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VFW National Headquarters Bulletin, General Orders & Calendar
Posted at 12:33 PM on Friday, November 6, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Following are links to our VFW National Monthly Information for OCTOBER:
GENERAL ORDERS |
NATIONAL HQ BULLETIN |
NATIONAL HQ CALENDAR |
District Meeting Schedule
Posted at 6:15 AM on Friday, November 6, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
District Meetings Schedule
Information updated as of: 11/05/09
|
Dist |
Date |
Host/Location |
Time(s) |
Rep |
|
4 |
6-Dec |
Post 9469 Milwaukee (Charles Fidler Post) |
9:00am Mtg | |
|
6 |
6-Dec |
Post 5373 Port Washington (American Legion Post) |
1:30pm Mtg | |
|
9 |
16-Jan |
Post 10405 Altoona (Altoona Middle School) |
10:00am Mtg | |
|
11 |
16-Jan |
Post 10911 Camp Douglas | 11:00am Mtg | |
|
1 |
17-Jan |
Post 1621 Janesville | 9:00am Mtg | |
|
2 |
31-Jan |
Post 7591 Madison (Day) | 8:00am Reg 9:00am Mtg |
|
|
3 |
31-Jan |
Post 5274 Platteville | 8:00am Reg 9:00am Mtg |
|
|
7 |
31-Jan |
Post 6352 - Stratford | 12:00 Lunch Mtg After |
|
|
6 |
14-Feb |
Post 9202 Germantown (American Legion Post) |
12:00 Dinner Mtg After |
|
|
10 |
27-Feb |
Post 8637 Eagle River | Sat 2:00pm Mtg Sun 9:00am Mtg |
|
|
3 |
25-Apr |
Post 2267 Richland Center | 1:30pm Mtg | |
|
6 |
2-May |
Post 8834 Hartford | 10:30am Mtg |
HOME DEPOT OFFERS POST GRANTS THROUGH VFW FOUNDATION
Posted at 8:52 AM on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster in QUARTERMASTER FORMS
MARINE BIRTHDAY DINNER NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Posted at 11:02 AM on Monday, October 5, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Attention Marine VeteransI am asking for some help to let marine veterans in the area know about the dinner and fun at the DAV banquet center in Menomonie Wi. on Nov 10 2009. The cost will be $10 for the meal and prizes per person. Even if you can email me the address of the post in my area so I can let them know about it. Contact me at jermerritt@yahoo.com or 715-235-3224-or 715-505-3224 We would like and rsvp by Nov. 5 thank you Jerry Merritt
Deadline for reservations is Nov 5, 2009
QUICK LINKS TO QUARTERMASTER FORMS AND TOOLS
Posted at 12:28 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster in QUARTERMASTER FORMS
Here is an easy-to-use set of links to all the most useful forms available to you from your Department Headquarters. You will need Adobe© PDF Reader for most of these reports, and Excel or Open Office Calc for the Quarterly Audit Form. Note: These forms are for use in the current program year (2009/2010 Only. Revised forms will replace most of these next year.)
-Steve Lawrence, Department Adjutant/Quartermaster
LOOKING FOR A PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR
Posted at 12:25 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
The EAA is looking for a Pearl Harbor Veteran to introduce the movie Pearl Harbor on Saturday evening August 1, 2009 at the EAA in Oshkosh. The contact person is Jane Smith (920) 426-6823.
