VFW Founder's Day in Columbus Ohio

 Today is the birthday of the Veterans of Foreign Wars!  Facebook is full of short squibs from many people providing a few words or facts about that evening in a small tailor shop in Columbus Ohio on September 29, 1899.  Well, I was in Columbus over the weekend and I attended many events celebrating this wonderful day!  So, sit back, and I’ll fill you in!

 Ohio State Commander Fred Lavery, Senior Vice Commander Jim Hordinski, and National Councilmember Chris Haynes took me under their collective wings and off we went!  First Stop: We toured the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.  I’ll write separately about that.  After the Museum, we visited the Plaque commemorating the actual spot where James Romanis and the other Founders met.  While the tailor shop is long gone, the plaque clearly tells the story.  The National President of the Auxiliary, Sandi Onstwedder, with the Ohio auxiliary members, joined us and it was nice to have a joint VFW-Auxiliary presence at the spot where it all began.  I even got the shirt, which has a nice replica of the Plaque.  As people broke off into groups to talk, I stood on that location and reflected about the character of those men.  They took a stand, they started something new, they were prepared to fight for what they felt was owed to them for their service.  A daunting task and we continue that fight even today.  I felt a quiet pride being part of this legacy.  We finished the day with a great dinner and entertainment at the Whitehall VFW Post 8794.  What a great place and it is a family affair!  Christine is the Past All American Post Commander and currently serves as the Post Adjutant and Quartermaster.  Her husband, Rick, is currently serving as the Ohio District 11 Commander.

 Early on Saturday morning we drove to the 300 plus acre Greenlawn Cemetery where Founder Romanis is buried.  The Founder of the VFW is so revered here there is a permanent red line on the road in this sprawling, stately place of rest so you are taken directly to the monument and grave marker!  While the monument gets most of the attention, a few yards away is the actual headstone, attesting to a Spanish American war veteran who has gone on to his Creator.  About 300 people showed up on this bright, crisp morning to march in the parade and enjoy the program.  The parade consisted of National and State officers, Districts, Posts, Motorcycle Riders Groups, and several Honor and Color Guards.  Very impressive!

 The Program itself went off without a hitch.  Several speakers provided the background and history of Founder’s Day and I was very impressed with Commander Lavery and National President Sandi’s heartfelt comments.  This wasn’t just another speaking engagement…this was the beginning of the VFW!  Commander Lavery and I placed a wreath at the base of the monument.  Actually, HE placed the wreath and I watched.  If I had been down there with him it would have taken two men and a crane to pick me up as my back was not cooperating!  It was truly an honor to place my Commander’s coin atop the monument.  We slowly saluted and returned to our positions at the podium.  I then witnessed something that was new to me:  The actual building of the “Battle Cross” in front of the monument while a narration of what each part played in its creation was announced to the audience.  Very solemn and educational.  The program ended with a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.  Holding my salute as those notes echoed throughout the cemetery, the fresh smell of gunsmoke wafting over us, evoking for many memories of days long ago, I realized how fortunate I am to hold this position in the VFW!  I get to represent the million plus men and women who still to this day carry on the legacy that began so many years ago.

 For those of you who have never been to a Founder’s Day ceremony at the cemetery, here’s a YouTube link of the entire event.  And, before I get raked over the coals, we were not technically “marching”…nonetheless I’m pretty proud of myself for being the only person in step!  I am extremely fortunate that I was able to make that distance.  My recovery has been a bit slow and painful.

 https://youtu.be/GdcMDr7FVno

Also, a local news station, Channel 4, was present and here’s a link to their print article and video coverage of the event.  Well done and thank you for covering the event so your viewers could share in what the VFW does!  And, thanks for the promotion to National Commander although I’m sure our current Commander in Chief will have a few words for me after he sees this!

