Joyce B. Preston NC VFW Auxiliary President 2016-17 706 Warrior Drive Tryon, North Carolina 28782 [email protected]

December 2016

828-859-5286

Members of the Department of North Carolina VFW Auxiliary, I hope all had a chance to enjoy their Thanksgiving and spent some time relaxing with Family and Friends! The end of November marks half of the year being over. It has flown by so fast for me and a lot of exciting things have happened this year! All those awards we got at the National Convention that was mentioned at the Council of Administration Meeting in October and I know we will continue to do the same this year. I attended the Southern Conference in Rogers, Arkansas at the end of October where our PDP Farres Upton was elected the Vice President for the Southern Conference! Isn’t that wonderful? We are so proud of her! PDP Janice Holm and PDP Nancy White were also there. Some items were won by Janice and Nancy at the banquet which they decided to give to Lois Callahan to use at the Hospitals in Arkansas since we were all flying. All three of them performed in a skit with me on the Patriotic Art Scholarship Contest. Fun – fun – fun. I rode in a Veterans Parade in Fayetteville thanks to PDP Jean Clark and the Fayetteville Post. I also participated in three Veterans Day Programs and the Columbus Veterans Day Parade with Commander Blevins who joined me for the ride. I represented the Auxiliary with pride and hope all of you are proud of my actions. Our District Meetings are starting in December with most of them are in January. A copy is enclosed with this month’s mail. This will put us in good standings for our Winter Council of Administration which will be at the Embassy Suites, 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd., Cary, North Carolina 27513, telephone number 919-677-1840 on 3-5 February 2017. Our Department Representatives are doing a great job and so are our District Presidents. Our Auxiliary Presidents are doing a great job too. I do appreciate each and every one of you. I got a surprise in the mail from Mount Olive VFW Auxiliary #9959 for the Homeless Veterans Special Project, a check for $425.00 they raised in a Bake Sale. It was a wonderful surprise and greatly appreciated. Do not forget to report all these great things you and your Auxiliary Members are doing. I was asked about fundraisers. If you have one and advertise it for a particular purpose, you do have to use it for that purpose. It is not really written in our By-laws but it is an IRS rule we have to go by. I hope this clears up any questions. 31 December is coming quickly and we have many officers that have not paid their dues as well as members. Those without the 2017 membership cards cannot hold an office, or attend Auxiliary meetings on any level, nor receive a cancer grant after January 1. Try to get as many members as possible to pay their dues; we need to be 100 plus percent for the “Circle of Excellence”. The Auxiliary and District Officers dues must be paid before 31 December 2016. The National Mid-Year Conference, 20 – 25 February 2017, is a Caribbean Cruise. Veterans Travel Services (VTS) is the only authorized travel agent for this trip. If any individual member wishes to book through a different source than VTS, they have the right to do so, but they will not be registered as a member of our group or able attend the special Auxiliary functions. Remember to keep veterans and military families in your holiday plans. Visit and assist shut-ins, provide meals and other aid to homeless veterans, visit those in hospitals and nursing homes. Include children of deployed troops in your holiday parties. Bringing a smile to someone else is the best way to bring a smile to you at the same time. Do not forget to remind members of the State Scholarships offered to children and grandchildren of NC Members; the Auxiliary’s Earline Mayberry Scholarships, as well as the VFW’s Billy Ray Cameron and Otis N. Brown Scholarships. Additional information is in this mailing.

Thanks you for what you do for our Veterans and their Families. Keep “Soaring for Veterans” and helping our Homeless Veterans! We have “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes” TM.

“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from me and all the Line Officers” Loyally, Joyce Preston Department President 2016-17

Roster Changes Auxiliary Roster Changes: • Dist 2 – Aux 7032 Greenville – New President: Nancy Bachelor, 2122 Yorkshire Dr., Greenville, NC 2785, ph: 252-364-8825, email: [email protected]

Member Notes and Illness Special Notes & Member Illness: • Scholarship Chrm Laura Verdon’s husband Bob fell and broke his hip. While in the hospital, he suffered several serious setbacks. Cards can reach Laura and Bob at: 709 Kingswood Dr., Cary, NC 27513-4620 • Past Dept President Jean Clark’s husband Jim is in Cape Fear Valley Hospital with pneumonia and an infection. Please keep Jean and Jim in your prayers. Cards can reach them at: 5820 Fairway Dr., Hope Mills, NC 28348 • Past National President Glenneta Vogelsang has had surgery. Cards may be sent to her at: 3806 Stonebridge Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-9539 Member Deaths • Dist 3 – Aux 2057 Rocky Mount – Aux member Reggie Dee Brown, husband of Cheryl Ann Brown who is the Assistant Veterans and Family Support Chairman, passed away on Nov 23 from cancer. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Dec 10 at 2 pm at the Rocky Mount VFW Post, 11270 Hwy 97 W, Rocky Mount. Cards can reach Cheryl Ann at: 1713 Boone St. Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Cards can reach Cheryl Ann at: 1713 Boone St., Rocky Mount, NC 27803 • Dist 7 - Aux 7383 Cary - longtime active Life member Phyllis Bannard died Nov 4. Cards can be sent to her daughters Amy Sullivan and Taylor McDade at: 103 Running Creek Road, Cary, NC 27518 • Dist 8 – Aux 6018 Fayetteville – Life member Isabelle Ralls died as a result of the flooding after Hurricane Matthew. Her body was found in her car after the water receded. Cards can reach her family at: RR 4 Box 418 B, Dunn, NC 28334 • Dist 12 - Aux 6183 Norwood - Martha Hooks, past President and wife of Cmdr Bob Hooks passed on Oct 29. Cards can reach the family at: 49285 Wood Land Drive, Norwood, NC 28128. • NC Past Dept Commander Jim Hendren (1992-93) from Statesville. He died on veteran's day and the funeral was Tues Nov 15th in Statesville. Cards can reach his wife Erica at: 215 Joe Rd., Statesville, NC 28625

All Auxiliary officers whose 2017 dues are not received at National HQ by January 1, will not be in good standing, and therefore will be removed from office by National. Insure that your Auxiliary President, Treasurer and Secretary are paid for the new year. If your officers are not showing as paid in the National database, contact Department Treasurer Jeanne Gilbert immediately to get this resolved.

