VFW Checkpoint Magazine

CHECKP INT SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2009 www.vfw.ORg NEws from Vfw’s froNT lINEs ‘I Was So Blown Away’ Scholarship Winner Says ‘Thank a Soldier’ for American Freedoms When 18-year-old natale Szabo sat down to write what would become an award-winning essay, she wrote from the heart. She spent only the third-school period one morning at Medical Lake High School in Washington state to compose the first draft. Natale now says she had no idea at the time her essay was powerful enough to make her the recipient of VFW’s $30,000 T.C. Selman Scholarship through Voice of Democracy (VOD). The national winner said she had never heard of VOD and actually stumbled across the information by accident. “As the scholarship coordinator at my school, I typed up the brochure of all scholarships,” she said. “My counselor told me no one had applied for it in 15 years.” The theme “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by …” came easy to Natale, who was drawn to a poster outside her AP (Advanced Placement) European history classroom. “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a soldier,” the poster reads. That phrase jumpstarted Natale’s essay as she wrote about the freedoms taken for granted in the U.S. “We are the owners of the American dream,” she wrote, “and that famous ingenuity that has sparked so much greatness. And at the heart of all that? Our soldiers. Our brave, selfless, always persevering soldiers.” The first time Natale had to publicly deliver her speech was at the Department of Washington’s mid-winter conference. (Prior to this, her audio essay had been judged from a cassette she recorded.) Her delivery was fine, she said, but the announcement of the winners was brutal. “I never get flustered, but I was breathing so hard and my face was red,” says Natale, laughing at the memory. “When they got to the third-place winner and I had not been called, I knew I probably didn’t win. But then they called my name as the winner, and I was so blown away.” Being named the Department winner automatically advanced Natale to the national competition and entitled her to a trip to the Former Ladies Auxiliary National President Dixie hild and then-VFW commander-in-chief Glen Gardner present Voice of Democracy winner Natale szabo with a $30,000 check last February in Washington, D.c. The 2009-10 VOD theme is “Does America Still Have Heroes?” The deadline is Nov. 1, 2009. wHAT’s INsIDE CHECKPoINT Extra! Extra!, Page 2 • $50,000 for Free Call Days • VOD deadlines begin in November • Departments earned $42,000 in 2008 How-to Guide for Service Officers, Page 3 If you or one of your members wants to become a service officer, this article provides some basic information. Female and WWII Post Leaders Recognized, Page 4 VFW’s first female commander entered her Post’s chair offices in 1980. Here’s a list of those currently serving. VFW’s Suicide Prevention Efforts, Page 5 A Post in Germany has been offering returning combat vets a friendly ear and help transitioning back to civilian life. Troop and Family Support, Page 6 Members in Illinois repair a home for a Navy wife, while a Kansas Post hosts a fishing trip for wounded soldiers. Teachers Rewarded for Dedication, Page 7 Three teachers with a combined 55 years of experience explain why they were selected VFW’s top instructors for 2009. Photos from the War Zones, Page 8 A state representative from Kansas trades in her suit for a flak jacket and heads to Iraq. CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 • 1 nation’s capital, where she met her 52 competitors. (Only 53 of the Department winners were able to attend.) “I absolutely fell in love with the city (D.C.),” she said. “I had two favorite parts to the trip. The first was getting to meet so many cool people. The second was the Holocaust Museum.” At the award ceremony, Natale said, she was “totally calm” in her mind. She had told herself it was a big deal to get that far, plus she was guaranteed at least a $1,000 scholarship. Before she knew it she was one of three left to be called. “As soon as the second-place winner was announced, I continued on page 7 “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, a protester or supporter of our war in Iraq, a welder or a CEO, you live your life as freely as you do because of a soldier. So next time you see a man or woman in uniform, stop, take off your hat, shake their hand, and thank them from the bottom of your heart for sacrificing themselves every single day. If you’re listening to this right now, thank a soldier.” —Natale Szabo, 2009 Voice of Democracy winner Photo courtesy VFW ExTRa! ExTRa! $50,000 DONATED fOR fREE CAll DAyS An identity-theft protection company donated $50,000 in June to VFW’s Operation Uplink, which provides free phone calls home to troops serving overseas. LifeLock, Inc., of tempe, Ariz., will sponsor a “Free call Day” on sept. 29, which marks the 110th anniversary of VFW’s establishment. For more information, access www.operationuplink.org. lEADErsHIP PErsPECTIVEs Allen “Gunner” Kent, Adjutant General November is VFW’s Veterans in the Classroom of hard for kids to fathom something like that. I think Month. It’s a program we started in 1994, and through hearing us changed their minds.” Now is a great time for Posts to contact local the years it has enabled hundreds of students to experience first-hand accounts of those who have fought schools and schedule a visit to speak with students. Target grades K-6 for a “living history presentation” the nation’s wars. A teacher from Massachusetts told us after host- about your military service. Try to reserve a time during a group of veterans that textbooks didn’t give her ing Veterans Awareness Week, Nov. 8-14. UTIlITy COmpANy lAUDED fOR TROOp SUppORT For more information about the Veterans in the students the “human side” of war. VFW’s Departments of Kansas and Missouri have named a Classroom program consult “I thought it would be wonKansas city-based utility company their employer of the year. derful to bring in some knowlwww.vfwdepartmentresources. Q: What’s Missing Kansas city Power and Light (KcP&L), which employs some edge of what it’s like to be in org. You can download a brofrom This Picture? chure in PDF format by click400 veterans—including 18 who were serving on active duty combat,” said Kerry Winer, ing on “Program Information” in June—received the honor at the Departments’ conventions of Fuller Middle School in and then “Youth and TeachFramingham. “Who better than in June. ers.” KcP&L compensates its National Guard employees when the veterans?” The brochure offers guideI agree wholeheartedly. A they are activated by making up the difference between their lines for speakers, some basic veteran provides a perspective civilian salary and military pay. After 90 days, the company Citizenship young civilians don’t see on history and facts about the U.S. that Education Materials reviews whether to extend the compensation. Available from VFW Emblem & Supply flag and items from VFW’s Emtelevision, in the movies or in blem and Supply department. video games. So help teachers liven up “From what we told the A: YOU! kids,” said classroom speaker the bland and boring textbook presentations that students Clifton Wheeler, of Post 8507 in are often forced to endure. ReHolliston, Mass., “I think they pAy ATTENTION TO DEADlINES cruit a cross-section of your got the idea that war is sometwo VFW school-related programs that honor and recognize thing they should try to prevent. members representing mulstudents and teachers have a series of deadlines that begin It’s not fun and games. War is a tiple wars or conflicts and visit in November. Keep your program chairmen aware of these very serious thing, and it’s kind schools in November. dates. Larry Maher, Quartermaster General VOICE Of DEmOCRACy AND pATRIOT’S pEN yOUTH ESSAy CONTESTS: NOV. 1: Deadline for students to submit entries Whether to keep in touch with family or friends, pay Once you have obtained an e-mail address, we to Posts. bills electronically, or just do some research, com- encourage you to visit VFW’s e-Membership site NOV. 15: Deadline for completion of Post judging. puters are becoming a necessary part of our lives. at http://emem.vfw.org/. Here you can learn to DEC. 6: Deadline for completion of District judging. For many of our Post quartermasters who either perform many of your daily tasks using automated JAN. 7, 2010: Deadline for completion of don’t yet own a computer or are just getting started, functions. the thought of using one might be intimidating. This will save you time and money in performing Department judging. Now is a good time to ask one of your fellow such tasks as new member applications, renewals, JAN. 15, 2010: Deadline for Department winners members for help address changes, conto be received by VFW National headquarters. versions to life memFor more information, contact Kris harmer, programs man- using a computer. You will most likely bership, requests for ager, at (816) 756-3390, ext. 117, or e-mail kharmer@vfw.org. find someone more duplicate cards, reportthan willing to assist ing deceased members, NATIONAl CITIzENSHIp EDUCATION TEACHER AWARDS: you. Most computertransfers and Legacy NOV. 1: Deadline to send entries to Posts. savvy people are eager Life member applicaNOV. 15: Deadline to send entries to Districts. to teach others and tions. DEC. 15: Deadline to send entries to Departments. would welcome the All of these tasks, JAN. 15, 2010: Deadline to send entries to VFW challenge. and much more, can be National headquarters. Ask your assistant done simply and easily For more information, contact tammy Beauchamp, pro- to help you obtain an from a computer, saving grams coordinator, at (816) 756-3390, ext. 287, or e-mail e-mail address. Your paper, envelopes, and tbeauchamp@vfw.org. e-mail address will postage, as well as time. identify your computAs you become er location so you will more proficient and DEpARTmENTS EARNED $42,000 IN 2008 comfortable with the Learn how your Post can make money for your Department. be able to exchange inuse of your computer, VFW National headquarters paid more than $42,000 to De- formation with other partments in 2008 for their members and Posts participating computer users. The best part of using e-mail is that you will be surprised by the many other benefits you will enjoy from being “online.” Should you rein sponsored benefit programs, according to VFW’s Member your information is sent and received instantly. The second best thing is that you don’t have to quire assistance along the way, you can always conBenefits department. be at home to “pick up your mail.” Usually, you can tact our Help Line at 1-800-963-3180 or e-mail us at here are several programs sponsored by National headaccess it from remote locations. Establishing an e- emembership@vfw.org. quarters: mail address is quick and easy to do. INSURANCE pROgRAmS: VFW offers life, health, accident (including Medicare supplement and Medicare Part D prescription plans), dental, long-term care, pet, vehicle and Post liability. NON-INSURANCE pROgRAmS: these are services to help EDITOR checkpoint is an award-winning VETERANS Of fOREIgN WARS VfW WASHINgTON OffICE with annuities, real estate, and reverse mortgages. Also availtim Dyhouse newsletter published six times a National headquarters VFW Memorial Building year in January, March, May, July, 406 W. 34th street 200 Maryland Ave., N.e. able are discounted cell-phone services and a complimentary ASSISTANT EDITOR september and November. Its Kansas city, Mo 64111 Washington, D.c. 20002 Janie Blankenship purpose is to provide VFW Depart(816) 756-3390 (202) 543-2239 VFW Member honor roll listing. ment, District and Post leaders with FAX 816-968-1169 FAX 202-543-6719 Members also can learn about funeral and cremation plans STAff WRITER information to enhance their job checkpoint e-mail: e-mail: vfw@vfwdc.org Kelly Lanigan performance and furnish them with tdyhouse@vfw.org through Dignity Memorial. Financial planning seminars are ofa more comprehensive understandfered through Pinnacle Financial services. gRApHIC DESIgNER ing of the organization. VFW Department, District and Post publications Julie Knapp For more information, access vfwinsurance.com or www.vfw. correspondence can be sent may reproduce sections of checkpoint. All other to the editor at VFW National org and click on “Membership Benefits.” For questions or sugpublications must receive editor’s permission. headquarters. Internet address: www.vfw.org gestions for new products, please e-mail Denise edelman at Annual subscription rate: $6 dedelman@vfw.org or call 1-800-821-2606, option 1. © september / october 2009 NEW! VFW School Community Impact Kit (shown above) – These materials (flag education video; Patriot’s Pen, VOD and Teacher Award brochures; program promotional posters; VFW Combat Chronology; Memorial/Veterans Day poster/brochures; patriotic