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]

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!