Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Commander's Column 2
PROMOTING THE VFW MISSION: “HONORING THE DECEASED BY SERVING THE LIVING”
Department Celebrates Many 2009-10 Successes and Kicks Off the New Program Year
With deployed troops battling the nation's and health-related difficulties.
enemies, veterans searching for much-needed National Commander-in-Chief Tom Tradewell
assistance and citizens from all walks of life struggling commended the Pennsylvania Department for putting
with hardship, State Convention delegates were proud service at the forefront of its programs, in part by
to hear how VFW Pennsylvania Department service donating more than $130,000 to the VFW's National
programs are fulfilling the organization's mission of Military Services (NMS) troop support initiatives.
serving others to honor deceased veterans. "I have been around the world visiting with our
Reports and award presentations given at the troops. Their dedication and capabilities are amazing,"
recent four-day convention in Gettysburg confirmed said Tradewell, who traveled to Iraq to personally thank
that the VFW's service philosophy is benefiting troops fighting in the War on Terror. "I want to thank
military personnel, their families, veterans from all the Pennsylvania Department for your strong support of
service eras, youth and many persons facing financial our NMS and troops in your state. Thanks for coming
home from the wars you fought in and putting on the
VFW hat to serve your fellow veterans and to take care
of our military and their families.
"The real strength of the VFW comes from
individual members and local posts. Every time you
visit a classroom, march in a parade, support the troops
and do other patriotic activities, you move our mission
forward. Keep up the great work that you are doing."
Community service continues to be a top priority (Clockwise starting top left): PA Guard LTC Scott Perry, an OIF veteran
at many posts, reported Community Service Chairman and State Representative, received a VFW Eagle Award from outgoing
State Commander Frank Mills. Membership awards presented by
Ed Arnold. Pennsylvania posts donated more than $9.8 Commander Mills included: two awards to District 28 Commander
million to their communities over the past two years. Randy Gray for the greatest percentage membership increase by
This figure is even higher since some posts do not report districts and most recruited new members; trophies to Post 7251
their activities to State HQ, said Arnold, who urged all (Throop) Commander John Tomasovitch and Quartermaster James
posts to use the Activities Report Form posted on the Frisbie for highest post membership increase and highest percentage
State Commander Ben Mastridge (center), State Sr. of new/reinstated members per existing membership; and awards to
Vice Commander Larry Reece (right) and State Jr. Vice Post 5958's Commander Cecil Dennis and Quartermaster Eric George for
Commander Gary Anders perform the unity handshake. Convention ... continued on 4 highest post total of new members (166).
Orders ... continued from page 2 FAQ's About VA Claims and Benefits
WEST: (PITTSBURGH OFFICE)
Michael Schomer/ Brian Sheetz, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1601, Pittsburgh, PA 150222 This information is provided by the Department's Service Officer program.
(412) 395-6259/6260 Fax (412) 395-6261 See the information at the bottom of this article for contact information
to reach the nearest VFW Service Office, which will provide you with free
ERIE OFFICE benefits information and claims support.
Jeffrey Leonetti/ Peter Glaze, 142 Main Street - EAST, Girard, PA 16417
There have been recent changes an accredited Service Officer for
(814) 774-3106/814-774-3107 Fax (814) 774-3265
to the initial and supplemental claim assistance in reviewing your claim.
CENTRAL: (OUTREACH OFFICE IN HARRISBURG) forms for compensation and pension,
Audrey Bergstresser/ John Chiodi, 4002 Fenton Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943 Medallion is an Option for Veterans'
and additional regulations pertaining Graves in Private Cemeteries
(717) 234-7927 Fax (717) 234-1955 to PTSD stressor verification for The VA is offering bronze
claims (i.e., fully developed claims
STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN: and benefits due at discharge).
medallions to attach to existing,
AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY: Ronald G. Herman - Post 8951
privately purchased headstones or
For further information on any of markers, signifying a deceased's
ARTHRITIS/DIABETES: Robert A. Mandera - Post 402 these recent changes contact your status as a veteran. The new item can
AUDIT COMMITTEE/INTERNAL AFFAIRS/FINANCE: Robert C. Eiler - Post 8805 Department Service Officer. be furnished instead of a traditional
BARGER SCHOLARSHIP: William J. Mayer - Post 8896 Below is a brief overview of the government headstone or marker for
BOY SCOUT: James B. Miller - Post 12019 revisions relating to PTSD. deaths on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and
BUDDY POPPY: Albert Chambers - Post 6345 On July 12, 2010 the Department whose grave in a private cemetery is
BY-LAW: John A. Biedrzycki - Post 418 of Veterans Affairs published new marked with a privately purchased
COMMUNITY SERVICE/SAFETY: Peter Walter - Post 6495 regulations on PTSD claims. The headstone or marker.