rulers) will enable you to establish your Post as a unique and important resource for teaching materials, historical perspective (veterans presentations) and patriotic instruction. Item # 4434 Pledge of Allegiance Coloring Book – An easy way for the kids to learn the Pledge of Allegiance while they color. Interesting scenes tie in with phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance. Item # 4425 Young American Award – I Learned the Pledge of Allegiance Certificate – For Grades K – 3. Item # 4389 Citizenship Education Student Worksheet – 11" x 17" red, white and blue activity sheet with information on the presidents and the U.S. flag. May be folded to place in student’s binder. Appropriate for grades 3-5. Item # 4126 History of the Pledge of Allegiance – A three-page pamphlet of historical and informational material concerning the Pledge of Allegiance. Item # 4429 Visit Schools in November Here are some suggested school activities to help you get started. Ten Short Flag Stories – A seven-page pamphlet of historical and informational material concerning the U.S. flag. Item # 4418 VFW Combat Chronology – This 60-page combat chronology covers America’s overseas wars and campaigns from the Spanish-American War to the Persian Gulf War. Perfect for classrooms and libraries. Item # 4162 Flag Questions and Answers – This 16-page brochure provides information about the U.S. flag with changes directed by Federal Flag Code. Item # 4422 Flag Education Video – A professionally produced video on the history of the U.S. flag, Pledge of Allegiance and flag etiquette. Perfect for use in classrooms and libraries. (Distribute to educators and community groups.) Item # 3356 (VHS) or 3358 (DVD) Pencils – White pencils with Pledge of Allegiance and U.S. flag. Item # 1470 U.S. Presidents 6" Ruler – Features U.S. presidents on back with both metric and U.S. measurements on front. Item # 4410 Get your Post involved in your local schools. Get together with members of your Post to brainstorm ways to participate. Remember, November is VFW’s “Veterans in the Classroom” month. Promoting citizenship education in schools is an important goal for VFW, and there are many programs you can plan and present in schools. • Grades K-2: Young American Award ( Supply item #4389). Teach the students the Pledge of Allegiance and present them an “I Learned the Pledge of Allegiance” certificate. • Grades 3–5: Reading of Ten Short Flag Stories and Flag Education Program. The “Fun Flag Facts” can be copied and distributed to students. (This is found inside on page 3) • Grades 6 and higher: Living History Presentation. A presentation about your military service and your experiences in war. Also consider flag education programs for these age groups. Remember, the week of Veterans Day is “National Veterans Awareness” week in the schools. For additional Citizenship Education items, please see the VFW Emblem & Supply catalog. Feel free to share this information with teachers and youth group leaders. REMINDER: BUDDY POPPY FUNDS CAN BE EXPENDED TO PURCHASE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS. Refer to current catalog or Web site to view these items and to see current prices. Call (816) 756-3390 or visit www.vfw.org to order. In everything you do, work closely with your Ladies Auxiliary counterpart. The most successful Posts are always the ones that work hand-inhand with their Ladies Auxiliary. Remember, your presenters are representing VFW. They should be prompt, courteous, polite and knowledgeable. Getting ‘Online’ with Computers 2 • CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 ‘You Have to be Dedicated’ So You Want to Be a Service Officer? Here’s What You Need to Know VFW’s serVice oFFicers make up one of the organization’s most highly touted programs. And considering the work they do, it’s not hard to see why. In the past year, VFW service officers helped some 95,000 veterans recover more than $1.2 billion in earned compensation and pension benefits—an average of $1,263 per veteran. Do you know someone who’s up to the job? Here’s what it takes to become a VFW service officer. In the past year, more than 170 VFW-accredited service officers completed skilllevel training. This included basic orientation to claims processing for all newly hired service officers, and specific technical instruction for the remaining accredited service officers. There are currently more than 900 VFW-accredited service officers. More than 200 of these work in VA regional offices, and the others are VFW-accredited county or state service officers. Due to resource limitations, VFW focuses on training service officers who work in VA regional offices. New service officers who work in VA regional offices are required to attend a basic benefits boot camp that includes more than 40 hours of training on VA benefits, the claims process, forms completion, the VA rating schedule, accreditation, ethics and more. The training syllabus is updated continuously to ensure service officers receive the most current information and skills to go toe-to-toe with VA rating officials. “I’ve been trained to look for detail and pay attention to detail,” said Department of Utah service officer Michael Jensen. “I don’t try to be critical. I try to be fair. Our veterans expect us to be fair.” ‘traineD to look For Detail’ Each Post is required to appoint a Post service officer (PSO). The only requirement for these 7,900 volunteer PSOs is VFW membership. Unlike some positions within a Post, some PSOs may be appointed year after year. As a result, some become fairly knowledgeable about VA benefit programs. “So many Post service officers for the most part are service officers in name only,” said Dave Goeldner, service officer for Post 1865 in Kenosha, Wis. “You have to be dedicated to your comrades and other vets. Go the extra distance. Make that extra phone call. I just want to see these young men and women receive what they earned by giving what they have.” PSOs are expected to become familiar with the wide range of VA benefits to be able to assist veterans in filling out claim forms. Each Department service officer (DSO) provides two to four hours of PSO training per year. While PSOs are encouraged to attend, attendance is not mandatory. Training consists of an orientation on benefits, privacy and procedures. However, further training is not required because once a claim is mailed to a DSO, he or she takes over any additional work. Every other year, VFW publishes