“The Out Post”

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Tracy P. MacPherson Post 12043
Maricopa, AZ 85139
Volume 5, Issue 5 May 2010

COMMANDER’S CORNER

Comrades,

As we head into the 2010-11 year, I will be serving you as

Commander. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Serving along
with me will be Bernie Crouse Senior Vice, Joe King Jr Vice, Roy
LaCombe Chaplain, Jim Terry Quartermaster, Jack McClain
Surgeon, Ed Barnes Judge Advocate, Pete Glowacki Sgt of Arms.
Gene Wood
Post Commander As you can see on Page 8 we have experienced tremendous
602-920-3933 growth this past year. Job Well Done, to all of you! The coming year
will challenge us to exceed those numbers. Our staff and I will be
Jack McClain
Sr. Vice looking to each and every Comrade to do their part in the area of
Commander recruiting and supporting our programs and activities.
520-582-0575
When we work together on projects, our community not only sees us
Roy LaCombe working for our fellow Veterans, but for the community as a whole.
Chaplain Let us be known for our actions as well as our word.
520-568-0076
The past year has been busy for us and May and June will kick off
Jim Terry our year and will be just as busy . We will be going to Luke AFB to
Quartermaster th
our Adopted Unit May 15 . June brings us the Dept. of AZ State
480-251-0753
Convention. Our newly formed Color Guard will be showing us their

Herb Bailey skills as they prepare to represent the Post at Community functions.
Service Officer The list goes on, be sure and watch your emails and read your
909-496-3658 newsletter.

Bernie Crouse Comrades, hold on to your hats, we are on the move for 2010-11!
Service Officer
In your service,
602-909-9618
In This Issue Gene
1 Commanders Corner 9-10 Calendar
2 Latest Happenings 11-12 More News
3 Special Messages
4 Profile of the Month
5-8 Items of Interest

Page 1 of 12
 Latest Happenings
Here’s what your fellow Comrades did in March

At our final District 10 Meeting in April for the

2009-10 year we were awarded our 100% in
membership. I had the privilege of being sworn
in as District 10 Senior Vice Commander for
2010-11.

Once again we had a successful time at the Maricopa Salsa Festival on

April 24th. We took this opportunity to distribute Veteran information.
Our recruiting efforts gained the Post a transfer as well as a new
Comrade. We were able to raise funds for the Buddy Poppy Program,
Bailey Boxes, and sell some Raffle Tickets.

Page 2 of 12
 Do You Remember This From September 2009?

Wonder what this is?

Go to www.donttearmedown.com

The Mojave Desert Memorial cross boarded up by the ACLU and liberal courts while the case is on appeal to the
United States Supreme Court. The case goes before the High Court later this fall.
If this is allowed to happen to one memorial in the middle of the desert barely seen by anyone,
what’s next for memorials throughout the United States of America?

Well Here’s Some News!

Supreme Court Rules on Mojave Desert Cross
Decision sends case back to lower court
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2010 — After seven months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a lower
court ruling to tear down a cross-shaped veterans memorial in the middle of the Mojave Desert Preserve, but
the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. said there is still work to be done before
the 76-year-old memorial is seen again.

"Their ruling was a strong step forward, but the 5-4 split decision only protects the memorial today and doesn't
yet allow the congressional approved land transfer to occur or remove the plywood box that currently encases
it," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., of Sussex, Wis.

"A decision today could have protected this memorial outright, along with establishing precedent to protect
thousands of other veterans' memorials that currently reside on federal, state or municipal property throughout
the country," he said. "The high court chose instead to remand the case back to the district court, which means
we may have to go through these proceedings all over again."

In Salazar v. Buono, the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of a seven-foot-tall Mojave Desert
Veterans Memorial that VFW members erected in the shape of the Latin cross in 1934 to honor 53,000
Americans who fell in battle during World War I. The opposition, represented by the American Civil Liberties
Union, claimed that a cross on federal lands violated the Establishment Clause, which prohibits the federal
government from creating a national religion or endorsing one religion over another.

Congress agreed in 2002 to give the one-acre memorial site to the VFW in exchange for five acres of privately
owned land elsewhere within the 1.6 million-acre Mojave Desert Preserve. Lower courts, however, ruled that
the government could not cure an Establishment Clause violation with a land swap. A plywood box has covered
the cross ever since.

"Those World War I VFW members erected a memorial in the middle of the Mojave Desert 76 years ago to
honor their dead," said Tradewell. "Their use of the cross was no more sectarian than our nation’s use of the
cross on our second highest military medal for bravery. We hope the district court agrees with us, because
modern-day political correctness standards should not be applied to a 1934 gesture to honor the fallen."

