wrayburn D. Reinsmith, VFW Post 6168
POW/MIA CHAIRMAN Jonathan Bittner, VFW Post 5308
SAFETY CHAIRMAN Ronald Smith, VFW Post 7045
STUDENT VETERANS ASSOCIATION Adam Murphy, VFW Post 1630
VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT CHAIRMAN Sandra L. Showalter, VFW Post 43
VETERANS COURT ADVOCATE Terry Stokes, VFW Post 1446
VETERANS SERVICE CHAIRMAN John J. Foster, VFW Post 2
VFW MOTORCYCLE RIDERS GROUP David A. Dibelius, VFW Post 6493
VFW PROGRAMS CHAIRMAN John A. Brenner, VFW Post 2493
Chaplain's Corner
Congratulations, Chaplain John Grillo
Rev. Peter Hook, Chaplain - [email protected]
At the Council
of Administration
meeting held in
January 2011, approval
was given to present a
Chaplain of the Year
Award. The award
is given annually
at the Department
Convention. It recognizes a District or Post
Chaplain who demonstrates a commitment
to the ministry and duties of a Chaplain,
and who exhibits exemplary performance
above and beyond normal expectations.
The recipient of the Chaplain of the
Year Award for 2015 is Mr. John Grillo.
John serves as Chaplain of VFW Post
92 in Lower Burrell. Four years ago
Paul Smallwood, who had been the Post
Chaplain for a number of years, asked John
to consider taking his place and becoming
Post Chaplain. John says, “It was a bit
scary at first, but soon I felt truly honored
to follow such a wonderful man and great
chaplain as Paul, and to serve those who
served. It is a privilege to join with our
funeral detail and pay final respects to our
departed comrades.”
John was nominated for the award by
District 27 Commander, Robert L. Body.
Commander Body stated that John Grillo
is not an ordained minister but, he has been
blessed by God with a caring and giving
heart and is very dedicated to his duties as
a Chaplain. He visits ill and hospitalized
comrades from his Post.
He has attended and performed
funeral and memorial services for departed
Post Comrades and family members
of comrades. This past year, John has
faithfully ministered and been there for a
Post family who lost a daughter and son-
Post 92 Chaplain John Grillo (center) is
shown with his wife Jo-Linda, State Chaplain
Peter Hook, outgoing State Commander Gary
Smith and then-National Sr. Vice Commander
John Biedrzycki.
in-law unexpectedly due to a violent crime.
In addition to his duties as Chaplain,
John is in charge of their Tuesday
Bingo. “He is really appreciated by our
community and those who regularly attend
bingo. He announces birthdays and prays
for people who are ill or have had a death
in their family,” says Commander Body.
John is a Vietnam veteran who served
with the Army’s 11 Air Cavalry Division
in 1965-1966. He has been married to his
wife Jo-Linda for 47 years, and they have
two children and eight grandchildren.
It was truly an honor for me to present
this award to John, a true servant and
model for those of us called to serve those
who served. The Chaplain of the Year
receives a certificate, a VFW watch and
gains possession of a framed picture to be
displayed at his Post for the coming year.
On the Department Website http://
www.vfwpahq.org you will find my
Chaplain’s Page with information about
the award, the Monthly Chaplain’s Report,
and various resources to help comrades.
Blessings as you serve.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CHAIRMAN Dwight R. Fuhrman, VFW Post 8896
WOMEN VETERANS CHAIRMAN Theresa M. Reeser, VFW Post 9264
YOUTH ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN James B. Miller, VFW Post 12019
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN Henry Mannella, VFW Post 1810
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRMAN Eastern Area John J. Rybcinski, VFW Post 3474
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRMAN Western Area Cecil K. Dennis, VFW Post 5958
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN CO-CHAIRMAN Central Area David Gyger, VFW Post 3502
RECRUITERS Stephen K. Calles Jr., Post 509; Eugene L. Myers, Post 8951; Nathaniel Smith,
Post 7293; Ronald Peters, Post 212; and Sandra Showalter, Post 43
NATIONAL RECRUITERS John J. Rybcinski, Post 3474, Cecil K. Dennis, Post 5958, and David
Gyger, Post 3502
STATE SGT-AT-ARMS
STATE SGT-AT-ARMS James Gubash, VFW Post 1810
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Cecil K Dennis, VFW Post 5958
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS James J. Ritchie, VFW Post 6495
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Robert I Hayes, VFW Post 6615
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Babara Loncar, VFW Post 6954
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS William J. Mankey, VFW Post 2754
General Orders ... continued on page 5
Commander's Testimonial
Weekend is November 6-8
State Commander Glenn R. Umberger will be
the guest of honor at the Commander’s Testimonial
Weekend scheduled for Friday, November 6 through
Sunday, November 8 at the Holiday Inn Conference
Center in Breinigsville, just west of Allentown.
The hotel address is 7736 Adrienne Drive,
Breinigsville, PA 18031, and the Holiday Inn website
is www.hilehighvalley.com.
Friday evening’s theme is a “Fall Harvest” so
wear your comfortable flannel and denim clothes for a
pig roast and musical entertainment.
Saturday evening will feature a “Military Ball.”
Commander Umberger challenges all veterans to see
if they can still fit into their dress uniform.
Everyone is asked to bring non-perishable food
items which will be donated to local shelters.
More information including hotel details, meal
choices and forms to submit an ad for the Testimonial
Book will soon appear on the Department website
under the “Events” section.
PAGE 5
VFW Selects 85 Student Veterans to Receive $360k in Scholarships
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is proud
to announce that 85 service members and veterans
have been named 2015 fall semester scholarship
recipients courtesy of VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero
Scholarship” program. These student veterans will
receive over $360,000 in combined aid.
Enacted in 2013 through the VFW’s long-standing
relationship with Sport Clips Haircuts, the Help A
Hero Scholarship program provides service members
and veterans with the financial
assistance needed to complete
their educational goals without
incurring excessive student loan
debt.
The successful Help A Hero
Scholarship program has awarded over $1.2 million
dollars in financial aid and has provided scholarships to
almost 300 service members and veterans to date.
Military educational benefits often run out or fall
short of covering the full costs of a college education
leaving many student veterans without a degree. The
Help A Hero Scholarship program helps fill those gaps
and provides student veterans the chance to achieve their
academic and career goals.
Scholarship recipient Alfonso Rodriguez writes,
“When a veteran comes home from war there are many
obstacles we face. At the top of our list are how to
support our families and how to finish our education.
Many do not complete their education due to finances. I
am very thankful to know there are people who sincerely
appreciate the sacrifices [made by] the military men and
women who serve this great nation.”
Help A Hero scholarships are awarded twice
throughout the year exclusively to service members
and veterans and help cover the cost of tuition and fees.
Scholarship applications are
currently being accepted for the
2016 spring semester. For more
information or to apply, visit
http://www.vfw.org/scholarship.
Sport Clips Haircuts is
headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. With more than
1,400 Sport Clips stores, new locations open each
month. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the
VFW, offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts
and franchises, and was named as one of the “2014 Best
for Vets: Franchises” by Military Times.
Our “Help A Hero” program has raised more than $3
million to help deployed and hospitalized U.S. service
members call home through the VFW’s Operation
Uplink™ and to provide scholarships for veterans
transitioning to a civilian career.
VFW Support is Needed for New National Desert Storm War Memorial
Correction
On page 1 of the May/June issue a caption for the photo
of Titusville Post 5958 should have listed Edinboro
University as the host of the ROTC unit supported by Post
5958 and Sr. Vice Commander Donnie Taylor as shown
with Commander William McCrillis.
As the 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm is
recognized across the nation, VFW posts and members
are asked to consider supporting the fundraising drive
to design and build a war memorial honoring veterans
that war. The monument will be a tribute to the mission
(Liberation of Kuwait), those that paid the ultimate price,
and those family and friends who supported coalition
troops.
