DISPATCH VFW 1st District of California
Transcription
DISPATCH VFW 1st District of California
VFW 1st District of California DISPATCH Volume 14, Issue 11 District 1 Commander Ed McCoy November 2014 District 1 President Sheri Carrington Hello Comrades: Dear Sisters, Here we are at the start of the Holiday Season our year is moving very quickly. I want to thank our Membership Chairman Doug Scholl for an outstanding job on membership, as of now the District membership is at 88%. I want to thank all of the Post Commanders for doing a great job on your programs as well as your membership, keep up the great work. A lot of wonderful things have been happening in the Mighty First District! I had the honor of visiting the Aspire Center with Chairman Laura Ashley, Sr Vice Lupe Duggins, Auxiliary Archie G. McArthur 3783 President JJ Lemire and PDP Claudia Harris. The sisters of Auxiliary 3783 presented their generous donation to the Director Debbie Dominick and we were also honored to also meet some of the brave veterans who are going through their program. Our District Auxiliary fundraiser, “Murder on the SABLE Express” was a huge success! Thank you to all who supported us, participated as characters, donated raffle gifts and the wonderful volunteers from SABLE Post and Auxiliary 2275 who cooked our meal and helped in the kitchen. I also want to thank my Auxiliary SABLE 2275 and President Letty McCoy for hosting our District membership meeting this month. I want to thank the M/C for all of their hard work on the programs they support, like the Veterans Home, as well as supporting the Post's when they have a function, it’s great to see great camaraderie. I also want to thanks the Cooties for their hospital work, it’s great to know that we have dedicated members to support these needed facilities. We will be moving our official visit date from January 25th due to the Council of Administration meeting and VOD banquet being held on that weekend. We are working with the Department to reschedule a new date for our official visit. The Veterans Day parade will be Tuesday November 11th on Harbor Drive, please get there early due to limited parking we hope to see you there, let’s support this great event. We will be having our VOD banquet on Saturday December 13th at Lakeside Post starting at 11:00, the banquet meal donation will be $15.00. In closing I want to say that I am very proud to be your District Commander I also want to mention that our Post's and Post leadership is what makes our District so strong. So please have a great Thanksgiving Holiday and let’s Our District meeting is being held on November 2 at Michael A. Monsoor Post 2082 at 9:00 a.m. I look forward to seeing all of you there! Please remember all of our Veterans this Veterans Day. I know a lot of you have special ceremonies planned and I thank you so much for this! The District Commander, myself and line officers will be participating in the Veteran’s Day Parade being held downtown San Diego. To all of our awesome Auxiliary Presidents I would like to address the “Outstanding President” criteria. You ALL are “Outstanding Presidents” and I know you all will be receiving this award at the end of the year at the Department Convention. Get the credit you deserve for all you do! Please look on page 11 of the Department Program Book (all President’s received this at the beginning of the Page 2 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 District 1 Commander Ed McCoy Cont. District 1 President Sheri Carrington Cont keep our active duty service members in hearts and prayers. year) or you can look on the Department website. The deadline for applications is May 10, 2014 to Department Jr Vice President Tootsie Dougherty. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Yours in Comradeship Ed McCoy 1st District Commander I wish all of you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving Day. I am so thankful for all of you and what you do for our Veterans and their families! Loyally and with love, Sheri District 1 Sr Vice Cdr George Reuss The year is almost at the half way point. We still need to complete a lot of thing prior to that point. Chuck Lucas has started the annual post inspections, get ready with all documentation ready to make it easy and not painful. P.S. Corrections to the roster: Auxiliary Charles E. Swisher 1924 President Margaret Thomas email: [email protected] Auxiliary Carter-Smith 5867 Dues are $28.00 not $23.00. District 1 Sr Vice President Lupe Duggins Hello Sisters, Comrades, and Friends The State of California chairman for the National Home (Our District J.R. Vice Commander) is out there raising a ton of money but need's help from all the posts. By just raising a simple $100.00 and making