PUBLISHING NUMBER - USPS 708-100 VOLUME LXVI NO. 5 JANUARY 2013 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: DEPARTMENT OFFICERS .......... 2 BULLETIN BOARD .............. 3 POST ETERNAL................ 3 COMMANDER’S COMMUNIQUÉ ...... 4 HOSPITAL REPORT ............. 4 EXEC. MTG. MINUTES ........... 5 SEC JANUARY REPORT .......... 6 VET DAY AT CAPITOL ........... 7 WELCOME POST 2013 .......... 8 POST 2 THANKSGIVING .......... 9 POST NEWS .............. 10-12 THE AUXILIARIAN ............. 13 AMVETS SONS/RIDERS ...... 14-15 SEC OCTOBER MEETING ...... 16-19 WREATH ACROSS AMERICA....... 20 WE WANT YOUR POST NEWS AND PICTURES! AMVETS celebrates 68 years of helping veterans and advocating for the rights and benefits of service members. On December 10, 1944, 18 veterans met in Kansas City, Missouri and founded the American Veterans of World War II. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. Since 1944, AMVETS has opened its membership to include veterans of all eras and remains the only veterans’ service organization to accept all members of the military who have honorably served, regardless of whether service was during peacetime or war. Members of AMVETS in Iowa played a significant role in the early beginnings. National Executive Committeeman Dr. Clyde M. Longstreth of Atlantic, Iowa organized the first AMVETS Post in the State of Iowa as Atlantic Post #1. Longstreth also served as Chair of the National Credentials Committee during AMVETS’ first years. In October 1945, AMVETS held its first National Convention in Chicago. At that time, five AMVETS Posts were organizing in Iowa. By December of that year, Iowa had chartered 22 Posts, due in large part to “Doc” Longstreth’s travels promoting AMVETS from the Rockies to the Mississippi River. Longstreth was largely responsible for organizing Iowa as a Chartered Department. The Iowa AMVETS jumped right into two of the serious problems facing veterans during that era: housing (with sessions related to light as well as heat) and employment (with emphasis on government surplus property disposal). AMVETS Iowa also put together a Community Betterment Committee right from the start. In a press release from S. Howard Rudolph, Jr. Director of Public Relations for AMVETS National Headquarters he writes, “Iowa is well out in front among the 36 states in which the AMVETS are at present organized.” As we celebrate 68 years of serving veterans, their families and their communities today, AMVETS must continue to remember the principles that we were originally founded upon. As stated in AMVETS’ original 1947 Congressional Charter, the founders of our organization aimed to accomplish 11 objectives. Among these founding principles, one stands out: “To operate as a corporation not for profit and that no part of the income or assets shall inure to the benefit of any of its members, directors or officers… and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, patriotic and civic improvement purposes.” AMVETS was formed to serve, and for the past 68 years has continued to provide volunteers for VA hospitals and medical centers, hosted outreach and educational opportunities to America’s youth, hosted veterans’ celebrations and participated in various other projects and programs. Focused on existing as a charitable, educational and patriotic organization, AMVETS continues to impact the lives of veterans, their families and their communities. Auxiliary President Cyndi Emdia was roasted and toasted at a Recognition Dinner in her honor on the Saturday evening preceding the October State Executive Committee meeting. Guests wore their favorite team colors to the event hosted by Mt. Pleasant Post 44 at the newly remodeled All Veterans Hall in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. President Emdia came dressed in Iowa Hawkeye colors as guests tossed Nerf footballs around the club room. The Mt. Pleasant Post hosted a traditional tailgating party complete with burgers, brats, dogs and all the trimmings cooked on a large grill in bitter cold, windy October weather. Department Vice Commander Ivan Hankins presented the flag at the POW/ MIA table. Mike Cook, 4th District National Commander from Minnesota, was also on hand to pay tribute to Emdia. PDP Lorna Golson recognized President Emdia for her work with the Ladies Auxiliary and the fact that Emdia is the 3rd State President coming from a small Post like Mt. Pleasant. President Emdia addressed the membership, thanking everyone who attended. Proceeds from this event were donated to the Mt. Pleasant Post 44 Building Fund. Emdia also reminded everyone of her project –“Iowa’s Bravest” – an organization dedicated to supporting military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She indicated that as many of our troops have returned home, Iowa’s Bravest is working more on the home front in support of these brave individuals and their families. Their support is needed more than ever now by service organizations such as ours. A joint opening was held on Sunday morning at Mt. Pleasant Post 44. Department Commander Dale Purdy addressed the membership and wished everyone a very successful meeting. President Emdia, Sons Commander Todd Fitzsenry, Riders President Dan MacDonald and 4th National Commander Mike Cook also gave opening remarks. The SEC, again, had a very disappointing attendance. All subordinate organizations were going to brainstorm on how to increase attendance. Executive Director Clark Leckington received a standing ovation from the membership when he announced that he had received a good report on a serious medical issue. He has been in the thoughts and prayers of a number of his AMVETS family. PDC Charlie Vondracek received a standing ovation honoring him for his past work as Department Quartermaster. Business conducted will be included in the Minutes of the State Executive Committee meeting. The SEC concluded shortly after 12 Noon on Sunday with Mt. Pleasant Post 44 hosting a luncheon for those attending before departing on the road home. Tailgating Kicks Off Emdia’s Night
Transcript
PUBLISHING NUMBER - USPS 708-100 VOLUME LXVI NO. 5 JANUARY 2013
INSIDETHIS ISSUE:
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . 2
BULLETIN BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
POST ETERNAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COMMANDER’S COMMUNIQUÉ . . . . . . 4
HOSPITAL REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
EXEC. MTG. MINUTES . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SEC JANUARY REPORT . . . . . . . . . . 6
VET DAY AT CAPITOL . . . . . . . . . . . 7
WELCOME POST 2013 . . . . . . . . . . 8
POST 2 THANKSGIVING . . . . . . . . . . 9
POST NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
THE AUXILIARIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AMVETS SONS/RIDERS . . . . . . 14-15
SEC OCTOBER MEETING . . . . . . 16-19
WREATH ACROSS AMERICA. . . . . . . 20
WE WANT YOUR
POST NEWS AND
PICTURES!
Happy 68th Birthday, AMVETS!Happy 68th Birthday, AMVETS!Happy 68th Birthday, AMVETS!AMVETS celebrates 68 years of
helping veterans and advocating for the rights and benefits of service members. On December 10, 1944, 18 veterans met in Kansas City, Missouri and founded the American Veterans of World War II. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. Since 1944, AMVETS has opened its membership to include veterans of all eras and remains the only veterans’ service organization to accept all members of the military who have honorably served, regardless of whether service was during peacetime or war.
Members of AMVETS in Iowa played a significant role in the early beginnings. National Executive Committeeman Dr. Clyde M. Longstreth of Atlantic, Iowa organized the first AMVETS Post in the State of Iowa as Atlantic Post #1. Longstreth also served as Chair of the National Credentials Committee during AMVETS’ first years. In October
1945, AMVETS held its first National Convention in Chicago. At that time, five AMVETS Posts were organizing in Iowa. By December of that year, Iowa had chartered 22 Posts, due in large part to “Doc” Longstreth’s travels promoting AMVETS from the Rockies to the Mississippi River. Longstreth was largely responsible for organizing Iowa as a Chartered Department. The Iowa AMVETS jumped right into two of the serious problems facing veterans during that era: housing (with sessions related to light as well as heat) and employment (with emphasis on government surplus property disposal). AMVETS Iowa also put together a Community Betterment Committee right from the start. In a press release from S. Howard Rudolph, Jr. Director of Public Relations for AMVETS National Headquarters he writes, “Iowa is well out in front among the 36 states in which the AMVETS are at present organized.”
As we celebrate 68 years of serving veterans, their families and their
communities today, AMVETS must continue to remember the principles that we were originally founded upon. As stated in AMVETS’ original 1947 Congressional Charter, the founders of our organization aimed to accomplish 11 objectives. Among these founding principles, one stands out: “To operate as a corporation not for profit and that no part of the income or assets shall inure to the benefit of any of its members, directors or officers…and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, patriotic and civic improvement purposes.” AMVETS was formed to serve, and for the past 68 years has continued to provide volunteers for VA hospitals and medical centers, hosted outreach and educational opportunities to America’s youth, hosted veterans’ celebrations and participated in various other projects and programs. Focused on existing as a charitable, educational and patriotic organization, AMVETS continues to impact the lives of veterans, their families and their communities.
Auxiliary President Cyndi Emdia was roasted and toasted at a Recognition Dinner in her honor on the Saturday evening preceding the October State Executive Committee meeting. Guests wore their favorite team colors to the event hosted by Mt. Pleasant Post 44 at the newly remodeled All Veterans Hall in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
President Emdia came dressed in Iowa Hawkeye colors as guests tossed Nerf footballs around the club room. The Mt. Pleasant Post hosted a traditional tailgating party complete with burgers,
brats, dogs and all the trimmings cooked on a large grill in bitter cold, windy October weather. Department Vice Commander Ivan Hankins presented the flag at the POW/MIA table. Mike Cook, 4th District National Commander from Minnesota, was also on hand to pay tribute to Emdia. PDP Lorna Golson recognized President Emdia for her work with the Ladies Auxiliary and the fact that Emdia is the 3rd
State President coming from a small Post like Mt. Pleasant.
President Emdia addressed the membership, thanking everyone who attended. Proceeds from this event were donated to the Mt. Pleasant Post 44 Building Fund. Emdia also reminded everyone of her project –“Iowa’s Bravest” – an organization dedicated to supporting military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She indicated that as many of our troops have returned home, Iowa’s Bravest is working more
on the home front in support of these brave individuals and their families. Their support is needed more than ever now by service organizations such as ours.
A joint opening was held on Sunday morning at Mt. Pleasant Post 44. Department Commander Dale Purdy addressed the membership and wished everyone a very successful meeting. President Emdia, Sons Commander Todd Fitzsenry, Riders President Dan MacDonald and 4th National Commander Mike Cook also gave opening remarks. The SEC, again, had a very disappointing attendance. All subordinate organizations were going to brainstorm on how to increase attendance. Executive Director Clark Leckington received a standing ovation from the membership when he announced that he had received a good report on a serious medical issue. He has been in the thoughts and prayers of a number of his AMVETS family. PDC Charlie Vondracek received a standing ovation honoring him for his past work as Department Quartermaster. Business conducted will be included in the Minutes of the State Executive Committee meeting.
The SEC concluded shortly after 12 Noon on Sunday with Mt. Pleasant Post 44 hosting a luncheon for those attending before departing on the road home.
