NEWS, NOTES & LINKS
Ammo, Rifles & Military Equipment
Our Troops Are Making a Difference in the War on Terror
WWII Veteran and Long-time VFW Supporter Clay Reece Passes Away
Clay Reece, whose son Larry Reece serves as the State Quartermaster of the Pennsylvania Department of VFW, passed away on Friday. Services were held in Tennessee on Sunday where his family, many friends and veterans paid tribute to Clay for his service as a veteran, friend, loving father and great American. As part of the “Greatest Generation,” Clay wore the U.S. Army uniform in WWII serving in the Pacific Theater. He received numerous medals and decorations and was a strong supporter of the VFW for many years. Please keep Larry, his wife Joyce and their family in your prayers. Cards can be send to Larry’s home: 315 Orange St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022-8324.
Electronic Version of VFW Leadership Reference Guide Has a Wealth of
Helpful Tools
Every post quartermaster received a CD version of the 2008 VFW Leadership Reference Guide from National Headquarters to provide post officers with valuable tools at the click of a mouse. This resource includes sections for the Commander’s Manual, Quartermaster Manual, Program Chairman’s Guide, Disciplinary Procedure, Guide to Protocol, Emblem & Supply Catalog, Men’s Auxiliary, Public Relations Guide, Eligibility Information, Forms and VFW Foundation. The CD also has VFW ad slicks and a portrait of the Commander-in-Chief. The Guide was designed to be user-friendly so people of all computer experience levels can easily view and print the information. Please review this Guide whenever you have questions about how the VFW works since many inquiries received at State and National HQ are addressed in the Guide.
Department of Health
Releases Guidelines for
Complying with New Clean
Indoor Air Act
Pennsylvania’s new Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA)—which impacts VFW posts, all veterans organizations including American Legion and AMVETS posts, and all private clubs—will take effect on September 11, 2008. To help veterans organizations and all other private clubs comply with the law, the State Department of Health recently released guidelines that define how “specific organizations” like private clubs can seek an exemption. Even posts that vote for an exception to the law have to follow rules spelled out in the Department of Health’s guidelines. PA VFW State HQ recently mailed out its second notice to posts about the CIAA, and this mailing included revisions to some of the information reported in the Department of PA VFW’s original notice due to new interpretations by the Department of Health. All information in the first mailing from State HQ was accurate at the time of distribution as was confirmed by the PA Department of Health. To read the most current mailing from VFW State HQ on this important topic, click here. To read the guidelines that apply to private clubs as posted on the Department of Health’s web site, please visit http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=174&q=251366. To review all of the Department of Health’s information on the CIAA start here http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=250974.
While the Department of Health continues to review important questions about how the law impacts private clubs, a few key facts should be clearly understood by all veterans organizations:
· Department of Health has confirmed that all veterans groups, not just VFW posts, must comply with the law
· Private clubs that do not vote for an exemption by September 11 automatically become non-smoking facilities (they can vote any time to allow smoking just as posts that voted initially for an exemption can vote later to become a no-smoking facility
· Private clubs that allow smoking must cease smoking in all areas of their facilities any time their building is used for public events including bingo
· Private clubs that allow smoking must cease smoking in all areas when their building is leased out for private events
· If the law is broken stiff fines can be levied for violations
To read the entire CIAA (the
actual legislation),
visit
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2007&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0246&pn=2099
PA VFW State HQ will continue to closely monitor information released by the Department of Health. Responses to key questions and answers will be shared with all posts when a final list is provided by state officials.
Visit http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=174&q=250988#privateclubs to read frequently asked questions and answers that were released by the Department of Health to help posts comply with the law (once the page opens on the Department of Health’s web site click the link that reads “Private Clubs FAQ”).