Page 3 of 12
 Profile of the Month
Randolph “Joe “ King

Each month we profile one of our fellow Comrades. Here is what Joe had to tell us about himself
Randolph "Joe" King Jr. was born in Kansas City, Missouri, October the 1st, 1969, raised in Texas.

I first entered the Army in 1987. Active Duty 1987-1990. National Guard 1994-1996. Active Duty 1996-2008.

Unit's: 101st Airborne (Air Assault), 2/327th Infantry Regiment. Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Served as a rifle team member
and later leader in Alpha and Bravo Companies. 21st Theater Support Command, 95th Military Police Battalion, Mannheim,
Germany 560th Military Police Customs; 2/272nd Military Police Company, 3rd Platoon.
Served as a Military Police Customs Investigator (Plain Clothes) working in support of the United States Customs and
Department of Agriculture; Ran the Customs enforcement office in Heidelberg, Germany.
Served as a Military Police Patrol Supervisor, Company Master Driver, Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor, Hand to
hand combat instructor, Unarmed self defense instructor, Battalion Firearms instructor (rifle and pistol). 209th Military Police
Company, Fort Benning, Georgia. Served as a Traffic Accident Investigator, Firearms Instructor.

Schools: Air Assault, Military Police Investigations Course, Firearms Instructors Course, EVOC Instructors
Course, Master Drivers Course, Hand to hand Combat instructors Course, Unarmed Self Defense Instructors Course,
Non-lethal Weapons Instructors Course, Firearms Instructors Course, Total Army Instructors Course, Primary Leadership
Development Course, Basic Non Commissioned Officers Course, SERE.

Deployments: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, * Bosnia, * Kosovo,* Croatia,* Macedonia,* Uglivik (Russian sector of the Balkans).
* Denotes multiple deployments.
Awards: Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver/Mechanic Badge w/ Wheeled and tracked clasps,
Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (3), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct
Ribbon (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Armed Forces Service Medal, Army
Volunteer Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal (2), Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, German Weapons Qualification Badge (Schutzenschnur).

I currently live on 10 acres in Hidden Valley. I am blessed to have my wife of 19 years Raeann, and my children Christopher,
Misty, Randi, Gabi and Dustin. My interest include, Western/Calvary reenactments, reading,
playing guitar, and taking care of my horses.

For 2009-10, I was elected Post Judge Advocate. The upcoming year I will be serving as Post Jr. Vice Commander. I am
looking forward to being a part of this wonderful organization for many years to come.

Commander’s note: Joe has taken on the task of our Color Guard, and coordinating our Flag Raising Ceremonies.

Page 4 of 12
 Let’s Get Out And Support These Programs
Voice of Democracy
2010-2011 Theme
"Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future?"
Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2010
Grades 9-12
Patriot's Pen
2010-2011 Theme
"Does Patriotism Still Matter?"
Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2010
Grades 6-8
VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship
HOW TO ENTER:
Deadlines:
Submit entry to local VFW Post: March 1, 2010
Posts submit local winner to VFW Department: April 1, 2010
Department nominees to VFW National: May 1, 2010
Items of Interest

Please continue your support of these projects:

Bailey Boxes, donations can be brought to our meetings or dropped off at the MVC.

Keep saving the tabs off your aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House.

New Service Project!

We now have a donation box at the Maricopa Veterans Center for the FOR food bank in Maricopa. Beginning this
month bring a non-perishable item when you attend our Post meeting.

National Home For Children

For almost 80 years, the VFW National Home has reached out and touched the lives of thousands of children and
families of our veterans across the nation. Our dedicated and professional staff provides a loving, home-like
environment for children to grow and thrive.You can make a gift to the VFW National Home for Children in many
different ways, including using our new online giving option, signing up for a recurring gift, sending Campbell’s
Soup Labels.
You can make a gift to the VFW National Home for Children in many different ways, including using our new online
giving option. Bring your coupons to our meetings.
Directions on how to submit Campbell’s UPC codes
1. Cut out the UPC code (pictured below) from the Campbell’s product. If the
UPC code tears or rips, you may still send it. Campbell’s accepts the UPC
code as long as there is 51% or more of the UPC code. The UPC code
will usually have directional cut lines. The little boy on the label does not
have to be included for submission, but it’s okay if it is.
2. Please do not send front labels anymore. We can no longer submit them
for credit.
3. Before sending your UPC codes, place them in a Ziploc bag or envelope.
There is no need to separate, staple, paper clip or tape together. The
National Home has volunteers who do this for you. Simply place them in a
bag or envelope and we will do the rest.
4. Send collected UPC codes and caps to:
VFW National Home for Children
Attn: Campbell’s Labels for Education Program
3573 S. Waverly Road
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

