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May/June 2010 edition of Veterans of Foreign Wars Checkpoint magazine
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CHECKP INT
MaY | JUNE 2010 www.vfwMagaziNE.org
NEws from Vfw’s froNT lINEs
‘Immeasurable’ Support From VFW
Department of Texas Donates to Fort Hood Memorial
The Nov. 5, 2009, shooTiNg aT ForT hood
captured the nation’s attention for days. Area groups—
including VFW—want to ensure that victims are not for-
gotten in the months and years following.
In February, VFW’s Department of Texas presented a
check for $10,000 to the city of Killeen in support of the
Fort Hood Living Memorial Garden. The money came
from donations sent in by VFW members, Posts and Dis-
tricts to the Department of Texas shortly following the
shooting.
“It’s important to show our community that VFW
truly cares for soldiers,” Department Commander Mike
Barber said. “This memorial is a lasting tribute to those
www.ForTHooDGarDen.CoM
who lost their lives that day, and it is a very important
thing for VFW to get involved with.”
Barber, a life member of Post 3892 in Harker Heights,
served 13 months with the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division
in post-war defense of South Korea. As the Department
commander, he has led VFW’s charge in the memorial
effort.
“Before this, my goal this year was membership,
membership, membership,” he said. “But then this came
out, and it is a pet project of mine now. It’s something I
think is going to be great for the state, and VFW is going Department of Texas Commander Mike Barber, District 14 Commander Linnie McCall and Harker Heights Post
to be known in the end as the major contributor.” 3892 Commander John Sargent present $10,000 in February to two city of Killeen employees for the Fort Hood
VFW’s support is ongoing. Barber plans to present Memorial Garden. The check more than doubled the collected monies for the project to date.
another check for the memorial at the Department of
Texas convention in June. More than $4,700 has been Dixon served in the Army from 1969-72, including a tour individuals.
collected as of April 1 for this second contribution. of duty in Vietnam. He says he thought that someone Some Central Texas hotel owners argued that the
needed to honor and remember the dead and wounded memorial should be erected in downtown Killeen. Other
‘a CommuNiTy eFForT’ from the tragedy. residents said the memorial belonged at Fort Hood or
Fundraising and planning for the memorial are being “It’s a community effort,” Dixon told News 8 Austin, the VA cemetery. Although there has been contention
spearheaded by Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu “that everyone involved together as a community as a over the most fitting site for the memorial, as of April 1 it
Texas (SPJST), or Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State state, as a nation, that we can come together to complete is slated for the grounds of the Killeen Civic and Confer-
of Texas, a Czechoslovakian fraternal life-insurance or- something that’s worthwhile and good.” ence Center.
ganization. Since SPJST announced plans in February to facili- “We want this to be a lasting tribute that will help the
“The support from VFW is immeasurable not only tate the project, local and state fraternal societies, vet- families and friends heal, and future generations can re-
from the standpoint of monies donated,” SPJST member erans groups and civic organizations have pledged their member the sacrifices made on that terrible day,” center
Hiram Dixon said, “but the support in spirit and from a support. Home Depot also has committed to the proj- director Connie Kuehl said in a news release. “So many
kind and caring attitude of its members.” ect. soldiers, veterans, visitors and residents who gather
“The Fort Hood Living Memorial Garden will be a here will ensure this living memorial garden will last for
living memorial to those who died and a testimony to generations.”
wHAT’s INsIDE CHECKPoINT
the beauty that can be achieved when we work togeth- VFW’s Barber explains that he has heard no oppo-
Extra! Extra!, Page 2 er,” SPJST officials said in a news release. sition to the memorial itself, but just the details of its
• Scooters available at national convention The current working memorial design features 13 erection. He wants to keep VFW outside the political
• Burger King donates $500,000 trees in remembrance of each Fort Hood shooting vic- struggles and focused on benefiting the local area.
tim who died. An additional dwarf tree may represent an “There are so many people nowadays who say to
Post Service Officer Profiled, Page 3 unborn child killed. (One of the victims, Pvt. Francheska ‘donate to this, donate to that,’ ” he said. “This is here in
Coast Guard veteran recovers more than $5 million Velez, was three months pregnant.) Texas. It happened right in our backyard. These people
for disabled veterans in Pennsylvania. Early plans include a gazebo, pond, pedestrian bridge will no time soon be forgotten.”
and walking trail. A Harker Heights landscaping com- Organizers hoped to break ground on the memorial
Warm Clothes for Kosovar Kids, Page 4 pany has offered to provide the necessary heavy equip- May 1 to coincide with “Join Hands Day,” a national day
A Ladies Auxiliary in North Dakota collects 900 ment. of volunteering. Yet at press time, the city council had
items of cold-weather gear for children in Kosovo. The total cost of the project has been estimated at not approved the memorial project.
some $200,000. More than $6,000 in addition to VFW’s For more information on the memorial efforts, visit
Rewarded for Recognition, Page 5 $10,000 already has been raised by organizations and www.forthoodgarden.com.
A Missouri Post’s veterans recognition program
has earned it a VFW national award.
WWII Vets Active at Posts, Page 6
We continue to profile WWII vets who
“This memorial is a lasting tribute to
those who lost their lives that day,
still serve at their Posts.
Posts Paying Heed to No-Smoking Laws, Page 7
As more states pass smoking bans around the country,
VFW Post leaders must determine how—or if—they
need to comply.
and it is a very important thing for
Photos from the War Zones, Page 8
A special operations soldier and life member of a
VFW to get involved with.”