a comprehensive book detailing veterans benefits provided by VA and other government agencies. The “Guide for Post Service Officers” can be ordered online through the VFW Store at http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=22689. ‘Go the extra Distance’ According to VA and VfW regulations, VfW service officers must: • Be of good character and reputation. • Demonstrate an ability to represent claimants before the VA. • Be either a member in good standing or a paid VFW employee working at least 1,000 hours annually. • Not be employed in any civil or military department or agency of the united states. ‘Be of good Character’ A DSO’s primary responsibility is to explain entitlements to any veteran, spouse or claimant. The job of a DSO is to ensure that a veteran gets exactly what he or she deserves—no more, and no less. Rounding out the Department level are 54 DSOs and 93 assistant DSOs. DSOs are appointed by Department commanders—and therefore must be VFW members—and are paid by their respective Departments. Salaries range from $17,500 to $69,000 depending on the Department. To be able to assist veterans effectively, VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) coordinates an annual DSO training conference. Jerry Manar, deputy director of NVS and Vietnam veteran, explained that VFW service officers receive 80 hours of training each year. “We want our service officers to be technically as good as or better than the VA employees with —Jerry manar, deputy director of VfW’s National Veterans Service whom they deal on a regular basis,” Manar said. “We want them to be able to recognize when the VA makes mistakes, so they can say from a position of strength and knowledge, ‘This is where you could have given the benefit to the veteran instead of what you’ve done here [on a particular claim].’ In that way, we help educate VA employees.” ‘as GooD or Better than Va employees’ 900+ VFW-accredited service officers 7,900 Post service officers 93 assistant Department service officers 54 Department service officers 38 claim consultants 95,000 veterans helped in the last year $1.2 billion in earned compensation and pension benefits $1,263 per veteran on average The Numbers “We want our service officers to be technically as good as or better than the VA employees with whom they deal on a regular basis.” WANTED OUTSTANDINg SERVICE OffICERS Claims consultants are the final piece of the puzzle. These are service officers who are not VFW-eligible. NVS employs 38 claims representatives. Furthermore, some county and state veteran service officers are VFW-accredited. These individuals are not required to be VFW-eligible. Training for county and for state employees who do not work in VA regional offices is provided by their employers. non-memBers Do their part We would like to hear about the hard work your Post and Department service officers are doing. If you would like to see them receive some much-deserved recognition, send us a brief note explaining why. Please send information to: Checkpoint Attn: Outstanding Service Officers 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 or call (816) 968-1171 or e-mail tdyhouse@vfw.org CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 • 3 Leading Within VFW’s Ranks Female VFW Members Assume More Leadership Positions in the march/april iSSue of Checkpoint we featured Karen Huber, the first female commander of Post 298 in Danville, Pa. At that time, we put out a call for other female leaders. In response, we received the names of 10 women leading Posts. They are listed at right. One such lady is Cathy Williams, who started her Post leadership experiences in 1980 ( just two years after VFW opened its membership to women) as junior vice commander of Post 6012 in San Antonio, Texas. She later transferred to Post 2031 in Statesville, N.C., where she served as commander in 2003-04. She currently holds the title of Post service officer and District 14 surgeon. In 1983-84, Lorraine Robinson became the first female Department commander when she was elected to lead Utah. Since then 13 women have commanded VFW Departments. Increasingly, women are joining the ranks of VFW leaders at all levels. With more than 195,000 females who are VFW-eligible based on their Iraq and/or Afghanistan service that number will surely continue to rise. The Checkpoint staff says “thank you” to all women leaders within the organization. Name Carol Buchta Rosalyn Cox Stephanie Kirksey *Nevella Massey Dawn Napier Denise Perry Sharon Snead Sheryl Tussey **Cathy Williams ***Barb Wilson *Also a World War II veteran position Commander Sr. Vice Commander Commander Chaplain Commander Quartermaster Commander Commander Commander Commander post/location Post 1341, Bull Shoals, Ark. Post 4554, Camden, Ark. Post 6504, Waterloo, Ill. Post 79, Meridian, Miss. Post 9561, Willow Creek, Calif. Post 6054, Aberdeen, Md. Post 6054, Aberdeen, Md. Post 4159, Roscommon, Mich. Post 6012, San Antonio, Texas Post 2649, Cairo, Ill. ***2006-07 membership year **1982-83 membership year “Thank you” to all women leaders. —The Checkpoint Staff ‘I Grilled the Guy’ Con Artist Preys on VFW Posts’ Generosity in may, al SpearS, adjutant-quartermaster for the Department of Georgia, received a phone call from a man claiming his car had broken down in Tennessee. For Spears, something wasn’t adding up. He said the man started “fast talking” about how he had brought his son and his wife to the Post in Jonesboro, Ga., and they had talked to “Bill.” “His story did not ring true because the Post commander is generally not at the Post home during the day,” Spears said. “I told the fellow that I would check it out and to call me back in a couple of hours.” Spears checked with the commander, who had no recollection of ever having met the caller, nor his family. “Being one who never wants to turn away a legitimate request, I grilled the guy and then asked him, ‘Now explain to me one more time to whom you talked and where it was,’ ” Spears said. “Then he said, ‘I talked to the Post commander Bill there at the Post in Peachtree City.’ ” Spears gut feeling was correct and the caller backed off. But other Posts in Georgia had been conned earlier by most likely, the same caller. Alabama, Oklahoma, West VirThank You for Your Service ginia, Texas, Kansas and Missouri also reported Posts had been scammed out of money ranging from $200-$500. The particular scam goes like this: A man calls a Post and claims to need money to get to his son’s funeral or says he has car trouble. He mentions members of the Post by name and asks if they can wire the money to him with a promise to pay once he returns home. Some Posts have fallen victim to this trick and wired the money. And since Western Union doesn’t require identification for sums under $1,000, it works to the caller’s advantage. VFW National Headquarters sent out a notice to all Posts in June warning of this scam. While VFW members are known for their generosity, a VFW official cautions that it’s best to thoroughly investigate requests from complete strangers. Spears says that once they caught the caller in his lies, no other Georgia Posts were scammed. WWII Vets Leading Posts We’ve continued to receive nameS of World War II veterans serving their Posts in leadership positions. The original article in the May/June issue recognized 81 such members and an article in July/August featured 10 more. Here are another 16: Name Walter Ashworth Ernest Baker Irwin Baumer Austin Carey William Donavon Art Drees Paul Freytag, Jr. Tom Froning Marvin Huber Willy N. Johnson Larry Luebke Leo Thomas James Truitt Elmer Weaver Joe Zikewich Richard Zikowitz position Surgeon Commander Trustee Trustee Officer of the Day Surgeon Jr. Vice Cmdr. Trustee Chaplain Guard Officer of the Day Chaplain Judge Advocate Advocate Post Service Officer Chaplain post/location Post 8801, Clayton, Del. Post 334, North Oakland, Mich. Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 8801, Clayton, Del. Post 8801, Clayton, Del. Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 79, Meridian, Miss. Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 334, North Oakland, Mich. Post 8801, Clayton, Del. Post 6432, Minster, Ohio Post 334, Lake Orion, Mich. Post 8801, Clayton, Del. 4 • CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 Returning to Civilian Life is Stressful paSt vFW commander-in-chieF Glen Gardner said it is “an enemy in our midst.” A VA doctor noted that it is a trend that defies normal patterns. An Army general simply called it “tragic.” They were all referring to veterans committing suicide. At the beginning of the year, the Pentagon announced that more active-duty and reserve troops had committed suicide in 2008 than in any other year on record. And through May 2009, the Army reported 45 confirmed suicides, compared to 51 at the same point in 2008. It’s a problem that affects veterans of all ages, too. Dr. Mark De Santis, suicide prevention coordinator at the VA medical center in Charleston, S.C., speaking at VFW Post 3433 in Summerville, S.C., in February said that veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to take their own lives. “Usually, during engagement, during war, suicide rates go down,” De Santis said. “Not this time.” Gardner said in June that since Sept. 11, 2001, more troops and veterans had killed themselves than the total dead from both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. “That’s why I am issuing this call to action to urge every VFW member to get immediately involved by seeking out and extending a hand of friendship and help to your local service members—active, Guard and Reserve—and to their families, too,” he said. Some VFW units have already begun to offer help. Department of Pennsylvania Commander Larry Wade issued a directive to his Posts to display VA’s suicide prevention hot line and invited a VA representative to speak at the Department’s mid winter conference last January. Germany Post on Front Lines of Suicide Prevention “Usually, during engagement, during war, suicide rates go down. Not this time.” —Dr. mark De Santis, suicide prevention coordinator Post 9534 in Mannheim, Germany, which interacts with and recruits many active-duty troops, has taken a more hands-on approach. Members there started a program in October 2008 to help combat vets returning from the war zones. A Post member, Sgt. 1st Class Dan Stoner, had returned from an Iraq deployment and told Post Adjutant/Quartermaster Matt Coulter and life member Dick Kennedy that some of his troops were having a hard time readjusting. Coulter, who is currently on active duty with the 5th Signal Command in Mannheim, said that the mental stress of being “out there waiting 24/7 for the next attack by IED or some type of guerilla warfare-style tactic” was unhealthy. “Always on the alert for these attacks just can’t be good for anyone’s mind,” Coulter said. “Then you bring them home where there is no threat, and they just can’t lower their heightened state of awareness. Some never make the transition, and they struggle to maintain control of their lives.” Kennedy, a Vietnam War vet, says Post 9534 began offering informal counseling sessions for members and their families on Friday nights. “It takes their minds off what they have been through,” he said. “They are talking to somebody who has been there and is willing to listen and not tell them just to forget it and move on.” Coulter, a 1991 Persian Gulf War vet, says he tells troops that it’s okay to talk about their concerns instead of keeping them bottled up inside. “I believe it helps that I’m still on active duty, because then they know that they are not the only ones going through problems and that they can get help without jeopardizing their careers,” he said. Both Kennedy and Coulter believe that Post 9534 is an ideal location to help returning troops. “We are a closed community for the most part,” Coulter said. “Transitioning vets don’t have all the distractions that soldiers would have when returning to the states.” Kennedy and Coulter say the Post wants to establish monthly seminars with qualified medical personnel on hand and offer help with “no strings attached.” Coulter says he has learned how important it is to reach out to vets and their families. “This gesture may be the key to starting them on the road to recovery,” he said. “What’s really great about it is along the way you make good friends with some of these people.” Willing to liSten and oFFer help Photo courtesy u.s. ArMy / PFc. erIc J. MArtINez Army Pfc. Leanna M. Goodrum, a combat stress control team member, listens to a fellow soldier last summer. VFW Post 9534 in Mannheim, Germany, has been offering informal counseling for returning Iraq and Afghanistan War vets since october 2008. For more information on suicide prevention, contact: VA mental health services for returning troops and their families: www.mentalhealth.va.gov. VA Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-tALK (8255) Defense Center of Excellence Outreach Center: 1-866-966-1020, or www.dcoe.health.mil/resources.aspx National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-suIcIDe (784-2433) CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 • 5 mental Health is Essential ‘Hard to Make Ends Meet’ Illinois Members Repair Roof of Deployed Sailor When JeFFrey toll, Jr., leFt For KuWait in late 2008 with his Naval Reserve unit, he left behind his wife, Rianne, and their three children, ages 14, 12, and 9. What he couldn’t have known at the time, though, was that he was leaving behind a mountain of household repairs. “Everything has gone wrong in this house since he left,” Rianne told the Sun Times News Group. “My pipes busted in the back room. My furnace went out. My truck broke down, and the hamster got lost. You name it, it has happened here.” As if these things weren’t enough, the family’s roof began leaking in the middle of February, one of the coldest months. The water from snow and ice began running down the wall in her son’s bedroom, which bowed out the paint. And when it rained, wet spots appeared on the kitchen ceiling. Knowing she could not let her children live like that, Rianne called Illinois’ thenDistrict 16 Commander Robert McLeod for help last spring. VFW came up with $2,500 and Operation Homefront-Illinois contributed $1,000 to repair the roof, as well as purchase a new back door and a new front screen door. Rianne noted that while she is receiving money from the government for her husband’s service, it is not nearly as much as what he was making as a police sergeant. “It’s very hard to make ends meet and make home repairs,” she said. “It is hard. It’s very hard. You’re like a single parent. You have to do everything yourself.” McLeod said he was fulfilling a promise he had made to Jeff before his deployment to look after his family while he was away. Jeff returned home in July. Rianne said that thanks to those who repaired her roof, her husband didn’t have to worry about it when he came home. then-Illinois’ District 16 commander robert McLeod and Operation Homefront-Illinois case Manager Glenda rain talk with rianne toll after letting her know that her home would get some much-needed repairs while her husband serves overseas. Honoring Troops Kansas Post Hosts One-Day Fishing Outing in June, Fort riley SoldierS and their families were treated to a cookout and a day of fishing on Herington Lake in Herington, Kan., compliments of Post 1281. The Post adopted the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) at Fort Riley and has hosted numerous such events for the troops. VFW’s Military Assistance Program (MAP), which falls under the umbrella of National Military Services, supported the fishing trip with a monetary grant. According to Post Commander Edwin Mueller, the Post provided bait and fishing poles. And for those without licenses, they paid for one-day licenses. “It was actually a very good turnout,” Mueller recalls. “We had 80 people show up to fish and visit with one another. One young guy told me he appreciated the opportunity to socialize with other guys in his battalion because he really had not up to that point.” VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members prepared and served the meal at the Post home, which is located on the lake front. Mueller had two emergency medical technicians on hand in the event of a medical issue. He also had boats lined up for the day, but the rain kept those folks off the lake. Nevertheless, he said everyone caught plenty of fish from the shoreline. “We adopted the WTB at Fort Riley and have held several events for those guys,” he said. “Since it’s kind of like a medical holding area, we always have different ones at the events. We’re just trying to honor our troops in any way we can.” According to Linda Ferguson, manager, Special Programs and Projects, in the past fiscal year MAP provided grants for 225 events which provided support for more than 270,000 service members and their families. “We’re proud of our Posts in the field for continuing their efforts to support our nation’s troops,” Ferguson said. “We encourage them to keep up the good work.” Photos courtesy Post 1281 more than 1.5 million Connections National military Services recently released its figures from Sept. 1, 2008-July 31, 2009. Operation Uplink Provided 1,531,911 connections through Free call Days and 90,323 phone cards. troops with the Warrior transition Battalion at Fort riley, Kan., and their families enjoyed a day of fishing at Post 1281 on herington Lake. the event was partially funded through a Military Assistance Program grant. Unmet Needs Assisted 362 families with grants totaling $565,859. military Assistance program Provided grants for 225 events supporting 270,000 service members and their families. 6 • CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 Photo courtesy IllInOIs VFW neWs Head of the Class VFW Recognizes Patriotic Educators the 2009 recipientS of VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards each bring patriotism into their classrooms in unique ways. But all three hold one thing in common: bringing students face-to-face with veterans. These outstanding educators were commended in February at VFW’s MidWinter Conference in Louisville, Ky., for their ability to teach citizenship in the classroom. This year’s recipients are Mark Crawford (K-5) of Bowden, Ga.; Brenda Beaven (6-8) of Montgomery, Texas; and Scott Bendler (9-12) of Lincoln, Neb. VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have been giving this award to three teachers each year since 2000. Mark K. Crawford, who was selected by Post 7404 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Carrollton, Ga., teaches social studies at Bowden Elementary School in Bowden, Ga. However, his classes are not the often-uninteresting social studies classes many people remember. Throughout his 16 years teaching in the school district, Crawford has acted out frontier history during Farm-City Agricultural Days, Living History Days, Frontier Days and field trips. “He can be seen in many places acting out characters from many important historical periods,” wrote Karen Wild, assistant principal at Bowden, in her nomination letter in November 2008. “I have watched him perform as Ben Franklin, Davy Crockett and UlMark crawford ysses Grant.” Wild says that Crawford is a “master of historical content and an expert in delivery of that information in a way that hooks