Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars *Bringing All Veterans Together* August 2012

GENERAL ORDERS

No. 2

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“SPECIAL NOTICE – SPECIAL NOTICE” Absence of the Commander: During the period of 20 to 26 July, State Commander David D. Williams and all Department Officers will be attending the National Convention in Reno, NV. Anyone needing assistance are to contact State Inspector Donald W. Linscott Jr @ 782-6873, cell 318-8535 or e-mail [email protected]. ************************** 1. October CoA Meeting: Will be held on 13-14 October 2012. The Headquarters Hotel will be the Ramada Inn @ 357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME tel: 947-6961. Rates for the rooms will be $85.00 + Tax. Please make sure that you let them know that you are with the VFW. The CoA meeting will be held at the Norman N. Dow-Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761, Bangor located @ 1368 Hammond St., Bangor, ME on October 14 @ 8:30 am. The following meetings will be held on Saturday, 13 October 2012 at the Ramada Inn: 9:30 am – VSO Cmtee 10:30 – Audit & Finance 2. State President Testimonial: Will be held on 13 October 2012 at the Ramada Inn, Bangor, ME. Cost of banquet tickets is $23.50 per person. Please mail your check to: Frances Bowen, 490 Main Rd North, Hampden, ME 04444 NLT 3 October 2012. Any questions, please call Frances Bowen at 942-4100. 3. Special Mailing: A special mailing will be done by the State Adjutant office to all Post and District Commanders, Department Officers and Chairmen containing the following information: 2012-13 Directory, Membership and Community Activities program, Department By-Laws and many forms (i.e., Buddy Poppy, Bond, Graves Registration, etc.) that must be used for the year 2012-13. All Post Commanders are asked to make sure that this information is passed on to their respective chairmen as soon as the package is received by you. 4. State Commander Special Request: As was announced at the recent CoA meeting, any Posts wishing to have the State Commander attend Post functions (This includes any type of functions, i.e., cook outs, awards presentations, etc.) to contact the State Adjutant Office at least 4 weeks in advance to give him time to schedule it. 5. CoA and Cmtee Members: District Commanders are reminded that in case you are unable to attend the CoA meeting that a representative is sent in your place. All CoA and Cmtee members are advised that you must notify both the State Commander and the State Adjutant if you are unable to attend a Council of Administration (CoA) meeting for the year 2012-13. Also, a copy of your report MUST be forwarded to the State Adjutant prior to the CoA meeting for presentation at the meeting. CoA members are also reminded 1

not to purchase the 2012-13 By-Laws/Manual of Procedures book as they will be purchased by the Department. 6. Buddy Poppies: Ordering of Buddy Poppies will be completed thru the State Quartermaster Alfred E. Michaud Sr. (Order form is enclosed in these GOs). Cost of the Poppies is $57.50 per 500 with a minimum order of 500. Make your check payable to “Department of Maine, VFW” and forward your order to “QM Alfred E. Michaud Sr., 82 Dunham Rd., Vassalboro, ME 04989.” 7. Deputy District Inspectors: At the request of State Inspector Donald W. Linscott Jr., District Commanders are reminded as per his comments at the CoA meeting at the installation that all Deputy District Inspectors conclude their District/Post inspections and turn in their reports to him NLT 31 October 2012. 8. Patriot Day, September 11: Per Presidential Proclamation, September 11th is designated as “Patriot Day.” The President request the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff (sunrise to sunset) and a moment of silence observed in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on that day. 9. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 17: Posts should conduct an appropriate ceremony. Information on conducting a ceremony can be found in the current VFW Manual of Procedure. Anyone needing a speech; please contact the State Adjutant’s office. 10. Deadline for General Orders: The deadline for Department Officers and Committee Chairmen is still the 20th of each month @ 5 pm for submission of information to this office. You can send it via USPS to 64 Washburn St., B-1; Caribou, ME 04736-2125, fax it to 207-496-3713 or email to [email protected]. There will be no extension given. 11. District/Post Commanders (Bonding): Attention is called to the provisions of Section 703 of the National By-Laws which require that each officer accountable for funds or property pursuant to any provision of these By-Laws shall be bonded with an indemnity company as surety in a sum at least equal to the amount of the liquid assets for which, so far as can be anticipated, he may be accountable. The bond premium shall be paid from the funds of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department, District, County Council or Post, as the case may be, to which each officer is accountable. The bonds of such accountable officers, in amount and as to surety, shall be approved by their respective units and held by their respective Commanders. The Commander of each unit shall be responsible for the proper and adequate bonding of all accountable officers in his unit. 12. Post Trustees Reports: Section 218(11) of the Manual of Procedure, Duty of Post Trustees, requires that the Post Commander shall see that the Post Trustees Reports of Audit are properly prepared and submitted each quarter. 13. District Adjutants: Article VII, Section 7 of the Dept of Maine By-Laws states: Each District Adjutant in the Department of Maine shall submit a true copy of each District meeting minutes to the Department Adjutant not later than seven (7) days following each District meeting. (NOTE: These minutes can be either e-mailed and/or mailed and the signature of the District Adjutant is no longer required.) 14. Change of Name - Sec. 208: A Post may, after at least thirty (30) days written notice to the Department

Commander and members of the Post, change its name upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting. Upon recommendation of the Department Commander, an amended Charter will be issued by the Commander-in-Chief. No change may be effected until an amended Charter is issued. 2