Germany Post has served five tours in Afghanistan. —Mike Barber, Department of Texas Commander
CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010 • 1
Extra! Extra! Allen “Gunner” Kent, Adjutant General
lEADErsHIP PErsPECTIVEs
MoTorCyClE riDE BEnEFiTs MiliTAry
The 10th annual Vander Clute memorial Motorcycle ride Remember War Dead on May 31
will rally at 9 a.m. on aug. 21, 2010. The rally point has Our Post commanders have a unique opportunity to ans graves. This practice hearkens back to Memorial
not yet been determined, but will be in Indianapolis, the help their communities commemorate the sacrifices Day’s original name—Decoration Day—and creation
site of VFw’s 111th national Convention. The event hon- of the nation’s war dead. We will observe Memorial on May 30, 1868. Following the original ceremony at
Day on May 31, and Post commanders can help re- Arlington National Cemetery, children from the Sol-
ors the memory of Howard Vander Clute, Jr., former VFw
mind their fellow citizens why it is important. diers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the
commander-in-chief (1979-80) and adjutant general from
It is a sacred day for veterans, and its true mean- Grand Army of the Republic made their way through
1981-94, and an avid motorcycle enthusiast. ing—remembering those who have died while serv- the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and
registration is free for active-duty military and $15 for ing the nation in uniform and paying tribute to their Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing
civilians. Proceeds will benefit Salute to Military Families sacrifices—is often lost for many citizens in the rush hymns.
Campaign, which strives to boost the morale of U.S. troops to kick off summer. But Post commanders can draw As of April 6, 2010, 4,387 Americans had died in
through financial aid and welcome-home events. attention to an often-overlooked national commemo- Iraq and 1,037 had died in and around Afghanistan.
If you can’t ride, consider sponsoring a rider. In either case, ration of our fallen heroes. They—and all veterans who have died in past con-
the registration deadline is July 31. According to Public Law 106-579, which estab- flicts—should be remembered at 3 p.m. on May 31.
To register or for more information, contact the VFw lished the White House Commission on the National Make it your duty.
Foundation at (816) 968-2722, or e-mail jmoore@vfw.org. Moment of Remembrance in 2000, the National Mo-
For more information on registration and sponsorship ment of Remembrance should be observed by all
forms, visit the VFw Foundation web site at www.vfwfoun Americans at 3 p.m. EST on Memorial Day.
dation.org. That’s where our Post commanders come
in. Remind your local elected government
officials of the National Moment of Re-
sCooTErs For rEnT in inDiAnApolis
membrance. It can be observed at your lo-
If you are interested in renting a scooter while attend-
cal Little League associations, swimming
ing VFw’s convention in Indianapolis in august, act now. pools or other events that take place on
Scooters are available for rent at the Indiana Convention the Monday holiday in your communi-
Center from Scootaround. The company provides electric ties.
scooters, wheelchair and oxygen rental services on-site. To Organize a party of your Post mem-
ensure availability, book in advance. For more information, bers and other community activists,
call 1-888-441-7575 or visit www.scootaround.com. such as Boy Scouts, to decorate veter-
Larry Maher, Quartermaster General
Keeping Computer Data Secure
One of the most exciting things about the age we live puter cable locks. Locks can be quickly installed and
in today is the wonderful advances in computer tech- then attached to a desk or other immobile object.
nology. By using computers we can process informa- When traveling, laptops should be secured in the
tion easier, faster and more accurately. trunk of your vehicle and upon arrival at your desti-
It is therefore important that we take some simple nation be brought inside and secured overnight.
steps to help protect the security of our data when In today’s fast-paced world where the demands for
FrEE VETErAns plAnninG GuiDEs AVAilABlE using technology. accessing information is greater than ever, the com-
Dignity Memorial, a VFw-sponsored funeral program, of- A vital compo- puter industry has
fers free veterans planning guides for VFw members. For nent of informa- responded with a
more information about Dignity or to request your plan- tion and network new generation of
ning guide, visit www.DignityVeteransVFW.com. security is the devices that are
Dignity Memorial supports veterans through programs use of passwords. smaller in size and
You should cre- more powerful in
such as the Dignity Memorial Vietnam wall and the Dig-
ate a strong, se- their capabilities.
nity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program.
cure password Many VFW
and keep it safe- members are using
BurGEr KinG DonATEs $500,000 To unMET nEEDs guarded so that it hand-held mobile
Burger King’s 2009 “buy a burger; donate a buck” cam- cannot be easily communication
paign raised $500,000 for VFw’s Unmet Needs program. detected. devices such as
This brings the total three-year donation from Burger King When creating Blackberries and
to $850,000. a password, you iPhones to access
“Their continued gen- should use up- both their profes-
erosity enables VFw to per and lowercase sional and per-
continue assisting our letters as well as sonal information.
nation’s military fami- numbers or spe- With these
lies when they need it cial characters. advances in tech-
most,” VFw Commander- Also, passwords should be changed at least once ev- nologies, it is more important than ever for you to
in-Chief Thomas J. ery 90 days. develop and use good security habits that will help
A laptop computer is portable and if left unattend- to protect your data from being accessed by an un-
Tradewell, Sr., said. “we
ed or unsecured, it can easily be stolen. A simple, in- authorized viewer or worse yet, from being lost or
are so appreciative of
expensive way to protect laptops is to purchase com- stolen.
everyone who helped in
this great endeavor.”
DisABlED VETErAns CAMp rECoGnizED
In January, the Disabled Veterans rest Camp (DVrC) in EDiTor Checkpoint is an award-winning VETErAns oF ForEiGn WArs VFW WAshinGTon oFFiCE
Minnesota received Yellow ribbon status by Governor Tim Tim 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.