VFW Auxiliary NC District Meeting Schedule Winter 2017 District Meetings Dist

Date

Time

Location

Representatives

1

Dec 11 (Sun)

1 PM

Post 7312 Sunbury 563 US 158 East Gatesville, NC 27938

Treasurer Jeanne Gilbert

2

Jan 15 (Sun)

1 PM

Post 7032 Greenville 1108 Mumford Rd. Greenville, NC 27834

President Joyce Preston

3

Jan 14 (Sat)

12 Noon Post 4147 Bailey 7621 Harris Rd. Bailey, NC 27807

President Joyce Preston

4

Jan 15 (Sun)

1 PM

Post 9960 Swansboro 246 VFW Rd. Swansboro, NC 28584

Guard Sandra Johnson-Lue

5

Dec 10 (Sat)

10 AM

Post 9963 Holly Ridge 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Rd. Holly Ridge, NC

President Joyce Preston

6

Jan 21 (Sat)

10 AM

Post 10607 Burlington 634 W Webb Ave. Burlington, NC 27217

Jr. Vice President Patty Harris

7

Jan 14 (Sat)

12 Noon Post 5886 Smithfield (at American Legion) 100 Pritchel St. Smithfield, NC 27577

Jr. Vice President Patty Harris

8

Jan 22 (Sun)

1 PM

Guard Sandra Johnson-Leu

9

Jan 14 (Sat)

12 Noon Post 7318 Southern Pines 615 S Page St. Southern Pines, NC 28387

Chaplin Deanna Long

10

Jan 28 (Sat)

12 Noon Post 2087 Greensboro 2605 S Elm Eugene St. Greensboro, NC 27406

President Joyce Preston

11

Jan 21 (Sat)

12 Noon Post 9010 Clemmons 4675 Hampton Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012

President Joyce Preston

12

Jan 15 (Sun)

1:00 PM Post 2908 Albemarle 119 Anderson Rd. Albemarle, NC 28001

Secretary Helen Carter

13

Jan 15 (Sun

2 PM

Post 2423 Indian Trail 100 VFW Lane Indian Trail, NC 28079

Conductress Amelia Bennett

14

Dec 10 (Sat)

11 AM

Post 4006 Shelby 855 W Sumter St. Shelby, NC 28150

Sr. Vice President Ivy Blueher

15

Jan 15 (Sun)

2 PM

Post 1142 Blue Ridge Mountain Post 802 Beech St. North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Sr. Vice President Ivy Blueher

16

Jan 15 (Sun)

1 PM

Post 10349 Mill Spring 3788 E Hwy 108 Mill Spring, NC 28756

Chief of Staff Janice Holm

17

Jan 21 (Sat)

11 AM

Post 7339 Franklin 60 W Palmer St. Franklin, NC 28734

Chaplin Deanna Long

Post 6018 Fayetteville 116 Chance St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

Updated on: November 29, 2016, 14:49

Department Chaplain, Deanna Long 4801 Easthaven Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212 [email protected] or 704-535-3790 or 704-577-7901 cell

CHRISTMAS Birth of Christ December is a special month for all, as a time of receiving God’s love and his gift to mankind which was his Son, Jesus Christ. We often forget the true meaning of Christmas as we are caught up in the season business of to-do-lists, decorating, shopping, parties, caroling, holiday guests, gift giving, We need to pause and remember the true reason for this magical celebration. Don’t forget to give Christ’s birthday gift of our heart. If we keep Christ in our hearts, Christmas has no end. Luke 2: 1-14 The Birth of Jesus 2

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. 6

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. The Shepherds and Angels 8

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

May you have the gift of Faith, the blessing of Hope, and the peace of his Love always; and may God fill your life with love, joy and peace this Christmas and throughout the New Year. Deanna Long

Hints and Suggestions to be a Sccessful Auxiliary Are you on Social Media? Particularly Facebook? I know many of you are, since we are personal friends. But have you gone to the Department Facebook page and “friended” it? Well, we want you to. It is another way to get information shared about your Auxiliary events with members across the state. It is set up so that others can post their events to the page and everyone can see what you have going on. Or even share something your Auxiliary did - like feed the firefighters in the mountains. Wouldn’t you like to get the word out that you are having a fundraiser and would like to invite other Auxiliaries to participate? If all of you that are on Facebook, like the Department Facebook page, and then you share your information, imagine the possibilities. So, the next time you are on Facebook, go to VFW Auxiliary Dept. of North Carolina and like our page. How often do you check out the Department website? We try to keep it current with information as it comes in. District meeting schedules, Council of Administration meeting schedules, and the monthly Department mail are just a few items that can be found on the website. And every form you need is on there under the Downloadable Info page. If you need a form and can’t find it on the website, just send me an email and ask for it. I will get it on there as quickly as I can. Because chances are, if one person needs it, someone else needs it, too. There is always a lot of discussion about the “Chain of Command.” And who do you go to if you have a question or concern. The obvious first place to go is your Auxiliary President. But, if you feel you cannot go to your Auxiliary President, for whatever the reason, or the issue did not get resolved, the next person to contact is your District President. He/She will work to find the answers to any questions you have or the resolutions to any issues or concerns you have. The District President should keep the Department President apprised of these issues. That way, if the Department President needs to step in, she has all the facts. And finally, as a last resort, the Department President would call in the National President. So, that is your Chain of Command Auxiliary President, District President, Department President, National President. This information is found on page 12 in the “Booklet of Instructions” section of your Bylaws and Rituals.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Sandra JohnsonJohnson-Leu - 919919-553553-0019 (h), (h), 919919-906906-7592 (c) - [email protected] Vfwauxnc.com