Organizers have an immediate need to raise $300,000
to support the design and site selection efforts, and to
General Orders ... continued from page 4
REGIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS:
Service Officer Chairman: John Foster, 133 E. Wolfert Station Road, Mickleton, NJ 08056
NORTHEAST: WILKES-BARRE - Albert Pritchard, ASDO; Claims Consultant: Joanne Kane, 123
E. End Blvd., Bldg. 35, Suite 1, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-1521 (570) 821-2535/2536 Fax (570)
821-2539; OUTREACH: Louis Ybarra
EAST: PHILADELPHIA - John Foster, DSO/, Barnell Neville, ASDO; Claims Consultants:
Gertrude Strain; Secretary: Angela Johnson; VA Center 5000 Wissahickon Ave., P.O. Box 42938,
Philadelphia, PA 19101-2938 (215) 381-3123 Fax (215) 381-3491; OUTREACH: Allen Dick,
ASDO; OUTREACH RENOVA: Roy Cowfer and David Bower, ADSOs
WEST: PITTSBURGH OFFICE - Linda Eshenbaugh, Claims Consultants/Office Manager;
Secretary Lyndsey Szynarek; 1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1601, Pittsburgh, PA 15022
(412) 395-6259/6260 Fax-(412) 395-6261; OUTREACH: PITTSBURGH- Christopher
Eshenbaugh, Elizabeth Salvador, Joshua Croner; OUTREACH ALTOONA Andrew Stowell,
ADSO; OUTREACH BUTLER Clarence Madigan, ADSO
ERIE OFFICE- Michelle Messina, Claims Consultant/Office Manager; Secretary: Charlene
Kontsky; 3112 Buffalo Road-Suite A, Erie, PA 16510
(814) 835-8494 Fax (814) 835-8493; OUTREACH: Michelle Messina, Claims Consultant and
Melissa Davis, ADSO
CENTRAL/HARRISBURG OFFICE - ADSOs Audrey Bergstresser, John Chiodi, Edward Fake
and Christine Frederick; Claims Consultant Linda Jayman; 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA
17109 (717) 234-7927 Fax (717) 909-7817
4. Every Post chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will be expected to
participate in the following programs during the 2015-2016 year: Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen,
National Citizenship Education Teacher’s Awards, Buddy Poppy and National Military Services.
Additionally, it is necessary that all Post and Department Commanders comply with all provisions
of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure and Ritual.
5. The distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies will be conducted according to the provisions set
increase project awareness.
For more information visit. http://www.
nationaldesertstormwarmemorial.org/donations/
forth in sections 711 of the National By-Laws/Manual of Procedure. Department, District, County
Council and Post commanders should arrange now for the distribution of Buddy Poppies in their
respective areas. All profits accruing from the distribution of Buddy Poppies shall be used in
accordance with section 704 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure.
6. POST RESERVE: Attention is directed to section 218(a)(5)(f), Manual of Procedure which
mandates Post Quartermasters to maintain a dues reserve fund as prescribed in sections 717 of
the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure.
7. Attention of commanders at all levels is directed to section 703 of the National By-Laws requiring
that each accountable officer be bonded with an indemnity company in the sum at least equal to
the amount of the liquid assets for which he may be accountable.
8. Attention of Post Commanders is directed to section 218(a)(11), Manual of Procedure,
Trustees, which states that Post Trustees shall prepare and submit quarterly, through their Post
Commander, a Post Trustees’ Report of Audit to the Dept. Quartermaster for referral to the
Department Inspector. The first report is due at the close of September. Do not mail these reports
to National Headquarters.
9. Attention of Department and Post Commanders is directed to the requirement of timely filing of
Internal Revenue Form 990, 990/N and 990/T, where applicable. Forms may be secured from your
local Post Office or branch office of the IRS.
10. Posts are urged to start planning suitable programs now to observe of Veterans Day (see
section 223/Manual of Procedure).
11. A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and
Department By-Laws and directives. Department and District Inspectors shall make every effort
to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies
as may be disclosed.
By: Glenn R, Umberger, Jr., State Commander - 47 Pennypacker Dr., Schwenksville, PA 19473
ATTEST: John B. Getz, Jr., State Adjutant/Quartermaster
PAGE 6 Membership Moment
The VFW Team Needs All-Star Players
Henry R. Mannella, State Membership Chair - [email protected]
I was raised in
the Pittsburgh area
and I work in a steel
mill. Any guesses
which football team
I root for? This is a
column about VFW
teamwork, so to my
comrades who follow
the Eagles or other teams, let’s unite and
play hard for the VFW team!
The NFL’s summer camps are up and
running so team leaders are forming early
opinions on where their squads stand.
The VFW just held its State and National
Conventions, our Department leadership
conference and Post training, so our
summer camps and pre-season are over.
It’s game time; let’s play for keeps.
Every player on the VFW team–from
State Commander Glenn Umberger and
Department leaders down through the
Districts and at individual Posts where
membership growth happens–knows
that we’ve lost too many of our existing
members who decided that membership
no longer interested them. We’ve missed
too many opportunities to bring in new
members. And, we’re not making enough
changes to bring in younger members.
Our strategy to winning, and in
the VFW that means succeeding in our
programs and growing our membership,
is rather simple: Recruit, Retain and
Reinstate. We don’t need an extensive
play book, just a commitment to doing
basic drills as best we can.
So many of our Posts work hard to
participate in our scholarship programs
like Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s
Pen. Many of you perform tremendous
community service, youth program
support, troop care packages, public
safety recognition, charitable donations
and other important programs. I urge you
to put the same effort and commitment
into your recruiting and retention efforts.
Today, we can proudly say that no
veterans organization has a louder voice on
Capitol Hill. However, if we keep losing
members, lawmakers and government
officials may not give as much preference
to veterans issues. Remember, our
members are our ammunition.
Please draw attention to all the good
that your post does for others. Invite the
media to your special events, send in
photos to your local editors, participate in
community events and be ready to report
how your Post is not just a place that
serves food and beverages.
Team PA Gets the Job Done at Nat’l Conv.
A message from State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr.
“Pennsylvania is a machine,” “We’ve never had State Officers show up and
help out,” “Everyone was so polite and helpful” and “It’s rare to have so many
volunteers” are just a few of the phrases heard in describing Team Pennsylvania’s
effort to make the 116th National Convention a success.
I cannot express my sincere appreciation enough for all the hard work
and efforts made by so many at the National Convention in Pittsburgh. Your
contributions had a direct impact on the members of our National Organization
having a successful convention and enjoyable time in Pittsburgh.
Team Pennsylvania accomplished their tasks quickly and in a professional
manner. VFW members, Auxiliary members, family and friends, all came
together to get the job done. During this time, Pennsylvania established new
levels of support and achievement for other Departments to emulate.
Thank you for a job well done. Let’s keep this momentum going and keep
Pennsylvania in the front of the pack!
“So many of our Posts work hard to
participate in (VFW programs) and
to perform tremendous community
service... I urge you to put the
same effort and commitment into
your membership recruiting and
retention efforts.
Call members who left your Post.
Find out if there are problem areas with
how you treat and serve veterans, then
discuss solutions. Coaches hold pre-game
meetings to create a game plan that works.
VFW Posts should do the same.
Commander
U m b e r g e r ’s
Membership Contest Program has many
new plays and the “x’s and o’s” are easy
to follow. Mark contest deadlines on your
calender and hold progress meetings.
A total team effort will deliver a huge
winning season for Pennsylvania.
Some of the contests will also help
keep our Military Order of the Cooties
and Auxiliary strong.
The clock is ticking for the 2015-16
season. Let’s huddle up, march to the line
and go on the offense for the VFW!
State Chairman, Recruiter Mayer Passes Away
The Department lost a dear comrade and dedicated
VFW leader on July 18 when Vietnam War veteran
Bill Mayer of East Berlin Post 8896 passed away.
A 29-year Army veteran who retired as a Command
Sergeant Major, Mayer was the current Chairman of the
Department’s Barger Nursing Scholarship Committee,
a National Certified Recruiter and Past Department
Assistant Membership Chairman.
Mayer held many leadership positions at the
VFW Post and District levels including as District 21
Commander.
Cards may be sent to Mrs. William Mayer, 529 West
King Street, East Berlin, PA 17316. Comrade Mayer, we salute your service to our
nation and to the VFW. You are greatly missed, but your service will not be forgotten.
District Meeting Schedule
AUGUST 2015
DIST.
13 14 18
19
LOCATION
VFW Post #6150 – Sinking Spring
VFW Post #6223 – Great Bend
VFW Post #2385 – Lykens
VFW Post #464 – Oil City
DATE
August 9, 2015
August 16, 2015
August 9, 2015
August 16, 2015
TIME
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
SEPTEMBER, 2015
1
7
8
9
10 11 12 15 16 17 20 21
22 23 25 26 27
28 29
Cpl. Michael Crescenz VAMC– Phila. September 9, 2015 7:30 P.M.
VFW Post 928 – Folsom
September 23, 2015 7:30 P.M.
VFW Post #7088 – Emmaus
September 20, 2015 1:30 P.M.
VFW Post #106 – West Chester
September 13, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #25 – Scranton
September 20, 2015 2 P.M.
VFW Post #8335 – Avoca
September 20, 2015 2:30 P.M.
VFW Post #3432 – Pine Grove
September 20, 2015 2:30 P.M.
VFW Post #6221 – Emporium
September 20, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #676 – Glenside
September 16, 2015 7:30 P.M.
