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United States Congressional S
106th Congress, 2d Session House Document 106-245
PROCEEDINGS
of the
99TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
OF THE UNITED STATES
[SUMMARY OF MINUTES]
San Antonio, Texas
August 29-September 4, 1998
May 23, 2000.— Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
ordered to be printed
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
64-531 WASHINGTON : 2000
U.S. CODE, TITLE 44, SECTION 1 332
NATIONAL ENCAMPMENTS OF VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS; PROCEEDINGS
PRINTED ANNUALLY FOR CONGRESS
The proceedings of the national encampments of the United Spanish
War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the
American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Veterans of
World War I of the United States, Incorporated, the Disabled American
Veterans, and the AMVETS (American Veterans of World War II), respec-
tively, shall be printed annually, with accompanying illustrations, as sepa-
rate House documents of the session of the Congress to which they may be
submitted.
[Approved October 2, 1968.]
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
December, 1998
Honorable Dennis Hastert,
The Speaker U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
DEAR MR. SPEAKER: In conformance with the provisions of Public Law No. 620,
90th Congress, approved October 22, 1968, I am transmitting to you herewith the
proceedings of the 99th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States, held in San Antonio, Texas August 29 - September 4, 1998,
which is submitted for printing as a House document.
Sincerely,
LARRY W./RIVERS
Adjutant General
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAQ£
ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
SUNDAY. AUGUST 30. 1998 ^
Advance of Colors 1
Pledge of Allegiance. 1
Invocation 1
In Memoriam 2
Introduction of Speaker 2
Memorial Address - - 3
Introduction of Chaplain Billy Tate,
Texas State Chapel of Four Chaplains 6
Presentation of the Chapel of Four
Chaplains, Legion of Honor Bronze
Medallion 6
Benediction 8
Retiring of Colors 8
JOINT OPENING SESSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1998
Call to Order 9
Advancement of Colors 9
Invocation - - 9
Video Presentation 10
Introduction of Commander-in-Chief Moon 10
Remarks by Commander-in-Chief Moon 11
Introduction - The Honorable Howard W. Peak,
Mayor, City of San Antonio 13
Greetings - The Honorable Howard W. Peak,
Mayor, City of San Antonio 13
Introduction - The Honorable George W. Bush,
Governor of Texas - - 14
Greetings - The Honorable George W. Bush,
Governor of Texas 14
Introduction - The Honorable Kay Bailey
Hutchinson, United States Senator - Texas - 15
Greetings -The Honorable Kay Bailey
Hutchinson, United States Senator - Texas 16
Presentation of American Flag Sets 18
Presentation of Awards to 1998 All American
Department Commanders - - 18
IV
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation
to the 98th National Convention Committee 19
Introduction - General Lloyd W. Newton,
Commander, Air Education and Training,
Randolph Air Force Base, Texas 20
Remarks - General Lloyd W. Newton 20
Presentation of VFW Gold Medal of Merit and
Citation to Ladies Auxiliary President,
Connie Atkinson -- 24
Response - Ladies Auxiliary President,
Connie Atkinson - 24
Presentation of Youth Essay Contest Winner,
Heather R. Hull 25
Youth Essay Contest Winner -
Heather R. Hull 25
Presentation of Eagle and Savings Bond by
Commander-in-Chief Moon 26
Introduction of Jeff Golimowski - 1998
National Voice of Democracy Winner 26
Voice of Democracy Winner - Jeff Golimowski 27
Presentation of Eagle to VOD Winner
Jeff Golimowski 28
Introduction of General Yang Ting-yun,
Chairman, Veterans Affairs Commission - 29
Response - General Yang Ting-yun 29
Introduction of Keynote Speaker -
The Honorable Paul Wellstone,
United States Senator - Minnesota 31
Response by Senator Paul Wellstone 32
Introduction of Helen Putnam Blackwell 40
Introduction of Lawrence Alexander, Supreme
Commander, Military Order of the Cootie 40
Remarks by MOC Supreme Commander Lawrence Alexander 40
RECESS - - - 41
FIRST BUSINESS SESSION
MONDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 31, 1998
Call to Order - - - - - 41
Invocation 42
Salute to the Colors and Pledge of
Allegiance - 42
Report of Committee on Convention Rules - -42
Report of Credentials Committee 45
Report of the Committee on National By-Laws,
Manual of Procedure and Ritual - 45
V
Report of Committee on National Security
and Foreign Affairs 64
Report of Subcommittee on POW/MIA 64
RECESS 72
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS BANQUET
AUGUST 31, 1998
Welcome 73
National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance 73
Invocation 73
Introduction of Commander-in-Chief - 73
Remarks by Commander-in-Chief Moon - 74
Presentation of VFW Commander-in-Chief Special Award 75
Response - The Honorable James A. Endicott, Jr. 76
Presentation of VFW Americanism Award 77
Response - The Honorable Gerald B. Solomon 78
Introduction of General Barry R. McCaffrey 81
Principal Address - General Barry McCaffrey 81
RECESS 86
SECOND BUSINESS SESSION
TUESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
Call to Order - - -87
Opening Prayer - 87
Salute to the Colors 87
Report of Credentials Committee 87
Presentation of VFW News Media Award, Gold
Medal and Citation 88
Response - Mr. Ken Hamblin - - 89
Introduction of Major General John P. Herri ing, USA (Ret.) 90
Remarks - Major General John P. Herri ing, USA (Ret.) - - 91
Report of Committee on Finance and Internal
Organization - 93
Introduction of Lieutenant Claude Kicklighter, USA (Ret.) 101
Remarks - Lieutenant General Claude M. Kicklighter 101
Introduction of Patrick J. Mulvey, CEO, the
Military Channel - 106
Remarks - Mr. Patrick J. Mulvey - 106
Introduction of Sergeant Russell R. Rieke, Jr. 107
Remarks - Sergeant Russell R. Rieke, Jr. 108
Introduction - Mr. Mark Titlebaum, IDT Corporation 108
Remarks - Mr. Mark Titlebaum of IDT Corporation 109
Report of Committee on Finance and Internal
Organization (Cont'd.) 109
VI
Introduction -The Honorable Togo D. West, Jr.,
Secretary, Veterans Affairs 1 22
Address by The Honorable Togo D. West, Jr. 1 23
Presentation of Award by the PAC to
Commander-in-Chief Moon 1 30
Insurance Drawings 131
Salute to the Colors - -131
Benediction - - 131
RECESS - 131
THIRD BUSINESS SESSION
WEDNESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 2, 1998
Call to Order - - 1 31
Salute to the Colors 131
Pledge of Allegiance 131
Opening Prayer - - 131
Report of Credentials Committee - 1 32
Presentation of the VFW Armed Forces Award,
Gold Medal and Citation - - 1 32
Response - General Edward Philbin -1 33
Report of Committee on Veterans Service Resolutions 1 33
Presentation of VFW James E. Van Zandt
Citizenship Award, Gold Medal and Citation -134
Response - General Wilma Vaught 1 35
Presentation of the VFW Hall of Fame Award,
Gold Medal and Citation - - 1 38
Response - Mr. Dennis Franz - 1 39
Presentation of Commander-in-Chief's Gold
Medal and Citation to Dr. Samuel Lin 139
Response - Dr. Samuel Lin 1 40
Presentation of VFW Distinguished Service
Medal and Citation to Joseph Ross 1 41
Response - Comrade Joseph Ross 1 42
Report of Committee on Veterans Service
Resolutions (Cont'd.) 1 42
Introduction of The Honorable Marcy Kaptur 147
Address - The Honorable Marcy Kaptur - 147
Report of Committee on Veterans Service Resolutions (Cont'd.) 151
Report of Committee on General Resolutions - 155
Presentation of VFW Distinguished Service
Medal and Citation to Past Commander-in-Chief James E. Nier 160
Response - Past Commander-in-Chief James E. Nier 161
National Marching Units and Parade Committee Winners — - - -161
Insurance Drawings - - 1 62
Salute to the Colors 1 62
VII
Benediction - - 162
RECESS 1 62
FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION
THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 3, 1998
Call to Order - -1 63
Salute to Colors and Pledge of Allegiance 1 63
Opening Prayer - 1 63
Report of Credentials Committee 1 63
Presentation of VFW Emergency Services Award,
Gold Medal and Citation to Captain Gregory Rogers 163
Response - Captain Gregory Rogers - 164
Presentation of VFW J. Edgar Hoover Award,
Gold Medal and Citation to Officer Frank F. Rizzuto 166
Response - Officer Frank F. Rizzuto 166
Presentation of James C. Gates Distinguished
Service Award to Mr. Richard C. Wormwood 168
Response - Mr. Richard C. Wormwood 168
Presentation of National Large Employer of
the Year Award - 1 70
Response - Mr. Monte B. Johnson 1 70
Presentation of National Small Employer of
the Year Award - 171
Response - Mr. Paul D. Stelzner -172
Presentation of the National Local Office
of the Public Employment Service Award 1 73
Response - Mr. Sal Cantu 173
Presentation of Outstanding VA Health-Care
Provider of the Year Award 1 74
Response - Mrs. Judy Hamilton 1 75
Presentation of Outstanding Community
Health-Care Provider of the Year Award 175
Response - Mrs. Catherine O'Dougherty 1 76
Presentation of Outstanding Volunteer of
the Year Award - - 177
Response - Mr. Charles Napier - - - 1 77
Introduction of Mr. Jim Chancellor - 1 78
Presentation - Mr. Jim Chancellor 1 78
Presentation of Distinguished Service MedalX
and Citation to George F. Sarver - - 1 81
Response - Comrade George F. Sarver - 182
Introduction of Past Commanders-in-Chief 184
Presentation of Gold Medal of Merit and Citation 185
Response - Adjutant General Rivers --185
Introduction of Ladies Auxiliary
National President Connie Atkinson 1 87
VIII
Remarks - National Ladies Auxiliary
President Atkinson 1 88
Visit of National Home Representatives - - - 190
Remarks by President of the National Home 190
Remarks by 1998 Buddy Poppy Child - Tyler Willett 191
Remarks by Executive Director Shoultz - - 192
Introduction of Sergeants-at-Arms 193
Nomination of Officers 1 94
Nomination of Commander-in-Chief 194
Nomination of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief 195
Nomination of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief 197
Nomination of Quartermaster General 200
Nomination of Judge Advocate General. 201
Nomination of Surgeon General 202
Nomination of National Chaplain 204
Closing Ceremonies - 204
RECESS 204
FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION
SEPTEMBER 4, 1998
Call to Order - 205
Salute to the Colors 205
Pledge of Allegiance 205
Opening Prayer 205
Presentation of Commander-in-Chief's Gold
Medal and Citation to General Thomas A. Schwartz 205
Response - General Thomas A. Schwartz 206
Final Report of Credentials Committee 210
Nominations for National Home Trustees 211
Introduction of VFW National Band 212
Introduction of Honor Guard - - - 212
Introduction of Commander-in-Chief's Family 212
Election of Officers - 214
Announcement of Council Members-Elect 218
Announcement of Appointments by Commander-in-Chief-Elect - -218
Installation of Officers - - - - - 219
Presentation of Past Commander-in-Chief
Lapel Pin and Gold Life Membership Card 223
Acceptance Address by
Commander-in-Chief Pouliot 224
Closing Ceremonies - 229
Closing Prayer — 230
Adjournment 230
IX
COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
OFTHE UNITED STATES
(Including societies that amalgamated to form Veterans of Foreign Wars)
The Veterans of Foreign Service and the Army of the Philippines amalgamated
at Denver, CO, August 1913, forming the Veterans of Foreign Wars as it is today.
However, the birth of the order dates from September 29, 1899, when the first
national officers were elected and the eligibility clause adopted. The original chap-
ter was granted October 11,1 899.
• indicates deceased
American Veterans of Foreign Service
1899-1900 James C. Putnam* Elected at Columbus, Ohio.
1900-1901 Maj. Will S. White* Elected at Columbus, Ohio.
1901-1902 Maj. Will S. White* Elected at Columbus, Ohio.
1902-1903 James Romanis* Elected at Washington Courthouse, Ohio.
1903-1904 James Romanis* Elected at Cincinnati, Ohio.
1904-1905 James Romanis* Elected at Cincinnati, Ohio.
1905-1906 George Metzger* Elected at Altoona, Pennsylvania.
1906-1907 Charles H. Devereaux* Elected at Cincinnati, Ohio.
1907-1908 David T. Nevin* Elected at James Exposition Grounds, Virginia.
1908-1909 J. Alfred Judge* Elected at Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
1909-1910 J. Alfred Judge* Elected at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1910-1911 Robert J, Woodside* Elected at Jersey City New Jersey
1911-1912 Robert J, Woodside* Elected at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1912-1913 Robert J, Woodside* Elected at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
American Veterans of Foreign Service
(Eastern Branch)
1903-1904 Capt. Robert S. Hansburg * Elected at Altoona, Pennsylvania.
1904-1905 H.O. Kelly * Elected at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(The above two organizations amalgamated September 1905, at Altoona, Pennsylvania.)
Army of the Philippines
1900-1901 Gen. Francis V. Greene * Elected at Denver, Colorado.
1901-1902 Gen. Irving Hale * Elected at Salt Lake City Utah.
1902-1903 Gen. Irvin Hale * Elected at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
1903-1904 Gen. Charles King * Elected at St. Paul, Minnesota.
1904-1905 Gen. Wilder S. Metcalf * Elected at St. Louis, Missouri.
1905-1906 Col. Alfred S. Frost * Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1906-1907 Gen. Arthur MacArthur * Elected at Des Moines, Iowa.
1907-1908 Capt. H.A. Crow * Elected at Kansas City Missouri.
1908-1909 Maj. P.J.H. Farrell * Elected at Galesburg, Illinois.
1909-1910 Col. Charles L. Jewett * Elected at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1910-1911 AH. Anderson * Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1911-1912 F. Warner Karling * Elected at Detroit, Michigan.
1912-1913 F Warner Karling * Elected at Lincoln, Nebraska.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
1913-1914 Rice W. Means* Elected at Denver, Colorado.
1914-1915 Thomas Crago * Elected at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
1915-1916 Gus Hartung* Elected at Detroit, Michigan.
1916-1917 Albert Rabin* Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1917-1918 William Ralston* Elected at New York, New York.
1918-1919 F. Warner Karling* Elected at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1919-1920 F. Warner Karling* Elected at Providence, Rhode Island.
1920-1921 Robert G. Woodside* Elected at Washington, D.C.
1921-1922 Robert G. Woodside* Elected at Detroit, Michigan.
1922-1923 Tillinghast Huston* Elected at Seattle, Washington.
1923-1924 Gen. Lloyd M. Brett* Elected at Norfolk, Virginia.
1924-1925 John H. Dunn* Elected at Atlantic City, New Jersey.
1925-1926 Fred Stover* Elected at Tulsa, Oklahoma.
1926-1927 Theodore Stitt* Elected at El Paso, Texas.
1927-1928 Frank! Strayer* Elected at Providence, Rhode Island.
1928-1929 Eugene P. Carver* Elected at Indianapolis, Indiana.
1929-1930 Kezekiah N. Duff* Elected at St. Paul, Minnesota.
1930-1931 Paul C. Wolman* Elected at Baltimore, Maryland.
1931-1932 Darold D. DeCoe* Elected at Kansas City, Missouri.
1932-1933 Adm. Robert E. Coontz* Elected at Sacramento, California.
1933-1934 James E. Van Zandt* Elected at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1934-1935 James E. Van Zandt* Elected at Louisville, Kentucky.
1935-1936 James E. Van Zandt* Elected at New Olreans, Louisiana
1936-1937 Bernard W. Kearny* Elected at Denver, Colorado.
1937-1938 Scott P Squyres* Elected at Buffalo, New York.
1938-1939 Eugene I. Van Antwerp* Elected at Columbus, Ohio.
1939-1940 Otis N. Brown* Elected at Boston, Massachusetts.
1940-1941 Joseph C. Menendez* Elected at Los Angeles, California.
1941-1942 Max Singer* Elected at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1942-1943 Robert T Merrill* Elected at Cincinnati, Ohio.
1943-1944 Carl S. Schoeninger* Elected at New York, New York.
1944-1945 Jean A. Brunner* Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1945-1946 Joseph M. Stack* Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1946-1947 Louis E. Starr* Elected at Boston, Massachusetts.
1947-1948 Ray H. Brannaman* Elected at Cleveland, Ohio.
1948-1949 Lyall T Beggs * Elected at St. Louis, MissourL.
1949-1950 Clyde A. Lewis Elected at Miami, Florida.
1950-1951 Charles C. Ralls* Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1951-1952 Frank C. Hilton Elected at New York, New York.
1952-1953 James W. Cothran* Elected at Los Angeles, California.
1953-1954 Wayne E. Richards* Elected at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1954-1955 Merton B. Tice* Elected at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1955-1956 Timothy J. Murphy* Elected at Boston, Massachusetts.
1956-1957 Cooper T Holt Elected at Dallas, Texas.
1957-1958 Richard L. Roudebush* Elected at Miami Beach, Florida.
1958-1959 John W. Mahan Elected at New York, New York.
1959-1960 Louis G. Feldmann' Elected at Los Angeles, California.
1960-1961 TC. Connell Elected at Detroit, Michigan.
1961-1962 Robert E. Hansen Elected at Miami Beach, Florida.
XI
1962-1963 Byron B. Gentry* Elected at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1963-1964 Joseph J Lombardo* Elected at Seattle, Washinton.
1964-1965 John A Jenkins' Elected at Cleveland, Ohio.
1965-1966 Andy Borg' Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1966-1967 Leslie M. Fry' Elected at New York, New York.
1967-1968 Joseph A. Scerra Elected at New Olreans, Louisiana.
1968-1969 Richard W. Homan Elected at Detroit, Michigan.
1969-1970 Raymond A. Gallagher* . .Elected at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1970-1971 Herbert R. Rainwater* Elected at Miami Beach, Florida.
1971-1972 Joseph L. Vicites* Elected at Dallas, Texas.
1972-1973 Patrick E. Carr* Elected at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1973-1974 Ray R. Soden Elected at New Olreans, Louisiana.
1974-1975 John J. Stang Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1975-1976 Thomas C. Walker Elected at Los Angeles, California.
1976-1977 R.D. Smith Jr Elected at New York, New York.
1977-1978 Dr. John Wasylik Elected at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1978-1979 Eric Sandstrom Elected at Dallas, Texas.
1979-1980 Howard E. Vander Clute Jr. . .Elected at New Olreans, Louisiana.
1980-1981 TC. Selman' Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1980-1981 Arthur Fellwock Succeeded TC. Selman, Oct. 21, 1980.
1980-1981 Arthur Fellwock Elected at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1982-1983 James R. Currieo Elected at Los Angeles, California.
1983-1984 Clifford G. Olson Jr Elected at New Olreans, Louisiana.
1984-1985 Billy Ray Cameron Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1985-1986 John S. Staum Elected at Dallas, Texas.
1986-1987 Norman G. Staab Elected at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1987-1988 Earl L. Stock' Elected at New Orleans, Louisiana.
1988-1989 Larry W. Rivers Elected at Chicago, Illinois.
1989-1990 Walter G. Hogan Elected at Las Vegas, Nevada.
1990-1991 James L. Kimery Elected at Baltimore, Maryland.
1991-1992 Robert E. Wallace Elected at New Orleans, Louisiana.
1992-1993 John M. Carney Elected at Indianapolis, Indiana.
1993-1994 George R. Cramer Elected at Dallas, Texas.
1994-1995 Allen F. "Gunner" Kent Elected at Las Vegas, Nevada.
1995-1996 Paul A. Spera Elected at Phoenix, Arizona.
1996-1997 James E. Nier Elected at Louisville, Kentucky.
1997-1998 John E. Moon Elected at Salt Lake City, Utah.
XII
VFW NATIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1997-98
Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Thomas A.Pouliot
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John W. Smart
Adjutant General Larry W. Rivers
Quartermaster General Joe L. Ridgley
Judge Advocate General Brian J. Kennedy
Surgeon General Henry F. Sexauer
National Chaplain Dean Derieg
National Chief of Staff James J. Thiel
Inspector General Daniel Bartholomew
Assistant Adjutant General &
Executive Din, Washington Office Kenneth A. Steadman
Assistant Adjutant General, Administration John J. Senk, Jr.
Assistant Adjutant General, Programs W. Benny Bachand
Assistant Adjutant General, Marketing Ronald G. Browning
Assistant Quartermaster General Lawrence M. Maher
Director, Administrative Services Lawrence LeFebvre
Director, Americanism & Community Activities . . . .Michael J. Gormalley
Director, Emblem & Supply Department M. L. "Bud" Cale
Director, Finance and Human Resources Robert B. Greene
Director, General Services David L. Swindler
Director, Life Membership Dues Processing Gary Housknecht
Director, Membership Thomas L. Kissell
Director, National Convention Joseph D. Ross
Director, Operations Robert Crow
Director, Post Services & Buddy Poppy James R. Rowoldt
Director, Publications & Editor, VFW Magazine Richard K. Kolb
Director, VFW Foundation Steve Van Buskirk
Director, VFW Properties Billy R. Weissend
Director, Voice of Democracy,
Youth Activities & Safety Gordon R. Thorson
Deputy Executive Director, Washington Office Robert E. Wallace
Director, Action Corps &
Deputy Director, National Legislative Service Sidney Daniels
Director, Administrative Services - Washington . .Edward L. "Leo" Andrew
Director, Communications and Public Affairs William G. Smith
Director, Employment Service James N. Magill
Director, National Legislative Service Dennis Culiinan
Director, National Security & Foreign Affairs Bruce Harder
National Service Officer &
Director, National Veterans Service Frederico Juarbe, Jr.
Administrative Assistant, Kansas City Russell R. Cutright
XIII
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT 10
DISTRICT 11
DISTRICT 12
DISTRICT 13
DISTRICT 14
DISTRICT 15
DISTRICT 16
DISTRICT 17
DISTRICT 19
DISTRICT A
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL
OF ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS, 1997-98
ME, NH, VT) Robert W. Madigan
MA, CT) William J. Madera
MD, Rl) Raymond J. Boyle
DC, DE, EU) Bruce A. Withers
IN, MO) James R. Mueller
VA, WV) Scottie E. King
TN, KY) Leroy Ford
GA, AL) Oliver W. Dial
SC, NC) William J. Hendren
OK, AR) Leslie F. Thone
(Wl, lA) William R Shannon
SD, ND, WY) William F. Cerny, Jr.
NE, KS) Lewie B Cooper
MT, WA, ID) Earl E. Chase
NM, CO, AZ) George H. Ralmateer
LAT AM/CAR, PAC, AK, HI) Dannie Cooper
UT NV, OR) Frank R. Risewick
LA, MS) Richard J. Fruge
Pennsylvania) Charles R. Feitenberger
Illinois) Rick Frank
New York) T. William Bossidy
Ohio) George W. Marks
Minnesota) Gordon W. Kirk
Michigan) Richard L. Lehner
(California) Richard R. Pignone
(Texas) Ferrell E. Warden
(Florida) James DePass
Past Commander-in-Chief James E. Nier
XIV
John E. Moon
Commander-in-Chief
1997-98
XV
Thomas A. Pouliot
Commander-in-Chief
1998-99
XVI
VFW NATIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1 998-1 999
Commander-in-Chief Thomas A. Pouliot
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John W. Smart
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John F. Gwizdak
Adjutant General John J. Senk, Jr.
Quartermaster General Joe L. Ridgley
Judge Advocate General R. Earl Lord
Surgeon General Kenneth S. Snow, Jr.
National Chaplain Fr. Thomas W. Neville
National Chief of Staff Randall E. Russell
Inspector General Norbert K. Enos
Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Dir.,
Washington Office Kenneth A. Steadman
Assistant Adjutant General, Administration Lawrence LeFebvre
Assistant Adjutant General, Programs W. Benny Bachand
Assistant Adjutant General, Marketing Ronald G. Browning
Assistant Quartermaster General Lawrence M. Maher
Director, Administrative Services - Kansas City
Director, Citizenship Education &
Community Service Michael J. Gormalley
Director, Emblem & Supply Department M.L. "Bud" Cale
Director, Finance and Human Resources Robert B. Greene
Director, General Services David L. Swindler
Director, Life Membership & Dues Processing Gary Housknecht
Director, Membership Thomas L. Kissell
Director, Operations Robert Crow
Director, Post Services & Buddy Poppy James R. Rowoldt
Director, Publications & Editor, VFW Magazine Richard K. Kolb
Director, VFW Foundation Steve Van Buskirk.
Director, VFW Properties Billy R. Weissend
Director, Youth Development,
Scholarship & Recognition Gordon R. Thorson
Deputy Executive Director, Washington Office . . . .Robert E. Wallace
Director, Action Corps & Deputy Director,
National Legislative Service Sidney Daniels
Director, Administrative Services -
Washington Edward L."Leo" Andrew
Director, Communications and Public Affairs William G. Smith
Director, Employment Service James N. Magill
Director, National Legislative Service Dennis Cullinan
Director, National Security & Foreign Affairs Bruce R. Harder
National Service Officer & Director,
National Veterans Service Frederico Juarbe, Jr.
Administrative Assistant Russell Cutright
XVII
REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS,
1998-99
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
DISTRICT 6
DISTRICT 7
DISTRICT 8
DISTRICT 9
DISTRICT 10
DISTRICT 11
DISTRICT 12
DISTRICT 13
DISTRICT 14
DISTRICT 15
DISTRICT 16
DISTRICT 17
DISTRICT 18
DISTRICT 19
DISTRICT A
DISTRICT B
DISTRICT C
DISTRICT D
DISTRICT E
DISTRICT F
DISTRICT G
DISTRICT H
DISTRICT J
ME, NH) Robert W. Madigan
MA, VT) Bradley F. Reynolds
MD, NJ) Raymond J. Boyle
DC, DE, EU) G. R "Jerry" Miserandino, Sr.
IN, MO) James R. Mueller
VA, WV) Bobby Walls
TN, KY) Leroy Ford
GA, AL) Ray E. Brooks
SC, NC) William J. Hendren
OK, AR) Eugene H. George
Wl, lA) William P. Shannon
SD, ND, WY) Richard J. Belling.
NE, KS) Lewie B Cooper
MT WA, ID) George F. Riedel
NM, CO, AZ) George H. F^lmateer
LAT AM/CAR, PAC, AK, HI) Thomas I. Elliot
UT, NV, OR) Frank R. Risewick
CT, Rl) Ronald Rusakiewicz
LA, MS) Richard J. Fruge
Pennsylvania) Charles R. Feltenberger
Illinois) Rick Frank
New York) T. William Bossidy
Ohio) Craig D. Swartz
Minnesota) Donald L. Gates, Jr.
Michigan) Richard L. Lehner
(California) Richard R. Pignone
(Texas) Alexander Vernon
(Florida) James DePass
Past Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon
XVIII
SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 99TH NATIONAL
CONVENTION
OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 4, 1998
ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 1998
(The Memorial Service of the 99th Annual Convention of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held at the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at
8:30 o'clock a.m., with Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon, presiding. The
Gold Star parents. Gold Star wives. National Officers and Past National
Chaplains were escorted by the Sergeants-at-Arms.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Sergeant-at-Arms, you will
prepare the room for the Advancement and Posting of the Colors.
ADVANCE OF COLORS
(Whereupon, the VFW National Honor Guard advanced the
Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the "Battle
Hymn of the Republic" sung by the Fiesta City Chorus of Sweet Adelines.)
INVOCATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Will you please stand for the
Invocation by Father Dan Majeuris, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air
Force, Retired.
FATHER DAN MAJEURIS: Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, as
we prepare for this Memorial Service, we honestly want to thank you for
all the blessings you have entrusted to our use. So many, in fact, that we
live as if they werejust part of our normal scheme of our life.
Yet when we stop and think, as we do now, we know that this isn't
exactly so. We thank you for life, for friends, for families and for freedom
which have been given to us. Most especially we thank you for our
comrades at arms who now rest in you.
So many of them gave their lives that we might live in freedom.
We pray and are inspired by their ultimate sacrifice that we may live lives
distinguished for thankfulness and responsibility. We do not pretend to
appreciate fully the pain, the loneliness and the suffering that they and their
families endure, but we do entrust into your loving care all of those who
have preceded us into your presence.
May we, the living, also entrust ourselves to you. In this spirit we
1
commit to service this day in our lives. Amen.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS BARRY HOFFMAN: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, the Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
IN MEMORIAM
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I would like to acknowledge
the presence of Mrs. Patrick Carr, widow of Past Commander-in-Chief
Patrick E. Carr, who passed away on June 1 st, 1 998, and some of the family
members. Mrs. Carr.
I would like to also acknowledge the presence of Mrs. Ray
Gallagher, widow of Past Commander-in-Chief Ray Gallagher, who passed
away on October 23rd, 1997, along with her daughter.
Comrades, Ladies of the Auxiliary and Friends: We have met at
this time to commemorate our comrades of the United States Armed Forces
who have answered the last call. The VFW Ritual provides that the
audience refrain from applauding. The Chief of Staff will see that there is
no disturbance during this ceremony.
NATIONAL CHIEF OF STAFF JAMES THIEL: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, your order will be obeyed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I request that the National
Chaplain preside.
(National Chaplain Reverend Dean Derieg presided during the
Memorial Services, performed by the National Officers in accordance with
the Ritual.)
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I am pleased to introduce a
distinguished member of the United States Air Force as our Memorial
Service Speaker.
Chaplain Lorraine K. Potter, a Colonel in the United States Air
Force, is the Command Chaplain, Headquarters Air Education and Training
Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Chaplain Potter was raised in Warwick, Rhode Island, and is an
ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches, United States of
America. Since her commissioning in 1973, she has served at every
command level within the Department of Defense.
Chaplain Potter's achievements include the American Baptist
Outstanding Military Chaplain's Award, the Honorary Doctor of Humane
Letters, and the Reserve Officer Association Outstanding Officer Award.
From 1994 to 1995, she served as the National President, Military
Chaplain's Association.
I am pleased to introduce Chaplain Lorraine K. Potter, Colonel,
United States Air Force.
MEMORIAL ADDRESS
CHAPLAIN LORRAINE POTTER: Commander-in-Chief Moon,
Honored Guests, Members of the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary, Gold Star
parents, Gold Star wives, it is a great honor for me as a chaplain to be here
this morning and to represent the chaplain services of all of our armed
services. As you begin your conference, your meeting, there is no better
way to begin than to acknowledge who we are in the presence of Almighty
God.
So we come this morning to worship our Creator God. We take
time now to remember, remember our many blessings, the blessings of life,
the blessings of liberty and freedom, and the privilege of being a citizen in
this great nation. I would like to read a few verses from the holy scriptures,
Solomon 9, Verses 7 to 1 1 .
"The Lord reigns forever. He has established strong judgment. He
will judge the world in righteousness. He will govern the peoples with
justice." The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of
trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you for you, Lord, have
never forsaken those who seek you.
Sing praises to the Lord and sing joy and proclaim among the
nations what he has done. So praise the nations what he has done.
We, in the military services of the United States, continually do
that around the world as we proclaim that all peoples are to live in a
respected way. We proclaim what the Lord has done by establishing and
maintaining peace. Here today, I call upon us to remember the gifts that
God has given to us and also to remember those who have been
responsible with those gifts.
As I call you to remember, are you good at remembering? The
older I get, I am not sure. There are some times that are easy to remember:
your own birth date, maybe how to ride a bicycle, maybe not as carefully
or as well, but we remember.
It is hard to miss the Christmas season with all that is about us and
the many reminders. We need help in remembering lots of things, though.
But we need to remember because it is in remembering that gives us
encouragement and it is in remembering that we are able to maintain our
hope.
That's the purpose of this worship service today, to be encouraged
and to be hopeful. The sounds about us and the smells and the items that
we see are reminders. They help us remember. The music that we have
already heard today, help us to remember.
Our National Anthem, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and there
is nothing that brings back more memories than to hear our service songs.
Then there are our flags, our national flag, our unit flag, that reminds us of
comrades who have shared our experiences, who help us to remember our
history, where we have been and what we stand for.
Then there is the poppy that reminds us of those who have fought
for their country and the thousands who died on fields of flanders in World
War I and throughout the world in countless battles. We see the poppies
and we remember the sacrifice.
We also need heroes, people who stand for something important
to us and that we are willing to live and die for. Our national heroes to that
force are symbols of people who have had a vision, who have had a dream
and been willing to give, give until they have no more breath: George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, John
F. Kennedy.
But we also have our personal heroes that help us to remember
and that represent to us our own personal hopes and the promises of a full
life. In this time of worship, I am asking you to remember those people
who have been your personal heroes.
It may be a grandparent who loves you and cared for you when a
parent was too busy. It may be a brother or a sister who gave up their own
hopes and dreams for a college education so that you could have
opportunities in education. It could be a friend who believed in you so
much that they spoke up and were willing to give and sacrifice their own
position on your behalf, or a teacher or a supervisor who saw your
potential and encouraged you to be and to do all that you could to be that
potential.
The chaplain, or priest or pastor at homes who have shared their
faith, their commitment and their claim of personal faith. These heroes are
ones who put others before themselves, who have accomplished things
that are great odds. They remind us.
But as we come here today to remember, it is the meaning that we
put to those individuals, those events, those times that gives meaning, gives
meaning to those things, those people.
Picture this: a child is born into this world screaming, wailing and
crying, while all those who have been anticipating the great arrival of his
child are rejoicing and smiling and around the bend of a virtuous old
woman who dies peacefully with a smile on her face. All about her are
crying. It is the meaning that we put to the experience that determines
how we celebrate or how we grieve. How do you define your experiences
with the armed forces, either as a uniform member or as a family member?
What meaning do you put to those experiences, to the people that you
shared with?
For some, the meaning is great. There are some that you can sit
with and their stories will go on forever as they share the experiences of
comrades who have together bonded and accomplished something, being
proud of what they have done and what they stood for, their willingness to
pay the price for the privileges of the freedoms and the lives that they have,
this great pride, and it is the meaning of that that puts everything in
perspective.
There may be others who hear of military service and have
experienced it, and at the time of sharing, a time of fear, a time of great
pain, because what they see in its experience only is the cost, the loss of
life too young, the loneliness. But it is people of faith perhaps to look into
and define our experience through the eyes of our creators, to see the big
picture, to have the spiritual truth which says that a life given on behalf of
another is never given in vain.
It is up to us to look at our experiences of life, death through the
eyes of our creator. There was a young mother who was sitting with her
four-year-old little girl and her little girl was on her lap, and four-year-olds
can be very, very honest.
She said, "Mama, you are so pretty. Your hair is always so shiny,
your face always has such a smile or a welcoming to me. But, mama, your
hands are ugly." The mama smiled at her little girl and she said, "You know
why my hands are like this? When you werejust an infant, I was out in the
yard hanging clothes while you were napping, and I turned and I saw
smoke coming from the house and I ran into the house and I grabbed you
from your crib, and I wrapped you in a blanket and I carried you to safety.
You were perfectly fine, but my hands were burned. That's why they look
this way." The little girl took her mother's hands and she kissed them and
said, "Mama, I love your hands most of all."
It is the use of our lives and all that we have in giving life to
another, in protecting and defending another, in loving another that turns
those things that may seem terribly ugly into those things that are the most
beautiful and most loved.
Today, we remember our comrades, our heroes who faithfully
served our nation, defending freedoms, establishing and maintaining the
peace, loving others in their nation more than themselves, and we are here
to remember and to celebrate. If we are faithful, faithful and stay the course
in doing what God intends us to do, which is to love others, to serve others,
to protect others, then we will become living testimonies to God's promises
and to God's love.
In Hebrews, Chapter 12, Verse 1, is a powerful picture and a
powerful reminder as the author writes. "As for us, we have this large
crowd of witnesses all around us, so then let us rid ourselves of everything
that gets in the way. Let us run with determination the race that lies before
us."
Our comrades have run the race before them. They are now part
of that cloud of witnesses who continue to encourage and remind us. They
encourage us to live our lives to the fullest but selflessly. They encourage
us to dream big, but be willing to sacrifice to make that dream come true.
They encourage us to leave a legacy as they have left a legacy of service.
Today, we celebrate the present because we remember the past.
Pause with me now carefully as we remember. Remember the gift of life,
the love of family, friends, country, God, and commit yourselves to never
take that life or love for granted. We remember those who have gone
before us on a cloud of witnesses who have worked to serve and encourage
us today to live life as they have lived unselflessly.
We remember here today those who served in the armed forces,
who committed themselves to continue to serve the cause of freedom and
democracy, and we commit ourselves to do the same. We remember the
tragedies of war and commit ourselves to everything that we have and are.
We commit that to keeping the peace. O, God, we are grateful for
the class that sits around us and grateful for the challenges and
opportunities that are ours to serve, to fly above and beyond our dreams.
Lord, on our sorting through life, we know that it often becomes necessary
to change our flight plans, to chart new courses, to get another route.
Forbid, Lord, that any change in schedule should cause us to lose
sight of our target to serve you, to serve our country and to become all that
you intend us to be. Hear our prayers and make each of us here not only
offer prayers but be part of the answer to these petitions. In your holy name
we pray. Amen.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much,
Chaplain Potter, for the inspiring words.
(Whereupon, Comrade Bruce D. Anderson, United States Army
Retired, played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes followed by "This Is My
Country" by the Fiesta City Chorus of Sweet Adelines.)
INTRODUCTION OF CHAPLAIN BILLY TATE
TEXAS STATE CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It is my pleasure to Introduce
Billy Tate, the Texas State Chapel of Four Chaplains, representing the
Chapel of Four Chaplains.
PRESENTATION OF THE CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS,
LEGION OF HONOR BRONZE MEDALLION
COMRADE BILLY TATE: Commander-in-Chief Moon, Ladies
Auxiliary President Connie Atkinson, Comrades and Sisters:
No tradition of American society is more precious to, or
characteristic of, our culture than that of voluntarily reaching out to
neighbors in need. Such selfless service is part of both our civic and our
religious heritage.
The Chapel of Four Chaplains, a national non-profit organization,
is founded upon one shining manifestation of our heritage - that of four
Army Chaplains who, after giving their life jackets to soldiers who had
none, linked arms with one another and went down with the US Army
Transport Dorchester, after it was torpedoed on February 3, 1943.
This historical event began at Torpedo Junction, the U-boat
infested, icy water of the North Atlantic during World War II. On January
23, 1943, the United States Army Transport Dorchester, an old coastal
steamer quickly pressed into military service, left New York Harbor bound
for Greenland. The Dorchester was escorted by three Coast Guard cutters.
Two patrolled the flanks; the third, the Tampa, was 3,000 yards out front.
Most of the men were seasick and green with nausea. The weather
was bitterly cold with gale-force winds. Ice began building up on the
decks, slowing the Dorchester to ten knots.
Moving among them were four Army Chaplains: George L. Fox,
Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington. The
Chaplains talked with and listened to the men — soothing apprehensions,
offering encouragement, sharing jokes. By their concern and their
camaraderie with the men and one another, they brought solace.
On February 2, 1943, the Tampa's sonar detected the presence of
a submarine; she dropped back and swept the periphery of the convoy, but
failed to find the submarine's position. That evening, the Tampa returned
to the patrol area up front, and the other ships followed.
The captain ordered the men to sleep in their clothing, with life
jackets close at hand. They were only 150 miles from Greenland. With
daylight, there would be air cover from the American base.
It was just after midnight on February 3, 1943. An enemy
submarine fired a torpedo toward the Dorchester's flank. The missile
exploded in the boiler room, destroying the electric supply and releasing
suffocating clouds of steam and ammonia gas. Many on board died
instantly; some were trapped below deck. Others, jolted from their bunks,
groped and stumbled their way to the decks of the stricken vessel. Taking
on water rapidly, the ship began listing to starboard.
Overcrowded lifeboats capsized; rafts drifted away before anyone
could reach them. Men clung to the rails, frozen with fear, unable to let
go and plunge into the dark churning water far below.
The testimony of survivors tell us that the sole order and the only
fragment of hope in this chaos came from the four chaplains, who calmly
guided men to their boat stations. They opened a storage locker and
distributed life jackets. Then they coaxed men, frozen with fear, over the
side. Soon the supply of life jackets was exhausted. Several survivors
report watching in awe as the four chaplains either gave away or forced
upon other young men their own life jackets.
These four men of God had given away their only means of saving
themselves in order to save others. The Chaplains gathered together, and
led the men around them in a prayer and a hymn. They linked their arms
together as the slant of the deck became severe. In just that way, with their
arms linked in brotherhood and their heads bowed in prayer, they sank
beneath the waves.
It was a heroic act. It was not the only heroic act aboard the
Dorchester, but it was especially significant because of the identity of these
four young men, two Protestants, a Catholic and a Jew.
Today, as it has these many years, the Chapel of Four Chaplains
serves the memory of these brave men, and carries their message of
interfaith cooperation and selfless service to every part of our country.
To recognize and encourage acts of volunteerism, brotherhood
and sacrifice among Americans of every age and station of life, the Chapel
established the Legion of Honor Program. The bronze medallion is an
award given by the Chapel in recognition of exceptional selfless service on
the part of an individual which contributes to the well-being of others at
the national or world level, and to a spirit of interfaith cooperation.
At this time, Commander and President Atkinson, I would like to
present you with these awards. This is a plaque that goes with this award.
Thank you very much, Commander.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. At this time we
will have a musical rendition by the Fiesta City Chorus of Sweet Adelines.
(Whereupon, the Fiesta City Chorus of Sweet Adelines sang "God
Bless America.")
BENEDICTION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Please stand for the
Benediction by Reverend Eugene E. Allen, Colonel, United States Army,
Retired.
COMRADE EUGENE ALLEN: Let us pray. We give thanks, O God,
for all of your praise, the grace that comes to us, the history of this country
and those who have served and ultimately paid the ultimate sacrifice of
life. We pray your blessings upon this great Convention.
We thank you for the safety of those that are here and safety upon
those that are now traveling. Now, may the grace and love of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ, rest and abide and be with each of you now and
forevermore. It is my earnest and faithful prayer in the name of our Lord
and Savior. Amen.
RETIRING OF COLORS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: As the National Color Guard
goes to the rear of the room, the Sergeant-at-Arms will escort the Gold Star
parents and Gold Star wives from the room. We ask you to please be
seated and remain until they have left.
(Whereupon, the Retiring of the Colors was performed by theVFW
National Honor Guard.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time I would like to
acknowledge and thank the Fiesta Chorus of Sweet Adelines and all the
participants in making this program a success.
I would like to announce that tomorrow's Joint Opening Session
will begin at 8:30 a.m. in this hall. Thank you very much for your kindness
and consideration during this program. That concludes our Memorial
Service.
• ^ JOINT OPENING SESSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1998
(The Joint Opening Session of the 99th National Convention of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the 85th National
Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary was called to order on Monday, August
31, 1998, at 8:30 o'clock a.m., in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention
Center, San Antonio, Texas, by Past Commander-in-Chief James E. Nier,
Chairman of theVFW 99th National Convention Committee.)
CALL TO ORDER
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Good morning. Comrades
and sisters, I welcome you to this 99th National Convention here in San
Antonio. On behalf of myself, Vice-Chairman Ted Connell, Past
Commander-in-Chief, Vice Chairman Glen Gardner, Jr., Adjutant
Quartermaster of the State of Texas, Ted Blouin, Secretary-Treasurer, eight
committee members and all of the volunteers who are working to make this
our most successful Convention, we sincerely hope that the time that you
spend with us this week will renew your pride in our nation, rededicate
your commitment to American veterans and bring new excitement to your
work as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Will you please rise as we officially open this Convention with the
Advancing of the Colors.
ADVANCEMENT OF COLORS
(Whereupon, the National Honor Guard advanced the Colors at
this time and the Pledge of Allegiance was given.)
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: And now for this morning's
Invocation, the Past National Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States, Father George Rinkowski.
INVOCATION
FATHER RINKOWSKI: Let us bow our heads. Sovereign Ruler of
the Universe, who are the Lord of Host and the God of Peace, without Thee
our efforts are in vain. Continue Thy blessings upon us and our families,
we pray Thee, and guide us through our deliberations.
We beseech Thee, O God, to bless the departed comrades and to
comfort all that gave their loved ones for our nation's cause. Bless and
strengthen the sick, the needy and the afflicted. Bless, we ask Thee, the
widows and children in our National Home and help us to fulfill our duty
toward them.
Continue Thy favor upon our order and help us to practice the
spirit of true comradeship, both in our Councils and with the world at
large. Enable us to betterment the community in which we live to our
devotion to duty as citizens.
We shall have a moment of silent prayer for our departed comrades
and for those missing in action and those held as prisoners of war. These
and all other necessary blessings, we ask of Thee, Mighty Ruler of the
Universe. Amen.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS BARRY HOFFMAN: Comrade Chairman,
the Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Thank you, sir. You may be
seated, please.
VIDEO PRESENTATION
THE ANNOUNCER: Commander-in-Chief John Moon is from
Grover Hill, Ohio, and this morning we have a short video from the
Governor of Ohio, George V. Voinovich, with his greetings to this
Convention and Commander-in-Chief Moon.
(Whereupon, the video was presented at this time.)
INTRODUCTION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Comrades and Sisters, I am
truly honored to make this next introduction. John E. Moon was elected to
the position of VFW Commander-in-Chief at the organization's 98th
National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 21, 1997.
He served in the United States Marine Corps from July, 1968, to
July, 1970. While stationed in Vietnam, he was assigned to the Second
Battalion, Third Marine Division. In recognition of his service, he received
a Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions
Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon and the National Defense Service
Medal.
He joined the VFW in April, 1970, at Post 5665, Sherwood, Ohio.
A year later, he was elected Post Commander, and re-elected the following
year. In 1975, he joined VFW Post 2873 in Grover Hill, Ohio. During
three terms as Post Commander there, he twice earned the distinction of
All-State Post Commander. He also served as Post Adjutant for 14 years
and also served as a District Commander and as a County Council
Adjutant.
At the Department level, he has served as chairman of several
committees, including Legislation, Membership, Vietnam Veterans,
National Home, and the Ohio Caravan that visits the VFW National Home
every year. He was an Ail-American Department Commander for the year
1987-1988, and was elected to the National Council of Administration in
1988.
The National appointments have included Chairman of the
10
Americanism Committee, assignments to the POW/MIA, National Security
and Foreign Affairs, Budget & Finance, Veterans Service, and Legislative
Committees. He has also served as an Assistant Inspector General, Deputy
Chief of Staff and National Aide de Camp.
He attended Northwest State College where he earned degrees in
Business Management and Human Resources. He is a member of the DAV,
AmVets, American Legion, Military Order of the Cootie and the Marine
Corps League. He served for 16 years as the Mayor of Grover Hill, Ohio.
Comrades and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in
welcoming a man I am proud to call my friend, the Commander-in-Chief
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, John E.
Moon, from the great state of Ohio.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Commander-in-Chief, at
this time I would like to present you with your official convention gavel
and your official convention badge. I probably didn't do that as good as
Susie would have. Commander-in-Chief, at this time the members of the
committee and myself would like to wish you productive deliberations and
a most successful convention. Thank you, sir.
REMARKS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much, P&st
Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of this wonderful Convention, Jim
Nier. You know, the opportunity that came to me one year ago as I stood
before you to begin the "Courage Under Fire" year was one of the greatest
highlights, I guess, of my life, and I took on the responsibility with a lot of
love and a lot of desire, and a lot of great will, I guess, as a result of the
many people in this room today that felt that I had the abilities to carry
through.
To all of you, I thank you for your confidence, the goodwill, the
great deed of sincere relationships that we have been able to, I guess,
coordinate over the years. To allow me to have this position has been truly
wonderful. I thank you for that.
We started the "Courage Under Fire" year with many, many
thoughts in mind. This past year we were able to deliver somewhat of a
maximum effort when it was needed in many areas. The "Courage Under
Fire" year is a courage under fire displayed today and that you are going to
have to display in the near future.
Veterans are better off today than what they were one year ago
contrary to so many views that we see from time to time. We see in
Hollywood where Private Ryan has been saved, but we see in today's small
communities throughout America and the large cities there are many
Private Ryans being saved as a result of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and
its Ladies Auxiliary.
11
A few years back, a VFW Commander-in-Chief said that the
purpose of this organization was to turn indifference into concern, and
concern into action for America's veterans. I would like to thank you for
doing that this year.
But at the same time, we have deep concerns that while we are
saving the Private Ryans, we have some great problems with those troops
that are serving in parts of the world that may be or under conditions that
we are not necessarily in favor of, that being in and around Bosnia.
You know, we have resolutions opposed to our troops being there,
but while those troops are stationed on foreign soil and possibly in harm's
way, this organization, this VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary, will do
everything, everything within our power, to make sure that they are safely
guarded, that they are well prepared, and that they truly are America's
finest and the world's best fighting machine.
We spent a good time this year, many, many hours pertaining to
the Arlington National Cemetery. We succeeded in having it reaffirmed
that Arlington is, in fact, for those who deserve to be buried there and for
no one else, period.
One of the highlights of the year came in December when Fortune
magazine listed our own VFW as the sixteenth most effective membership
organization in the country when it comes to getting things done in
Washington, D.C, and what was really nice is that there is no other
veterans group ahead of us.
In that respect, we are number one among veterans and we must
continue to do everything possible if we are to maintain that number one
position. Our Washington staff, for what they do, is just an outstanding
group of individuals. To name one would be to be somewhat slightful of
all those that have participated.
So to the Washington staff, I thank you for your efforts, your
contributions to America's veterans to keep us going, to keep us rated as
number one. The grass roots that we have has really been the guiding light,
because it is their ideas, their views, their examples and their feelings that
have brought us to that number one ranking that we have, and we are very
thankful.
We have also been very fortunate this year to have the support of
a very wonderful lady, a true friend, an outstanding National President,
Connie Atkinson from the great state of Arkansas. I might say that Connie
has my heartfelt thanks for all the work of the Ladies Auxiliary for our
veterans this year. I know the work they do in Kansas City, too, and I am
referring to the Ladies Auxiliary, what they did last month to get out the
vote to save the Liberty Memorial.
Now, those who served in World War I will always have a beautiful
memorial to honor their courage, their bravery and the sacrifices on behalf
of their country.
Today, America is once again under attack on foreign shores. Our
recent retaliatory strikes against terrorist bases carries a strong message,
12
that we will not tolerate attacks on American citizens anywhere, and if they
are attacked, we will fight back.
As a nation, we have displayed courage under fire many, many
times during the past century, and as a veterans organization we have
shown courage under fire in fighting for veterans rights, veterans benefits
and in saving America's veterans from neglect, from rejection and from
indifference.
I say to you, now may God bless you, may God bless the VFW, and
may God bless the United States of America.
I would ask that you please rise at this time and join me in
welcoming to our stage the President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Connie
Atkinson, from the great Department of Arkansas.
INTRODUCTION -THE HONORABLE HOWARD W. PEAK,
MAYOR, CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: From the Alamo to the River
Walk, San Antonio is a city of great charm, elegance and style. Its history
contains one of the proudest chapters in the development of Texas and the
United States, when brave men rallied under the battle cry "Remember the
Alamo."
Today from its air base and military posts a new generation of
service people is ready to protect our freedoms at home and those of our
allies abroad. From the frontier of the American West to the frontier of a
new century, San Antonio has grown with the times and is poised for the
opportunities and challenges ahead.
Much of the recent success of this city is due to the imagination,
talent and efforts of one individual. His diverse background includes many
facets of government, civic activities, business and education. Most
important, he brings to his present position a well-rounded background in
long-range planning, water management, neighborhood planning, utilities
development, and infrastructure policy formulation.
Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm VFW welcome to the
man who has done so much to make our stay in San Antonio so erijoyable,
His Honor, the Mayor, Howard W. Peak, from San Antonio.
GREETINGS - THE HONORABLE HOWARD W. PEAK,
MAYOR, CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
MAYOR PEAK: Thank you very much. Boy, this is a big crowd. It
is great to see everybody here in San Antonio. It is a pleasure to be here
this morning, and on behalf of the City of San Antonio we are honored to
have been selected as the site of the VFW 99th National Convention.
Yes, we are a city that values our tourism and convention business.
It is an important component of our local economy. But more importantly,
your presence here allows Military City USA to be your host and to share
13
with you the hospitality that has brought back to San Antonio many
thousands of military retirees and others who have passed through one of
more of our Installations during their career.
The title "Military City USA" was earned not just because of our
good fortune to be the home of five bases, but also because of the
genuinely friendly relationships between the military and San Antonio that
has developed over the years. We have welcomed the military as our
friends, neighbors as important partners in our economy and in our
community as a whole.
It is fitting that you were in San Antonio this week giving us the
opportunity to thank you for your contributions and sacrifices to and for
our country. So thanks to those who are here, to veterans everywhere, and
to all those who have not given just your service but their lives, too.
Welcome to San Antonio.
INTRODUCTION -THE HONORABLE GEORGE W. BUSH,
GOVERNOR OF TEXAS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: As the Governor of the State of
Texas, George W. Bush has earned a reputation as a principled
conservative who shapes public policy based on his belief in limited
government, local control, strong families and individual responsibility.
He receives high approval ratings from the people of this great
state, in large part, because of his ability to set clear goals and work
constructively with Republicans and Democrats to achieve those goals.
Ladies and gentlemen, pleasejoin me in a warm VFW welcome for
the Governor of the great state of Texas, Governor George W. Bush.
GREETINGS - THE HONORABLE GEORGE W. BUSH,
GOVERNOR OF TEXAS
GOVERNOR BUSH: Thank you all very much. John, thank you
for that kind introduction. I want to welcome you all to San Antonio, a
great Texas city, and the State of Texas is honored to host the 99th National
Convention of the VFW. If you are from Texas, it is great to see you. I love
being your Governor. And if you are not fortunate enough to call yourself
a Texan, welcome. We are really glad you are here.
If you stay here long enough, you will know what I know, that this
is a place full of decent, loving and hard-working people. The people in
this state appreciate our veterans and we support the military. We know
that we can never repay you for what you have done, but we try every
chance we get.
As General Douglas MacArthur once said, "No one knows the true
cost of peace like a soldier." I am vividly reminded about what peace has
meant and sacrifice has meant a couple of years in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Perhaps some of you were there.
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There were 30,000 people that had gathered in Fredericksburg to
say thanks to the veterans who had fought in the Pacific theater in World
War II. You see, it would be plus 50. My dad was there. He was the Grand
Marshal of the parade. My mother was there and my wife was there, and it
was during this parade two things came to mind first and foremost, how we
can never forget history and sacrifice made, and secondly, I learned that
you can never escape your mother.
You see, I got up to speak and I said, "Mr. President, welcome to
Central Texas." There was a nice round of applause. I said "mother" and
the place went wild. I said, "Mother, it is clear that the people of Texas still
love you and so do I, but you are still telling me what to do after 50 years."
Honest to goodness a guy in a big cowboy hat stepped out in the
middle of Main Street of Fredericksburg and said, "You better listen to her,
too, boy." I do listen to her. I listen to my dad who not only taught me the
importance of military but taught me the importance of values, values
represented right here in this hail: duty, honor and country.
There is no question that we are the freest nation in the world
because of men and women just like you in this room who put duty ahead
of self so that freedom and democracy could triumph over tyranny and
oppression. I want to thank the VFW for its continued support of American
soldiers by providing important LINKS to home, by smoothing the
transition into civilian life at the end of service, and by funding a memorial
to those who have served or died in battle.
There is a movie which I have not been able to see that is out right
now. I am sure some of you have seen it. It is called "Saving Private Ryan."
I have been reading about it and I have been listening to the reaction of a
lot of people who have seen the movie, both veterans and non-veterans
alike.
All people say it is a terrific reminder, and for some the first vivid
testimony of how the soldiers of my parents' generation, how the soldiers
such as yourself in this audience sacrificed for us, and what all soldiers
have done for us. The movie is a good reminder that freedom carries
responsibility, the responsibility to live a life of decency and compassion
that is worthy of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, the
responsibility, as the captain says in a movie, to earn It.
All Americans must never forget the lessons of war but must always
strive for peace and we must do all we can to live up to your noble
sacrifice, to truly earn the freedom with which we have been so richly
blessed. Thank you all very much and God bless you.
INTRODUCTION -THE HONORABLE KAY BAILEY HUTCHINSON,
UNITED STATES SENATOR - TEXAS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I am most pleased to introduce
our next speaker. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, elected to the United
States Senate in 1993, is the first woman to represent Texas in the United
15
States Senate.
In January of 1997, Senator Hutchinson joined the key Senate
Appropriations Committee. Her Defense and Military Construction
Subcommittee assignments have a direct impact on crucial decisions on
federal defense spending.
During her more than two years on the Armed Services
Committee, Senator Hutchinson was an effective advocate not only for our
military personnel and their families but for increased readiness and
support for our armed forces.
In 1996, Senator Hutchinson chaired the 30-member Senate
Steering Committee, an informal caucus of conservative advisors to the
Senate Majority Leader.
Named Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference in
1997 and entered into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame that same year, she
brings to her current position the same confidence and concern that
marked her tenure as member of the Texas House of Representatives and
as Texas State Treasurer.
Please join me in giving a very warm VFW welcome for the
distinguished United States Senator from the great state of Texas, the
Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchinson. (Applause)
GREETINGS -THE HONORABLE KAY BAILEY HUTCHINSON,
UNITED STATES SENATOR - TEXAS
SENATOR HUTCHINSON: Thank you. What a great, wonderful
way to start Monday morning. Welcome to Military City USA. In Texas,
we love and respect everyone who has pledged their lives so that all of us
can be free. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My staff in Washington gets a little tired of me bragging about
Texas all the time, because I do come home every weekend, and then I go
back to Washington and I talk about how great God's country was. Well,
I came back about six months ago and I said, "Oh, I had a perfect
weekend. On Saturday, I rode a horse in the Houston Rodeo Parade. That
same night I went to a Mardi Gras Mask Ball in Galveston and it was
perfect."
One of my staffers, who had had it up to here, said, "I don't know
what is so perfect about that. You deal with horses of all kinds and people
with two faces right here in Washington every day." (Laughter) So, I know
that many of you probably feel the same way.
But let me say just a couple of things to you about what we are
trying to do in Congress. We are very concerned about the state of our
military today. We are worried that we may be going to the hollow force
of the '70s. Here are the indicators.
The Army had its worst recruiting year last year since 1979. The
Navy is 13 percent low in its recruiting. The Air Force was only able to
entice 29 percent of our pilots that had experience to take the $60,000
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bonus to sign up for five more years.
We cannot continue to be the greatest military in the world and the
only super power left if we don't keep our experienced people and recruit
the best as we have done over the last 200 years.
There is only one place that I am going to advocate that we
increase spending in the next four years, and that is in our military. Our
defense budget is too low and we must beef it up. We are going to start to
target our spending so our military people will get the health care they
deserve and our veterans will as well.
We are going to force the deployment of the Ace Missile system for
our country. That is unconscionable that we don't have a defense system
while we are watching the Middle East erupt in missile testing. We cannot
stand without our own missile defense system and we are going to force
the issue with this administration.
We are going to fight to make sure that the sacrifices that all of you
and your comrades have made are not in vain. I will never forget, and this
is a true story and I am going to end with it because it made such an impact
on me. It has really been the leading force for what I have done in the
United States Senate ever since this happened.
It was early in my term, about four and one-half years ago, and I
was coming back to Dallas one Friday afternoon. A man walked up to me
on the airplane. He said, "Hi, Senator. I am Larry Joyce. I am one of your
constituents."
I said, "Well, hi, Larry. What were you doing in Washington? Did
you have a good time?" He said, "Senator, I was burying my son in
Arlington National Cemetery." I said, "Did he die in Somalia?" He said,
"Yes, Senator, he did." The tears streamed down his cheeks.
He said, "Senator, I am a military man. I served two terms in
Vietnam and I came back, and now my oldest son in his first mission as an
Army Ranger is not coming home and I can't tell you why." I vowed then
and there on that very spot that as long as I am in the United States Senate,
I am never going to feel that I can't answer a Larry Joyce or Mrs. Larry Joyce
any time I am asked that question.
There is only one answer to Larry Joyce and to Mrs. Larry Joyce,
and to all of you who have made the sacrifice to let us stand here today,
and that is that your son or daughter died securing the freedom of the
citizens of the United States of America, and that is the only answer that
we can give if we are responsible stewards of our military in our country.
So because of the son of Larry Joyce and because of all of you in
this room, we live in the greatest, freest and fairest country that was ever
put together on the face of the earth.
I respect you, I honor you and I thank you.
THE ANNOUNCER: It is our pleasure to introduce Rebecca
Pernol, the Ladies Auxiliary National Patriotic Instructor, presenting flag
sets to Mayor Peak, Governor Bush and Senator Hutchinson.
17
PRESENTATION OF AMERICAN FLAG SETS
NATIONAL PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR REBECCA PERNOL; It is a
great honor and privilege for me to be here making this presentation today.
We are a symbol of a rallying point for all the brave men and women. The
flag is the Lone Star, is flown over both nation and state.
We are grateful that the Lone Star has joined with other 49 states
tojoln the great flags of ours. That flag has grown from 13 stars to 50, and
a nation that started out along one-third of the East Coast and now stretches
from the Atlantic Ocean to one-third distance across the Pacific Ocean,
and a nation whose influences is felt around the world and today in outer
space.
I hope you will display this flag in your office and think of the
consequences that your actions will have upon it in everything that you do
in that office.
Governor Bush, will you please step to the podium. On behalf of
the National President, Connie Atkinson, of the Ladies Auxiliary of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, it is my pleasure to present to you this flag set.
GOVERNOR BUSH: Thank you.
NATIONAL PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR PERNOL: Senator
Hutchinson, will you, please, come to the podium. It is with great honor
for me, on behalf of the National President, Connie Atkinson, of the Ladies
Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to present a symbol of our nation
to a lady that has one of the highest offices in our nation and who knows
and understands what this flag means to us. We hope that you will display
it proudly in your office.
SENATOR HUTCHINSON: I will.
NATIONAL PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR PERNOL: Mayor Peak, will
you, please, come forward. Mayor Peak, it is with great pleasure that I
present to you the American flag sets on behalf of the National President,
Connie Atkinson, of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We hope you display it proudly in your office and remember the flag
should always be displayed in a proper and dignified manner.
MAYOR PEAK: Thank you.
THE ANNOUNCER: Please sit back and relax as we present a
video.
(Whereupon, a video presentation was had at this time.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time, if you will please
rise and give one great round of applause to three great Americans, Mayor
Peak, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and the Honorable Governor George
W. Bush. Thank you very much.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO 1998 ALL AMERICAN
DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS
THE ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great
18
pleasure that we present to you the 1997-1998 team of All American
Department Commanders. The selection of All American Commander was
based on each achieving their assigned quotas in new and reinstated
members as well as Life Member conversion.
From the Department of Alaska, Horace D. Johnson.
From the Department of Arkansas, Odell Stricklin.
From the Department of Delaware, Robert A. McGowan.
From the Department of Europe, Richard A. Maryland.
