Department of New Hampshire

VFW Washington Weekly - August 31, 2012

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 10:32:00 -0400

In this issue:

1. VFW Applauds White House Effort to Combat Suicide
2. VFW Active at Republican Convention
3. VA Increases Vets Retraining Assistance Program
4. Combating Veterans' Homelessness
5. VFW Hears from Marine Corps Commandant
6. Army and NFL Discuss TBI
7. Five MIAs Return Home

1. VFW Applauds White House Effort to Combat Suicide: Today, the President signed an executive order designed to curb military and veteran suicide and improve the delivery of mental health resources to our nation's heroes. The executive order, "Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families," which President Obama is scheduled to announce during a visit to Fort Bliss in Texas, includes nearly a dozen specific initiatives designed to improve mental health resources and intervention tools. National Commander John E. Hamilton, noted the VFW support for the president's vision to prevent military suicides and improve mental health care delivery, but also expressed concerns about potential funding shortfalls to accomplish the president's goals. Click here for the VFW's Press release: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-Applauds-White-House-Efforts-to-Stop-Military-Suicide/

2. VFW Active at Republican Convention: VFW Representatives attending the Republican National Convention (RNC) listened to key note speakers and spoke with delegates on critical issues like veterans mental and behavioral health, accurate claims processing and helping service members secure educational, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The VFW will also be represented at next week's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte to ensure the voice of veterans, service members and their families remains a key priority during Campaign 2012. Leading both delegations will be VFW Legislative Director Ray Kelley. Stay informed throughout by reading blog postings at: www.vfwonthehill.org/

3. VA Increases Vets Retraining Assistance Program: This week, VA announced that have filled 36,000 of the 45,000 job training openings available under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) passed as a part of the VOW to Heroes Act. An additional 55,000 openings will be available October 1, 2012. VRAP provides up to $1,473 a month in GI Bill benefits for those taking full-time courses to learn the skills necessary to land a job. VFW was instrumental in getting the provision passed as a part of the comprehensive jobs bill and encourages veterans eligible to apply online. Click here for more information: http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/

4. Combating Veterans' Homelessness: Veterans' homelessness is a national problem that is best solved at the local level. As such, the VA recently launched a new online ordering portal for communities and national partners to order free informational material and promotional items ranging from brochures and posters to wallet cards, drawstring bags and hygiene kits, among other items. Share the portal link with your VFW members and Posts and with others in your community to help spread the word. For more information or to place an order, go to http://www.va.gov/homeless/materials_center.asp.

5. VFW Hears from Marine Corps Commandant: This week, VFW attended a Press Club event where Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos spoke on a number of issues important to the Corps. Leading the list was the continuing success of combat operations in Afghanistan and the transfer of responsibilities over to Afghan national security forces. Following his remarks, Amos fielded questions from the audience on a variety of military quality-of-life and force readiness issues ranging from fiscal responsibility and budget constraints on the Marines Corps, to women serving in combat, suicide, and sexual assault. When asked about potential across-the-board cuts to the Defense budget, Amos said he believed the Marine Corps would be hit disproportionately hard, considering the size of the force and the value it delivers to the U.S. military. Amos also said that the greatest challenge for the Corps moving forward would be ensuring the force remains balanced through a period of fiscal austerity. To learn more about Amos' remarks and to view C-SPAN's full coverage of the event, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/vfw-hears-from-marine-commandant.html?m=1

6. Army and NFL Discuss TBI: Earlier this week, Army representatives hosted NFL leaders at West Point to discuss how they can affect positive change surrounding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and concussions. The military, alongside the NFL have continued conversations regarding the Soldier-Athlete commitment to education and awareness of these serious injuries. To watch the discussion, click here: http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2578#.UD5iiqCoz1l.

7. Five MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently announced the identification of remains belonging to one airmen and four soldiers who had been missing in action since World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Returned home are:
* Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Harry W. Eck, of Minot Ward, N.D. On Sept. 13, 1944, Eck and eight other crewmembers were aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed near Neustaedt-on-the-Werra, Germany. Only one of the nine crewmen is known to have successfully parachuted out of the aircraft before in crashed.
* Army Cpl. Kenneth R. Block, 22, of Ann Arbor, Mich. In late November 1950, Block and elements of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as "Task Force Faith," were advancing along the eastern banks of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea when they came under attack. On Dec. 3, Block and many other Americans would be listed as missing in action as a result of the heavy fighting.
* Army Sgt. 1st Class William T. Brown, 24, of La Habra, Calif.; Sgt. 1st Class Donald M. Shue, 20, of Kannapolis, N.C.; and Sgt. 1st Class Gunther H. Wald, 25, of Palisades Park, N.J. On Nov. 3, 1969, the men and six Vietnamese soldiers were part of a Special Forces reconnaissance patrol that was ambushed while operating in Quang Tri Province near the Vietnam-Laos border.
Read more about their recovery and identification at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.

Election 2012: Rick Perry (R) for President

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:08:00 -0500

The following is a video submission in response to the 2012 Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum from Candidate Rick Perry to the question asked to all candidates on the NH ballot:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

All candidate submissions provided here are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as an endorsement by the VFW Department of New Hampshire, its Auxiliaries, Posts, Officers or Affiliates.

Election 2012: Newt Gingrich (R) for President

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 04:19:00 -0500

The following is a video submission in response to the 2012 Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum from Candidate Newt Gingrich to the question asked to all candidates on the NH ballot:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

Election 2012: Linden Swift (R) for President

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 02:50:00 -0500

The following is a video submission in response to the 2012 Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum from Candidate Linden Swift to the question asked to all candidates on the NH ballot:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

Election 2012: Mark Callahan (R) for President

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 01:12:00 -0500

The following is a video submission in response to the 2012 Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum from Candidate Mark Callahan to the question asked to all candidates on the NH ballot:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

Election 2012: Chris Hill (R) for President

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:25:00 -0500

The following is a video submission in response to the 2012 Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum from Candidate Chris Hill to the question asked to all candidates on the NH ballot:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

NEW WEB SITE FOR DEPARTMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:02:00 -0500

A NEW AND UPDATED WEBSITE WITH A FRESH LOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE AT www.nhvfw.org. ALL NEW INFORMATION WILL BE PLACED AT THAT SITE. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS ACCESSING THE NEW SITE PLEASE EMAIL: cringleben@comcast.net.

NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.nhvfw.org

2012 New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum Invitation

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 03:15:00 -0500

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department New Hampshire, on behalf of its members and auxiliaries, extend an open invitation to all Presidential Candidates to participate in the

Choices of Democracy 2012 New Hampshire Presidential Primary Video Forum.

This neutral, non-partisan, forum is part of an ongoing effort to engage our membership, our deployed military community and our state's voters in an informed democratic process.

To participate, candidates simply record a video response to the question below, post it to their campaign YouTube channel and email the video's direct link to: candidates@nh.vfwwebmail.com

Video submissions will be posted to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department websites & Facebook pages as is, unedited, in the order received in response to the following question:

Why should I be President of the United States of America?

This is a unique opportunity to share your candidacy and your unedited message with veterans and voters of the state of New Hampshire through websites, email and social networking channels!

We thank participants for providing first hand information on this all-important question to assist our voters and our veterans in the democratic process. We look forward to everyone's participation.

District 6 VOD/PP winners

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 02:07:00 -0500

Good Afternoon Comrades!

The judges finished their work last weekend and all entries that "placed in top three" will be forwarded to the State for further review.

Voice of Democracy

1st Place - Bedford Post - Emily Brett from Wilton - Wilton - Lyndeborough Coop High - ***Photo Needed***

2nd Place - Manchester Post - Susan Gunther from Manchester - Central High - ***Post Sponsor Signature Needed***

3rd Place - Manchester Post - Matthew Becker from Manchester - Central High - ***Post Sponsor Signature Needed***

Patriot's Pen

1st Place - Hollis Post - Kevin Arseneault from Hollis -

2nd Place - Hollis Post - Vanessa Hale from Brookline -

3rd Place - Hollis Post - Nicholas Sengstaken from Hollis

Teacher of the Year

1st Place Kindergarten- Only Entry - Hudson Post - Donna Hallowood - Creative Little Angels Londonderry - ***Photo Needed***

1st Place Middle School - Only Entry - Hudson Post - Deborah Luszey - Memorial Middle School Hudson - ***Photo Needed***

1st PlaceHigh School - Only Entry - Hudson Post - Col. (USAF Ret) Kevin Grady - Alverine High Hudson

EMT Gold Medal Award

1st Place - Hudson Post - LT Michelle Rudolph

2nd Place - Pelham Post - LT Greg Atwood

3rd Place - Nashua Post - Susan Deyo

Firefighter Gold Award

1st Place - Hudson Post - Capt Fred Brough

2nd Place - Pelham Post - LT Greg Atwood

3rd Place - Nashua Post - David Powell

Law Enforcement Gold Medal

1st Place - Pelham Post - Lt D. Gary Fisher / Lt Brian McCarthy

2nd Place - Hudson Post - Det Sgt Jason Lucontoni

3rd Place - Nashua Post - Officer Caleb Gilbert

**Nashua Post also submitted an entry for Citizen of the Year - Dick & Joy Mohrmann**

Congratulations to all entrants and Posts!

Mark T. McCabe

District #6 Chairman

Dept NH VFW

VA Deploying 20 New Mobile Vet Centers

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 01:47:00 -0500

VA Deploying 20 New Mobile Vet Centers

Additions to Fleet Will Expand Veterans’ Access to VA Services Across U.S.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 4, 2012) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs today deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers from the production facility of Farber Specialty Vehicles to increase access to readjustment counseling services for Veterans and their families in rural and underserved communities across the country.

“Mobile Vet Centers allow VA to bring the many services our Vet Centers offer Veterans to all communities, wherever they are needed,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Robert A. Petzel. “VA is committed to expanding access to VA health care and benefits for Veterans and their families, and these 20 new vehicles demonstrate that continued commitment.”

In an event attended by Petzel, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, representatives of the Ohio congressional delegation, and Veterans service organizations, VA launched the 20 new vehicles to their destinations ranging across the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

These customized vehicles--which are equipped with confidential counseling space and a state of the art communication package—travel to communities to extend VA’s reach to Veterans, Servicemembers and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The vehicles also serve as part of the VA emergency response program.

The 20 new, American-made vehicles will expand the existing fleet of 50 Mobile Vet Centers already in service providing outreach and counseling services. The 50 Mobile Vet Centers were also manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles. In fiscal year 2011, Mobile Vet Centers participated in more than 3,600 federal, state and locally sponsored Veteran-related events. The VA contract for the 20 Mobile Vet Centers totals $3.1 million.

During the announcement event, Petzel also announced that Farber Specialty Vehicles recently won a competitive bid to produce 230 emergency shuttle vehicles for VA over the next five years. The shuttles will provide routine transportation for Veteran patients in and around various metro areas during normal operations, but convert to mobile clinics that will facilitate the evacuation of patients and their care teams during disasters and emergencies. The VA contract for the 230 emergency shuttles totals $53.5 million.

VA has 300 Vet Centers serving communities across the country, offering individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families, family counseling for military related issues, bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death, military sexual trauma counseling and referral, outreach and education, substance abuse assessment and referral, employment assessment and referral, VA benefits explanation and referral, and screening and referral for medical issues including traumatic brain injury and depression.

More than 190,000 Veterans and families made over 1.3 million visits to VA Vet Centers in fiscal year 2011.

To find out more about Vet Center services or find a Vet Center in your area, go to www.vetcenter.va.gov.

The 20 new mobile Vet Centers will be based at:

· Birmingham, Ala.

· San Diego, Calif.

· Atlanta, Ga.

· Western Oahu, Hawaii

· Cedar Rapids, Iowa

· Evanston, Ill.

· Indianapolis, Ind.

· Baltimore, Md.

· Pontiac, Mich.

· Kansas City, Mo.

· Jackson, Miss.

· Greensboro, N.C.

· Lakewood, N.J.

· Reno, Nev.

· Stark County, Ohio

· Lawton, Okla.

· Ponce, Puerto Rico

· Nashville, Tenn.

· Washington County, Utah

· Green Bay, Wis.

SAD NEWS

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 01:46:00 -0500

It is with great sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of Past Department President Theresa Drabinowicz who served our Department from 1959-1960.

Services for Theresa will be held tomorrow January 5th from 6-8 PM at the Farwell Funeral Home located at 18 Lock St. Nashua,NH.

The Nashua LAVFW will be conducting the services at 7PM per request of Theresa and the uniform of the day will be black and white per request of the Nashua Auxiliary #483.

Donna Fischer,

Dept. Secretary

BILLS AND LRS AND SAVC AFFECTING NH VETERANS

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 01:40:00 -0500

Attached is a list of Bills and LSRs the SVAC have identified that will affect NH Veterans and the Committee's stand on each. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DATA

Of course, the latest information can be found on Webster (the nh.gov web site). One way is to go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lsr_search/ and then click on “Click here to see all Bill Requests”. That will give you all the LSRs that are active. If there is an associated bill the number will appear below the LSR number. Click on the bill to get the text.

The other way is to go to “http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/ “ and enter the bill number and submit. There are other options available but this is probably the easiest and most used.

Thank you,

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW State Commander

Wreath Pick-Up at NH State Veterans Cemetery

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 01:38:00 -0500

Wreath Pick-Up at NH State Veterans Cemetery

Please join us at 10:00AM on Saturday, January 7, 2012 to remove the wreaths and Christmas decor from headstones and markers at the NH State Veterans Cemetery.

VFW National Military Services Celebrates Tremendous Year

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 01:36:00 -0500

VFW National Military Services Celebrates Tremendous Year

January 1, 2012 • VFW National Military Services Update

Download the PDF

2011 was a hugely successful year for VFW National Military Services and its programs, which continued to extend support and assistance to service members and their families.

VFW Operation Uplink^TM hosted 24 "Free Call Days" for troops stationed overseas for the second consecutive year. Over 1.3 million connections were made by service members to their loved ones by accessing the Free Call Days through MWR Internet Cafes in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. The 2012 Free Call Day schedule is now available, with 24 Free Call Days planned. Click here to view the new schedule.

VFW Unmet Needs continued to provide a lifeline to military families facing unexpected financial hardship. In 2011 the program issued 638 emergency and disaster relief grants totaling $569,000 in assistance. Those figures include 145 rent or mortgage bills that were paid, affording struggling military families the comfort of staying in their homes.

VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) grew as well and continued to provide an outstretched hand from the VFW to the local military. In 2011 the program issued 287 grants to VFW Departments and Posts to cover expenses associated with hosting morale-boosting events for troops and their families.

A huge part of MAP includes the Adopt-a-Unit program. VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary adopt military units around the world, developing supportive relationships with them before, during and after deployments. There were 260 new unit adoptions in 2011 through the program, which now boasts nearly 2,000 adoptions since 2007.

VFW National Military Services programs made an incredible difference for our troops and their families in 2011. Here's to making 2012 even more successful!

To learn more about VFW National Military Services and its programs, click here.

Social Security Seminar at VA Manchester

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:36:00 -0500

Job Opportunity

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:37:00 -0500

Fast-paced job shop in Gilford, NH is accepting applications from motivated, experienced individuals to perform MIG (some TIG) welding and other fabrication-related tasks. A heavy equipment/plant maintenance background is a plus. This individual should be able to work from prints and be a self- starter working with general direction from the Team Leader. The ideal applicant will be offered a benefit package after a 45 day trial period, including uniforms, boot allowance, simple 401K w/ company match, paid holidays, paid vacation, partial paid health insurance. Starting salary commensurate with experience. Please call (603) 528-6591 to schedule an interview today. Resumes can be faxed 866-349-0862 or emailed to info@dgfindustrial.com.

1 full year of free chiropractic care available for returning OEF and OIF Veterans

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:09:00 -0500

Subject: 1 full year of free chiropractic care available for returning OEF and OIF Veterans

1 full yr #free chiropractic care avail. for returning #OEF #OIF #Veterans through International Chiropractic Assoc: http://t.co/k0jF8ZXu

Leigh Ann Shriver

Veterans and Military Issues

Job Opportunities

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:06:00 -0500

Hi Folks,

If you are receiving this e-mail then you are two things: 1. You are my friend and 2. You are a Veteran. As such, I would like to ask you to spread the word that my company is looking for a few good employees (preferably Vets) that need work. I have a fulltime opening in the evening as well as a few part time openings, as well. We are looking for reliable people with their own transportation. If the fulltime person has some tile and carpet care experience, that would be a plus. But, it is far more important that they have a good work ethic and are dependable (something we do not see very often). If you know of anyone that fits this description then have them contact me or my Daughter, Tammy Adams. My e-mail is: jack@greatbayfacilityservices.com and tammys is: tammy@greatbayfacilityservices.com.

The company phone# is 603-431-5200

Hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Jack Kimball

State Service Officer Holiday Hours

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:03:00 -0500

Department Service Office

Upcoming Holiday Office Hours/Schedule

Comrades and Ladies,

The Department Service Office will be CLOSED on MONDAY AND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH AND 27TH, for the Christmas Holiday , per our National Veterans Service (NVS) Holiday Policy. The Office will re-open for business as usual on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28TH, after 8 a.m.

Please note that the Norris Cotton Federal Building will be completely closed on MONDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, as well.

The Department Service Office will also be CLOSED on MONDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2012, for the New Year's Holiday, per our National Veterans Service (NVS) Holiday Policy.

Please note that the Norris Cotton Federal Building will be completely closed for business also on that MONDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2012TH, too.

The office will re-open for business as usual on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3RD, after 8 a.m.

Have a very Happy, and Safe Holidays.

Yours in Comradeship,

John and Nancy,

Department Service Office

Home Base Program Winter Adventure Series

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:38:00 -0500

Post #483 Stand by Generator Raffle

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:36:00 -0500

Liberty House Needs

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:31:00 -0500

Dana,

Please pass this along to our members and ladies Auxiliary.

I delivered a check to Liberty House this week from the VFW that will allow them to buy enough food for the winter for the over 300 needy and homeless veterans that the House services. In speaking to the director he told me that many of the veterans are in dire need of warm clothing (winter coats, boots, gloves warm socks.) Coats sizes needed are 2x, 3x, and large. Boot sizes are from 8 to 13 including 1/2 sizes. New items are preferred but they would also welcome slightly used in good condition.

I plan on buying some of these items myself and deliver them next week in time for Christmas. If you or your post/auxiliaries want to help me in this effort and have items to donate Please bring them to the Dist. 4 meeting on Sunday at 10AM in Laconia or the VA Christmas party on Sunday at 3PM or call me so we can arrange for me to pick them up. I can also get them at the Concord post if you want to drop them off there.

What a great Christmas it would be for these veterans if we could provide them with a ful belly and warm clothes!

Regards,

Bill Champagne

State Quartermaster

Post 483 Suppers Jan 12 and Jan 26

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:32:00 -0500

CONGRESSMAN BASS ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEES FOR CLASS OF 2016

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 05:08:00 -0500

Twenty-four students from 19 communities in Second District receive prestigious honor

CONCORD, NH – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) today announced that 24 students from New Hampshire’s Second District received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Service Academies.

Bass said:

“Nominating outstanding New Hampshire students to the U.S. Service Academies is one of the highlights of my job. The 24 students who received nominations this year have top-notch academic, athletic, and extracurricular records, and I know the citizens of the Second District join me on congratulating these exceptional young men and women for their achievements. They will undoubtedly go far in their future endeavors.”

As part of their official duties, Members of Congress nominate students to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York (the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination for an appointment). Students must obtain a Congressional nomination in addition to applying directly to the school.

A board of retired and active military personnel and community leaders in New Hampshire reviewed the applicants and made recommendations based on the students’ academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements as well as personal interviews. Bass then nominated the top students from the Second District to the academies.

A Congressional nomination does not guarantee an appointment. After a careful review of each student’s academic, athletic, leadership, and physical fitness skills, the service academies extend appointments to the most outstanding applicants.

A list of the students receiving nominations to the service academies, with their high schools and hometowns, follows:

U.S. Military Academy

Matthew R. Chapman of Nashua, Bishop Guertin High School

Graham R. Cox of Mont Vernon, Souhegan High School

Alexander G. Kempf of Amherst, Souhegan High School

G. Patrick M. Kennedy of Pembroke, Bishop Brady High School

Luke E. Morenz of Swanzey, Monadnock Regional High School

Charles T. Neild of Litchfield, Campbell High School

Jonathan R. Vinnenberg of Bow, Bow High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Jennifer P. Coletta of Nashua, Nashua High School North

Connor W. Gundy of Concord, Concord High School

John Houston of Litchfield, Campbell High School

Bernard Polaski of Orford, Rivendell Academy

Matthew Sanborn of Plymouth, Plymouth Regional High School

Andrew T. Yourell of Amherst, Bishop Guertin High School

U.S. Air Force Academy

Michael A. Croatti of Pelham, Pelham High School

Zacchaeus R. Graf of East Andover, Newfound Regional High School

Eric S. Hambleton of Weare, Bishop Brady High School

Jake T. Kobylarz of Hollis, Hollis/Brookline High School

Sarah J. Laperle of New Ipswich, South Merrimack Christian Academy

Neil Lombardozzi of Salem, Salem High School

Andrew D. Sackett of Bow, Bow High School

Ashley J. Thrower of Windham, Bishop Guertin High School

William J. Tremblay of Wilton, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School

Griffin E. Yianakopolos of Hopkinton, Hopkinton High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Michell A. Boyd of Bow, Bow High School

Students interested in applying for a Congressional nomination from Bass for the Class of 2017 should contact his Nashua Office at (603) 595-7701 or visit http://bass.house.gov for more information.

Membership!!!! MEMBERSHIP!!!

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 05:33:00 -0500

Again, congratulations to Raymond Post #4479 for coming in at 100.93% before November 30th ..... And -
Congratulations to Pelham Post #10722 coming in at 108.7% !
Keep up the Good Work!!

That makes only a total of 4 posts 100% or better .... with many others very close - within 5 or 6 to go!!

Let's all get out there and knock on those doors to get those continuous members paid up ... at the same time as recruiting new new members ..... and getting those reinstates back into the fold.

I am very sorry to report that New Hampshire did not meet its goal of 85% set by National for December 1st.
Our Department was only at 81.59% at the time - which was tied 8th from the bottom of the list of all departments!!
This is not good ..... and we can and should do better!
Twenty-eight Departments were 85% or better - and we should have been one of them.

Please - the end of the year is coming up and we can turn this all around with every ones help!
New Hampshire Can Do It !!
P.S.
We had 13 Post qualify for the 90% plus - $100.00 drawings - by Nov. 30th.
Those two winners were drawn at the District 7 Meeting / Christmas Party on Saturday, December 3rd.
The winners were North Manchester Post 9347 who were 93.18% ....
and Jaffrey Post 5613 at 90.96%

Thank You ........

Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism

                      Greg

Video of Nashua NH Vet at Pearl Habor Ceremonies December 4, 2011

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 08:33:00 -0500

Click here to view the Video Nashua Pearl Harbor ceremonies

Ladies Aux Fund Raising Event - Union NH

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 12:12:00 -0500

DD214 Available On Line

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 03:30:00 -0500

Current Information Regarding DD-214's

Please pass on to other vets. It's official: DD-214 discharge papers are

NOW ONLINE. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has
provided the following website for veterans to gain access to
their DD-214s online:

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy
of his/her DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working
to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet
access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military
members may now use a new online military personnel records
system to request documents.

Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete
the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the
online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply
all information essential for NPRC to process the request,
delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans
for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based
application was designed to provide better service on these
requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and
processing time.

Please pass this information on to former military personnel you
may know and their dependents.

MANCHESTER VAVS PRIORTIES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:05:00 -0500

Debra Krinsky is the Chief of Voluntary Services at the VAMC. She is working hard to build up the Volunteer staff and has created goals for the year 2012.
Support the Secretary's initiative of eliminating homelessness.
Improve access to care through volunteer transportation network.
Standardize and promote VISN volunteer statistics.
Assist with voter registration for Veteran patients.
Focus on VSS training for VAVS staff.

There are several volunteer positions open.

Veteran Ad visor for Full Service Healthcare System Task Force
    1) Attend regularly scheduled Task Force Meetings.
    2) Contribute to overall mission.
    3) Assist in interpretation of data.
This position is expected to last about 6 months. Dates and times of meetings are to be determined but expected to be 2 to 3 meetings a month typically lasting 1 to 1.5 hrs and would be held during normal business hrs of 8 to 4:30 M-F.

Pharmacy Volunteer
    1) Delivery of packaged non-hazardous meds to depts
    2) Med prepackaging and mail out
    3) Filing and stocking shelves
This position is needed for M-F from 8 to 4:30 pm

Homeless Program Volunteer
    1) Procure furniture for Veterans via exploring local churches and community agencies as well as donations from furniture stores
    2) Help develop a pool of volunteers to help the Veteran with moving - transportation with trucks and actual lifting of items
    3) Contact local hotels to see what they do with damaged linens - if a sheet gets a small tear, would they donate it instead of throwing it out?
This is an on going position with no set days or times.

Escort Support
    1) Greet patients and provide courteous information.
    2) Transport patients in need of assistance by wheelchair to all depts as requested.
    3) Provide Currier services between depts
This position is needed for M - F from 8 to 3:00 pm

Please contact Deb Krinsky at 603-624-4366 x 6419 if interested.

"The VA is so much more than Health Care."

DEPARTMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE DECEMBER 2011 GENERAL ORDERS

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:33:00 -0500

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DECEMBER 2011 GENERAL ORDERS

Membership

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:22:00 -0500

Comrades,

Please, PLEASE ....make every effort to get your membership up NOW.

There are so many posts right there in reach of 100% - and yet we still only have two there! ...Make your Post the next one!

Our Department Commander has set Membership incentive goals.
The first one was 80% by September 30th. Sixteen Posts qualified - Bristol and Raymond each won.
The second was 85% by October 31st. Twenty Posts qualified and that drawing was held at the District 2 meeting in N. Haverhill on November 13th - Jaffrey and Merrimack won.
Our next $100.00 drawings will be for those posts with at least 90% by November 30th.
Your Post Can Do It !!!
Get out there and knock on doors ...or make those calls ...or whatever it takes. In many cases - you're going to get there anyway .... so why not pay their dues now - and collect from them later.

Commander-in-Chief, Richard DeNoyer, has set an 85% Membership goal by November 30, 2011 for each Department.... only a few short days away!!
New Hampshire is now at 80.21% .... we can easily get there with every ones help!
Lets make our Commander, Paul Lloyd, shine .....Lets show New Hampshire is as good as any..... Lets do it for the Veterans of Foreign Wars !!!

I personally challenge each and every post in the state to get at least 5 continuous, new or reinstate members to National THIS WEEK !

District Commanders, watch your Posts .... see if they need any help ..... make your District Number One!

Thank You ..............
Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism

Greg

Veteran Owned Business in New Hampshire

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:27:00 -0500

Click here to see information on NH Veteran Owned Businesses

Veteran Scam

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:25:01 -0500

I recently became aware of another scam being performed on veterans by financial institutions when re-financing home loans. If you know a veteran who recently refinanced under the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Program
("VA IRRRL") they may have been overcharged by the lender. A recent
media source reports that up to 90% of veterans closing VA IRRRL's were
overcharged. If you or someone you know would like more info on this, contact:
Brian D. Penny, Esq.
Goldman Scarlato Karon & Penny, P.C.
101 E. Lancaster Ave., Suite 204
Wayne, PA 19087
Tel. 888-668-4130 (toll free)
Email: _penny@gskplaw.com_ (mailto:penny@gskplaw.com)
Web: _www.gskplaw.com_ (http://www.gskplaw.com/)
Semper Fi,
Paul J. Chevalier
SgtMaj USMC (Ret)

New Veteran Service for Seacoast Veterans

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:17:00 -0500

Congratulations to Dianne Smith and Rad Nichols from the Cooperative
Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) for bringing an
important enhancement to the transportation infrastructure that will serve
our veteran community.

COAST, a regional public transit provider serving the greater Seacoast area
of NH submitted a project proposal to enhance the planned
“call/coordination center” that is currently in development to better
coordinate publicly-funded transportation services in the Southeast NH
region. This development is the result of a long-standing collaborative
effort by a number of area organizations to ensure that said services are
performed as effectively and efficiently as possible (
http://www.coastbus.org/act.html).

The Federal Transit Administration, in conjunction with the VA and DOD,
made a one-time capital grant available to support the final development of
or enhancement of “ready-to-go” call/coordination centers (
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants_financing_12887.html) . As
the lead agency of the local collaborative group and the recipient of FTA
funds, COAST applied for funds to enhance the call center – to make the
infrastructure and service delivery more effective and efficient through
improved technology.