that donation to the home this will put District 1 as a strong supporter. Buddy poppies are one of our programs that means the most for our Veterans, if your post has not purchased there poppies then lets and use then to make monies for the Veterans that need help, remember that money can also be used for a member that because of hard times cannot pay his dues. Remember that I will be taking B.I.D.S for the upcoming joint membership dinner to be held at the winning post (Veterans helping Veterans). This means your post gives myself a B.I.D. to cater the food with servers and your post keeps the profit if you win. Also keep in mind Quality. Keep in mind that if your post needs help that your line officers are there to help and are more than willing. As always I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do. We are a force to be dealt with and are the force which will keep our active duty and Veterans rights intact for ever. George L. Reuss District 1 Senior Vice Commander Ph# 1-619-322-7339 [email protected] Veterans Helping Veterans I hope I find everyone in good health. Those who are under the weather, I wish you a fast recovery. Thanksgiving is coming up, so here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Here are the upcoming events for November. November 1 District Fundraiser Bus Trip to Acorn Casino. 13th Annual Bobby Price Veterans Home Walk Post 2111. November 2 District Meeting at Post#2082 at 9:00 am. November 11 Veterans Parade Downtown San Diego. November 13 Veterans Hospital Bazaar from 10 am to 2 pm. November 25 District Membership Meeting TBA. "Patriotism Begins at Home" as we are "One Team Working Hard for Veterans" and "Standing Proud for our Veterans". Loyally, Lupe Duggins District Sr. Vice President Page 3 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch District 1 LAUX Chaplain Beth Flinn November 2014 District 1 Jr Vice Commander Dear Comrades and Auxiliary Sisters: Aloha everyone! Just returned from vacation and my batteries are recharged and ready for some VFW action! It saddens my heart to report 5 sisters have gone to their heavenly homes; National Home efforts (that I’m aware of): Post 3783 Line Officers are all Life Members! Good job Doug! Post 1512 (JJ Vojtas) Donated the proceeds from his karaoke tip jar at the Dalemar Pig Roast ($222). Post 1512 - Held a Chiefs/Chargers game BBQ and raised $456 for National Home! (Chiefs won...just saying... ;-). Post 1512 - Upcoming fish fry Nov 9 at Post 1512. Mabel Russell 9/16/14 CDR Jack E. Carleton 2111 Patricia B. Brown General Henry D. Styer 2455 Roma E. Brown 8/17/14 LCDR Arnold E Betcher 3788 Lydia Duenas 8/7/14 LCDR Arnold E. Betcher 3788 Cards may be sent to: David Duenas and Family 4065 Iowa St. # 10 San Diego Ca. 92104 Leona L. Gray 3/26/2014 Lt. Fred Lewis Kent 7907 Membership: Great job to Doug and his helpers on the bases and at Miramar Air show! Let’s all try to jump in and get your Posts 100% as well as the Mighty District 1! The time to attack is now; not later. Holidays are quickly approaching, so comrades will be very busy with VFW business as well as family time. Best regards, Michael Phillips District 1, Jr Vice Cdr Visit to the Aspire Center Words For Comfort Comfort- a simple seven letter word. It's a word with numerous meanings. It can mean strengthening aid, consolation in time or trouble or worry, a feeling of relief or encouragement, or easing the grief or trouble of. Is this your situation? Is it relief that you need right now? Is there some way in which you need to be encouraged? What is the grief in your life that you would like to see lifted at this time? Right now , your desire is probably for the companionship of comfort. Perhaps you're one of those who wonders if there is any comfort to be had... Comfort will come and perhaps when and where you least expect it. Hold on to this knowledge--it may take your head to convince your heat that it is so. Your grief will not last forever. it may seem that way. but eventually it will subside. Beth Flinn, District Chaplain 1951 47th SPC 167 San Diego, CA 92102 [email protected] District 1 Chaplain David Greaney I wish to put names of deceased members in the State newsletter. In order to do that I need all Cdrs or Chaplains to send the names to me. Please use proper names, not nicknames. Send to [email protected]. Thanks. Dave Greaney, District 1 Chaplain Page 4 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch VOD / PP / Teacher Award Chairman Post Commanders; Post Voice Of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, & Teacher Award’s Chairmen; and Fellow Comrades; Since we are quickly coming up on the deadline for entries to our Posts, I encourage all Post VOD / PP / Teacher’s Award Chairmen to