VFW MISSOURIAN
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION: STATE OF MISSOURI VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
February 2012 Edition
Olin Parks
State Commander
Lora Dailey
State Ladies Aux.President
Inside this edition:
Page #1 - State Commander message and District #18 Leadership Academy photo’s
Page #2 - Voice of Democracy District winners
Page #3 - Teacher of the Year winners
Page #4 - Comments by State Line officers
Page #5 - Comments by State Surgeon and POW/MIA Chairman
Page #6 - Comments by State Past Commander and Candidates for State Surgeon
Page #7 - Ladies Auxiliary page
Page #8 - 100% District and Post , Council Meeting update and Rally at the Capital
Page #9- Veteran Service page & Partners in Veteran Service Program
Page #10 Campaign ad, Dave Morgan for National Missouri Council member
Page #11 Campaign ad, Bob Wonnell for National Missouri Council member
Page #12 Jessie Jones for National C-I-C 2015-2016, campaign ad and bio.
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg. #1
Olin Parks
State Commander
Need a New Year Resolution?
With the New Year well underway and resolutions
being forgotten or broken, how about a few resolu-
tions that will positively affect your life and your lega- Thomas T. Tradewell, Sr.
cy to our veterans? Commander-in-Chief 2009-2010
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
1)Make a real effort to attend and participate in dis-
trict meetings; National Representative for Winter C of A
2) Participate in at least two Veteran Benefit events Thomas Tradewell was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of
each year and enjoy your community veterans; Foreign Wars on August 20, 2009, at the VFW 110th national convention, held
in Phoenix, Ariz.
3) Be involved in the planning and execution of
Buddy Poppies to remember our comrades; Tradewell served in the U. S. Army from 1966-1968 and earned VFW eligibility
while serving with B Company 26th Engineers 198th Light Infantry Brigade
4) Promote patriotism in your community by working (Americal Division) in South Vietnam as a demolition specialist. His decora-
the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen programs; tions include the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple
Heart and Good Conduct Medal.
5) Promote the teaching of patriotic activities by
working the Teacher of the Year Program; Tradewell joined the VFW in 1968 at Post 6498 in Milwaukee where he is a
Life Member. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post,
6) Promote your post activities by posting local news District and Department (state) levels culminating with his election as
articles; Department Commander 1999-2000. He served as national inspector general
in 2001-2002. He also served as the District 11 National Council representa-
7) Carry a Veteran Referral form with you so you can tive for members from the Departments of Wisconsin and Iowa in 2003-2005.
always function as a Veteran's Advocate by initiating
the veteran's benefit filing. Tradewell earned an associate's degree in industrial safety.
There are many other small items that you can Tradewell retired from Briggs and Stratton in 1998 as a Metallurgy Laboratory
adopt that will nourish your life and those veterans Technician after 30 years of service.
around you - just take a little time and get involved.
He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the
Congratulations to the State winners in our Voice Cootie, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of
of Democracy, Patriots Pen and Teacher of the Year America and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
programs.
Tradewell married Sharon in 1966 and they make their home in Sussex, Wis.
Thank you to the many Post that participated. To
the Chairman, Great Job!!!!!
Olin Parks, MO VFW Cdr
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.# 2
District Voice of Democracy 1st place winners, escorted by the District Commander and
District Ladies Auxiliary President as they enter the 2012 Voice of Democracy Banquet
District No. 1 District No. 2 District No. 3 District No. 5
District No. 6 District No. 7 District No. 8 District No. 9
District No. 12 District No. 14 District No. 15 District No. 17
District No. 18
Congratulations
to all the
students. They
are all winners 1st Place Patriots Pen Winner 1st Place VOD Winner
Sponsored by District No. 18 Sponsored by District No. 2
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg. #3