VFW’s Lobbying for Troops and Veterans Pays Off Big in New GI Bill
President Bush’s recently signing of the new GI Bill for the 21st Century is being hailed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. as a tremendous victory for a new generation of military servicemen and women who have been at war for almost seven years. "This is a tremendous victory for America's veterans, military and their families," exclaimed VFW national commander George Lisicki, a Vietnam combat veteran from Carteret, N.J. "I salute Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) for his determination to get this bill passed, the president for his strong support of our military, and the entire VFW membership for their untiring effort to get their congressional delegations to cosponsor S. 22 or its companion bill in the House, H.R. 5740.” The new 21st Century GI Bill will pay the highest in-state public tuition rate, and provide for books, fees, and a living stipend. It eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, extends the use-or-lose benefit requirement from 10 to 15 years, and greatly enhances the amount paid to Guard and Reserve members. The new GI Bill automatically adjusts itself as tuitions increase, and provides a dollar-for-dollar tuition match for private colleges and universities who choose to participate in the program. A new provision added to the bill also allows reenlisting service members to transfer their educational benefit to their spouse and/or children. The VFW fought doggedly for more than a decade to bring an expanded GI Bill into reality. Lisicki said the long-awaited victory would not have been possible without strong bipartisan support in Congress, the dedicated staff work and grassroots lobbying efforts of the VFW Washington Office, VFW Legislative Committee members, VFW Action Corps, and the entire VFW and Auxiliary membership of 2.3 million. “The VFW is proud to once again play a key role in the development and passage of a new GI Bill,” said Lisicki, “because it’s just one more shining example of the VFW fulfilling its mandate of service to others by backing the right piece of legislation that will have the most significant impact. “Our voices – united toward a common cause – urged America’s leaders to reward the gift of education to the men and women who protect our great country,” he said. “This is why the VFW is just as relevant today as we were 109 years ago when we were founded.” For more information about the new GI Bill, click here. (once the National VFW web site page loads, be sure to refer to the links in the top right corner of the page for more in-depth information)
PA Department Adds Service Officer in
Harrisburg as Part of Statewide Network
Expansion
Department Veterans Service Committee Chairman Carmen DeSanti reports that for the first time in the Pennsylvania VFW’s history staff at State Headquarters now includes a service officer ready to help connect veterans with the benefits and services they have earned. On July 7, Service Officer John Chiodi officially started his duties in HQ after training for the position in the Department’s Wilkes-Barre Service Office. He will staff his HQ office several days each week while also traveling to other sites around the Capitol area such as the VA Clinic in Camp Hill and the VA Hospital in Lebanon to help veterans in those areas gain easy access to services. This development is a part of a statewide expansion of VSO offices operated by Pennsylvania veterans organizations which received funding from the State Government. Funds are being used for increasing outreach to better serve veterans who live outside of major cities and who cannot easily access the services they need to apply for disability compensation, pensions and other benefits. With the State grant, the Department of PA VFW will add outreach officers in Erie, Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and possible other areas depending on the continuation of grant monies.
Moving Wall Replica Coming to Harrisburg
The Moving Wall, a half size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, is coming to Harrisburg from September 18th to September 21st, 2008. The Wall will be on display at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center on North Cameron St. The Wall will be assembled the morning of September 18th and will be open for viewing sometime later that day. Opening ceremonies for The Wall will be held on Friday, September 19th at Noon. The Department of PA VFW is planning several activities to follow the ceremonies on Friday. Your post is cordially invited to be part of the opening ceremony which will include the massing of colors. Should your post be able to participate, we ask that you contact Hank Fiola of the Marine Corps League, by phone or email. Please include your post’s name, number and location so that it may be included for recognition. Secondly, we invite those posts who wish to place a wreath at The Wall to also contact Hank Fiola. He will coordinate the order of placement of the wreaths. We ask that the color guards and the participants who will place the wreaths to be at the Farm Show Complex no later than 10:30 AM. Hank Fiola may be reached at: 717-761-4212 or mtacs2@paonline.com. For additional event information or planning meeting dates and times please contact Sharon S. Altland 717-231-2991 or Sharon@hersheyharrisburg.org.