Veterans & Family Support At the February C of A, we will have our Buddy Poppy Contest. Listed below are the categories each Auxiliary should consider when entering.

December 2016 Connie Holt 4638 Canterbury Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-339-0862 (h) Connieann17563@ yahoo.com

Category 1: Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign (Window, booth, parade, poster displays, campaign promotions, etc.) Displays must be designed for public exposure and must bear a message soliciting a donation for and wearing of the VFW Buddy Poppy. At least 1 Poppy used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached. Category 2: Memorial or Inspirational Displays (Wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or devotional themes) Displays must be designed to honor the dead, to inspire devotion to God and Country, or to dramatize the activities supported by the Buddy Poppy. At least 1 Poppy used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached. Category 3: Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies (Post Home Displays, table centerpieces, corsages, pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats, novelty pieces, etc.) Any display not meeting the qualifications for Categories 1 or 2 shall automatically be entered in this category. At least 1 Poppy used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached. Displays will be judged using the following criteria: effectiveness, purpose, clarity of theme, suitability, originality, beauty, and number of Poppies used. Post name, number or location should not be visible on the display.

Program Goals: VFW National Home for Children Buddy Poppy VFW National Veterans Service Sports Clips

References: vfwauxiliary.org www.vfwnationalhome.org www.vfw.org/NMS www.vfw.org/Assistance/ National-Veterans-Service

“BUDDY” POPPY CHALLENGE: Ask all auxiliary members to take 5 Poppy’s and donate $5.00 for them or collect the donation for them and return it to the auxiliary. EMAIL me the Report of the number of poppy’s used, number of Auxiliary members who participated and the monetary amount collected. The auxiliary in each membership group that has the highest amount of participation and poppy’s used will receive a reward. All entries must be received by 1/20/17. If you do not have email, please call me by the date listed above. I will enter the report in the reporting system for every Auxiliary who participates. Health and Happiness: Please get your REQUIRED contributions of $0.10 per member sent to National. VFW Auxiliary, 406 W. 34th Street. 10th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111 I am here to assist, please call with any questions or concerns. I am confident that the Auxiliaries in our Department will continue providing “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Hero's”. Your efforts are appreciated, “Let’s keep Soaring for Our Veterans” to provide the care and assistance they need! God Bless,

http://vfwauxnc.org/

Connie

December 2016 Lin Moore 6165 Glen Way Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27107 336-201-2106 [email protected]

I hope your Auxiliary had a successful Veterans Day celebration and that you all had a very blessed Thanksgiving! I know that you are busy preparing for the Christmas holidays but don’t forget to include some patriotism in those preparations! Ideas for December: Wouldn’t it be great if every family in America included something patriotic on their Christmas tree? What a great way to show support for our veterans who are wearing or have worn a uniform! It is a great way to show support for the sacrifices they have made for all of us! It would be a true symbol

of what we all take so much for granted - our Freedom to live as Americans at the most wonderful time of the year. I have attached instructions for making a patriotic Christmas ornament. Your Auxiliary might want to make plans to have a workday to make these! If you wanted, you could write the name of a veteran on each ornament and put them on your Post tree! Question for November: How many Auxiliary members took the Veterans Day quiz? Report the number. How many members flew their flags on Veterans Day? Report it. What did your Auxiliary do to celebrate Veterans Day? Report your activities! Patriotic Instructor: Did you know this about our flag? The flag was first flown Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.

from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present city of Rome, New York, on August 3, 1777. It was first under fire for three days later in the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777. The symbolism of the Flag was thus interpreted by George Washington: “We take the stars from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty.” I am excited about the Americanism Program and I know that by working together we can SOAR FOR OUR VETERANS and show OUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR UNCOMMON HEROES! Loyally, Lin

Directions for making a Patriotic Christmas ornament: Supplies: • 50mm to 100mm Glass Ball Ornaments Can Be Used (your choice) • Stylus, Assorted Brushes Enamel paints: Surface Conditioner Ultra White Red Red Emperor Blue Instructions: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Remove ornament from hanger. Brush glass ornament with surface cleaner. Let dry. Paint upper portion of ball Emperor Blue. Let dry between coats. Paint stripes on ball. First stripe Ultra White, second stripe Red Red, third stripe Ultra White and last stripe Red Red. Let dry between coats. 5) Paint stars on blue portion with stylus. Dip stylus into Ultra White and dot using small end of stylus and drag five points out from center of paint dot. Let dry. 6) If you wanted to write the name of a veteran on the ball, use a paint pen. 7) Add ribbon.

You could also use a small used light bulb and paint as a flag. String two together and you have a great ornament!

