Resource Rack Card and Where to Send Donations for Veterans & Family Support Programs

Laurie Dale
2015-2016 Veterans & Family Support
National Ambassador


Resource Rack Card

A great tool has been created for you to use to assist our veterans, active-duty military and their families…the Resource Rack Card! This card is a one-stop shop of agency names, phone numbers and websites for people to find the assistance they need and are entitled to because of their service to our great country!

The card can be used at Stand Downs, welcome home or deployment events and in recruiting booths. I recently spoke with Jan from VFW Auxiliary #4847 in St. Cloud, Minn. and she related they have printed off hundreds of the Resource Rack Card and left them in churches, homeless shelters, food pantries, the Salvation Army and with the ROTC at local schools. Anywhere there may be veterans or their family members is a great place to leave these cards. The most important thing is to get the information out there for people to get their hands on it! Just make sure you speak with someone to receive permission to leave the cards in their location. We can work in conjunction with other groups to serve our veterans while still promoting VFW and VFW Auxiliary programs!

Consider printing some of these on card stock and distributing in the near future. Someone out there needs this information! You can find the Resource Rack Card under the Veterans & Family Support Program on the VFW Auxiliary website www.vfwauxiliary.org.


Supporting Our Mission

One thing I really hoped for with the changes to our programs this year is that with the elimination of the Cancer Aid & Research Program, our focus would shift back to our mission of serving veterans, active-duty military and their families. We are making steps in that direction and I hope that Auxiliaries nationwide will continue the momentum. If your Auxiliary is looking for a place to funnel those fundraising dollars, please consider putting it into one of our Veterans & Family Support Programs. Donations can be sent for many of the Veterans & Family Support Programs that will make a difference in the lives of the people we are here to serve. Some of the ways to participate in this program via donation are:

National Veterans Service
Donate Online:
VFW National Veterans Service Online Donation Form
Mail Donations:
VFW National Headquarters 
Attn: National Veterans Service
406 W. 34th St., 11th Floor
Kansas City, MO  64111

Veteran & Military Support Programs (formerly NMS – including Operation Uplink, Military Assistance Program, Unmet Needs and VFW's Sport Clips "Help A Hero Scholarship")
Donate Online:
VFW Veterans & Military Support Programs Online Donation Form
Mail Donations:
VFW National Headquarters 
Attn: National Veterans Service
406 W. 34th St., 9th Floor
Kansas City, MO  64111

Health & Happiness Fund (VFW National Home for Children)
Mail Donations:
VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters
Attn: Health & Happiness Fund
406 W. 34th St., 10th Floor
Kansas City, MO  64111

Thank you for all you do for our nation's veterans, active-duty military and their families!

Scholarships: Recognition & Awards

Kim Lewis
2015-2016 Scholarships
National Ambassador


Post judging of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests is complete. While we wait to see which entries made it as a District and Department winner, it’s time to give thanks at every level and recognize those who entered the contest. Work with your VFW to decide if you are going to give winners a certificate, a check or gift card, or even a simple thank you card, but make sure you do something. RECOGNITION IS IMPORTANT.

The VFW Store has a wide variety of items to recognize and award your top winners.  Go to http://www.vfwstore.org/category/programs/voiceofdemocracy and see all the wonderful items that can be ordered for your Voice of Democracy winners, two of which are listed below:

• VOD Certificate of Merit, V-1, Product Code: 04362 is for school winners and runners-up. The citation reads: "Voice of Democracy Certificate of Merit presented to __________ In recognition of excellence in the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition, you have been designated AN OUTSTANDING SPOKESPERSON FOR FREEDOM.  In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States." There are three signature lines (Commander/President, Adjutant/Secretary, Chairman) and a date of presentation line.  
• VOD Award Citation, V-2, Product Code: 04363 are award citations for helping individuals and organizations.  

Likewise, go to http://www.vfwstore.org/category/programs/patriotspen to see all the certificates and gifts that can be ordered for your Patriot’s Pen winners, one of which is listed below:

• Patriot's Pen Certificate of Merit, Product Code: 04328, reads: "Youth Essay Certificate of Merit presented to ___________ In recognition of excellence in the Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Competition, you have been designated AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG SPOKESPERSON OF THE FUTURE.  In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States." There are three signature lines Commander/President, Adjutant/Secretary, Chairman) and a date of presentation line.

Remember to notify local media about the winners and/or invite them to your upcoming awards ceremony; they love to recognize local students’ efforts. If they don’t show up, make sure to take a picture and submit it to your local newspaper along with a write-up listing everyone's name, the names of the contests, and the scholarship award amounts. This is free publicity and lets the community know about our contests and these talented students!

While you are presenting Voice of Democracy and Patriots's Pen awards, don’t forget to interest these students in another scholarship opportunity, the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to hug a veteran and say “Thank you for your service.”

Legislative: Reports & Awards

Lois Callahan
2015-2016 Legislative
National Ambassador

Congratulations to Patricia Wesley, our Southern Conference Legislative Chairman. Under Patricia’s leadership, the Southern Conference is the first to become 100% reported.