CREDENTIALS: Joseph Rogal, Sr. - Post 1586 new rules simplify and improve the Under federal law, eligible
EMPLOYMENT: Norman Brower, Jr. - Post 7362 PTSD claims adjudication process
for veterans who the DVA considers
HOMELESS VETERANS: Gary M. Anders - Post 8685
as non-combatants by their job
HOSPITAL/VAVS: Ruth A. Fairchild - Post 315
classification. The new rules eliminate
HOSPITALITY: Harry Carper - Post 1754 the time-consuming requirement that
INTERNAL AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRS: James R. Frisbie - Post 7251 VA adjudicators must conduct to
Edward Arnold - Post 1568 corroborate the veterans claimed in-
LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIRS: Dominic A. DeFranco - Post 764 service stressors.
Nelson Lowes - Post 734 Under the new rules a veteran
Peter Krenitsky - Post 6082
will be able to establish an in-service
MILITARY SERVICES: Glenn R. Umberger, Jr. - Post 7155 stressor through his/her own testimony
MEMBERSHIP: John Rybcinski - Post 3474 provided that: veterans buried in a private cemetery
NATIONAL RECRUITERS: • the veteran has been diagnosed are entitled to either a government-
EAST/RECRUITERS: Robert W. Stanton - Post 928 with PTSD; furnished grave marker or the new
Thomas Nesbitt - Post 3090 • a VA psychiatrist/psychologist medallion, but not both.
CENTRAL/RECRUITERS: William J. Mayer - Post 8896 confirms that the claimed stressor More information about VA-
William A. Crampton - Post 8984 is adequate to support a diagnosis; furnished headstones, markers and
WEST/RECRUITERS: Cecil K. Dennis - Post 5958 • the veterans symptoms are related medallions can be found at http://www.
Leonard Franklin - Post 7597 to the claimed stressor; and, cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp. VA
Randy Gray - Post 5958 • the claimed stressor is consistent is currently developing an application
LEGACY LIFE/DELINQUENT MEMBERSHIP: Gary Smith - Post 6241 with the places, types, and form for ordering the medallion.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Joseph Bowman - Post 928 circumstances of service and the Until it is available, applicants may
RESTRUCTURING DISTRICTS: Albert S. Thomas, Jr. - Post 974 records show no clear, convincing use the form for ordering government
NATIONAL HOME: Thomas Brown - Post 923 evidence to the contrary. headstones and markers, VA Form 40-
PATRIOT'S PEN: Russell R. Canevari - Post 5544 The veteran is no longer required 1330. Instructions on how to apply for
POLITICAL ACTION (PAC): James McComb - Post 175 to prove that he/she was in direct a medallion are found on the VA Web
POW/MIA: Wrayburn "Kelly" Reinsmith - Post 6168 combat. The new rules states that the site at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.
stressors must be related to a “fear of
STATE COLOR GUARD: CAPTAIN, George P. Beck, III - Post 6704; Glenn Steager - Post 477; All VFW members and non-members
Jeffrie C. Walker - Post 6704; Paul L. Kreiner, Jr. - Post 6704; Jefferson Mann - Post hostile military or terrorist activity,”
and the stressor is “consistent with the can submit VA claims through these
6704; Daryl Potteiger - Post 6704; J.C. Coble, II - Post 6704
places, types and circumstances of the VFW Service Offices:
STATE SGT-AT-ARMS: James Gubash - Post 1810
veteran’s service.” Philadelphia - (215) 381-3123
STATE ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS: Robert I. Hayes - Post 294; William J. Mankey - Post 2754;
Cecil K. Dennis - Post 5958; James J. Ritchie - Post 6495; Charles W. Dietz - Post 191
Under the new §3.304(f) (3), any Wilkes Barre - (570) 821-2535
event or circumstance that involves Pittsburgh - (412) 395-6259
SHE SERVES: Barbara K. Loncar - Post 6954
actual or threatened death or serious Erie - (814) 835-8494
VETERANS SERVICE: John Foster - Post 7213 injury, or a threat to the physical
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Dwight R. Fuhrman - Post 8896 Harrisburg - (717) 234-7927
integrity of the veteran or others,
WEBMASTER: Ernie Huffine - Post 5424 would qualify as a stressor. VFW outreach service officers travel
If you previously received a to VA facilities, other locations
BY: Benjamin A. Mastridge - State Commander, 4926 Knable Lane, Trevose, PA 19053 and, if necessary, to an individual’s
PTSD diagnosis, but were denied
ATTEST: John A. Brenner - State Adjutant service-connected disability because home. This outreach is made possible
your claimed stressors could not through Pennsylvania’s Act 66 Service
be validated, immediately contact Officer grant program.