Pawlenty. This status is a “symbolic call” to camp officials AssisTAnT EDiTor September and november. Its Kansas City, Mo 64111 washington, D.C. 20002
to continue their mission to assist disabled veterans with Janie Blankenship purpose is to provide VFw Depart- (816) 756-3390 (202) 543-2239
ment, District and Post leaders with FaX 816-968-1169 FaX 202-543-6719
rest, recovery and recreation. sTAFF WriTEr information to enhance their job Checkpoint e-mail: e-mail: vfw@vfwdc.org
Founded in 1926, DVrC serves seven metropolitan Kelly Von Lunen performance and furnish them with tdyhouse@vfw.org
a more comprehensive understand-
counties, but can accommodate visitors from states other GrAphiC DEsiGnEr ing of the organization.
than Minnesota. Julie Knapp VFw Department, District and Post publications
Correspondence can be sent may reproduce sections of Checkpoint. all other
For more information on this camp, contact board mem- to the editor at VFw national publications must receive editor’s permission.
Headquarters. Internet address: www.vfwmagazine.org
ber al Mitchell at (651) 210-3912 or e-mail canada6544@
annual subscription rate: $6
msn.com. © May / June 2010
2 • CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010
‘A $5 Million Service Officer’
Pennsylvania Post Service Officer Travels to Meet Vets’ Needs
In hIs fIve years as a Post service officer, John Kearns boasts
a 94% success rate. Many of these victories award veterans with 100%
VA disability compensation.
“That adds up,” he said. “I have won 27 cases granting 100%. The
average 100% payment is $2,700 per month per family—that’s $32,400
per year. This does not count the 10% to 90% ratings, of which there
are more than 100.”
At that $32,400 per year, 27 families would earn $5.2 million over
six years.
“I am about a $5 million service officer,” Kearns said. “I am like the
small-town doctor—I go where I need to go and do what I have to do.”
‘they Were UnaWare’
Kearns joined the Coast Guard on Nov. 11, 1971. Assignments on ships
included the USS Tortuga, USS Kidd, USS Ruben James, USS Iwo Jima
and USS Hoist. He earned his VFW eligibility during Operation Eagle
PHoToS CoUrTeSY JoHn KearnS
Pull from April 11-13, 1975. He received the Armed Forces Expedition-
ary Medal while assigned to the Navy for evacuations of Cambodia. He
completed Navy dive school in San Diego in 1976.
On Nov. 30, 1996, Kearns retired as a chief boatswains mate. His last
station was in Africa, conducting joint service operations and interna-
tional forces training on a U.S. Navy ship. Kearns worked with a Marine
expeditionary unit, providing security forces in Liberia and West Afri-
can coastal countries.
During a security sweep, Kearns suffered minor cuts, embedded
wood splinters and concrete chips, following a pier-side explosion.
Then on his last day there, Kearns suffered a severe heat stroke with
cardiac complications.
He was medevaced back to the U.S. During his recovery, he attended
Above: Post 6615 Service officer John
an Army-sponsored veterans benefits course at Fort Drum, N.Y. This,
Kearns attends a medal ceremony for wwII
combined with educational courses during active-duty service, gave
veteran and VFw member art wheeler.
him a strong background in Title 38 (the section of the United States
as a result of Kearns’ efforts, wheeler
Code that outlines veterans benefits) law and veterans affairs.
received two Bronze Stars and a 100%
When Kearns filed his own service-connected medical compensa-
service-connected disability rating.
tion claim, he first experienced the complexity of the system.
“It angered me that some of the other veterans who did the job Left: Kearns welcomes home service members
lacked many of the skills required,” Kearns said. “Often, well-deserving returning from Iraq. In addition to helping the
veterans became frustrated and gave up.” returning vets with Va claims, Kearns also
In addition, many WWII and Korean War veterans Kearns encoun- recruited new VFw members.
tered were unaware of the claims process and procedures.
“It was just a short time ago the VA started outreach to address this
problem,” he said. “Others just did not know they had a viable claim.
While in true need, they were unaware.”
As a result, Kearns stepped in as a service officer him-
self.
“With knowledge, computer skills and the ability to
write, reference and research, I now have their backs
when it comes to the claims process,” he said.
“last year, our nationwide network
of VFW service officers helped
Kearns’ own 160-member Post 6615 in White Haven,
Pa., supports him to assist other nearby Posts who do not
have a service officer.
‘oUr veterans have honor’
Kearns says the most rewarding part of his job is helping
95,000 veterans recoup $1.2
veterans and their families, especially Vietnam veterans
who have been neglected.
“There are a number of cases where they were treated
billion in earned compensation
badly at VA,” Kearns said. “I pull them back, get them in the
system, get the treatment and file all the claims. Now I see
them with smiles. It is satisfying to be part of a system that
and pensions.”
works for the good of all veterans in need.” —Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell, sr., before a joint
Three times in the first three months of 2010, Kearns
visited elderly and disabled veterans and widows at their
hearing of the senate and house VA committees on March 9, 2010
homes to assist with claims. “At times I travel up to 50 miles
in rural areas with a laptop, Internet connection and briefcase,” he said.
As many service officers report to Checkpoint, Kearns says he often must con-
WANTED
vince veterans that they have earned their VA compensation.
“Our veterans have honor—they are not out looking to make a dollar,” he said.
“It is not welfare. It is compensation for a job you were asked to do to preserve a
nation and ensure our freedom.”
Kearns shares his claims knowledge through the column he writes for his ouTsTAnDinG sErViCE oFFiCErs
Post’s newsletter. He advises beginning service officers to first and foremost learn we would like to hear about the hard work your Post and Department
Title 38. service officers are doing. If you would like to see them receive some
“When faced with a difficult claim, look it up before you put it on paper,” he much-deserved recognition, send us a brief note explaining why.
said. “I find the majority of claims adjudicators want to and do a good job. Give
Please send information to:
them what they need the first time—they have rules to follow also.”
