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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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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North Carolina is Over 100 Percent in Membership
Wednesday, May 7, 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 7 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 2 May 2008:
1. Post 8073, Whiteville, District 5 228.57 percent
2. Post 2972, Gibsonville, District 10 180.13 percent
3. Post 10630, Hope Mills, District 8 132.5 percent
4. Post 7031, Boone, District 15 127.1 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: 68
John W. Shelander
State Commander
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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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General Order #10, 2007-2008 Series
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 03:00 AM
by State Blogmaster
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA
GENERAL ORDER NO.10 MAY 2008
1. State Convention: The State Convention will be held in Greensboro at the Sheraton Inn-Four Seasons Convention Center, June 12-15 2008. The telephone number for reservations is 16556 or 1-336-292-9161. The hotel deadline date to insure that rooms are available is'May 12. A hotel reservation form is included with this mass mailing.
2. Post Officer Elections and Installations: Attention is directed to Section 217 of the National ByyLaws and Manual of Procedure covering the nomination, election, and installation of Post Officers. National has mailed the "Report of Election of Post Officers" forms to Post Quartermasters with instructions that they complete and return the forms to National Headquarters immediately following the election of Post Officers. In completing the "Report of Election of Post Officers" make sure all information (names, addresses, telephone numbers plus the area codes) has been correctly listed. Installing officers will see that the provisions of Section 217 of the National Constitution and By-Laws and Manual of Procedure are properly carried out and that all officers are members in good standing and qualified to hold office prior to installing Post Officers for the current year. Proof of eligibility must be on file with the Post Adjutant prior to instaUatioD. The installing officer shall ascertain that a Post Election Report form has been mailed to National Headquarters prior to the installation. If a Post Election Report has not been forwarded to National Headquarters, the installing officer shall complete and forward such report at the time he installs the Post Officers. Attention is directed to see that the proper amount of dues the Post charges is reported to National Headquarters. Post Officers shall be installed into their respective offices at a regular or special meeting not less than twenty (20) days nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the Department Convention, but shall not assume their duties until the Department Commander is installed. on 9 June.
3. District Elections: Each District will hold its annual District Convention (Spring Meeting) for the purpose of electing officers, on the date designated by the Department Commander. This date has been so designated as each District's normal April/May district meeting. Immediately following the District Convention, an election report listing the new officers must be made to Department Headquarters. Posts will elect delegates and alternates to the District Conventions at a regular meeting of the Post, held no later than thirty (30) days prior to the District Convention - one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each fifteen (15) members or fraction thereof in good standing for 2007 at the time of the meeting.
4. State Convention Delegate Fees: Attention is called to Article VIII, Section 4: "Each member of the Department (State) Convention entitled to vote shall pay a registration fee not to exceed $3.00. Each Post shall pay a registration fee not to exceed $3.00 for each Post delegate to the Department Convention." Delegate credential forms to the Department Convention will be mailed in April to all Post Quartermasters according to the number of delegate votes to which they are entitled. Posts must register ALL delegates or the Posts may not vote any of them. Also, Posts must pay the Delegate Fees whether or not any delegates attend the Convention.
5. State Convention Resolutions: If your post wishes to change the Department By-Laws or the National By-Laws or to change VFW National policy, it must submit a Resolution detailing the desired change. Resolutions to be considered by the Department Convention must be submitted in triplicate (3 copies) through the District Commander to the Department Adjutant at least twenty (20) days prior to the Convention.
6. District Commanders' Credentials: District Commanders will insure that a copy of their VFW proof of eligibility is on file with the State Adjutant/Quartermaster prior to their installation on 14 June.
7. All-State Post Eligibility: North Carolina has been allotted a maximum of twenty-four (24) AlllState Post Commanders and Quartermasters. These awards will be determined by the total membership (not including MIPs) and program participation as reported to Department Headquarters by the VFW National Headquarters computer statistics on May 15, 2008 at close of business. Buddy Poppy Sales, Patriot Pen, Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year and Military Scholarships, as well as membership, will determine the winners.
8. Visitors to Post Canteens: Posts are under no obligation to serve any persons in their Canteen, except for their own Post comrades and auxiliary members. However, Article 16, Section 9 of the Department By-Laws points out that Posts may (if they wish) also admit other VFW members, armed forces members, other Auxiliary members, and members' guests. The word "Auxiliary" in that Section now pertains to Men's Auxiliary members as well as Ladies Auxiliary members. If a post normally allows entry and service to visiting VFW comrades or Ladies Auxiliary sisters, they should also allow entry and service to visiting Men's Auxiliary members. In order to prove that a visitor is a member of the VFW or one of its Auxiliaries, he/she should be required to show a valid membership card.
9. Buddy Poppy Campaign: Commanders on all levels should be well into organizing their 2008 Memorial Day Buddy Poppy Sales. Poppies are available from Department Headquarters at $109.00 per thousand with 500 as the minimum order. Commanders/Quartermasters are cautioned to use the current Buddy Poppy Order Form, and include $5.00 shipping and handling. Poppy supplies, such as vests or collection cans, are no longer available from Department Headquarters. You need to order these directly from the Emblem & Supply catalog. Poppies cannot be ordered from National Headquarters.
10. National Convention: The 108th National Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, from 16621 August 2008. Hotel reservation instructions are included in this mass mailing. The North Carolina delegation will be staying in the Rosen Centre Hotel.
11. State By-Laws: The new version of the state by-laws (with a bright yellow cover) is available at department headquarters for $2.00, which includes shipping.
12. National By-Laws: The 2007-08 version of the Podium Edition of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure is available at department headquarters in limited quantities for $10.00, which includes shipping. This edition is out-of-stock at national headquarters' emblem and supply division.
13. DEPARTMENT ROSTER: . THE 2008-2009 ROSTER WILL BE PRINTED NO LATER THAN JULy 15; THEREFORE, PLEASE HAVE ALL POST ELECTION REPORTS IN NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS BEFORE JUNE 1st EVEN THOUGH THE OFFICERS ARE THE SAME AS LAST YEAR. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CHANGED THE REPORTING PROCEDURE SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THE ELECTION REPORT IS SENT ONLY TO NATIONAL, AND THEY ARE FAXING OR EMAILING THE REPORT BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS. ANY POST THAT CHANGES ANNUAL DUES, MEETING NIGHTS OR MAKES ANY OTHER CHANGES SHOULD NOTIFY DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS "IMMEDIATELY" BEFORE WE PRINT THE ROSTER!
14. Roster changes:
*Page 39: Fort Barnwell Post 9910 is defunct, effective 7 March 2008.
BY ORDER OF:
JOHN W. SHELANDER, STATE COMMANDER
OFFICIAL:
M. BRUCE EDWARDS, DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT
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District Convention Meetings Announced
Monday, April 21, 2008 at 04:38 PM
by State Blogmaster
For the District Convention, Spring 2008 Series, schedules, click on:
www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/officers
District officers will be elected and installed on the dates of the District Conventions.
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