Page 4 PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010
Highlights from the 2010 PA Department Convention ... continued from page 1
Department's web site (www.vfwpahq.org, "Forms").
Convention delegates learned that families residing "On behalf of my generation and
at the VFW National Home for Veterans' Children
are enjoying the Department's ongoing support of the generations to come, I thank all
Pennsylvania House and events like the recent Fishing VFW members for the sacrifices and
Derby. Posts in the Commonwealth donated more than
25% of all funds raised nationally for the Derby.
accomplishments you made for our
More veterans of all ages are receiving VA benefits nation. Your service and the sacrifices
due to support from the Department's Veterans Service made by your families make it possible
Officer program, which annually connects veterans and
their families with more than $35 million in federal
for us to all live free and to enjoy all of
assistance. Thousands of veterans appreciate the life- the precious things that make living in
enhancing assistance they accessed through VFW Service our nation so special."
Offices in large cities, outreach centers and information
booths at public events like county fairs. - Guard LTC Scott Perry, OIF Veteran
Delegates applauded the Department's continued
strong support of homeless veteran shelters. Homeless
VFW Eagle Award Recipient
Veterans Chairman Gary Anders thanked posts for
can serve their state as lawmakers," added Mills. "No one veterans of the Vietnam War who have many years of
the many donations of money and clothing that were
appreciates how much our society and government owes service in the VFW.
distributed to homeless shelters. Anders presented awards
its veterans than another veteran. That’s why we need Other 2010-11 officers include State Adjutant John
to District 26, the Roaring Spring Post 7689 and the Post's
more veterans like Scott to help guide our state." Brenner of Post 2493 (Mt. Wolf), State Quartermaster John
Ladies Auxiliary for raising funds through an annual
Perry accepted the award while recognizing the Getz of Post 3376 (Ephrata), Chief of Staff Michael Bolli
motorcycle Poker Run.
significant contributions of his fellow Guardians and the of Post 6495 (Levittown), State Judge Advocate Robert
The Department continued its far reaching support
important role that combat veterans from earlier wars DeSousa of Post 9639 (Shellsville), State Surgeon Ruth
and recognition of Pennsylvania troops by presenting its
have made to the cause of freedom. Fairchild of Post 315 (New Castle), State Chaplain Peter
third VFW Eagle Award to Guard LTC Scott Perry, an
"On behalf of my generation and generations to Hook of Post 6393 (Yardley), State Inspector Leonard
Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and state representative.
come, I thank all VFW members for the sacrifices and Spaar of Post 7293 (Whitehall) and State Parliamentarian
Outgoing State Commander Frank Mills, who at the
accomplishments you made for our nation," he told Allen Jones of Post 21 (Connellsville). Al Thomas of
Department's Mid-Winter Conference awarded a VFW
convention delegates. "Your service and the sacrifices Post 974 (Darby) continues to serve as the Department's
Eagle to PA Guard SFC Roger Daub for his service in
made by your families make it possible for us to live free National Council Member and Frank Mills of Post 1754
Iraq with the 56th Stryker BCT, commended Perry for his
and to enjoy all of the precious things that make living in (Huntingdon) is the Immediate Past State Commander.
outstanding service in a combat zone.
our nation so special. The Department finished the 2009-10 year with a very
"LTC Perry deserves this award because of his
"I can't tell you how privileged and how humbled I successful 98.01% membership rating, which included
outstanding service as a citizen soldier who carries out
am to get this award. However, I am just one soldier, and welcoming many War on Terror veterans into the VFW
the National Guard’s commitment to protect freedom, and
every single person that I served with overseas deserves through free introductory memberships. More than 6,166
who went above and beyond the call of duty to uphold
this award. Things don't get done without every soldier new and reinstated members were recruited, which was
the VFW’s mission of honoring others through service.
carrying his share of the load. I thank the VFW on their offset by the 3,205 members who passed away.