Teacher of the year Department Winners
Jeff Wynne LaVonda Jarred Michael Trautman
Lawson Middle School South Pemiscot Elementary Concordia High School
Sponsored by VFW Post 6278 Sponsored by VFW Post 4680 Sponsored by VFW Post 5649
District - 1 District - 15 District - 6
2012 CHECKS 2012 CHECKS
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Patriot's Pen Scholarship
1st Place - $2,000.00 1st Place - $500.00
Nathan Thibon (Post 35 & LA) - D2 Ashlyn Hufstedler(Post 1014 & LA) - D18
2nd Place - $1,250.00 2nd Place - $300.00
Brecken Lewis (Post 5993 & LA) - D18 Brett Shaffer (Post 858 & LA) - D1
3rd Place - $1,000.00 3rd Place - $200.00
Ian McSalley (Post 5468) - D12 Kaitlyn Jones (Post 6758) - D14
4th Place - $500.00 4th Place - $125.00
Ginelle Esry (Post 257 & LA) - D7 Hannah Keeney (Post 5608 & LA) - D2
Taylor Tafoya (Post 10495 & LA) - D15
5th Place - $300.00 Jasper Risenhoover (Post 2203 & LA) - D7
Nora Faris (Post 5649 &LA) - D6 Megan Huelsing (Post 6137) D-12
Kathryn Binger (Post 5789 & LA) - D5
6th Place - $200.00 Kaitlyn Clark (Post 2657 & LA) - D9
Kaytelynn Tramel (Post 4680 & LA) - D15 Timothy Jones (Post 4822 & LA) - D17
Emily Meyers (Post 442 ) - D3 Kimberly Becker (Post 10906 & LA) - D3
Elizabeth Revelle (Post 2657 & LA) - D9 Shannon Peters (Post 5649 & LA) - D6
Hannah Thieme (Post 858 & LA) - D1 Alexis Johnson (Post 5741 & LA) - D8
Cheyenne Foster (Post 5553 & LA) - D17 5th to 13th place also get $125.00 each
Krista Cassity (Post 30 & LA) - D5
Cassie Walters (Post 963 & LA) - D14
Jake Jarvis (Post 6947 & LA) - D8
Vfw Missourian February 2012 pg.# 4
Phil Pippins, Sr. Vice Commander Lyle Seelinger Jr. Vice Jessie L. Jones,
Adjutant/Quartermaster
AOMRADES AND FRIENDS: Comrades,
eomrades:
Time stands still for no one. The year is
WE ARE GOING INTO MARCH. APRIL 30 IS THE I wish to express my sincere appreciation
DEAD LINE FOR ALL-STATE PROGRAMS. passing very fast. The members of the
for those that have contributed to my cam-
VFW of Missouri have stepped up to the
I WOULD LIKE ALL POST COMMANDERS AND DIS- paign and offerred their time to travel and
plate in activities in their communities and
TRICT COMMANDERS: represent me in other Big Ten states. To
veterans services. Not just in taking the
date, I’ve been able to attend conferences
TO MAKE YOUR PHONE CALLS. easy way out by making a Post monetary
in Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois and have rep-
donation but by being actively involved in
TO SEND OUT YOUR LETTERS TO THOSE THAT resentation in Minnisoto. Next weekend I’m
assisting the veterans and in community
ARE NOT PAID UP. scheduled to be in Wisconsin.
programs. Promoting patriotism and citi-
There’s much more travel to come as the
LET THEM KNOW WE DO WANT AND NEED THEM zenship, remembering our POW-MIAs,
IN OUR POST. State Conventions are scheduled. Your con-
are just a few of the things that we as vet-
tinued support is needed and appreciated.
OUR MEMBERSHIP IS OUR STRENGTH, OUR VET- erans have done.
As for the Headquarters office, I’m pleased
ERANS REFERRAL IS OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK As of this writing 85 percent of the Posts
TO THOSE VETS AND SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
to report we have hired an excellant Office
have submitted a CAR. The goal is to
AT THE SAME TIME. Manager replacement. Linda and I wish
have 100 percent reporting by the end of
Nicole the best in her new job and are look-
I KNOW IT IS HARD WORK TO WORK MEMBERSHIP April. When the Department submits its
ing forward to serving you for the remainder
BUT IT IS ALSO ALL OF OUR JOBS TO GROW THIS next report to National it would be great
GREAT ORIGANIZATION. of the year.
if Missouri is 100 percent in reporting
Currently we are on target with our budget,
I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR WHAT YOU community activities.
but still need contributions from Post to con-
DO. Winter is not the most desirable time of
tinue funding our Veteran Service Officer
the year to do many activities. Now is the
WE ARE A TEAM .. PHIL PIPPINS Program. I ask all to consider becoming a
time to start planning activites for when
“Partner in Veteran Service” by participating
the weather breaks. We still need to keep
in the program. This is an excellent way for
(Lyle Seelinger-Continued from column #2) in contact with our elderly veterans. Check
you to display and show pride in your com-
on them to see if they need assistance
mittment to the program.