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 Reminder:
th
Send me your service hours prior to the 30 of each month hdrider@q.com. Each month I send in this
information. EVERYTHING you do for your fellow Vets or our Community should be counted and reported.
Everyone’s activity counts. This is how the VFW tracks activities from each Post. Not sure how to keep
track or what to track contact
Herb, Bernie, Jim or Gene.

Tell Folks About This!

Check out www.maricopavfw.org That’s our website!
We also have email maricopavfw@gmail.com
We can now be found on Facebook look for Tracy P. MacPherson Post 12043 Maricopa Arizona (NEW)
District 10 website http://vfwd10az.multiply.com/
Department website www.vfwaz.org
www.vettix.com Veteran Ticket Foundation sign up to be notified of free tickets in our area.
www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm (NEW) Virtual Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following
website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov/
Online TV network for Veterans with shows and programs for veterans.
http://veteransnetwork.net/
Together We Served
The finest in military community heritage websites. Check out this site to reconnect with those you served with
over the years.
www.togetherweserved.com
My HealtheVet
www.myhealth.va.gov
My HealtheVet (MHV) is the gateway to Veteran health benefits and services. It provides access to:
trusted health information
links to Federal and VA benefits and resources
the Personal Health Journal
online VA prescription refill
In the future, MHV registrants will be able to view appointments, copay balances, and key portions of their VA
medical records online, and much more! My HealtheVet is a powerful tool to help you better understand and
manage your health.
Vietnam War Resources
This is probably the best search list ever compiled about the
Vietnam War. This simply has to be shared with anyone who ever served in Vietnam
or who is studying the war. It would take months to look at everything this site offers
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/Vietnam.html
Retroactive Stop Loss Payments Begin
Active, Reserve Forces and former service members who had their enlistments extended or retirements suspended
due to Stop Loss are now eligible for retroactive special pay, provided they served on active duty between Sept.
11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. All applications must be submitted to the respective service by Oct. 21, 2010.
Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) that a
member was retained on active duty due to Stop Loss. Service members must provide Stop Loss documentation
with their claim. Family members of deceased personnel should contact the appropriate military service for
assistance in filing their claim. For more information, e-mail or logon to:
 Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil or e-mail RetroStopLossPay@CONUS.Army.Mil
 Navy: E-mail NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
 Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss/
 Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss or e-mail stoploss@usmc.mil

Page 6 of 12
 Did You Know Life Membership is a Click Away?

The Life Membership plan can be joined anytime of the year. Member is not required to be a currently paid
annual member. Plan features 12 or 24 month payment schedule. Payment requires a $35 down payment,
followed by either 11 or 23 monthly payments, each of which includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. Plan can
be paid off early, in which case no further monthly service fees will be due. Member will elect, upon receipt of
first monthly invoice to pay via CHECK, CREDIT CARD, or ACH DEBIT. An automatic payment option is
available. The $35 down payment can be made via check or credit card. (Post may accept cash)
Member will receive upon processing of down payment, a provisional “Life Membership Card.” A regular “Life
Membership Card” will be issued upon completion of the installment payment plan. Each invoice will include a
payoff amount for the member to use if paying early. This information can be found on the inside back of
membership application, contact your VFW Post today or you can enroll online at https://emem.vfw.org. To
enroll by mail, call National Life Membership at 1-800-963-3180 for an enrollment form, or you can call your
Post Quartermaster.
***Remember if you move, please contact your Post or National Headquarters at 1-800-963-3180 and
update your address

Age One Time Payment 11 Month Option 23 Month Option

30 and Younger $425 $40.39 $20.23
31-40 $410 $39.02 $19.58
41-50 $375 $35.84 $18.05
51-60 $335 $32.20 $16.32
61-70 $290 $28.11 $14.36
71-80 $225 $22.20 $11.53
81 and over $170 $17.20 $9.14

What We Do In Our Communities

The VFW is a grass-roots organization. Unlike other groups, virtually all of our membership is managed at the
state or post levels. The organization’s foundation is the VFW post. Though there are many proud VFW halls
around this country, many VFW posts do not own property. A post is its membership. A post’s character is
determined by that membership. Some are known for the amount of time members volunteer at local VA
centers and in their towns; others are known for their social events amongst members; others still have
membership scattered around the world but stay in touch through the Internet.
Member Benefits

Members receive a free subscription to VFW Magazine; discounts on hotels, car rentals, and computers; and
no-cost personal accident insurance, to name just a few. Visit VFW Member Benefits to find out more.