The proposal included projects to be supported with $324,000 of Federal
funds. The project selection summary from FTA notes:

COAST will create a call center that will serve as an information and
referral service for Veterans and other members of the community. The
project will fund one-call/one-click infrastructure needs, including
enhanced web-based coordination software, increased call-taking hardware
and mobile data terminals for vehicles involved in the coordination
transportation effort.

As you can imagine, the real work for this project is just beginning.
COAST and the collaborative group, the Alliance for Community
Transportation (ACT) look forward to the input of military and civilian
groups as they move forward in making this project a reality. We would
like to thank the VFW and the Manchester VA Medical Center for submitting
Letters of Support (on very short notice:-). According to the grant
writers, these letters were instrumental in the approval of the proposed
project.

Thank you again to COAST - for bringing another important military-civilian
partnership project to New Hampshire. jo

Jo Moncher
Bureau Chief
Community Based Military Programs
Department of Health and Human Services
** Please note NEW phone number: 603-271-9394

New Hampsire State Veterans Advisiory Committee Bi Annual Report

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:13:00 -0500

Click here to view Bi-Annual NH Veterans Advisory Committee report

Potluck Fundraiser for Shipping Christmas Care Packages

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:09:00 -0500

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

5-9 PM

MILTON AMERICAN LEGION

STEEPLE STREET

MILTON, NH

Admission: Free (we will have a donation jar if you are able to donate)

No Alcohol please

my nephew and niece, bobby and lorene are hosting a potluck fundraiser to help us raise money for shipping our Christmas care packages to the troops. you will note below the items that we need for the dinner and are in hopes that you will be there and will be able to bring something. but please even if you are unable to bring something, we hope you will join us anyway. we will be having raffles, selling calendars, there will be giveaways and small items for sale. all proceeds will help us buy extra items for the care packages and get them across the "big pond". if you have extra pennies in a jar at home, please bring them with you that evening, we have collected pennies for the past 3 years and they have really helped a lot -- also if you have any old cell phones that you are not using, you can bring those and we will get them to the company that refurbishes or recycles them to purchase more phone cards for the troops.

if you have any questions at all, please contact me (information below). if you are able to bring a dish, could you please respond to this email and just mention what you would be able to bring? the list is shown below.

it should be a nice evening with good food and music. we had a great time when we did this in the spring. we also need a few people who would be willing to stay after the evening is done to help clean up the hall as it is being used the next day. any help will be appreciated. thanks so much for supporting our troops. we continue to need to show them that we are thinking of them and that we care, so please come and help us do that. God bless and hope to see you there. love, alice and chris

Main dishes 15

Desserts 10

Chips 4 bags

Cold drinks 10 - 2 liter bottles

Salads (potato, regular, taco, macaroni, etc.) 5

Plastic forks we have a donation of these

Plastic spoons 150

Plastic knives 150

Napkins 2 packages

Cups (hot/cold) 150

Adopt A Unit

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:08:00 -0500

Adopt-a-Unit

Almost 600 military commands at every level are actively supported by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary through the VFW Adopt-a-Unit program.
The VFW Adopt-a-Unit's goal is to develop supportive relationships with units before, during and after deployments to help deliver the vast network of free resources the VFW has available for the military and their families; i.e., Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs and the Military Assistance Program.
Adopt-a-Unit relationships are created and maintained by individual VFW Posts who work closely with unit commanders and senior enlisted to provide the direct support the unit and their families need.
Examples of typical Adopt-a-Unit events and activities sponsored by VFW Posts:
- Welcome Home & Deployment events
- Family Days
- Holiday events
- Meetings and Support Seminars for service members and families
- Direct assistance to military families range from simple lawn care, snow removal and auto repairs to major household renovations to help accommodate a wounded service member.
If your unit is interested in being adopted, please contact your local VFW Post(s).
- Check if someone in the unit is already a member of the local VFW Post.
- Locate a VFW Post from the VFW's website "Find a Post" at http://www.vfw.org/oms/findpost.aspx.
- Or contact the VFW Military Assistance Program at the VFW National Headquarters to locate a VFW Post to work with at map@vfw.org or by calling (816) 756-3390, ext 211

Watch for next month's Supporting Our Troops email for more VFW troop and veteran support program information!

Wreath Laying at New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:06:00 -0500

Just wanted to let you know about the Wreaths at Boscawen...

Please save the dates for Boscawen....

Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 10:00am – Placing Wreaths

Saturday, January 7, 2012 – 10:00AM – Pick-Up Wreaths

The Blue Star Mothers of NH, sponsor of the program - Wreaths at Boscawen - would like your help in placing wreaths in Sections 5 and 6 at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery. The wreaths being placed are 12" and will have a red ribbon. This wreath laying event will coincide with the day that the wreaths are placed on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will hold a ceremony at the Circle of Flags at Noon in conjunction with Wreaths Across America. The ceremony coincides with similar ceremonies across the United States of America with placing ceremonial wreaths on the military service markers. We invite you all to stay and support the CAP and Wreaths Across America.

Wreaths at Boscawen will be an annual event and the wreaths will be placed on different sections each year (currently plan for a 4 year rotation of sections). If you or someone you know has a loved one interred in a different section than the designated area, then they would be responsible to purchase/place the wreath.

If you would like to donate towards the Wreaths at Boscawen, checks may be made out to Blue Star Mothers of NH C/O Karen Thurston, 11 Jameson Ave., Gilford, NH 03249

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in December!!!

Blessings,

Susan

Proud Blue Star Mom

CHEER THE UP!

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 08:18:00 -0500

This fall, Cheerios and the USO are partnering to thank military families for their commitment to our country.
Specially marked boxes of Cheerios will feature "Cheer" postcards, which can be cut out so customers can add a message of encouragement. Add a stamp and the pre-addressed card is ready for the postman. The USO will distribute the postcards to families at USO centers.
For every postcard received before November 30, 2012, Cheerios will donate $1 to the USO -- up to $100,000 -- to help support programs for military families. That donation is on top of a $150,000 gift Cheerios has already made to the USO.

Washing Machine

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 08:12:00 -0500

Please advise if this is something you or someone you know could use....please contact Carol at cudakitty247@comcast.net Thanks....

Hello Susan,
I have washing machine that is in very good condition that I would like to give to someone that could really use one. Our dryer was getting old and I want to get a matching set. The dryer works too (electric) but it makes me nervous as the lint doesn't always come out of the trap. It gets stuck. If a handy person could resolve that issue then they can have that too but I don't want to give someone a dryer in the same condition that makes me nervous to use. I'm just so afraid of a possible fire so unless a handy person wants to fix it and keep it (it works great otherwise) I'm ok with letting the delivery people haul it away. Regardless, the washing machine is newer than the dryer and works great. Top loader, stainless steel interior. Color is white\cream color. Free to a deserving family. It must be picked up anytime between November 14th and November 18th. We live in Penacook.

I can remember as a kid being raised by a single mom, we couldn't afford a washer and dryer for many years. We spent Saturdays at the local laundrymat. When we finally could afford just a washer, we were so happy we didn't have to make any trips to that laundrymat anymore. We had to hang things to dry but it was enough to know we could do that at home. I'm just hoping to help out a family in some small way, so if u could help it would greatly appreciate it.

Department of New Hampshire Nov 2011 General Orders

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 08:10:00 -0500

From the Blogmaster: Sorry for the delay in posting GO's but just got my internet service back.

Dept of New Hampshire Nov 2011 General Orders

Snowball Express for Children of our Fallen Heros

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 08:07:00 -0500

I am so honored to pass on the following information regarding Snowball Express. Please pass this on to Gold Star Families that you know that have children. A friend and Veteran, Kelly, is planning to fly again in this event (third year in a row). For more information, go to: www.snowballexpress.org.

Guaranteed to be a fun time for the children of our Fallen Heroes.

Please pass on to families that you know!!!

Membership

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0400

Comrades,

The next deadline for the 2011-2012 Membership Drawing is fast approaching!

Each post that has at least 85% membership by October 31st will be put in a drawing to win one of two $100.00 bonuses from the Department.
I will plan on having that drawing on Sunday, November 13th at the District Two meeting in North Haverhill as I will be the Department Rep. at that time.
There's less than a week to go !!! Many posts are sitting right on the fence with just one or two left to get them over that 85% mark!! Make that push!!

For those of you that weren't at the C of A in Laconia - or haven't heard ..... the winners of the first drawing - 80% by September 30th - went to Bristol Post 10640 and Raymond Post 4479. Bristol turned around and donated their $100.00 win to the Commander's Special Project - NH National Guard, Chaplain Emergency Relief Fund. Thank you Bristol!

There has been some significant movement with the membership numbers lately .... the department is now at 75.78% .....BUT, we must do better!! (Besides, the Ladies Aux. is killing us at 81.70%!)

District 5 still leads the way with 86.02% .... District 2 is next with 85.51%. (District 2, you can re-take the lead with just 3 more members throughout the district paying up!!) Can you do it!?
District 1 is in 3rd place with 78.1% .... District 4 is next with 77.71%. (District 4, you only need 5 more to over-take District 1 !!) Can YOU do it !?
Districts 3, 6 and 7 .... must start working harder!

Every post in every district should be making every effort to increase your membership .... remember -

~ "Strength in Numbers" ~

Do it for the Department of New Hampshire
Do it for the Veterans of Foreign Wars

Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism

Greg

VA INCREASE BURIAL PLOT BENFIT

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:42:00 -0400

READ INFORMATION FROM VA BY CLICKING HERE

OEF/OIF/OND POST DEPLOYMENT REINTEGRATION CLINIC

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:38:00 -0400

The Manchester VA Medical Center has established an OEF/OIF/OND Post-Deployment Reintegration Clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to provide OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, that have newly returned from a deployment cycle, a one-stop shopping model of integrative primary and behavioral healthcare as well as an opportunity to seek after-hours care and engage with key community resources. Returning Combat Service Members are eligible for five (5) years of cost-free medical care (from the date of honorable or general discharge) for any medical condition, including an aggravated pre-existing condition (as verified by a VA provider) that may potentially be related to your combat service while in a theater of combat operations during a period of war or “hostilities” after November 11, 1998.

Some of the services that will be offered at the clinic include:

Primary Care Clinic Behavioral Health Clinic

Polytrauma/TBI Clinic OEF/OIF/OND Case Management

Dental Clinic Veterans Benefits administration

My HealtheVet Chaplain Services

Manchester Vet Center Army Wounded Warrior Program

Deployment Cycle Support Program Care Coordination Services

The new clinic will be available, for a limited time, on Wednesdays from 4:30PM to 7:30PM. It will be located in the Medical Center’s Primary Care Clinic. Please contact David Simpson, OEF/OIF/OND Program Manager or James Mazzuchelli, OEF/OIF/OND Case Manager, Monday through Friday (8:00AM to 4:30PM) at 603-624-4366 extensions 6483 or 6932 to make an appointment for the clinic. The VA Medical Center is located at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH.

Appliances Needed

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:21:00 -0400

From: "Susan Peterson" <phil413.susan@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 3:16:22 PM
Subject: Appliance needs....

Received the following from a Blue Star Mom...

Hi Sue,

Can you pass this along to the network? 2 families are looking for good, used appliances to purchase.

Does anyone know of second hand appliance stores in New Hampshire?

They are looking for electric stove and 18-20 Cubic refrigerator.

National Childrens Home - New Duplex

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:20:00 -0400

The major local paper in this area, the Lansing State Journal, ran a nice big article on page one of their section B about the ribbon cutting. I thought you might like to see the online version of the article. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111023/NEWS01/110230500/VFW-National-Home-dedicates-new-duplex

You may notice the article refers to what city Jim is from. The reporter must have done some research based on the Post number on his hat.

Thanks again for a great three days last week.

Call your Senators Now to prevent decreases in the Military Quality of Life

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:55:00 -0400

s mentioned at the council meeting, we need help in getting members to call our U.S. Senators at their district offices (NH) asap.

Paul Chevalier
VFW National
Legislative Committee

October 20, 2011

Dear Legislative Committee Members –

It is imperative that you contact your legislators about proposals being considered by the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction – or, Super Committee – specifically the Military Quality of Life issues being considered, these include new out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE for Life and changes in the Military Retirement System. As you know, high-ranking members in the Senate have indicated they are open to looking at the entire military compensation/benefit package. We cannot allow this to move forward. Use the talking points for your Senators. Talking points vary depending on whether your Senator is on the Senate Armed Services Committee or not and where they stand on the issue. We will need feedback from you so we can track where members stand. This will absolutely be the most comprehensive call to action yet.

Ask: I’m a VFW member/ Auxiliary member, where does Senator __________ stand on changing military retiree benefits?

If they state they are opposed to changes, thank them for their support and let Teresa know so we can add them to our “friendly” list for this issue.

If they are on the fence or support changes, give them the below talking points and encourage them to support military personnel and retirees.

Talking points:

§ Less than 1% of Americans have had to sacrifice over the past 10 years, asking them to sacrifice more is unacceptable.

§ A 1978 CBO report, titled “The Military Retirement System: Options for Change” clearly indicated that changing the retirement benefit would not save money for the government, and it would also completely decimate the all-volunteer force.

§ Military service and benefits cannot be compared to civilian occupations. That idea is flawed, as outlined by the CBO report. I believe, to retain a highly effective military, there must be exceptional benefits for those who commit to 20-plus years in a dangerous, low-paying job.

If your Senator(s) are on the Armed Services Committee, Ask: “I’m a VFW member/ Auxiliary member and Senator ___________ has been entrusted through their position on the Armed Services Committee to care for military personnel and retirees, and we want to know where Senator _________ stands on cutting military and retirement benefits.” Use the same points as above.

For a list of those Senators on the Armed Services Committee click here: http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm

**Please let me know who you contact and what they say about the proposals – this is a critical time; the Super Committee makes final recommendations by mid-November. As always, be polite but firm when you discuss the importance of these issues. Use the talking points and remind them of the promises they made to America’s military, veterans and their families.

Thanks again for all you do for the VFW, veterans and their families –we could not do this without your help and strong advocacy. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 202-608-8352 or Teresa Morris at 202-608-8363.

Ray Kelley, Director

VFW National Legislative Service

Cemetery will not interfere with prayers, religious expression during burial services

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:22:00 -0400

First Amendment Will Prevail at Houston VA National Cemetery

.

