ACTIVITIES FOR VETERANS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE
Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 09:30 AM
by State Blogmaster
MAY 14, 2008
8A-10A Coffee and Donuts in 1200 Court of Legislative Building.
House and Senate Members are invited to join the Veterans for coffee and donuts with Veterans from their local districts. Veterans will also use this time to visit members offices and distribute a list of priority legislation supported by Veterans Service Groups.
9:30A Veterans Leadership group to meet with President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight in Room 2023 of the Legislative Building. Because of space constraints we must ask that the number be limited to about 6-10 individuals.
10A-11A (times tentative) Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs in Room 1228 of the Legislative Building.
11A-12P (times tentative) Meeting of the Military and Veterans' Caucus in Room 1228 of the Legislative Building (same location as above).
Veterans are invited to view a presentation by Representative Ric Killian (LTC USAR) about his legislative trip to Saudi Arabia to visit an NC Air Guard Unit and a presentation by USMC General Dickerson from Camp Lejeune regarding growth issues at Lejeune.
12P-2:30P NO ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED. Veterans are encouraged to continue to seek meetings with their local elected officials and have lunch in preparation for the afternoon session.
2:30P Veterans Leadership group to Meet with House Speaker Joe Hackney.
Rep. Martin has arranged a meeting with Speaker Hackney for the leaders of the Service Organizations. Because of space constraints we must ask that the number be limited to about 6-10 individuals.
3P (time tentative) Session in Senate and House Chambers. Veterans should plan to attend session and expect to be recognized during the session.
4 or 5P DISMISSAL
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MAP Chairman Hospitalized
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 08:39 PM
by State Blogmaster
The Department Military Assistance Program (MAP) Chairman, Jim Clark, was hospitalized Friday, May 9, 2008 at Duke Medical Center and underwent open heart surgery.
Our prayers go out to Jim and his wife Jean.
As more information is received, it will be posted.
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VFW Washington Weekly - May 9, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 09:14 AM
by State Blogmaster
In This Issue
1. GI Bill Call to Action
2. House Holds Veteran Suicide Hearing
3. Senate Holds Hearing on Benefit Bills
4. Senate Committee Boosts Pay, Rejects Fees
1. GI Bill Call to Action: The VFW still needs you to urge your senators to support S. 22, and your representatives to support H.R. 5740, so that the VFW goal of creating a new GI Bill for the 21st century becomes a reality. As of this morning, 57 senators are supporting S. 22, a number that is unchanged from last week. Introduced by Jim Webb (D-VA), S. 22 has strong bipartisan support from fellow senators such as Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and John Warner (R-VA). Its companion bill in the House, H.R. 5740, increased by 27 to 293 co-sponsors, or 67% of the House. Introduced by Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), it, also has strong bipartisan support from fellow congressmen such as Bill Young (R-FL) and Chris Smith (R-NJ). America's newest Greatest Generation needs your help to bring educational benefits back in line with current day tuitions. Use this link to contact your members: http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.
Read more
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North Carolina is Over 100 Percent in Membership
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 07:20 AM
by State Blogmaster
CONGRATULATIONS ALL!
The following is the total membership data for the state of North Carolina as of 10 May 2008:
| |
Type Members |
|
|
|
2007-2008 |
| Life |
New |
Reinst |
Cont |
Total |
Percent |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 19,815 |
1,462 |
623 |
8,023 |
29,923 |
100.54 |
LEADERS OF THE PACK
The following posts are at the top 5 of the membership list as of 10 May 2008:
1. Post 8073, Whiteville, District 5 228.57 percent
2. Post 2972, Gibsonville, District 10 186.75 percent
3. Post 10630, Hope Mills, District 8 135.5 percent
4. Post 7031, Boone, District 15 127.74 percent
5. Post 2423, Indian Trail, District 13 124.43 percent
District Leaders: District 8 105.60 Percent in membership
District 10 104.79 Percent in Membership
District 5 103.78 Percent in membership
District 9 100.73 Percent in Membership
Congratulations All-Let's keep working for new and reinstated members.
Special congratulations to the 24 posts who achieved 100 percent or better before 1 Janurary 2008.
