the following items are in the general orders. some are...
TRANSCRIPT
The following items are in the General Orders. Some are kept on the web site and you will need to download off this site
separately. ITEM WHERE YOU WILL FIND IT
President’s Message In this one click Veterans & Family Support Program In this one click Americanism Program In this one click Auxiliary Community Outreach In this one click Buddy Poppy & National Home In this one click Historian Program In this one click Hospital Program In this one click Legislative Program In this one click Membership Program In this one click Mentoring for Leadership In this one click Scholarships Program In this one click Youth Activities Program In this one click Extension In this one click Past National President’s Scholarship On Website under Scholarships Roster Changes In this one click Executive Order #1 In this one click VFW & Auxiliary Donations In this one click VFW & Auxiliary Donations Guide In this one click Cancer Grant Application On Website under downloadable forms
VFW Auxiliary
Department of Missouri
General Orders
October
Our National Commander in Chief, Hal and our National President, Sandi,
both are stressing to go about our business by having meetings and working our
programs! Being safe in our endeavors is top priority. Find a way to do your
programs. Share your ideas with other Auxiliaries. Think outside the box.
(Example: For Hospital, have a parade in your cars at the Veterans homes. Buy
snacks for the vending machines so the veterans can have them because they are
not letting in any venders to fill the machines. Buddy Poppy: Stand on a street
corner and pass out poppies to people in their cars. A post and Auxiliary did this
and was successful.)
Think outside the box because this year is not like any other!
Our Council of administration meeting was very productive. We had zoom
available for those who could not attend. Had a few changes on floor work but
still went by our by-laws. Had extensive health requirements due to the covid 19.
Thank you to everyone for bearing with us through these requirements.
A big thank you to all my chairman for your reports and to those who could
not attend, sending your report to be given. Our food drive was a great success.
Half went to the Veterans Community Project (Tiny Homes) and half to the Guard
unit in Jefferson City. Everyone did their part to make it a great success. Our
chairmen were Paula McKinley and Lisa Volkert who handled the food drive with
a lot of help. Thanks! Hope you had time to view the Tiny home while it was
there.
Congratulations to Rowena and the winners of the 2019-2020 Department
awards. Rowena should be immensely proud.
Congrats to the winners of the costume contest at the banquet. Thanks to
everyone who participated. Fun for all!
Congrats to the winners of the scavenger hunt from the clues in the general
orders.
Audits for the third quarter is due to Department Treasurer Jackie Davis by
Nov. 30th. This is for July, Aug., and September. Do them ASAP. Do not be late
getting them in. This is in the Circle of Excellence.
All Auxiliaries are required to file a 990-tax return with the IRS no later then
November 15th, 2020. Any Auxiliary whose income is less than $50,000 should file
the 990-N postcard on the website www.irs.gov. Failure to file over a three-year
period with result in your loss of non-charitable status. If you have questions,
contact Jackie Davis.
District Presidents and Auxiliary Presidents read over the Circle of
Excellence. All officers on all levels must have their dues paid by December 31st to
avoid, no longer being a member in good standing and an officer. We must have
250 new or rejoined members by Oct. 31, 2020. Treasurers check on your
members who hold offices to make sure their dues are current. If they are not
paid a letter goes to National. At all costs please avoid this. Conductresses and
conductors make sure when you check cards they are signed.
Hospital donations are now due. Have you contacted your VA Hospitals
and VA homes to find out what they need? Send your donations to Jackie Davis.
Example: Kansas City VA is needing new coats sizes 2X thru 4X. They have closed
the clothes pantry and are no longer excepting books and magazines. What can
you do to help?
National Home trip has been cancelled. However, Department Commander
Eric Sullivan has mentioned a trip in the spring. More information to follow.
Big Ten has not been cancelled.
Legislature: GET OUT TO VOTE!! Important to help those who do not have
a ride to the poles. Ask in your community if someone needs a ride. This can be
reported in Community Outreach. If it is a veteran, report in Veterans and Family
Support. Contact your neighbors who are elderly. Do they need help?
Membership: How many new members have you recruited? If everyone
brought in one-member look where we would be. Recruit! Congrats to those
who won awards at the Council meeting. Thank you, Amy Jo, and her team!!
Keep up the good work. At the time of this writing we are at 78.02 %. We have
15 Auxiliaries at 100% or over. Go Team!
Scholarship: Get your judges for the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen
contests and plan for judging your entries. Use teachers who know what to look
for. Must be done by Nov. 15th. Follow up with the Young American Patriotic Art
contest. They should have the information by now, but if you know of someone
who has been using the virtual learning, get this information to them. Nov. 1st is
the deadline.
Mentoring: Our long-time members need this also, not only our new
members. Maybe they were never shown the correct ways of doing things or
how to look things up in the by-laws. At each meeting tell them something about
our traditions or an item that is in our by-laws to let them understand why and
how we do things.
Shirts and pins are still available. Please think about purchasing both.
Funds from these sales will go to ways and means. Order forms are on the
website.
The hotel for the Council meeting was very accommodating for all our
needs. Thanks to Jody from the hotel and Regina Bryant for finding the hotel for
us. This will be where the National Presidents Visit will be held.