follow up with their local students and teachers for this year’s VOD / PP / Teacher’s Award nominations. Voice Of Democracy - The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. This year’s theme: “Why Veterans are Important to Our Nation’s History and Future.” To enter, Democracy/. go to: http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of- Patriot’s Pen - The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8 (on the Nov. 1 deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program in the United States and its territories. This year’s theme: “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.” To enter, go to: www.vfw.org/community/patriot-s-pen/. Teacher’s Award – Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for the award. See www.vfw.org/community/teacher-of-the-year/ for more information and to submit your favorite teacher. DEADLINES For ALL Entries (VOD, PP, Teacher of the Year): November 1: All entries to the Posts November 15: Post judging complete November 26: All Post entries to District (Matt Foster) December 6: District judging complete December 13: Luncheon at Lakeside Post @ 1100 Mail / Email / Drop off all entries to: District Chairman Matt Foster 1558 Trellis Lane Escondido CA 92026 [email protected] 760 208-7246 Ladies Auxiliary Chairman Devorah Basden 11618 Rio Fondo Lakeside CA 92040 [email protected] 619 888-7681 Comrades, if you have extra entries for your Post, please let me know. There are a couple of Posts in need of entries to submit to the District contest. I am counting on each Post to promote the program and bring their best students and teachers for this year’s selection for the Mighty 1st District and the Department of California. If you have any questions about how to run your program, please email me at [email protected] or call/text me at 760 208-7246. Semper Fidelis, Matt Foster November 2014 LAUX Membership Chairman District President Sheri and I again won our Medallions from Department it is great to be back on track with the Medallion. Thank you ladies of the “Mighty 1st District” it’s because of all of you that we are wearing them. Division winners for the month of September are as follows: Division 1 Southeast 5179 @ 87.50% Division 2 OK Ingram 1774 @ 98.54% Division 3 SgtMaj Ralph E Gibbs 7041 @ 95.53% Division 4 Don Diego 7420 @ 92.06% Division 5 PFC Archie G McArthur @ 90.87% Division 6 LCDR Arnold E Betcher 3788 @ 89.41 Division 7 CDR Jack E Carleton 2111 @ 86.35% We have no 100% Auxiliaries as of yet, but we are getting close to achieving that mark. Thank you Sisters for all your hard work. I would like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 2275, SABLE, for a great October meeting. The hospitality and the meal were great and it’s so nice to visit with the ladies of other Auxiliaries. We were just there the Saturday before for the District Fundraiser and a great time was had by all. It will be the talk of the town (Auxiliaries) for quite a while. Thank you again. Our next Membership meeting will be on Tuesday, November 25th at Paradise Hills Post 11387 at 7:00 pm. Hope to see all of you there. Don’t forget to bring your Medallion to the meetings or have someone bring it for you if you are unable to attend. It’s a $5.00 penalty if you don’t. Remember, you must attend 8 of 11 meetings to qualify for the Membership dinner in May of 2015. Forty six transmittals were presented at our September Membership meeting. A great job as always, done by the ladies of the “Mighty 1st”. We all thank you. December is just around the corner and in order for your District President Sheri to attend “Night on the Town” she must be @ 90% on or before December 31st. That means your transmittals must be at Department no later than Christmas. Vacations are taken at that time, so please mail accordingly. Seeing you all soon, Rose Busang Membership Chairman and the TEAM Page 5 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 6 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Legislative Article If you could talk to every Auxiliary member at one time what would you tell them about the Legislative Program? This is the year to make the Legislation Program Personal. The National Legislative Services Priority Goals states “Quality of life and health initiatives for all the nations’ veterans, past and present”; that is a powerful statement with an incentive to act now. And how is that accomplished? We do not need to be a master of the legislative process and every bill; it is knowing the important issues to act on today and the steps to let our Congressmen know. This program can provide the tools to do that. The Priority Goals reflect the resolutions passed by the VFW to strengthen and ensure an adequate VA system