He is an impressive patriot, and we are proud to call him
behalf and for the support you show to the troops." Congratulations were extended to the posts finishing
a brother in the VFW," said Mills, noting that LTC Perry
Department elections held during the convention first in their state membership division: Division 2 - 5958,
holds many awards and decorations, and is qualified to fly
generated a strong leadership team for 2010-11 119.83%; 3 - 470, 116.99%; 4 - 928, 134.55%; 5 - 6558,
the Kiowa, Huey, Cayuse, Cobra, Chinook, Blackhawk
including State Commander Ben Mastridge of Post 6495 131.62%; 6 - 6743, 107.34%; 7 - 7251, 142.58%; 8 - 6773,
and Apache helicopters.
(Levittown), State Sr. Vice-Commander Larry Reece of 127.59%; 9 - 204, 109.72%; 10 - 12019, 108.93%; 11 -
"We also honor Scott for his service as a State
Post 5667 (Elizabethtown) and State Jr. Vice-Commander 6700, 126.09%; and 12 - 743, 113.33%. (See page 10 for
Representative. Veterans in the Legislature are few and far
Gary Anders of Post 7689 (Roaring Spring)—all Army a list of membership contest award winners.)
between. Scott is a terrific example of how well veterans
The convention hosted numerous guest speakers
including National Guard Army Cpt. Ryan Quinn, Director
"The real strength of the VFW of the Pennsylvania Guard's Family Assistance Program;
comes from individual members Bette Moseley Brown, Associate Director of the VA
and local posts. Every time you visit Center for Women Veterans; State Auditor Jack Wagner;
U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey; and a representative
a classrooom, march in a parade, of the Joe Sestak for U.S. Senate campaign.
support the troops and do other After compiling details about the many VFW
patriotic activities, you move our successes in Pennsylvania during 2009-10, Convention
delegates returned to their posts inspired to lead their
mission forward. Keep up the comrades to another year of service to veterans, the
great work that you are doing in troops, military families and entire communities.
the Pennsylvania Department." Please see pages 9, 10 and 12 for additional
State Convention photos and awards
- Tommy Tradewell, Special thanks to BAE Systems, a global defense,
National Commander-in-Chief security and aerospace company, for their sponsorship
of the Department's 2010 State Convention.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS PAGE 5
Commander's Testimonial State Commander's Testimonial Testimonial Commemorative
Weekend is Oct. 22-23 Weekend Reservation Form Program Book and Boosters
State Commander Ben Mastridge will be the Checks payable to: Mastridge Testimonial Fund The Mastridge Testimonial Committee will be having a
guest of honor at the Commander’s Testimonial Commemorative Program Book with Boosters for the
Weekend scheduled for Friday, October 22 and Name: __________________________________________ Testimonial to offset the cost of the events.
Saturday, October 23 at the Radisson Philadelphia Choose ad size: (This form must be sent with ads)
Northeast in Trevose. Address: _________________________________________
___ $80.00 Full ___ $50.00 Half
Hosted by District 8 and its Ladies Auxiliary, Post/Auxiliary ___________________ District ______
the weekend includes a reception Friday night fea- ___ $30.00 Qtr. ___ $20.00 1/8th page or business card ad
turing a Philly Sampler Buffet and the Testimonial Phone:_________________ # of Reservations _______ The ad book will measure 5.5" wide x 8.5". Please
Dinner Saturday with a beef or fish dinner, sides and type ads or attach camera ready ads. Ads can be sent
dessert for a combined cost of $55 per person. For Number of Black Pepper Sirloin Beef Dinners _____ on CD or e-mailed to chuckjackson2@enter.net (if e-
Friday’s reception, Commander Mastridge encour- Number of Talapia Fish Dinners ____ mailed use Word 2003-07 or a PDF). A copy of the ad
ages everyone to come dressed as a popular Phila- should accompany payment. All electronic ads will be
delphia person (sports, historical, etc.) or as a Hal- Amount enclosed _________ (# of Reservations x $55) held until payment is received. Deadline is September
30. Checks payable to: Mastridge Testimonial Fund.
loween character.