Remember: It is never ok to be rude or disrespectful to any member! Treat them
how you want to be treated.
“STAY HUMBLE WORK HARD BE KIND”
Respectfully,
Ella Edwards-Kirtley
Department President
I’m celebrated on the third Saturday of the fifth month.
Americanism
Department of Missouri
October 2020 General Orders
POW/MIA Recognition
Honor the sacrifices and commitments made by our nation’s prisoners of war and those
who are still missing in action by having a Missing Man Table Ceremony. Educate the
community about the items that go on the table and what each item signifies. Every time
your Auxiliary hosts a dinner, you should have a POW/MIA table set up to honor these
special veterans. There is a page on the department website that has the items that should
be placed on the POW/MIA Missing Man Table. The page also lists what each item
represents. It’s a great resource to share with businesses in your community.
Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
The VFW Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their outstanding commitment
to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Examples of award-winning
activities from past winners include field trips to city hall, community volunteer projects,
hosting veterans to discuss their military experiences, and special projects that foster the
development of democratic values and beliefs. Each Post and Auxiliary can have three
winners – one at each level: elementary (K-5), middle school/junior high (6-8) and high
school (9-12). Talk to school principals and parents about the awards and have them
nominate a teacher. The entry form is available on the department website or from
VFW.org. Teachers are working extra hard this year during the pandemic and being
nominated for this award would really do a lot for them.
Patriotic Holidays
There are no patriotic holidays in October but now is the time to start planning something
for Veterans Day. You could have a parade or serve a free breakfast to the veterans in your
community. Plan something special to let the veterans know how much we appreciate all
that they have done for our country.
Judi Reine
1022 W 7th St
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 287-1604
Anita Crowell 1202 NW 74th Street Kansas City, MO 64118-8404 816-550-1049 [email protected]
“Buddy”® Poppy / VFW National Home
Department of Missouri
2020-2021 October
Every day is “BUDDY”® POPPY Day!
Does your Auxiliary plan to hold a Veteran’s Day event? Be sure to include “BUDDY”® POPPIES in your decorating, displays, gift baskets, etc. Take pictures to include in your annual reports. If your Auxiliary cannot hold an event due to social distancing, consider purchasing your “BUDDY”® POPPIES from Department or from your Post, and donate them to a VA Hospital, a Veteran’s Home, the Tiny Houses or WWI Memorial. This would also count towards your annual reports for Hospital and Veterans & Family Support. Every little bit helps; if you can only donate $5 toward a program – your Auxiliary is still
participating.
WINTER “BUDDY”® POPPY DISPLAY CONTEST:
This year’s theme is “Mickey Mouse” – Patriotic or Educational. We need a minimum of 30 table centerpieces to decorate tables at the Department of Missouri Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen banquet. They must be only “Mickey Mouse” characters; Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, etc. (not all the Disney characters), and be no larger than 12” tall by 12” in diameter. The more poppies the better but remember that one poppy must be in its original form. You must include an envelope with your entry listing on the front the number of poppies used, and number of hours worked; inside on a card please list your Auxiliary name and number. Judging will take place at Winter C of A. First and second place winners will be recognized at the Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen banquet. Centerpieces will be raffled at the end of the banquet with proceeds donated to MO – National Home Fund.
National Home Bus Trip
This year’s National Home Bus Trip is cancelled due to COVID-19. The official decision was made by Fred Puffenberger, National Home Executive Director in a letter received by State Commander, Eric Sullivan, and Department President, Ella Edwards Kirtley. In the letter, Mr. Puffenberger stated “the uncertainties of the pandemic and further governmental orders have forced us to cancel our October Life Membership – Fall Festival meeting.”
Some good news…while the pandemic postponed the 2020 Annual VFWNHC golf tournament, the kind-hearted members of the One Eighty Foundation (the event organizers), along with many tournament sponsors, chose to donate their sponsorship dollars directly to the National Home. These donations will go a long way in helping National Home.
You don’t want to miss a great article, “VFW’s National Home Gave me a Real Childhood” in the September 2020 Issue of the VFW Magazine. Former National Home resident and Iraq veteran, Brian
Daniels, shares his memories of living and growing up at the National Home.
National Home Helpline: 800-313-4200
Save the Helpline number in your cell phone contacts and promote the Helpline in Auxiliary communications such as newsletters, Facebook, emails. Promoting the National Home Helpline does not
cost your Auxiliary anything; another great way for participation.
Donations to the National Home:
Auxiliaries – did you know that your annual donation to Health & Happiness helps to provide birthday parties, Christmas and Graduation for the children at National Home? Your donation of 10 cents per member (based on your quota on June 30, 2020) provides another way your Auxiliary can participate for your annual report. For your donation of 25 cents per member your Auxiliary will receive a citation from
National. Donations can be made online in MALTA or mailed VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters:
Mail to: VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters Attn: H & H Donations
406 W. 34th Street, 10th Floor Kansas City, MO 64111
Veterans and their families can call where for assistance?
National Home Life Membership:
A Life Membership of $50 to the National Home financially supports the staff and residents. This year has been very hard for the staff with employment furloughs due to the pandemic. Consider having a drawing within your members and give a life membership to a member who doesn’t have one.
