August/September 2014

Vol. 46, No. 1
SSN 0745 4031
August/September 2014
Scan this QR code to find VFW
web resources that will keep you
informed and ready to engage.
Conv. Celebrates Mission Successes, Launches Demand for VA Fixes Dept. PSC Biedrzycki
Packed mostly within two full days
Former VFW National Commanderof meetings, program reports, many in-Chief John Moon reported that the
award presentations and speakers, organization’s national leaders and the
the 2014 VFW State Convention in VFW’s legislative office in Washington
Lancaster supplied post delegates with will lead the way in representing
plenty of mission accomplished stories and protecting veterans’ interests as
to share with their members. The after- promises to improve the VA are acted
action Convention reports that attendees on by lawmakers and the Obama
shared with their posts pointed to Administration.
victories on many fronts showing that
U.S. Senator Bob Casey, U.S.
the PA Department effectively serves and Senator Pat Toomey (through a video
supports veterans from all service eras.
message delivered by his State Director
The Department recommitted itself PAARNG Col. Robert DeSousa) and
to serving as a vigilant watchdog over Governor Tom Corbett all expressed
the VA healthcare and benefits systems serious dissatisfaction in how veterans State Commander Gary R. Smith (center) and
as news coverage and government have been mistreated by VA employees. other state line officers and leaders are installed
studies added more fuel to the burning Convention ... see page 4
for the 2014-15 VFW year.
calls for significant reforms.
VFW officials used the State
Convention as a platform to
conduct five media interviews
sending a loud and clear
message to veterans and the
public: the VFW will settle for
nothing less than a complete
review of VA procedures,
greater resources and more
accountability to ensure that
the best quality healthcare and Among the top performing membership recruiters during 2013-14 were (from left photo standing with State
claims processing are provided Commander Russell Canevari and VFW Past Chief John Moon) Post 8951 Commander Eugene Myers,
All-State Team Commander Captain; Top Department Recruiter Henry Mannella; and District All-State
in the fastest possible time.
Commanders Glenn Owen (14), James Lindsey (13) and James Frisbee (10).
Elected as National
Sr. Vice Commander
U.S. Army veteran John A. Biedrzycki
of Coraopolis–a Past PA AllAmerican Department Commander
and Post 418 member–was recently
installed as 2014-15 VFW National
Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief at the
National Convention. His will become
Commander-in-Chief during 2015-16–
the first Pennsylvanian to hold that
position since 1971-72. John will then
become only the 13th PA member to serve
as the VFW’s top officer. Shown with Big
John are National Commander-in-Chief
John W. Stroud and Jr. Vice Commander
Brian Duffy. See page 8 for some of Chief
Stroud’s acceptance speech comments.
VFW’s Strong Support of PA Troops Marches On
PA Air National Guard TSGT Nicolas Crouse (center) accepts a PA VFW Eagle Award
during the State Convention from outgoing State Commander Russell Canevari. Joining
Crouse (from left) are Deputy Adjutant General Air BG Anthony Carrelli, Crouse’s fiancée
SSgt. Ashley Thieroff and PA Adjutant General Wesley Craig.
Oakdale Post 7714 Trustees Deanna and Aaron Morris, joined by State Recruiter Henry
Mannella (at right), explain VFW benefits to 911th Air Lift Wing Reservists. Post 7714 used a
MAP grant from National VFW HQs to help fund the unit’s family support event at the Pittsburgh
airport. Many new members were signed up. Photo by Doug Hughey, Allegheny West Magazine
PAGE 2
From the State Commander
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
Serve Each Other With Integrity & Honor
Gary R. Smith, State Commander - [email protected]
It is truly an to fix problems, get commitments from
honor to serve leadership to operate according to the
as your State bylaws and procedures, then give the
Commander. You troubled post a chance at a better future.
have my pledge
It’s a simple truth that problems
that I will take occur when officers and trustees don’t
this position do their jobs, when finances are not
as seriously as managed well and when the canteen/
anything that I social side tries to take control. Post
have done during leaders: if you have questions or need
my life because support, get HQs involved early and
the VFW is just that important to me.
together we will do what is right.
I’ve seen a lot during my years of
As always we need to work on
leadership at the post, district and state membership this year. We tried to make
levels. Most of it is good, but recently our membership awards program so
there are some disturbing developments there is a reward program in reach for
that we must take the high road on. all posts and recruiters. Even posts that
Among the top of the list
is integrity–being honest
to our organization and to
each other.
Integrity in the VFW
must be kept at high
levels. This should not
just be a concern for the
commander, quartermaster
and other officers. Every
member should demand
that financial reports are
checked thoroughly.
In one of his first events as State Commander, Gary Smith
With recent outbreaks participated in the Department Homeless Veterans Ride
of funds missing at posts in memory of Past Sr. Vice Commander/Past Homeless
it is time for us all to Veterans Committee Chairman Gary Anders. Commander
stand firm. Officers and Smith is shown with Chief of Staff Lloyd Greenwood, current
members must demand Committee Chairman Dwayne Anders and Saxton Post
that their post trustees do 4129 Commander Greg Crooks. Post 4129 made the largest
donation this year helping to push the event total to $5,126.
a better job of auditing the
books.
can’t make 100%, but that complete
Trustees need to take their role as their programs, have a chance at
seriously as if they were looking after winning a Legacy Life Membership.
their own money. If trustees are foolish
If we share recruiting and retention
enough to sign blank post audit forms work by each getting one new or one
so they don’t have to be part of the audit reinstated member then we will reach
process, then they are giving someone 100% plus for membership. Military
else permission to steal from the post. branches are meeting their recruiting
Trustees should consider it an honor to goals. We should be able to do it, too.
be asked to guard the post finances, so
Attracting and keeping members
please carry out your responsibilities becomes a lot easier when the VFW is
with honor and integrity.
outside of our posts showing that we are
Post
commanders
a n d proactive organizations engaged in our
quartermasters should urge their trustees communities.
to be vigilant and to ask questions.
During my year I will try to visit as
Quartermasters, make regular deposits many posts that invite me as possible. I
in your bank accounts. Allowing funds will also attend as many VFW functions
to sit in a safe too long only invites as possible. All members of the VFW
temptation. The post money belongs to and Ladies Auxiliary are free to contact
the membership, don’t let someone take me at any time.
it away from you.
Let’s put my “Veterans Serving
I want all posts to know that when Veterans” theme to work this year by
State HQs becomes involved in your helping each other–and those comrades
operations–and trust me, that’s the last who are not yet in our organization–to
thing we want to do–we are doing so to enjoy life and to take care of each other.
protect your future. Our goal is always
Thanks for all that you do!
August/September 2014
DEPT. OF PA VFW MEMBER PROFILE
DANIEL C. BARRY, 66 - Media Post 3460
Service History: U.S. Air Force/7th AF HQs - 1001 AB Group,
served as a Sergeant (E4), Pacific Air Forces. Received the USAF
Outstanding Unit Citation, National Defense Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Good Conduct
Medal and Expert Marksmanship Medal. Trained at Lackland AFB,
in Amarillo (Tech School) and at Williams AFB, became a material
facilities specialist. Vietnam War 1967-68; 18 months in Okinawa.
“During basic training you learned to adjust to barracks life and
understand that there were three ways to approach any and all
situations: the right way, the wrong way and the Air Force way!”
Combat theater experience: “I was assigned to the 51st
FIW, Base Supply, Material Facilities, being at a staging area for
Southeast Asia. My strength to endure deployment came from knowing that everything that I did
was in direct support of the mission and my comrades.”
“During one TDY assignment on a supply and courier mission from Naha AB (Okinawa) to
Vietnam and Thailand, we experienced mortaring of our runways while on take-off in C-130s.”
“The greatest example of heroism I witnessed came while I was on a TDY volunteer mission with
a C-130H air crew to be involved in picking up body bags. On my first mission we landed, taxied
and never came to a stop while Marines–whose fire base had been overrun and then recaptured–
loaded KIAs on the rear arm for us to bring into the aircraft. I’ll never forget their expression as
they came out of the jungle. Their resolve was riveting, captivating.”
“The issue that impacted me the most was the capture of the USS Pueblo off North Korea on
January 23, 1968 only weeks before the TET Offensive. On that day, we (the 51st FIW) went
on full alert and within 72 hours, the entire wing was reassigned to South Korea on full armed
deployment; we were going to war. President Johnson held tight, and we returned to Okinawa 18
days later. Lesson learned: Do not mess with the U.S. of A.”
General Orders #4
“You feel overwhelming pride when you see the American flag, when you hear patriotic music
and when you take part in a parade. And, you will never experience a rush that like that which
comes from serving your nation. You’ll also remember, “There are no atheists in foxholes!”