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/hundreds-turn-out-to-celebrate-founding-of-vfw/

After the Greenlawn events, about 150-175 of the audience assembled at the Paul S. Lawrence VFW Post 9857.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not everyone could attend this portion of the program.  After a very nice luncheon, National President Sandi and I addressed the crowd.  Sandi is a great speaker and her words come from the heart.  I feel I never quite measure up when I’m sharing the stage with her—she is so inspirational!  Founder’s Day awards were presented to several Ohio VFW members for their outstanding dedication and fidelity to Ohio and Veterans.  This is a premier award and their names are now engraved along with all the other past recipients over the years on a beautiful plaque that will remain on display at the Ohio VFW State headquarters.  I was without words when Commander Lavery presented me with an engraved wooden plaque, declaring me a recipient of the James Romanis Honorary Award.  I accepted it on behalf of all the men and women of the VFW who placed their trust in me to lead our great organization.  I may get the award, but it’s only because of all the hard work they do on a daily basis.

 Now, please enjoy some of the pictures from my fantastic trip to Ohio for this year’s Founder’s Day events!

State Commander Fred Lavery and me.  Note the completed Battle Cross behind and to the right of Fred.

State Commander Fred and my counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Jim Hordinski

                                                    Note the previous coins placed on top

The actual resting place of Romanis, only a few steps away from the monument

The crowd beginning to gather

A lovely a capella rendition of the National Anthem

It's my blog, I like the picture!

Commander Fred and I placing our coins on top of the monument

A solemn salute

Where it all began, although the building is long gone, the spirit remains!

Been there, done that, and got the shirt!!!!

President Sandi O sharing a light moment before a great steak dinner at Post 8794

Luncheon awards at Post 9857

An award I will cherish!

I Really Like Zoom, But....

 First off, yes, I do like Zoom and with the inability to travel it allows me the opportunity to get a lot of work done, literally all over the world.

Having said that, I can say that in the Stone Age [Pre-COVID], I would never have, for example, four meetings in one day, back to back or even overlapping and be expected to attend them all.  For days on end!  There would be time for a comfort break, a coffee stop, a chance to catch up on email, possibly even just take a few minutes to myself.

I get it, technology makes us more productive and that is very good.  I was thinking just the other day when, as a young lawyer, there was no fax machine.  A letter sent across the country gave you several days for it to get there, the other side worked on it and sent it back giving you several more days to get other things done.  Then came the Fax Machine, that glorious invention that spat out stretched lines of dubious ink printed on waxy paper loaded in rolls.  You could never really flatten that paper out and you had to be an expert in hieroglyphics at times to interpret the words, but it certainly shortened the time frame to work a project.

Next came crude Instant Messaging and when that little nugget hit your computer you had to stop whatever you were doing to read it...because the boss was walking down the hall to see if you got the IM!  Quickly following was the advent of email...and then attachments!  Gone were the days of a week to send a contract, have it looked at and mailed back, then more time to review it.  With the press of a button, Presto!  The document was on your desk and the boss was wondering if you had started reviewing it yet.  The time frame shortened but we were becoming more productive. 

And this loops me back to zoom.  I do like it. I'm doing things easily now that weren't done before and they are accepted as normal.  I can be in meetings all over the world and never leave my desk for hours on end.  From a business productivity standpoint it can't be beaten!

But, there are moments when I yearn for that time when I could put my feet up for a few minutes and wonder when that contract was coming back from California.....

29th Annual POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony

 The Scott [AFB] POW MIA Council hosted its 29th annual recognition ceremony at VFW Post 805 in O'Fallon, Illinois today.   As I was in town, and this is pretty much in my backyard, I stopped in to see old friends and enjoy the morning  Going into the WABAC Machine with Mr Peabody, I remember years back when this ceremony was held at Scott AFB at the parade field and the attendance was huge.  Due to COVID-19, this year's turnout was smaller, as to be expected.

Nonetheless, the crowd was able to gather inside the Post and outside in the yard area under tents to listen to the speakers and pay their respects to the two Former POWs in attendance, one from World War II and one from Korea.  The town's Mayor gave the keynote speech and afterward we were able to spend some time talking about the wonderful things Post 805 does for the community.  He singled out the Post Commander, Ed Martinez as a driving force and I will concur 100% in that.  I knew Ed as CMSgt Martinez when we both worked at the Air Force Communications Agency [another trip in the WABAC Machine!].  Even then, Ed was a force to be reckoned with and the VFW has enjoyed his leadership immensely!  As always, the members of the Post and District remind me of just how much they do for our communities.