A Post shall not change its name to the name of a living person nor adopt a name already adopted by any other Post in good standing in the Department. 15. Administrative Operations: Just a reminder to all Post Commanders and Post Quartermasters that you will not be receiving copies of the VFW Leadership Reference Material CDs this year. The VFW Leadership Reference Material will be available on-line in the Online Membership System (OMS). Post Election Reports must be submitted following Post election of officers in April and no later than June 1 to the National Headquarters. We encourage all Post Quartermasters to use the online Election Report process featured in the Online Membership System (OMS). For those Posts who do not have a computer, please contact the State Adjutant office and a copy will be forwarded to your Post. 16. Life Membership Pay Out – 2013: The Cottonwood Group, a professional actuarial firm, recently completed an evaluation of the Life Membership Fund. Based on this evaluation, the Life Membership Board of Trustees, with the concurrence of the National Council of Administration, pursuant to Section 111 of the VFW By-Laws, has determined that, for the 2012 membership year, the Life Membership Fund will pay out $3.08 for each Plan A, B and C life member, $3.60 for each Plan D life member and $8.34 for each Plan E life member to their Post, Department and to National Headquarters. Payment will be made in September 2012 for all life members recorded as of August 31, 2012. In addition, $8.34 will be paid in January 2013 for each life member processed from September through December 2012 (Plan E) to their Post, Department and to National Headquarters. 17. Directory Changes: None until the September GOs. 18. District Meetings: None at this time as this office received the last District meetings. All District Commanders will be notified of the Department Representative via e-mail. 19. Dates to Remember: August 25-26 – National Council of Administration Meeting, Kansas City, MO 7-9 September – Commander-in-Chief Homecoming, Jacksonville, FL 10-13 September – Fall Legislative Committee Meeting, Washington, DC 4-8 October – Eastern States Conference, Garmish, Germany 11-14 October – Junior Vice Commander/Adjutant/Quartermaster Conference, Kansas City, MO OFFICIAL

BY ORDER OF:

Andre L. Dumas

David D. Williams

ANDRE L. DUMAS State Adjutant

DAVID D. WILLIAMS State Commander

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State Commander David D. Williams To: All My Fellow Veterans, We are now a month into the year. In the near future, every Post will be receiving all their Programs for the New Year. The Department of Maine has not been 100 % in membership in many years. My Goal is to Achieve 100 % in Membership and in Reporting for Community Activities. So with everyone's help, I really believe we can do it. Remember my motto “Bringing All Veterans Together” we should have no problem. All Post Commanders should have all their Committees filed by now. Also, remember as the Post Commander, it is your duty to know when the District Meetings are and to attend them. You can bring some of your Officers with you so they know what's going on in the District and the State also. That’s how we all learned so when it’s their time to move up, they will know what to expect. I'd like to thank all my Chairmen and Chairpersons for all their hard work to date and for all the work you do for all our Veterans. Also, remember that we have a VFW Service Office at Togus and they are there to assist anyone who needs their services. We are looking for a Hospital Chairperson who has time to give and it would really be nice if they lived in or near Augusta. Next month, I will have news from the National Convention. Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer and remember to help a Veteran in Needs. Yours in Comradeship

David D. Williams DAVID D. WILLIAMS State Commander

“Bringing All Veterans Together”

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Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW Randolph S. Michaud, Chaplain June 20 – July 15, 2012 “May our Comrades Rest in “Eternal Peace in Post Eternity?” District 1 6187 * BARLOW, John W. - Vietnam DIONNE, Douglas P. 9389 * TARDIE, Wilmer A. – WW II LANGLEY, Jeffrey G. 9609 * JONES, Robert – WW II OUELLETTE, Normand – WW II ROY, Hercules R. – Korea District 2 4154 * BARNETT, Kenneth M. – WW II District 3 9779 * WOODRUFF, Dennis A. – Vietnam 11553 * DRISCOLL, John R. – WW II District 4 3381 * Bouchard, Francis E. BRISETTE, David L. District 8 9526 * SOUTHER, Harry District 9 9459 * COTE, Raymond L. District 10 832 * LUNT, Kenneth F. Jr.

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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMANDER’S SPECIAL PROJECT MAINE VETERANS’ HOMES LIAISON VETERANS CEMETERY - CENTRAL David C. Olson SVC: Greetings Comrades! Summer is certainly here and I hope all of you are enjoying the weather. On the Fourth of July, Commander Williams, his wife Betsy and I visited the Old Orchard Beach Post where they had a very nice buffet – burgers, dogs, salads etc. We played a few games of pool and had a couple of cold beverages. As most of you know, the National Convention is coming up fast and look forward to seeing as many comrades there from Maine as possible. This is a brand new year and we need to continue to keep MEMBERSHIP as our number 1 priority, let’s get these recruiting events underway – AND don’t forget to fill out the FORM. RECRUIT * RETAIN * REINSTATE Commanders Special Project: A BIG THANK YOU to Post 10881, Farmington, Post 2599 Presque Isle and Post 9, Gardiner for their recent contributions to the Commanders Special Project and to date we stand at $625.00. Would like to hear from EVERY post – at your next meeting, make the motion to support The Commanders Special Project and send your check to me – David C. Olson, Dept SVC, 1124 Brighton Ave., Ste 28, Portland, ME 04102. Be sure that you make the check out to the Dept of Maine VFW and on the memo line put Commanders Special Project – Veterans Assistance. THANK YOU Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association Central: In this edition of the GO’s, there is a form for ordering Bricks. This is a great way to remember a Veteran and the cost is only $110 – a bargain for a lasting Memorial. To order: Make your check payable to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association and along with $110 for each brick ordered, send to me: David C. Olson, Dept SVC, 1124 Brighton Ave., Ste 28, Portland, ME 04102. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ***************************** JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER VOICE OF DEMOCRACY * PATRIOT’S PEN * TEACHER OF THE YEAR Ronald F. Smith Comrades, as we look forward to the National Convention, I just want to remind everyone that there will be more information forth coming on the Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen and Teacher of the Year when I return from the convention. District Commanders can look forward to receiving a guidelines package in August. Meanwhile, I received a call from the Red Cross saying they are in need of Blood. Let’s get to the cause and donate some life saving fluids. See you all when we get back from Reno. In Comradeship. ****************************** QUARTERMASTER VAVS * BUDDY POPPY * CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSURANCE & BOND * MEN’S AUXILIARY DIRECTOR Alfred E. Michaud Sr. Trustee Reports: Are the responsibility of the Post Trustees and Post Commander, be sure to stay on top of this throughout the year. Reports are mailed to the State Quartermaster, not the State Inspector. Bonding: All Post and Auxiliary’s are required to be bonded. New request form and price have been mailed to Post Commanders and District Commanders via State Adjutant. Remember; order the new bond between 1 August and 31 December 2012. New bonding issue is if you are a Quartermaster and handle any money from Gaming, Sealed Tickets, Bingo, Canteen, Canteen Manager, Canteen Employee, Gaming 6