VFW Post #1754 – Huntingdon
September 20, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #294 – Albrightsville
September 20, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #5265 – Spring Grove
September 13, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #8269 – Howard
September 20, 2015 2:30 P.M.
VFW Post #4584 – Masontown
September 13, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #7505 – Mars
September 20, 2015 2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #6648 – Freeport
September 13, 2015 2:30 P.M.
VFW Post #6743 – Jones Mills
September 13, 2015 2:30 P.M.
VFW Post #264 – Corry
September 13, 2015 1:00 P.M.
VFW Post #5008 – East Pittsburgh
September 20, 2015 2:00 P.M.
OCTOBER 2015
1
14 16 24 Cpl. Michael Crescenz VAMC – Phila. October 14. 2015 7:30 P.M.
VFW Post #8306 – Catawissa
October 18, 2015
2:00 P.M.
VFW Post #6956 – Gladwyne
October 21, 2015
7:30 P.M.
VFW Post #3491 – Carmichaels
October 4, 2015
2:00 P.M.
PAGE 7
“Big John” Becomes Only the 10th Pennsylvanian to Hold the VFW’s Highest Office
PA Department’s PSC Biedrzycki Leads VFW as Commander-in-Chief
All-American
State Commander
(2002-03) John
A. “Big John”
Biedrzycki, Jr., of
McKees Rocks
Post
418,
a
retired Pittsburgh
educator
and
Army
veteran
of service in
Korea during the
Vietnam War, was
installed during
the
National
Convention on
July 22. A resident
of Robinson Township near the Steel City, Biedrzycki
will spend much of his year as VFW Commanderin-Chief traveling for department, national and
international VFW commitments.
Big John became the first VFW member from
the Commonwealth to wear the Commander-inChief’s hat since Uniontown’s Joseph Vicites held
the position in 1971-72. His theme as National
Commander is “Loyalty, Honor and Service,”
matching his focus while he was State Commander.
Department National Council member PSC
Robert C. Eiler of Post 8805 and PSC Allen Q. Jones
of Post 21 participated in Biedrzycki’s nomination.
State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., and PSC
Ruth A. Fairchild moved to close the nominations.
The large Pennsylvania VFW delegation at the
Convention proudly marched behind Big John to
celebrate his election as Chief.
Biedrzycki served in the U.S. Army from 19671970. He served in Korea as a Pay Distribution
Specialist with the 7th Infantry Division. His
decorations include the National Defense Service
Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Medal.
He joined the VFW in 1969 at McKees Rocks
Post 418, where he is a Gold Legacy Life Member.
He has served in elected and appointed positions
at the Post, County, District and Department
levels culminating with his election as Department
Commander in 2002-2003 during which he achieved
All-American status.
On the national level, he has served on many
committees, including Chairman of the National
VFW Programs Committee, Vice Chairman of the
National Youth, Education and Community Service
Committee and Vice Chairman of the National
Legislative Committee.
Biedrzycki is a Life Member of the Military
Order of the Cootie and a Life Member of the VFW
National Home for Children. He also serves as a
member of the Board of Directors at Soldiers and
Sailors Memorial Museum in Pittsburgh.
Biedrzycki is a retired history teacher. He
received his B.A. and Master’s in Education from
the University of Pittsburgh. He is married to Past
Department Ladies Auxiliary President Bette Jean
Biedrzycki, who also served as the Department’s
Ladies Auxiliary National Council member.
Editor’s Note: Big John is the tenth Commander-in-Chief
from Pennsylvania to lead the organization after it became
officially known as the VFW. Two other Pennsylvanians
led earlier organizations that later became the VFW,
including one who went on to serve as VFW Chief.
After being sworn in, Commander-inChief Biedrzycki made the following
remarks to National Convention
delegates. He inspired all leaders and
members to elevate their commitment to
the VFW’s future.
VFW National HQs photo
“My heartfelt gratitude to all
the delegates of this 116th National
Convention for the honor, trust and
confidence you have placed in me.
I first want to congratulate new Senior
Vice Commander-in-Chief (Elect) Brian
Duffy from Kentucky … new Junior
Vice Commander-in-Chief (Elect) Keith
Harman from Ohio … new VFW Auxiliary
National President Francisca Guilford of
Alaska … all your new line officers … and
all our new Department, District and Post
leadership.
I also want to recognize a few
individuals who have greatly enriched my
life and spirit … given me strength … and
who join in my commitment to serving our
nations veterans, service members, and all
their families past, present and future.
I thank Past Commander-inChief John Stroud of Nevada and Past
Commander-in-Chief Bill Thien of Indiana
for welcoming me aboard to their teams.
To the officers and delegates of the
Eastern States Conference, and to Past
Chiefs Richard DeNoyer, George Lisicki,
Ed Banas, John Smart, Bob Wallace, and
especially Cliff Olsen and Paul Spera
(my installing officer)—thank you for
your support, your guidance and your
friendship.
Special thanks goes to my VFW Post
Ladies Auxiliary and Past National
Council Member. She is truly the wind
beneath my wings.
And finally, to all the comrades and
sisters here and watching online around
the world who I have had the extraordinary
opportunity to meet and spend time with
during my travels these many years, thank
you for your kindness and courtesies,
and for allowing me to learn and share in
your many activities serving our nation’s
military and veterans’ communities. Thank
you very much.
Like many of you, I joined the VFW
because someone asked me to join when I
came home on leave from Korea in 1969.
That someone was a World War II veteran
VFW Chief ... see page 8
418 in McKees Rocks, to District 29, all
the Pennsylvania Officers, Delegates, Past
State Commanders and State Presidents.
And I especially want to recognize
Past State Commander Allen Jones and
Past State Commander and National
Council Member Bob Eiler for their
guidance, wisdom and friendship.
One thing great about being elected
Commander-in-Chief in your hometown
is your family doesn’t have to travel very
far. (John recognized his family members
in attendance.) And to my partner in this
journey we call life, Bette Jean, whose
unconditional love and support over the
past 46 years of marriage is more than
any man could ever deserve, but one I’m
certainly smart enough to acknowledge
and certainly appreciate. Bette Jean is a
Past State President of the Pennsylvania
“To all the comrades and
sisters here and watching
online around the world who
I have had the extraordinary
opportunity to meet and spend
time with during my travels
these many years, thank
you for your kindness and
courtesies, and for allowing
me to learn and share in your
many activities serving our
nation’s military and veterans’
communities.
Thank you very much.”
Page 8
•
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
Newly installed Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki is joined by very familiar faces–
members of his home Post 418 in McKees Rocks. VFW National Headquarters photo
VFW Chief ... from page 7
who also happened to be my father-in-law,
Jack Kinneman.
I joined because someone dear in my
life asked me. I stayed because I found the
VFW to be an organization that shares my
values of … Loyalty, Honor and Service:
• Loyalty to country;
• Honor to America’s heroes and
institutions; and
• Service to our veterans, military,
their families,communities and nation.
The VFW supports the tenets of a
strong nation that espouses the values of
freedom, and the rights of all to pursue a
life of fulfillment. We support the rights
of individuals to choose their destinies,
limited only by their personal willingness
to work and persevere through hardships.
When I speak about the VFW, I brag
about the services we provide to so many:
• Thousands of care packages sent
overseas to deployed troops;
• Supporting first responders during
natural disasters at home;
• Promoting patriotism in our schools
through Voice of Democracy and
Patriot’s Pen sponsorships;
•VFW Adopt-a-Unit programs that help
troops get a proper send-off and equally
important, a hearty welcome home;
• The expert assistance provided by
our Veterans Service Officers to all
honorably-discharged veterans seeking
to file or appeal a VA claim; and
• The wise counsel provided by our
national and local VFW’s to Congress
and state houses across the country.
The VFW lifts spirits because we and
our families have been there and done that,
which is one thought I want you to share
with everyone: “If not for the VFW, who?”
• If not for the VFW, who in our
communities will help organize and
participate in patriotic salutes to our
nation and remember those who serve
or fell?
• If not for the VFW, who will promote
patriotism in our youth?
• If not for the VFW, who will help
our veterans and troops navigate the
complex VA claims system, or ensure
their needs are properly taken care of?
• If not for the VFW, who will give a
collective voice on Capitol Hill against
all the noise generated by 30,000
2014-15 Commander-in-Chief John Stroud and incoming Chief John Biedrzycki accept
a donation generated by the annual VFW Howard Vander Chute Memorial Motorcycle
Ride. Shown presenting a check are VFW Rider Ric Knerr from Iowa who raised the most
money individually, outgoing VFW Rider Commander Paul Eades from Nevada who rode
the longest distance and PA Department VFW Rider Chairman David Dibelius. The total
donation was $24,000.