VFW: Served as District 7 Commander for the 2012-13 VFW Year. “I did not join the VFW
until I was in my late 50s. Membership put me back in touch with my former military self
and I enjoyed the camaraderie. I cannot describe in words how I feel about this organization.
I recommend membership because of what we stand for and being able to speak to others who
have ‘been there.’ We have to make returning warriors feel welcome and help them to readjust.”
General Orders #1
Having been duly elected and installed, I Gary R. Smith State Commander, Department of Pennsylvania,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, for the year 2014-2015, I hereby assume command.
1. PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: All previous appointments are expired and hereby null and void.
2. THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS HAVING BEEN PROPERLY ELECTED on June 21, 2014,
in conjunction with the 95th Annual Convention in Lancaster, will be recognized and respected in
accordance with the positions they occupy:
STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER: Glenn R. Umberger, Jr., VFW Post 7155
STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER: Thomas A. Brown, VFW Post 928
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 9639
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 recognized as Commander of the District and members of the Council of Administration:
DISTRICT 1 COMMANDER: Cliff A. Jeffries, Jr., VFW Post 2819
DISTRICT 7 COMMANDER: Robert J. Gorman, VFW Post 979
DISTRICT 8 COMMANDER: Nathaniel Smith, VFW Post 7293
DISTRICT 9 COMMANDER: R. Carson Kauffman, VFW Post 7294
DISTRICT 10 COMMANDER: Robert J. Kasper, VFW Post 531
DISTRICT 11 COMMANDER: Robert C. Drury, VFW Post 6615
DISTRICT 12 COMMANDER: Robert D. Rizzardi, VFW Post 129
DISTRICT 13 COMMANDER: James L. Lindsey, VFW Post 6558
DISTRICT 14 COMMANDER: Glenn Owen, VFW Post 6824
DISTRICT 15 COMMANDER: Daniel L. Riepple, VFW Post 6757
DISTRICT 16 COMMANDER: Emmett Mayo, VFW Post 3612
DISTRICT 17 COMMANDER: David A. Edwards, VFW Post 4129
DISTRICT 18 COMMANDER: Paul L. Kreiner, Jr., VFW Post 6704
DISTRICT 19 COMMANDER: Daniel Edmiston, VFW Post 8803
DISTRICT 20 COMMANDER: Ronnie Byrd, VFW Post 3448
DISTRICT 21 COMMANDER: Lynn Keener, Post 6241
DISTRICT 22 COMMANDER: Dwayne Anders, Post 8724
General Orders ... continued on page 5
August/September 2014 PAGE 3
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
AT YOUR SERVICE: MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
VA’s Burn Pit and Airborne Hazards Registry
VA’s Airborne Hazards
and Open Burn Pit Registry
allows eligible veterans and
servicemembers to document
their exposures and report health
concerns through an online
questionnaire. Eligible veterans
and servicemembers include those
who served in: Operation Enduring
Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/
Operation New Dawn, Djibouti,
Africa on or after September 11,
2001, Operations Desert Shield
or Desert Storm, Southwest Asia
theater of operations on or after
August 2, 1990.
Check your eligibility and
sign up. It takes about 40 minutes
to complete the questionnaire. You
can do it in one sitting or save it and
come back later. After completing
the questionnaire, you may request
a free, optional medical evaluation.
You’ll need a Premium DS
Logon Level 2 account to sign up.
Don’t already have one? Go to My
Access Center to register for a DS
Logon.
The
d u s t y,
polluted
environments of Iraq and
Afghanistan contain many potential
airborne hazards. The high level
of fine dust and pollution common
in those areas may pose a greater
danger for respiratory illnesses than
exposure to burn pits on U.S. base
camps, according to a 2011 Institute
of Medicine report, Long-Term
Health Consequences of Exposure
to Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Acting on the findings and
recommendations in the report, VA
and the Department of Defense are
working to:
• develop a standard screening
and evaluation of servicemembers
and veterans with respiratory
complaints after deployment in
order to improve care.
• conduct a long-term study that
will follow veterans for decades
looking at their exposures and
health issues to determine the
impact of deployment.
Read the Feb. 4, 2013
notice in the Federal Register to
learn more about VA’s strategy
and action plan. - See more at:
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
exposures/burnpits/action-plan.
asp#sthash.6tpHQVQx.dpuf
VA health care is available to
all combat veterans for conditions
possibly related to service for five
years after discharge.
Veterans who were closer
to burn pit smoke or exposed for
longer periods may be at greater
risk. Health effects depend on a
number of other factors, such as
the kind of waste being burned and
wind direction.
Toxins in burn pit smoke may
affect the skin, eyes, respiratory
and cardiovascular systems,
gastrointestinal tract and internal
organs. Most of the irritation
is temporary and resolves after
exposure. This includes eye
irritation and burning, coughing
and throat irritation, breathing
difficulties, skin itching and rashes.
The high level of fine dust
and pollution common in Iraq and
Afghanistan may pose a greater
danger for respiratory illnesses than
exposure to burn pits, according to
a 2011 Institute of Medicine report.
Waste products in burn pits
include, but are not limited to:
chemicals, paint, medical and
human waste, metal/aluminum cans,
munitions and other unexploded
ordnance, petroleum and lubricant
products, plastics and Styrofoam,
rubber, wood, and discarded food.
Veterans may file a claim for
disability compensation for health
problems they believe are related
to exposure to burn pits during
military service.
Veterans who think they might
have a condition related to burn pit
exposure should contact PA VFW
State HQs (ask for the Service
Officer Dept.).
Need Help?
Full-time, VA accredited VFW State
Service Officers are ready to answer
questions about government
benefits and help you file a claim.
Philadelphia 215-381-3123
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton/
Northeastern Region
570-821-2535/2536
Harrisburg/Lancaster/Reading/Lititz
Region 717-234-7927
York, Gettysburg and Chambersburg
Region 717-414-0675
Altoona/Johnstown Region
814-943-8164
Pittsburgh/Southwest Region
412-395-6259/6260
Butler Area 724-287-4781 ext. 4579
Erie /Northwest Area 814-835-8494
Northcentral and State College
Region 570-560-1382
VA Health Support Services
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 outreach into rural areas.
VHA offers tools and information to connect
veterans with the health support services they
need. Beyond the doctors and nurses who provide
you with high-quality health care, VHA offers
tools and information to help you reach your
optimal health. Tools like My HealtheVet enable
you to manage your medical priorities through an
online prescription refill service, health journal
and links to Federal and VA benefits.
BLIND REHABILITATION: Support for
blind and low vision veterans and active duty
servicemembers in regaining their independence
and quality of life to enable their successful
integration into family and community life.
Support family and significant others to better
understand visual impairment and foster the
provision of appropriate support, to assist in
enhancing home environments and to reduce
caregiver burden.
DENTAL CARE BENEFITS: Facts
regarding dental eligibility criteria and
information to assist veterans in understanding
their eligibility for VA care.
DISEASE PREVENTION: Advocating for
health promotion, disease prevention and health
education for our nation’s
Veterans FISHER HOUSE: A “home away
from home” for families of patients receiving
medical care at major military and VA medical
centers.
GERIATRICS AND EXTENDED CARE:
Geriatric and extended care services for veterans
including non-institutional and institutional
options.
HOMELESS SERVICES: In our efforts
to end veteran homelessness within the next
five years, the VA offers a variety of resources,
programs and benefits to assist homeless vets.
MENTAL HEALTH: Maintaining and
improving the health and well-being of veterans
through excellence in health care, social services,
education and research.
MYHEALTHEVET: Anytime Internet
access to VA health care info and services.
NATIONAL CTR. FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: Focuses
on research and education on the prevention,
understanding and treatment of PTSD.
PRESCRIPTIONS: Online prescription
refills provided through My HealtheVet
(Requires Login).
PROSTHETICS AND SENSORY AIDS:
The premier source of prosthetic and orthotic
services, sensory aids, medical equipment and
support services for veterans.
READJUSTMENT COUNSELING (VET
CENTERS): Services to eligible veterans and
their families in an effort to aid their transition
from military to civilian life.
RURAL HEALTH: Improving access and
quality of care for veterans in rural areas.
SMOKING CESSATION: Resources and
tools to help smokers quit.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS:
Treatments addressing all types of problems
related to substance use, from unhealthy use of
alcohol to life-threatening addictions.
TELEHEALTH: Connecting health records
and services to veterans and providers
Veterans CRIS LINE: Dial 1-800-273-8255
and Press 1 for a toll-free, confidential resource
that connects veterans in crisis and their families
and friends with VA responders.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT–The MOVE!
PROGRAM: Helping veterans lose weight, keep
it off and improve their health Women Veterans
Health Care. Implementing positive changes in
the provision of care for all women veterans.
FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS,
DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS JOINT
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE: The Departments
of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Labor
re-launched a new and improved website for
wounded warriors – the National Resource
Directory (NRD). This directory (www.nrd.gov)
provides access to thousands of services and
resources at the national, state and local levels to
support recovery, rehabilitation and community
reintegration. The NRD is a comprehensive
online tool available nationwide for wounded,
ill and injured servicemembers, veterans and
their families. The NRD includes extensive
information for veterans seeking resources on
VA benefits such as disability benefits, pensions
for veterans and their families, VA health care
insurance and the GI Bill.
TRANSITION FROM MILITARY TO
VA: VA has personnel stationed at major
military hospitals to help seriously injured
servicemembers returning from (OEF/OIF/
OND) as they transition to civilian life. OEF/OIF
servicemembers who have questions about VA
benefits or need assistance in filing a VA claim
or accessing services can contact the nearest VA
office or call 1-800-827-1000.
eBENEFITS: The eBenefits portal (www.
ebenefits.va.gov) provides servicemembers,
veterans, their families and caregivers with
self-service access to benefit applications,
benefits information and access to personal
information such as official military personnel
file documents. The portal catalogs links to
information on other websites about military and
veteran benefits and it provides a personalized
workspace which gives quick access to all the
online tools currently integrated into eBenefits.
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
Consists of comprehensive workshops at military
installations designed to assist servicemembers
as they transition from military to civilian life.
The program includes job search, employment
and training information, as well as VA benefits
information for servicemembers who are within
18 months of separation or retirement.
This is a partial list of programs and
services. For the entire list call State HQs and
request a copy of the Service Officer Bulletin or
visit www.vfwpahq.org and “VA Claims Help.”
Page 4
August/September 2014
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
2014 Department of Pennsylvania VFW State Convention Coverage ... continued from page 1
During their remarks, both senators and
Gov. Corbett followed the VFW’s call for
greater oversight, additional funding and
performance measures to prevent future
mistreatment.
Congress later passed–and President
Barrack Obama signed–the VA Access
and Accountability Bill. The bill provides
$17 billion to allow veterans to seek care
outside of the VA if they have to wait
more than 30 days to get an appointment
or live 40 miles from a VA facility. It
also allows the VA to expand its medical
professional staff and authorizes lease
agreements to provide building space to
deliver more timely care. Also included
was VFW-supported language to grant instate tuition to veterans attending public
institutions, extend the Post-9/11 GI Bill
to dependents of service members killed
in action and improvement in MST care.
As noted during convention reports,
the Department will continue inspecting
all VA medical centers, seeking input
from VFW Voluntary VA Service
representatives and evaluating claims
processing times.
Governor Corbett commended the
Pennsylvania VFW and its members:
“The VFW has always been there to
remind us of our debt to veterans, and has
helped to make us a people worthy of the
sacrifice laid down by so many.”
The governor added, “The debt we
taking the oath of office.
Commander Smith served on active
duty for nearly 14 years. He received the
Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal with four Bronze Service
Stars, the Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award with V and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster,
the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross with Palm.
He served in all chair positions at
VFW Post 6241 and earned All-American
Commander honors three times. He held
all officer positions for District 21 and
was an All-American district commander.
“I will do everything I can to promote
our Department and keep it on top of the
national membership ranking,” stated
Commander Smith, whose leadership
theme is “Veterans Serving Veterans.”
“We will have a successful year.”
Commander Smith’s line officers
include: State Sr. Vice Commander
Glenn Umberger of Post 7155; State
Jr. Vice Commander Tom Brown of
Post 928, who was elected out of three
candidates by Convention delegates;
State Quartermaster/Adjutant John Getz
of Post 3376; Immediate Past State Cmdr.
Russell Canevari of Post 5544; State
VFW Judge Advocate Frank McGovern
of Post 9639; State Surgeon Nelson
Lowes of VFW Post 734; State Chaplain
Peter Hook of Post 6393; State Inspector
“Your Dept. should be proud of your
accomplishments at all levels, and I
thank and congratulate you. The time,
enthusiasm and talent that you put
toward programs is impressive.... Not
everyone can lead the way, but everyone
can contribute something. Let’s get more
members involved to move us forward.”
– John E. Moon, Past VFW Chief
owe each of you can never fully be repaid,
but sacrifice on the battlefield deserves
gratitude.”
Governor Corbett reminded delegates
about numerous veterans programs
created during his term including a
veterans trust fund that provides services
for veterans including benefit assistance
outreach, a veteran-owned business
procurement program, a driver’s license
veterans designation and a uniformed
Military Overseas Voting Act.
State Commander Smith Installed
State elections were held on June 21
with Vietnam War and Air Force veteran
Gary R. Smith–a member of Mercersburg
Post 6241–being installed as State
Commander. He led his first Council of
Administration meeting moments after
Ray Shipp of Post 1754; and State VFW
Parliamentarian Allen Q. Jones of Post 21.
PSC Bob Eiler of Post 8805 will continue
his service on the National VFW Council
of Administration. (See General Orders
for a list of officers and chairpersons.)
Celebrating Success Stories
Even with Operation Iraqi Freedom
over and Operation Enduring Freedom
winding down, the VFW’s ongoing
support of military personnel remains
impressively high. VFW care packages,
free phone calls, emergency financial
grants and troop support events continue
to lift morale among troops and their
families.
Convention delegates learned that
during the 2013-14 VFW program year
the Department and Commonwealth
“(The VFW) is the strongest
veterans organization in our state
.... Thank you for supporting our
Army and Air Guardians. The VFW
always seems to be at events that
send off or welcome home our
troops, and I am deeply grateful.”
– Wesley Craig, Adjutant General
residents gave $100,290 to the VFW’s
National Military Services to support
military families.
Additionally, the Department’s
military support included presenting its
VFW Eagle Award to a PA Air National
Guard Technical Sgt. Nicolas Crouse, a
veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom
and other deployments (see page 1).
A combat commando medic for the
Air Guard’s 193rd Special Operations
Medical Group, in 2011 TSgt. Crouse
deployed for 10 months to Afghanistan
as the sole medical technician for the
combined Lithuanian, National Guard,
NATO and ISAF security training
mission. Shortly upon his return, he redeployed with short notice to support
Operation EAGER LION, a large, multiforce international exercise in Jordan.
VFW
award
recipients
for
outstanding membership recruiting,
community service, scholarships, teacher
recognition, Buddy Poppy participation
and other programs were praised for their
accomplishments (see page 10).)
The Department’s State Service
Officers were thanked for connecting
PA veterans to more than $42 million
in federal benefits during FY 2013-14.
These service officer positions across
the state helped 5,400 veterans from all
service eras and their survivors to learn
about, file for and update their benefits.
A convention proposal to create a
Men’s Auxiliary was narrowly defeated.
Delegates also voted against reorganizing
the Department’s district map.
While falling short of the membership
goal of 100% of the 2012-2013 total, the
Department finished strong at 96.80%
with 2,719 new members and 2,126
reinstated members. Members left the
event energized to reach 100% this year.
District Meeting Schedule
SEPTEMBER 2014
DIST.
1
7
8
9
10 11 12 15
17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 LOCATION
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
VFW Post #928 - Folsom
VFW Post #9264 – Macungie
VFW Post #106 – West Chester
VFW Post #5544 – Jessup
VFW Post #821 – Berwick
VFW Post #3432 – Pine Grove
VFW Post #6753 – Knoxville
VFW Post #7463 – New Bloomfield
VFW Post #256 – Lehighton
VFW Post #2493 – Mt. Wolf
VFW Post #4559 – Tyrone
VFW Post #554 – Somerset
VFW Post #3491 – Carmichaels
VFW Post #7505 – Mars
VFW Post #4963 – Ebensburg
VFW Post #6743 – Jones Mills
VFW Post #264 – Corry
OCTOBER, 2014
1
7
14 Philadelphia VA Medical Center
VFW Post #5546 – Trainer
VFW Post #8306 – Catawissa
DATE
9/10/2014 9/24/2014
9/21/2014
9/14/2014
9/21/2014
9/21/2014
9/21/2014
9/21/2014
9/21/2014
9/21/2014
9/14/2014
9/21/2014
9/14/2014
9/14/2014
9/21/2014
9/14/2014
9/7/2014
9/14/2014
TIME
7:30 P.M.
7:30 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
1:00 P.M.
10/8/2014 7:30 P.M.
10/22/2014 7:30 P.M.
10/19/2014 2:00 P.M.
August/September 2014
Commander's Testimonial
Weekend is Nov. 21-22
State Commander Gary R. Smith will be the guest
of honor at the Commander’s Testimonial Weekend
scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 21-22,
at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg.
Friday night will feature a “Military Logo/
Patriotic Pride” theme and BBQ buffet dinner with
cocktails starting at 6 and dinner beginning at 6:30.
Wear your favorite military branch or patriotic
apparel to show your pride in serving America or your
pride for someone else’s service. On Saturday, the
testimonial evening begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour
followed by the dinner program at 7. See the form at
right for dinner choices.