machines; then you must also be bonded for that type of bond also besides the Quartermaster Bond if you go through the Department. The Quartermaster is no longer covered by all under one Bond. VAVS: Donations need to be made out to VAVS and mailed to me for credit. Was type-o in last GO’s said make out to “Department of Maine” which was incorrect Men’s Auxiliary: No request for training received so there will be no Men’s Auxiliary training held. Treasurers, keep up the great work your doing submitting your Trustee reports and dues to the Department. Cards and Labels: All purchased cards and labels from National gives a sty pence to the Department and those funds are used to support our VSO. QM Poppies: There is confusion on what is being said or written, so to clear it up here goes; at the COA, a question was asked by Marvin Woodbury through his District Commander if we could put the dates on the form for Post that wish to have the State Quartermaster double check their order to insure enough were ordered to cover the 5 poppies per member, as stated at the COA so the dates on the form are only for those who wish their numbers double checked, it is the slowest time for the State QM, so time is available to do it. Poppies can be ordered any time of the year as stated at the COA through the Department Quartermaster regardless of what is written on the form, even though most Posts use an earlier form, no form or scratch paper to submit orders. In last month GO’s, it said order your Poppies between 1 Aug and 31 Dec, that should have been worded clearer to say those wishing a double check on amounts. To help end some of the confusion when placing your order the day you are submitting the form cannot be the date requesting them for delivery. From the time you fill out form and mail to me, and I fill out a form to send to National and then they process it and send the Poppies to you takes about 6 to 8 weeks total turnaround time. If you have not received them in that time frame, contact the State Quartermaster and we will track down the order through National. The other statement made at the COA was to remember when to ordering Poppies and Bonds; it would be easier to remember if you did them both at same time. It was a comment not a mandate as some where led to believe. Things would have been clearer if while giving the report we were not interrupted every other sentence. Poppy Chairman: Poppies are a good way to help support our fellow Hospitalized Veterans who need a helping hand. There are Buddy Poppies, POW/MIA Poppies; Bicentennial Poppies just to name a few. Any time is Poppy time. As for the Poppy Contest for National 2013, we are hoping we have some type of participation this year. The sooner you order them through the State Quartermaster the sooner you can work on your project. **************************** JUDGE ADVOCATE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY Gerald L. Francis JA: The good thing, I have not had to assist any Posts as of yet, it would be great if we do not have any problems this year. The Department Judge Advocate shall give the Department Commander , Council of Administration and Department Convention such legal assistance, incident to his office and perform such other duties as may from time to time be required by the laws and usages of the organization or lawful orders from proper authority. Hello Comrades, while the State Judge Advocate is not here to adjudicate issues on the Post or even the District level, (unless so ordered by the State Commander), I am in the position to assist and help educate on a broad variety of subjects: Everything from drafting By-Laws to outlines for how to close or consolidate a Post. I am also pleased to provide any assistance I can to deal with those special issues that arise from time to time and which seem, somehow, do not exactly fit neatly into the By-Laws. I will probably not be able to give you an answer right away but I will research the incident and get back to you with the answer. 7