Tailgating Kicks Off Emdia’s Night
2
JANUARY 2013
AMVETS Department of Iowa
AMERICAN VETERANS
Third class Postage paid at Des Moines, Iowa and at additional mailing offices. The Iowa AMVET is produced at American Graphics & Design, Milwaukee, WI, www.agad.com. President: Jenny DeBack
The Iowa AMVET has adopted an “editorial criteria” policy to assist its contributors in preparation of articles and photos.1. Please send in articles from YOUR POST. You often have something
newsworthy to report, and this should be shared.2. Generally, articles should answer the questions WHO? WHERE? WHEN?
and WHAT?3. Typewritten articles are acceptable. Editors also use Microsoft Office 2010
and all earlier versions.4. Handwritten articles must be clearly written.5. Normal rules of capitalization and punctuation should be followed.6. If photographs are submitted, please add a caption and identify everyone in
the picture.7. Photographs will be returned if requested. However, cropping them is usually
necessary in order to accentuate the subject.8. The Iowa AMVET is published 5 times each year. Deadline dates are usually
the 10th of the month preceding the issue.
Next Deadline DateFor the February 2012 ISSUE: January 31, 2013
District 6 2013 Current(Cmdr. Richard Gerhold) 2012 Total 2013 Target Total Cedar Rapids #6 70 75 55Lowden #16 42 43 34Central City #27 79 86 63Clinton #28 462 470 342Wyoming #53 13 14 13Andrew #62 58 65 51Baldwin #64 13 15 13Anamosa #110 74 73 71Preston #140 61 65 58Davenport #144 38 42 38Charlotte #150 7 20 7Benton County #218 54 55 40Monticello #1999 16 20 15Iowa City #2000 3 10 2Totals 990 1053 802
District 7 2013 Current(Cmdr. Joseph Geren) 2012 Total 2013 Target Total Fairfield #22 26 32 7Burlington #29 79 70 65Mt Pleasant #44 63 74 47Fort Madison #56 36 40 33Richmond #107 84 94 69Totals 288 310 221 Members At Large 314 275 280
Grand Totals 5615 5991 4802
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JANUARY 2013
NEW LIFE MEMBERS
The Bulletin Board AMVETS Post Eternal
3
January 11-13, 2013 State Executive Committee Meeting, Des Moines, Iowa Hosted by Des Moines Post 2, 2818 5th Avenue
January 11th Join us at Post 2 as the Sackettes prepare a dinner of ham balls, cheesy potatoes and lot of surprises.January 12th Finance Meeting 12 Noon Service Foundation Meeting 1:00 p.m. Followed by Iowa Publications Meeting, Membership Meeting (Includes District Commanders) Riders State Department Meeting 3:00 p.m. Recognition Dinner, Department Commander Dale Purdy Cocktail Hour 5-6 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Reservations to: Mary Van Horn, 2818 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313 Post Home: 515-243-9398 Hawaiian Luau: $10.00January 13th 9:00 a.m. SEC Meeting; Joint Opening at AMVETS Post 2. Luncheon at 12 Noon: Beef and noodles over smashed potatoes, veggie, salad and dessert: $6.00.
District MeetingsDistrict 1 TBADistrict 2 January 27, 2013 Hudson Post 82 Meeting at 2 p.m. with lunch to followDistrict 3 February 10, 2013 Clayton Co Post 327; Monona Meeting at 1p.m. District 4 January 19, 2013 with snow date January 26, 2013 Kimballton Post 351 Meeting at 1:30 p.m.District 5 January 27, 2013 DM AMVETS Post 2 – Lunch 1 p.m., Meeting 2 p.m.District 6 TBA – February 2013 District 7 February 3, 2013 Fairfield Post 22. Lunch at 12 Noon; Meeting at 1 p.m.
April 2-7, 2013 2013 Spring National Executive Committee Meeting Hilton Alexandria Mark Center – VA Reservations 800-445-8997 $115 per night. Cut-off date March 14, 2013
April 19-21, 2013 TENTATIVE DATES State Executive Committee Meeting – Richmond Post 107
April 19, 2013 Friday evening an All You Can Eat “Wing Supper” will be available to anyone coming early.
April 20, 2013 Sons Commander Todd Fitzsenry Recognition Dinner Dinner Reservations $10 to Richmond Squadron 107.
June 7-9, 2013 69th Department Convention Fort Madison Post 56 hosting Comfort Inns & Suites; call 1-319-372-6800 for reservations Room Rate: $79.00 plus tax
July 24-August 4, 2013 69th National Convention John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Reno, Nevada http://www.janugget.com Reservations: 800-648-1177; Room Rate $89. Cutoff Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2013 Parking complimentary for AMVETS.
August 9-16, 2014 70th National Convention, Memphis, Tennessee Memphis Marriott-Downtown – Reservations 888-557-8740 Room rate $119; Parking $10 per night
Sports Chairman Tom Smock, 1-319-822-4513TBD 2013 Annual Bowling Tournament; Clinton Post 28TBD 2013 Early Bird Golf Tournament; Bids are now being accepted.TBD 2014 Annual Bowling Tournament; Bids are now being accepted.
QuartermasterOrders for 2012 White Clover Sales and catalog can be ordered from Ohio Quartermaster at 1-800-454-3254; Department Quartermaster Dennis Miller can be reached at 319-573-4891.
Membership InformationLife Membership $250.00. Posts send $187.50 to Department per new Life Member. Post to retain $62.50.
Parade FloatsThe Iowa Department of AMVETS has two parade floats available for use anywhere in the state of Iowa. Home bases for these floats are Waverly and Vinton. Arrangements and scheduling of use of these floats can be made by calling Don Dietz for the Waverly Float at 319-231-0182 or Dennis Miller for the Vinton float at 319-573-4891.
Clinton Post 28John AlplinGerald Ramig
Clarksville Post 30Carl GallmeyerJohn Jensen
Evansdale Post 31Richard Mosley
Cedar Falls Post 49Harold MaloneOrvin SchovilleMarvin Wrage
Waverly Post 79George KeithRichard KrommingaMarvin Nolte
Palmer Post 95Robert BenikeLeo EichelbergerCharles LangeAlfred LenzNeva PeursenWesley Pulley
Preston Post 140Eugene McCloy
Benton County Post 218Cletus Friedman
Member-at-LargeLeroy Lukes
Cedar Rapids Post 6Karen Beall
Clayton Co.(Monona) Post 27Richard Thompson
Clinton Post 28 Robert Starbuck
Burlington Post 29 Joseph Mihalevich
Evansdale Post 31William Marvets
Cedar Falls Post 49 Kurt SimpsonSteven Winters
Colfax Post 50 Chris Wing
Benton Co. Post 218 Terry Lindsey
DonationsRalph Juhl $25.00 in memory of Orvin SchovilleDistrict 2 $500.00 to AMVETS Career Centers (Post 49 and Post 2)
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JANUARY 2013
4
COMMANDER’S COMMUNIQUÉ
Over the course of the past several months, I have been busy around the central Iowa area. On Veterans Day, District 5 presented the colors at the Drake basketball game where veterans were honored. Later in November, I was able to attend the Hospitalized Veterans Dinner at Des Moines Post 2. We had a great turnout of State Officers for this program having Department President Cyndi Emdia, Sons Commander Todd Fitzenry, Riders Department President Dan MacDonald, as well as numerous other officers. Post 2 does a great job with providing residents of the Iowa Veterans Home and patients at Des Moines VA Hospital a wonderful holiday experience. This program also got a lot of media coverage, which was great for AMVETS as a whole. In early
December we had another troop deployment from Camp Dodge. It is very hard to see these soldiers leave at this time of year.
Scholarship information is in this issue of the Iowa AMVET. In addition, there is information concerning State and National Conventions. They will be here before we know it. The new State pin will depict the USS Iowa and should be available within the next couple of weeks. Also, the Service Foundation is again holding a gun raffle, so I encourage your support of this endeavor. Contact any member of the Service Foundation if you would like tickets.
I hope everyone had a great holiday season. It was a very busy time for my family, as we moved into a new home in Ames.
Now that those busy days are behind us, we need to get down to the business of growing our membership and assisting our veterans. Our October SEC was very poorly attended. I hope to see many faces at the next SEC. January SEC is just around the corner and I urge each of you to make a special effort to attend the meetings on Sunday morning.
Dale PurdyDepartment of Iowa Commander
Dale PurdyCommander
AMVETS Hospital Report 2012-2013Submitted by AMVETS Hospital Representative Michael J. Nieland
Des Moines VAThe VA is in the process of having all volunteers get new IDs, called Personal
Identification Verification (PIV), as part of the Homeland Security Act. Included in this is having the volunteers undergo fingerprinting before issuance of new ID badges. The ID badges are based around the volunteer’s birthday and have up to three years expiration for them.
The west side entrance is open again; however, the clinics will remain where they are for the time being as the new furniture is back ordered until May/June.
The covered walkway between the main entrance and the CLC (Community Living Center) is in the process of being worked on and is roughly halfway through construction.
The access road by 6M is in the process of completion and is expected to be done in January.
The DM VA is in the process of building a geothermal heating plant that will be the primary heating system when completed.
The ER area is in the preliminary stages of expanding.Persons wanting to apply for jobs at the DM VA (non-volunteer), can go to the Human
Resources Department, which has temporarily moved to 5435 NW 100th Street in Johnston – West Park Building 3rd Floor, while remodeling is going on at the VA. This information was provided by our excellent AMVETS VAVS member Cliff Corson. If you see Cliff, let him know he is doing outstanding work on behalf of Veterans and AMVETS!Iowa Veterans Home – Marshalltown
Unfortunately, the Iowa Vets Home is in the news again and it is not good. Another story came out about the death of a resident at the Vets Home and the third fine in four months given by the federal government for failure to meet minimum standards. The feds are now imposing a $250 per day fine against the Vets Home and are extending restrictions on new admissions. The feds say these measures will stay in place until the home can demonstrate that the problems have been corrected.
Commandant David Worely stated, “We have a very good staff and plenty of staff; we just, you know, it is just something that led to this serious issue that we have to get much better at. We are still providing quality care for over 500 nursing care residents,
and I still believe we do it better than most.” There is an article in the DSM Register, October 15th, going into detail of this latest incident.
In a recent DSM Register investigation of Overtime Giants, the Vets Home was listed as number five in the state.
As a note for all of you if you have ever worked around or spent some time in a nursing facility, you would understand how some of these situations occur. As Veterans we need to be asking more questions. Are these just isolated cases or is there something really going on? Is our government unfairly singling out the Vets Home?Omaha VA
Purple was the dominant color at the Lincoln Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Auditorium where more than 50 Purple Heart recipients and family members gathered to celebrate the medal’s 230th birthday in 2012.
Most of those in attendance were members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, who host the event each year, or their Ladies’ Auxiliary.
“It’s a brotherhood. Somebody can say they belong to the Marines or the Army or the Air Force, but when you shed blood for your country, you automatically become a member of this organization. Not everybody can be a member,” said Jim Varejcka, MOPH State Commander.
An estimated 1.7 million servicemembers have received the Purple Heart since World War I.