There are so many ways that you can include something patriotic into your Christmas decorations! Be creative! Please send me any ideas that your Auxiliary used to decorate Patriotically for the holidays! I’ll share them with other Auxiliaries!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Chief of Staff/Extension December 2016 Janice Holm Dept. of NC Chairman 349 Rainbow Lake Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 828-883-2230 [email protected] First, I’d like to wish each and every one of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas from my family to yours. This time of year, we are all very busy preparing for Christmas. The spirit is high. The mood is happy. The excitement is ever present. This is the ideal time of year to spread the word on the great things our organization does for veterans, active duty military, their families, and the community. It’s a time when you are most likely to bring people together; particularly, your members in both the Auxiliary and the Post - as well as potential new members. Have a get together, even if it is just for punch and cookies with some inexpensive or donated door prizes. Have a sing-a-long of Christmas carols. If you don’t have anyone to play an instrument to provide the music, there is always a radio station playing Christmas music all day long, every day as the holiday grows closer. This is also the opportune time to show bachelor Posts in your District how much an Auxiliary will assist the Post in reaching out to their members and potential members. Offer to help them put together a small party by calling their members or sending out invitations. Invite their whole family to attract potential Auxiliary members. You know the Post Commanders from your District meetings. Give them a call and see if they are willing to try even if it is to get more participation from the Post members that are not active. As I mentioned in last month’s promotion, right now I’m not able to travel much due to a family health concern. Your help will be greatly appreciated in extending a helping hand to the bachelor posts at this time.

Hospital Chairman Penny Cacoulidis 4701 Flintcastle Rd., Fayetteville NC 28314 910-248-6469 [email protected] December 2016 Auxiliary Sisters and Brothers by now you have completed the events you have put together for our Veteran Patients for Christmas. So now is the time to look to supporting National Salute to Veterans in the week of 14 February 2017. This is your prime opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women. More than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliary, and nursing homes. The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program is to: • Pay tribute and express appreciation to Veterans; • Increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center; • Encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and to become involved as volunteers. During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, Veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and Veteran recognition programs. The week provides an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the volunteer opportunities within the medical center. In addition during National Salute week, selected cities host concerts that are free to Veterans and their families. The concert schedule is usually available around the first of January. Contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America’s Heroes. Its time for all VAVS AJR’s to be turned in and time for an update on how we stand in reporting the things you do for hospital. Only 2 Districts are 100%. Reporting is the Key and getting your members to volunteer another key for the SUCCCESS of the Hospital Program. If you are not reporting, ARE your Auxiliaries doing the work? If not, who suffers? Our Veterans and Military that’s who! But it also impacts the credit our Department receives. If you can’t input your reports, I will or have some in your Auxiliary do so....But REPORT.

District

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6

Number of Number of Auxiliaries Reports filed Reporting

1 1 2 10 5 1

9 4 7 28 23 10

District

District 7 District 8 District 10 100% District 9 District 11 District 12

Number Number of of Auxiliaries Reports Reporting filed

6 3 1 4 2 1

29 14 4 25 10 4

District

100% District 13 District 14 District 15 District 16 District 17

Number Number of of Auxiliaries Reports Reporting filed

4 0 3 1 5

19 0 7 4 19

Willie Glance, Asheville VAVS Rep Home Phone: (828) 254-4755 Cell Phone: (828) 280-9324 Email: [email protected]

Charles George VA Medical Center Voluntary Service: (828) 299-2514 www.asheville.va.gov/giving/index.asp December 2016

Dear Members: The Casino Night event for CLC Residents was well supported and fun for all. Thank you for your participation. Thanks for helping make the 16th Annual Veterans Appreciation Fund Run a huge success. The Christmas Season is a special time for spreading cheer to Veteran Patients throughout the Charles George VAMC, Community Living Center, Home-based Primary Care, and in contract nursing homes. Last year Volunteers from organizations delivered 750 duffel bags full of presents to our Veterans. This year Volunteers are invited to help Santa greet the Veterans with smiles, gratitude and appreciation on Monday, December 12. There is no need to call – just show up promptly at 12:30 PM on the Basement Floor of the Medical Center in the Multi-Purpose Room across from the Cafeteria for group assignments to help deliver this year’s gifts. Current needs: (1) prepackaged snacks for Oncology, Hospice and Mental Health programming, such as peanut butter crackers, cheese, etc.; individual chips; individual peanuts, trail mix; Granola bars; individual cookies – Fig Newtons, Oreos, Chips Ahoy, etc. (2) large plastic empty coffee canisters for storing coffee from pouches/bags for the clinics and wards (3) soft drinks with future expiration dates (items with expired dates must be discarded) (4) coffee, cream and sugar (5) bird seed (6) VISA gift cards (7) small pencils with no metal or erasers (8) small/medium/large sweatshirts and pants. You may ask businesses or someone in the community for discounts or donations of any items. Be careful that what you bring in contains no dust, smoke, bugs, etc. Items should be delivered to Voluntary Service, 4th floor. Call ahead for help to take donations from your car into the building. The VFW Auxiliary has 58 years of Perfect Attendance at VAVS Committee Meetings. Thank you, Janice Holm and Dillie Staton for serving as Deputy Reps. W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center Salisbury, North Carolina Thank You for your continued support for our patients at the W.G. Hefner (Salisbury) VA Medical Center. Following is a list of upcoming events where we will require volunteers and donations: December 14, 2016 December 15, 2016 December 16, 2016 February 20, 2017 May 15, 2017

Holiday Open House Holiday Distribution Set-Up Gym @ 8:00 – 2:00 Holiday Distribution Delivery Meet @ 10:30 – 11:00 Distribution @ 12:30 VAVS Meeting @ 1:30 Social Room VAVS Meeting @ 1:30 Social Room

Don’t forget these dates! I look forward to seeing you in February at the table.

