Professional Documents
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Department
VFW of North Carolina PO Box 25337 Raleigh, NC 27611-5337
Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Rermit No. 1838 Raleigh N.C.
H OLD T E FUTU RE
2013
VOLUME NO. 77
JUL/AUG/SEP 2013
Every post in North Carolina has their own website. It takes a minute to visit your post's site. Just log in to: www.vfwnc.org
Correspondence regarding subscription and circulation should be addressed to VFW Leader, P.O. Box 25337, Raleigh, N.C. 27611.
"Department Headquarters normal operating hours 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Closed for holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day."
The newly renovated and painted VFW State Recruiting Trailer is available for sign out and pick up by contacting the State VFW Headquarters at 919-828-5058. It comes complete with recruiting documents & Patriotic Giveaways.
$10,000 - James R. Peterson, Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada. $2,000 - Joseph A. Lutheran of Newport, NC $1,000 - Robert L. Barrs of Linden, NC $500 - G. Bruce Sprinkle of King, NC $500 - Joyce Preston of Tryon, NC -:
Posts throughout the state are publishing stories about local activities. Are you getting to see them? Everyone is encouraged to subscribe to the free on-line Veterans of Foreign Wars North Carolina News feed. It is easy and will ensure that you will know what is going on around the district and around the state.
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show. The Durham resident, who enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and became a member of the First Naval Construction Battalion with the famous nickname, said he had never felt so honored in his life. "When you get my age, you only have a few words left," Smith said to laughter at the close of the ceremony. But he added: "I have been blessed so much in my life, and I've had a wonderful life."
Douglas Morton, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, also presented him with flags. Morton said Smith and others had faith while living on ships during World War II that the new Seabees would make a difference. "You left a legacy that I can carryon today," said Morton, a North Carolina native.
Gov. Pat McCrory couldn't attend because of his schedule, but Lt. Smith, a Kinston native, served in Gov. Dan Forest presented to ERNIE AllIs the Navy for more than three years, Smith on his behalf the Order of working in the Pacific theater the Long Leaf Pine award. Smith, Comrades, The first quarter is behind us, as he and other Navy tradesmen who attended the event with wife, and it has been a busy one. With built airfields and a hospital to Betty, and his daughter, Beverly, the National Convention, Flying help the war effort. After return- has failing eyesight but walked to Squadrons and our District meet- ing from the war, he worked for the lectern by himself to receive it ings, time has been flying-by. I was 30 years in the building supply and make remarks. very pleased to see that so many business, and later worked in the of you have shown interest in funeral business before retiring Earlier in the event, Forest recalled what was going on 100 years ago: the Flying Squadrons' Training. I at 95. Woodrow Wilson was president, hope you have learned something new that will prove useful at your Politicians and officials from the Henry Ford began his assembly Posts. My sincere thanks to Posts Navy, Marine Corps and North line process to manufacture cars 2514 New Bern, 5631 Sanford, Carolina National Guard lauded and World War I hadn't begun. and 5206 Hendersonville for Smith's generation for its military Forest looked at Smith - walking service, and Smith himself for his tall with a full head of hair and hosting all of us. resilience. Born on Aug. 27, 1913, sharp wit - and quipped: "Jerry, To the Comrades, ladies, and weighing only 1 pound, 8 ounces, you don't look a day over 67." Men's Auxiliaries who worked Smith survived thanks in part to hard to make our stay (and meals) his grandmother's resolve to care Smith took pleasure in the comfor him, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr pliments, telling Forest it's a good enjoyable - Outstanding Job! told the several dozen in atten- sign: "That means I'm going to stay here a long time. " I would like to share with you a dance. recent event I attended on your behalf by representing the VFW. "Jerry started this world as a chal- Commanders Note: Jerry is a life Here is the reprinted article from lenge at best," Burr said before member in our organization and the Observer for all of you to presenting him with an American it was with humility and pride flag that flew over the U.S. I was able to shake this man's enjoy. Capitol. He added: "There's no hand, and thank him for his serRALEIGH, N.C. - The military person of my generation that can vice. What a unique privilege you and North Carolina politicians thank those of you that fought have all given me to meet this celebrated the 100th birthday of the Second World War sufficient- remarkable person and celebrate one of the U.S. Navy's original ly for the sacrifices you made, for his legacy and that of the VFW. Seabees on Tuesday as Jerry Smith the opportunities that we have As we begin preparation for the was feted at the governor's man- today." next quarter, armed with new sion with speeches, special flags Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, adjutant information and training, there and other souvenirs. general of the North Carolina remains much to do. After we all But it was Smith who stole the National Guard, and Rear Admiral get a well-deserved rest, we need