The cocktail hours both nights will feature
complimentary draft beer and soda. Per person cost
for each night is $40; discounted rate of $75 for tickets
to both nights. Proceeds from both nights and the ad
book will be used to offset the cost of these events.
All attendees should use these forms to make
reservations for dinner and to place ads in the
commemorative book. Room reservations can be made
directly with the hotel (717) 339-0020 or online at
www.vfwpahq.org through the “Events”/Testimonial
reservation link. Mention the “VFW Testimonial” to
get the $98.00 per night rate (plus taxes). Deadline for
hotel reservations is October 27th.
State Commander's Testimonial
Reservation Form for Both Nights
Checks payable: “Gary R. Smith Steering Committee”
Name: _______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________
Testimonial Commemorative
Program Book and Boosters
The Smith Testimonial Committee will be having a
Commemorative Program Book with Boosters for the Testimonial
to offset the cost of the events.
Check your ad size: (this form must be sent with ads)
__ Full page $80
__ Half page $50
__ Quarter page $35 __ Eighth Page $25
Patron Ad $5
(Saturday evening meal selections - must equal ticket total):
Please type or print all advertisements or attach camera-ready
ads. Ads can be sent via e-mail to: [email protected]. If
e-mailed, the ad must be done in Microsoft Word and a copy
of the ad must be sent with payment. The ads will be black
and white. If a photo is submitted, it must be camera-ready. If
the ad information is not submitted with your check, an ad will
be designed for you. All ads must be accompanied by check
or money order (no cash) payable to: Gary Smith Steering
Committee: Mail ads to: Sandra Brenner, P.O. Box 525, Mt.
Wolf, PA 17347. If you have any questions call (717) 891-2093.
Ad deadline is October 12th.
___ Flat Iron Steak ___ Chicken Breast ___ Filet of Salmon
Payment enclosed ________ Check # _________
Post/Auxiliary: ___________________ District:______
Phone:_________________ # of Reservations:______
Email address: __________________________________
# Friday tickets - $40 _____
# Saturday tickets - $40___
Amount enclosed $______ ($75 discounted rate for both nights)
RESERVATION DEADLINE: October 27th Check # _______
Please list dietary restrictions: ___________________
Mail reservations to: Marsha Fuhrman, 5059 Rislyn
Court, Spring Grove, PA 17362
Tickets can be picked up in hotel lobby Friday afternoon.
Attach a separate sheet listing who you want to sit with. The
cost of the tickets helps to offset the event expenses.
General Orders ... continued from page 2
DISTRICT 23 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 24 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 25 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 26 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 27 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 28 COMMANDER:
DISTRICT 29 COMMANDER:
PAGE 5
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
Thomas McFadden, Post 21
Martin A. Puchi, VFW Post 553
Wayne Perry, Post 7505
Thomas W. Rummel, Post 7605
Robert Body, Post 92
Peter Glaz, Post 470
John McDowell, Post 2754
4. THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS ARE ANNOUNCED:
ADJUTANT: John B. Getz, Jr., Post 3376
CHIEF OF STAFF: Lloyd Greenwood, Post 8951
INSPECTOR: Raymond P. Shipp, Post 1754
STATE PARLIAMENTARIAN: Allen Q. Jones, Post 21
STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN/MEMBERSHIP TEAM LEADERS
ARTHRITIS/DIABETES CHAIRMAN: Robert Mandera, Post 402
BARGER SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN: William Mayer, Post 8896
BUDDY POPPY CHAIRMAN: Richard Olvitt, Post 8951
BY-LAWS CHAIRMAN: Albert S. Thomas, Jr., Post 974
CITIZENSHIP ED./LOYALTY DAY: Thomas Brown, Post 928
COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIRMAN: Thomas Hanzes, Post 7599
CREDENTIALS CHAIRMAN: Barbara Moore, Post 1586
EMPLOYMENT CHAIRMAN: Norman Brower, Jr., Post 7362
FINANCE CHAIRMAN: Robert C. Eiler, Post 8805
HOMELESS VETERANS CHAIRMAN: Dwayne Anders, Post 8724
HOSPITAL/VAVS CHAIRMAN: Nelson Lowes, Sr., Post 734
HOSPITALITY CHAIRMAN: Harry P. Carper, Post 1754
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CHAIRMAN: Robert C. Eiler, Post 8805
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRMEN: Benjamin Mastridge, Sr., Post 6495; James Frisbie, Post
7251; and Larry Wade, Post 7377
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: Albert Chambers, VFW Post 6345
LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIRMEN: National issues: Dominic DeFranco, Post 764 and Nelson Lowes,
Sr., Post 734; State issues John Brenner, Post 2493
NATIONAL HOME CHAIRMAN: James Ritchie, Post 6495
NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES: Wrayburn Reinsmith, Post 6168
PATRIOT’S PEN CHAIRMAN: Sandra L. Showalter, Post 8724
POW/MIA CHAIRMAN: Larry M. Bresselsmith, Jr., Post 764
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR: John A. Brenner, Post 2493
SAFETY CHAIRMAN: Ronald L. Smith, Post 7045
STUDENT VETERANS CHAIRMAN: Adam Murphy, VFW Post 1630
VETERANS COURT ADVOCATE: Terry Stokes, VFW Post 1446
VETERANS SERVICE CHAIRMAN: Joseph Buckley, Post 20
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CHAIRMAN: Dwight Fuhrman, Post 8896
WOMEN VETERANS CHAIRMAN: Joyce Fye, Post 6319
YOUTH ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN: James B. Miller, Post 12019
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: John J. Rybcinski, Post 3474; ASSISTANT CHAIRMEN: Cecil
Dennis, Post 5958, William J. Mayer, Post 8896; and David Gyger, Post 3502
Name/phone:____________________________________
This order is a contract. No agreements have been made other
than those in this agreement. This order is legal and binding. By
submitting this form, you have read, understand and agree to
these terms.
______________________________________
Signature
_____________________
Date
EAST RECRUITER: Stephen K. Calles, Jr. , Post 509
CENTRAL RECRUITER: William A.
Crampton, Post 8984 WEST RECRUITER: Henry R. Mannella, Post 1810 WEST RECRUITER:
Ronald Peters, VFW Post 212 NATIONAL RECRUITERS: Thomas Starke, Post 3612; James
Youngblood, Post 7530; John Rybcinski, Post 3474; Cecil Dennis, Post 5958; William Mayer, Post
8896; David Gyger and William Crampton, Post 8984
STATE SGT-AT-ARMS: SGT. James Gubash, Post 1810; ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS James J. Ritchie,
Post 6495; Cecil K. Dennis, Post 5958; Robert I. Hayes, Post 3448; Babara Loncar, Post 6954;
William J. Mankey, Post 2754
STATE COLOR GUARD: Captain State Color Guard Paul L. Kreiner, Jr., VFW Post 6704; State
Asst. Color Guard: Michael J. Gagnon - Post 6704, Lloyd Drake - Post 5207, George P. Beck, III.
- Post 6704, Dave Madden - Post 6704, J. C. Coble, II - Post 6954, Gregory Crooks - Post 6704,
Nicholas Mikkelson - Post 6704, Frederick Hechler - Post 9639 and Jeffrie C. Walker - Post 6704
REGIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS:
Service Officer Chairman: Joseph Buckley, 3101 Windish Street, Philadelphia, PA 19152
NORTHEAST: WILKES-BARRE - Albert Pritchard, ASDO; Claims Consultant: Joanne Kane, 1123
E. End Blvd., Bld. 35/Ste. 1, Wilkes-Barre PA 18702-1521.570-821-2535/2536/Fax-570-821-2539
OUTREACH: Louis Ybarra
EAST: PHILADELPHIA Joseph Buckley, DSO, Claims Consultants: Letica Revera & Gertrude
Strain, VA Center 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, P.O. Box 42938, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2938. 215381-3123/Fax- 215-381-3491 OUTREACH: John Foster
WEST: PITTSBURGH OFFICE - Linda Eshenbaugh, ADSO, Claims Consultant: Chris
Eshenbaugh, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1601, Pittsburgh, PA 15022. 412-395-6259/6260/Fax412-395-6261 OUTREACH PITTSBURGH- Christopher Eshenbaugh OUTREACH ALTOONAAndrew Stowell OUTREACH BUTLER- Samantha Gispansk & David Laughrey
OUTREACH
RENOVA- Roy Cowfer
ERIE OFFICE: Randy Gray, ADSO, 3112 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510.