Lastly, he stresses the importance of not giving up: “That’s what the appeal Checkpoint
process is there for. There is also a more experienced service officer somewhere Attn: Outstanding Service Officers
up the ladder. Run tough cases by them for something you may have missed.” 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
or call (816) 968-1171 or e-mail tdyhouse@vfw.org
CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010 • 3
DeVILS LaKe JoUrnaL PHoTo
Joyce Kruckenberg, Carol Kuntz and Diane Peyerl spearheaded a project last year to provide cold-weather items for children in Kosovo. Peyerl’s son,
John, who is serving there with the north Dakota national Guard’s 141st Maneuver enhancement Brigade, put the call out for such items as mittens,
socks and scarves.
‘Please Send What They Need’
North Dakota Ladies Auxiliary Collects for Kosovar Children
NorTh dakoTa army NaTioNal guard donor boxes at two banks and the VFW Post. Walmart shoes “full of holes,” he said.
Capt. John Peyerl was struck by the extreme poverty collected, and Kmart pitched in, as well. Diane said they had to limit their shipment of the
when he arrived at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo last fall. It Diane, a member of both the Auxiliary and the Cath- cold-weather wear, but did get a pair of shoes donated
was the children, though, that really tugged at his heart. olic Daughters, said she would get envelopes from dif- from a little girl who had heard about the project.
On a call home to his mother, Diane, in Penn, N.D., ferent people with $5 or $10 bills enclosed for assistance Diane says that while it should come as no surprise
John told her the children in the Balkans country need- with postage, which was expected to be several hundred that her youngest of six children took an interest in the
ed help. dollars. School children donated, too. kids in Kosovo, she was taken aback by his reaction.
“He said to me, ‘It’s cold over here. Please send what “We received about 900 items,” Diane said. “Mittens, “He was so very concerned for them,” she said. “It
they need,’ ” Diane recalled. socks, hats and scarves.” almost brings me to tears because of his compassion.”
And so began a several-months-long cold-weather Serving with the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Bri- Diane, who earned her Auxiliary eligibility from her
items donation drive. VFW Post 756 Ladies Auxiliary in gade, John asked his mom if she could send shoes be- WWII vet grandfather, said her son is expected home in
Devils Lake teamed with Catholic Daughters and set up cause so many children he saw had no shoes. Others had August.
Community Service Boosts Recruiting
Cell Phones and Candy Highlight Post’s Unique Donations
WheN PosT 1040 CommaNder marTiN sPaNi talks with potential mem-
bers about joining the Lynnwood, Wash., Post, he is sure to let the veterans know that
community service is a No. 1 priority.
“I tell them, ‘If you want a drinking Post, go somewhere else,’ ” said Spani, com-
mander since 1995. “We believe in walking the talk when it comes to helping our
troops and community.”
Post members have collection points set up for the Lynnwood Food Bank. And
there also are locations around the 35,000 population town designated as drop-off
sites for old cell phones.
PHoTo CoUrTeSY VFw PoST 1040
The phones are sent to an agency that re-programs them to only dial 911 emer-
gency and provides these to battered spouses.
“We probably get about 20-25 phones a month to ship in,” Spani said.
Troops overseas also benefit from the Post’s generosity. The Army’s 195th Forward
Surgical Team got 600 pounds of candy and toothbrushes.
Last Halloween, Lynnwood dentists put out a call to the town’s children to turn
in their candy at dentists’ offices for cash. The dentists then donated the candy to the
Post to send overseas.
Later, the three main dentists in town donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to the
Post’s project as well.
“This community recognition helps us when it comes to recruiting members,” Members of Post 1040 and its Ladies auxiliary in Lynnwood, wash.,
Spani said. “We now have 306 veterans in our Post. These are good people dedicated box items to troops overseas.
to community service.”
4 • CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010
‘All About the Veteran’
Missouri Post Earns National Award for Honoring Vets
PosT 5168 has a moTTo: “It’s all
about the veteran.” The Forsyth, Mo., Post
demonstrates this by honoring one member
each month.
In November 2006, the Post established
the program to thank its veterans for their
service. Once a month, the Post honors one
of its members with a framed certificate of
appreciation, awarded at a dinner in the
vet’s honor, complete with friends and oth-
er Post members.
Then once a year, the Post honors its 12
monthly winners at a banquet officiated by
current and past Department commanders.
After the dinner, local JROTC cadets from
Forsyth High School escort the veterans to
the podium, where they are given a medal-
lion and congratulated.
The Post won the 2008-09 Award of
Merit plaque in VFW’s Fred C. Hall Memo-
rial Special Projects competition for Vet of
the Month.
PHoToS CoUrTeSY LUCY TerreBrooD
“We have begun our fourth year into this
program and we are proud to say that it has
made a difference,” said Lucy Terrebrood,
Ladies Auxiliary president. “The commu-
nity is now aware of the local veterans who
sacrificed everything for freedom.”
Local banks and businesses give each
honored veteran cash or a gift certificate.
As of July 2009, each veteran also receives
a certificate of recognition from Sen. John
McCain (R-Ariz.).
The local newspaper features each Vet-
eran of the Month. The winner also is featured in the Post’s monthly newsletter with
photos taken at the ceremony.
The Post began by honoring its WWII veterans. Vets were asked to fill out ques-
tionnaires and submit a photo in uniform. These photos were later superimposed on
the framed certificates.
Post members took the program to last year’s VFW Department of Missouri con-
vention, so that other Posts could learn how to implement their own program.