mail. Someone will be there to help. You have line officers who care about your concerns and past department commanders located across the state that can assist you and offer help or advice. In addition, these past commanders and current line officers offer a wealth All posts located near a National of knowledge and experience, and Guard or Reserve unit need to have "been there, done that". You consider utilizing the popular may have noticed that changes Adopt-A-Unit program to assist are starting to happen, and that the unit members and their fam- we are a team dedicated to doing ilies. Contact Bill Green to nav- whatever it takes to make our igate the process of adoption. state successful and our members He is well versed in the rules proud of their affiliation. and applications and is ready to help. Bill is the National Military No problem is insurmountable; Services Chairman and his phone unless left unattended. If you number is on the State roster. think nobody notices, or nobody This is a worthwhile program cares, think again. Remember, you and as a post, you will not regret have a responsibility and ownergetting involved. The families are ship of what goes on in your post, appreciative of our efforts and we district, and at department. Know your by-laws, and follow through make lasting relationships. accordingly. Any problem can At a couple of meetings, I have (and should) be dealt with early heard the statement "we don't on. Take the Barney Fife approach do community service; we're here and "nip it in the bud" before it only for the veterans". Comrades, becomes unmanageable. it is true that our first and foremost priority is veterans. However, our In closing, I would like to remind mission includes the communities everyone that we have comrades where all service men and women out there who for whatever realive. We must strive to be good will son can't get out and about. We ambassadors in all communities miss them at the C of A's and across the state. We honor those regular meetings. One of our Past who have served and honor the Department Commanders, Mike departed who served by helping Burris, has been noticeably absent the living. Our activities in our as of late, and having difficulties communities keep our mission getting out to be with us for quite public. This helps us two fold - some time. He and others across in participation of our outreach the state have been unable to programs, along with our visibil- travel or attend VFW gatherings. ity to veterans in and around our Take the time to stop by, make a communities. I strongly encour- call, or send a note. let them know age you, your posts, and districts, you are thinking of them and miss to consider educational, patriotic, them; hoping to see them again, and other worthwhile commu- soon. nity services as an integral part of your mission. As always, if Until the next meeting, your post is having problems, Yours in Comradeship, or you do not understand some- Ernie Allis thing, pick up the phone and give Commander us a call, send an email, or snail to focus our energies to insure that our progress will continue. Of particular interest this quarter, I would like to share some thoughts with you regarding families, communities, and members we have not seen for awhile.
Greetings Comrades, I hope you all had a safe and good summer. It is now time to get down to business in your posts and districts. You should all be working on our core programs for the year. We held our flying squadron training session's during the month of August. All of the Department chairpersons and presenter's supplied your officers with the tools needed to participate in the programs for this year. It is now up to you the leaders of our great organization to fulfill you duties for which you took the oath of office when your membership elected you. I challenge all of our members to ask themselves why did I join this great organization. All of us joined for a reason and for most of us it was to give back--not to take. No one knows
Always remember what the purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is about, we are here to serve all veterans. We all took an oath when we answered our countries call or volunteered to serve and protect this great country of ours. It's now time for us to protect all veterans who served and were promised that we would be taken care of after our time in the service. We can only do that by maintaining our membership numbers but increase them so we remain strong in numbers. "Believe in what you do-Do what you believe in." Thank you for what you did in the past-what you do today-and what you will do in the future. Thank you for what you do for all veterans Yours, Jack Goin
JEssIE BEllflOwERs Comrades, I would like to personally thank all of you for having trust and confidence in me as your State Junior Vice Commander for the coming year. I am humbled and proud to serve you! I
CHAPlAINs COlUMN
is the year the VFW uses. While springtime is over and fall has begun, it is the beginning of the VFW's program year. Elections are over, Installations held and Conventions ended, now we start to work. At the Spring CofA, I want to schedule a time to meet with our Chaplains. The time and location will be announced. It isn't an official meeting, but a fellowship gathering. This is a chance for all Chaplains, no matter what level and no matter what membership, to meet and share ideas or thoughts. To share "best practices" or areas of concern. There are three projects I hope to expand on this year and all are based on the "keystone" of communication. Effective communication is when there is both a working transmitter and a working receiver. I want to hear your ideas. I want to know how you feel I can assist you in your position as Chaplain. So pass the word, have your Chaplain in the loop. Your Chaplain can't attend, but you feel they would be interested in what is passed? Come in their place and give them the info. I start this year as I did last year, ready to work! I have one year of VFW Dept education under my belt. What does that mean? I know enough to know I don't know, but know how to ask. By the grace of our Lord, I will only be as good in this position as the membership will allow. You need me, you call me. Until then, may God Bless!
