66th annual convention

AMVETSDepartment of North Carolina

66th Annual State Convention June 4, 5 & 6, 2010

Welcoming

troops

home

Parades!

Membership recruiting and fundraising

Relay for Life

DVDs for Troops

SaLuTeS members’ services to veterans and their communities

Building a wheelchair ramp

North Carolina AMVETS 66th Annual Convention Book

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National Commander’s greeting

DUANE J. MISKULIN National Commander

Greetings to members of theAMVETS Department of North Carolina,

As the AMVETS Department of North Carolina gathers for its annual State Con-vention, I want to extend my best wishes to each of you on behalf of AMVETS Na-tional Headquarters. Our members are the reason AMVETS enjoys prominence as one of the nation's top veteran's service organizations. It is only because of your tireless service to serve your brothers- and sisters-in-arms, that AMVETS is able to successfully carry out our mission to serve veterans of all conflicts and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our nation's heroes.

Over the last six decades, AMVETS has built its stellar reputa-tion upon the tireless efforts of members just like you in posts and departments all across the country. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina is no exception. In the past year, each of you has demonstrated your commitment to those who have served through a broad range of innovative programs and volunteer ef-forts.

As National Commander, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Department of North Carolina and its members for your continued devotion to the noble cause of veterans' service, and I challenge you to do all that you can to serve our veterans, past and present, during these difficult times in our nation.

As North Carolina AMVETS, you continue to improve the lives of your fellow veterans, and serve as stewards of the communi-ties in which you live, keeping with the greatest traditions of our organization and our nation. With this in mind, I wish you a most productive and successful convention in 2010.

Commander Duane J. Miskulin


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Dear AMVETS,

I thank all of you for your support and help dur-ing the past year. We have accomplished many things this year even though, we were handicapped by hav-ing only three DEC’s. The two major problems we had were first giving out the ROTC medals in October to the District commanders and then receiving additional request in February and March. The second area was information from national in a timely manner. When we did away with our January DEC. the information put out in the December NEC was delayed to mem-bers until the March DEC. The same occurred with our NEC a week after our DEC in March. Hopefully we will correct this concern before the conclusion of this con-vention.

As Dept. Commander I have had the pleasure of meeting many new people in our Department, the State, and National. Attending the State Veterans Council meetings I met all of the State Veterans or-ganizations Commanders. It was a privilege to serve on the Governor State Veterans Affairs Commission with Charlie Smith and the appointed members of the commission. There are many people on the Commis-sion working hard to make the lives of Veterans better in this State.

I would like to thank Tom Nicholas for representing AMVETS as the President of the State Veterans Council. He has worked hard in this position, with the aid of Jean Reeves as the Council Adjutant. Jean has also put a lot of time in with her job and AMVETS, meeting with VISON 6 meetings and veteran’s council meetings.

As National District II Commander Bill Clark has been doing a lot, with going to all states DEC’s in the District, and going to the NEC’s. PDC Ed O’Neal has been working to get a clinic started in Rockingham, and along with 2nd Vice Lacy Shepherd putting together a welcome home reception for members of the 30th Brigade NCARNG. I put to all upcoming Dept. Commanders; your best asset available is the Past Dept. Commanders. They have the expertise to advise you on how to conduct business in the Dept. Use them as much as possible. I’ve seen many of the Posts in this state working hard to for their community and the veterans. The only problem is getting the Post to report their Community Service to National. This is a twofold problem, first you need to report to retain your nonprofit status, and second this information is used to lobby for our benefits in congress. I’ve heard that some think this is bragging, but it isn’t. We need those reports to retain services for our veterans and the benefits for all that have served this Country. I would like to thank all of my Department Officers for the hard work they have done making my job easier. Our Inspector General Bruce Arton when called upon to investigate or help with a problem went without question, Finance Officer Laura Britton who in face of illness and surgery kept doing her job. Adjutant Nancy Shiverdecker who kept me straight on what needed to be done and where I needed to go. Attending the NEC’s with NEC Jim Ely and Alt NEC Mike Rozmaryn, and worked with arranging this convention. District Commanders Bruce Arton, Lee Bowden, and Dickie White when called upon did their duties in an outstanding fashion. All of the elected and appointed Officers did a great job for this Department.