I want to personally thank you as a fellow with utilities, transportation, and even with
It goes without saying, we all have to work
veteran and comrade for what you are emergency repairs around the house. Not
harder at getting our unpaid members back
doing to assist our veterans, their families, only are these things reportable on your
into the organization. They were interested
and the community. The next time you talk CAR but it is the right thing to do………
enough to join, we need to show enough
to a veteran ask them if they need any VETERANS HELPING VETERANS.
interest in them to make them want to
assistance in medical benefits or assis- Don't forget about the families of the
remain members of the organization.
tance in other areas. Explain to them that active duty personnel. There are grants
As our membership goes, so does our
the VFW is here to help them. I know of that can be applied for thru UNMET
impact on legislation and Veteran Service. A
no other feeling greater than that of help- NEEDS to assist them financially with
comrade in Illinois said this weekend,
ing a comrade. emergencies, such as high heat bills,
“What’s lost today is Lost Forever”. That
medi-cal expenses, emergency home
statement is true in whatever we do.
Respectfully yours, repair. Grants do take a little bit of time to
To all, keep doing God’s work in helping
Lyle J. Seelinger, apply for so what would be a better use of
the veterans in your communities. I’m look-
Junior Vice Commander the Post Relief Fund than to help the fam-
ing forward to serving you.
ily of our nation's defenders.
Jessie L. Jones
(Continued in column #1 this page) Adjutant/Quartermaster
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.# 5
(Tom Mundell, continued from column POW/MIA
#1) By Christopher Bell
This facility has developed into a fantas-
Chairman
tic medical center. Charlie Patrick contin-
ued with me to visit with Terry Clay our
Department Commander, Ladies
VSO at that facility. Staffed with a profes-
Auxiliary President, fellow veterans, sis-
sional and concerned staff, this facility is a
ters and sons of the Men's Auxiliary. It has
tremendous help to the Veterans in the
been a unique experience being the POW
area of Southwest Missouri. I talked to
/MIA Chairman for the Veterans of Foreign
many Veterans there and no one had any-
Wars. Department of Missouri for
thing bad to say about their care and treat-
2011/2012 and I am enjoying every
ment. Terry has his hands full. However,
minute of it.
he is very organized and is doing a
Coming into this chairmanship I already
tremendous job.
had knowledge of the program, but there
Extending my visit to the VA Medical
is still a lot to learn, what with all the infor-
Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas was a
mation coming from the government and
trip that I will never forget. I was met by
other entities, new discoveries, recovery
the hospital Director and I continued on a
and identification by JPAC personnel; all
four hour extensive tour of that hospital.
the families waiting for word that their lost
Their services extend throughout the
one has finally been identified and is on
Tom Mundell, State Surgeon southwest portion of Missouri and they
the way home. It certainly is a heart full.
control our Medical Center in Mt. Vernon,
Thank You for the privilege of being your
Mo. Their hospital has achieved the high-
I am happy to report that Missouri is set- Chairman. We must still keep going and
est honor available to Veteran Hospitals
ting the standard for the rest of the Nation supporting the DPMO, JPAC, the recovery
throughout the United States. All veterans
to catch up to, in providing Veterans the teams and those other agencies who are
that I approached had nothing but praises
very best medical and psychological, assisting the recovery and return of our
for the staff and hospital.
Hospital and Nursing Home care available fallen brothers who were left behind.
On my return into Missouri, I made a visit
anywhere. For those who are not aware, we have
to the Missouri Veterans Home in St.
Missouri Veterans homes and hospitals been helping POW families and those
James, Missouri. This facility has new
are managed by a group of dedicated pro- missing since 1964. That's over 47 years
projects in the works and has recently fin-
fessionals. Too many to name, but I have Think about it, "How much longer do we
ished improvements to their Chapel and
found everyone of them in the entire state have to wait for answers?" With the help
other important areas that improve the
to be growing, improving, and always has of everyone working together towards this
quality of care for our Veterans.
the best interest of all the Veterans that program it will definitely show our feelings
Professional but loving and caring staff
they care for first and foremost in their towards those still missing and that we as
members were assisting our comrades,
decisions. Cost savings are mastered citizens of this great Nation do care and
making them as comfortable as possible.
without any decline in quality of care. In we request the fullest accountability from
Veteran Service Officer Kathy Lee and
fact, the homes and hospitals are state of those who still have knowledge of the
staff provided countless veterans profes-
the art facilities. A few require some location of our fellow Americans who are
sional and expedient assistance and guid-
upgrades and plans are in the works, and still unaccounted for and still in captivity
ance on the western side of our state. Our
decisions are being made, to help finance somewhere in the jungles of Southeast
VA Hospital there and the VA Homes near-
their improvements into the 21st Century. Asia, Korea and China.
by are stellar in quality and services pro-
My visit to the Missouri Veterans Home at I would like to thank all District, and Post
vided to our Veterans.