SR SMItH
Sometimes, I find myself in awe of the different calendars I have in my life. How a year begins and how it doesn't always start at the same time. There is the year as we know it on our calendars at home. There is the Governments "Fiscal" year. And there
Haley Brianna Ipock, age 12 of Cedar Point, North Carolina, has been named as the Buddy Poppy Queen for this year. She is the granddaughter of Nelson and Rosa Smallwood of Newport, and was sponsored by Swansboro Post 9960. Haley was chosen for this honor over five other nominees, all of whom would have made a fine Queen. There is no Buddy Poppy King this year, as there were no boy nominees. The Buddy Poppy King and Queen contest is unique to North Carolina, and honors one boy and one girl who have given extensive time to honor veterans and use the Buddy Poppy. Haley has been in Veterans Day parades, handing out poppies, and has participated in numerous poppy drives. She also helps decorate floats for the V A parade, hands out flags to veterans at the post Memorial Day Cook-out, helps veterans' widows and wives with yard work, volunteers an the post bingo operation, and volunteers at the Carteret County Humane Society. The following is the speech Haley delivered at the Buddy Poppy Queen Reception at the Embassy Suites hotel at the Fall Council of Administration meeting on Saturday, 5 October: "Since 1918, this small red flower, inspired by the poem 'In Flander's Fileds,' has been adopted by veterans' organizations around the world as a reminder of what our veterans have sacrificed. All donations raised from the Buddy Poppies are used to help veterans, active duty personnel, widows, and children that are in need of help.
Haley Brianna Ipock in the Veterans' Day Parade for about 9 years. I also go on the Buddy Poppy drives to get donations to help people. You never sell a Buddy Poppy - when somebody asks how much they cost, I just say whatever you can donate is appreciated. I tell them the money goes to help veterans, and the VFW's National Home for Children and whatever assistance they need. The donations also help with the income of the disabled veterans that make the poppies. As a granddaughter of a veteran and a great-granddaughter of three veterans, and a great-greatgranddaughter of a veteran, the poppy drive is my way of saying Thank You to all active duty and veterans for my freedom and for the freedom of everyone in America.
Please share, and let's help this piece of metal from the World young boy scout build a War on Trade Center. Terror Memorial. Please help support the War David Griffith is a Boy Scout on Terror Memorial. David is from Fuquay-Varina, NC. He selling personalized bricks to is working to build a War on fund the project. He needs to Terror memorial at the Holly sell 1000 bricks, and he still Springs Veterans Park, in Holly has a ways to go. The plan is Springs, NC. The endeavor to have the memorial completstarted as an Eagle Scout proj- ed in time for a dedication on ect to honor David's broth- Saturday, June 14, 2014. That er who died in Afghanistan in day has special meaning, as it is December, 2011. It has grown both Flag Day, and the birthday into a memorial to honor every- of David's brother, who was the one who has paid the ultimate inspiration for the project. sacrifice for this great nation since September 11, 2001. The Learn more about the proj ect memorial will be located in a here: thatsmybrick.com/eagletranquil setting, at the Holly scoutdg. Purchase a personali Springs Veterans Park, where zed brick here: www.thatsmyit can be seen daily by men, b r i c k . c o m / e a g l e s c o u t d g / women, & children. It will con- design-brick.php. tain a large pentagonshaped piece of granite, as well as a Watch a video about David
When you hold a Buddy Poppy in your hand and you think about all the lives that have been lost, I am very thankful for my family, friends, and God, and our veterans and their families. I know they need all the help they can get. That is why the I have been helping with the Buddy Poppy is so important. Buddy Poppies since I was a little girl. I help my Nannie and God Bless America!!" Poppy decorate floats to pull
(TRICARE PRIME SERVICE AREA (PSA) REDUCTIONS As of 1 October 2013, Tricare Prime will no longer be available to beneficiaries living in certain areas in the United States. Prime Service Areas (PSAs) are geographic areas where Tricare Prime is offered. PSAs were created to ensure medical readiness of the active duty force by augmenting the capability and capacity of military treatment facilities (MTFs). The affected areas are not close to existing MTFs and have never augmented care around MTF or Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) locations.