814-835-8494/Fax
General Orders ... continued on page 10
(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 Gary R. Smith and 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
PAGE 6
August/September 2014
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
The Blair County Veterans Honor Guard was formed in December 2007 in order to help meet the growing need for
veterans service organizations to perform funeral honors for area veterans when requested by the family through
their funeral directors. The Honor Guard is an inter-organizational assembly of veterans and is certified by the
Department of Defense to assist the Military with Military Funeral Honors. The team has grown to 46 members and
have performed over 750 honors. Honor Guard members thank the Duncansville Post 8724 for all their help and
support and to the American Legion and VFW posts that donated much-needed funds.
Guardian Vets present A.J. Courteau, Erie Post 470 Commander, a
plaque for the Post’s support. Post members pictured are Sr. Vice
Commander Jeff Harden, Courteau, George Williams and Post
Commander Joe Benacci.
State Commander Gary Smith and District 27 Commander Robert Body (left photo) attended a Vietnam Veteran Memorial fundraiser
event to permanently honor area men through a memorial near a Vietnam-era helicopter at the Lower Burrell Post 92. “The men
were from Kittanning to Verona, and Saltsburg to Saxonburg, and they died serving their country,” said Tom Rushnock, a Vietnam
veteran from New Kensington, shown in both photos. “Most of us knew many of these guys, and they sacrificed their lives for all of our
freedoms,” he said. Body is also Post 92’s junior vice president. (Right photo) Post members salute the American flag.
Sunbury Post 1532 sponsored a bus trip for the Shikellamy JROTC which visited the Flight 93
Memorial in Shanksville. Pictured are members of the Sunbury Joint Veterans Honor Guard including
Joyce Church, Bill Church, Tony Giordani, Post Commander Roger Martz, Joe Yankoskie, Ken Van
Kirk and Joyce McCarthy.
Robert Stricklin, Greensburg Post 33 Chaplain,
escorts a guest from the Aspinwall VA facility to the
Post for a Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo party. The
Post and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsor the dinners for
hospitalized veterans in May and October.
Indiana Post 1989 recently held a successful fundraiser to benefit homeless veterans
and to raise citizen awareness about the issue of homeless veterans. Shown are post
officers, members and event supporters.
August/September 2014
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
The Jersey Shore VFW Color Guard unit provided the colors for a Memorial Day At the Race
Way For Heroes Race Track in Clinton County run by a retired Special Forces Warrant Officer
Mike Evoch. The track honors a veteran each Friday night during race season. Proceeds from
the Memorial day race were donated to a local veteran in need.
The St. Benedict Post 7783 awarded five $1,000 scholarships to deserving Cambria Heights
seniors this year. Each student was asked to write an essay describing “What Patriotism Means to
Me.” Shown are (from left to right) Kamden Kruise; Carrie Wylie; Sarah Farrell; William Campbell,
Quartermaster; Becky Shero, President of Ladies Auxiliary; Nichole Helbig and Alexander Vesey.
PAGE 7
Visiting the Egypt Post 7293 in Whitehall State Commander Gary Smith presents the
Department of PA VFW Firefighter of the Year Award to Marc Wisniewski while District 8
Commander Nathaniel Smith and Wisniewski’s Chief Barry Frantz look on.
Kennett Square Post 5467 held a fundraising event for the Wreaths Across America
program with more than 200 post officials, members and citizens working together to
support the project, which places memorial wreaths on veterans’ graves.
Presenting the Department of PA VFW’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Hummelstown Police
Department Detective Sgt. William Ryan are (from left) Past District 18 Commander David Gyger and Post 6417
Commander Richard Wilson. Also pictured is Chief Charles Dowell. All VFW posts are encouraged to nominate
local public safety personnel for State VFW awards. Call State HQs for details and deadline information.
A PA Army National Guard Warrant Officer Class–which includes several
VFW members–recently completed a community service project at Morrison
Park in Harrisburg. The group, headed by VFW member CW4 Len Snook
(OIF, shown in uniform), carried out the project as part of the WO course
requirements. Also shown with the candidates is Senior TAC CW3 Carlos
Blan. Thanks for your service, Guardians.
Page 8
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
Plan for Success, Then Work Your Plan
Glenn R. Umberger, Jr. - State Sr. Vice Cmdr. - [email protected]
I want to take
this opportunity to
thank everyone for
their understanding
of my absence
from the State
Convention. That
time away allowed
me to attend and
graduate from my next level of military
professional development. Although I
was not physically there, my spirit was
with you. I kept in contact with several
members to see how events proceeded.
In July, I attended the National
Convention in St. Louis, where our newly
elected Commander-in-Chief gave us our
priorities and a major goal. That goal is
to stop a 22 year decline in membership.
To remain a strong organization and
keep the attention of Congress, we must
increase our numbers. C-in-C John
Stroud is encouraging every member of
the VFW to recruit one new member to
our organization.
We all know of at least one veteran
who is eligible, but not currently a
member of the VFW. Go out and sign that
Comrade up. Reach out to the veterans of
the current wars. Go out and find those
who served in Desert Storm and Vietnam,
and never joined our ranks.
Having these Comrades join is
only part of the mission; we must then
retain them in our family. You have
proven yourself excellent recruiters, now
we must become as equally skilled in
retention.
We must all continue to plan for
the future and take the necessary steps
to accomplish our goals. Two key
elements in success are education and
communication.
Throughout the month of August,
your state leadership conducted
instructional periods on the VFW’s
priorities, programs and goals. We
discussed your concerns, addressed
your questions and provided practical
tips to help you carry out your officer
responsibilities in an effective manner.
Now is the time to take that wisdom and
pass it on to your fellow members and
plan how to meet our goals.
Please feel free to contact me with
new and creative ways to accomplish our
goals at [email protected] or
(610) 517-3455.
Be a Great Example of What Defines the VFW
State Jr. Vice Cmdr. Thomas A. Brown - [email protected]
As we head into
the fall season, the
actions that we need
to undertake to lay a
foundation for great
success during the
2014-15 year require
some fast moves.
Deadlines will be
upon us all too soon, so plan for success
and successfully execute your plan.
I have a major request of each and
every member: I hope that each of you
do whatever is necessary to get one new
member in the 2014-2015 year. Every
member is capable of this, so please
make a commitment to do your part.
Remember, you make a difference
through the VFW. Membership not
only benefits the VFW, it also helps the
veteran you sign up to enjoy life as a
veteran more.
How can you do this? Just start
by participating in the VFW’s many
programs and by reaching out to veterans
on patriotic holidays. For example, on
Memorial Day whether you are at a
VFW event or just a local event look
around to identify veterans present. Look
for veterans wearing hats and shirts that
show they served, and ask them if they
were overseas and earned combat or
imminent danger pay. If they did, ask
them to join and tell them about why you
get so much out of being a member.
During post or community events
that honor POW/MIA veterans, speak to
veterans in attendance to see if they are
eligible and also ask their spouses if they
are a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Make sure your post participates
in the Voice of Democracy, Voice
of Democracy Teacher of The Year,
Citizenship Teacher of the Year, Loyalty
Day Coloring Contest and other VFW
initiatives. Doing so will bring you in
contact with veterans in your area.
Take a trip to the local VA Hospital
to visit the many forgotten veterans there.
Supporting a military unit–preferably
your closest unit–will create numerous
membership leads for your post as well
as opportunities for you to serve today’s
troops.
Attending a local Homeless
Veterans Stand Down will both give
you an easy way to support your less
fortunate Comrades and connect you
with other veterans who volunteer.
This is your VFW. We can all show
through our example that the VFW is
working as hard as ever, and that the
organization is worthy of support. Our
members continue to serve their nation.
I ask no more of you than I am able
to do myself. God Bless you all.
August/September 2014
New VFW Chief: VA Must Fix What’s Broken
Recently installed
VFW
National
Commander John W.
Stroud, a U.S. Air Force
veteran, addressed the
recent VA crisis after
taking the oath of office,
stating, “the VA is a
health care system worth
saving that right now must
identify and fix what’s
broken … that needs to
hold people appropriately accountable
to the fullest extent of the law … and
a system that must restore the faith of
veterans in their VA.”
Stroud recounted his first VFW
experience, stopping in Post 10047
in Las Vegas, after seeing a sign that
read “Active Duty Military Welcome.”
Dressed in fatigues, he entered the
Post and was immediately welcomed.
Surrounded by Comrades, he learned of
the organization’s many programs and
services, and he knew he wanted in.
“Comrades, I share my story to
encourage you to tell your own stories
to others. A great part of the VFW
story involves the relevance between
different generations, and the ability to
educate others about who we are, what
we do, and who we do it for,” he said.
Stroud had high praise for members’
work and VFW programs, citing several
outstanding instances
of disaster relief, troop
support and veterans
resource efforts. “One
of the best things about
being a national officer
is bragging about the
VFW wherever I go to
the troops, veterans,
their families, the
public and politicians,”
he said.
Stroud stressed the importance of
reaching out to Iraq and Afghanistan
veterans and educating them on what
the VFW is all about. The camaraderie
the VFW offers, as well as its services,
help ease their transition to civilian
life. Further, the VFW fights to ensure
Congress and the Administration keep
America’s promise to care for them,
long after their successful transition.