RESERVATION DEADLINE: October 6th Check # _____ Mail ads to: Chuck Jackson, 6358 Manzanita Dr.,
A Council of Administration meeting will be
held at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Please list dietary restrictions: ___________________ Macungie, PA 18062
Use the forms to the right to make reservations _______________________________________________ Payment enclosed ________ Check # _________
for dinner and to place an ad in the commemorative Mail reservations to: Lynn Musselman, 2007 Perilli Name/phone:____________________________________
book. Dr., Telford, PA 18969. This order is a contract. No agreements have been
To make room reservations call the Radisson made other than those in this agreement. This order is
Tickets will be available for pick up in the hotel lobby
Hotel at (215) 638-8300 or use the form on www. legal and binding. By submitting this form, you have
on Friday from 12-4 p.m. and Saturday 12-3 . The $55
vfwpahq.org. Mention the room code “VFW” to re- read, understand and agree to these terms.
per person includes the Friday night buffet and the
ceive a reduced group rate of $95 per night. Room __________________________________ _____________
Testimonial Dinner on Saturday night. The charge for
reservations must be received by hotel staff no later Signature Date
this event will help offset expenses.
than September 21, 2010.
(Clockwise from top left): Boy Scout Troop 88 held a flag retirement ceremony at VFW Post 5642 (Montrose). Post members and Boy Scouts also placed new
flags at veterans' grave sites before enjoying a lunch at the post. Post 4480 (Parkesburg) hosted the PA Hero Walkers for the second straight year as the march-
ers stepped from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. The post provided hotel rooms, a hot meal and a check for $500.
Dr. Rose Constantino of the PA Nurses Association helps Barger Scholarship Chairman Bill Mayer and State Adjutant John Brenner choose the winners of this
year's six VFW nursing scholarships. At Post 914's Memorial Day service, speaker Col. Craig Bollenberg (second from left) meets with Post Senior Vice Com-
mander Jake Bradich, Iraqi Freedom veteran; Post Commander Charles Krebs, Vietnam veteran; and Kenneth Curcio, Persian Gulf War veteran. West Mifflin
VFW Post 914 Commander, Charles Krebs, right, proudly recognizes the three 2010 winners of the Walt Kuczma Scholarship Award. Also pictured is Charles
Freker, Post 914 Youth Activities Chairman, left. The Post's annual academic scholarship is named for the VFW unit's founder, who passed away earlier this
year. Folsom Post 928 recently prepared many boxes to send to deployed soldiers as its does every month to show overseas troops that the VFW thanks them
and supports them. Palmyra VFW Post 6417 sponsored their 2nd Annual Bike Ride to raise funds for hospitalized veterans. The group consisted of 15 riders
and raised $314. Marysville VFW Post 882 canteen manager Karen Purdue presents a check for $100 to David Gyger, Sr. Vice Commander of the Palmyra Post.
Donations were given to the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
VFW's Mission Makes a Difference Post 1620 Walk Benefits Soldier Family Assistance
Post 1620 (Middletown) sponsored a "Walk for the Wounded" with
• Troops Touched by Support from PA VFW HQ 100% of the $7,500 raised going to the Soldier Family Assistance Center
(SFAC) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The SFAC consists of enlisted
“Thank you so much for all of the care and effort soldiers and civilian employees who coordinate resources and act as a
that you have put in to your support of the deployed point of contact for patients and their family members. The SFAC is open
troops here in Afghanistan. You have made a large to assist patients who have been evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical
impact on the morale of my unit. The soldiers here Center from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (OEF). The
SFAC also assists families of patients by providing transportation to the
are very appreciative of the amount of work that hospital as well as counseling and many other types of assistance. The
went into sending all of those care packages and we Defense Distribution Depot provided the Color Guard.
are very thankful for the simple luxuries that they
provided us. You help make a hard job just a little easier and a little more
bearable, not just from the items that you send, but more importantly
from the support that you show us. Patriots like you truly make it possible
for us to keep pushing forward with our mission. We have had so many
adventures on this side of the world and we wish that you could see all of
the good work that is being done here.”