In Nebraska, MOPH has three active chapters: one each in Lincoln, Omaha and Grand Island. The group is looking for new members in the Norfolk area to restart the inactive chapter there.
While most of the Veterans in the group are from the Vietnam and Korean eras, the group is looking to recruit younger Veterans, said Varejcka, a Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam.
“They’re too busy raising families now, and we understand that,” he said. “But, later on if they join they’ll keep the organization going.”
That was a reason one of Chapter 200’s youngest members said he joined the organization.“If my generation does not get involved,” said Mike Sheets, a 28-year-old Marine
Veteran, “I would hate to see the organization fail because of lack of membership. It’s a good cause to get behind.”
Sheets, who was wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom, said another reason he enjoys meeting with his fellow Purple Heart recipients is because they have a shared experience.Iowa City VA
The Cedar Rapids Outpatient Clinic is an extension of the Iowa City VA Health Care System. The following services are provided at the clinic:• PrimaryCare:preventativehealthandwellnessservicestoveterans.• PersonalCare:Highlyqualifiedprimarycareandmentalhealthproviders;specialty
referrals to the Iowa City VA Health Care System.• OEF/OIF/ONDCaseManagement.• Mental Health services to veterans to include substance abuse and smoking
loss sessions.• Handicappedaccessible:fullandeasyaccessforallveterans.• Laboratory:Blooddrawingservicesareavailable.• Prescriptions:Routineprescriptionsareprocessedthroughthemail,MyHealtheVet
or the telephone.
AMVETS National 67th Annual ConventionThe 67th Annual National Convention is scheduled for July 26th through August
4, 2013 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort Hotel and Casino, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada.
Room rate is $89 per night with complimentary parking. Reno-Tahoe International Airport serves the hotel and offers a free airport shuttle departing from door “D” of the baggage claim area 15 minutes before the hour and 15 minutes after the hour.
Hotel reservations may be made by calling 800-648-1177 or 775-356-3393. Reno night is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2013.
The hotel also offers a free hotel shuttle on your return trip to the airport beginning at 4:30 a.m. until 12 midnight.
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JANUARY 2013
5
STATE EXEC. MEETING MINUTES, continued on page 6
Iowa AMVETS AwardsPURPOSE: AMVETS, Auxiliary members and Sons, who perform outstanding
meritorious services that should be accorded special recognition. A few years past, there was created specific awards for those AMVETS, Auxiliary
and Sons whose efforts have contributed significantly to the spirit of Iowa AMVETS. These awards serve to recognize those individuals who genuinely believe in the AMVETS principles. Post, Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS and individuals are invited to make recommendations to the Awards Committee for any or all of the following Awards subject to the rules:
1. Iowa AMVET of the Year2. Iowa AMVET Post of the Year3. Iowa AMVET Auxiliary Member or Post of the Year4. Iowa AMVET/Sons of AMVETS Member or Squadron of the Year5. Department Commander’s Special Award
Rules Pertaining to the Awards1. Each Post, Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS or individual may submit an applicant
for any of the awards.2. Documents attesting to the achievements of the applicant (Post, Auxiliary, Sons
of AMVETS or Individual) must be submitted. These documents can be newspaper clippings, brochures or any material supporting the applicant. Applications will be judged solely on what was done to “Help Build AMVETS”.
3. The recommendations must be submitted to Department Headquarters 5826 Caldwell Road, Coggon IA 52218 by June 1, 2013.
4. All applicants must be members of AMVETS, Auxiliary or Sons of AMVETS in good standing.
5. The contents of the applications must be authenticated by the Post Commander, Auxiliary President or Squadron Commander signature stating that he or she has knowledge of the foregoing achievements and that they are true and correct. In the event the Post Commander, Auxiliary President or Sons Commander is the nominee, the Adjutant or Secretary may endorse the application.
6. Decision of the AMVETS Awards Committee shall be final.7. In the event that more than one applicant should be ruled equally eligible for the
same award, duplicate awards will be presented.8. Presentation of awards will be made at the State Commander’s, Auxiliary
President and Sons of AMVETS Commander’s Banquet during the State Convention.
Minutes of the October 7, 2012 State Executive Committee Meeting
Submitted by Mary Van Horn, Acting Adjutant
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Commander Dale Purdy in Joint session with the Department of Iowa Ladies Auxiliary, Department Sons of AMVETS and Department of Iowa Riders Chapters at Mt. Pleasant Post 44.
Posting of Colors – was done by Provost Marshal Rod ShepherdInvocation – was delivered by PRO Mary Van HornPledge of Allegiance – Led by Provost Marshal Rod ShepherdReading of Preamble – was done by Commander Dale Purdy Joint Opening – Remarks delivered by Ladies Auxiliary President Cyndi Emdia
thanking everyone for their attendance last evening and wishing everyone a successful SEC meeting. State Sons Commander Todd Fitzsenry addressed the group announcing the Sons will meet at the Comfort Inn Hotel and inviting everyone to Richmond in April for SEC. State Riders President Dan MacDonald also addressed the joint opening thanking all the Riders who attended the meeting yesterday and wishing everyone well as they made decisions in their upcoming meetings.
Executive Director Clark Leckington addressed the organization announcing the sale of barbecue sauce to help the Department raise funds. Several jars are available for sampling today. Ed Leckington also took the time to address some discussions concerning a health crisis he was facing. He recently received confirmation that a growth on his pancreas was not malignant, although he will have some additional upcoming medical concerns and possibly surgery for the removal of the growth. Leckington received a standing ovation from the membership.
Introduction of Guests – Commander Purdy introduced 4th National District Commander Mike Cook from Minnesota, as well as other National Officers from Iowa who were in attendance at the SEC; Ladies Auxiliary Kathy Berning and National Riders Treasurer Dan MacDonald also attended.
The joint session was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. to split out to respective meetings.SEC Resumed at 9:40 a.m.Roll Call of Officers – Commander Purdy did a roll call of officers and appointed
Mary Van Horn as Acting Adjutant as the Adjutant was absent.Commander Dale Purdy PresentVice Commander Membership Kevin Reece PresentVice Commander Programs Ivan Hankins PresentVice Commander Hospitals Mike Nieland Excused
Executive Director Clark Leckington PresentFinance Officer Don Shellenberger PresentJudge Advocate Barry Remington PresentProvost Marshal Rod Shepherd PresentAdjutant Roy Wilhelm ExcusedChaplain Merl Feldman ExcusedConvention Corp. President Gary Golson PresentPRO Mary Van Horn PresentQuartermaster Dennis Miller PresentService Foundation John Mrzlak PresentSports committee Tom Smock ExcusedLegislative Director Joe Hays ExcusedReading of Minutes of SEC June 1, 2012. Approved. No minutes from Convention.Correspondence Received – Waverly 79 Donation Request Larry Williamson
discussed corporate matching donation if veterans can raise $250,000 by January 1, 2013. Due to the financial condition of the Department we are unable to consider this at this time. Taylor Morris and Quentin Hamilton Life Membership discussed.Vice Commander Reports
Membership: Vice Commander Reece stated goals would be reduced by 10% across board. There was discussion on Posts who reached 100% and should not have goals reduced. These Posts need something to reach for. Those Posts reaching 100% will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. VC Reece moved to adopt his report, 2nd by Van Horn #2 and approved by body.
Programs – Vice Commander Hankins asked for assistance in getting information to him to get activities reported for each Post. Moved by Vice Commander Hankins to accept; 2nd by Morgan #49 to approve; approved by the body.Hospitals
Vice Commander Nieland sent a prepared written report approved as submitted.VAVS Des Moines VA included in Hospital written report Iowa City VA Written Report submitted by Don Shellenberger #49 and motion to approve, 2nd by Williamson #79; approved by the body Iowa Veterans Home: No Report Omaha VA: No Report
Special ReportsPRO Written Report moved by Van Horn; 2nd by Hankins; Approved.Americanism Poster Contest moved by Reece; 2nd by Hankins; Approved.ROTC Purdy reported on ROTC activities at Drake, Ames and UNI moved by
Purdy; 2nd by Remington; Approved.Historian: No ReportIG: No ReportNew Post Development: Denny Miller discussed work going on in Muscatine.
Moved by Miller; 2nd Barry RemingtonNG Liaison: No ReportQuartermaster: Denny Miller discussed ongoing work to develop catalog for Iowa
Quartermaster. Trailer setup and problems with getting products from National QM due to staffing reductions. PDC Miller also recognized past QM Charlie Vondrachek for his 29 years of service to AMVETS as QM. He received a standing ovation from the membership. Moved by Miller; 2nd by Reece.Riders
Written Report submitted by Dan Mac. Moved for acceptance; 2nd Mrzlak #19; Approved by body.AMVETS Career Center
Discussion on Career Centers as it pertains to National no longer supporting the Mindleaders program. Motion was made by Shellenberger #49, and 2nd by Remington #49 to move forward with entering into a contract with Ohio AMVETS Career Centers to continue the program which has been successful here in Iowa. Motion was approved by the body. Remainder of the written report Don Shellenberger moved for approval; 2nd Remington; Approved by body.District Report
District 1 – Commander Matt Sexton; no report.District 2 – Commander John Gutknecht reported on the meeting July 22nd, with 15
attendees in which Evansdale hosted. At this meeting the Waverly Post 79 campaign to raise funds was discussed. He invited Larry Williamson #79 to offer additional information concerning the corporate sponsorship they are seeking. Next meeting Clarksville October 21. Moved to adopt, 2nd by Mrzlak #19; Approved by the body.
District 3 – Commander Merl Feldman submitted a written report because he could not attend. Golson #44 moved; 2nd by Reece. Approved by the body.
District 4 – Commander James Hickman; no report.District 5 – Upcoming meeting October 14 Post 2, Des Moines; Drake athletic
events upcoming. Free tickets to most events.District 6 – Commander Richard Gerhold; no Report.District 7 – Written Report Joe Geren moved; 2nd by Mrzlak; Approved.
Special ReportsFinance Report – Written report and Profit & Loss submitted by Finance Officer
Don Shellenberger and motion to accept; 2nd by MacDonald #49 and approved by the body.
NEC – Written Report submitted by NEC Barry Remington; 2nd Don Shellenberger
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STATE EXEC. MEETING MINUTES, continued from page 5
#49 and approved by the body.Alternate NEC – Don Emdia with the Sons at their meeting, but did submit a
written report. Motion by Golson #44 to approve; 2nd Hankins #49 and approved by the body.
Sports Committee – Written report submitted by Tom Smock, who was excused by the Commander. Williamson #79 moved, Reece #107 - 2nd and approved by the body.
Convention Corporation – President Gary Golson announced upcoming Convention with Ft, Madison Post 56 to host in 2013. Dates set are June 7-9 at the Comfort Inn & Suites. Room rate is $79.95 plus tax. Call 1-319-372-6800 for reservations. 50 room block. Has been set out. Reserve early as any closer hotels are a ways away. Moved by Golson #44 to accept, Mrzlak #19 2nd and approved by the body.