“The Veteran of the Month program is very rewarding,” Terrebrood said. “Know- Top: Past Department of Missouri Commander Tom Hartman and current
ing that our veterans are thanked and appreciated for the sacrifices they made to keep Department Commander Dave Morgan present Korean war vet roy wyatt
us free is awesome. Seeing the pride in their faces is our reward.” with a “Veteran of the Month” medallion. at the end of each year, Post 5168
The title “Veteran of the Month” is reserved for Post members. The Post also hon- in Forsyth, Mo., honors its 12 monthly winners at a banquet.
ors non-member veterans with certificates of appreciation. For example, the Post hon-
ored 30 veterans from the Mt. Vernon Veterans Home. Bottom: Purple Heart wwII veteran Bob Holland receives a certificate of
Any Post interested in starting a Veteran of the Month program can contact Lucy appreciation from Post Commander Joe Murdock. Post 5168 honors both
Terrebrood at (417) 546-5869 or Bocameglio@centurytel.net. Post members and non-members.
Vet Homelessness Drops
New Hampshire Post Raises Funds for Homeless Vets
TWo years ago, WheN vFW’s deParTmeNT oF NeW hamPshire homeless veT sTaTs imProviNg
initiated a campaign to help homeless vets, Post 1670 in Laconia raised money to con- VA reported in March 2010 that the number of veterans who are homeless on a typical
tribute to the effort. night dropped 18%.
In July 2008, Post members printed a large paper U.S. flag and sold red, white and “It will take dedication, creativity and hard work on many parts of American so-
blue paper stars for a minimum donation of $1 each. The stars were affixed to the flag, ciety to end homelessness among veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric
which hung at the Post. The project netted $600. Shinseki. “But mostly it takes the resolve to say, ‘It is unacceptable for a single veteran
“This community is noted for its generosity,” Post Commander Donald Doherty to spend the night on the streets of America.’ ”
told The [Laconia] Citizen. “Some people don’t realize that there are so many home- VA’s Community Homeless Assessment Local Education and Networking Groups
less veterans in New Hampshire. The more people that know in this area, the better estimated 107,000 veterans were homeless each night in 2009, down from 131,000 in
chance those in need are helped.” 2008 and 154,000 in 2007.
The Post presented the proceeds to John Rubery, then-Department of New Hamp- “The reduction was achieved through VA’s commitment to end homelessness
shire commander, at the Department convention to be used to benefit homeless veter- among veterans through enhanced collaboration with other federal, state, faith-based,
ans in the state. veterans service organizations and community partners,” Shinseki said.
Ladies Auxiliary member Marie Swain also began an ongoing clothing drive with VA provides a 24-hour call center for homeless veterans, which can be reached at
the Gilford, N.H., fire department to benefit homeless vets. The fire department now 1-877-424-3838.
periodically donates bags of
clothing and other items to
the Liberty House veterans
“it is unacceptable for a single veteran to
shelter in Manchester, N.H.
“The Gilford Fire De-
partment really went out of
their way and did a super
job,” Doherty told The Citi-
zen. “I hope we can contin-
spend the night on the streets of America.”
ue this in years to come.” —Eric shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs
CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010 • 5
348 Recognized to Date
World War II Veterans Lead
VFW Posts from Coast to Coast
The CheCkpoint sTaFF exTeNds a hearTy “ThaNk you” to all
our WWII Post leaders, members and veterans. And we want to recognize those who
still devote time and energy to VFW causes.
Listed below are 120 World War II veterans who serve VFW Posts in official ca-
pacities. Checkpoint has recognized a total of 348 such Post leaders since the March/
April 2009 issue.
We have received an unexpectedly large number of names, so please be patient if
you are waiting to see your submission printed. Names published to date are those
received through approximately the end of November 2009. The backlog is signifi-
cant, but not insurmountable. We will continue to feature this section in subsequent
issues until every WWII Post leader whose name is submitted is recognized.
If you would like to recognize a WWII veteran who currently serves your Post,
please send us his or her name, official Post position and your Post’s location. Send
information to: name position post/location
Checkpoint Dean Kincanon Officer of the Day Post 2600, San Andreas, Calif.
Attn: WWII Leaders Jack Kinsey Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 8138, Sisters, Ore.
406 W. 34th Street Edward Kleniewski Service Officer Post 3211, Hicksville, N.Y.
Kansas City, MO 64111 Bob Knecht Adjutant Post 2433, Union, N.J.
E-mail: tdyhouse@vfw.org C.F. “Buck” Kollman Judge Advocate Post 6522, Bellville, Texas
Frank Kowalski Chaplain Post 4644, Inkster, Mich.
Eugene Kralowski Judge Advocate Post 4644, Inkster, Mich.
name position post/location Christopher J. Kurbel Commander Post 134, Dearborn, Mich.
Thomas N. Adams Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio Dr. James Lamp Surgeon Post 6522, Bellville, Texas
David Aguilar Honor Guard Post 8900, Fresno, Calif. Roland D. Le Clear Commander Post 9107, Mitchell, Ind.
Richard Allen Trustee Post 5642, Montrose, Pa. Howard Liebman Judge Advocate Post 3211, Hicksville, N.Y.
Bobby Arthurs Commander Post 8290, Lacombe, La. William Little Adjutant Post 5642, Montrose, Pa.
Eugene Baca Officer of the Day Post 4644, Inkster, Mich. Jim Lovett Chaplain Post 1503, Dale City, Va.
Joe Barbella Officer of the Day Post 2433, Union, N.J. Bill Luebke Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 5256, Hamilton, Ill.