Yours in ServiceCarl B Morgan Jr., NC Dept. Commander

State Commander’s Greeting


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National Executive Committee Man’s Greeting

GREETINGS: to AMVETS Department of North Carolina

On behalf of Alternate NEC Mike Rozmaryn and myself, WELCOME to Greensboro for our 66th State Convention. We hope you all have a nice time, meet old friends, and get acquainted with new friends.

I would hope that you will participate in as many functions as possible, especially our banquet on Saturday evening. Commander Morgan, this has been a challenging year, but you and your staff have done a superb job tackling it. I would hope that our department would go back to four meetings per year to avoid too many conflicts.

To our NSO’s: Thanks for another outstanding year of hard work for our veterans and their families.

Finally, thanks to our Department Secretary, Elsie Koonts for all the hard dedicated work she does for us.

Again, welcome to Greensboro and have a great convention!

Jimmy Ely, NECAMVETS Department of North Carolina


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NSO GreetingWelcome to all AMVETS for our 66th Annual State Convention. We hope this be an

enjoyable and productive convention for all of you. This is a time to reflect on the past year and reaffirm the AMVETS Aims and Purposes for the coming year.

We would like to extend our congratulations and thanks to Commander Morgan and his staff of officers for their accomplishments for their diligence and unselfish dedication to AMVETS service and all the veterans of North Carolina.

Madame President Pulliam, and to all the ladies of the Auxiliary, Phil and I, along with Garry King, Region II Service Director, Steve Smith, David Turner and Howard Montgomery, wish to thank you for the many volunteer hours and the many hours of hard and difficult work that you perform at the VA Medical Centers, and throughout the community across the State. You have much to be proud of; KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. AMVETS’ work cannot be done without you.

It’s an honor serving the VETERANS, WIDOWS, FAMILY MEMBERS and ORPHANS of the great state of North Carolina. All of the service officers look forward to providing the best service possible to all of you in the future. Feel free to contact us at anytime. Once again, thank you for your patience, cooperation and support. Congratulations to the Department of North Carolina of its 66th year of SERVICE TO VETERANS!

Russell L. Woodall, Jr. AMVETS National Service Officer VA Regional Office 215 N. Main Street, Room 414 Winston Salem, NC 27155 (336) 714-0823- Office


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Sons’ Greeting

Greetings AMVETS family from the Sons of AMVETS Commander,

This has been a great year for the Sons. As most of you know we won the “National Department of the Year” at the National Convention. Squadron 760 won the most increase in membership for the year.

The Sons purchased their State flag with the donation from Michael Smith in memory of Chris Smith. A United States flag was also purchased this year by donations and fundraisers. I carried the North Carolina flag in the placing of the Wreaths in Washington in March.

We have received money from the National Sons for my Sweats for Vets Project. This will be donated to our V.A. Hospitals soon.

Thank you AMVETS, and thank you Ladies Auxiliary for your help and guidance throughout this year. Thanks to my officers for their help in making this a good year.

“If you want it done, ask a son. He will get the job done!”God bless, have a great convention.

Gene RabbCommander

Sons of AMVETS


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This past year has been a very positive one. When we first started the year, many, including myself, were very apprehensive at the loss of the meeting in January. However, as they always do, the ladies came through in superb style. And for this, they should be applauded!

By the time this letter is read, all reports will be in and the auxiliaries can take pride in the fact that they have done a great job at supporting the veterans, active duty members, hospitals, children and the communities in general. Good luck to all of them at the Awards Banquet.

I am still on an emotional high at the wonderful work and cooperation that existed between not only the ladies, but the AMVETS and Sons of AMVETS to get everything set up for the reverse drawing. Great work everyone, thank you.

We enjoyed having our National President, Patty Piening, visit us in March. She was very gracious and gave updates and information that will help guide us.

I have enjoyed serving as the Department Auxiliary President this year. My visits to the different auxiliaries was an interesting experience. The goals are the same, but the approaches can be very different. To the auxiliaries that I did not get to visit, perhaps in the coming year.

Thank you, to all the auxiliaries for all their hard work and diligence; it shows. I wish for everyone a most enjoyable and successful convention.

Please remember our veterans, active duty personnel and families in your prayers.