Liaison Officer – Joe Hays excused.Sons Liaison – Written Report submitted by PDC Don Emdia, Remington #49
moved, Mrzlak #19; 2nd and approved by the body.Legislative PDC – Joe Hays excused. No Report.Iowa Veterans Council – No reportIowa Commission of Vets Affairs – No ReportResolutions and CBL – Written Report submitted by JA Barry Remington and
motion to approve, Mrzlak 2nd, and approved by the body. Judge Advocate – Written report submitted by JA Barry Remington however he also
discussed playing in the Veterans Tee tournament. There were 370 volunteers assisting 240 golfers. Barry played in Pro AM with celebrities and came in at 10 under and still got his rear kicked. Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to host 3 next year. Apr June and September. WWII gets priority, with terminal next, followed by Korean. 200 waiting on list. Remington moved for acceptance, and 2nd Mrzlak. Approved by the body.
Grievance Committee – No ReportPersonnel and Advisory Committee – No ReportScholarship Committee – Scholarship Chair Don Shellenberger stated Applications
are now available for 2013 Moved Shellenberger to accept his report 2nd Van Horn #2 and approved.
Iowa AMVET Review Committee – No Report Juniors – Written Report submitted by Jr. Coordinator Mary Van Horn and Moved
to accept by Van Horn 2nd Reece and the report was approved.Executive Director – ED Clark Leckington submitted a written report and discussed
problems with Indianola, Estherville, and Ft. Dodge who had not revalidated Moved by Clark #37 to accept, 2nd by Mrzlak #19 and approved by the body.
Commander’s Report – Commander Dale Purdy discussed attending the MIA/POW signing of the proclamation at the Capitol, attendance at parades, Post 107 and 49 Car Shows, and the ROTC programs he had attended. He moved for adoption of his report, Golson 44 2nd; Approved by the body with 1st Vice Kevin Reece officiating.
Unfinished Business – Barry Remington noted change in membership year passed at National, which is now September 1st to August 31st to match the fiscal year. He also noted several entities had failed to file 990s and had lost their nonprofit status. This costs between $500 and $1,000 to reinstate it.
New Business – NoneAnnouncements
Mike Morgan Post 49 announced 50s Theme Night next Saturday, October 13th at Post 49. Dress the part and come have a great time. an Horn announced Vets Day on the Hill will be Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. NEC meeting in Egan, Minnesota on November 2-3, 4th National District.
Commander Mike Cook’s Recognition Dinner. Richmond Post 107 – Turkey supper November 17th. All are welcome. Good of Order
Van Horn recognized that Ralph Juhl was absent, which is a rarity at SEC. Lavonne Juhl said he was not feeling up to travel. We wish him well and certainly miss him.Motion to Adjourn
Mrzlak #19 2nd by Reece #107Benediction
Mary Van Horn offered a prayer.Retire the Colors
Provost Rod Shepherd retired the colorsAdjournment
Next SEC will be January 12-13, 2013 Des Moines Post 2. Meeting Adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
AGENDAState Executive Committee
Des Moines Post 2Des Moines, Iowa
January 13, 2013 Joint Opening 9:00 a.m.
(1) SEC Call to Order Commander Dale Purdy(2) Post the Colors Provost Marshal Rod Shepherd(3) Invocation Chaplain Merl Feldman(4) Pledge of Allegiance Provost Marshal Rod Shepherd(5) Reading of Preamble Commander Dale Purdy(6) Joint Remarks Executive Director Clark Leckington(7) Introduction of Guests Commander Dale Purdy(8) Auxiliary Remarks Auxiliary President Cyndi Emdia(9) Sons of AMVETS Commander Todd Fitzsenry
ADJOURN JOINT MEETING (Short Break)RESUME SEC(10) Roll Call of Officers Roy Wilhelm(11) Reading and Approval of Previous SEC Minutes Roy Wilhelm(12) Reading of Correspondence Roy Wilhelm(13) VICE COMMANDERS REPORTS Membership Kevin Reece Program Ivan Hankins Hospitals Michael Nieland(14) V.A.V.S. HOSPITAL REPORTS Des Moines VA Medical Center Michael Nieland Iowa City VA Medical Center Don Shellenberger Iowa Vets Home Marshalltown Wayne Tibbets Omaha VA Medical Center Mickey Williams(15) SPECIAL REPORTS PRO Mary Van Horn Americanism Ivan Hankins R.O.T.C. Dale Purdy Historian Mary Van Horn Inspector General Gary Golson New Post Development Gary Golson National Guard Liaison Lee Paradine Quartermaster Dennis Miller AMVETS Riders Dan MacDonald
(16) DISTRICT COMMANDERS REPORTS District 1 Matt Sexton District 2 John Gutknecht District 3 Merl Feldman District 4 James Hickman District 5 Dale Purdy District 6 Richard Gerhold District 7 Joseph Geren(17) SPECIAL REPORTS Finance Report Donald Shellenberger N.E.C. Barry Remington Alternate N.E.C. Don Emdia Service Foundation John Mrzlak Sports Committee Tom Smock Convention Corporation Gary Golson State Convention Gary Golson Liaison Officer Joseph Hays Sons of AMVETS Advisor Don Emdia Legislative Director Joe Hays Iowa Veterans Council Joe Hays Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Joe Hays Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws Barry Remington Judge Advocate Barry Remington Advisory Advocate Committee Joe Hays Grievance Committee Joe Hays Personnel & Advisory Committee Dale Purdy Scholarship Committee Donald Shellenberger Iowa AMVET Review Committee Mary Van Horn Sad Sacks/Juniors Mary Van Horn Executive Director Report Clark Leckington Department Commander Report Dale Purdy(18) UNFINISHED OR OLD BUSINESS Dale Purdy(19) NEW BUSINESS Dale Purdy(20) ANNOUNCEMENTS Dale Purdy(21) ANYTHING FOR THE GOOD & WELFARE Dale Purdy(22) MOTION TO ADJOURN(23) BENEDICTION Merl Feldman(24) RETIRE THE COLORS Rod Shepherd
Please have all reports typewritten and given to the Adjutant
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PLEASE JOIN USJanuary 23, 2013
Veterans Day at the Capitol“Empowering Veterans through activism and unity”
December 10, 2012
Dear Veteran Service Officer Representative:It is with great pleasure that I announce the schedule for the January 23, 2013
“Veterans Day at the Capitol.”Rank and file veterans are invited to arrive at the Capitol at 9:00 a.m. to visit
vendor tables and pick up the 2013 Veterans Coalition Legislative Initiatives. At 10:00 a.m. a short program will commence in the first floor rotunda, and afterwards veterans are encouraged to meet one-on-one with their legislators until Noon.
We are looking forward to a successful “Veterans Day at the Capitol.” We invite you to encourage as many veterans as you can to attend. Please forward this information to all posts and officers statewide; this will be our best opportunity for the veterans in the State of Iowa to show strength in numbers.
Sincerely,Col Todd Jacobus, ChairIowa Commission of Veterans Affairs
SCHEDULEJanuary 23, 2013
The Iowa Veterans Coalition invites you to learn about the latest legislative activity in Des Moines, hear from key policy makers, visit with event vendors about veteran-related services, and meet with your elected officials to make your voice heard on the key issues affecting veterans.
9:00-10:00 a.m. Visit vendor tables - Capitol Rotunda - First Floor10-10:30 a.m. Veterans Day Program - Capitol Rotunda - First Floor IDVA Executive Director, Jodi Tymeson, Master of Ceremonies COL Todd Jacobus, Chair, Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence/Invocation Governor Terry Branstad (invited) MG Timothy Orr, Iowa National Guard Chair, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chair, House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member, House Veterans Affairs Committee David Worley, Commandant, Iowa Veterans Home Benediction10:30 a.m. Locate your elected officials to discuss legislative initiatives12 Noon Visit vendor tablesNoon Depart Capitol
For more information about this event or to register a vendor table,please contact Mari Mielke at 515-242-5331or at [email protected]
2013Iowa Department of AMVETS
Scholarship Application Now AvailableGiven on an annual basis only to graduating high school seniors, Iowa AMVETS
Scholarships are awarded in an amount which does not exceed the interest our funds provide. Scholarships are $2,000.00. The Scholarships may be used at any accredited college, university, area community, technical or trade school. There are no restrictions as to course of study.
Applicants must be the son, daughter, or grandchild of a current Iowa AMVETS or new Iowa AMVETS member. Stepchildren, foster children and other children dependent upon the member for support, and living with the member in a regular parent-child relationship, are eligible. A deceased member’s child is also eligible. An endorsement from the sponsoring Iowa Post must be included. Posts may have more than one applicant. Applications are available through any Iowa AMVETS Post or Department Officer. An application must be returned together with a copy of your transcript of grades, grade point average, rank in class, and ACT/SAT scores on or before April 1, 2013 to:
Scholarship Selection CommitteeIowa Department of AMVETS
511 Progress AvenueWaterloo, IA 50701
All information given in the application will be held strictly confidential. It is expected that a scholarship recipient be a guest at our Annual Department Convention in order to be recognized. Recipients are allowed two (2) complimentary guests. Any honorable discharged veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserves is eligible for membership in AMVETS. For further information on membership, call 319-290-0901.
AMVETS Selling BBQ SauceThe Iowa Department of AMVETS has partnered with Hotz & Haywood Foods
to sell an assortment of sauces as a department fundraiser. Items include a Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce, a Lip Smack’n Belly Rub’n Gourmet BBQ sauce, a Lip Smack’n Belly Rub’n Wing Sauce, a dry rub, as well as several others.
All sauces are in 16 oz. jars. The Dry Rub is in an 8 oz. container. Cases of 12 jars are available for resale at your Post for $49.20 which is $4.10 per jar. Post 2 in Des Moines has had success reselling the sauce for $5 per jar, giving their local Post a small profit.
Hotz & Haywood is a small veteran-owned company in the eastern Iowa area. To order your sauce, send your check and order to the AMVETS Department Office, 5826 Caldwell Road, Coggon, IA 52218.
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Veterans Coalition2013 Legislative Initiatives
PREMISE: In order to help our state grow and prosper, Iowa Veterans are interested in legislative policies that succeed in recruiting veterans to live, work, and retire in Iowa. With that in mind, a broad coalition of Iowa veterans met to develop a list of proposals that will help Iowa compete with other states to recruit and retain veterans as Iowa residents. Iowans value the service of veterans, and Iowa employers value the skills and experience that veterans can bring to the workplace. We offer these suggestions as positive initiatives for Iowa:• In order to retain veterans in Iowa upon their retirement from military service, we
support the enactment of an Iowa income tax exemption for military retirement pay.• In order to help veterans stay in Iowa and compete for jobs, we support a review of
Iowa Code Chapters 35C and 400.10 with the intent of strengthening the veteran’s
preference process.• In order to strengthen the statewide system supporting veterans, we support the
changes to Chapter 358 proposed by the county association (IACCVSO). These changes will update the Code and provide clarity where needed.