October 21, 2011

The Veterans of Foreign Wars today declared victory in a Federal Lawsuit ( Rainey v VA) filed over allegations of religious hostility and unlawful censorship by the VA and its director of the Houston National Cemetery.

Federal District Judge Lynn N. Hughes signed a consent decree ordering the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to lift the ban on prayer and the word “God” at national cemeteries, to revoke national policies hostile to religion, and to reopen the Chapel which identity was previously changed to “meeting facility” at the Houston National Cemetery.

Texas-based Liberty Institute filed suit on behalf of the VFW over allegations of religious hostility and unlawful censorship by the VA and its director of the Houston National Cemetery. Officials told the VFW they could not have prayer during the burial services of veterans unless the family requested it specifically in writing and submitted the prayer to VA officials for pre-approval.

“The VFW is grateful that the government has restored the basic tenets recognized in the U.S. Constitution – which guarantees fundamental rights of religious expression and freedom of speech – to patriotic Americans who sacrifice everything to defend it. This is indeed a victory." said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer.

“We are thankful that after almost five months of litigation, the government is finally doing the right thing by entering into a consent decree and ending religious hostility at the Houston National Cemetery,” said Jeff Mateer, general counsel for Liberty Institute. “The decree not only impacts religious freedoms in Houston, but at all VA cemeteries nationwide because the government has agreed to modify two national policies hostile to religion.”

The order also requires the VA to change its national policies regarding volunteer honor guards. These changes will now allow the reading of “Thirteen Fold” Flag Recitations unless the deceased veteran’s family requests otherwise, volunteer honor guards to provide their own texts of recitations to the funeral homes for the funeral homes to offer those options to the deceased veteran’s survivor(s) for consideration, and the VFW honor guards to work independently with funeral homes to coordinate provision of volunteer services at the committal services scheduled at the cemetery without interference from the government.

“I am glad to see the VA overturn these policies, which will allow us to perform the entire VFW burial ritual,” said Inge Conley, Commander of VFW District 4 in Houston and the VFW entity that initiated the lawsuit. “We should be able to include prayers, mentions of God, and the phrase, ‘May God grant you, grace, mercy and peace,’ to grieving families laying American soldiers to rest.”

Recuriter Awards

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:36:00 -0400

Supa Coop Fund Raiser Breakfast Sunday Nov 20 8am to 1pm

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:32:00 -0500

VFW Commander in Chief Call to Action

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:22:00 -0400

VFW CALL TO ACTION FROM NATIONAL COMMANDER

VFW Call to Action
Stop Balancing Budget on Backs of Military and Veterans

WASHINGTON (October 18, 2011) --- The national commander of the country's largest and oldest major combat veterans organization is asking his 2 million members and all their friends and families to urge their elected officials to not break faith with the nation's military and veterans' communities.

"We and our families who have and continue to serve and sacrifice the most need to raise our voices loudly and clearly before the nation's debt is placed squarely on the shoulders of our military families and veterans," said Richard L. DeNoyer, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran who leads the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.

"It is critical that our voices not be lost in the ongoing budget debate that seems to now equate national service and sacrifice with the size of healthcare premiums," he said. "The 'people programs' inside the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are expensive because it takes people to fight our wars, and with less than one percent of our citizens currently in uniform, any degradation of these hard fought-for programs will break faith with those who sacrifice the most, and will place the continued viability of the all volunteer military in serious jeopardy."

The VFW national commander's call to action is the result of three letters sent last Friday by the leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee and both House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. The letters support or suggest possible ways to eliminate or reduce quality of life programs and benefits in order to avoid more drastic budget cuts should a deficit reduction deal fail to pass by Thanksgiving Day.

Sending individual letters were Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.). The joint Senate/House VA Committee letter was signed by Senate Chairman (and Select Committee member) Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and House Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-Calif.).

The joint VA committee letter was short on specifics, since the four signers believe existing laws exempt all VA programs from sequestration --- forced reductions without discussion or modification --- but they did provide an eight-page summary of cost-saving acts that Congress considered in the past to reduce, modify or extend VA programs ranging from disability compensation to educational assistance. Another attachment was a one-page list of current proposals to tighten income verification requirements, slow GI Bill tuition expenditures, reaffirm VA pensions to significantly disabled veterans, and round down annual cost of living adjustments to the nearest dollar, while delaying payment for one month.

The individual letters signed by Levin and McCain were far more ominous, because they both agreed with proposals President Obama announced last month to create a commission to examine the current military retirement system, and to alter military TRICARE benefits for those retirees age 65 and older. The president also wants to increase pharmacy copayments for military dependents and retirees of all ages, but both senators suggested the proposal needs further DOD review.

Regarding the military retirement system, Levin wrote the commission should expand its scope to "encompass all aspects of military compensation, including the current system of basic pay, allowances (including the housing allowance), special and incentive pays, and health care, as well as the tax treatment of the various components of military pay." Levin also agreed with the president's proposal to institute a $200 annual fee for military retirees age 65 and older who are enrolled in TRICARE for Life, but he would link future fee increases to the percentage amount of a retiree's annual cost of living adjustment. The president's proposal has no such linkage, and if approved as is, TRICARE for Life fees would rise from the recommended $200 in 2012 to $295 in 2013. This would be in addition to Medicare Part B payments they must already pay.

The senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee also supports the presidential commission to review the military retirement system, and agrees with Levin that the entire military compensation package needs to be included. Regarding TRICARE, McCain recommended that the Select Committee also consider a Congressional Budget Office proposal to exclude working age military retirees from enrolling in TRICARE Prime, which has the least out-of-pocket expenses. Retirees and their families would instead have the option of enrolling in TRICARE Standard or Extra.

"The VFW is very disappointed in Senator Levin and Senator McCain for not only acquiescing to the president's proposals, but for suggesting additional ways to further balance the budget on the backs of military members, families and retirees," said DeNoyer, of Middleton, Mass.

"Our nation's financial situation cannot be solved by breaking faith with those who singlehandedly fight our nations wars --- be it today or tomorrow," he said. "You cannot pass along our nation's security to future generations just for short-term financial gain. That is an extremely dangerous assumption, and totally disregards the fact that there is an inherent cost that our nation must be more than willing to pay in exchange for asking someone to join, much less donate 20 or more years of their youth to defend our country."

In his call to action, the VFW national commander is now asking his 2 million members, along with their friends and family, to contact their congressional members today to urge their support to protect the current military retirement and pay and allowance system, all TRICARE programs for military families and retirees, and all VA healthcare programs for wounded, ill and injured veterans. Click here to contact your legislators: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=54813711

Sign the Petiton to prevent Congress from reducing our Earned Benefits

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:19:00 -0400

It’s unconscionable!

Our leaders in Congress are actually considering cutting 10 critical benefits that affect our nation's service members, veterans and their families. VFW is calling it the “10 for 10” plan—cutting 10 benefits to pay for 10 years of war. Read more about it.

We can’t let this happen! VFW needs every member to sign this important petition. We'll let Congress know we have the full force of the VFW membership behind us, and we won't let them level unjust funding cuts on our defenders and their families!

America’s debt crisis calls for tough decisions. That’s a given. But there is no way we’ll allow them to make budget cuts on the backs of veterans.

You can also help by getting your Facebook friends involved! We need every VFW member to stand up and be heard!

Comrade, thank you for acting quickly at this critical time

100% Membership Achieved

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:01:00 -0400

Congratulations to Charlestown Post #8497 .....101.54%

Keep up the Good Work!!

Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism

Greg

Membership

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:33:00 -0400

Congratulations to Hollis Post #11373 for being the first 100% post this year!!....Coming in at 102.27% !!!

District standings are now at :
Dist 5 - 85.49%
Dist 2 - 83.88%
Dist 4 - 77.15%
Dist 1 - 76.56%
Dist 7 - 72.37%
Dist 6 - 70.98%
Dist 3 - 54.15%

Are you going to let them beet you !!??

Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism

Greg

Boiler Installlation for elderly veteran

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:32:00 -0400

I am happy to say, and very grateful to Senator Bob Letourneau, for his
donation of a used boiler he replaced because it was undersized for his
house, along with a water expansion tank, to help this vet and and his
wife out. The two are located in Ashland NH, so we need help moving them
from Ashland to Haverhill. Then we need people to help install it, and
some material to finish the job. If anybody can be of assistance here,
please contact me or Debra Tuck.

Debra can be reached at: DRTuck@dhhs.state.nh.us

--
Howie Howe
Veterans Service Officer, Patriot Guard Riders of NH
RC Coordinator, NH Help On The Homefront
Veterans Advocate, Wounded Warrior Project

VfW Commander in Chief Interview

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:36:00 -0400

The link below is Commander in Chief DeNoyer's recent trip to Russia and his interview on a popular Russian Talk show. I thought it was quite interesting.

Dana

From: Jennifer McDonald [mailto:JMcDonald@vfw.org]
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 2:23 PM
To: _All State Depts
Subject: Richard DeNoyer Russian TV Interview
Importance: High

Hello,

Please see the below link to view a Russian television interview with VFW Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer. Feel free to share with those you feel would be interested.

http://rt.com/programs/spotlight/soldier-usa-veterans-war

Thank you,

Jennifer McDonald

Communications Associate

VFW National Headquarters

VFW POST 483 CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:59:00 -0400

Easter Seals NH Vet Breakfast Oct 31 7:30am

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:38:00 -0400

Please Join Us at the

4th Easter Seals NH Veterans Count Club Breakfast

October 31, 2011 ▪ 7:30 – 9:15 a.m.

Radisson Hotel ▪ 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH

Help celebrate the successes we’ve had in helping
more than 1,800 service members and their families!

Throughout the fall, 700 members of the 197^th Fires Brigade and other units will return home and will be faced with reintegration issues from, in many cases, multiple deployments. The Easter Seals NH Veterans Count Club is here to help! Through financial assistance to veterans and their families in need of emergency services, the Veterans Count Club is a membership organization whose purpose is to ensure veterans and their families do not have to endure personal struggles after sacrificing so much for our country.

There is no charge for the breakfast but we hope you will be inspired—when you hear first-hand stories from military families—to become a club member. Individual membership starts at $150 and corporate/business memberships start at $1,500.

Homeless Vet Benefit Saturday Oct 15 Derry

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:37:00 -0400

Holiday Concert

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:04:00 -0400

Recording artist/singer-songwriter, Tenley Westbrook and FreedomSong
Foundation present "Tenley Westbrook's Christmas for The Troops 2011." Thelive concert will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 1:00 pm, BethanyChurch, 500 Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland, NH. The concert will be viewablelive at www.tenleywestbrook.com, on Android and Apple devices, and continuously available following the concert at her websitewww.tenleywestbrook.com. This event is being produced by Living Proof Media Group co-founder Scott M Harris.

Westbrook again promises a holiday blend of original Christmas music,
holiday favorites, patriotic numbers, and will debut a new single writtenespecially for this unique event. This year Westbrook will be joined byCarnegie Hall and Public Television favorite, composer Tim Janis, as well as John Paul and Daniel King.

Westbrook released her first solo CD "I Believe" in 2008, and has continuedher tireless work entertaining members of the military, veterans and their
families throughout the country, most recently with The C-A-R-E Tour at
military and veterans hospitals. Westbrook's powerful tribute "Our FreedomSong", honoring service personnel and their families has been celebrated around the world.

The live concert/global webcast are being offered as a FREE event. Seats are available on a first come first served basis with advance free ticketsavailable by registering at www.tenleywestbrook.com.

Donations to FreedomSong Foundation for this concert event will be gladly
accepted at the door. FreedomSong Foundation, a non-profit organization, supports military personnel and their families through music, concerts, and events. Corporate and individual sponsorships for this event are also available.

Craft Fair LAX Ways and Means Committee

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:25:00 -0400

Memorial Wall at Manchester VA

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:21:00 -0400

Winter Camp

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:20:00 -0400

Member Recuriting

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:19:00 -0400

It has come to our attention that there is some confusion on who can and should be recruiting VFW and LA-VFW Members. Recruiting new members is essential to the continued growth and well-being of our organizations and each member should consider themselves recruiters. This also means that VFW members can recruit members for the Ladies Auxiliary and Ladies can recruit VFW members. Once they are in the door then the Post/Auxiliary Leadership verify their eligibility and get them indoctrinated to the organizations.

Thank you,

Paul Lloyd

NH VFW Dept.Commander

PLEASE READ -- HELP US REPLACE NOTES TO A MARINE

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 02:26:00 -0400

Cards For Overseas Marines Stolen From Milford Library - New Hampshire News Story - WMUR New Hampshire

please read the story above -- the Wadeligh Library in Milford, NH had been collecting notes and cards for a nh marine to share with his comrades (he is named in the story above) and they had the box just about full by the end of September and then someone went to put one more in -- they found the box was just about empty -- someone had stolen them! they are planning to mail cards and notes to this marine in a couple weeks for him to share with his comrades and they have had some new ones made but the box is no where near full -- so they need help and we are just the ones to do it. Chris and I have been collecting postcards all summer long to put in our care packages and we will still have plenty even if we share -- but we are asking if any of you can possibly have your children write or color notes to give to the soldier and if you could possibly take a moment to write a brief note yourself -- if your children like to color you can go to https://soldiershelpers.blopspot.com and download coloring sheets for the kiddos to do! the notes will not all be going to the soldier named in the story, but he will be handing them out to his friends as well. we really want to get that box full and then some to help them out. its really hard to believe that someone would do something like this -- but this is something that won't really cost anything to do -- just a stamp to get it to the post office -- or if you have a group who can do some soon, get them to chris and i and we will take care of it....

the address for the library is

Wadleigh Memorial Library

49 Nashua road

Milford, NH 03055

if you live near milford and can drop them off -- they are open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 am - 8:30 pm and the other times are listed on their website -- the address to mail them to is Wadleigh Memorial Library - 49 Nashua Road, Milford, NH 03055 -- please help us replace them!!!! the library's website is www.wadleighlibrary.org so you can see their hours and phone # if you live closeby and could drop them off. if you need to get them to chris and i -- we will take care of them.... you can go to our blogspot and we have coloring sheets that the kids can color to mail to the marines. https://soldiershelpers.blogspot.com -- it won't cost muchk to do this -- just a stamp to mail them to the library -- and just short notes or cards from the kiddos are great ... we just want to get that box overflowing for the nh marine's group. please help us --- and remember call us or email us if you would like us to take care of them for you.

i truly cannot believe someone would deprive the soldiers of these much needed notes -- they love getting the mail -- so please help us with this -- we would really appreciate it and it is such a good project for soldiers helpers -- this is what we are all about!!!! thanks so much, any questions, please email me or call me at the number below and we'll help you out! God bless, love, alice and chris, soldiers helpers

Alice and Chris Greenleaf
Soldiers Helpers
pudgyaunt99@aol.com
603-781-4195
http://soldiershelpers.blogspot.com/
very soon: www.soldiershelpers.com

Membership

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 02:24:00 -0400

Comrades,

So that you all know ...there were 16 posts that were 80% or better by September 30th, 2011.
The two $100.00 drawings will take place at our C of A Meeting on October 22nd in Laconia.
The 16 that qualify are: North Stratford, Bartlett, Plymouth, North Haverhill, Charlestown, West Lebanon, Albany, Franklin, Bristol, Winchester, Hinsdale, Bennington, North Manchester, Hollis, Raymond and Hampstead.
Good Luck to all!