C. of A. Stop by and visit the hospital

If you have someone who may be a patient at the Salisbury V.A., let me know and I will try to go by and visit with them. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Barbara D. Webb, Salisbury VA Rep. 980-234-0147

Legislative Carol Cantu 302 Darden Dr., Kinston, NC 28504 252-560-0590 December 2016 What a roller-coaster ride this past election was for the citizens of the United States. Now that it is over, we must be diligent in making sure the new members of Congress know what we expect of them. Do they understand our Priority Goals? What are their plans in seeing that our goals are obtained? As I stated last time, they must focus on the party of the veteran and not their own agendas. Together we can ensure Congress is held accountable for all their actions. Since last reporting from identified POW’s and MIA’s that have returned for burial: 25 from World War II, 36 from Korea and 1 from Vietnam. Several from World War II were from the USS Oklahoma that sunk at Pearl Harbor. Before elections were concluded, despite reaching a bipartisan compromise on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Congress failed to provide full-year appropriation for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) because of political differences. Plans to consider a continuing resolution which would fund the federal government at its current levels were suggested. The major problems with this suggestion is it fails to provide VA the resources it needs to meet increased health care demands and delivery of benefits. A continuing resolution would also severely limit VA’s ability to eliminate the appeals backlog, which would force veterans to wait longer for a decision on their disability compensation claims.

Take Action: Contact your members of Congress and tell them to prioritize veterans over political infighting and pass a full-year funding bill for VA instead of an insufficient stop-gap continuing resolution. My Auxiliary brothers and sisters, we need to show our dedication to this program in our Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes while we live with enthusiasm in our lives and Soar for Our Veterans.

Carol

NATIONAL CERTIFIED RECRUITER TRAINER (NCRT) Nancy Glass – [email protected] December 1, 2016 Listed are the steps we have discussed in the past few months which will help in bringing new members and keeping the members you already have in your Auxiliary. First Step:

Approach people.

Second Step: Let them know how qualified you are to discuss the VFW Auxiliary. Third Step:

Agree on the need.

Fourth Step: Sell the organization. Fifth Step:

Show them how they can fill the need.

SIXTH STEP:

Tell them with enthusiasm how committed your Auxiliary is to serving the veterans and the veterans’ needs. Start with the Relief Fund. Talk about the fun everyone has in distributing Buddy Poppies’ in the community. Then, talk about what Auxiliary projects are planned in the near future and what projects have been done in the past to serve the veterans. Tell them about the aid to Auxiliary members available needing financial assistance, talk about the monies given to the National Home, how money is used to perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and to give comfort to their loved ones and family. The list goes on and on. Hospital work at the VA or locally. Does your Auxiliary deliver Christmas stockings to the local care facilities? Does your Auxiliary hand out flags each year, remember our Prisoners Of War and Gold Star Families? Get them enthusiastic about all the Auxiliary and VFW joint projects. Then hand them an application and stay with them until they understand the application, then follow-up with the person until they sign the application. Keep talking about some of Auxiliary’s projects and the awards that have been won for all the good your Auxiliary does each year. Make them want to be a part of your team and get them involved. By participating in projects and signing an application, they will be showing an act of commitment. You cannot ask for any more than that.

Time is the most precious gift a person can give to anybody or an organization. God bless you all, and I know you had a Happy Thanksgiving and will have a very “MERRY CHRISTMAS”!

Scholarship Program – Dept. of NC Laura Verdon – 709 Kingswood Dr. Cary, NC 27513 [email protected] – 919-880-1527

REPORT, REPORT, REPORT!!!!!!!!! Due to the recent damages in North Carolina produced by Hurricane Matthew, North Carolina only has changed dates for the Patriot Pen and VOD essay deadline. Now the deadline is November 15th to the Post for judging. Your judging must be completed and sent to your District representative by November 30th. District Judges must get their winning essays to the VFW Department Chairman on or before January 10th. The Chairman are:

Patriot Pen Stephen Amos (Post 5352), 5339 Reidsville Rd., Walkertown, NC 27051 Home 336 462-2024 email: [email protected] Voice of Democracy Nathaniel Degraffinreidt (Post 2087), 3713 Heath St., Greensboro, NC 27401 Home 336 508-0309 email: [email protected]

Once judging is done in your Post; REPORT, REPORT, REPORT! •

Patriot Pen Theme: “The America I Believe In” Grade level 6-8

•

Voice of Democracy Theme: “My Responsibility to America”, Grade level 9-12

District, Department and National Headquarters deadlines: December 30: VFW District Judging Complete. January 10: VFW Department (state) Judging Complete. January 15: VFW Department (state) Winners to VFW National Headquarters.* January 31: VFW Department (state) Reports to VFW National Headquarters.* * required deadlines

Continuing Education Scholarship The VFW Auxiliary is pleased to present the Continuing Education Scholarship to assist members and their immediate family members who wish to further their education by pursing a college degree or career direction at a vocational/technical school. Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each year, one in each of the four VFW Auxiliary Conferences.

Who is Eligible to Apply? • •

• • •

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Applicant must be one of the following: • Current VFW Auxiliary Member* • Spouse of current VFW Auxiliary Member* • Son of current VFW Auxiliary Member* • Daughter of current VFW Auxiliary Member* July 1: Application process begins. February 15: All applications must be submitted to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.* May 1: Scholarship recipients are notified.