Thank you Scott Council, District 14, and Post 805 for letting me come out and enjoy the day with you!

Part of the socially spaced indoor crowd

Outside in the sunshine but still part of the program.  Members of the Polish American War Veterans provided a 21 gun salute for the program.

Mayor Roach and I talking about the great things the VFW has done for his community.  Ignore the knife hand, wholly unintentional!!  :-)

Mr Geof Bambic of the Scott POW-MIA Council

Keeping In Touch with The Senior Vice Commanders

 As the Senior Vice Commander in Chief of the VFW, I have counterparts in the 52 Departments we have.  Fifty-two, because we have 50 States and then the Department of Europe and the Department of the Pacific Areas.  As far flung as we are, we continue to use technology to stay in touch.

Friday evening I held a zoom with many of the 52 Department Senior Vice Commanders to bring them up to speed on several initiatives going on at the national level, closing the loop on issues we've been discussing, and then taking the time to listen to them and what's going on in their Departments.  Actually, I think listening to what's going on at the grassroots level was the most important part of the evening.  We all learn from each other and it truly is a team effort.

Traditionally, in a non-COVID environment, I'd be traveling to attend Department level events.  There's no way I could get to each one in a year and over the three year tour I'd try to get to every Department.  The Senior team has embraced zoom and I'm actually electronically visiting more Posts, Districts, and Departments now than I could have in a "normal" year.  In fact, it would be extremely rare to attend Post and District events as there just isn't enough time in a normal year.  I plan on continuing E-events  even when we start traveling again, as I can fit them in. It doesn't take the place of an in-person meeting, but it's the next best thing to being there and it shows the troops that we care enough to reach out.

Because it is difficult to get all the Seniors to attend one update on one particular day and time, I'm also hosting two more of these on Sunday so everyone can attend live the one that best fits their schedule.  It's not about me, it's about WE!

Sixteen Seniors taking the time to share information and a few laughs on a Friday night!

POW-MIA Day: 18 Sep 2020

Traditionally held on the third Friday of September, POW-MIA Day coincides with the birthday of the US Air Force this year.  The day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by then President, Jimmy Carter.

The purpose of this special, solemn day is to pay our respects and honor former prisoners of war and those still held captive or are listed as missing in action.

In the true tradition of "leave no one behind", the United States continues the mission of repatriating our POWS and Missing from all wars and eras.  Even if they are no longer living, these brave men and women deserve to come home.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars stands firm on this goal and encourages Congress every year to continue the full funding of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency [DPAA], whose mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel.  To learn more about this vital Agency, please visit DPAA.mil

Happy 73rd Birthday United States Air Force!

 Today we celebrate the passage of the 1947 National Security Act, which provided for the evolution of the Army Air Corps into an independent branch of the armed forces:  The United States Air Force!  I'm proud to have been a member of this great service.

As part of the Air Force Song proclaims, "Nothing can stop the US Air Force!"  

[Except lightning within five.  That can stop the US Air Force!]

VFW Post 1318 Meeting in Madison Wisconsin

 Monday evening found me in front of my computer for several hours as I attended a Post meeting in Madison, Wisconsin.  There was a mix of in-person and zoom participants and it went off without a hitch.  I think just about everyone in the country is getting used to teleworking and it works!  As a National Officer, there's no way I could just pop in and attend a Post meeting in another state on a weeknight.  We are getting better at this and we're showing that communication is the key!

Post Commander Joe Hines ran a great meeting and there was a lot of interaction from the in-person crowd as well as the zoom members.  They had some serious issues to discuss [VFW business so no reason to put that here] but it's because they have been so successful that they are talking about these things.  No worries, all is well at the Marion C. Cranefield Post!  Also zooming in and visiting was the Wisconsin State Senior Vice Commander Cory Geisler.  In person was none other than their Quartermaster Gundel Metz, who invited me to the meeting.  Gundel also happens to be a Past State Commander as well as a current National Council of Administration Member.  It was a pretty rank heavy evening but in a Post meeting, rank doesn't give privilege!  Everyone has an equal right to the floor to discuss, debate, and vote.  It really was a good evening.