Arthur Barnett Trustee Post 5844, Holden, Mo. George Lupone Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 4644, Inkster, Mich.
James Barry Board of Directors Post 3007, Lexington, Mass. Frank Marra Adjutant Post 1666, Yonkers, N.Y.
Joseph A. Battista Commander Post 1666, Yonkers, N.Y. Wendell McCrady Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 7971, Copley, Ohio
Joseph Bedard Board of Directors Post 3007, Lexington, Mass. James McIntosh Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 6764, Westfield, N.Y.
Elwin Birchard Judge Advocate Post 5642, Montrose, Pa. Louise McRoberts Trustee Post 1545, Windham, N.Y.
Arthur Blanden Chaplain Post 1545, Windham, N.Y. George Medvecky Trustee Post 2433, Union, N.J.
Herb Blevins Surgeon Post 3332, Newton Falls, Ohio Carl Mesaros Commander Post 7971, Copley, Ohio
John Bolles Surgeon Post 5642, Montrose, Pa. Marshall Moffitt Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 2600, San Andreas, Calif.
Taylor B. Brim, Sr. Commander Post 4469, Ghent, W.Va. John Moirano Trustee Post 7971, Copley, Ohio
Gilbert Britton Commander Post 136, Williamstown, N.Y. LeRoy Morgan Trustee Post 5642, Montrose, Pa.
Al Bustos Honor Guard Post 8900, Fresno, Calif. Richard G. Morse Trustee Post 1545, Windham, N.Y.
James L. Butler Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lloyd Myers Trustee Post 10275, Philo, Ohio
James Byrd Surgeon Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Joe Nader Service Officer Post 1666, Yonkers, N.Y.
W. J. Cannon Patriotic Instructor Post 4606, Franklin, Ky. Ralph F. Nee Dist. 12 Cmdr. Post 697, Whitman, Mass.
Tony Capite Guard/Trustee Post 2433, Union, N.J. Bud Norton Judge Advocate Post 2433, Union, N.J.
J.K. Chester Commander Post 5844, Holden, Mo. Robert Obermeyer Color Guard Post 3211, Hicksville, N.Y.
Walter Chisholm Chaplain Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio Peter O’Brien Trustee Post 1545, Windham, N.Y.
Al Cierzan Trustee Post 3516, Kingman, Ariz. Gilbert Parazinski Trustee Post 10519, Greendale, Wis.
Myron Comeaux Quartermaster Post 3785, Addis, La. William Pekrul Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 10519, Greendale, Wis.
Stanley Craig Judge Advocate Post 2950, Corydon, Ind. Robert J. Penman Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 4469, Ghent, W.Va.
Don Cuneo Commander Post 2600, San Andreas, Calif. Aurio J. Pierro Commander Post 3007, Lexington, Mass.
Aaron DeFreese, Sr. Chaplain Post 4063, Perry, Mich. Ed Postula Surgeon Post 4644, Inkster, Mich.
Paul DeGal Officer of the Day Post 1419, Hamburg, N.Y. Faustian Rapczak Judge Advocate Post 3332, Newton Falls, Ohio
George DeJohn House Committee Post 2433, Union, N.J. Edward Reader Trustee Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Charles Devoe Trustee Post 3007, Lexington, Mass. Dick Rembert Chaplain Post 2433, Union, N.J.
Tom Diermier Chaplain Post 2600, San Andreas, Calif. Tom Ricardo Officer of the Day Post 8900, Fresno, Calif.
Harry A. Donovan Trustee Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio Frank Samuel Chaplain Post 3007, Lexington, Mass.
Edward Fealy Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 1666, Yonkers, N.Y. Edward F. Sanders Commander Post 360, Mishawaka, Ind.
Ralph W. Ferry Trustee Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio Jack Saradet Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 3785, Addis, La.
Gideon Fetterolf Chaplain Post 3332, Newton Falls, Ohio Truman L. Sayre Quartermaster Post 4469, Ghent, W.Va.
Harrison J. Fisher Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 6712, Revere, Mass James Schrubb Chaplain Post 4874, Piqua, Ohio
Dennis Fitzgerald Quartermaster Post 1666, Yonkers, N.Y. Harry W. Schwab Commander Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio
Anthony Franzese Color Guard Post 3211, Hicksville, N.Y. Warren R. Sheldon Service Officer Post 349, Fairlawn, Ohio
Calvin H. Fuss Chaplain Post 5517, Winfield, Mo. William Simmons Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 3007, Lexington, Mass.
Andrew Garraghan Judge Advocate Post 10519, Greendale, Wis. Carmine Somma Color Guard Post 3211, Hicksville, N.Y.
Raymond D. Gravano Adj./Serv. Officer Post 5057, Fresno, Calif. William Smillie Sr. Vice Cmdr. Post 134, Dearborn, Mich.
William Gribble Trustee Post 7971, Copley, Ohio Gene Smith Judge Advocate Post 7971, Copley, Ohio
Agatha Griebel Adjutant Post 7971, Copley, Ohio Robert Stanton Trustee Post 5642, Montrose, Pa.
George J. Guidry, Jr. Commander Post 3785, Addis, La. Elmo Tippins Adj./Trustee Post 6764, Westfield, N.Y.
Raul Gutierrez Fund Raising Chrmn. Post 8900, Fresno, Calif. Ray Turke Surgeon/Serv. Off. Post 6764, Westfield, N.Y.
Dave Hamblin Board of Directors Post 3007, Lexington, Mass. Clyde Turner Commander Post 1144, Iaeger, W.Va.
Merrill Hammons Chaplain Post 4606, Franklin, Ky. Louis Ummel Commander Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Hansford Hancock Chaplain Post 134, Dearborn, Mich. Joe Varvaro Trustee Post 7971, Copley, Ohio
Frank Hayes Adjutant Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn. James M. Warren III Commander Post 1264, Roanoke, Va.