• In order to continue the programs that support Iowa veterans and their families, we support the protection of the financial integrity of the following agencies and programs: Iowa Veterans Home, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, County Allocation Funds, Injured Veteran Grant Program, Military Home Ownership Program, Veterans License Fee Fund, and the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.
• RE: Iowa Veterans Trust Fund - Consider renewing the legislative intent and commitment for annual appropriations into this fund. 35A.13 (5.) It is the intent of the general assembly that beginning with the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, appropriations be made annually to the veterans trust fund.
• In order to encourage veteran home ownership, consider the following to update the military property tax exemption:
a. grant the exemption to the surviving spouse of service members killed in actionb. remove “Iowa” from the definition of retired Guard members (35.1). This would allow property owners who retired from other states’ National Guard to receive the property tax exemption when they become property owners in Iowa.c. grant the exemption to currently serving military membersd. eliminate the property tax for 100% service-connected disabled veterans rated as permanent and totale. increase the amount of the military property tax exemptionf. prohibit property tax increases from time of purchase to time of sale for 50% or greater service-connected disabled veterans
• Allow disabled veterans (50% service-connected or greater) to acquire the current disabled veteran license plate. Fees waived only for 100% service-connected disabled veterans. (Currently this plate is only available to disabled veterans who acquire a vehicle through a federal VA program.)
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Encourage Americanism Contests Within Schools
As veterans, we are all well aware of the many sacrifices made by service men and women throughout the history of our country. It is our collective duty to promote the ideals of Americanism, to ensure the veteran is never a forgotten citizen, and that the foundation on which this country was built is never taken for granted. The youth of Iowa will be torchbearers for the next generation and we can make a significant contribution in helping them to understand our rich heritage by taking our Program of Essays, Poster and Flag Coloring contests to our schools.
The Flag Coloring contest is open to Grades Kindergarten and 1st Grade, and the Poster contest is open to 2nd through 5th grades. Students in grades 6 through 12 can compete in an essay contest.
The theme for the 2012-2013 Americanism Contest is “Why is it important to vote?” Based on grade level, essays must be between 200 to 500 words and must address the theme. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at the National level. Department of Iowa also awards cash prizes to students participating. Several local Posts in Iowa have conducted Poster and Essay contests in recent years with a young 2nd grader Annabella Loveless from Mt. Pleasant Iowa placing 2nd in the National Americanism Poster Contest.
The Iowa Department of AMVETS encourages local Posts to contact your schools to develop the Poster or Essay contest within your local area. If you conduct contests within your local Posts, please submit your entries to the State level as well for judging and awarding of prizes. You must submit all entries to Department 2nd Vice Ivan Hankins by May 15, 2013.
Awards will be announced at the 2013 State Convention. State level awards must be submitted to National prior to July 1st to qualify for National awards. Should you have questions on the Americanism Program in schools or need some advice in getting started, contact Department 2nd Vice Ivan Hankins. Addition information on the AMVETS Americanism Program may be found online at amvets.org under the Programs tab.
Iowa AMVETS Announces a New WebsiteThe Department of Iowa launched a new website just before Christmas which will
provide our membership more advanced notification of upcoming events. The site may be accessed at iowaamvets.org. Additional pages will be added in
the near future to cover activities from all of Iowa’s subordinate organizations and to highlight all the activities and services which AMVETS Department of Iowa provides to veterans. You are encouraged to review the site and provide feedback to Webmaster Mary Van Horn on items you would like to have on the site.
The site provides users the ability to contact the Department directly for information on AMVETS. This direct link sends an email to Executive Director Clark Leckington, who can then make the determination as to who can best answer specific questions.
Our Facebook page is also linked to the website, allowing users to LIKE our website and it’s getting our AMVETS name on more social media sites. The site will always have the latest information on District and SEC meetings located under the EVENTS tab.
If Posts or Department officers would like information included on the site, please email Mary Van Horn at [email protected] or call at 515-782-3217.
Welcome Muscatine Post 2013A Post Organization meeting was held Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
at the VFW Post on Grandview Avenue. The organizational meeting was conducted by the following AMVETS Department of Iowa Officers:
Clark Leckington, Executive Director, Iowa Department of AMVETS, Iowa Headquarters, Coggon, Iowa; Gary Golson, Inspector General, Iowa Department of AMVETS, North Liberty, Iowa; Dennis Miller, Iowa Quartermaster, Iowa Department of AMVETS, Vinton, Iowa; Joe Geren, Commander, Iowa AMVETS District 7, Burlington, Iowa.
Post 2013 was chosen as the new Post Number. The name for our Post was tabled for a future meeting. This Post will be assigned to Iowa AMVETS District 7 which consists of Posts in Southeast Iowa, including Burlington, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Mt. Pleasant and Richmond. Joe Geren’s from Post 29 in Burlington and is our District Commander. Clark Leckington was given new membership applications and dues for a total of twelve (12) new members. Membership applications and dues from those that were not able to attend the meeting will be sent later. Denny Miller, Iowa Quartermaster, brought new AMVETS hats, bronze Post numbers and a supply of decals. Several new members purchased hats. Denny will bring more hats and other uniform articles for our next meeting.
The following officers were elected at Wednesday night’s meeting by a majority vote:Ron Miller, CommanderDennis Snyder, 1st Vice CommanderVictor Goodrich, 2nd Vice CommanderLee Miller, AdjutantSarah Sullivan, Finance OfficerMike Young, Judge AdvocateJoe Rieke, Provost MarshalMike Simester, Service OfficerRalph Brewer, Chaplain
Sarah Sullivan, Finance Officer was instructed to open an AMVETS Post 2013
Gold Star Museum Announces Photographic Exhibit
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located on Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa opened a new photographic exhibit honoring notable Iowa veterans on Friday, November 9th to coincide with Veterans Day activities. The museum’s newest exhibit honors the military and civilian accomplishments of 40 Iowa veterans from across the state. Photographed by Grandview University Professor Emeritus Dr. Bill Schaefer, the Notable Iowa Veterans exhibit is the latest addition to an already unique collection of military vehicles, aircraft and equipment from U.S and foreign military services on display in the main gallery, which also includes: a working, 42-ft. Cold War-era periscope from a US Navy nuclear attack submarine; a Desert Storm-vintage AH-a Cobra attack helicopter; a UH-1 Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War-era; an M3 Half-Track armored troop carrier and P-40B Tomahawk fighter aircraft from WWII; a WWI German artillery piece; and many, many other artifacts from Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery up through the modern-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Established in 1985, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is the only federally-recognized repository for military artifacts in the state of Iowa. The mission of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is twofold: to preserve Iowa’s military history and honor the military service of all Iowans. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum’s permanent exhibits tell the stories of Iowan who have served in defense of their state and nation, beginning in the early settlement of the state in the 1840s, through the Global War on Terror. An extensive exhibit honors the 34th Infantry Division (“Red Bull” Division) which holds the distinction of serving the most continuous days in combat of any division in the European Theater of Operations during WWII. The museum also contains one of the finest military small arms collections in the Midwest.
Museum hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use the entrance off NW 70th Avenue to enter Camp Dodge. Photo identification is required for adults to gain admittance to Camp Dodge (a drivers license is acceptable). Admission is free. Group tours are welcome and available by appointment. For additional information or questions, contact the museum at 515-252-4531 or visit the museum website at www.iowanationalguard.com/Museum?museum.htm
Ft. Des Moines Museum and AMVETS Team Up
The Fort Des Moines Museum conducted a Struggling Veterans Food Drive and asked AMVETS to assist with identifying those in need and delivery of the boxes. With the assistance of this program, AMVETS was able to provide food baskets at Christmas for 28 veteran families serving 58 people. Seven truckloads of food boxes were transported from Ft Des Moines to Post 2 for distribution. Fort Des Moines Museum staff also coordinated a special drive for baby formula and nursery water with baby food for a struggling veteran with an infant.
In addition through corporate sponsorship, AMVETS was able to provide both a Christmas and Thanksgiving Dinner to a recently discharged Marine Corp veteran who was laid off the week prior to Thanksgiving. This veteran was identified through AMVETS Career
Centers program. Post 2 was able to ensure Christmas presents for his family through the generous donation of this anonymous corporate donor.
Post 2 member Bill Stalker carries a box of food down the steps of the Fort Des Moines Museum as Department Auxiliary PRO Janet Sprague assists with another one on the landing.
account at a local bank.Charter Applications were completed during the meeting and will be sent to National
Headquarters by Clark Leckington. Once received, the State Officers will return to Muscatine for a Charter Presentation Meeting. This will be a formal meeting and the public will be invited. A ‘news release’ will announce the meeting. During this meeting, AMVETS Post 2013 officers will be formally sworn in and $200 start-up money will be presented to the Post from the Department of Iowa.
Members are encouraged to recruit as many new members as possible. AMVETS throughout Iowa are encouraged to provide whatever support you can to this newly formed Post. New members can contact Lee Miller for Membership applications. Phone: 563-263-8988; Cell: 563-260-2201; email: [email protected].
Congratulations Post 2013! We look forward to your Charter Presentation.
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Pfundheller, 93, has traveled the central Iowa area speaking to schoolchildren regarding events surrounding Pearl Harbor.
Pfundheller enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and was stationed aboard the USS Maryland tied up next to the USS Oklahoma which was hit by multiple torpedoes. The Oklahoma began to roll over threatening to take the Maryland with it. The Maryland’s crew scrambled to cut the lines to prevent their ship from going down with the Oklahoma.
Pfundheller was manning a 5-inch, anti-aircraft gun and was struggling to shoot low-flying planes because of the smoke and oil in the air. He can still imagine the burning eyes and struggling to breath and see through the black smoke billowing in the air. While he suffered minor injuries as a result of shrapnel, many more friends died next to him.
After being discharged, he returned home to his job as a school custodian and feed salesman in his hometown of
Greenfield, Iowa where he still lives. When speaking to children, Pfundheller often shows a video “Pearl Harbor – through the Eyes of a Child” narrated by a woman who was 12 years old at the time of the horrific attack. Last year, he returned to Pearl Harbor for the 70th Anniversary of the attack with a group of college students from the College of the Ozarks wanting to preserve the memories of Pearl Harbor Survivors. He is one of only a handful of Pearl Harbor Survivors left in the State of Iowa.
The plaque presented to Pfundheller reads AMVETS Department of Iowa Salutes Pearl Harbor Survivor Clarence Pfundheller for Work in Educating Iowa Children on the History Leading to WWII this December 7, 2012. The plaque was presented to Pfundheller at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Service held at the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines on December 7, 2012. Immediately after the service, Pfundheller laid a wreath at the Pearl Harbor Memorial on the State Capitol grounds. AMVETS Post 2 provided the Color Guard for the event. At 11:55 a.m. (Iowa time the bombing commenced at Pearl Harbor), the Marine Corp League fired a rifle volley followed by Taps.