CONVENTION AGENDA - EAU CLAIRE
Posted at 11:33 AM on Monday, June 22, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
88th ANNUAL CONVENTION –
VFW REGISTRATION &
AT THE Plaza Hotel & Suites,
PATRIOTIC RALLY –
BUSINESS SESSION - Thursday, Friday and Saturday – June 25, 26, 27, 2009
AGENDA & PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
0800 Joint Awards Ceremony VFW & Auxiliary
0930 Open Meeting/Salute Colors Gary Erickson, Commander
Opening Prayer Charlene Cobb, State Chaplain
Pledge of Allegiance State Commander
Roll Call Steve Lawrence, Adj/QM
Assignment of Resolutions Adjutant
Reading of Convention Rules Adjutant
Credentials Committee Joe Ellis, Credentials Chair
National Representative Wally Hogan, Past C-in-C, VFW
Inspector’s Report Le Roy Jansky, State Inspector
Membership Report Wally Hogan, Past C-IN-C,
Chair
Bill Knudson, State Chief of
Staff
Citizenship Education Richard K Morey, Chairperson
Buddy Poppy Walt Matzek, Chairperson
Community Service Dave Goeldner, Chairperson
Strategic Planning Committee Earl D. Banks, Jr., Chairperson
NCM Dist 11 IA & WI
Patriots Pen/Voice of Democracy Robert Bolz, Chairperson
Emergency/Disaster Fred Mercord, Chairperson
Convention Committee Robert Knox, Chairperson
Historian Steve Conto, Chairperson
Flag Day/Veterans Assistance Chris Kanios Sr., Chairperson
Life Membership William Bowen, Chairperson
Loyalty Day Mike Lieurance, Chair Military Assistance David Behrend, Chairperson
Veterans Employment Gundel Metz, Chairperson
VFW Raffle Frank Parker Jr, Chairperson
Youth Activities/Scouting Larry Kutschma, Chairperson
VFW Men’s Auxiliary Roger Boeker, Chairperson
1205 Hour NOMINATION OF 2009-2010 OFFICERS
Commander Judge Advocate
Sr. Vice Commander Surgeon
Jr. Vice Commander Chaplain
Quartermaster
L U N C H B R E A K
1330 Hour King Day Richard Morey, Chairperson
Hospital Report Renee Simpson, Chairperson
Website Bill Knudson, Web Administrator/Editor
Scholarship Report Arlene Banks, Chairperson
MOC Ken Patterson, Past MOC Grand Commander
National Home David Schmid, Chairperson
Political Action Committee Mike Furgal, Chairperson
Finance Committee Earl D. Banks Jr., Chairperson
Salute Colors State Commander
Closing Prayer Chaplain
1400 INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES
Caucuses of Eleven Districts
(After adjournment of daily session – Rooms to be announced)
0830 Hour Reopen Meeting/Salute Colors State Commander
Opening Prayer Chaplain
Roll Call Adjutant
Credentials Committee Joe Ellis, Chairperson
Legislative Committee (1) Mike Furgal, Chairperson
William Backes, Comm
Resolutions Committee (2) Roger Van Eperen, Chair Service Committee (3) William Backes, Chairperson
Lee Guerrero, Dept Service Officer
District Commanders, County Council Comments
L U N C H B R E A K
1300 Hour Convention Committee (1) Robert Knox, Chairperson
Charter & By-Laws Ed Mortensen, Chairperson
State Senior Vice Commander Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson
State Junior Vice Commander Tom Lemmer State Judge Advocate Michael Borg
State Surgeon Gundel Metz
State Chaplain Charlene Cobb
State Adj/Quartermaster Steve Lawrence
State Commander Gary Erickson
Closing Prayer Chaplain
Salute Colors State Commander
0830 Hour Reopen Meeting/Salute Colors State Commander
Opening Prayer Chaplain
Roll Call Adjutant
Guest Speakers
Credentials Committee and Joe Ellis, Chair Voting Procedures
Inspector’s Review Le Roy Jansky, (Posts that cannot vote) State Inspector
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010
Commander Judge Advocate
Sr. Vice Commander Surgeon
Jr. Vice Commander Chaplain
Quartermaster
Closing Prayer Chaplain
Salute Colors State Commander
Close Meeting State Commander
Installation of Officers
E-Forms Tutorials - How to access Online Report Forms
Posted at 3:27 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
The following 1-page flyer has been created to explain detailed steps on navigating from our WebCOM to the VFW Forms Page. As you will see, the steps are fairly simple. Online Reporting is a much more efficient method of gathering necessary information from your Post so that you will receive proper recognition and attention.
2009 State VFW Convention Information Now Available
Posted at 10:54 AM on Monday, May 4, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Registration
09:00 AM Convention Committee
10:00 AM VFW News Committee
11:00 AM Service Committee
1:00 PM Finance Committee
2:00 PM 2008-2009 Council of Administration
7:00 PM Patriotic Rally
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM Joint Awards
9:30 AM Committee Reports
12:05 PM Nomination of 2009-10 Officers
LUNCH BREAK
1:30 PM Committee Reports Continue
4:00 PM Caucus
7:30 PM Joint Memorial Service
10:00 AM Convention Committee
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration
8:30 AM Reopen Meeting
*Legislative Committee
*Resolutions Committee
*Service Committee
*District Commander’s, County Council , State Officers Comments
12:00 Noon LUNCH BREAK
1:00 PM - Reopen Meeting
*Convention Committee
*Charter & By-Laws Committee
6:00 PM Presentation of All-State Awards
7:00 PM Convention Banquet
6:30 AM Past Commander’s Breakfast
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration
8:30 AM Reopen Meeting
*Guest Speakers
*Remaining Committee Reports
10:30 AM Election of 2009-2010 Officers
*Adjournment
12:00 Noon Installation of 2009-2010 Officers
1:30 PM - 2009-2010 Council of Administration Meeting
CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM - With Meal Selections
CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM - Delegate Registration ONLY
CONVENTION HOTEL REGISTRATION FORM
QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR OTI TRAINING
Posted at 8:08 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Comrades,I will be doing a few different things in the OTI this year. One of them is a sort of Trivial Pursuit game to add bits of information they can store as a "did you know?" in hopes they will read more in depth on those topics on their own. It is a good way to cram tidbits of information in a fast paced, fun session.