2020 – 2021 Department Awards:
It’s not too early to plan your Auxiliary’s Department Convention “Buddy”® Poppy Display. Prizes will be awarded in all three categories.
Categories Prizes
Public Promotion Memorial or Inspirational Artistic or Decorative
1st place citation and $15 2nd place citation and $10 3rd place citation and $8
REMEMBER…. have a wonderful year and have FUN while staying humble, working hard and being
kind!
AUXILIARY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
GENERAL ORDERS
October 2020
As we roll into October and the Fall season, we will see more opportunities for Community Outreach:
Helping a neighbor get their yard ready for winter Taking a meal to a neighbor that has had a bad fall and can’t cook for
themselves Help a High School Student earn credit by letting them rake your leaves Clean the house gutters for an elderly neighbor (me me me) Help organize a Fall Festival Participate and help with a Trunk or Treat event
I can be done by many or just one. I have many names. Everyone benefits except the VFW or Auxiliary. What am I? More examples of Community Outreach: Participation in walks that benefit other organizations (e.g. Race for the Cure,
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Light the Night Walk, Walk MS, Heart Walk, etc.) Working with local police on child ID kits. Working with firefighters on fire safety and prevention. Working with EMTs to host CPR training or health fair. Hosting a blood drive. Working with parks and recreation departments to plant trees, adopt-a-park
initiatives and develop community art installations. Handing out food at soup kitchens. Delivering food for Meals on Wheels
As you can see, I have listed examples that can be done for a person or for a group. Anything you do for anyone or any organization in your community can be used for the Auxiliary Community Outreach Program. As long as it is not for a veteran or for any of our core Programs. While volunteering, if you wear something that identifies you as an Auxiliary member, it will offer the opportunity to start a conversation about our Organization. Just an auxiliary pin, name plate, ball cap or visor with the Auxiliary logo, shirt from your auxiliary or from the department can all be put to good use. Even a red white and blue outfit or shirt can help identify you as an auxiliary member. If it is a specific occasion such as serving at a funeral dinner you may want to wear your Official Look Shirt and black pants.
Judith Hutchison,
Chairman [email protected]
27050 Olympic Dr
Lebanon, MO
65536
417 250-1342
EXTENSION
OCTOBER 2020-2021
Hello Extension Chairmen!
Have you been working hard helping your Auxiliary get and remain Healthy? Are you
checking out ALL the resources available to you on the National Website vfwauxililary.org
and the Department website movfwaux.org? Please go to the websites and use this
information.
Download the Extension Award for Members No. 1; I am sure that you know someone that
you can submit. Is there someone in your Auxiliary or your District that has utilized Building
on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation to assist your Auxiliary or an Auxiliary in your District?
Please submit their nomination to me. I am looking forward to hearing about all the good
works of our members throughout the state. The deadline for the application is March 31,
2021; it must be in my hands by this date for consideration of the award. No exceptions.
Is your Auxiliary planning a Halloween Party? Maybe a virtual party would be fun in these
trying times of Covid -19. Wouldn’t it be fun to set up a zoom Halloween party? Work with
your Membership Chairman and have members set out applications for “Trick or Treater’s”
at your Post. We must all think outside of the box this year to get our information out to
our members. Many of you are having zoom meetings already. You can still make sure your
Auxiliary is Healthy while having zoom meetings. Print off the “Good Job” awards and
present them or mail them to the members who are the most innovative in keeping up with
VFW Auxiliary ideals that will help your Auxiliary thrive and remain “Healthy”.
We have Auxiliaries struggling to continue on because members are getting older and
simply cannot do the work that is needed to get our programs completed. We must try to
get younger members to join so we can get them “Healthy” again and do not have to
disband them. Maybe there is another Post that is struggling and you could consolidate with
them. That would solve both issues and we could continue on with the works we need to
do for our Veterans & their Families and the Community. Remember, think outside the box
to solve our issues, and don’t just give up. We want all our Auxiliaries strong and “Healthy”
and we need to do all that we can to make this happen.
If you know of a Post that is considering starting an Auxiliary please let me know. It is my
understanding; that there are a few Posts that are working on this. Print off the information
and the membership wheel from our websites and help them fill out the applications
correctly. It is so wonderful to bring new members into our great Auxiliary. We must
always be ready to assist where we are needed and we need members to survive and be
“Healthy”.
Did you remember the Department is having a “Scavenger Hunt” throughout our
promotional material that the Chairmen have provided in the General Orders?
Congratulations to the winners of the “Scavenger Hunt” from the July/August and
September promotional material. They were announced at the Fall Department meeting in
Independence. We are starting again with new clues and a new answer for the October,
November and December promotional material. Good Luck to all of you again! Remember
you must send your answers to the corresponding Chairman. The winners of this hunt will
be announced at the Winter Department meeting in St. Louis.
Stay “Healthy” and keep up the wonderful work assisting our Auxiliaries by using the
Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation guidebook. We will continue to “Honor Our
Mission to Serve Veterans” while we “Stay Humble, Work Hard and Be Kind”. You might
be able to find me in your Post or throughout your Community; you must search for me high
and low and be on the “look out” because I am everywhere.