Mt. Vernon Missouri was excellent. I was Commanders , and their POW/MIA
If your ultimate goal is to enhance the life
met by Comrade Charlie Patrick and he Chairmen for their POW-MIA reports sub-
of a Veteran, give them the opportunity of
accompanied me throughout the entire mitted. But there is still a few Posts that
a life time. Start the process by filling out
visit. Many projects have been completed, have not submitted their reports. Let's get
a Veterans Referral Form on each one of
new ones are beginning, all to enhance the the reports into Department as soon as
them. Start with your own membership.
care of the residents. The Solariums and you can. I would like to be able to tell the
Submitting one on every member of your
Libraries are being used extensively. Department Commander at the February
Post, is the most important thing you can
Everyone is thankful for their fine profes- C of A that Department of Missouri is
do, to demonstrate our strongest asset,
sional treatment that they receive from the 100% reported in the POW/MIA program.
the Veteran Service Officer Program. Our
staff. Each resident had an aid that was As I close, keep getting the word out that
Veterans Service Officers, will begin the
assisting them in their wheel chairs or as the POW-MIA flag is only subordinate to
process to change each of their lives for
they walked if they had difficulties. I have the United States flag. Pass the word to
the better for the rest of the Veterans life.
made numerous trips to Mt. Vernon and I your Post & District Color Guard Captains.
As soon as each member gets into the VA
have always found the staff and residents Show your pride and awareness of this
system, gets the proper medical care they
smiling and happy to be there. Asking priority.
require, and see if they qualify for any
them if there were somewhere else, they compensation, pensions, or benefits, they
would rather be, other than home, the resi- will become strong, positive assets for
dents all responded, absolutely not. your post. With Happy Faces, because
Visiting the Gene Taylor VA CBOC , was they are becoming all they can be, feeling
an eye opening experience. better, and enjoying life more.
(Continued in Next column) Tom Mundell State Surgeon
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.# 6
Bob Wonnell Jim Gill Chris Bell
Past Dept. Commander Candidate for Surgeon 2012-2013 Candidate for Surgeon 2012-2013
It is amazing how fast our VFW year flies by. Jim graduated from Webster Groves High The Comrades of VFW Post 30 along
Here we are in February and only 2 months School in 1967, spent one (1) year at the with members of District 5, are proud to
left on this All State year, and only 4 months University of Missouri before heeding the announce the name and endorsement of
left for Commander Parks’ year. As usual, all call and enlisting in the United States Christopher T. Bell as a candidate for the
of the line officers and District Officers are Navy. He gained his eligibility while serv- office of Surgeon Department of
screaming for you to succeed in membership, ing with the Navy from 1968 to 1989. Missouri, Veterans of Foreign Wars of
donations to Veterans Service Officer During his 21 years of service, he served the United States. Chris is a Retired
Program, Military Service, Buddy Poppies, aboard five (5) Ships and two (2) Shore Master Chief (E-9) from the U.S. Navy.
Community Activity Reports, and the other Stations before retiring as a Chief Petty He earned his eligibility for membership
great programs the VFW has. It simply Officer in 1989. His last duty station was in the VFW by serving in Vietnam 67-72,
amazes me that all these things are not at Oaknoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, Beirut, Lebanon 83-84, Panama 88-89.
planned on, not thought about until this time California; here he completed 4 ½ years He is a Life Member of VFW Post 30,
of year. All incoming Post Commanders of independent duty as the Disability Member of the MOC Pup Tent 1, A Life
should be planning their budgets for next Counselor for the Western United States. Member of Disabled American Veterans,
year. All Posts should prepare for and After his service he returned to Member American Legion Post 21. He
accomplish all the necessary tasks and imple- Missouri and for 20 years was the Plant has been a member of the VFW since
ment all necessary donations etc during their Engineer at the Fulton Diagnostic and 1996. He has earned All State District
first official meeting in July. All incoming Reception Center. Initially he began Commander in two different
District Commanders should be planning their under the direction of the Department of Departments. Chris has held numerous
year and encouraging members to step up to Corrections but finished under the direc- positions at the Post and District level he
the plate and prepare for their year now and tion of the Office of Administration. He has also held many appointed positions
kick it off with a bang. Instead, we set and retired from the State of Missouri in on the Department and National level.