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PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Aide De-Camp. It was with great pride being presented with the colors as your President, accompanied by our Sr and Jr Vice Presidents. It has been a busy year so far with the 3 Flying Squadron sessions. We were able to meet so many Sisters and Comrades. The National President's Homecoming was a wonderful experience, as we visited New Orleans and saw the history - especially the site of the Battle of New Orleans fought in the War of 1812. On October 28th, I and two color bearers will present the colors at the first Celebrating America's Freedom Event in Vicksburg, MS. Then it's on to Southern Conference. On a lighter note I have visited with District 1 and attended the annual VA hospital dinner for 2 busloads of patients held at Post 7312 Sunbury. We had so much fun and the ladies danced with the patients. How awesome! During this year I hope to visit, as many Auxiliary's as possible and to participate in your community events with you. Remember that our lovely, gracious and energetic National President Armithia "Sissy" Borel will be with us 21-23 November in Fayetteville. See your General Orders for information. Ladies, one last reminder - REPORT what you do. National sets the goals we are required to meet for each program. It is through reporting that we are allowed by Congress to maintain our nonprofit status. An important note: one of our VFW families has been selected as the "National Military Volunteer Family of the Year" and will be traveling to Washington to receive this honor. It also gave media coverage on the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary and Jr Girls. In closing. what an honor to be elected as your President and to represent you all. I am just a phone call away or in person via Skype. Loyally .... Penny
For other than line of duty and direct care, Tricare is considered MEC. For purchase care plans (TRS, TRR, TYA and Continued Health Care Benefit program) individuals must be paying plan premiums to have MEC. For more information please go to www.tricare.mil/aca. VA BENEFITS TRAUMATIC SERVICE MEMBER'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (TSGLI) Traumatic Service member's Group Life Insurance is a Congressionally-mandated insurance program that provides shortterm financial support to traumatically injured Soldiers and their families through a one-time payment effective December 1, 2005 . TSGLI is bundled with SGU- premium was increased by $1 to accommodate traumatic coverage. TSGU provides payments of $25,000 up to $100,000 to members of the uniformed services covered by SGU who sustain certain specified losses as a result of a traumatic injury. Like SGU, TSGLI covers a service member 24/7. HOW TSGLI HELPS INJURED SOLDIERS TSGLI is designed to assist with unanticipated expenses and/or help with a head start on life after recovery. Payment amount varies depending on the injury. Free financial counseling is available for Soldiers from Financial Point. TSGLI is a one-time financial assistance-NOT income replacement. TSGLI does not replace any other VA benefits. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TSGLI Soldiers who elect Service members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage and incur a qualifying traumatic injury after 1 December 2005, regardless of their component (Active, Reserve or National Guard) or the location in which they incurred the injury. Survivors of service members who died more than seven days after their injuries are also eligible to receive TSGU payment if the member had a covered loss.
