Florida VFW Council of Administration Meeting!

 I was able to actually fly to Orlando and be part of an in-person VFW meeting this weekend!  This was my first flight since COVID hit and I had my back surgery, but Southwest Airlines provided a great experience...as usual!

Florida's VFW and Auxiliary members were so gracious this weekend and it was nice to actually be able to mingle and share ideas throughout our time together.  You just don't get that on a Zoom.  You might get information passed along, but you miss the synergy meeting on a screen.  I can tell you honestly, there is just as much information sharing after the meetings than just when you are in them.

Some of the highlights included a very moving candlelight POW-MIA ceremony with all the attendees and a hotel-sponsored dyeing of their Grand Fountain a vivid pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The fountain will remain pink all month and they even had a pink fire truck show up!  During breaks I sat down with comrades and shared stories as we built Buddy Poppies together.  I participated in handing out multiple awards for All State and All American Commanders and they are all so proud of the work they are doing in their communities and for veterans.  Commander Glen Tilley has had his hands full with COVID and the effects it has had on the Posts in his state but his leadership has been second to none.  He is thought of so highly because of his dedication and it was a pleasure getting to know him.

On a more personal note, some of you may recall my blog post [exactly one year ago - 25 Oct 2019!] about Veteran Jason Casteel.  Feel free to look back at that post at:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1608356696084894001/5064287890277321455

Jason was at this meeting and we were able to talk diving.  He's now a fully certified instructor and has started his own dive business in Florida - Dive On In Scuba Diving!  His long term business plan is to own a dive boat and become a captain.  Way to go Jason!  I am so proud of you!  Can't wait to hit the water with you one of these days.

This was a fun trip and it reminds me once again how hard veterans work day in and day out to live up to the VFW slogan:  No One Does More For Veterans!

After all the dye cycled through the fountain.  I was worried about getting dye on my suit, shirt, tie, mask, hat....but nooooo, I got dye splashed on my face.  Go Figure!

My counterpart, National Senior Vice President of the Auxiliary, pouring her dye into the fountain.  I think it was her splashes that got me!

The fountain in all of its Awareness glory in the Sunday morning sun

A large turnout for the business meeting.  Way to go Florida VFW!

Building poppies and sharing fun stories.  That's camaraderie in the VFW!  [Note, we took our masks off to have the picture taken]

Been so long since I've seen this friendly sight.

Welcome Republic of Singapore!

 The National flag of Singapore consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. White symbolizes pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars depict Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Welcome to the Blog!

Post Visit to Des Moines, Iowa

 I really do enjoy zooming into local VFW Post meetings.  I get an opportunity to visit where I probably never would in a normal year, and the Post members get to interact with a National Chair Officer at the local level.  I've made it known that if I get an invitation, and I can make it, I'll gladly accept.

My State Counterpart, Senior Vice Mike Braman, invited me to attend the Post 9127 meeting in Iowa last night.  This Post has special significance for Senior Vice Mike and it's a pretty cool story.  Mike's Grandfather was a member of this Post.  Grandad Robert was in the 34th Infantry Division, 1/168th infantry, in World War II.  In his very first battle at the Kasserine Pass in Northern Africa he was captured and held as a prisoner for the duration of the war.  He did return home, went to college and worked in the State Auditor's office until he retired.  He became good friends with the Governor of Iowa, who was also a member of this Post!  And now for the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say:  Senior Vice Mike was also in the Army and in the exact same unit as his Grandfather!  When Senior Mike's unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2004-2005, it was the first deployment the battalion had since his Grandfather deployed in World War II.

Post 9127 is home to two very current past State Commanders, Carol and Russ.  This Post is dedicated to service and the members are clearly leaders who want to get things done.  They don't rest on their laurels either.  Carol Whitmore is currently serving as Iowa's VFW National Councilmember and is running for MY job in a few years.  Russ Saffell is leading the charge to get Boy Scouts more heavily involved in the Post's Community Service projects.  Joint efforts like this are a great way to show that we are still serving in many ways. 

I enjoyed the opportunity to induct a new recruit and give him the Member's Obligation via Zoom.  I'm sure he didn't expect that at his first meeting!  Keep up the great work out there in Iowa.  You're doing a fantastic job!

Several smiling faces from Beaverdale Post 9127 in Iowa

Prepping for the meeting.  The Post has some very interesting memorabilia displays!

Zooming into VFW District 3, Windham New York

 Had a fun time Sunday zooming into a District meeting at beautiful Post 1545 in Windham New York.