Community Activities/Americanism/Loyalty Day: As you will notice, I changed the Activity Program Status Report to reflect the amount of Poppies ordered and donations reported for National Military Service, Commanders Special Project, Togus Aid as Reported by the Department Chairmen so you will not have to wait to the end of the year to insure that you have ordered enough poppies or donated the proper amount of funds for All State or All American Status. There are many posts have I have not received an activity report yet this year District Commanders: PLEASE CHECK ON THESE POSTS AND ASSIST THEM IN GETTING REPORTED !!! Posts and Districts Commanders, you should appoint an Activities Chairman as soon as possible after you take command. The Chairman should start a log listing all of activities that your Post or District and Auxiliaries have done with how many members, hours, miles, funds spent on the activities and a short description of the activity. Prior to the 18th of the month, submit an activity report on thru the Department Web site or by E-mail to [email protected] or mail to Gerald L. Francis, 330 Waldo St., Rumford, Maine 04276. The following activities you will not be credited in the GO’s until the Chairman of that activity reports to me that you have completed that activity: VOD, PP, NMS, Buddy Poppy, Commander’ Special Project, Togus Aid, and Recruiter’s Booth. Comrades the reporting period for activities starts May 1 to April 30th and is required to be submitted monthly by the 18th to be entered in the GO’s for credit. ****************************** SURGEON IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN VETERANS SAFETY & DRUG ABUSE * BOOD BANK Steven J. SanPedro, Chairman SG: Comrades: The American Red Cross recently announced that they are in need of blood donors. Due to the disasters across the United States and a decrease of more than 10% in blood donations, the Red Cross is 50,000 pints short for the month. A special need for O positive, O Negative, A and B Negative bloods are needed to meet the demands for this summer. So please take the time and donate or even set up a blood drive at your Post to help out our fellow Americans. Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans – As I prepare for departure for the VFW 113th National Convention in Reno, Nevada, I am excited. I will once again meet with my fellow committee members to discuss ways to help and recruit the current conflict Veterans. So I hope to bring back lots of information for next months’ GO’s. As always I can be reached at [email protected] ****************************** CHAPLAIN Randolph S. Michaud Comrades: When reporting the death of a Comrade, please use the online form that is located on the Maine VFW website: http://mainevfw.org/. Please, do not just send me an email as some people are leaving out some important information that is on the form. If you do not have a computer, then please snail mail me the form along with the obituary for that Comrade. Post Commanders, please inform your Chaplain or Adjutant to send in the graves registration forms, it is vital in keeping track of our deceased comrades. Chaplains Thought of the Month: It is so refreshing to know that we can rest in the strength and comfort that God will provide when facing troubles of many kinds. Let him have the glory and show himself strong. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him. God wants to show himself strong on your behalf, surrender to him today 8

and let the peace that he gives you take over. We cannot fully serve God without fully surrendering to his strength. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it .

May you all have a wonderful and safe summer: Chaplain Michaud. ***************************** STATE CHIEF of STAFF STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN CONVENTION CHAIRMAN for: 2012 - 2013 Arthur J. Roy, PSC The Capt Frank W. Hulett VFW Post 1603 in Auburn will Host the 2013 Convention on Friday, June 14th & June 15th @ the RAMADA INN on 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, Maine which is off Exit 80 of the Maine Turnpike. MORE INFO WILL FOLLOW. OUR GOAL IS TO SEE ALL POSTS AT 100% - PLEASE STUDY THE PROGRAM AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS DON'T HOLD BACK - CALL ME OR E-MAIL ME ASAP. THE TEAM CAN'T HELP YOU IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU NEED STATE COMMANDER DAVID WILLIAMS THEME FOR THIS YEAR IS: BRINGING "ALL VETERANS" TOGETHER AND THIS CAN AND WILL HAPPEN IF EVERYONE PULLS TOGETHER. VFW Post 9394 Kittery, VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle, VFW Post 9779 Calais, VFW POST 6859 Portland and VFW Post 1641 Rumford are the 1st Post SO FAR TO COMPLETE A RECRUITING BOOTH. We have around 5 Posts that have plans for their Event already and I hope you all do well. - ALSO, REMEMBER: RETAIN - RECRUIT & REINSTATED MEMBERS THE QUOTA SHEET w/ YOUR DIVISIONS IS ATTACHED TO THESE GO'S – QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL. ***************************** IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER POW/MIA * WREATH ACROSS AMERICA Kevin G. Woodward, PSC/Chairman WAA: Wreaths Across America has to rally supporters to sponsor wreaths for our veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. How can you help? Tell others how you feel about our veterans. The biggest impact comes from people who share their support with their friends and their community, and invite others to do the same. Talk to your friends, family, community members, small businesses as well as the larger corporations in your area. Hold a “What a Difference a Day Makes” event in your area. (Call or email me for more information on this.) Remember that $5.00 will come back to the department for each $15.00 sponsorship. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA make sure that you put MEAmb1-1in the memo field of your check, and send them to me at: 1 Johnson Lane Machiasport, ME 04655 DO NOT make the check-out to the Department. POW/MIA: "Keeping the Promise", "Fulfill their Trust" and "No one left behind" are several of many mottos that refer to the efforts of the Department of Defense to recover those who became missing while serving our nation. More than 83,000 Americans are missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War. Hundreds of Defense Department men and women -- both military and civilian -- work in organizations around the world as part of DoDs personnel recovery and personnel accounting communities. They are all dedicated to the single mission of finding and bringing our missing personnel 9

home. The mission requires expertise in archival research, intelligence collection and analysis, field investigations and recoveries, and scientific analysis. Current Status of Unaccounted-for Americans Lost in the Vietnam War Vietnam Laos Cambodia China Total Original Missing 1,971 575 90 10 2,646 Repatriated and Identified 689 257 33 3 982 Remaining Missing 1,282 318 57 7 1,664 126 American service members are unaccounted for from Cold War missions. 7959 American service members are unaccounted for from the Korean War. 73,681 American service members are unaccounted for from WWII 2 American service members are unaccounted for from Desert Storm ***************************** MEMBER, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINSITRATION, MAINE Thomas R. Lussier, MNCAM Greeting Comrades, Not much has happened since my last article however I would like to take a moment and wish everyone an enjoyable and safe summer.