Convention Photos are Available for Order Online
Given the many requests that HQ received for
copies of photos from the recent 2008 State
Convention, the Department has created an online
resource for VFW members to view and purchase
prints. The Internet-based service is offered
through Kodak and allows users to order prints
of any size and other items using their own
address and payment information. To access this
service, follow these directions: 1). Enter (or
copy/paste) the following link in your web
browser window:
http://kodakgallery.com/pavfw; 2). You will
see a page that has the “album” of photos that
were taken by the Department - this page may
take a while to fully load since there are over
700 images (many are doubles and triples of the
same photo); 3). Once the page fully loads, you
can view each photo and you have the option to
add a photo print to you shopping cart; 4). When
you are finished with your order, click on the
link to your shopping cart; 5). You will then
be asked to provide shipping and payment
information. You have the choice of receiving
the prints either by mail from Kodak or picking
up the prints at a participating local store.
Enjoy the photos and the memories that go along
with each one. If you experience problems using
this service, please email the Department
Director of Communications David Sandman at
dsandman@vfwpahq.org.
Small Games Scam Artists are Hitting VFW and Legion
The Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed that the two persons depicted in a recently released attached scam warning (click here) are hitting many clubs in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The duo block the ticket machine from the view of the bartender and then fool the bill accepter to dispense tickets without putting paying. Their scam tricks machines to kick out several tickets and they cash in the hits before leaving the club. This is a legitimate warning and all post employees and officers should be on guard. Please report any interaction or scamming to State Adjutant John Brenner at Department HQ, (717) 234-7927
PA Department Clarifies Canteen/Home Association By-Laws for Voting and Serving as Officers
Due to the many inquiries coming to State HQ from posts, the
Pennsylvania Department VFW recently mailed out a
clarification of the By-Laws governing membership in post
canteens and home associations. The special mailing directs
posts to Article IV covering membership, which now includes
a footnote stating that members of the ladies auxiliary and
associate members have canteen privileges only; they cannot
vote or serve as officers.
Click
here
to read the Canteen/Home Association By-Laws that cover all
posts, including Article IV which has a special footnote
dealing with this issue. Questions about this clarification
should be directed to State Adjutant John Brenner at (717)
234-7927 or
adjutant@vfwpahq.org.
Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Bonus Program Update
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is accepting applications for the Persian Gulf War Veterans Bonus Program. Pennsylvania voters gave overwhelming approval to funding for the compensation program in the 2006 general election. This program will provide payments to veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield (August 1990 to August 1991). For more information, please visit http://www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/2564.htm or call (866) 458-9182.
Free Return to Honor Workshops Provide Recognition, Reunions and
Reintegration
“Return to Honor”
is a free three-day intensive, cognitive and experiential
reintegration training designed and conducted by “those who have
been there”. It is particularly geared to those who are suffering
from the mental and emotional trauma of war including combat stress
and focused upon their reintegration as healthy, productive members
of the service/society. Held in Valley Forge, this workshop should
not be considered therapeutic in the traditional sense nor is it
designed to replace such services. It is designed to meet the needs
of both active duty, reservist, guard and returning veterans. A key
component addressed in the program is the needs of their families
and bringing them into this process. “Return to Honor” was designed
to assist veterans several months after their “in theatre”
experience as this is often when challenges occur. Workshops are
scheduled for May 30-June 1, July 11-13, August 22-24, October 3-5
and November 14-16. Events start at 5 p.m. on the first day
(Friday). Beyond the workshops and events, “Return to Honor” will
continue to provide a variety of programs and outreach efforts. It
will act as a resource center and collaborate with the vast array of
services available to veterans and their families from state and
local offices, economic development and educational institutions,
social service agencies as well as not-for-profit organizations.
Participant comments include, “I
would recommend it to my fellow veterans. The facilitators help get
to what vets are typically very good at suppressing. It was well
organized and useful. The ceremonies and traditions used gave a
feeling of reintegration.”
For more information, visit
www.returntohonorworkshop.com or call (610) 933-8825.
"Walk4Vets" Weekend in Lancaster is June 14-15
"Walk4Vets Weekend '08" will be held at the Lancaster Airport on
Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 15 featuring a ten mile
walk-a-thon through the beautiful Lancaster County countryside
and a mini-Walk4Vets track for kids and short distance walkers.
A Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. to celebrate
Flag Day. During the events, participants can enjoy a military
festival with games, food, fun, and entertainment to include
military helicopter landings, motorcycles and live bands. There
will be plenty of military representation including encampments
(re-enactors) from past wars all the way to present day active
duty soldiers and their vehicles. A $3 admission will be
charged. Gates open at 8 and close at 10 p.m. Saturday and 6
p.m. on Sunday. Fathers with their kids all get in free to
celebrate Father's Day. Bring your whole family and lawn chairs
to support veterans and the troops. Walkers may register at the
event for $15 you can register your team in advance for $10 by
requesting a brochure. For more information, visit
www.myspace.com/Walk4Vets, email walk4vets@hotmail.com or call
Chairman, Mark Bauer at (717)684-0217.
Women Veterans' Bill introduced in U.S. Senate
Legislation to improve care, services and outreach to women
veterans was introduced at a press conference Wednesday held by
Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), Blanche
Lincoln (D-AR), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). VFW strongly supports
the bill, as it will address the unique needs of female veterans
by authorizing programs to improve care for Military Sexual
Trauma, expand women veteran coordinator positions at VA, and
increase research on barriers to care. Women currently make up
14% of the total force, and it is estimated that the number of
female veterans entering the VA system will double in the next
five years.
EEOC Offers Guides for Disabled Vets, Employers
In a pair of question-and-answer guides, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Feb. 29 posted new information on its Web site for employers and military veterans on workplace issues surrounding veterans with service-connected disabilities. The guide for employers describes how protections for disabled veterans differ under the employment title of the Americans with Disabilities Act, enforced by EEOC, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which is enforced by the Labor Department with respect to private sector employment. The guide also outlines how the ADA applies to recruiting, hiring, and accommodating veterans with disabilities. The other new publication answers questions disabled veterans might have about their legal protections when they seek to return to their former jobs or enter the civilian workforce for the first time. This guide also explains the changes or adjustments disabled veterans may need, because of their injuries, to apply for or perform a job. The guides may be accessed at EEOC's Web site at http://www.eeoc.gov
Vietnam Veteran Needs Funds to Defend National Wheelchair Games
Titles -
Vietnam veteran Jerry Baylor of Leesburg, who served with the Marine Corps inn 1966-67(D. Co. 7th Eng. BN.), is an accomplished wheelchair athlete who has brought numerous national titles back to Pennsylvania. Now he needs financial support to keep representing Pennsylvania veterans in the upcoming 2008 National Games to be held in Omaha this July. “I’m planning on defending my titles in shot put, discus and javelin, plus I want to compete in Quad Rugby, weightlifting and some track events,” said Baylor recently. “I need donations to help to purchase a new Quad Rugby chair and to offset the cost of representing our state at the games. Any help would be greatly appreciated.” His success at the national level has generated several news stories, which helps encourage and inspire other handicapped athletes to train for competitions. The games started in 1981 with 74 athletes and has grown to over 575 veterans who compete. Forty percent of competitors of Vietnam veterans. For more information, contact Baylor at (412) 855-7139. Donations can be mailed to him at 1066 St. Rt. 356, Leechburg, PA 15656.
Web Site is an Important Resource for Veteran-Owned Businesses -
Give
a Vet a Chance (GAVAC) was incorporated for the purpose of helping our
nation’s honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans. We
strongly believe that our freedoms that these men and women protect,
should never be taken for granted, and they should never be forgotten.
Men and women from all over this nation, after having served in our
armed forces, today, own and operate their own small businesses, but
they need our support. During deployments, these men and women left
behind their families and their businesses, to defend our beliefs. While
they were serving, their businesses suffered, their families suffered,
and their communities suffered. Some came home disabled for life, some
never made it back. GAVAC’s goal is to help out these heroes with free
advertising for their businesses, support and training and nationwide
networking. With corporate donations as well as public donations and
support, we can all thank the veterans for their service and for a job
well done protecting us. “After
many years of fighting the system to get involved with government
contracting, and after spending 100's of hours, and thousands of dollars
to go nowhere, it occurred to me to stop trying to fight a system that
isn't interested in getting veterans involved like the government says
it is,” said GAVAC founder Dave Gindele. “I have made many friends in
the Veteran communities, and we all have reached the same conclusion.