Also - we're still waiting to see that first 100% post! Plymouth, Charlestown, West Lebanon, Hinsdale and Hollis are all well over 90% and very close to that point! But, it's still wide open .... anyone can still sneak in there and claim that honor!!
Pay up those dues now!

The District standings are still the same with District 2 in the lead.
Let's work to get your District in that 1st place!
Come on District 3 .... the push is on !

The Department is doing fare at 71.72% ..... but the ladies have us beat at 78%!! Do we want them to show us up?
I think not!

Please remember - all this hype and talk about membership - all the incentives and awards - and white hats - and all of it .....are just ways to try to motivate us all. We don't do it for any particular commander or person or cause - other than the betterment of the Department of New Hampshire and ultimately The Veterans of Foreign Wars. After all - that's what we're all about .... otherwise we wouldn't be here!
So, keep up the good work .... continue with all your community activities and involvement .... report all you do .... spread the word about the VFW ..... and get that membership up!!!!

Yours in Comradeship, Service & Patriotism
Greg

Free Food for Veterans Day and Home Repairs from Home Depot

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 02:22:00 -0400

Applebee’s Offering Free Food on Veterans Day

Once again Applebee’s restaurants will be giving free meals to veterans on Veterans Day.

Here are the details:

· All U.S. veterans and active duty personnel with proof of current or former military service will be treated to a free meal at all Applebee’s in their respective neighborhoods on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.

· Proof of service includes the following: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation

Home Depot Offering Help to Veterans

The Home Depot Foundation is running a special program to commemorate the
10th anniversary of 9/11. From September 11 through Veterans Day, November 11,
Home Depot is offering to conduct work projects on military members' personal homes.

Home Depot will provide the materials, labor and contractors. Projects will include repairs and installations. If there are any questions, please make contact through the Foundation website below.

The priority is as follows:

- Wounded warriors returning from combat & disabled veterans
- Members returning from deployment
- Members with special needs (either themselves or family members)
- All others

For more details check the Home Depot Foundation website here.

Dept of New Hampshire Fall Conference

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 11:05:00 -0400

Post 483 Pork Loin Supper October 13

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:36:00 -0400

Nashua Post 483 Halloween Party

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:31:00 -0400

VFW Conference 2012 (1-9 Oct. 2012) being held in Europe

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:28:00 -0400

Additionally, I will need copies of the passports for all attendees.

V/r

Pete Mascetti

Department of Europe VFW

Adjutant

From: peter mascetti <pokerp@yahoo.com>

Subject: VFW Conference 2012 (1-9 Oct. 2012)

Comrades,

Attached are slides of the hosting hotel for the 2012 ESC Conference.

Reservations are now open, so when someone from your State makes a reservation, please ensure that I receive an email from them, with a confirmation number so that I may track the number of rooms still available.

FYI:

Individual reservations are required, therefore individuals must contact the Vacation Planning Center @ DSN 440-2575/2211 or Civ 08821-9440 (from the us: 49-8821-9440) or email to: Vacation@edelweisslodgeandresort.com. Please mention the group reservation code 1205VFWANN when requesting reservations. Guests will be required to confirm their reservations with a credit card.

Single Occupancy Double Occupancy Triple Occupancy

5 Overnight package Per Person Per Person Per Person

Standard Room $1,200.00 $900.00 $800.00

Junior Suite $1,400.00 $1,000.00 $900.00

Junior Deluxe Suite $1,500.00 $1,100.00 $1,000.00

Loft Suite $1,700.00 $1,200.00 $1,100.00

Single Occupancy Double Occupancy Triple Occupancy

8 Overnight package Per Person Per Person Per Person

Standard Room $1,800.00 $1,300.00 $1,100.00

Junior Suite $2,100.00 $1,500.00 $1,200.00

Junior Deluxe Suite $2,300.00 $1,600.00 $1,300.00

Loft Suite $2,600.00 $1,700.00 $1,400.00

The actual ESC conference is 5-7 Oct 2012. The prices shown are exact; no taxes are charged by AFRC.

An additional cost will be the banquet for Saturday night, Oct 6, 2012.

AFRC is providing airport pickup/return from Munich airport on 1 and 9 Oct 2012 for those guests staying at AFRC (as mentioned in the slide presentation).

If Munich airport pickup/return is required outside of the AFRC provided 1 and 9 Oct 2012, let me know and we can provide a shuttle for a per person charge.

V/r

Pete Mascetti

Department of Europe VFW

Adjutant

: Education & Training Update: In Just a Few Days, Important Changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes Take Effect

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:26:00 -0400

Effective October 1 – Important Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes

Beginning October 1, 2011 students can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for:

· Non-college degree programs

· On-the-job and apprenticeship training

· Flight school programs

· Correspondence training

· Housing allowance for students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning

· Students on active duty can receive a books and supplies stipend

Visit the National Resource Directory for more information about the GI Bill and other educational assistance programs.

For more information read the Warrior Care Blog post, A New Semester and New Rules for Post 9/11 GI Bill Recipients.

Changes_to_Post-911_GI_Bill_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Factors to consider when choosing a school

Department of New Hampshire October 2011 General Orders

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:09:00 -0400

Click Here to view Part 1 Of October General Orders

Click Here to View Part 2 of October General Orders

Military Records Information

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:17:00 -0400

The new address for the National Personnel Records Center:

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St Louis, MO 63138-1002

Military Service Records
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Military Record Requests Using Standard Form 180 (SF-180)
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
Start Your Military Service Record (DD Form 214) Request

www.archives.gov
How to Request Military Service Records, Military Personnel Files, Veterans Records, Discharge Paper

North Country Veterans Conference

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:49:00 -0400

There is still time to register for the North Country Veterans Conference
on Friday, September 30, 8:00am - 4:00pm at the Berlin Armory. The theme
for this FREE conference is Celebrating Generations, and the day will be
packed with great information. Over 40 agencies will be serving as Table
Booths (including 12 program areas from the White River Junction VA Medical
Center and VA Regional Office).

Please share this information with your veteran community. This event is
a wonderful opportunity for NH veterans to begin enrollment in the VA, learn
about their benefits, schedule appointments, speak to an employment rep,
learn about military family programs, and share any concerns or questions
they may have.

Continental breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge. But, all
attendees MUST register for this conference by calling Sue Johnson at
1-800-852-3345, extension 4301 OR email Sue at sljohnson@dhhs.state.nh.us

Check out the attached (still tentative) Agenda and Table Booth Listing.
(Unfortunately, we are not accepting any more table booth agencies.) The
Berlin Armory address is 2169 Riverside Drive (Route 16) and is located a
couple of miles north of downtown Berlin.

Thank you....and thank you for your service to our veteran community.

VFW Membership Benefit

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:07:00 -0400

s a VFW Member You Have More Reasons to Smile with the Dental Benefits You Want!

Enroll Online Today!

Did you know as a member of the VFW you are now eligible to enroll in dental benefits from MetLife?

With all of the emphasis on healthy living these days, it’s refreshing to know MetLife provides access to dental benefits that can help you and your family continue a healthy regimen while helping to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

As a VFW Member, you receive competitive group rates and cannot be denied coverage. All VFW members and their family members can enroll. In just a few clicks you could be on your way to smiling more!

For security purposes below is your password which you will need to log in to your personalized VFW Dental web page.

Your Password: RIN7387

MetLife helps you get the treatment you need:

Savings.¹ Do lower costs sound good to you? Our PDP dental fees range up to up 45%² less than the average dentist’s fees.
Flexibility. Visit any dentist whether they are in our network or not.
Healthier smiles. Health studies prove there’s a link between your oral health and your overall health – and people with dental benefits see their dentist more regularly.
Education. Still looking for a reason to see why you need dental benefits? Visit our oral healthlibrary to learn more about dental health, treatments and procedures.

OIF/OEF Gulf War Vet Outreach-- White River Junction

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:41:00 -0400

2011 VOD-PP DISTRICT REPORTING FORMS

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:16:00 -0400

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VOD-PP FORMS FROM NATIONAL TO BE SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN

Department of New Hampshire September 2011 General Orders

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:51:00 -0400

Click Here to View September 2011 General Orders

NASCAR Tickets

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:49:00 -0400

NH Motor Speedway has once again offered tickets to the 25 September NASCAR race to:

Active Duty Military, Active Drill-Status Reservists and their Immediate Family Members.

Family members of deployed Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen & Coast Guardsmen are also eligible, but tickets must be requested in the military member's name.

Retirees, contractors, and DoD civilians are not included in this offer (per directive of NHMS).

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TICKETS IS FOUR (4). SEATS WILL BE ASSIGNED AS "BEST

AVAILABLE" AT TIME OF REQUEST............... NO SECTION, ROW OR SEAT CAN BE

RESERVED..

Reply via email ONLY to: James.goss@us.army.mil and include ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

* Rank/Rate (not pay grade)

* Full Name of Military Member

* Military Unit of Assignment & Location

* Home Mailing Address

* Number of Tickets Requested

Offer will end Friday, 16 Sep 2011, @ 1200 hrs (noon) OR SOONER (AT THE DISCRETION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY).

Home Goods needed for Marine Vet

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:46:00 -0400

From: "Susan Peterson" <phil413.susan@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 8:31:01 PM
Subject: Furniture Needs

Good evening everyone...

Following are some items needed for a Veteran. He has served numerous deployments and is now home in New Hampshire. Please advise if you or someone you know might have these items. Below is the email from the Blue Star Mom.

Blessings...

Sue

All is well. My Marine is out of the service and home, and setting up housekeeping, so I thought I would see if my military family could help us locate the following items. They do not need to be free, just in decent shape.

So if anyone has any of these items, email me with your price!

Thanks,

Rachel

Electric Stove

Couch, preferably one that folds out to a bed

Lamps

Coffee Table

End Tables

Stereo System/Speakers

Dishes

Pots and Pans

Microwave

Blender

Coffee Maker

"This is My VFW" Membership Recruitment Video

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:53:00 -0400

Membership recruitment video shot at the 112th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars August 27-September 1, 2011. Our thanks to all who participated in the production. Please share this video with all of your friends and veterans on your social networks. And of course, if you have not yet joined the VFW, click here to join today!

Manchester NH Job Fair

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:12:00 -0400

VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS

JOB FAIR

MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1066 Front Street

Manchester, New Hampshire 03102

Thursday, November 10^th

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For additional information please contact:

David Tille at: david.tille@mail.house.gov

Ashley Pratt at: ashley.pratte@mail.house.gov or call (603) 641-9536

From Department Commander

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:07:00 -0400

See the request below from Dan Sites from Lone Wolf Productions (dan@lonewolfdg.com).

If you can help him out with any names and/or contacts, I would really appreciate it.

Please respond to him with any info you may have ASAP, please.

Thanks very much

----- Original Message -----

From: "Daniel Sites" <dan@lonewolfdg.com>

I'm writing to ask you for a favor. We have spoken to the Smithsonian Channel and they are interested in developing a 6 part series based on some of the aircraft in the National Air and Space Museum. Some of the stories will require that we interview veterans who flew certain aircraft such as the UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam or a UH-60 Blackhawk in Afghanistan or Iraq.

I'm wondering if you can point in me in a direction to find some of these veterans or maybe you know some personally. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Dan

Agent Orange Thailand Air Bases

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 01:23:00 -0400

The below mainly refers to Security Police, K-9 and those who worked the perimeter of these bases in Thailand. If you know of someone who served in Thailand, get them this information. The bases are in the sentence below the picture (U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang), if this is you, act quickly to receive benefits.

Agent Orange: Thailand Military Bases

Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits.

Error! Filename not specified.

U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand, 1972
The National Archives

The following Veterans may have been exposed to herbicides:

U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.

VA Medica Center Open House

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 01:21:00 -0400

Dr. Marc Levenson, Director, VA Medical Center, Manchester cordially invites you to attend an Open House for currently enrolled Veterans and Veterans interested in enrolling in health care. The Open House will also formally open the Home Based Primary Care Clinic at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Conway, New Hampshire.

We are interested in hearing your feedback on September 13th at 10:00AM. Please join us to visit the clinic, its expanded services and offer your thoughts regarding access to VA care from the Greater Conway area.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

10:00am to 2:00pm

VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic

71 Hobbs St., Suite #304

Conway, New Hampshire 03818

Light refreshments will be served.

If you have further questions regarding this event, please contact Stella Lareau, Public Affairs Officer, at 603-624-4366, extension 6779."

Similar Open House events are tentatively planned for Somersworth on October 17th between 10am and 2pm and Tilton on October 24th between 10am and 2pm.

VA Medical Center Manchester Bingo Nights Available

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 01:18:00 -0400

The VA Medical Center in Manchester is seeking sponsors for Bingo Nights at the Medical Center. In terms of resident enjoyment and attendance Bingo continues to be one of their most successful programs. For as little as $35 per evening you can sponsor a Bingo Night for any of the following open dates:

Sunday Sept 18 6:30PM

Sunday Sept 25 6:30PM

Thursday Sept 29 7:30PM

Friday Sept 30 7:30PM

Sunday Oct 2 6:30PM

Tuesday Oct 4 7:30PM

Sunday Oct 9 6:30PM

Sunday Oct 16 6:30PM

Sunday Oct 23 6:30PM

Saturday Oct 29 6:30PM

Sunday Oct 30 6:30PM

Sunday Nov 6 6:30PM

Sunday Nov 13 6:30PM

Sunday Nov 20 6:30PM

Wednesday Nov 23 7:30PM

Sunday Nov 27 6:30PM

Tuesday Nov 29 7:30PM

Wednesday Nov 30 7:30PM

Friday Dec 2 7:30PM

Sunday Dec 4 7:30PM

Tuesday Dec 6 7:30PM

If interested please contact Andy or Laura at the VA Manchester Medical Center at 603-624-4366 extensions 6267 or 6269.