Danetta Wakefield
Extension Chairman
P.O Box 306
Monett, MO 65708
417-236-8112
cdw-1997@ hotmail.com
HISTORIAN & MEDIA RELATIONS FOR OCTOBER 2020 BRENDA MCCANN 629 SW 36TH TERR LEES SUMMIT, MO 64082 [email protected]
My address will soon be changing look for updates.
We share, we laugh, we are shocked in the change what am I.
This is a quote from my Ambassador I liked it so well I’m Quoting it to all of you. Quote from National Historian & Media Relations Ambassador Nicole Koutz
“This is a challenging time and it can be particularly hard to capture what’s going on in your Auxiliary if events are being cancelled and/or rescheduled, or if the Post Home is closed. What are you supposed to do this year?
Think outside the box!
Reach out to members in your Auxiliary and ask everyone to take pictures of the projects they are working on at home or in small groups. Piles of cards, trunks full of goodie bags, truck beds of school supplies, donations for food pantries, etc. all show that your Auxiliary is actively supporting your community during this pandemic.
Once you have photos of these projects, post them to your Auxiliary’s Facebook page. If your Auxiliary doesn’t have a Facebook page, start one! It’s free and a great way to share photos of your Auxiliary in action in your community. Make sure to put your Auxiliary’s events and everything your Auxiliary is involved within the community on the page. Share these photos on your personal Facebook page and encourage other members to do the same. Everyone needs to know what your Auxiliary is about! As you know, the 2020 Celebrating America’s Freedom Event at the National Home, the National President’s Celebration and several Department visits have been cancelled. Though we are saddened by this, we all must move forward and do the best we can. We must continue to support National President Sandi, along with our own Department Presidents. Many have missed out, or may miss out, on things that normally happen in their Department every year.
It is important to capture the present of our organization, as the present quickly becomes the past. Do you remember what happened 10, 20 or 30 years ago? I remember some things, but I, like so many of you, need help to remember much of what happened years ago. I enjoy looking through scrapbooks, photo albums, and reading journals, letters, and cards to jog my memory. Now, Facebook Memories helps me remember, too! The who, what, when, where and why of an event is so important to the story – and history – of the VFW Auxiliary. Take pictures (and write down who is in them), keep newspaper articles or print out online news articles about what is going on in your community, your state, our country, and the world.
This year is truly one in which we must tell our story – the story of the VFW Auxiliary and the impact we have on our communities. I think the year 2020 will definitely go down in history and you’re probably thinking the same.
Are you capturing your Auxiliary’s history? If not, it is time to start.”
Please Share and have fun with this. See you all soon. So excited. God Bless.
DEPARTMENT HOSPITAL PROGRAM 2020-2021
OCTOBER PROMOTION PROGRAM GOALS
Kathleen Ditch Hospital Chairman VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT & RECOGNITION
Cell #: 314-882-7271 WOMEN VETERANS HEALTHCARE PROGRAM
email:[email protected] SUICIDE PREVENTION & MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND RECOGNITION:
Are you working on recruitment and recognition for those volunteers? Auxiliary members volunteer more the
875,000 hours annually and one in eight members through the Hospital Programs. Take a moment at your
monthly meeting to thank all members who volunteer at VA Medical and Non-Medical facilities.
SUICIDE PREVENTION & MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES:
September is National Suicide Prevention Month: Know the warning signs we may never know if we have
saved a life but we do know that we have tried. Veterans Service members and their loved ones can call 1-
800-273-8255 and press 1, send a test message to 838255, or chat on online to receive fee confidential
support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WOMEN VETERANS HEALTHCARE PROGRAM:
Research on women Veterans' health has expanded in recent years in its breadth and depth. Historically, the
majority of research among women Veterans was focused on mental health conditions, chiefly in the areas of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the consequences of military exposures, including military sexual
trauma. Now, efforts to build a broader and stronger evidence base across the lifespan have yielded new
research on primary care and prevention, reproductive health, access/rural health, and the care for complex
chronic conditions and the long term care needs of older women Veterans.
This is just some of the information you will find when you check out VA resources and development.
Please take a few minutes and visit the Research and Development web site to be informed of all the topics
that is listed in the Overview of VA Research on Women’s Health. researchdevelopmentva.gov
VETERANS VOICES WRITING PROJECT
The mission of Veterans Voices Writing Project is to enable military veterans to experience solace and
satisfaction through our writing program. Our Vision is a world where people appreciate that writing can both
heal and entertain. Training and resources are provided through the Veteran’s Voices, a magazine that prints
selection of submissions from veterans. The web site is veteransvoices.org.