From the Department of Hawaii, Lawrence H. Sakamoto. This
award will be accepted by his widow.
From the Department of Kansas, A. Lynn Hall.
From the Department of Minnesota, Donald L. Gates, Jr.
From the Department of Mississippi, William H. Long.
From the Department of Montana, Joseph W. Brand.
From the Department of North Dakota, Theodore Will.
From the Department of Vermont, Merlin T Doyle.
From the Department of Wyoming, Kenneth E. Weber.
Will all of the All American Post, District and Department
Commanders please stand and be recognized. Let's give them a round of
applause. (Applause)
At this time Commander-in-Chief Moon will present a very special
citation to the Department of Arizona. For 31 years, the members of the
Department of Arizona have worked together as a team to increase VFW
membership throughout the state. Each member of the Department of
Arizona can take pride in their many years of dedication and hard work
that went into reaching this milestone.
Now, in recognition of those efforts, I would like to call on Greg
Woodring, the Immediate Department Commander of Arizona, to accept
this "Consecutive Years of Membership Growth" citation. Congratulations
to the Department of Arizona.
The citation reads as follows:
"In recognition of thirty-one consecutive years of membership
growth, evidencing the attainment of three decades of continuous
membership gain by a Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 31st
day of August, 1998."
This has been signed by Commander-in-Chief Moon.
Congratulations to the Department of Arizona.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO THE
98TH NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE
THE ANNOUNCER: The Commander-in-Chief Moon will now
present a Certificate of Appreciation to the 98th National Convention
Committee for their work in planning and conducting last year's National
19
Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
To accept the award on behalf of the Committee is Ben Russo, who
was Chairman of the Committee.
The citation reads as follows:
"In sincere appreciation and grateful recognition of their
dedication and tireless efforts to ensure the success of the 98th National
Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States held in Salt
Lake City, Utah, August 16-21, 1997."
This has been signed by Commander-in-Chief Moon.
INTRODUCTION - GENERAL LLOYD W. NEWTON, COMMANDER,
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING, RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE,
TEXAS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Ladies and gentlemen: We are
proud to have with us today General Lloyd W. Newton, the Commander of
Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base,
headquartered here in San Antonio, home of the famous Alamo.
Not only does San Antonio house Randolph Air Force Base, but it
is also the home to four other military installations that train men and
women who defend our nation: Lackland Air Force Base, Brooks Air Force
Base, Kelly Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston. These bases in the
communities of San Antonio include more than 178,000 active-duty,
reserve, civil service personnel and military retirees.
Together, they contribute approximately $3.7 billion to the local
economy each year.
Ladies and gentlemen, pleasejoin me in a warm VFW welcome for
General Lloyd W. Newton of Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
REMARKS - GENERAL LLOYD W. NEWTON
GENERAL LLOYD NEWTON: Thank you very much for that warm
introduction and thanks for the warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen.
Indeed, it is a great honor as well as a terrific pleasure for me to have the
opportunity to come and share some of your time during this very
important event, which is taking place in this great city.
I know that the leadership of both the state as well as the city, the
Governor and the Mayor, as well as our great Senator, Senator Hutchinson,
have been with you already, and I just want tojoin with them as well as on
behalf of all of the other soldiers, sailors, airmen. Marines and Coast Guard
personnel that are in the local area and say welcome to San Antonio, Texas.
To your Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon, you have done a
terrific job of gathering an outstanding audience for this important
convention. Interestingly enough, I have been out of town and I came back
in on Saturday, and en route from Houston back to here I had the
opportunity to share a plane ride with a number of your colleagues.
20
I happened to be in uniform so immediately they wanted to know
who was this General that was joining our crowd here. I told them that I
would certainly be on my best behavior because I was looking forward to
joining you here this morning.
Again, indeed, it is a real honor to welcome you to San Antonio. I
think if you have not already been, and I know some of you have been here
for a few days, that you will find that San Antonio is certainly a warm and
wonderful city. That's why we in the military call it Military City USA, not
only because of the number of bases that you heard that we have here but
because of that great relationship that I along with my military personnel
have with the great citizens here in San Antonio.
You will find that culturally this is one of the most diverse and
probably one of the most visited cities in the State of Texas. So if you find
some time, get out and enjoy this great culture and great heritage that you
will find here.
Let me say to you in way of a few words this morning, we certainly
do live in a different world today than that which many of you might have
served in just a short ten years or so ago. Back during that period of time,
we were engaged in the cold war and our national strategy was one of
containment very simply put, and we wanted to contain Communism.
As all of you were aware, as you were part of it, the United States
did an exceptional job because we won the cold war. But things have
changed certainly from 1989 until now when the wall came down. Today,
we subscribe to a new strategy, one which can be summed up in three
words: engagement and enlargement.
Under this strike of the United States that is actively engaged
around the world in a concerted effort as we try to enlarge the family of
democratic like-minded nations because we feel the free world certainly
flourishes when we are engaged in this kind of environment.
This strategy will call for our armed forces and air force to continue
to be in high demand as we move into the turn of the century and into the
new millennium. We are in high demand as we speak right now, as a
matter of fact, and today our United States Air Force, we have permanently
overseas some 80,000 personnel.
As we speak, because I just reviewed my morning brief, we have
over 1 5,000 men and women deployed to various crises and engagements
around the world. We are experienced in Operation Tempo that is
certainly four times, at least that much, more than we did in the eighties.
Because of that, our forces are feeling that strain. You see, we have
downsized the forces, as well as a lot of our equipment has been
downsized over 36 percent since the mid-eighties, and again our military
men and women are feeling that strain.
But in spite of this strain, as I traveled around and meet with our
folks, and I have just returned from a trip to Europe of about two weeks
ago, I can tell you we are getting some of America's best and brightest.
These men and women are totally dedicated to serve you and I and this
21
great nation that we live in.
You will find that their morale is as high as it has ever been, and
let me assure you that they are some of the smartest that I have ever seen.
I, along with my colleague in the leadership environment, must be sure
that we are reading fast and walking very tall if we expect to stay out in
front of them.
They are some of the best that we can have and because of that I
am extremely proud and most honored to have the opportunity to serve in
the leadership capacity. Now, I will tell you that as I mentioned things
have been changing, things certainly have been changing and you have
continued to play a significant role in the well-being of our armed forces
and, consequently, that resulted in the well-being of our nation.
Your efforts, like those of continuing with great Americanism and
community service programs have been very helpful in keeping in the
forefront the value of our armed forces. Furthermore, you have your
Auxiliary program, like your Ladies Auxiliary program, which has been the
backbone of your volunteer efforts that has been extending a helping hand
throughout our various communities and making America continue to be
the world's only super power.
You continue to support the military in a very critical way, known
as our national security, and our national defense. Whether that is
supporting in quality of life kinds of programs or whether it means that you
are serving to ensure that our readiness stays with ties that need to be and
we should keep it.
You have been there as the watch dog to ensure that our comrades
have before them the important facts of how our military forces are doing.
As a result, you are over two million individuals strong as well as more than
776,000 ladies in your Auxiliary group that have been wearing the badge
of courage under fire very, very proudly, and for that I can tell you our men
and women that are in uniform greatly appreciate what you have done.
More important than that, those who have been veterans and who
may not have had the opportunity to appreciate the best that America has
to offer, you have kept in the forefront the need to continue to be a support
to each of them.
Let me tell you, your support today is even more important than it
ever was. It is more important because of a great downsizing which we
have had and because there are fewer and fewer Americans who are now
serving in your armed forces. Because of that, there are many who have
very little knowledge of what it really means to serve the nation.
The link between us that are in uniform and our citizens in the
community are largely through you, the members of theVFW. So for that,
on behalf of all my colleagues I say to you thank you very, very much for
being an important arm for our armed forces.
Now, over the last five years, you certainly know that America has
been enjoying a great life. It has been a great life because our economy
has been doing exceptionally well, except maybe for a few days last week.
22
But clearly the stock markets are higher than they have ever been in a long
period of time.
The unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been. We have not
heard of anything about inflation here in recent times, and certainly
interest rates are in the single digits. Ladies and gentlemen, I suggest to you
that much of this great enthusiasm that has a bearing on our economy is a
direct result of what you have done in the service of your nation as well as
those men and women that are still in the uniform today.
You see, I think that it is clear that when there is more security and
stability around the world, free markets flourish and ours has been moving
steadily along with all of those around the rest of the world. Our men and
women in uniform have helped to build that security and that stability that
we find out there, even though the world is still a rather dangerous place.
But with that, we, too, want to help you enjoy that great economic
benefit that has been coming to this great nation of ours. So we clearly
recognize that we are in a global market and because of that we have to
ensure that kind of security and stability remains because an economic
crisis anywhere in the world can certainly mean an economic crisis
everywhere in the world, including our United States.
So, we want to ensure that those men and women that are in
uniform are clearly supported as you have done so well over the years. I
will tell you, it is through their efforts that we continue to be the world's
greatest armed forces. You help to ensure that those resources that are
needed for our national defense continue to come our way.
So, as you continue in this convention, this milestone convention,
I might add, you will find that as you begin to enter into the new
millennium of the 21st Century that there are still many things to be done
to ensure that we will continue to be a viable economy and a viable
nation.
So as your armed forces move into much more of an expeditionary
kind of force and environment, we will be a force that will be on the move,
and when you call we want to be ready. So, whether it is an attack on
terrorists that will take aim at American citizens, or whether it is helping
with the natural disasters, either here in these United States or wherever we
are called around the world, we want to ensure that our armed forces are
ready.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is through your efforts that we continue
to be ready. So, again, welcome to San Antonio. I wish you the very best
as you continue with this convention. I know that you deliberate on
extremely, extremely important issues that deal not only with our own
forces but deal with our great United States. For that, we owe you all that
we can.
So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome and thank you very much. I
salute you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Let's give him a round of
applause. (Applause)
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PRESENTATION OF VFW GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT AND CITATION
TO LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT CONNIE ATKINSON
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For 84 years, the Ladies
Auxiliary to the VFW has been an active partner in everything the
organization has been able to accomplish. This partnership has seen the
development of programs and projects that serve members, their
communities and our nation.
"Catch the Spirit" is the theme of this year's National President,
Connie Atkinson of Conway, Arkansas, and with it she has led the Auxiliary
to new records and new milestones. Conniejoined the Ladies Auxiliary on
the eligibility of her husband, Carroll, who served in Vietnam as a
helicopter crew chief.
A Life Member of Jesse W. Grisham Auxiliary 2259, Connie has
been named an Outstanding Auxiliary President, Outstanding District
President and runner-up Outstanding Department President, 1989-1990.
She has served as Southern Conference Meeting Chairman,
National Chairman on the Southern Conference Safety and Rehabilitation
Programs, and five times earned the status of National Aide-de-Camp for
Recruiting New Members.
And now, as she comes forth to accept the VFW Gold Medal of
Merit and Certificate, please give her a warm VFW welcome.
THE ANNOUNCER: The citation reads as follows:
"In special recognition of her untiring dedication to our country
and in sincere appreciation for her enthusiastic leadership as evidenced by
the exceptional contributions of the Ladies Auxiliary to the programs and
purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and, by their deeds, fulfillment of
the commitment of the Ladies Auxiliary as they 'Catch the Spirit.'"
RESPONSE - LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT CONNIE ATKINSON
LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT ATKINSON: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief Moon. To you, the National VFW Officers and the
Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary, Comrades, Sisters and our Guests:
Thank you for this very special award from the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. I shall cherish it always. You know, this convention marks the end
of 84 years that the Ladies Auxiliary has partnered with the Veterans of
Foreign Wars to serve veterans and other members of our community
throughout our great century.
We are beginning our 85th year. I think it is time maybe for us to
pause and tell you, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, how
proud and how honored we are to have served as your Ladies Auxiliary for
the last 84 years.
On behalf of the nearly 728,000 members of the Ladies Auxiliary,
we want to say to the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars thank you
for the service that you rendered our country in its time of need. Thank you
24
for allowing us to serve as your Ladies Auxiliary. We are here to assist you
in any of our joint programs in any way that we possibly, possibly can.
This year we worked together on the new projects, such as the
raising of funds for the World War II Memorial, and the efforts to restore the
original Star Spangled Banner. Once again, we have participated in making
a difference day. We also provided outstanding scholarship opportunities
for our young people. I am so proud to have been able to play a role in
the legacy of service.
This morning I would like to say again a very special thank you to
each VFW member on behalf of our nearly 728,000 members of the Ladies
Auxiliary.
Commander-in-Chief Moon, it was a pleasure to serve with you
and on behalf of all of our members of the Ladies Auxiliary I wish for you
a very successful convention. I might add that I know every National
President has stood here and said she has had the very best Commander-
in-Chief, and as we progress through the years, the Commanders-in-Chief
only get better, so I know that I have the very best Commander-in-Chief.
Thank you.
INTRODUCTION OF YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER,
HEATHER R. HULL
THE ANNOUNCER: The Youth Essay Contest is a nationwide
program designed to give seventh, eighth and ninth-grade students the
opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme, "What Patriotism
Means To Me."
The Youth Essay Contest was again very successful in this, the third
year of the program. We can all be very proud of the results. Over 58,300
students entered the competition. All 54 Departments submitted a winner.
Savings bonds and other incentives, totalling over $447,000, were
generously given by our membership to young people throughout our great
nation.
We are very pleased to have the 1998 National Winner of the
Youth Essay Program competition with us this morning. Heather was a
ninth-grade student at Los Alamos High School in Los Alamos, New
Mexico, when she wrote her winning essay. She is sponsored by VFW Post
8874 and its Ladies Auxiliary from Los Alamos, and is accompanied by her
father, mother and sister.
Here to present her award-winning essay: "What Patriotism Means
To Me", the 1998 First Place National Youth Essay Winner, Heather Hull.
YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER - HEATHER R. HULL
MS. HULL: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief, and thank you all
from the Ladies Auxiliary and veterans.
Patriotism, to me, is the spirit and soul of a country. It is what
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keeps a country together not only through war and hardships, but also
through the victory and triumph. What else could keep a soldier from
losing heart and hope in battle? A disheartened country from losing the
burning desire to rebuild itself? A nation of divided citizens from losing
each other?
It is patriotism that keeps our love of freedom alive. It is not money
or wealth; it is not social acceptance. It is the pure goodwill of every true
American that keeps our nation's dreams alive. Every day we show our
patriotism in large and small ways: by proudly saluting the flag, by saying
the Pledge of Allegiance, by celebrating the Fourth of July with its bursts of
fireworks. Americans show their patriotism when soldiers give their lives
serving our country and when citizens cast a vote in support of a candidate
whose ideals represent their own.
Behind our many freedoms, including the freedoms of speech and
religion, stand all the men and women who, through dedication to their
dreams and perseverance through their struggles, have made so many
opportunities ours. Although we may only recognize their sacrifices and
suffering on certain holidays, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day,
their legacy is all around us every day. In every military cemetery, the
gravestones there represent hundreds of our patriots who have served our
country and who continue to do so.
To me, patriotism is a kind of heroism. When I saw my face
reflected in the shiny granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall)
in Washington, D.C., I was reminded of the valor of those whose names are
etched there and of the courage of their loved ones.
We Americans have always shown our patriotism by honoring our
values and by envisioning freedom for all. To me, patriotism is the
optimistic spirit and the deep-rooted soul of our country, the United States
of America. Thank you. (Applause)
PRESENTATION OF EAGLE AND SAVINGS BOND
BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON
THE ANNOUNCER: Commander-in-Chief will present Heather
Hull with the First Place National Youth Essay Award, a $5,000 U.S. Savings
Bond, and a Silver Eagle Trophy, to recognize the excellence and
significance of her participation.
Thank you. Heather Hull, for coming to our National Convention
and for expressing your patriotism.
INTRODUCTION OF JEFF GOLIMOWSKI -
1998 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER
THE ANNOUNCER: Over the past 51 years, the Voice of
Democracy Program has encouraged high school students from across
America and in American communities overseas to think, write and speak
26
out for freedom and democracy.
Students currently compete for over $128,500 in national
scholarships, as well as over $2.6 million in awards and scholarships given
annually by Posts, Districts, Departments and their respective Ladies
Auxiliary.
VFW and Auxiliary scholarships enable many young Americans
the opportunity to seek an education in colleges and universities of their
own choosing.
We are pleased to have the 1998 First Place National Winner in
the Voice of Democracy Program with us today. He graduated from
Newport High School in Newport, Oregon, and will attend Willamette
University in Salem, Oregon. He is sponsored by VFW Post 2624 and its
Ladies Auxiliary in Newport, Oregon.
Here to present his award-winning essay, "My Voice In Our
Democracy" the 1998 First-Place National Voice of Democracy Winner
and recipient of the $20,000 T. C. Selman Memorial Scholarship, Mr. Jeff
Golimowski.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER - JEFF GOLIMOWSKI
MR. GOLIMOWSKI: Good morning. Before I begin, I would like
to take this opportunity to extend my most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to
all the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliaries.
It is easy to forget in this generation of peace the costs of the freedom that
my generation now enjoys.
After spending the last three years working with the veterans, they
have been some of the kindest and most decent people I have ever met. I
will give you this promise right now that for the rest of my life I will do
everything within my power to guarantee that my generation will not forget
the sacrifice of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. (Applause)
Thousands of years ago, on a small peninsula jutting out in the
Mediterranean, amidst sun-drenched orchards and rocky plains, there
arose a city that would change the course of history. The city of Athens
became for hundreds of years, the center of the Greek world and from this
mighty city of marble temples and broad avenues, came a principle that
the world had never seen before, the principle of one citizen, one vote.
Under the great leadership of the great Pericles, the city of Athens
achieved the dream of many civilizations - a stable and just government
controlled by its citizens in a direct democracy.
More than 2,000 years later, another great city has risen. Standing
between a mighty river and the Atlantic Ocean, another city of marble
temples and broad avenues stands as a beacon to the rest of the world.
And it is from this city, this Washington, that another principle has been
given to the world, the principle of one citizen, one voice.
For although the ancient Greeks and her descendants attempted to
build an equal Democracy, and her citizens thought themselves to be free,
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in reality Athens was not a democracy but a hypocrisy. Only her adult
male citizens were granted the right to vote, and only the opinions of a few
influential people were given any weight. Women and children were
regarded as little more than slaves.
But here, today, the United States of America is truly a nation of
voices. And within this mighty conflagration of sound, any individual can
influence the course of our nation and the course of history. But so many
individuals in this mighty nation cannot see the incredible importance their
voices have to all of us. So many are unable to see that their apathy, their
lack of thought and care, are causing their political vocal cords to atrophy,
and it is this apathy that is slowly starting to erode away the foundations
upon which Washington, and the nation were built.
However, there is one group of people in America that hold within
its hands the ability to hold back the apathy, if only they could see their
own influence and power. This group of people is the youth of America,
and it is to this group that my voice belongs.
For centuries, our ideas have been ignored, and our words have
been lost in the sea of speeches and writings by adults. But today, with the
advent of the digital age, our age is no longer a boundary. Archimedes
once wrote that if you gave him a long enough lever and a place to stand,
he could move the world. To the youth of America, I can tell you this:
Today you stand with the level in your hands and the strength to push it. I
challenge you to find the courage to use it.
You see, in today's world of instantaneous communication and
Internet technology, you are no longer bound to your social strata by your
age or by your size. Those older than you will shout loud and long to
protect their interests. They will lower their taxes and raise their services
without regard for your interests, for when you are staggering under the
weight of a system long past its feasibility, they will be long gone. The time
to speak is now.
But I will warn you: A single voice in this great nation is almost
immediately lost. Today, that's all I am, a single voice. But if I persuade
just one person, convince just one person of the importance of our
involvement, then tomorrow, my voice will be amplified by another.
As the days and weeks go by, our message will continue to grow
until it rings from every household, and from every street corner, that the
youth of America will no longer stand as a silent minority, waiting for
others to take command of us. We have our own ideas, we have our own
voices, and we will be heard.
It is then, when our voices, when our ideas are finally given the
weight they deserve, then that dream of Athens, that dream of Washington
and that idea of one citizen, one voice will finally be realized. (Applause)
PRESENTATION OF EAGLE TO VOD WINNER JEFF GOLIMOWSKI
THE ANNOUNCER: Commander-in-Chief Moon presents Jeff
28
Golimowski with a Silver Eagle Trophy to recognize the excellence and
significance of his participation.
Thank you, Jeff Golimowski, for coming to our National
Convention and for expressing your patriotism. Let's give Heather and him
another big hand. (Applause)
INTRODUCTION OF GENERAL YANG TING-YUN. CHAIRMAN,
VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For years the Veterans of
Foreign Wars has enjoyed a warm relationship with the Veterans Affairs
Commission and the Republic of China on Taiwan. They have truly been
our friends.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has consistently pledged its support
through resolutions for our friends in the Republic of China. That support
was recently reinforced on July 10th following the President's visit to
Beijing, when the United States Congress, by a vote of 92 to 0, affirmed its
long-standing commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan
Relations Act.
Today, we share with the citizens of the Republic their pride, their
success and their economic achievement. Certainly, that success in large
part can be attributed to the employment and development programs that
the Republic conducts for its veterans.
The tremendous care, support and vitality of its veterans programs
have been an inspiration to the VFW. We wish to thank our friends in the
Veterans Affairs Commission for their long and beneficial friendship.
Joining us today to reaffirm their pledge of brotherhood and
comradeship is the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Commission.
Comrades and Sisters, please give a warm VFW welcome to General Yang
Ting-yun.
RESPONSE - GENERAL YANG TING-YUN
GENERAL YANG TING-YUN: Commander-in-Chief Moon,
Madam President Atkinson, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great honor for me to represent the veterans of the Republic
of China on Taiwan at the Joint Opening Session of your 99th National
Convention. I am exceptionally pleased to be among such a distinguished
group of allied veterans here in this historic city of San Antonio, and I am
very happy to once again see Madam President Atkinson and Commander-
in-Chief Moon, who respectively visited our country last November and
last July.
Since your 1997 National Convention, the Far East has
experienced some severe economic upheavals. Countries, whose
economies were thought to be stable and growing, unexpectedly found
themselves in extreme difficulties. Certain currencies depreciated to one-
29
half of their former values of just one year ago, leading to political
instability and the ouster of presidents and prime ministers.
The Republic of China has been comparatively less affected in
these circumstances. We believe that the main reason our prosperity has
continued is the fact that our economic strength is based on the firm
foundation of a free enterprise structure under democracy.
Our economy is actually composed of over one million three
thousand medium and small businesses, which accounts for 97.92 percent
of our nation's business activities. Consequently, the capital in our society
has been so widely and popularly distributed that we can flexibly meet the
challenges and absorb the impacts from different directions.
And our founding father. Dr. Sun Yat-sen originally promoted this
system.
As many of you know. Dr. Sun lived in Hawaii and absorbed the
best ideals of American society, which he transplanted to China. It is,
therefore, little wonder that the people of the Republic of China have
maintained a great deal of respect and admiration for the United States. In
fact, the friendship resulting from our common goals and aspirations led to
our formal alliance during World War II and subsequent conflicts in Korea
and Vietnam.
Names like MacArthur, Chennault and Wedemyer are as much a
part of our history as they are of yours.
The growth of freedom and democracy in the Far East region in
recent years should be large attributed to the United States' military power
and resolve. Therefore, American veterans can be truly proud of their
inestimable contribution to world peace. You have clearly and consistently
articulated your positions to the executive and legislative branches of the
United States Government on a number of vital issues, including the sale
of advanced military equipment to our country. Your efforts are most
appreciated by the people of the Republic of China.
The Veterans Affairs Commission of the Republic of China is
dedicated to furthering our excellent cooperation with the VFW to enhance
our mutual interests, promote comprehensive and effective veterans
assistance programs, and advance the goals of justice, freedom and
democracy around the world.
In closing, I give you and every one of you my best regards for your
health, happiness and a most successful convention. Thank you.
MR. CHARLES KAN: Now, ladies and gentlemen, please be
seated. On behalf of the Republic of China on Taiwan, I would like to
present the Order of the Cloud and Banner with Cravat to your
Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Moon. Now, let me have the honor to read the
citation that accompanies the Banner.
"Mr. John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States, has distinguished himself by his outstanding
contributions to the promotion of friendly relations between the people of
the United States of America and the Republic of China in his support of
30
readmission of the Republic of China into the United Nations.
"In appreciation of his nneritorious service, Commander-in-Chief
Moon is presented the Order of the Cloud and Banner with Cravat by the
Government of the Republic of China, in accordance with Article 1 1 of the
Armed Forces Decoration Regulation."
Secondly, I will now present a commemorative plate to the
Commander-in-Chief. Let me have the honor to read the inscription on the
plate.
"Presented to Mr. John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States, in recognition of these outstanding
contributions to the enhancement of friendship and cooperation between
the VFW of the United States and the veterans of this Commission of the
Republic of China. This is presented this 31st day of August, 1998."
Last but not least, on behalf of the veterans of the Republic of
China on Taiwan, I would like to present a similar commemorative plate to
the National President. The inscription reads as follows:
"Presented to Mrs. Connie Atkinson, National President of the
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, in
recognition of her outstanding contributions to the enhancement of
friendship and cooperation between the VFW of the United States and the
Veterans Affairs Commission of the Republic of China on Taiwan."
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. It has been our
pleasure to have attended the Opening Ceremonies of the organization's
99th Convention. Thank you very much.
INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER -
THE HONORABLE PAUL WELLSTONE,
UNITED STATES SENATOR - MINNESOTA
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We are pleased to have with
us today, our Keynote Speaker, Senator Raul Wellstone, from the great
North Star State of Minnesota.
Senator Wellstone has received numerous awards for his advocacy
on behalf of the nation's veterans and their families.. In 1995, he received
the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Vietnam Veterans of America as
well as the "Patriot of the Year" award from the Minnesota Chapter of the
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
As a member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, he has worked
to improve the treatment of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorder and has fought to improve veterans' health-care services.
A leader in seeking to reform the nation's health-care system.
Senator Wellstone helped lead the fight to ensure that people would be
able to take time off from work to care for a sick child or aging parent
without losing theirjobs.
We are pleased to introduce our Keynote Speaker, United;States
Senator Raul Wellstone, the Senior Senator from the great North Star State
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of Minnesota.
RESPONSE BY SENATOR PAUL WELLSTONE
SENATOR WELLSTONE: Thank you. Let me, first of all, thank the
Commander for his kind introduction and let me thank each and every one
of you for the invitation to speak at this VFW 99th National Convention. Al
Loehr from Minnesota tells me that I am lucky and I can consider this to be
a huge honor to be the first Minnesotan from our congressional delegation
to have a chance to speak at the National Convention of the VFW since
Hubert Humphrey in 1965, and that puts me in a great tradition.
I thank you for your commitment to courage, for your commitment
to country and for your commitment to community. But I also want to tell
you that I am especially honored because I admire your service to veterans
and their families. I admire your service to communities and I admire your
service to the nation.
Before I start thanking some people that are here, let me start out
with a Minnesota story, if I can, because I love having a chance to be a
Senator from my state. I know that part of the focus of this convention has
to be VFW unity. Those of you who are here, you may not agree on all
issues, but we come together around the issues that matter.
So let me tell you a Minnesota story that speaks to this. In the mid-
1980's, many Minnesota farmers were being driven off their land. They
were being foreclosed on. It was a crisis. I fear, by the way, for those of
you that are from agricultural America that we are going to go through this
again.
These farmers had no empowering explanation as to why they
were losing their farms. They not only worked there, they lived there. This
became fertile ground for politics of hatred. It was the politics of hatred
that was racist and it was anti-semitic and all the rest. Some scary groups
were out there organizing the farmers.
So my friend said to me, "Raul, you are Jewish. You have got to
stop speaking out at these farm rallies. You have got to stop organizing the
farmers." But if you are five-five and one-half, you don't pay any attention
to such advice. Some of you know what I mean.
So, I went out to speak at a community that those of us in
Minnesota call Alexander, Minnesota. I gave a speech at the big farm rally.
As soon as I finished, a big guy, a lot of guys look really big to me, came
up and he said, "What nationality are you?"
I said to myself I can't believe this. I said, "I am an American." He
said, "Where are your parents from?" I said, "Well, my father fled
persecution in Russia and my mother's family fled Ukraine, although she
was actually born in New York City."
He looked at me. He said, "Then you are a Jew?" Now, I want to
tell you, I went to the University of North Carolina and I was ready. I said,
"Yes, I am." And he stuck out his big hand and he said, "Well, buddy, I am
32
a Finn and us minorities have got to struggle together." That is one of the
reasons why I love Minnesota.
National Commander-in-Chief Moon, thank you. Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief Tom Pouliot, thank you, and Adjutant General Larry
Rivers, thank you. Auxiliary National President and Executive Director of
the National Washington Office, Ken Steadman, thank you.
Thank you for the National staff and for all my VFW friends from
Minnesota, too many to name. Thank you very much for all of your
support. Without your support, without all that you have done for me, I
would never have a chance to be a United States Senator.
To Jim Shaw, who somewhere is here, a Korean War veteran, a
member of my staff, a member of the VFW Post 8510, thank you so much
for all of your help. To our affiliate members, for your great work, and the
special guests, I thank you. I thank you also for the 99th Convention.
You have a rich history and what I want to say to you today at this
99th Convention, as we move to the 100th Anniversary, we need you. The
VFW has been about service to community and service to country. The
VFW has been about citizenship with all of the citizens.
I worry for my country. We need a new century of citizenship, a
new century of patriotism, a commitment to our country as a whole, and I
come here to honor you because you have the attitude, you have the kind
of commitment and you have got the time to work that is needed for
Americans.
Please help me, VFW, in calling our nation to move forward with
citizenship, patriotism and love of country. That is why we are here.
Because of you, we have a veterans health-care system and service-
connected benefits. Because of you, we help homeless veterans, though,
not enough.
Because of you, we provide job training to veterans. Because of
you, we have veterans' preference in employment. Because of you, we
have assisted the dependents and survivors of veterans, service to veterans.
That's what the VFW has been about for 99 years.
Because of you, millions and millions of dollars have been
contributed to worthwhile civic projects from sea to shining sea. Because
of you, youngsters can participate in sports. Boy Scouts and Voice of
Democracy. Because of you, we have more support for cancer research,
VFW service to community. Because of you, we have prosperity. Because
of you, we have freedom. Because of you, we have democracy: VFW
service to nation.
I will say to you in a very personal way as a United States Senator,
that giving back to veterans strengthens our nation and for many of us
when we give back to veterans, those who have served our country, who
have risked life and limb, that is the single best thing I can do as a United
States Senator.
I am probably more proud of your asking me to speak at this
gathering than almost anything I have ever done in my life, and I mean that
33
without exaggeration. Now, I pose the question for you at this 99th
Convention. Have we, as a nation, have we, as a country, done enough to
give back to our veterans? Have we done enough?
Let mejust put it to you this way. I get so tired of all this discussion
about politics, left, right and center. I don't care about the labels and
nobody in Minnesota ever comes up to me and talks in those labels.
Politics is about trying to do well for people.
While many of you, you were living proof of this, you served our
country, you came back and you have been enormously successful in the
private sector, the public sector, the community, you name it. I know this.
I know this from Jim Shaw in our Minnesota office, from all the calls that
we get and from all the people we try to help, there are veterans who had
a war injury that has changed their lives forever.
There are many veterans that are hurting. There is a lot of pain.
There is a lot of people that have fallen between the cracks, and our
country has not done our best in honoring our commitment and moral
obligation to the veterans in the United States of America.
The concern, how much more needs to be done? Listen to the
Persian Gulf veteran. He has returned home with a long and complicated
list of ailments. He used to be a runner. He could run five miles before
service in the Gulf. Now, he can't walk one block.
I will tell you today at this VFW gathering, and I will be
disappointed in you if you don't make the same commitment, except I
know you already have made this commitment, and we should do
everything in our power to support the Persian Gulf veterans and we
should not rest until they get the answers and the health care and the
compensation that they deserve.
Have we done enough for our veterans? Listen to the aging World
War II veteran who worries about losing touch with friends and families
after having been placed in a nursing home. We can and should develop
a national long-term health-care policy that is truly in the best interest for
veterans and their families.
Look, part of this is obvious. We make the commitment to
veterans' nursing homes, but, you know what else we have to make a
commitment to, we have to make a commitment to a veterans' health-care
system whereby we say to our veterans as they reach the age of 70, 75, 80
or 85, we, as a nation, will do everything possible to make sure that as long
as possible you will be able to live at home in as near as normal
circumstances as possible with dignity.
We ought to make a commitment to home-base compassionate
community care for our veterans. That should be a part of the veterans
health care in the United States of America. Have we done enough? Have
we done enough for our veterans?
Listen to Smokey Parish from the forgotten 216th. It was his job to
measure radiation. Some of you know where I am going with this. During
the military nuclear bomb tests in the '50s in Nevada, atomic veterans were
34
sent to ground zero with little or no protection.
They were not given any warnings about the danger to the
exposure to radiation, and I will tell you today at thisVFW gathering I have
met these veterans from all across the country and their families. The
number of these veterans that have died from cancer, the number of their
children that have been ill, the number of their grandchildren that have
been ill, this is a national disgrace.
I know that the VFW has been supportive, but I have got to say it
because you invited me to be here: do you realize this is almost half a
century ago and we finally passed a bill out of the Senate Veterans
Committee? It will go to the floor this month, and it expands the illnesses
of cancer that became a part of presumptive service-connected diseases.
I am not going to rest and I hope you won't rest until we right this
injustice and make sure that these atomic veterans get the care and get the
compensation that they deserve in our country. Is it enough? Listen to
American ex-prisoners of war who were still coping with the effects of
being held in captivity.
We cannot forget our POWs and their families. We must treat and
compensate them for the diseases that they have that we don't, for being
held against their wills. Listen to the veterans whose claim is for service-
connected disability.
You know where I am coming on this. It took years of red tape,
paperwork, appeals and remands to get it approved. On the average, 111
days for claims of benefits to move through a regional office; 881 days for
an appeal to move through the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Forty-one percent of the cases at the Board of Veterans Appeals in
1998 were remanded, sent back to the regional offices for further work. I
say to the Veterans of Foreign Wars that this is too long. There have been
too many mistakes. Justice delay is justice denied for veterans.
We must get the decision right the first time. We must get the
decision right the first time. We have got to change this system and make
sure the people get the compensation that they deserve. Of course, the VA
must re-enter, must re-engineer its claim responses.
Of course, the VA will use new technology. Secretary West will be
talking about this. I think it is so important that he be in the tradition of
Secretary like Jesse Brown and be a strong advocate for veterans, and I
know he will do so. But we have got to stop this practice of cutting staff
when we add new computers.
Computers can't replace trained professionals, especially in
adjudicating complicated claims for benefits. We ought to fully fund and
staff our regional VA offices. Have we done enough? Listen to the veteran
living and struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
He has been back from the war for several decades now, but he
still is drowned in pain and alcohol, access to treatment is critical. Listen
to the homeless veteran who is living on the streets in our cities. Here we
are in the United States of America today at our peak economic
35
performance doing so well economically, and we are still being told that
we don't have the resources to help homeless veterans.
One-third of the homeless people in our country today are
veterans. That is a national trend. It is critical forVA treatment for mental
illness and chemical dependency. We can do that. Better access to
transitional housing for these veterans is critical. We can do that. Better
access tojoin training is critical. We can do that.
I believe that at this gathering the VFW, given your service to
community and your service to veterans, we should make the commitment
to make sure that our country meets the challenge of dealing with this
disgrace of one-third of the homeless people in our country being veterans.
It is unconscionable, it is unacceptable, and we can do better as a
nation. Yes, we can do better as a nation. Have we done enough? Listen
to the veteran who depends upon the VA medical system for health care in
an era of cutting staff and a no vote budget.
I say today at this 99th VFW Convention that it is time for Congress
to put veterans' health-care back on the agenda, back on the table. It is
time for the Congress to take positive actions on veterans' health-care
legislation and stop squeezing money out of ourVA Hospitals.
I will introduce a bill in the next week or so. I don't say this to
brag. I hope there will be strong bipartisan support. I am certainly working
with Senators on both sides. Our legislation will be simple. It will say (a)
begin the planning so that we know what we are going to do to deal with
our veterans population as more and more veterans, thank God, live to be
the age of 85.
I will say (b) fully fund the VA medical system. The flat line budget
won't work. Third-party payments will not give us all the resources we
need. Go on record to fully fund the VA medical system. Third, we should
have a nationwide Medicare reimbursement program so that Medicare
veterans will have the right to choose the VA for their health care.
It will say, first of all, give veterans a stronger voice in ensuring
higher quality care. We have set up veterans Review Boards to go with
these, so that veterans are involved in helping to shape the kind of health-
care system that we are going to have for veterans, and finally it says let's
make sure that in all of this discussion about patient protection, we may
have to legislate in the fall, in September, that veterans are included.
There should be a veterans' health-care bill of rights, high-quality
care, timely access to care, access to specialists, and making sure that we
get the best care possible in the country. It is time to put the pressure on
the Congress to move forward with a really good health-care system for
veterans in the United States of America. That should be a top priority for
our nation.
Anyone in the Congress, Democrat or Republican, who is willing
to work with veterans, who is willing to work with the VFW, will come
away from that experience feeling more patriotic and more grateful with
the renewed sense of commitment to our country.
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I know that, because that has been my journey as a United States
Senator. During World War II, 400,000 Americans died on the battlefield.
If you can see this movie, and for some of you it may be too painful, but I
hope many of you will see the movie "Saving Private Ryan." I think it is an
extremely important movie and I think you will think so.
Now, 700,000 returned home wounded. During the Korea War,
50,000 Americans died; 100,000 wounded. During the Vietnam War,
58,000 Americans died; 300,000 were wounded. You and I know that
when ordinary people step forward and make the ultimate sacrifice or
return home wounded or disabled, they deserve the admiration of the
American people. They have earned it.
You know, because you truly understand patriotism, you more than
any other Americans have demonstrated your love for our country.
Patriotism is reflected in the thousands of yards of sacred purple and
thousands of raw cast profiles of George Washington that you have earned.
Patriotism is in the memory of those brave Americans who fell on
Omaha Beach, at Heartbreak Ridge, on Hamburger Hill. Patriotism wavers
in the bars of red and sticks of white that snap in the wind and tear at the
heart, and to be sure that if the patriotism is to mean anything, it must mean
keeping faith with those who the nation fought from their youth and
transported to distant shores to fight in the unspeakable horror of war.
Patriotism is also believing like you do in the inherent goodness
and greatness of our nation with a deep faith in the ability of Americans to
work together and create a better country. But today in Washington, we
are confronted with another philosophy. I call it the new isolationism.
Not as in foreign affairs, but as in new human affairs and as in
veterans affairs. This new isolationism makes individual pursuit the
primary goal, not commitment to the nation as a whole. This new
isolationism represents a very difficult philosophy than I think is best
represented by the VFW.
With you, I think about the Erickson family, a letter I received from
a 14-year-old girl. "Senator, my dad served in Vietnam. He has been fine,
but then last week he took a shower in the morning getting ready to go to
work. He came out of that shower and has not spoken a word since. What
can be done to help my dad?"
I think of the atomic veterans who are still waiting for
compensation. I think of the homeless veterans. This new philosophy says
you are on your own. If you are a Vietnam veteran and you have a
substance abuse problem, let's be honest about it. Many of those veterans
that live in the street do. This philosophy says you are on your own.
If you are struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome, this
philosophy says you are on your own. If you are Lisa Gilmore and Tim
Gilmore, Timothy has now passed away, it was so important to him, he had
Agent Orange, a Vietnam vet, and he wanted to get that compensation to
his family before he passed away because otherwise he was sure his family
would not have the economic support. This new isolationism says you are
37
on your own.
If you are 60 years old or you are 70 years old, and you have
Parkinson's disease — both of my parents have Parkinson's disease, I know
what that is about — this new Isolationism says you are on your own. If
you are poor and you can't put food on the table, this new isolationism says
you are on your own.
If you are one of 42 million Americans with no health insurance,
this new isolationism says you are on your own. Whatever happened to
there by the grace of God go I? Whatever happened to that sense of
community? I said at that VFW gathering, I pain you to say at this VFW
gathering that we must challenge new isolationism and instead we must
talk about a new devotion to country.
We must talk about a renewed commitment to our nation as a
whole. We must talk about communities. We must talk about service; we
must not be a part of the cynicism that says we cannot do better as a nation.
We must call on all Americans to be their own best souls.
Whatever happened to the idea that we all do better when we all
do better? Now, this patriotic attitude, I have got to say this, has not been
on display recently in Washington. Let me give you a case in point. I am
going to talk about, even though it is not pleasant, but I am going to talk
about it and you know about it, what I refer to as the great highway
robbery.
You remember what it was like, the military handed out cigarettes
like candies, soldiers were encouraged to smoke to relieve stress.
Remember the thinking that smoke them if you have got them. Well,
regardless of those facts, the Congress and the administration changed the
rules of veterans and they denied tobacco-related benefits.
Worse yet, did they not only deny tobacco-related benefits, but
they did not put the savings into other veterans' programs. Did they use
the $17 billion to make sick Gulf War veterans better? No. Did they use
the savings to invest in long-term care for veterans? No.
Did they use the savings for justice for atomic veterans? No. Did
they use the savings to cut back on the back board of claims and get these
decisions made in a prompt manner? No. Did they use the savings to fully
fund veterans' health care? No.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am all in favor of our nation's
transportation infrastructure. But I would say this: if you want to invest in
more highways, you go ahead and do it, but you take monies out of the
benefits that you give to tobacco companies and the insurance companies
and the oil companies: Don't take the benefits from veterans and their
families.
I think people in Minnesota can understand. I think, on the final
highway bill, we worked hard to have a good bill. There must have been
two or three of them that voted against it. I voted against the bill. I want
nothing to do with this highway robbery.
Then Senator Rockefeller and I wanted to come back with another
38
amendment yet, and they wouldn't let us do it. They did kind of a slick
move and they put it in a conference report on the tax reform bill. I think
there were two of us, not such a good thing, veterans to vote against tax
reform, but there were two of us that voted against the IRS bill because
again I don't want a thing to do with it.
You know, they told us that they couldn't do as much as we need
to do for veterans, because we had a deficit. We don't have a deficit any
longer. Then they took $17 billion from the veterans budget and they put
it into transportation. Where is the commitment to veterans?
I think that politics in Washington, the administration and the
Congress have run out of good excuses, and I hope that at this 99th
Convention that there will be a demand that a positive veterans agenda be
put back on the table with a real focus on good health care for veterans.
And I hope that the VFW will lead the charge. You have done it before. Do
it again.
Let me conclude with a quote from a great American. Before
taking command of the Continental Army, George Washington told the first
Continental Congress, "When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside
the citizen." I know that you having been steadfast soldiers and will always
be great citizens.
Lest you join us today in a call for a new century of American
citizenship, the memorial to Colonel Robert Shaw that stands in Boston
Common, is the praises of "The Pride, Courage and Devotion of the
Patriotic Soldier." I call upon, America to convince the pride, courage and
devotion to the patriotic citizen.
Let us see if Americans truly honor veterans. Let's see an America
where we can be proud of every single person that our country turns out.
Let us see if America, wherever infant I hold in my hand, they are all God's
children regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of whether they are
rich or poor, regardless of religion or creed.
Every individual in our country has the same chance to reach his
potential, full potential. Let us work in America to earn the sacrifice
reflected in those thousands of yards of sacred purple. Let us strive in
America to be even more worthy to stand beneath those seven bars of red
and stripes of white.
Let us strive for an America that will truly portray the new
constellation represented by those stars of white on that field of blue.
Pleasejoin me and let us together fashion a new patriotic America.
VFW members, families, honored guests, veterans, auxiliaries, the
future of our nation will not belong to those who are content with the
present. The future of our nation will not belong to the Senate. The future
of our country will not belong to those that stand on the sidelines.
The future is going to belong to women and men who have passion
and who work hard to make our country better. The future will belong to
all of us who believe in the duty of our dream. I thank you.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
39
ovation.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Again, thank you very much,
Senator Wellstone from the great state of Minnesota.
INTRODUCTION OF HELEN PUTNAM BLACKWELL
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: If I may at this time, I would
like to introduce to you an individual who is very special to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars. Please welcome Helen Putnam Blackwell, daughter of
James C. Putnam, the first President of the American Veterans of Foreign
Service. Helen is a Past President of the VFW Department of Arkansas
Ladies Auxiliary. Thank you, Helen, forjoining us this morning.
We are always glad to have you with us and to be a part of our
Convention.
INTRODUCTION OF LAWRENCE ALEXANDER, SUPREME
COMMANDER,
MILITARY ORDER OF THE COOTIE
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Since 1922, the Military Order
of the Cootie has been conducting operations that have brought
recognition and appreciation to their own members and to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, as well. I can say that I truly appreciate what they have done
during my year as Commander-in-Chief.
From their hospital work to their annual trek to Arlington National
Cemetery, the Cooties do an outstanding job of honoring America's
veterans and their families.
This year they were most fortunate in having Larry Alexander, from
the great state of Oregon, as their Supreme Commander. Larry earned his
VFW eligibility in the waters off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Flint, an
ammunition ship. Once ashore, he not only joined the VFW, he became
very active very quickly.
In the VFW and in the MOC, Larry has served in almost every chair
and has served on several committees.
Please give a warm VFW welcome this morning to our next guest,
Larry Alexander, Supreme Commander, Military Order of the Cootie.
REMARKS BY MOC SUPREME COMMANDER LAWRENCE ALEXANDER
MOC SUPREME COMMANDER ALEXANDER: Good morning.
Commander-in-Chief John Moon, National President Connie Atkinson, I
bring you my best wishes for a successful and continued successful
convention of the 99th Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States.
To my fellow VFW comrades, it is a pleasure and honor to bring
40
the greetings from the Supreme Organization of the Military Order of the
Cootie and our Auxiliary, the MOCA. I would like to ask the Cooties in the
audience to give John, Commander-in-Chief John Moon, a round of
applause for his courage, leadership and inspiration for this year.
(Applause)
I would like to ask those same Cooties to extend your hand to the
new leadership, Tom Pouliot, that he will know that you are there working
for him also. As VFW members, I would like to refer to them as VFW
Cooties, we did over $9.5 million of hospital work for the veterans in the
hospitals. We did this as VFW members. I wish you all a joyful and
successful convention, and I thank you for this opportunity to speak here.
THE ANNOUNCER: Now, let's sit back and eryoy a video on
Tribute to the VFW 100th Anniversary, 1899 to 1999.
(Whereupon, the 100th Anniversary Video was presented at this
time.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: On behalf of National
Auxiliary President Connie Atkinson and myself, we would like to thank all
of you for joining us in the Opening Session this morning. We know we
are going to have a great convention. I wish to pay tribute to the many,
many recipients of awards this morning and to the Ail-American
Departments, Districts and Post Commanders again.
We will now have our Closing Ceremonies. I call on Past National
Chaplain Father George Rinkowski for the Closing Prayer.
(Whereupon, Past National Chaplain Father George Rinkowski
gave the Closing Prayer.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Sergeant-at-Arms, please lead
us in the Salute to the Colors.
I now declare this Joint Opening Session closed.
(Whereupon, the Opening Session was recessed at 11:15 o'clock
a.m.)
FIRST BUSINESS SESSION
MONDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 31, 1998
(The First Business Session of the 99th National Convention of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, was called to order in the
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, at 1 :30 o'clock
p.m., by Commander-in-Chief Moon.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
we will now conduct the Opening Ceremonies for the 99th National
Convention. If I could, please, have you and the Sergeant-at-Arms to
41
maintain order, I will call to the podium Sam Elson, Department Chaplain
from Michigan, for the Invocation.
(Whereupon, Comrade Samuel Elson, Chaplain for the
Department of Michigan, gave the Opening Prayer followed by the Salute
to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will ask you to, please, move
to your seats as quickly as possible. Again, I will report to you that today's
session is being held here only. Tomorrow we will go back to normal
seating in the other section of the convention area. So, please, bear with
us today as we try to move as far as we possibly can so that you can get
out and get back to your respective hotels.
At this time I call forward to the microphone for the Report on the
Convention Rules Robert Hansen from Minnesota, Chairman. Past
Commander-in-Chief Hansen.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION RULES
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HANSEN: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. I would like to take this first opportunity to thank the
Commander-in-Chief for the appointment as Chairman of the Rules
Committee and also on behalf of my Vice-Chairman, Darrell Bencken, we
have concluded our business and we are ready to present to the
convention the following report:
To the 99th National Convention, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, San Antonio, Texas.
Your Committee on Convention Rules met Sunday afternoon,
August 30, and agreed on the following recommendations which are
respectfully submitted for your consideration:
1. That, with exceptions noted below, Demeter's Manual be
recognized as parliamentary authority for this Convention.
2. That when a registered delegate desires to make a motion or
address the Convention, he shall rise, address the Chair as
"Comrade Commander- in-Chief", and after being recognized,
shall state his name. Post number and Department, before
proceeding.
3. A registered delegate shall be permitted to speak but twice on
any one sutDject, or any pending resolution for a period of eight
minutes each, except by consent of two-thirds of the voting
strength of the Convention present; provided, that chairmen of
Convention Committees may speak as frequently as necessary
in connection with reports of their committees; and in the event
of controversy, the presiding officer shall not entertain any
motion which will curtail further debate without affording the
maker of the motion or a member of the particular group
presenting the resolution an opportunity for five minutes of final
rebuttal.
42
4. All resolutions offered by individual registered delegates must
bear the endorsement of the Department Commander or in his
absence the Department Adjutant. All resolutions must be
submitted to the office of the Adjutant General for numbering
and referral to committee no later than 9:00 a.m.
Thursday,September 3, 1998, and must be accompanied by a
written explanation as to why the resolution was not presented
to the Department Commander for consideration.
5. All resolutions offered on the floor at the Convention, or
otherwise, shall be in writing, and shall automatically, and
without reading, be referred to the Adjutant General for
assignment to the proper committee.
6. Committee chairmen, in reporting on, resolutions referred to
their committee, shall first read those resolutions on which
favorable action is recommended. Specific resolutions shall be
set aside for individual action at the request of any delegate, the
others being voted upon collectively. After action has been
taken on all such resolutions, the chairman shall read the
number and title of those resolutions which the committee has
disapproved. A resolution disapproved by the committee shall
be automatically rejected unless a motion is made and
seconded that it be approved, in which case it shall be brought
up for debate and Convention action.
7. This Convention will not consider any resolution dealing with
race, creed or religion, or endorse anyone for public office.
This Convention will not consider any resolution calling for the
expenditure or appropriation of organization funds.
8. This Convention will not consider any resolution endorsing
legislation sponsored by any other veterans organization, or
requesting us tojoin with any other organization in sponsoring
legislation not expressly proposed by the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
9. No person not a duly registered delegate or member of the
National Convention shall participate in debate, directly or
indirectly, in a viva voce report on any sutyect before the
Convention.
10. Unit rule of voting shall not be allowed in this Convention.
11. Voting strength shall be determined as those delegates
registered as those delegates registered as of the close of the
credentials registration booth the previous day and as reported
by the Credentials Committee each morning. The Department
Commanders will receive, prior to the beginning of each
Business Session, a list of Posts that have properly registered
delegates. Only delegates representing those Posts listed on the
report will be accorded voting privileges.
12. On roll calls, the Chairman or acting Chairman of each
43
delegation shall poll his delegation's registered delegates on the
floor and shall announce the vote of his delegation.
13. Registered delegates of a delegation may arrive at a vote in any
manner they see fit, but shall announce it in terms of full units
and not in terms of a fractional part of a vote.
14. Reconsideration of a motion or resolution upon which final
disposition has been made shall not be allowed after the
session at which it was acted or has been recessed unless the
body is notified of such contemplated action prior to the close
of that session
15. When the report of the chairman of the delegation is not
acceptable to all registered delegates of the delegation and a
poll of the Department registered delegates is demanded by
three registered delegates of said Department, the Adjutant
General shall poll the registered delegates, without discussion
of question.
16. Voting shall be by acclamation, except when a roll call be
demanded by ten registered delegates representing Posts in ten
separate Departments.
17. Nominating speeches for the National Officers shall be limited
to five minutes each. Not more than two seconding speeches
shall be made for any candidate and such speeches shall not
exceed two minutes each. Nomination and election of
National Officers will be held according to the Congressional
Charter, By-Laws, and Manual of Procedure, Article VI, Section
609.
18. Registered delegates and persons recognized by the Chair shall
be entitled to a respectful hearing and the Chair shall have the
authority to clear the gallery or the floor or have the Sergeant-
at-Arms escort from the floor any person or persons who may
create any disturbances which interfere with the orderly
procedure of the Convention.
19. Consent of two-thirds of the voting strength of the Convention
present is necessary for suspension of the rules of this
Convention. Respectfully submitted, Robert E. Hansen,
Chairman, and Darrell Bencken, Vice-Chairman. Commander-
in-Chief, I move the adoption of these rules for this convention.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades, you have heard the
motion. Is there a second?
COMRADE DARRELL BENCKEN (Post 2981 - Kansas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Darrell Bencken, Post 2981, Kansas, seconds the
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any discussion? The question
has been called for. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those
opposed will signify by saying "no". The motion carries.
To you, Mr. Chairman, and to you, Darrell, Vice-Chairman, thanks
44
for everything. We appreciate it.
At this time I call to the podium the Chairman of the Credentials
Committee for the first report.
REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174 - Kansas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Richard Trombia, Department of Kansas, Post 1174,
Chairman of the Credentials Committee. Comrades, this is a temporary
report as of the close of business last night.
Total delegates, 11,277; Department Commanders, 44; Past
Commanders-in-Chief, 25; and National Officers, 30. That is for a grand
total of 11,376.
Commander-in-Chief, this is a temporary report of the Credentials
Committee.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. At this time I
would like to release the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Convention
Rules Committee.
We will call at this time to the podium for the Report of the
Committee on National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual,
Chairman John M. "Jack" Carney, Past Commander-in-Chief from the great
state of Florida.
I have a couple of things real quick, if I may. To my right, in the
upper level, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska,
Delaware, West Virginia, D.C., Alabama, Rhode Island, Central America.
To my left in the upper tier, Louisiana, Maine, Connecticut, Arkansas,
Massachusetts, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and Kentucky.
Again, comrades, this is only for today. Tomorrow we will be back
in the normal seating arrangement. A request has been made by some of
those in the room, can we please remove our jackets? I have no problem
with that whatsoever.
Comrade Chairman.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL BY-LAWS,
MANUAL OF PROCEDURE AND RITUAL
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. The national officers and delegates to this
convention, I, first, would like to take this opportunity to thank the
Commander-in-Chief for having appointed me to this distinguished
committee.
I wish to thank him also for appointing Al Loehr from Minnesota
as the Vice-Chairman, and to each and every one of those members that
served on the National By-Laws Committee yesterday I am extremely
proud of their decisions and I want to commend the Chief for appointing
them.
45
I would like to read, Commander-in-Chief, with your permission,
the suggested order of my presentation, if you would agree with this.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Please proceed.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: In making the report of
the committee, I am going to follow the following procedure. I will read
the list of those by-laws which the committee recommends be adopted, or
adopt, and move the adoption of these resolutions.
After that motion and a second, the Commander-in-Chief will ask
if there are any resolutions which a comrade wants to set aside for
discussion and debate. Note will be made of those resolutions to be set
aside and a vote will be taken on those resolutions which have not been
set aside.
After the vote on those resolutions, which were not set aside, we
will take up those by-laws which have been set aside for debate. They will
be taken up in the order in which they have been set aside and each by-
law will be voted on by the convention as a motion to adopt the
resolutions.
The committee has recommended referral of several resolutions or
by-laws to permanent committees of the VFW for review. The motion to
make the referrals to the committee will be made after the complete action
has been taken and set aside. After action is completed on the resolutions
recommended for adoption or referral to a standing committee, I will read
the list of those resolutions to which the committee recommended
rejection.
After the list is read, you will have the opportunity to move the
adoption of any of these by-laws. Each motion will be taken up and
disposed of in order. If no motion is made by a comrade with respect to a
specific resolution or by-law, the resolution or by-law is, under the
convention rules, automatically rejected.
By the way, I don't have to read this. These are the way the by-laws
and the resolutions will be introduced to this convention.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I will now read the Proposed
Amendments to the National By-Laws approved by our committee. If you
are ready, B-1, Section 215 - Eligibility To Office.
B-2, Section 220 -Vacancies And Removal Of Elective Officers.
B-3, Section 222 - Delegates, County Council, District,
Department And National Conventions.
B-4, Section 309 - Surrender Or Forfeiture of Charter.
B-5, Section 603 - Convention; Quorum; Authorized Attendees.
B-6, Section 610 - Officers, Powers And Duties.
B-7, Section 617 - Regional National Council Of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-8, Section 617 - Regional National Council of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-9, Section 1101 - Formation, Control And Disbandment Of
Auxiliaries.
46
B-10, Section 1201 - Formation And Control.
B-17, Section 615 - National Committees.
Commander-in-Chief, I move for the adoption of these by-laws.
COMRADE AL LOEHR (Post 4847 - Minnesota): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, A! Loehr, Post 4847, Minnesota, I second the
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There has been a motion and
a second to adopt those previously read resolutions. Are there any that
someone wants to set aside?
Let me start with Microphones 1, 3 and 5, which will be to my
right or your left. Microphones 2, 4 and 6 will be on this side.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Ron Rusko from Post 9460, New Stratford,
Connecticut. I ask that B-5 and B-7 be set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It is noted that B-5 and B-7
have been requested to be set aside. Are there any others? Hearing no
comments, we will call for a vote. All those, other than B-5 and B-7, in
favor will signify by saying "aye"; all opposed will signify by saying "no".
The motion carries.
Mr. Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: B-5, Commander-in-
Chief, Section 603 - Convention; Quorum; Authorized Attendees. The
committee reviewed this and it was based on the effect of this proposal was
to require a two-thirds vote rather than the majority vote to change the sites
or dates of future national conventions once the Council has voted to select
a certain site.
The purpose of this proposal is to discourage the switching of
convention sites that have occurred in the last several years. These changes
have undermined the VFW's credibility in the industry. Convention
planning needs to proceed without concern that the site might be suddenly
changed, wasting previous work and expense, and requiring new efforts
directed to a new location. There must be some type of consistency in the
manner of the site selection.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): I make a
motion that B-5 be rejected.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion is out of order.
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER GENERAL MAHER: As you
understand, Ron, the motion on the floor is to adopt B-5 as a committee
recommendation. You can object and ask the delegates to vote against B-
5, but the motion is to adopt B-5.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Thank you
very much, Mr. Maher. Comrades, this motion to have the Council of
Administration to take a two-thirds majority vote to change the site
selection plays somewhat into the resolution that will be coming before
47
you in a day or two and has been approved in committee.
As you know, in the year 2000, we are scheduled to go to
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for our National Convention. In 2001, you are
scheduled to go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for your National Convention,
with an option of a third year for your National Convention in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
If you approve this by-law amendment, then what will happen is
that resolution might become moot, because the by-laws supersedes a
resolution. This by-law says only the sites need be selected. So we have
not needed that two-thirds majority vote on the first 99 years in this
organization to have great national conventions. They will all be good.
I have been hearing and I think so many more of you have heard
that we really simply don't want to continue to go to the same site year
after year after year, because many of our good comrades use it as a
vacation time. It gives many of our good comrades the opportunity all
around the country to attend and participate in a National Convention.
If you would adopt this by-law amendment, you will make it more
difficult to have your voice said as to where this convention is going to be,
and I urge you to reject this by-law. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any other discussion on B-5?
Any other discussion on B-5? Hearing none, then we will proceed to vote
on B-5 as the set aside. The committee's recommendation was passage.
We will now call for a vote. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye";
all those opposed will signify by saying "no". B-5 is defeated.
There was a request that B-7 be set aside.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Ron Rusko from Post 9460, New Stratford,
Connecticut. The way that the by-law amendments were proposed, we are
to go through each and every one of the ones that were approved by
committee, vote on them, and then go through the ones that were
disapproved.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief and my fellow comrades, if we do
that, where you have the resolution or By-Law Amendment B-7, if you
adopt that, you will not be able to discuss any of the other by-law
amendments that were rejected because they will be moot.
You will not have the opportunity to debate the merits of the other
resolutions concerning the realignment of the National Convention. That's
exactly what happened in the committee in that the first B-7 was adopted
and none of the other ones could be addressed.
So, Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I would ask with unanimous
consent, because we would hope to be able to discuss and debate B-19, if
we could simply have B-7 set aside until these comrades have the
opportunity to debate the merits of B-19 and others.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Chairman Carney
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
48
in-Chief and delegates, I will read why the committee felt that we should
do this. The effect of this proposed amendment, which is supported by the
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and many Departments is to realign
Council representation in the Eastern Conference to afford New Jersey a
seat without otherwise changing and/or rearranging the Council of
Administration.
This is by far the simplest and most direct way to resolve the
problems that arise when Departments are unable to maintain membership
at a level sufficient to justify separate representation of the Council.
Commander-in-Chief, it is my understanding that the Department of New
Jersey is in support of this amendment.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Any
other comments? B-7 has been asked to be set aside.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): I ask there be
unanimous consent for B-7 to be set aside until we have had the
opportunity of debating the other by-law amendment proposals that deal
with the realignment of the National Council of Administration, so these
comrades can make their mind up as to which way they would like to go.
...Cries of "What did he say?" ...
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: They have asked you to repeat
it. Evidently, the microphone is not feeding through.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I ask for unanimous consent on B-7 so that these
good comrades could debate the issues of B-19 and the other by-law
amendments that are going to be presented to realign your National
Council.
With all due respect to the Chairman, New Jersey is not the only
one affected by B-7. There are other states affected in B-7. Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, with unanimous consent, I would hope that we
would hold those by-laws or B-7 until we can take in this debate on B-19
and others.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Unanimous consent has been
asked for by Microphone No. 4, Ron Rusko. I will call for a vote. Those
in favor of unanimous consent will say "aye"; those opposed say "no". The
call for a vote to passage for B-7, all those in favor will signify by saying
"aye"; all those opposed signify by saying "no". B-7 is passed.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Commander-in-Chief,
the next list of National By-Laws have been recommended for rejection.
B-11, Section 101 - Eligibility.
B-12, Section 102 - Applications - Affiliate Of New Members.
B-13, Section 102 - Applications - Affiliation Of New Members.
B-14, Section 610 - Officers, Powers And Duties.
B-15, Section 610 - Officers, Powers And Duties.
B-16, 17, 18. 19, I am going to group these together so you all
know, but I will go with B-16, rejected. Section
61 0 - Officers, Powers And Duties.
49
B-18, Section 617 - Regional National Council Of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-19, Section 617 - Regional National Council Of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-20, Section 617 - Regional National Council Of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-21, Section 617 - Regional National Council Of Administration
Members - How Elected.