Reminder

Please pay your annual dues. This can be done through the Post Quartermaster, Jim Terry or
Pay your annual dues, become a Life Member or change your mailing address online.
All you need is your VFW membership card and a credit card.
1. Go to http://emem.vfw.org/
2. Click "Register" (if you are NOT currently registered) and follow instructions
It's that easy and your new card will be sent to you shortly!

Page 7 of 12
 Job Well Done!
This is how we stand for 2009-10. Congratulations & Thank-You!
Get ready for the upcoming year!
We have a great challenge ahead of us.
I know the same great effort put forth this past year will be exceeded in the upcoming year.
Each one of you can make a difference.

Arizona District 10 as of Thursday, April 29, 2010

Information from VFW.org Membership Statistics

Prior N/R
State Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Percent Div. RS City State
Year LM
CASA
3 1677 10 264 17 7 96 384 371 103.5 6 AZ 4
GRANDE
3 3713 10 84 22 9 56 171 136 125.74 12 COOLIDGE AZ 1
3 7401 10 353 34 6 80 473 471 100.42 5 CHANDLER AZ 3
APACHE
3 7968 10 492 105 19 288 904 876 103.2 2 AZ 3
JUNCTION
3 8053 10 175 17 1 77 270 268 100.75 7 SUN LAKES AZ 0
APACHE
3 9399 10 529 56 6 182 773 770 100.39 2 AZ 3
JUNCTION
3 12043 10 25 11 4 23 63 43 146.51 18 MARICOPA AZ 2
District
3 10 1922 262 52 802 3038 2935 103.51 16
Total

District 10 News
A word from Roger Gowen 7968 Apache Junction
Comrades, the year is almost over, Elections are being held for the District this month for the upcoming year. We have had a
great year and I have to thank you for the great job you’ve done on membership, programs and your reports. But we still need to work
on membership. Remember, the years not over. It does not end until June 30. Remember reports go on all year long; they don’t stop
because we change the comrades in office. If you’re not going to stay in your current position then show your replacement how to
make out the report. A new Service Officer, Chaplain, Hospital Chair, and Community Service Chair have never made out these
reports. Training and help with the reports before they take over can do wonders for the Post, and this way the Commanders won’t
have to make up the reports at a later date. I ask each Post and their Auxiliaries in District 10 to promote Loyalty Day on May 1st by
conducting a ceremony remembering our fallen comrades and the heroes of today. Please don’t forget our Reserves, Air Guard and
National Guard units. They also have served on foreign shores and are still out there today. One area that many forget is Veterans
Affairs Volunteer Services (VAVS); volunteers are needed at our VA Hospitals and Clinics. I would like to see all Posts and Districts
have a Chair-person for this position and that Chair-person finds the personnel to fill all the needed spots at the hospital. We have
volunteers driving golf carts in the parking lot to shuttle patients in to see the doctors and others working in all areas of the hospital
and clinics that you can think of. This is one way we “Honor the Dead by helping the Living.”I would like to hear your thoughts and
opinions on how we can improve upon what we do in the District. Working towards a common goal will make our district GREAT.
Yours in Comradeship,

Roger Gowen District 10 Commander

Page 8 of 12
 May 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Loyalty Day
Law Day

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
5pm Military Spouses Day
Officer’s Mtg
@ MVC Unconditional
Surrender of all
National Day German Forces
of Prayer Signed (1945)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15
7pm
Post 12043
Mtg Peace Officers
Mother’s Day Memorial Day
@ MVC
Armed Forces
Day
Meet & Greet
Adopt-a-unit
Luke AFB

16 17 18 19 20 21 22
7pm National
American Maritime
Legion Post 133 Mtg Day
@ MVC

23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Buddy Poppy Buddy
Distribution Poppy
10-3 Distribution
Fry’s & Bashas 10-3
Fry’s &
Bashas

30 31
Memorial Day

Memorial
Day
(Observed)

Note 4 Flag Raising Ceremonies

Page 9 of 12
 June 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5
5pm
Officer’s Mtg
@ MVC

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
D-Day Allied VFW Post 12043
Invasion of Dept. of AZ NO MEETING
Europe Convention DUE TO
(1944) Mesa STATE
June 9-13
CONVENTION