1LT Robert Dickey, Security Forces Commander, PRT Khost
PA Guard 1-110th INF/28th ID, deployed in Afghanistan
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS PAGE 7
(Clockwise from top left) Palmyra Post 6417 participated in the town's Six VFW posts and three Ladies Auxiliaries attended the annual event that
250th anniversary Old Time Street Fair. VFW members recruited five new ended with a luncheon at Post 4793 (Waynesburg). Shown with a memo-
members, passed out American Flags and Buddy Poppies, and featured rial wreath are Paul Bierer, Commander of District 24 (left) and Michael
a ring toss game for kids. Pictured are Quartermaster Adam Powell and Klauer, District 24 Quartermaster. Armed Forces Day was an appropriate
Commander Dave Gyger. Trappe VFW 7155's Annual Memorial Golf Out- day to provide a wounded warrior and OIF veteran James McGee with a
ing raised $4,400 for Elizabeth (Beth) Reifsneider, a local child diagnosed free turkey hunt sponsored by wildlife federation chapters and supported
with cancer. Shown are (left to right) Commander Jack Clawson, Scott by local veterans. After the hunt, McGee and other combat veterans gath-
Reifsneider (father), Abby Reifsneider (sister), Amy Reifsneider (mother), ered at VFW Post 1586 for camaraderie (Permission to reprint this pho-
Elizabeth Reifsneider and John Moyer, President of the House Committee. to was granted by the Towanda Daily/Sunday Review). Post leaders who
Mansfield Post 6757's Support Our Troops Committee held the Wounded qualified for the State Commander's 2009-2010 Membership Trip gather
Warrior Dice Run, in which 90 riders raised $4,000 for the Wounded War- at State Headquarters in Harrisburg before boarding a motorcoach to visit
rior Project. VFW volunteers served a cookout style meal after the ride. the New London Submarine Base in Connecticut, where Commander Frank
Post 556 (York) hosted the Wounded Warriors PA Hero Walk, which was Mills received training during the Vietnam War. The District 25 contingent
supported by 175 volunteers who raised $2,300 for wounded veterans. Pic- pose in front of a deck gun, one of many exhibits at the nearby Submarine
tured at far left (standing) is event organizer Al Pulice. District 24 recently Museum. Photo at center: Post 6673 (Munhall) Color Guard members Dave
organized a full grave site ceremony for one of the nation's first VFW Laughlin, John Lunnati, Tom Albert and Dan Pavasko perform at the local
National Commander-in-Chiefs, Tom Crago, who is buried is Waynesburg. Memorial Day parade.
Page 8 PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010
Be a Positive Influence in Your Post Facts and Figures
State Sr. Vice Commander, Larry Reece - ljreece@embarqmail.com
Honor the Position and the Person
Thank you for your and commitment to success. John Getz, State Quartermaster - quartermaster@vfwpahq.org
support in electing me Membership remains the life blood
Sr. Vice Commander of our organization. We must recruit new My thanks to all responsibilities.
for the Department. It is members, but we also need to retain the volunteers who help The office of post commander
an honor and a privilege members who are going out the back the greatest combat carries a lot of responsibility, which is
for me to serve the door. Remember, eligible members will veterans organization why other post officers should respect
members of the greatest ask the question, “Why should I join the to carry out our that position and give the commander
Department. VFW?” Your conduct, your integrity and mission of “honoring the control and support needed to have
Congratulations to the newly elected your guidance as a mentor will answer the deceased by a great year. The quartermaster must
District and Post officers. I encourage you that question in a positive way. serving the living.” understand that he or she is not in
to work together as a team. Take your oath We need to get our current members I specifically charge of the post or the canteen. The
of office seriously and keep the lines of involved. You can never have too many mentioned our charter mission because quartermaster is in control of all funds
communication open. Perform your duties members at a meeting or too many as volunteers we need to honor those of each side of the VFW operation, but
with pride and don’t wait until the last members serving on project teams. who went before us by carrying out our this person does not tell the commander
minute to accomplish them. If you need You joined the VFW because of leadership roles ethically and honestly. how to run the post.
assistance, contact me or any of the other your loyalty to your comrades and your We can do this by adhering to the rules Post commanders should also
State Officers. We are here to assist you. community. We still need you. Your that all VFW officers must follow. The respect and honor the role of a
Outgoing officers and chairmen: membership, ideas and energy will set the oath that officers accept requires them quartermaster. All money is under the
assist your replacements in understanding foundation for our future of service. to serve and assist others, not to benefit control of the quartermaster because he
what needs to be done. By sharing your By showing your pride and your themselves by taking advantage of their or she took the oath to accurately and
knowledge and the lessons you learned, service, younger veterans will want to be elected position. transparently maintain all accounts.