B-22, Section 717, Resolutions.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have heard the report of
the Chairman asking these resolutions be rejected. You have heard the
report of the Chairman recommending that these changes to the by-laws be
rejected.
COMRADE ALBERT THOMAS (Department of Pennsylvania):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Al Thomas, Commander of the
Department of Pennsylvania, seconds the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Hearing no motion to set
aside, the resolutions are, in fact, rejected. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Proposed Amendments
to the Manual of Procedure.
The committee recommends adoption of M-1, Section
217 - Nomination, Election, Installation And Term of Office.
M-2, Section 222 - Delegates, County Council, District,
Department and National Conventions.
M-3, Section 516 - Nomination, Election, Installation and Term of
Office.
M-4, Section 517 - Officers And Chairmen, Duties And
Obligations.
M-6, Section 704 - Relief Fund.
M-7, Section 711 - Buddy Poppy.
M-8, Section 1101 - Formation, Control, And Disbandment Of
Auxiliaries.
M-9, Section 1101 - Formation, Control, And Disbandment of
Auxiliaries.
M-10, Section 1101 - Formation, Control, And Disbandment of
Auxiliaries.
M-11, Section 1101 - Formation, Control, And Disbandment of
Auxiliaries.
M-1 2, Section 1201 - Formation And Control.
M-1 3, Section 1201 - Formation And Control.
M-1 5, Section 1201 - Formation And Control.
M-1 6, Section 1301 -Amendments.
Commander-in-Chief, I move that these amendments to the
National Manual of Procedure be approved.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been properly
made. Is there a second?
50
COMRADE AL LOEHR (Post 4847 - Minnesota): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I second that motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There has been a motion
properly made and seconded. Are there any requests to have any of these
proposed amendments to the Manual of Procedure set aside?
The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE JIM MUELLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I ask that M-6 and M-7 be set aside, please.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It is so noted that M-6 and M-
7 have been set aside.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE EDWARD BANAS (Post 10004 - Connecticut):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Ed Banas, Post 10004, Jewett City,
Connecticut. Were B-5 and B-14 inadvertently missed?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will ask for a comment real
quick.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: M-5 and M-14, we
recommend adoption. That will be a part of the original motion that M-5
and M-14 be included, and I will move, Commander-in-Chief.
COMRADE AL LOEHR (Post 4847 - Minnesota): I will second that
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: To return to Microphone No.
4, those are included in the motion as part of the proposed amendments to
the Manual of Procedure to be accepted. Are there any other requests for
set aside? Any other requests? We will then proceed to vote.
On the proposed amendments to the Manual of Procedure, the
motion has been properly made and seconded, all those in favor will
signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying "no". The
motion carries.
Mr. Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Commander-in-Chief,
M-6, the reason was the existing provision is inconsistent with other
sections of the by-laws which fully address the employment of directors
and other — that is the wrong one. I am sorry. Guess what, I was on by-
laws and I should be on the Manual. Allow me the opportunity to goof up
a couple of times. We got that one approved, and I don't want that one
brought up again. I apologize, Commander-in-Chief.
Section 3 of the Congressional Charter provides, and I quote, "That
the purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and
educational, to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members,
to assist worthy comrades, to perpetuate the memory and history of our
dead and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to
the government of the United States of America and fidelity to its
Constitution and laws, and to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend
the institution of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United
States from all of her enemies whomsoever."
51
The proposed amendment to Section 704, (f) "To foster true
patriotism through historical and educational programs" would honor the
intent of Section 3 and allow Posts to use relief funds for such things as
scholarships and flag education.
A positive effect resulting from this amendment would be a
renewed interest in the Buddy Poppy Program. A recent survey of 54
Department Headquarters revealed the Posts Relief Funds currently contain
approximately $10 million to $15 million.
Why not unencumber these funds by adopting this amendment,
get more positive attention to the VFW and help the hospitalized veteran
assembler of the buddy poppies in the process?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any further discussion on M-
7?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE JIM MUELLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, let me first state I am not against change and I am
not against promoting or fostering patriotism. But to open our Relief Fund
up to promote patriotism in different ways is going to open a can of worms.
I have served as Department instructor for three years and I have
seen some of the uses that have been done with the Relief Fund. The Relief
Fund has always been there to use for our veterans and their families. This
has been one of the basic principles of this organization.
I think that if we do this we are going to take it a step in the wrong
direction to allow this to be done. There are other means that we can fund
these very worthwhile projects. An example, suppose my Post wanted to
take $4,000 out of the Relief Fund to paint the outside red, white and blue.
Is that promoting the cause of patriotism? I ask this delegation to reject
this.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will ask if there is any other
discussion on M-6. I will do that because I can't see some of the mikes in
the upper tier. Hearing no more discussion, we will call for a vote on M-
6. All those in favor of passage of M-6, the Proposed Amendment to the
Manual of Procedure, signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify
by saying "no".
This time I have got a problem and my hearing is not that good. To
me, it is almost a tie. I think it is, which would result in passage. Let me
hear it again. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those
opposed "no". The motion passes.
M-7 has been requested to be set aside. Is there any discussion on
M-7?
COMRADE JIM MUELLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I have got to have a
microphone. Where are we? We are again at Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE JIM MUELLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I appeal the decision of the chair on M-6 and call for
52
a roll-call vote on M-6.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Jim, it only requires a majority
on the Manual of Procedure. I felt that there were enough votes to be in
the affirmative. That's why I made that decision. We will call for a
divisional vote. I need ten states.
COMRADE DENNIS CLARK (Post 7367 - New Jersey): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Dennis Clark, State Commander of New Jersey, I call
for a roll-call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: That's one.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE RAY LUPO (Post 1761 - Maine): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Raymond Lupo. I call for a roll-call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Where are you from?
COMRADE RAY LUPO (Post 1761 - Maine); Maine.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The name, please.
COMRADE RAY LUPO (Post 1761 - Maine): Post 1761, State
Commander from Maine, Ray Lupo.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: That's two.
Microphone No. 3 again.
COMRADE TONY BORJAS (Post 2866 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Tony Borjas, Post 2866, Missouri, I call for a roll-call
vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: That is three.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE ROGER BAKER (Post 6841 - Indiana): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Roger Baker, State Commander of Indiana, I call for
a roll-call vote.
COMRADE EDWARD LAVILETTA (Post 793 - Vermont): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Ed Laviietta, State Commander of Vermont, calls for
a roll-call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE WILLIAM ROBBINS (Department of Delaware): Bill
Robbins, State Commander of the Department of Delaware, calls for a roll-
call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE JOSEPH ROSETTA (Post 9619 - Maryland): I am
Joseph Rosetta, Department Commander of Maryland, and I call for a roll-
call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE ANTHONY GALLARDO (Department of Nebraska):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Tony Gallardo, State Commander of the
Department of Nebraska, calls for a roll-call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Have we got ten?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE DONALD PORTER (Post 454 - Illinois): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Don Porter, Department of Illinois. I call for a roll-
53
call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is that ten states? We need
another state.
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE ERNEST MEYERS (Post 4090 - Michigan): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Ernest Meyers, Commander of the Department of
Michigan, calls for a roll-call vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We have ten states that have
called for a roll call vote. It will take a little time for this. Comrades, if I
could have your attention for a minute. I have been informed, unless there
is a motion on the floor to challenge my decision of the majority vote and
a proper second, then my decision would stand.
So that we all have a sense of fairness in this room, is there a
motion against my decision?
COMRADE DENNIS CLARK (Department of New Jersey):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Dennis Clark, State Commander of New
Jersey. I move that we appeal the decision of the chair.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a second?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE EDWARD LAVILETTA (Post 793 - Vermont): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Department of Vermont seconds the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor of appealing the decision of the Commander-in-
Chief will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying
"no". We are going to have what is called a wedding contest before this
convention is over, so let's do it and get things out of the way. We will
proceed with the roll-call vote.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Comrades, can I have
your attention for a minute, please. In order to expedite this, we have roll-
call sheets that will be handed out over here to my right. If one person
from each delegation will come down and get a sufficient supply for your
delegation, we would certainly appreciate it. We can move this thing a
little faster.
Also while I am here, let me remind you of the rules of the
convention and what the Commander-in-Chief has said. During this
convention, only those who have credentials stamped "Registered" will be
allowed to address this convention or allowed to vote at this convention.
At this time we have a few National Council members who have
not yet registered. So when we get into the vote, their name will not be
called. If there is any question, come see me.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: If you would, please, take your
seats. We are ready to start the roll-call vote. Comrades, we have about
another ten or fourteen minutes before the calculator gets here. We can go
ahead and start. Do you want me to call for a vote to see if we want to
start or wait?
We will probably get a tie again. What is your feeling? I guess that
54
will have to depend upon me. We will start the roll call at this time.
...As Assistant Adjutant General Senk
called the roll, the following votes
were cast; ...
OFFICERS YES NO
Commander-in-Chief Moon X
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Pouliot X
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Smart X
Quartermaster General Ridgley X
Judge Advocate General Kennedy X
Surgeon General Sexauer X
National Chief of Staff Thiel X
Inspector General Bartholomew X
COUNCIL MEMBERS YES NO
District No. 1 - Robert W. Madigan X
District No. 2 - William J. Madera X
District No. 3 - Raymond J. Boyle X
District No. 4 - Bruce A. Withers X
District No. 5 - James R. Mueller X
District No. 6 - Scottie E. King X
District No. 8 - Oliver W. Dial X
District No. 9 - William J. Hendren X
District No. 11 - William Shannon X
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Districts 7 and 10 have
not registered as of 4:00 o'clock, the close of the registration yesterday.
Therefore, in accordance with the rules of the convention, they are not
considered for a vote. If it will make it easier for everyone. District No. 7
is not registered. District No 10 is not registered. District No. 12 is not
registered.
COMRADE WILLIAM CERNY (Council Member - District 12): i am
registered. I registered yesterday morning.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Come to the side and
bring up your stamped card.
YES MQ
District No. 13 - Lewie Cooper X
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: District 14, Earl Chase,
is not registered.
District No. 15, George Palmateer, is not registered.
District No. 16, Dannie Cooper, is not registered.
District No. 17, Frank Risewick.
District No. 19, Richard Fruge, is not registered.
District A - Charles Feltenberger.
COMRADE CHARLES FELTENBERGER (District A - Pennsylvania):
I voted with my Post.
YES NO
' District B - Rick Frank X
55
District C
T William
Bossidy
X
District D
George W.
Marks
X
District E
Gordon W.
Kirk
X
District F
Richard Lehner
X
District G
Richard Pi
gnone
X
District H
Ferrell Warden
X
District J
James DePass
X
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK:
We will
begin
Departments at this time.
STATE
YE5
NO
Alabama
232
25
Alaska
75
Arizona
200
10
Arkansas
196
California
46
476
Colorado
66
65
Connecticut
178
Delaware
113
District of Columbia
25
2
Department of Europe
31
31
Florida
409
Georgia
191
Hawaii
43
Idaho
48
Illinois
662
Indiana
362
Iowa
131
Kansas
286
Kentucky
177
Latin America/Caribbean
14
Louisiana
188
Maine
140
Maryland
241
Massachusetts
259
77
Michigan
68
214
Minnesota
146
253
Mississippi
151
Missouri
1
276
Montana
74
Nebraska
17
215
Nevada
17
55
New Hampshire
104
1
New Jersey
237
New Mexico
133
New York
15
326
North Carolina
170
96
56
North Dakota
96
Ohio
400
212
Oklahoma
96
64
Oregon
74
Pacific Areas
88
Pennsylvania
586
70
Rhode Island
53
South Carolina
159
South Dakota
16
115
Tennessee
139
Texas
681
15
Utah
22
25
Vermont
90
Virginia
163
Washington
186
West Virginia
175
4
Wisconsin
34
200
Wyoming
46
2
PAST COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF
YES
NO
Billy Ray Cameron
X
George Cramer
X
James R. Currieo
X
Walter G. Hogan - (Voted with State)
Cooper T. Holt
X
Allen F. Kent - (Voted with State)
James L. Kimery - (Voted with State)
Clyde A. Lewis
X
Clifford G. Olson
X
R. D. Smith
X
John S. Staum
X
Howard Vander Clute, Jr.
X
Robert E. Wallace
X
James Nier
X
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK:
That concludes the roll
call. Give us a few minutes and we will have it tallied.
Commander-in-Chief, the results on the ballot that was taken,
5,966 yes; 5,391 no. The majority needed was 5,688, so the motion
passed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: If I may have your attention,
please. There has been a question as to some of those that did or did not
register. Again, if you registered yesterday, you would have had the right
to have voted.
Leroy Ford contended that he did. We will take that into
consideration and give him the option once we verify that and let him
either vote "yes" or "no" on this situation. George Palmateer was not
57
registered. We checked. He did, in fact, register this morning. George will
be available to vote tomorrow. Thank you.
It has been a while, but I think we are now on M-7. They requested
it be set side. I believe it was Microphone 3, Jim Mueller, from the
Department of Missouri.
Mr. Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, the Committee stated that deleting the first two paragraphs is
merely housekeeping in nature since these two paragraphs are identical to
Section 711 of the By-Laws. The change to Section 711 will allow VFW
Posts to use youth groups, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Pop Warner
football players and others to distribute buddy poppies for the VFW as long
as they are recognized as a 501(a) not-for-profit group.
We currently sponsor many youth groups with monies from our
general funds. Why not ask them in return if they would help us with the
distribution of buddy poppies. This process would also educate the youth
about the VFW Buddy Poppy program.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any discussion on M-7?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE JIM MUELLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I would ask this organization here, have we grown
so complacent in this great organization to allow other not-for-profit
organizations to assist us in distributing our trademark, our VFW Buddy
Poppy for us?
If our Posts and Auxiliaries don't care enough about our veterans
to get out and distribute buddy poppies to show the community that we
care about our veterans, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves. I think we
need to stay with the basics of this organization.
I have always told my Post and Auxiliary if you do nothing else
during the year, you ought to come out and sell buddy poppies for an hour
or so. It is our duty, it is our honor to honor these who have served with
us, who have gone before us and made the supreme sacrifice.
We need to show the communities that we as veterans care, not as
other organizations. I feel that if we opened this up, you are going to have
lawsuits if one of the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts get hit by a car, or
something happens to them we will be sued.
I would say there is probably Posts and Auxiliaries that are doing
this now, and I will go along with saying what we do with the gays in the
military "don't say anything if you are doing it." Thank you. I ask this
motion be defeated by this body.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ALLEN KENT (Post 9972 -
Arizona): Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I am Gunner Kent. I rise to
speak in favor of this. As the comrade said, I don't think we are getting
complacent, but our membership is getting older.
It is hard for these members to stand on corners for four or five
58
hours selling buddy poppies. Now, we heard this morning about how this
organization wants to get involved with the youth of this country. We
heard the Voice of Democracy winner state that three years ago he didn't
know anything about the VFW.
How better to educate America's youth about the Veterans of
Foreign Wars than having them sell buddy poppies and make them
understand that this money goes to help the veterans that defended this
great country? How better to let these children know what this great
organization is about?
If we don't involve the youth, if we don't show our colors, nobody
is going to know what we are doing. All this by-law change is doing is
allowing these Posts that have older membership to use the youth that they
already sponsor, their Boy Scouts, their Girl Scouts, their Junior ROTC, and
allow these children to get out and give back to the veterans of this country
that have given so much to this country. Thank you, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE JOHN SENK (Post 3355 - New Jersey): Comrades, I rise
to speak in favor of this Proposed Amendment to the Manual of Procedure.
At the meeting yesterday, I simply asked the question how many people in
this room have Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other groups out distributing —
I never used that word "sell", distributing buddy poppies for you?
Three-fourths of that room raised their hands. All I am asking,
comrades, is that we make what we are doing legal. If not, then we have
to uphold the Manual of Procedure and take the actions that are necessary
to stop other Posts that are doing that. I urge you to vote in favor of this
resolution. Thank you, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE JOHN DAHMAN (Post 1421 - Indiana): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise in opposition. I agree with Past Commander-
in-Chief Gunner Kent and John Senk that we need to get the youth
Involved. I am going to speak on the liability. I am part of the By-Laws
Committee and I brought this question up. John Senk was there and Joe
Ridgley.
Neither one could give me an answer if the Post would be liable,
which I am sure they would be, if the child got hurt out there selling a
poppy on the street or poked one in their eye. As many of you comrades
know, if a comrade slips in your Post or something happens, everybody is
sue crazy today, and I agree with you today somewhere down the road this
is going to happen if we approve this resolution. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 4 again.
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Glen M. Gardner, Jr., a delegate from Post 3359,
Garland, Texas. I, too, rise in favor of supporting this change in the Manual
of Procedure. I think that somewhere along the line we have lost sight of
the fact that just because we changed the by-laws doesn't mandate that
your Post has to do anything different than they are doing today.
59
On the last one, we discussed like it was going to be a mandate
that all of a sudden you had to use your poppy money for something other
than what it is being used for. As John said, we probably have 70 percent
of our Posts today that are already violating the by-laws by having other
groups help them with their poppy sales. We need to change the by-laws
and allow this to be done and in a legal manner. I ask we support this by-
law change.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE GEORGE REED (Post 9400 - Arizona): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise to support this. The one comrade that was
against it stated something about liability. Well, if you have a function
going on with non-members, if you have bingo, if somebody slips and falls,
you are going to be liable. You darn better well have enough insurance to
cover it.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF R. D. SMITH (Post 4346 -
Georgia): Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Bulldog Smith, a delegate from
Post 4346, Georgia. I call for the question.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The question has been called
for. All those in favor of M-7 will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed
will signify by saying "no". Bob Wallace, I don't need my hearing aids
today. It passes. The motion carries.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, the committee recommends rejection of M-17, Section 101 -
Eligibility.
M-18, Section 101 - Eligibility.
M-19, Section 803 - Manufacture And Use Of Seals, Emblems,
Badges, Insignia And Uniforms.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE DON ROMANO (Post 7330 - Connecticut): I move
that M-18 be set aside, and I would move its adoption.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: M-18 has been moved for
adoption. Is there a second?
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): I second that
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion and the second on
the floor is in order. That is M-18.
Comrade Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrades, the
discussion in our committee was based on the purpose of this proposal is
to add the National Defense Service Medal to the list of qualifying medals.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We are open for discussion.
Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE DON ROMANO (Post 7330 - Connecticut): Once
again, for the eighteenth time, I rise before you and recommend that we
accept the National Defense Service Medal as eligibility in the Veterans of
60
Foreign Wars. I expect to have the courtesy of listening to me.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The microphone is on at the
present time. Allow the individual to speak.
COMRADE DON ROMANO (Post 7330 - Connecticut):
Comrades, as we have known in many ways the National Defense Service
Medal is similar to that of the American Campaign Medal, whereas, it was
given or awarded to our service personnel for overseas duty and non-
overseas duty.
We are now at a point where it has been told to us by our parent
organization that within the next decade one-half of our World War II
members, including myself, will no longer be with us. I am also bringing
to your attention that if one-half of our group is not going to be with us,
half of the so-called group that is eligible tojoin theVFW will no longer be
with us.
I am a person who believes in the traditions of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars. When the Posts in Ohio merged, they were the American
Veterans of Foreign Service. When the three Posts in Pennsylvania,
Altoona, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia merged, they were the American
Veterans of Foreign Service.
When they merged in Denver, Colorado, they became the Veterans
of Foreign Wars with no other change. As far as I am concerned, many
people served under atomic bombs, et cetera, warheads in Eastern Europe,
sen/ed in submarines all over the world and are not eligible tojoin the
VFW, but yet every man and woman who went to Hawaii after December
7th is eligible tojoin the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I want to know how many hazards there were in Hawaii at that
time. Every person here knows that when you are at the front lines for
every individual who is fighting, there are ten in the rear echelon, and the
eleven are eligible tojoin the VFW.
If you talk about cheapening the eligibility, comrades, that has
already been done. Right now we have more ineligible people in the
Veterans of Foreign Wars than in the history of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, and that is because of this at-large program.
Ten million young men and women from the ages of 18 to 50
something would be eligible tojoin, and we need this blood transfusion,
and I recommend that the Veterans of Foreign Wars accept this resolution.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE JIM CARLYLE (Post 10097 - Florida): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am Jim Carlyle, a delegate from Post 10097, Fort
Myers Beach. I have been coming to conventions for 20 years and we have
been bouncing this around, voting this down every year.
I realize that the VFW is a dying organization because we are
losing a lot of members. I would rather for the VFW to be a dying
organization by losing a lot of members as long as we are dying proud that
we are a VFW member, the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thank you.
61
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will comment on this a little
bit before we look for another mike. I am 50 years old and I plan on living
another 35 or 40 years. I don't look for it to die that quick. Any other
comments?
Microphone No. 1 .
COMRADE WARREN GASCON (Post 792 - Vermont): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and Comrades, I agree with everything the comrades
have said. Everyone has a right to their opinion. It is, however, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is not the American Legion.
I have nothing against the American Legion. I have many friends
that belong to the American Legion, and I also belong to the American
Legion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars means exactly that. That is my
statement.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 4.
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I stand in opposition to this proposed change in the
by-laws, not because I don't believe that it is about time for open and
honest debate about the future eligibility of the membership of the VFW.
We have many military personnel stationed overseas today, many
who were killed in the last three or four weeks that would have been
eligible for the VFW because they were on duty. I disagree with making
the National Defense Service Medal eligibility criteria because, as all of
you know, the first thing that will happen someone will walk in with a 21 4
and it will say "National Defense Service Medal" and no one will ever look
any further to see if they had overseas duty.
That is why I stand in opposition to this by-law change and I hope
that in the future we will have open and honest debate about the eligibility
criteria of our organization. Thank you, Commander.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
Microphone No. 1 again.
COMRADE TIM SMITH (Post 1733 - Tennessee): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I agree with the comrade that just spoke. At one of
our recent meetings that we have already had, one of our past officers tell
us that the National Defense Medal was recognized by the VFW at one
time during the Persian Gulf.
The whole point I am trying to make is this, they are already
looking at some people who have the National Defense Service Medal as
a qualifying medal, which is not and it shouldn't be. As a Persian Gulf
veteran and one of the younger members, I disagree with the National
Defense Service Medal as a qualifying medal. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE KENNETH PIKE (Post 4876 - Oklahoma): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I call for the question.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I refer back to Microphone
No. 4.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
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Commander-in-Chief and my comrades, I have been to this microphone
many times trying to put across our idea that the National Defense Service
Medal with 30 consecutive days and 60 non-consecutive days overseas
would be good for the organization and would allow good people, good
comrades, to join this organization and participate in the fate of all
veterans by working together.
We know that the organization is having a tough time filling its
ranks. If you read the National magazine, there are constantly articles in
there saying that we need to build up the VFW or we are going to lose it.
I don't care, under any circumstances I would rather see this as veterans of
foreign service in name again rather than lose this organization.
Not everything is perfect in this organization. We argued for years
that the people in Korea should be allowed to join the VFW without a
medal and that happened. I am so happy that it did. Comrade
Commander and comrades, I am somewhat confused.
Last year at the National Convention, you adopted a resolution for
a charter change to allow non-service members into the VFW in the form
of Merchant Marines. Now, hang on a second. That resolution passed.
There was a resolution in this year's committee, and the resolution was put
in by the Commander-in-Chief John Moon, and what it says was to not do
that.
Well, that resolution was rejected, which means that it now goes
forward on the charter change to allow the Merchant Marines into the
VFW. You are going to have a chance to talk about that resolution again.
But that is why I am confused. You want someone to belong to this
organization and you have rejected a resolution that would have stopped
it, to stop the Merchant Marines.
At this point in time you are saying yes, we want it in, but
comrades that have served overseas in harm's way we can't find in our
hearts to let them in this organization and be a part of this great
organization and determine its fate and their future and their health care.
I think we should. Thank you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. The proponents
have spoken at this time. The question is in order. We will call for the vote.
All those in favor of passage of M-18 will signify by saying "aye"; all those
opposed to the passage of M-18 will signify by saying "no". The chair is
not in doubt. The motion is defeated.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, the Proposed Amendments to the Ritual, the following are
recommended for adoption: R-1, R-2, R-3. Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, I move that these amendments to the Ritual be approved.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any requests for set
asides?
motion.
COMRADE AL LOEHR (Post 4847 - Minnesota): I second the
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Having been properly made
63
and seconded, are there any requests to set aside? Are there any requests
to set aside? I don't hear any requests at this time. I cannot see up there,
so I am assuming there are no requests.
We will call for the vote. All those in favor will signify by saying
"aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying "no". The motion carries.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, the Committee recommends rejection of R-4.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The recommendation is for
rejection of R-4. Again, are there any requests to set aside R-4? Hearing
none, R-4 is rejected.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, that completes the Report of the National By-Laws, Manual of
Procedure and Ritual Committee. Thank you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and
Mr. Vice-Chairman, Jack Carney, Past Commander-in-Chief, and Al Loehr.
Comrades, we wanted to get out of here early. We have some
things we must do because of some travel constrictions and some problems
with some weather-related areas, I guess in North Carolina, Billy Ray
Cameron must leave the convention tomorrow to attend to some duties
regarding the flood victims.
At this time I will call for the Report of the National Security and
Foreign Affairs Committee. The Chairman is Wally Hogan.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN
AFFAIRS
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALTER HOGAN: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. To the distinguished national officers and to all the
delegates at the 99th National Convention, first of all, I would like to thank
the Commander-in-Chief for the appointment to this great committee, and
thank you for the appointment of the gentleman you chose to serve with
me.
That will be F^st Commander-in-Chief Billy Ray Cameron, who is
Chairman of the Subcommittee on POW/MIA, and my Vice-Chairman, Jim
Kimery, and Billy Ray's Vice-Chairman from the great state of Ohio, Roger
Taylor.
At this time I would like to introduce Billy Ray, and he will go
through the POW/MIA Resolutions.
REPORT OF SUBCOMMITTEE ON POW/MIA
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CAMERON: Thank you very
much, Wally. Commander-in-Chief, I want to once again thank you for the
opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on POW/MIA,
and I would like to thank the committee and my Vice-Chairman, Roger
Taylor, who did a tremendousjob, and to Rocky and his staff in Washington
64
for their support.
I will go through the resolutions on the POW/MIA Committee.
First, I will read the resolutions that the committee recommended that we
adopt, and there were three or four that were adopted, as amended. So the
first one you will find is 401, Support Public Awareness Projects. The
committee recommends adopt.
Resolution 403, VFW Supports Kuwait's Demand For An
Accounting Of Its MIAs. That is recommended for adoption.
No. 418, Assist Vietnam's Recovery Of MIAs As A Sign Of Good
Faith. This is a resolution that we have had for several years and we ask
that you adopt.
No. 433, Interment Of An Unknown From Vietnam. We
recommend adoption. That was one that was added to the committee after
the convention.
Roger, come up and read that one.
COMRADE ROGER TAYLOR (Post 2873 - Ohio): Resolution No.
433, Interment Of An Unknown From Vietnam.
"WHEREAS, on Memorial Day, 1984, a set of remains of an
unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was ceremoniously interred in
the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery and
"WHEREAS, those remains lay in that place of honor until 1998
when new evidence and new identification techniques led to their
exhumation and the subsequent identification of Lieutenant Michael
Blassie, and since then the Tomb of the Unknown from the Vietnam War
has been empty; and
"WHEREAS, this Tomb represents the sum of all the sacrifices of
those who served and suffered in the Vietnam War, as well as those families
who lost a loved one and especially including the sufferings of our MIAs
and their families; and
"WHEREAS, this Tomb reminds all Americans of the extreme
sacrifice sometimes required to defend our country and our freedom;
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States, that we view the Tomb of the Unknown
Serviceman of the Vietnam War as a powerful place, symbolic of the
sacrifices of all who served in that most divisive war and believe the Tomb
has become to be recognized and revered by the American people as the
place they can come to honor all of America's military heroes; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if there are any remains that in
all likelihood cannot be identified by known forensic medical techniques,
and after all means of identification have been exhausted, the U.S.
Government make every effort to inter one of our unknown honored dead
from the Vietnam War to rest in peace alongside his comrades from World
War I, World War II and the Korean War in this hallowed ground."
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CAMERON: That was Resolution
433. We recommend that it be adopted.
Moving along, the next three resolutions the committee
65
recommended be adopted but were amended because of language and to
clarify some language in the resolutions.
Resolution 402, Seek Opportunities To Resolve The Korean War
POW/MIA Issue. The committee recommmended to adopt as amended.
That was Resolution 402.
Resolution 431, Americans Who Are Prisoners Of War Or Missing
In Action, we amended that one and the committee recommended adopt
this one.
At this time, Commander-in-Chief, I make a motion that we adopt
these resolutions.
COMRADE ROGER TAYLOR (Post 2873 - Ohio): I second that
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been properly
made and seconded. Are there any requests for any to be set aside?
Hearing none, we will call for a vote. All those in favor will signify by
saying "aye"; all opposed "no". The motion carries.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CAMERON: There were two that
the committee recommend that we reject. The only reason we rejected
these was a similar resolution was already in place, and that was
Resolution No. 425, Americans Who Are Prisoners Of War Or Missing In
Action, is the same as Resolution 431. So the committee recommended
that we reject that in favor of Resolution 431 .
There was another resolution that was submitted late about the
Unknown Soldier From Vietnam In The Tomb. That was Resolution 440. It
was basically the same as 433, so we asked that be rejected. No. 440 was
rejected in favor of No. 433.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any request to have this set
aside? Hearing no request to have it set aside or a motion to adopt, the
report of the committee then for this one is rejected.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: Thank you, Billy Ray. I
would like to now call on Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Kimery, who will
read first those resolutions that were approved, then those resolutions that
were approved as amended.
Past Commander-in-Chief Jim.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KIMERY: Thank you very much.
Chief Wally. I would like to thank the Commander-in-Chief for this
appointment. I am very happy to serve. I am going to read to you now the
resolutions that were approved as written, approved by the committee
yesterday afternoon in session.
They are No. 404, The Lessons Of The Cold War.
No. 405, Limit Foreign Ownership Of U.S. Businesses And
Properties.
Resolution No. 406, Take Action On The Immigration Problem.
No. 407, Time Is Running Out For Castro.
No. 412, Maintain An Effective U.S. Coast Guard.
No. 413, Standing Firm For Democracy And Liberty. ,
66
No. 414, National Strategy Of Peace Through Strength.
No. 415, Halt The Erosion Of Intelligence Services.
No. 416, Support For The Republic Of Korea.
No. 419, Oppose U.S. Forces Under Foreign Command.
No. 422, Retain The Selective Service.
No. 423, Monitor The Panama Canal Carefully.
No. 427, Require All Eighteen Year Old Citizens To Register For
Military Draft.
No. 434, Improve Military Readiness. No. 434, I will read the
Resolved.
It is, "BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, that we urge the President and the Congress of the United
States to act now to reverse this trend in decreasing defense readiness by
providing our military leaders with the resources required to accomplish
their missions and the military strategy of the United States; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in order to improve the morale and
retention of our high quality, dedicated American servicemen and women,
that the Congress and the Administration take action to stop the erosion of
military entitlements and benefits, and restore military retirement benefits
to the level that existed prior to 1986."
The intent of this resolution is to urge the President and the
Congress of the United States to improve the readiness of our armed forces
by providing our military leaders with the resources required to accomplish
the military strategy of the United States, and to encourage the Congress
and the Administration to take action to improve the morale and retention
of our servicemen and women by stopping the erosion of military
entitlements and benefits, and by restoring military retirement benefits to
the level that existed prior to 1986."
Does that clear 434 up?
No. 435, Tighten U.S. Policy On High Technology Exports.
No. 436, National Missile Defense For The United States. We will
read No. 435. It is titled Tighten U.S. Policy On High Technology Exports.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we strongly urge the President and the Congress to reverse the
present U.S. policy on exporting American advanced 'dual-use'
technologies and supercomputers to China and Russia, and strengthen the
rules that limit the export of American 'dual-use' technologies to any
country that poses a possible ballistic missile or any other significant threat
to the U.S.; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administration stop any U.S.
commercial activity which facilitates the improvement of Chinese ballistic
missile capability, and provides any information or technology that would
provide new military capability, including any long-range missile
technology, to any country that poses a significant threat to our nation
without prior U.S. Government authorization."
Now, No. 436, the National Missile Defense For The United States.
67
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Administration and the Congress of the United
States to immediately accelerate efforts to develop and deploy a National
Missile Defense System to protect the United States against an accidental
or unauthorized ballistic missile launch; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Administration and
the Congress to take immediate actions to stop the proliferation of ballistic
missiles and technologies to any potentially hostile or rogue states and
terrace groups that may seek to target the United States directly with long-
range missiles."
Resolution No. 437, Increase The Defense Budget.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President and the Congress of the United States to
take whatever steps are necessary to increase defense spending and reverse
the 14-year pattern of declining defense budgets; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in light of the first federal budget
surplus in three decades, and the current strength of the U.S. economy, we
urge the nation's bipartisan political leadership to reopen negotiations on
the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 in order to provide for a reallocation
additional of national resources to the defense budget, and to sustain
period of real growth in defense spending."
Resolution 438, Women In The Military.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we go on record as opposing assignment of women within the
Armed Forces to jobs that call for them to aggressively seek out, be close
with, and kill or capture enemy forces; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Congress to
establish an independent commission to examine all facets of the security,
training, assignments and role of women in the military and to withhold
approval of any further personnel changes until the commission has time
to make its recommendations; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support barracks
improvements that provide for totally separate and secure sleeping areas
and latrines for men and women in the armed services, but we believe that
each Military Service should be free to determine how best to train their
recruits in basic training."
We go now to Resolution 441 , Restore Pre-Attack Ranks To
Admiral Husband E. Kimmel And General Walter C. Short.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President of the United States to restore the honor
and reputations of Admiral Husband E. Kimmel and General Walter C.
Short; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President of the
United States to take necessary steps to posthumously advance Admiral
Kimmel and General Short to their highest wartime rank of Four-Star
Admiral and Lieutenant General. Such action would be appreciated
68
greatly to restore the honor of these two great servicemen."
The last one, the resolution approved, as written, is 442, Support
Of Self-Determination For Puerto Rico.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States that we request the Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and the rest of
the members of the United States Senate to pass Senate Bill 472 before the
adjournment of the 105th Congress."
That completes those, Commander-in-Chief. I move adoption of
the resolutions.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion to adopt. Is
there a second?
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: I second that.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any requests for set
asides?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE DEBRA HERZOG (Post 5158 - Wisconsin): I ask No.
438 be set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The request for 438 to be set
aside is noted. Any other requests to be set aside?
Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE CLIFF LEDYARD (Post 1079 - Ohio): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I would like to have you people, if it is possible, to
make copies for the rest of us here from 432 on to where we stopped right
now. We don't have any record of this at all.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: That is a very valid point. We
have run into it in the past, that many of these resolutions are submitted
after everything else has been copied for the convention and put in the
booklet form. That is what we are running into.
Then the amendments are made to those before they are even put
into the books. That is what we have run into over the past few years. That
is a very good point well taken. Thank you. Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a request for set
asides? Okay I would ask, then, for a vote for all of those that have not
been set aside. I will call for a vote. All those in favor will say "aye"; all
those opposed say "no". Those that have not been set aside are hereby
passed.
Comrade Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, I will call on our Director of National Security & Foreign Affairs.
COMRADE ROCKY HARDER: Well, there is really not much to
explain. The resolution was read. The statement is pretty clear. We should
hear from the floor, I think, to hear what the concerns are. This is
Resolution 438, Women In The Military. I will read it. Resolution No. 438,
I will read it in its entirety.
"WHEREAS, as a result of the Gulf War experience in which five
women were killed, fourteen wounded and one taken prisoner, women
69
now have gained unprecedented access to U.S. combat aircraft and
warships; and
"WHEREAS, now even the Army has been pressured into allowing
women in combat engineer battalions and aviation units and the Marine
Corps Commandant has expressed his misgivings about the physical
strength and endurance of women in combat positions; and
"WHEREAS, a series of incidents in several of our Armed Services
has led many to question the current mixing of men and women in basic
training, and in overseas combat assignments; and
"WHEREAS, the VFW also notes these unprecedented personnel
changes have occurred by Executive Branch edict without any legislation
or serious debate within the United States Congress;
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States, that we go on record as opposing assignment of
women within the Armed Forces to jobs that call for them to aggressively
seek out, close with and kill or capture enemy forces; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Congress to
establish an independent commission to examine all facets of the security,
training, assignments and role of women in the military and to withhold
approval of any further personnel changes until the commission has had
time to make its recommendations.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support barracks
improvements that provide for totally separate and secure sleeping areas
and latrines for men and women in the Armed Services, but we believe that
each Military Service should be free to determine how best to train their
recruits in basic training."
That is Resolution No. 438.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Comrade.
I will ask at this time for Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE DEBRA HERZOG (Post 5158 - Wisconsin): I believe
that most of us in this room have the patriotism and belief in our country
to fight for it. I don't believe that that freedom or that responsibility should
be limited to men. I believe that a woman, if she is capable and she is
trained, should be allowed the privilege of fighting for the freedom of this
country regardless of whether she is a man or he is a woman. I am sorry
about that. (Laughter) I am asking the VFW to believe that women have
the same right to fight for their country as men do. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Microphone No.
2. Any further discussion on this Resolution No. 438?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE BARRY WALKER (Post 4579 - Ohio): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I agree with part of the resolution. Two of the
women that were killed in my unit, I carried one of them out of the
barracks and three of the women who won Purple Hearts were in my unit
and I helped carry them out as well.
I think you have to say from working with both up North and
70
South, the women did an outstanding job during the Persian Gulf.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any further discussion? I see
no hands or comments. Hearing none, the motion originally made was to
adopt Resolution 438. It had been asked to be set aside. At this time, those
in favor of adoption of Resolution 438 will signify by saying "aye"; those
opposed will signify by saying "no".
The chair is in doubt again. The reason I say the chair is in doubt
again, if we adopt 438, it restricts the women in the military. If we reject
438, it allows women in the military, in the combat area. Does that clarify
it.
Again, we will call for the vote. I would ask those in favor of
adoption of Resolution 438, restricting women in combat, to say "aye".
We will call for a vote for those that are opposing No. 438. All those
opposed say "no". No. 438 is rejected.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KIMERY: The following
resolutions are approved, as amended. All these resolutions are in your
book.
No. 408, Punish Terrorists Now.
No. 409, Strategic Defense Is A Strategic Priority.
No. 410, Honoring Those Who Serve.
No. 411, Oppose Lifting The Defense Department Ban On
Homosexuals In The Armed Forces.
No. 417, Support The Withdrawal From The Former Yugoslavia.
No. 420, Support For The Republic Of China On Taiwan.
No. 426, NATO Enlargement.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I make a motion to adopt these
resolutions, as amended.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: I second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have heard the reading of
those resolutions recommended for passage as amended. Are there any
requests for set asides? Seeing none, we will call for a vote. All those in
favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying
"no". The motion carries.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: I will now read those
that the committee recommended rejection.
No. 428, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Navy Medical
Augmentation Team Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada).
No. 429, Issuance Of Cold War Victory Medal.
No. 430, Special Medal For World War II Navy Armed Guards.
No. 432, Support H.R. 432, To Provide For The Issuance Of A
Nuclear Radiation Medal For Certain Members Of The Armed Forces.
No. 439, In Support Of Army Medic Michael New. I don't believe
you have No. 439, so I perhaps should read the Resolved.
Resolution No. 439, "In Support Of Army Medic Michael New.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the National Officer's previous position against Mr. New be
71
rescinded and that in accordance with the wishes of the majority of VFW
members, a resolution in support of Mr. New be passed by this convention
with copies of the resolution to be sent to Mr. New and the Army Court of
Appeals Judges considering his appeal."
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any requests for set
asides? Are there any requests for set asides?
Microphone No. 1 .
COMFiADE LYLE KELL (Post 1561 - Washington): I speak to the
Special Medal for World War II Navy Armed Guards.
COMMANDER-IN-CFHIEF MOON: Do you request to have it set
aside?
COMRADE LYLE KELL (Post 1561 - Washington): I request to have
it set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. Resolution Nos.
428, 429, 432 and 439, are there any requests to have them set aside?
Hearing none, they are rejected.
Now, Lyie, Microphone No. 1. In order to have action taken on
this, you must make a motion to have Resolution No. 430 adopted.
COMRADE LYLE KELL (Post 1561 - Washington): I make the
motion that Resolution 430 be adopted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a second to the
motion? I will look at Microphone 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. I see no one at the
microphone. Seeing no one at the microphone, there is not a second. The
motion dies. Therefore, Resolution No. 430 is rejected as recommended
by the committee.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOGAN: That concludes the
Report of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee. I would like
to again thank you for the opportunity to serve on this prestigious
convention and to thank all those that have helped us yesterday afternoon
at our security meeting. Thank you again, John.
COMMANDER-IN-CHliF MOON: To the Chairmen, Past
Commanders-in-Chief, and Vice Chairmen, thank you very much. To all
those committees that have reported, they will be recalled for further
recommendations or resolutions that are brought forth.
Is there any other business or announcements that have to be made
real quick? I know we are running late. It is raining. If you want to, we
can go until 6:00 o'clock. I guess we don't have anyone that wants to stay.
Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, we will prepare the room for the
Closing Ceremonies.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS BARRY HOFFMAN: Please rise and stand at
attention facing the flag of our nation.
(Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was given at this time,
followed by the Benediction.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We will stand in recess until
8:30 tomorrow morning.
(Whereupon, the session was recessed at 4:50 o'clock p.m.)
72
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS BANQUET
AUGUST 31, 1998
(The Distinguished Guests Banquet of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States, meeting in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center,
San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief Thomas A. Pouliot.)
WELCOME
SENIORVICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Good evening
and welcome to the Distinguished Guests Banquet for this, our 99th
National Convention.
I am Tom Pouliot, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the VFW
and your Master of Ceremonies for this evening. I want to express our
sincere thanks to San Antonio and Texas, the Lone Star State, for the fine
welcome we have received.
We have a tremendous program this evening. We are very pleased
to have all of you with us, especially our VFW National and Department
leaders and our VFW Ladies Auxiliary members. We are especially pleased
to have our distinguished guests whom I will introduce after dinner.
Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
(Whereupon, Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by the
singing of the National Anthem.)
INVOCATION
SENIORVICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Please
remain standing. Now, our Chaplain Dean Derieg will give the
Invocation.
(Whereupon, the Invocation was given by National Chaplain Dean
Derieg.)
SENIORVICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT You may be
seated. Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy the evening, erijoy your dinner
and the fine music of Al Sturchio Orchestra.
(Whereupon, dinner was served followed by the introduction of
the distinguished guests by Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Pouliot.)
INTRODUCTION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: I am
privileged this evening to introduce to this very special audience the
National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States.
Since its founding 99 years ago, the VFW has drawn together
dedicated men and women who share the same concern and love for
America and its veterans. With a long and proud history of
accomplishments, the VFW has always been in the forefront of every
constructive program to set forth, expand and protect the rights and
privileges of America's veterans.
Whether its efforts are for a strong national defense or concern for
the nation's veterans, the VFW must have inspired leaders who will guide
us wisely.
We have been most fortunate to have a man of this stature to guide
us this year. Through his 28 years of active involvement with the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, John Moon has been a man on the move, helping his
fellow veterans and his community.
In keeping with his motto "Courage Under Fire", he has worked
hard to address the concerns and the mandates of the VFW.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce to you a man
dedicated to working for America's veterans and the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, our Commander-in-Chief, John Moon, from the great state of Ohio.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
REMARKS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Tom, for that very
generous and warm introduction. My remarks tonight will be very brief.
You see standing before you a very proud man who for the last 12 months
has had the wonderful privilege of leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States. Leading this great organization is very gratifying.
I have seen the results of the work and services of our two million
VFW members and the more than 750,000 members of the Ladies
Auxiliary. In every city and town that I visited, I saw positive proof that the
VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary are a dynamic force serving our nation's
communities and our nation's veterans.
This year has been a very pivotal year as the VFW works to ensure
that veterans' programs receive proper funding. It has been a year of
challenge as we work to maintain the integrity of the VA in these trying
times.
In responding to our "Courage Under Fire" theme, we have
supported our armed forces and the need to maintain a strong national
defense.
I have been able to visit our military men and women around the
globe. I have been with them in Europe, Kuwait and on the Militarized
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Zone, that fragile line separating North and South Korea.
How proud I was to bring your message of support to our troops.
That message was made all the more clear and meaningful with those
wonderful VFW telephone calling cards. They are a visible sign of our
support. You are to be commended for this tremendous program.
In visiting Southeast Asia and Korea, and other parts of the world,
the fate of our Ml As was always with me.
The VFW will continue to lead the way in what we believe to be
the best means of achieving our goal of the fullest possible accounting of
our MIAs.
We take our role very seriously and will continue, as we monitor
progress and results in working with Vietnam and the other governments in
this region. To do less would be a disservice to our members, to those
missing and their families and a disservice to what the VFW stands for.
Your efforts in support of every program that we have undertaken
in the past year, whether it be in community and youth activities. Voice of
Democracy, Post development. Buddy Poppy, have been proven that
working together we can be successful.
Yes, it has been a very special year for me because I was proud to
be with and served with the finest men and women of our nation — its
veterans.
Now, before my first mission as your National Commander-in-
Chief comes to an end, I would wish to say on behalf of Susie and I that
there is no way we will ever be able to repay this organization, to thank
each of those that have been so much in the way of support and sincerity
and kindness, for all the efforts that you continue to put forth on behalf of
today's veterans and all that you are going to be able to do in the future
ahead. Thank you very much.
PRESENTATION OF VFW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SPECIAL AWARD
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Ladies and gentlemen, I am
most pleased to present the VFW Commander-in-Chief's Special Award to
James A. Endicott, a veterans advocate from the great state of Texas. A
former general counsel for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Jim Endicott
demonstrated keen insight, understanding and clarity of judgment in
providing legal advice and services to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and
the VA staff from November, 1991, to January 20, 1993.
His keystone decision, rendered amidst controversy on January 1 3,
1993, directed that service connection rating may be granted for tobacco
use if evidence establishes that such use of tobacco was in the line of duty.
With courage and an abiding sense of integrity, his decision to render such
an opinion clearly establishes a moral obligation to compensate veterans
for service-connected illnesses and injuries.
Tragically, in its rush to secure additional dollars to pay for pork
barrel projects, the Congress has taken away the authority to grant such
as
compensation. Buried in the conference report to the recently enacted
Transportation Bill, was language denying smoking-related compensation
for veterans and directing that the projected savings of some $15.4 billion
be used to pay for transportation projects that were in violation of the
balanced budget law.
Currently, Mr. Endicott is in private law practice with offices in
Central Texas and the Washington, D.C., area, where he concentrates on
federal legal issues and health-care issues. He has produced and hosted
the weekly G.I. Journal radio show and is a frequent speaker and panelist
on veterans and military issues.
A 22-year army veteran, Jim served in Vietnam. He is a Life
Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3892, Harker Heights, Texas.
Please join me this evening in welcoming a true veterans'
advocate, James A. Endicott, Jr.
The Resolution reads in part, "Commander-in-Chief's Special
Award presented to James A. Endicott, Jr., in recognition of his outstanding
contribution to America's veterans as General Counsel of the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs. August 31, 1998, John E. Moon,
Commander-in-Chief."
RESPONSE - THE HONORABLE JAMES A. ENDICOTT, JR.
COMRADE ENDICOTT: Comrade Commander-in-Chief Moon,
Ladies Auxiliary President Atkinson, my Fellow Comrades and Sisters
particularly in my own Department of Texas, I never planned to be the
poster child for the long-standing military tradition "of smoke them if you
have got them," but I guess that is what I have become.
When I sat down to sign off on this decision that has become so
much debated, it really wasn't all that hard because I knew I was shortly
going back to Texas and I was going back to Killeen, Texas, to answer to
Ted Connell, a great former Commander-in-Chief, if I made the wrong
decision.
If Ted wasn't enough, backing him up was Jim Nier, Glen Gardner,
Alan Burton and Doug Bell, great Texas veteran leaders. I knew I had to
make the right decision. I also knew if I made the wrong decision, it would
just be one more alligator in that swimming pool in Washington that
somebody would have to wrestle with. And over the years in Washington
I learned from a very good Washington insider, my good friend, Larry
Rivers, when I got to Washington about alligators.
I said, "There are a lot of them up here and what do you do with
them?" He said, "Jim, the secret is you just have to know which ones to
train and those are the ones that you wrestle with." I said, "A Louisiana
lawyer has to know about alligators." About the first three times I got in the
pool, after he said they were trained, I learned there were not any trained
alligators.
Tonight, I have got four feelings I would like to share with you.
76
First, a very sincere feeling of thanks for thinking of me and what was to
me part of doing thejob I was supposed to do, taking care of veterans. This
evening, also this is to make me feel a little bit old, because our principal
speaker tonight. General McCaffrey, was a fourteen-year-old teenager
when I was a senior cadet at The Citadel, and his dad was my commandant
cadet.
You also make me feel very humbled to be recognized on the same
program with Jerry Solomon, who was always there for veterans, a great
leader of this country and for veterans. You also make me feel very proud
of this organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I have three uncles that served in World War II, each of whom
came back to be active in this organization. They were the Kaul brothers
of Kansas City, Missouri. My uncle David was in the Navy, served in the
Rangers, was Commander and Quartermaster of Post 302.
My uncle Bill served in the Air Force. He was a B-17 Crew Chief
out of England, and I asked him one time, I said, "What did you do in the
Air Force? What kind of ranking?" He said, "I was a zipper sergeant." I
said, "I have never heard of a zipper sergeant. What does that mean?" He
said, "I had had those generals on so many times and took them off, I had
to put zippers on them." He was active in Post 1 829 in Kansas City
My Uncle Clancey was an Army Private and went in on Omaha
Beach, he was wounded on D plus two, had a leg injury that left him in
pain for the rest of his life. He served as Department Commander of
Missouri and also Commander of 1829. His wife, Helen, later served as
our State Auxiliary President in Missouri.
When I went to Vietnam in 1968, in my pocket was an application
to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the first thing I did after writing
back to my wife was to mail that back to my uncle. For our family
tomorrow, the third generation of our family, Lieutenant Rod Alpono of
Maryland will get on an airplane to go to Bosnia where he is with the Joint
Task Force in Bosnia. He is also going with a VFW application in his
pocket.
To me, the VFW is a great family. We are a family who believes
together and we stand together for veterans and for families and for
winning. Comrades and sisters, thank you again for the honor to be an
American veteran and for what you have done for me this evening. Thank
you very much. (Applause)
PRESENTATION OF VFW AMERICANISM AWARD
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my
honor to present to this great gathering, a distinguished American who has
been chosen to receive the 1 998 VFW Americanism Award for his untiring
efforts in promoting the values of patriotism, commitment to service and
love of country, values which contribute to the betterment of American
society.
77
Congressman Jerry Solomon, throughout a distinguished 26-year
career as a legislator, has remained steadfast in promoting the principles of
responsible citizenship and Americanism.
His efforts in advancing legislation to protect our nation's flag from
desecration, coupled with his direct involvement in seeking the fullest
possible accountability of our prisoners of war and missing in action, attest
to his commitment to the principles of Americanism.
Currently, he is Chairman of the powerful Rules Committee of the
House of Representatives. He is a former member of the prestigious
Foreign Affairs Committee and is on a leave of absence as the Senior
Republican of the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Congressman Solomon is a member of the House Task Force on
National Defense Policy. He is the former Chairman and still a member of
the POW/MI A Task Force.
Since 1982, Congressman Solomon has served as a Congressional
Delegate to the North Atlantic Assembly, the political arm of the NATO
alliance. Presently, he serves as Vice-President of the Assembly.
Congressman Solomon, a native of New York, enlisted in the U.S.
Marine Corps at the onset of the Korean War. He served on active duty
until July, 1952, and remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until honorably
discharged in 1959.
In 1992, he received the prestigious VFW Congressional Award for
his outstanding service to the nation.
1 am pleased to present the 1998 VFW Americanism Award, Gold
Medal and Citation, to a great American, a veterans' advocate and friend
of the VFW, the Honorable Gerald B. Solomon. If I may read the citation
at this time.
"Americanism Award, Gold Medal and Citation presented to
Gerald B. Solomon, Congressman.
"In sincere appreciation and grateful recognition for his many
years of dedicated service on behalf of the citizens of his nation, currently
serving as the Chairman of the powerful Rules Committee of the House of
Representatives, and for his untiring efforts evidenced by his leadership on
the prestigious Foreign Affairs and Veterans Affairs Committees. His
exceptional service to our nation throughout a lifetime of public service
has enriched our sense of history and our belief in the principles of
Americanism.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States this 31st
day of August, 1998. Approved by the National Council of
Administration." It has been signed by John E. Moon, Commander-in-
Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General, of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
Congressman Solomon. (Applause)
RESPONSE - THE HONORABLE GERALD B. SOLOMON
78
COMRADE GERALD SOLOMON: Commander-in-Chief John
Moon, I am really humbled. Your lovely wife, Susie, and General Barry
McCaffrey, and Jim over here and his wife, distinguished officers and
members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Connie Atkinson and all of
your Ladies Auxiliary: Yes, Commander, it was six years ago I did receive
the Gold Medal Award from the Commander-in-Chief and six years ago the
Congressional Award, and now I can just tell you I am extremely proud to
be selected again to receive this coveted award this evening.
I guess I would have to say I am proud because it allows me tojoin
with those other select members who have received this award for what
they have done for their country and more so for what they have done for
the veterans of this great nation of ours.
Commander-in-Chief Moon, I am even more proud because this
award comes from an organization of over two million brave men and
women who during times of peril they have risked their own lives for the
defense of this country. Commander-in-Chief Moon, the men and women
of your organization are really the true heroes in my eyes and the eyes of
the American people, who not only serve their country in uniform but they
continue to do so as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
It is a troop that is always in the forefront of every development to
maintain adequate veterans' benefit programs. Mr. Commander, the
community work carried out by your local VFW Posts in hometowns all
across America, it is legendary, and your promotion of pride and patriotism
and good citizenship is exemplified by your nationwide Voice of
Democracy Program is so inspiring and proud examples of the American
people.
That nation has a great memory and will never forego those who
labored mightily in its cause and no Americans will not forget or veterans
ever forget because those who wear the pride label of veteran have great
memories. They are memories of pain, they are memories of glory, of
sacrifice and honor, but more importantly, they are memories of horror of
war.
They are memories they must never forget, because those
memories are the very leg and, yes, we are the greatest station on earth. It
is those memories that brought about the VFW's greatest accomplishments
back through the 1980s. That was your never-ending support of the peace
restrict philosophy of a strong national defense second to none.
That concept stopped Communism dead in its tracks. It brought the
Soviet Union to its knees, and that is the very reason that democracy is
breaking out all over Europe and all over this world today. I have to tell
you something, my fellow Americans, that war is not over.
The threat to America's freedom is still there and, yes, the Berlin
Wall has fallen and the former Soviet Union is no more, but the cold fact
is that tens of thousands of armed nuclear weapons are still aimed at the
United States of America.
79
Two million Soviet troops still remain in uniform, and the new
Russian Confederate is highly modified and unstable, as you read right in
the papers today, and no one knows the future or who will control that
former Soviet Union. There is also the very serious threat that no less than
ten hostile American terrorist groups either have or are on the verge of
having nuclear missile capability, and any one of them would not hesitate
a moment to launch a terrorist attack on America, both here in America or
overseas, as wejust recently witnessed with the cowardly bombing of our
two embassies.
Of course, we all know that deadly and Communism still enslaves
almost half the world population in places like Cuba, in North Korea,
Vietnam, Mainland China, with North Korea threatening another invasion.
I was just up on the DMZ three days ago. China is now deploying 18
intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at America's mainland.
No, ladies and gentlemen, the war is not over. That is why we must
never let our guard down. We must never again leave America
undefended as we did back on December 7, 1991 .
Many of you in this room remember that day. That is why we
absolutely must continue to maintain a peace through strength, strong
advocate defense that can guarantee the protection of American interests
both here and abroad, and can continue to attract and maintain young men
and women capable of handling today's high-tech strategic weaponry.
We need to restore the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and
health-care programs to a funding level that will guarantee we meet our
obligations to provide the highest quality medical care to any, and I repeat,
any sick or disabled veteran, and do this in Veterans Hospitals where only
veterans are served. Is that right? (Applause)
Yes, yes, we must fight with all our might to see that our military
budget is not decimated. We must fight to make sure that the future
veterans of America, these young men and women serving in all our
volunteer military today, continue to be the brightest, the best educated,
the best trained, the best equipped, and the most highly-motivated soldiers
ever to serve in our military.
We must make sure that these volunteers coming from all across
America have an opportunity to pursue an honorable and proud military
career. Military careers are honorable and they are proud when they can
accumulate up to $40,000 of educational benefits with the new peacetime
G.I. Bill, and where they have learned, ladies and gentlemen, and I think
you should all listen to this because it is so important, they can learn
something greatly needed in America today, and that is how to be good
citizens.
In today's military, our young people learn things, all that is lost
and neglected today in broken homes and schools, they learn discipline,
respect. They learn teamwork and responsibility. They learn the
importance of being polite and courteous in today's society.
They learn to live within the law. They learn not to use illegal
80
drugs. General McCaffrey will tell you in a little while they learn the
meaning of the word pride and the word patriotism, and more often than
not they even get a little religion in our military today.
Yes, every year hundreds of thousands of these kids join the
military and become good citizens and they learn these important
principles that somehow they missed in school or in their homes. Then,
ladies and gentlemen, when their enlistment is over, when their service is
done, they turn in their uniforms as you and I did and they return home
bringing these ingrained principles along with them to be spread about in
the community and taught to the younger generations to come.
Yes, these men and women are no longer soldiers and sailors and
Marines and airmen, they now have a new responsibility. They have now
joined one of the most important groups of people in America, a group that
is without a doubt the one most responsible for making America this great
free nation of ours.
It is the group represented by all of you gathered here tonight.
Those of us who have earned the right to proudly call ourselves veterans of
the armed forces of the United States of America. Thanks to you America
is number one. We are going to keep it that way.
Commander-in-Chief Moon, on behalf of all veterans, I gratefully
accept this Americanism Award. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless you and God bless America. Thank you.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
INTRODUCTION OF GENERAL BARRY R. McCAFFREY
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Ladies and gentlemen, we are
pleased to have with us this evening General Barry McCaffrey, the Director
of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
General Barry McCaffrey was confirmed by unanimous vote of the
United States Senate for that position on February 29, 1996.
Barry McCaffrey began his military career as a seventeen-year-old
at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his career in
the military, he served four combat tours: one in the Dominican Republic,
two tours in Vietnam, and commanded the 24th Infantry Division attack
into the Euphrates River Valley during the Persian Gulf War.
He continues to serve his country and community. He is active in
veterans' affairs and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States.
Please join me in a warm welcome for our special guest. General
Barry McCaffrey.
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS - GENERAL BARRY McCAFFREY
GENERAL McCAFFREY: John, let me thank you for that very kind
81
introduction. Normally, you have to permit me to use sort of a standard
gag line when I am introduced, such as the charitable way I explained that
I am emotionally moved by the work you do.
Of course, I am Irish and I am easily emotionally moved. My
mother is Irish and she cries during beer commercials. As you might
imagine, my staff, given my current responsibility, asked me to stop using
that line.
Let me thank your Commander-in-Chief for his leadership of being
a Vietnam veteran, the incoming Commander-in-Chief Tom Pouliot, and let
me thank Connie Atkinson for your leadership, almost 750,000 people that
do so much for our veterans country-wide.
Let me take notice of Deputy Secretary Hershel Gober for 20 years
in the military sen/ice in both the Marine Corps and the Army, and another
Vietnam veteran that is part of the team. Particularly, let me just publicly
state how much respect I have for Congressman Jerry Solomon, a Marine
Vietnam combat vet. He went on to serve the country for 20 years and has
done so much and given a great example for many of us. Thank you for
what you have done for America.
Let me take notice of Jim Endicott, the recipient of the
Americanism Award tonight. He was at The Citadel, a 21-year-old guy,
when I was 14. Jim, you looked a lot older in those days to me than you
do now. Thank you for all you have done for the Veterans Administration
and for the country.
A couple of other people I just want to very briefly mention.
General John P. Herrling, and the great service that he now renders as
Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Also to General
Wilma Vaught, I have enormous respect for what she has done in putting
together the Women in Military Service for the America Memorial
Foundation. Thank you for your leadership.
Lieutenant General Claude Kicklighter, who has done so much in
uniform and now in civilian leadership for the Department of Army.
First of all, I want to say how proud I am to be here tonight. I say
that as the son of a veteran who served in combat with the United States
Army for over seven years in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I say that
as the father of two veterans, an Infantry Major son that served in the Gulf
War in the 82nd Airborne and a daughter who is now a Captain in the
Army National Guard.
I say that as someone who has enormous respect for the VFW as a
Life Member of the Hinesville VFW Post, Hinesville, Georgia, the center of
the universe for those of you who are not familiar with it, right? Two
million of you are gathered together in this Association, one million from
World War II. What a generation, what leadership, what you did for our
country, what incredible sacrifice, with over 300,000 deaths.
Your generation had a keen understanding and responsibility and
very little understanding of your rights. Thank you for what you did to
defend America. The Korean War veterans, the forgotten war, the
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incredible Korean conflict. For many of you, the Korean War vets who are
in theVFW now, fought in World War II and were called back to service in
those terrible years of '50 to '51 to provide the combat leadership we
needed while we tried to rebuild the U.S. Armed Forces which had been
allowed to fall apart. Thank you for the 300,000 Korean VFW members.
Vietnam, 600,000 VFW members. Seven and one-half million of
us served in uniform during that conflict. Over three million served in one
of the branches of the armed forces. Over 300,000 of us were wounded
or killed, or became missing in action.
This was a tremendous sacrifice which at the time was
unappreciated, because of tremendous difficulty, which I hope all of you
agree to try and reach out to bring into the VFW and the other great
patriotic organizations, the veterans who served in uniform during that
conflict.
Finally, I am enormously proud to note that the VFW is now over
100,000 members that served in the Persian Gulf, Grenada, Somalia,
Operation Just Cause, Panama and other conflicts. They are probably the
best military we ever fielded. I say that as someone that commanded
19,000 soldiers and reinforced infantry division during the Gulf War.
I might add a thousand of them women, went to stage for four days
with tremendous support, one of the most powerful Air Force in the world,
the Navy Air, the Marine Air, that was what alleged at the time the second
biggest land Army in the Gulf region, which four days after the attack
started was the second biggest Army inside Iraq.
If I may say a couple of words about the current portfolio I have
got. I was privileged to serve in uniform for 32 years and in four conflict
situations. I was not a volunteer for this job. I tell people, "Mr.
Congressman, I was propelled to the front ranks of all the American people
for two reasons. One, I was confirmable by the Senate and, secondly, my
dad told me to take the job."