Ann Landers “Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.” ****************************** HISTORIAN Robert H. Bernard, PSC As you all know, I am once again proud to be our new Commander (Dave Williams) Historian and I will be documenting his year through photos and news items. There are going to be times when I will not be available to attend an event or meeting that Dave will be attending. This is where I will need your continued support by sending or emailing me photo/pictures, newspaper articles, papers, programs, or any information about our Commander. I want to put together the best possible history book that I can for his year and with your help I can. I would like to congratulate our Current Past Commander Kevin Woodward for having a great year. I am proud to have been his Historian. Please send the information to: Bob Bernard, 78 Robie St., Gorham, ME 04038 or e-mail [email protected]. Thank You. ****************************** BOWLING * GOLF *CREDENTIALS * WAYS & MEANS Paul S. Colburn, Chairman Ways & Means: Commanders: You will be receiving your tickets in the near future. You are asked to please push this. Drawing will be at the State Convention June 2013. Tickets are $1.00 a piece or 6 for $5.00. Winners do not have to be present to win and ONLY one winning ticket per person. Please send your money and tickets to Paul S. Colburn, 65 14th St, Bangor, ME 04401. Should you have any questions, please call @ 945-9850 or email [email protected]. Prizes awarded will be as follows: 1st prize - $500.00 * 2nd prize - $200.00 * 3rd prize - $100.00 ****************************** 10

HOMELESS VETERANS VETERANS’ CEMETERY SOUTH James E. N. Bachelder, Chairman Homeless Veterans: We are looking for more financial support since the $3,000 the VA has is for items we do not need in Maine such as porta-pottys or tents. We also cut the Department’s donation of $1,000 to $500. We are looking for cheaper access to the clothing we distribute. Greg Skillman from the VA has contacted Stand-Down coordinators in other State and has information on where surplus clothing and equipment is stored. We will keep you informed. Please remember to make the “Welcome Baskets” like we asked for last year. This helps our Veterans when they do find a place to live. The list of items we put into the baskets will be found in another email as soon as the Department Officers return from Reno. This Department has supported our Homeless Veterans every year. Let’s continue to do the job. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call 477-2877 between 9 am to 9 pm. Veterans’ Cemetery South: We have a local business owner who will be riding his motorcycle to Florida as a fundraiser. He is asking many other business owners to donate during this trip. He hopes to raise $30,000 towards the gate project. Since the project is expected to cost $15,000, we should have money to put towards other projects we are planning. The cremation niches are in use and they are being occupied quickly. We are looking to buy the flower vases as used in the Northern Cemetery. The first one was placed on the Chairman’s daughter-in-law’s niche cover. Because of the summer vacations, we canceled our July meeting. We will be meeting at the regular time in August. Again, if you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] of call 477-2877 between 9 am and 9 pm. ****************************** LEGISLATIVE CONVENTION SITE SELECTON 2014 Peter F. Miesburger, PSC Legislative: My Fellow Comrades: Due to the State Adjutant’s request, I am submitting August General Orders early. There is nothing new on the radar at the current time in regards to Legislative issues. Congress will be on its annual summer vacation and will be in the process of working their election campaign throughout the State. My advice to all of you with the upcoming schedule election for 6 November 2012, when you meet any of the candidates, test their knowledge in regards to the various Municipal, County, State and Federal issues, don’t back down, you will be surprise the limited knowledge the candidates know. I know I was surprised with the candidates that I have talked with in regards to Veterans Rights and Entitlements. In last months’ General Orders, I posted several issues, for you to ask any of the candidates that you may meet. Remember don’t back down, these candidates need us, we don’t need them. I was recently asked why Martin’s Point Health Care would not be accepting any new Military Retirees over the age of 65 years after 12 October 2012. I checked this issue out and was informed that the Department of Defense is in the process of reviewing all TriCare contracts nationwide. As I receive more information in regards to both TriCare and Martin’s Point Health Care issues, I will keep all of you posted. Convention Site Selection 2014: As the 2014-2015 State Convention Site Selection Chairperson, the following is the guidelines to host the 2014-2015 Department of Maine VFW annual convention: Facilities large enough to host the Department Auxiliary opening program, meeting rooms, chapel’s memorial service, sufficient hotel/motel rooms and dining facilities to meet the needs of more than 300 delegates or more who will be attending the convention depending upon the location. Be advised that it has been recommended that starting with the 2014-2015 annual convention, there will be no longer the requirement to host the annual “CONVENTION BANQUET”, WHICH WILL NO LONGER EXIST. 11

Request to host the annual 2012 State Convention must be submitted to: Peter F. Miesburger, Chmn., Convention Site Selection 2014, Department of Maine, VFW, 9 Hardison Ave E., Caribou, Maine 047361607. Remember Commander Dave’s Theme: “Bringing Veterans Together” and don’t forget our “Female Veterans”, Also Remember We Were Soldiers Once and Young. ***************************** MAINE VETERANS’ HOMES TRUSTEE Arnold L. Leavitt, PSC, Chairman On July 30th, the Board of Directors of Maine Veterans’ Homes met at the Bangor State Veterans Home. This gave us an opportunity to visit the recently expanded Therapy Department and see firsthand the expanded facility which includes 4,600 square feet for the therapy services. This additional space accommodates state-of-the-art new facilities. It includes the HydroWorx Therapy Pool, ZeroG System, Dynavision D2 and a Therapy Apartment Suite. HydroWorx Therapy Pool: The HydroWorx pool takes advantage of the resident's buoyancy in water to receive immediate rehabilitative results as hydrostatic pressure, water temperature and resistance combine to enhance their rehab process. This pool includes underwater cameras to monitor the resident's performance, a variable speed treadmill, and a harness system to assist residents in and out of the pool. ZeroG Overground Gait & Balance System: ZeroG is the world's most advanced overground gait and balance training system. It allows residents to safely practice intensive physical therapy early in their rehabilitation, a factor shown to be related to enhanced outcomes. Dynavision D2: The Dynavision D2 is a state-of-the-art sophisticated visuomotor and cognitive assessment/training system that helps residents improve their hand-eye coordination, reaction times and reaction speeds. Therapy Apartment Suite: A therapy apartment was created to evaluate and prepare residents receiving outside nursing care for discharge so they could readjust to their surroundings outside of the facility. Having this service ensures the resident is prepared for daily tasks in a homelike environment. This new therapy facility is something we can all be proud of. ****************************** MEMBERSHIP STATE RECRUITER – CENTRAL Herman L. Littlefield Jr., Recruiter Not too much to report for the recruiting side for this mouth, all is good. I would like to hear from the four Districts, you all have my e-mail address if not, it is in the book. Email addy is: [email protected] ****************************** MEMBERSHIP STATE RECRUITER – SOUTH Raymond W. Farnham, Recruiter June was a busy month for non-recruiting activities. However, I assisted Kittery Post 9394 at the Kittery block party and South Berwick Post 5744 at the Strawberry Festival. Both Posts picked up new members. I perceive my role as assisting only. I do not take credit for signing up recruits at Post events; that credit goes to the team from the Post I’m supporting. I may take an occasional credit at a Yellow Ribbon event. Ray ****************************** 12

NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden, Chairman Comrades help pave the walkways of the VFW National Home with love and hope with a TRIBUTE BRICK. A personalized Tribute Brick is a wonderful way to honor a friend or loved one and leave a lasting mark on the campus of the National Home. You can customize your 4" x 8" brick with your three-line message. (1) Remember a loved one. (2) Honor a friend, comrade or sister. (3) Show your gratitude to a family member. (4) Celebrate a milestone in your life or (5) Set up your own name in stone. Each brick is only $100.00. Your purchase includes a commemorative certificate with a representation of your brick and its approximate location on the National Home campus. For more info or help you can call the National Home at 800-424-8360. What say Comrades, let’s help the children at the VFW National Home. Thank you and God Bless. Chuck Warden, Chmn. ***************************** NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE Christopher L. Armstrong, Chairman Hello all: Hope all is well this summer! I have been busy with the Unmet Needs program and there has been a lot of activity with the Adopt a Unit program which is very nice to see! I need to remind every Post that this year, the Commander needs to have everyone send in their NMS donations to me to record and send to the State QM so that you get credit for it. A lot of checks have started, so I know most of you already know that. Hope all have a good summer and please call me with any questions about National Military Services. Thank you ****************************** BEALS HOUSE Louis A. Peterson II, PSC/Chairman There are no updates to report since -- as I mentioned in the July GOs -- we are now meeting only on a quarterly basis due to fuel costs and the distance that many Board members must travel to make the meetings. Our next scheduled meeting is in September. I do know that the House is running up to par, Thanks to your generous support. Please remember that your donations, no matter how large or small, are much needed in order to keep "Our House" in continuous working order. ****************************** WOMEN VETERANS Janet L. Michaud, Chairperson The Women’s Clinic is in need of Baby Items such as pacifiers, diapers (newborn, to 15 lbs), bottle brushes and other small items for diaper bags. The Patient Advocate is available to all Veterans at Togus who have questions about their care, please call 207-623-5760. A Women Veteran may be seen in the Women’s Clinic or Primary Care, the Veteran has the Choice!! Female Advocates who will assist with Claims and other paperwork are available for all female Veterans upon request; contact me for female Veterans available around the state who will assist. The “She Serves” site is available to all Women Veterans who join the VFW. They can blog and get other information concerning our particular needs. 13

District Commanders may set up an Award Ceremony which includes the Women’s Coin. The State of Mane Veteran Services Office can assist with a list of those Women Veterans in the area for your Ceremony. Let me know if you would like assistance setting one of these opportunities up for your community. E-mail [email protected] or call at (207) 649-3085 ****************************** YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman Dandy Funk Detective: Learn about life on Maine’s sailing ships from the past. A favorite food served on board was Dandy Funk – and we’ll make some. First though, he detectives as you figure out how we know what people ate aboard ships long ago. Badge Link: Snacks. Date: 29 Sept – Reg. by Sept 17 - start time 9:00 am - end time 12:00 pm - Town: Searsport levels D/B/J - Girls fee: $6.00 - Adult fee $0.00. Discover the Secrets of the Past. Join educators at the Strawberry Banke Museum and become an archaeologist in a tabletop excavation. Using trowels and brushes, unearth buried “artifacts” and learn how archaeologists study objects to discover the secrets of the past. After the workshop, spend time exploring the home life, entertainment, chores, play and work that took place in a New England city over four centuries. Journey Link: It’s Your Story-Tell it: Badge Link: Playing the Past. Date 29 Sept – Reg. by Sept 1st - Start time 1:00 pm – End time 4:00 pm – Town: Portsmouth, N.H. – Levels: B/J – Girls fee $11.00 – Adult fee $7.00. Girls of the Past: Take a trip back in time. Learn about the girls of the past and how they lived their lives. Learn many games, recipes, skills and more from the pioneer: Native Americans, African Americans and Colonial girls. Bring a lunch and spend the day. You can do the printing and painting in the afternoon (for an additional fee.) Journey Link: It’s Your Story Tell it. Date 29 Sep – Reg. by Sep 1st – Start time 9:00 am – End time 12:00 pm – Town: Hinkley – Level: J – Girl fee $6.00 – Adult fee $0.00. Sail Away MMA: It’s back, sail away at MMA is back by popular demand. Spend 2 nights on campus, tour the ships, experience touch tanks, engineering labs and sail on Penobscot Bay (weather permitting.) You will also receive a sail away at MMA patch and tote bag. Sign up soon as space is limited. Date Sep 1 st – Reg. by Sep 10th – Start time 6:00 pm – End time 9:30 am – Town: Castine – Levels: C/S/A – Girl fee $35.00 – Adult fee $35.00. Historical Geocaching: Explore sites of historic significance in Northern Maine. Get started on your geocacher badge by learning how to use a GPS receiver and go looking for geocaches around the area. GPS devices will be supplied and instructional demonstration will be given. Pack a bagged lunch to enjoy while on your hunt for history. Date Sept 29th – Reg. time Sep 17th – Start time 10:00 am – End time 2:00 pm – Town: Presque Isle – Levels: J/C/A – Girls fee $6.00 * Adult fee $0.00. ***************************** PUBLIC RELATIONS/RESOLUTIONS/BY-LAWS WEBSITE COORDINATOR CHAIRMAN 2012-2013 THOMAS R. LUSSIER, NCM [email protected] Comrades this year we will be awarding a plaque for the following: Most Post Newspaper Articles Best Post or District Newsletters Best Post Website All Newspaper articles and Post Newsletters must be emailed or mailed to me via USPS All Post Websites must submit them to the Department Website Coordinator 14