Thanks,

John

NH VFW/VAVS Representative

Help for Disabled Veterans

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:53:00 -0400

From: "Susan Peterson" <phil413.susan@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2011 8:26:01 PM
Subject: Disabled Veterans

Good evening everyone....

With so many wounded warriors, I am sure you can help with the following request.

I was contacted by a friend that wanted to know about any disabled Veteran that may need some improvements to their home to make life easier. He works at Home Depot, and contacted me on their behalf. Home Depot, nationwide, are committed to helping Veterans in need to make an easier transition due to a disability.

Home Depot is willing to donate material and labor for ramps, grab bars in bathrooms or anything that they can provide assistance for our disabled Veterans. We are looking to nominate any Veteran in need in our region, which includes the Seacoast to Manchester and any city in between.

Many on this mailing list are outside our area. If you know of any Veteran in need in your region, please let me know as he would gladly pass on the info to the appropriate Home Depot.

Blessings.....

Sue

Proud Blue Star Mom

HONOR AND REMEMBER ALWAYS...

NEW COMMANDER CALLS CUTS IN BENEFITS "UNCONSCIONABLE"

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:51:00 -0400

NEW COMMANDER CALLS CUTS IN BENEFITS "UNCONSCIONABLE"
Friday, September 9, 2011
By: Veterans of Foreign Wars

VFW ready for battles that lie ahead ...

“We fully understand the difficult fiscal decisions our nation must make,” acknowledged newly elected Commander-in-Chief, Richard L. DeNoyer, in his acceptance speech. “But the programs and benefits veterans and military families have earned and deserve have already been paid for through their honorable service and sacrifice.”

A resident of Middleton, Massachusetts, DeNoyer was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States during the organization’s 112th National Convention. The Convention was held August 26-September 1, 2011, at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

“Regrettably, even though our all-volunteer military has shouldered a multi-theater war all by themselves for almost 10 years, even as we meet some in Congress have proposed plans that would leave America’s military and her veterans to shoulder more of the national debt,” he said.

DeNoyer served in the Marine Corps from 1960-1982. Upon his military retirement, he began a career in veterans advocacy, initially serving as a national service officer for American Veterans of World War II. In 1988, he began working for Paralyzed Veterans of America as a national service officer, senior benefit advocate and national field director, as well as supervising the Boston office and nine offices in the Northeast.

In 1981, he joined VFW Post 1012 in Medford, Massachusetts, where he maintains his life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department (state) levels culminating with his election as Department Commander in 2000-2001. He also has served on numerous national committees and as chairman of the Eastern States Conference.

DeNoyer’s address came near the conclusion of the annual convention and followed three days of notable guests' appearances, productive VFW workshops and the renowned "VFW Patriotic Rally." Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry met with attendees at VFW’s Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans Workshop and was later honored at the Rally. Petry received the nation’s highest military award on July 12 in a ceremony at the White House.

Gov. Rick Perry, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) greeted attendees at the Joint Opening Session on Monday. On Tuesday, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addressed convention delegates, as well as Deputy VA Secretary Scott Gould.

Ladies Auxiliary National President VIst-- Corrected Flyer

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:47:00 -0400

Click here to view corrected flyer

FROM NH VET CEMETERY

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:42:00 -0400

August 2011 Interments

Summary:

The NH State Veterans Cemetery Director, Michael W. Horne reports there were 94 burials placed during the month of August 2011.

Click here to download 08_11_interments.pdf

SCAM WARNING

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:37:00 -0400

All, I wanted to bring this to your attention in hopes that you will pass it along to all of your members. The below information is being passed around and is a SCAM. Please make members and supporters aware and advice accordingly. Thank you.

scam

I am pleased to announce that Veterans Of Foreign Wars has been selected for the 2011 Best of Hamlet Award in the Fraternal Associations category by the US Commerce Association (USCA).

I'm sure that your selection as a 2011 Award Winner is a reflection of the hard work of not only yourself, but of many people that have supported your business and contributed to the subsequent success of your organization. Congratulations on your selection to such an elite group of small businesses.

In recognition of your achievement, a special 2011 Best of Hamlet Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Veterans Of Foreign Wars by following the simple steps on the 2011 Best of Hamlet Award order form. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser to access the order form:
http://www.uscanotify.com/AC86-MTY3-GPP

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Also, a copy of the press release publicizing the selection of Veterans Of Foreign Wars is posted on the USCA website. USCA hereby grants Veterans Of Foreign Wars a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.

In order to provide you with the best possible service, you have been assigned an award code that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release. If you have any questions or comments, please include this code with your correspondence.

Your Award Code is: C86-MTY3-GPP

To place your order over the phone - please call us at: 646-355-0637 and select option 1.

fROM: Cara Putthoff

Veterans of Foreign Wars HQ

Communications Associate

(816) 968-1118

406 W. 34th St. KC, MO 64111

Twitter Facebook

VFW WANTS 'SPIRIT OF 9/11' BACK

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:34:00 -0400

America's sense of unity and purpose unfelt since Pearl Harbor attack

WASHINGTON (Sept. 8, 2011) — On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on America, the new national commander of the nation's largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization is calling on all Americans to renew their commitment to country and to all those serving in uniform and in emergency services, as well as their families.

"Ten years have passed since our nation was viciously attacked," said Richard L. DeNoyer, who was elected Sept. 1 as commander-in-chief of the 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries. "While our magnificent men and women in uniform continue to inflict tremendous damage on the enemy, most Americans have grown so complacent to the distant wars that they have forgotten about almost 40 successful or thwarted attempts on American soil over the past decade. That is a very dangerous mindset, because this war is far from finished."

DeNoyer, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Middleton, Mass., said just because America is planning to redeploy the great majority of its forces from Iraq and Afghanistan over the next few months and years doesn't mean the enemy will stop trying to kill Americans.

"Bringing the troops home won't end the threat to Americans here or abroad, or to U.S. allies and interests around the world," he said.

"War has two sides, and this one is against an unconventional enemy of religious and ideological extremists who occupy no territory, wave no flag, and wear no uniform. They hide behind women and children inside churches and mosques. They use the U.S. Constitution and America's sense of fair play and justice as weapons against us. They strap explosives on the backs of children and the mentally handicapped and send them into civilian marketplaces. Only a fool would believe they wouldn't have killed 30,000 or 300,000 had they had the means 10 years ago."

The new VFW national commander was assisting veterans from their disability claims when 9/11 occurred.

"I was working on the 15th floor of the JFK Federal Building in Boston when the radio announced a plane had just hit one of the Twin Towers," he remembered. "Everyone assumed it was just a tragic accident, but when the second plane hit, we knew it was intentional. My first reaction was disbelief, then shock, and finally anger. My thought was this is an act of war! We must retaliate! We can't let someone get away with this!"

As the situation in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania continued to unfold, the American public rallied together with a sense of unity and purpose that had been unfelt in the country since the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

"In ceremonies across the country this weekend, the VFW will never forget the bravery of those aboard United Airlines flight 93, who chose to fight back in the skies above Pennsylvania," said DeNoyer.

"We will never forget the bravery of coworkers and emergency responders who chose to run towards the fires of Ground Zero and the Pentagon to enable others to live. We will never forget the bravery of more than 2 million men and women who have spent the majority of the past 10 years taking the fight directly to the bad guys, nor the 6,200 who died in Afghanistan and Iraq, or their families left behind. And we will never forget the high school graduating class of 2011, who were in the 2nd grade when 9/11 occurred but still enlisted in a military at war.

"We must all use this 10th anniversary to remind ourselves that we are in a long war," said DeNoyer, "and that our only defense is those who wear the uniform, our intelligence agencies, and our emergency responders at home. The VFW will never forget the memories of and lessons-learned from 9/11, or the challenges that lay ahead. America must not, either."

Veterans" Medallion Available for Order New Option for Marking Veterans" Graves in Private Cemeteries

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:32:00 -0400

Veterans’ Medallion Available for Order

New Option for Marking Veterans’ Graves in Private Cemeteries

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a Veteran.

“For Veterans not buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery, or those without a government grave marker, VA is pleased to offer this option that highlights their service and sacrifices for our country,” said Secretary Shinseki.

Each service has own medallion.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for Veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Under federal law, eligible Veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1 ½ inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp.

VA is currently developing an application form for ordering the medallion. Until it is available, applicants may use the form for ordering government headstones and markers, VA Form 40-1330. Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are found on the VA Web site at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker.

The new medallions will be available only to Veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA Web site on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Copy this and send it your email contacts

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 03:09:00 -0400

We have less than one week and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America . If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

So, here's what we need you to do .

(1) Forward this email. (Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America !

--
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the others die for your freedom.

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 03:02:00 -0400

WASHINGTON – Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

An updated list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships confirmed to have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore, has been posted at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/ to assist Vietnam Veterans in determining potential eligibility for compensation benefits.

“Posting of the ships list is an important recognition of the sacrifices U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veterans made for this Nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It provides an easier path for Veterans who served in Vietnam to get the benefits and services they are entitled to under the law.”

VA presumes herbicide exposure for any Veteran with duty or visitation within the country of Vietnam or on its inland waterways during the Vietnam era. Comprehensive information about the 14 recognized illnesses under VA’s “presumption” rule for Agent Orange is also located on the webpage.

In practical terms, Veterans with qualifying Vietnam service who develop a disease associated with Agent Orange exposure need not prove a medical link between their illnesses and their military service. This presumption simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.

For questions about Agent Orange and the online list of ships, Veterans may call VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3.

When a claim is filed by a Veteran, surviving spouse or child, VA will determine whether the Veteran qualifies for the presumption of exposure based on official records of the ship’s operations. Ships will be regularly added to the list based on information confirmed in these official records.

Even if a Veteran is not filing a claim, a Veteran may conduct his or her own research and submit scanned documentary evidence such as deck logs, ship histories, and cruise book entries via email to 211_AOSHIPS.VBACO@va.gov.

Service on board ships anchored in an open water harbor, such as Da Nang Harbor, or on ships on other open waters around Vietnam during the war, is not considered sufficient for the presumption of Agent Orange exposure. For Veterans interested in obtaining deck logs, contact the National Archives at College Park, Md., at http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/college-park/researcher-info.html.

The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three conditions added to the list of Agent Orange presumptives last year (Parkinson’s disease, hairy cell and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and ischemic heart disease).

This website makes it easy to electronically file a claim and allows Veterans and their physicians to upload evidence supporting the claim. It also permits online viewing of claim status.

Veterans claiming other conditions may file online at VA’s My-eBenefits web site at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming their identity), and use a growing number of online services.

Servicemembers may enroll in My-eBenefits using their Common Access Card at any time during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings.

Veterans may also enroll through their myPay or MyHealtheVet accounts, by visiting their local VA regional office or Veteran Service Organization, or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Click on the Link to read about NH 100 Nights of Rememberance

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 03:00:00 -0400

A news item has been posted at NHSVC.com:

New Hampshire's 100 Nights of Remembrance: http://www.nhsvc.com/node/968

Ladies Auxiliary National President Visit

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 07:46:00 -0400

Sisters & Comrades,

Our National President's visit is fast approaching. Post 1772 & Auxiliary will be hosting a lobsta bake on Monday September 12th. To date we have only received a few reservations for dinner. Our drop-dead-deadline is Thursday the 8th for us to order the lobsta and chicken. The donation is $10 you can pay at the door however please call me 834-1897 or Mary Pasquarosa 235-1752 to reserve lobsta or chicken. Will be having a Luau theme so wear your Hawaiian clothes and don't forget your "SLIPPAS".

Hope to see you on the 12th.

Donna Knapper, President

LAVFW 1772

Ladies Auxiliary Convention Report

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 07:44:00 -0400

Ladies,

The New Hampshire delegation has just returned from a very successful National Convention.

I would like to personally congratulate Donna Fischer on her achievement of Outstanding Department President. Donna's leadership shined as our Department accepted many awards at the National Convention. Congratulations Donna and I wish you all the best on your future endeavors.

Congratulations also goes out to the following Chairpersons:

Donna Ralston - Americanism 1st Place

Ann Pawlik - Community Services - 1st Place

Susan Manning - Historian 1st Place

Margaret Perry - Hospital VAVS Runner-up

Cathie Chevalier - Legislative Award for encouraging members to communicate with Legislators - Runner-up

Linda Theroux - Membership 1st Place

Dot Mattson - Veterans and Family Support Runner-up

Beth Kimball - Voice of Democracy/Patriots Pen 1st Place

The National Convention's other hightlights included a National dues increase of $1.50 effective January 1, 2012. Also, as no acceptable proposal for a new uniform was presented, it was decided to stay with the same blue uniform for this year as a new uniform committee will search and bring the report to next year's convention. National President Gwen Rankin stated that if you do not have the blue uniform please wear a black suit as the uniform - these will be the official uniforms for this year.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to every member for their continued support of this Department and this great organization. Please keep up the great work and remember that without our members we cannot work our programs. As always remember to report everything you do online.

See you soon,

Beth Kimball

Department President

Sucicde Help line

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 07:43:00 -0400

Changing the Legacy of Suicide: Success Before Stress

No Veteran should commit suicide. No man or woman who dedicated their life to preserving freedom for Americans should ever feel so hopeless that they would want to end their life. But it happens. If you are reading this and have considered suicide, know this: you are not alone. Thousands have been there and have made it through.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Visit the National Resource Directory for information about other confidential programs and services that can help you and your family.

Take a self-check quiz.

Job Search Seminars for Returning Military and Spouses

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 05:06:00 -0400

Click here to read about FREE Seminar for Returning Military and Spouses

Hurricane Damage

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 08:37:00 -0400

State Commander Paul Lloyd would like to know if anyone else other then the Bartlett area sustained damage from the Hurricane, either personal or damage to your Post. If so we will look into ways we can help.

Milford Labor Day Parade

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 08:36:00 -0400

The Milford Parade begins at 1:00. For those marching you can meet at noon at the Post and they will shuttle you over to the High School. For those decorating the float, we need to be at the Hight School by 11:30. The parade does NOT get cancelled due to weather; however, if it is raining the float will NOT be in the parade and cars will need to be used.