For more information and to start your application process click on this link: https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/continuing-education/

ERLINE MAYBERRY SCHOLARSHIP FARRES UPTON, CHAIRMAN 653 HAYNES ROAD, HIGH POINT, NC 27262 336-889-4133 [email protected] December, 2016

Encourage your daughter, son, granddaughter and grandson to apply for the Erline Mayberry Scholarship if they are a rising senior, and plan to attend a Collage or University in North Carolina. They can also apply for the Otis N. Brown and Billy Ray Cameron Scholarship which are sponsored by the VFW. Erline Mayberry Preliminary applications must be received no later than February 15, 2017. Send to: Farres Upton, Scholarship Chairman 653 Haynes Road, High Point, NC 27262 Otis N. Brown and Billy Ray Cameron Preliminary applications must also be received no later than February 15, 2017. Send to: VFW Department Headquarters P.O. Box 25337, Raleigh, NC 27611 Please remember the applications can be found on our website. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2017. Loyally With Love Farres

Historian Bessie Bright – Historian [email protected] - 828-692-8414 I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and let’s be thankful for our blessings - strange as they seem with the weather in the Eastern part of the state and the fires in WNC. Many of us are safe and well. Pictures, pictures, pictures! I need pictures and a write-up of what you are doing in your Auxiliaries. How about Thanksgiving with the Post and Auxiliary and the many Christmas events you will host? Many thanks to PDP Fran Redfield for her CD of the National President's visit. You were a life saver. The report and flash drive has been sent. to National Historian. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And pray for rain in WNC and dryer days in ENC.

Bessie

YOUTH ACTIVITIES “Soaring for Veterans” Goals Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans Sponsoring and Working with Youth Groups Random Acts of Patriotism (RAP) December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor 75th Celebration Go to the website: www.pearlharbor75thcelebration.com , scroll down to Teacher Resources under Education. There are excellent lesson plans for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 6-10 and grades 9-12 for teachers to use. I have shared this with several teachers and they were so appreciative to know about this website, especially the high school teachers. The website also recommends upper grade students reading, The Blackened Canteen, by Jerry Yellin. The reviews on the book are outstanding with supporting resources and guiding questions for teachers to conduct a book study. The lesson plans and suggestive book study are a great gift to our teachers for students to better understand what happened during World War II as many celebrate the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Even though this is an excellent “read” for high schoolers, a reviewer pointed out, “I think the sentiment of forgiveness and peace between nations is a message everyone would want to hear.” Adults thoroughly enjoy this book, too. If you are looking for a cute Christmas tray item for veterans at VA hospitals and for nursing homes, go to www.freekidcrafts.com for you or youth to make – easy and fun! Some of you who know youth who have one or both parents in the military and they will not be home during the holidays, you may want to go to www.militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil for guidance when dealing with these youth. This time of year is a wonderful chance for youth groups to support our veterans. If so, the group deserves a Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans Citation and then you can REPORT it. Have you seen a youth exhibiting a Random Act of Patriotism? A member reported to me that during a Veteran’s Day Parade, one of the old jeeps broke down and two young boys immediately tried to push the jeep. That’s a Random Act of Patriotism when they tried to help the veteran and his jeep. They were so proud to receive a RAP coin! Is your Auxiliary sponsoring a sports team, working with a scout group, or working with a group of youth to make crafts for veterans? If so, that is meeting another goal, Supporting and Working with Youth Groups. If you have not been online to report your YOUTH ACTIVITIES or you do not feel comfortable reporting, please let me know and I will be happy to do that for you. I am only a phone call or email away and I want to help you. Best wishes to you and your families for a Merry Christmas! Dianne Sellers, 336-253-5867, [email protected], 2708 Jamestown Ct., Burlington, NC 27215

Sandra Jeffries, Department Chairperson 208 Wilson Street, Graham, NC 27253 336-686-0456 [email protected]

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Awards given: •

October- 4542 Spring Lake (District 8)

•

Auxiliary Presidents at 100+% membership (Awarded $50.00 by National): 7383 Cary District 7- Eastern), 4542 Spring Lake (District 8-Central), 4203 Rockingham & 7318 Southern Pines (District 9-Central), 2423 Indian Trail (District 13-Western)

•

October Department Challenge: “Just One More Member Matters” at least 85% membership by October 31, 2016 (by membership group): Group #1-9116 Columbus (Western) Group #2-6812 Hayesville (Western) Group #3-7547 Clinton (Eastern) Group #4-5202 Waynesville (Western) *****WOW! Go Western Area-Congratulations Chairperson, Sandy Harris

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Keep this contact information handy and get to know your membership team

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Loyally at your service, Sandra Jeffries

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Eastern Area Membership Hello Sisters and Brothers of the East. I hope all of you had great Veterans Day celebrations and a nice Thanksgivings with your family and friends. Lots of great pictures have been put on Facebook about honoring our Veterans. GREAT JOB! As of Nov.18, 2016 the East is 84.86%. We now have 4 Aux that have become 100% or over. The West is getting close to us, but we’ve got to get on the ball to show that the EAST is STILL THE BEST! We still have a LONG way to go. Membership dues are slow coming in. Please contact unpaid members and see when they are able to pay their dues. If there is any reason, medical or financial problems, your Aux can vote to pay their dues for ONE year. Remind them if dues are to National by Dec.31st, they are no longer a member in good standing. New members since Nov. newsletter are: Aux 6060 Elizabeth City: Steve Kight, Amanda Turner, and Terry Von Fossen(life member) Aux. 9983 Holly Ridge: Jessica Roland Aux. 7315 Havelock: Tracy Burgess, LeeAnn Sinclair, James Laque and Vickie Dickens Aux. 9960 Swansboro: Ted Rivers and reinstated Sherry Grainger Aux. 7383 Cary: Travis Pierce I would like to welcome ALL new members into the NC VFW Aux. Christine Spence ( [email protected] ) Eastern Membership Chairman Cell 252-312-6028 I want to wish all State Officers, PDP’s and Sisters and Brothers of the North Carolina VFW Auxiliary a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