“To this very day they don’t know
that it was the VFW who led the charge
to create a new GI Bill … a Family
Caregiver Act … Traumatic Injury
Insurance … a bullet-proof Stolen Valor
Act … concurrent receipt … a lower
Guard and Reserve retirement age …
and advance appropriations for VA
health care,” he explained.
Stroud will log thousands of
miles in the U.S. and internationally to
promote the VFW and veterans’ issues.
Facts and Figures
Bonds, New Dues System & VFW History
John Getz, State Adjutant/Quartermaster - [email protected]
We are starting a
new year. State HQs
sent out applications
for post quartermasters
to become bonded.
Just remember, this is
a position bond and
if you are bonded and
change quartermasters,
the position is still bonded.
The quartermaster who is the
treasurer of the home association
also needs to be bonded with the club
manager’s bond, which is sent out soon.
With the new dues system the only
way to accurately track your members is
with the online system. Your post could
be 100% in membership in February, and
if someone’s dues come up for renewal
in March, and they do not pay, you will
not be 100%. Please pay close attention
to your membership list to avoid any
surprises.
Everyone–from individual members
through the post, district and department
leadership–should remember that we are
a veterans service organization first and
foremost! Everything else, including
social member and canteen issues, comes
after the requirements and responsibilities
of being a service organization are met.
We are here to help all veterans and
their families, plus to help meet what
seems to be a growing level of need in
our communities.
Put your funds to good use and help
veterans who need help. Remember, if
you have members in need who cannot
pay their dues, use your relief fund to
keep them in your ranks.
Our Service Officer Division is
ready to help all veterans apply for
benefits regardless of age and period of
service. Please refer those who need help
to our service reps throughout the state.
Call State HQs (717 234-7927) to find
the nearest service site.
All VFW members and officers are
invited to a special event on Sept. 16 at
the William Pitt Union Bldg. (Univ. of
Pittsburgh) for the 100th anniversary of
the official naming of the VFW. Call me
for details about this landmark two-hour
historical event. Hope to see you there!
August/September 2014
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
PAGE 9
Chaplain's Corner
Membership Moment
Rev. Peter Hook, Chaplain - [email protected]
John J. Rybcinski, State Membership Chair - [email protected]
Congratulations Chaplain Phil Atwood
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 State 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 beyond expectation.
The recipient of the Chaplain of the
Year Award for 2014 is Mr. Philip Atwood.
Phil serves as chaplain of Post 928 in
Folsom, PA. He has also served as post
commander and District 7 commander.
Chaplain Atwood has shown an
unbelievable dedication to his duties as
a chaplain. He visits ill and hospitalized
comrades from his post and regularly visits
veterans at the VA Hospital in Philadelphia
and the VA Hospital in Coatesville. He
has attended and performed funeral and
memorial services for departed post
Comrades and many other veterans who
have no post affiliation.
In addition to serving as a VFW
chaplain, Phil volunteers for Meals on
Wheels and is quite involved at School
House Senior Center in Folsom. Phil serves
as president of their Advisory Council
at the center which provides social,
educational, nutritional, and recreational
services and activities for seniors.
According to the center’s director, Kim
McDaniel, Phil is an exceptional leader
who is quite involved with the people at
the center, and “he will do whatever needs
to be done.” Phil was instrumental in
establishing Memorial Day and Veterans
Long-Time Post 1536 Cmdr.
Harry Earley Passes Away
Harry Earley, a longtime member of Sayre
Post 1536 and World
War II veteran, passed
away recently at the
age of 94. Earley
served the post for
over 35 years including
four terms as post
commander, 20 as
quartermaster, three
as district commander
and ten as district
quartermaster.
It was reported that Earley was the oldest active
post commander in the nation. He earned
the last of his many All-State honors at the
2014 State Convention, and also earned AllAmerican honors. In 2010, the VFW State HQs
awarded Earley the Outstanding Service Award
in recognition of his many years of service
advancing veterans’ causes.
State Chaplain Peter Hook congratulates
... Department Chaplain of the Year Award
and the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award.
Day ceremonies at the center.
Chaplain Atwood was recommended
for the award by Gus Ober and Tom
Brown, both past commanders of Post 928.
Each commander stated how blessed they
have been to have a chaplain like Phil at
their post.
Phil is a WWII veteran who served in
the Navy on an aircraft carrier.
It was truly an honor for me to present
this award to Phil, a true servant and model
for those of us who are called to serve
those who served.
On the Department Website http://
www.vfwpahq.org you will find my
“Chaplain’s Page,” which has information
concerning the award, a Monthly
Chaplain’s Report and various resources.
Briefly Speaking ...
... Join us for a special ceremony to be
held in front of the William Pitt Union
building on the University of Pittsburgh
campus on Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m., to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
official naming of the VFW. Veterans met
inside the former Schenley Hotel (now
the Union building) in 1914 to start the
first year of the VFW organization.
... Donations are being sought for the
37th Annual VFW Veterans March for
Diabetes Oct. 10-12 covering 100 miles
from Erie to Pittsburgh. Contributions
should be mailed to State HQs by Nov.
1 to: Erie Diabetes Walk, c/o Dept. of PA
VFW, 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg PA
17109. Please make checks out to “PA
VFW Diabetes March.”
...There are two Pennsylvania legislative
bills pending to mandate the creation
of Veterans Courts in every county–HB
2180 and SB 1411. Please support these
bills by contacting your State lawmakers.
Contact the Department’s Veterans Court
Advocate Terry Stokes at (717) 244-9063
or [email protected]
Spend Time on What’s Really Important
Comrades, it’s
a simple fact that
people spend their
time, talents and
treasure on what’s
really important to
them. If someone
says that they really
value the VFW,
but doesn’t invest him or herself in
preserving our organization–even by just
signing up a new member each year and
reminding their buddies to keep their
memberships active–then they are just
paying lip service to
our mission and our
future.
Trust me, your
department, district
and post leaders
know that you get
tired of hearing
about “membership.”
However, we have to
continually motivate
everyone to show your
appreciation for your
VFW by keeping us
strong.
We hope that you
see the importance
of giving back and
serving veterans who
are not yet members
by recruiting and
retaining members.
Under new State
Cmdr. Gary Smith, the
2014-15 Membership
Contest Program is
staying at 100% + 1,
and our retention goal is 85%. As before,
all contests end April 30, 2015, unless
otherwise stated.
We used your feedback to make the
Mandatory All-State Worksheet more
self-explanatory. Also, Commander
Smith came up with a new contest
for posts that do not reach 100% + 1
member, but have achieved 95% in
membership by April 30, 2015 (contest
#18). However, the post must have
completed all programs that are on the
All-State Work Sheet.
We have to do a better job in getting
those members that haven’t paid their
dues in the past. We have to get in touch
with them and find out why. There has to
be a reason why. We need them back in
the greatest organization in the world:
“THE VFW.” Remember, we have six
PA Department recruiters: two in the
East, two in the Central area, and two in
the West. These recruiters are there for
you if you need any help or ideas.
Take a close look at the graphic in
this column. This membership promotion
from the early 1900s encourages
members to move past “indifference”
and “excuses” to sign up new members.
Let’s commit all hands to moving out as
dedicated VFW patriots–with pen and
new membership applications at the
ready–to search the local landscape for
new members.
Commit to helping your comrades
fill membership craters that have
developed due to deaths, members not
renewing and younger veterans not
understanding just how much the VFW
does for them. The thrust of determining
how successful any veterans organization
is whether we are bringing in more
members than we are losing. And right
now, we’re losing the battle.
I know that so many VFW
members work hard at increasing their
Post membership. Thanks for all that
you already do. We have to try new
approaches and dig deep to create a
new level of participation to boost
membership beyond our annual losses.
The only thing that will stop us is
indifference and excuses. Let’s gear up,
move out and accomplish your post goal
of 100% plus one member.
Please do not hesitate to get in
touch with me if you need help. Every
member is a recruiter. Always practice
the “3 R’s of Membership”: RECRUITREINSTATE- RETAIN.