wait and try to figure out what we should do August 2010 and returned to his roots. Chris believes that quality service for
and when well into the VFW year. If we all He and his wife GiGi now live on an Elk veterans must come first, and the way
planned our year properly membership could and Deer Preserve in Ste Genevieve we can accomplish that is by Teamwork,
be 100% by the end of October and then we County where they enjoy the wonders of Team Support and Communicating as a
could concentrate on growing the organiza- nature and work as ranch hands. Team as these points are the key to suc-
tion the rest our year in office. Now, not Jim joined the VFW in 1974 in cess. He believes that in numbers there
tomorrow or the next day is the time to get Hayward, California, and became a Life is strength and this is why membership
organized, get ready and get our VFW year Member in 1979. During his California is important to keep our VFW strong. He
ready. We are the greatest Veterans years he was elected 1983-84 Seam knows that family is also the key to our
Organization in the free world. It’s up to you Squirrel for Pup Tent 86 (The Gold Pup young veterans and this is why we need
and me to accept the responsibility to keep it Tent) in Santee, California. In Santee he more family functions and community
so. I wish the Best of luck to our State began serving the VFW holding all Post functions to communicate and give them
Commander, Olin Parks, our District and Post Chairmanships and Positions; this contin- information as to how we can help and
Commanders for the rest of this year and to ues even today. Upon returning to serve veterans. The comrades of Post
those incoming commanders for next year. Missouri he had more time to devote to 30 and District 5 believe that Comrade
We can improve and now is the time to do it. the VFW and transferred his membership Bell is a highly qualified and dedicated
As always, I am available to assist you in any to Callaway Post 2657 in Fulton. individual who will do an outstanding job
way to prepare you for your year. for the Veterans of this great state in the
Yours in Veterans Service (Continued on Pg #8) position of Department Surgeon. We ask
“With a Hand Up” you to join us in electing Chris as
Bob Wonnell Department Surgeon at the Department
Convention in June 2012.
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.# 7 LADIES AUXILIARY PAGE
Evelyn McCune Past Ladies Auxiliary President, Rep.
for the February C of A and Banquet
Lora Dailey
State Ladies Auxiliary President Past National President Evelyn McCune of Blairstown, Missouri, continues
to serve the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
To my Auxiliary sister's thank you for all the won- States as Chairman of the National Advisory Committee.
derful work you have done the first part of this During her 2003-2004 term as National President, she encouraged mem-
Auxiliary year, it is totally amazing and I know that bers to do all they could for the troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and
the 2nd part of the year is going to be even better. the families they left behind. Auxiliaries, Posts, and Junior Girls Units, as well
Since my last article I have been able to visit so as concerned community groups, donated thousands of items and more than
many of our Districts, getting to visit with old $9,000 to ship care packages from the National Headquarters to the troops.
friends and making new friendships your love and Twelve shipments were sent throughout the year, first to female troops in Iraq
support is the true driving force behind my year as and later to both men and women stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
your Department President. SSG Felicia Parker, who sent the original request, returned after being in Iraq
I also have been able to visit some of our wonder- a year and was honored at the 2004 Mid-Year Conference with the Kindness,
ful Missouri Veterans Homes, sisters if you are in Love & Peace Award, which was named after the National President's theme.
any doubt as to the need of our Veterans Homes On the home front, she and the VFW Commander-in-Chief presented
take the time and go visit one of them. After you Operation Uplink™ phone cards and children's books to family centers at var-
visit them you will walk away with a new found ious military bases around the country. She also welcomed soldiers home
resolve to make sure that they have the funding from Operation Iraqi Freedom when she joined representatives of other veter-
that is needed to continue to provide this service to ans' organizations for breakfast with President George W. Bush at the White
our men and women who have served our country. House on Veterans Day.
We must as Auxiliary members make sure that our While touring the Far East, she and husband, Don, had Thanksgiving dinner
legislatures on all levels understand that we will with the troops in South Korea, boosting their morale and distributing long-
not tolerate anything less than permanent funding distance telephone cards.
for our wonderful veterans benefits. It was an important year for World War II veterans as the new national
As of the writing of this article our membership memorial to recognize their efforts was finally dedicated Memorial Day week-
percentage is 91.55%, but we must not stop there, end. The National President participated in the ceremonies in Washington,
I know that this will be the year that the D.C., and along with the VFW Commander-in-Chief also laid a wreath at the
Department of Missouri will reach that magical Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
number of 100%. Remind all members that if their In recognition of all veterans, she honored Rick Crawford with the American
2012 dues was not paid by December 31, 2011 Patriot Award for his 13-year leadership of the Veterans' Homecoming
they are no longer a member in good standing, Festivities held each year in Branson, Missouri. To honor him and in memory
which can effect a lot of their member benefits. of her late husband, Darrel Steinle, she donated $1,000 to purchase a tree for
Remember our National dues will increase to the Arlington Cemetery Tree Project.