Before the meeting started I was chatting with the eight other zoom participants, two of whom were the Post Junior and Post Senior Vice Commanders, and both from the current wars.  I asked about the amount of time these eight members [men and women] had been with this Post and the answers ranged from 6 months to 20 years!  I didn't get to ask that of the in-person group, but this certainly shows that the VFW isn't just an "old man's club"!

There's a bright future ahead for VFW Post 1318.  They have great leadership now and coming up through the chairs.  They have a mix of young and old, men and women, and differing Conflicts for eligibility.  They certainly are NOT your Grandfather's VFW and I'm really proud of them for that!

Another fun thing about attending a meeting via zoom is that you also get to see cats and puppies in attendance!

Welcome Readers from Australia and Guam

 Yes, surprisingly, more people continue to find this blog of my adventures.  Over the last two days Australia and Guam have tuned in.  Perhaps they enjoyed Parts One and Two of my stroll down memory lane with the Grand Army of the Republic?

Welcome dear readers and I hope to continue to brighten your days!

Australia!

Guam!

Grand Army of the Republic, Part 1: The Founder’s Memorial in Petersburg, Illinois

 

On Sunday I had the pleasure of driving to Petersburg, IL to visit Rosehill Cemetery, the resting place of the founder of the Grand Army of the Republic [GAR].  The rather tall obelisk, surround by the flag of our country and the state of Illinois as well as a few cannons, proudly proclaimed the resting place of Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson, Founder and first Provisional Commander in Chief of the GAR.

Dr. Stephenson served in the Union army during the American Civil War and during that time wondered what the future of the survivors would be after the war.  This started his desire to have an organization that could bind the former soldiers together in a meaningful way.  To that end, his dream was realized when the GAR was officially established on 6 April 1866 after much hard work on his part.  He actively promoted membership and the formation of new Posts and Departments.  Although he was the first provisional Commander in Chief, his dream of becoming the first actual Department Commander or the first Commander in Chief never came to fruition.  He was defeated in both elections!  Politics notwithstanding, he was appointed as the Adjutant General and devoted his life to the organization.  An interesting factoid is in 1868, the second GAR Commander-in-Chief, John A. Logan, issued General Order No. 11, calling for the 30th of May to be set aside as a day for remembering the sacrifices of fallen comrades, thus beginning the celebration of Memorial Day.

I was invited to this Memorial by the current VFW State of Illinois Senior Vice Commander, Bobby Welch.  He is also very active in the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War [SUVCW] and serves as their Department Signals Officer.  His knowledge of the SUVCW organization is impressive!  Also with us was the VFW State of Illinois Legislative Director, Jayson Hoffman.

Bobby Welch explaining the significance of the SUVCW Founder's Memorial

A long view of the Memorial

Bobby explaining details to Jayson

All four of us!

Mama Cass knows the drill. I let her walk around and she went over to the Monument, not only for the shade but also because she was ready for her close up!  You can also see the details of the Monument.

Grand Army of the Republic Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson, Founder and Provisional Commander-in-Chief, 6 April 1866 - 21 November 1866

Grand Army of the Republic, Part II: The Re-Dedication of the 1895 Memorial in Springfield, IL

After a pleasant visit with Dr. Stephenson at his resting place, we drove to the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield Illinois.  At a tree-shaded and peaceful corner of the cemetery, a mere hundred yards or so from Abraham Lincoln’s final resting place, the General John A. McClernand Camp #4, Sons of Union Veteran of the Civil War [SUVCW] and the 114^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Reactivated) gathered to re-dedicate a beautiful monument to some of the Illinois fallen from the Civil War.

The SUVCW recently cleaned the 98 headstones and refurbished the monument consisting of cannon balls and a cannon on a pedestal.  For this special day, each headstone had an American flag placed in front and a Lincoln Penny placed on the top.  A new flag was smartly flown to the top of the masthead and lowered to half-staff in honor of the occasion.  A ceremonial rifle squad fired a three volley 21 gun salute with their period correct muskets, and the haunting melody of Taps was played by a bugler, with an echoing bugler at the top of the knoll, overlooking the scene.  The stillness of the day, the towering oak trees shading this eternal resting place, and a reverent crowd made this a moment to truly take stock of the American experience and what these soldiers endured to keep a nation free.