Gerald F. Helz Surgeon Post 10301, Racine, Wis. Steve Wayne House Committee Post 2433, Union, N.J.
David Hendricks Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 4575, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Francis Weldon Surgeon Post 6202, Belle Plaine, Minn.
Ralph Johnston Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 134, Dearborn, Mich. Robert F. Wheeler Jr. Vice Cmdr. Post 4469, Ghent, W.Va.
Donald J. Jones Commander Post 4063, Perry, Mich. Harold Wiggins Adjutant Post 6467, Bergenfield, N.J.
Whitcomb Jones Service Officer Post 6522, Bellville, Texas Robert Wilson House Committee Post 4874, Piqua, Ohio
Robert Kennedy Trustee Post 10519, Greendale, Wis. Elmer Wiseman Surgeon Post 2950, Corydon, Ind.
6 • CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010
Smoking Bans Vary by State
VFW Posts Across Country Comply With No-Smoking Laws
WheN PosT 3282 iN PorT oraNge, Fla., went smoke-free on Jan. 1, Post enjoy being outside in the lounge area when the weather is nice.
Commander Gene P. Carroll knew there would be some backlash. “It is a definite improvement to our Post home,” Schneider said. “We’ve had new
“There was a lot of dissension among our members about going smoke-free,” said people coming to the Post, and most say they didn’t come before because of the smok-
Carroll, who gave up smoking cigarettes 35 years ago. “We lost a few members imme- ing issue.”
diately. But 90% of those who left are now back on our roster.” Similarly, the state of Michigan went smoke-free in public places effective May 1.
Allowing smoking in VFW Posts is a hot-button topic on both sides. In some states, All Posts were notified that they were to comply with the new law.
however, Posts may not have a choice. The law requires the visible placement of a “No Smoking” sign or the international
While 26 states have smoking bans, some of those don’t extend to “private clubs.” no-smoking symbol at Post entrances. Furthermore, all ashtrays and other smoking
But this is not a black-and-white issue. According to VFW Quartermaster General paraphernalia had to be removed from all Posts.
Larry Maher, it’s best for Posts to contact Department headquarters or the state at- In Spring Grove, Pa., the Post voted to comply with the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor
torney general in the state where the Post is located to determine what the statute Air Act in 2008, by banning smoking in any area of the Post.
requires. Post 210 in Lakeville, Minn., has been smoke-free for a couple of years and thinks
For Posts, he said, the issue is whether or not a Post is truly private. If the public it is helping in their goal to be a complete “21st-century Post.”
is allowed in for Bingo games or dances and dinners, then it may not be considered According to Arnold Zach, commander, the Post is hoping to move beyond the ste-
private and would then fall into the public non-smoking category. reotypical image of a “social club” of beer drinkers.
To avoid potential fines, “just check with the attorney general,” Maher said. “When we went smoke-free, it was an issue, but not as big an issue as some would
At Post 3282, Carroll said he did have some concerns about a loss of revenue, but he have thought,” Zach said. “We now have an outside smoking area. There are a lot of
felt Post members really needed to be thinking about the potential for greater numbers people coming in now who wouldn’t have before because of the smoking.”
of people utilizing the Post if it were smoke-free. Zach said the Post hopes to add handicapped accessible restrooms and a resource
Plus, when the Post was constructed a couple of years ago, a smoking porch com- center with computers.
plete with a Spanish tile roof was added. “Handicapped accessible facilities are definitely needed because some of our vet-
“We have actually seen more people coming to the Post and an increase in rev- erans and seniors can’t come to dinners and events because they can’t get into the
enue,” Carroll said. “I know the ‘snow birds’ will be going back to their homes for the restrooms,” he said.
summer, so we’ll see what how things go from there.” It’s a matter of getting it all organized, Zach said, and finding the funding.
While Florida is not one of the states with a smoking ban, Carroll said he thinks it’s
just a matter of time. This way, he added, the Post is one step ahead.
The least you need to Know
“So far, this is a true success story,” he said.
Some 30 miles south in Palm Coast, Fla., Post 8696 has been smoke-free for years.
Richard Bossen, quartermaster, said “it’s working out great.”
smokiNg BaNs NoT a ‘Big’ issue As a Post leader, it’s your responsibility
On March 12, Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson signed into a law a statewide ban on smok-
ing. The new law will take effect on July 1.
to know if your Post complies with
For Post 7397 in Lenexa, Kan., the statewide ban will not affect operations because state no-smoking laws. Check with
they have been smoke-free since January 2008 when the city passed a no-smoking ban
in public places. your Department headquarters or
According to Post Commander Ralph Schneider, there was some resistance by cer-
tain members, but overall, “it has been positive experience for the Post.”
state attorney general’s office
To accommodate everyone, Post members agreed on an outdoor lounge. While it for clarification of your state statutes.