$5.00 per member effective January 1, 2012. She is a Life Member of Whitesell-Finnell Auxiliary #971 in Newton, Kansas,
Our National President Gwen Rankin made her where she has belonged since 1967 when she joined through the eligibility of
official visit to Missouri January 24-26, 2012 and a Darrel, a veteran of the Korean War. Her previous service to the organization
great time was had by all that were able to attend. includes Auxiliary, District, and Department President; National Safety
Thank you to Nikki Green and the Auxiliary sisters Director; VFW National Home Board Director; National Cancer Aid &
of 3976 for all of your hard work in making this a Research Director; and National Chairman for the Western Conference on
time I will always remember. the Rehabilitation, Membership, Buddy Poppy, and Legislative programs.
(Continued on pg #8) Her patriotism is always showing as she flies the Flag every day, is a Life
Member of the VFW National Home for Children, and belongs to the
American Legion Auxiliary. (Continued on pg#8)
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.# 8
(Evelyn McCune, Continued from pg#7) 6Jim Gill, Continued from pg#6)
In 2000, she retired after ten years as
Manager of Berkley Medical Equipment, Here he was elected 1991-93 Post s
Inc., DBA Anderson Healthcare, married Commander and received his All-State White Congratulations to the
Don McCune and moved to Blairstown, Hat. District 9 elected him the 1995-96 and
Districts and Post that
Missouri. She has two grown daughters 2002-03 District Commander; where he was
and he has two grown sons; altogether recognized as a District All-State Commander. achieved 100% in
they have seven grandchildren and one He was appointed as the Department of Membership by December
great-grandson. Missouri State Inspector in 1999 and served in
31.
this position for the next 10 years. He has had
the privilege to be appointed to National
Committees and Aide-de-Camp. Currently he District # 1 Commander
Lora Dailey, continued from pg# 7 )
is serving as Ste Genevieve Post 2210 Service Post 858, District # 1, Chillicothe
Officer and the Chairman of Volunteer Post 1773, District # 1, Carrollton
February 3-4 was our Mid-Winter C of A
Services for the "Veterans Festival at Forest Post 2172, District # 1, Gallatin
in Jefferson City. On Friday evening we
Park". Post 4398, District # 1, Richmond
honored those District Presidents who
Jim would appreciate your support in Post 4557, District # 1, Brookfield
reached the 91% mark by December
the upcoming election. Post 6278, District # 1, Lawson
31st, the District Presidents were pre-
sented by a beautiful corsage by Post 7159, District # 1, Princeton
Department Membership Chairman Post 5717, District # 3, Kearney
(Lora Dailey, continued from column no. 1) Post 4367, District # 6, Slater
Danetta, then myself and our National
Congratulations to the VOD winner Nathan Post 6270, District # 6, Higginsville
Rep for the weekend, Evelyn McCune
Thibon from District 2 and to the Patriots Pen Post 11242, District # 6, Appleton City
presented the Presidents with their hard
winner from District 18 Ashlyn Hufstedler, both Post 5293, District # 7, Joplin
earned medallions. The District
of these students did an outstanding job of pre- Post 5527, District # 8, Ironton
Presidents were then whisked off for their
senting their essays. Post 6660, District # 8, Lesterville
Night on the Town. On Saturday morning
Before we know it our Department Convention Post 6947, District # 8, Bismarck
the Department Program Chairman pre-
will be here. This year at our convention the Post 7147, District # 8, Cuba
sented their programs. They came as
Ladies Auxiliary National Rep will be Past Post 5327, District # 9, Wentzville
"valentines" and what sweethearts they
National President Lorraine Frier. Make sure Post 9064, District # 9, Elsberry
were. Saturday afternoon found the
to make your hotel reservations early as the District # 12 Commander
Auxiliary sisters in the Council of
hotel seems to fill up very quickly. Get those Post 3944, District # 12, Overland/St.