Pat Pulliam Department President

State President’s Greeting


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GreetinGs from the Greensboro mayor


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Quality programs executed by your local post are the vehicle that amVets uses to deliver on our promise of preserving freedoms secured by america's armed forces and enhancing the quality of life for all veterans and our nation's citizens. effective programs drive our ability to ensure the preservation of our american democratic

way of life, and to train our youth to become purposeful citizens in that democracy. We encourage you to get involved! if your post conducts only one program of significance during the course of the year, it should be a program that serves our veterans. if your post raises only a limited amount of money that can be donated for worthy causes, make certain the money is used on behalf of our veterans or the active military. Veterans who are attracted to join amVets, your post, because they align with amVets stated objectives of services that improve the quality of life for all citizens, will soon become disillusioned if all your post offers is a place to socialize. amVets, at that point, becomes just another club. We all need opportunities to socially interact and there are many of them available. socialization should be the by-product of an active amVets post that is truly engaged in service to veterans, not the sole purpose for existing. in addition, younger veterans, that we must attract, need much more than just another social opportunity.

With all of the many different programs we believe you will find one that matches your interest and the needs of your community. many amVets members involve their entire families as they work together to make a difference. there is something for everyone. Do not wait to be asked, get involved with an ongoing program. there is no limit to the number of programs that a post may implement. if you have a passion for a program that is not currently on your posts calendar, why not volunteer to chair that program and invite others, who share your passion, to join you. through quality programs that your post conducts, amVets is able to provide countless hours of service that make a difference. our members are particularly effective in this role because they are "mission" driven and have skills to cooperate, coordinate and communicate better than any other local community volunteer group.

the terrain may be different from community to community, but every battle to overcome an issue and fulfill a human need is as important as any we have ever fought. as veterans, we have served and will continue to serve our country because we care deeply about its future.

Program Planning Quality Programs equal membership retention and go far towards attracting new members. Quality Programs

do not just happen, they take some effort! the key is to keep it simple and decide what you want to do and then do it. failure to act is often the biggest failure of all. it is vitally important to Cooperate, Coordinate, and Communicate. the lack of a well-planned program, shared in advance with your members, is communicating that leadership is not serious about building a viable Post with quality programs.

any good plan must answer five questions:1. Where are we now?

2. Where do we want to go from here?

3. What things will we do to get there?

4. When will these things occur?

5. What will each person do each month?

AMVETS NATIONAL PROGRAMS National Programs Department Mission Statement:To provide department and post level support that will culminate in vibrant and effective programs serving veterans and this nation’s citizens.


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PROGRAMS REPORTING

REPORT YOUR PROGRAMS

To Report Your Programs You might want to bookmark this URL for an easy return.

LOGIN AND DOCUMENT YOUR POST’S SERVICE TO VETERANS AND THIS

NATION’S CITIZENS No special software required. When you submit the data it will be

saved for your future reference and instantly will be transmitted and available for your

department and national leadership to access. (ALL MEMBERS MAY ACCESS THE

SYSTEM)

Reporting your post and department program data satisfies three critical needs of the organization and

provides your post and department with an archived program data base.

It captures the program priorities of AMVETS and identifies areas that need strengthened within

specific programs.

It provides essential and cumulative data for the National Commander and all AMVETS

leadership. The data may be incorporated into media briefs and Congressional testimony, thus

enabling the organization to factually document the positive impact of AMVETS.

It fulfills an IRS accountability requirement as a tax-exempt organization.


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Ideal Time to Plan our CbL states that each Post elects their new officers between 1 may and 30 June and that they must assume office no later than 15 July. i would like to propose that this is the ideal time for your Post to put the wheels in motion to “plan” your annual Post Calendar. the outgoing Commander or second Vice could appoint a chairperson to begin the process that will culminate with the important action step of ratifying the plan at the first official meeting of the next cycle, that meeting being chaired by the new Commander.

Why Plan a Yearlong Calendar? there is any number of reasons – among them, to share commitments and responsibilities; ensure a varied program that meets your members’ needs and interests; allow for ample prep time; avoid calendar conflicts by permitting interested members to keep amVets dates open; provide for better communications; avoid confusion; encourage members to look forward to meetings; give members a chance to pick their program in advance and volunteer to assist; provide direction to your post; and establish the budget and know what you need from your treasury and how much you will need to raise.