VFW National HQs photo.
registered lobbyists who, other than lip over 3 million men and women would
service, don’t have the best interest of raise their right hands to defend America
veterans, service members and families against a new threat.
In the ensuing days and years,
first on their agendas?
“If not for the VFW” is something I hundreds of nonprofit organizations would
hope you consider deeply because there are also be created to help support the troops,
SOME in our great organization—who I their families, our wounded, or their
believe—have lost focus on why we exist, survivors.
That’s why the VFW was created,
who think we should be a more SOCIAL
organization than the veterans SERVICE comrades... to take care of veterans, our
troops and their families, but some of
organization we were created to be.
Less than three miles from here is these new organizations offered something
where members met in 1914 to adopt the different … opportunities to get physically
name Veterans of Foreign Wars. Today, we involved in their communities—from
meet again in Pittsburgh to take stock of building housing for the homeless, to
ourselves and to chart our course for the sponsoring environmental cleanups and
staying physically fit through wholesome
future.
We must rededicate our goals and family sporting events.
And these new organizations provided
objectives to the concept of service that
was envisioned by our early leaders when opportunities without any membership
they returned home to an America that they requirement or further obligation to
felt couldn’t relate to their service, and to participate in future events. Invitations
a government that was unable and often were extended through social media, and
unwilling to care
for their sacrifices.
Not believing
anyone can relate
has been said by
every generation of
returning veteran—
from our founders’
wars through Iraq,
Afghanistan, and
every contingency
operation or lousy
overseas
duty
posting in between.
But
our
founders
d i d John Biedrzycki and his leadership team–including Chief of Staff
Allen Q. Jones (far right)– swear their allegiance to the VFW.
something instead
of just complain about it. They created an event organizers simply learned to adjust
organization that welcomed all who would on the fly.
Our founders wrote about entering a
serve in our wars and conflicts.
They created an organization that new era of Veterans Organizations. That
would treat current and future generations the Old Boy’s network or day of Bar Room
with dignity and respect, regardless of Commandos has come and gone.
This is where we are losing our
when or where they served. They created
an organization that would do its part to relevancy with the new generation.
take care of veterans, service members World War II veterans were a generation
and their families, and to constantly teach of joiners, but Iraq and Afghanistan war
the rest of America about what service to veterans are a generation of doers, who
prefer getting their hands dirty instead of
country truly means.
My challenge is what are you going to discussing things to death in meetings.
I am not suggesting that our by-laws
do to keep their vision alive? My challenge
is how are you going to keep their VFW– and manual of ritual are out-of-date, but I
our VFW–and tomorrow’s VFW relevant am suggesting that successful VFW Posts
recognize and adapt. They’ve learned that
to generations of veterans still to come?
Comrades, this September will mark in order to catch fish, you have to go where
14 years since that horrible Tuesday the fish are.
Take VFW Post 1435 in Spokane,
morning when radical Islamist terrorists
hijacked four planes and murdered nearly Washington, for example. The city
3,000 Americans in New York City, sponsors what’s billed as the largest
the Pentagon, and in an open field in 3-on-3-basketball tournament in the world,
Shanksville, Pennsylvania, about 80 miles with 225,000 fans watching 7,000 teams.
The Spokane Hoopfest also had a Team
from here.
In the ensuing days and years, well VFW in matching jerseys to prove that
PAGE 9
we can do more than just sponsor Little
League teams.
VFW Post 1115 in Hillsville, Virginia,
created a “Young Guns” committee, led by
a two-tour OIF vet, to get the Post more
actively and physically involved in the
community, as well as a way to recruit
younger members.
One of the greatest challenges is
convincing younger veterans about the
value of being a VFW member. We have
a proven record of 116 years of service
to veterans and veteran advocacy. We are
like an insurance policy, that you may
never need, but one that will still continue
to help those in need.
“The VFW supports the
tenets of a strong nation
that espouses the values of
freedom, and the rights of all
to pursue a life of fulfillment...
When I speak about the VFW,
I brag about the services we
provide to so many.... The
VFW lifts spirits because we
and our families have been
there and done that, which
is one thought I want you to
share with everyone: “If not
for the VFW, who?”
maintain the blessings of liberty for
themselves, their families and their nation.
We know that patriotism is not a short
demonstration on the Fourth of July—
it’s a lifelong commitment. America may
have its faults, but no country has done
more for the world than our nation. We are
a shining example to those who desire to
live in freedom and opportunity.
I also need YOU to continue telling
the VFW’s story of loyalty, honor and
service … how we were founded to serve
others … and how we will continue to
extend a helping hand to all veterans,
service members and their families.
And don’t forget to recognize the
work of our own volunteers as well as
others. That’s why we present awards
during convention, and why you
should recognize excellence in your
communities—especially VA hospital
volunteers, who often touch more lives in
a day than others do in a lifetime.
Never pass up the opportunity to give
a hearty thank you from the VFW, and
never pass up the opportunity to let people
know that THE VFW STANDS FOR A
STRONG AMERICA!
Serving others is my Number #1
goal, but right behind that is a strong and
vibrant membership.
A strong membership opens doors
in Washington, not just because you are
veterans, but also because you vote—in
every congressional district. We may not
always vote for the same candidate, but
every candidate knows where we stand on
national defense and veterans issues.
As I previously mentioned, we
compete in Washington against 30,000
registered lobbyists who see the world
differently. That’s why a strong and
engaged membership is so important—on
Capitol Hill and in your state legislatures.
I wish to congratulate the 17
departments who exceeded 100 percent
in membership this past year. I also
wish to salute seven women serving as
Department Commanders. I encourage
all of you to reconsider how you can and
must evolve to maintain your relevancy.
Take Post 7369 in Naples, Florida, for
example. They took it upon themselves
to restore part of a civilian cemetery
after graves of nearly 70 veterans were
discovered in the underbrush.
The success of America was built
on the service and sacrifice of many
Americans, but our continued freedom
falls squarely on the shoulders of those
wearing the uniform. Everyone in the
VFW understands that. But unfortunately,
as our nation’s population continues to
rise, and the size of our military shrinks;
the rest of America doesn’t get it.
That’s why I need you to continue
to tell America’s story, so that
it’s not lost to rewritten history
books, by authors who never
served—or worse, by authors
who just don’t care.
Here in Pennsylvania,
the saying “Freedom isn’t
free,” means something. My
state has the nation’s fourth
largest veterans’ population,
yet no active-duty bases. And
it has the largest department
membership with 87,000
members.
We know that it requires Big John and Bette Jean Biedrzycki give President
the citizenry to secure and Barrak Obama a warm VFW welcome.
I need everyone
to reflect on the future
of our VFW, and
the challenges our
nation faces. First
and foremost, our
overseas conflicts
are not over, and our
government faces a
return to mandatory
sequestration that
threatens not only our
nation’s readiness and
security, but every
military quality of life
program the VFW Outgoing Chief John Stroud places the VFW Commander-inChief pin on John Biedrzycki.
helped to create.
I hope that my
Laos and Vietnam. I still cannot adequately
year as Commander-in-Chief will be express my pride in their commitment to
remembered as a year of renewing our return America’s fallen to their families.
pledge to the VFW’s commitment of
Comrades, THAT’S MY VFW—a
service. We need membership to stay VFW that is recognized for the great work
strong to support our numerous programs, we do, whether it’s championing veterans
and to remain relevant in Congress and issues on Capitol Hill or simply shaking
to America. We also need Departments, the hands of American MIA searchers
Districts and Posts to create more at the bottom of a muddy Vietnamese
chances that better
serve veterans and our
military.
Here in Pittsburgh
the VFW teamed up
with academia, industry,
and the nonprofit world
to create “Pittsburgh
Hires Veterans.” I hope
many of you took the
opportunity to visit
their convention booth.
The idea behind
“P ittsb u rg h H ires
Veterans” is simple: Big John and Bette Jean Biedrzycki prepare to march around
We match veterans the National Convention hall.
who are seeking jobs
mountain in a torrential downpour.
and careers with employers. Companies
What our VFW founders knew a
who have hundreds of vacancies in century ago has not changed—action,
manufacturing. WHAT WE AREN’T not words, will lead the way for our great
DOING IN PITTSBURGH is relying organization. I ask all of you to reach out
on the federal government to solve local to your friends, families and communities,
issues.
and have them join us in a re-commitment
I also highly encourage you to to our nation—and to a new generation of
reinvest in the VFW programs and young men and women who serve her.
services that benefit veterans, service
SOMEONE has to be America’s
members and their families. Yes, some conscience to keep patriotism and
of us can generate large sums of money the history of our great country alive.
that greatly benefit local communities. All SOMEONE has to ensure we are strong,
I ask is for you to remember the VFW’s safe and secure, AND SOMEONE has to
charities. After all, charity begins at home. make sure our nation’s commitments to
In closing, I would be remiss if those who serve her in uniform never fail.