What I need are some questions! The questions should be either TRUE/FALSE, FILL IN THE BLANK, or MULTIPLE CHOICE. Please include your answers and where they can find more information on your question.
The topics are: Membership By-laws Resolutions
Audits Bonds Inspections Elections and WebCom
Thanks in advance for your contributions to the OTI! Pass this on to anyone you think may have a good question or two!
Arlene Banks
INSTRUCTIONS FOR 990-N(e-Postcard)
Posted at 12:54 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Special Notice To All Quartermasters:
In years past, filing an IRS 990 has been an overly complicated matter. Many posts thought they did not have to file. Those posts are wrong: ALL POSTS MUST FILE AN IRS 990 FORM. You might not have any tax liability, but you have a filing responsibility nontheless.
If you file using the old forms and mailing in to the IRS, you could be setting yourself up for unnecessary headaches. For example, leaving even a single space empty on the conventional 990 report is enough to kick back your filing and classify your post as non-compliant.
In addition to filing with the IRS, all posts MUST ALSO SEND A COMPLETED COPY of their IRS-990 filing to VFW of Wisconsin Department Headquarters. Failure to do so can result in the loss of your tax-exempt status.
We now have a much simpler way to file your Post's IRS 990!
For complete, step-by-step instructions, and to register to file your IRS-990 e-postcard, click below:
Note: This link is also available through the WI VFW Forms link.
VFW MID-WINTER CONFERENCE MILWAUKEE
Posted at 2:35 PM on Monday, February 2, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
JUST A REMINDER TO GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN FOR THE VFW MID-WINTER CONFERENCE AT THE WYNDHAM HOTELDD214 RECORDS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Posted at 8:25 AM on Friday, January 9, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
> > website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online:
> > http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html This may be particularly
>> helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his 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
Mother of State Commander Gary Erickson Passes Away
Posted at 8:42 AM on Thursday, January 8, 2009 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Irene is survived by five children: Gary (Lana) Erickson, Lancaster; Tom (Marita) Erickson, Tacoma, WA; Connie (Steve) Reinsbach and Pat (Graydon) Hall all of Lancaster; and Julie (Kevin) Atkinson, Cuba City; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her three sisters: Mary Luella Place, Lancaster; Evelyn (Philip)Peterson, Lindsberg, KS; Jane Duve, Grand Blanc, MI; and two brothers: Ivan (Jean Ann) Duve, Shelby, MT; and Eugene “Red” (Marilyn) Duve, Independence, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Clement Duve and a great-grandson, Kyle Miller.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster. Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends may call on Saturday, January 10, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
REMINDER IRS 990/990T/990EZ AND 990N (POST CARD)
Posted at 1:46 PM on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Effective with calendar 2007 (or your established fiscal 2007 year), EVERY CHARTERED POST, regardless of size is now required to annually file one of the several versions of form 990 with the IRS.
For those Posts already filing forms 990-EZ, 990 and/or 990-T, there is no change to what you are doing.
Posts with Gross Receipts of less than $25,000 from ALL SOURCES must now file form 990-N, which is only available electronically. All sources includes: dues, interest income, cash gifts, fund raising enterprises, (e.g. raffles, dinners, whatever). There are some posts that do not currently have their own tax
payer identification number (TIN). You cannot use the Department’s number, the National VFW number, or any of your officers’ numbers.
Post Commander, if this applies to your post; you must do the following immediately to protect your non-profit status:
1. Apply for EIN (or TIN) on form SS-4.
2. Download and file electronically form 990-N by Thursday, 5-15-2009. Click here to access the online form.
3. File with Departmentl Headquarters the “Inclusion Letter." Department will make a consolidated exempt status filing for all of us. If you do not have an accounting professional in your membership to help you with this, call Department HQ at (608) 255-6655. They will have someone return your call who can help you. Please be patient with the staff. It is unlikely that there will be someone in the office who can help you immediately.
We of the paid staff are ready to help you. Please feel free to call.
One other issue; please note that all parts of our organization (Department, District, County, and
Post) are covered by IRS Section 501(c)(19). This makes donations income tax deductible for the
giver. However, we are NOT exempt from Wisconsin State Sales tax. If you have been claiming an
exemption, STOP. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue regularly audits retail outlets, and will
pickup the exemption error at the store. They will assess tax and penalties.
ALERT VIET NAM VETS MY LOSE VA BENEFITS
Posted at 8:28 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
Press Release…Attention all Veterans. It appears that we may be in danger of losing a very important federal benefit, one that will impact a large number of veterans in a very negative way. A large number of Vietnam veterans are likely to lose their eligibility for VA health care, and this is a call to arms to prevent that from happening. We need your help.