Key Elements of the Process steps in building an annual programs calendar may vary, so flexibility is fine as long as you follow some basic principles. 1) begin the process early. 2) Get all leaders and active members involved. 3) Know the needs of your local veteran community. 4) review past programs and determine what worked and had the support of your membership. 5) make the plan comprehensive; objectives, programs, chairpersons and dates. 6) Plot action steps on a separate schedule for each program and identify via that program’s chairperson, who will be responsible for each step. 7) Print the calendar and mail to all members and post it on your web site if available. your goal is to have a 12-month, comprehensive calendar prepared by the end of July, but no later than 15 august. it should include meeting dates, key department and national dates, fund raisers, programs and dinners, military & veteran holidays and monthly community projects.

for our membership, using computers, the online reporting capability is a major step forward and is a huge timesaver. Data does not have to be passed from one paper trail to the next within your post or department. you, your post and your

department leadership are able to also view the data anytime they wish and even edit if necessary. at the end of each six-month reporting period, the national Programs Department “rolls up” a national report and resets the reporting period date for the next six-month period. however, the data from the previous period will be retained and can be recalled at any time by entering the previous reporting period ending date in the “analyze reports” screen. a great tool to compare progress and also be able to track the individuals associated with making those reports. the system provides a digital trail, for everyone to see, identifying who entered the data.

reports will also be a available for each respective level of our organization. moving the data into an excel spread sheet is also an option enabling further utilization of the data such as adding columns to identify the chair persons of specific programs. sharing information is critical to the continued success and expansion of amVets.

Program Categoryyou have a choice of (20) specific program

areas to report on by clicking on the drop down box.

an entry in the comment field is not required for any of these; simply enter the number of volunteers and the total number of hours for those volunteers.

however, you are encouraged to use the comment field when reporting on a Program area that may include multiple/different sub programs. example: americanism - the Post members and/or honor guard may have marched in a memorial Day parade. in the comment field you simply enter three words (memorial Day parade); four members may have visited several schools to promote and implement the americanism Poster & essay contest. in the comment field you simply enter (Poster/essay Contest (4) schools)

if you select blood Drive or Clothing & food Drive, these are specific and a comment is really not necessary or helpful.

if you are reporting on your various fund raising projects you should briefly make an entry in the comment field (fish fry, raised $500 net)

the “other” choice is to accommodate programs specific and unique to your post. however, before the program will submit your report for “other” categories you must enter a brief description of that program in the comment field.


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Activity Costif the post spent money, purchased supplies,

food or awards, etc., in conducting the Program those expenses are entered in this field. (Do not enter the totaL of yoUr VoLUnteer hoUr VaLUe anD miLes VaLUe.) they are counted only once and the program will calculate them, as they should be.

Cash Donationsas an example, your post may be reporting

on a special olympics program and in addition to providing manpower the post makes a $500 donation. that amount gets reported here. any community project that your post provides “financial” assistance for would be reported here.

Non-Traditional Program Reportingthe last four choices in the drop down box

are for non-traditional Program reporting and they are associated with the other four national Departments. these choices also “require” a comment to briefly define the activity before the information can be submitted.

Communications/Public relations officer activity: as an example - your Post Pro could report a special effort he/she has made on a particular program.

Legislative activity: as an example - your Post could report time spent by members directly involved with state legislative work on behalf of veterans and/or work in support of specific veteran legislative issues on Capitol hill.

membership activity: as an example - your 1st Vice Commander for membership could report a specific membership drive. (booth at County fair, gave out 200 membership applications.)

Veteran service/Claims activity: as an example - your Post service officer could report any specific facility and/or contacts made for referrals. Veterans transported to Va medical Centers.

Program Category Definitionsthese are not all inclusive, they are offered only

as examples. • aaDaa - amVets against Drugs and

alcohol abuse, administering the aaDaa Poster & essay Contest and/or supporting a local community group working with a "recovery" program.

• americanism - Poster & essay Contest, Parades, Public Ceremonies, etc.

• blood Drives - sponsoring/hosting a community blood drive on behalf of the american red Cross or providing members to donate for other community sponsored drives. PLease note: according to aabb, as blood is freely donated by volunteers, there is no monetary value that may be reported. Patients that receive blood do not pay for the actual blood itself, rather the services applied to processing blood products (i.e. infectious testing, typing, etc.) Please report the "pints" donated in the "comment field." no cash/donation entries. thank you.

• Care bears - raising money and purchasing teddy bears to donate to police agencies for distribution to children in emergency situations.

• Clothing & food Drives - Pretty straight forward, conducting your own or providing manpower to assist other organizations.