During this year VFW Auxiliary unites; Work Hard, Stay Humble, Be Kind: Always remember to thank a veteran
for their service and sacrifice, without them we would not enjoy our Freedom.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
October 2020
October is here (or almost here)! We are only one month away from the General Election. Hopefully, you have been meeting with candidates in all of the races and discussing Veterans’ issues with them. Even though we may be focused on the Presidential race this year, remember…ALL politics is local. You need to be in close contact with all representatives from your school board, your city, your county and our state as well as our federal representatives. Each one of these people can have an impact on the needs of our Veterans. Through your discussions with them, they may become better advocates in seeing that our Veterans and their families are taken care of. ***There are six steps in this process. Do you know what they are?*** There are two important dates in October. The first one is so important. October 7
th is the last day to register to vote in the November 3 General Election. Check with friends, family, and even people you talk to in the grocery store or the post office. Ask them if they are registered to vote. Tell them how to get registered if they haven’t done so yet. Offer to help them. The second October date is October 21st. It is the last day to request an absentee ballot if you won’t be able to vote in person on Election Day. Call your County Clerk’s office for more information. There has been a change in the form to submit names to receive the VFW Action Corps Weekly. There is a form where you can send in a list of names of people who will receive this newsletter in order to be more informed about the legislative work of the VFW. One form is now on our Department Website. There is also an Excel form that would be helpful. Please email me to ask for this form if you could use it. Let’s get more people on our list to learn about our legislative needs! Please destroy all old forms. Do YOU know the steps of the legislative process? Understanding this process will help us know how to speak to legislators about bills that are before our state legislature and our Congress. Our National Ambassador, Carmelita Jones, has information about the legislative process on the National VFW Auxiliary website. Remember that there is a special award listed there as well. Check it out! Keep in mind that in Missouri we must be talking about funding for our Veterans’ Homes. It is also important that we keep funding in place for our Veteran Service Officers. Please bring these items to the forefront at candidate forums. As we work in the Legislative Program remember to “Stay humble, work hard and be kind!” while Honoring our Mission to serve Veterans! Nancy Smith Legislative Chairman [email protected]
Department of Missouri 2020-2021 Membership
October Promotional Material
Happy Halloween! I hope that you are all safe during this very trying time in this crazy world! Thank goodness we have each other to lean on as we try to get through the illness the fear and the financial strife of the Pandemic.
What can we do to help?
Use the relief fund to help pay dues for struggling members Relief Fund money shall be restricted and expended solely for these purposes: 1. Aid to Auxiliary members needing financial assistance.
Discount your auxiliary dues if paid by a certain date .
All the above Ideas will require a vote of the auxiliary.
Adopt A Member (pay someone else’s dues)
Begin with the End in Mind
Marilyn J. Malick our 2020-2021 National Membership Ambassador wrote, According to Stephen Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “Begin with the End in Mind” means to begin each day, task or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by being proactive to achieve your goal. The ultimate goal in Membership this year is to be over 101%, not including Deaths. Keep that in mind as you work the Membership Program.
Dues Notice
Second Dues Notice should be ready to go out ASAP Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers can log into MALTA and print dues notices.
Log in to MALTA and click on Duties
Then click on Reports
Then click on Dues Renewal Letter
Then click on Print Dues Renewal Letter which will download a PDF file with letters for all your unpaid annual members.
Then click on Address Labels Then click Unpaid/Lapsed Members
Then click on Print Address Labels
Print and mail
Have you invited new/rejoin members? I Hope you are keeping track of them! Do not forget to send them to me so I can put them in the drawings! Just one member qualifies you for the department drawings! It is an investment in the Future of our organization!
Please use the 2020-2021 Member Recruiter Award Form you can find this form on our website at movfwaux.org under membership or go to MALTA under Resources find membership.
Where can you find eligibility information?
Military Records Request Using Standard Form 180 (SF180) http://www.archives.gov/vetrans/militaryservice-records/standard-form-180l If you fax it in, 7day average turnaround time MO Fax # 573-638-9546
Online Request using eVetRecs (24 hour Service) http://evetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home
Online: Veterans Service Records: http://www.archives.gov/vetrans/military-servicerecords Goals: November 15th – 95% Plus December 31st – 98% (District Presidents Goal for NIGHT on the Town) January 30th – 100%
We can reach our Goals as a Team! Thank you, for all of your hard work!
Amy Jo Lett Department of Missouri Membership Chairman 10792 Mount Tabor Rd Odessa, Mo 64076 816-668-3164 [email protected]
Mentoring for Leadership
October 2020
Judy Thrower, Chairman Department of Missouri
2412 Melrose Avenue, Cape Girardeau MO 63701
[email protected] 573-270-3865
We have all had periods in our lives that were not normal – times of sorrow, sickness, financial
stress, or other problems. But none of us has lived through a year like this one. It is a frustrating,
sad, disappointing, and stressful time that we cannot allow to destroy us. We must hold on to our
faith, our families, and in whatever manner possible, our friends within the VFW Auxiliary.
We have needed and reached out to each other before – during times of war, natural disasters, and
especially following 9/11/2001. We were there for each other during personal hardships, and for
Post and Auxiliary disasters. And we are here for each other now.
This unusual time when it is impossible for us all to be together can be used to our advantage and
for the betterment of our Auxiliary. It is a good time to sit in the backyard and think about how we
can improve our programs, meetings, and events. Some Auxiliaries have done the same things year
after year with little or no thought about the benefits of change.