Beginning 1 October 2013, this will change! When a beneficiary gets non-service connected care at a VA facility, Tricare will only pay200/0 of the Tricare allowable charge and the beneficiary is IMPACT ON TRICARE PRIME responsible for the remaining 80. ENROLLEES - ACTIVE DUTY This is the same as when a beneSERVICE MEMBERS: Tricare ficiary gets care from a provider enrollments for active duty ser- who opts out of Medicare. vice members, including activated National Guard and Reserve PRIME ENROLLMENT FEE members, will not be affected by INCREASE Tricare Prime enrollPSA reductions. They will remain ment fees increase October 1, enrolled in Tricare Prime or 2013. As you know, Prime enrollTricare Prime Remote, as appro- ment fees are subject to increases priate. each fiscal year based on the Costof-Living Adjustment (COLA), ACTIVE DUTY FAMILY MEM- as authorized by the National BERS: Active duty family mem- Defense Authorization Act bers enrolled in Tricare Prime (NOAA) for FY 2012. The Prime in affected PSAs will remain in fees for FY2014 are: Individual: Tricare Prime as long as they are $273.84 in the same location and eligi- Family: $547.68 ble. As always, active duty family members also have the option of Remember, survivors of active using the Tricare Standard pro- duty deceased sponsors and medgram. ically retired members and their dependents are exempt from the RETIREES AND DEPEN- annual increases. Beneficiaries in DENTS: Retirees and their family those categories who enroll in members who are not enrolled in Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 pay the FY a remaining PSA will be disen- 2013 amount until they lose elirolled from Tricare Prime as of gibility or have a break in Prime October 1, 2013. Those affect- coverage. Fees for these beneficiaed have the option of using the ries are "frozen" at the rate when Tricare Standard program, which they were classified and enrolled is the basic entitlement by law, or in Prime as long as the policy Tricare Extra. Tricare Extra offers remains active. Current fees for additional savings to beneficia- Prime are available at www.triries who use network providers. care.mi/costs. Retirees and family Tricare Prime at an MTF or with a primary TRICARE RESERVE SELECT care manager in a remaining PSA. (TRS) MONTHLY PREMIUMS To do so, they must fill out a Tricare Reserve Select premium new Tricare Prime Enrollment rates are established on a calendar Application and Primary Care year basis. Manager (PCM) Change Form 2013 Monthly Rate thru(DD Form 2876) and sign Section ough Dec. 2013: Member only V waiving their drive-time stan- $51.62 per month, Member/ dards. Beneficiaries should be Family $195.81 per month. 2014 aware that waiving drive-time Monthly Rate beginning January standards may require them to 2014, Member Only $51.68 per drive long distances for primary month, Member / Family $204.79 and specialty care. per month. TRICARE VOUNG ADULT (TVA) PRIME: TYA Prime enrollees affected by PSA changes who have active duty sponsors may remain in TYA Prime as long as they are in same location and eligible. TYA Prime enrollees who have retired sponsors and who reside in affected PSAs may be able to waive their drive time standards and fill out a new Tricare Young Adult Application (DO Form 2947) to reenroll in TYA Prime at an MTF or with a primary care manager in a remaining PSA. Those who do not reenroll in TYA Prime can purchase coverage under TYA Standard, which is $152 monthly, compared with $176 for TYA Prime. Note: Affected beneficiaries may also have the option to enroll in the US Family Health Plan (USFHP), a Tricare Prime option available through networks of not-for-profit health care systems in six areas of the US. For more information visit: www.tricare/ usfhp. TRICARE FOR LIFE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS CLAIMS
PENNY COcOULIDIS
Greetings Sisters, Where has the time gone? It has been 3 months since Convention and so much has happened already! Where did the time go! First, your line officers and I want to say "Thank You" for all the hard work you have done on Membership. It is awesome. "Wow!" As of today we are at 80.24 with 124 new members. Are you ready for this? We have 2 new Auxiliaries (12312 Maggie Valley and 2019 Mt Airy), and a new Jr Girls Unit sponsored by Auxiliary 670 Fayetteville. And there are 2 more Auxiliaries in the making. What a wonderful year. But sadly we lost 2 Auxiliaries due to lack of membership. Let me share some of the exciting things going on before I share the news around the Department. In July we traveled to the National Convention in Louisville, where the hard work all of you accomplished last year paid off for several programs. We won in 4 areas: Cancer Aid and Research, we qualified as runner-up and received a prism crystal plaque & $100; Legislative and Scholarships each received a first place plate w/ stand and a $200 award; Chief of Staff/ Extension Received 1st place with $200; Hospital was runner-up with a certificate and $100. We also had a National