Fund Raisingfund raising - Do not rePort

Donations yoU GiVe to others here. (Donations given to your Post by other groups/individuals could be reported here. the amount would not go in the Donation Column, you would put the amount received and from who, in the Comment field.) this category should be used to report what fund raising projects you are doing. how your post raises money to be used for your various veteran and community projects. anything from bingo to steak fry’s, etc. in the comment field enter both the name of your fund raiser and the amount you raise. other columns reflect the volunteers, fund raising costs, etc. Donations yoUr Post maKes to other GroUPs may be reported on the specific category line, e.g., special olympics, homeless Veterans or if it is a Donation to an organization not associated with a specific reporting category, then use the "other" (Community service) Category. identify the cause/organization in the (comment field) and put the $$ amount in the Donation column on that line.

Homeless Veteranshomeless Veterans - Conducting or supporting

stand Downs, counseling, donations to agencies working on behalf of homeless Veterans, participating in a community Continuum of Care.


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edward J. o’neil2006-2007

bill Clark 2007-2008

John mac Donald2008-2009


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Mil Funeral Honor Guardmilitary funeral honors - for Posts with

volunteers and/or formal honor Guards that participate in conducting mfh for our veterans at any cemetery.

Organ & Bone Marrow Donorsorgan & bone marrow Donor Program -

Cooperating with local community groups or doing stand-alone educational programs using our literature. soliciting members to serve as bone marrow Donors.

POW/MIAPrisoner of War/missing in action - Provide

support to families; conduct PoW/mia ceremonies at community military and veterans gatherings.

ROTCreserve officer training Corp - Donating,

presenting the amVets rotC awards and/or conducting JrotC drill competitions.

Safe Driversafe Driver - Conducting a safe driver rodeo for

high school students involving both education and competition.

Scoutingscouting - Chartering boy scout and/or Girl

scout units, serving as merit badge counselors, facilitating the presentation of amVets eagle scout Certificates.

Sick & Hospitalized Veteranssick or hospitalized Veterans - Visiting/helping

home bound vets and/or hospitalized Vets. not to be confused with VaVs hours that should only be reported through the Va medical Centers. (We do not want to double count the hours.) VaVs stands for "Veterans affairs Voluntary service." VaVs only represents service at Va medical Centers. With the exception of a few state Veteran hospitals that have a formalized agreement with a VamC, all other state Vet hospitals and any and all other "hospital" Volunteer service hours and donations should be reported here. if you are a rep or Dep, you know the drill. if you are not a "regular" VaVs volunteer, your hours provided for special occasions, could be reported by your rep or the VamC Chief as "occasional" hours, however, you need to ask if that is being done. if not, these hours should also be reported here and identify in the comment field, what VamC you assisted.

Special Olympicsspecial olympics - serving as volunteer

trainers, judges and support staff for local competitions. Providing financial assistance.

Support for National Guard Troopssince signing a memorandum of Understanding

in late march 2005, amVets specific support for the Guard has really expanded. for the purpose of this special focus, we have determined the need to track this data separate from all other military support. if the support relates directly to a family assistance Center, please note this in the comment field.

Support Our Troops (Not Guard Specific)support our troops - Conducting deployment

farewells and returning celebrations, providing assistance to families by helping with children, doing repairs, etc. Providing financial assistance for phone cards, voices from home, and time/money directly to base family support units. mailing care packages. (national Guard specific support should not be reported on this line. it has its own category.)


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Vet History Project (Lib of Cong)Veterans history Project - facilitating the

gathering of Veterans stories in an organized manner and within the parameters established by the Library of Congress.

White CloverWhite Clover - there are variations on this

program, but the classic is the sale of the amVets White Clovers for the specific purpose of raising funds to assist our hospitalized veterans.

* other (Com. ser. - be specific)other (Community service - be specific)- this

category should only be used if one of the other (18) specific categories do not match the program you are conducting. in the comment field, briefly include: "what" community service, for "who" or "what" agency?

AMVETS White Clover the White Clover, meaning, “remember me”

is the official flower of amVets, it symbolizes the states from which the U.s. armed forces were drawn and the worldwide battlefields on which they fought. (it is a four-leaf clover.) since 1946, amVets throughout america have brought the White Clover into their communities to benefit and assist the needy-both veterans and the general public. the White Clover program is an excellent project to raise funds that will benefit veteran’s service activities. ideal times for this traditional project are around memorial Day, independence Day and Veterans Day. be sure to obtain permission and acquire permits where required by law. most communities will give full support for charitable activities such as a White Clover drive, because the proceeds are used locally. White clovers are available through the amVets Quartermaster. brochure explaining/promoting the White Clover Program may be downloaded. Poster -for reproduction Can cover - ideal for standard 1lb Coffee can. Print on sticker paper, available at any office supply store. Print, Peel, stick. What is a White Clover Medal?