Nashua Post 483 Thursday Night Supper Sept 8th

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:25:00 -0400

State Service Officer

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:20:00 -0400

For the last four days John Barrett has not had any outgoing phone lines in his office due to phone maintenance in his building. However, he can accept incoming calls. If people are not getting calls returned, please be patient.

Dana Hussey, State Adjutant

Live Stream of 112th VFW National Convention

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:19:00 -0400

KANSAS CITY, Mo., August 24, 2011 - VFW is pleased to announce this year’s 112th VFW National Convention will stream live on www.vfw.org from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas August 29-September 1.

Streaming is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. (CDT) on Monday, August 29th during the call to order of the VFW/Ladies Auxiliary, Joint Opening Session. The stream will continue for the duration of the session including a visit from Texas Governor, Rick Perry and San Antonio Mayor, Julian Castro as well as the presentation of the VFW Hall of Fame Award to Leeann Tweeden and appearances by many other notable guests.

Streaming of the VFW General Sessions will continue live August 30-September 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Replays will run from approximately 1 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the next day.

Don’t miss the installation of our next VFW Commander-in-Chief, Richard DeNoyer, and more event coverage from the comfort of your own computer!

Crown Royal Bags

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:22:00 -0400

MooreMart will be supporting Bravo Company during their deployment which will include 180 marines from the Londonderry reserve Center as well as roughly 540 from throughout New England.

One of the items we would like to send is the Crown Royal bags. The Marines place their night vision goggles into the bag.

I need about 500.

Could you put the word out to your various groups and ask them to collect the bags and if possible drop them off on September 8^th, 2011 between 3 and 7pm at the Nashua National Guard Armory.

Any help would be appreciated.

Agent Orange for vets not in Vietnam

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:20:00 -0400

Dana could be helpful information for our members that were not in Viet Nam.

Have a good day

DaveO

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asp

Veterans Victory Run and Pig Roast September 10, 2011 Littleton

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:49:00 -0400

Veterans Victory Run
September 10, 2011
(Rain Date September 11, 2011)
$15 - Rider $5-Per Passenger
10th Anniversary of September 11th
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Cash prizes for 3 Best Hands!!!
Registration 10 AM , Littleton VFW Post #816 with stops
Franconia, Lincoln, Woodsville and Littleton
Return to VFW for Awards and Pig Roast
Kickstands up at 11:15 AM
All vehicles welcome to participate !!
Ride time: Approx. 4 hrs.

Pig Roast by donation
Xtreme Tattoo On Site 20 + years experience
Raffles Lots of Extras

Proceeds to benefit Veterans and Their Families
More information?
Call Lori at 603-616-3862 or e-mail Steve at pickensenterprises@yahoo.com
Sponsored by the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 816, Littleton, NH

VFW CHIDES WHITE HOUSE, TEXAS GOVERNOR FOR NO-SHOW

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:33:00 -0400

VFW CHIDES WHITE HOUSE, TEXAS GOVERNOR FOR NO-SHOW

VFW IS INSULTED NEITHER WHITE HOUSE REP OR TX GOVERNOR ARE ATTENDING NATIONAL CONVENTION

August 22, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo., August 22, 2011 - The White House will not be sending a representative to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 112^th National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, drawing harsh criticism and a rebuke from the leadership of the nation's largest combat veteran’s organization.

"The VFW has had a long-standing tradition of inviting the sitting president to address our convention. We want to know where he stands on veterans’ affairs, and we want those remarks made in public and on the record,” said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the nearly 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.

“When the President is unable to attend, it has always been customary for the White House to choose a high-level administration official as an alternative speaker,” Eubank continued. “It is an insult of the highest magnitude that for the first time in the history of the VFW, the White House has apparently decided that this great and iconic organization of combat veterans and all of its members are not worthy of its notice by not at least offering a first-tier speaker from the administration.”

Eubank, a Marine Corps retiree and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore., was also critical of Texas Governor, Rick Perry; “The VFW also has a tradition of inviting the governor of the host state where its annual convention is being held to come and welcome and greet our convention delegates. Although Governor Perry was similarly sent an invitation 3 months ago, apparently our invitation was deemed not important enough for the governor’s office to at least accept or decline the invitation. Governor Perry’s candidacy for president does not provide him an excuse for bad manners. The White House and Governor Perry can rest assured that the 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries will remember this discourteous treatment for a very long time to come.”

Annually, the VFW's National Convention plays host to a number of other speakers as well, including prominent members of the Cabinet, military and civic leaders, business leaders and a host of everyday people honored for their exemplary service.

Funeral Donations still needed

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:31:00 -0400

Comrades and Sisters,

I wish to thank everyone who has donated to William O'Connell's funeral costs. William O'Connell was a veteran who passed away almost a month ago and whose family cannot afford the cost of cremating and shipping his remains to his daughter.

Please spread the word that we are over half way to reaching the $2,000 goal but need one more push to raise the final $800. . If you have not donated, please consider making one today to help make "Billy's" last request happen. Billy's family is very appreciative for all of your support and dedication to a veteran you never met.

Donations should be sent to:

Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road

Hampton, NH 03842

Please make checks payable to: Remick & Gendron Funeral Home and put "William O'Connell" on the memo line.

Thank you again for all you do for our veterans.

Beth Kimball

Dept. President

North Country Veterans Conference Sept 30th

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:27:00 -0400

On behalf of the North Country Veterans Planning Committee, we would like to invite you to attend the North Country Veterans Conference on Friday,
September 30th, 8:00am - 4:00pm at the Berlin Armory. The theme for this
year's conference is Celebrating Generations and is open to all veterans,
service members and their families, as well as agencies and organizations
who serve - or want to serve - the North Country Veteran Community.

There are over 135,000 veterans residing in New Hampshire. The NH
National Guard is also welcoming home returning soldiers from the 197th
Fires Brigade this month. For nearly 11 months, more than 700 NH National
Guard members of the 197th have been activited to support Operation New
Dawn based out of the country of Kuwait.

This conference will include keynote speakers, panelists and over 20
resource tables to help address the needs of veterans from all eras - as
well as the agencies who serve our veteran community. A Generational Panel
will share personal experiences, as well as how they secured help and
services. A team from WRJ VA Medical Center will be available throughout
the day to answer any questions on enrollment, benefits, mental health
services, caregiving, homelessness and other veteran services.

Continental breakfast and lunch are free. During lunch, attendees can visit
the table displays, begin VA enrollment, take a tour of the Mobile Vet
Center, or enjoy lunch while listening to the Bodacious Babes - performing a
diverse selection of patriotic songs.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register,
call 1-800-852-3345, extention 4301 or email Sue at
sljohnson@dhhs.state.nh.us

Thank you and have a great day. jo

Jo Moncher
Bureau Chief
Community Based Military Programs
Department of Health and Human Services
271-4402

Fisher Cats game Aug 25th Support the VFW

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:22:00 -0400

Help support the VFW by purchasing tickets to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game on Thursday August 25, 2011. Tickets start at just $6 and $4 of each ticket goes to support the VFW. The Fisher Cats will take on the Washington Nationals affiliate; the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05PM. Take part in a pre-game parade, opportunity to present the colors, and enjoy a fantastic Atlas Fireworks Show following the game!

You can get your tickets to support the VFW, through your VFW contact, via www.nhfishercats.com, then go to the “Group Outings” tab and select the SPECIAL OFFER CODE TICKETS option or click here and use the special offer code: VFW then select your preferred ticket location. Each ticket purchased includes a special savings a $4 donation back to the VFW.

Thank you so much for your support, we look forward to welcoming you out to the ballpark on Thursday, August 25, 2011.

VFW Chides White House, Texas Governor for No-Show

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:42:00 -0400

KANSAS CITY, Mo., August 22, 2011 - The White House will not be sending a representative to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 112th National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, drawing harsh criticism and a rebuke from the leadership of the nation's largest combat veteran's organization.

"The VFW has had a long-standing tradition of inviting the sitting president to address our convention. We want to know where he stands on veterans' affairs, and we want those remarks made in public and on the record," said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the nearly 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.

"When the President is unable to attend, it has always been customary for the White House to choose a high-level administration official as an alternative speaker," Eubank continued. "It is an insult of the highest magnitude that for the first time in the history of the VFW, the White House has apparently decided that this great and iconic organization of combat veterans and all of its members are not worthy of its notice by not at least offering a first-tier speaker from the administration."

Eubank, a Marine Corps retiree and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore., was also critical of Texas Governor, Rick Perry; "The VFW also has a tradition of inviting the governor of the host state where its annual convention is being held to come and welcome and greet our convention delegates. Although Governor Perry was similarly sent an invitation 3 months ago, apparently our invitation was deemed not important enough for the governor�"s office to at least accept or decline the invitation. Governor Perry's candidacy for president does not provide him an excuse for bad manners. The White House and Governor Perry can rest assured that the 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries will remember this discourteous treatment for a very long time to come."

POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept 10, 2011

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:30:00 -0400

This is just a reminder that the annual Department of New Hampshire VFW and Ladies Auxiliary POW /MIA Recognition Day is Saturday September 10, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. Please try to arrive by 9:30 a.m. . There will be more details forthcoming as plans are finalized.

Let's have a great turn out to honor our former POWs for their sacrifices in service to our country and to remember and "never forget" our remaining "missing in action".

Ron Preble

VFW Americanism Chair

Linda Theroux

Dept of NH Jr. Vice President

Ladies Auxiliary Dept. Americanism Chair

PDC Ron Miller Update

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:29:00 -0400

Ron Miller had his other knee replaced and all went well he was transferred to the Greenbrier rehab in Nashua on August 18th

Women Veteran Exposition September 10, 2011

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:24:00 -0400

POST 1698 SCHOLARSHIP FUND RAISER

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:20:00 -0400

Please support the VFW Post Scholarship Fund and help a Student from Franklin and Winnisquam Regional High School.

Join us by coming down to the “Don Fogg Steak-Out” or sending a tax free donation to the

Don Fogg Scholarship

c/o VFW Post 1698

P.O. Box 143

Franklin, NH 03235

Thank You

Job Fair for Veterans

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:20:00 -0400

You are cordially invited to participate in my VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS JOB FAIR scheduled for November 10th in Manchester, New Hampshire. We will bring together veterans, and those currently serving in our Armed Forces, with job creators who are ready to expand their workforce. It is free and open to all New Hampshire residents.

Where: Manchester Community College 1066 Front Street Manchester, NH 03102

When: Thursday, November 10^th 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Proposed Legislative fix

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 05:51:00 -0400

Here is the proposed legislative fix by Rep Coffey to fix the issue of that Marine being turned away last Wed from free entry into a NH State Park.

-----Original Message-----

From: "Rep. Jenn Coffey" <jenn@jenncoffey.com>

Date: Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:26:03

To: <senclegg@aol.com>

Subject: Re: Hey

Rep. Jenn Coffey, NREMT-I

Merrimack District 6

Vice-Chairman Commerce and Consumer Affairs Chairman Business and Banking Division

www.jenncoffey.com

Current law:

TITLE XIX
PUBLIC RECREATION

CHAPTER 216-A
EXPANSION OF STATE PARK SYSTEM

Section 216-A:3-g

216-A:3-g Fees for Park System. – Current

    V. (a) Any active member of a federally recognized unit of the New Hampshire national guard who is a legal resident of this state, and who meets the minimum requirements for satisfactory membership, as defined in the United States Department of the Army and the United States Department of the Air Force regulations, and is serving in pay grades E1 through E6 shall not be charged a fee for admission to the state park system. This section shall apply to members of the Active Guard and Reserve program in the New Hampshire national guard.
       (b) Any New Hampshire national guard member who retired in pay grade E6 or below shall not be charged a fee for day-use admission to the state park system.
       (c) Any fees for the use of enterprise activities as described in paragraph II of this section shall be charged.

Purposed change:

Repeal and replace sections V of 216-A:3-g

V. (a) Any active member of a federally recognized unit of the United States Armed Services who is a legal resident of this state, and who meets the minimum requirements for satisfactory membership, as defined in the United States Departments of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Homeland Security regulations, shall not be charged a fee for admission to the state park system. This section shall apply to members of the Active Guard and Reserve program in the New Hampshire national guard and members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

(b) Any New Hampshire resident who is retired and or honorably discharged from any branch of the US armed forces or New Hampshire National Guard shall not be charged a fee for day-use admission to the state park system.

(c) Any NH resident who is an active duty member of a federally recognized unit of the United States Armed Services, and who meets the minimum requirements for satisfactory membership, as defined in the United States Departments of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Homeland Security regulations, their minor children and spouse, shall not be charged an admission fee for day use of any facility in the state park system

(d) Any fees for the use of enterprise activities as described in paragraph II of this section shall be charged.

PDC Paul Lamotts Gratitued to the Dept of NH

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 05:48:00 -0400

Marcia, PDC Paul Lamott's daughter, wishes to convey her sincerest gratitude to the Department of NH VFW for a most fitting tribute to her father, at the memorial ceremonies held yesterday. She was deeply moved, and appreciative of the attendees. A "farewell" she will always remember, and cherish forever. The VFW Officers, the Honor Guard from the Haverhill Memorial VFW, and Ladies Auxiliary members showed BOTH Professionalism, and Reverance.
She was sorry to have missed meeting everyone, but understood prior engagements meant early departure. She sends her love, and best wishes for all.

I, personally wish to thank those in attendance, and was HONORED to conduct the Memorial Ritual.
Another job well done ! I hope all had a safe trip home.

In Comradeship,
Bruce Carbone, Chaplain
Dept. NH VFW

Native American Toy Fund

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 01:52:00 -0400

Need assistance with funeral costs

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 01:49:00 -0400

William Joseph O'Connell, III, a 63 year old Army veteran, passed away last week. His arrangements are being handled by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home.

Billy was temporarily living with his cousin after being discharged from the hospital. His dying request was to be cremated and sent to his daughter in Hawaii. The total cost is approximately $2,000.00. Unfortunately, he did not have any funds nor do his cousin or daughter.

As the family is unable to raise the funds, we are asking for assistance from Auxiliaries and Posts throughout the state. Once finalized, we are also planning a small service to pay final respects to Billy before he is sent to his daughter.

Donations should be sent to:

Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road

Hampton, NH 03842

Please make checks payable to: Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

Please notation on memo line: William Joseph O'Connell, III

Thank you for stepping up and assisting this veteran and his family.