With COVID-19 curtailing my real travels, I've had the opportunity to reach out to Posts and Districts to attend their gatherings, and the comrades have taken me up on my offer.  This meeting's Department Representative was my counterpart at the State level, Senior Vice Commander Michael Hoag.  Also on the zoom call was the New York State Adjutant Hal Burke---and yes he asked how Mama was doing and if she needed more treats!  [Mama thanks you Hal!]

Before the meeting, Commander Marc Farmilette told me about his Post and what a fascinating history!  It was built as a grist mill in 1800!  The Post purchased the building in 1928 and paid it off in 1957.  Talk about longevity!  They don't have a bar and they concentrate on community events and activities.  They truly are doing the right thing and I'm proud of them.  As for the District meeting, it was nice to see a nice mix of older and younger veterans but even nicer to see that everyone was engaged in the discussions.  Everyone had a chance to talk, wisdom and guidance were dispensed, and everyone was motivated to move forward and continue working for veterans.

Instead of the usual zoom screen capture, here's a nice pic of the Post, after a function a few years back.  At the time, State Senior Vice Hoag [on the right] was the District Commander and the other three in the shot are World War II veterans.  The fun fact here?  The shorter fellow is Commander Marc's father-in-law.  He joined the VFW in the 1940's and was in attendance at the meeting on Sunday.  He's 96!  If he can make it to a meeting, I think we can all work on our attendance.  Remember, it's on the local level where the rubber meets the road...it's up to us to let the public know we are still a force in the community.

National Suicide Hotline is now 9-8-8!

 This is great news for America!  On Saturday the President signed S.2611, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, into law.  This designates 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the purpose of the suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.

We've all heard about "22 a day" for veterans.  While that number seems to be debated now the fact remains that one suicide is one too many!  During these tough COVID-19 times, the suicide rate is going up.

Please continue spreading the word that help is available...and now it is only three digits away!

Uplifting Phone Call That Made My Day!

 This morning the phone rang and it wasn't a number I recognized so of course I answered to see if my car warranty was about to expire!  I'm so glad I did because it was a heartwarming discussion with a nice guy I'll call Comrade Legs [because he's 6 feet 5 inches tall!].

Legs has been a member of the VFW since 1956.  He joined the Navy and served from 1946-1948, then went into the Reserve.  He was called up in 1951 for the Korean War and served on the USS Yorktown CVA-10 for three tours.  He's 92 years old now.

A long time ago, as he told me, several World War II veterans gave him a box and told him not to open it right away. He eventually did and found it contained Past State Commanders' pins and some challenge coins going back a lot of years.  He then kept the tradition alive by adding newer pins as he got them.  He was calling me [again, no idea how he got my home phone number] to ask if I had a pin from the year I was the Illinois State Commander [2013-2014] and would I send it to him.  Naturally the answer was OF COURSE!  Legs wanted me to know that he was going to put together all of the pins he has and turn them over to his post for a display.  How nice is that!

Legs is going to get my State pin, as well as coins from me being the State Commander, Judge Advocate General, and of course the several coins I have had as the National Junior and Senior Commander in Chief.  I reached out to my State counterparts, the Senior Vice Commanders of the 52 Departments of the VFW, and told them about Legs and his request.  All I'm going to say is that Legs' mail carrier is going to be swamped with pin and coin packages from all over the world in the coming weeks and months.  And I'm sure we are going to keep a smile on Leg's face for a very long time.

It's the simple things in life my friends that warm the cockles of our hearts.  I've never met him, but for today, Legs is my hero!

Zooming into Rhode Island's Council of Administration Meeting!

 Coming to you today virtually from Bristol, Rhode Island where I had the opportunity to Zoom into the Department Council of Administration meeting.  This was their first foray into the world of hybrid Zoom-in person meetings and I have to say that Commander Ray and his team knocked it out of the park!  

The meeting was held in Bristol, at Post 237.  Bristol by the way holds the distinction of hosting the nation's oldest Fourth of July celebration and parade!  Always nice to learn new things about new places.  The meeting itself was chock full of information provided by in-person and zoom speakers.  It was a seamless transition going back and forth so no one was left out of the conversation.  Commander Ray asked me to say a few words and I was able to pass along "news you can use" items.  I received some good questions from the audience and it clearly shows the members of Rhode Island care about the status of the VFW and how we can continually do more for veterans.  How to connect with Post 9/11 veterans provided a very good discussion and it's clear that the vision is clear in this State!  Diversity is also on the radar and my counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Dora, is going to be a driving force in shaping the future of the Department.  It was good to see a true cross section of veterans at this meeting! 

I was really impressed with two discussions:  Veteransinc.org and the Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative.  Veterans Inc is a leader in ending veteran homelessness as well as incorporating the "total veteran" approach to assisting vets.  They provide job training, health and wellness initiatives, and other support services.  The Providence initiative provides free college classroom experiences for all veterans who want to learn more about the Humanities and who want to better their opportunities to get ahead.  Veterans can even receive college credit at no cost and without using their VA benefits!  I received my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and I'm a big believer in the Humanities and the broad education they can bring to anyone who studies them.  Way to go!