I am serious about that. I have been honored to take part in the
effort. I work with a team that involves the Attorney General Janet Reno,
Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health, Togo West of the Veterans
Administration, the Education Secretary Dick Riley, and others. We have
$17.1 billion in the '99 budget on the Hill right now. There is money in
there, about $1.1 billion for the Veterans Administration drug prevention
and research activities.
We will fund 17,000 VA full-time drug resort personnel. There are
1 26 VA medical facilities that offer substance abuse treatment. We need to
remind ourselves that there are literally hundreds of thousands of our
veterans who were wounded in body and spirit and others who went on to
suffer intensely from drug abuse; and I include the most dangerous drug in
America, alcohol.
When we treat these veterans in the VA system, we are not doing
them a favor. We, the country, owe these veterans sustainment and
treatment to get them back to their families and their communities and into
83
a productive role, and we can do it. We are proud of what the Veterans
Administration does.
It is not clear to me that we have reached the optimum level of
care, and I fully support, as I am sure Togo West and others do, who
continue to care for veterans in the manner in which we have given them
a promise when they set forth to serve. Some 2.2 million of those veterans
are actually receiving disability compensation and 400,000 are disabled.
Let me talk about the larger problem on drug abuse. Who is using
drugs in America and who isn't? I might add the veterans actually have a
lower rate of drug abuse in general than the American population. That is
something to tuck away in the back of your mind.
The active armed forces in the United States, starting about mid-
1980, have now the lowest rate of drug abuse in American society. There
is 1.7 million men and women in uniform, the best kids our country can
put to defend us, have drug abuse rates that are probably a little more than
one percent. That is essentially a drug-free institution.
There are a lot of reasons for that. Many people misunderstand
and think it is because of the drug test. That was a tool that we were
grateful to get. It helped a lot, particularly in the early years when the Army
almost fell apart, the armed forces.
1976, around in there, sticks in my mind as the worst period when
probably a third of the armed forces was using drugs. It was a nightmare.
It was incredible. We worked our way out of it. It took almost ten years.
Now, the biggest advantage we had over American society was sergeants.
We had sergeants who were men and women in the their early
thirties and late twenties who acted like parents to young people, who set
standards. We finally, those of us who were the captains and majors, when
the armed forces went through that terrible post-Vietnam period, we said
we have had enough. No more drugs in our service.
We finally did that after ten years of struggle. As you leave here
tonight, I would ask you to look for some hand-outs that we have at the
exits. One of them is the National Drug Strategy. It is a short document.
It has what is my idea of what a centerfold is today, a fold-out, and it
outlines on two pages for those of us who has an infantry mentality what
we are trying to achieve.
There are five goals. There are 32 otDjectives and, indeed, in some
ways it is a management challenge. There is a lot involved in it. Clearly,
we have got to work with foreign governments. We have to go work where
cocaine is produced. We have to work with Thailand and areas where
cocaine is produced, Afghanistan.
We understand we have to do better on our borders. We are going
to present, I hope to Congress in the coming year a better organized group,
to give better tools to the men and women of the Customs Service, the
Border F^trol, the INS, the DEA, to allow us to defend America more
effectively.
We also understand that some people will use drugs. They will
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become compulsive drug users, not many. We have to remind ourselves of
that. There are 270 million of us Americans, and four million are chronic
drug users.
I might add another ten million are addicted to alcohol, but four
million are chronically addicted to illegal drugs, and they are a mess. They
do an enormous damage. Many of you in this room know someone who
is involved in that, a child, a college roommate, a buddy in the armed
forces, a fellow employee. It is a desperate situation.
People start using drugs because they bring intense pleasure.
Almost anybody who uses them, the problem is, as you and I look at
somebody using heroin, they are involved in this ultimate euphoria, what
we see is the person we love, we admire, is someone who is wrapped in
waves of nausea, whose skin is crawling, who is violently ill and who has
lost their sex drive and are constipated. That is the good news about heroin
users.
The bad news is when they become addicted, which is very rapid
with many of these highly drug use situations: methamphetamine, crack,
the chemically-produced drugs. And ten years from now when my
daughter is back here as the U.S. Drug Policy Director she will probably
tell you that the cocaine is no longer the major drug threat throughout
America. We are not going to be happy if we have replaced it with another
chemically-manufactured drug.
Now, we also have got to understand that the heart and soul of the
drug effort, what this strategy sketches out is that the central component is
prevention. You and I, the veterans as grandparents, as parents, as mentors,
as advisors and community leaders, have to step forward and ensure our
young people from about the age of nine on through age eighteen do not
become involved in smoking pot, in abusing alcohol, in smoking cigarettes
and the other drugs.
Those three drugs fostered together are the predictors of whether
you turn into a young adult with a lifelong drug problem. If you can get to
age nineteen without being involved in that behavior, you will never have
a drug use problem in your entire life.
Now, the problem is in today's America we are not talking about a
sophomore at college smoking joints. We are not talking about a law
school student trying cocaine. In today's America, more eighth-graders
than twelfth-graders use heroin. In today's America, eighth-graders have
doubled their drug use rates in the last few years.
So, I just suggest to you flat out as you look toward a decade that
you look at this problem in America. The most dangerous drug in America
is a 12 year old smoking pot on weekends, because that young person is
79 times more likely to have a compulsive drug use problem.
That is where we are going. We think we have a decent plan. We
are getting bipartisan support out of Congress. I am enormously grateful
for the leadership of Joe Biden, Senator Hatch and many others. There are
a lot of people in Congress who understand what we are doing.
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They understand this is a ten-year effort. This is not a military
campaign. It is a war, but it is war for the value system of American
families and children in schools and the workplace. The last 15 years drug
abuse in America has actually come down by half. Cocaine use has come
down by 70 percent. We are doing better.
The armed forces, the police departments, the universities, the
Fortune 500 companies are essentially drug free. We still have a long way
to go. Six percent of the country are using drugs. We are going to have to
cut that in more than half in the coming years. The real problem, though,
is our children.
If I may just end on a note, let me call again on all of you who
came forward and served at the risk of your life. You showed discipline,
you showed leadership, and you showed commitment, and America needs
that commitment in the coming ten years or so.
We simply have to reach out to our children after their school is
out, on weekends, and during the summers, and they have got to have an
example. If they don't get it at home, if they don't get it in the school, they
will have to be counseled and mentored by a community coalition, by
Boys and Girls Clubs, by the YMCA and by the Elks, and by the leadership
that forms its own value system in combat serving its country. Thank you
very much for who you are and what you stand for. (Applause)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: To the Honorable Jim Endicott,
our former VA General Counsel, Senator Gerald Solomon, U.S. House of
Representatives, and, of course, our keynote speaker. General McCaffrey,
we deeply are indebted and honored to have all of you with us this evening
and for the many remarks you gave us. It was greatly appreciated.
At this time I will now return the program to our Master of
Ceremonies for the evening. Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tom Pouliot.
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much, Commander-in-Chief John Moon. Ladies and gentlemen, I
would like to introduce to you three ladies from Weberly, Texas, who pay
tribute to the Andrew Sisters with their music. We will now turn back the
clock and enjoy some light-hearted, nostalgic entertainment.
They like to sing. You have reached your musical destination.
Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I give to you the Andrew Sisters Revue,
Destination.
(Whereupon, the Andrew Sisters Revue by the Destination was
given at this time.)
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Let's hear it for
the Destination. (Applause)
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you, the audience and our
honored guests, for being here with us this evening. This concludes our
program for this evening. Will our National Chaplain, Dean Derieg, please
come to the podium and give the Benediction.
(Whereupon, National Chaplain Derieg gave the Benediction.)
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
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and have an enjoyable evening. That concludes our Distinguished Guests
Banquet.
(Whereupon, the Distinguished Guest Banquet was concluded at
9:30 o'clock p.m.)
SECOND BUSINESS SESSION
TUESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
(The Second Business Session of the 99th National Convention of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at
8:30 o'clock a.m., by Commander-in-Chief Moon.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Because we have to start the
Tuesday session early, I would ask you to please take your seats as soon as
possible. We will call this meeting to order.
Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, proceed with the Opening
Ceremonies.
(Whereupon, National Sergeant-at-Arms Barry Hoffman led the
convention in the Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, and
National Chaplain Reverend Dean Derieg gave the Opening Prayer from
the Ritual.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Opening Ceremonies have been conducted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. I have been asked
to announce, and we will do it periodically through the day, due to the
high heat and the high humidity you are encouraged to drink many fluids,
particularly water. I knew that was going to happen.
This will reduce the dehydration. A lot have had some concerns
and a lot of individuals that have been weakened. It is not from the use of
alcohol. They have got to get some more fluids in their system.
I want to also announce at this time that the VFW Health Fair is still
going on. It is free. It will be 8:00 a.m. to 1 2:00 noon. That is today and
tomorrow. For today and tomorrow screening for glaucoma, blood
pressure and so forth will be from 8:00 until 4:00. So, please, if you have
the opportunity to stop off at the clinic, do so.
Could I see a show of hands where Arkansas is? We can't begin
without apologizing. But I am better this morning. Last night in the
audience with us was an individual who during World War II received the
Medal of Honor for his courage and his abilities to maintain this country's
freedom. From VFW Post 2722, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Clarence Craft,
Medal of Honor recipient. (Applause)
Is the Credentials Committee here?
REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174 - Kansas): Comrade
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Commander-in-Chief, Richard A. Trombla, Department of Kansas,
Chairman of the Credentials Committee. I want to remind you this is a
temporary report. This includes everybody that has registered and turned
in their credentials by 4:00 o'clock last night. According to the rules of this
convention, the cut-off time is 4:00 o'clock. If you don't register by 4:00
o'clock today, you will not show up on the report for tomorrow.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, the total delegates is 12,424. The
Department Commanders is 52; Past Commanders-in-Chief is 26; total
Officers, 33. That makes a grand total of the delegate strength of 12,536
as of 4:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon. So be sure and register today
before 4:00 o'clock to be counted for tomorrow. Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, this is a temporary report.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: What we are going to do is
start with some of the various committee reports, and as time will allow we
will have various guests and receive various reports. We beg your
indulgence. Due to the heat, and so forth, if you want to take yourjackets
off, by all means do so. I request those at the podium, that when the
various guests do come, we put our jackets back on.
PRESENTATION OFVFW NEWS MEDIA AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND
CITATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The Veterans of Foreign Wars
News Media Award is presented for outstanding commendation to the field
ofjournalism. This year's recipient is Ken Hamblin, a nationally-syndicated
radio commentator for 2.5 million people on 125 radio stations.
Known for his nature and, Mr. Hamblin, it may not be politically
correct to do so, but he does speak his mind and in doing so he challenges
his audience to think. Mr. Hamblin is also a newspaper columnist, whose
commentary appears in fourteen cities across the nation through The New
York Times syndicate.
Whether on the radio or in newspapers. Ken Hamblin's
commentary on U.S. society and politics has provided an open forum for
the exchange of ideas and comments.
He is a veteran. He has served in the United States Army.
I am pleased to present this morning the 1998 VFW News Media
Award to Ken Hamblin, who through his honest and forthright commentary
has contributed to a better understanding of our American way of life and
its institutions.
Comrades, pleasejoin me in a warm welcome to a greatjournalist
and fellow veteran. Ken Hamblin.
The News Media Award, Gold Medal and Citation awarded to Ken
Hamblin.
"In special recognition of his distinguished career as a nationally-
syndicated talk show host and journalist whose forthright commentary on
U.S. society and politics has provided an open forum for the exchange of
88
ideas and comments thereby contributing to responsibJe citizenship while
enhancing the democratic process.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 1st day
of September, 1998. Approved by the National Council of Administration."
It has been signed by John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W.
Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - MR. KEN HAMBLIN
MR. HAMBLIN: Good morning. I salute you all. This is a special
group to be among. Because of your contributions to the men and women
you left behind, making those contributions, beginning at least in my
lifetime with December 7, '41, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, the
Persian Gulf, it is possible for me to be here today.
I am a firm and committed first generation American to our
republic. Now, there are some who would look at me and say, "Gosh,
what makes a colored guy so high and so big on America?" I pause to
allow that question to sink in because, ladies and gentlemen, there was a
song that we used to sing at PS 41 back in Brooklyn that went, "This is my
country, this is my country, the land that I love."
I am a product of my grandfather's dream, a western laborer who
left Barbados to work with his hands on the Panama Canal, who learned
enough Spanish to go to Cuba long before Fidel, to be an English translator,
and then on to Roxbury, Massachusetts, and then down to Brooklyn, New
York, where my mother and father met and "whala".
The American dream didn't work for my granddad, but he nurtured
that dream and he kept the name alive, and he passed on to my mom and
my aunts and my uncles, and I am not sure how well it worked for them.
But I am an end product of that dream and it has worked for me because
they never cheated me, they never stole by playing down my heritage.
They never stole my inheritance.
And I now will pass that dream on to my children, and I see it
blossoming full in my children's children, my grandchildren. When I ask
people what they are going to give me in place of the United States of
America, they went through a myriad of reasons.
They take a brick from here, a stone from there, to weaken the
cornerstone and the foundations of the republic. They say "duh" and just
because". Those are not sufficient answers. I am not a combat veteran. I
am not begrudging of that. I think God blessed me and those of you who
have been there know what I mean.
But I fight on another field of battle in the civilian sector as a
person who understands what poverty is and, in fact, I can say with full and
first experience it sucks. I come from a different place where people once
upon a time in America, our America, whether Italian or Polish, Jewish,
Scots or German, African, Asian, they came to these shores and they said
89
to their children, "Be an American."
I am living proof that that works. You are living proof that works.
I have received awards before and they were awards from liberal
organizations, and people say to me, "You were a liberal?" Yes, I was a
liberal, a black kid growing up in Brooklyn, New York. What else would I
be, Irish? No harm with the Irish there. Relax.
But I began to ask some very hard questions that I would pose to
this audience right now. I challenge any member within the confines of
this organization, within the confines of this auditorium this morning to
name one major American city that has prospered socially, economically,
academically under black liberal political rule? You cannot answer that
question.
It is not, ladies and gentlemen, just a black problem, it is an
American tragedy. Those are the questions that must be asked by the
beneficiaries of the American dream. I am fighting on the front where the
concept of bionics is challenged, as it must be challenged, where the
concept of incompetence being an equal as qualifying must be challenged.
During my liberal days, I received many awards, but they were
liberal awards, and to that end I was never sure if I was entitled to that
award. This award that I received today goes with another very coveted
award that I have received. It is the other bookend that will parallel in the
award from the National Rifle Association for defending the concepts of the
Second Amendment.
This says I have defended the concept of the First Amendment and
I am honored to be among the men and women who have defended both
the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. God bless you. From my heart, I say
this as one American to many others, God bless you, stay strong and never
forget the challenge when they bitch and moan about the republic. Ask,
demand, insist to know what will you give me in place of the American
dream. I salute you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Mr. Hamblin, thank you very
much. Along with your award goes an honorarium of $5,000. We
appreciate everything that you have done.
MR. HAMBLIN: Thank you all again. God bless you.
INTRODUCTION OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN P. HERRLING, USA (RET.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades, the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, which proudly includes one million World War II veterans
among its membership, unanimously approved a resolution at our National
Convention in 1994 strongly supporting the establishment of a World War
II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Support for the Memorial was reaffirmed at our 98th National
Convention last August. On July 9th, I was proud to appear before the
National Capital Planning Commission in Washington and voice our
support, and urge that construction begin quickly.
90
The American Battle Monuments Commission, which was
authorized by Congress in 1993 to establish a World War II Memorial in
Washington, D.C., has maintained strict compliance with the applicable
laws to see that this Memorial is appropriately located, designed and
constructed.
We, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, are fully committed to fulfilling
our mandated pledge to support this Memorial. To reaffirm our
commitment to this Memorial, our National Council of Administration
approved a fund-raising campaign to take place over the next four years.
This campaign is aimed at raising some $7.5 million toward the
construction of the World War II Memorial.
This morning, I am pleased to introduce a fellow VFW member
and good friend of the VFW, the Secretary of the American Battle
Monuments Commission.
Please give a warm VFW welcome to Retired Army Major General
John Herri ing. (Applause)
REMARKS - MAJOR GENERAL JOHN R HERRLING, USA (RET)
GENERAL HERRLING: Commander-in-Chief John Moon, ladies
and gentlemen, good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you in San
Antonio to celebrate your 99th Convention, the entry of the VFW 100 years
of service to the country and its veterans. I think the American people
would find it truly remarkable to know that all the VFW has accomplished
in the last 99 years.
You have certainly made a lasting and positive impact on the
country and the lives of many, many people, particularly veterans and their
families. Last night. General McCaffrey used the words "dynamic force" to
describe what he felt the VFW had done with this country. I think that was
appropriately stated.
You are to be commended for your service. May the next 99 years
bring even greater success to this wonderful organization. My purpose
today is to give you a brief update on the World War II Memorial Campaign
and the progress that we have made since I spoke at the mid-winter
convention earlier this year.
Before I begin, let me express a few well-deserved thank yous.
First, to your organization for their enormous support for the World War II
Memorial in establishing a goal of raising $7.5 million. Your commitment
is still the single largest of any organization to date, including some very
substantial gifts from corporate America.
Senator Bob Dole, and all of us on the World War II Memorial staff,
you have our sincere thanks and gratitude. Secondly, I want to publicly
acknowledge and thank your National Commander-in-Chief John Moon,
first, for his strong personal support over the past year on behalf of the
World War II Memorial; secondly, for his address to the National Capital
Planning Commission this past July in Washington in support of the
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Memorial.
His words to that commission were convincing and inspirational
and went a long way towards gaining the commission's approval for the
World War II Memorial design concept, which it did approve that same
day.
Last, but certainly not least, our thanks for the combined gift of
$20,000 from the John Moon Homecoming Committee and the
Department of Ohio. I understand that this gift will be matched by
$10,000 from the VFW Trust, for a total contribution of $30,000 for the
World War II Memorial. That is a great gift in the VFW campaign. Thank
you, John, and thanks to the Department of Ohio.
Last March, I was pleased to report that the campaign had raised
nearly $18 million. As of today, I can report that that figure has grown by
$10 million, to over $28 million. This does not include the VFW's $7.5
million goal. A list of contributors grows daily and is now over 175,000.
Following this summer's approval of the design concept, the design
of the Memorial is moving forward to address specific architectural and
landscaping elements. The design team is focusing on the Memorial's
content, its sculpture. Memorial art, and inscriptive words that will be an
integral part of the Memorial.
The next time I have an opportunity to talk to you I hope to have
the pictures, some pictures of the Memorial design and some of the specific
design elements. This is all good news. But we still have a long way to go
before we can break ground.
By law, we must have all the funds necessary to build and maintain
the Memorial before we can turn the first shovel of dirt. With that in mind,
we have targeted ground breaking for Veterans Day in the year 2000. That's
a fast-track fund-raising program, but being optimistic in our ability to raise
the money and America's willingness to support the World War II
Memorial, I think it is a reality.
The campaign is to build a National Memorial, and we very much
need the support on the national level. Each of you can play a role in that
effort by help publicizing the World War II Memorial. You can do this in
your communities, with your friends, with your neighbors, in your local
newspapers and with your congressional representatives.
The only way we can raise the remaining funds is to get the word
out and get the American people behind this national project. I am sure
many of you have seen Steven Spielberg's new film "Saving Private Ryan."
It is an agonizing and startling portrayal of what many World War II
veterans and many of you in this room have experienced firsthand.
Hollywood may have recreated it with genius, but D-Day, June 6,
1944, was no Hollywood, it was the real thing. The real thing wasn't just
in Normandy, it was all across Europe, all across the Pacific and
encompassed vast areas of the globe. It took place on land, in the air and
on and under the sea.
Over and over again, for nearly three years, there was death and
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destruction on a scale never before seen. When it was over, 75 million
people had died and large areas of the world lay in destruction. In the end,
America and her allies had prevailed and the course of human history was
forever changed.
The World War II Memorial will preserve the memory of that
extraordinary generation of Americans who fought and won that war on the
battlefield and here at home. This was a generation who literally saved the
world, preserved the freedom and prosperity that we enjoy today and the
prosperity our children and grandchildren will enjoy tomorrow.
The Memorial will be a reminder that future generations of
America's determination to fight for what was right, America's sacrifice and
courage during those dark days, and a reminder of what America can
accomplish when it is united and bonded in a common and just cause.
The World War II Memorial will represent America at its best in the
20th Century. With your help, we will build this Memorial before the
generation it honors passes into history. Thank you for your time this
morning, but more importantly, thank you for your service to your country,
to our country, for all you have done in the past 99 years and for all that
you will do in the future, not only for our veterans but for our communities,
our children and this home we call America. Thank you very much and
God bless you all.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Again, the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, I assure you, remain committed to making sure that this Memorial is
done in a timely manner. We will do everything we can to assist you in
your efforts. Thank you again. General.
The first committee to report this morning will be the Finance and
Internal Organization. Jim Nier, Past Commander-in-Chief, is the
Chairman. Thomas Dougherty, the F^st Commander of Pennsylvania, is the
Vice-Chairman.
Comrade Nier.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL
ORGANIZATION
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Good morning, comrades.
I want to first thank the Commander-in-Chief for assigning me to this most
important committee. As he just noted, the Vice-Chairman on this
committee is Tom Dougherty from Pennsylvania. Where are you, Tom? I
can't see you. Anyway, he is the Vice-Chairman.
The Committee on Finance and Internal Organization met Sunday
afternoon and acted on the 23 resolutions before it. I wish to commend
the appointed committee members for their input and the quick
deliberations that we had on these resolutions.
In accordance with the rules of the convention, I will at this time
read the number and title of those resolutions that the committee has
recommended be adopted, or adopted as amended. They are the
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following:
Resolution No. 203, National Convention Site Selection.
Resolution No. 217, Official March For The Veterans Of Foreign
Wars.
Resolution No. 223, Emphasize Changes to Congressional Charter,
By-Laws, Manual of Procedure And Ritual.
Now, I recognize that No. 223 is not in your book. Let me read
that, if I may. That is a very short resolution.
"WHEREAS, the National Headquarters publications
'Congressional Charter and By-Laws and Manual of Procedure,' in general,
is modified and produced annually and incorporated modifications are
directive in nature to National, Department, Districts, County Councils and
Posts, as well as all officers of same: with consideration to the thousands of
officers accountable for various information within the publication; and
"BE IT RESOLVED, requested through channels, that the Veterans
of Foreign Wars National Headquarters italicize any new or revised text in
the Congressional Charter By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual."
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I move that Resolutions 203, 217
and 223 be adopted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have heard the motion. Is
there a second?
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
As Vice-Chairman of the committee, I second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It has been moved and
seconded. Is there any request to have any of those set aside?
Microphone No. 1 .
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am Glen Gardner, Post 3359, Garland, Texas. I
would just like to ask a question of the chair regarding Resolution 223.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: All right.
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): When the
Chairman explained that he did not say that you were going to italicize the
deleted items. Did you take that out of there. Comrade Chairman?
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Comrade Gardner, the last
"Be It Resolved" that I was handed by the staff is exactly what I read.
"BE IT RESOLVED, requested through channels that the Veterans of
Foreign Wars National Headquarters italicize any new or revised
Congressional Charter By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual." That did
change the previous "Be It Resolved", Glen.
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Thank you.
Comrade Nier.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE BENNY BACHAND (Post 4287 - Florida):
Commander-in-Chief, I am Benny Bachand, Post 4287, Orlando, Florida. I
would like No. 203 set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: No. 203 has been set aside. Is
94
there any other request to have any set aside? I am looking at Microphone
1, to Microphone 2, to Microphone 3. Seeing none, we will call for the
question on the motion. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all
those opposed "no". Those resolutions previously read are passed.
No. 203 was set aside. We will have discussion on 203.
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE BENNY BACHAND (Post 4287 - Florida): I rise this
morning to give information to the delegates regarding the site selection
process that was used in determination of Milwaukee as a site for the years
2000, 2001 and 2002. Comrades and delegates to the convention. Past
Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier appointed a National Convention Task Force
that consisted of not only national staff but of members of the National
Council of Administration.
That Task Force met over a two-year period and made a report to
the National Council of Administration last October that we consider a
three-year package to effectively try to minimize the future cost to our
delegates for this National Convention.
The National Council of Administration in October approved the
Task Force's report and instructed the Time and Place Committee to then
select bids on a three-year basis. We had six cities that came in based on
this three-year commitment, or two years and then the option for the third
year.
All room rates were then negotiated based on this three-year
process. We went to the National Council meeting in Washington. It was
then decided by the Time and Place Committee to actually recommend the
City of Miami as the site for the National Convention.
That recommendation was made to the National Council of
Administration in Washington. The National Council of Administration
deliberated on all of the six sites. In fact, there was a series of roll-call votes
on all of the locations, and the City of Milwaukee was then given the three-
year option.
I want to tell you that as the individual held responsible for
carrying out the mandate of the National Council of Administration that we
have been in the process of negotiations with the City of Milwaukee. We
do have hotel rates that have been negotiated based on this three-year
basis.
I caution this delegation to be careful in your deliberations of this
resolution, because if this resolution is passed, then there is a very good
likelihood that the entire package could be jeopardized and we could be
In serious financial trouble because of commitments, contractual
commitments that already have been made. Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any other discussion on No.
203?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE BILL RADIGAN (Post 3061 - South Dakota): Colnrade
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Commander-in-Chief, I find, in my opinion, this resolution somewhat out
of order. But I would like to move an amendment, sir, if I might, and that
the resolution be amended in the first line of the "Resolved" portion after
"United States", insert the word "recommend".
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have the first, "Be It
Resolved, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the
scheduled site for the National Convention in the year 2002, in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not be contracted for, and the selection site
committee propose other locations for our national convention in the year
2002 to the National Council of Administration for their consideration."
Right after the comma, in the first line of the "Be It Resolved," you
ask that "recommend" be inserted?
COMRADE BILL RADIGAN (Post 3061 - South Dakota): That is
correct. I believe it will be less offensive to the Council of Administration
that did its job, recommend rather than positive.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a second to the
amendment?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE LORNE RUZICKA (Post 3312 - South Dakota): Lome
Ruzicka, Department Commander of South Dakota, seconds the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion and a
second. I will call for discussion on the amendment. Hearing none, we
will call for a vote on the amendment. All those in favor of the amendment
will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying "no".
The "nays" have it. The amendment is rejected.
We will go back to Resolution No. 203. That is to make the
convention site selection. All those in favor of Resolution 203 will signify
by saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by "no". Gentlemen, I
believe the "nays" have it. Resolution No. 203 is defeated.
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I doubt the vote.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Here we go again. I am going
to ask all those in favor of Resolution No. 203 to please rise. All in favor
of Resolution No. 203, please rise. Please sit down. All those opposed to
Resolution 203, please rise. The chair is no longer in doubt. Resolution
No. 203 fails.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Comrades, I will now read
the number and title of those resolutions that the committee has
recommended for rejection.
Resolution No. 201, Provide Administrative Space Rent Free In
VFW Washington Office ForTheVFW Political Action Committee.
Resolution No. 202, Severance Package For Outgoing Adjutant
General.
Resolution No. 204, Annual Salaries Of National Officers And
Employees.
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Resolution No. 205, National To Absorb Membership Program
Costs.
Resolution No. 206, Continued Payment For Deceased Life
Members.
Resolution No. 207, Recognition Of The Military Order Of The
Cootie.
Resolution No. 208, Setting Post Membership Goals.
Resolution No. 209, Age Limitation For Sons Of The VFW.
Resolution No. 210, Direct National Council Of Administration To
Urge Ladies Auxiliary To Amend Their By-Laws So Non-U. S. Citizens May
Qualify For Membership.
Resolution No. 211, Poppy Coin Collectors.
Resolution No. 212, Repaying Bonus Benefits.
Resolution No. 213, Membership.
Resolution No. 214, Military Coalition.
Resolution No. 215, Reinstate National VFW Americanism Record
Book Program.
Resolution No. 216, Endorse The National Purple Heart Hall Of
Honor.
Resolution No. 218, Limit Sites For Commander-in-Chief
Membership Trip.
Resolution No. 219, Severance Package For Outgoing Adjutant
General.
Resolution No. 220, Severance F^ckage For Outgoing Adjutant
General.
Resolution No. 221, Severance Package For Outgoing Adjutant
General.
Resolution No. 222, Deny VFW Membership To World War II Era
Merchant Marines.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, those are the resolutions that this
committee recommends be rejected.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Tom Dougherty, VFW Post 3474, Vice-
Chairman of the committee. I would like to have No. 222 set aside. I don't
know whether a motion is in order right now before I speak, but I would
like to move for adoption of this particular resolution.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Which one?
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
No. 222, Deny VFW Membership To World War II Era Merchant Marines.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: What you are asking is that
No. 222 be set aside?
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Yes.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have asked for 222 to be
set aside. Are there any others to be set aside? Okay.
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At this time we will go to Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Yes, Commander-in-Chief. What I would like to do is give a little
background of this first and then —
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You will need to make a
motion, please.
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Yes, I make the motion to adopt Resolution 222.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a second?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE CARL AIELLO (Post 1645 - Massachusetts): I second
the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion and a
second to adopt Resolution 222. We will now go into discussion.
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Thank you, Commander-in-Chief. I don't know whether everyone was
really clear on this or not when it was rejected. First of all, I would like to
remind all these delegates that are present that yesterday we rejected a
resolution for the National Defense Service Ribbon.
The thing you have to consider here is that these people served in
the uniform of the various services of their country. They were a member
of the armed forces. These people that we have, that we want to take into
this organization, the Merchant Marines, they were totally separate.
We have to remember that at the 1987 National Convention they
were denied because this motion, Resolution No. 725, was approved in
that particular convention. It says, "Whereas, the term veteran is presently
defined by Section 101 of Title 38, U.S. Code, which reads the term veteran
means a person who served in the military, naval or air service, who has
been discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than
dishonorable."
This goes on and goes on. This was approved. They were denied
at that time in 1987. The other thing I would like to bring to your attention
is the American Merchant Marine veterans newsletter that was sent to a
sister organization and was signed by the Assistant Deputy Administrator
for Training.
In that letter, he said in essence that, you know, in your
communities if you have honor rolls and strictly for the services, et cetera,
et cetera, they are not entitled. Even at that time, they knew that the
Merchant Marines were not entitled to be one of the organizations such as
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. So there is a lot there.
The one thing they were approved for in 1988 was for benefits in
the VA medical system. So there is a clear difference. They weren't given
veterans status other than for care in the facilities. So that is the reason I
am asking for approval of this resolution and that they be denied entrance
into the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a very unique and a very proud
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organization. Thank you very much, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE STAN LOWE (Post 9439 - Wyoming): I have the honor,
sir, of being Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee of the great state
of Wyoming. I am very proud that Wyoming is the home state of Admiral
Emery S. Lang, who commanded the United States Merchant Marines
during World War II.
He built the ships, he enlisted Americans, he trained them, he put
them through their boot camp. He put them through their armed training
with guns, war survival and all the other elements of warfare. He put them
on the ships he built and then turned over the control of the ships to the
military and naval authorities in order to deliver the goods that had to be
delivered all over the world to the far reaches of the world if we were to
win World War II.
Unfortunately, I am sorry, but Admiral Lang was so occupied with
the fulfillment of his duties and responsibilities that he did not have a good
public relations service and, consequently, the story of the Merchant
Marines and the service performed by the Merchant Marines has not been
told.
As the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in my state,
who must determine who is a veteran and who is not a veteran in order to
receive the benefits of our office, I have had to make this study. More
importantly, I have made it because of my great admiration for our great
Wyoming citizen, Admiral Lang.
I have to tell you that in all candor that the resolution that stands
before us today is shot through and through with inaccuracies. I don't fault
the sponsor of the resolution for it. As I said before, the information, what
the Merchant Marines did, has been withheld badly from the public.
It had to be during the war because they didn't want the word to
get out that there were over 800 ships that were trying to supply our troops
and sailors across the world being sunk by Hitler. Hitler knew his only
way, his only chance to defeat the allies, was to cut off the supply runs.
We were not about to give him aid and comfort by putting out that
information. My friend, Captain Arthur Moore, who wrote the most
comprehensive and complete book on the role of the Merchant Marine in
World War II, had to go to the government, of course, in order to get the
information about all these eight hundred plus ships that were sunk.
That is 85 percent of all of the American flying ships during World
War II. He had to do this. He went to the government in order to get this
information. The government still some 14 years ago was maintaining at
this time the secrecy they did in World War II.
He had to resort to legal means in order to get this information
freed up. This is incredible. So, I apologize in my capacity as best I can
on behalf of Admiral Lang that this information has not been available to
you.
Let me go through quickly the legal effects. I am a lawyer. I have
headed up the largest corporate law department in my state for the past
quarter century. I have worked regularly with the federal statutes, the
federal regulations, with federal court decisions, and let me tell you what
my analysis is.
First of all, in 1 936, Congress enacted the Merchant Marine Act. In
doing so, they not only created a Maritime Commission, which during
World War II was merged into the War Shipping Administration. But they
also created the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of five
academies in our educational system for our service people.
They also at that time declared that the Merchant Marines, in times
of war and national emergency, shall be considered to be an auxiliary of
the military and naval forces. An auxiliary of the naval forces, that means
that the Merchant Marine in times of war change its status from peacetime
to wartime status.
That accounts for the change in training that was done for the
people in the Merchant Marines in order to carry out their functions.
During the war, of course, the Merchant Marines was not one of the
recognized services, one of the armed forces, and so what happened was
that in 1977 Congress passed the G.I. Bill Improvement Act.
Now, we all know about the G.I. Bill. This is one of the many bills
that was passed through the years in order to improve the G.I. Bill. Under
this bill, provision was made for the establishment of a means of
ascertaining who had served an active military service during the war in
order to be qualified for the equivalent of law enforcement service.
This amendment was sponsored by Senator Barry Goldwater. The
bill was enacted, and pursuant to that law a Board of Review was created.
Now, the Board of Review didn't right away accept the Merchant Marines
In fact, the Merchant Marines had to go to court and prove the points that
they had about their service in order to qualify to become recognized as
active military service people.
So, consequently, when they did it, and the court ruled in their
favor, and, by the way, in doing so, the court ruled on many of the issues
that are raised in this resolution. So the court's ruling then resulted in the
Board reconvening, looking at the facts more accurately and truthfully and,
consequently, they granted veterans status to the Merchant Marines.
Now, the veterans status is something that is recognized by the
other agencies of the government. For example, here is a letter from the
United States Coast Guard. It is a letter to one of the Merchant Marine
veterans that says, "Enclosed are documents that establish your status as a
veteran."
Here is another letter from the Maritime Administration. "We in
the Department of Transportation of the Maritime Administration strongly
support the efforts to provide veterans status for World War II."
Here is another letter —
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3, your time
has expired. Your time has expired. Microphone No. 3. I look to the
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various microphones. I look to Microphone No. 1, to Microphone No. 2
and Microphone No. 3. I ask the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms to write those
comrades' names down that are standing there.
We are going to suspend this discussion for the present time. We
have one announcement to make and then we have another guest. This
evening there will be a food drive at the Patriotic Rally. It is going to feed
San Antonio's hungry people.
We ask those in attendance to please bring some type of dry
staples and canned foods to the rally. If you are unable to do that, a cash
donation will be accepted. This is done to accord those in and around the
San Antonio area the opportunity to get some good meals. The doors will
open at 4:30 this afternoon.
INTRODUCTION OF LIEUTENANT CLAUDE KICKLIGHTER, USA (RET.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades, in two years we
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. In an
effort to recognize our Korean War veterans, their families and to provide
the American public with a clear understanding and appreciation of the
lessons and history of the Korean War, we are fortunate to have with us
Lieutenant General Claude M. Kicklighter, the Deputy Under Secretary of
the Army for International Security Affairs and formerly the Executive
Director of the Department of Defense's 50th Anniversary of World War II
Commemorative Committee. General Kicklighter and the Committee did
a marvelous job.
With preparations underway, it is fitting that we prepare to honor
and recognize those who set the stage for America's determination at the
start of the Cold War and whose service and sacrifices eventually led to the
collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
I am confident that under General Kicklighter's leadersliip, and
with the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this
commemoration of the Korean War and its veterans will be a memorable
one.
Pleasejoin me in a warm VFW welcome for a good friend of the
VFW and a valued Life Member, Retired Army Lieutenant General Claude
M. Kicklighter.
REMARKS - LIEUTENANT GENERAL CLAUDE M. KICKLIGHTER
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KICKLIGHTER: Commander-in-Chief
Moon, President of the Ladies Auxiliary Connie Atkinson, Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief Tom Pouliot, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John
Smart, and former Commanders-in-Chief, National Officers, Fellow
Veterans, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in our 99th Annual
Convention. This morning I would like to briefly provide you an overview
101
of the planning for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
Korean War. Congress has asked the Department of Defense, in
partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to help our nation
organize and prepare for this effort.
But before I begin, I would like to express appreciation for all the
Veterans of Foreign Wars did to assist the grateful nation in thanking and
honoring our World War II veterans and their families as we
commemorated the 50th anniversary of World War II.
No organization worked harder or contributed more than theVFW.
You recruited over 1,000 commemorative communities to assist us in
honoring veterans in hometown America. You provided some superb
educational materials for our schools, and you produced some great
publications that are still in use throughout our nation.
Your Past National Commanders-in-Chief, during this period,
played a major role as I know the future Commanders-in-Chief will play a
role in Korea. Bob Wallace, Jack Carney, George Cramer, Gunner Kent,
Paul Spera, all were very much involved.
Our National Headquarters helped plan and oversee the national
effort. As this organization knows, the World War II generation was asked
to fight the most destructive war in history, a war that we were not prepared
for, but we had to buy time to get ready for that war and we bought that
time with the lives of young Americans.
Our World War II veterans fought and won that war and literally
saved the world. When that war ended, our veterans came home, they
took off their uniform. They said very little about what they had done, they
rolled up their sleeves and they built this strong and free America.
At the end of World War II, we were the most powerful armed
forces that the world had ever known. In five short years, on June 25,
1950, when a 200,000 manned Korean Army invaded South Korea with a
surprise attack, we had almost dismantled the U.S. defense establishment.
Again, we were not prepared to fight. Once again, we bought the
time to get ready and bought that time again with the lives of young
Americans. Many of you in this auditorium this morning bear the wounds
of that unpreparedness and we should never be unprepared again. The
lessons of World War II and the Korea War are clear. If we want peace,
freedom and prosperity, we must remain strong, prepared and engaged.
By the Korea War's end, three years one month and two days after
it began, the United Nations forces from 22 countries led by the United
States had fought to a standstill. The Soviet Union directed the North
Korean-Chinese force which was three times the size of the United Nations
forces.
This victory in Korea stemmed Congress aggression in Asia and
saved South Korea. This was a major turning point in world history and the
beginning of the end of Communism. This was the first time that war had
been fought under the United Nations flag. And had the United States and
the United Nations not stepped in so in 1950, and in spite of the heroic
102
efforts by the South Korean efforts, that nation would have fallen within a
few weeks.
If South Korea would have fallen, this would have had extreme
consequences around the world. The outcome of the Cold War and the
world we live in today would have been greatly altered. By the time the
Armistice was signed and the guns fell silent on July 27, 1953, the casualty
toll of the United Nations forces allege more than 140,000 killed and
295,000 wounded.
United Nations prisoners of war suffered terribly. In addition to
those who died from exposure and starvation, almost 12,000 were
murdered by their captors. The millions of refugees, hundreds of thousands
were killed or became casualties.
Many are still unaccounted for. The death and destruction of that
war was horrendous. Once again, American soldiers, marines, sailors and
airmen were fighting a desperate war far from home in some of the worst
weather and terrain imaginable.
The U.S. service, many of them veterans from World War II, paid
a severe price. In three years with that war, more than 35,000 U.S. soldiers
were killed and more than 100,000 U.S. soldiers were wounded, and
several thousands were missing in action. These are the official casualty
figures.
But as all of you know, no one who serves in war is left unaffected.
The freedom of South Korea came at a high price. Just ask the veterans who
fought there and their families who waited at home, especially the families
that lost loved ones: the Gold Star mothers and fathers, the Gold Star wives
and the Gold Star children.
This group, like you, knows that freedom comes at a high price.
Although the Korean War was a combined effort, it could not have been
fought for very long without American service members. American men
and women left a proud legacy in Pusan, Inchon, the Chosen Reservoir,
Bloody Ridge, Pork Chop Hill and hundreds of other battlefields on that
rugged peninsula, places that will forever live in the minds and hearts of
those who served there.
That war had not ended. For almost a half century, since the 1 953
Armistice was signed, American and South Korean forces have been
standing vigilant guard along a very heavily fortified and very dangerous
militarized zone near the 38th Parallel.
The passage of time has revealed much about the lasting legacy of
those who fought in Korea. You will recall that many questioned our
involvement in a war so far from home. How wrong they were. The results
of that war speak for themselves. Today, South Korea is a strong, growing
democracy of almost 50 million hard-working, productive people who in
just two short generations have created an astonishing prosperity on the
ashes of the Korean War.
Compare that with North Korea, where for half a century the
heavily armed police state ruled by a tyrannical dictator, and tried to
103
bankrupt Communism, is currently experiencing malnutrition and famine,
and yet on the verge of collapse they still remain a very dangerous country
with one of the largest military forces in the world today; and the recent
missile firing over Japan illustrates how dangerous this nation is.
What a contrast. The miracle of the South Korean people was
brought about as a result of the courage, the valor, the selfless service and
sacrifice of the United States, the South Korean and United Nations.
Without them, South Korea would have been subjugated under
Communism and the history of Asia and the rest of the world would have
been changed for the worst.
The light of freedom that burns so brightly in South Korea and
many other nations today would have been extinguished. The collapse of
the Soviet Union and the number of nations that enjoy freedom in the
world today would have been greatly altered if we had not fought and won
that war.
The legacy of the Korea War veterans is a strong and free South
Korea. The war was a major victory in ending the Cold War and making a
much safer world for our children and our grandchildren to live in. Will
the Korean veterans please stand and let us thank you and give you a round
of applause. (Applause)
In closing, let me briefly outline the planning for the
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. This is a very
important mission that our nation is embarking on and we need all of us,
especially theVFW, to help pull this off.
Our goal together is to ensure that every Korean veteran and their
families know that our nation, a grateful nation, remembers their service 50
years ago. The Korean War veterans have never been properly thanked and
honored, and this may be the last time to right that wrong.
Together we must find our veterans in communities. Veterans
Hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, wherever they are all across
this nation, and ensure they know what they accomplished and remember.
We must also ensure America knows that these veterans saved a great
nation and the people from enslavement, and stopped Communism dead
in its tracks.
The world is a much safer place as a result of their service and
sacrifice. We must make a special effort to remember the prisoners of war
and the missing in action. Over 8,000 U.S. were captured. More than
3,000 died in captivity. Many were executed. Many more were captured
and 8,100 are still missing in action.
We will make a special effort also to remember the service of
women and minorities in that war, and this was the first time that we had
fought as an integrated force. The most important part of our program will
be organizing our efforts in hometown America.
As we did the 50th anniversary of World War II, we are requesting
communities, civic and veterans organizations all across this great nation
to become part of the effort. There were more than 7,800 commemorative
104
communities when we ended the 50th anniversary of World War II.
We need you and the VFW Posts to recruit your communities. Get
them involved and help us support the local schools by providing
educational materials, posters, lesson plans, teachers' guides and CD roms
on the Korean War. Our role together will be to unite our nation in
supporting this important mission.
We will remember all the services, the Army, the Marines, the
Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, all the components, active Guard
and reserve. The commemorations will begin on July 25, 2000, with the
50th anniversary of the attack on South Korea, and will end on July 27,
2003, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.
Throughout the period, we will commemorate key events of the
war. They will be commemorated in Korea and all across this great nation.
We are asking organizers of annual events, such as Veterans Day and
Memorial Day, during this period to ensure that the Korean War veterans
are the centerpiece of those programs.
We already have had many cities and states request that they be
selected as sponsors for some of the major commemorative events in our
nation. The Commander of the U.S. forces in Korea has already organized
a task force and they are planning events in Korea.
They are also organized to assist the veterans as you go back to
Korea to visit some of the battle sites where you fought. We briefed the
VFW National Commander this last November and will continue to
provide annual updates to the VFW senior leadership.
We are counting on the VFW to help organize and oversee this
effort. Our partnership with the VFW and Department of Veterans Affairs,
I will tell you our counterparts in the Veterans Affairs is Jack Carney and
Gunner Kent. We are all working together with other veterans service
organizations. We will recruit community organizations all across
America, so we can honor veterans where they live in hometown America.
Now is the time to get started. Our commemorative communities
will be issued a flag as shown on the screen, I hope. I can't see the screen.
Is the flag up there? Good. If you will look at that flag, you will see running
through the center of it is a streamer, blue and white. This is the battle
streamer for the Korean War.
You will see 22 stars around the tagua. Those are 22 nations that
have fought as allies in that. You will see at the bottom of that flag the
words that our veterans asked to be put on there, and that is "Freedom Is
Not Free." Also that flag is in both English and Hangul.
South Korea has adopted that flag as their official flag. Each
commemorative community will also be issued a certificate signed by the
Secretary of Defense and will be provided with materials which will
support commemorations in hometown America.
Together we will produce educational materials to provide to the
schools, and we will ask the VFW to help us do that. The World War II
veterans, as you recall, were issued an honorable service lapel pin at the
105
end of World War II which they affectionately call the "ruptured duck".
The Korean War veterans were never issued a Korean War service
lapel pin, but working with the Veterans Administration we will plan to
issue the lapel pin that I hope you see up on the screen. Those pins will
be made available to all the veterans who served in Korea during this
commemorative period.
It has been said that any nation that forgets its veterans ceases to
be a great nation. America and the VFW will ensure that this nation never
forgets veterans. Thank you for the support that you provide every day to
our men and women in uniform, to our veterans and all that you do to
make this nation so great. God bless America. Thank you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. Again, I assure
you that every veteran, old or young, who belong to the Veterans of Foreign
Wars will do his utmost to carry out the concerns and deeds of those
serving in the Korean War.
INTRODUCTION OF PATRICK J. MULVEY, CEO,
THE MILITARY CHANNEL
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The success of the VFW's
Operation Uplink rests in the support given by individuals and
corporations. To date, we have given out tens of thousands of these phone
cards, and let me assure you, the response from those receiving them has
been outstanding.
Imagine yourself in Bosnia and someone walks up and hands you
a free pre-paid phone card, or you are a veteran in a VA Hospital and
someone walks in and says, "Here, call home and let the family know how
you are doing."
That's what Operation Uplink is all about, people reaching out to
friends and loved ones, and the VFW helps them to do it, and we in turn
are assisted by many corporations like the one I am now going to present
this plaque to.
The Military Channel went on the air on July 4, 1 998, broadcasting
to North and South America, Europe and the Far East. As the name implies,
they will be carrying programs about the military and the history of military
operations, many of which you will recognize because you were in them.
As veterans, we wish The Military Channel great success. Now, to
accept the plaque expressing our appreciation for what they have done for
Operation Uplink is their Chief Executive Officer, Patrick J. Mulvey.
Mr. Mulvey, it is an honor and privilege for me to present this
plaque to you.
REMARKS - MR. PATRICK J. MULVEY
MR. PATRICK MULVEY Thank you, Mr. Moon, for those kind
words. Thank you, all veterans, for being here and thank you for being
106
there when our country needed you. Congratulations to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars on your 100th anniversary.
It is a great honor to accept this award on behalf of The Military
Channel. Many of our employees, including myself, are veterans, our
producers, directors, our marketers. We look to veterans to bring that
experience into our business so they can express and transmit that message
to not only the country but to the world.
On July 4th, when I flipped the switch to start the transmission of
The Military Channel, it was our expectation that our network would
positively promote the spirit of the military, that spirit that each of you so
embodied so well. That is why we were thrilled to celebrate, The Military
Channel, by participating in theVFW Operation Uplink.
As many of you know, the recent floods in Korea took the lives of
four of our servicemen, destroyed several VFW Posts and created great
hardships. Assistant Adjutant Ron Browning tells me that our donation to
Operation Uplink allowed 1,000 deserving soldiers to help in the rescue
efforts to make a free phone call home.
I can think of no better example than Operation Uplink to show
the power of communication. At The Military Channel, we want to
communicate and share the military experience worldwide. We do it
every day, 24 hours, military programs on heroes, history and hardware.
Our Web site militarydv.com is the gateway for our network
programming for military news and for information and links to our
military fraternal organizations, just like you, the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To a great extent. The Military Channel is a celebration of your service and
sacrifice and of the service and sacrifice of the many people just like you
who could not be here today.
In every society, there are men and women who know all too well
the privilege of freedom must be purchased by the designation of the few.
In America, you are that few. The Military Channel is about you. It is also
about the millions of Americans who follow in your footsteps, the men and
women of America's current active duty and reserve military who share
your dedications and your values.
Let me share some of that with you right now. The military family
for your legacy has sacrificed valor and victory will live on. I hope you
come to think of The Military Channel as your own. If you like what you
saw, please call your local cable operator, your satellite provider, and let
them know you want The Military Channel.
Help us get your message out to the rest of the world, The Military
Channel, we bring you here at home. Thank you very much.
INTRODUCTION OF SERGEANT RUSSELL RIEKE, JR.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: About two years ago in
Louisville at our National Convention that Operation Uplink, the program
that provides pre-paid telephone calling cards to hospitalized veterans and
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active duty service personnel, was introduced.
Thanks to the generous contributions of its supporters, many of
whom are sitting here today, we have been able to provide more than
100,000 cards by the end of this year. That's quite an accomplishment.
But the fact is, the number of cards, impressive as it may be, pales
in comparison with the real measure of success: communication between
a lonely soldier or veteran and someone back home.
We have got a special guest today to tell you about that. Some of
you may have already met him, at least in a manner of speaking, at the
Washington Conference this past February. He was stationed in Hungary
at the time, serving in Operation Joint Guard, and we had the privilege of
listening in on a conversation with his father.
Pleasejoin me in welcoming Sergeant Russell R. Rieke, Jr.
REMARKS - SERGEANT RUSSELL R. RIEKE, JR.
SERGEANT RIEKE: Thank you. Commander-in-Chief Moon, and
Distinguished Guests, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary for their continued
support of U.S. armed forces and support of Operation Uplink.
With this continued support of Operation Uplink, we can help
soldiers and sailors and our disabled veterans in our VA Hospitals to make
needed phone calls to their families back home. I know this because I
received an Uplink phone card while I was stationed in Hungary for nine
months. I was able to talk to my family on numerous occasions.
With that in mind, I would like to introduce and thank my family
for their support while I was stationed overseas. First of all, my parents.
Past Commander of Illinois, Russell R. Rieke, Sr., my mother, Nancy Rieke,
and last but not least, my wife, Rebecca, who is pretty tough. We had only
been married for three months when I got shipped overseas. Being gone
nine months, it was a nice welcome to come back home.
I would like to also say thank you to my home Post, VFW Post
5694, from Milan, Illinois, and its Ladies Auxiliary. They adopted my unit
while I was stationed overseas and helped send a lot of gifts and phone
cards and things of that sort to each soldier in my unit.
Also thanks to the Department of Illinois VFW and its Ladies
Auxiliary and members. Once again, I would like to say please keep
supporting our troops and our disabled veterans with Operation Uplink so
they may call home at a time of need. Thanks once again.
INTRODUCTION - MR. MARKTITLEBAUM, IDT CORPORATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I have been very fortunate in
having the opportunity to see the reaction myself a number of times this
past year of the Operation Uplink program. In fact, over Independence
Day weekend, I was a part of Operation Uplink's single largest distribution
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to date, with more than 25,000 cards distributed to troops and veterans in
the Washington, D.C., area.
Sergeant Rieke's comments remind me of the reaction I saw there.
These individuals arejust thrilled to be given that opportunity to call home.
Today we have with us a representative from the IDT Corporation
in Hackensack, New Jersey, one of the organizations that helped make the
July 4th event possible.
We are proud to have with us representing IDT, Mr. Mark
Titlebaum, Senior Corporate Sales Director. The efforts of the VFW and the
IDT team have provided over 250,000 minutes of free phone time to
hospitalized veterans and active duty military personnel through Operation
Uplink, including the effort mentioned earlier.
In spite of this significant gesture, IDT has taken a secondary role
allowing the VFW to advance the cause of veterans and those that still
serve.
Please welcome Mr. Mark Titlebaum of IDT Corporation.
This is presented to the IDT Corporation, in recognition of their
commitment and support to Operation Uplink. It is dated September 1,
1998.
Mark, it is an honor and pleasure to present this to you.
REMARKS - MR. MARK TITLEBAUM OF IDT CORPORATION
MR. TITLEBAUM: Commander-in-Chief Moon and Distinguished
Guests: The President of IDT regrets that he was unable to attend your VFW
Convention to accept this award. He asked me to accept this award on
behalf of IDT Corporation, its Board of Directors and stockholders.
IDT has now been a part of Operation Uplink for just a few
months. We are aware that over one million minutes have currently been
given out to veterans and active duty personnel, with many more on the
way, as Commander Moon has indicated. We are proud to be a part of
Operation Uplink in helping the active duty personnel and veterans keep
in touch with family and loved ones.
We believe that it is a great deed the VFW is doing in helping the
quality of life, both mentally and physically, and we personally would like
to thank Commander Moon and Ron Browning and his crew for allowing
us to be a part of this. Thank you and have a good day.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL
ORGANIZATION (CONT'D.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time I would ask those
that were at Microphones 2 and 3 to please return to the microphones so
we can continue with deliberations. For those of you who want to remove
your jacket for a little while before our next speaker arrives, you may.
At this time we will go to Microphone No. 1 .
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COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, my name is Glen M. Gardner, Jr. I am a delegate
from VFW Post 3359, Garland, Texas. I stand before the delegates at this
99th Annual Convention in support of Resolution No. 222.
My support of Resolution No. 222 is not to be interpreted as
opposition to the Merchant Marines. I stand in support of this resolution
because I believe there are many, many other veterans who served in the
armed forces of the United States at the present time who are not eligible
for membership in our great organization and who have served in harm's
way during this service in the armed forces.
I believe before we expand our eligibility outside the ranks of the
armed forces of the United States that we should have open and honest
debate about those who have been members. I would like to place in the
record as testimony in favor of this resolution the following letter to the
editor of The Galveston Daily News, which was printed in November,
1987.
It is headed, "Merchant Seamen are not Veterans.
"This is in reference to the comments of Dr. Donald Willis, your
guest columnist of November 12, 1987. I would like to comment on his
question why will the federal government not grant veteran's status to
American Merchant Seamen of World War II.
"I went to sea out of Galveston at the age of 16 and sailed the
world for six years. So, I know whereof I speak. The Merchant Seaman is
a civilian and not military in any sense. I carried with me the conservatism
of my father and on his advice tried to avoid the steamship companies or
union contracts. Being unable to do so, I found myself on a union ship.
"I saw little or no patriotism in the cruise. They were too busy
demanding fresh strawberries, steak and ice cream while the Gl was eating
sea rations. My starting salary was $87.50 as opposed to the Gl at $21.
When my ship entered a war zone, my salary immediately doubled. They
called it a 100-percent bonus.
"If we were in port and there was an attack by the enemy, we
received a $300 port attack bonus. I recall that in 1943, my ship was
running between Algiers and Naples with Army cargo. We made a total of
18 trips, and each time we were in Naples harbor the bombers came over
and made us $300 richer.
"We did finally lose the ship, and I got a free ride home and was
more than compensated for my personal property. When a Merchant ship
came back to the U.S. port, the crew was free to sign off and go home. As
I progressed from the crew to officer status, I was adequately compensated
and saved a considerable amount of money.
"Mostly, the crews were what I considered second rate and were
virtually all alcoholics. I was really embarrassed to talk to servicemen. We
even had a U.S. naval crew aboard to do our shooting for us. I hesitate to
mention the hazardous cargo bonus I received for hauling green beef hides
from Argentina that smelled bad. That is the Merchant Seamen, Dr. Willis."
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I think the words of this Merchant Seaman who served in 1942,
speaks aptly for why we should support the adoption of this resolution.
Thank you, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE GEORGE SEARLE (Post 2314 - New Jersey): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am a member of Post 2314 from Carteret, New
Jersey, and a Korean War veteran. That was about the most ridiculous thing
I have ever heard in my life.
I served six years in the Merchant Marines. On my first day, I went
down to join the Navy. Of course, I couldn't get in because I was color
blind. But the Army didn't seem to mind. What I want to do today, if I
accomplish anything today, you know, you have heard me for three or four
years now.
When this man says we are not veteran status, it sounds like you
are half crazy. He said we got only benefits. Well, the Korean Merchant
Marine got benefits and he was not a veteran of the armed forces of the
United States. That is what I am, a Merchant Marine.
There is a certain group of us that were on ships in combat. One
out of 32 of us died. Seven thousand men died. We have 4,000 men on
the bottom of the sea, and I want these men here, my comrades and
brothers, to say to themselves do we meet that criteria of being Veterans of
Foreign Wars?
I am not talking about any other dates after the war, before the war
or not in the zone. Every one of us was in combat. Gentlemen, this is
crazy right here. Here is my discharge. Any one of you can see this. I was
honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States.
I will admit to you that we are not part of an armed force. That is
true, and we will never be part of an armed force. That is why the put us
in the Coast Guard. That is why they put us in the Army and discharged us
as a part of the armed forces.
I have two bundles of proof here. Take a nickel or dime and call
the Veterans Administration. We have support from the Pearl Harbor
survivors. We have support from the Silver Star veterans. We have the
resolutions from the Am Vets, the American Legion. Why is it we will not
take five minutes to call our government, the VA, and say are they veterans,
instead of spreading these ridiculous rumors that go on and on and on?
Gentlemen, if you want to honor somebody, honor those men that
died that are your brothers that are Veterans of Foreign Wars. There is no
doubt. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE LYLE KELL (Post 1561 - Washington): I rise in
opposition to this proposition. I joined the Navy on June 10, 1943. They
said, "Where do you want to serve?" I said, since my brother was in the
United States Navy Armed Guard, I said, "I am the younger brother and I
said I think that I would like to go in the Armed Guard."
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I didn't realize I had signed on to a suicide squad. That is exactly
the term that was used by the U.S. Navy Armed Guard. Now, then, the
people who have no idea about what the Armed Guard suffered and what
the Merchant Marine suffered during World War II have got their eyes
closed.
The whole East Coast of the United States is a ship, is a graveyard
of ships, a rifle shot away from our beacons. They wouldn't even turn off
the lights there on the East Coast allowing those U-boats from Germany to
shoot the ships down, and they did it by the hundreds.
You go down to the Dutch West Indies, the oil is seeping still out
of the ground where they sunk the ships around there. There is a video out
now called "The Winter Winds of Hell." If you want to see a video, you
ought to see that. Someone mentioned Chosin Reservoir. Take a look at
that video if you want to see Chosin Reservoir.
You will see convoys, as many as 30 in a convoy, five getting
through to Merrimac, with ice hanging all over the ships, men standing out
there freezing to death in the watch, or ships torpedoed, lasting as long as
a minute in the water. I don't know where we are coming from.
We have to know who saved this world, and we have got to know
it was the Merchant fleets of our nation and other nations that really
brought the materials to those who had the need for them in World War II,
the food, the material to fight with, the troops and all that. They did it on
and on and on.
I had about 150,000 miles out there. I have every medal. That is
the American medal, the Asiatic, Pacific, the European medal, and I was in
the Persian Gulf before these kids ever thought of the Persian Gulf. We
were almost sunk in the Persian Gulf.
Those were Merchant Marines on those ships with us, but we
guarded the Merchant Marine. The Merchant Marines were my friends.
They were a good group of men. Drunks, hey, some of them were, that's
true, but so were some of the Armed Guard. I was one of them. I know
what I was talking about.
I am your National Chaplain or was in '95 and '96. I am going to
tell you if we want to help veterans, as it says right up there, "We'd do
anything for this country." If you want to do something for this country, do
something for these veterans who saved this country.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 1.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post
6467 - New Jersey): Had I stood at this microphone ten years ago, I
suspect that I would have joined with those who were opposed to
accepting members of the United States Merchant Marines for probably all
the reasons that I have heard from previous speakers who are in favor of
denying the membership.
However, today I learned a great deal since that time about our
organization and about those who have served in the Merchant Marines. It
is my understanding that this resolution was submitted, and I have read the
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comments following it in the book that you published, saying that you were
concerned about the fact that last year the delegation was unsure of the
resolution that they had adopted and deserved, I suspect, a second chance
to review that decision.
I don't think that was the case at all. I think it was very clear last
year that those attending the National Convention were prepared to accept
the Mariners in our midst. If I recall, on Thursday, there was even a motion
to reconsider that died for lack of a second.
So there was plenty of opportunity for those delegates attending
that convention to reconsider should they have wanted to do so.
Something else bothers me a great deal as well. This is information that I
learned probably in the past few years in contact with many of the
members of the Merchant Marines who had other service and who do
belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
It seems that there were, and correct me if I am not accurate, about
250,000 men that served in the United States Merchant Marines during
1941 through 1945. Those are the ones that we are considering for
membership. There is only 100,000 of them left at this point.
But 7,000 Merchant Mariners, 7,000 American souls who were
involved in the war effort, bringing materials to those World War veterans
to sustain them on the battlefield, who died in the bottom of the ocean.
When U-boats were attacking our merchant fleets, many of them
unguarded, riding alone without benefit of convoy, over 800 Merchant
ships sunk with the material that was necessary to sustain our effort and to
save lives of the American servicemen.
Now, our founder, James Putnam, if you look back in the history of
our organization, continually said let's keep this membership brief. If we
are to survive, if we are to strengthen our voice when we testify before
Congress, we need all the help that we possibly can get.
The Merchant Marines have proven that they are effective in
testifying before Congress, because, as you know, they now receive care in
VA medical facilities. Why not let themjoin us in support of our legislative
initiatives.
My comrades, particularly those of you who served in World War
II, this resolution addresses war service. I don't know what will happen
today. It may come to pass that you will be denying Merchant Mariners
membership in this organization. If that does occur, that is sad.
But even if it does occur, let us not forget as members of this
organization as ex-servicemen, as veterans and as Americans that they
gave honorable service in support of our armed forces and they made
many sacrifices that should be recalled with great, great reverence.
I oppose denying them membership. I hope that the members of
this organization here assembled will provide them that opportunity to
strengthen our own cause. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE ALEX LOMBARD! (Post 6255 - New Jersey): Comrade
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Commander-in-Chief, I am opposed to this resolution. I was a member of
the U.S. Navy Armed Guards. I don't know how many of you members
know who the Armed Guard are. We are the ones that sailed with these
Merchant seamen, and there is no one knows them better than we do.
As a longtime member of the VFW, all I have ever heard is slurs
against the Merchant Marines. They were part of the military. They were
under the jurisdiction of the Navy. There was over 200 of them that were
court-martialed, and to be court-martialed you had to be military.