the White Clover medal is a national award that was developed and approved a number of years ago. it is recognition for an amVets member who exemplifies service to veterans, most

often service to our hospitalized veterans. there is not one specific set of criteria; in fact various Departments have differing criteria.

however, it is frequently used to recognize a Post service officer or an individual who has performed some special task(s) in the line of service to hospitalized veterans.

some departments/posts award it to the person leading the most successful “White Clover Drive” since the money raised is frequently used for the benefit of patients at the Veterans affairs medical Centers.

some department/posts award it to the person who represents their “amVet of the year,” again based on individuals impressive accomplishments in service to veterans. typically, departments/posts using this recognition make one award per year.

the medal is available from the amVets Quartermaster.

The White Clover Princess Program – a few amVets departments also conduct a program where they select a young lady to represent amVets and promote the White Clover Program throughout the year at various amVets and public venues. this is a great way to showcase the campaign but more importantly bring attention to what is being done on behalf of our veterans with the funds secured through the program.

Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS)

founded in 1946 to provide for veterans in Va healthcare facilities, the Department of Veterans affairs Voluntary service (VaVs) is the largest volunteer program in the federal government, with more than 350 national and community organizations involved in support of their mission. Volunteers assist patients by augmenting staff in such settings as end-of-life care programs, foster care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nursing homes and veteran outreach centers. amVets serves as one of the 60 major veteran, civic and service organizations that comprise the VaVs national advisory Committee.

in the last fiscal year ending september 2006, (2,904) amVets, amVets Ladies auxiliary and sons of amVets provided a total of (208,907) hours of service. (89%) of those hours were “regularly scheduled” hours. based on the current independent sector formula for calculating the value of volunteer hours, the amVets family provided $3,921,184 dollars worth of service.

to become involved, contact the Va facility


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nearest you. ask for Voluntary service and tell them of your interest in becoming a VaVs amVets volunteer. or better yet, call your VaVs rep to get the details and accompany him or her on their next visit.

VAVS Appointment of Representatives and Deputies

the following resolution was passed as amended by the delegates at the 2004 amVets national

Convention:resoLVeD, that bi-annually, at the time each

Department elects their n.e.C., (a-m even years, n-Z-odd years) the new Department Commander will reconfirm the health, interest and performance of each of their VaVs representatives and Deputies no later than 31 July each year; and be it further

resoLVeD, the Commander or his designate will inform the national VaVs representative that a review has been completed and if a change is required, the new appointment form will accompany the notification.

AMVETS Because We Care Day - annually, the first Wednesday of april the amVets national service foundation provides personal care kits, that are distributed to our veterans by our VaVs volunteers at all of the Va medical Centers that have certified amVets representatives.

Holiday Phone Cards – annually, in the period between thanksgiving and Christmas the amVets national service foundation also provides “phone cards” for our hospitalized veterans.

AMVETS National VAVS Leadership Awardshelp amVets say thank you in a big way

by encouraging the VaVs Chiefs at your local Va medical Centers to use the applications they receive from the national Programs Department to recommend an amVet, a Ladies auxiliary and/or a sons of amVets volunteer for this award. the nominations must be received no later than 30 april each year. awards are presented during the national Convention as part of the Commander’s & President’s banquet.

Ceremonial Rifles (TACOM) and Static Displaysthe Ceremonial rifle Program affords posts

and departments an opportunity to add dignity and class to their honor guard details at events

such as funerals or parades. Under army regulations, the secretary of the army may conditionally loan not more than 15 excess m1 Garand rifles to an eligible organization. a formal written request, signed by the Post Commander, must be submitted to the national Programs Department which-after validating good standing-will forward it to the U.s. tank and automotive Command (taCom) in Warren, michigan. taCom will accept no requests without written approval of amVets national headquarters. forms may be requested from the national Programs Department or downloaded from the taCom Web site. Link: taCom Click on the Veterans associations. the forms you need are;

1) Checklist for rifles 2) Certificate of arms storage 3) Certificate of Compliance and 4) Ceremonial rifle inventory (if applicable)

the Process: Complete all forms and write a letter, addressed to taCom, requesting a specific number of rifles. (from one to fifteen) the letter must be signed by the Post Commander or adjutant. include this letter, along with all of the forms and mail to the amVets national Programs Department. your package will be reviewed and the letter validating your post will be added and then the completed packet will be mailed to taCom. if everything is in order it will still take on average, four to six months. amVets Ceremonial rifle brochure – this brochure has additional information.

CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM In an effort to help veteran’s organizations reduce or eliminate the cost of gun dealer’s fees for evaluation and minor repairs, TACOM has established an “unofficial” relationship with CMP to provide these services. This is dependent upon location and availability of competent volunteers. TACOM will advise as to this option. BLANK FIRING ADAPTERS The M1 Garand is gas-operated and will not eject spent casings without blank firing adapters, which are provided with the rifle by TACOM. Removal of the adapter is unauthorized, with the exception of removal for cleaning purposes. There is an Instructional Guide on the Operation and Maintenance of M1 Garand Rifle Firing the M1909 Blank Cartridge. Request a copy from Joint Munitions Command or the AMVETS National Programs Office. AMMUNITION AND CLIPS Request for blank ammunition and clips should be submitted directly to the POC listed here for the JMC. The quantity of ammunition is limited to two boxes. The Cartridge Caliber .30 blanks are shipped free of charge, no shipping and handling. (1,240) Rounds are shipped in 2 metal cans within a wooden box. Prefer to ship to the residence of an officer, not to post. Shipped via FEDEX, officer signature required.

Department of The Army

United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments

Command AMSTA-LC-LEAD, M/S: 419

6501 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48397-5000

586-574-8469

Commander Joint Munitions Command

ATTN: SFSJM-CDS 1 Rock Island Arsenal

Rock Island, IL 61299-6000 POC Dawn Folland

Email: [email protected] 309-782-4608

Fax 309-782-7292

AMVETS National Programs Office 4647 Forbes Blvd.

Lanham, MD 20706-4380 POC Beryl W. Love

Email: [email protected] 301-683-4030

Amvets

Ceremonial RIFLES

PROGRAM


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onLy after yoU reCeiVe the rifLes – blank ammo must be requested from the Joint munitions Command in rock island, iL. PoC for requesting ammo – Dawn folland Phone: toll free 877-233-2515 e-mail: [email protected] slings are not provided through the Donations Program Group. the slings are available through commercial sources. two sources you may consider: (Providing these links does not represent endorsements of any products or services contained therein.)

www.amherst-depot.com - amherst arms www.fulton-armory.com – fulton armory

taCom is also the agency for making requests of military static display items.

Freedoms Foundation - Spirit of America Youth Conference

since 1987, amVets and the amVets national service foundation have offered this unique educational experience at the freedoms foundation in Valley forge, Pennsylvania, to give young people a better appreciation of their freedoms granted by the United states Constitution. the spirit of america Program is a four day conference centering on topics such as freedom,

civil rights and civic responsibilities, citizenship, public policy, self-development and leadership, entrepreneurship and salient aspects of american history. Programs allow students to explore within themselves their interpersonal characteristics and leadership potential through leadership skills workshops, group skills activities, and discussions with fellow participants. Programs are designed to provide an opportunity for students to participate in discussions with authoritative and articulate representatives from government, industry, and the academic community. first place department winners of the 9th grade amVets national americanism essay contest receive an all-expense paid trip to the seminar. sponsorship is for the student only, not for accompanying parents or guardians. students are met at the Philadelphia airport by chaperones and are monitored throughout the four day conference and returned to the Philadelphia airport.

if departments do not conduct such a contest, department leadership may select one deserving student to represent their respective states and still benefit from the nsf sponsorship. students selected must be 10th through 12th graders with exemplary conduct.

all posts and departments are encouraged to sponsor, at their own expense, additional students. names and addresses of 9th grade essay winners and other deserving students must reach the national Programs Department by 31 august.

the conference dates are always the same. the first thursday in november through the following sunday. (4 days)

(www.freedomsfoundation.org) freedoms foundation at Valley forge1601 Valley forge roadP.o. box 706Valley forge, Pa 19482-0706


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AMVETS NATIONAL COMMANDER TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON BEHALF OF NATION’S VETERANSCmdr. Duane J. Miskulin speaks out on the VA claims backlog and military mental health while delivering AMVETS’ legislative agenda for 2010

WashinGton, march 18, 2010— amVets national Commander Duane J. miskulin testified before a special joint session of the senate and house Committees on Veterans’ affairs on Capitol hill this morn-ing in Dirksen senate office building on Capitol hill. miskulin’s testimony outlined the top priorities in the 2010 legislative agenda for amVets, one of the nation’s leading veterans’ service organizations.

this year, amVets’ top priority is alleviated the daunting Va claims backlog, which approached one million claims and appeals awaiting adjudication last summer. During his testimony, miskulin also ad-dressed military mental health issues—a personal priority for his term as national commander.