Administration meeting where numerous
delegates elected and reported. Ann
issues were discussed and voted on. Be
As we walk through our daily lives we must Post 6274, District # 12, Ballwin
sure to check with your District President
remember to reach out to others within our Post 963, District # 14, Springfield
on what items were voted on if you were
community and show our neighbors what we Post 1667, District # 14, Ridgedale
not able to join us. Then that evening you
are about because without the personal touch Post 3404, District # 14, Springfield
could feel the excitement in the air, as
we will never be able to grow. Post 2659, District # 15, Dexter
everyone started gathering for the Voice
May God watch over each of you for the com- Post 3127, District # 15, Chaffee
of Democracy banquet. The ladies in
ing year. Post 3416, District # 15, Wappapello
their finery and the gentlemen in their
Hugs Post 3485, District # 15, Doniphan
tuxes did make some of our students
Lora Dailey, President Post 4680, District # 15, Caruthersville
nervous, as one of the girls told me, she
Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 5368, District # 15, Morley
did not dream that the evening would be
Department of Missouri Post 5443, District # 15, Kennett
such a big event. (continued next col-
Post 7183, District # 15, Lilbourn
February Council of Administration Update Post 7822, District # 15, Puxico
At the Council of Administration meeting held in Jefferson City on February Post 1014, District # 18, Alton
4, the Council voted on two (2) important Issues that need your support. Post 3770, District # 18, Mountain Grove
Post 7222, District # 18, Summersville
1) Funding for the continuation of the Department of Missouri National $1,500 dollar Voice
Veterans Rally at the Capital
of Democracy Scholarship. The Council voted to start soliciting contributions from Posts scheduled for March 22
and Districts with a vote on what level of scholarship to fund at the State Convention in We urge all those concerned about the
June. Contributions should be mailed to Department Headquarters, marked for National Veterans homes to be present at this
VOD Scholarship. Rally to show the Legislator’s our sup-
port for full funding for the homes and
2) Authorization for the Department to look into the feasiability of producing a 2013 calen- our desire to find a dedicated source
dar that depicts war monuments from across the state of Missouri. If the project had other than General Revenue. Post and
potential for raising funds for our programs, the Department Office was authorized to pro- Auxiliaries are being asked to bring
ceed. Calendars would include a raffle with daily, weekly and monthly drawings. Exact their colors with stands. We want to
schedule and amount awarded would be determined based on the cost incurred in pub- make a big showing.
lishing and distribution. What I need from everyone now is good quality pictures of Note: Parking for vehicles will be a
War monuments in your community. Be sure to identify the name and city where the problem. It’s recommended people car
monument is located. Photos should be emailed to Department headquarters at hqni- pool and have a designated driver that
cole@mo.vfwwebmail.com. We’ll need all photos in by late March to meet a June pub- can drop them off and pick them up.
lishing date. Jessie Jones Hope to see you on March 22.
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.#9
Partners in Veteran Service
Become a continous donor and receive a distinctive donor pin.
Bronze - $10.00/mo or $120.00/yr.
Silver - $20.00/mo or $240.00/yr.
Gold - $30.00/mo or $360.00 or more per yr.
Pins to be awarded at the State Convention.
Dennis F. Flynn
Department Service Officer
DID YOU KNOW? NOW TWO WAYS TO DONATE
TO THE VETERAN SERVICE
1) The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in 1899 for OFFICER PROGRAM
the purpose of assisting veterans in obtaining medical 1. As an Individual:
and pension benefits from the federal government?
By Credit Card monthly or one time donation (see attachment).
2) VFW Service officers file over one third (1/3) of the The individual donor will be recognized by VFW Department.
claims filed in the St. Louis Regional.office?
2. As a Post/District member:
3) VFW Service Officers are successfull in obtaining over
$150,000,000 million dollars in VA benefits for Veterans in Donate directly to your Post Relief Fund on a monthly (auto-
Missouri each year? mated transfer by credit card to Post Relief Fund) or one time
basis. Be sure to request that your donation be forwarded to
4) The VFW Service Officer program is funded solely Department for the Service Officer Program and that your
through VFW Department membership dues, programs Post/District be given credit for the donation. This donation
will used to offset the $3.00 per member.
and donations?
5) Donations to the VFW Service Officer program are Submitted by: James Rippy, VSIO Chairman
tax-deductible to the full extent of the law?
“VETERANS HELPING VETERANS”
JOIN THE “PARTNERS IN VETERAN SERVICE”
BY STARTING YOUR MONTHLY DONATIONS TODAY!!