The VFW has been misled where they have been told these fellows
are not veterans. How much blood do they have to give? They were in on
every invasion, every invasion that took place to make sure that everyone
got their supplies. They never got the money that everyone thinks they did.
That is a big fallacy. If anyone wants proof, I can give it to them. Thank
you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Microphone No.
2.
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE DONALD LINSCOTT (Post 1603 - Maine): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise against this resolution barring Merchant
Marines fromjoining our organization. I fought at this microphone for the
last 20 years against the Merchant Marines and I fought against the
National Defense Service Ribbon, and I fought against extending the
Korean eligibility.
But the last year, when we amended it, it approved only World War
II, then I changed my mind. Believe me, we have got to stop thinking
about how much money they made and whether they had strawberries or
what have you. As a veteran of Korea with four battle stars, and my records
show that, there were many people in the armed forces having strawberries
when I was having C-rations in the Chosin Reservoir.
These Merchant Marines in World War II had the highest number
of fatalities and casualties of any branch of service and in some cases all of
the branches of services. If there are any of you out there that really feel
that every single member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars had seen combat,
had a shot fired at them, you better re-evaluate it.
It is time for me to have to face one of these guys that was shot
down. The ship was shot from under them four or five times and say you
are not eligible? We have accepted anybody that served in Korea for
almost 4 years now. All I ask, gentlemen, please remember if you vote for
this motion, then you are voting to restrict your membership from the
Merchant Marines, which this convention last year approved.
So, please, join with me and vote against this resolution so that the
Merchant Marines can get the honor they deserve.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 1.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF TED CONNELL (Post 9192 -
Texas): Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I call for the question.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The question has been called
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for. Is there a proponent on the floor that wishes to address this body for
five minutes?
Microphone No. 1.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LARRY RIVERS (Post 1736 -
Louisiana): Commander-in-Chief, Larry Rivers, a delegate from VFW Post
1736. If I could take these few minutes to try to put this thing in a little
perspective. You know I have dealt with this issue for a number of years,
as all of you, and it pains me a great deal that the debate always seems to
revolve around danger and it revolves around every other issue except
what has been the issue for VFW membership.
If you look at our VFW By-Laws, it says nothing in our by-laws that
any veteran, I will repeat that, is eligible for VFW membership, only those
that have served in the armed forces of the United States are eligible for
VFW membership. To my knowledge, we have never had a member of the
VFW, and I have reviewed the 100-year history, that was not a member of
the armed forces of the United States.
Although having earned my eligibility as part of the ocean going
services, I was in the infantry and I know during World War II many
civilians that were in the service of their country fought alongside the
Marines and took the Pacific Islands, and they bled and they died.
I am sure there were others in ocean going service, on ships that
were shot down that were in service to the country or in war service that
were not even armed forces of the United States or in the Merchant
Marines. I just ask you to consider what really is the issue here.
What we are talking about is in the purest context is not something
that comes at our heartstring or trying to correct inequities of those that
have given a great deal to their country. I don't believe anybody in this
room doubts the quality and the character of the ocean going service of
those that served in the Merchant Marines.
All of those that know, having served in combat and shot at or
seeing bloody eyes like any of us have, has never been a requisite for
membership in the VFW. You have to have sen/ed in the armed services of
the United States. That is one thread that we all have in common.
If you decide, for whatever reason, to begin to admit ocean going
service, whether it be land or sea, was not a member of the armed forces
of the United States, I suggest to you that you change the very fabric of
what the organization has been.
We are an organization made up of those who served in the armed
forces. Conferring veteran status, even if that veteran status comes from the
Department of Defense, does not confer having served in the armed forces
of the United States. That is the question here.
Now, one other thing from a pure old standpoint of how do you
administer this? If we go to Congress and say to Congress change our
charter, to broaden it to allow Merchant Marines, ocean going service, not
to ones involved in the Pacific Islands, not that they fought daily as
civilians, and not members of the armed forces which gave service to their
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country, where does this stop?
We have to amend the congressional charter and then next year
we have to come back here and amend our by-laws by a two-thirds vote.
I don't know that that is likely to happen. So I suggest to you that the issue
here is this: do you want to change the VFW here at our 99th Convention
to where we will now have members that were not members of the armed
forces of the United States?
If so, you have a group of members, even though they may have
had service to the country is tremendous, we will also have a group of
members of the VFW that never served as a member of the armed forces of
the United States of America. That is the question. I ask you to consider
that in casting your vote. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. Microphone No.
1 moved the question. The proponents have spoken since the question was
moved. At this time we will now call for a vote.
COMRADE GENE MANFREY (Post 6627 - Florida): I would like to
ask for a point of information. I am Gene Manfrey from Post 6627, St.
Petersburg, Florida, and a Past State Commander. I would like the
Chairman to define what the vote will be. It is my understanding if you
vote in favor of that it will deny them.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Yes, I planned on addressing
that. Thank you very much. Resolution No. 222 was moved for adoption.
If you vote "aye", then you are voting to deny membership to every World
War II era Merchant Marine. If you vote "no", you are voting to accept
Merchant Marines into the VFW. Do we understand?
All right. Voting "aye" is to deny, voting "no" is to allow. At this
time I will call for the vote. All those in favor of Resolution No. 222 will
signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed to Resolution No. 222 will say
"no". I will rule that Resolution No. 222 is approved.
The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE GEORGE COX (Post 6772 - Ohio): I appeal that
decision. You are going to have to have a hearing aid, Commander.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much. That is
probably right. He has raised the question and he feels it is only fair. Those
of you that are in favor of Resolution No. 222, to deny membership to the
World War II era Merchant Marines, please stand.
I will ask the individual that called for the appeal to please look
around the room. I would now like those members standing to please sit
down. Now, those opposed to Resolution No. 222, please stand. My
hearing and my eyesight are still in good control. Resolution No. 222 is
approved.
Is there anyone else at any of the microphones?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE WILLIAM DOBBIE (Post 4659 - Michigan): I would
ask at this time, are we still open for resolutions to be set aside on the
previous motion?
116
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Do you have one that you
would like set aside?
COMRADE WILLIAM DOBBIE (Post 4659 - Michigan): I will ask
that Resolution No. 209 by the Department of Ohio, Age Limitation For
Sons Of The Veterans Of Foreign Wars, be set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Further, I should have stated,
do you want to make a motion to that effect?
COMRADE WILLIAM DOBBIE (Post 4659 - Michigan): I will
gladly do that. I will make a motion to that effect.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We have set aside Resolution
209 and then there is a motion for passage of Resolution 209. Is there a
second to that motion for passage?
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE GEORGE COX (Post 6772 - Ohio): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, George Cox, Department of Ohio. I wish to second
that motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. There is a motion
and there is a second for the adoption of Resolution No. 209, Age
Limitation For Sons Of The VFW. Under discussion, I will call forward the
chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Commander-in-Chief and
delegates. Resolution No. 209, the "Be It Resolved" that we extend the age
limitation of the Sons of the VFW and that the sons be recognized in this
order as they are in other fraternal military organizations, to-wit: a bona
fide auxiliary unit of the parent organization.
It is the feeling of the committee that the intent of this resolution is
to create a men's auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the
committee recommended rejection.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE WILLIAM DOBBIE (Post 4659 - Michigan): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and delegates, I would like to speak on my motion to
accept Resolution 209. Comrades, over the past year, I did a great, great
deal of traveling in the Department of Michigan visiting roughly one-third
of our Posts.
That being said, I can tell you most honestly that this thought came
up a great, great many times, and I can tell you truly that the small
communities, the home community of that Post, more often this comes up.
We have in the "Resolved" on the motion, we have that we realize that the
age limitation placed on the Sons of the VFW is discriminatory. Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and delegates, I think that is most true and it is a
thoroughly undefensible position to say that it is not discriminatory.
Secondly, our Posts in our various communities in our various
Departments need to know that when we have a member like myself, like
yourself, comrades and delegates, that have a daughter, that have a sister
that can join the Ladies Auxiliary, pay their dues and be members until the
day they die, and also have sons that based on our current criteria could
117
join the Sons of the VFW organization and at the age of 16 they are out.
Our Posts need their services, these relatives, these sons, these
brothers and, yes, comrades, fathers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
desen/e the opportunity and the Posts deserve the opportunity to bring
them in as an official auxiliary member.
The age limits, membership requirements are to be very similar to
those of the Ladies Auxiliary. This may require some fine-tuning by the
National Organization, and I would encourage them to do so. At this time
I would recommend passage of the motion to accept Resolution 209.
Thank you. Comrade Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. I will first yield to
Microphone No. 3 again because at the time this gentleman was speaking
there were many people lined up around behind him. I will yield to
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE TOM KEYES (Post 6471 - Vermont): Thank you.
Commander. My name is Tom Keyes. I am a member of Post 6471 in the
State of Vermont. I would just like to inform you I have a daughter that is
eligible and I have got a son that is in a military school in Vermont.
I have also an older son that is disabled. He will never be able to
join the service. He has tried every branch there was and has been denied
because of his medical problems. My Post asks him, my son and my wife,
all the time to volunteer for things, and this son is always ready and able
to help out.
He alwaysjumps on the wagon when he is called upon. However,
not being able to go to the club on his own is discriminatory action in that
sense itself. He is 23. He will never be able to go to the club. I am not
asking he be made a member of the VFW, I am asking that you do
something in regards to the boys of all of us here, not just myself, but all of
us here that are not able tojoin the service who can never be a member.
If your son has been in combat, what about his son? Will he ever
be able tojoin? I ask this body to pass this Resolution 209. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Microphone No.
3.
I am going to Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE GEORGE COX (Post 6772 - Ohio): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise in support of removing the cap on the sons. I
wish not to create a social environment in our VFW Posts, but we have a
son's unit in the State of Ohio. With our 1 1 4,000 members right now, we
have one son's unit.
It is my desire that our National Organization either remove the
cap on the son's unit or disband it. It just doesn't exist. So, I would like
this body today to make up their mind if we are going to allow a son's unit
in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, to either remove this
age limit or disband the unit altogether. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
Microphone No. 1.
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COMRADE MICHAEL BURRIS (Post 2615 - North Carolina):
Comrades, I believe we debated this last year at the convention in Salt Lake
City. It was stated earlier that we were creating another men's auxiliary.
Whether that be the case or not, it probably is a moot point.
My question posed to you, I believe that Comrade Rivers stated it
in a nutshell. What is our eligibility to this organization? To me, this
applies just as well. This resolution makes reference to other fraternal
military organizations that sponsor some units that do not have age
limitations. That is true.
But, comrades, we are not the American Legion, we are not the
Disabled Veterans, we are not the Vietnam Veterans of America. We are the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Our eligibility is the price
we pay for joining. As our incoming Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John
Gwizdak says, we are special and we are unique, and we are different, and
that is why we are the greatest veterans organization in this country.
Let's keep it that way without attaching an auxiliary or broadening
the membership criteria to include those who did not serve in the armed
forces. With that said, Commander-in-Chief, I move the question.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The question has been moved.
Microphone No. 2, are you a proponent or an opponent?
COMRADE RON TOWNSEND (Post 4713 - Ohio): I support the
Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: You have five minutes in
which to speak.
COMRADE RON TOWNSEND (Post 4713 - Ohio): Commander-
in-Chief, I rise in support of this issue for several reasons. How many
comrades in this room can't put a color guard on the street or a man on
detail without help? Stop and think. In my lifetime, I have seen many
veterans pass away. I can remember as a child after World War II veterans
were in great number at local functions.
Today, the World War II veterans disabilities are such that prevent
them from that. I have four sons. One is a member of the VFW. If I had
four daughters, they could join the VFW Auxiliary and rise to be National
President. My sons are denied that opportunity with the exception of one.
Therefore, I strongly urge that we do something about the cap on this
membership. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much.
Microphone No. 1 moved the question. The proponent at Microphone No.
2 has spoken. If you vote "aye" on Resolution No. 209, you are asking that
there be no age limitation in regards to the Sons of the VFW.
If you vote "no", you are voting against Resolution No. 209 to
allow for a widening of the age limitation. Is that clear? Voting "aye" is for
the proposed resolution as the motion was made and seconded. That is to
allow for a more broader age limit. Voting "no" is to keep it the way it is.
Does everyone understand that now?
We will now call for the vote. All those in favor will signify by
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saying "aye"; all those opposed will signify by saying "no". We will do that
again. All those in favor of adopting Resolution 209 to open up the age
limit for the Sons of the VFW, please rise. All those opposed, please rise.
The chair is still in doubt. I am still in doubt. It looks to be a tie.
I would ask at this time that the Sergeants-at-Arms please have
those that are in favor of Resolution 209 to rise and count those. Those that
are in favor of Resolution 209, please stand. As soon as you are counted,
please sit down.
The "ayes" have been counted. We will count those opposed to
Resolution 209. Those opposed, please stand at this time. May I have your
attention, please. Thank you, Sergeants-at-Arms. I appreciate the
quickness. We do, in fact, have a vote.
There were 685 "aye" votes and 767 "no" votes. Now, in the sense
of fairness, you have the right to call for a roll-call vote. We were trying to
do this to move the convention along. If you want a roll-call vote, I would
ask that ten states get in line real quick. If not, we are going to move on
with further business. We are moving along. Resolution No. 209 is
defeated.
Are there any other motions for adoption of any resolutions that
have been presented by this committee?
COMRADE DOUG BELL (Post 6873 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I move Resolution No. 218 be set aside.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Do you move for the adoption
of Resolution 218?
COMRADE DOUG BELL (Post 6873 - Texas): I so move.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: A motion for adoption of
Resolution 218 has been made. Is there a second?
COMRADE JIMMY CANTRELL (Post 9168 - Texas): I second the
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There has been a motion and
a proper seconding made. We will now call for the report of the Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Comrade Commander-in-
Chief and delegates, the "Be It Resolved" portion of this Resolution No.
218 is as follows:
"Be It Resolved, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we instruct the Quartermaster General not to appropriate funds for
any proposed Commander-in-Chief membership trip to Europe, Asia, or
any other foreign countries not normally on the Caribbean cruise itinerary,
or requiring expenditures of VFW monies in excess of $375,000."
It was the feeling of the committee in its recommendation to reject
that that the Commander-in-Chief should have the authority to select
where he wants to go on his cruise and that the Council of Administration
sets the dollar amount. Thank you, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will call for discussion but
knowing full well that when our next guest comes, I will suspend any and
all discussion.
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Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE DOUG BELL (Post 6873 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am the Department Commander from Texas.
Commander-in-Chief, National Officers and Delegates to the 99th
National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
I stand before you in support of Resolution 218.
The Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars passed
Resolution 218 at its State Convention in June. Resolution No. 218 in no
way should be construed as taking away rights and privileges of the
National Commander-in-Chief, the Quartermaster General or the National
Council of Administration.
The members of the Department of Texas, by passing this
resolution, want to send to the Commander-in-Chief, the Quartermaster
General and the National Council of Administration their thoughts
concerning the annual trip known as the Department Commanders'
membership trip.
Each year, through the Membership Department, the Department
Commanders compete for a trip with the Commander-in-Chief, their
National Officers and invited guests. Two years ago, when all membership
programs were basically turned over to the Departments, it was felt that
instead of continuing this trip it should be somewhat of an award for all
Department Commanders for the great service they had given to our
organization.
At that time the National Council of Administration passed
guidelines who would be invited to go. We, the Department of Texas, fully
support this program as long as guidelines set up by the National Council
of Administration as to who will participate as a guest of National and our
conference.
For three years, these Department Commanders, serving as chair
officers in their Departments, give up their time, and in many cases their
finances to help lead our great organization. The membership from the
Department of Texas did, however, feel that they should express through
this resolution their concerns about no guidelines as to where the trip
would be taken.
Over the years, most of these trips have been the Caribbean
cruises. Some of those trips were to Hawaii, and a very few have been trips
to the foreign countries. A review of the budget expenditures during the
years they were trips to foreign countries, we will find that these trips to
foreign countries were more expensive, and in many cases by the amount
of 20 to 30 percent than the Caribbean cruises.
The members of the Department of Texas felt this trip should be
limited to Caribbean cruises or trips to the 52 states of the United States,
with an expenditure of no more than $375,000. Not only are the trips in
foreign countries more expensive, but they can also be under current
circumstances more dangerous.
It was also felt that the Department Commander, who is taking the
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trip, thought that it should be a cruise. We, therefore, believe that the
Quartermaster and National Council of Administration needs the guidance
that is provided in this resolution.
When the Commander-in-Chief makes a determination where the
trip will be made, he will have the guidance of it. We ask you to support
this Resolution No. 218.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any discussion at Microphone
No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3? Seeing none, we will call for a vote. All those in
favor of Resolution No. 218 will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed
will signify by saying "no". The "nays" have it. The motion is rejected. The
resolution is rejected.
Are there any other motions to be made for this committee? I see
none at Microphone No. 1, Microphone No. 2 or Microphone No. 3.
Therefore, the recommendations of the committee for rejection stands.
This committee is now relieved of its duties.
The chair recognizes Microphone No. 2 for comment.
COMRADE THOMAS DOUGHERTY (Post 3474 - Pennsylvania):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, when I was at the microphone previously,
I neglected to thank you for my appointment to this committee and I have
to say it was a pleasure and joy serving with Past Commander-in-Chief Jim
Nier. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much for the
comments, Tom.
INTRODUCTION - THE HONORABLE TOGO D. WEST JR.,
SECRETARY, VETERANS AFFAIRS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades and Sisters, please
rise. We are pleased to have with us this morning the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, the Honorable Togo D. West, Jr.
The United States Senate confirmed Secretary West as Secretary of
Veterans Affairs on April 28, 1998. He directs the federal government's
second largest department, responsible for a nationwide system of health-
care services, entitlement programs and national cemeteries for America's
veterans and their dependents.
From 1993 until his appointment with the Veterans Administration,
Secretary West served as Secretary of the Army. He also serves as Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Commission, a bi-national
Board appointed by the President.
During his years in the Army's top civilian post. Secretary West
demonstrated unwavering concern for the well-being of young soldiers and
their families.
In an environment often dominated by discussions of military
hardware and force structure, he gained a reputation for making "qualify of
life for the troops" an operational issue.
He has brought that same concern for the well-being and quality
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of health care for our nation's veterans to his office as Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
Please join me in a warm welcome for a very special guest, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Togo D. West, Jr.
ADDRESS BY THE HONORABLE TOGO D. WEST, JR.
COMRADE TOGO WEST: Thank you. Thank you, National
Commander John Moon, for your introduction, and I thank all of you for
your warm reception and for your attention. Thank you for having me for
the second straight year. It wasjust a year ago when you welcomed me to
your National Convention, but in a different capacity.
At that time I was the Secretary of the Army and little did I know
that I might return to you in a different capacity. I look forward to visiting
with you again but in a way I return to you as part of the family, and for
that I am grateful.
There are other reasons for being grateful for being with you today.
For one thing, I get to be with a former National Commander-in-Chief,
Gunner Kent, who is one of you, I know, and who has kept all of us in the
Department of Veterans Affairs on the straight and narrow. It is good to be
with you for that reason as well.
There is a third reason, and it is this. Across America today, at a
time when or nation continues to be at peace, yes, continues to be stable,
there continues to be the concern that America remember what their
veterans have done for her.
Today when you gather, and yesterday in your Opening
Ceremonies, you remind America again that a generation is growing to
maturity, secure in the belief that they can live in their home without the
threat of a foreign invasion, because American veterans are willing to go
abroad, to leave home and hearth to face the enemies of America,
America's allies and America's values.
So I say to you for the third reason that it is a pleasure to be with
you today is a very simple one, which I hope you will mark. That is for any
person who appeared before you, whether it is a government official, a
private citizen, anyone who speaks to you, it is an honor to be in your
presence. For that, I thank you.
A hundred years ago this year, in 1898, the Spanish American War
was drawing to a conclusion. It, in fact, concluded that year. As you know,
not long after the veterans of that war formed the first of the organizations
that would come together to be the VFW.
One of the heroes of that war, an Army Colonel named Teddy
Roosevelt, was also one of the early members of this organization. It is he
who identified in his own time, later as President, a sense about service,
service to the nation, service to community, service as members of the
armed forces.
It is he who conveyed that idea that in many ways is reflected in
this VFW's notion of service to America as it has lived it out in almost those
100 years. President Roosevelt, later as President said, "It is the men and
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women whose ideals reflect the following, who have the best handle on
America's country. That is the courage to strive for the happiness that
comes from work and effort and self-sacrifice, and to seek thejoy of a sense
of duty."
In all the years since then, the members and the leaders of theVFW
have demonstrated that sense of duty, which that earlier member of the
VFW Teddy Roosevelt spoke. Since the duty in setting forth in uniform
when America calls and even when an American crisis have not yet called,
a sense of duty in serving far from our nation's shores, a sense of duty in
returning to lead communities in which you live and have lived.
The sense of duty that calls you today as members and leaders of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the oldest chartered, largest and most
influential of organizations. I didn't say veterans' organizations, I said
organizations in America. That's the sense of duty that calls you still to this
day to live and work and strive for the security and future of America.
Since that time, you have shown that three times over sense of duty
in a number of the activities, and in every activity of your organization. For
75 years now, since 1922, the Buddy Poppy, fashioned by veterans in VA
facilities and state nursing homes, whose sales produced revenues that
have supported millions of veterans over the life of this nation.
As a former Boy Scout, your program. Voice of Democracy, which
looks to the future of this nation, which understands that this nation's future
is in her youth, your working with Boy Scouts, with the JROTC, with
Special Olympics, in which you teach them, yes, skills and writing,
patriotism, good citizenship, but you teach America as well.
My father was a high school principal. He is dead now. Years ago,
I listened in as he spoke to my mother, a school teacher, about a speech he
had given to his colleagues. Picture this in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
He said he concluded his speech by saying, "I told them you are teachers.
Remember you teach the life you live."
You in your support of our young Americans, your scholarships,
your competitions, teaching our young Americans, but you are also
teaching America. You are teaching them by your example, and the
message you send them is a profound and powerful one that we can never
have enough good citizens, that we can never have enough patriots and
that we can never love our country too much. (Applause)
There is more. Just this summer, your National Commander and I,
and others of your leadership were together in that National Press Building
where you disclosed to the nation your expanded support of Operation
Uplink. Seventy thousand additional pre-paid calling cards right to the
personnel and veterans in VA medical facilities so that they could be in
touch with their families, those who love them and about whom they care.
You know as well as anyone in the nation the profound impact this
could have on the morale of veterans as they find themselves away from
families, from homes, from neighborhoods. And your co-sponsorship with
us of the Golden Age Games serves not only those that are 55 years and
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older in VA facilities, but serves all Americans for by the inspiration, by the
example of what they do in those games, those veterans lift us all.
I was pleased to be at the most recent Golden Age Games to meet
and talk with the competitors, volunteers and sponsors. For all those and
for many more things you do, your millions of hours of volunteer service
in VA facilities, in state facilities, our veterans benefit and America benefits
as well.
So, my first duty here as your Secretary of Veterans Affairs is to say
to you "thank you" on behalf of a nation that you have improved. Think
about it, think about what you have done for America. Oh, yes, you have
kept her free. You have kept families secure, but you have given the world
a country that is not anywhere in the world.
You have given the people with our peers and you have given us a
host of values and principles that inspire the entire world. For all of that,
on behalf of your Department of Veterans Affairs, yes, we thank you. In
behalf of all Americans and as a simple citizen, I say to you as my first duty,
thank you for what you have done for America, thank you for what you do
today and for the profound effect and impact you continue to have. Thank
you for that. (Applause)
As you gather here in convention, you gather on the eve of a new
millennium. That is less than 18 months away, which will be the 1st of
January, the year 2000. I know before you correct me that the experts tell
us that is not the millennium.
The millennium comes a year later, 2001. You and I know that
when December 31, 1999, comes and we have New Year's Eve, we are
going to be thinking about a brand new thousand-year period then and
there. So, you gather in times when change comes upon us rather rapidly.
You know, sometimes I think it is hard for me to embrace the
concept of a new millennium. As a kid, a new year was a big deal for me.
You had to change the last number for the year. Then as I grew older, a
decade became a big deal. Lots of people never even see a new century.
My dad was born in 1905. He will not see a change in the century.
We will see a new millennium. The changes that it brings and the changes
that are all upon us already can be unsettling, of course. There are
opportunities for your Department to support veterans veterans.
The change will be, as President John Kennedy said more than 30
years ago, change is the law of life. But if we are to be part of the change,
you and every veteran have a right to demand that that change be
beneficial, for changejust for change sake is no use to anyone.
So we are undergoing change in the delivery of health care to our
veterans, a change that at times appear to be unsettled. But it is devoted
to some very basic principles. First, that we provide health care for more
veterans. The eligible veterans who potentially need health care and have
earned health care from their government still have not all been reached.
So our change must bring more health care to more veterans.
Secondly, it cannot be lesser health care. It must be better health
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care. This nation stands unlike any in the world, because it has had the
services of the most extraordinary men and women in uniform in the
world. When they served, they called them members of the Army, soldiers.
Marines and sailors, airmen. Coast Guard personnel. Today we call them
patriots and veterans.
This nation has had the best service from the best personnel and
they deserve the best health care. So more and better health care for more
veterans. An all-important third element that we not lose any of the
important services that we provide today.
Everyone in America knows that VA provides the best
understanding of the problems and concerns, the health concerns of the
aging. The important aids for those who have suffered injury, prosthetics,
and have the special concerns of those who have been prisoners of war and
who have suffered spinal injury.
We must not lose that ability even as we provide more and better
health care. Therefore, we will continue to open out-patient clinics
wherever we find groups of veterans who need health care. We are
opening them today and we will not slacken in our effort to continue to
open them.
Two other things about change that have health care for veterans
as we approach the new millennium. Perhaps there are changes that will
not happen. First, is wherever I go, I hear concerns raised about veterans.
There is apparently a creeping concern that veterans centers may be
closing or may be folded into something. I have a brief statement about
that. It goes like this. "Not on my watch." I don't think it will be on your
watch, either. So that is fine.
The second thing that will not change is that we are under an
irijunction from the Congress, yes, that by October of this year the veterans
will receive health care in VA health centers they must be enrolled. There
is an enrollment procedure. Yes, that will take effect soon.
But it does not mean that a single eligible veteran will be denied
health care because after October 6th he or she has not yet enrolled. We
will enroll you when you come for health care if you have not been
enrolled. Moreover, those who have been receiving health care as eligible
veterans since October, 1996, have been automatically enrolled by us.
So the requirement for enrollment is one change, but it will not
stop eligible veterans from receiving their health care. We will see to that.
Change is occurring in our delivery of benefits to veterans as well. I can
visit any facility in America that is operated by your Department of Veterans
Affairs and stop in the lobby of the VA Hospital, go into the ward of a
medical center and talk to veterans, and almost without fail you and those
whom you and I represent will say to me, "I believe I have the best doctor.
I believe I have the best nurse. I believe I have the best technicians. I am
fine. I am not sure I could speak for Joe down at the other end, but I am
fine."
You and I know what that means. First of all, I like to believe it is
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true. I think it is. We also know that each of us believes It. We must get
the best medical care. We assume our doctor is the best. That's
understandable. By the same token, I can speak to two or three of that
same group and say, "Well, are there any other concerns?"
He or she will say to me, "Well, I have this claim for benefits and
it is not being handled properly." I say that, not to voice a word of criticism
of any of our employees at the Veterans Administration. You and I know
that like other VA employees they are among the most dedicated, most
competent employees of the federal government.
Indeed, of all the members of the federal government I have met,
they come to work every day feeling that what they do is vitally important
and believing that they bring improvement to the lives of those with whom
they deal.
Now, I mentioned the claims process to remind myself and you,
and all of us, of something that you and your veterans know that when
claims are not being processed effectively, it affects our veterans as vitally
as anything else in their lives. This Department of Veterans Affairs must be
sensitive to that.
So our new Under Secretary for Veterans Benefits, Bill Thompson,
has already committed himself to a series of changes of improvements
designed, first of all, for speed and then to provide accuracy. A word about
speed. Over the time of my adulthood, I have spent a number of years in
government service and I am proud of it. I am trained as a lawyer.
We have a saying in the profession in which I have practiced in
private practice a number of years, is thatjustice delayed isjustice denied.
By that same token, every day that your Department of Veterans Affairs
does not act upon a claim, does not provide a final result to a veteran, that
is in effect a denial for each of those days when the veteran is not receiving
his or her benefits.
We, in the Department, must respond to that. If we do, then it will
be a very well-received change, indeed, I suspect. There is more. It doesn't
do our veterans, those of you that I represent, those you represent and
whom I serve, any good to get a speedy answer if the answer is wrong.
So as important as improving speed, you must be getting it right the
first time. The best service connection you can render to a veteran on a
claim is to get it right the first time. The time lost on appeals and hearings
and reconsiderations, that is once again time lost to the veteran in which
for all practical purposes the claim, because it has not been granted, is
denied for that day.
I know about that, it relates back, that once granted it relates back
to the claim. But for every day of delay, we have harmed a veteran. Your
Department will improve on that record as part of the changes underway
looking towards the new millennium.
One further thing about what you and I should expect from the VA
in the months and years ahead. There is much said about the idea of one
VA. I embrace the idea. You ask what it means to the veteran on a daily
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basis who walks into a VA facility expecting, because it says on the door
outside the word "veteran", that in that facility he or she will be welcomed.
From that facility, he or she will be helped, will find some good
things done for them. I expect the veteran doesn't care quite as much
about whether it says medical center, regional office or outpatient clinic.
He or she cares more about the fact it says veterans.
So, I think one VA should mean that it should be wherever a
veteran enters a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether he
has come to the right place or not, that he should not leave that place
without a feeling that something has happened to advance his cause.
Did he come to the wrong location? Perhaps instead of saying,
"You are in the wrong place," we need to say, "Let us get you to the right
place." Is he there without an appointment? Then perhaps we can make
one. Change the rules.
The point is this: veterans don't have time to waste. They have
given so much in service to the nation, so we in this Department, when we
have a veteran in our presence, must use those valuable moments to be of
help, and we will.
When I was Secretary of the Army, I had a great honor, and that
was to participate with you, the President, leaders of this nation and other
nations, in observing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of World War
II. It was a moving time for this nation and for the world.
Most of America saw it on cable TV and national TV. Many
veterans got to live it again. It was a way of assuring that this nation, this
world, would have some grasp of what was meant by the Army Sergeant
who traveled with me during part of those commemorations on my plane.
He was Sergeant Walter Eller. Sergeant Eller is no longer on active
duty. He went with me and a group of veterans. He served in World War
II and received the Medal of Honor for his service. We traveled back to the
scene of his service. He lived those times.
He wrote out his thoughts about what that time should mean to
America. He said in part these words: "Now as newsreels and photographs
from that era are flooded upon us and upon our media, it is important for
us to remember that it really happened. Today is history, but yesterday it
was real. We, the generation who lived it," he said, "the generation who
have learned of it firsthand must ensure that our heirs understand that their
world was not always free, that the privileges and rights they take for
granted today were bought and paid for by a generation of Americans who
gave everything they and all too often everything they were to proclaim a
world.
"The cost," said Sergeant Eller, "was high, but the victory was
priceless." I have been reminded of those words over and over again. Even
as I say them to you, they bring back to me the scenes of those times as we
returned to Europe 50 years later.
I visited the American Cemetery in Italy, the one that is about an
hour's ride outside of Rome, you know of it. There are buried the American
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dead of the Roman Sicily campaign; there are those beautifully kept green
hills, marked row upon row of white crosses and Stars of David. Now
71,000 Americans of that campaign are buried there.
Three thousand names of Americans missing in action are
inscribed on the walls of the memorial there at that cemetery. Twenty-one
sets of brothers are buried there; two sets of twins side by side. Twenty
American women are buried there.
I am even more reminded of that scene and all that it means to this
nation, and it has meant to the world in terms of the sacrifices and the
services of honor your members who left families so that other families
might remain together. By recent events, two views, one by the producer
of that movie "Saving Private Ryan", Steven Spielberg, he actually said in
an interview after it, "If the best thing that happens with that movie is that
someone who has seen it is driving past a Veterans' Memorial Cemetery."
Those were Spielberg's words, a Veterans' Cemetery, "looks over
and sees the markers and dwells for a moment on why they are there and
the sacrifice that they made and who we are as a nation, and how much
we owe to them for their sacrifice."
Then says Spielberg, "That film would have done all that I could
have hoped for." I say, "Bravo, Mr. Spielberg." There is another duty
expressed by a woman in Tennessee. I read her letter to the editor. She
identified herself as the wife of a World War II veteran.
She said they had just come from seeing "Saving Private Ryan."
She said and she wrote these words, "I started weeping from the beginning.
I never stopped. I wept for the dead, I wept for those who came back. I
wept for their families, I wept for the part of my husband I will never know,
that families will never see again."
She wrote that as they left the movie she and her husband, there
was not a single word between them. They drove home in silence. When
they got home, they were silent for much of the evening, broken by only
one comment from him. At one point he said to her, "Welcome to my
world."
She told in her letter about how she had gone to one of her first
veterans' parades in a large city in America. I will not name it. She was
struck by the fact it was so poorly attended and in a state that regularly
turned out thousands for entertainment. She was saddened, not
embittered, saddened.
Then she concluded her letter with these words, words not to you,
to all Americans about you. She said, "See the movie "Saving Private Ryan.'
Visit a veterans' cemetery. Pause when you pass the American flag and
pray for world peace. But most of all," she wrote, "think of the veterans
because he or she gave up a part of his or her soul for every one of us."
My duty is to say to you today that even as Americans feel
comfortable with their peaceful status, their secure status here in the North
American Continent, there are those who will insist that America
remember, remember your service and service of all the veterans who went
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abroad for this nation.
Remember the services of all 41 million veterans who have served
this nation over her life, 26 million of whom still live. Voices who will
remind America, as did President Clinton a few short years ago speaking of
our veterans of World War II, "They may be old as you look at them today,
but in their youth they saved the world."
It is my duty to remind you that there will be Americans who will
insist that we all remember, because if we forget, then this nation will lose
her soul. You and I and all American veterans will never let that happen.
God bless you for that service to America.
God bless you for the service that over two and a quarter centuries
has kept this nation strong and free and vital. It gives us a future that looks
forward to that new millennium bravely and proudly. God bless you for
the fact that Americans stand taller today for the flag flies bravely across the
globe, and across the globe there are those who look to America for
leadership.
God bless all who love you and to whom you love. God bless all
who have served this nation in uniform today, and the colors of their
respective services, but under one Star-Spangled Banner. On this day, in
your convention here in lovely San Antonio, and many set conventions to
come, whether good times or times of social or economic challenge,
whether at peace for which we all pray or if we be at war, may God bless
well the dear and ultimation to which you and all veterans have given your
sacrifice and which our men and women today give their service and to
which they, you and I, and indeed all of us give our love. Thank you and
God bless you all. (Applause)
PRESENTATION BY THE PACTO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time I will call to the
podium Assad Allie, Chairman of the Political Action Committee.
COMRADE ASSAD ALLIE: Commander-in-Chief, will you stand
up here at the mike. I have been given the honor and privilege of making
a presentation to our Commander-in-Chief from the Board of Directors of
the Political Action Committee, which is the American Eagle, the highest
award that we do, in fact, give to our Commander. Congratulations,
Commander-in-Chief John Moon.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE ED BANAS (Post 10004 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I believe that a resolution was somewhat
misunderstood by the delegates to this convention, and that this resolution
could effectively force our organization to a third year in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. That resolution is 203.
I make a motion that it be reconsidered and I did vote on the
prevailing side.
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COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The chair recognizes
Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE RAY LUPO (Post 1761 - Maine): I will second that
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion and there is
a second on the floor for reconsideration of Resolution 203. We must vote
beforehand on the reconsideration. All those in favor of reconsideration
will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed to reconsideration signify by
saying "no". The "nays" have it. It is not to be reconsidered. Thank you.
Is there any further discussion from Microphone No. 1,
Microphone No. 2, Microphone No. 3?
At this time we will call forward for the last procedure of the day,
the Insurance Drawings.
(Whereupon, the Insurance Drawings were held at this time.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
you will prepare the room for recess until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
(Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was had followed by the
Benediction by National Chaplain Dean Derieg according to the Ritual.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Ceremonies have been performed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. We are in recess.
(Whereupon, the meeting was recessed at 11 :50 o'clock a.m.)
THIRD BUSINESS SESSION
WEDNESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 2, 1998
(The Third Business Session of the 99th National Convention of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at
9:00 o'clock a.m., by Commander-in-Chief Moon.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
prepare the room for the Opening Session.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Yes, sir.
(Whereupon, National Sergeant-at-Arms Hoffman led the
assembly in the Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, and
National Chaplain Dean Derieg gave the Opening Prayer from the Ritual.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The first order of business this
morning will be the Report of the Credentials Committee. The Chairman is
Richard Trombla.
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REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174 - Kansas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief Moon, this is a temporary report. As of 4:00 o'clock
yesterday, there were 13,091 delegates; 54 Department Commanders; 26
F^st Commanders-in-Chief; 36 National Officers. That is for a total of
13,207. That is as of 4:00 o'clock yesterday. Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, this is a temporary report.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much,
Credentials Chairman.
PRESENTATION OF THE VFW ARMED FORCES AWARD,
// GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: This morning I am very
pleased to present the VFW Armed Forces Award to an organization which
has served our nation with unparalleled professionalism.
Since it was established, the National Guard Units have fought
with honor in all major U.S. military operations from 1637 to the present.
Both the Air National Guard and Army National Guard continue to perform
their dual mission, providing well-trained, well-equipped units to the states
to help fellow citizens.
During natural disasters and emergencies, a part of the nation's
total force, the Guard provides the same well-trained units to defend the
United States.
The Army National Guard has units in 2,700 communities in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Air National Guard has 88 flying units and more than 1 70 installations
nationwide.
Besides serving our country, the National Guard conducts many
youth programs aimed toward "at-risk" children. Programs like "Starbase",
a program for youths and Grades K-1 2, which exposes inner-city schools to
real world applications of math and science.
"Challenge" is another fine program that guides children in the
direction of academic excellence, community service, leadership, and
much more. Similar to "Challenge" is "Youth Conservation Corps", a six-
week residential program conducted at National Guard Bases.
It is with a great deal of pride and a deep sense of honor that the
Veterans of Foreign Wars presents its Armed Forces Award to the men and
women of the Army and Air National Guard for their dedication and
unwavering sense of mission.
Here to accept this award on their behalf is the Executive Director
of the National Guard Association, Major General Edward Philbin.
The award reads in part, "National Armed Forces Award, Gold
Medal and Citation awarded to Army and Air National Guard.
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"In special recognition of the unprecedented dedication exhibited
by the men and women of the Army and Air National Guard as the perform
their dual mission of participating in U.S. military operations to protect our
freedom as we know it today and providing well-trained and well-
equipped units to help fellow citizens during natural disasters and
emergencies, and in grateful appreciation of the many youth programs
such as Starbase, Challenge and the Youth Conservation Corps, sponsored
and conducted by the Guardsmen.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 2nd
day of September, 1998." It has been signed by John E. Moon,
Commander-in-Chief, and Larry Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - GENERAL EDWARD PHILBIN
GENERAL PHILBIN: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief Moon.
Fellow Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
Ladies and Gentlemen: Since 1636, the militia now designated as the
Army and Air National Guard in the United States has been an active
participant in any conflict in which this nation has been engaged.
Consequently, the members of this great organization, the
members of the National Guard Association of the United States are bound
together by ties of history, dedicated service and bloody sacrifices. It is
because of this close relationship that I accept with most sincere and deep
appreciation the 1998 Veterans of Foreign Wars Armed Forces Award for
outstanding contributions to the national security on behalf of the half
million soldiers and airmen of the Army and International Guard of the
United States.
We are honored by your recognition of our efforts and we pledge
to you that we shall continue to respond to critical national, stale and
community needs as we have done for over three and one-half centuries.
I sincerely thank you, and I salute you and your organization that still
remembers the real meaning of those three words: duty, honor and country.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Along with the award, we
want to present to the National Guard Educational Foundation an
honorarium in the amount of $5,000. General, will you please make the
presentation for us.
I would call forward the National Veterans Service Committee for
their report. George Cramer is Chairman and Ted Connell is Vice-
Chairman.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Good
morning. Commander-in-Chief Moon and delegates to this 99th National
Convention, I report that your Convention Committee on Veterans Service
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Resolutions convened at 1:00 o'clock Sunday, August 30, 1998. The
instructions were read and roll call and preliminary matters were
discussed.
The committee was divided into three subcommittees to carefully
delibef^ate the 91 resolutions that were assigned to this committee. The
subcommittees were established as follows: Subcommittee 1, Medical
Programs for Veterans Benefits and Entitlements, chaired by Tom Hansen
from Minnesota. The Vice-Chairman was Les Brow from Texas. The Staff
Advisors were Jim Jewell, Assistant Director of Veterans Health Policy,
National Veterans Service, and Sid Daniels, Deputy Director of Legislative
Services, and Bill Frasure, Special Assistant, National Legislative Service.
Subcommittee 2 was Employment, chaired by Walter Luksta of
Illinois, and Vice-Chaired by Bernie Boyle from Wisconsin. The Staff
Advisors were Jim Magill, Director of Veterans Employment, and Valerie
Callaway, Special Assistant to Veterans Employment.
Subcommittee 3 was Other Benefits. It was chaired by Melvin
Garrett from New York, and Vice-Chairman was Ray O'Neill from
Michigan. The Staff Advisors were John McNeill, Assistant Director of
Veterans Benefits Policies, Bob Manhan, Assistant Director of National
Legislative Services, and Jim Vaughn, Appeals Director of National Veterans
Service.
Before proceeding to report, I wish to take a moment to express the
committee's appreciation to Fred Juarbe, Director of National Veterans
Service, Jim Magill, and the other people in our Washington Office that
helped us provide this valuable information.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Past Commander-in-
Chief Ted Connell from Texas for serving as Vice-Chairman of this very
Important Convention Committee.
Commander, with your permission, I will begin the committee's
report by presenting those resolutions that we recommended for approval.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I thank you. Past Commander-
in-Chief Cramer, for yielding at this time.
PRESENTATION OF VFW JAMES E. VAN ZANDT CITIZENSHIP AWARD.
GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades, in 1986, Congress
authorized the construction of a Memorial in Washington, D.C., that would
be a lasting tribute to the women who have served or are serving in our
nation's armed forces.
Last October, at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery and two
years after ground breaking, the Women in Military Service to America
Memorial was dedicated.
When one considers that almost two million women have served
in the United States military throughout our history, from the American
Revolutions through Operation Desert Storm, it is most fitting that such a
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memorial be erected not only as a memorial to those events but to the
noble women who served their country.
The contribution of women to national security throughout our
nation's history deserves the recognition which General Vaught has worked
for.
Such a memorial serves to remind each of us, young and old, man
and woman, and especially children that freedom must be guarded.
Freedom does have a price, it is not free. Protecting our freedom calls for
responsible citizenship. General Vaught's vision and commitment to
building the Women in Military Service for America Memorial serves as an
inspiration to all of us.
This morning we are pleased to present the VFW James E. Van
Zandt Citizenship Award to Retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma
Vaught for her vision and significant contribution to the spirit of service and
citizenship to our country.
Please join me in a very warm welcome for a fellow VFW member
and the President of the Women's Memorial, Brigadier General Wilma
Vaught. I might add there is a check in the amount of $5,000 payable to
the Women in Military Service Memorial.
General Vaught.
RESPONSE - GENERAL WILMA VAUGHT
GENERAL VAUGHT: Thank you. I am honored to be here and I
was honored this past October when John Moon and Larry Sear were there
for the dedication of the memorial, and I thank you for being here.
As I look back over what we have done, it seems to me that a
memorial or a monument at its best should pay tribute to the past, be
relevant to the present, and be an inspiration to the future. You work on
these things and you finally get them erected, and you wonder did I really
succeed in doing this?
Just the other day I received a letter from an Air Force Major that I
want to share with you, because it says that I believe we have succeeded.
She wrote, "Participating in the dedication day and the candlelight march
was the highlight of my military career. Saying thank you just doesn't seem
to be adequate, so I thought I would tell youjust what the memorial means
to me.
"I am a member of the United States Air Force Reserve Nurse
Corps. I have 15 years total active service time with nearly eight years
active duty. I have greatly enjoyed my military career over the years. Over
the past four years, however, I have constantly struggled to balance the
demands of a full-timejob, raising my family and my Reserve IMA position.
"Many times it would have been easier for me tojust give up the
Reserves. Every time I started to feel overwhelmed, I would receive a
newsletter or other communication from the Memorial Foundation. It
would remind me of all the women that have gone before me and all the
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women that are traveling the path with me now. Countless times, the
Memorial has inspired me to go on with my military career.
"Dedication Day was truly inspiring because I talked with so many
women who did not have the opportunities that I do. I hear their voices of
encouragement now when I am tempted to give up. The week after
Dedication Day, I reported for medical red flag chemical warfare training
at my assigned base. The training was intense and grueling, and I was glad
it was over for another year.
"At the end of the day, we had a Retreat Flag Ceremony. I watched
the faces of the young women in the color guard as they lowered the flag
and reverently folded it before handing it to the troop commander. Their
faces expressed so eloquently love and dedication to service.
"I realized at that moment that I had seen the same expressions in
the faces of the thousands of women who had attended the dedication
event. I saw in the faces of those women all the things that the Women's
Memorial stands for. For a brief moment in time, I was one with all the
military women that have gone before me, all that are presently serving
with me, and all that will serve in the future. It is a privilege to serve with
them and honor their service by supporting the Memorial."
I looked at what we have done, what we are doing and what we
must do. We have built the Memorial and we are finished with the exhibits
and everything and it will be at a cost of about $22 million, and we have
made the main gate at Arlington Cemetery something that is a tribute to
every man and woman who has ever served in the military. It doesn't look
like a disgrace anymore.
We have formed a book publishing company and with dedication
we have published our first book called "The Defense of a Nation -
Servicewomen in World War II." This is a definitive history of the women
who served in World War II, who changed the world for women.
One thing I would suggest to you, we have copies of this book in
our booth here at the Exhibit Hall. Buy this book. Put it in the library. It
is twenty bucks, and I will sell one to John Moon. I will give it to John
Moon for twenty dollars. It is sold. Thank you, John.
We got congressional approval of a coin, the fourth in the history
of our country, to honor women. We convinced the Postmaster General
Marvin Runyon to issue a stamp concurrent with the dedication that
honored the women. If you have not seen that stamp, devil your post office
to death until they get it.
We opened the first store to sell things for military women,
servicewomen of today and veterans. We are helping veterans. We are not
a veterans service organization, but if we get a request to help we do that.
We are a voice on military women's issues.
I congratulate the VFW today for voting day before yesterday to
support women while taking a different position, and it has historically
been true on the issue of women in combat and the general training. I
thank you for that.
136
We have generated visibility of women veterans and
servicewomen. What are we doing now? Well, we are trying to get all our
records up to date and get all those women in service put in, standing
pictures. We are entering the registration.
We are learning to operate the Memorial seven days a week and
open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are working to
raise money, because, unfortunately, we ended up with a debt of about $5
million and we are working to pay that off. I want to thank the VFW for its
donation thus far of $117,812, and I would hope to see you come up to
$150,000 at which point we are going to put your name on one of the
exhibit alcoves.
The Auxiliary is up to $138,000 now. But your name, the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, is right now on our donor recognition hall in the
Memorial. I hope when you come to visit you will see it there. We have
got to equip the theater yet.
We have got to find the women that are not registered, and there
are so many. There are about 1 .6 million that we have not found out about
and have not registered. We are doing things to keep the Memorial alive,
having programs there and doing a variety of things so that it just doesn't
sit there and become uninteresting for people. So that is what we are
doing.
I hope you will continue to register women. I hope you will
continue to spread the word about the Memorial. Ten minutes ago, over
here in the Health Fair, I talked to a young woman in the Air Force who had
never heard of the Memorial, and that happens to me more times than I
would like to admit.
Back in about 1989, I received a registration from an Army Nurse
who had served in World War II. She gave me a charge that I carry with
me and I will carry with me until the Memorial is paid for. She wrote, and
this is on one of the glass tablets in the skylight of the Memorial: "Let the
generations know that the women in uniform also guaranteed their
freedom that our resolve was just as great as the brave men who stood
among us, and with victory our hearts were just as full and beat just as fast,
that the tears fell just as hard for those that we left behind us."
That has been my charge with the Memorial, to let the generations
know that the women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom. Come
and visit the Memorial. You will see that through the films, through the
exhibits, through the many things we are doing and through this book and
the others that we will publish from time to time, that we are letting the
generations know.
Thank you for this donation. We will put it to work, and thank you
for honoring me. When you honor me, you don't honor me, you honor
every woman who has served this nation so well always as a volunteer.
Thank you.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
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COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: If I may at this time, F^t Potter,
F^st National Surgeon General, please come forward to the mike.
PAST NATIONAL SURGEON POTTER: Thank you, Commander.
The women veterans of the VFW for the last eight to ten years have been
getting together annually for a luncheon at the early part of the convention.
We did so on Monday. There were 1 7 of us that got the word and we were
there.
At this time, on behalf of the women veterans of America, I would
like to present the General with a monetary donation for the Memorial. I
would like to also at this time challenge every woman veteran here to
contribute to this monetary donation to make sure your name is enrolled
with them.
If you would like to be on the mailing list for the luncheon, I am
in the Pennsylvania delegation. Stop and give me your name and I will see
that you get word ahead of time for the next convention. Thank you.
Commander.
PRESENTATION OF THE VFW HALL OF FAME AWARD,
GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We are indeed honored to
present this morning our VFW Hall of Fame Award to a man who is not
only a respected actor and playwright, but a fellow veteran who
experienced heavy combat during 11 months in Vietnam with a
reconnaissance unit.
Dennis Franz has unselfishly given his time to serve as the National
Chairman of the 1998 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.
The National Salute was established as an official VA program in
March, 1978, to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized
veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA Medical
Center, and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to
become involved as volunteers.
A graduate of Southern Illinois University, with a degree in Speech
and Drama, Mr. Franz has developed an exceptional career as an actor.
He is currently playing the role of Detective Andy Sipowicz on the
TV show "NYPD Blue" and previously played Lieutenant Buntz on the
show "Hill Street Blues."
Mr. Franz has also starred in numerous movies like "Sea of Angels"
in 1998, and received critical acclaim for appearing alongside Dustin
Hoffman in "American Buffalo" in 1996.
He resides in Bel Air, California, with his wife, Joanie Zeck, and
their two children, Krista and Tricia.
Ladies and gentlemen, comrades and sisters, please join me in a
warm VFW welcome for a great American and fellow veteran, the 1998
VFV\/ Hall of Fame Award recipient, Dennis Franz.
"Hall of Fame Award, Gold Medal and Citation presented to
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Dennis Franz.
"In special recognition of his exceptional career as an actor having
appeared in numerous movies and currently portraying Detective Andy
Sipowicz on the television shov\/ 'NYPD Blue' and in sincere appreciation
of his continued visits to hospitalized veterans and his being named
National Chairman of the 1998 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.
A Vietnam veteran himself, his continued dedication to our hospitalized
veterans serves as an inspiration to us all.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 2nd
day of September, 1998." It has been signed by John E. Moon,
Commander-in-Chief, and Larry Rivers, Adjutant General.
The honorarium for $5,000, Mr. Franz asked to be made payable
to the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Fund. We thank you very
much.
RESPONSE - MR. DENNIS FRANZ
MR. FRANZ: 60855265, eight numbers given 30 years ago that
would forever be ingrained in this head. As my alter ego, Andy Sipowicz,
on NYPD would say, "I am damn proud of those numbers." What an honor
to join the likes of George Forman, Ross Perot, Eunice Kennedy Shriver,
Walter Peyton, Loretta Swit, Peter Graves, my friend Charles Durning and
George Halas, the owner of my favorite football team, the Chicago Bears.
Well, we all have our opinion. As a veteran that holds special meaning in
that it comes from those who also served.
After a tour of Vietnam, I left the armed forces with a great deal of
pride and determination, determination to pursue what I loved doing most
and that was acting. Over the years I have had some luck. I found some
success and now the word "celebrity" is attached to my name, and that
word can be a funny thing.
I have found that it allows me to help others in a variety of ways,
one of which was to serve as the 1 998 Chairman for Hospitalized Veterans.
I am very honored and touched to receive the 1998 Veterans of Foreign
Wars Hall of Fame and I thank you very, very much.
PRESENTATION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S GOLD MEDAL AND
CITATION
TO DR. SAMUEL LIN
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I am most pleased this
morning to present the VFW Gold Medal of Merit to Dr. Samuel Lin. Dr.
Lin received his M.D. and his Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oregon
Health Sciences Center. He began his professional career as a
commissioned officer in the Public Health Service of the United States
Department of Health and Human Services. From dedication and
<139
diligence, he progressed through the ranks from ensign to rear admiral in
nine years.
Upon his retirement from federal service, he joined the Upjohn
Company, now Pharmacia and Upjohn, Inc., as Executive Director for
Federal Medical Affairs.
In his current position. Dr. Lin has been instrumental over the past
two years in securing financial support from Pharmacia and Upjohn to
fund the Veterans of Foreign Wars' health education and screening efforts
at our Washington Conferences and Conventions, including this on today.
In keeping with his commitment to promote better health among
veterans, Dr. Lin played a key role in securing the support of other
pharmaceutical companies and organizations, such as the American
Foundation for Urologic Disease and American Diabetes Association in
support of the VFW Health Fairs.
Dr. Lin has demonstrated himself to be a true ally of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars and a dedicated servant of our nation's veterans. Please
join me this morning in welcoming a true veterans' advocate. Dr. Samuel
Lin.
"Gold Medal of Merit and this Citation awarded to Samuel Lin,
M.D., Ph.D.
"In special recognition of and sincere appreciation for his personal
involvement over several years in promoting better health among veterans
through health education and screening projects sponsored by the Veterans
of Foreign Wars of the United States."
This award is given the 2nd day of September, 1 998, and signed by
John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant
General.
RESPONSE - DR. SAMUEL LIN
DR. LIN: Commander-in-Chief Moon, better known as John, thank
you, sir. Thank you, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, for this wonderful award and recognition. On behalf of Pharmacia
and Upjohn, I am honored to accept this magnificent recognition from the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
For the past two years, as Commander John has already said, it has
been our privilege to have worked alongside your leadership in
establishing benefit screens and health educational programs at your
national meetings and that you have heard of the participation of the
American Foundation for Urological Diseases. We began this partnership
targeting issues of concern, such as prostate, bladder and erectile
dysfunction.
This year will be added to the American Diabetes Association. We
added issues with regards to diabetes and its complications. I would like
to add that also this year for the first time we had the pleasure and the
honor and opportunity to work with the Ladies Auxiliary in providing a
140
similar set of programs.
Through this partnership, I have become truly impressed with how
much your leadership really cares about your physical, mental and social
well-being. We have all learned together through these cooperative
endeavors. While these efforts have been at the national level, we are
looking together at establishing similar procedures for Post members at the
local level and will be working on pilot projects in the very near future.
We think you will be pleased.
As a final word, I would like to encourage you to attend the
preventive health sessions this afternoon in Fiesta E from 1:00 to 3:00
o'clock, covering the issues of diabetes, prostate, bladder and erectile
dysfunction. I challenge you to enable yourself to be in charge of your own
health by learning more about these conditions and how you can prevent
them or reduce their negative consequences on the quality of your life.
Our hope is for you to become a full partner with your health
provider in your own health care and that of your families. That is our
encouragement to you.
Once again. Commander Moon, the VFW, thank you for this
recognition and we will see you next year at the big 100.
PRESENTATION OF VFW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AND
CITATION
TO JOSEPH D. ROSS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The success of the VFW has
always been based on the hard work and dedication of our members. They
are the ones who recruit the new members, they are the ones who get out
and make our programs successful and they are the ones who set the
course this organization will follow. But we do have some people we can
turn to now and then for support, the VFW national staff, in the Kansas City
Headquarters, and the Washington, D.C. office.
Our next guest came to work at the VFW Headquarters in July,
1981, soon after retiring from a 21 -year career in the United States Navy.
He earned his Navy Air Crew wings while assigned to anti-submarine
warfare operations.
At the VFW National Headquarters, he worked in several positions:
National Safety Director, Post Development Director, and finally. National
Convention Director.
In everything he has done, Joe Ross has advanced the goals and
objectives of this organization, and we will certainly miss him in the future.
Please join me in giving a warm VFW welcome to Joe Ross as we
present him with the VFW Distinguished Service Award. The award reads
in part, "In sincere appreciation and grateful recognition of 17 years of
unselfish service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as a
dedicated worker and gifted professional fulfilling with unquestionable
integrity and expertise the duties and responsibilities of the offices of
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Assistant Director, Post and Program Development; Director, Post
Development and Safety; and National Convention Director."
This has been signed this 2nd of September, 1998, by John E.
Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
Congratulations to you, Joe.
RESPONSE - COMRADE JOSEPH ROSS
COMRADE ROSS: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief Moon. I
would like to just take a couple of moments and say a few things. I owe
an awful lot of thanks to an awful lot of people and I would like to start out
with my Department, the Department of Illinois, the 19th District, and my
Post 2048. They have stood by me and backed me through all 1 7 years.
I would like to add a few things traveling this country, working with
many of you Departments. I want to thank the comrades and sisters for
their hospitalities and their friendship they have shown me. Most of all, I
would like to say one thing, there is no director in any national program
that is not successful without the help of you, comrades, the feedback that
we get at National Headquarters.
Those are the programs that are instituted, that work the best, and
it is the grass roots that make them successful. I am quite sure that as we
go towards the 21st Century that the leadership of this organization will be
better and better and better. I say that because of the young veterans that
will take the helm of this organization it will continue to grow.
I would like to say one last thing and one last thank you, and if it
wasn't for my lovely wife, Judy, a Life Member of our Auxiliary standing by
me at all times, I am quite sure I couldn't make it. She did say one thing,
"It is surely fun this year, Joe."
This is the best convention we have been at. Nobody calls at 3:00
or 4:00 o'clock in the morning to complain. Thank you, God bless you, and
I just want to let you all know I might be retiring from the national staff but
I am just falling back in the ranks of all you good comrades. Thank you.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We will now have the
Chairman of the Veterans Service Committee to continue with his report.
Past Commander-in-Chief George Cramer.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE
RESOLUTIONS (CONT'D.)
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief and delegates to this convention. I will now proceed
with reading the resolutions that were recommended for adoption. Past
Commander-in-Chief Ted Connell will then proceed to report to you the
resolutions recommended for adoption as amended, and then I will
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conclude by reading those resolutions that we recommend for rejection.
Approved as written: Resolution 602, Adequately Fund The
Veterans Health Care System Construction Program.
Resolution 603, The Department Of Veterans Affairs Budget.
Resolution 604, Amend The Uniformed Services Former Spouses'
Protection Act.
No. 605, Concurrent Receipt Of Retirement Pay And Veterans
Disability Compensation.
No. 607, Exclude Guard And Reserve Income When Determining
Eligibility For Unemployment Insurance.
No. 609, Federal Employees Health Benefit Program For Military
Retirees.
No. 611, Support Development Of On-The-Job Training Program
For Recently Separated Veterans.
No. 613, Entitlement To Nursing Home Care.
No. 616, Improved VA Hospital Facilities For Women Veterans.
Resolution 620, Benefits For Filipino Veterans And Scouts Who
Served With The United States Armed Forces During World War II.
No. 621, Cost-Of-Living Increase ForVA Beneficiaries And Military
Retirees.
No. 622, VA Medicare Subvention.
No. 625, Support For Persian Gulf War Veterans.
Resolution 628, Retain Employment Assistance For Veterans And
Disabled Veterans.
No. 629, Funding Of National Veterans' Training Institute.
No. 633, Tobacco Industry Settlement And Veterans Health Care.
No. 636, Gulf War Undiagnosed Illnesses.
No. 637, Support Legislation Providing Additional Benefits And
Services To Vietnam Veterans Children With Spina Bifida.
No. 638, Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan.
No. 648, Naturalization Process For Filipino Veterans of World
War II.
No. 653, Benefits ForSaipan Marine Scouts Who Fought Alongside
U.S. Forces During World War II Battle of Saipan.
No. 655, Amend 38 USC To Include Service Connection For
Chronic Peripheral Neurapathy As A Result Of Exposure To Agent Orange.
No. 667, Preservation Of The National Soldiers' Home Located At
The VA Medical Center, West Los Angeles.
These resolutions were submitted by the Commander-in-Chief for
submission to this convention. Since the resolutions are not listed in your
Schedule of Resolutions, I will read the title and the resolved of each of
these resolutions.
Resolution 686, Research On The Health Effects Of Depleted
Uranium And Implementation Of An Education And Safety Training
Program For All Ground Troops.
"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars request the
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Secretary of Defense immediately direct and verify the full implementation
of the Depleted Uranium training program; and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an independent, non-profit
scientific organization, under federal contract from the Department of
Veterans Affairs, conduct appropriate studies regarding the health effects of
DU, for the purpose of issuing a comprehensive report identifying the
health effects related to use of DU."
Resolution No. 687, Transition Housing Loans For Homeless
Veterans.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States to urge Congress to initiate legislation allowing VA to
underwrite/guarantee, on a limited basis, selected commercial loans made
to non-profit organizations to construct and maintain selected multi-family
transitional housing exclusively for use by veterans and their dependents;
and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this legislation must require the
participating non-profit housing organizations to closely and continuously
coordinate their efforts on behalf of homeless veterans with VA, as well as
state and local housing authorities, to share technical expertise and to
avoid wasting time and resources on competing services and overlapping
efforts."
Resolution No. 688, Service Connection For Hearing Loss And
Tinnitus For Combat Veterans.
"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars request
Congress to enact legislation that will authorize the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to grant service connection to veterans with documented combat
service and who have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus at any
time after discharge from military service."
Resolution No. 689, Cost Will Never Be A Factor For Veterans'
Entitlements.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars that we
correspond forcefully to Congress and the President that never again can
veterans' entitlements be negotiated based on solely economic factors."
Resolution No. 690, Specially Adapted Housing Allowance.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, that we seek
legislation to amend 38 U.S.C, Section 2102, to allow a veteran to quality
for a second allowance not to exceed 50 percent of the maximum amount
authorized under 38 U.S.C, Section 2101, to be used to modify a second
personal residence which economic value does not exceed the previously
adapted residence, and which can be applied for only after five years has
expired from the original allowance."
Resolution No. 691, Refer Veterans To Veterans Service
Organizations Representatives.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the Secretary of Veterans Affairs establish a policy
whereby all veterans that seek VA medical care or inquire about other
144
entitlements be informed that Veterans Service Organization
representatives are available for assistance with these matters."
Comrade Commander-in-Chief and delegates to the 99th National
Convention, I move for the adoption of these stated resolutions.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion is in order. Is there
a second?