student interest.” “He is enthusiastic, eager and passionate about the content of social studies and his students,” she wrote. “Each time I see him with students, I am amazed at the desire he has to help them learn from past historical experiences.” Crawford has a personal connection to veterans and teaching military history as well. One of his sons has served two tours in the Middle East as an Army sergeant. “I teach so my students will understand that our government is a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Crawford said. “It is the greatest country on earth to live, work and raise a family. By exercising their right to vote, they have a voice in how our nation is governed.” “We’re losing so many of our World War II vets,” she told the Conroe Courier. “It was important to us to first focus on these brave men who did so much for our country.” Beaven says that her students’ involvement in Honor Flight and other veteran-centric projects benefits them as much as the veterans. “Our students get what it means to serve your community and country,” she said, “and the importance of saying ‘thank you’ to all who have sacrificed to make it the greatest country in the world.” ‘enthuSiaStic, eager and paSSionate’ Selected by Post 4709 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Conroe, Texas, Brenda Beaven has taught at Montgomery Junior High in Montgomery, Texas, since 1999. She has worked as a secondary school teacher for 25 years, and a Texas history teacher for 23 of those. Montgomery Junior High Principal Duane McFadden wrote in his letter of recommendation that Beaven “teaches the importance of good citizenship by example.” “She—more than any other teacher I have ever encountered—provides students concrete examples and opportunities to get involved in efforts to support their community and country,” McFadden wrote. In 2007-08, Beaven co-founded Lone Star Honor Brenda Beaven Flight. Her students and the community raised more than $130,000 to send an initial group of 94 WWII veterans on a trip to the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. in May 2008. A year later in May 2009, a second group of 111 veterans went courtesy of raised funds. cont. from page 1 ‘importance oF Saying thanK you’ Rounding out the award recipients, Scott Bendler teaches social studies to grades 1012 at The Bryan Community, a school for at-risk high school students in Lincoln, Neb. Since starting in 1995, Bendler helped organize The Bryan Community’s “Take a Vet to School” program. The goal is to get community veterans into local schools for a variety of programs and projects. Time Warner and The History Channel coordinate scott Bendler the nationwide program, but Bendler got his school involved. Another Bendler initiative, “Life Stories: An Intergenerational Project,” pairs students with senior citizens in the community. Students interview the seniors, scan photographs, record their stories, and create a DVD for the seniors and their families. “Scott not only teaches students about the courage and sacrifices of our veterans,” wrote The Bryan Community Principal Gary Czapla, “he also helps students gain a greater appreciation of the importance of serving others.” Bendler also stresses the importance of voting to his students, who range from 16 to 21 years old. “Scott so inspired students that not only did the students register to vote,” Czapla said, “the students actually were able to register some of their parents who had never registered before to vote.” According to the Lincoln Star Journal, Bendler has registered more than 300 students to vote in the past 10 years. “I don’t care how they vote,” Bendler told television station KOLN/KGIN in Lincoln. “I just want them out to vote. To nominate a teacher for next year’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards, see the deadlines in this issue’s Extra! Extra! on page 2. inSpiring StudentS to vote ‘It Gives Our Post a Leg Up’ Scholarship Winner Says ‘Thank a Soldier’ for American Freedoms knew I had won,” she said. The daughter of John and the late Barbara Szabo, Natale recently started her freshman year at Washington State University in Pullman, where she will study broadcast journalism. It is her goal to one day be a news correspondent in the Middle East. “I am very interested in different cultures and love to travel,” Natale said. “I’m also interested in women’s rights in other cultures.” As for the other VOD recipients? Natale said they are all friends through Facebook (a social networking site) and she also text messages a few of them on occasion. “We’ve been talking about doing some kind of big reunion,” she said. Nearly 46,000 students entered the contest last year. Natale was sponsored by Post 3386 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Airway Heights, Wash. Small Post Makes Big Contributions aS part oF itS annual community Service proJect, Post 6790 in Wellton, Ariz., donated $5,000 to provide assistance for underprivileged and needy students at five nearby schools. Five $1,000 checks were presented in May to each of four elementary schools— Wellton, Mohawk Valley, Dateland and Sentinel—and Antelope Union High School. The Post, Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries also provided pencils, rulers, coloring books and other materials for the schools to use. “As a result of this program for the schools, we have their cooperation in Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy and teachers awards,” said Tony Mangine, Post member and District 1 commander. “It gives our Post a leg up.” Wellton is home to some 1,800 permanent residents, a population that doubles during the winter months. Throughout the year, the 100-member Post raises money through various projects, such as fundraising dinners. “This is our second year for making the donations,” Mangine said, “and we have promised to continue to replenish the money annually when the schools give us a report on the use of the funds.” CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 • 7 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 VFW NAtIoNAL heADquArters • PuBLIcAtIoNs 406 West 34th street, KANsAs cIty, Mo 64111 Non-Profit organization u.s. Postage Posts with the Most Rank Post No. Location Members VFW POSTS OF 1,000 MEMBERS OR MORE AS OF AuG. 5, 2009 6 628 Sioux Falls, SD ............................. 1,838 7 972 Terre Haute, IN .............................1,766 7 4372 Odessa, TX ....................................1,766 9 392 Virginia Beach, VA ....................... 