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Paige Nieland, daughter of Department 3rd Vice Mike Nieland is involved with Support Groups for Veterans at Iowa State University. The group sought donations for popcorn for the Iowa Veterans Home.
Paige has also done this while involved with other groups such as American Legion Jr. Auxiliary President/National Central Division Vice President and with Girls State.
During the visit, Vice Commander Nieland had the opportunity to spend about 45 minutes with Commandant David Worely and Volunteer Services Director Diane Lemker. The Commandant updated Vice Commander Nieland on some things which have appeared in the media recently with the Iowa Veterans Home, as well as discussing critical needs volunteer services has.
Pictured, L-R: Michael Nieland AMVETS Hospital Representative, Vets Services Diane Lemker, Paige Nieland and IVH Commandant David Worely. Ms. Lemker has recently retired from the Iowa Veterans Home.
3rd Vice Visits IVH
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Post 2 in Des Moines has hosted residents from the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown and patients at Des Moines VA Hospital for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The Post has been conducting this activity for 40 years at both Easter and Thanksgiving. There were 86 patients served by volunteers from Post 2, Department of Iowa Sons, Auxiliary, AMVET Officers and Riders from around the State of Iowa.
The Post 2 Ladies Auxiliary prepares the dinner each year, oftentimes cooking for several days in advance. Funding for the event comes from the Posts’ annual White Clover Drive, private donations and corporate donations.
This year the Post received donations from Department of Iowa Sons, as well as Richmond Sons Squadron 107 to help offset some of the expenses. Post members have traditionally donated frozen turkeys in the weeks leading up to the event. In addition to the dinner, entertainment is provided and each patient also receives a care package to take home. The event has become so popular at the Iowa Veterans Home that they now use a lottery system for residents to attend because the Post is only able to accommodate 90 residents and staff for dinner.
The event drew considerable media coverage with local CBS affiliate KCCI in Des Moines in attendance for the entire event. In addition, the National Department of AMVETS posted the video from the TV station on their Facebook page.
Residents enjoy the trip to Post 2 because it gets them out of the hospital environment and there are so many people to visit with.
IVH Residents Get Thanksgiving Dinner at Post 2
Pictured is Department Commander Dale Purdy assisting a veteran into Post 2. Also pictured, L-R: Department Auxiliary President Cyndi Emdia, Post 2 Auxiliary President Dixie Case, Rider Joe Gering, Chapter 2 Riders President Sean Williams, Post 2 member Dave Bolton and Rider Denny Quick (near right).
Department of Iowa PRO Mary Van Horn presents Clarence Pfundheller a plaque from AMVETS recognizing him for the work he has done and continues to do educating children concerning the events surrounding Pearl Harbor.
AMVETS Recognizes Pfundheller
AMVETS Mourns Charter Member Barrasso Pasquale
Submitted by AMVETS National Membership Director Harry Neal
Barrasso “Pat” Pasquale died October 28th at the age of 97. Pasquale joined AMVETS November 2, 1945 after serving in the Navy during WWII.
He was the founder and first Commander of AMVETS Post 13, which was chartered in 1946. He led the way in service and spent 67 of his years helping veterans as an AMVETS member.
After the war he returned home to attend Burdett College under the G.I. Bill and received an Associate Degree in public relations. He then worked for the Navy Department in Boston and became a member of the National Association of Government Employees Union. He later became Vice President of the Union.
In 1946, he joined the committee for the Columbus Day Parade and went on to serve on that committee for over 50 years. He was also a past officer of the Knights of Columbus. Pat
served as Massachusetts AMVETS Department Vice Commander and Finance Officer. He was a delegate to the AMVETS National Convention, which enabled him to travel to many states. Because of his 55 years of community and veterans service, in December 2004 he received a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives.
He is survived by his two daughters and one brother, as well as many extended family. We all owe a final salute to send this soldier, public servant and lifelong AMVETS member on his next journey. Thanks for your service, Pat.
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POST NEWS
POST NEWS
Clayton County Post #27
Des Moines North
POST NEWSDistrict 5
• POST NEWS • POST NEWS • POST NEWS •
On November 10, 2012 Drake University honored veterans by providing free admission to the Drake-Butler University Football Game. District 5 Color Guard had the honor of presenting colors at this event. Pictured, L-R: Department Commander Dale Purdy, Bill Stalker, Bill Volk, Department PRO Mary Van Horn and Post 2 Commander Rex Valle. Winds in excess of 30 mph made the Color Guard duties challenging to say the least; however, Drake went on to win and gave the team one of the best seasons ever. District 5 Color Guard also performs at multiple Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games for Drake University.
District 5 Presents Colors at Drake University
Des Moines North ROTC Honors Vets
During the week before Veterans Day, Des Moines North High School ROTC program took time to honor area veterans for their service. Approximately 60 veterans showed up for the program, which included each veteran being escorted through a corridor of honor by ROTC cadets, refreshments and a program in which a flag flown in Afghanistan was presented to WWII veteran Robert Ulman (pictured above with PDC Joe Hays). Hays attended the ceremony with a number of other AMVETS from Post 2.
Pictured, L-R: USMC Veteran Robert Jackson, Post 2 members Fern Michaels, Mary Van Horn and Richard Hesseltine, with Joe Hays in the background, in the North High School cafeteria prior to the North ROTC program honoring veterans.
POST NEWSDes Moines Post #2
Ruth Nevins (L) and Dana Marschell (R) take a turn sitting on Santa’s lap after the children’s Christmas Party which was sponsored by the Post 2 Ladies Auxiliary. Santa provided bags of goodies and a toy for each child. The Ladies Auxiliary served cookies, chocolate milk and sliced apples for the kids, as well as playing games. So much excitement when Santa arrived. Post 2 Vice Commander Gary Logan served as Santa.
An Annual Veterans Day Program was held at the MFL Mar Mac High School in Monona, Iowa. The students of Megan Schellhorn’s Government Class are responsible for putting it all together. They provided music, a guest speaker and a video slide show with pictures of all the local veterans, living and deceased. Clayton County AMVETS Post 27 and American Legion Post 519 participated. Pictured, L-R, are: Roger Swanson (Korea), Lorin Dettmann (Korea), Lloyd Drahn (WWII), Ed Parker (Vietnam), Julius Dettmann (Korea) and Steve Russett (Vietnam).
LIKE Us on FacebookAMVETS Department of Iowa is now on Facebook. Listed on our Facebook
page are upcoming events pertinent to Iowa AMVETS. Photos of events from local Posts around Iowa will also be posted at this
site. Currently we have posted photos from State Convention, and we will be posting photos from upcoming Department of Iowa events, as well.
If your Post would like an event scheduled in the events section on Facebook, email Mary Van Horn at [email protected]. If you are a Facebook user, please stop by our site and LIKE us. We hope this additional tool will help to keep membership in the Department of Iowa informed on pertinent issues.
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POST NEWS
POST NEWS
Post #50
Mt. Pleasant Post #44
POST NEWS
POST NEWS
Andrew Post #62
Clarksville Post #30
• POST NEWS • POST NEWS • POST NEWS •
Veterans Day
The 71st anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack was observed at the Clarksville AMVET Hall on Sunday, December 9th. Commander Robert Wamsley welcomed the relatives and friends of the five veterans honored this year. Chaplain Neil Bolin gave the invocation. Joann Knapp spoke on behalf of mothers and wives of veterans. The five veterans honored were Harvey Miller, Virgil Renn, Eugene Schilling, Pete Sinram and Rev. Rueben Topp. The wreath shown was placed at the Veterans Memorial at Lynwood Cemetery in memory of these five and all other deceased veterans. Submitted by Bob Janssen, Post 30
The traditional 11 a.m. service was changed this year because Veterans Day was on a Sunday. It began at 2 p.m. and was held at Veterans Hall in Mount Pleasant.
Dean King, Avenue of Flags chairman and Henry County Honor Guard Commander, served as master of ceremonies. Retired Pastor Bob Dameron, a World War II veteran and chaplain of VFW Post 7641, and an AMVETS member delivered the invocation and benediction. Under the direction of Philip Schroetter, the national anthem was sung by a choral group from Mount Pleasant High School.
All Commanders or their representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts, American Legion Posts and AMVETS Posts in Henry County also spoke. Following the speaking, the Henry County Honor Guard fired three volleys in honor of all veterans, and Taps were sounded.
The following names being added to the memorial were acknowledged: Stanford A. Garrels, U.S. Navy; James Richard Albright,
U.S. Army; Rex Lee Norton, U.S. Army; Francis D. Gillespie, U.S. Army; Elizabeth A. Hookom, U.S. Army; Joseph H. Kuntz, U.S. Marine Corps; Harold Edwin Long, U.S. Army; and Robert Jay Long, U.S. Army. That brings the total of names listed on the memorial to 1,206.
AMVETS Post 44 member Pastor Bob Dameron salutes during Veterans Day Services in Mt. Pleasant.
Post 50 participated in two Veterans’ Day activities. The morning started off with a breakfast for over forty veterans provided by the Colfax Mingo School.
There was a short program. Harold Hill of the AMVETS presented the school with a new national flag. Ray Dutton of Post 50 met with the grade school children for a question and answer session. That evening Post 50 hosted a soup supper for sixty five veterans and families.
David Worley, Commandant of the Iowa Veterans’ Home in Marshalltown was the speaker. On the Saturday before Veterans Day, members of Post 50 lined the main street of Colfax through the business district with over thirty national flags.
Colfax AMVETS Veterans Day Activities
At the 1st annual ride for Cpl. Zach Reiff of Preston, William DeLarm, Treasurer for Andrew AMVETS Post 62 presented a check for $930.00 to Zach’s family in remembrance of his dedicated service to our country.
Cpl. Reiff enlisted in the US Marine Corp December of 2008. His first deployment to Afghanistan was March of 2010 in Sangin District, Helmand Province. On July 21, 2010 he was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device. He recovered from his injuries with rehabilitation and volunteered for another deployment on September 23, 2011. He received fatal wounds
from another Improvised Explosive Device on November 18, 2011. Zachary was a highly decorated soldier, receiving two Purple Hearts.
Proceeds from the ride were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in Zach’s name.
Pictured, L-R, front row: Matt Reiff, Marsha Reiff and William DeLarm. Pictured, back row: Robert Ringer and Josh Giddings. Submitted By Gloria Petesch
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POST NEWSFredrickson Post #90
• POST NEWS •
POST NEWSBenton County Post #218
Veterans Day was marked with both a school program honoring veterans, as well as a dinner to recognize veterans from the various different branches of the service.
Later that evening, a Veterans Day Dinner was held at the Town Hall Meeting with veterans from the various branches honored during the playing of their hymn.