Remember, however, that in order to be considered for the Outstanding Performance Award, a minimum of four mailed and/or emailed promotions must be submitted.

Assisting America’s active-duty military, veterans and their families is sufficient incentive to promote the Legislative Program Goals. Promoting those goals becomes even more exciting with the prospect of receiving $200 for your Department and an “Our Veterans – Now and Forever” plate if you are the Outstanding Chairman in your membership group. The runner-up Chairman in each membership group will receive $100 for their Department and a citation.

I know that the Legislative Program Goals are being promoted throughout all Conferences. Now I want to see all that work put into writing; I want your reports.

Keep up the great work on behalf of our veterans.

Chief of Staff/Extension: The "Ask" in Mentoring

Barbara Melnick
2015-2016 National Chief of Staff/Extension

The holidays are fast approaching and with the hustle and bustle comes time for reflection. It’s a great time to think about what your Auxiliary has done to increase membership and to include more members in Auxiliary activities while looking ahead to the coming year.

There is an “ask” we make when we ask members to join the Auxiliary. There is also an “ask” we make when we ask members to participate in Auxiliary activities. Each member has their own skills and interests. Have you asked what they are interested in? What they are good at? Some members enjoy visiting hospitals or nursing homes, others enjoy planning dinners and events, and others like working with youth. Have you asked a member to help if they haven’t volunteered recently? Have you called members that don’t regularly attend meetings to make sure they know of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities? The “ask” is a part of mentoring and an important way to help members stay engaged and passionate about their membership in the VFW Auxiliary.

Speaking of engagement, there has been quite a bit of Post/Auxiliary consolidations. This is good! We do not want to lose members and by consolidating, members bring their skills and interests to a new-to-them Auxiliary and hopefully, contribute to the overall health of the Auxiliary.

How do you know if your Auxiliary is healthy? There is an array of tools available to you that can help with member engagement and the overall health of your Auxiliary:

• RU Healthy Auxiliary Checklist – with the 5 Essentials of an Auxiliary
• Auxiliaries need at least 10 business meetings per year
• Dues should be paid on at least 10 members on or before February 1 of the current year.
• Quarterly audits by Trustees must be submitted
• Officers elected, installed and reported to National Headquarters no later than June 30.
• Office of President and Treasurer MUST be bonded by August 31.
• Healthy Auxiliary Member Questionnaire
• Auxiliary Meeting Clinic
• Healthy Communication Phone/Text Tree
• Good Job Certificate
• VFW Auxiliary Mentoring Guide

All of the items listed above are available on the National Organization's website under "Programs," "Chief of Staff/Extension."

Think about all your Auxiliary has done for veterans and their families this year. As the holidays near, it’s important that we remember ALL our veterans, active-duty military and their families – Now and Forever!

Hospital - Brighten Veteran's Days This November

Grace Matz
2015-2016 Hospital
National Ambassador


We are all thankful for veterans and active-duty military and strive to let them know that every day. In November, there are two days that it's especially important to let them know how much we appreciate them and that we're here to help them however we can: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, we honor ALL veterans for their service. As many people prepare to attend ceremonies, parades and other events recognizing those who have served, there are those who have served this great nation who can't participate in these events that are living at a Veterans Home, nursing home or receiving treatment at the VA or other medical facility.

They, too, have given so much for our freedom. It’s not too much to ask that we give them a little of our time to say “thank you.” Make time to visit them and offer a friendly chat, an American flag, a card, a puzzle book, a DVD, etc. It doesn’t have to be a big party or an expensive gift; knowing you're thinking of them and taking the time to do something for them will make a difference in their  day.

There will be veterans and members of the general public attending Veterans Day events that have mobility issues. You may be needed to help push a wheelchair, offer your arm or hand to make a walk steady, or drive those mobile enough to be transported to an event. If you see someone who needs assistance, help them! Your kindness will be remembered and appreciated.

Thanksgiving
How many people are you planning to spend Thanksgiving Day with? 10? 20? 30? More? many of us will be sharing the day with the bustle of family and friends gathered around the table enjoying turkey and all the trimmings - and pie! There will be pie!

Imagine for a minute what it would be like to spend that day alone in a hospital room.

There's parades and football games to watch, but wouldn't it be nice to have someone (other than a nurse or doctor) stop by and say "hello?" You don't have to stay all day. Even a brief 15-minute visit means a great deal to those unable to leave the VA, a Veterans Home, nursing home or other medical facility on holidays.

If you just don’t have time to visit a hospitalized veteran on Thanksgiving, you could go a few days before. Take a card or a small gift – something they will have to remind them that someone did care enough to remember them.

A BIG THANK YOU to all of the amazing hospital volunteers for all you do year-round to brighten veterans' days and a very special THANK YOU to all veterans – you are not forgotten.

I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Americanism: National Military Family Month & Veterans Day

Mary Stroud

2015-2016 Americanism

National Ambassador

 

The definition of “Americanism” was originated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, United Spanish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the National Commanders of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans of the World War at the conference held in Washington, D.C. in February 1927:

 

“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.”