Government contracting isn't what it appears to be made out to. We are
happier and more productive in dealing with the public and private
corporations. This is where we make our livings. After talking to many
vets, and many people in the public, it has come to my attention that
the public would support the Veterans in business, only if they knew
where to find them. The Veterans also need information helpful to them
in business, and it is available out there. Give A Vet A Chance is FREE
for all honorably discharged Veterans to join to give them access to
this information 24 hours a day, at their convenience. The organization
relies on public donations, and being a 501C3, this allows the donations
to be a tax deduction. For more information visit
www.giveavetachance.com or email
dave@giveavetachance.com.
VFW Racing Team Competes in NASCAR Nationwide Stock Car and Truck Series Programs -
To
help build greater awareness and support for the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
National Headquarters has created a partnership with NASCAR veteran driver Kevin Harvick, Inc. to position the VFW logo in front of millions of facing fans.
VFW will be a partner in every Craftsman Truck Series
race this season, both on and off the track. Reigning Craftsman Truck Series
Champ Ron Hornaday’s No. 33 truck will feature the new VFW Racing paint scheme
and logo in several races this year. He and Cale Gale will also drive VFW's No.
77 car in the Nationwide Series. The red, white and blue VFW car and truck will
compete in eight of this season's events. The red, white and blue VFW car and
truck will compete in eight of this season's events. The VFW logo will
also appear on the #33 Camping World Chevrolet Silverado throughout the 2008
season. To find out more about this fast-paced partnership please visit
www.vfwracing.org. The hat shown here
and other VFW Racing gear are available at VFW Emblem and Supply at this link
http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=230
Harleysville Insurance Donations to Operation
Uplink Surpasses $52,000
-
The Department honored Harleysville Insurance
recently for raising morale among troops
fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the
Global War on Terror. Following the opening
ceremonies of its annual Mid-Winter Conference
in Lancaster and after Governor Ed Rendell spoke
about Pennsylvania’s involvement in the war, the
Pennsylvania VFW shined the conference spotlight
on Harleysville for its tremendous support of
the VFW’s Operation Uplink, which provides free
phone cards to deployed troops and hospitalized
veterans. State Commander John Getz praised
Harleysville for donating more than $52,000 to
Operation Uplink in 2007, the largest amount
ever contributed by a Pennsylvania business. He
presented Brian Flemming, Harleysville’s vice
president of marketing and agency relations,
with a special VFW eagle award to honor the
company, its employees and independent agents
for donating money to the troop support cause
for each personal lines policy sold.
Representing Harleysville’s 1,500 agency
partners at the meeting was Rick Rankin,
president and CEO of Lancaster-based Murray Risk
Management & Insurance. “Harleysville has
demonstrated that it is an outstanding corporate
contributor to this important program that helps
show the troops in war zones that they are
appreciated and honored for their service,” said
Commander Getz. “The company stepped forward on
its own to rally behind Operation Uplink to a
degree not shown before by any other
Pennsylvania business. ”Flemming said",
“Harleysville is proud to support Operation
Uplink because these phone cards can make a
world of difference to the people who need them
most. In fact, we’re so pleased with our
partnership with the VFW that we’ve decided to
continue our support of the program in 2008.
“It’s really important that we all support our
troops—wherever they’re stationed,” noted
Rankin, whose agency sold many of the policies
that resulted in donations. “The program that
Harleysville has put together is certainly
unique and a great way for the company and its
agents to support our servicemen and women.”
Commander Getz and the 800 VFW delegates at the
conference gave Harleysville and its agents a
standing ovation for their donations and in
response to the announcement of the company’s
continuing support of Operation Uplink in 2008.