Vietnam veterans as a population have been “guaranteed” enrollment to VA health care for some time now based on their presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The VA healthcare system has 8 different priority levels of veteran populations, with all but Priority Group 8 currently eligible for enrollment. At the present time, Vietnam veterans are automatically considered Priority Group 6 veterans, and can be enrolled into the system regardless of their disability status or financial condition. This is based on authority given the VA which, unfortunately, expired in December 2002. While VA has seen fit to continue the enrollments regardless of the expiration, there are administrative efforts within VA to discontinue treatment under this authority, and that looks likely to happen in the near future. The only way this can be prevented is to provide VA with new legal authority.
We need to do two things. First, we need to get the word out to all Vietnam veterans that this is happening, and that if they are not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, they need to be, and quick. The window of opportunity is closing, and we need to get as many enrolled as possible before it shuts. There will be no advance warning by VA. Based on past practices, veterans already within the VA healthcare system will be “grandfathered” and not dropped. Vietnam veterans not yet enrolled in the VA medical system should contact their County Veterans Service Office immediately for assistance, or go to the nearest VA medical facility with DD-214 in hand for on-site enrollment. Secondly, we need all veterans, not just Vietnam veterans, to contact their political representatives to ask their assistance in resolving this issue. It can only be corrected politically, and if enough veterans get involved, that will happen. Please contact your local Veterans Service Office for more details.
WDVA ANNOUNCES NEW LIAISON FOR KING VETS HOME
Posted at 3:10 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
(KING, Wis.) – Laura Mays, a former military spouse who has spent the past seven years with the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, has been selected for the key senior management position of Agency Liaison for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
King Home Commandant Bill Crowley said, “We are all very pleased to have Laura join our team. She has a proven track record of building solid relationships and partnerships with media, political, civic, medical, volunteers, and business leaders in the community and she comes to us with a wide range of exceptional experience, knowledge, and abilities.”
In her role with the with the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, Mays served as a liaison between the local tobacco-free coalition, county government, state and national agencies, law enforcement, local businesses, health care providers, and the media. She has coordinated press conferences, press releases and has served as a primary local resource on policy, activities, and special projects in Northern Wisconsin. She has developed and made public presentations on health issues to service organizations, the medical community, schools, policy makers and has experience as a keynote speaker. She also has experience in planning and coordinating conferences, meetings and seminars.
Mays also has a strong commitment to veterans’ issues. She spent over fourteen years as part of the “military family,” living in several states, and overseas when her husband was serving on active duty. Laura recognizes the everyday challenges and sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
“As a prior military spouse, I have great respect for the members and families that have served our country. It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected for this position and have the opportunity to give something back,” she stated.
The King Home’s Agency Liaison is an integral part of the Home’s senior management with responsibilities for planning, coordinating, and implementing agency outreach programs and developing and administering public information, outreach and liaison programs for the Home.
In her new role, Mays will also be responsible for providing recommendations to senior management on program issues and acting as a liaison between the King Home and local government and the general community. She will manage and direct public affairs, marketing, fundraising, and promotions efforts for the Home, supervise the staff at the Home Exchange, Library, and Volunteer Program, and be responsible for coordinating all special events and visits from external organizations, dignitaries and veteran service organizations.
Mays will begin her new position November 17, 2008.
For more information on the Wisconsin Veterans Homes visit www.WisVets.com/homes or call 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387).
###
LOOKING FOR KOREAN VETERANS FOR WDVA VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT
Posted at 3:41 PM on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
We are looking for a few "Good Men or Women" who served in Korea during the War and would be willing to tell there story for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs History Project. If you are interested in telling your story, contact Katie at (608) 358-1616 Madison number, and set up a time to be interviewed.Thanks for your participation and interest!!
BRAT FEST FUND RAISER FOR MADISON VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Posted at 4:14 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
WHAT: BRAT FEST
WHEN: August 10, 2008
TIME: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: VFW POST 7591
301 Cottage Grove Road
Madison, WI
If you would like to donate for the Park contact Post 7591 .
If you would like to volunteer to help out contact Post 7591
Post phone number is 608 - 221 - 9326
We hope to see you there!!!
TITLE 36 OF THE USC CODE CHANGED TO ALLOW SALUTING THE US FLAG WHILE UNCOVERED
Posted at 8:59 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 by Steve Lawrence - Adj/Quartermaster
In February 2008 Congress approved and the President signed the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill which included (S.1877) an amendment to title 4, USC, to allow veterans to salute the flag during the raising and lowering of the flag and during the passing of the colors.Congress is aware that they had overlooked the National Anthem and have added an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (S.3002, section 1081) to amend title 36, USC, to allow veterans to salute during the National Anthem. Below is the wording in the bill.
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
`(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
`(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
`(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and'.