The keynote speaker, Larry Werline, Camp 4 Senior Vice Commander and General US Grant re-enactor, provided stirring commentary on the history of the GAR and the Illinois connection.  I was surprised to learn that, per capita, Illinois had the highest number of enlistments in the Union army.  He regaled us with newspaper accounts of the dedication of this monument in 1895, 30 years after the end of the war and how the parade extended for nearly a mile with former soldiers from the war in high spirits, reflecting on their time in the service to their country. He ended his talk by painting a picture with a recollection of remarks from General Grant about the Battle of Vicksburg.  What brave troops!  Larry then ended his speech with words that really struck a chord as he spoke of these valiant soldiers:  “…the courage, bravery, perseverance, valor, and sacrifice of these blue-cladded veterans granted us both the freedom and the country we have today.”

Truly, the GAR is the grand-daddy of all veterans service organizations.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars recognized this in 1919, when the National Council of Administration unanimously adopted the following resolution: “All members of the Grand Army of the Republic are hereby admitted as honorary members to the VFW. Presentation of their Grand Army identification card or button will entitle them to any meeting of any Post of the VFW and to a seat.” Then VFW Commander-in-Chief F. Warner Karling said, “In honoring the Grand Army of the Republic, we honor ourselves.”

A solemn flag raising

The Memorial, ringed by the headstones of 98 Union soldiers from Illinois

The Memorial, painstakingly restored to its original look

The newly erected bronze plaque notes in part, "The Grand Army of the Republic Stephenson Post #30 dedicated the memorial monument on May 30, 1895.  Buried here are 98 Union soldiers.  Among them are the heroic men of the United States Colored Troops."  This headstone bears the engraving of "59 U.S.C.INF."  which stands for United States Colored Infantry.  Truly in war, we all bleed red.

District 10 Meeting in Oklahoma!

 Through the miracle of telecommunications, I was able to zoom into the 10th District meeting today in Del City, Oklahoma.  Jim Bassett, Department Senior Vice Commander invited me not only because he was the Department Representative for the meeting, but that is also his home District.

Coming off a whirlwind driving trip to the VFW National Home for Children, I got home and logged into the meeting with a few minutes to spare and I'm certainly glad I did!  This District is doing the work of the VFW notwithstanding all of the COVID-19 issues we are facing.  My hat's off to District Commander James Dockemeyer for keeping the meeting moving and ensuring everyone was not only giving but also getting great information.

The Posts in District 10 understand the VFW programs very well and they are working together to ensure no Post gets left behind in meeting their goals.  That is so refreshing to see these days.  It truly is a team effort.  I'll single out Post 8706 for their outstanding use of social media to stay in the public's eye.  They understand the value of public relations and use it effectively to increase the good work they do in so many areas.

On a separate note, I learned of a special project the Chaplain of Post 9969 spearheads:  The Military Spirit Medal.  When I get more details, I'll prepare a separate article.  The bottom line is this award is given to High School students who have pre-enlisted to join the US Military after they graduate from High School.  It is a recognition of their patriotism and willingness to "put it on the line" for America.  I'm excited to learn more about this and who knows, maybe it will grow in popularity.  Stay Tuned!

A Zoom screenshot of OK 10th District Commander Dockemeyer during the Opening Prayer.

Trust me, I was actually in the meeting!  I had to stop video to take the screenshot.  :-)

Welcome Readers from Spain!

 Yes friends, another country has joined this humble blog!  With the addition of Spain, we are now being viewed in 34 countries.

BIENVENIDO AL BLOG MIS AMIGOS!

Celebrating America's Freedom Event [CAFE]

Today I was honored to represent the VFW at the VFW Auxiliary CAFE in Eaton Rapids Michigan.

The location was the VFW National Home for Children, founded in 1925 for the purpose of keeping families left behind after war together.  Today, it encompasses 42 single-family homes spread over 600 acres and functions like many small towns, complete with gyms, a library, day care center, playgrounds, hiking trails and more.  All this is at NO COST to the qualified military and veteran families that live here!