PA Military Museum Chimes of Freedom May Ring for Soldiers as PA Guard Seeks Funds to Honor Fallen Soldiers -
The Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation hopes to build a monument paying tribute to soldiers who have died in the War on Terror, and they need donations to make this goal become reality. The monument, which would be located at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, would honor 82 members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team killed in Iraq during 2005-06. The largest Pennsylvania unit deployed at the time, the 28th Division brigade consisted of 2,500 soldiers. The proposed memorial, could include replica dog tags that dangling inside an obelisk, which is a feature copied from a monument built at the brigade’s HQ in Ramadi, Iraq and brought back to Ft. Indiantown Gap. “When the wind blows and you hear the dog tags rustling it really adds quite an element to the design,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Yeakle of Grove City, a brigade member and fund drive organizer. Sixteen Pennsylvanians were a part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Yeakle hopes to collect around $100,000 in private donations for a 28-foot high memorial. Construction will not start until the funds are raised. To send a donation or for more information, contact Yeakle at chris.yeakle@us.army.mil or (717) 508-6241. (This news item features excerpts and information from an article printed in the Centre Daily Times in December). You can also learn more by visiting www.2-28bctmemorial.org.
Department Supports Hearings on Bills for
New Veterans Affairs Department -
As part of its continuing campaign to provide veterans with the best possible services, support and advocacy, the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars is calling for legislative hearings to discuss how creating a new State agency solely for veterans affairs would impact the service and assistance veterans receive from the government. “We stand behind our pledge to look out for the best interests of veterans so those who fought to defend freedom can receive the highest level of service and assistance,” said State Commander John Getz, recently. House Bill 344 and Senate Bill 1204 have been introduced in the PA Legislature to move Pennsylvania toward using a separate agency—headed by a cabinet-level secretary—to oversee veterans issues. “We urge posts and individual members to review these bills and to encourage their State lawmakers to hold hearings. The sole focus of these hearings should be to identify how Pennsylvania can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects of veterans services,” Getz added. “Veterans deserve to have their issues receive the highest priority without the influence of political games or personal agendas.” To read House Bill 344 and Senate Bill 1204, visit this link on the State Legislature’s web site: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/session.cfm
To share your thoughts or concerns on this important issue, contact Commander Getz at (717) 234-7927 or commander@vfwpahq.org. To view the studies that have been done on this issue, please review these resources which identify key facts relating to this issue:
Small Games of Chance Bill Needs Post Support -
The Department is working hard to encourage state lawmakers to pass House Bill 169 to help posts raise more money to support community service through small games of chance. Posts can use the primer below to communicate with their state legislators about the need to pass this bill.
The PA VFW encourages the Pennsylvania Senate to vote House Bill 169 out of the Appropriations Committee so all Senators have an opportunity to vote on the bill. By passing the bill—which easily passed the House of Representatives—the Senate will help non-profit organizations like veterans groups, fire departments and other non-profits to raise funds to support community improvement and human service projects.
Many VFW posts use small games of chance to generate much-needed funds help support community programs that improve life. Using earnings from the small games, VFW posts are able to support veterans, military troops, persons who rely on charities for help, fire and police departments, community development, less fortunate people, youth development and many others from all levels of society. Without the donations, more organizations would have to turn to the State for funding which would put a greater burden on the State budget.
Specifically, passing House Bill 169 would in part:
·· Increase the prize limits on small games of chance so game sponsors can raise more money to donate, and
·· Improve the process that tracks game sponsors, and
··
Correct a situation that currently results in
VFW posts and other non-profits being fined for
raising too much money to donate toward
community service and community improvement
programs.
Clarificationn:
Some legislators believe that when game sponsors
conduct a small game—for example, with a prize
of $3,000—that the earnings on the game are
$3,000. That is not the case; the earnings on
the game fall well below the prize amount. Once
the cost of purchasing and running the game are
deducted, and sales for the game are taken into
account, the actual “earnings” often runs only
20 percent of the prize amount or less. Based
on this, the actual earnings on a $3,000 prize
game would be less than $600.than $600.than $600.than $600.