Pictured are Miranda Pleggenkuhle and Fredericksburg Post 90 Commander Dave Jacobson at the school program. Both individuals spoke at the program honoring veterans and sharing stories with students.
Members of Post 90 who served in the US Army are recognized on Veterans Day during the playing of their hymn.
Benton County Post 218 members ride in the Vinton Lighted Christmas parade. The parade is held each year to kick off the holiday season and is hosted by the veterans’ service organizations in the Vinton area.
AMVETS has been a prominent part of the parade since the program began.
A youngster salutes as the flags pass in review during the Vinton Lighted Christmas parade.
In MemoryOrvin R. Schoville
(1925-2012)AMVETS Department of Iowa sadly announces the
passing of Orvin R. Schoville, 86, of Cedar Falls, on October 23, 2012, at Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center in Waterloo. He was born November 21, 1925 in Clinton, Wisconsin, the son of Perley A. and Eliza A. (Ward) Schoville. He married Pauline J. Potter on June 26, 1948 at First Christian Church in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. She died April 29, 2001.
Mr. Schoville graduated high school in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin and attended Auctioneer School in Mason City. He served in the US Navy during WWII and was employed with John Deere Tractor Works for 34 years, retiring in 1982. PDC Schoville served as Commander of Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49, State Commander of AMVETS on two separate occasions – in 1977-78 and 1986-87, and 4th National District
Commander of AMVETS in 1982-83. In addition, he served in various capacities within the AMVETS organization, most recently as Convention Corporation Chairman during the 2007-08 period until declining health overcame him. He was a member of First Christian Church in Cedar Falls.
Schoville is survived by one son, Steven, of Cedar Falls; two daughters, Kathy (Lowell) Redding and Judy (Paul) Buchanan of Waterloo; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Portia Schoville, Mary Schoville, Susan (Milo) Helgerson; and a brother-in-law, Paul Potter. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by: one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; five brothers, Fred, Archie, Dorvin, Harrison and Warren Schoville; three sisters, Freda Wanless-Gander, Dorothy Baker Rogers and Geraldine Burrage.
Memorial Services were held November 3, 2012, at First Christian Church, Cedar Falls. Military Honors were conducted by Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49 with many members of his AMVETS family in attendance. The family requested that memorials be directed to: Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49 or donor’s choice.
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JANUARY 2013
With the shopping all done and the presents all wrapped, members of Post 49 got together for egg nog and LOTS of food to celebrate Christmas Eve. Pictured are Auxiliary National 3rd Vice Kathy Berning (L) and Department of Iowa Auxiliary 1st Vice Jan Peterson (R) enjoying some holiday camaraderie.
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs held Veterans Day Services at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Post 2 Auxiliary President Dixie Case was in attendance.
Brig. General Janet Phipps was the guest speaker and she spoke of the changing face of veterans. She stated that “America now has the largest population of young veterans since the Vietnam War” and encouraged the gathering to do what was in their resources to help them cope.
Hello and greetings,I have been staying busy over the past couple
months. In October, thank you to all who attended the Fall SEC in Mt. Pleasant. Special thanks to Jan Peterson, Kathy Berning and Nancy Carrier for their help setting up the tables and decorations for my dinner! Later, I participated in the Departments fall bowling tournament on October 20th at Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo. I didn’t do well and was reminded I don’t bend or heel-up as fast as I used to, but had a lot of fun.
November 3rd, I had the pleasure of assisting the Iowa’s Bravest volunteers pack boxes for our Iowa soldiers who were overseas for Christmas; fortunately our only unit currently deployed is Army National Guard Medevac Unit, based out of Waterloo. For some of these soldiers it was their 5th, and for others it was their 3rd deployment
overseas. We packed about 75 boxes full of goodies; my task was to put the microwavable meals (2) in the left corner of the box; yes, there was a diagram we had to follow. Everything had its proper place so that when the soldier opens the box, it still resembles what we put in there; I was super impressed at how organized and smoothly everything was run. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, met some amazing people, whom are all doing so much for our Veterans, and in some small way I walked away feeling like I contributed to making someone’s day a little brighter. Whether that was just putting the cans in the right spot or writing a little “Hello – Come Home Soon!” note to them.
On a much more somber note later that day, I attended the memorial services for PDC Orvin Schoville at Post 49 in Cedar Falls. This was a beautiful service and a gratifying send-off for such an icon amongst our AMVET community, who will be dearly missed by all.
November 18th, I traveled to Des Moines Post 2 to honor and serve our Hospitalized Veterans a Thanksgiving meal. This was an honor for not only the veterans, but for those of us that were able to give a little back while serving and remembering them for a change. Please don’t forget our Veterans this holiday season; they have all sacrificed so much for us, it is up to us to remember them and help them any way we can.
Our winter SEC is coming up January 11-13th at Post 2 in Des Moines. Saturday evening will be Commander Purdy’s recognition dinner. Sunday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m. will be our SEC meeting. All members are welcomed and encouraged to attend; you don’t even need to get dressed! Our winter SEC is usually casual, so we are really going casual – we are having a slumber party! We will be wearing our pajamas instead of our uniforms – for a $5.00 donation to the Hospital’s general fund, officers will be excused from wearing the official Auxiliary uniform. So put on your comfy PJs and warm fuzzy slippers and I hope to see you at our winter SEC meeting. Yes, you can even bring your favorite teddy bear!
On your local levels, great job on getting your reports sent in – keep up the good work! Please remember to get your membership dues and No AMVET In The Home report completed and sent in. This needs to be updated and completed annually.
I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!
Cyndi Emdia President 2012-2013Dept. of Iowa Auxiliary
President’s Report
Cyndi EmdiaDepartment President
Vets Day Services at Van Meter Cemetery
Pictured are DJ Hall, American Legion Department Historian; Ted Hall, Past Vice Commander of the American Legion and Past Department 2nd Vice for AMVETS; and Post 2 Aux President Dixie Case.
Christmas Eve at Post 49
Cedar Falls Post 49 held their Halloween Costume Party in late October. Pictured, L-R, are Auxiliary members Casey Macdonald, Natalie Cummings, Rhonda Chase Morgan and Sandie Scheffert.
Post 49 Auxiliary Attends Halloween Gala
National Auxiliary Awards to Post 2 KidsIn December, AMVETS Auxil-
iary presented Certificates of Appre-ciation to two young people at Post 2. Dakota Williams and her brother, Montana Williams, were recognized for their volunteer work at Post 2 during the 2012 year and certificates were presented on behalf of the National Ladies Auxiliary.
Dakota has participated with the Labor Day parade, raised nearly $100 for the Post 2 Riders during Bike Nights making survival strap key chains, and assisted with the hospitalized veterans’ dinners at Easter and Thanksgiving.
In addition to participating in parades and the hospitalized veterans’ dinner, Montana also collected $56 for the Post by selling White Clovers on a very cold, wet Saturday. Both of these young people are to be commended for their support of veterans’ service programs.
They are the children of Chapter 2 Riders President Sean Williams and his wife, Karrie.
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RIDE ON!Message from
the Riders PresidentThe January SEC is nearly upon us. Riders will meet
on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Post 2 on January 12th. Hope many of you can make it, but I understand that weather may not permit.
I sent out Membership incentives from Rob Quick, National 1st Vice Commander; if anyone did not see them, please let me know. Remember: dues for all chapters need to be sent in prior to February 1st.
I had the opportunity to attend the Thanksgiving Dinner which Post 2 hosted for residents of the Iowa Veterans Home and Des Moines VA hospital. This was a great experience and it was awesome to meet some of the riders from Post 2. With the holidays behind us, we’ll be back on the bikes soon. Use this time to plan activities for this spring and summer, as well as a fundraiser for your events.
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Brother Michael “Doc” Tharpe. A true champion for his fellow veterans, Doc was the AMVETS National Riders Sergeant-at-Arms at the time of his passing and was well known and loved throughout the AMVETS Family. Doc succumbed to his illness the afternoon of October 9, 2012 and will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have called him “friend”.
We all look forward to helping our military (past, present and future) as opportunities arise and working with our Post and Community. Any Post out there that would like to start a Riders Chapter, please contact me and I will do everything I can to help them make that happen.
LRB (Loyalty, Respect, Brotherhood),Department President Dan MacdonaldIowa AMVETS Riders
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AMVETS Riders
Sons of AMVETSI would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays.
Thanksgiving has come and gone; also Christmas and New Year’s. I wish and hope you and yours had a very blessed holiday season!
So far this year, I have attended a few events around the state. The 4th of July Parade in Central City, Car Show and Steak Dinner in Cedar Falls, SEC meeting in Mt. Pleasant, Ladies Auxiliary Madame President Cyndi Emdia’s Recognition Dinner and the Post 2 Des Moines Annual Turkey Dinner. I would like to thank Cyndi for her hospitality at the dinner and I know that with her leading the Ladies Auxiliary, they will have a great year!!
I also want to thank Post 2 AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons and Riders for inviting me to their Annual Turkey Dinner November 18th. They have been doing this event for around 40 years and it is a truly an event worth attending. I was glad to assist them and their many volunteers who helped make this event a success. We welcomed the Veterans and served them a meal of turkey, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes and pie. Nobody went away hungry and a good time was had by all!
At my home Post 107 in Richmond, we have been busy. A half chicken dinner, all you can eat wing supper and the annual Turkey Supper all have been well attended. I want to thank the AMVETS, Sons and Ladies Auxiliary of 107 for the help in making these events be successful! With help like that, they make my job easy and
make me look good; thanks to you all. My project this year will be continuing the Past Sons Commander Paul Manors’
project from last year, the Sons Honor Flights for WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veterans to travel to Washington, DC to visit the memorials.
The State Sons will also be holding a Silent Auction at the Winter SEC in Des Moines in January. We are purchasing items from the Veterans Home Gift Shop in Marshalltown, and the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated back to the Veterans Home. I hope you can take part in this auction or if unable to attend, make a donation to the Sons to give to the Veterans Home.
I hope to see you all in Des Moines at the SEC. I would also like to invite you to my Recognition Dinner at the April SEC to be held at Richmond Post 107. The date is set for April 20th; the Recognition Dinner will be a choice between two meats and sides to be determined for $10.00. On Friday April 19th, the 107 Sons will be holding an “All you can eat” Wing Supper for those coming early. I hope you all have the chance to come and visit Post 107. Hotel accommodations may be made with Super 8 in Washington, Iowa. Phone: 319-653-6621; AMVET military rate is Single $60 and Double #65. The Hawkeye Motel in Washington at 319-653-7510 also has military rates of Single $48 and Double $57.
Once again, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and want to wish you a Happy New Year!!!