DONATION CARD
Mail to:
VFW Dept. of Missouri I would like to support the important work of the VFW Service
P.O. Box 26 Officers by enclosing my gift of: ( )$25 ( )$50 ( )$75 ( ) Other $__________(check enclosed)
Jefferson City MO. 65102 Donor name:_______________________________________________
(Please Print)
Credit Card Donation Address:_______________________________________________________________________
Step 1: Complete Credit Card Information:
Please charge my: ( )Master card ( ) VISA ( ) AMEX ( )Discover Card No. ______________________Expiration _____/_______
Signature_____________________________ Date:_______________ Phone No. _________________ Security Code:_________
Step 2: Please choose one option:
( ) Option 1: Make a one time donation by credit card of $____________.____
( ) Option 2: Join the Partners in Veteran Service by donating the amount listed below from my credit card monthly:
( ) $10 per month* ( ) $20 per month ( ) $30 per month ( ) Other $____________per month.
*monthly minimum amount is $10, processed on the day requested of each month.
I understand payments will continue automatically each month until I notify VFW Department Headquarters of any change.
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg.10
Candidate for Fifth District Council
for Department of Missouri 2012 -2015
All State Team Post Commander 1991-1992
All State Team District Commander 2002-2003
All State Team District Commander 2004-2005
National Recruiter Century Award 2004-2005
National By-Laws 2006-2007
All American Team State Commander 2009-2010
National Resolution 2010-2011
Big Ten Chairman 2010-2011
"A commitment and an Honor to serve all Veterans and the
leadership
in the Department of Missouri."
Thank you for your support!
Dave Morgan
VFW Missourian February 2012 pg. 11
Bob Wonnell
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL VFW
COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI
I am asking for your support and your vote comrades. I am a
candidate for the position as Missouri’s representative to the
National VFW Council of Administration.
This position is where your voice gets heard at the National level.
Let me be your voice so I can let the VFW know exactly what you
want and in what direction you want this organization to go.
You know me and you know I will tell it like it is.
You know my voice will be true and strong.
At the State VFW Convention in June vote for Bob Wonnell for the
National VFW Council of Administration for the Department of
Missouri.
Thank you for your support.
BOB WONNELL
VFW Missourian February 2012 Pg. 12
------------------BIO----------------
Jessie L. Jones was endorsed at the 91st
Jessie L. Jones Department of Missouri Convention held at the
Missouri's Endorsed Candidate Holiday Inn Select in Columbia Missouri on June
For Jr. Vice Commander-In-Chief 9, 2011 as Missouri's endorsed candidate for Jr.
2015-2016 Vice Commander in Chief of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars for the 2015-2016 VFW year.
Jessie served in the United States Marine Corp
from 1964 to 1968 including a tour of duty in the
Republic of Vietnam from March 1966 - April 1967,
attached to Marine Air Support Squadron , 3d
MAW at Da Nang and Marine Air Support
Squadron , 1st MAW at Chu Lai. His decorations
include the Vietnam Service Medal w/1 bronze
star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal
with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
w/60 device, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon,
National Defense Service Medal and Good
Conduct Medal.
2009 - present State Adjutant/Quartermaster Jessie joined the VFW in 1989 at Post 2657 in
2009 - 2011 Chairman, Missouri Veterans Assoc. Fulton, Missouri, where he maintains his life mem-
2008 - 2009 State Adjutant/Assistant Quartermaster bership. He has served in elected and appointed
2007 - 2008 State Adjutant
2006 - 2007 All American State Commander
positions at the Post, District and Department
1999 - 2000 All State Commander, District No. 9 (state) levels culminating with the election as
1994 - 1997 All State Commander, Post 2657 Department Commander in 2006 - 2007. Jessie
Received various National Appointments over the years. currently serves as Adjutant and Quartermaster of
the Department of Missouri and served for two
B. S. Degree in Business Administration from the
University of Missouri, St. Louis
years as Chairman of the Missouri Association of
Veterans Organizations.
MBA from William Woods University
After his release from the Marine Corp in 1968,
Retired from AmerenUE after 36 years of service. Jessie worked for thirty-six (36) years for
Twenty Six (26) years in Management at Ameren's
Callaway Nuclear Power Plant.
AmerenUE, a utility company with Headquarters in
St. Louis Missouri. Prior to his retirement in June,
"Seeking support and endorsement in the Big Ten 2006, Jessie worked in Supervision and
Conference" Management at AmerenUE's Callaway Nuclear
Power Plant for twenty-six years.
Mail Campaign contributions to:
Earl Boyer, Campaign Finance Chairman
1560 Hillcrest Dr. Jessie earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business
DeSoto, MO 63020 Administration from the University of Missouri St.
Louis and Master's Degree from William Woods
University.
Jessie and his wife Charlotte have three children
and nine grandchildren. They make their home in
Fulton Missouri.