RETROACTIVE TSGLI As of October 1, 2011, the Service members' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection TRICARE RETIRED RESERVE Benefit will be payable for all qual(TRR) MONTHLY PREMIUMS ifying injuries incurred during 2013 Monthly Rate through Dec. the period October 7, 2001 to 2013, Member only $402.11 per November 30, 2005, regardless of month, member/family $969.10 where they occurred and regardper month. 2014 Monthly rate less of whether the member has beginning Jan. 2014, Member SGLI coverage at the time of the only $390.99, Member/Family injury. The Veterans' Benefit Act of 2010 removes the requirement $956.65 per month. that injuries during this period be INITIAL PREMIUM PAYMENT incurred in Operations Enduring For TRS and TRR you must sub- or Iraqi Freedom. mit an initial two month premium payment with your completed Applications for the retroactive form to begin coverage. The initial TSGU can be accepted by the premium payment can be paid by Branch of Services TSGLI Offices, check, money order or cashier's benefits will not be paid until check (payable to the regional October 1, 2011, the effective date contractor), or by debit/credit of the law. card (Visa/Mastercard). A Qualifying Traumatic Injury is an injury or loss caused by AFFORDABLE CARE ACT On Tuesday, October 1, 2013, application of external force or enrollment for healthcare cover- violence (a traumatic event) OR age under the Affordable Care Act a condition whose cause can be (ACA) begins. Unless, exempt- directly linked to a traumatic ed, all Americans must have the event. Examples would be loss of Minimum Essential Coverage hand or foot by severance at or (MEC) in place ... by January 1, above the wrist or ankle, loss of 2014 to fulfill the individual cov- speech, or paraplegia. erage mandate or may be required to pay a fee ("shared responsibility payment") for each month
If you want to dramatically increase your post attendance at your post meetings, you are urged to contact Indian Trail Post 2423 Commander Brian Boze at 704-243-1475 or State Membership Chairman (and 2423 member) Jack Campbell at 704-882-2172 for advice. By judicious use of a phone tree and many active projects at once, they PACK THEM IN. At their February post meeting, 83 OUT OF 337 COMRADES ATTENDED. THAT IS AN ASTONISHING 25 ATTENDANCE RATE, THE HIGHEST IN THE STATE.
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N.C. VFW to Support The All American Ride & Glide Event
The Department of North Carolina's Council of Administration approved a motion to support the upcoming All American Ride and Glide event, to occur on 2 November in Wake Forest. The support will include communicating the event to the comrades, Auxiliary sisters, and Auxiliary brothers, and urging the posts to put the event on their calendars. The Department will not contribute funds for the event, but posts are allowed to help fund it from their Relief Fund if they desire to do so. The idea for the event got started by a group called the Wake Forest Veterans Memorial. Its original intent was merely to maintain the veterans' memorial site in Wake Forest, but their focus is now on soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have lost limbs to lED's and other combat causes. The Memorial group is concerned that mobility for limbless veterans is an issue that will not heal and does not get better. Fatigue is an issue with these veterans, and covering long distances is still out of range for many of them. The organization's answer to this problem is to issue SEGWAY moving devices to deserving veterans. Segway devices allow for fast, long range, all weather, all terrain navigation and has a zero turning radius. Riders can stand upright on the Segway, holding on the shoulder-level handlebars. The problem with the issuance of the device to deserving veterans is that it was not designed and is not designated as a medical device. Therefore, it is not able to paid for by medical insurance, benefits, or any type of government grant, to include VA. The device enables disabled veterans to stand up and move about at the same head level as normal people, instead of being confined to a sitting position in a wheelchair or electric cart. Each Segway costs about $10,000. Supporting this event along with the VFW are organizations that include the Hendrick Automotive Group, Golden Corral restaurants, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Whitley Law Form, and Segs4Vets, a charity with similar goals. Major General Bert Maggart, former Executive Vice President of RTI International, has signed on to assist with strategic planning. Posts are encouraged to communicate with the Memorial's action officer, Mr. Lester Burleson, at les.burleson@gmail.
In 1982 I accepted the 1st important and only permanent title the VFW has to offer, that of Comrade. Regardless of what position you are appointed or elected to we are all Comrades. Elected ofcers should be there to assist the Comrades at whatever level they are elected at. The goal of every elected ofcer should be to leave that position 'in better shape than it was when,they were elected. To accomplish that goal you must have'the support of the Comrades at the Post and. District level. Your state ofcers should travel the state to visit District's and Post. The best way to encou'rage Comrades to work membership and the core programs is to get out into state and work with them. The most important thing about being a Comrade in the VFW is to "honor the dead by helping the living."
com. Registration for the Ride and Glide is at www.sportoften.com, keyword search "All American." Post support could include donations from the Relief Fund, communicating to its members, showing up for the actual event with cap on Saturday, 2 November in Wake Forest, and possibly participating in the 30-60-100 mile bike ride.
With the support of the Comrades of our Department, I will do everything I can to help all Comrades live up to that motto. No one does more for Veterans than the Comrades of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thank you for Your'support.
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A check for $350.00 was contributed by the Newton Post 5305 for the Conover School Toy Run for Special Children.