(Existing Post Websites will be included) ___________________________________________________________________________ PUBLIC RELATIONS Posts that have turned in clippings from Newspapers to date are: VFW Post 1603 Auburn (14), VFW Post 2197 Topsham (1), VFW Post 1285 Waterville (3) Post Newsletters received from VFW Post 10529 Yarmouth (2), VFW Post 2197 Topsham (2), VFW Post 9389 Caribou (1) VFW Post 6859 Portland (1), VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle (1) Post having an existing Website or have submitted their Website to the Website Coordinator Hayward-Frazier Post 2599, Deering Memorial Post 6859, Capt. Frank W. Hulett Post 1603, Floyd A. Harlow Jr. Post 9787, Old Orchard Memorial Post 7997, Ronald G. St. John Post 9328, Lister-Knowlton Post 9389, MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835 Norman N. Dow - Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761 “KEEP ALL YOUR MEMBERS INFORMED ON VFW ISSUES.” ___________________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTIONS/BY-LAWS The amended Department By-Laws have been sent to National for approval, as soon as we receive them the Department Adjutant will send them out to everyone and they will be posted on the website. ______________________________________________________________________________ Website Coordinator

The Department Website is in good working order.

15

1 1

Div 4 2

Post # 2599 6187

Name Presque Isle FortFairfield

1 1 1

6 3 3

9389 9609 9699

1

HIGH 570 228

6/30/2012 213 99

DUES: $26.00 $26.00

Caribou Fort Kent Ashland

867 526 291

484 152 127

$25.00 $26.00 $26.00

TOTALS

2482

1075

135 76

70 64

$25.00 $23.00

DIV-QUOTA-DUES

2 2

2 2

1438 1605

Lincoln Burlington

2

1

2299

ShermanSt

97

42

$21.00

2

3

4154

Millinocket

494

190

$30.00

2

2

7529

Island Falls

81

57

$26.00

2

2

9429

West Enfield

84

56

$22.00

TOTALS

967

479

2

FOR: 2012-2013

3 3 3 3

3 2 4

558 9779 11553

Eastport Calais Harrington TOTALS

184 85 237 506

134 70 202 406

$23.00 $22.00 $25.00

4 4 4 4 4 4

3 5 5 1 3

109 1761 3381 4527 4633

Ellsworth Bangor Old Town Orrington Hampden TOTALS

355 703 604 110 284 2056

189 342 345 40 144 1060

$25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $24.00 $25.00

5 5

3 2

3198 4298

323 141

103 98

$25.00 $25.00

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1 3 3 1 2 1 1

5723 6924 7865 7866 8934 10881 11191

Skowhegan Dexter Jackman Station Fairfield Madison Norridgewock Embden Farmington Newport TOTALS

57 436 163 69 138 45 65 1437

12 180 111 15 65 29 45 658

$25.00 $25.00 $21.00 $24.00 $23.00 $25.00 $20.50

6 6 6 6 6 6

1 4 1 2 1

3095 3108 4169 6131 9437

Friendship Belfast Vinalhaven Northport Washington TOTALS

128 320 81 230 135 894

37 214 18 80 50 399

$21.00 $26.00 $21.00 $26.00 $24.00

7 7 7 7 7

2 2 2 2

2197 4525 7738 8395

Topsham Waldoboro Bath New Harbor TOTALS

114 218 198 297 827

65 54 72 86 277

$25.00 $20.50 $20.50 $23.00

16

DUES QUOTA IS: 10,526 2011 - 2012 WAS 10,682 LOST OF 156 MEMBERS

DUES ARE: NATIONAL = $11.50 DEPT ==== $ 9.00 Total is: ---------$20.50 YOUR POST =$______ ADD FOR NEW MEMBER $1.00 Total is: - - - - - $______

8 8 8 8 8 8

2 5 6 5 2

9 887 1285 8835 9526

Gardiner Augusta Waterville Winslow Winthrop TOTALS

143 393 600 792 123 2051

87 329 457 418 58 1349

$25.00 $30.00 $28.00 $27.00 $25.00

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

4 4 5 3 4 3 1

1603 1641 3335 9150 9459 9787 11032

Auburn Rumford Jay Lewiston Lisbon South Paris Greene TOTALS

505 882 647 199 546 421 68 3268

261 253 405 122 227 193 44 1505

$30.00 $25.00 $25.00 $22.00 $30.00 $25.00 $26.00

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

6 2 6 1 2 1 3 2 1 1

832 6783 6859 7642 9328 9605 10529 10643 10879 11362

South Portland Lovell Portland East Hiram Harrison Long Island Yarmouth Windham Gorham Naples TOTALS