NC Membership Award Form Directions: This form is used for reporting Department Membership Awards. Once certified, this member will be honored at the 5-Hi Award function at the Department Convention. Make copies of this form as needed, and send by May 10, 2017 to: Department Treasurer Jeanne Gilbert, PO Box 716, Bethel, NC 27812

Recruiter’s Name ________________________________________ Aux Nbr. __________ Total number of members recruited: Check which award applies:

________ (will be used to calculate award earned)

____ 5-HI Award (5 or more members) ____ Department Aide-de-camp Award (10 or more members)

The following new or reinstated members were recruited by this member: Name

Aux Nbr.

Name

Aux Nbr.

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

__________________________ _________

Attach additional sheets if needed Verified by Auxiliary Treasurer:1 ________________________________________________

This member (will / will not) be attending the Department Convention in June of 2017.

1

Members recruited to a different NC Auxiliary than that of the Recruiter will be verified by the Department Treasurer.

President Joyce Preston Date: District 1

VFW Auxiliary Department of NC 2016-2017 Membership Report Chairman Sandra Jeffries

11/25/2016 Pres Christine Spence 2016

Aux. No. Aux. Name 6060 Elizabeth City 7312 Sunbury

2 Totals

District 4 2017

Life

Mbrs. 249 25

Mbrs. 216 24

Mbrs. 81 21

Percent 86.75% 96.00%

274

240

102

87.59%

Pres Alice Harrell 2016 Aux. No. Aux. Name Mbrs.

Aux. No. 2401 2514 7315 7547 8986 9133 9161 9810 9960 11,119

District 2

2615 2771 4062 7032 9841

Goldsboro Kinston Ayden/Grifton Greenville Snow Hill

9959 Mount Olive 6 TOTALS

District 3

6651 Wilson 3 TOTALS

Life Mbrs.

Percent

43 17 16 45 22

29 3 2 21 4

93.48% 36.17% 94.12% 80.36% 95.65%

35

33

7

94.29%

Pres-Cathy Pridgen 2016

Aux. No. Aux. Name 2057 Rocky Mount 4147 Bailey

2017 Mbrs

46 47 17 56 23

224

Pres Brenda Toler

176

66

District 5

Life

Mbrs 82 27

Mbrs. 50 22

Percent 76.64% 96.43%

24

19

6

79.17%

159

128

78

80.50%

2017 Mbrs. 2361

Life Mbrs. 1666

Percent 86.74%

Page 1

Mbrs. 71 113 160 91 28

Mbrs. 56 106 154 85 10

Mbrs. 55 87 136 76 10

Percent 78.87% 93.81% 96.25% 93.41% 35.71%

156 66 37 248 30

145 56 36 190 31

124 56 33 178 25

92.95% 84.85% 97.30% 76.61% 103.33%

1000

869

780

86.90%

2017

Life

Mbrs. 64 187

Mbrs. 63 182

50

96 98 56 49

10,400 B Spring Lakes 7 TOTALS

Whiteville Holden Beach Holly Ridge Oak Island

54 92

Percent 98.44% 97.33%

72 66 47 52

37 66 41 26

75.00% 67.35% 83.93% 106.12%

64

50

20

78.13%

614

532

336

86.64%

Pres Sandra Johnson-Leu 2016 2017

Aux. No. Aux. Name 6722 Lillington 2016 Mbrs. 2722

Life

2016 Aux. No. Aux. Name 2573 Wilmington 7288 Calabash

District 7

EASTERN 34 TOTALS

2017

Pres Angie Norris

8073 8866 9,983 10,226

2017

Jacksonville Wallace Warsaw Swansboro Vanceboro

10 TOTALS

78.57%

Mbrs. 107 28

Aux. Name Beaufort New Bern Havelock Clinton Newport

2016

Life

Mbrs. 38

Mbrs. 24

Mbrs. 9

Percent 63.16%

7383 Cary 9103 Spring Lake 10,001 Raleigh

112 102 19

118 91 20

77 81 13

105.36% 89.22% 105.26%

10,225 Garner 10,999 Raleigh 6 TOTALS

142 38 451

125 38 416

107 17 304

88.03% 100.00% 92.24%

VFW Auxiliary Department of NC 2016-2017 Membership Report President-Joyce Preston Chairman Sandra Jeffries Date:

District 6

11/25/2016

Central-Candace CandaceBrown Brown

Pres Sandra Jeffries 2016

Aux. No. Aux. No. 1920 Mebane 2740 Durham 10607 Burlington 3 TOTALS

District 8

Life

Mbrs. 52

Mbrs. 40

Mbrs. 12

Percent 76.92%

45 22 119

21 17 78

21 5 38

46.67% 77.27% 65.55%

Pres-Marla Grant 2016

Aux. No. 10 670 2843 4542 6018 8969 10,630 12,025

Aux. Name Raeford Fayetteville Pembroke Spring Lake Fayetteville Lumberton Hope Mills St Pauls (fold)

8 TOTALS

Mbrs. 32 124 57 45 180 24 40 33

535

2017

Life

Mbrs.

Mbrs.

101 46 49 132 22 36 12

398

District 9 Pres-Tracey Armstrong 2016 2017 Aux. No. Aux. Name Mbrs. Mbrs. 2008 4203 5631 7318 9881 10,403 6

Laurinburg Rockingham Sanford Southern Pines Biscoe Wadesboro TOTALS

CENTRAL 28 TOTALS

District 10 Pres-Barbara Williams 2016

2017

79 33 36 131 21 31 12

343

Life Mbrs.