I didn’t rededicate our support to the
With your support, comrades, I am
government’s Full Accounting Mission, to proud to say THAT SOMEONE! will be
the families of all 83,000 American MIAs, the men and women of the Veterans of
and to the dedicated troops and DoD Foreign Wars. May God Bless our great
civilians who perform these investigations country and our great organization. And
and recoveries in some of the most remember, No one does more for veterans
arduous places on earth.
than the VFW.
I had the opportunity to visit with
Thank you.”
many of them earlier this year in Thailand,
Page 10
Posts 6393 & 7043 Earn All-American Honors
Incoming VFW Commander-in-Chief salutes Pennsylvania Yardley Post 6393 Commander
Russell Davidson who proudly wears his All-American Post Commander’s hat, which he
received on stage during the National Convention.
Coalport Post 7043 Commander George Fletcher receives his All-American hat during the
National Convention from then National Sr. Vice Commander John Biedrzycki. Post 7043 and
Post 6393 were the only two Pennsylvania posts to receive this high honor.
2015 State Convention Snapshots
State Convention highlights: (clockwise from top right) awarding of the Law Enforcement
Officer of the Year Award to West York Borough Police Detective David J. Kahley; State
Commander Gary Smith handing PA Wounded Warriors founder Helen Sajer a $10,000
check; Convention delegates from across the state listening to updates on VFW programs;
representatives of posts that earned community service accolades pose for a photo; and
some of the many women veterans at the State Convention show their camaraderie.
PAGE 11
2015 Department of Pennsylvania VFW State Convention Coverage ... continued from page 1
youngest Department leadership group
ever sent delegates back to their VFW
posts energized to enhance the lives of
veterans, today’s freedom defenders and
community neighbors.
Outgoing State Commander Gary
Smith thanked all individuals and
posts who helped him achieve a highly
productive year, which finished with a
strong membership effort of 95.41% of the
2013-14 year-end total. Smith’s special
Commander’s project–the Pennsylvania
Wounded Warriors–received donations of
over $10,000 to help wounded warriors
enjoy productive lives.
Army Reserve Captain Glenn
R. Umberger, Jr., of Schwenksville,
proudly representing Trappe Post 7155
and who works as a staff supervisor for
the U.S. Army’s Legal Command, was
and peacekeeping service, created a
promising foundation for continued
success within the Department.
“It wasn’t that long ago that I was
sitting out there in the audience, easily
the youngest person in attendance, at that
time, and Chaplain Teddy Bowers was
the first person to approach me, welcome
me to the convention and present me
with his National Chaplain’s pin,”
stated Commander Umberger during his
acceptance remarks.
“It was encouragement like that,
and the comradery from others, that kept
me coming back to the conferences and
conventions. It is that warm welcome,
encouragement and comradery that we
must continue to share with our fellow
veterans, especially those who have never
joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or
“I thank Vietnam veterans because your
efforts have made it possible for veterans
returning from war today to receive a great
welcome home... Appreciation, concern and
support for our veterans translates into well
integrated and fully adjusted veterans... This
is why organizations like the VFW exists, to
make sure veterans are not forgotten.”
– BG Jerry Beck, Deputy Adjutant General
of Veterans Affairs, PA DMVA
elected and installed as the 2015-16 State
Commander. When he was sworn-in by
incoming National Commander-in-Chief
PSC John Biedrzycki, he became only the
second Desert Storm veteran to lead the
largest VFW department.
Commander Umberger introduced
his leadership team that includes six
Global War on Terror veterans and eight
veterans who served during Operation
Desert Storm or in the years leading up
to the War on Terror. Blending this “youth
movement” with dedicated Vietnam War
and Korean War veterans, along with
veterans of smaller military operations
worse yet, did join and then left.”
“Many of you already do so many
fantastic projects, so I am encouraging
everyone to go out and help your
community. From your work in youth
activities, to the support of your local
police, fire and emergency medical
services, and everything in between,
please keep up your efforts.
“When you are helping to improve
your community, please wear your VFW
shirts and hats. Invite the local media to
cover the event. Invite your community,
business and religious leaders to work
with you. Advertise your project and
encourage veterans
and service members
to come out and help.”
State Commander
U m b e r g e r
congratulated
his
line officers on their
commitment to help
move
the
VFW
forward: State Sr.
Vice
Commander
Thomas A. Brown
of Post 928; State
Jr. Vice Commander
Dwight R. Fuhrman
Many VFW posts made donations during the Convention.
of 8896, who won an
Phoenixville VFW Post 1564 presented $10,000 to the Medal of
uncontested election;
Honor Grove. Pennsylvania VFW posts have donated $190,000
State Quartermaster/
to the grove to help restore the beauty of this treasure.
“In my conversations with younger veterans,
they are looking for projects to get involved in,
where they can volunteer some time and see
an end result when done. They are looking for
family friendly events to bring their spouses
and children to do something together.
This may not immediately lead to a new
member, but it is a catalyst, it is an opportunity
to show them the good that you, as VFW
members, are doing as a team.”
– State Commander Glenn R. Umberger, Jr.
Adjutant John Getz of Post 3376; Chief
of Staff James. J. Ritchie of Post 6495;
Immediate Past State Commander Smith
of Post 6319; State VFW Judge Advocate
Frank McGovern of Post 3460; State
Surgeon Nelson Lowes of Post 734; State
Chaplain Peter Hook of Post 6393; State
Inspector Albert F. Chambers of Post
6345; and State Parliamentarian John A.
Brenner of Post 2493. PSC Bob Eiler of
Post 8805 will continue to represent the
Department on the National Council of
Administration. (See General Orders for
a list of officers and chairpersons.)
Celebrating Success Stories
The following highlights showcase the
many positive impacts that Pennsylvania
VFW programs, services and activities
have made on those who benefit from
VFW support:
• Even with Operation Iraqi Freedom
over and Operation Enduring Freedom
winding down, the VFW’s support of
military personnel remains impressively
high. Care packages, financial grants and
troop support events continued lifting
morale among troops and their families;
• The Department’s military support
included presenting its VFW Eagle Award
to PA Air National Guard Master Sgt.
Keith P. Gregory of Sewickley, a veteran
of Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraq Freedom;
• The State VFW and Auxiliary donated
$84,000 to the VFW’s National Military
Services troop support programs, earning
the Department a NMS Gold Award;
• A photo opportunity with 12 female
VFW members, plus numerous other
women veterans attending the convention,
reinforced the VFW’s commitment to
welcoming female veterans into the
organization;
• Numerous posts were represented at the
convention by Desert Storm and War on
Terror veterans, offering clear evidence
that more posts are encouraging younger
members to help guide the VFW;
• VFW award recipients for outstanding
membership
recruiting,
community
service, scholarships, teacher recognition,
Buddy Poppy participation and other
programs were praised for their
accomplishments (see list on page 10).
• Convention delegates enthusiastically
applauded the announcement that the
Department’s annual March for Diabetes
had raised more than $2 million for
diabetes research and program support;
• VFW units have donated more than
$190,000 to the Medal of Honor Grove;
• and the Department’s State Service
Officers led PA veterans to more than $34
million in federal benefits during FY 201415. These service officer positions across
the state helped thousands of veterans
from all service eras and their survivors to
file for and update their benefits.
PSC Biedrzycki, only one month
away from being installed as the National
VFW Commander-in-Chief, arranged
his schedule to participate in the State
Convention. He encouraged posts to
include donations for VFW programs
First-year Pennsylvania Governor Tom
Wolf thanked the VFW for its outstanding
service to others and its members for their
service in uniform.
when planning how to use earnings from
small games of chance. Biedrzycki then
announced a new national program that
matches the first $500 spent by posts for
community service programs.
These impressive accomplishments,
along with praise given by guest speakers
from many organizations, confirmed that
the VFW continues to live up to its motto:
“No One Does More for Veterans.”
Page 12
Projects Enhance Your Community Image
Thomas A. Brown, State Sr. Vice Cmdr. - [email protected]
We l l ,
we’re
off and running for
another year so let’s
get off to a great
beginning as we fight
for the future of our
VFW organization.
I want to share
two of the projects
which I had the honor to be part of over
the past year: the Veterans Cruise for VA
hospital residents in District 18 on the
Pride of the Susquehanna and Media Post
3460’s Pennsylvania Breakfast.