Every year, the Auxiliary President chooses a location for the CAFE.  This year's President, Sandi Onstwedder, chose to celebrate here at the National Home. It wasn't lost on any of us that today was also the Anniversary of the September 11 attacks on our country. Sandi's words were very poignant and showed how deeply she cares about The Home and America.

To finish the event, Sandi presented, on behalf of the VFW Auxiliary, Departments and Posts, checks totaling over $20,000, all for the benefit of the Home.  If you're looking for a great cause to donate, look no further than the National Home for Children at vfwnationalhome.org !

Here's the FaceBook link to the event, might have to copy and paste.  You might even find yours truly providing some remarks in here too!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=259238885141444&extid=wJsLbzUYnGSDCTze

Mama Cass mugging for the cameras in front of the Illinois sponsored waterfalls

How can you pass up green screen technology?

September 11: Never Forget

 It's hard to believe it has been 19 years since the day the world stopped turning.  It's even harder to believe we have troops that weren't even born then still in harm's way fighting this fight.  However, evil never sleeps and we should never forget what this is all about!

September 11th is, in my mind, the modern Pearl Harbor event that is ingrained in the minds of many, many Americans.  We can still remember where we were, what we were doing, how we reacted.  Of all the things I seem to forget these days, I know I'll never forget that.  But, I wonder if the younger generation has the same feelings that we all do.  Certainly, I don't have the same 'feelings' about Pearl Harbor that a person alive at that time has.  I see the videos played every December 7th, but I don't have that first hand, gut wrenching, feeling. 

Each year the newscasts give less and less time to September 11.  We CANNOT let what happened fade away to be a mere footnote in history.  It's up to all of us to ensure the future generations not only know what happened, but that they 'feel' what happened.

And what did happen?  In the short term Americans of every type came together for America.  We were bonded as a nation, much like what happened after Pearl Harbor.  There was a resolve, a stiffened backbone.  There was PRIDE in America.

Much has happened in the intervening years, at home and abroad.  For today, however, let's all be Americans again....even if it is only for a day.

Sport Clips! The BEST Haircut Ever!

 Once again, Sport Clips is the place to get the best haircut AND support the VFW!  Mama never misses a chance to hang out with Mary and the gang in Collinsville, Illinois.

Sport Clips is a key partner in the Help A Hero Scholarship, providing millions (yes, MILLIONS) of dollars to help veterans continue their education.

Stop into your local Sport Clips and get an MVP haircut today!

#Still Serving in Carlyle Illinois!

 Although many Post activities around the VFW have been curtailed or stopped entirely, it's heart-warming to know that our Members continue to serve their communities!

At the Carlyle VFW Post 3523, in my home district 14 in Illinois, the members have a special relationship with their community and they are a cornerstone in it.  Due to the inability of the local school to have in-person classes because of COVID-19, the school has been forced to go with virtual learning.  That presented a problem for the many children who do not have access to reliable WiFi.  And that's where the VFW came to the rescue!

The school reached out to the Post and asked if these children could use the very large VFW hall and in-building WiFi to continue their studies.  The answer was immediate:  Absolutely!  To that end, the large hall and the large parking lot have been made available for the school and the children.

There you have it in a nutshell.  The VFW continues to play an active role in the daily lives of veterans, families, and their communities.  Great job Carlyle Post 3523!

One Vote CAN Matter

 I traveled to VFW Headquarters this week and last to assist in overseeing the election of our new Judge Advocate General.  As we did not have a National Convention, open positions were elected by votes from the National Council of Administration.  All but one position was filled.  Of the ballots that came in by mail, the election was too close to call for JAG with other ballots not yet received.

Over the course of several days, the ballots trickled in and a see-saw battle took place.  Finally, on Monday, the last of the ballots arrived and were scrupulously checked and counted.  The result?  The winning candidate was victorious by ONE VOTE.  For those of you who think your vote doesn't count, believe me, it does.  No matter what the election is for, every vote matters.  If you want a say in your life, ensure you vote. 

We did have one good weather day so of course I had to get a photo of Mama Cass by the impressive "Citizen-Soldier" Statue on the Headquarters grounds.  If you are ever in Kansas City, stop by HQ and see this stirring sculpture!