PAGE 10
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
2013-14 Dept. of PA VFW Award Winners
MEMBERSHIP CONTESTS
ALL-AMERICAN POST COMMANDERS/
QUARTERMASTERS
Post
Commander
Quartermaster
25
James Kuchwara
Joseph Fadden
216
Dennis Carter
Barry Kantner
1536
Harry Earley
Marc Stoker
1620
Donnie Thompson
Ricky Snyder
1785
John Rowles
Michael Matsko
4954
William Puluka
Louis Cusumano
5544
Russell Canevari
Michael Dermody
6757
Robert Boyce
Daniel Rieppel
7251
John Tomasovitch
Robert Warzecha
8951
Eugene Myers
Lloyd Greenwood
CAPTAIN ALL-STATE COMMANDERS/
QUARTERMASTERS:
Post Commander Captain - Eugene Myers, Post 8951/York
Quartermaster Captain - Robert Warzecha, Post 7251/Throop
ALL-STATE DISTRICT CMDRS/MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMEN:
District 10 - James Frisbee/John Rybcinski
District 13 - James Lindsey/Patrick Hafer
District 14 - Glenn Owen/Steven Hakes
OUTSTANDING DISTRICT CMDR./MEMBERSHIP CHAIR:
District 21 - Theodore Bowers/William Mayer
CHOSNYK PLAQUE: (GREATEST PERCENTAGE
INCREASE NEW/REINSTATED):
District 10- James Frisbee
COMMANDER’S PLAQUE (HIGHEST NUMERICAL
INCREASE AS OF APRIL 30):
65 MEMBERS, POST 1536 Commander Harry Earley &
Quartermaster Mark Stroker; Post 8951 was congratulated for netting
184 members but fell short in participating in all required programs
ROBERT MUSSER MEMORIAL PLAQUE (GREATEST
PERCENTAGE INCREASE BY APRIL 30): 128.44% POST 7251
Cmdr. John Tomasovitch & Quartermaster Robert Warzecha
VAN ZANDT AWARD (MOST NEW/REINSTATED AS % OF
MEMBERSHIP): 25% POST 7251 Commander John Tomasovitch
& Quartermaster Robert Warzecha
JOE SALVO AWARD (INDIVIDUAL MEMBER WHO SIGNS
UP THE MOST NEW/REINSTATED MEMBERS OVER 25):
80 Members POST 1810 Henry Mannella
ALL-STATE POSTS
PostCommander
15
25
128
204
216
249
264
267
509
531
740
804
845
1213
1446
1463
1536
1568
1600
1620
1785
2385
3258
3432
3451
3474
3502
4954
5020
Bryan C. Staples
James Kuchwara
Thomas L. Crawford
William Littlefield
Dennis M. Carter
Leslie E. Harvey
Ronald L. Craker
David W. Laughrey
Claude E. Walraven
William J. Long
Gerald E. Aggers
Alfred E. Hippenstiel
Miguel A. Hernandez
Charles L. Kuebaugh
Lawrence B. Wills, Jr.
Joel A. Ellis
Harry J. Earley
Oliver P. Crisp, Jr.
Robert Daughenbaugh
Donnie J. Thompson
John D. Rowles
Delroy F. Straub, Jr.
Elwood H. Hippel
Timothy W. Schneck
Charles H. Gunnin
William R. Motichka
Michael J. Donnelly
William G. Puluka
James M. Rice
Quartermaster
Kathryn H. Hewitt
Joseph J. Fadden
Raymond L. Johnson
Everett T. Neill
Barry P. Kantner
Dean A. Snyder
Julia C. Drinkall
Randolph L. Peace
David K. Jolly
Scott J. Smith
Edward J. Denk
Herschel J. Klinger
Robert J. Broody
Robert L. Smith
Terry L.Stokes
William D. Thomas
Marc. E. Stroker
Ronald D. Hvezda
Robert E. Corman
Ricky L. Snyder
Michael E. Matsko
Glen A. Welker
James E. Dunn
Gerald G. Lengel
James P. Schirra
Thomas M. Coar
Randolph H. Mason
Louis D. Cusumano
Floyd F. Hauth
5207
5424
5544
5754
6231
6393
6497
6528
6558
6757
6824
7069
7251
7465
7505
7842
8306
8317
8896
8951
9044
11322
3398
8826
John R. Croom, Jr. Lawrence J. Onderko
Russell R. Canevari
Ralph E. March
Damian S. Hambley
Charles Goldsmith
Gregory S. Showers
Joseph D. Sylvester
Thomas R. Siani
Robert L. Boyce
Joseph J. Johnston, Jr.
Steuart J. Bailey
John J. Tomasovitch, Jr.
Daniel J. Kazmierczak
John E. Fetzer
Michael J. Peirce
Paul F. Sevison
Neil A. Shultz
Andrew A. Raymond
Eugene L. Myers
James A. Pallone
Paul H. Gerhart, Jr.
Toby A. Bryant
Darren W. Gnagey
William D. Lamond
Keith G. Garrity
Michael E. Dermody
Melvin E. Brant
Larry A. Pifer
Rudolph P. Rothwell
Joseph W. Heaney
Kenneth M. Flannigan
Frank M. Gass
Daniel L. Rieppel
Steven D. Hakes
Michael G. McLane
Robert P. Warzecha
Jamey L. Wise
Robert M. Carrara
Charles L. King
Benjamin J. Lipsky
James W. Merk
Dwight R. Fuhrman
Lloyd W. Greenwood
Robert A. Lott
John J. Boylan
William C. Forrest
Allen R. Broadwater
SCHOLARSHIP CONTESTS
Voice of Democracy Winner - Caleb Kulathum, Post 5308/District 16
VOD Teacher of the Year - Heather Arters, Post 6835/District 7
Patriot's Pen Winner - Maura Skelley, Post 3/District 22
ANNUAL VFW SAFETY AWARDS
Radko Law Enforcement: Sgt. William F. Ryan of Hummelstown
Firefighter of the Year: Marc Wisniewski of Northampton
EMT: Gregory Heefner, II of East Berlin
CITIZENSHIP TEACHER AWARDS
Department’s National Citizenship Education Teachers of the Year:
K-5–From Post 6345 in District 28, Kerry Vanwoert of Mercer.
6-8—From Post 12019 in District 23, Carol S. Kelley of Connellsville.
9-12—From Post 2493 in District 21, Duane A. Swartz of York
August/September 2014
General Orders ... from page 5
- 814-835-8493
OUTREACH: Randy Gray, Claims Consultant
Michelle Messnia
CENTRAL: HARRISBURG OFFICE Audrey Bergstresser/John
Chiodi/ Edward Fake,and Christine Frederick, Claims Consultant
Linda Jayman - 4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943.
717-234-7927/Fax- 717-909-7817
4. Every Post chartered by the VFW of the U.S. is expected to
participate in the following programs during the 2014-2015
year: Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s 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 Buddy Poppies will be conducted according
to the provisions set forth in sections 711 of the National By-Laws
and the Manual of Procedure. Department, District, County
Council and Post commanders should arrange for the distribution
of Poppies in their respective areas. All profits accruing from the
distribution of Poppies shall be used in accordance with section
704 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure.
6. POST RESERVE: Section 218(a)(5)(f), Manual of Procedure
mandates Post QMs maintain a dues reserve fund as prescribed
in sections 717 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.
7. Attention of commanders at all levels is directed to section 703
of the National By-Laws requiring each accountable officer to 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 Department
Quartermaster for referral to the Department Inspector. The first
report is due at the close of September. Do not mail these reports
to National HQ.
9. Attention of Dept. and Post Commanders is directed to the
required timely filing of Internal Rev. Form 990 and 990/T, where
applicable; forms are available at local Post Offices or IRS branch.
10. Posts are urged to start planning suitable programs to observe
Veterans Day (see section 223/Manual of Procedure).
DEPT. EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
11. Attn. Post Commanders: Section 1001 (24) of the Manual
of Procedure concerns alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting
room during Post meetings: “The presence, dispensation, and/
or consumption of alcoholic beverages in VFW meeting rooms
during VFW meetings is unacceptable and prohibited.”
BARGER SCHOLARSHIPS
12. 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 disclosed.
1st - Joseph Blaisse of Newtown Square, nominated by Post 7390
2nd - Brendan Schuelze of Manheim, nominated by Post 5956
3rd - Matthew Keefer of Hollidaysburg, nominated by Post 8724
Each recipient received a $1,000 nursing scholarship:
Taylor McCarthy, Philadelphia; Betsy Sherry, Somerset; Dawn
Keller, Philadelphia; Roxanne Blasy, Philadelphia; Brittany Kosin,
Jamison; and Karrie Ellwanger, Douglassville
BUDDY POPPY AWARDS
Top Post Poppy Orders in Each Division:
Group 1 - Post 928 with 32.94 Poppies purchased per member
Group 2 - Post 879 with 164 Poppies purchased per member
Group 3 - Post 6231 with 127.27 Poppies purchased per member
Convention Display Contests:
Category 1 - 1st place: Ladies Auxiliary Post 4963/District 26
Category 2 - 1st place: Ladies Auxiliary Post 928/District 7
2nd place: Ladies Auxiliary Post 2754/District 29
Category 3 - 1st place: Ladies Auxiliary Post 23/District 18
2nd place: Ladies Auxiliary Post 6704/District 18
Category 4 - 1st place: Junior Girls Post 5207/District 10
NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES
The Department of Pennsylvania VFW received a Gold Award for
the amount donated from within the Department.Thanks to all the
districts and posts who made donations to this important program.