The Conquer The Beast annual motorcycle poker run at Newton Post 5305. $1359.50 was raised to help Sandy Price's battle against breast cancer.
Newton Post 5305 contributed $500.00 to the Newton Conover High School Football uniform fund drive committee. L to R: Commlander Larry Teague, Trustee Gene Pepe, Fundraising Chairman Jim Wilson, N-CHS assistant coach Brent Russell, House Committee Member J.B. Stearns, and Quartermaster Lonnie Bollinger.
A great retirement ceremony in the area around Newton Post 5305. It was spearheaded by the post, the local boy scouts, and District 14 Commander Allen Payne.
A generous check was given to the local Boy Scouts by Newton Post 5305 in front of their impressive post home, complete with helicopter!
Greensboro Post 2087 Past Commander Wallace Estes handing out well deserved rewards to their local JROTC unit.
Greensboro Post 2087 Commander Nate Degraffenreaidt shading himself at the Fun Fest, and doing some recruiting too!
Honoring Veterans
The dream and vision of a handful of area veterans of creating a large-scale veterans memorial on a parcel of land in Triad Park became a reality Friday as shovel met earth during a special groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the Carolina Field of Honor. An estimated 600 people attended the evening event, with members of the War Memorial Foundation (WMF) each taking a shovel to turn the first mounds of dirt on what is already considered hallowed ground by many. "It was one of the most emotional things I've ever seen" said Kernersville resident Roger Stockton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and member ot the WMF Board of Directors. "It was the most reverent group of people who really look at the ground as hallowed ground". The $5 million veterans memorial has been a labor of love for all those involved, from securing a central site in the Triad and garnering the Guilford counties, which co-own Triad Park, to generating support among individuals, organizations and communities. "It was great and a very heart felt and emotional ceremony" said Bill Moss, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who first contrived the idea of building a veterans memorial in the Triad and who knew the perfect spot when he saw it from above while flying over the area scouting possible locations. For Moss and his compatriots, the last six-and-a-half years have been spent successfully completing their own special mission, with each day tackled as only a military veteran could, with commitment and passion. When they were told they couldn't do it, not in this economic climate, it only made the group dig deeper. It's no wonder then that Friday felt just a little bit like Christmas. "For us, Santa has arrived with our Tinker Toys and Legos, and now it's time to build," said Stockton. Build they will, with a targeted dedication date for the Carolina Field of Honor veterans memorial set for this coming Memorial Day on May 26, 2014. "All the building permits have been issued, so we're good to go" said Stockton. Kernersville Mayor Dawn Morgan attended Friday's groundbreaking ceremony. She was surrounded by veterans and their families and thought one display was especially moving. It was a really heartwarming ceremony. There was one individual who brought the boots and hat of a, family member who was killed in Iraq to represent the fallen. It was very moving that we had that kind of involvement," said Morgan. Morgan was referring to Devon Yokely, whose brother, Lance Corporal Kevin Adam Lucas, was killed in Iraq in 2006. She placed her brother's boots and cover on a chair next to the groundbreaking site while Rich Rohme, a rider with the North Carolina Patriots Guard, stood guard. "It was a powerful statement about why this memorial is so important;" said Morgan. "It honors the sacrifice of those willing to have a personal commitment to defend our freedom. What a great memorial this will be and a reminder to all of us about the sacrifices those in the w military have made." According to those with the WMF, an estimated 150,000 veterans live in the Triad area. The memorial will honor all branches of military service and will include a 50 ft. granite obelisk, fountains and flags, amphitheater, parade deck and memorial brick walk. As a veteran, Stockton said Friday's ceremony was one of the most moving he'd seen. "It was one of the grandest moments I've ever had in public life in all my 75 years". Moss said the foundation is still selling personalized memorial brick pavers to honor either past or current members of the military, but isn't sure how long the supply will Iast. "Anyone who wants a paver needs to get one soon because we could be out by Christmas". The engraved brick pavers will be used to construct memorial walkways through the eightacre veterans memorial. Anyone interested in purchasing a memorial bsick paver may do so by visiting the War Memorial Foundation website at www.ncwmf.org. The site provides details about the Carolina Field of Honor and other ways to donate. Contributions may also be mailed to: The War Memorial Foundation, 600 N. Regional Rd., Greensboro, N.C. 27409. Phone calls can be made to (336) 851- 0999.