1701 110 1051 137 95 61 101 81 68 49 3454

564 57 473 41 56 24 102 74 31 39 1461

$30.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $30.00 $22.00 $25.00 $31.00 $25.00 $28.50

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

3 3 1 4 4 2 4

489 5744 6548 6977 7997 9394 9935

Biddeford SoBerwick Kennebunk York Beach O.O.B. Kittery Sanford TOTALS

489 158 121 348 322 126 506 2070

169 167 29 282 208 54 254 1163

$20.50 $21.00 $23.50 $30.00 $25.00 $26.00 $25.00

MAL

TOTALS

800

694

$35.00

17

ACTIVITIES PROGRAM STATUS REPORT

X

Recruiter’s Event--- Booth

X

$10

2000

National Military Service

X

CDR PROJECT

X

Togus Aid

X

X

Buddy Poppy

X

X

Youth

X

Safety

X

Blood Program

X

Patriot’s Pen

X

Voice of Democracy

X

POW/MIA

Loyalty Day

Americanism

DISTRICT 1 2599 Presque Isle 6187 Ft. Fairfield 9389 Caribou 9609 Ft. Kent 9699 Ashland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 2 1438 Lincoln 1605 Burlington 2299 Sherman 4154 Millinocket 7529 Island Falls 9429 West Enfield XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 3 558 Eastport 9779 Calais 11299 Perry 11553 Harrington XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 4 109 Ellsworth 1761 Bangor 3381 Old Town 4527 Orrington 4633 Hampden XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 5 3198 Skowhegan 4298 Dexter 5723 Jackman 6924 Fairfield 7865 Madison 7866 Norridgewock 8934 Embden 10881 Farmington 11191 Newport XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 6 3095 Friendship 3108 Belfast 4169 Vinalhaven 6131 Northport 9437 Washington XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Community Activities

Post/Location

X

X

500 X

X

X

X

X

500 X

X

X

X 1500

$600

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

18

1000

$50

Recruiter’s Event--- Booth

National Military Service

CDR PROJECT

Togus Aid

Buddy Poppy

9935 Sanford XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X X

Youth

5744 So. Berwick 6548 Kennebunk 6977 York Beach 7997 Old Orchard Beach 9394 Kittery

Safety

X

Blood Program

X

X

Patriot’s Pen

X X

Voice of Democracy

X X

POW/MIA

DISTRICT 7 2197 Topsham 4525 Waldoboro 7738 Bath 8395 New Harbor XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 8 9 Gardiner 887 Augusta 1285 Waterville 8835 Winslow 9526 Winthrop XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 9 1603 Auburn 1641 Rumford 3335 Jay 9150 Lewiston 9459 Lisbon 9787 South Paris 11032 Greene XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 10 832 So. Portland 6783 Lovell 6859 Portland 7642 East Hiram 9328 Harrison 9605 Long Island 10529 Yarmouth 10643 Windham 10879 Gorham 11362 Naples XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT 11 489 Biddeford

Loyalty Day

Americanism

Community Activities

Post/Location

X

X

X

X

X

2000

$25

500 $600 X X

X X X X

X X

X X

X

X X X X X X X X 100%

X X X X X X X X 100%

X X X X

X X X X

X X

X

X X

X

X

X X

1000 1500

$20

$20 $100

$25

X 1000

X

X

X $50

X X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X X X

X X X X X

1000

X X 1000 X

19

Testimonial State President Cynthia “Cindy” Cowling Let’s all get together to honor our Department of Maine President on this special occasion Location

Ramada Inn

Date & Time

October 13, 2012 Social Hour – 5:00 to 6:00 pm Banquet – 6:00 pm

Banquet Ticket Cost

$ 23.50

Dinner Menu

Beef Burgundy/Baked Haddock Mashed Potatoes, Noodles Fresh Vegetables, Tossed Salad Rolls, Assorted Desserts, Coffee/Tea

Dress Code

Business Casual (NO Jeans, shorts, T-shirts, Tank Tops)

Hotel Information

Ramada Inn 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, ME 04401 Tel: 1-207-947-6961

Rates

Standard Room $85.00 + Tax xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Please Reserve the following Meals: Total Tickets: __________ x $ 23.50 = __________ Name ______________________

Name ______________________

Name ______________________

Name ______________________

Make Your Check payable to:

Frances Bowen

Forward to:

Frances Bowen 490 Main Rd North Hampden, ME 04444 Tel #: 207-942-4100

Ticket Deadline: 3 October 2012 (No tickets will sold after the deadline – Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will no refunds on banquet tickets) (Special needs for Banquet, please notify Frances Bowen with your purchase of tickets request) 20

“VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION” BRICKS FOR THE MEMORIAL WALKWAY AT THE MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN AUGUSTA – MT.VERNON RD.

Form For Ordering Bricks 

    

Cost is $110.00 each 5 Lines w/ 10 Characters

“Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association”

David C. Olson, Chairman 1124 Brighton Ave- Suite 28 Portland, Maine 04102 Tel: 420-3653 [email protected] Please make checks payable to: “Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association”

Veterans Memorial Cemetery

12

Example: “IN MEMORY OF” can go on one line, as it is 10 Characters. In the event someone has a name with more than 10 Characters the size of those letters will be engraved smaller to fit on one line.

 Brick  Format

When in the Augusta area stop by and see the “MEMORIAL WALKWAY” – You’ll be impressed. Monuments, Large and Small are also available – All profits go for Beautification of Cemetery. 21