1,743 10 27 Wiesbaden, Germany ..................1,738 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 8951 West York, PA....................1,205 969 Tacoma, WA ......................1,202 10436 Kitzingen, Germany..........1,190 1170 Middletown, KY ................1,168 1275 Lima, OH ..............................1,164 7909 Jacksonville, FL ...................1,132 3982 Santa Clara, CA ..................1,120 9186 San Antonio, TX..................1,118 6796 Dallas, TX ............................1,102 8541 San Antonio, TX.................1,102 8696 Palm Coast, FL ..................1,079 6251 Cheektowaga, NY ............1,078 4075 Frankfort, KY .....................1,077 1810 Brentwood, PA ...................1,071 5958 Titusville, PA ..................... 1,069 131 Lincoln, NE .........................1,058 7175 Millington, TN .................. 1,054 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 75 665 Columbus, GA ...................1,053 7564 West Fargo, ND .................1,051 5263 Fort Sill, OK ........................ 1,041 360 Mishawaka, IN .................1,040 10132 Hobe Sound, FL ................1,028 2995 Redmond, WA...................1,026 1714 Dodge City, KS .................. 1,019 428 Saint Cloud, MN ............... 1,018 7041 Vista, CA ..............................1,017 3838 Cape Girardeau, MO ....... 1,016 2280 Bellevue, NE ........................1,011 2702 Huntsville, AL ...................1,009 3160 Norfolk, VA ........................1,004 9927 Kettering, OH ................... 1,003 1433 Glendale, AZ ..................... 1,002 4781 Ocala, FL ............................ 1,002 PAID Kansas city, Mo Permit No. 1298 1 1114 Evansville, IN ...............................2,956 2 1503 Dale City, VA ................................ 2,013 3 9972 Sierra Vista, AZ ............................1,963 4 6506 Rosedale, MD ...............................1,932 5 1146 St Clair Shores, MI ...................... 1,849 Rank No. Location Members 11 12 13 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 24 25 26 4647 North Highlands, CA .......1,659 63 Boise, ID.............................. 1,601 2503 Omaha, NE ..........................1,537 2485 Angeles City, Philippines ..........................1,537 10097 Fort Myers Beach, FL ......1,536 7234 Ocean View, DE .................1,501 7330 Oakville, CT .........................1,451 1296 Bloomington, MN ............1,422 2111 Chula Vista, CA ..................1,414 1599 Chambersburg, PA........... 1,410 6873 Abilene, TX ........................ 1,401 1512 Lemon Grove, CA .............1,396 7674 Fort Walton Beach, FL ....1,396 8862 Vicenza, Italy .....................1,380 9785 Eagle River, AK .................1,366 788 Cedar Rapids, IA...............1,365 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 10420 Murrells Inlet, SC .............1,346 1326 Bismarck, ND ..................... 1,338 7686 Alamogordo, NM .............. 1,331 1308 Alton, IL............................... 1,327 4809 Norfolk, VA .......................... 1,321 1273 Rapid City, SD ....................1,318 401 Albuquerque, NM .............1,318 549 Tucson, AZ ..........................1,301 1079 Elyria, OH ...........................1,292 379 Yakima, WA .......................1,282 9534 Mannheim, Germany ......1,268 3282 Port Orange, FL.................1,262 10047 North Las Vegas, NV ....... 1,255 5555 Richfield, MN .....................1,251 10209 Spring Hill, FL ....................1,242 3579 Park Ridge, IL ....................1,226 9334 Vilseck, Germany .............1,208 Lawmaker Deployed to Iraq Reservist Takes Service From Statehouse to Iraq While KanSaS State rep. melanie meier was serving her fellow citizens last spring through her work in office, she was called up to serve in another capacity—as Lt. Col. Melanie Meier. She answered her call and is currently stationed in Balad, Iraq, with the Kansas National Guard’s 304th Sustainment Brigade. When the 42-year-old Meier of Post 56 in Leavenworth, Kan., was called to active duty, she resigned so that her District 40 could have a representative while she was gone. She didn’t want to leave her seat empty, leaving her district without a vote. “I only squeezed in about six weeks of work before I had to leave for Fort Hood,” Meier said. “I tried to volunteer [to go overseas] a couple years ago, but I had just been promoted. It’s not common for a lieutenant colonel to get called up. So it was a shock—I was very surprised.” Prior to her current deployment, Meier’s active-duty and Reserve mobilizations since joining the Army in 1990 had all been stateside except for one active-duty stint in Korea, where she gained her VFW eligibility. This is her first time at war. During her R&R leave in July, Meier said she was ready to return as a Kansas lawmaker. “The guy that’s filling in for me said he’s going to retire, so it’ll be an election year again,” she said. “So I’ll have to start campaigning again as soon as that session’s over.” In her short six weeks in office, Meier made a small piece of history: she got a law passed. H.B. 2308 allows active-duty military from other states to get a “concealed carry” license in Kansas. Prior to the amendment, service members had to first establish Kansas residency, which could affect taxes back at home for some. “When they set up the law they didn’t mean for it to work out that way,” she said. “Mine was just trying to fix that. A lot of military guys take the concealed carry here in Leavenworth. I’m glad I got the law passed.” Meier is expected to return home at the end of the year. Melanie Meier acclimates to the Middle east at a shooting range in camp Buehring, Kuwait, in March. there she validated her weapon and completed other training before traveling to Iraq. photos from the War zones Do you have photographs of a VFW member currently serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan? If so, Checkpoint would like to publish them in an upcoming issue. If we use your photo, you will receive a free, three-year subscription to Checkpoint. Please include an overseas e-mail address, along with the name, rank, service, unit and location of the GI. Send your photos to: Checkpoint War Zone Photos 406 W. 34th Street Kansas City, MO 64111 You also can send high-resolution images via e-mail to the editor at: tdyhouse@vfw.org 8 • CHECKPOINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 Photo courtesy MeLANIe MeIer