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CONNELL: Past Commander-in-
Chief Ted Conneli seconds the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been duly
made and seconded. I will call for discussion. Are there any requests for
any of those resolutions to be set aside? Microphone 1, Microphone 2,
Microphone 3? Seeing none, we will call for a vote.
All those in favor — I am sorry. We will go to Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE DAVID FORD (Post 8852 - Louisiana): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I would like to make a motion that we set aside
Resolution 626 for discussion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Resolution 626 has not been
recommended for approval at this time as it is written, so it has not been a
part of those that have been recommended for approval.
Microphone No. 1, Microphone No. 2, Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE TIMOTHY SMITH (Post 1733 - Tennessee): I would
like to have set aside Resolution No. 625.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Could you please clarify it,
625?
COMRADE TIMOTHY SMITH (Post 1733 - Tennessee): Yes, No.
625.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Resolution 625 has been
requested to be set aside. Resolution 625 is set aside. Are there any other
requests for set asides? Hearing no discussion, we will call for a vote. All
those in favor of the resolutions proposed to be adopted will signify by
saying "aye"; all opposed will signify by saying "no". The motion carries.
I would ask at this time that the chairman come forward and read
the intent of Resolution 625.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The intent of this
resolution Is to ensure all veterans affected by their service during the
Persian Gulf War are properly treated and compensated.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I look to Microphone No. 3.
You have asked that this be set aside. Actually, it is in your hands.
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE TIMOTHY SMITH (Post 1733 - Tennessee): The
Chairman just clarified that for me. All I really wanted to hear, coming
straight from the horse's mouth, is that the Persian Gulf veterans are not
getting anything from the VA or otherwise.
I would like to ask that the VFW, being the number one veterans'
organization in the world, to lobby Congress, the President and Secretary
West of the Veterans Administration to better assist all Persian Gulf veterans
145
and their families. Like I said, the Chairmanjust clarified that resolution for
me and I would like to move that it be accepted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: All in favor of adopting
Resolution No. 625, please say "aye"; all opposed "no". Those resolutions,
including No. 625, are adopted.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CONNELL: Next, we wish to
bring to your attention the following, which were approved as amended. I
would say our thanks to the staff for an excellentjob of never rewriting, but
sometimes changing the language but not the meaning of the resolution.
We first approach Resolution 601 , Sexual Trauma Treatment For All
Veterans. Unless somebody objects, I will call the number instead of the
title.
Nos. 606, 608, 612, 614, 618, 619, 623, 624, 626, 630, 631, 632,
634 635, 639, 644, 645, 646, 650, 654, 661, 663, 671, and the next
resolution was transferred to our committee after your Schedule of
Resolutions were printed. So I will read the title and then the "resolved."
The number is 683. And the title is The Future Of Pershing Hall.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we oppose any change in present regulations covering this property
that would permit its outright sale and therefore violate the original
purpose of the acquisition of the property, including its original objective,
that of a memorial."
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I move these be approved, as
amended.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been properly
made. Is there a second?
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF GEORGE CRAMER: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, George Cramer, Post 6869, North Riverside, Illinois,
I second the motion, with the exception of Resolution 663 that was
inadvertently typed on the sheet, approved as amended, and the
committee's recommendation is to have it rejected. So except for 663, I
would second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: May I bring the maker back?
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CONNELL: I will revise the
motion as stated.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion and second are
now in order. As to those that were read as amended, are there any
questions at Microphone 1, Microphone 2, Microphone 3? Seeing none,
we will call for a vote. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all
those opposed signify by saying "no". Those resolutions, as amended, are
approved.
Comrade Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. Since the delegates will accept reading of just the
number, I will proceed by reading the number and not the title. These are
the resolutions recommended for rejection. We must have a guest.
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COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Just testing you, George. Go
ahead.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You know, I happen to
know who the next guest is, so I don't mind stepping aside. These are the
resolutions that were rejected: Nos. 610, 615, 617, 627, 640, 641, 642,
643, 647, 651, 652, 656, 657, 648, 659, 660, 662, 663, 664.
No. 663, if you recall, is the one that I said we inadvertently put in
on the approved, as amended, and the committee recommended rejection.
Nos. 663, 664 — would you like me to stop?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Yes. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman, for yielding at this time.
INTRODUCTION OF HONORABLE MARCY KAPTUR
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrades and Sisters, it is a
special pleasure to introduce the distinguished Congresswoman from the
Ninth District of the Buckeye State of Ohio. Our guest. Representative
Marcy Kaptur, single-handedly pushed for legislation to build a World War
II Memorial in Washington, D.C., undeniably the most significant
American memorial authorized in the 20th Century, at no cost to taxpayers.
U.S. Representative Kaptur is one of only 36 women in U.S. history
who have served in Congress for more than ten years.
From humble beginnings. Representative Kaptur's life mirrors the
bootstrap nature of struggling families in her district. Her reputation as an
independent-minded reformer on such high profile issues as campaign
finance reform, lobbying reform, and stopping the flow of foreign influence
and foreign money into U.S. politics has gained her the respect of many
colleagues and constituents, including The Reform Party, which sought her
as Its vice-presidential candidate in 1996.
Representative Kaptur continues to sponsor legislation to reform
the campaign finance system, including a constitutional amendment to
allow spending limits on campaigns.
Since her arrival in the halls of Congress, Representative Kaptur
has willingly volunteered as a Judge in the VFW's "Voice of Democracy"
program, a deed we are all truly grateful for.
Pleasejoin me this morning in a warm welcome for a very special
friend of the VFW, the Honorable Marcy Kaptur. (Applause)
ADDRESS - THE HONORABLE MARCY KAPTUR
CONGRESSWOMAN KAPTUR: A warm good morning. What a
pleasure to be here and to be introduced by my good, wonderful friend,
John Moon, a son of our great Buckeye State.
All right. Good for Ohio. Also his beautiful wife that I know is
here somewhere in the complex. Also to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief
Thomas Pouliot and members of the Ladies Auxiliary whose leadership and
147
generosity are building the next generation of political leaders for our
nation through the Voice of Democracy.
Your dynamic President, Connie Atkinson, and your Senior Vice-
President, Jane Bingham, to all of you and all of your officers, members and
friends, thank you for this very, very warm welcome.
It is a distinct honor to appear before you today to report on the
consistent progress being made toward the establishment of our nation's
advocacy of democracy in Washington, D.C., a permanent memorial
commemorating the victory of freedom over tyranny in World War II.
But before I give you a little more details on that, I wanted to take
just three minutes to state the following: Simultaneous with my appearance
before your National Convention today, our office is releasing a statement
that outlines my reasons for urging President Bill Clinton to take the
admirable course of action in our national interest relative to his personal
difficulties.
Although I will not read my statement in its entirety, let me say that
the President, unlike any other public or private official in our nation, is the
commander-in-chief of our armed forces. Duty, honor and country are the
hallmarks against which great military might is built and leadership
sustained.
The President cannot separate his responsibilities as a political
leader from his responsibilities as commander-in-chief. Beyond this, the
most important public question for him is how to yield some good for our
nation, especially our young people out of a sad set of circumstances?
As one mother reminded me, "Marcy, we try to teach our children
to do what is right, not what is easy."
President Clinton himself reminded us in his nomination
acceptance speech in 1992, "We offer our people a new choice based on
old values. We offer responsibility, we demand responsibility." He said,
"Responsibility starts at the top. That's what the new covenant is all about."
Then in his second State of the Union Address, he said, "Tomorrow
can be better than today, and every one of us has a personal moral
responsibility to make it so."
William Shakespeare long ago wrote, "To thy own self be true and
it must follow as the night to day thou canst be fought to any man."
Such is the time now for our President. May he be given the
wisdom and the fortitude to do what is right in the end of our national
interest.
In the final analysis, America's ideal and purpose will prevail and
prosper because our nation and our people are stronger than any one
person's ability to diminish us.
Let me say this morning that the memorial that I have been asked
to talk to you about will duly honor those who served on three fronts and
on the home front, and the extraordinary valor that preserved the very idea
of liberty itself in this 20th Century.
As we approach the new century, it is appropriate that America
148
properly revere the profound period between 1939 and 1945. So long as
there is an America, this hallowed ground in our nation's capital will pay
homage to devotion that elevated duty, honor and country to sacred
proportions.
Our words cannot fully capture internal depth when the children
of freedom of those men and women who rose above common measure
and brought victory over tyranny, preserving freedom for this modern
generation and those that follow. Our words will fall short of the feelings
we hold in our hearts and the memories that endure.
Today, a half century after the end of that awful conquest, we are
lifted by the words of Lord Alfred Tennyson that "Some work of noble work
may yet be done, not unbecoming men that stroll with God, come my
friend. It is not too late to see a newer world."
The idea of democracy often challenged but not triumphed at the
close of this 20th Century demands full enlargement by the world's
freedom speaker. In the 21st Century, the probability of war for territorial
gain seems less likely than terror strikes and war in civil strife, diminishing
world resources of food and fuel, abject poverty and disease, and the
tolerance between the force.
Today, under democratic regimes that do not value human life prey
on powerless people, even employing again the genocide strategy that is
espoused by our World War II enemies as they seek repression rather than
liberty. So we must ask ourselves as we celebrate the sacrifices of our
veterans and humankind yet learned to build peace and democracy.
The concept of a World War II Memorial in Washington explained
from the Army veteran, as an infantryman might say, Roger Burden of Ohio
that fought with the 101st Army Division in the Battle of the Bulge. Roger
came to me as his Representative to Congress in 1987 to ask why with all
the monuments and memorials in our nation's capital there was none
dedicated to World War II.
I said to him, when he first asked me, "But, Roger, wait a second.
There is Iwo Jima. He said, "Wrong. That is the one service to the Marine
Corps in one battle." Later that year I introduced legislation to create such
a memorial. But I had little comprehension of the hurdles that lay before
us.
It would take us longer to establish the memorial than it did to fight
the war. As in the war, it took a lot of allies to win the fight, and it was a
particular pleasure for me to work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars in our
quest, your Washington Office and veterans across this country.
We can give special thanks also to our great champion for veterans
in Congress, a former member of Congress and Chairman of the Veterans
Affairs Committee, Sonny Montgomery of Mississippi. We worked with
hundreds of members of Congress who achieved this in a clearly bipartisan
effort.
This memorial will commemorate as well the service of millions of
Americans who served on the home front. By the end of the war, bombs
149
built primarily by women were coming off poorly run assembly lines, one
every 63 minutes. Overall, the U.S. war effort at home produced 296,601
aircraft, 71,060 ships, 86,388 tanks.
The memorial will honor every citizen who bought a war bond,
who planted a victory garden, who used ration cards for gasoline and food,
who produced the food, who produced the material to clothe and equip
our troops, who sailed the ships, and flew the planes who supplied our
fighting forces. It will commemorate every single person who gave their
life for this country and for its ideals, and every wounded and disabled
veteran, and every member who served in our armed forces. One
American woman reminds us again of the war effort. Helen Bowager was
a textile worker in Lowell, Massachusetts. She sewed parachute panels at
the Atlantic Parachute Works, perhaps even the parachute that carried my
own brave uncle into China, India, Burma front. While Helen's husband
and three brothers were in the service, she worked hard, the second shift,
six days a week, making parachutes for the duration of the war.
On Veterans Day, 1995, Roger Durbin and Helen Bowager stood
with the President of our country, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and many
dignitaries to help us dedicate the future site of the World War II Memorial
along the mall in our nation's capital.
It will sit between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln
Memorial. It will be the most important site of this 20th Century. The site
is consecrated with the soil from 16 American World War II cemeteries
abroad as well as soil from Arlington Cemetery. I well remember the words
of Roger Durbin that day.
He said at the end of the glorious site dedication ceremony, "I
helped scatter sacred soil from cemeteries around the world upon the stars
and worn grass, and that is when it became the most sacred, revered,
beautiful spot in America." When the history of the nation during the 20th
Century is written, without question, the victory of liberty over tyranny will
rest at this century's profounded achievement.
The bitter Cold War that has ensued for nearly 50 years, tested the
wills and valor of freedom-loving people everywhere, most certainly here
in the United States, whose people carry the burden of this arsenal of
democracy for another half century. That period of liberty now triumphant
as the century ends.
Finally, the great mall of our capital, our avenue of democracy, will
accurately reflect the history of this 20th Century. As our nation
demonstrates proper honor and profound respect for the accomplishments
of this courageous, incredibly unselfish and deeply patriotic generation of
Americans.
This will be a memorial to a nation and at a time that will
reverberate always in the pages of history. Let me know if you can picture
standing on the mall, the Washington Monument rising very high reflected
in the pool of the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool right in front of
it, the memorial will be designed in a way that a feature of the memorial
150
will actually reflect In the reflection pool as the Washington Monument
shadows this task.
You will have the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries coming together
in the impact on that pool. There will be waterfalls, there will be laurel
wreaths, there will be solemn places for consternation to celebrate what
this generation has achieved for the world.
I hope we dedicate the World War II Memorial on Veterans Day
early in the 21st Century. What would be more fitting than to stand at the
crossroads of the 20th and 21st Centuries and dedicate a memorial to our
nation's finest hour in this 20th Century.
On behalf of the people of the United States, let me personally
thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars for your support and stalwart effort in
helping us pass this legislation and achieving a final commitment to build
this memorial. Let us move onward. Thank you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Representative Kaptur, we
thank you for your spirited concern, your commitment and your
dedication. The veterans in this room and the veterans across America
sincerely appreciate your efforts on their behalf.
I will again call to the podium the Chairman of the Veterans
Service Resolutions, George Cramer.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE
RESOLUTIONS (CONT'D.)
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. I would like to beg your indulgence here. I notice
that we let one drop through the cracks. If I may, I would like to back up
just a little bit. These are the resolutions that were recommended for
rejection.
I will go back to 649. I missed that the first time through. Nos.
649, 651, 652, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 668,
669, 670, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682. There
were two resolutions submitted to our committee after the printing of your
books. Once again we also recommend rejection of Resolutions 684 and
685.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief and delegates, those are the
resolutions recommended for rejection.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The recommendation of the
Chairman of the Veterans Service Committee will stand unless there are
motions to approve any of those recommended for rejection. There is
nothing on Microphone 1. Anything on Microphone 2?
We do have someone at Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE LEROY FORD (Post 5480 - Kentucky): I am a
registered National Council member now, and I would like to set aside
Resolution 657.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Do you wish to move for the
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adoption of No. 657?
COMRADE LEROY FORD (Post 5480 - Kentucky): I wish to move
adoption of 657.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made to
move for the adoption of Resolution 657. Is there a second?
COMRADE JIM WATSON (Post 1913 - Kentucky): I will second
that motion for adoption.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion and second is for
adoption of No. 657. That is in order.
I will call to the microphone the Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and delegates to this 99th Convention. The reason
the committee recommended rejection of this resolution is we feel that it
is not a veterans issue.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE JIM WATSON (Post 191 3 - Kentucky): I urge the body
to consider the fact that we believe this is a veterans issue. This resolution
is equitable retirement system of all government employees. The Tennessee
Valley Authority is one that is in question here, known as TVA.
The Tennessee Valley Authority not only operates in Kentucky,
Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and a number of Southern states, the
Tennessee Valley Authority controls power plants, waterways, recreational
areas and such. The Tennessee Valley Authority is not abiding by giving the
job preference point system to their employees where veterans are
concerned.
They are also not giving veterans entitlement after five years of
employment, wherein when you complete five years of employment with
the agency, you become invested in the Civil Service Retirement Program,
where they can purchase their military time if they are not military retired.
The final line on this thing is we urge Congress to recognize the
military service in all federal agencies and calculate the retirement benefits
and employment benefits. I am not connected in any way with any federal
employment, but I had in my state and in my neighboring states a number
of people who are and I urge us to protect their rights and their
employment. Thank you, sir.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you.
Again, Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE LEROY FORD (Post 5480 - Tennessee): I stand in
support of this resolution because after a federal employee, we have the
opportunity after one year to get your military service in. It would be a
shame for the Tennessee Valley Authority not to give these people and
comrades and sisters the opportunity to do this.
If you look at our Social Security the way it is going down, we will
need all we can get in this retirement plan. Comrades, please support No.
657.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Any other discussion?
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Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE TONY GALLARDO (Post 131 - Nebraska): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, we would like a better clarification on Resolution
651 and why it was rejected. Thank you, sir.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will call on the Chairman
first before I get to Microphone No. 2.
We will go to Microphone No. 2.
COMRADE JOHN McNEILL (Post 5412 -Virginia): The Tennessee
Valley Authority is a singular agency in the government that has really
basically nothing to do with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the
Department of Defense. This would be best addressed to the Civil Service
Administration Commission for resolution.
Therefore, I move that since it is not a veterans issue, it has nothing
absolutely to do with this Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense, that
we reject this amendment.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 1;
Microphone No. 2; again Microphone No. 2. Hearing no other
discussions, we will call for a vote. The motion is to adopt Resolution No.
657. All those in favor of adoption of 657 will signify by saying "aye"; all
those opposed to Resolution No. 657 please say "no". The "nays" have it.
Resolution 657 is rejected.
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE SAM LOWE (Post 9439 - Wyoming): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I want to request set aside of Resolution 662 and
move its adoption.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion for Resolution No.
662 for adoption is in order. Is there a second?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE CHARLES FRESORGER (Post 579 - Wyoming): I
second that motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion and a
second to adopt Resolution No. 662. I will call to the podium the
Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you.
Commander-in-Chief and delegates to the 99th National Convention, let
me read the "Resolved" of Resolution 662 first.
"BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we hereby petition Congress to support full funding for all of the
employment and training programs that are administered by the
Department of Labor."
The reason the committee recommends rejection is we rejected it
in favor of Resolution 614, which basically is the same thing, but we think
it is a stronger resolution.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Does that clarify any question
that you may have at Microphone No. 3?
COMRADE ROBERT LOWE (Post 9439 - Wyoming): It does,
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Comrade Commander. Thank you very much. I just want to say for the
record that in my state the people who work for the Department of Labor
who are veterans are absolutely an essential part of the service of the
veterans of our state.
I want to do everything possible in order to support them. I speak
now as Chairman of our State Veterans Affairs Commission. Thank you
very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Microphone No.
3. What we are doing, there has been a motion on the floor to accept
Resolution No. 663, and a proper second has been made. I am sorry. That
is Resolution 662. In committee that was rejected in favor of a stronger
Resolution No. 614, which was adopted.
At this time, those in favor of Resolution No. 662 will say "aye"; all
those opposed will say "no". The motion is rejected. Resolution 614 is in
order.
Microphone No. 1 .
COMRADE TONY GALLARDO (Post 131 - Nebraska): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise to set aside Resolution 651 and I make a
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are you making a motion to
adopt No. 651, Microphone No. 1?
COMRADE TONY GALLARDO (Post 131 - Nebraska): Yes.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: We will need a second.
COMRADE DWAINE WILSON (Post 1652 - Nebraska): I second
the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Resolution No. 651,
Downsizing Veterans Affairs Regional Office. The motion and the second
is in order.
I call forward the Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, let me once again read the "Be It Resolved" on No.
651.
"BE IT RESOLVED, a copy of this resolution be provided to the
Nebraska Congressional Delegation and the Secretary of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting that they do everything in their
power to ensure the budget of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is
Increased to levels that will enable the Lincoln VA Regional Office and all
over divisions within the VA to perform their missions in a professional and
timely manner commensurate to the service that veterans rendered to their
country."
The reason that the committee rejected No. 651, it was rejected in
favor of Resolution 634 which you adopted, which again we feel is a
stronger resolution.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will now go back to
Microphone No. 1 for the maker of the motion or the seconder.
Microphone No. 1 .
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COMRADE TONY GALLARDO (Post 131 - Nebraska): The
explanation is satisfactory.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Again, I will inform the
comrades that 651 was rejected in favor of a stronger one. A vote of "aye"
is to accept Resolution 651 and a vote of "no" will be rejecting it. Those
in favor of No. 651 will say "aye"; those opposed "no". The motion is
rejected.
Are there any other requests or motions from any of the
microphones?
Microphone No. 1 .
COMRADE WILLIAM BELL (Post 6873 - Texas): I request that
Resolution 665 be set aside, and I move its adoption at this time.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Before I accept a second to
this motion, we will see if this is rejected in favor of a more stronger one
earlier. Resolution 605 was adopted earlier and it is a stronger resolution.
Does the maker of the motion wish to continue with that motion and ask
for a second?
COMRADE WILLIAM BELL (Post 6873 -Texas): Will you read 605?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Resolution 605 was approved.
COMRADE WILLIAM BELL (Post 6873 - Texas): I withdraw my
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been
withdrawn. I look to Microphone No. 1, Microphone No. 2, Microphone
No. 3. The recommendation of the committee stands. All those are
rejected that were not approved.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Commander-in-Chief,
Vice-Chairman Ted Connell, Past Commander-in-Chief, and I thank you for
the assignment, and we want to thank the committee and the Washington
staff for their support.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Your committee is hereby
dismissed. Comrades Cramer and Connell.
I call to the podium the General Resolutions Chairman, John
Staum, Past Commander-in-Chief, from Minnesota.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN STAUM: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief Moon. I want to thank you for this appointment. We
also want to tell you that I became attached to this chair back here, I didn't
think I was ever going to get up here. I think our committee met here this
week, I believe we met on Sunday afternoon. It seems like a long time ago
now.
Our committee had General Resolutions. We met Sunday
afternoon at 1:00 o'clock and we had a very fine session. I was ably
assisted by Vice-Chairman John Gwizdak, the Junior Vice Commander-in-
Chief designate from the Southern Conference; Jim Goldsmith from
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Michigan, also a candidate for Junior Commander-in-Chief; and Raul
Phillips from Delaware.
The staff members that were assisting us that day were Mike
Gormalley, Gordon Thorson, Robert Crider and Russell Cutright. I will get
into the approved resolutions right away.
The Committee on General Resolutions, the resolutions we
approved for adoption are No. 301, No. 308 and No. 309. Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I move adoption of those resolutions.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Do we have a second to the
motion?
COMRADE JOHN GWIZDAK (Post 5080 - Georgia): I second the
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion and a
second for adoption. Is there any discussion at Microphone No. 1,
Microphone No. 2 or Microphone No. 3? Hearing none, all those in favor
will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed "no". The motion carries.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Recommended for
adoption, as amended, is Resolution 302 dealing with the Star Spangled
Banner to remain the National Anthem. We crossed off a few words in the
"Resolved", and the words that were crossed off were "well and/or
influence".
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I recommend the adoption of that
resolution, as amended.
COMRADE JOHN GWIZDAK (Post 5080 - Georgia): I second the
motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion and the second are
in order to adopt, as amended. Seeing no one at the microphones, I will
call for the vote. All those in favor of the amendment will signify by saying
"aye"; all those opposed. The motion is in order. The resolution is adopted,
as amended.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Those resolutions that
were rejected by the committee are Resolution No. 303, Restrict Designees
On World War II Monument; No. 305; No. 306; and No. 307 was rejected
in favor of 302.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any requests for
adoption of those that have been recommended for rejection by the
Chairman?
Microphone No. 3.
COMRADE PAUL CROTEAU (Post 8203 - Florida): I would like to
ask to have set aside for discussion Resolution No. 305.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I would ask Microphone No.
3 if you want this to be adopted, you will have to move for adoption of
Resolution No. 305.
Microphone No. 3, I would ask if you want to move for the
adoption that you do so with a motion.
COMRADE PAUL CROTEAU (Post 8203 - Florida): Yes, I would
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like to move for the adoption of No. 305.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Your motion is in order. Is
there a second?
COMRADE RAYMOND BREUNAR (Post 10139 - Florida): I
second it.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion and the second is
in order. I call forward the Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Resolution 305, Fund
Our Veterans Earned Entitlements With Our Constitutional Power. The
premise of the resolution is that the Federal Reserve System is
unconstitutional, therefore, Federal Reserve Notes are not legal tender.
In Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 18 of the Constitution of the
United States, it states: "To make all laws which shall be necessary and
proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other
powers vested by this Constitution and the Government of the United
States, or in any department or officer thereof."
That paragraph allowed the United States Congress to enact the
Federal Reserve Act that delegated the responsibility of the power to coin
money and set its value to the Federal Reserve System in 1913. The
committee felt that that explained it all and they moved for the rejection in
the committee meeting.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time I would ask the
sound system man to turn up the microphone system on Microphone No.
3 so that the gentleman may be able to speak.
COMRADE PAUL CROTEAU (Post 8203 - Florida): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, officers and members, Resolution No. 305 is about
money. We, the VFW, are primarily concerned about money for our
veterans. The United States' note is money which serves us, the American
people, as a servant of an exchange of value, whereas, the Federal Reserve
Note serves the world merchant bankers as masters over the media, over
the elected offices, our government agencies, our private industries, all
salaried employees, as well as all wage earners in the United States with
the banker's power of winning at the expense of the American taxpayer.
We heard yesterday that any change should be for the better. In
1964, a change was made that was a bad change. The United States note
money was completely replaced by the Federal Reserve note money. Since
1964, the national debt has gone up to many trillions of dollars and the
interest that the U.S. Treasury or the taxpayers must pay to the Federal
Reserve bankers is up to more than $500 billion for the fiscal year ending
September 30th. That is accelerating.
The good part of the United States note is that it was issued by the
U.S. Congress and it circulated back to the U.S. Treasury interest free. So,
at the end of the fiscal year, the United States Government has the money
that was circulated to operate the government functions.
Whereas, the bad part of the Federal Reserve Note is that the
monies have not circulated back to the U.S. Treasury, so the government is
157
without money on September 30th and now the Congress has issued the
United States note, the government could function with the United States
note, because it has circulated it.
However, because the government borrowed interest-bearing
Federal Reserve Notes, the government has no money, while the
compound interest accelerates the increase of the national debt. It has
been shown to us that the national debt has increased a billion dollars
today and the interest that the taxpayer must pay to the Federal Reserve
bankers exceeds $1 million a day.
That is why Resolution 305 must be adopted so as to take
advantage of the powerful gift which our forefathers granted to us in the
Constitution of the United States of America. The congressional power to
issue money interest free is by this Constitution. That means that it is
official.
No. 305 is moral. That means that it is righteous and beneficial for
the veterans. The United States note is a servant rather than a master. I
move that Resolution 305 be adopted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. Microphone No.
3. In regards to Resolution No. 305, we will look to Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE JOHN WHITCOMB (Post 988 - Indiana): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I rise in defense of this motion. I move also that it
be adopted. I am very surprised, amazed actually, that the Veterans of
Foreign Wars members do not know more about their Constitution and this
money problem that has been going on since 1913.
The 100th Anniversary logo said, "We'd do anything for this
country." Now, it is the time. Way back in 1997, Congress sent to the
President for his signature a bill designated as a line item veto. Just a
couple of months ago the Supreme Court of the United States handed
down a decision that it was unconstitutional.
The words of Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the opinion for the
majority, stated, and these are his words, "The Congress cannot give away
their duty; they cannot give it away even if they want to. It is
unconstitutional to do so."
Now, if it is unconstitutional to do so with the line item veto, it
stands to reason that back in 1913 it was unconstitutional for the Congress
to give away their right to coin money. I urge you very strongly comrades,
adopt this resolution. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Microphone No.
1 . I will go to Microphone No. 2 and Microphone No. 3. We will go back
to Microphone No. 1 on Resolution No. 305. Seeing no one at the
microphones, I will call for the vote on No. 305. All those in favor of
adopting 305, will signify by saying "aye"; those opposed will say "no".
Resolution No. 305 is hereby rejected.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: There is one other
resolution, and that was Resolution No. 304. The resolution was to censor
"60 Minutes". After quite a lengthy discussion, there was a motion to table
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this and send it back to the Department of Texas. The motion to table
amounts to rejection, and that's it.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a request or a motion
to adopt Resolution No. 304? Seeing none, the recommendation of the
committee is in order. Resolution No. 304 is hereby rejected. I would ask
that the General Resolutions Committee, though, still be with us because
we are not going to dismiss that committee until sometime late tomorrow.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The chair recognizes Microphone No. 1.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Commander-
in-Chief, do I understand that Resolution 303 was rejected?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Resolution No. 303 was
rejected.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, could we ask why it was rejected?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Chairman.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: I thought we were done.
Resolution No. 303, Restrict Designees On World War II Monument. One,
Congress passed legislation authorizing the World War II Memorial. The
act made it very clear that the monument was to reflect the sacrifice of all
Americans.
It is underlined, all Americans, even those that served on the home
front. That directive has been followed in all of the design proposals sent
to the various Washington, D.C., bodies that have final approval. Given
how far along this process has proceeded, it would be difficult, if not
impossible, to insert a change now.
To do so would delay the project even further, thereby hindering
its completion if not preventing it. Also, it already incorporates another
portion of the World War II Memorial dedicated to those who died in
conflict. The VFW has taken an active role in support of a special portion
of the monument, a portion dedicated to our fallen comrades.
This resolution could further delay this project. As a result, those
World War II veterans still alive would tragically be denied an opportunity
to see it completed in their lifetime. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, may
I digress for a moment here?
I had the opportunity of serving on the President's Commission for
the Korean War Memorial. That memorial took almost ten years. As you
remember, the Korean War lasted three years and one month. Now, I
worked on that memorial and any changes that were made had to go back
to square one.
Then you had to go back to all the committees, the Battle
Monument Commission, the National Planning Commission, the Fine Arts
Committee, and all those committees are composed of presidential
appointments like myself, and most of them had quite inflated egos.
So, my friends, every time that you make a change in Washington,
D.C., you have to go through all those committees. Any changes rbw to
159
this World War II Memorial would only delay the project. I listened very
Intently to Congresswoman Kaptur talk this morning.
She very eloquently described what was going to be on that
memorial. My comrades, let's not delay this memorial any longer. We owe
that to the World War II veterans throughout this nation whom I have a
deep and abiding respect. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you for that
clarification.
Microphone No. 1 will be recognized again.
COMRADE RON RUSKO (Post 9460 - Connecticut): Past
Commander-in-Chief Staum, thank you for that explanation. It clears up
the resolution. We appreciate your words.
PRESENTATION OFVFW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AND
CITATION
TO PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JAMES E. NIER
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Several years ago a young man
from El Paso, Texas, an Army veteran, joined the VFW. From the very
beginning he showed that he was a natural leader. Just eight years after
joining the VFW, he was elected to the position of Department
Corrimander, the VFW Department of Texas. "Rise Higher With Nier" was
his theme and he indeed took his Department higher that year, and he
finished the year as an All-Department Commander.
But he didn't stop there. Jim Nier set his sights higher and in 1996
was elected to the position of VFW Commander-in-Chief. The leadership
that had been so obvious here in Texas, and had led to so many
achievements, was now taken to the national level. As Commander-in-
Chief, Jim Nier toured the country and visited members and active duty
troops around the world. Under his leadership the VFW increased its
support for active duty personnel at home and overseas.
During his "Above and Beyond" year, Jim Nier called for increased
vigilance against international terrorism, instituted a VFW POW/MIA
initiative to further the recovery efforts in Southeast Asia, called for an
extension of the President's Gulf War Illness Committee, and followed that
up by asking that the presumptive period for such illnesses be extended. As
a result of Jim Nier's efforts, President Clinton recognized the VFW for its
leadership in the area of Gulf War illnesses.
From improved health care for veterans to beginning discussions
with North Korea over the recovery of Ml As from that war, Jim Nier took
our organization above and beyond. And in one of his last official acts
called on our government to finalize its plan and get on with building a
World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Here to receive the VFW Distinguished Service Medal and
Citation, please give him a warm VFW welcome, Past Commander-in-Chief
Jim Nier, VFW Post 8919, El Paso, Texas.
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RESPONSE - PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JAMES NIER
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NIER: Good morning, comrades.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Delegates to this 99th National
Convention, my Fellow VFW Members and Friends: It is with much pride
that I accept this VFW Distinguished Service Medal and it is particularly
awarding to me to have it presented to me by my friend John Moon.
Yes, the award has been presented to me, but I accept it on behalf
of those who were with me in ensuring that we had a most successful year
as we began to prepare this great organization for the 21st Century.
To my Post, to my District, to the Department of Texas, to the
Kansas City and Washington offices and their staffs, and most importantly
to the Council of Administration and to the 54 Department Commanders
who served with me, I shall always cherish your support and your
friendship. To my wife, Kimmy, thank you for your love and your
continued support and your understanding.
I am proud to be here this morning. I am extremely proud to have
received this award. I am extremely proud to be a member of the greatest
veterans organization in the world, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States. I am truly proud to be an American. Thank you and God
bless each of you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I would ask that this be
recorded in the minutes of this convention, the Distinguished Service
Medal and this Citation awarded to James E. Nier, Commander-in-Chief,
1996-'97.
"In sincere appreciation and special recognition of his total
dedication and commitment to the highest ideals of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States and his continuing efforts in support of its
programs and purposes. Through his exceptional leadership during the
1 996-'97 administrative year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars demonstrated its
ability and willingness to go 'Above and Beyond' for our nation and its
veterans."
Given this 2nd day of September, 1998. I will give it to you, Jim
Nier. Congratulations.
...Convention Announcements. ...
NATIONAL MARCHING UNITS AND PARADE COMMITTEE WINNERS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time I call to the
podium Robert Brady for the purpose of announcing the award winners in
the parade last night.
COMRADE ROBERT BRADY (Post 7090 - Pennsylvania): This is the
report of the National Contests Committee. Lackland Base, we not only
used their base but we used their active drill instructors to help with the
judging. The results of those contests, the winner of the Senior Men's Color
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Guards, the Silent Sixteen from Darien, Connecticut. The Conrimander- in-
Chief will present their First Place plaque.
The ladies category, Field Competition, Senior Ladies Color Guard
Champion, the Patriettes from Davison, Michigan.
Our next group of winners are the Junior ROTC classification. This
is a unit that is a little bit out of turn because they have a military transport
and have to get out of town as soon as they can. So the Spring Valley High
School, please come forward. They are the winner of the All Girls JROTC
Color Championship and represent the Department of South Carolina.
Griffin High School, will you please come forward, from Griffin,
Georgia. The next four awards are won by this unit. The National
Champion Junior ROTC Color Guard, the Male Unit; the Junior Open Field
Contest, Griffin High School, Male Unit.
The National Championship ROTC Armed Drill Team, the National
Champion All-Girl Rifle Drill Team, Griffin, Georgia. The Ladies National
Championship, Junior ROTC Unarmed Drill Team from Walter Stebbins
High School, Department of Ohio, Dayton, Ohio.
The results of the Ladies Nights Patriotic Rally Winners, the VFW
Color Guard, the Department of Iowa.
The Best Appearing Senior Ladies VFW Auxiliary Color Guard, the
Department of Arkansas. Will someone from Arkansas accept the plaque
for the ladies, please.
The VFW National Ritualistic Contest will be held today at 2:00
p.m. in Plaza Room D, located on the second floor here. It is 2:00 p.m.,
the Ritual Competition.
Commander-in-Chief Moon, that is the extent of our report.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The Assistant Quartermaster
General will please come forward to announce the winners of the
insurance drawing.
(Whereupon, Assistant Adjutant General Larry Maher announced
the winners of the insurance drawing.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
you will prepare the room for the Closing Ceremonies for this session
today.
(Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was had followed by the
Benediction according to the Ritual.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Closing Ceremonies for today's session has been
conducted.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: This session is hereby closed
for today and we will reconvene at 9:00 o'clock a.m. tomorrow morning.
(Whereupon, the meeting was duly recessed at 1 1 :30 o'clock a.m.)
FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION
THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 3, 1998
162
(The Fourth Business Session of the 99th National Convention of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at
9:00 o'clock a.m., with Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Thomas A.
Pouliot presiding.)
CALL TO ORDER
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Sergeant-at-
Arms, prepare the room for the Opening Ceremonies and the Salute to the
Colors.
(Whereupon, Sergeant-at-Arms Hoffman led the assembly in the
Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. National Chaplain
Reverend Dean Derieg gave the Opening Prayer.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade Senior
Vice Commander-in-Chief, the Opening Ceremonies have been
performed.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Thank you.
We will begin with the Report of the Credentials Committee.
Mr. Chairman.
REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174 - Kansas): This is a
temporary report, comrades, as of last night. The total delegates, 13,297.
The Department Commanders, 54; Past Commanders-in-Chief, 26;
National Officers, 36. That is for a grand total of 13,413. This is a
temporary report. Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
PRESENTATION OF VFW EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD,
GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO CAPTAIN GREGORY ROGERS
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Annually the
Veterans of Foreign Wars presents its Emergency Services Award to an
individual for outstanding contributions to the community in the field of
emergency services.
We are pleased to present this year's award to a man who has
163
dedicated his life to serving his community. Throughout a distinguished
career, Captain Gregory Rogers has established a wide recognition for his
expertise. He received an official City of Bayonne Citation in 1997 for the
Fire Fighter of the Year Award.
He joined the Bayonne Fire Department on November 25, 1980.
Upon completion of training. Captain Rogers served for ten years as a fire
fighter. In January of 1 995, he was promoted to his present position of Fire
Captain.
In 1996, Captain Rogers single-handedly rescued several people
from a burning building while he was off duty. He did this without the aid
of projective clothing or equipment and before the Fire Department
arrived. After he evacuated the people, he then assisted in fighting the fire
by supplying the arriving engines with information on location of the fire
and where he had already searched the building.
For his heroic act. Captain Rogers received several awards,
including the Valor Award from the 200 Club of Hudson County.
Captain Rogers' actions, dedication and expertise as a fire fighter
exemplify the courage and sacrifices of all emergency services personnel
who serve our communities across the nation.
Yesterday, I received a letter from Fire Chief William J. Kosakowski
of the Bayonne Fire Department. I quote a portion of that letter. "I would
like to express my congratulations to Captain Rogers. His actions personify
the professionalism the Bayonne Fire Department strives for. You make us
all proud to be fire fighters."
Please welcome Captain Gregory Rogers, the 1998 recipient of the
VFW Emergency Services Award.
"The Emergency Services Award, Gold Medal and Citation
presented to Captain Gregory Rogers, Bayonne Fire Department.
"In special recognition of his distinguished career as fire fighter
and in sincere appreciation for his selfless and dedicated service as
evidenced by his single-handed rescue of several people from a burning
building while off duty and without the aid of protective clothing or
equipment, Captain Rogers' actions, dedication and experience as a fire
fighter exemplifies the deeds and sacrifices of those of the emergency
services who serve our communities across the nation.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States this 3rd day
of September, 1998."
This has been signed by our Commander-in-Chief Moon and our
Adjutant General Larry Rivers. Congratulations.
In addition to the Citation and Gold Medal, Captain Gregory
Rogers, we would like to present to you a check for $1 ,000 payable to the
Bayonne Fire Project Air Lift, your charity.
RESPONSE - CAPTAIN GREGORY ROGERS
164
MR. GREGORY ROGERS: Thank you. Thank you very much and
good morning. I am from a relatively small, densely populated and highly
industrial town in New Jersey called Bayohne. Bayonne is about ten miles
from New York City, neighbored by Jersey City and Hoboken.and bordered
by water on three sides, a peninsula town.
Some of the old timers on the Fire Department tell me that
Bayonne was the home of the PT boat, including the famous PT 109, and
boats were built there and tested in our waters. I also understand that the
military ocean terminal located in Bayonne invited many soldiers to enjoy
their liberty time in our city which explains why we have so many taverns
and bars.
In any event, I was born in Bayonne 39 years ago. I was hired by
the Bayonne Fire Department 1 8 years ago. I served as a fire fighter for ten
years, a lieutenant for five years and currently as captain for three years. It
is not very often that I leave Bayonne, but recently, and to my complete
surprise, I received correspondence from the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Commander-in-Chief John Moon inviting me to be with all of you here in
San Antonio at the VFW National Convention to be the recipient for the
1998 VFW Emergency Services Award.
During my flight to San Antonio, I enjoyed a quiet moment
pondering why I had been selected for this award. The more I thought
about it, the more I began to realize the enormity of this honor. To have
been chosen as the sole recipient of the Emergency Services Award
throughout the entire nation is recognition beyond my comprehension.
But to have been chosen by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an
organization comprised of war veterans, with the ultimate in search and
rescue and who have made major sacrifices for this country, and in so
many instances made the ultimate sacrifice, make for a humbling
realization.
The realization that the true honor for me is the honor of being in
the presence of so many of you fine veterans. You are truly the national
heroes. You are truly my inspiration. I would like to add to that my recent
feeling of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" solidifies that feeling.
I would like to conclude by thanking the Veterans of Foreign Wars
and all of you fine members. I would like to thank Commander-in-Chief
John Moon, the New Jersey State Commander Dennis Clark, the Past New
Jersey State Commander and all those that had a part in me receiving this
award.
I want to especially thank Bayonne Post 226 and the City of
Bayonne and the Chief of Bayonne Fire Department and its staff for all your
support and consideration. I would like to extend a special thanks to
Nancy Pomeroy for demonstrating the considerate hospitality of Veterans of
Foreign Wars by arranging for my stay here in San Antonio. I will treasure
these memories my entire life. Thank you once again and may God bless
you.
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PRESENTATION OFVFWJ. EDGAR HOOVER AWARD,
GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO CAPTAIN FRANK F. RIZZUTO
, SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Comrades, I
am pleased to present the VFW J. Edgar Hoover Award for outstanding
service in the field of law enforcement to an outstanding police officer from
the City of New Orleans.
Officer Rizzuto has continually displayed courage and dedicated
service to the citizens of the City of New Orleans. During his service, he
has received two Department Purple Heart Medals, three Medals of
Commendation, and his most recent award, the Medal for Life Saving.
In addition to the Department awards, he has been honored by
numerous civic organizations as well as receiving countless letters of
appreciation from citizens.
Officer Rizzuto received the Department Medal for Life Saving,
one of the Department's highest awards, for responding with his partner to
a call of an attempted suicide on May 24, 1997. The subject jumped from
the Walkway Avenue Bridge into Bayou St. John.
Disregarding his own safety. Officer Rizzuto immediatelyjumped
into the bayou after the drowning man and successfully dragged him to
shore. Officer Rizzuto 's deeds, dedication and expertise as a police officer
exemplify the highest standards of service and sacrifice of our nation's law
enforcement officers.
Please give a warm VFW welcome to our 1998 VFW J. Edgar
Hoover Award recipient. Police Officer Frank F. Rizzuto, of the New
Orleans Police Department. We present the J. Edgar Hoover Award, Gold
Medal and Citation to Officer Frank F. Rizzuto, New Orleans Police
Department.
"In appreciation of his outstanding service, professionalism,
bravery and knowledge in the field of law enforcement and in special
recognition of his heroic actions as evidenced by his jumping into Bayou
St. John to save an attempted suicide victim with complete disregard for his
own personal safety.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 3rd
day of September, 1998."
This citation has been signed by our Commander-in-Chief John E.
Moon and our Adjutant General Larry W. Rivers.
In addition, Officer Frank Rizzuto will get an honorarium for
$1 ,000 to be donated to his favorite charity.
RESPONSE - OFFICER FRANK RIZZUTO
OFFICER RIZZUTO: Good morning. Commander-in-Chief John
Moon and Distinguished Guests, the stay here in San Antonio, I have met
your families and your friends. This morning I would like you to meet my
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family and my friends.
First, my lovely wife and friend, Darlene Rizzuto. Also my hunting
and fishing buddy, Anthony Rizzuto. Probably one of the greatest moms in
the world, my mom, Edith Rizzuto. I have two sisters. One could not be
here today because of a prior commitment. My sister, Loretta, made the
trip. Also Ms. Ruth Ashley from the New Orleans Police Department,
Public Affairs Division. Also Mrs. Madeline Morris, when in January I
received the Henry Morris Award. Her husband was the Chief of Police
and I served under his command.
I would like to say special thanks to Mrs. Priscilla Wilkewitz and
to Charlie Wiggins, our past State Commander, and our present State
Commander Landry Saucier, "98-99, and my Post Commander, Gerald
Snyder, Post 8973, all from Louisiana. Last but not least, there are two
other men in my life: Mr. Bubba Martin and Mr. Manuel Curry.
On that night that I jumped in that bayou to save that man's life, a
good friend of mine was with me. He is now a sergeant. He has been
recently promoted and serves in the Sixth District in the New Orleans
Police Department. His name is Dale Albert. Without him, I would not be
here today.
When I jumped in that bayou, I knew the risk I was taking at that
time. When I jumped in, I knew this man was trying to kill himself and
there was a risk I would not make it back alive. When I entered the water,
the man tried to pull me under and tried to both drown me and himself. If
it wasn't for the good voice of Dale Albert in thinking quickly. He throwed
me a rope and we saved that man.
I would like to read a little poem at this time.
"I never dreamed it would be me, my name for all eternity.
"Recording at this hallowed place, alas my name no more, my
face.
years.
"In the line of duty, I hear him say.
"My family now the price will pay.
"My folded flags stained with tears. We only had those few short
"The badge no longer on my chest, I sleep now in eternal rest.
"My sword I pass to those behind and I pray to keep this thought
in mind. I never dreamed it would be me.
"With heavy hearts and bended knees, I ask all of Thee in the past.
Dear God, let my name be the last."
This was written by Sergeant George Hand of the Los Angeles
Police Department.
Over the past couple of months, I have lost several friends of mine
on the New Orleans Police Department. I would like to take a moment
and pay respect to them.
It has been an honor and a privilege to receive this award. I will
wear this medal with great honor and great pride. Thank you, and may
God bless you all.
167
PRESENTATION OF JAMES C. GATES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
AWARD
TO MR. RICHARD C. WORMWOOD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much, Officer Rizzuto, for those inspiring words.
It is now my distinct honor to present the prestigious James C.
Gates Distinguished Service Award to Richard C. Wormwood.
He is a veteran's advocate in the truest sense of the word. Hired
in the early seventies as a local Veterans Employment Representative in
Rutland, Vermont, he quickly developed a rapport with employers,
enabling him to become one of the most successful Veterans Employment
Representatives in the State of Vermont.
Through Rick's devotion to veterans as a local Veterans
Employment Representative and then as Assistant Manager, Rutland Office
of the Department of Employment and Training, he has always met its
federally-mandated veterans' preference goals.
He is an exceptionally innovative, highly motivated and extremely
effective leader who revolutionized the way the Rutland office served the
employment and training needs of the veteran community.
Rick has been instrumental in developing computer capability;
implementing a veterans' newsletter; establishing a veterans' network;
producing video resumes; conducting Job Fairs; assisting homeless
veterans. The list goes on and on.
Comrades, I now present to you a gentleman whose efforts have
enhanced the Veterans Employment Service in the State of Vermont and has
gone that extra mile for our nation's veterans, Richard "Rick" Wormwood.
The citation that we present is the "James C. Gates Distinguished
Service Award presented to Richard C. Wormwood, Veterans Program
Manager, Department Employment and Training.
"In recognition of extraordinary achievement and exceptional
leadership in advancing employment opportunities for our nation's
veterans and distinguished service in promoting the goals and objectives of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States."
It is presented this 3rd day of September, 1998. It has been signed
by John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant
General.
Mr. Wormwood.
RESPONSE - MR. RICHARD WORMWOOD
MR. WORMWOOD: Commander-in-Chief Moon and National
Employment Director Magill and Comrades — I still remember the
distinguished guests — thank you very much. I humbly accept the James
C. Gates Award on behalf of all the local veterans employment
168
representatives and all of the program specialists.
I accept this award at a time much work still remains to be done
to assure that all America's unsung heroes, our nation's veterans are proud,
productive and fully employed in the world's greatest nation. From a small
town of less than 20,000 people and from a small state, Vermont, from
where one of our most prominent citizens. President Calvin Coolidge is
remembered as Silent Cal, I was somewhat at a loss for words today, so I
turned to one of Vermont's other natives Robert Frost, who wrote the poem,
"The Road Not Taken."
Part of it reads as follows:
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel
both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I
could where it bent in the undergrowth then took the other, just as fair, and
having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear."
But for many American veterans, that road was not all that fair, Iwo
Jima, Normandy, the Argonne Forest, and then later the Chosin Reservoir
and the cold Korean winters, and then to the jungles of Vietnam, and more
recently Kuwait and the desert sands of the Persian Gulf.
For me, there was never any question about any of the services,
although I did grow up knowing about World War II from my father and
my uncle. For me, the real important role came in the summer of 1971,
after I had gotten out of the army and began looking for my first civilian
job.
Every morning I made it a point to type up and mail out a
minimum of three resumes and cover letters, but week after week, for
almost three months, the only response I ever got was "No, thank you."
Finally, a well-intended friend who worked in the Resource Department of
a local business offered to redo my resume. I gladly accepted her offer. I
know her advice was well-intended.
After reviewing my resume, this respectable business person
suggested I delete all mention of military experience from my resume.
Needless to say, I rejected this lady's advice, but I still often talk about her
and the profound effect her well-intended advice had on my career.
Thanks to Katie, I began looking at the human service jobs and a
month later I went to work for the Vermont Job Service as a Local Veterans
Employment Representative. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the
one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.
Yes, comrades, it brought me to San Antonio today but I have
worked and we face new challenges as well. We must continue to
advocate for and focus the national spotlight on the homeless veterans. We
must continue to apply political pressure on licensing and certification
procedures for separating veterans so they don't have to undergo costly and
redundant training to qualify for civilian jobs.
Now that H.R. 1385 has been signed into law, we must remain
ever vigilant about safeguarding veterans preference rights on both the
local and state work force assessment force that will be charged with
169
designing and overseeing future programs for adults, youths and dislocated
workers. Comrades, ourjourney is far from over. We still have miles to go
before we finish. Thank you and God bless America.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you,
Mr. Wormwood. In addition to your citation, we have an honorarium for
$1,0C0 that I am sure you will use to assist veterans somewhere.
PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: The Veterans
of Foreign Wars is now honored to bestow its Largest Employee of the Year
Award to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Topeka Systems Maintenance
Terminal. Centrally located in Topeka, Kansas, the Topeka Systems
Maintenance Terminal is one of three mechanical department heavy repair
facilities and is one of the largest and oldest rail repair shops in the
industry.
Of the approximately 700 people employed at the maintenance
terminal, about 450, or 64 percent, are military veterans. Of this number,
approximately 70 are service-connected disabled veterans.
Before their merger, both Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
exhibited uncommon support for our nation's military. During Desert
Shield/Desert Storm, Burlington Northern painted one of their locomotives
with camouflage paint and put yellow ribbons on all their locomotives.
Santa Fe flew flags on all their locomotives and cabooses. Both
railroad extended benefits in salary to cover their full-time employees who
served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, not just the two weeks
that were required.
There is no doubt that the Topeka maintenance terminal has a
long-term commitment to the hiring of military veterans. The maintenance
terminal has proven, and is continuing to prove their commitment to
veterans.
Accepting the award for the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, Topeka
Systems Maintenance Terminal is shop superintendent, Monte Johnson.
The certificate reads, "The National Large Employer of the Year
Award presented to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Topeka Systems
Maintenance Terminal, Topeka, Kansas, in recognition and grateful
appreciation for meritorious service in effecting a comprehensive policy
toward the recruitment, employment and promotion of veterans."
This has been signed September 3, 1998, by John E. Moon,
Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
Congratulations.
RESPONSE - MR. MONTE B. JOHNSON
MR. MONTE JOHNSON: I had a gentleman pick me up at the
170
airport yesterday evening and he gave me a brown envelope. It brought
back deja vu. Then I started remembering that I was released from active
duty 30 years ago this month. They asked me to prepare a short two to
three-minute speech, and you will not get all two or three minutes of it.
I accept this award in behalf of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe
Railway and we appreciate this. I have to be to some other events and I
wanted tojust say my piece from the heart if I could. We do a lot of things
on the railroad today. The emergency firemen, with regard to deregulation,
we look for the right kinds of people. We really do.
If you can envision in your mind a triangular. At the peak of the
triangular hangs the word "Safety". Over one corner, the right-hand
corner, hangs the word "Quality". On the opposite corner hangs the word
"Production". I talk to all the new hires that come into our facility. We
have 700 people.
I talk to all the new folks and shortly thereafter I call them in
individually and put them on the carpet, as I call it, and we go through
some things and we discuss how they feel about the railroad, their new
environment. If you could imagine safety, everything we must do has to be
labeled to safety.
It has to be addressed with quality. It has to be addressed with
production to meet the system requirements. Safety is of the utmost
importance of everything we do in the railroad today. We will not be in
business if we can't do it safely.
Things that I look for when I am doing the hiring, veteran-type
situations just automatically come to mind. Technical training, the
technical training is already there in most cases. We have to brush it up
and direct it toward the direction we need it, whether it is in the repair of
freight cars or rolling stock, whether it is in regards to the repair and
servicing of diesel locomotives.
The discipline is already there with the veterans. I spent a couple
of years in the military and I know about discipline. When a gentleman
gives me a brown envelope, I take it and I open it. We go from there. You
talk about commitment and dedication, that's clear in the veterans. Half of
your work is already done for you.
Lastly is loyalty. The folks are loyal. As I announced in earlier
handling of one of these, it is we, the employer, that should be giving you
folks the award for providing us with the good employees. I appreciate this
very much. Thank you.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much, Monte. In addition, we have an honorarium to the Burlington
Northern-Santa Fe Railway Foundation for $1,000.
PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL SMALL EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: It is now my
vtl71
honor to present the VFW National Small Employer of the Year Award to
Lear Siegler Services of Milton, Florida, in recognition of its outstanding
achievements in hiring, promoting and training veterans.
Lear Siegler Services is exclusively committed to providing aircraft
maintenance and aviation services. For the past 25 years the company has
established an enviable record in providing services to the Department of
Defense, several other United States government agencies, more than 25
foreign governments, and many companies in the private sector, as well.
Lear Siegler has established an extremely close working
relationship with the Job Service Office of Milton, the result being that the
vast majority of its employees are veterans.
Of the 18 newly-hired employees brought aboard last year, 16
were veterans. This outstanding company is to be commended for its
utilization of local veterans employment representatives and the Disabled
Veterans Outreach Program.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is honored to present the National
Small Employer of the Year Award to Lear Siegler Services. Accepting the
award is Raul Stelzner, the company's Personnel Manager.
The citation that we are to present reads, "National Small
Employer of the Year Award presented to Lear Siegler Services,
Incorporated, in recognition and grateful appreciation for meritorious
service in effecting a very comprehensive policy toward the recruitment,
employment and promotion of veterans."
This has been signed the 3rd day of September, 1998, by
Commander-in-Chief Moon and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - MR. PAUL D. STELZNER
MR. PAUL STELZNER: I am just going to say a few words. Being
a veteran myself, it is really a great honor for me to be representing the
company accepting this award on behalf of all our employees. Our
employees is what makes our company work.
It is the unique blend of the veterans versus the non-veterans that
we have that make the professionalism of our company. Just to make a
point, you out there will probably appreciate this. Since December, 1981,
when we really started contract maintenance and to this date we have had
over 1 .2 million hours of maintenance-free accident hours. That tells you
about the caliber of the people we have working for us, the veterans.
Certainly, proof of another point to us, because I had to call the
office last night, and they had 116 aircraft in the hanger and did it in less
than two hours. Let me tell you, folks, the training, the education, the
professionalism of the veterans, you just can't speak highly enough of
them. Thanks for training them and thanks for the Milton Job Sen/ice for
giving us a bank and pool of people to pull from. Enjoy the rest of the
convention. Thank you.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: We have an
172
honorarium for Lear Siegler Services, Incorporated, for $1,000.
MR. PAUL STELZNER: It will go back into the community. Thank
you very much.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much. We are very pleased to present these awards to the large and
small employers for the work they do in hiring veterans.
MR. PAUL STELZNER: Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL LOCAL OFFICE
. , r^ i , OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: We are now
honored to recognize the Pierce County Lakewood Job Service Center of
Tacoma, Washington, as the recipient of the National Local Office Service
Award.
The Pierce County Lakewood Job Service Center has not only
excelled in finding jobs for veterans but has truly become an outstanding
member of the community.
The Lakewood Job Service Center is the onlyjob service center to
provide full employment service on any Army installation, Air Force Base
or Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. They initiated a program
called "The Year of the Veteran" which has now been expanded to 43 other
states along with Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
The Lakewood Job Service Center has a close working relationship
with small and large employers in their area resulting in exclusive referral
agreements with many of them. Each year the Lakewood Job Service
Center contacts over 1,000 employers, giving veterans the opportunity for
gainful employment.
Their accomplishments clearly demonstrate that the Pierce County
Lakewood Job Service Center has excelled in its service to veterans and
deserv/es recognition by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Here to accept the award is the Local Veterans Employment
Representative, Sal Cantu.
The citation reads, "National Employment Service Office Award
presented to Pierce County Lakewood Job Service Center, Washington
State Employment Security, in recognition and appreciation for meritorious
professional employment service rendered to veterans."
This has been signed this day, September 3, 1998, by John E.
Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - MR. SAL CANTU
MR. SAL CANTU: Well, I have got my envelope here. As all of you
know, when you get your envelope, because you have seen it in the service
for years, the envelope tells you where to go. It gave me a real push that
here is my orders.
173
Basically, what I want to do is to thank the VFW for considering us
as an office that has done the job for veterans. As all of you know,
employment is the main thing in this country. Without employment, we
are not going anywhere. One of the things that our office is really good at
is trying to get veterans employed in the State of Washington.
We have over 650,000 veterans. Our offices in Ft. Lewis deal with
about 15,000 veterans a year. The majority of them are disabled veterans.
There are over 300,000 or 400,000 veterans that are helped every year, just
with what you guys are doing. When I came over here, the veterans we
are representing, and the shirt I have got on here for the work study
program, is just one of the events that we hold every year.
This event is where we are going to have this year for the VA Work
Study Program. It is a program that very few people know about, and when
the Work Study knew I was coming here and that we were running this
across the country this year, they said, "Take something down there and
show those guys what we are doing."
The VA Work Study or the people that work in VA offices, in
military and veteran hospitals, and in employment offices, and they get to
see millions of veterans every year. They are the ones, the little guys that
nobody really pays attention to.
They get minimum wage while they are going to school. They are
veterans. The majority of them are disabled. A lot of them are with over
50 percent disabilities. These are the guys that are out there that nobody
else knows, but are guys that are really helping the veterans and the
families of all the veterans.
We are real proud to get this award and be recognized for what all
of these guys do out there. I am just a representative from the office and I
want to thank you.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: In addition,
we would like to present an honorarium, in the amount of $1,000. No
doubt, you will continue to use this to assist veterans. Thank you.
MR. CANTU: Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING VA HEALTH-CARE
PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: The National
Hospital Committee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has established an
award recognizing an Outstanding VA Health-Care Provider of the Year.
This award is presented to a VA employee who was nominated by a VFW
Post for taking those extra steps and providing exemplary service to
veterans and their families.
I am pleased to recognize this year's recipient, Ms. Judy Hamilton,
a licensed practical nurse at the Fayetteville, Arkansas, VA Medical Center.
Ms. Hamilton, assigned to the outpatient triage area, evaluates the severity
of a patient's illness.
174
With compassion, understanding and professionalism, she works
closely with patients in waiting areas to ensure that they are not in any
distress.
Ms. Hamilton is courteous, efficient and highly competent in
dealing with patients and their families. She knows when to circumvent
routine processing procedures for patients who present themselves with
any type of life-threatening symptoms.
Possessing a wonderful disposition and displaying a warm
comforting smile, she cares about her patients' well-being all the time.
It is with great pride that I present this year's Outstanding VA
Health-Care Provider of the Year Award to Ms. Judy Hamilton from the
Fayetteville, Arkansas, VA Medical Center.
The citation reads: "Outstanding VA Health-Care Provider Award
presented to Judy Hamilton in special recognition of your individual
achievements in support of the programs and purposes of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States as the Outstanding VA Health-Care
Provider of the Year."
This has been signed this day, September 3, 1998, by John E.
Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - MRS. JUDY HAMILTON
MRS. HAMILTON: Greetings from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I have
spotted Arkansas way over there. Hello. I want tojust thank you for this
honor. I am truly humble. Also, I want to thank you for all the dedicated
and very hard-working veterans of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that we
have in our hospitals. Without you, we couldn't do all the work that is
assigned for us to do.
You are very helpful, unselfish giving of your time and unselfish
spirit, and I appreciate that very much. Thank you, too, for helping me care
and helping all of us care for our fellow veterans.
Finally, I can't go without saying I must thank the Lord Jesus Christ,
my Savior, for giving me the ability to do what I do. Without him, I am
nothing. May God bless you, our veterans, may God bless our country and
protect it and have mercy on America. Thank you.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT Thank you
very much. We also would like to present you with an honorarium in the
amount of $500.
MRS. HAMILTON: Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY HEALTH-CARE
PROVIDER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT This year we
are honored to present the VFW Outstanding Community Health- Care
175
Provider of the Year Award to Mrs. Catherine O'Dougherty of Kinnelon,
New Jersey.
Mrs. O'Dougherty is a certified hospice nurse with the
Compassionate Care Hospice Company in Clifton, New Jersey. Her
normal duties involve providing such things as family supportive care, pain
management and bereavement counseling. She helps her patients live the
last days of their lives in comfort, and after the final hour has passed, she
assists the family with the final arrangements.
Displaying compassion and understanding, she is an exemplary
care provider who gives of her time to help people in her community.
With a gentle, sensitive and comforting manner, she works
tirelessly to resolve community needs. Families of deceased patients
continue to call her with thanks and appreciation for the care she has
provided their loved ones.
She is a true healer who will never stop helping until the sick and
distressed receive a ray of her spirited love and compassion. Mrs.
O'Dougherty has gone beyond her normal responsibilities and boundaries
to provide comfort to those in need.
I am honored to present this year's VFW Outstanding Community
Health-Care Provider of the Year Award to Mrs. Catherine O'Dougherty of
Kinnelon, New Jersey.
The citation reads, "Outstanding Community Health- Care
Provider Award presented to Catherine O'Dougherty in special recognition
of your individual achievements in support of the programs and purposes
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as the Outstanding
Community Health-Care Provider of the Year."
It has been signed this 3rd day of September, 1998, by John E.
Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - MRS. CATHERINE O'DOUGHERTY
MRS. O'DOUGHERTY: First, I would like to thank a special
person that is with me today, my husband, Danny, for putting up with me
going out in all different areas in my community and different hours in the
middle of the night. He also helps me drive when I have difficult weather
to families that were in crisis or when a patient has expired. He also helps
me comfort the patient and kind of helps me after I come back and am kind
of drained.
Also, I am really honored to receive this award and I would just
like to thank the VFW and the delegates and officers, and especially
another special person who is in our audience, Lou Pella, who is also a
delegate, and his wife for coming with me and supporting me, and also
supporting my work in my community.
I really hope I can continue to promote good health care even if it
is at the end of your life, because we are only going into a next life. So
thanks again to everybody, and I will continue to promote better health
176
care to veterans and their families. Thank you.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much, Catherine. In addition, we would like to present you with this
honorarium of $500.