DEPT. PUBLICATIONS CONTEST
First-Place Department award in the Post Category presented to
Shellsville Post 9639 (Editor Michael Stephens), with a Special
Mention Certificate going to Telford Post 5308 (Editor Earl Colella).
District 21 Commander and Editor Theodore Bowers earned a FirstPlace Department Award, with District 16 earning a Special Mention
Certificate (Editor Earl Colella)
13. Post Commanders and District Commanders are directed
to forward all resolutions or communications relative to federal
legislation or to the policy or procedure of the Dept. of Veterans
Affairs, or any other governmental agency, to their respective Dept.
HQs for consideration and referral to the Adjutant General. Dept.
Commanders will not take direct action on any such resolutions or
communications without first obtaining full knowledge of existing
National HQ policies governing such legislation or agencies.
Posts, County Councils, Districts and officers and members
thereof shall not publicly communicate or promulgate any such
resolutions until reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief.
BY: Gary R. Smith, State Commander, P.O. Box 238, Mercersburg,
PA 17236/4002 Fenton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109
ATTEST: John B. Getz, Jr. - State Adjutant/Quartermaster
August/September 2014
PAGE 11
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
The Department President Says. ..
President
Senior Vice
Junior Vice
Sec-Treas.
Brenda
Johnson
Aux. 6495
Karen
Hoover
Aux. 5507
Donna
Mills
Aux. 1754
Sharon
McCullough
Aux. 6168
Chaplain
Conductress
Guard
Chief of Staff
Kelley
Lepak
Aux. 2754
Charlotte
Lopes
Aux.734
Sandra
Wilder
Aux. 267
Jean
Amodei
Aux. 1597
Nat’l Council
Parliamentarian
Historian
Patriotic Inst.
Mary
Hetrick
Aux. 34
Theresa
Groce
Aux. 974
Louise
Gerhart
Aux. 5956
Wendi
Hennemann
Aux. 8488
Together, Everything is Possible
Brenda Johnson - [email protected] or (215) 736-1847
Thank
you
for electing me as
your Department
President. This year,
I look forward to
serving this great
Ladies Auxiliary to
the VFW. We have
just completed our Instructional Weekend.
Our Program Coordinator, Kathy Jo
Reinsmith, did a fantastic job. There was
a lot of enthusiasm and when the weekend
ended on a positive note, I knew we would
have a great year.
To State Commander Gary Smith
and the VFW Line Officers: The Ladies
Auxiliary wish you the very best for a
successful year. We are here to assist.
Please call on us.
Our Fall Conference was recently
held and I’m pleased to report that this
important event was both very productive
and very enjoyable. The program
chairpersons worked very hard to prepare
information that would help you promote
the programs and priorities for this year.
I thank them for accepting their positions
and helping us to get this year off to a great
start.
New to the Ladies Auxiliary this year
is a Certified Recruiter-Trainer, who was
selected by National Headquarters from
applications submitted. Janet Hauth, of
VFW Ladies Auxiliary 5020, was trained
by National Headquarters in April and is
interested in setting up as many workshops
as she can to assist ladies in recruiting new
members and helping bring back lapsed
members to be reinstated. She has already
held a workshop at the Fall Conference.
Her information can be found in the
Department Leadership Directory and you
are all encouraged to tap into her expertise
for planning productive and successful
membership programs.
Our Membership Theme this Year
is: “The Heat is On” and Membership
Chairman Donna Mills will be working
very hard to get dues collected and help
make our Department of Pennsylvania
100% in membership. (See related column
at the bottom of this page.)
Thank you, Sisters, for all your hard
work and thank you to all Veterans for
your service. Our organizations share a
commitment to use our collective strengths
to continue making a large difference in
the lives of many people.
The Ladies Auxiliary is here because
of the “Love for our Veterans.” We must
never forget that “Patriotism Begins at
Home.”
Let’s Put the Membership Growth Pedal to the Floor
By Donna Mills, Membership Chairman - [email protected]
President Brenda
Johnson has chosen a
NASCAR theme for the
membership program
this year and we want
everyone to know that
THE HEAT IS ON!
The tires on our race
car are burning hot, at top speed, and well
on the way to crossing the finish line at
the checkered flag ahead of all other cars
to reach the top prize of 100%+.
For August and September, your
Department VFW Ladies Auxiliary can
achieve prizes from the National VFW
Ladies Auxiliary, for our Department,
within our Membership group, if we
collect, submit and process the highest
percentage of annual dues in our
membership group. Pennsylvania, Ohio
and Texas have been joined with Florida
this year, since Minnesota moved back to
Group 10.
“PATRIOTISM BEGINS AT HOME”
and collecting and processing dues shows
our “LOVE FOR OUR VETERANS.”
Each Auxiliary Sister is the ultimate
fan of our race and each membership
processed is the GREATEST GIFT you
can give a veteran. Paid membership
provides the numbers we need to achieve
all of our program goals.
I encourage each of you to be a part
of the Great American Race in PA! Feel
free to contact me for assistance at (814)
658-2130 or [email protected].
All Auxiliaries Can Support VOD and PP Programs
Marsha Fuhrman, Department Scholarships Chair
The
Ladies
Auxiliary is excited to
be starting a new year
working with their
District and Posts on
Scholarships Programs
that are available to
our youth.
The Voice of Democracy and
Patriot’s Pen programs begin our
Scholarship year. The student deadline
for both of these programs is Nov. 1st. I
encourage you to go to your schools and
other venues as soon as possible to get
the word out so the students can apply
for the scholarships and begin working
on their essays as soon as possible.
I would ask that all Posts and
Auxiliaries work as a team on these
projects as we show a united front to
our communities and start the year
off successfully. Be sure to mark your
[email protected]
calendar for the VOD Banquet to be held
Saturday, Jan. 31st, when we announce
the first place winner for our Department!
As the year progresses, be sure
to promote the Young American
Creative Patriotic Art Contest, Junior
Girls Scholarship and the Continuing
Education Scholarship. You can always
get more information on the VFW and/
or the Ladies Auxiliary websites (www.
vfw.org for VOD & PP and www.
ladiesauxvfw.org for all programs).
You can get in touch with me as well
at [email protected]. Let’s make
this a banner year in participation. All
Ladies Auxiliaries can encourage their
Post to get on board, then help them to
make the programs successful.
Our teamwork will demonstrate that
we truly have “Love For Our Veterans.”
God Bless America, Our Veterans &
Those who are Serving.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS
FOCUS ON MISSION SUCCESS
Page 12
PERIODICALS
VFW District 19 officers present a check for $4,000 to Tomorrows Hope CEO Mike Millward.
Officers shown are (from left) Jr. Vice Commander Andy Wells, Quartermaster Bob Lott and
Chaplain Jim Pallone. Tomorrows Hope provides services to veterans experiencing tough times.
For more information visit www.tomorrowshope.org.
District 16 honored its student VOD and PP winners. Students (front row from left): Anna Joyce,
3rd Place VOD; Julia Sachs, 2nd Place VOD; Tyler Petery, 3rd Place PP; Nathan Bartholomew,
2nd Place PP; Thomas Heibeck, 1st Place PP. Post officials: Glenn Dunlap, President of Post
7155 Home Assn.; Adjutant Dave Morgan, Past Commander Jack Clawson; member Vince
Improto; Trustee Kevin Hott; Surgeon Frank Audino; Chaplain Pat Zampetti; Commander John
Moyer; Quartermaster George Henderson; and Trustee George Heller. Photo by Howard Helbert.
Erie Post 470’s Post Quartermaster/District 28 Jr.
Vice Commander Joe Benacci and District 28 Sr.
Vice Commander Pete Glaz took part in the Veterans
Resource Expo in Erie. They provided information on the
benefits of becoming a member of the VFW.
Members of Kennett Square Post 5467 Steve Delaney, Jack Kelly, Joe Zenicek, and Anne
Kelly handed out bag lunches during the “Across America for Wounded Heroes” tractor
parade held in Kennett Square. C. Ivan Stoltzfus of Honey Brook PA is driving his “A” John
Deere across America raising money for the Wounded Heroes foundation.
Kiersten Baker received the Dept. of PA VFW 1st Place
Award and Trophy for 4th grade from Ron Pawuk, Saxton
Post 4129 Loyalty Day Coloring Contest Chairman. Also
pictured Megan Schneider, Kiersten’s 4th grade teacher
at Saxton Grade School in Tussey Mt. School District.
The Department’s Color Guard presented the colors at a
grand opening ceremony for the Lebanon VAMC’s residential
rehabilitation and recovery center. Shown are Captain Paul
Kreiner (right), Jeff Walker and Michael Gagnon. Speaking is
Doug Etter, the Lebanon VAMC’s Public Affairs Officer.