Newsletter Articles

When to Wear and When to Remove Covers

Author: September 8, 2014

I was approached by a member asking if there were any rules pertaining to the wearing of VFW covers. I was somewhat surprised by the lack of information on the internet so here is what I could run down from the 2014 Podium Edition of the VFW.

 

General Rules of VFW Ritual

  • Para 13(b) Members will follow the action of the Chaplain or presiding officer relative to removal of caps during prayers; …. 
  • (c) official caps will not be worn during luncheons, banquets or other meals; 
  • (d) Official caps will be the only head covering allowed to be worn at regular meetings of the VFW of the US.

 

Section 803 of the By-Laws goes on to say:

No member or other person shall use or wear any seal, emblem, badge, insignia or uniform of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States while engaged in any commercial or political activity in such a manner as likely to falsely convey that such activity is approved or endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

 

I know that I have seen news clips of numerous politicians with veterans wearing their VFW or American Legion covers while standing behind them. I would assume they are in violation of Section 803. We recently had a politician requesting to have their photo taken with one of our members. I suggested it would not be appropriate and the politician graciously did not pursue the matter. In any event, use your best judgment anytime you have your cover on in public.

I referred to the Podium Edition of the VFW which includes the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual of the VFW. It is for sale at the VFW store online and we typically order a copy for each officer. Since there are not a lot of substantial changes from one year to the next, if you want one speak to one of the continuing officers for their old copy or approach or contact Quartermaster Dennis Peterson who may some extra copies for sale. Everything you need to know about VFW is contained in the book.

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Membership

Author: September 8, 2014

The Post has 211 members. Included in that number are 153 Life Members and 58 Continuous Members meaning every year we need to have 58 souls send us checks for their dues to arrive at 100%. Herding cats is a slightly easier task. To complicate matters, anyone joining after January 1, 2014 has a membership based on the payment date and anyone who was a member prior to that date has a membership that expires on July 1st (this would be the bulk of our 58 members). This new system is great for National’s cash flow and murder at the individual Post level. So if you are a continuous member, please pay ASAP so our Quartermaster doesn’t go insane trying to run after everyone. Better yet, simply become a Life Member. Don’t worry that by paying a bit early you will be forfeiting part of your prior year dues. National simply extends the expiration date of your membership by 12 months so you get the benefit of a full 12 months anytime you make a payment.

Also, if you need help in paying your dues, let the QM know. We don’t want to lose a member because they have hit a rough spot financially. We have funds in our Relief Fund for those who need assistance. Our dues are $35 annually and you can mail your check to:

VFW Post 8870
PO Box 701
Edmonds, WA 98020

Alternatively, you can go online to VFW.org and renew your membership there. Either way, the sooner the better.

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Cell Phones

Author: September 8, 2014

Just a gentle reminder to turn your phones to vibrate or, better yet, to off during a meeting. It is very disruptive to have phones ringing and, worse, Comrades answering their phones during a meeting. If you are expecting an emergency phone call, please remove yourself from the meeting before taking the phone call. Remember to salute the colors on the way out of the room and when you return.

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New Members

Author: September 8, 2014

James “Craig” Kunard Sr.

Craig is originally from Spokane, WA and served in the Navy 1968-1972. Vietnam service was aboard the USS Enterprise with CAG 13 and VA 196 from Aug 1970-Feb 1971. Duties included Plane Captain and organizational maintenance. Educated in Aviation Electronics, Business and Project Management, his civilian career was an Operations Manager. He has 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. He and Carolyn Louise live in Mukilteo.

Paul Russo

Paul is originally from Baltimore, MD. He spent 1970-80 in the Army Reserve, but enlisted in the Navy in 1980 where he served for 23 years before retiring. His specialty was photojournalism. Assignments included Beirut, Lebanon, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Other stations include Diego Garcia, Antarctica support, Italy and Sicily. He’s been a Public Affairs Supervisor on the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Carl Vinson. Awards include Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal and Operation Deep Freeze Medal. He has BA and BS degrees from the University of Maryland and a Masters Degree in Education from Old Dominion University. He is a part-time substitute teacher in Kitsap County and enjoys coin collecting. He and Laurie Ann reside in Lynnwood.

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Remembrance Day 2014

Author: September 8, 2014

The Chief Petty Officer Selectee Class 121 has extended an invitation to anyone who wishes to attend the 14th Annual September 11th Remembrance Day Ceremony on base. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected] or 425-304-3357. The ceremony is from 0745 to 0830. If you don’t have a pass to get on base, you’ll need to receive permission so RSVP as soon as possible so your name will be on the list at the gate.

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Commanders Column By Jim Blossey

Author: September 8, 2014

Think back. Why did you join VFW?

Next question—Why did you stay in VFW?