MRS. O'DOUGHERTY: Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
AWARD
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: It is a great
pleasure for me to present the VFW Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Award. This is the fifth year the VFW has presented an award recognizing
an individual for exemplary service as a health care volunteer.
This year's recipient is Mr. Charles "Ben" Napier, who is a
volunteer for the veterans of Northern Georgia. Ben works closely with
VFW Post 3679, who submitted him for this award. He is a highly-
dedicated volunteer and a hard-working advocate for veterans.
His ability to provide needed comfort items for the VA Hospital
and its patients is exceptional. No veteran in need is left to fend for
themselves.
Equally important, is the amount of time he spends visiting
veterans, not only in their homes, but at the VA, private hospitals and
nursing homes. He makes it a routine to visit at least one facility each day,
and if time permits he will visit several facilities just to let patients and
residents know that someone cares about them.
You can call on Ben for any type of assistance knowing he usually
delivers within 24 hours. He is known throughout Northern Georgia as the
man to get the job done. He is a true friend of all veterans and their
families.
I am proud to present this year's VFW Outstanding Volunteer of the
Year Award to Charles "Ben" Napier of Rossville, Georgia.
The citation reads, "Outstanding Volunteer award presented to
Charles B. Napier in special recognition of your individual achievements
in support of the program and purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year."
This is dated September 3, 1998, and signed by John E. Moon,
Commander-in-Chief, and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
Mr. Napier.
RESPONSE - MR. CHARLES NAPIER
COMRADE NAPIER: I would like to thank the local Post in
Georgia, my Post, that is sitting back here on the back row. I want to thank
every man out there. If it wasn't for you, what you did, I would not be able
to be up here today. I want to thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, and I appreciate
everybody.
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I don't know anything else to say, fellows. When you go back
home, try to get a veteran in your organization. We need every man.
Thank you very much.
SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: In addition,
we would like to give this honorarium of $500. I know you will put it to
good use.
COMRADE NAPIER: Thank you very much, Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief.
(Whereupon, Commander-in-Chief Moon assumed the chair.)
INTRODUCTION OF MR. JIM CHANCELLOR
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I ask you this morning to
please welcome James Chancellor, a Vietnam veteran and a VFW member
of Post 6498, who is here to present a military service ring he designed and
created in recognition of those who have served in our armed forces.
Now, Jim Chancellor, from the great state of Indiana.
PRESENTATION - MR. JIM CHANCELLOR
COMRADE JAMES CHANCELLOR: Hello, friends. Thank you
once again for having me back this year to make this very special
presentation of the VFW veteran's ring to our incoming National
Commander. Each year I speak to you about several different things.
Early on in Chicago, with Billy Ray, I talked to you about the need
to take down all road blocks and welcome the Vietnam veteran into our
organization so we might address the issues that that war produced, I
talked to you about what we needed to do as an organization. We needed
to be a political voice, be united and be one political voice.
Several years ago, I talked to you about responsibility, quoting the
poem from Flanders Field: To your hands I pass the torch, to be yours to
hold high. Well, this year I am going to break that down from "we" to "I".
I am going to tell you what James Chancellor is going to do this coming
year.
I am going to tell you what I am going to do for the veterans.
Before I tell you that, I must tell you why I have this change of heart from
"we" to "me". Last year, I attended a funeral in Paducah, Kentucky, of a
friend of mine named Jerry. Jerry and I served together in Vietnam.
We were both crew chiefs with the 119th Assault Helicopter
Company in Vietnam. I only saw Jerry one time since Vietnam, but I talked
to him often and I knew quite a bit about him. I knew he was a God-
fearing man. I knew he loved his country, he was honest and a caring
father.
When I got to the funeral home, I didn't know very many people,
and I thought that I would listen on some conversations and try to find out
how other people felt about Jerry. They were all pretty much the same.
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Jerry was outspoken, Jerry had strong convictions to what he believed in.
Jerry would let you know immediately how he stood on an issue.
He was a patriot and he believed in what our forefathers fought for. When
I left that funeral that day, I thought, gee, that is a great way to be
remembered, an honest, caring man, with strong convictions that is not
afraid to get up on his soapbox and tell people what he believes in. I
dedicated a new way of life that day to Jerry and to myself.
So with that said, let me tell you what I am going to do for the
coming year. I am going to spearhead and work hard to institute a plan for
all combat and combat area veterans in the great state of Indiana for
lifetime medical and educational benefits. We have deserved these
benefits.
They have been paid for in full by courage, sacrifice and honor.
Preventative maintenance has been the less-expensive way. We need to
institute this plan as soon as possible. If a veteran, regardless of his age or
income, needs to go to the hospital for physical or psychological reasons,
he needs to go. We need to get this done.
My children both went to college on my Purple Heart benefit. I
don't see why I can't. I think that if a World War II or Korea veteran wants
to go back to college, if he wants to further his education, or if he gets laid
off and he needs to re-educate, he needs to be able to do that in any state-
sponsored school. I am not speaking of room and board or any special
treatment. I am talking about reduction of tuition and class costs. That is
all.
I would like to talk to you about a movie called "Saving Private
Ryan." "Saving Private Ryan" has a double-edged sword with it. I am sorry
for the World War II veterans that are struggling with this ugly war again,
but on the flip side of that sword this movie has shown young Americans
what it really cost to be free.
It has shown the sacrifices of the World War II veterans. I have a
young friend enrolled in Lowell, Indiana, that is 17 years old. He went to
that movie and he came back and he was dumfounded. He said, "Jim, it
was terrible." He said, "The first 25 minutes of that movie was graphic and
intense and was terrible."
He said, "If that movie is even close to reality, I want nothing to do
with war. I want nothing to do with being a veteran who might be called
to defend this country." The movie has had a major result. There are now
800,000 World War II veterans that might be struggling with the war.
Fifty years later, shell shock, post-traumatic stress or battle fatigue,
or whatever you want to call it has raised its ugly head again. I lecture on
post-traumatic stress and the effect that war has on veterans in high schools
and colleges. I think all of us need to do that, too.
I would like you to go home to your universities and call people.
I would like you to call professors in the History Departments and say we
need to educate our young Americans, our decision-makers of tomorrow
on the long-lasting effects of war and the sacrifice made by the veterans.
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When they turn to you and say who will come to our universities
to speak, you tell them Jim will. I will gladly travel to and lecture at any
university that is willing. I will coordinate that with the local VFW Post so
that interested students and professors might meet the local veterans and
get a better perspective of what debt they have paid, what the truest price
of freedom is.
I know that fighting for these benefits many questions will be
asked. I know that I am going to have a tough fight, but I pledge my time
and my efforts. I realize I am going to have to show the elected officials
the difference between why and how. They have traditional answers to ail
questions is why it can't be done and what we need to do is teach them
how it can be done.
Once all of their questions are asked and I have answered them all,
I will simply ask them one question. I am sure most of you have heard it
before. Why is it that our convicted felons sleep in dry, warm beds? They
have access to our libraries.
They can continue their education without any cost and have
medical available to them. Our homeless combat veterans sleep in
cardboard boxes. I would gladly answer their questions if they would
publicly answer mine.
Now for the primary reason I am here today. I am here to present
a Vietnam veteran's ring to our incoming National Commander. The
Vietnam veteran's ring is worn internationally. It is worn all across the
world, Australia,
Germany, Japan and in every state in the United States.
It stands for, "I know, I understand and I care." I know about war
because I have been there. I understand what it can do to you and your
families, and I truly care about the veterans and the future of America. I
don't want this ring to be worn by all veterans.
I want this ring to be worn by all veterans that care, that will take
the time to talk to another veteran who might be struggling with the whys
and why nots. Talk to our youth and young Americans, our decision-
makers of tomorrow.
Early on, I talked to you about how I would like to be remembered,
an honest, caring man, a person who is not afraid to get up on the soapbox
and tell you how he feels. I share with you my commitment for the coming
years. Our incoming National Commander is all of these and more.
Duty, honor and love of our country arejust notjust words to him
but a way of life. That is this type of leadership that has led the VFW in the
past and it is this type of rich traditional leadership that will lead us in the
future.
Ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends, I am very honored
and pleased to present to the incoming National Commander-in-Chief Tom
Pouliot in the presentation of the Vietnam veteran's ring.
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you
very much for this ring. I accept it on behalf of all of the veterans of the
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Veterans of Foreign Wars. Whenever I wear this ring and whenever I see
it, I will remember your charge to know, to understand, to hear and care.
I will urge us to know and care about veterans, all our members
and every veteran in the United States. We will be concerned about health
care and we will be concerned about entitlements. We will be concerned
about the homeless veterans. This ring will be a constant reminder. Thank
you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: And it is now my pleasure this
morning to present an award to Mr. Chancellor in recognition of his
outstanding contributions to the veterans of our country. On behalf of our
membership, I would like to present the VFW Certificate of Appreciation to
Mr. Jim Chancellor.
The Certificate reads in part: "In appreciation of his support for the
programs and purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and in special
recognition of honoring the incoming Commanders-in-Chief by the
presentation of a military service ring depicting their service to our country.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 3rd
day of September, 1998."
This has been signed by John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief, and
Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
COMRADE CHANCELLOR: Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AND CITATION
TO GEORGE F. SARVER
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Throughout the history of the
VFW, the success of conventions like this one and conferences and other
major business meetings of the organization have benefitted from the
services of a group of comrades known as the National Sergeants-at-Arms.
They take care of more details than you will ever see, but because
they are here everything flows smoothly and there is always order and
decorum at our meetings. It is not very easy. It requires long hours of hard
work, and it takes a certain type of dedicated individual to fulfill the
requirements of the job.
And it also requires the dedication and hard work of that person
known as the Sergeant-at-Arms, the one who is in charge of the entire
detail, their training, their performance, their evaluation. This individual
puts in long hours, does more work and carries more responsibility.
For 29 years, we were most fortunate in having as our National
VFW Sergeant-at-Arms an individual who took the position and then
refined it to the point of perfection. In other words, he rewrote the book
and made everything better. That is what leadership is all about, and
George Sarver was a leader in everything he did for this organization.
A Korean War veteran, who served in the United States Army,
George Sarver was appointed Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms by Past
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Commander-in-Chief Rich Homan, in 1968. In 1983, Past Commander-in-
Chief Cliff Olson appointed him National Sergeant-at-Arms, a position he
held until our 98th National Convention last August.
Now retired, he continues to serve through his very active
membership inVFW Post 402, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
For the presentation of the VFW Distinguished Service Medal and
Citation, please give a warm VFW welcome to our most recent Past
National Sergeant-at-Arms, George Sarver, from the great state of
Pennsylvania.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: "Distinguished Service Medal
and this Citation awarded to George F. Sarver in sincere appreciation and
grateful recognition of nearly three decades of distinguished and unselfish
service to the officers and delegates of the National Conventions and
Conferences of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, fulfilling with unparalleled
dignity, indisputable discipline and impeccable protocol, the duties and
responsibilities of the offices of Assistant National Sergeant-at-Arms and
National Sergeant-at-Arms of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 3rd
day of September, 1998."
This has been signed by me, John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief,
and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - COMRADE GEORGE F. SARVER
COMRADE SARVER: Oh, boy. Please, everybody be seated. I just
want to take a couple of minutes to start with the Past Commander-in-Chief
Rich Homan, who promoted me and placed me on the sergeants. Of
course, Julian Dickenson told me when I got there, if I ever made a mistake
he was going to break my yankee neck.
I was a little bit cocky and I made up my mind I would not make
mistakes. Only God can say that. I don't have the right to say that, but I
did. However, there are people I have to take the time and commit suicide
by trying to remember to thank, and I am going to attempt that.
After Rich Homan, I was put on to the sergeants by Ray Gallagher.
He was the one that probably cemented the appointment. Then finally, we
come down to John Staum, and I am going to keep this very short and brief.
I went to John Staum when he was coming to Pennsylvania for the Past
Commanders Banquet in Uniontown, which was a mammoth affair.
I said, "John, we have got to do something with these uniforms,
these khaki jackets and the brown boots and shoes are out, and we can't
get khakis and they are the same color. I want to change the uniform of
the sergeants to one complete uniform where we all are alike." He said,
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"Do it."
That in turn put me back in contact with Howard Vander Clute,
who I might add hasjust been an absolute blessing to a man in my position
and any of you sergeants. You all know what Howard Vander Clute has
done for all of us. Anyhow, he said, "What you are proposing is probably
$30,000 or $40,000 in the budget."
I said, "I want it." There was no argument, no problem. Howard,
being a good executive as he was, Russell Cutright came into the picture
and I was to get the sizes and dimensions, and Russell Cutright, dealing
with the Quartermaster General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, procured
all of the Sergeants-at-Arms' uniforms. That is the reason that you have the
most up-to-date and modern dress is because of the foresight of this
organization.
Then further on comes Larry Rivers, the next appointed Adjutant
General, and he, too, contributed mightily to the sergeants. Prior to that,
we used to work from 6:30 in the morning until sometimes 10:30 or 12:00
o'clock at night. Going back, there was the parade, the competition, the
major banquets and the Commander's Ball, which lasted from 6:00 to
11:00 or 12:00.
Consequently, we were gone from 6:30 in the morning until 7:00,
8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 o'clock at night. In the interim of that, if you had a
minute off, the Secret Service and the White House Security would come
and say I want as many of your men as I can get. We are going to brief you
and there will be three hours of briefing, and by the time the President or
the Secretary showed up, or whomever, and by the time it happened, they
said, "Sergeants, do what you want to do, butjust don't put your hand on
the President."
You all know that drill and how boring it got, but Larry said that
will stop. If you have anything to say to these men, you will say it to me
and I will take care of it with the sergeants. Then life got easier.
My great Department back there, will you-all please rise so I can
thank you from this podium? Thank you very much for your dedication.
This is a tremendous group of people. Thank you.
I have one more thing that I wanted to convey to you. I am being
honored today with this award. It should be divided with all of these
people standing in front of me. Incidentally, it is nerving the hell out of me,
fellows. I am not used to this kind of attention.
You are supposed to be hollering at me. Never, never, as long and
boring as thejob got, did any of these people ever once get argumentative
or cross. They didn't like it sometimes and they walked away, but they did
it and they did it so admirably that I am being honored today as being a
great leader when it was their work and their mechanics that put me here
and put this medal around my neck.
In closing, I want to say that I have had many accolades and I have
been complimented to no end. Mother, will you come here, please. This
is my wife, Margaret. Every man, when he gets to the microphone and he
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is honest, he stands there and he says, "Without the help of my wife."
Well, I would have never been able to live without her. Let me tell
you just a couple of stories. The reason I went through the scenario with
John Staum in the changing of the uniforms and everything, that also meant
those little brown boots and old brown shoes had to be polished and spit-
shined every day.
So after working until 1 1 :00 or 1 2:00 o'clock at night or parading
until 2:00 o'clock in the morning, I would come home and I would drop
in bed. I would sleep and at 4:30 this woman would be up spit-shining the
boots starting at 4:30 in the morning. It was not me. She did that so I could
sleep until 6:30 in the morning. That isjust the kind of help and dedication
that these people, my family and my wife and all these people here have
helped me.
John Stang, who under the direction of Howard Vander Clute, and
Larry Rivers said, "You will deal with John Senk," and I know I aggravated
them. I had them nervous at times with requests and things, but I want to
tell you something, John Senk never once said "no" to anything the
sergeants ever asked, requested or wanted to do.
So in closing, once again, this is the second time I have said it now,
Andy Warhol once said, "Every citizen on the face of this earth has 15
minutes in the sun and glory." My fellow comrades and sisters, you are
giving me my day in the sun, my 1 5 minutes of glory, and I thank you, and
God bless you for letting me serve.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Thank you,
Comrade Sarver, for all you have done for us. I salute you on behalf of the
team.
PAST NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Thank you.
INTRODUCTION OF PAST COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: During this Convention, from
time to time, we have been very fortunate to have with us the distinguished
group of gentlemen who have exceeded in many, many ways over the years
in the history of our Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I would ask them all to rise so you can give them one large round
of applause. Some of them have registered and one did have to leave, we
know, and there is an illness that makes one go home. They are Billy Ray
Cameron, John M. Carney, Ted C. Connell, George R. Cramer, James R.
Currieo, Arthur J. Fellwock, Robert E. Hansen, Walter G. Hogan, Cooper T.
Holt, Allen F. Kent, James F. Kimery, Clyde A. Lewis, John W. Mahan, James
E. Nier, Clifford G. Olson, Eric E. Sandstrom, Joseph A. Scerra, R. D. Smith,
Jr., Raymond R. Soden, Paul A. Spera, Norman G. Staab, John J. Stang, John
S. Staum, Howard Vander Clute, Thomas C. Walker, Robert E. Wallace.
These are all Past Commanders-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Comrades, let's give them a great round of applause. (Applause)
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PRESENTATION OF GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT AND CITATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For many years and in many
positions, the next individual has served the Veterans of Foreign Wars and
served it well: from Post to District, to Department and in many national
positions. He has furthered the aims, the ideals and the purposes of our
organization.
During his year as Commander-in-Chief in 1988-1989, his theme
was "We Remember." In everything he did he saw that American veterans
were never forgotten. He took their message to Congress, he took their
message to the White House, and he took their message to the
governmental agencies responsible for veterans affairs.
Following his years as Commander-in-Chief, he was appointed
Executive Director of the Washington, D.C. office. In that position, he was
the VFW point man in Washington, D.C. He continued to fight for the
veterans' rights and veterans' benefits.
In 1994, he was appointed to the VFW as Adjutant General, the
individual charged with the day-to-day operation of our organization. He
quickly brought the VFW into computer age, and in doing so increased staff
efficiency and service to our members.
As Adjutant General his impact is felt throughout our organization.
"We Remember" was not just the theme for one year, it was his creed and
his commitment. Larry Rivers never forgot the veterans and the veterans
will never forget Larry Rivers. Please give our Adjutant General Larry
Rivers a very warm VFW welcome as he comes to the podium to receive
the VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation.
It reads, "In special recognition of the extraordinary service and as
our articulate spokesman and exceptional advocate for our nation's
veterans during his two and one-half decades of distinguished and effective
leadership which he was accorded all-American honors with the
Department of Louisiana in 1981, elected to the office of Judge Advocate
General in 1981 -'82, appointed to serve as the National Chief of Staff in
1983-'84, followed by his election and advancement through the chairs of
the highest office of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1988-1989, during
which time his motto 'We Remember' said it all, and in sincere
appreciation for continuing to serve the organization with great dignity,
high esteem and unparalleled expertise, and innovation for another nine
years as the Executive Director of the VFW Washington office and the
Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States this 3rd day
of September, 1998." It is signed John E. Moon, Commander-in-Chief.
RESPONSE - ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS
ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS: Commander-in-Chief, thank you
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very much for that recognition, and I do appreciate it. You know, I guess I
am going through what many of you in your professional lives and working
lives have gone through as well. I wondered as these days approached
exactly what kind of emotions I would have when this day finally arrived.
I think probably my emotions are a lot like yours in that when this
time comes you remember the good things and the good times, and the
outstanding opportunity that you have had, and you remember friends.
You certainly do not remember the stressful times or the very difficult times,
or you do not dwell on those that wish you ill.
You try to think of what is in the future and that is exactly what
Connie and I are doing as we get on with our lives. I do not want to try to
go through all the people that deserve special recognition that have played
a part in my life and career over these past 12 years on the national level,
and eight or nine years before that on the state level.
But if you will bear with me forjust a moment, I do think that it is
necessary that I give special recognition to my home Post in Alexandria,
Louisiana, and those members who have been so loyal to Connie and I
over the years, and to my State of Louisiana who has always been
supportive in all that I have done, and certainly to my great Southern
Conference.
For fear that I would leave out individuals, I do not want to call
names, but there are several I think I must. I particularly want to thank
Wally Hogan, who served in the chairs as the Junior and Senior when I was
the Senior and Commander-in-Chief, and a man for whom I have great
admiration and respect, not only for his service in wartime but for his
friendship and for his hard work on behalf of the VFW, who asked me to
come to Washington to represent us there and gave me the opportunity to
do that.
Particularly, these past two years with Jim Nier and John Moon,
you know, I have this old saying that I try to weigh my friends by those that
I want with me in a fire fight. Having been there before, I take that very
seriously. Not only would I like to have Jim Nier and John Moon with me
in a fire fight, but I think they would probably agree that these past two
years they have been in a fire fight. You two gentlemen, I will never forget
your steadfast and loyal support and your undying friendship.
As I leave, I want to give special thanks as well to the men and
women in both Washington and Kansas City that I have had the
opportunity to work with over these past years. They are dedicated, loyal
employees. They do a tremendousjob for you day in and day out.
They are working also under difficult circumstances and working
long hours, and giving timeless devotion. They deserve all the good things
that you and the members of the National Council bestow on them and
they certainly deserve your support.
To my successor in this office, and I might add to my very good
friend, John Senk, I have told you privately and I have stated it publicly, and
I will do it here, that I will do everything in my power to ensure that John
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succeeds in his new office, because I know inow difficult that task is.
To my good friend Joe Ridgley, who does such a tremendous job
for you and has done for so many years, it has been a pleasure, Joe,
working with you over these years as well. I want you to know that it has
meant a lot to me to have the opportunity to represent veterans.
I am not the kind of person, the ones of you that have known me
for a while, that will dwell on the past. I honestly believe that the ones of
us you honor to hold high office and appointment, and when I look back
over my brief VFW career I probably have been honored to hold more high
offices and important positions in this organization than any other
individual in the 99-year history.
I think this membership, particularly this special membership, I
think that when you bestow those kind of honors on people and put those
people in positions of responsibility, we have an obligation to conduct
ourselves in such a way that it brings honor to this organization.
I hope I have been able to do that for you and I want to ensure you
in the future I will continue to do the very best that I can to uphold the
dignity of the offices I have held in a way that will make you and my friends
proud. I will continue to do the very best job I can do for veterans.
Before I go, let me one more time recognize my wife, Connie, who
has been my partner throughout these years and supported me and got me
through the job.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
INTRODUCTION OF LADIES AUXILIARY NATIONAL PRESIDENT
CONNIE ATKINSON
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Microphone No. 2.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I would like to announce the presence of the Ladies
Auxiliary President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Please rise. I am stealing
some of our National President's thunder. When she spoke to us the other
day she said that each time that you have a Commander-in-Chief or a
National President, as you are about to end that term of office you say that
I have had the greatest Commander-in-Chief to serve with her.
I have had the greatest National President of the Ladies Auxiliary
to serve with. I am joining that group sometime tomorrow and I will say
that same thing. But I have been so fortunate over these past few years, as
I have started through the chairs, to work with a great lady who from time
to time has been able to give me the assistance and some of the guidance,
because she knows how edgy and jumpy I always am.
She is so calm doing yeoman's work with me as we have been able
to work with the many, many details that follows with the Veterans of
Foreign Wars and this Ladies Auxiliary, as we have continued this
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partnership of love and dedication and determination to see to it that the
nation's veterans have the proper care, concern and guidance to which
they richly deserve.
I introduce to you this morning my National President, our
National President, the great National President of the Ladies Auxiliary to
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Connie Atkinson, from the great state of
Arkansas.
REMARKS - NATIONAL LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT ATKINSON
LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT ATKINSON: Thank you, Chief.
Thank you, Commander. It is indeed an honor and privilege to have the
opportunity to address the 99th National Convention of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars. We have had a great year for the Ladies Auxiliary and for
the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We have topped $3 million in our cancer aid research program.
Part of that is because of your help with your Ladies Auxiliary in your own
local areas in raising these funds. This is the tenth year in a row we have
topped the $3 million. We volunteered 2.2 million hours to the VA
Medical Centers and other hospitals around the country.
We went online with our Web site, and we have made our
presence known with the women on Capitol Hill. This morning I want to
thank you for your cooperation on ourjoint programs that we do each year.
We can all be proud of the results that have bqen achieved.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for your
assistance to me personally during the year. I know that many of you are
very involved in making my official visit a success. I thank you very much
for that.
I want to particularly say thanks to John for everything that he did
to make this year so pleasant. It has been an honor to serve with you. As
a token of my appreciation, I would like to present to you this flag set and
this very special gift. Here is your flag set and here is your very special gift.
Thank you very much.
I can't see you very well out there, but to those of you that are of
the Vietnam era, I would like for you to stand. I would like for you to know
that I am the first National President whose only eligibility is through the
Vietnam conflict where my husband served in Vietnam.
I only say that because I want you to know and I want the World
War I and World War II veterans to know that we of the Ladies Auxiliary of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars are also moving ahead. I am the first National
President that was born after World War II.
I have a great deal of respect for those veterans before the Vietnam
conflict. Your knowledge, your courage that you have demonstrated, what
you have learned, the valuable lessons that you have need to be passed on
to each and every one of us so that we may 50 years from now be in your
position.
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I thank you for all that you have done for the Ladies Auxiliary of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the last 84 years and we are beginning our
85th year we have served as your Ladies Auxiliary. We are very proud and
very honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Ladies Auxiliary.
I thank you all for your service to our nation in its time of need. If
there is anything that the any of the Ladies Auxiliary can do for any of you
in ourjoint programs, if you will just let us know we will bejohnny-on-the-
spot, you better believe it. Thank you for all of your assistance. (Applause)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I have, comrades, deeply been
honored to serve with Connie this year. It has really been a pleasure
because she has been so gracious and kind. Her staff, the representatives
that she has sent out to the various states that I have been able to go to have
been so tremendous in their support of this great organization.
Along with Connie this morning, she brought over her Chief of
Staff, Linda Evans, from the great state of Arkansas, and my wife, Susie
Moon. I am deeply honored that she came over this morning. It is my
privilege and honor at this time to present Connie a check I was supposed
to have presented over there a little bit ago.
NATIONAL LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT ATKINSON: Over on
our side, we give instructions when we want something done. (Laughter)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I have learned from Connie, I
have to ask.
NATIONAL LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT ATKINSON: Thank
you. I know you have a very busy agenda and I don't want to take up any
more of your time. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the excellent
staff, the officers that are coming up through the line, the Junior Vice
Commander-in-Chief, the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, your Adjutant
General and your Quartermaster General.
All I can say is they have provided the Ladies Auxiliary with
numerous amounts of support in many, many ways. We are very
appreciative to your National Adjutant General designee. I wish for you
the most success. If there is anything we can do to assist you, because I
know you have assisted us many times, please don't hesitate to call on us.
Thank you very much.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Sergeant-at-Arms, will you
escort the ladies at this time.
Tomorrow morning my Chief of Staff must leave the convention
early. He has a commitment in Georgia, and it is a very fine commitment.
His grandchild is going to be married. I told Jim that before he left I wanted
to pay the proper homage to him for everything he has been able to do for
me for the many years of my campaign and through the three years I have
been coming to be Commander-in-Chief.
James Thiel, for many years, has been dedicated to promoting
Veterans of Foreign Wars programs, not only in and around his home area
of St. John, Indiana, but through the great state of Indiana and across this
great nation.
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Jim, I thank you for everything that you have been able to do to
make this organization stronger, make it vital and make it move into the
21st Century. Jim, please stand. I would like to give you one great salute.
Jim Thiel, Chief of Staff, from the great state of Indiana, thank you.
(Applause)
CHIEF OF STAFF THIEL: Thank you.
VISIT OF NATIONAL HOME REPRESENTATIVES
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For over 70 years, the VFW
National Home at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, has been a haven of comfort,
safety and hope for hundreds of children and adults, as well. It is one of
the most profound examples of veterans helping veterans, and the VFW
and the Ladies Auxiliary members fulfilling our commitment to honor the
dead by helping the living.
From a small farm in the Michigan countryside, the home has
grown to a large bustling community. Modern facilities contain the latest
in education and recreation resources, while comfortable houses and
caring staff provide the homes that the children need to grow and thrive in
and reach their greatest potential.
We are honored today to have with us the President of the VFW
National Home, Harold Weber, who has brought with him two very special
guests, the Executive Director of the home, Susan Shoultz, and the 1998
Buddy Poppy Child, Tyler Willett. Let's give them a real big VFW welcome.
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL HOME
COMRADE HAROLD WEBER: Good morning, comrades. To you,
Commander-in-Chief John, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tom and
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John, and all the officers and councilmen
and you comrades out there, I bring you greetings from the VFW National
Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
We have 83 children, 20 families, 19 single mothers and one
single father on campus as of the end of last month. It gives me a great deal
of pride to be the president of the trustees this year to reach that goal, the
highest we have had since 1989.
I want to say that school has started. The children go to the local
school in Eaton Rapids. We have 22 children that are taking piano lessons
and 10 taking dancing lessons, and they are involved in all kinds of
activities. Sue will have a few words to say about the home.
I would like to tell you a little story. Before I do, I would like for
my delegation from South Dakota to please stand. There they are. Give
them a big hand.
Last December, when we had the Cootie Christmas party, a young
lady came to me and said, "Mr. Weber, I want to tell you since you are from
South Dakota that you and the comrades and the Veterans of Foreign Wars
190
have turned my life around for myself and my three children. We now
have a home to live in and we are living in the South Dakota home, and
we have a life together, and we are going great places."
With that, I would like to introduce to you our Buddy Poppy boy
who happened to be from that family, and his name is Tyler Willett.
REMARKS BY 1998 BUDDY POPPY CHILD - TYLER WILLETT
BUDDY POPPY CHILD WILLETT: Hello. My name is Tyler
Willett. I live in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, attheVFW National Home. My
house is South Dakota. I am honored to be chosen as your Buddy Poppy
Child for the next year.
Let me begin with introducing you to my great-grandfather who
passed away in 1 981 . His name is Richard E. Christi. He is the reason why
me, my mom and two sisters are able to call the VFW National Home
"home sweet home." He is why we are able to call the VFW our heritage.
My family and I have been living at the VFW Home for the past
year and one-half. It is changing our life for the better. My mom, her name
is Susan Willett. Thanks to the VFW, she is standing on her own two feet
and doing very well. She is always saying that she has had such a big
blessing and such an awesome break, and she is grateful every day.
My mom asked me today to thank you so very much. She has a
decent job and is returning to college. She will be graduating in May of
'99 from Siena Heights University with a Liberal Arts/Bachelor's Degree.
Then my mom says she will be looking for a higher-paying position orjob.
As you can see, the VFW organization has turned my family
around and our future is full of hope and sunshine. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart and the hearts of my family members. My mom is also
getting a lot of much-needed support in raising me and my two teenage
sisters, which is good because girls are very different.
As for me, I am starting in the fifth grade. I took seventh place with
my rabbit in 4-H. I am ten and my birthday is October 7th. I hold a part-
timejob with the Maintenance Department. When I grow up, I want to be
a meteorologist and maybe join the Coast Guard.
During my time attheVFW, a lot of things have happened. We get
school clothes and lots of school supplies. Well, holidays are a dream. I
have learned about poison ivy and steroid shots. We have fine playground
equipment in our recreation area, and they provide computers and pool
tables.
We have the Fire Department and a place for fishing. We live in a
most comfortable house. It is a mansion, warm in the winter and cool in
the summer. Life is just about perfect. Thank you for the change in my
family life and giving my family a second chance for a great life. Thank
you. i
COMRADE HAROLD WEBER: Comrades, I would like to
introduce to you our Executive Director and the Mayor of the VFW
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National Home at Eaton Rapids. She didn't know she had that second title
until yesterday when I conferred it on her. She is the Mayor of that little
town three miles out of Eaton Rapids. Let me introduce to you Susan
Shoultz.
REMARKS BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHOULTZ
MS. SUSAN SHOULTZ: Good morning. To our Chief, Officers
and Comrades: As always, I am thrilled to be with you today and have an
opportunity to bring you a little update. One year ago, the National Home
Board of Trustees established a Strategic Planning Committee to address the
future of the National Home.
Since its first meeting of the National Convention in Salt Lake City,
there have been regular meetings throughout the year. Almost immediately
two conclusions were reached. The first being that the National Home
Commission provide care for children while serving as a memorial to our
nation's veterans will continue to have meaning and purpose for future
generations.
Secondly, is the National Home more fully utilize its resources in
order to provide a greater level of financial support into the future. It is the
plan that at the 75th Anniversary of the National Home in the year 2000
will serve as a time of re-commitment to the National Home and its
mission.
We will focus our energies on perpetuating the Endowment Fund,
while celebrating 75 years of honoring the dead by helping the living.
Today there are 83 children as well as 20 single parents and four
scholarship students who are participating in the programs at the National
Home.
They have come from 18 different states to begin their lives new at
the National Home. They have come from such states as far away as
California, Washington, Nevada, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, New
Jersey, New York, and as you can see today I am in the company of a young
man.
Tyler, this is to you. You live in times where it is difficult to find
heroes to look up to. But today you are a lucky young man, because every
face that you see in this room is the face of a hero, men and women who
served their country when called and were willing to sacrifice for others.
Tyler, come back up here and let me introduce to you the
American heroes.
COMRADE HAROLD WEBER: Commander-in-Chief, will you
come forward, please. Commander-in-Chief John Moon, it is a pleasure for
me to present to you this memento from the National Home. It is presented
to John Moon, VFW Commander-in-Chief, 1997-'98 from the VFW
National Home. Thank you, comrades.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: As the Sergeants-at-Arms are
coming forward, I would like to announce that this year the Veterans of
192
Foreign Wars have been honored for the fact we are going to begin
celebrating many, many events. But in doing so, we have celebrated the
50th Anniversary of the National Honor Guard in around the Washington,
D.C. area.
We owe these individuals a great deal of gratitude for their service
to this nation and to the greatest veterans organization, the VFW.
INTRODUCTION OF SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At this time you see standing
behind you our sergeants-at-arms. Let me express my appreciation to a
group of men that we see annually at our National Convention.
They come to this convention and are up early in the morning and
the first ones in the hall. They arrange for seating on special occasions, and
they keep order in the hall at all times. They try to seat everybody and
maintain order that is necessary during the meeting itself.
These individuals don't get a lot of money to do this. It is obvious
that a labor of love is there for them. I am sure that everyone recognizes
they do an outstanding job for us. The sergeant-at-arms assembled staff
here, I would like to introduce them at this time.
From the great state of Kansas, Post 6240, Barry A. Hoffman,
Sergeant-at-Arms. The Assistant Sergeants, from Post 1656, Massachusetts,
Carl C. Aiello. I have been informed that he is ill and not in attendance.
Convey our thanks to Carl, please, Sergeant-at-Arms.
From Post 9134, North Carolina, Gary W. Barringer. From Post
1911, in Ohio, Dan Brown, who is ill and unable to attend. From Post
3979, Minnesota, Joy Collins Baxter. From Post 2275, California, Keith
McDonald. From Post 2083, Connecticut, Nicholas Polansky. From Post
4847, Minnesota, Joseph M. Schirmers. And from Post 4159, Michigan,
Fred H. Von Hinken, Jr. These are the comrades that every time something
goes wrong we start screaming at them. If something does go right, we
forget to say thank you to them, and we go on to other business.
I want to in front of this body say publicly thank you to each of
them, the members of this great team, the Sergeants-at-Arms of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. I am proud of each of them and they have handled
themselves as professionals, and I am deeply honored for the opportunity
to serve with each one of them.
I say to all of you thanks in behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
You have done an outstanding job. Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms for a
marvelousjob.
I call to the mike at this time our Assistant Adjutant General John
Senk.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, I move that the proceedings of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 99th
National Convention be submitted to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives for printing as a House document in accordance with
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Public Law No. 620, 90th Congress, approved October 2, 1968, Title 214
of the United States Codes, Section 1332.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: There is a motion on the floor.
Is there a second?
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL RIDGLEY: I second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been
seconded by Quartermaster General Ridgley, a delegate to the 99th
Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Is there any question on the
motion? Hearing none, we will call for a vote. All those in favor will say
"aye"; all opposed say "no". The motion carried unanimously.
NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For Commander-in-Chief, I
call forward John W. Mahan, Past Commander-in-Chief, 1958-'59, from
Post 1116, Helena, Montana, for the purpose of a nomination.
NOMINATION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN MAHAN: Thank you, John.
It is my privilege today to nominate a friend, a comrade and associate for
the VFW's top position, Commander-in-Chief. I do remember Tom when
he was a small boy with his father, George, who was an active member of
Post 1116, and his mother, Mary, even though she was the mother of 11
children, including Tom, was active in the Ladies Auxiliary.
As you can see from that, Tom grew up with the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. Tom attended school in Helena and graduated from Helena High
School. It can now be said that the school holds the distinct honor of
graduating two United States Senators, presently serving Senator Max
Baucus of Montana, and Senator Roth of Delaware. After Tom, it can be
said it graduated two Commanders-in-Chief for the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
Tom then entered the United States Navy as an Air Crewman and
served in Vietnam. Upon discharge, Tom took advantage, as many of us
have done in the past, of the G.I. Bill. He entered college in San Jose,
California, graduated, and then attended the University of Montana Law
School and graduated as an attorney.
Since graduation, Tom has held positions as attorney for the State
of Montana, a judge, as well as a private practicing attorney in Helena.
Tom has served the VFW well from the grass roots up. Tom has been Post
Commander, District Commander, All American Commander, as well as
holding many high national positions, which include Chairman of the
National Legislative Committee.
Now a Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Tom is ready for and I
now nominate Tom Pouliot as Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States.
194
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I call forward to the podium
for a second to the nomination of Tom Pouliot as Commander-in-Chief, Eric
Sandstrom, Commander-in-Chief, 1978-'79, from Post 969, Tacoma,
Washington, followed by George F. Riedel, Jr., District 14 National Council
Member from Post 969, Tacoma, Washington, also.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ERIC SANDSTROM: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, two years ago I rose to second the nomination of
Tom Pouliot as Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. At that time I said three
things. It isn't very often that a Marine will stand up and nominate a little
swabby for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. I was personally wrong.
Yes, I am still a Marine, but Tom Pouliot is not a little swabby, he
is a big, big, big swabby. Then I said I knew that he was an attorney. I
didn't know at the time if he was a good attorney. I cannot answer that
question now because I really don't know too many good attorneys.
Then I said that he had a cute wife. She is not only cute, she is
beautiful. It is a great honor for me to stand here as a humble Marine to
second the nomination of Tom Pouliot for Commander-in-Chief of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
COMRADE GEORGE RIEDEL (Post 969 - Washington): Has
anybody ever heard of a humble Marine?
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Past National Commanders,
Officers and Delegates to this great 99th VFW National Convention. I am
George Riedel from Post 969 in Tacoma, Washington. I am privileged to
stand before you and second the nomination of Tom Pouliot for the office
of Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
for the ensuing year.
Tom has given us years of dedicated leadership, years of great
enthusiasm and many years of personal friendship to many of us. The time
is now, my comrades, to elect Tom to the highest office in this great
organization. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. Are there any
other nominations at this time for Commander-in-Chief? The nominations
will remain open until tomorrow morning.
NOMINATION OF SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I call forward to the
microphone Clifford T. Olson, Past Commander-in-Chief, 1983-'84, from
Post 9699, Milton, Massachusetts, for the nomination of the Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief John W. Smart of Post 483, New Hampshire.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CLIFFORD OLSON: Thank you.
Commander. Comrades to the 99th National Convention, once again it is
my distinct honor and profound pleasure to come to this podium and place
in nomination the name of a comrade who certainly has lived up to and
surpassed his advanced billing.
I advised you good comrades at the 98th National Convention,
195
and I have never taken this action lightly, at that time I spoke of his service
with the Miracle Division and the 176th Salt Pepper Squadron in Vietnam.
I spoke to his ability and dedication to the aims and ideals of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars at all levels.
I told you in his civilian suit he is a dedicated and sincere fire
fighter, and finally I told you of his ability to learn and to progress in the
office to which he was elected. He has shown this ability at any level or
any position that he has held, both civilian and Veterans of Foreign Wars'
positions.
His dedication to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, his knowledge, his
desire to assist all veterans and their dependents, his dedication to the
MIA/POW interest, his ability to serve those in need has placed him a step
above the rest.
My comrades, this past year he has performed over and above
expectations. He has traveled far and wide throughout our great
organization and throughout the world, and he is recognized for his
knowledge and dedication of all issues. He has shown that he is a team
player, but he is not afraid to challenge those things that he feels are not in
the best interest of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in general.
He has shown concern for all and he has certainly proven that he
has the qualifications and the desires to fulfill the duties of the higher
office. He continues to have the outstanding support of his loving wife,
Mary, and the entire family, along with his home Post 483 in Nashua, New
Hampshire, and certainly the Department of New Hampshire.
With all this being said, my comrades, it is my pleasure and
privilege and my honor to place in nomination for the office of Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief a friend and a comrade from the Granite State of
New Hampshire, John W. Smart.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For purposes of seconding the
nomination of John Smart from New Hampshire as Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief, we have Past State Commander John M. Packard of
Post 8546, Salem, New Hampshire, and Robert W. Madigan, District
National Council Member from Post 483, Nashua, New Hampshire.
COMRADE JOHN PACKARD (Post 8546 - New Hampshire):
Commander-in-Chief, Distinguished Guests at the head podium, I think
Cliff Olson has given all the qualifications that John has and I can give a
little more. I call him my protege. He listens and he pays attention. It is
with pride and honor that I second the nomination of John Smart for
National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
COMRADE ROBERT MADIGAN (Post 483 - New Hampshire): My
name is Robert Madigan and I am District No. 1 Councilman. I have not
only been a Councilman from New Hampshire but also Vermont. John has
been a very, very good friend of mine for many, many years.
We belong to the same Post, Nashua 483. Without John Smart, I
wouldn't be standing here as your District No. 1 Councilman. John has
helped me immensely in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At this time I would
196
like to second the nomination of John W. Smart for Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any other
nominations for the office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief?
Nominations will remain open until tomorrow morning.
NOMINATION OF JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the position of Junior Vice
Commander-in-Chief, I call forward to the microphone R. D. "Bulldog"
Smith, Past Commander-in-Chief from Post 4346 in Georgia, for the
purpose of nominating John W. Gwizdak, Post 5080, from the great state of
Georgia.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF R. D. SMITH: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and National Officers, Fellow Members of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:
I first met the person, whose name I will place in nomination for
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, 21 years ago at a Southern Conference
meeting held in Daytona Beach, Florida. I met a very beautiful young lady
who, of course, most of our ladies in Georgia are good peaches, who was
at that time serving as State President of the Ladies Auxiliary in Georgia.
It must have been love at first sight, because they later became
married and he moved to Georgia and became very, very active at that time
in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. John Gwizdak was born July 7, 1940, in
Revloc, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Carrolltown and graduated from
the Carrolltown High School.
He earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Resources and
Administration from the University of the State of New York. John retired
from the United States Army in June, 1978, and after completing over 20
years of service as a non-commissioned and commissioned officer, he
holds the distinction of having served in all leadership positions, from
squad leader to officer of an infantry company.
He earned his eligibility for the Veterans of Foreign Wars through
the occupation of Germany, Berlin, and a tour in Vietnam where he served
with the 199th Brigade as an infantry heavy weapons platoon leader and
company commander. His military awards and decorations include the
Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of Bronze Star
Medal, including one for valor. Comrade Infantry Badge, Purple Heart,
Vietnam Cluster and three Army Commendation Medals, the Army
Occupation Medal in Berlin and the Vietnam Campaign and Service
Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medals,
National Defense Service Medal, Expert Medals for both rifle and pistol,
and the sharp shoot.
John joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1976 and is a Life
Member of Post 5080, Lake City, Georgia. He is also a Life Member of the
Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans.
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His membership also includes the MOC, American Legion, American
Veterans Association and the Combat Infantrymen's Association.
John has worked in real estate as a sales broker and builder since
retiring from the Army. He is owner and principal of John F. Gwizdak, Inc.,
and the owner and operator for Builder Realty. He is currently serving his
seventh term as Georgia's Adjutant Quartermaster.
Since joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars, John has constantly
applied his extensive leadership gained in the military to the betterment of
this organization. He has supported proposals at the national level to
clarify and define service and represent our veterans.
John has served with distinction from the Post level to achieve All
American Department Commander for the year 1 988-1 989 of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. During this tenure, he was instrumental by his testimony
before the late Congressman Sonny Montgomery's Committee on Veterans
Medical Care to preclude the closing of Surgical Services at the Dublin
Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia.
He has also been the veterans' advocate before the Georgia State
Legislature on many occasions, and at the national level John served on the
National Council of Administration 1990-1992. He was Appeals
Chairman, and Chairman of the Americanism Committee, and lastly, he
served two terms as Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Committee and Vice-
Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, and
three years on the National By-Laws and Review Committee.
John is married to the former Betty F. Burns of Georgia. Betty is a
Past Department President of the Ladies Auxiliary in Georgia and served as
Eighth District Council Member on the National Council of Administration
of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
John and Betty have five children. John is a people's person. In
every elected or appointed position he has had, he has been a veterans
advocate. John has already become very, very popular with members of
this organization, and he returns that popularity tenfold by his expert
professionalism in serving our membership.
He has demonstrated action, past and present, clearly established
himself as a man with a potential to represent us in the future. We need
this dynamic leader and articulate speaker in positions where he can share
our views and our concerns are heard.
As stated earlier, John's popularity became so widespread within
the Southern Conference that he received the conference endorsement
without any opposition whatsoever, and I mean he ran for this high office
the last four years without any opposition. I can't recall that ever
happening in the Southern Conference.
It is my honor and pleasure to nominate John F. Gwizdak, Jr., for
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of seconding
the nomination of John Gwizdak of Georgia for the office of Junior Vice
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Commander-in-Chief, I call to the podium William Cox, Adjutant
Quartermaster and Post 7883, Cary, North Carolina, and Richard Branson,
Department Service Officer and Campaign Chairman from Post 5080, Lake
City, Georgia.
COMRADE WILLIAM COX (Post 7383 - North Carolina): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief and Delegates to this Convention, my name is
William C. Cox, and I am a delegate from Post 7383 in North Carolina. I
am pleased to participate in the nomination process of my good friend John
F. Gwizdak for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief from the Department of
Georgia.
As you can see, my colleagues, I hope that they are here, the
Adjutant/Quartermasters of the Southern Conference have joined me in
this joyous occasion. We have observed John's leadership capabilities as
an Adjutant/Quartermaster. The current stability of the Department of
Georgia tells the story of this great leadership.
Comrades, John Gwizdak served as a Combat Company
Commander in Vietnam where his leadership was recognized as one who
cared and took care of his men. I served in a Combat Infantry Company
in Germany in 1944. Therefore, I know firsthand the responsibilities of the
Company Commander, which is to keep his men alive and to provide
leadership which will command the respect of those serving in his
company.
Gwizdak has this great leadership quality. Leadership is crucial at
the national level now more than ever. We, from the Southern Conference,
know that Comrade John Gwizdak is the individual to lead us as we enter
the 21st Century.
I am pleased to second the nomination of John F. Gwizdak as the
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of a great organization, the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States.
COMRADE ROBERT BRANSON (Post 5080 - Georgia): Good
morning, comrades. This is a great day in America and a great day for the
VFW. I am privileged to be afforded the opportunity to assist in the
presentation to you today of John Francis Gwizdak for Junior Vice
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I have served as John's campaign manager and friend for many
years. I know him well and he is my brother. He is a dynamic individual
with all the requisite leadership and personal skills to successfully launch
this organization into the 21st Century.
His creed is honor with integrity. He never waivers from his creed
even when the decision process gets tough. He refers to this membership
body as heroes all the time. You may be assured that he will represent you
in the highest esteem. He is proud and humble for all of your friendships.
He is eager to tell anyone who will listen, "I am a member of the
VFW." John has commented to me many times, "I don't believe that
comrades get up in the morning and decide to do things contrary to our by-
laws." He believes that most probably serve the VFW with lack of
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communication and training.
His leadership skill is contagious. He will proactively approach
problems and seek swift decisions. You will witness firsthand his
capabilities to do a superb job as a Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and
ultimately Chief of this organization.
It is my distinct honor and with great pride that I am afforded the
opportunity to second the nomination of John Gwizdak to the position of
our next Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any other
nominations for the office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief? Hearing
none, the nominations will remain open until tomorrow morning.
I call forward to the microphone at this time William J. Radigan,
State Quartermaster/Adjutant from VFW Post 4061, South Dakota, for the
purpose of nominating the Quartermaster General, Joe L. Ridgley from Post
8220, Missouri.
NOMINATION OF QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN (Post 4061 - South Dakota):
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I am joined this morning in making this
nomination with some of my fellow Adjutant Quartermasters, and I ask
your permission to have them step forward and introduce them.
COMRADE BILLY KING (Post 2346 - Massachusetts): My name is
Billy King. I am a member of Post 2346, Massachusetts, and I am a Past
State Commander of that Department and presently serving as the State
Quartermaster for my second term.
It is my honor and privilege to be standing before this convention
and seconding Joe Ridgley's nomination as Quartermaster General.
COMRADE CLEVE COX (Post 7383 - North Carolina): Again, my
name is Cleve Cox. On behalf of the Quartermasters from North Carolina,
we will be seconding the nomination for our good friend, Mr. Ridgley.
COMRADE DAVID ROATH (Post 5606 - Missouri): I am David
Roth, Department Adjutant/Quartermaster from Missouri. I am a member
of VFW Post 5606 in Kansas City.
COMRADE RHETT DAVERIO (Department of California): I am
Rhett Daverio, from the Department of California, Adjutant/ Quartermaster.
COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN (Post 4061 - South Dakota):
Thank you very much. Comrade Commander-in-Chief and National
Officers, my Comrades of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:
I am privileged today to appear before you for the purpose of
placing in nomination the name of Joe Ridgley for the office of
Quartermaster General. In 1970, Joe graduated from the University of
Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
He went immediately into the United States Navy and served five
years. When he came out of the United States Navy, he applied for
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employment with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
beginning a service there in 1 976. During that time, he has served in many
capacities, some of v\/hich are Manager of the Accounting Department, Life
Membership Director, Director of the VFW Emblem and Supply
Department and other offices.
In March, 1995, Joe became Quartermaster General. He is a well-
qualified individual and he is well-versed in this organization. He has
worked for the National Headquarters for nearly 23 years. He is a fine
young man, still young compared to many of us, and he is very capable
physically to handle this very stressful job.
Joe is married to his wonderful wife, Judy, and has a son. Jade, and
a daughter, Jessica. They are a good family. Joe enjoys his family, but he
also enjoys serving the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. I
could talk for some time about the qualifications of this individual, but time
is of the essence.
So, I will only say that I have attended 45 National Conventions,
and one of the real honors I have had is today when I am privileged to
nominate and present to you for the office of Quartermaster General of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Joe Ridgley of Post 8220,
Belton, Missouri, for the very high and very distinguished office of
Quartermaster General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of seconding
the nomination, David L. Roath, the State Adjutant/ Quartermaster from
Post 5606, Missouri, representing Cleve Cox from North Carolina, Rhett
Daverio from the Department of California, and the various
Adjutants/Quartermasters from their respective states.
COMRADE DAVID ROATH (Post 5606 - Missouri): Commander-
in-Chief, Past Commanders, National Officers, Delegates to the 99th
Convention: It is indeed an honor for me to stand before you again this
year and second this nomination. We know from past experience what Joe
Ridgley has done not only for the organization but for the high office of
Quartermaster General.
He has demonstrated the ability to serve the organization and
handle the finances that it takes to run this organization. We have no
reason to believe that will not happen next year and into the future. I stand
here with other Quartermasters from the other conferences and I am proud
to second the nomination of Joe Ridgley for Quartermaster General of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Thank you.
NOMINATION OF JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you. I call forward to
the podium at this time Glen Gardner, Department Adjutant/
Quartermaster of Post 3359 for the nomination of Judge Advocate General
R. Earl Lord from Post 10351, Department of Texas.
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Thank you,
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Commander-in-Chief. Delegates to this 99th National Convention, the
Chief has granted mejust a moment of personal privilege before I make this
nomination on behalf of our Chairman Jim Nier.
Our Vice-Chairman Ted Connell and myself say once again thank
you to the many volunteers in District 20, Department of Texas, for making
this convention such a success. We hope you have enjoyed your visit to
San Antonio. We could not have made this convention such a success
without those hundreds of volunteers that have spent many hours helping
you, helping the National Organization and helping the Department to do
so.
So, we would be remiss if we didn't do that and we will continue
to do that throughout this convention and for the next couple of months.
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, with a great deal of pleasure I
stand before the delegates today to place in nomination the name of R. Earl
Lord for Judge Advocate General for 1998- '99. A Life Member ofVFW Post
10351, Hemphill, Texas, he has served this great organization as a Post
Commander, a District Commander and the 1991 -'92 Department of Texas
Commander where he achieved All American honors.
Since serving as Department Commander, he has served this
organization on many National Committees. A Navy veteran, Earl served
from January, 1944 to 1949, in the Pacific campaign, and won many
medals. Earl graduated from South Texas University.
While in school in Houston, in 1957, he worked for Humble Oil
Company as an attorney for 1 5 years and has been a practicing attorney in
Hemphill for 31 years. One of the few attorneys that I will honestly count
as one of my friends.
Earl also served as a member of the Senate where he was
appointed for two terms. A confirmed bachelor. Earl lives in Hemphill,
Texas. Therefore, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I nominate a
comrade who is respected and admired by not only members of this
organization but by members of his local community, for the office of Judge
Advocate General for 1998-'99, Earl Lord, from Post 10351, Hemphill,
Texas.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of a second of
the nomination for Judge Advocate General Earl Lord, I call before to the
podium Lester Kapelka, Post 5850, from Alabama.
COMRADE LESTER KAPELKA (Post 5850 - Alabama): My name is
Lester Kapelka, a delegate from Post 5850, Alabama. I second the
nomination of Earl Lord for National Judge Advocate. The Lord is going to
be with us. Please stand. Earl, and let everybody see who you are.
NOMINATION OF SURGEON GENERAL
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of nomination
of Surgeon General, Kenneth S. Snow, Jr., Post 6977, Maine. I call forward
Joe H. Gallant, Jr., Vice Commander-in-Chief of Maine, Post 832, South
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Portland, Maine.
COMRADE JOE GALLANT (Post 832 - Maine): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, National Officers, Delegates and Comrades.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Excuse me. Comrades, are
there any other nominations at this time for the office of Judge Advocate
General? Hearing none, the nominations will remain open until tomorrow
morning.
COMRADE JOE GALLANT (Post 832 - Maine): It is an honor for
me to stand before you and place in nomination the name of an
outstanding comrade from the Eastern States Conference and the great state
of Maine for National Surgeon.
Comrade Ken Snow, Jr., began his military career as a Seaman
Recruit in June, 1955, and served as a Navy Corpsman. In May, 1955, he
was assigned and served in a Third Marine Division in the Vietnam combat.
He served in this capacity and was commissioned an ensign in March,
1966.
His awards include the Combat Ribbon, Meritorious Service
Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal and the
Campaign Medal. He received a degree in Business Management from the
University of New Hampshire, and a Master's from George Washington
University in Management.
Upon retirement in 1985 as a Naval Commander, he was
employed in the civilian sector as a hospital consultant and a home
administrator, and retired in 1993. Again, hejoined the Veterans of Foreign
Wars in 1966 and has served as the Adjutant General of the Department of
Maine since 1994.
He is married to the former Joyce Elaine Winfeldt and they have
three children, eight grandchildren, and currently resides in Topsfield,
Maine, where he is active in his Post and the local municipal government.
Thank you, comrades.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of seconding
the nomination of Kenneth Snow for the office of Surgeon General, I call
forward John M. "Jack" Carney, Past Commander-in-Chief, 1992-'93, a
member of Post 4643, Satellite Beach, Florida, and Robert W. Madigan,
District 1 Councilman, from Post 483, Nashua, New Hampshire.
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN CARNEY: Thank you,
Commander-in-Chief. National Officers and Delegates to this Convention,
it is indeed a rare privilege and honor for me to have the opportunity of
seconding the nomination of a comrade that I have known for many years
who is dedicated and maintains the highest respect for the veterans of this
country.
His concerns about their health and their welfare makes him an
excellent candidate for Surgeon General. I am pleased to second his
nomination.
COMRADE ROBERT MADIGAN (Post 483 - New Hampshire):
Comrades, again at this time, as the District 1 Council Member, I would
2D3
like to second the nomination for Kenneth S. Snow for Surgeon General of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any other
nominations for the office of Surgeon General? There being none,
nominations will remain open until tomorrow morning's session.
NOMINATION OF NATIONAL CHAPLAIN
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I will call forward to the
podium at this time Donald Porter, Post 454, Bloomington, Illinois, State
Commander of Illinois, for the purpose of placing in nomination the name
of Tom W. Neville, Post 2327, Illinois.
COMRADE DONALD PORTER (Post 454 - Illinois): Commander-
in-Chief and National Officers, and Members of he Veterans of Foreign
Wars:
It is a great pleasure for me to rise and place in nomination the
name of Father Thomas W. Neville for the office of National Chaplain for
1998-'99. Father Neville served in the U.S. Medical Corps in World War
II.
He obtained his degree from the school in Baltimore, receiving the
Doctor of Divinity and presently earned his M.A. Degree in Divinity from
Dayton University. He is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 2327 in Richmond, Illinois.
Having served as an All-State Commander in 1990-'91, he has
served as State Chaplin in Illinois since 1990, and was National Chaplain
in 1994-'95. Father Neville belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and I am
pleased to place in nomination Father Thomas W. Neville from Illinois for
National Chaplain for the year 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: For the purpose of a second to
the nomination, I call to the podium Jim L. Michael, State Junior Vice-
Commander, from Post 1383, Rock Island, Illinois.
COMRADE JIM MICHAEL (Post 1383 - Illinois): My name is Jim
Michael, Post 1383, Illinois, and a delegate from the State of Illinois. I
proudly second the nomination of Thomas W. Neville, along with all my
other comrades, for the high office of National Chaplain. Thank you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any other
nominations this morning for the office of National Chaplain of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars for 1998-'99. Hearing none, the nominations
will remain open until tomorrow morning.
I must correct myself. Are there any other nominations for the
office of Quartermaster General this morning? Hearing none, those
nominations will also remain open until tomorrow morning's session.
Tomorrow morning's session will begin at 9:00 a.m. It will be in
the South Banquet Hall, not here but in the South Banquet Hall. It is where
the Council of Administration meeting was held this past weekend.
I call forward the Sergeant-at-Arms. Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
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will you prepare the room for the closing session.
NATIONAL SERGEANT- AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Yes, sir.
(Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was given followed by the
Benediction according to the Ritual by National Chaplain Dean Derieg.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Commander-in-
Chief, the Closing Ceremonies for today's session have been performed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Comrades, this session is over and we are in recess. We will return
tomorrow morning at 9:00 o'clock in the South Banquet Hall.
(Whereupon, the meeting was duly recessed at 11 :40 o'clock a.m.)
FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION
FRIDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 4, 1998
(The Fifth Business Session of the 99th National Convention of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, was called to order at
9:00 o'clock a.m., with Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon presiding.)
CALL TO ORDER
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms,
you will call to order the final session of the 99th National Convention.
(Whereupon, Sergeant-at-Arms Hoffman led the convention in the
Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. National Chaplain
Reverend Dean Derieg gave the Opening Prayer.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, your order has been obeyed.
PRESENTATION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S GOLD MEDAL AND
CITATION
TO GENERAL THOMAS A. SCHWARTZ
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It is now my pleasure to make
a presentation that was scheduled for last year's convention, but the
recipient was on duty in Bosnia last August and could not attend the
convention. Now, home from that military operation, he is the recently-
appointed Commanding General, U.S. Air Forces Command, Ft.
McPherson, Georgia; a command which has a total personnel strength of
800,000 troops. That includes active duty, guard and reserves.
General Thomas A. Schwartz graduated from the United States
Military Academy at West Point in 1967. His military schooling includes
infantry officer basic course, ranger school, armor officer advanced course.
205
armed forces staff college and the Navy war college.
He served in Vietnam as a platoon leader and company
commander in the 82nd Airborne. Other overseas tours took him to Korea
and Germany.
Stateside, the General has served in a variety of positions,
including command of Ft. Carson, Colorado, and the Fourth Infantry
Division and, subsequently, command of Ft. Hood, Texas, and the III Corps.
His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star,
Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal and several others.
Please rise and give a warm VFW welcome to General Thomas A.
Schwartz, here to receive the VFW Commander-in-Chief's Gold Medal.
The citation reads: "Gold Medal of Merit and this Citation
presented to Thomas A. Schwartz, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces
Command.
"In sincere appreciation and special recognition of his remarkable
life of service and personal sacrifice as a dedicated member of the United
States Army. His distinguished record of service as a highly-decorated
officer, platoon leader and company commander in Vietnam and his
extraordinary contributions to every assignment during his more than three
decades of service to the nation is an inspiration to all Americans and his
exceptional achievements have earned him the admiration and gratitude of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
"In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the
official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, this 4th
day of September, 1998."
This has been signed by me, Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon,
and Larry W. Rivers, Adjutant General.
RESPONSE - GENERAL THOMAS A. SCHWARTZ
GENERAL SCHWARTZ: Good morning, everybody. How is
everybody doing? I think I would rather be the wake-up guy than the guy
that puts you down at night. I fee! good about this line anyway. They had
a big four-star conference newspaper in Washington and I had to go up
there, and I was the last speaker at the end of the conference, at the end of
the day, so it was pretty hard to get all those guys motivated.
Commander-in-Chief Moon, thank you for having me today. This
is a great award. It is an incredible honor. When I walked in here this
morning, just like every time I walk in any place that has you veterans and
you ladies that served your country like you have and mean so much in the
very heart and soul of what this country is all about, I feel special but I feel
honored also being in your presence. Thank you for having me here this
morning.
I want to thank the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tom Pouliot
and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Smart, and all of you, especially
for your continued service. I think that is one of the points I want to
206
emphasize this morning. I know we recognize lots of time our past
performance, but as we sit here today and as I am among you, I can't help
but think about your continued service.
I know you served in some of those hard times and many conflicts
overseas, but right here and now your presence marks your continued
service to our country and you served dozens of programs, through
hundreds and thousands of initiatives across our country.
Your collective voice is the voice that will make a difference in our
country. Thank you very much. I can feel your collective voice. I
understand there is as many as 25,000 people that come together for this
conference, and I think that just in sheer numbers alone speaks volumes
about who you are, what you represent and the difference that you can
make in your collective body.
I want to recognize some of the contributions, because I have
heard so much about what you have done in the contributions you have
made. When I first came in here, and I was talking to a couple of our
ladies, and then I heard that the Ladies Auxiliary had contributed $3
million in money this year in scholarships. That is just almost mind-
boggling when you think about it.
So are the statistics that I have heard in terms of millions of dollars
of scholarships that I have personally witnessed in some of the places I
have been. You give to our dependents and our soldiers that make a
difference in their life. So far eight million hours of volunteer service that
you do.
When I served in these different Posts around the country, I see
your faces. You are the mainstay of the volunteer force in and around the
Posts and in and around our communities. I see it all the time. It is our
veterans that are making such a difference.