Bottom Line Impact: Passing House Bill 169 will help non-profits raise funds that benefit all segments of Pennsylvania’s population without requiring more money from the State budget and without more reliance on State grants. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
To view House Bill 169, visit this link: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2007&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0169&pn=2631
For more information about the PA VFW’s support
of this legislation, contact VFW State
Legislative Committee Chairman George Mullen or
VFW State Commander John Getz at (717) 234-7927
or email Dsandman@vfwpahq.org.
Donations Sought to Help Veterans Airlift Command Give Free Transportation to Wounded Troops -
The Veterans Airlift Command provides
free air transportation to wounded
warriors, veterans and their families
for medical and other compassionate
purposes through a national network of
volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
The organization, based in Minnesota,
serves wounded warriors across the
nation. Our priority is on the veterans
of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
(Afghanistan). As capacity allows, our
mission will expand to serve veterans of
other conflicts. CEO and Founder Walt
Fricke is asking VFW Posts to consider
making donations to support operations
of the Command as the demand for
services increases due to troops injured
in the War on Terror. For more
information or to send a donation,
contact Fricke at Veterans Airlift
Command, 5775 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 700,
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 or call (952)
582-2911. Contributions are
tax-deductible.
VA Improves Housing Benefits for Severely Disabled Veterans -
A change in the law that allows certain
seriously injured veterans and service
members to receive multiple grants for
constructing or modifying homes has
resulted in many new grants, the VA
announced recently. Before the change,
eligible veterans and service members
could receive special adaptive housing
grants of $10,000 or $50,000 from the VA
only once. Now they may use the benefit
up to three times, so long as the total
grants stay within specified limits
outlined in the law. Eligible for the
benefit are those with specific
service-connected disabilities entitling
them to VA compensation for a “permanent
and total disability.” The may receive a
grant to construct an adapted home or to
modify an existing one to meet their
special needs. For more information,
contact the VA at
www.va.gov or call a local regional
office at (800) 827-1000. Interested
persons can also visit
www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm for a
grant application.
VA/DOD Commence Single Disability Examination Pilot -
The VA and the DOD recently started a pilot program to test a new single disability evaluation system for wounded warriors at the three major military medical facilities in the Washington, D.C. area. The initiative is designed to eliminate the duplicative and often confusing elements of the current process of the two departments. Key features of the disability evaluation system pilot include one medical exam and a single-sourced disability rating. The program is part of the President’s Commission on Care for American’s Returning Wounded Warriors and is aimed to simplify health care and rehabilitation for injured service members and veterans. VA is providing the medical professionals conducting the exams and includes all non-clinical and administrative activities such as case management and counseling requirements associated with disability case processing. For more information, contact the VA at www.va.gov.
PA
VFW Donates More Than $13 Million for Community
Service -
Thanks to outstanding support of the Department’s
Community Service Program, Pennsylvania VFW units
donated more than 516,000 hours of community service
during the 2006-07 program year valued at $9.6
million. In addition, the Department, Districts and
Posts donated $3.7 million in financial assistance
to charities, youth and communities to bring the
total community service donation to $13.3 million.
“Giving this much time and money to serving others
is an outstanding accomplishment that shows that the
VFW is focused on improving lives,” commented State
Commander John Getz. “These totals include donations
for fire companies and rescue services, homeless
veterans and hospitalized veterans, troops and
military families, local beautification projects,
charities, families with special needs, senior
citizens and other programs that enhance lives.
These numbers also show that we commit a tremendous
amount of time and energy into staffing local
projects. I commend every member, Post, District and
staff at Department HQ for their wonderful service
that keeps the VFW mission in motion.”
Department Creates Tools to Help Posts Welcome Members -
Posts only get one opportunity to make a great first impression, so it’s critical that new members are contacted quickly and courteously soon after their membership begins. The Department has created two form letters to use to warmly welcome members—one letter is designed for use with new members who are veterans from the War on Terror, and the other is used for new members from service periods before the War on Terror. Posts can simply download the letter files, customize the text and print them out on post letterhead. These letter will help posts address complaints that new members do not receive any formal “welcome” into their post. Once these letters are mailed, post officers are strongly encouraged to phone the new member(s) inviting them to the next post meeting. Posts should also hold special events to introduce new members to their comrades. To access the form letters, click these links: Post Welcome Letter for War on Terror Veterans and Post Welcome Letter for General New Members.