Very often the answer to both questions is the same. For many of us it is best summed up by our organization’s slogan, “No One Does More For Veterans.” Sure, we enjoy the camaraderie and are proud to wear our covers and be identified with this great group, but it is our overriding purpose that drives most of us.

Just who are these veterans that we do more for? Often they are simply nameless faces in unknown places. But as individuals they are one with us and we feel moved to help them through whatever difficulties they may be facing.

Here in Edmonds Post 8870 we have an opportunity to help another important group—one that is not nameless and faceless—in fact these veterans are very well known to us: our own members. Let me explain.

As you undoubtedly know by now, we have voted overwhelmingly to move our monthly meeting location to the American Legion Hall. Our brothers in the Legion have welcomed us and show every sign of being ideal hosts. In return we have a very simple obligation: to leave the premises as neat and clean as we found them. To make sure this happens, 8870 is forming a House Committee.

This will be a group that will have only two main responsibilities: To set up the room for our meeting and to restore it to its original condition when we are through; and to decide what to have for lunch or refreshments and to arrange for people to prepare it.

It is a once-a-month job, but a crucial one. Some of us are well-experienced in such matters. Others are simply eager to find an ongoing way to serve. So far, without even trying, we have three members who have stepped forward. We need four to six more at a minimum.

 

How about it, could you help out? It is an easy job, which you will share with other comrades, and it will take at most a couple of hours a month. It is your chance to live our motto of Doing More for Veterans, OUR veterans.

 

Contact me at [email protected] or at 425 670-2686. Thanks.

Commander, News, Newsletter Articles

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VFW National Convention

Author: August 4, 2014

The National Convention was held in St. Louis this year and unlike previous years, I didn’t attend the proceedings. I did, however, watch it live via the VFW website who streamed it (if you don’t know what the term mean, ask your grandkids). I guess it could be summed up as being unremarkable. No earthshaking decisions, hotly debated resolutions or by-law changes. Of significance, was the Vice President, the acting director of the VA, and two Senators attempting to schmooze the gathering on what they are doing to fix the problem of veterans’ treatment by the VA. Meanwhile, the VFW passed a resolution that said Congress needs to fund the VA adequately and fund it now (meaning before Congress goes on vacation). Other than that, there were a lot of awards and a bunch of faces that are on the stage each year congratulating themselves on a job well done. I believe the videos are still available so if you go to VFW.org you can watch the proceedings for yourself.

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4th of July Parade

Author: August 4, 2014

Edmonds is a town that loves its veterans. I know that most of you reading this have never walked in a parade (notice I did not say march) so you have no idea of the reception we receive leading the Fourth of July parade every year. This year, thanks to Chris Edwards, we had 5 Humvees, and thanks to the Military Vehicle Collectors, we had 5 WWII vintage jeeps. With that many rides, anyone who wished to ride could do so although a bunch of us walked the mile long route. With approximately 10,000 folks lining the parade route, it is truly one of the best small town parades in the country. Two of our members, Jim Blossey, Commander, and Mike Den-ton, were MC’s of the parade and made sure to announce our arrival to the crowd as we passed by. We always have a combined parade with VFW Post 1040 from Lynnwood, American Legion Post 66, and this year we welcomed student veterans from Edmonds Community College, Next year we are anticipating opening up the parade to other Posts and veterans organizations who may not have a parade in their community. Hopefully, a few more of our Post members will chose to join us. Following the parade next year, we will be having our annual BBQ at the American Legion Hall on 6th Ave. S.

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Passings

Author: August 4, 2014

Ray Sittauer
Ray, a life member of VFW and our Post, passed away and the Charter will be covered in his memory. Ray was a Purple Heart recipient and a Navy veteran of WWII. His grandson, Eric Gouge, served in Iraq.

Julie Pounds
Julie, a charter member of the Post’s Auxiliary, passed away after a long illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Duane, and the rest of her family.

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How VFW is Organized

Author: August 4, 2014

Most of our members know what Post they belong to (test question—which Post do you belong to?) and what District they belong to (another test Question– What District does our Post belong to?) Beyond that, unless you’ve been a Post Commander, the hierarchy becomes a bit foggy. Our Department (states are called Departments), is comprised of 16 Districts. Each District has a Commander and the 16 Commanders are Department’s Council of Administration. Perhaps the most important role of the Council is the responsibility of approving the budget for Department. The Departments are grouped by Conferences and, not surprisingly, we are in the Western Conference. There are 17 Departments making up the Western Conference. What is a bit unusual is the fact that Latin America & the Caribbean, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota are in the Western Conference. Finally, the four Conferences, Big 10, Eastern, Southern and ours comprise the National organization.

By the way, the answers to the test questions are Post 8870 and District One.

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