We all want things to be normal again, but what about “better than normal”? That is what I want,
and I hope it’s what you want. Let’s use as many of the resources available to us as we can to grow
our membership and improve our relationships within our Auxiliary.
A Mentor is a teacher, a guide – but so much more than that. A successful Mentor is
knowledgeable, kind, helpful, respectful, and patient. If that description fits you, then YOU ARE A
MENTOR! You don’t have to be the Mentoring Chairman or President to be a Mentor. Just let
them know that you are ready to serve.
Mentoring for Leadership Chairmen should be working closely with Membership Chairmen to make
each new member feel welcome. Give them a new member packet and a welcome card with the
name and contact information of their Mentor on the back.
Follow up with older members that you haven’t seen for a while. Let them know they are missed
and invite them to a meeting or event—when we can have them again, of course.
This terrible time will pass, and we will be better and stronger! I love you all! Let me know if I can
help you with your program. “Stay Humble, Work Hard and Be Kind.”
Do you know where to find a good description of the Bylaws and Booklet of Instruction? Send me a
note and give me your answer for the February C of A drawing.
SCHOLARSHIPS OCTOBER 2020
DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI It’s hard to believe that we are already going into the Fall, the most beautiful time of the year. Some of the deadlines for Scholarships are also approaching. Please sure the deadlines are met, and instructions are followed. You can refer to the brochures for information and eligibility for each one. No one wants to be disqualified. As chairmen we should strive to make sure that criteria is met. Study the brochures so that when questions arise you will have the answers. You should now be well into the process of contacting teachers with information on all scholarships Students should be recognized at either a luncheon or dinner. Send out invitations giving the time and place of the event. Remember the home schooled and the private schools. Every student is important. There is always two that can help further their education. I will briefly go over each Scholarship. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY Theme: “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” Essay written and recorded on CD or Flash. Grades: 9 – 12 Send to local Post in the student’s area by October 31, 2020. PATRIOTS PEN Theme: “What Is Patriotism To Me?” Essay of 300 – 400 words typewritten by the student. Grades 6 – 8 Send to local Post in the student’s area by October 31, 2020. CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP No theme, open to any VFW member or VFW Auxiliary who has belonged for a year. His/her spouse, son, daughter, grandchild, or great grandchild needing help financially and be 18 years old or older. 300 words or less and goes to National by February 15, 2021. A $1000.00 award on behalf of Big Ten Conference. I can’t stress to you enough to publicize this scholarship. Put a small poster up at your Post to let them know there is some help there. Be sure to put a contact on it so if there are questions he/she knows who to contact. Mail to: Director of Programs VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters 406 W. 34th Street 10th Floor Kansas City, MO. 64111 YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART Theme: Patriotic with an essay about their artwork must reach the Department (State) Scholarship Chairman by March 31, 2021. Grades 9 – 12 National has added 10 awards to the Patriotic Art. NEW Awards amounts -- In the current issue of the VFW Auxiliary National Magazine, there are new awards. First place is now $15,000, 2nd $7,500, 3rd $3,500, 4th and 5th $1,500, and 6th – 10th place is $5.00 totaling $31,500. PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP No theme. Must be a senior and have or had a family member in the VFW or VFW Auxiliary This Scholarship is in honor of two National Presidents, Mabel Tanner and Glenneta Vogelsang. One is for $1800 and one is for $1200. They must show leadership qualities.
If you have a question don’t hesitate to call me or e-mail me. I know we are going to have a great year with lots of entries. I do have some brochures, but you can go on our website to get some also. Our National Scholarships Chairman is Francesca Bill and she has a Facebook page. Go to 2020-2021 Scholarships. Discussions can help you on this page. Our website is www.vfwauxiliary.org then click on programs. Remember President Ella’s theme “Stay Humble, Work Hard, Be Kind.” And as National President Sandi’s theme says, “Honoring Our Mission to Serve Veterans”. Sheila Allen Phone (573)576-0768 1119 County Road E-mail [email protected] Whitewater, MO 63785
Veterans and Family Support October
Pat Janssen
Dept of Mo - Veterans and Family Support Chairperson 6216 Clover Lake Dr, Cedar Hill, MO 63016
636-551-0280 • [email protected]
NOTICE: The VFW National Headquarters Veterans and Military Support (VMS) Program Operation Uplink is
no longer active. Please do note send checks to the VFW earmarked “Operation Uplink.”
Unfortunately, we are still living within these troubling times with this epidemic. On the flipside, it does not
hinder our ability to work on our Veteran & Family Support Program.
Have you made your donation to our National Presidents Special Project Stars, Stripes and Support yet?
Donations can be sent to VFW National Headquarters, ATTN: VFW Foundation, earmarked as such. How
about our Department President’s Special Project – Veterans Community Project? Donations can be sent to
the Department Treasurer earmarked as such. Please remember your Auxiliary can make donations
throughout the year. These donations are cumulative.