13 14 15 16 17 18 19
7pm
American Legion
U.S. Army Post 133 Mtg
Founded @ MVC
(1775)
Flag Day

20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Pledge of Korean War
Allegiance Began(1950)
Father’s Day Recognized by
Congress
(1942)

GI Bill Signed
Into Law(1944)

27 28 29 30
GI Bill for the
21st Century
Signed Into Law
(2008)

Note 2 Flag Raising Ceremonies

Page 10 of 12
 New ID Cards Are Required at Luke

There is a new security system being implemented at Luke AFB. All people with military ID cards, including reserve,
dependents, and retirees, must go to Luke and get their ID Cards registered before 1 July 2010. There are two locations,
one at the Base Exchange next to the food court and the other one is at the Visitor's Center at the Lightning Gate. They
are open Monday - Friday from 0800to 1700 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) excluding federal holidays.
The ID cards need to be scanned into the new system and the right and left index fingers are electronically scanned.
Failure to comply with this will result in the card holder being refused access to Luke unless they have an escort.
I recommend that when you go, don't go around the lunch hour. From what I have been told, this will be a world wide
requirement and Washington State has already implemented the new system. On 1 July 2010 there will be scanners at all
the gates at Luke, if your card is not registered you will not be able to get on base.

Adopted Unit Meet and Greet

th th
Mark your calendars for Saturday May 15 . We will be taking a trip to Luke AFB to meet our Adopted Unit the 944
Aeromedical Staging Squadron. We will have the opportunity to meet and get to know this fine group of Airmen and
Women serving our country. In the upcoming months they are scheduled to deploy some of their unit. Some are
scheduled to go back to the Mid West while others are going to Central America. Let’s plan on carpooling and making a
day of it. Perhaps your spouse would like to attend? This is our time to get to know them and to find out how we can best
serve them as they continue to serve America. They are expecting us at 11:30am. I suggest meeting at the MVS NLT
10:00. I’ve been told they are planning a Potluck to welcome us!

While researching The Virtual Wall, I came across Maricopa Veteran History

www.VirtualWall.org
Gene Lawrence Kuvik Jeffrey Ross Sexton
Second Lieutenant
Staff Sergeant
PERSONAL DATA
PERSONAL DATA
Home of Record: Maricopa, AZ
Home of Record: Maricopa, Arizona
Date of birth: 01/15/1945
Date of birth: Friday, 08/22/1941
MILITARY DATA
Service: Army of the United
MILITARY DATA
States
Service: Army (Regular)
Grade at loss: O1
Grade at loss: E6
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Rank: Staff Sergeant
ID No: O5332085
ID No: 19603252
MOS: 71542: Infantry Unit
MOS: 11D40 Armor Reconnaissance
Commander (Airborne Qual)
Specialist
Length Service: 03
LenSvc: Between 8 and 9 years
Unit: A CO, 2ND BN, 503RD
Unit: B TRP, 1ST SQD, 11TH
INFANTRY, 173RD ABN BDE, USARV
ARMORED CAVALRY, USARV
CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: 03/05/1967
CASUALTY DATA
Incident Date: 06/22/1967
Start Tour: Monday, 07/03/1967
Casualty Date: 06/22/1967
Cas Date: Monday, 01/29/1968
Age at Loss: 22
Age at Loss: 26
Location: Kontum Province,
Remains: Body Recovered
South Vietnam
Location: Binh Duong, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Type: Hostile, Died While
Casualty Type: Hostile, died
Missing
outright
Reason: Multiple Fragmentation
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Wounds - Ground Casualty
Casualty Detail: Multiple
fragmentation wounds
ON THE WALL Panel 35E Line 061
ON THE WALL Panel 22E Line 049

Page 11 of 12
 Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month

The freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are direct results of the bloodshed and continued vigilance
given by the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation.

In 2004, U.S. Congress passed a resolution proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month, calling all Americans to
remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and to honor the men and women of our Armed Services who have served
and are now serving our country, together with their families.

As no stranger to the sacrifices of our brave men and women, this month VFW calls on all Americans to do their part and show your
appreciation to each individual who has ever donned the uniform of the U.S. military and committed to maintaining the way of life we all
enjoy today.

For ideas on how you can participate, please visit http://www.nmam.org/participate.htm

“When one American is not worth the effort to be found we as American have lost”

Gene Wood
Commander
PO Box 85
Maricopa, AZ 85139

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

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