Beth Kimball, Department President

Recruiting Opportunities

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 01:46:00 -0400

Hi All,

Follow this link to the fairs etc. Good recruiting opportunities.

http://www.fairsandfun.com/newhampshirefairsandfun.html

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

Nevers Band Concert

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 01:45:00 -0400

FYI

Next Tuesday, August 9 at the State House Plaza, the Nevers Band will have their final concert of the season at 7 p.m. This will be their annual salute to the Military. Governor Lynch has been invited to conduct the band for a couple of numbers. WMUR TV 9 will also conduct the band for a couple of numbers.

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

VFW letter: the debt deal's done, now what?

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 09:38:00 -0400

Dear VFW, Ladies Auxiliary and Supporters:

The president this afternoon signed congressional legislation to raise the federal debt limit and reduce government spending. The larger question is now how this all impacts veterans, service members, their families and survivors.

The measure passed by the Senate today and in the House yesterday will raise the $14.3 trillion debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion. An additional $500 billion could come in the fall, provided two-thirds of Congress approves. The final increase, expected early next year, would provide the Treasury enough borrowing power to pay its bills into 2013.

The deal also calls for sharp cuts in agency spending --- about $917 billion over the next decade --- starting with a $25 billion reduction in fiscal year 2012, which begins Oct. 1, with a second set of reductions coming later this year via a special committee charged with wringing at least $1.2 trillion more over the next decade. If the committee fails to act --- or if Congress does not adopt its recommendations by Dec. 23 --- government spending would be cut across the board by the same amount, with the reductions split 50:50 between security and non-security programs.

Either way, many DOD and VA programs and services could be negatively impacted, which would counteract everything the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. has worked hard to create over the past 112 years. The VFW and our supporters cannot let this happen.

On the VFW website is a list of 10 services and programs the organization believes are most vulnerable to being cut or curtailed in order to help pay for 10 years of war. The "10 for 10" list will form the basis of VFW's legislative efforts and calls to action to its membership and grassroots supporters. Now is the time to re-engage with your members of Congress.

Yours in Comradeship,

ROBERT E. WALLACE
Executive Director
VFW Washington Office

DEPT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AUGUST 2011 GENERAL ORDERS

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:43:00 -0400

CLICK HERE TO READ DEPT OF NH AUGUST 2011 GENERAL ORDERS

VASH Looking for Families

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:41:00 -0400

Subject project based vash looking for families

Please help to recruit families for this new project based VASH, a
partnership between The Way Home, Manchester Housing and the VA. We have
three, 3-4 bedroom units for 9/1 and six more similar units after that.

The veteran will have to be qualify income wise, be found eligible for
VA
medical care and also be amenable to Case management services .

Please help us to circulate this info so we can fill up this great new
resource.

Please have vets fill out the VASH prescreen questionnaire and send it
in,
or they can call Tracey Noonan at (603) 624-4366 X6883.

Thanks,

Tracey Noonan

VASH Program Manager
Manchester VAMC
T: (603)624-4366 X6883
F: (603) 629-3244

NH Vet Home Ceremony August 3rd

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:40:00 -0400

Attention all of you submariners, sailors and/or Portsmouth Naval Yard workers…

On Wednesday, August 3, 2011, Bruce Aquizap of Hampton, and a member of the original USS Nautilus—of under the ice cap fame—will be visiting the Veterans Home.

He will be here to make a special presentation to us from the boat’s original crew.

We plan to have this ceremony around 10:30AM.

All are invited…yes, even you non- sailors.

Hope to see you here.

Barry

Send Sen. Ayotte a "thank you" for taking care of our veterans,

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:37:00 -0400

Send Sen. Ayotte a "thank you" for taking care of our veterans,

she is doing an awesome job on the Senate Armed Services Committee for all veterans. senator@ayotte.senate.gov

Or even better, call one of her local offices and tell them "thanks" from the VFW

Jul 25,2011 - Senate Passes Ayotte Amendment to Help Speed Next Generation Prosthetics to Wounded Warriors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate passed an amendment introduced by Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) that seeks to help American service members and veterans receive advanced prosthetics more quickly. Senator Ayotte filed the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which the Senate passed today by a vote of 97-2.

The Ayotte amendment requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to send Congress a comprehensive plan detailing a strategy and timetable to make available to injured service members and veterans the next generation of advanced prosthetics.

Under Senator Ayotte's amendment, the Secretary will be required to submit a report within 90 days to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs. The report will address the challenges that delay the delivery of these prosthetics to service members and veterans.

"Our Wounded Warriors have sacrificed so much, and they deserve the very best available care and treatment for their injuries," said Senator Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "We must not allow bureaucratic obstacles and red tape to deprive service members and veterans of the next generation prosthetics that will dramatically improve their lives."

National Convention Shuttle-email from National

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:02:00 -0400

Good morning,

Apparently all the VFW Departments received this same communication. This is the first I’ve heard of this company and after checking with my San Antonio convention and visitors point of contact, it is a legitimate company, however a small company.

I know nothing about it and further would question their statement of being 20% less than other shuttle providers with the quote of $15 one-way, $28 round-trip. I tried calling them just now, was put on hold and then told they were not available and to leave a message. To me, personally, that’s a red flag! I would use your own good judgment when booking or referring a VFW convention attendee to utilize this company – My Shuttle.

The following information is what you will find within our VFW Convention pre-registration brochure located as a link on the VFW Convention web page. This company bid to be the official SAN ANTONIO AIRPORT shuttle and won the bid.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to and from the AirportThe San Antonio International Airport is approximately 8.5 miles from the downtown business district. Travel time to the downtown business district is approximately 15 minutes. Airport shuttle and taxi staging are located just outside the terminals near baggage claim. VIA, San Antonio's transit system is available by riding the Employee Shuttle to the nearest stop.

Go Airport Shuttle

Ticket Booths located in baggage area in both terminals

Phone 210 281-9900

www.saairportshuttle.com

$16 one-way

$28 round-trip

DRESS FOR THIS WEEKEND

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:23:00 -0400

As I put out last week. The dress for this weekend will be casual. Please dress for the weather, the forecast is for terrible hot temperatures and we do not need any causalities.

Thank you,

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

COAST GUARD MEMORIAL DEDICATION

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:19:00 -0400

join us at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 6, 2011 for the dedication of the US Coast Guard monument.

Join the New Hampshire Coast Guard Monument Committee to dedicate a fitting tribute to all the men and women who have served, who are currently serving or will serve in the United States Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The dedication will be held at NH State Veterans Cemetery on the Memorial Walkway at the site of the monument on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:00AM.

Department Surgeon Mark Mccabe will representing the Department.

Thank you,

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

RITUAL FOR PDC PAUL LaMOTT

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:15:00 -0400

This is to notify everyone that the Department Officers will be doing the final ritual for PDC Paul LaMott at the Memorial Service on Saturday, August 6 at 11 AM at the First Congregational Church of Haverhill,NH (120 School St.) UCC with Rev. Dr. Terri Young officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hampshire Veterans Home, c/o N.H.V.H. Benefit Fund, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276. Full obituary can be read at www.rickerfh.com

Thank you,

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

VFW Advocates Help Defeat Anti-Veteran Amendment

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:12:00 -0400

Yesterday's Senate vote on an amendment to restrict benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War was defeated by a vote of 69-30. I personally want to thank our membership and advocates for making this happen. Your calls and e-mails let the Senators know that the VFW was adamantly opposed to any rule change that would placed undue burdens on veterans seeking an Agent Orange presumption. We ask that you now take time to thank those Senators who voted in favor of veterans, as well as to let those who voted for the amendment know that we are disappointed that they would try to balance the budget on the backs of disabled veterans. To view the Roll Call vote, go tohttp://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00114.

Bob Wallace
Executive Director
VFW Washington Office

Thanks from National Home

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:09:00 -0400

July 21, 2011 Richard Angwin, Past Post Commander Angwin Electric 9 Maple Street Concord, NH 03301 Dear Richard: It was my pleasure meeting you, Post Commander Dexter Heath and Sr. Vice Commander Zeana Morris on your recent visit to the National Home campus. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the National Home Management Team I extend our grateful thanks to all of you for installing all electrical services in the new duplex being built on the campus. Your generosity and professional service saved the National Home thousands of dollars in labor and we truly appreciate your expertise, your time and your hard work. We extend our thanks, as well, to the Veterans Foundation of New Hampshire for their $500 donation to you to help cover expenses. The new duplex is scheduled to be dedicated Friday, October 22nd during the Annual Meeting of Life Members, and we hope you will be able to come back to join in the celebration. Thank you again, Richard, Dexter and Zeana for everything you do to provide Help, Hope and Honor to our nation"s active duty military, veterans and their children and families. Sincerely, Patrice Green Executive Director c: Dexter Heath, Commander, VFW Post 1631 Zeana Morris, Sr. Vice Commander, VFW Post 1631 Dana Hussey, President, Veterans Foundation of New Hampshire Donna Knapper, President, VFW National Home for Children, Board of Trustees

Volunteers needed at Air Show

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:12:00 -0400

Would you please put the word out that VFW will be having a table at the Air Show, Aug 13-14 and we need some volunteers. Dick Tripp is the point of contact.

Thank you

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander

Chosin Documentary July 26th Keene

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:43:00 -0400

In an effort to honor local Korean War Veterans, acknowledge the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War and to educate the public, a screening of the documentary “CHOSIN” will be held at the Keene High School auditorium on Tuesday evening, July 26 from 7-9 pm. CHOSIN is the account of the Chosin Reservoir campaign during the Korean War that took the lives of nearly 4 million people, 36,576 of them American. The screening is open to the public at no charge. Donations will be accepted and forward to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. Seating is limited to 200 people.

For more information contact Jay Punt at 603-738-2759 or email jpunt@ymail .com

Post 483 Supper July 28

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:41:00 -0400

Richard Gordon Memorial Service

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:36:00 -0400

Memorial services for Richard Gordon will be held Thursday, July 21st, at 12:00 noon, in the Memorial Chapel, at the State Veteran's Cemetary, in Boscawen. There will be a luncheon served at the Franklin Post home following. All are invited.

Internment will be at a later date, per Phyllis' request.

Please pass on to all.

Bruce Carbone, Chaplain
NH VFW

VFW Foundation Support by Coffee Distributor

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:37:00 -0400

Return the favor one delicious cup at a time.

Did you know that every time you buy The Roasterie's Return the Favor custom coffee blend from theroasterie.com, 10% goes right back to the VFW Foundation, which honors, celebrates, and supports active-duty military members, veterans, and their families?

Now, The Roasterie and the VFW Foundation are thrilled to extend an exclusive bulk-buying offer on this coffee to VFW posts. Even with these discounts, the Foundation will still receive 10% of every purchase.

This delicious, universally-appealing blend was created by representatives of the Kansas City-based VFW Foundation with help from The Roasterie coffee experts. It's a sweet and balanced blend with heavy notes of dark chocolate and almond.

About The Roasterie

The Roasterie was started in 1993 in the basement of Danny O'Neill's Kansas City home and has become one of the most renowned specialty coffee roasters in the nation. Since January of 2010, eight of The Roasterie's coffees have received a ranking of 90 or higher on CoffeeReview.com, the premier international coffee-buying guide. The Roasterie imports only 100-percent Arabica Specialty Grade coffees from 31 different producing countries, and each coffee bean purchased by The Roasterie has been picked by hand. Read more.

To get your order started today, give us a call at 816.931.4000.

Bulk Order Offer Pricing for VFW Posts

Quantity	Packaging	Grind	Price	Minimum	Free Shipping
1	12-oz bag(public pricing)	Whole bean or ground	$12.01	None	Yes, over $40
64 per case	4-oz Portion Pack (standard air pot)	Ground, Autodrip	$180.15/case	10 Cases	Yes
24 per case	8-oz Portion Pack (brews 1.5 gal)	Ground, Autodrip	$144.12/case	10 Cases	Yes
1	2-lb bag	Whole bean or ground	$24.02	None	Yes, over 40 lbs.
1	5-lb bag	Whole bean or ground	$60.05	None	Yes, over 40 lbs.

Air Fares to National Convention

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:35:00 -0400

Just a reminder – to comply with the travel policy on the expense form, all tickets for paid appointments are required to be purchased 30 days prior to the first day of convention, August 27. If the tickets are purchased after July 27 and the airfare is higher than it would have been on that date, the VFW has the option of requesting the appointee to pay the difference.

Allen “Gunner” Kent

Adjutant General

Mary Anne Vassholz

Executive Assistant to Assistant Adjutant General-Operations

Outting Shuttle

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:34:00 -0400

From what Dist. 5 Cdr Nelson told me, the shuttle will be bringing those who left their car at the outing overnight, back to their vehicles Sunday morning. If you feel the need for further clarification, contact Butch. Pass on to all.

Bruce

Gulf War Veterans needed

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:31:00 -0400

WE Need YOU AND YOUR ASSISTANCE!

Many Veterans and Civilians ask how can you help veterans. Well there is so many ways. Here is Number 1…

We need 15 healthy gulf war veterans or healthy civilians in same age range to finish a medical research project for ill Gulf War Veterans. The cost of travel etc is covered. The information can be found at

http://www9.georgetown.edu/FACULTY/BARANIUJ/Site/Welcome.html

Call them at 202-687-8231

This researcher was recruited to help gulf war veterans who are ill. Got him to present to VA RAC GWI and then convinced him to apply for funding thru DOD CDMRP GWIRP. The same program that veterans of the gulf war who are ill fought for and fight each year to get funding thru Congress on Defense Appropriations.

This program is the only one open to all doctors/researchers worldwide to compete for in a two panel peer review process.

In order to complete this valuable research we need 15 healthy gulf war veterans or civilians. The costs are covered.

Please help gulf war veterans who are ill. This is NUMBER 1 way to help RIGHT NOW. The Need is urgent.

Please send this message to everyone you know and place on your Facebook pages and ask others to also circulate!

Please show ill gulf war veterans that you do care! Stand up and help NOW!

Sincerely,

Denise Nichols

MAJOR, USAFR(ret), RN(ret), MSN

Gulf War Veteran Ill and Advocate for 20 years!

Vice Chairman National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition

DSNurse1@yahoo.com

Franklin Clam Bake August 13, 2011

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:28:00 -0400

Dept Commander Note on COA

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:26:00 -0400

Please pass on to all:

1) The dress code for next weekend will be casual, with VFW caps.

2) As with all the other donations, to get credit for Special Project the monies need to be sent to Department QM.

Thanks,

Paul Lloyd
NH VFW Dept.Commander