Veterans and Military Caregivers:
Until we have walked a mile within the shoes of a caregiver of a veteran, we have no idea what these
caregivers go through… hour by hour… day by day…
Has an auxiliary member ever cooked a meal! Possibly baking something to take to these caregivers. Imagine
yourself in this position. Wouldn’t it be great for this caregiver to go get their haircut? Possibly a little
pampering themselves with a pedicure, body massage or even a few hours out alone shopping. If you know a
caregiver, contact them, and offer to come stay a few hours allowing them time to care for themselves. If this
is not possible consider giving them a gift certificate for a pedicure, manicure, or full body massage. Mail them
a card just letting them know you are thinking of them. A better idea takes the card to your Auxiliary meeting
have all members attending sign the card. There are so many creative ways to show you are thinking of them
and appreciate all they do to improve the lives of our veterans.
There are several programs available for these caregivers. One is a call to the VA Caregiver support line, 855-
260-3274. This is another number you might add in your phone contacts. Unfortunately, there are caregivers
out there that have no idea this program exists. Imagine having this number at your fingertips and the
difference it could make in a caregiver life.
Unmet needs Program:
Fall/Winter months are approaching faster than we realize. There are so many ways we can be helping within
this program. Possible even keeping a Military family warm this winter. Endless possibilities.
Veteran & Military Suicide month.
VA recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Month. It is a national crisis and one we need to do more to
fight. There are many reasons that veterans feel like there’s no way out of a difficult time. Whether it’s PTSD,
survivor’s guilt, financial strain, family problems, or a combination of these. Please do not forget to add the
Veterans crisis line to your cell phone, 800-273-8255 press 1.
Please stay safe and virus free. Remember Wash those hands, wear a mask and social distance.
Youth Activities Trula Missey, Department of Missouri
100 Aldergate Dr. #27
Bonne Terre, Missouri 63628
573-631-6002
LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD!!!
NEW, NEW, NEW!!! GET EXCITED FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE!!!
What a joy it is to hear our youth sing, whether it be a nursery rhyme, or a latest hit heard over the
radio. We get excited and smiled from ear to ear. Could you imagine hearing them sing our National
Anthem? Imagine them getting “EXCITED” for our RED, WHITE AND BLUE, “”The Star-Spangled
Banner”. They can't change the words, but they can use any style of their choice: rock, pop, R&B, country,
classical, or another genre. This contest is for those between the ages of 6 and 16, at the time of local entry.
Entries need to be submitted to the Auxiliary by March 31, 2021 then to Department by April 15, 2021. Lets
encourage our youth to become involved in an exciting contest that can help with them expressing
themselves, showing patriotism, and not to mention allowing us to hear some awesome voices. Entry form
on the vfwauxiliary.org/youthactivities website.
PARIOTISM THROUGH LITERACY:
“READING CAN TAKE YOU PLACES YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE”, Dr. Seuss.
Why not have your Auxiliary host a book exchange? Volunteer at the local library, school, day care,
or Scouts club? The list of recommended books is on the vfwauxiliary.org/youthactivities website. Love of
reading can lead to a lifetime of learning. Introduce the youth to our Nation's history and historical figures.
ILLUSTRATING AMERICA:
Promote an Art Contest for grades K to 8. Use printed material or online media. There are citations
available on the vfwauxiliary.org/youthactivities website that can be printed out and given, along with any
prizes from your Auxiliary.
INVOLVE THE FAMILY:
These programs have endless possibilities for our youth. Work with emergency responders and their
families. Ask to attend a PTA/PTO meeting to promote our programs and educate parents on what we offer
and how we support military families. Many families know of a deployed service member. Invite our youth
to help pack care packages for those they know. Ask Post members if they have children or grandchildren to
help with a Buddy Poppy drive.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS AN AUXILIARY:
Sponsor and be active with our youth. Encourage, inform, and involve our youth and their families.
Show them how we support our veterans, active-duty members, and their families in our community. Honor
patriotic youth in the community with a Patriotic Youth Award, available on the website.
Remember involving youth, in service to Veterans, in conjunction with your Auxiliary, can bring new
membership to your Auxiliary. Keep track of everything - but do something! Utilize your program book.
Respectfully, Trula Missey
“STAY HUMBLE, WORK HARD, BE KIND”
Instructions: * Member must meet eligibility requirements below.* Member and Physician sections must be completed legibly and in their entirety. If member is unable to sign,a Power of Attorney (POA) may sign. If POA signs, then POA documentation must be submitted. * If the member is deceased, next of kin may submit application with documentation of proof of death such asobituary, doctor’s letter, death certificate, etc. Application and proof of death must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters within 30 days of member’s passing. * Grants will ONLY be made payable to the VFW Auxiliary member.* Do NOT send any other supporting documents, as it will not be considered.* Mail original, completed application to:
VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters Attn: Cancer Grants 406 West 34th Street, 10th Floor Kansas City, MO 64111
Cancer Grant Application
Eligibility Requirements: 1) Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year and current dues must be paid.2) After twelve (12) months have passed from date of diagnosis or last treatment, application will be rejected.3) A member is allowed two grants during lifetime.
Twelve (12) months must elapse between new diagnosis and/or treatment from date of first grant.Continuous treatment which lasts beyond the twelve (12) month period may qualify for a second grant.