we can start the year with a new dedication a part of the VFW, and they will join. Rules governing the conduct of Commanders should not overstep their
VFW officers at the post, district, role by trying to manage or manipulate
county and state levels are spelled out the finances. VFW By-Laws require
Without Teamwork We are Lost clearly in the National By-Laws. We at that post members vote on all motions
John Brenner, State Adjutant - adjutant@vfwpahq.org State HQ do not make up the regulations to spend post money.
governing posts. This is serious business Remember, if you read and follow
As we move into person taking control of a post or canteen, and as such all officers should have a our By-Laws, everything should go
the 2010-11 VFW which we know means that the situation copy of the By-Laws to study as a guide well. If necessary, refer to the By-Laws
program year, post will go downhill. If things are slowing for how they will conduct themselves. during post meetings to ensure that all
leaders and members down at your post to where no one shows Post officers should not make rules actions and decisions are made correctly.
should give the up and your programs are failing, then and regulations up as they go just to No one can argue with the official By-
following key topics send your members a letter to attend a fit specific situations. All officers can Laws. Give us a call at State HQ if you
serious consideration special meeting about the future of the be effective and stay out of trouble by have any questions.
and follow through. post. Don’t wait until its too late. following the clear language in the By- Post officers can honor our deceased
Our State Commander’s theme Posts must prepare for their district laws; this is our official reference for comrades by serving today’s veterans
is “Service through Teamwork.” He inspection. Make sure that all necessary how each officer should carry out their with honor and integrity.
asks that you place a high priority on material is available to make the
maintaining effective teamwork this year. process run smoothly. DD-214’s must
Everything you do should lean heavily be on hand for all of your officers and It's Time to Step Up to the Plate
on maintaining good teamwork—post all financial records (post and canteen PA Jr. Vice Commander Gary M. Anders - olhomer@aol.,com
leadership should support this concept operations) should be up to date ready
and engage members to participate. for the inspection team. Thank you for coach has his starting line up and he gave
You should promote active Find your post’s last inspection, putting your confidence us a great pep talk. We’re up to bat, and
participation at post meetings. Invite review it with your officers, and organize and trust in me to serve our Ladies Auxiliary are cheering us on.
members who have not attended your everything to make the process easy. as your State Junior The coach told us there may be some
meetings in the past to come. Ask for Posts must send representatives Vice Commander errors made in the early innings, but as
input and for volunteers during your to district meetings. There is a good following my election the top VFW team in the nation, we will
meetings to let all members know that reason for this: your post officers will at the convention. correct them and start hitting homers.
you need their energy and time to be meet officers from other posts and your The 2010-11 VFW Don’t forget to involve and support
successful. Just as some people don’t district, who can lead you to success and year is off and running, our troops in our games along with our
join the VFW because no one asked away from problems. and our programs have been introduced veterans in our homes and hospitals.
them to do so, some members will not Attending district meetings to our district and post commanders. Your Our state program leaders were hand
become involved unless they are invited gives you access to a vast amount of State leadership used a road trip to conduct picked by Coach Ben and I am sure they
to help support your efforts. VFW knowledge, which helps you to three “training institutes” and the “Flying will attend every game and give their best
Here’s a great way to help improve effectively serve veterans, the troops and Squadron” to help prepare leadership at performance. Our head cheerleader is
participation: establishing a team to visit your community. You will also enjoy and all levels for a good year. Thanks to the President Bonnie Drake and as always the
or call members to increase meeting benefit from the camaraderie. posts that hosted us; we appreciated your Ladies Auxiliary will give us the strong
attendance and volunteerism for your Following these recommendations hospitality and comradeship. support we need to win.
programs. Getting a few new faces to will give post leaders the ideas, I think of our 2010-11 year as a Remember to keep our troops in your
show up will generate new energy, information, structure and support they new ball game for Commander Ben. The prayers. May God bless them, keep them
State HQ often hears about one need for success. National Anthem has been played, our safe and may America keep blessing God!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 PENNSYLVANIA VFW NEWS PAGE 9
VFW 2010 Convention photos including these images and hundreds more have been uploaded to the online Kodak Gallery web site. You
can order and pay for prints on the site. To browse the online State Convention photo album, please email Department Communications/
Public Affairs Director David Sandman at dsandman@vfwpahq.org. You will be sent the link to Kodak's Gallery web site.