Total 100 percent posts (or better) to date: 69
John W. Shelander
State Commander
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VA News - Week of May 5, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM
by State Blogmaster
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May 9 - Military Spouses Day Proclamation
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 12:35 PM
by State Blogmaster
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
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2008 North Carolina Seventh Congressional District Veterans Outreach Summit
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 05:17 PM
by State Blogmaster
The 2008 North Carolina Seventh Congressional District Veterans Outreach Summit will take place on May 13, 2008 in Lumberton, NC from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Southeastern Agricultural Center on U.S. Highway 74 just east of Interstate 95. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. The purpose of this summit is to better inform veterans of southeastern North Carolina about the benefits and services available to them. The event will also provide updated information on the improvements being made to the programs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently offers to our military retirees.
The Summit will feature a presentation from Mr. Michael Dusenbery, Southern Area Director of the VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). He will discuss recent changes and future plans the VBA has to better serve our nation’s retired service members.
As you know, Southeastern North Carolina currently has the third highest military retiree population in the state. Its close proximity to military bases such as Fort Bragg and Camp Lejuene make it an ideal location for service members to retire in following the completion of their service. The 2008 North Carolina Seventh Congressional District Veterans Outreach Summit will highlight the existing benefits and services offered to you and your membership. Please share this information with your membership at meetings, through newsletters, by phone, or by e-mail. We hope to offer help and solutions to each veteran that attends this Summit and would greatly appreciate your attendance.
I look forward to seeing you on May 13th. Please contact Kate Fox in my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-2731, or kate.fox@mail.house.gov, for additional information.
Sincerely,
Mike McIntyre
Member of Congress
Agenda
7th Congressional District Veterans Outreach Event Lumberton, NC May 13, 2008
9:00 am Registration
9:30-9:35 am Prayer
Reverend Gary Deese
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. William Sealey
9:35-9:40 am Welcome and Introduction of Speaker by U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
9:40-10:00 am Speaker Presentation
Mr. Michael Dusenbery
Southern Area Director
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
10:00-10:05 Brief comments by Ms. Ann Knowles of Sampson County
Immediate Past President
National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
10:05-10:15 am Q&A
10:15-11:30 am Veterans Information Fair
Veterans and their families will have the opportunity to visit tables/booths that will set up around the room from a variety of organizations that provide services to veterans; representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and concerns.
o The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs – NC State Veterans Nursing Homes Program
o AFGE – VA (Salisbury, NC)
o American Legion
o Robeson County Social Security Administration
o UNCW- Gerontology Program
o VA Mental Health Services– Wilmington Clinic
o National Veterans History Project
o Southeastern Regional Medical Center – Community Health Services – Diabetes Screening
o Hope For The Warriors
o Lumber River Area Agency on Aging
o Robeson County Department of Social Services
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Posts and Districts, Claim Your Space
Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 06:04 AM
by State Blogmaster
Post and District Commanders,
As of 1 May 2008 only 48 Posts and 4 Districts in North Carolina have started active WebLogs (Blogs). That leaves 157 Posts and 13 Districts that have not. 90 percent of the younger, eligible, and prospective members are computer literate. They scan the internet at least weekly if not daily. (After all, it was the military who invented the internet). Post/District Commanders, Post/District Quartermasters, or Post/District Blogmasters wishing to claim their blogs or anyone wishing to offer articles or photos for submission of State interest, or any one with questions may contact me at: blogmaster@nc.vfwwebmail.com .
"Snail Mail" can be sent to: VFW, Department of NC, P.O. Box 25337, Raleigh, NC 27611-5337.
Office Phone: 919-828-5058, Office Fax: 919-261-6771
1. WHO READS THESE BLOGS?
You do! The Blog you are reading is part of the VFW WebCOM system. The state of North Carolina, VFW, and its posts are the most read blogs in the US. We have a large daily readership. Keep up the good work and keep passing the word to your friends.
The following is a sample of readership for the month of April 2008:
| |
Page |
Unique |
First Time |
Returning |
| April 2008 |
Loads |
Visitors |
Visitors |
Visitors |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
10,415 |
4,333 |
3,316 |
1,017 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Daily Average |
347 |
|
Mar Daily |
Avg 324 |
Visitor data is based on "cookie" information.