cost $25,000, Schneider said it has been worth it. He added that even nonsmokers
Statewide Ban
No Statewide Ban
CHECKPOINT • MaY / JUNE 2010 • 7
MaY | JUNE 2010 non-Profit
VFw naTIonaL HeaDqUarTerS • PUBLICaTIonS organization
406 weST 34TH STreeT, KanSaS CITY, Mo 64111 U.S. Postage
PAID
Posts with the Most
Rank Post No. Location Members
VFW POSTS OF 1,000 MEMBERS
OR MORE AS OF APRIL 12, 2010
Kansas City, Mo
Permit no. 1298
1 1114 Evansville, IN ...............................2,556 6 4372 Odessa, TX ....................................1,772
2 1503 Dale City, VA .................................2,102 7 628 Sioux Falls, SD ............................. 1,709
3 9972 Sierra Vista, AZ ........................... 1,989 8 392 Virginia Beach, VA ...................... 1,689
4 6506 Rosedale, MD ...............................1,934 9 27 Wiesbaden, Germany ................. 1,649
5 1146 St Clair Shores, MI .......................1,773 10 972 Terre Haute, IN ............................ 1,620
Rank No. Location Members
11 4647 North Highlands, CA .......1,593 24 1079 Elyria, OH ............................1,377 38 9534 Mannheim, Germany ...... 1,225 52 10132 Hobe Sound, FL ................ 1,061
12 63 Boise, ID...............................1,575 25 788 Cedar Rapids, IA................ 1,331 39 969 Tacoma, WA .......................1,214 53 7564 West Fargo, ND ............... 1,054
13 2485 Angeles City, 26 7330 Oakville, CT ........................1,328 40 549 Tucson, AZ ..........................1,188 53 9186 San Antonio, TX............... 1,054
Philippines ......................... 1,553 27 1512 Lemon Grove, CA ............. 1,325 41 5555 Richfield, MN ..................... 1,187 55 8696 Palm Coast, FL ..................1,053
14 10097 Fort Myers Beach, FL ......1,503 28 6873 Abilene, TX ........................ 1,323 42 1170 Middletown, KY ................ 1,182 56 1810 Brentwood, PA ..................1,052
15 2503 Omaha, NE .........................1,486 29 1273 Rapid City, SD ...................1,299 43 10436 Kitzingen, Germany........... 1,171 57 3982 Santa Clara, CA ................1,050
16 7686 Alamogordo, NM .............1,479 30 1326 Bismarck, ND ..................... 1,272 44 1275 Lima, OH .............................. 1,165 58 6251 Cheektowaga, NY ...........1,048
17 7234 Ocean View, DE ................1,446 31 4809 Norfolk, VA ......................... 1,257 45 3579 Park Ridge, IL ......................1,161 58 6796 Dallas, TX ..........................1,048
18 1296 Bloomington, MN ............ 1,437 31 10047 North Las Vegas, NV ....... 1,257 46 10209 Spring Hill, FL ..................... 1,159 60 5263 Fort Sill, OK ........................1,036
19 401 Albuquerque, NM ............1,405 33 8951 West York, PA.................... 1,247 47 3282 Port Orange, FL................... 1,151 61 3838 Cape Girardeau, MO .......1,026
20 9785 Eagle River, AK .................1,389 34 10420 Murrells Inlet, SC .............1,238 48 8541 San Antonio, TX................. 1,145 62 4075 Frankfort, KY .....................1,025
21 2111 Chula Vista, CA .................1,388 35 8862 Vicenza, Italy .....................1,236 49 7674 Fort Walton Beach, FL ....... 1,111 63 10692 Grafenwoehr, Germany ..1,023
22 1308 Alton, IL...............................1,383 36 5958 Titusville, PA ...................... 1,232 50 7175 Millington, TN .................. 1,098 64 2702 Huntsville, AL .................... 1,019
23 1599 Chambersburg, PA...........1,380 37 379 Yakima, WA .......................1,228 51 9927 Kettering, OH ....................1,078 65 360 Mishawaka, IN ................. 1,003
Five Tours in Afghanistan
VFW Has ‘Loyal Following’ Among Special Operators
as a maN Who has logged Five Tours in Afghanistan over six years, Army Sgt. 1st
PHoTo CoUrTeSY SGT. 1ST CLaSS MICHaeL HaTHawaY
Class Michael J. Hathaway of the 3rd Special Forces Group has been a first-hand observer of—and
participant in—world history. During his service, Hathaway has seen one of the world’s poorest
countries take baby steps into the 21st century.
“One of the most significant changes I witnessed was the very first presidential election that
country has ever had,” said Hathaway, a member of VFW Post 9334 in Vilseck, Germany. “I went
with an Operational Detachment-Alpha (A-team) to Orgun-E on election night to help make sure
the process went smoothly and the ballots were not tampered with.”
The election of President Hamid Karzai on Oct. 9, 2004, was during Hathaway’s first tour. Cur-
rently deployed on his fifth, and final, tour, Hathaway says Afghanistan’s limited infrastructure—
such as roads, telephone and cellular service, electricity generation and schools—has been “vastly”
improved.
“All of our troops and the contributing countries have all done a stellar job in helping Afghani-
stan become more self-reliant despite heavy resistance from the Taliban and al Qaeda,” says Hatha-
way, who works with the Green Berets as an electronics maintenance supervisor. “The Afghan
National Army also has been given more responsibility in protecting their homeland over the
years.”
Hathaway, who plans to retire from the Army later this year after 24 years service, has been a
VFW member since 2000. He originally earned his VFW eligibility while serving in Operation Just Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Hathaway of the 3rd Special Forces Group
Cause, the 1989 invasion of Panama, and plans to pursue a civilian career in electronics repair. The takes a break in March 2009 near Deh afghan, afghanistan, while on
Michigan native adds that he will become more involved with VFW. a mission with the Combined Joint Special operations Task Force -
“In 2002, VFW’s Department of Europe District 3 commander recognized me as an ‘Outstand- afghanistan. Hathaway, a life member of VFw Post 9334 in Vilseck,
ing Post Adjutant,’ ” Hathaway said. “Though I’m not sure how many members in my unit are VFW Germany, plans to retire later this year after 24 years service and five
members, VFW does have a loyal following within the special operations community.” tours in afghanistan.
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 • MaY / JUNE 2010