THIS SECTION IS TO BE FILLED OUT BY MEMBER
Membership ID #
Auxiliary Post #
Member’s Name (as shown on membership card)
Date of Birth (MM/DD/ YYYY)
Email Address
Phone Number
Street Address
City, State and ZIP Code
Date Member Signed (MM/DD/YYYY)
Member’s Signature
THIS SECTION IS TO BE FILLED OUT BY ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
Type of cancer diagnosed
Date diagnosed with this cancer (MM/DD/YYYY)
Last date of treatment for this cancer (MM/DD/YYYY)
Physician’s Office / Hospital Name
Phone Number
Physician’s Name
Street Address
City, State and ZIP Code
Date Physician Signed (MM/DD/YYYY)
Physician’s Signature
By submission of this application, you grant authority for the VFW Auxiliary to contact the attending physician.If grant is approved, funds must be deposited within six months or the grant is forfeited. REV. 6-18
September 16, 2020 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1 In light of the changing restrictions and guidelines of COVID-19 regarding the number of participants that may gather in a room, meeting hall, stadium, etc., for a meeting of any kind varies from Department to Department and even within a single Department, therefore, in the cases of Auxiliary, District, and Department meetings, audits, official visits, etc., Section 212— Quorum becomes effective immediately: “Five (5) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Auxiliary.”
In areas where members, due to age, health, etc., are reluctant/refuse to participate in in-person meetings to establish a quorum for the transaction of business, the Auxiliary President may appeal in writing to the Department President for written permission (to be attached to the meeting’s minutes) that the members needed to establish a quorum may attend virtually. Should audits or official visits be completed virtually, the audit/books may be signed at a later date with a copy of the written permission from the Department President attached.
By order of Sandra Onstwedder, National President Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary
Attest: Ann Panteleakos, National Secretary-Treasurer Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1, issued by National President Sandra Onstwedder, and effective September 16, 2020, supersedes Executive Order No. 2 issued March 26, 2020 by then-National President Peggy Haake.
Roster changes - October 2020
District Auxiliary Office Name Address Phone No Email
Meeting
Time
Meeting
Date
3 3123 Treasurer Roberta Bainum [email protected]
8 3777
6:00
PM
12 5468
Meeting Location
Change
18765 Old Hwy 66; Pacific, MO
63069
15 5368 Treasurer
Ladonna
Yodice
232717 State Hwy
25; Bloomfield,
MO 63825-8267
573-321-
0822 [email protected]
VFW Auxiliary Donation Guide Cancer Aid & Research Fund
Pay in MALTA or mail check payable to:
VFW Auxiliary
406 W. 34th St., 10th Fl.
Kansas City, MO 64111
Health & Happiness for National Home
Pay in MALTA or mail check payable to:
VFW Auxiliary
406 W 34th St. 10th Floor
Kansas City, Mo 64111
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Escrow Fund
Pay in MALTA or mail check payable to:
VFW Auxiliary
406 W 34th St. 10th Floor
Kansas City, Mo 64111
National Home
(All donations OTHER than Health & Happiness go directly to the National Home ie:
Houses, Life Membership, Bricks, Special Requests ie: Kitchen, Van, Tribute Park, etc.)
Mail check payable to:
National Home for Children
3573 South Waverly Rd
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
VFW Donation Guide VFW Veterans and Military Support Programs MAP (Military Assistance Program)
Unmet Needs Veterans and Military Support Program
Mail check payable to:
VFW Headquarters
406 W 34th St 9th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
Patriot’s Pen Scholarship Fund
Mail check payable to:
VFW Headquarters
406 W 34th St 11th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
Stars, Stripes and Support (2020 - 2021)
Mail check payable to:
VFW Foundation
406 W 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
To: Auxiliary Presidents Auxiliary Secretaries Auxiliary Treasurers From: Jackie Davis MO VFW Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer Subject: Cancer Grants and Donations National VFW Auxiliary has asked us to relay a couple issues they are having at National Headquarters.
1. National VFW Auxiliary has been receiving a large number of Cancer Grant applications on the old forms. It is their protocol to reject them and send them back to the applicant with the new form attached. This delays getting the grant to the applicant and sometimes, the applicant passes away before they get the grant. The family can still apply on behalf of the member but must have the application completed within the 30-day limit set for deceased members to get the grant. With Covid-19, this has been a problem in getting the necessary information.
You can help this by keeping the current Cancer Grant application on file. When a member becomes sick with cancer, it is important to give to them the current Cancer Grant application so there are no delays. The current Cancer Grant can be found on the National VFW Auxiliary website www.vfwauxiliary.org under Treasurer Resources. We also have it under forms on the Missouri VFW Auxiliary website www.movfwaux.org. 2. National Headquarters is receiving donations for multiple programs on one check.
Although they appreciate all the donations, they have to contact the Auxiliary because the check includes VFW programs such as Veterans & Family Support.
There is a donation guide for the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary. Please follow those. Make out one check for each individual donation and make sure to earmark the check with the program. Please double check to make sure if it is going to the VFW or the VFW Auxiliary. The Donation Guide is available on the Missouri VFW Auxiliary website.
Thank you for your help in these issues. With your help, we can help with the delay in processing. I know it would be greatly appreciated by National VFW Auxiliary.