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VFW Demands Passage of New GI Bill for 21st Century
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 07:15 AM
by State Blogmaster
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2008 – The national commander of America's largest organization of combat veterans is demanding that Congress pass S. 22, the "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act."
"A new GI Bill for the 21st century must be passed," said George Lisicki, who leads the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans' service organization that includes more than 70,000 Afghanistan and Iraqi war veterans among its 1.7 million members.
"We have an all-volunteer force that has accomplished everything asked of them," said Lisicki. "We need to reward them for their service by helping them to reintegrate back into society with an educational package that meets today's cost of tuition. I join with the leadership of Congress and my fellow veterans' organizations to say that S. 22 is the right bill at the right time."
S. 22 was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) to mirror the original World War II educational benefit. It would repeal the $1,200 enrollment fee, match tuition at the highest in-state rate, and provide for books and fees, and a living stipend. For those veterans accepted to private institutions, S. 22 would also provide a dollar-for-dollar tuition match for those colleges and universities who choose to participate in the program.
Read more
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USS North Carolina Arrives in Wilmington
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 09:52 AM
by State Blogmaster
Read the story posted by Post 2573 at www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post2573
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Scouts of the Year Announced
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 08:52 AM
by State Blogmaster
Wednesday night, April 23, 2008, a panel of five people assembled to judge the Scout of the Year applications that I had received from seven different individuals and sponsoring VFW Posts. The individuals were selected to obtain a cross section of the community and a basic knowledge of scouting. The panel consisted of a branch bank manager, a music teacher from Cumberland County who has one son that has achieved the Eagle rank and the second son working on his currently, an owner of a farm chemical company in Robeson and Hoke Counties, a VFW Life Member involved in scouting, and an auxiliary member who has supported youth activities for many years. Below are the results of the panel:
1st Place Ian Berdeau Laurinburg, NC Sponsored by Post #10
2nd Place Mitchell Lancaster Asheboro, NC Sponsored by Post #2972
3rd Place Ryan Ames Walkertown, NC Sponsored by Post #1134
All Individual photographs and post sponsorship forms were removed from the folders before the judging panel received them. This provided an equal opportunity for the applicants. Only their resumes would be judged. Michael McCarty, an adult scouter, assisted me in conducting the judging process. The Department Scout of the Year application was forwarded to National Headquarters on Friday, 25 April, 2008, to comply with the requirements for their judging process.
Terry Middleton
National Team of Scouting
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A Salute to Our Troops Parade
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 07:48 AM
by State Blogmaster
A "Salute to Our Troops" parade was held in Raleigh on April 26, 2008.
Click on the following link for more information:
http://www.saluteournctroops.org/
(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)
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Grand Openings of Three New Clinics Announced
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:36 PM
by State Blogmaster
The grand openings of three new VA clicnics are announced.
Dates and locations are:
Friday, May 2, 2-3pm, at Jacksonville, 241 Suite B, Freedom Way Drive, Midway Park, N.C.
Monday, May 5, 10am-11am at Hamlet, 106 Jefferson Street.
Thursday, May 29, 10am-11am at Hickory, 1170 Fairgrove Church Road.
For additional information click on: www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/vahospitals
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Army Reserve Marks Century of Service to Nation
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:56 PM
by State Blogmaster
By Retired Army Col. Randy Pullen
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2008--The U.S. Army Reserve celebrates its 100th birthday on April 23, marking a full century of service in which Army Reserve soldiers have continuously answered the nation's call.
Army Reserve soldiers served in both world wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the ongoing global war on terrorism. They also helped respond to countless other crises, emergencies, disasters, operations and expeditions.
That busy century of service to America all began when Congress established the Army's first federal reserve force on April 23, 1908. President Theodore Roosevelt signed Senate Bill 1424, creating the Medical Reserve Corps. The Reserve medical officers in the corps could be ordered to active duty by the secretary of war during times of emergency.
In June 1908, the first 160 medical professionals received Reserve commissions. This number grew to about 360 by 1909 and to 1,900 by 1916. The concept of bringing civilian professionals into the Army in a disciplined and quickly-accessible manner also expanded beyond the medical profession and beyond just officers.
Read more of the history of the Army Reserve
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