 

 

Let us keep these words and ideals close to our hearts as we host and/or assist at commemorations of Veterans Day and National Military Family Month at our posts and communities. Countless veterans have missed their child’s first words, first steps, first days of school and first ball games as they are away protecting our freedoms, our country and our flag. It is our duty to acknowledge the families who have spent so much time apart and experienced uncertainty when their loved ones took up the call of duty to our country.

 

Several ways to acknowledge their sacrifice include:

• Invite families to an event for a home-cooked meal and provide activities for children of all ages.
• Host a family game day/night with a variety of games for kids of all ages.
• Offer to help with yard work so military families can spend a fun day together.
• Make a "reverse care package." The idea is to give a gift that the entire family can enjoy together. Perhaps movie tickets or a movie rental coupon, sporting or other event tickets, popcorn, candy, etc.
• Host a family movie night at the Post.
• Host an art show; encourage both children and adults to participate.
• Host an informational fair. It could be a health fair, community service fair, education fair, etc.

When fun family events are presented to members of the community, prospective new members will walk through your door and can serve as the perfect way to show that your Post and Auxiliary holds patriotism and veterans and their families at the top of their priorities.

 

On Veterans Day (November 11), there will be hundreds of parades held across the country. Many of you will participate by having a float or marching in a parade, passing out American flags, having an information booth or hosting a "Buddy" Poppy® Drive. Many Posts and Auxiliaries will be hosting free meals for veterans - how awesome! Veterans Day is a great opportunity to say "thank you" and share the wonderful work your VFW and Auxiliary does in your community throughout the year. I personally believe that every day is Veterans Day and every day is a new opportunity to reach out to our veterans and their families.

 

It's not too early to start planning a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day event. Some ideas include:

• Put historical information together to share with your community.
• Hold a brief service to honor those who perished.
• If you are fortunate to have a Pearl Harbor survivor in your community; invite them as a guest and ask them to share their experience. If they choose not to share, at least ask them to be your guest of honor at an event.

We must never forget those who gave their lives on December 7, a "day that will go down in infamy."

 

Don’t forget to alert your local media (radio station, newspaper, magazine, TV station, etc.) to your patriotic events and let them know what you have planned. They may or may not attend or cover your event, but be gracious either way. If they do not cover one event, they might cover another - invite them each time! If they do cover your event, be sure and acknowledge their support with a Communications Award, available for download under "Programs," "Resources" on the National website.

 

Thank YOU for what YOU do, today and every day, for our veterans, their families and our amazing organization. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

  
 

 

Membership - We're All in This Together for Our Veterans

Joyce Bilyeu
2015-2016 Membership
National Ambassador

Thank you to everyone who promoted National Membership Week and for sharing all your outreach activities on social media. It was very impressive to see all the amazing and fun activities many of you planned during that week. Just remember, even though there are two designated National Membership Weeks this year, our recruiting efforts need to be ongoing.

We are coming up to our second quarterly milestone on December 31, 2015. All Departments must be at least 90% in membership on or before December 31st in order to receive the $300 monetary award. Many Departments are almost there and others are working hard to get there. I hope all Departments will receive the next quarterly monetary award.

I'd like to congratulate the 11 Departments who reached the first milestone of reaching 80% by September 30th. You will receive $250 for reaching that goal. Your Department took the challenge, accepted no excuses and followed through by reaching the goal. In addition to the 11 Departments who reached 80% by September 30, another 14 have reached 80%, bringing the total to 25 Departments who have reached 80%. I look forward to awarding Departments with even more money when you reach 90% by December 31st!

We are a little behind in membership. In order to break the long overdue record we are all going to have to work a little harder. We need to continue recruiting new members and we need existing members to pay their dues if they have not done so. Remember if a member does not have their dues paid by December 31, 2015 they will NOT be a member in good standing and cannot come into your January meeting until they are current.  

The time has come for us to step-up our game. All Presidents made a pledge to our veterans at National Convention that they would be 100% in membership this year. Please do not let them down; they were there for you now you need to be there for them. This Veterans Day, let us show our veterans that we are not only thankful for their service, but also grateful for the opportunity to pay them back by building a strong network of veteran advocates - the VFW Auxiliary.

We are all in this together and we WILL break a National record. I believe in you. However, the only way for this to happen is if we work hard as a team and keep recruiting. Many Departments are working very hard on membership and exceeding their goals while others are struggling. We need to show our veterans we care about them and follow through on our commitment we made to them. If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If you need help, ask! The time is now to contact your Conference Chairman for ideas, visit the National website for resources, and/or contact me for any further assistance you may need. Do not wait until the last minute to ask for help. 

Overall, the end result of our hard work is really about making lives better for veterans and their families. We can do this by building the biggest and best Auxiliary ever in the history of this organization.

This Thanksgiving, show your thanks by recruiting a new member or paying the dues of an existing member. In addition, challenge a new member to sign up just one new member. If you ask, they will more than likely come through for you.

We have nine months to go to break a record and to show the world how much we care about our veterans, their families, and their children.  

Thank you for your service to this organization. I am so honored to be on this journey with each of you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember to accept - No Excuse……Just Recruit!

  You Got This!