Outstanding things can happen
when you ask questions and then work
to provide the best possible responses
to benefit veterans. These two projects
are great examples of the VFW working
effectively to enhance veterans’ lives.
On City Island in Harrisburg, the
Veterans Cruise gives veterans who live at
several VA Medical Centers a wonderful
day of camaraderie, good food and a very
relaxing ride on a paddle wheel riverboat.
A small team of dedicated VFW and
Ladies Auxiliary members coordinate the
cruise and it was my pleasure to attend
one of the cruises to see just how much
the veterans enjoy this treat. VFW Posts
and Ladies Auxiliaries make this possible
through donations and volunteers.
At dinner the night before, we asked
a Harrisburg restaurant if they would like
to donate a snack item for the hospitalized
veterans, and a local Texas Roadhouse
came through with bags of peanuts.
There are lots of local businesses
across the Commonwealth willing to
support programs that benefit veterans. If
your Post is not able to hold an event, ask
your business neighbors to provide some
products or volunteers.
District 18 and those who support
the cruise can hold their heads high.
The second project I want to shine
a spotlight on is one most Posts can
do: hold a breakfast or other meal for
veterans like our Media Post does each
month. This Post and its volunteers go all
out to provide an amazing full breakfast
for those who have served their nation.
As many Posts know, projects like
these help to make VFW units a valued
part of the community. Remember, the
VFW benefits when we serve others
instead of waiting to be served.
Through teamwork, we can deliver a
great year for our new State Commander
Glenn R. Umberger, Jr.
Educate, Adapt and Interact to be Successful
Dwight R. Fuhrman, State Jr. Vice Cmdr. - [email protected]
I hope all who
attended our State
Convention had
a good time; the
fireworks were
certainly one of the
highlights!
Congratulations
to all those who
earned awards for Commander Smith’s
year. As we look ahead to the future
under the direction of Commander
Umberger, I am confident we will all
use the information you learned at
convention within your Districts and
Posts to have a progressive start for
your Leadership year.
I am asking that you please try to
attend the Officer Training Institute
closest to your area. The information is
beneficial and necessary for you to take
back to your Post and District.
Things do change from year to year.
Many of us say “but we have always
done it that way before?” Change
is necessary and important for your
District and Post to thrive and achieve
your local and state VFW goals.
In order to attract our next
generation of veterans and keep the
veterans that we have, we must be
willing to make changes to become
more family- and community-oriented.
The “old way” of doing things might
not be the best way any longer because
the issues that impact all VFW Posts
have changed over the past decade.
Please be open to ideas, invite all
members to participate in Post meetings
and ask people to serve on committees.
You should never want to hear about
members leaving your Post because no
one seemed interested in their ideas or
in asking them to take an active role in
the future of their organization.
To make your year successful,
please place the following things at
the top of your list—membership, our
VFW programs, community service,
and helping our fellow veterans and
those who still serve.
Please make sure that the VFW
truly runs your Post. District inspections
must include a check of all DD-214s
on all elected and appointed Post and
Home Association Officers to ensure
they are truly VFW eligible.
I leave you with one statement:
“Change is important, Comrades.”
Lead by example. God Bless.
Post With No “Home” Earns All-State Honor
By Michael Mauer, VFW Post 914
Don’t try to find one of
Pennsylvania’s newest All-State VFW
posts by walking into its bar. The post
has been chartered and in operation for
nearly 25 years, but can’t be identified
under an aged illuminated sign.
Truth is, it has never had a home of
its own.
Unlike many veterans service
organizations, West Mifflin VFW post
914 Intrepid doesn’t operate a club or
a bar. It is also one of the few VFW
posts that doesn’t carry a list of social
members. Each proud veteran in its ranks
has been decorated with a campaign
or occupational medal, and meets the
requirements of VFW membership.
Without a bar to run, post officers
don’t spend time worrying about staff
payroll, liquor and food costs, cable
television bills and video games. Each
month, about 30 of the post’s more
active members meet at the Thompson
Run Athletic Club. The club permits
the post to display a plaque featuring
the names of its life members, as well
as a picture of one of its Operation Iraqi
Freedom veterans, who was inducted
into the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of
Valor at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
Hall and Museum. There is also a picture
of Medal of Honor winner and West
Mifflin native, Marine Colonel Mitchell
Paige, and other post memorabilia.
The arrangement gives the
atmosphere of a fraternal place for
veterans to get together–without the
challenges of running a club. And the
soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that
make up Post 914 like it that way.
“One of the things that attracted me
to this post was that everything we do,
we do to serve our fellow veterans,” said
Iraq War veteran and Post Commander
Jake Bradich, a VFW life member. “We
stick to the core VFW programs, raise
money to fund them, and are known as
a group that can be counted on to serve.”
Post 914 Commander Jake Bradich, left,
reviews annual financial reports with
Buddy Poppy Chairman David Luikart.
Photo by Michael Mauer
Bradich came into the post through
one of its outreach events nearly a
decade ago–an Operation Welcome
Home picnic. Sponsored by the post and
funded the National VFW organization,
the picnic was held for all West Mifflin
veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and
their immediate family members.
At the event, Bradich learned
of the post’s commitment to helping
veterans. “I was really impressed by how
everybody was concerned with helping
veterans, and how all the efforts of the
VFW Post 914 ... to page 13
Facts and Figures
Online Resources are Valuable Tools
John Getz, State Adjutant/Quartermaster - [email protected]
We are starting a
new fiscal year in the
Veterans of Foreign
Wars, so it’s time that
some important steps
are taken at all Posts.
For new Post
Quartermasters,
please visit the
National
VFW
website and log on to get your password.
Under the “My VFW” section, you will
gain access to a range of very helpful
resources in the Quartermaster Tool
area. You can check for members in
your post who have not paid, and also
see their dues deadline.
On the website, you can update
member information such as addresses
and phone numbers. You can order
membership cards for members who
lost their original one. If one of your
members passes away you can go to the
site and update his or her status.
In addition, the website allows you
to check your membership percentage,
transfer members and file election
results. Post Quartermasters who do
not use this tool will spend more time
fulfilling their responsibilities.
So please visit the National HQs
website, take the few steps required to
get an account and you’ll have all the
information needed to be an effective
and efficient Post Quartermaster. Post
Commanders will also be able to lead
their unit better by utilizing the Post
Training section that answers many
questions about basic VFW activities
like running a Post meeting properly.
If you need any help with carrying
out your duties or with anything related
to running your Post, feel free to call me
at (717) 234-7927.
2014-15 Dept. of PA VFW Award Winners
VFW Post 914 ... from page 12
post went to support veterans and the community. It was
something I wanted to be part of.”
To be selected as “All State,” Bradich and the other
members accomplished a long list of service-oriented goals
outlined by State Headquarters. Last year, less than 15
percent of Pennsylvania’s 460 Posts were feted during the
PA VFW’s State Convention as All-State posts.
Fortunately for Post 914, none of the accomplishments
needed to make All-State Post involve running a club or a
bar. All the activities required are what Post 914 focuses
on–supporting the VFW’s mission to help veterans and
their families.
Examples of these good works include supporting
student scholarship programs, visiting and engaging with
hospitalized veterans and participating in fundraising to
assist the VFW’s network of service officers.
Fundraising at the post level also provides money for
more than $4 million in emergency financial grants given
by the VFW to military families annually.
According to Past Commander Richard Fleischer,
Post 914 cites community involvement as one of its keys
to success. “When we turn out to hand out Buddy Poppies,
everybody remembers seeing us from somewhere before,”
said the Vietnam veteran. “They see the work we do and
contribute because they know donations are well spent.”
Over the past 20 years, the post has regularly
participated in and helped organize ceremonies for
Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day.
Additionally, its honor guard and rifle team have flown the
colors and fired salutes at youth league sporting events.
The post also supports Scouting, Air Force JROTC
and the Greater Pittsburgh Soapbox Derby. In addition to
the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs, the
post funds and awards three Walt Kuczma Scholarships for
seniors who have had a family member serve honorably.
Keeping the financial records straight is the job of
Quartermaster
Gary Ruston.
“We wouldn’t
be able to
help near as
many veterans
as we do if it
wasn’t for the
great job the
post does at
Post officials honors JROTC students.
distributing
Poppies,” said Ruston, a Navy Gulf War veteran. “Also,
we have several members who donate money to the post
because they see all the good work that we do. Without a
club, I can honestly say 100 percent of the money we spend
supports veterans, their families and VFW programs.”
Ruston makes certain the post’s activities are promoted
through its online home–social media and the Internetwhich showcase its service and reflects the transparency of
post operations. “This post belongs to every veteran here,”
said Ruston. “It’s my job to make certain every dime is
accounted for, but all of the money belongs to the post.”