To bring this back, kudos to Commander Ray and the great veterans of Rhode Island.  You're doing great work and I'm proud of you.  Thanks again for letting me be part of your Saturday and I hope to get out there in person one of these days!

Post 237 in Bristol, RI

A pretty memorial on the grounds of Post 237!

Technology works!  I received a great package of read ahead materials and was able to use them efficiently as the meeting went on.  Kudos to Kasim Yarn [on Zoom] and John Gallo [in person] for working on some technical issues to keep the train on the tracks!

Quick Trip to National Headquarters

 I had a whirlwind trip to Kansas City Thursday and Friday to attend a few meetings.  While I was there I also had the opportunity to work with our Communications Department to create some video presentations for upcoming events that are being held virtually.  A really big shout out to Randi and Michael for their technical and creative skills in getting those videos 'in the can'.

I've been promising Commander in Chief Hal that I'd do some baking for him, so the morning before I got on the road I baked an apple strudel from scratch using my Grandmother's recipe.  I thought I baked enough for him to take some home, but alas, apparently I'm too good of a baker and it was all gone by the time we departed!

Last, I couldn't resist taking another picture of the Citizen-Soldier statue outside the building.  It was a beautiful blue sky day with a nice breeze that kept those great flags fluttering in the breeze!

Welcome to a new reader in Malta!

 The flag of Malta (Maltese: Bandiera ta' Malta) is a bicolour, with white in the hoist and red in the fly. A representation of the George Cross, awarded to Malta by George VI in 1942, is carried, edged with red, in the canton of the white stripe.

Indonesia Joins the Crew!

 Welcome to the blog readers from Indonesia!  Always nice to have a new country join us.  Here's a bit about their flag:

The Indonesian flag is a horizontal bicolor with two equal horizontal bars.  The height of the flag is two-thirds of the width.  In Indonesian, the flag is called "Sang Saka Merah Putih", which in English means "lofty bicolor red and white."  The red symbolizes human blood and the white represents the human spirit.

Recent Visit to VFW Headquarters

 On my drive back from a great event and visit with the Nebraska VFW and Auxiliary a few days ago, I stopped in Kansas City to spend a few days at the National Headquarters for some meetings and such.  As I was driving through KC anyway, I reminded myself that it is always best to maximize your efforts whenever you can.

I attended the usual zoom meetings we have every week but more importantly I was able to have face to face meetings with many of the hard working folks at HQ.  Zoom is a good tool but it will never replace the synergy you get with good old fashioned in person meetings.  And, before you ask, yes we all wore masks and kept our spacing!  Additionally, Chief Hal and Junior Vice Tim were also in town so we were able to work on many of the upcoming issues facing the organization.

One fun thing was being able to go to the roof of the VFW Building!  The huge VFW sign is even bigger when you are standing next to it.  The 360 degree view of Kansas City is breath-taking to say the least.  When the meetings were over it was time to get back in the car and finally head home.  It was a long trip. When I pulled into my driveway the car log was showing just over 23 hours of drive time.  But it's all worth it!  I love my job because No One Does More For Veterans!

Couldn't resist a selfie on the roof!

"I'm ready for my close-up Mr DeMille!"

Nebraska VFW Council of Administration

Mama Cass and I drove to North Platte, Nebraska for the State VFW and Auxiliary Joint Homecoming and Council of Administration meeting.  Such a pleasant, although very long drive, but it’s always nice to see the great Midwest unfold in front of us as we move down the highway.

The Homecoming and Dinner in honor of State Commander Danny Kramer and State President Bonnie Gerlt was a fun event and there was such an outpouring of well-wishers!  Danny and Bonnie are truly blessed to be leading their respective units this year.  Among others, I gave a few remarks but the spotlight really was on the two of them and rightfully so!  The meetings were informative and this core cadre of Nebraskans showed me they are engaged and doing the right things for veterans. 

I had some spare time so I was able to do some sight-seeing and this town does have some interesting things to offer.  I visited the amazing 20^th Century Veterans Memorial.  So much going on that I had to go back again to read all of the great information and see the statues.  Also, unbeknownst to me, North Platte is a big Buffalo Bill Cody attraction.  I knew a little bit about him, but nowhere near the information I read at several locations.  Pony Express rider in 1860; Union Army scout in the Civil War and later for the 5th Cavalry and battles against the Sioux from 1868 to 1890; Stage coach driver throughout Nebraska; and of course originator of the "Wild West Show" on his ranch right here in North Platte.