Todd FitzsenrySons State Commander
Message From Riders National 1st ViceSubmitted by Rob Quick
Happy New Year!! This is a very exciting time of year for us at the National Riders. It is the start of a new year! The opportunity to learn from our past (successes, mistakes and failures) and begin to create on a fresh canvas. I’m quite stoked. My job as your First Vice is membership. I can’t be more excited as new chapter applications continue to come to me for approval. The incentive program seems to be getting some interest and we are starting to receive Dues Remittance forms daily.
Just in case it slipped your mind, Dues Remittance Forms are due by February 1, 2013. Dues are $12.00 per Rider. Please list all riders and supporters on the DRF as neatly as possible, as this info will be used to construct the National Membership Database. This Database will be the forerunner of things to come with communications, and the National Riders Website amvetsridersnational.org and Facebook page AMVETS Riders National. Speaking about the website and Facebook, Please post your stories and photos for all to see. Share with the other chapters what you are doing. Provide links to your pages and websites. We would all love to see and read them.
As for membership, let’s continue to grow by bringing in more like-minded people. We can do this by always promoting ourselves in a positive manner and sharing: Who we are, What we do and Why we do it. Information and application brochures are available on the National Riders Website. Download it. Print some off. Then spread the word!!!! Pictures for next year’s brochure will come from what you send us on the website or Facebook.
Thanks again for all your dedication and hard work.
In Memory1942-2012
Michael “Doc” TharpeNational Sgt.-at-Arms
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AMVETS RidersMembership Incentive for Riders
By Rob Quick, 1st Vice President, National AMVETS Riders
As we end our fair weather riding season in certain parts of our country, our focus turns to the future. The planning and preparations for all of our programs and events for the coming year helps to keep our spirits high during our “off season”.
I know that chapters throughout the country have already begun the planning of great things for the future. These activities, ideas and programs only help to make our great organization even better. The creativity, energy, selflessness and ability to think “outside the box” are the very things that make us such a unique and valuable member of the AMVETS family. As with any organization, growth is paramount to its success. Growth, not only within the ranks of the AMVETS Riders but with our parent organization, as well. Without AMVETS, The Riders do not exist. Knowing the importance of this need, as First Vice of The National AMVETS Riders, I am initiating a membership incentive program.
The incentive program is as follows:1. For every Riders member that gets a person to join BOTH the AMVETS, Sons
of AMVETS, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary AND the AMVETS Riders, that member will receive a Riders Challenge Coin from me.
2. For every Riders member that gets five new AMVETS Riders members, that member shall receive a Challenge coin and a recruiter’s patch from me.
3. The Chapter that has the most new Riders members (excluding Charter members of a newly formed chapter) shall receive Recognition and a National Award at the 2013 Convention.
4. The Chapter having the highest Percentage gain shall also receive Recognition and a National Award at the 2013 Convention.
5. The member recruiting the most new members, shall be nationally recognized and awarded, as well.
These incentives are not earth shattering by any stretch, but are my way of personally thanking our members for helping build our organization. The methods of redeeming the coins and awards, as well as recruitment ideas, shall be posted on the website and will also be listed in future emails. I would also like to hear your ideas about recruitment and share them with other chapters around the country.
MIA Remains IdentifiedThe Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced
that the remains of a serviceman, killed in action during the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military onors. Army Capt. James M. Johnstone, of Baton Rouge, La., will be buried Dec. 12, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov. 19, 1966, Johnstone was the pilot of an OV-1A Mohawk aircraft that crashed while conducting a daytime reconnaissance mission over Attapu Province, Laos. Nearby U.S. aircrews reported seeing the wing of Johnstone’s aircraft hit a tree during a climb to avoid a nearby ridgeline. No parachutes were seen exiting the aircraft. Heavy enemy presence in the area prevented recovery efforts. honors. Army Capt. James M Johnstone, of Baton Rouge, LA was buried December 12th in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov 19, 1966, Johnstone was the pilot of an OV-1A Mohawk aircraft that crashed while conducting a daytime reconnaissance mission over Attapu Province, Laos. Nearby US aircrews reported seeing the wing of Johnstone’s aircraft hit a tree during a climb to avoid a nearby ridgeline. No parachutes were seen exiting the aircraft. Heavy enemy presence in the area prevented recovery efforts.
From 1993 to 2009, joint U.S.-Lao People’s Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), interviewed multiple witnesses, and conducted several investigations and excavations of the crash site in Attapu Province. The teams located human remains, military equipment, an identification card bearing Johnstone’s name, and aircraft wreckage of an OV-1A, which correlated with the last known location of Johnstone’s aircraft. To identify the remains, scientists from JPAC analyzed circumstantial evidence and used forensic identification tools, such as dental comparisons. Today, the U.S. government continues to work closely with the governments of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to recover Americans lost during the Vietnam War.
New Online Resource is Vets’ Guide to Long Term Care Option —
Helps Veterans and their Families Make Important Decisions
Almost half of our nation’s Veterans are over 65. VA is working to meet their needs by providing information for Veterans and caregivers about long term care services and settings. We are also providing decision aids that help with making plans for long term care now and in the future. All of this information is available online in the Guide to Long Term Care, which provides descriptions of Home and Community Based Services as well as Nursing Homes and Residential Setting options. Using home and community based services allows Veterans to remain independent and in their own homes. Some Veterans may be able to receive more than one service at a time, and some of the services are available in residential care settings. Home and community-based services include:
•AdultDayHealthCare•HomeBasedPrimaryCare•HomemakerandHomeHealthAideCare•HospiceandPalliativeCare•TheProgramforAll-InclusiveCarefortheElderly(PACE)•RespiteCare•SkilledHomeHealthCare•TelehealthandVeteran-DirectedCare.Nursing home and residential settings include: Adult Family Homes, Assisted
Living Facilities, Community Living Centers (used to be called VA Nursing Homes), Community Nursing Homes, Medical Foster Homes and State Veterans Homes.Five Basic Questions
For each service or setting five basic questions are answered to help inform Veterans and caregivers:
1. What is it?2. Am I eligible for it?3. What service can I get?4. How do I decide if this service is right for me?5. What do other Veterans and caregivers say about it?The site includes the full spectrum of long term care options and lists services
that VA pays for and some that are new and emerging or that VA does not pay for. Eligibility is based on clinical need and service or setting availability. This Guide also has decision aids – the Shared Decision Making Worksheet (for Veterans) and the Caregiver Self-Assessment. Veterans use the Guide to think about their needs and options as they complete the worksheet and to encourage their family caregiver or other support person to complete the Caregiver Self-Assessment. Then, when Veterans are ready, they can talk with their care providers about their health needs and call or visit a VA social worker to talk about long term care. The online guide can be accessed at www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare
New VA Form Available for Ordering Veterans’ Grave Marker Medallion
The Department of Veterans Affairs has streamlined the process for families of deceased Veterans to receive a medallion which can be affixed to grave markers at private cemeteries and indicates the Veteran status of the deceased. “This new form streamlines the ordering process, making it easier for families to order the medallion,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The families want everyone to know that their loved one was a Veteran. We should help them do that in any way we can.” Previously, families ordered the medallion using the form to order a government headstone or marker. VA has introduced a new form – VA Form 40-1330M – for use solely to order a medallion. The older form, VA Form 40-1330, remains in place to order a traditional government headstone or marker.
The medallion is a device furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or grave marker for Veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. Under federal law, eligible Veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the medallion, but not both. The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1-1/2 inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top and the Veteran’s branch of service at the bottom. Next of kin receive the medallion, along with a kit that allows the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover. The medallion is available only to Veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.
More information about the medallion or headstones and markers can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmorder.asp. To download the VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion, go to http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-1330M.pdf. VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. Nearly four million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict – from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan – are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres.
Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone, grave marker or medallion.
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State Executive Committee MeetingRecognition Dinner for President Cyndi Emdia
October 2012
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JANUARY 2013
State Executive Committee MeetingRecognition Dinner for President Cyndi Emdia
October 2012
Support Our Troops
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JANUARY 2013
State Executive Committee MeetingRecognition Dinner for President Cyndi Emdia
October 2012
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State Executive Committee MeetingRecognition Dinner for President Cyndi Emdia
October 2012
JANUARY 2013
AMVETS Lay Wreaths for MIAPThe Wreaths Across America
Ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on December 15, 2012. Well over 250 people turned out to volunteer and place nearly 1,300 wreaths on the graves of fallen comrades and their spouses. Prior to the laying of the wreaths, a short ceremony was held with Colonel William DeHaes, Commander of the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard serving as keynote speaker. He took the time to thank the many veterans on hand to participate in the event, but also to recognize the unsung heroes in a service member’s life…those family members who keep the home front alive. The National Anthem was performed by students from Van Meter School with Honor Guard duties done by Company “A” 49th Regiment.
For the fifth year, the event was organized by Patrick Palmersheim, former Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. Palmersheim told the gathering that
in the first year of the event, only five people attended to lay the wreaths. He was very grateful to the many on hand this year. Rita Heithoff-Holt, mother of PFC Ryan Heithoff, killed in Iraq, was on hand to lay the ceremonial wreath representing the US Army. Each branch of the service was represented by mothers, wives, sons and brothers of veterans from WWII to the Gulf Wars, who have died and are buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
At the conclusion of the Memorial Ceremony, volunteers spread out to areas around the cemetery to lay the wreaths. Department of Iowa 2nd Vice Commander, Ivan Hankins, was in attendance to place the wreath on the grave of his father, Ivan Hankins II, who passed away a couple of years ago and is interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Volunteers stood back to allow respective family members time to place the wreaths at their loved ones headstones. After a shared moment of silence with the Hankins family, AMVETS had the distinct honor of placing the wreaths on the headstones of the veterans and their spouses who were laid to rest last June 29th as part of the Missing in America Project. Hankins, with Post 49 Riders in Cedar Falls, served as the Iowa organizer and contact with the National Missing in America Project, which located and
participated in helping to bring 21 veterans (and two of their spouses) to their final resting location at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. The remains of these veterans had been stored on the shelves of a local funeral home. AMVETS, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders members from Des Moines Post 2, Cedar Falls Post 49 and Colfax Post 50 were on hand to help place wreaths for this very solemn event.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is Remember, Honor and Teach. It is carried out, in part, by coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies which began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 by businessman Morrill Worchester, and has spread to veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Thousands of volunteers organize events on a select Saturday in December, raise funds to sponsor wreaths and participate in the ceremonies. Wreaths for the event cost $15 each and are supplied by a company in Maine. All wreaths are paid for through individual wreath sponsors, corporate donations and volunteer truckers who bring in the wreaths from Maine. At the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, funds fell short to purchase enough wreaths for all the gravesites this year. Corporate sponsors Casey’s General Stores and Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino stepped forward to pick up the remaining costs for all wreaths. Plans are already in the works for next year’s events.
Ivan Hankins lays the wreath in his father’s honor as part of the Wreaths Across America at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa this past December.
Volunteers spread out to lay wreaths after family members honored their loved ones.