Department Recruiters Can Help Posts to Grow -
Posts of all sizes have easy and free access to resources that can help recruit and retain members. Serving as Department Regional Membership Recruiters, who have all been trained by National HQ to gain knowledge and skills to provide ideas and support to post recruiting programs, are: East - Robert Stanton, (610) 521-1794; East - John Rybcinski, (570) 341-8927; Central - William Mayer, (717) 259-0924; Central - William Crampton, (610) 444-4955; West - Cecil Dennis, (814) 967-3109; and West - Leonard Franklin, (330) 758-2611. These dedicated leaders are available to visit posts and speak during District Meetings. Posts can also get list of delinquent members and their contact information from State HQ to personally invite past members to rejoin or they can contact State Delinquent Membership Chairman Leslie Harvey at (724) 283-9440. Other State Membership leaders include Life Membership Chairman Joseph Bowman at (610) 566-8774, Post Extension/Revitalization/Consolidation Chairman Boyd Williams at (570) 654-1974. Kelly Reinsmith (717 530-8110) serves as State Membership Chairman and as Military Initiative Chairman.
Chaplain's Guide is Available -
Copies of the second printing are available from Department
Headquarters in Harrisburg for $5 each plus shipping and handling.
For more information call Chaplain Bowers at (717) 259-1047.
Benefits, Post
Service Officer
Guides Available -
A new edition of the popular handbook Federal Benefits for
Veterans and Dependents, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is
available. The handbook includes updates the rates for certain federal payments
and outlines a variety of programs and benefits for American veterans. A free
version of the 120-page booklet is available on the VA’s website,
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm.
The 30th edition of the Service Officers Guide has been published and is available from the VFW Emblem and Supply Department. The cost is $6.90 plus shipping and handling. Call (800) 821-2606
U.S. H.R. 2267 Would Make Army’s Combat Action Badge Retro to 1941 -
A bill to expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge back to 1941 is in the U.S. House of Representatives as HR 2267. Introduced by Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, the bill reads:
A BILL - To expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to include members of the Army who participated in combat during which they personally engaged, or were personally engaged by, the enemy at any time on or after December 7, 1941. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. RETROACTIVE AWARD OF ARMY COMBAT ACTION BADGE.
(a) Authority To Award- The Secretary of the Army may award the Army Combat Action Badge (established by order of the Secretary of the Army through Headquarters, Department of the Army Letter 600-05-1, dated June 3, 2005) to a person who, while a member of the Army, participated in combat during which the person personally engaged, or was personally engaged by, the enemy at any time during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on September 18, 2001 (the date of the otherwise applicable limitation on retroactivity for the award of such decoration), if the Secretary determines that the person has not been previously recognized in an appropriate manner for such participation. (b) Procurement of Badge- The Secretary of the Army may make arrangements with suppliers of the Army Combat Action Badge so that eligible recipients of the Army Combat Action Badge pursuant to subsection (a) may procure the badge directly from suppliers, thereby eliminating or at least substantially reducing administrative costs for the Army to carry out this section. VFW members who support taking the eligibility back to 1941 should contact their federal lawmakers and ask them to help move the bill forward. So far, the bill has the support Pennsylvania Representatives Jason Altmire, Joe Pitts, Tim Holden, Allison Schwartz, Robert Brady and Joe Sestak. Representative Bill Shuster, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, said he would support passing the bill out of committee. To contact your federal lawmakers, visit www.capwiz.com/vfw/home
Department of PA VFW, 4002 Fenton Ave.,
Harrisburg, PA 17109 - 5943
Ph: (717) 234-7927 • Fax: (717) 234-1955 • Email:
adjutant@vfwpahq.org
ErnieJH@Windstream.net
Department Webmaster