Overall, a fun and informative weekend.  Tomorrow, I’m headed back with a stop at VFW Headquarters in Kansas City for a few days and then home.  It’s good to be back in the field visiting with the great people who make up the VFW and the Auxiliary!

"Defenders of Freedom"

Archway to the Memorial

A truly impressive relief.  Inside the ring of benches is a HUGE monument, with each side telling the story of the branches of service

I found State Commander Dan's brick at the Memorial!

     

This statue and a massive granite marker nearby is in memory of SIX MILLION service members who were served at "the world famous World War II North Platte Canteen from December 25, 1941 to April 1, 1946."  The close up of the basket has some items that would have been handed out....note the cigarette packs dated 1941 and 1946!

Everything you could possibly want and nothing you would ever need!  There was an interesting diorama of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.  Even at the small scale, it was a sight to behold.  I can only imagine what people in attendance thought at the time.  And, yes, the soldiers in the pic are wearing masks and social spacing!

     "Scout's Rest" was built for Buffalo Bill in 1886, so he could relax between shows tours.  Built at a cost of $3,900....that equates to about $115,000 today!

Mama and I saw this unique item while driving on West Riverside.  She encouraged me to drive faster!

Belgium in the House!

 Welcome to our new readers from Belgium!  I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this humble blog!  All around the globe people are tuning in.  I'm so happy we are starting to begin limited travel.  I've missed keeping you all in touch with my travels for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

 As promised, a review of a great morning spent a few days ago at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio!

State Commander Fred, Senior Vice Jim, and National Councilmember Chris [Bubba] and I were given a special welcome by Col Butler (Ret), the Chief of Staff of the Museum.  It's always good to get the lay of the land in a museum before you set off.  The most telling thing he told us was the intent of the museum was to showcase veterans!  No tanks, airplanes, boats, etc.  This is about the men and women who have served, and their stories.  Hearing this, I couldn't wait to get started!

We were handed off to our guide and for the life of me I'm so sorry I can't remember her name!  She is a Marine...I've learned NEVER to say former, past, ex, etc.  At this stage of my life the phrase "drop and give me 20" only means one thing, someone wants twenty bucks!  But she did serve a while back so let's move on.

This is a circular museum, an architectural feat and as you move through you see different eras of our nation's past, always centered on the veterans.  Thanks to our guide, I was able to key in and read some pretty amazing things!  For example, I didn't know Deborah Sampson, disguised as a man, fought for 17 months in the Continental Army.  She was once wounded in the thigh with a musket ball and chose to cut it out herself instead of possibly being found out that she was a man!  Her service was so impressive that she was given an Honorable Discharge at the end of her service.  Women served then and they have continued to serve throughout our history.  For those of you familiar with the television series "China Beach", there was a section dedicated to Lynda Van Devanter, who spent 12 months as a nurse in Pleiku, Vietnam.  Her memoir was the basis for the series.

There were many interactive elements as well as static displays and you could well spend several days reading all of them.  We worked our way upstairs to an amphitheater with a background of service campaign banners.  What a great place for a news conference or event!  Also on the third floor were representations and explanations of the POW-MIA Table Setting  and really spiffy infinity wall.

Our last indoor stop was really special, a Bob Hope Tribute counting his many, many years doing USO shows for the troops.  They had a video of several World War II skits going and there were three older gentlemen watching.  One of them fought in the Battle of the Bulge and he was sitting in his full Class A uniform, complete with hat!  Out of respect, I didn't interrupt the three or take a picture of them, but I was listening to them chuckle at Bob's quips much as they probably did when they first heard him saying them in 1944!  Many of the references were lost on me as they were time-specific, but these guys knew exactly what Bob was joking about.

Our last stop was a long walk up a winding path to the Memorial Garden.  It's worth the walk.  American Elms provide shade in the park-like setting.  Limestone walls with cascading waterfalls that fell into rock pools provided peace and tranquility.  It really was a special place and none of us talked as we walked around it.

I'd recommend this Memorial and Museum to anyone interested in learning more about the people who have served this great nation of ours!  For more info, please visit NationalVMM.org

The Battlefield Cross stands as a lonely sentinel, watching over the serenity of the Memorial Grove

National Councilmember Chris Haynes in quiet reflection

Deborah Sampson!

A Confederate soldier and Union soldier reconciling during a 1913 Commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg

Nurse Lynda Van Devanter in Vietnam

Senior Vice Jim Hordinski at the Infinity Memorial

Bob Hope at his best!

Bob's "official" identification card from the War Department.  Note it is made out to Lester T. Hope!

The top of the Museum and Amphitheater

An overview of the Museum [not my picture]