Percent 0.00% 81.45% 80.70% 108.89% 73.33% 91.67% 90.00% 36.36%

2 12 91 125 11 21 262

83.33% 125.00% 83.76% 104.86% 85.48% 92.86% 95.06%

2016 Mbrs. 1773

2017 Mbrs. 1425

Life Mbrs. 878

Percent 80.37%

Mbrs. 6 24 16 46

Percent 88.89% 66.67% 81.82% 81.40% 0.00%

9899 Archdale

35

35

24

100.00%

5 TOTALS

308

244

116

79.22%

2016 Mbrs. 69

2017 Mbrs 63

Life Mbrs. 22

Percent 91.30%

147 25 17 93 35 386

117 13 19 68 21 301

29 13 1 44 10 119

79.59% 52.00% 111.76% 73.12% 60.00% 77.98%

Aux. No. Aux. Name 2908 Albemarle 3006 6183 6365 8989 9134 6

Percent

15 35 98 151 53 52 404

Life

Mbrs. 16 24 99 70

Aux. Name Greensboro Gibsonville Lexington Mway Monroeton Liberty (fold)

District 12 Pres-Barbara Webb

74.39%

18 28 117 144 62 56 425

2017

Mbrs. 18 36 121 86 12

Aux. No. 2087 2972 3074 8297 8721

Page 2

Salisbury Norwood Locust Kannapolis Rockwell TOTALS

VFW Auxiliary Department of North Carolina 2016-2017 Membership Report President--Joyce Preston Chairman Sandra Jeffries Date:

11/25/2016

Western Western Area --Sandy - Harris

District 11 Pres-Farres Upton 2016 Aux. No. 1119 1134 2019 5352 7794 9010 9436 10,346 11,173 9

Aux. Name Cooleemee win salem (fold) Mount Airy Kernersville Elkin Clemmons Pilot Mountain Yadkin Walnut Cove TOTALS

Mbrs. 38 38 12 58 28 47 116 45 24 406

2017

Life

Mbrs. 30 12 19 39 5 62 90 38 17 312

Mbrs. 6 12 10 4 5 41 22 24 0 124

District 15 Pres-Patricia Harris 2016 Percent 78.95% 31.58% 158.33% 67.24% 17.86% 131.91% 77.59% 84.44% 70.83% 76.85%

2017

Life

Mbrs. 108 29 83 21 63 29

Mbrs. 105 20 75 12 61 24

Mbrs. 96 20 38 12 26 3

Percent 97.22% 68.97% 90.36% 57.14% 96.83% 82.76%

333

297

195

89.19%

2016 Mbrs. 128

2017 Mbrs. 124

Life Mbrs. 73

Percent 96.88%

138 32 30

93 26 27

90 4 9

67.39% 81.25% 90.00%

30

23

11

76.67%

358

293

187

81.84%

District 17 Pres-Adele Combs 2016 2017 Aux. No. Aux. Name Mbrs. Mbrs. 4309 Brevard 214 176 5198 Canton 29 20

Life Mbrs. 130 16

Percent 82.24% 68.97%

66 38 50 6 13 2 10 34 10 375

96.88% 96.30% 83.78% 40.00% 91.18% 6.25% 83.33% 104.26% 50.00% 82.30%

Aux. No. 1142 4286 5381 7031 7034 7946

Aux. Name N. Wilkesboro Newland Lenoir Boone Sparta Jefferson

6 TOTALS

District 16 Pres-Tita Hyde District 13 Pres Deanna Long 2016 Aux. No. 1160 2423 4059 5464 6724 7775 9337 9488 9736 9811 10

Aux. Name Charlotte Indian Trail Mint Hill Monroe Paw Creek Charlotte Gastonia Charlotte Croft Kings Mountain TOTALS

2017

Life

Mbrs. 22 76 68 50 24 27

Mbrs. 20 82 64 41 22 22

Mbrs. 16 55 23 26 22 22

Percent 90.91% 107.89% 94.12% 82.00% 91.67% 81.48%

87 86 34 16 490

71 80 34 7 443

15 64 0 5 248

81.61% 93.02% 100.00% 43.75% 90.41%

District 14 Pres. Tammy - Naomi Bralley Sigmon 2016 Aux. No. 1706 2031 4066 5362

Aux. Name Lincolnton Statesville Shelby Morganton

4 TOTALS

WESTERN 45 TOTALS DISTRICT 99 #15034

Aux. No. Aux. Name 891 Asheville

2017

Mbrs. Mbrs. 75 58 117 58 48 34 68 51

Life Mbrs. 20 55 5 29

Percent 77.33% 49.57% 70.83% 75.00%

65.26%

308

201

109

2016 Mbrs.

2017 Mbrs.

Life Mbrs.

2635

2155

1238

81.78%

312

344

311

110.26%

Percent

5206 Hendersonville 5483 Mars Hill 9116 Columbus 10,349 Mill Spring 5 TOTALS

5202 6812 7339 8013 9281 9493 10222 10685 12,132 11

Waynesville Hayesville Franklin Cherokee Bryson City tuckasegee fold Murphy (fold) Glenville Maggie Valley TOTALS

128 54 111 15 68 32 12 47 30 740

2016 Mbrs. 7442

124 52 93 6 62 2 10 49 15 609

2017 Mbrs 6285

Life Mbrs

Percent

4093

TOTAL WE NEED

1157 for 100%

84.45%