for millions of current and future veterans. They call for much‐needed attention to crises such as veteran homelessness and suicide. They request fully funding research on traumatic brain injuries, reducing the claims backlog and fighting veteran unemployment. The goals are grouped under eight areas of concern, which are: VA Health Care, Suicides and Homelessness, VA Compensation and Benefits, Transition Assistance, Education and Employment, Defense and Homeland Security, Military Quality of Life and POW/ MIA. WHAT ARE OUR GOALS? VFW Priority Goals VFW Washington Weekly Get Out the Vote HOW DO WE ACCOMPISH OUR GOALS? - Promoting the VFW Priority Goals - Supporting Veteran Service Officers and invite them to speak at your meetings and other events - Encouraging members to become a Veterans’ Advocate and join the VFW Action Corps: www.vfw.org/weekly and receive the Washington Weekly e-newsletter and All VFW Action Alerts. - Subscribing to the Checkpoint Newsletter - Doing your American duty and being responsible by making your voice hear and get out to vote… “Patriotism Begins at Home” and by “One Team Working Hard for Veterans” and their families, we can be successful by working the Legislative Program as one team. Have a bless Thanksgiving and let’s not forget our troops, especially those that will be away from their families during this holiday season. Oneita Billings 1st District Legislative Chairman 1800 South Maple St., #114 Escondido, CA 92025 760-839-5324 Email: [email protected] Page 7 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 8 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 9 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 10 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch USS Cole Ceremony November 2014 USS Cole Ceremony Continued On Sunday, 10 /12/14 was the 14th Annual Ceremony of laying flowers at the grave of Lakiba Nicole Palmer crewman of the USS Cole (DDG 67) which was bombed in the Yemeni port of Aden, 12 October 2000, killing 17 and wounding 39 service members. Location is Mount Hope Cemetery, 3751 Market Street, San Diego, CA. Grave is in Division 11, Section 1, Grave 2, Lot 35. Disclaimer The “Dispatch” is the official monthly publication of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, District One, Department of California and shall act as a periodical for the benefit and enrichment of all VFW Posts, Ship, Men’s Auxiliary, and Ladies Auxiliaries comprising First District. As Department Officers, any and all communications from the First District Commander and First District President are considered to be official as they have the privilege of membership on the Council of Administration, Department of California for the current calendar year. Submission of articles for the Dispatch must be to the Editor Russ Eseltine ([email protected]) no later than the 25th of each month. Don’t forget who, what, where, when! The Dispatch is available monthly at: www.vfwdist1ca.org. Page 11 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 "Murder on the S.A.B.L.E. Express" October 25, 2014 Created by Sheri Carrington and Historical Research by Doug Carrington Actors played by Comrades and Auxiliary Members of The Mighty First District in this Mystery Dinner "who done it?" set in the late 1800-early 1900. Dressed in costumes from Annie Oakley (aka Ellie Mello, Dept. Conductress to Undercover Agent bar maid, Antoinette Bardot (aka Tootsie Dougherty Dept. Jr Vice) out to get the Loose Reuss Gang, Father Ubach and his Nuns who ran the orphanage and the "Mystery Train rides" for Gentleman. While the "Loose Reuss Gang with Mama Hazel (aka Reta Butler, PDP) robbed the train running a diversion for the murder of Burgess Calhoun (aka State Jr Vice Dale Smith) take place. As the body was rolled in on the gurney the wailing sounds of his wife Verna Gay Calhoun (aka Marla Smith) could be heard through the train. With the help of Deputy Sheriff Olive Belle Chambers (aka Laura Ashley) and Sheriff Fred Jennings/Docent (aka Doug Carrington) and the passengers of the train. The murder was solved. It was Vaasie Songster aka (Kathie Okolski) Mrs. Calhoun’s best friend and a wedding to end the night. (Pictures by Beth Flinn) Page 12 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 13 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 14 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 15 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 16 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 17 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 18 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 19 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014 Page 20 VFW 1st District of California Dispatch November 2014