With its visibility in the community and focus on
service, finding new members hasn’t been a problem for
Post 914. From its initial chartered membership of 37
veterans in 1991, the post’s roster has swollen to nearly
three times that amount. The post has active members
ranging from service more than 70 years ago in World
War II to those who have recently returned from Iraq and
Afghanistan.
As for Post 914 ever getting a home of its own? “We’re
doing just fine without one,” said Commander Bradich.
Page 13
MEMBERSHIP CONTESTS
ALL-AMERICAN POSTS
COMMANDERS/QUARTERMASTERS:
Post
Commander
Quartermaster
7043 George Fletcher William Dubler
6393 Russell Davidson
Horace Mundy, Jr.
CAPTAINS ALL-STATE TEAM:
Post Commander Captain - John Stutzman, Post 1620
Quartermaster Captain - Ricky Snyder, Post 1620
ALL-STATE DISTRICT CMDRS/MEMBERSHIP CHAIR:
District 22 - Cmdr. Dwayne Anders; Chairperson Sandy Showalter
CHOSNYK PLAQUE: (GREATEST PERCENTAGE
INCREASE NEW/REINSTATED AMONG DISTRICTS):
District 22- Cmdr. Dwayne Anders; Chairperson Sandy Showalter
COMMANDER’S PLAQUE (HIGHEST NUMERICAL
INCREASE AS OF APRIL 30 AMONG POSTS):
40 Members - Post 6393 Commander Russell Davidson;
Quartermaster Horace Mundy
ROBERT MUSSER MEMORIAL PLAQUE (GREATEST POST
PERCENTAGE INCREASE BY APRIL 30):
116.07% - Post 6393 Commander Russell Davidson;
Quartermaster Horace Mundy
VAN ZANDT AWARD (MOST NEW/REINSTATED POST
MEMBERS AS % OF MEMBERSHIP): 14.9% Post 6393
Commander Russell Davidson; Quartermaster Horace Mundy
JOE SALVO AWARD (INDIVIDUAL MEMBER SIGNING UP
THE MOST NEW/REINSTATED MEMBERS OVER 25):
41 Members - Post 1810 member/NCR Henry Mannella
ALL-STATE POSTS
Post
928
175
1597
3258
6393
1620
2385
3502
6497
7530
9639
1446
2493
5265
8951
1785
5825
7043
7689
8724
267
6231
4843
740
1338
5424
5958
7465
914
7714
Commander
Nicholas Constantine
James McComb
Thomas Goodman, Jr
Elwood Hippel
Russell Davidson
John Stutzman
Cloyd Keister Randolph Mason
Gregory Showers
Brian Spagnoletti
Allen McCormack, Sr.
Lawrence Wills, Jr.
Matthew Baskette
Michael Robinson
Eugene Myers
John Rowles
Daniel Rhodes
George Fletcher
Richard McIntyre
Mark Nelson
Daniel Benincase
Damian Hambley
Aaron Kepple
Gerald Aggers
Patrick Kelley
Lawrence Onderko
William McCrillis
Daniel Kazmierczak
Richard Fleischer
John Lee
Quartermaster
Fred Borda
Matthew Fisher
Stephen Gill
James Dunn
Horace Mundy, Jr.
Ricky Snyder, Jr
Glen Welker
Gerald Harvey
Joseph Heaney
John Hafer
Glen Hoffer
Terry Stokes
Mark Windsor
Bradley Levault
Lloyd Greenwood
Edward Neeper, Jr.
Dennis Brown
William Dubler
Richard Thomas
Larry English
Randy Peace
Larry Pifer
Joseph Thevenin
Edward Denk
Edgar Lake
Keith Garrity
Jamey Duncan
James Bailey
Gary Ruston
Martin Morris
SCHOLARSHIP CONTESTS
Voice of Democracy Winner - Desiree McChesney, Post 8803 and
Aux. VOD Teacher of the Year - Tracy Barcavage, Post 5507 and
Aux. Patriot's Pen Winner - Ethan Schroeder, Post 92 and Aux.;
Ethan also won the National Patriot's Pen Contest
ANNUAL VFW SAFETY AWARDS
Radko Law Enforcement: West York Borough Police Detective David
J. Kahley, nominated by Post 8951; Firefighter of the Year: Terry
D. Phillips of Windber, nominated by Post 4795; EMT: Carbondale
EMT/Paramedic Timothy Baron, nominated by VFW Post 4712.
CITIZENSHIP TEACHER AWARDS
Department’s National Citizenship Education Teachers of the Year:
K-5–Carla Starkweather, Don Gill Elementary School in Wellsboro,
Congratulations to Post 1810
member Henry Mannella for earning
the Department’s Joseph Salvo
Award as the top individual recruiter
for the 2014-15 VFW year. Henry’s
hard work recruited or reinstated 41
members. Mannella is serving as
the membership chairman for State
Commander Glenn Umberger and can
be reached at (412) 523-5764.
Post 4907; 6-8—Susan Mousley, Lionville Middle School in Exton;
Post 845 and its Ladies Auxiliary; 9-12—Michalee Christy, Mercer
Area High School, Post 6345 and its Ladies Auxiliary
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD BOOK
1st - Middletown Post 1620 and its Ladies Auxiliary; 2nd - Greensburg
Post 33 and its Ladies Auxiliary; 3rd - Titusville Post 5958 and its
Ladies Auxiliary.
DEPT. EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
1st - Salvatore DeFrancesco, Troop 16, nominated by Post 3451
2nd - Emily Gallo, Troop 21048, nominated by Post 6495
3rd - Kyle Murry, Troop 248, nominated by Post 2493
BARGER SCHOLARSHIPS
Each recipient received a $1,000 nursing scholarship: Whitney
Taylor Cross, New Columbia; Taylor McCarthy, Philadelphia;
Lauren White, East Stroudsburg; Jennifer Jones, Warminster; Hilary
Barrows, Philipsburg; Courtney Muendlein,Wapwallopen.
BUDDY POPPY AWARDS
Top Posts by Poppy Orders: 1st Post 6393 (District 8) 30,000
Poppies; 2nd Post 914 (District 29) 22,500; and 3rd Post 928 (District
7) 14,000
State Convention Display Contests:
Category 1 - 1st place: Post 4843 and Ladies Auxiliary/District 26
Category 2 - 1st place: Post 7465 Ladies Auxiliary/District 28
2nd place: Post 6704 Jr. Girls Ladies Auxiliary/Dist. 18
3rd place: Post 470 Ladies Auxiliary/Post 28
Category 3 - 1st place: Post 4963 Ladies Auxiliary/District 26
2nd place: Post 1586 Hastings Auxiliary/District 26
3rd place: Post 6954 Ladies Auxiliary/District 21
Category 4 - 1st place: Post 5207 Jr. Girls & Auxiliary/District 10
National Convention Display Contests:
Category First Place - Jr. Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to the
Mechanicsburg Memorial Post 6704 Mechanicsburg; Third Place - Jr.
Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to Post 5207, Daleville
NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES
The Department of Pennsylvania VFW received a Gold Award for the
amount donated from within the Department.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTESTS
Department Post Newsletter Category - Shellsville Post 9639 first
place Department award in the category for posts producing four
issues a year; Editor Michael Stephens. Post 9639 also earned a thirdplace National Award. For newsletters printed three or less times a
year, Hamburg Post 216 won the first-place award; Editor Heather
Berger. Post 216 also won second-place in the National category.
Department District Newsletter Category - District 16 and its
Editor Earl Colella received a first-place plaque.
Department's Post Website Contest - Chalfont Post 3258 and
its Webmaster Michael St. John took home first place in the
Department's inaugural Website Contest (www.chalfontvfw.net)
National Department Communications Awards Category - State
HQs and PA VFW News Editor David Sandman received honors
with a third-place National Award in the category for Department
newspapers. Sandman received a first-place National Award for
writing the best feature story in Department publications.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
National Outstanding Community Service Posts from the Dept.
included Posts 33, 1620 and 5958. These posts received special
attention for submitting 10 or more community service reports: Post
175, 4480, 8317, 6072, 8306, 294, 1599, 3491 and 2006. Posts taking
the top three positions in their categories include: Contest 1 - Posts
1989, 1599 and 2006; Contest 2 - Posts 8896, 23 and 6168; Contest 2/
Districts 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 21 and 29; Contest 3 - Posts 6393, 509
and 1568; and Contest 4 - Posts 3491, 5859 and 8306.
PAGE 14
The Department President Says. . .
President
Senior Vice
Junior Vice
Sec-Treas.