“the invisible wounds of war have a lasting effect on our veterans and the ones they love,” said misku-lin. “it saddens me to hear of men and women losing their battles with these wounds when they’ve already survived the battlefield. it’s a national tragedy that we need to address very quickly.”

miskulin, an air force veteran and life member of stevens Point amVets Post no. 1051 in Wisconsin, was selected to lead amVets as national commander at last summer’s national convention in new or-leans. since taking office, he has looked for new ways to address the military mental health issue, leverag-ing amVets’ assets and partnerships. miskulin hopes to have a new national program in place to address the invisible wounds of war before his term ends in august.

for 2010, the amVets legislative team published its first comprehensive legislative agenda, outlining amVets’ top priorities, as voted on by amVets membership at the most recent national convention.

in addition to the claims backlog, this year’s top priorities include improving services for the growing female veterans’ community, improving rural and remote veterans’ access to Va care, ensuring equitable delivery of education benefits, and developing comprehensive reintegration programs to better serve to-day’s military families. miskulin addressed each of these in his written testimony, which was submitted for the Congressional record.

During the hearing, Congressman tim Walz (D-minn.) said that this was a historic time for the veterans’ community, as many legislators and national leaders had made a concerted effort to improve veterans’ ser-vices through measures such as the Post-9/11 G.i. bill and advance Va appropriations. however, Walz was

quick to note that the work must continue and that the federal Government owed it to the nation’s veterans to provide all necessary care and benefits when they return from war.

more than 100 amVets leaders from around the coun-try joined Cmdr. miskulin in Dirksen senate office building for his testimony.

Cmdr. Miskulin reads his prepared remarks during this morning’s hearing, highlighting the persistent VA claims backlog and the invisible wounds of war.

- Photo by Ryan Gallucci


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2010 Convention sponsors

SILVER

Buddy’s Place

Industricare

Roush Fenway Racing

Ytm Properties

VA TO HOST FORUM FOR WOMEN VETERANS AMVETS to participate in summer summit on female veterans’ issues WashinGton, april 1, 2010–this July, the Department of Veterans affairs (Va) will invite women veterans and vet-erans’ advocates such as amVets to a forum to discuss the quality of Va health care, benefits for women, and ways to improve access to the care and benefits for today’s women veterans. in a statement from Va, officials said that this summer’s one-day forum will build on momentum from the 2008 quadren-nial summit on women veterans’ issues in an effort to continually enhance services for today’s female veterans’ commu-nity. “this forum will continue our identification of how best to serve this growing population of veterans through our quality health care, benefits for service-connected disabilities, mental health services, or supporting their community,” said Va secretary eric K. shinseki. “We must constantly reevaluate and solicit input on our performance as measured against the needs of our women Veterans.” over the last few years, Va has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet the needs of women veterans in a Va health care system that was designed to care for males. recognizing the unique needs of today’s veterans, amVets has made female veterans’ access to care one of its top legis-lative priorities for 2010, and amVets leaders said they look forward to participating in this summer’s Va summit.

to date, Va has already made significant improvements in caring for female veterans, but a recent Government ac-countability office report cited several persistent shortcomings that still need to be addressed, such as privacy issues and gender-specific sanitary needs. improvements Va has made to date include comprehensive primary care and specialized medical care at all Va medical centers, enhanced mental health care specifically for women veterans, women veter-ans program manager staffing at all Va medical centers, residencies on women’s health for primary care physicians, and comprehensive research programs on female veterans’ health. the Va’s 2011 budget proposal provides $217.6 million to meet the gender-specific health care needs of women veterans, which includes funding to establish a 24-hour peer call center and a social networking Web site for women combat veterans. today, out of 23 million veterans nationwide, 1.8 million are women. by 2020, Va estimates that female veterans will constitute more than 10 percent of the total veterans’ population.


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66th annual convention

Documents

miskulinnorth carolina

lives of veterans

dear amvets

reason amvets

fellow veterans

veterans service organizations

appointed members

annual convention book