Karen
Hoover
Aux. 5507
Donna
Mills
Aux. 1754
Kelley
Lepak
Aux. 2754
Sharon
McCullough
Aux. 6168
Chaplain
Conductress
Guard
Chief of Staff
Charlotte
Lopes
Aux.734
Sandra
Wilder
Aux. 267
Wendi
Hennemann
Aux. 8488
Deborah
Rothermel
Aux. 5507
Nat’l Council
Parliamentarian
Historian
Patriotic Inst.
Lynn
Musselman
Aux. 11322
Theresa
Groce
Aux. 974
Louise
Gerhart
Aux. 5956
Cecelia
Cook
Aux. 2754
Teamwork Drives Our Service and Success
Karen Hoover - [email protected] or (717) 503-0996
Thank you to each
and every member of
this great Department
of Pennsylvania for
electing me as your
Department President
for 2015-2016. What a
thrill and an honor to
represent the Ladies
Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
visit the Districts and spend time with the
Auxiliary members and Post comrades.
It is a very exciting year with a lot of
changes, and I will continue to work with
my State Commander Glenn Umberger
Jr. We have spent a lot of time sharing
ideas and suggestions, trying to make this
a unique and memorable year.
Pennsylvania will shine with our
National Commander-in-Chief John
Biedrzycki and National President
Francisca Guilford leading the way. We
“Believe in America’s Veterans” and take
pride in serving the needs of each member
of this great organization.
I hope you all take an active role in
supporting “Veterans – Now and Forever.”
There are many tools and ideas available
on the Ladies Auxiliary website, program
books and attending the various functions.
We are here for you in any aspect that you
may need assistance.
I look forward to meeting many of
you and hope each Post and Auxiliary
has a successful year–working together
for our members, their families and our
communities.
God Bless All, and God Bless our
Veterans and our Troops.
Rally Around Our Veterans, Troops and Their Families
By Andrea Meintel, Veterans & Family Support Chairman
Veterans and Family
Support is the foundation
of who we are and what
we do in the VFW
Ladies Auxiliary. As we
begin our program year,
create ways to support
the programs below.
1. Unmet Needs:
provides grants of up to $5,000 for our
deployed military service members and their
families who may experience hardships.
2. Operation Uplink: keeps families
connected, providing free phone time to our
active military personnel and hospitalized
veterans. Request virtual PINs through the
VFW.
3. Military Assistance Program (MAP):
obtain financial assistance to sponsor SendOffs, Homecomings, and Social Events for
local units. Apply through the Veterans and
Military Support Office: 816-756-3390.
4. VFW National Home: provides
opportunities for veterans and their families
to grow and develop. Promote the Military
& Veteran Family Helpline 1-800-3134200: [email protected].
Our monthly communications will have
a section called “Supporting Our Veterans
Spotlight.” Here, we will be searching the
state for auxiliaries who celebrate veterans
and their families through fundraisers,
activities or programs. Submit your projects
to show us how you believe in our veterans
now and forever, so we can shine the
spotlight on your auxiliary.
The programs highlighted will help
us share ideas and encourage each other to
continue the great work of our organization.
Through the Veterans and Family Support
program, we show our commitment to
serving “Our Veterans—Now and Forever.”
We do this because in our hearts we
“Believe in America’s Veterans.”
“It’s Five O’clock Somewhere–Plan Recruiting Events
Kelley Lepak, Membership Chairperson - [email protected]
The Department
of Pennsylvania
Ladies Auxiliary
needs to have a plan
in place so we may
retain our current
members and recruit
new members.
We must take every opportunity
we can to recruit new members by
having recruiting events monthly. A few
suggestions would be to have a recruiting
booth at the local mall, community
events, sports events and church events.
Please take the time to speak with
potential members, let them know who
we are, what we do, and why we do what
we do. There are brochures that you can
use to help address these topics. If we use
these tools our numbers will increase.
Remember “OUR VETERANS
NOW & FOREVER “ because
we “BELIEVE IN AMERICA’S
VETERANS.”
A reminder of early incentive
awards, a $25.00 award to the Ladies
Auxiliary IN EACH MEMBERSHIP
DIVISION with the highest percentage
by the dates listed below:
Over 50% August 31, 2015
Over 75% October 30, 2015
Over 100% December 4, 2015
Over 102% January 15, 2016
Over 105% March 4, 2016
NOTE: At least one transmittal in
each award period to qualify.
Reminder there will be a dues
transmittal pickup at Fall Conference in
August 2015, and there are two drawings
for membership that can be won.
The Delaware Valley State Veterans Home Honor Guard is believed to be the only Honor Guard
in the nation based at a Veterans Home. The team is shown here at the opening ceremonies of
the Veterans Day at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Members include (from left) Bill Houston,
Richard Gibney, Bob Smith and Fred DeJosie. The Honor Guard is sponsored by VFW District 8.
St. Benedict Post 7783 awarded five $1,000 scholarships to deserving Cambria Heights Seniors.
Each student was asked to write an essay about how they will show patriotism after high school.
Pictured with the scholarship winners are (left) Post Jr. Vice Commander Jeremiah Johnston and
(right) Post Quartermaster William Campbell
PAGE 15
Scalp Level-Paint fire fighter Terry Phillips received the VFW National Firefighter Award and
the VFW Department of Pennsylvania Firefighter Gold Medal Award from PA VFW State
Safety Chairman Ron Smith and Post 4795 Jr. Vice Commander Bob Portante.
Photo taken by Sandy Wojcik
A proud group of PA VFW members and other veterans, state agency officials and
politicians pose on the steps under the State Capitol rotunda during the first Pennsylvania
Veterans Day at the Capitol. State HQs participated in a briefing on key veterans issues
and spoke with many veterans at its VFW recruiting and information table.
Members of Andreas Post 5069 recently donated $1,000 to the DAV van program. Pictured are (first row, from
left): Senior Vice Commander Nevin Fritz, Commander Ernest Daubenspeck and Junior Vice James Martinez;
second row: Trustee Glenn Stevens, Sergeant-at-Arms Carl Yacovelli, Quartermaster Harold Oenbach,
Trustee Mahlon Shaffer, Trustee Paul Stahler, Chaplain David Houser and Secretary Eugene Schaeffer.
Members of the Dallastown High School JROTC received certificates and
medals from the VFW. Taking part in the presentation ceremony were
(shown) Commander VFW Post 1446 Lawrence Wills and State HQs
Executive Secretary Georgia Snook. Also participating but not pictured
were Post 1446 Quartermaster Terry Stokes and VFW State Service Officer
Christine Frederick.
Focus on Mission Success
Page 16
PERIODICALS
The Shellsville Post 9639 Honor Guard proudly stands in front of the Post tank display after an
event held to honor veterans. Also pictured is Service Officer Ed Fake (far left) and two members
of the military.
The Lititz Walk for PA Wounded Warriors Committee presented a check for $6,600 to PAWW
Vice-President LTC Gordon Weith, USAR at the Lititz Rec Center. The volunteer committee
is made up of Post 1463 Ladies Auxiliary, VFW and social members, the Lititz Lions and Lititz
Rotary Clubs, and the Lititz rec Center. Included in the photo (from left) are Joel Ellis, Lititz
Springs Post 1463; Kathy Wiker, Ladies Auxiliary; LTC Weith; Susan Ellis, Ladies Auxiliary; and
Emma Guinter, Ladies Auxiliary and Lititz Rec Center.
Telford Post 5308 held their first VA Day and comments
indicate that the event was very successful. Post
member Ben Long spearheaded the effort along with
Sean Halbom from the Montgomery County VA.
State Commander Gary Smith led a group of the Department’s best performing posts on a
patriotic trip that included a visit to the World Trade Center Museum, the Flight 93 Memorial
and a U.S. Air Force Base, where the C-17 Globemaster is based.
White Haven Post Commander Melissa Dimmitt donates
$2,000 to the Valor Clinic Foundation’s Paul House,
which provides transitional housing for veterans and
leads residents through a 12-week program to help
veterans become independent. The funds were raised
through a Homeless Veterans Awareness Encampment.
Jeff Harden, Post 470 Commander, presents $2,183 to Connie
Miller, Program Director of Erie’s Liberty House. The monies
where raised through an pool tournament held at the post. Liberty
House is a transitional housing facility for honorably discharged
veterans operated by the Erie United Methodist Alliance.

August/September 2015

Transcription

Similar documents

VFW Post 9644, Sheridan - August Newsletter

vfw post 10066 june 2016 newsletter

[email protected] (poc: Dan Schmaltz info

january-february 2014

April - Amargosa Valley, NV

VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA February 2016

OCTOBER

navigator - aoh division 17

Spring 2016 - Home Page, Plover VFW

VA Hospital