In the dollar contribution alone, the sheer dollar contribution, of
$600,000 to the Korean Veterans Memorial, $200,000 to the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, and $100,000 to the Vietnam Women's Memorial, that
is significant. There are scores of programs just like that and many more of
citizenship, education, flag sponsorship, and the list goes on, doesn't it, in
the outstanding work of our Ladies Auxiliary and the difference they make.
As I walk around you and in and among you, as I said earlier, it is
the experience of my life. It makes me feel special. Thank you very much.
On behalf of the 750,800 soldiers that I represent in forces
command and that is active soldiers, that is Guard and National Reserve,
all of us marvel at the things that you do and the difference that you make.
I would like to say to you, Ken Steadman, thanks for asking me here to
speak. I will just speak shortly, not too long.
He said talk about some national security measures or matters to
us forjust a little while. I know nothing of more national security interest
or importance than our soldier. So I will talk to you a little bit about our
soldier, if I may. Even though I am an Army component of all of this, I think
what I say can be extrapolated easily to our sailors, our Marines, our
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airmen and our Coast Guardsmen that are so marvelously represented here
this morning.
You know today the soldier, I can look you in the eye and I can tell
you this, and I know a lot of you have not walked in the ranks like I have
today, the soldier of today. I look you in the eye and tell you this young
man and this great young woman of today are trained and ready, and they
proudly serve, and they are doing a greatjob.
In my 31 years of doing this, I have never seen it better. That is 31
years I have never seen men and women better trained, better motivated to
serve their country and to do the things that represent you and the heritage
that you gave them in terms of service to country.
They are picking it up. They are carrying that banner proudly, and
you will be proud of them every step of the way. I have got to tell you,
training today is the hallmark of the great Army that you have, and all the
other services. It is the foremost component of readiness today.
Keep our soldiers trained and ready and we are doing it. We have
lots of technology today. We have simulation in the services today that
would absolutely be mind-boggling to you. At Ft. Hood alone, there are
$400 million of simulation devices that we have never seen the likes of in
our Army. We are using them and they are making us better.
We have advanced more experiments that take place, and we do
this in war fighting today that you could only dream of years ago, only
dream about that an Army could accomplish or do. That is the state of the
art of your service today. But it is just not that technology, it is our great
soldiers.
They come because of that from all over the world to see us. Do
you know that eighty countries have come in the last eight months to Ft.
Hood, Texas, when I was there, eighty countries in eight months to see the
great American Army? They have marveled at who we are, what we do,
and our soldiers and our technology.
I have got to tell you through all of that they marvel the most when
they leave this great country, they marvel the most at the soldier, the man
and woman they see. Theyjust marvel. They ask about it all the time, how
do you do this, how do you create this volunteer Army that you have?
How have you accomplished this? How can we do that and how
can we incorporate women into our ranks? These are the things. How can
we build an NCO Corps like you have? You know the answer is I give them
lots of times, "Well, you have to go back 222 years and start this great
dream that was started then. Start this great formation of what made us
great, this Army, all these services, because that is when they started." You
don't do it overnight.
You accomplish it through hard work, through a nation of people
like you here today who are so committed and so willing to give them your
lives and give sacrifice of so much to make this the greatest country in the
world. That is how you become great.
You know, these young people that we ask them today, we deploy
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them all over the world. We have 27,000 soldiers deployed right nov^ in
83 countries across the world. That is 83 countries. So, when these young
men and women come, they don't sit around the Continental United
States, they move around this world and we ask a lot of them.
They are near Kuwait, they are in Bosnia, in Mozambique, just to
mention a few, all over the world. These young men and women are
willing and they do a great job. They accept the hardship, they deal with
it and they are trained and ready.
I will tell you, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that the women,
the 14.2 percent of your United States Army that is represented by the great
women of our ranks, they are doing an outstanding job. In fact, my
daughter is in the Air Force. She is an F-16 pilot in the United State Air
Force, and I am tremendously proud of her and the job that she does.
You know, one of thejobs we do, and I want you to know this, one
of thejobs we do in the Army today is we continually teach our soldiers
about their heritage, because if we don't they will not understand those
that went before them. We teach them about values and it is important.
We teach them about respect and loyalty, honor, duty to country,
the very values that have made us great. We make sure when they come
in we teach them about that. Ken asked me to talk about readiness, and I
will say this about readiness. I know it gets on everybody's eye.
I will ask you, when you look at the readiness of the Army today
and when I perform, also look at our deployment and judge us by those
rather than the rhetoric that you hear. If you judge us by the performance
of the deployment of this Army today, it is incredible what they
accomplish.
All you have to do is look back a couple of years. When I was at
Ft. Hood and the call came to my desk, we need a brigade in Kuwait and
we need it now, four days later the 1st Calvary Division was in Kuwait. Six
hours from the time they had landed, they were in a tactical assembly area
trained and ready to fight.
That is unprecedented and unheard of in the world today. Just one
year ago, Saddam Hussein called again. The same call came in. It was
with the 3rd Infantry Division, but at this time 10,000 soldiers. We sent
them in ten days with 700 tons of equipment, and we sent another brigade
and equipment to get them there in ten days, and in less than eight hours
when they hit the ground, they were in tactical assembly areas, trained and
ready to do what they needed to do.
That is the American soldier today, trained and ready. Judge us by
our performance rather than by the rhetoric. You know, I marvel at the
technology that we have every day. We have C-1 7s that do things today
that no one dreamed of in terms of airlift capabilities.
We have technology among our ranks and tanks that do things that
were never dreamed of years ago that a tank could do. But the bottom line
of all that is the American soldier. You know, I will quote this one quote for
you because I like this.
209
This young soldier with the Srd Infantry Division that we sent over
to Kuwait on that short notice that I just talked about, here is a quote from
that young man. He said, "I had a wrestling coach in high school who said
if you show up for the weigh-in looking scary, you intimidate the other
guy"
We showed up in Kuwait looking scary, and the neat part is your
soldiers show up all over the world looking scary. In Bosnia, when they
show up with all the services over there, people are talking about all the
time about don't mess with the American soldier. He and she looks strong.
And I have got to tell you, our adversaries out there are concerned.
When they look at all the great services of ours, they are concerned and
they are a little scared. You know what, when I used to have those eight
countries that came in eight months, we have 7.2 miles of motor pool at
Ft. Hood, Texas, and 24,000 combat vehicles, and I used to take them for
a ride along there to take a look at them.
I had the Chief of Staff of the Russian Army with me and I drove
that 7.2 miles. He spoke a little bit of English. "Good, ready, powerful." I
kept saying to myself, "You better believe it" under my hat.
Well, those soldiers are committed. We teach them a lot of great
things. Like I said, they are ready to assume the responsibility, they are
ready to do the things and you know they are ready to do the ultimate
things that you and I respect most, and those that went before us and will
never forget about a person who serves his or her country, the willingness
to give their lives. These young people today are willing to do that. I marvel
at them every day and you should. I know you are proud of them.
I treasure this medal. This will mean a great deal to me. I
guarantee if you come to my office in Atlanta, I know there is a Georgia
contingency here, you can come see this. I salute everyone in this room.
What I said in the beginning was your continued service, and I can tell, we
ask in the armed services of our country for your continued support.
Your collective voice is important to our nation's security. Don't
ever underestimate that. Your collective good works is what makes this
nation strong. It is what makes this nation what it is today. Thank you and
God bless you for having me here today. Thank you very much. I love
each and every one of you.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you again very much,
General.
At this time I call to the podium the Chairman of the Credentials
Committee, Richard Trombia, Post 1174, Kansas.
FINAL REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174 - Kansas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am Richard Trombia, Post 1174, Department of
Kansas, Chairman of the Credentials Committee. Comrades, this is a
final report of the delegates registered at this convention. The delegate
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strength is 13,417. We have 54 Department Commanders; 26 Past
Commanders-in-Chief; 36 National Officers. That is for a grand total of
13,533.
Comrades, I would like to tell you this is 690 more delegates than
there was last year in Salt Lake City. Commander-in-Chief, this is a final
report. In behalf of the committee, I wish to thank you for the appointment
and ask that you dismiss us.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman. But before doing so, I would call forward those that are present
from the Credentials Committee for recognition. Not in attendance this
morning but who has been a very dedicated individual for many years on
this committee, James H. Willis of Post 534, Missouri, and James L.
Mascola, Post 3580, Illinois.
The two in attendance are Elwood B. Rickards, Post 7234,
Delaware, and James A. Kennedy, Post 3877, Minnesota. (Applause)
At this time, Mr. Chairman, your committee is dismissed.
I have got a dear friend of mine that has to go across the hall and
help assist the ladies on a couple of things this morning, so I would ask the
individual to please rise for recognition. That is the Immediate Past State
Commander, a dear friend and one of my Post members, and a mentor of
mine, Roger Taylor of Post 2873, Grover Hill, Ohio. (Applause)
I call forward to the mike the Assistant Adjutant General who will
read the nominations for National Home Trustees.
NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL HOME TRUSTEES
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Those nominated for the
Sixth National Home District, representing the Departments of Kentucky,
Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri, are Margaret Fesmire,
Ladies Auxiliary toVFW Post 4780, Milan, Tennessee; John Bourque, Post
2210, St. Genevieve, Missouri; Bernard McClelland, Post 2618,
Brookhaven, Mississippi; Robert Nickerson, Post 6640, Metairie, Louisiana;
Rebecca Strauss, Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 280, Columbia,
Missouri.
Those nominated for the seat representing the Tenth National
Home District, representing the Departments of Arkansas, Texas,
Oklahoma and New Mexico, Curtis O. Bohlman, Post 1335, Woodward,
Oklahoma; Glendola Edwards, Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 4548,
Jacksonville, Arkansas; F. E. Gene Warden, Post 8552, Del Rio, Texas; and
Juanita Workman, Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 8577, Copperas Cove,
Texas.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Thank you, John. I was in a
breakfast the other morning for All-American Commanders, and sought for
and gained their permission for what I felt was a very honorable thing. I
asked them for permission to have this convention accept the fact that we
had two individuals who served with great honor and distinction this past
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year as commanders.
One attained the status of Ail-American, and shortly thereafter
died. He was unable to fill his term. I also asked that in the event, or I
guess in response for the individual from the great State of North Carolina,
who for the past three years took dialysis four times a day, and he
continued to serve throughout his term.
Shortly after leaving the office of Commander, he passed away.
Those two individuals, I asked the All-American Commanders if I could
grant them honorary status as Captains this year of the All-American Team
of the Department Commanders.
That grant was given to me, and it is an honor for me at this time
to have this convention accept the fact that we had two outstanding
Department Commanders who distinguished themselves well, Larry
Sakamoto from Hawaii and William Boykin from the great State of North
Carolina. I salute you two comrades where you are resting in peace at this
time.
INTRODUCTION OF VFW NATIONAL BAND
So often is the case we just take things for granted, and this
morning I would look to my right and your left to Director Phil Arnone, our
VFW National Band, sponsored by Post 47, Uniontown, and the
distinguished service you have given us for so many years and the
outstanding job you have given this week.
Mr. Director, if you will please have the members of your band rise
for a round of applause for your efforts and what you have done for us this
week.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
INTRODUCTION OF HONOR GUARD
Again, I would like to make the announcement that as of February
8, 1998, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been deeply honored to have as
its National Honor Guard those individuals who continue to struggle day
in and day out to make sure that events in and around Washington and the
National Conventions are carried out with great dignity and honor, the
members of the National Honor Guard and their 50th Anniversary this
year. Comrades, you are doing a wonderful job. (Applause)
INTRODUCTION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S FAMILY
As one is sometimes allowed or not allowed to do, I would like to
recognize some people this morning that I have on the stage, and then ask
the Sergeant-at-Arms if he will escort them from the room. If I might start
at the far end, a man who we kid back and forth about our little town, he
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is a member of our Post but also Mayor of our community, Ray Roth, and
his wife Darlene.
Another member, John Wilkin and his wife from our Post. My
aunt, Faye Thomas, an Auxiliary member. My niece, Michelle Moon and
her friend Tim. Next is Gary Moon. A friend that I guess has been pretty
special to me, my brother, Larry Moon and his wife, Sue.
I always say that because Larry spent three years in Vietnam trying
to make sure I didn't go over there. Unfortunately, he didn't stay there long
enough so now I am eligible for the VFW. Thanks again, Larry.
This little girl behind me is the one that everyone seems to
recognize throughout the convention. She, from time to time, may get
turned around in some of the sessions, but she always seems to find the
hospitality room. I kid her dearly, my mother-in-law and a great supporter
of mine for all these years, Ronnie.
These individuals have done so much along with Post 2873, my
District 1 in the great State of Ohio, and the entire Big Ten. I was so
fortunate to reach this position, but I would not have been able to do so
had it not been for so many dedicated comrades from the Auxiliaries and
from the various Posts in my great state to give me that honor to come to
this position.
I am going to save this other lady until maybe later in the audience
so she can leave at that time. But for now, I would like to introduce to you
the most special person in my life, one that has put up with me for 24 and
one-half of my 28 years in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We kid back and forth, but I met this lady at a VFW meeting at her
Post in 1974 when I was District Commander, and it is kind of ironic,
sometime they say divorce comes as a result of involvement within the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, but marriage came as a result of my involvement
with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I am deeply honored to introduce to you the greatest lady that I
could ever have to stand beside me, my wife, Susie Moon.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
MRS. SUSIE MOON: Thank you, guys. I have to tell you, three
years ago we were in this same position, different room, different city, and
we were in the same position, and you wondered what it is that you are
going to say on the day that you leave as an officer of this wonderful
organization.
John has been a most gracious husband. He has been my friend,
my lover and my husband. Yet, he has always shared our lives with you.
He has had a dream since he left Vietnam and joined the Veterans of
Foreign Wars immediately upon returning home, and has progressed
through the chairs of two different Posts, because once he met me he came
to Grover Hill, which was very nice, I thought.
That saved me from going back and forth to Charloe. Then he went
through the District and the Department, and then on to National. We
213
worked as a team in Grover Hill. I was the Clerk and he was the Mayor for
a number of years. You know, it has been kind of funny for me, because
we were used to always being together and we were a team.
Then when he became the National Commander to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, he was the man, and a lot of times the wife is accused of
being, you know, kind of running things. I am here to tell you, he is his
own man, and yet fortunately I had a background that when this man was
hurting or when this man had a problem, he was able to call home and he
was able to have someone to talk with.
I think you men know out there that it is very important to have a
mate that you can talk things over with. We discussed the theme of
"Courage Under Fire." You know, through John's campaigning, there was
always like a subversive culture out there that for whatever reason they
didn't want him to achieve his offices.
It took a while, but he was elected in our Department. Then when
he was fortunate to gain the endorsement of our Department, he
campaigned for national office. During that campaign, it was still that
subversive culture out there. You know what, that subversive political base
that seems to rear its ugly head at times in organizations like this, you guys
out there, the regular members, are who elected John E. Moon to be your
National Commander.
You stood up, you said to heck with this political machine, we are
going to elect this man. I hope that you can agree with me that this last 54
weeks you have had one of the greatest Commanders this organization is
ever going to see. Thank you very much. (Applause)
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: She didn't say she was going
to say that. Is there any other business to come before this convention
before we go into nominations and election of officers? If not, I will release
any and all committees at this time that have been assigned to this 99th
National Convention.
At this time, I call forward to the podium John W. Mahan, Past
Commander-in-Chief, Post 1116, Helena, Montana.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN MAHAN: Yesterday, I had
the privilege to nominate for Commander-in-Chief my friend, comrade and
associate, Tom Pouliot of Helena, Montana, Post 1116. He is now
nominated, and I move that the Adjutant General cast a unanimous ballot
for Tom Pouliot for Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Are there any other
nominations? Are there any other nominations? Are there any other
nominations? Nominations are closed. The motion is in order. Is there a
second?
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL JOHN SENK: I proudly second
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the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: All in favor will signify by
saying "aye"; all opposed "no". The motion carries.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Comrades, you have
just elected Tom Pouliot as Commander-in-Chief for 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Nomination yesterday for the
position of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief was John W. Smart of Post
483, New Hampshire. Are there any other nominations once? Are there
any other nominations twice? Are there any other nominations three
times? The nominations are closed. Is there a motion on the floor to close
nominations?
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT (Post 1116 -
Montana): I move that we close the nominations and that we cast one
unanimous ballot for John Smart for the office of Senior Vice Commander-
in-Chief for the 1998-'99 year.
COMRADE PAUL CHEVALIER (Post 1968 - New Hampshire): I
second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made
and seconded. All in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all opposed. The
motion carries.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: It give me great pleasure
to cast one unanimous ballot for the election of John W. Smart for Senior
Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the year
1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: While they are going to the
back of the room to get assembled, one of the things we do at the National
Convention and I failed to do earlier, is to recognize the Chairman of this
99th National Convention and all the efforts put forth by he and his staff.
I would like to have the audience please rise and pay special honor
to Jim Nier, Past Commander-in-Chief, and Chairman of this year's 99th
National Convention. (Applause)
Yesterday, the name of John F. Gwizdak, Post 5080 of Georgia, was
placed in nomination for the office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
Are there any other nominations once? Are there any other nominations
twice? Are there any other nominations three times?
The chair recognizes Richard Branson.
COMRADE RICHARD BRANSON: Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, yesterday, this dynamic leader, John Gwizdak, was nominated by
Past Commander-in-Chief "Bulldog" Smith from the great State of Georgia.
At this time for this great American, I move, Commander-in-Chief, the
nominations be closed and the Adjutant General be instructed to cast one
unanimous ballot for John Gwizdak.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made to
close the nominations and cast one unanimous ballot for John Gwizdak for
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Is there a second?
COMRADE RON WILSON (Department of Georgia):
215
Commander-in-Chief, I second the motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made
and seconded. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those
opposed. The motion carries.
Comrade Assistant Adjutant General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: It is my pleasure to cast
one unanimous ballot for the election of John F. Gwizdak for Junior Vice
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
for the year 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: While they are making their
round, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals,
Larry W. Rivers and the Adjutant General's staff; Joe Ridgley, and the
Quartermaster General's staff, and all the Assistant Adjutant Generals and
the Assistant Quartermasters for their effort on behalf of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars this year. To all of you, thank you very much for a job well
done.
The name of Joe L. Ridgley, Post 8220, of Missouri, was placed in
nomination for the office of Quartermaster General. Are there any other
nominations this morning for the office of Quartermaster General, once?
Are there any other nominations for the office of Quartermaster General,
twice? Are there any other nominations for the office of Quartermaster
General, three times?
The chair recognizes Tony Borjas.
COMRADE TONY BORJAS (Post 2866 - Missouri): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, Tony Borjas from Post 2866, Department
Commander in Missouri. I move that nominations cease for Quartermaster
General and a unanimous ballot be cast for Joe Ridgley of Missouri as
Quartermaster General.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Is there a second?
COMRADE JIM MILLER (Post 5077 - Missouri): It is an honor and
pleasure to second the nomination of Joe Ridgley for the high office of
Quartermaster General.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been
seconded. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed
"no". The motion carries.
Assistant Adjutant General, please.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: It gives me a great deal
of pleasure to cast one unanimous vote for Joe L. Ridgley for the office of
Quartermaster General for 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Yesterday morning, the name
of R. Earl Lord of Post 10351, Texas, was placed in nomination for the
office of Judge Advocate General. Are there any other nominations this
morning for Judge Advocate General, once? Any other nominations, twice?
Are there any other nominations, three times?
The chair recognizes Glen Gardner, Quartermaster/
Adjutant from Texas.
216
COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359 - Texas): Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I move you instruct the Assistant Adjutant General to
cast one unanimous ballot for R. Earl Lord, Post 10351, Hemphill, Texas,
for Judge Advocate General for 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I recognize Comrade William
D. Bell, Department of Texas.
COMRADE WILLIAM D. BELL (Department of Texas):
Commander-in-Chief, I humbly am really proud to be here to second this
motion for Earl Lord for the position that he seeks.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made
and seconded to close the nominations and instruct the Adjutant General
to cast one unanimous ballot for Earl Lord for Judge Advocate General. All
those in favor will say "aye"; all those opposed. The motion carries.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: I cast one unanimous
ballot for the selection of Earl Lord for Judge Advocate General for the year
1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: At our morning's session
yesterday, the name of Kenneth S. Snow, Jr., Post 6977, of Maine, was
placed in nomination for the office of Surgeon General. Are there any
other nominations this morning for the office of Surgeon General, once?
Are there any other nominations, twice? Any other nominations, three
times?
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: I move that the
nominations be closed and the Adjutant General be instructed to cast one
unanimous ballot for the election of Kenneth Snow as Surgeon General.
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL RIDGLEY: I second that motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: It has been moved and
seconded. All those in favor will signify by saying "aye"; all those opposed.
The motion carries.
Comrade Assistant Adjutant General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Thank you.
Commander-in-Chief, I cast one unanimous ballot for the election of
Kenneth Snow, Jr., for the high office of Surgeon General of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States for 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Yesterday morning, the name
of Father Thomas W. Neville, Post 2337 of Illinois, was placed in
nomination for the office of National Chaplain. Are there any other
nominations this morning for the office of National Chaplain, once? Are
there any other nominations for the office, twice? Are there any other
nominations, three times?
I recognize the State Commander of Illinois.
COMRADE DONALD PORTER (Department of Illinois):
Commander-in-Chief, I ask that you instruct the Adjutant General to cast
one unanimous ballot for Father Thomas W. Neville for National Chaplain.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: The motion has been made to
close nominations and cast one unanimous ballot for Father Thomas
217
Neville. Is there a second?
COMRADE JAY MICHAEL (Post 1303 - Illinois): I proudly second
that motion, Commander-in-Chief.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: All in favor will signify by
saying "aye"; all opposed. The motion carries.
Comrade Assistant Adjutant General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: I cast one unanimous
ballot for the selection of Father Thomas W. Neville for the high office of
National Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for
the year 1998-'99.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: Again, if we could have
everyone to please rise and give all those 1998-1999 National Officers-
Elect a round of applause. (Applause)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS-ELECT
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I call to the podium Assistant
Adjutant General John Senk.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Sergeant-at-Arms, will
you, please, escort the Commander-in-Chief-Elect to the floor to present
the caps to the incoming National Council Members. The National
Council Members-Elect are as follows:
District 2, representing the Departments of Massachusetts and
Connecticut, Ron Rusakiewicz, from Post 9460, in Connecticut.
District No. 4, representing the Departments of the District of
Columbia, Delaware and Europe, G. P. Miserandino, Sr., Post 2979, District
of Columbia.
District No. 6, representing Virginia and West Virginia, Bobby R.
Walls, Post 2216.
District No. 8, representing Georgia and Alabama, Ray E. Brooks,
Post 2785.
District No. 10, representing Oklahoma and Arkansas, Eugene H.
George, Post 9969.
District No. 12, representing South Dakota, North Dakota and
Wyoming, Richard J. Belling, Post 7564.
Council District No. 14, representing Montana, Washington and
Idaho, George F. Riedel, Post 969.
National Council District No. 16, representing Central America,
Pacific Areas, Alaska and Hawaii, Thomas I. Elliott, Post 9467.
Representing Council District D, Ohio, Craig D. Swartz, Post 2947.
Representing Council District No. E, Department of Minnesota,
Donald L. Gates, Jr., Post 141.
And representing the Department of Texas, District No. H,
Alexander Vernon, Post 91 91 .
ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENTS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-
218
ELECT
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I call to the podium
Commander-in-Chief-Elect Tom Pouliot for the announcement of his
appointments for 1998-1999.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT POULIOT: I announce for
1998-'99 the appointment of Adjutant General John J. Senk, Jr.,
from Post 335, New Jersey. The National Chief of Staff, Randy E. Russell,
Post 2136, Idaho. The Inspector General, Norbert K. Enos, Post 2875,
Hawaii. The National Sergeant-at-Arms, Barry A. Hoffman, Post 6240,
Kansas.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I call to the podium at this
time John J. Mahan, Past Commander-in-Chief from the great State of
Montana. We will now proceed with the Installation of Officers.
Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, is the Installing Officer at the proper
position to do the installation services?
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, I am proud to present Past Commander-in-Chief John
Mahan, who has been instructed to install the officers for the ensuing year.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Comrade Commander-in-Chief,
the term for which you and your subordinate officers were elected or
appointed has now expired. It is my duty to ascertain the following. Have
the officers for the ensuing year been duly elected?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: They have.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Have the books of the Adjutant
General and the Quartermaster General been examined and approved by
the National Council of Administration?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: They have.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Does the Adjutant General have
on file proof of eligibility for all officers to be installed during this
installation?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: He has.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: I would remind any officer not
having proof of eligibility on file and not being installed at this time, the
by-laws prescribe you must within 60 days of election or appointment
submit to the Adjutant General for his file a copy of your proof of eligibility.
Are the funds in the hands of the Quartermaster General ready to
be turned over to his successor when duly installed?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: They are.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Have you in your possession the
charter and gavel of this organization?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MOON: I have.
219
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: You will now surrender the gavel
and charter to me. Past Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon, you have now
been relieved of your duties as Commander-in-Chief of this organization.
It is proper to remind you that in assuming the chair of F^st Commander-
in-Chief it will be your duty and privilege to counsel and otherwise assist
your successor through the experiences that you have gained during your
term of office. You will now station yourself at my right.
National Sergeant-at-Arms, you will now present the officers-elect
at the alter as the Adjutant General reads the list of officers to be as the
Sergeant-at-Arms escorts the officers elected to the alter according to rank.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Yes, sir.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Yes, sir. Past
Commander-in-Chief.
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief - John W. Smart
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief - John W. Gwizdak
Quartermaster General - Joe L. Ridgley
Judge Advocate General - R. Earl Lord
Surgeon General - Kenneth S. Snow, Jr.
National Chaplain - Father Thomas W. Neville
National Chief of Staff - Randy E. Russell
Inspector General
- Norbert K. Enos
District Council Members:
District No.
1
- Robert W. Mad igan
District No.
2
- Ronald Rusakiewicz
District No.
3
- Raymond J. Boyle
District No.
4
- G. P. "Jerry" Miserandino, Sr
District No.
5
- James R. Mueller
District No.
6
- Bobby R.Walls
District No.
7
- Leroy Ford
District No.
8
- Ray E. Brooks
District No.
9
- William J. Hendren
District No.
10
- Eugene H. George
District No.
11
- William P. Shannon
District No.
12
- Richard J. Belling
District No.
13
- Lewie B. Cooper
District No.
14
- George F. Riedel
District No.
15
- George H. Palmateer
District No.
16
- Thomas 1. Elliott
District No.
17
- Frank R. Risewick
District No.
19
- Richard J. Fruge
District A
- Charles R. Feltenberger
District B
- Rick Frank
District C
- T. William Bossidy
District D
- Craig D. Swartz
District E
- Donald L. Gates, Jr.
District F
- Richard L. Lehner
220
District G - Richard R. Pignone
District H - Alexander Vernon
District J - James DeRass
Immediate Past Commander-in-Chief - John E. Moon
Adjutant General - John J. Senk, Jr.
Commander-in-Chief - Thomas A. Pouliot
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Sergeant-at-Arms, are all
present?
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: They are.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: National Officers-Elect of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I will administer to you the
Officers' Obligation.
You will raise your right hand, touch the flag of your country with
your left hand and repeat after me.
(Whereupon, the following Officers' Obligation was given at this
time: "I do hereby solemnly promise that I will faithfully discharge to the
best of my ability the duties of the office to which I have been elected or
appointed, according to the Constitution, By-Laws and Ritual of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. I solemnly promise that at
the close of the term to which I have been elected or appointed, or sooner
if so ordered by proper authority, I will surrender immediately to only the
duly authorized person or persons, all records, money, or other properties
of this organization in my possession or under my control. All this I freely
promise, upon my honor, as a loyal citizen of our great Republic. So help
me God.")
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: As you were; parade rest.
National Chaplain, please.
NATIONAL CHAPLAIN DERIEG: Almighty God, our God and
divine protector, give Thy blessings upon these, our comrades, who now
become fellow officers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We beseech you,
O Lord, that you are always present among us. Grant wisdom unto them
so that in their deliberations they continue to favor Thee, our glorious
country and the betterment of our organization.
May Thy strength sustain them. May Thy power preserve them.
May Thy hand protect them in the faithful and fruitful performance of their
duties. Amen.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Sergeant-at-Arms, you will now
escort the officers to their respective stations.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Yes, sir.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: National Officers of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars of the United States, you now occupy the position of honor
to which your comrades have elected you. Learn well the responsibilities
entrusted to you so that you may intelligently discharge the duties you are
to undertake.
The By-Laws and Ritual of our organization prescribe in detail the
duties of your respective offices. By virtue of the confidence placed in you.
221
through your election or appointment, we assume that you will acquaint
yourselves clearly with your duties.
The National Council of Administration members will stand and
face the dais. Sergeant-at-Arms, you will now escort the Commander-in-
Chief-Elect to my station.
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade Installing
Officer, I am proud to present to you Commander-in-Chief-Elect of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Thomas A. Pouliot.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Commander-in-Chief-Elect
Thomas Pouliot, before administering your obligation, it is proper to
remind you of certain duties. You will be held personally responsible for
the charter of this organization and that at the end of your term of office,
you will deliver it to the officer appointed to install your successor.
It is your duty to see that all National Officers perform their duties
to the best of their ability. You shall keep yourself informed on all proposed
legislation which may affect the welfare of potential and actual comrades
of this organization, and strive for adoption of only those measures which
will be beneficial.
You will be required to devote all of your time to the many duties
of your office. You are expected to make a special study of the
Congressional Charter, By-Laws and Ritual of this organization so that you
may render firm and impartial decisions on important questions referred to
you.
As Commander-in-Chief, you will be regarded by your comrades
and by the general public as typifying wise and vigorous leadership in the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. May all of your efforts and
your accomplishments bring credit to your administration and to our
organization.
Comrade Thomas A. Pouliot, are you willing and ready to assume
your solemn obligation?
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT POULIOT: I am.
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: You will raise your right hand,
touch the flag of our country with your left hand, and give your name as I
touch your hand, and repeat after me.
(Whereupon, Commander-in-Chief-Elect Pouliot received the
following obligation: "In the presence of Almighty God and the Officers
and Delegates of this Order here assembled, I, Thomas A. Pouliot, do
hereby solemnly promise that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my
ability, the duties of the office of Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States, to which I have been elected in
accordance with the Constitution, Ritual and By-Laws of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States. I solemnly promise that at the close of
the term to which I have been elected, or sooner if so ordered by proper
authority, I will surrender immediately to only the duly authorized person
or persons, the National Charter, all records, money and other properties
of this organization in my possession or under my control.
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"I do further solemnly promise that I will be fair and impartial in
my actions towards all comrades, and I will always strive to promote the
best interests of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. So help
me God.")
INSTALLING OFFICER MAHAN: Council members, you will
resume your station. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I now place in your
possession our Charter. Also I present you with this gavel, which is the
emblem of your authority. Use it firmly but with discretion.
All National Officers, you will stretch forth your right hand and
repeat after me: "Comrade Commander-in-Chief Tom A. Pouliot, to you I
pledge my sincere allegiance."
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, officers and delegates of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I now proclaim the National
Officers duly installed and the organization in working order for the
ensuing year.
PRESENTATION OF PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
LAPEL PIN AND GOLD LIFE MEMBERSHIP CARD
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you, comrades and
sisters. As the first order of business, I would like to have Past Commander-
in-Chief John Moon to please come forward.
John, it has been a pleasure to serve with you these past two years.
I would like to present to you today your Gold Life Membership Badge and
your Past Commander-in-Chief's Pin.
ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: We would like Shirley Pouliot to
come forward to place the cap on the Chief's head. If the Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief and Mrs. Mary Smart would present themselves.
Presenting the cap to the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, John Gwizdak,
is his lovely wife, Betty.
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SMART: John, it is indeed
an honor for me to present to you your Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief's
Lapel Pin.
JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF GWIZDAK: It is indeed
an honor to accept it.
ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Replacing the cap on the
Quartermaster General, because he will not get a new one, is his wife Judy.
Placing the hat on the head of Judge Advocate General Earl Lord
will be the State Commander of Texas, Doug Bell.
Placing the cap on the head of the Surgeon General, Kenneth
Snow, will be his wife, Joy.
Past Commanders-in-Chief Ray Soden and George Cramer have
the honor of placing the cap on National Chaplain Father Neville.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: As many of you know, our
Adjutant General John Senk is a single parent raising his 12-year-old
daughter, Danielle, and an eight-year-old son, Sean. As you can irhagine.
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the VFW travel for National Officers is pretty tough, but when you have
children at home and no family in the area, it makes it even more difficult.
Fortunately, John has many friends in Kansas City who have been
a great source of help and support for his children. We are happy to have
two of them with us today, Chris and Barbara Mynatt have been long-time
friends of John and on several occasions have cared for Danielle and Sean
while John has been away.
When they learned that John would become the Adjutant General,
they couldn't believe it. I just added that, John. They came to San Antonio
for this weekend to witness this Installation Ceremony. Since Barbara is the
supervisor in the VFW Insurance Department, John has asked her to place
his cap, representing the employees at the National Headquarters. Ms.
Mynatt, if you will please present the cap to Adjutant General Senk.
(Applause)
My National Chief of Staff, if you will please come forward.
Placing the cap on Randy Russell is Past National Commander-in-Chief Jim
Kimery. The National Inspector, Norbert K. Enos, please come forward. It
pleases me to have the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Gwizdak to place
the cap.
JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF GWIZDAK: We served in
Vietnam in the same unit, so he asked if I would do this today, and it is my
pleasure and honor.
ACCEPTANCE ADDRESS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Now, for a few remarks. I
wish to thank all of you for the honor you have given me this day. I hardly
know what to say. It seems like it has been a long time to get to this place
and I am very humble because I know that only one person in our two
million organization gets to be the Commander-in-Chief this year, and I am
almost overwhelmed that you have elected me.
Before I forget it, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce
my family that is here with me. My father and mother, George and Mary
Pouliot. My sister, Joan Miller, who many of you know. She has been the
socialite in our Hospitality Room.
My twin sisters, Pam Huffman and Rat Fries. Of course, I could not
have gotten here without the love and support and encouragement of my
bride of three and one-half years, Shirley Pouliot. I humbly accept this
position and I promise with your help, with the help of everyone here, all
of our All-Americans, our National Council members, the Department,
District and Post officers, I will do my best to make sure that the VFW is a
stronger and more vital organization next year than it is at this time.
I want to give special thanks to my own Department, the
Department of Montana and its Ladies Auxiliary, for their many years of
support. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I acknowledge the large debt that
I owe you. Please stand. (Applause)
224
I think I better not even start with any names, because there are a
million of them, but I will mention one name, a special friend, someone
who has been my mentor and has helped me in everything that I have ever
done in the VFW, Past Commander-in-Chief and a good friend, John
Mahan.
I wish to also pay special tribute to our VFW Ladies Auxiliary
President Jane Bingham. Without the Ladies Auxiliary's special strength
and compassionate vision, the Veterans of Foreign Wars would not be the
premier organization we are today.
In fact, we are America's elite veterans' group for the right to
belong to this organization only belongs to those men and women who
have fought for and rescued this country in time of need as soldier, sailors,
airmen. Coast Guardsmen and Marines.
The members of our elite veterans' organization are members who
have discharged their obligation of citizenship as servicemen and women
in the past, yet they continue today to expand their time, effort and energy
to serve veterans in America. They are in the trust sense of the word
"Veteran Volunteers."
This is the slogan I have selected for this year, because it is more
than just a figure of speech, it embodies that which has made us great. It
is as volunteers that we fulfill our obligation to honor the dead by helping
the living. It is volunteers that help veterans, and we have worked for 99
years.
It is volunteers that we answer the question that was given to us by
our Keynote Speaker way back in the beginning of our convention, the
Honorable Paul Wellstone, the Senator from Minnesota. He said, "Have
we done enough?" Our members are those men and women who are the
fortunate ones.
We came home. But we refused to forget our former friends and
comrades who were buried around the world. We refused to forget the
widows and orphans as well as those who did come home who were in
need or disabled, mentally or physically by war.
It is now our duty to re-awaken in our former members for our
membership they can still honor their comrades-in-arms, that they can still
help the disabled, injured and the homeless, by joining our ranks and
giving us the power to direct our government to help veterans.
They can still do, as President Abraham Lincoln cautioned us to
do, to "help those who bore the brunt of battle, his widow and orphan." I
am sure that most of the men and women who are eligible for the VFW,
who have failed to join when they took off their uniforms and came back
home, felt that our Congressmen and Senators and our President would
take care of our comrades-in-arms.
For many years, our government did that. Today, however, things
are different. We don't have a majority of veterans in Congress and in the
Senate. We don't have a President who is a veteran. So the protectors of
our programs in government have all disappeared.
225
We must reded icate ourselves and never before to go home after
this convention and seek out the eligible veterans and convince them that
now is the time to join, to be counted, so that the veterans' programs, our
hospitals, our nursing homes, our outpatient care will not be lost but will
be improved and that a place will be found for the homeless veterans that
wander about this country.
Have we done enough? These past two years I have traveled the
country. I have visited various Posts. Seeing those projects conducted by
our VFW and Auxiliaries, I have experienced a great sense of pride in what
we stand for and what we have accomplished.
Our Posts are the rock upon which this organization is founded.
They are our basic unit. It is the purpose of this organization, our National
Officers and staff, to provide the Posts with everything they need to
succeed, because the Posts are not only the site of our patriotic and
community activities, but they also present our public face in the world.
The Post represents in the minds of the citizens of our country what
the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary is all about. In the course of carrying out
their good works, they create a positive image of the VFW within our
communities. Sadly, though, only a few of our citizens are aware of our
good works.
We must not let this continue. I call upon every VFW Post, every
District, every Department Commander to appoint public relations officers,
and these officers are to be charged with ensuring that the good we do,
whether local or whether it is national, is publicized in their community
and in their states.
If we are to reverse the current downward trend in membership, it
is essential that we get out the word about what this organization of
"Veteran Volunteers" does to help our communities and our veterans.
Membership in the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary is very special. It
is an honor coveted by many. But, nonetheless, we only manage to attract
a small percentage of our eligibles. There are those who see that this trend
is irreversible, it is demographics, it is an aging population and a general
decline in civic activism in America.
Let me assure you today that myself, the Senior Vice Commander-
in-Chief John Smart, the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak,
we know differently. With your help, we can steer the VFW on to a course
of growth and we can begin now. We can begin this year.
First, I think we have to look at a few things that maybe we are
doing wrong, you and I. We should do a better job in promoting our
membership. We should personally reach out to all eligible veterans and
ask them to become part of our team. Ask yourself, have I done enough?
Today's veterans are looking for more than comradeship in history.
Before joining an organization, they want to know will it speak up on our
behalf? Far too many of our eligibles have let to find out that the VFW does
this. The blame lies with us.
As a first campaign to rejuvenate our membership, I call on each
226
of you to go out and sign up at least one new member. I pledge to you that
I will and I know that you will. Sometimes it is easily done. It is as easily
done as carrying a membership application in your back pocket, because
sometimes when you are talking to a comrade on the street, the
conversation turns to veterans, and at that time if you have a membership
available you will be able to sign someone up.
That happened to me at the convention. I was walking out of the
First Business Session and a comrade came up to me and said, "Do you
have a membership application on you? I have got somebody over here
that wants to sign up, but my membership application is in the room."
I want to emphasize that a growing membership sustained by a
strong network of Posts is about far more than our ability to survive as an
organization. It is about our ability to fight and win battles in Washington,
D.C., because the only voices that really matter there are the voices of
those voting constituents who put them into office.
So, without the direct involvement of our grass roots membership,
we have no hope in prevailing against those special interests in
Washington who have a lot of money to spend. We have seen how often
they have taken away our entitlements in the budget battles.
We need active VFW members in our communities and in our
Posts to pick up the phone and write letters, e-mail and make personal
visits to their members of Congress and inform them what the VFW thinks.
We are going to need all the strength we can muster to successfully
advance any pro-veteran legislative agenda. The VFW is still fighting to
allow VA to collect and retain Medicare payments. Another important
issue is the Flag Protection Act which needs to be passed by this Congress.
One of our most ambitious undertakings is authorizing the VA to
provide for the long-term care needs of our veterans. We are going to
introduce legislation in Congress that will mandate such things as long-
term care for certain high-level service-connected veterans as well as
authorizing respite care and home-care giver assistance to our veterans.
If we are to succeed in these legislative efforts, we must establish
VFW Action Corps Posts in every Department, in every Congressional
District throughout the country. If you are willing to be a worker, join the
VFW Action Corps. This election year we also need VFW Posts, Districts
and Departments to pay special emphasis on registering veterans and their
families to vote and ensuring that house-bound veterans either receive
absentee ballots or are taken to the polls by VFW members.
As veterans, we need to vote and send the message to the United
States Congress that this nation's veterans must be a top priority of theirs
every day, not just on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
I have instructed our Adjutant General to direct our Directors of
Action Corps and community service to work together and distribute a new
"get out the vote" pamphlet that is simplified in step by step to help
Commanders at all levels.
I urge you to use this pamphlet and put your own local twist on it
227
to get all veterans in our community to register to vote and vote in
November. Further, I believe we need our members to take off the VFW
and Auxiliary caps and work in their Congressional Districts for those
members of Congress and those congressional candidates who support
veterans' entitlements.
This is not a matter of partisanship, rather we must take a stand and
support those lawmakers who support us and get them elected. Only if all
of us work together can we ensure that ourVA health-care system will have
the adequate dollars to take care of all the veterans who walk through the
door.
We want to ensure that every veteran who enrolls has his health
needs met no matter what priority they are and that the VA Benefits
Administration has the necessary dollars and staff to ensure that veterans'
benefit claims are correctly processed in a timely manner.
We urge the VA to continue to transform itself into a modern
health-care provider. We want them to offer a full array of preventative
medicine services. When I learned and you learned that the Senate had in
one vote restored our VA compensation for tobacco-related illnesses, and
then one minute later took it away and used the savings, some $15 billion
for pork barrel spending in the transportation bill, I was outraged. It is our
view that these savings should have been used for veterans' benefits.
As a special project, I intend to ask the Congress to fund the cost
of allowing the VA to provide health-care screening for ailments such as
high blood pressure, diabetes and prostate and lung cancer to all eligible
veterans.
The VA, with its 170 medical hospitals and hundreds of outpatient
clinics can easily handle this. The recent study shows that these screening
tests reduce deaths by a larger percentage, because they catch it early. Our
veterans have received a lot of pain and suffering and many medical costs.
We must continue to monitor the system to ensure that veterans receive
timely, quality health-care available in successful locations.
One way we do this, of course, is through our Veterans Service
Tactical Assessment Center, the 1-800 hotline. Since we have started this
hotline, we have processed over 6,000 calls. Our staff has answered each
one of these calls individually. Let your fellow veterans know of this
service.
As we enter our 100th year of service, we must remain vigilant in
ensuring the needs of those brave men and women who are serving today
in our military are fully met. The General today indicated that things were
pretty good in our military. I have seen our military, they are the finest,
those on active duty, reserves and members of the National Guard on duty
in Bosnia, and I was proud of what I saw. They have done an outstanding
job and the morale is high.
I am concerned that they come home safe and sound and soon
they can transfer their mission and their responsibilities to other NATO
members. I am also concerned that the military draw-down has left our
228
armed forces over-extended and less prepared than they ought to be.
Throughout the military establishment, there are growing signs of
evidence that our combat strength and troop morale is not as good as it
should be. Therefore, we will urge the President and the Congress to act
now to reverse this trend in decreasing defense readiness by providing our
military leaders with the resources required to accomplish their missions.
In addition, in order to improve the morale and retention of our
highly dedicated American servicemen and women, we will insist that the
Congress and the Administration take action to stop the erosion of military
entitlements and benefits.
As those who went before them, we must continue to work to
ensure that they have the best equipment, the best training and the best
leadership in the world. We must also ensure that they are properly being
paid, and when they leave the military they have a chance to get into the
job market.
We must not allow the sacrifice and service of those who have
made a career of the military to be forgotten. They have earned our very
best effort in seeing that they receive all the benefits and entitlements that
they are due.
Have we done all we can for the POW/MIAs? These brave
comrades all over the world from all wars must be counted for. We owe it
to them and their families.
We have been on the forefront of this issue and it will not change.
My comrades and sisters, this will be the year of commemoration
and celebration of our 100th year of service. I ask each one to go back
home to your Post and your Auxiliary and bring it in 100 percent this year,
so when we go to Kansas City we can celebrate and have a cause to
celebrate 100 percent in our 100th year.
This will be the year we work together to turn our membership into
a membership growth. This will be the year that our individua' VFW
members will get more involved in the legislative and political process for
candidates who support veterans' issues.
This will be the year our politicians in Washington and our state
capitals hear long and strong from the VFW. This will be the year of the
VFW "Veteran Volunteers."
I want to thank all of you for the honor you have given me today.
I pledge to you that the Pouliot-Smart-Gwizdak team, our leadership team,
will devote all of our collective strength and will to elevating this VFW to
a position of strength that will take us into our second 100 years. I want to
thank you for being here. God bless you for the work that you continue to
do for the veterans. Thank you.
(Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged standing
ovation.)
ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Commander-in-Chief Pouliot, one of
the first of many surprises you are going to get, your mother and father
would like to present you with a pin that you will wear as you travel around
229
this world representing the members of this organization.
CLOSING CEREMONIES
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Thank you, comrades and
sisters.
Larry LeFebvre.
COMRADE LARRY LeFEBVRE (Post 552 - Michigan): There being
no further business to come before this convention, the officers having
been elected and installed for the ensuing year, I move that the 99th
National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
be closed sine die.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: Is there a second?
ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Commander-in-Chief, John Senk
seconds that motion.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: All in favor will say "aye"; all
opposed. The motion carries. This 99th National Convention has come to
a close.
Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, please prepare the room for the
Closing Ceremonies.
(Whereupon, the Honor Guard retired the Colors at this time
followed by the Closing Prayer from the Ritual by National Chaplain
Thomas Neville.)
NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS HOFFMAN: Comrade
Commander-in-Chief, the Closing Ceremonies of this convention have
been performed.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POULIOT: I now declare this 99th VFW
National Convention closed.
(Whereupon, the convention was duly adjourned at 1 1 :20 o'clock
a.m., sine die.)
230
AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL BY-LAWS AND MANUAL OF
PROCEDURE AND RITUAL CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON
NATIONAL BY-LAWS, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE AND RITUAL
B-1 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 21 5 — ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE.
Amend Section 215, National By-Laws, by adding the following
after the first sentence of the first paragraph:
"Elected committee members are not Post Officers and according-
ly may concurrently hold an elected Post office as provided for in Section
216 of these By-Laws." (Approved)
B-2 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 220 —VACANCIES AND REMOVAL OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS.
Amend Section 220, National By-Laws, by deleting the sixth (6th)
paragraph in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Any elective Post officer whose office is vacated by the
Department Commander or by vote of the Post under the provisions of
this Section shall not be eligible to serve in any Post office in the same
administrative year in which the office is vacated." (Approved)
B-3 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 222 — DELEGATES, COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT,
DEPARTMENT AND NATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
Amend Section 222, National By-Laws, by adding the following:
"(h) Delegates to the National Convention shall not be recog-
nized unless they personally register their completed delegate card with
the National Credentials Committee." (Approved)
B-4 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 309 — SURRENDER OR FORFEITURE OF CHARTER.
231
Amend Section 309, National By-Laws, by deleting the first para-
graph in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Voluntary Surrender. A County Council may voluntarily surren-
der its Charter only upon a vote at a regular or special meeting of the
County Council conducted in accordance with the procedures herein set
forth. A proposition to surrender the charter must be made at a stated or
special meeting of the County Council at least four (4) weeks before the
proposal is to be considered. Due notice of the proposition must be
given in writing to every Post in the County Council, and to the District
and Department Commanders. If a majority of the Posts vote to surrender
the charter, the County Council Commander shall, within thirty (30) days,
request that the Commander-in-Chief cancel the charter, unless during the
thirty (30) day period the County Council Commander receives a demand
in writing from two-thirds (2/3) of the Posts in the County Council to con-
tinue the County Council." (Approved)
B-5 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 603 — CONVENTION; QUORUM;
AUTHORIZED ATTENDEES.
Amend Section 603, National By-Laws, by adding the following
to the first paragraph:
"Once a site selection and/or dates have been designated by vote
of the National Council of Administration a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
National Council of Administration will be required to change the loca-
tion and/or dates." (Disapproved)
B-6 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
"•'■
SECTION 610 — OFFICERS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
Amend Section 610 (a) (6), National By-Laws, by deleting the
words ", committees and employees not otherwise provided for." and
inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"and committees not otherwise provided for." (Approved)
B-7 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
232
SECTION 61 7 — REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS-HOW ELECTED.
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting the second
sentence of the second paragraph and inserting in lieu thereof the follow-
ing:
"The regional districts designated D, E, and H shall elect a
National Council Member in even-numbered years for a two year term
and districts A, B, C, F, G, and J shall elect a National Council Member in
odd-numbered years for a two year term."
Amend Section 617 further by making changes and additions to
the enumeration of Departments comprising the National Council
Districts as set forth below:
"1. Maine
New Hampshire
2. Vermont
Massachusetts
3. Maryland
New Jersey
18. Connecticut
Rhode Island" (Approved)
B-8 (Proposed by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 617 — REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS - HOW ELECTED.
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting the last sen-
tence of the last paragraph in its entirety and adding the following:
"Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, it is the
intent that each Department shall be represented on the National Council
of Administration at all times. If any action, or failure to act, on the part
of the National Convention would result in a Department not being repre-
sented, the Commander-in-Chief shall, with the concurrence of the effect-
ed Departments, immediately after the National Convention, assign a
National Council Member from one of the numerical regional districts to
represent that Department until the next National Convention. Should the
issue of representation not be resolved at the next National Convention
the National Council of Administration would be empowered to assign
the Department to a Regional District.
Notwithstanding paragraph two (2) of Section 1301 of the
233
National By-Laws, any amendment to this Section shall take effect imme-
diately upon passage at the National Convention." (Approved)
B-9 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1101 — FORMATION, CONTROL AND
DISBANDMENT OF AUXILIARIES.
Amend Section 1101, National By-Laws, by deleting the heading
in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following;
"Organization and Disbandment of Auxiliaries."
Amend Section 1 101 further by deleting the word "control" in the
second sentence of the first paragraph and inserting in lieu thereof the fol-
lowing:
jurisdiction" (Approved)
B-10 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1201 — FORMATION AND CONTROL.
Amend Section 1201, National By-Laws, by deleting the words
in the heading "and Control".
Amend Section 1201 further by deleting the word "control" in the
second and third sentences of the first paragraph and inserting in lieu
thereof the following:
"jurisdiction" (Approved)
B-1 1 (Proposed by Department of Europe)
SECTION 101 — ELIGIBILITY.
Amend Section 101, National By-Laws, by deleting the (1) from
the third line of the first paragraph and placing a period after the word
"Charter" in the seventh line of the first paragraph and deleting the
remainder of the first paragraph.
(Disapproved)
B-12 (Proposed by Departments of Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, New
Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington)
234
SECTION 102 —APPLICATIONS -AFFILIATION OF NEW MEMBERS.
Amend Section 102, National By-Laws, by adding at the end of
the third paragraph the following:
"The Quarternnaster General shall transmit ten dollars ($10.00) or
one half of the annual dues payment to the Department Quartermaster of
the members residence." (Disapproved)
B-13 (Proposed by Department of Kansas)
SECTION 102 —APPLICATIONS -AFFILIATION OF NEW MEMBERS.
Amend Section 102, National By-Laws, by amending paragraph 2
entitled "Members at Large" by adding at the end of the paragraph the fol-
lowing:
"The Quartermaster General shall transmit to the Department
Quartermaster of the Member at Large 's state of residence, all dues
received, less only the normal regular member's national per-capita tax."
Amend Section 102 further by removing the words "ten dollars
($10.00)" in the third paragraph, entitled "Department Members at Large",
and inserting the phrase "only the normal regular members national per-
capita tax." (Disapproved)
B-14 (Proposed by Department of Connecticut)
SECTION 610 — OFFICERS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
Amend Section 610, National By-Laws, by inserting in sub-para-
graph (a) (6) after the words "Adjutant General," the following:
"Assistant Adjutants General,"
Amend Section 610 further by deleting in its entirety sub-para-
graph (f) (12) and renumbering the subsequent paragraphs (13) as (12) and
(14) as (13).
Amend Section 610 further by adding to the end of sub-paragraph
(g) the following:
"Assistant Adjutants General shall be full-time salaried officers of
the organization". (Disapproved)
235
B-15 (Proposed by Department of Ohio)
SECTION 610 — OFFICERS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
Amend Section 610 (d) (14), National By-Laws, by deleting in its
entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
(1 4) Annual Budget. Prepare a tentative budget for the financial
operations of the ensuing year. Said budget shall set forth all anticipated
income and estimated expenses. It shall set forth the amount of all com-
pensation to be received by each of the following officers for the ensuing
year: (1) Commander-in-Chief; (2) Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief; (3)
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief; (4) Quartermaster General; (5) Judge
Advocate General; (6) Surgeon General; (7) Chaplain; and, (8) Adjutant
General. Restricted funds shall be budgeted separately in every instance,
and the budget shall be in balance. The tentative budget shall be submit-
ted to the Commander-in-Chief for the consideration within ten (10) days
following adjournment of the National Convention, and final action must
be taken on the adoption of the budget at the first stated meeting of the
National Council of Administration, and when adopted the budget shall
be the expenditure guide for the ensuing year. Not later than thirty (30)
days after the first meeting of the National Council of Administration, he
shall forward to all Department Commanders and all Post Commanders
detailed copy of the national budget adopted by the National Council of
Administration for their information. (Disapproved)
B-16 (Proposed by Departments of Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey,
Tennessee, Washington)
SECTION 610 - OFFICERS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
Amend Section 610 (d) (14), National By-Laws, by deleting all therein and
substituting in lieu thereof the following:
"(14) Annual Budget. Prepare a tentative budget for the financial
operations of the ensuing year. Said budget shall set forth all anticipated
income and estimated expenses. It shall set forth the amount of all com-
pensation to be received by each of the following National Officers for
the ensuing year: Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief,
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Quartermaster General, Judge Advocate
General, Surgeon General, Chaplain and Adjutant General. Restricted
funds shall be budgeted separately in every instance and the budget shall
be in balance. The tentative budget shall be submitted to the Commander-
in-Chief for consideration within ten (10) days following adjournment of
the National Convention. Final action must be taken on the adoption of
the budget at the first stated meeting of the National Council of
236
Administration and, when adopted, the budget shall be the expenditure
guide for the ensuing year.
Not later than thirty (30) days after the first meeting of the
National Council of Administration, he shall forward to all Department
Commanders and all Post Commanders a detailed copy of the national
budget adopted by the National Council of Administration for their infor-
mation." (Disapproved)
B-17 (Proposed by many Departments)
SECTION 61 5 — NATIONAL COMMITTEES.
Amend Section 615 (e) (2), National By-Laws, by deleting the
period at the end of the paragraph and adding the following thereto:
" and shall serve on the Committee on National By-Laws, Manual
of Procedure and Ritual at the National Convention." (Approved)
B-18 (Proposed by many Departments)
SECTION 617 — REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS - HOW ELECTED.
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting the second
sentence of the second paragraph and inserting in lieu thereof the follow-
ing:
"The regional districts designated D, E, and H shall elect a
National Council Member in even-numbered years for a two-year term
and districts A, B, C, F, G and J shall elect a National Council Member in
odd-numbered years for a two year term."
Amend Section 617 further by making changes and additions to
the enumeration of Departments comprising the National Council
Districts as set forth below:
"1 . New Jersey
New Hampshire
2. Vermont
Massachusetts
18. Maine
Connecticut" (Disapproved)
B-19 (Proposed by Department of Connecticut)
SECTION 617 — REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
237
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS - HOW ELECTED.
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting all therein
and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Each Department shall constitute a Regional District as enumer-
ated below and shall be represented by a Regional National Council of
Administration Member who is a member in good standing of a Post in
the Department. The Department Convention preceding the National
Convention at which the term is to commence shall, in the same manner
and at the same time as Department Officers are elected, elect a Regional
National Council of Administration Member who shall be installed into
office at the National Convention.
Regional Districts shall bear numerical designations as enumerat-
ed below. Regional Districts designated by an even number shall elect a
Regional National Council of Administration Member in even numbered
years for a two year term and Regional Districts designated by an odd
number shall elect a Regional National Council of Administration
Member in odd numbered years for a two year term.
1. Maine
2. Vermont
3. New Hampsh
lire 4. Massachusetts
5. Rhode Island
6. Connecticut
7. New York
8. New Jersey
9. Pennsylvania
10. Delaware
1 1 . Maryland
12. D. C.
13. Europe
14. Indiana
15. Illinois
16. Ohio
17. Michigan
18. Minnesota
19. Missouri
20. South Dakota
21. Iowa
22. Nebraska
23. Wisconsin
24. West Virginia
25. Virginia
26. Georgia
27. Kentucky
28. Alabama
29. Tennessee
30. Oklahoma
31. North Carol
ina 32. Arkansas
33. South Carolina34. Mississippi
35. Florida
36. Texas
37. Louisiana
38. North Dakota 39. California
40. Oregon
41. Kansas
42. Wyoming
43. Colorado
44. Washington
45. New Mexico
46. Montana
47. Arizona
48. Idaho
49. Nevada
50. Pacific Areas
51. Utah
52. Hawaii
53. Alaska
54. Latin America/Caribbean
Each Regional District Council of Administration Member present at a
meeting shall have one (1) vote." (Disapproved)
B-20 (Proposed by Department of Nebraska)
SECTION 617 — REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS- HOW ELECTED
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting all therein
and inserting in lieu thereof the following;
238
"Each Department shall constitute a Regional District as enumer-
ated below and shall be represented by a Regional National Council of
Administration Member who is a member in good standing of a Post in
the Department. The Department Convention preceding the National
Convention at which the term is to commence shall, in the same manner
and at the same time as Department Officers are elected, elect a Regional
National Council of Administration Member who shall be installed into
office at the National Convention.
Regional Districts shall bear numerical designations as enumerat-
ed below. Regional Districts designated by an even number shall elect a
Regional National Council of Administration Member in even numbered
years for a two-term and Regional Districts designated by an odd number
shall elect a Regional National Council of Administration member in odd
numbered years for a two year term.
Each Department and the numerical designation of its Regional
District is enumerated below:
1. Maine
5. Rhode Island
9. Pennsylvania
13. Europe
17. Michigan
21 . Iowa
25. Virginia
29. Tennessee
33. South Carolina
37. Louisiana
41 . Kansas
45. New Mexico
49. Nevada
53. Alaska
2. Vermont
6. Connecticut
10. Delaware
14. Indiana
18. Minnesota
22. Nebraska
26. Georgia
30. Oklahoma
34. Mississippi
38. North Dakota 39
42. Wyoming 43
46. Montana 47
50. Pacific Areas 51
3. New Hampshire
7. New York
11. Maryland
15. Illinois
19. Missouri
23. Wisconsin
27. Kentucky
31. North Carolina
Florida
California
Colorado
Arizona
Utah
35
4. Massachusetts
8. New Jersey
12. D. C.
16. Ohio
20. South Dakota
24. West Virginia
28. Alabama
32. Arkansas
36. Texas
40. Oregon
44. Washington
48. Idaho
52. Hawaii
54. Latin America/Caribbean
Each Regional National Council of Administration Member present at a
meeting shall be entitled to the number of votes as set forth in the sched-
ule below in accordance with the prior year membership of the
Department constituting the Regional District as recorded by National
Headquarters on June 30th.
Membership
Number of Votes
0-60,000
60,001-100,000
and over
239
Regional National Council of Administration Members shall be
authorized travel expenses for stated and special meetings of the National
Council of Administration, the National Convention and one Regional
Conference meeting, the Department Convention and one other
Department meeting of their receptive Regional District annually during
their term of office." (Disapproved)
B-21 (Proposed by Departments of California, New York, New Jersey)
SECTION 617 - REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS- HOW ELECTED.
Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting all therein
and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Each Regional District with a numerical designation enumerated
below shall be represented by a Regional National Council of
Administration Member who is a member in good standing of a Post in
the Department currently entitled to representation on the National
Council of Administration for a term of two years in the order of the enu-
meration.
Each Regional District with an alphabetical designation enumer-
ated below which consists of a single Department having in excess of
60,000 members shall be represented by a Regional National Council of
Administration Member who is a member in good standing of a Post in
the Department for a term of two years.
The Department Convention preceding the National Convention
at which the term of the Regional National Council of Administration
Member is to commence shall, in the same manner and at the same time
as Department Officers are elected, elect a Regional National Council of
Administration Member who shall be installed into office at the National
Convention.
Regional National Council of Administration Members represent-
ing Regional Districts designated by an even number shall be elected in
even numbered years for a two year term and those representing Regional
Districts designated by an odd number shall be elected in odd numbered
years for a two year term.
Regional National Council of Administration Members represent-
ing Regional Districts designated D, E, H, I and K shall be elected in even
numbered years for a two year term and those representing Regional
Districts designated A, B, C, F, G, and J shall be elected in odd numbered
years for a two year term.
240
The numerical and alphabetical designations of the Regional
Districts are enumerated below:
1. Maine, New Hampshire
3. Rhode Island, Connecticut
5. Delaware, Maryland
7. Tennessee, Kentucky
9. South Carolina, North Carolina
11. Louisiana, Mississippi
13. Nebraska, Missouri
15. Kansas, Colorado
17. New Mexico, Arizona
19. Utah, Nevada
21. Pacific Areas, Hawaii,
Latin America/Caribbean
2. Vermont, Massachusetts
4. District of Columbia, Europe
G.Virginia, West Virginia
8. Georgia, Alabama
10. Oklahoma, Arkansas
12. Wisconsin, Iowa
14. South Dakota, north Dakota
16. Wyoming, Montana
18. Washington, Idaho
20. Oregon, Alaska
A. Pennsylvania
B. Illinois
C. New York
F. Michigan
G. California
J. Florida
D. Ohio
E. Minnesota
H. Texas
L New Jersey
K. Indiana
If a Department attains membership in excess of 60,000 total
members before July 1, it shall constitute a Regional District. If any
Department previously constituting a Regional District fails to reach a
total Department membership of 60,000 members before July 1, it shall
no longer constitute a Regional District. In the event any Department
changes status as the result of a change in membership, the Commander-
in Chief shall submit a proposed amendment to Section 617 of these By-
Laws assigning Departments to respective numerical or alphabetical
Regional Districts as appropriate. Notwithstanding paragraph two (2) of
Section 1301 of the National By-Laws, such amendment shall take effect
immediately upon adoption at the National Convention.
Regional National Council of Administration Members shall be
authorized travel expenses for stated and special meetings of the National
Council of Administration, the National Convention and one Regional
Conference meeting, the Department Convention and one other
Department meeting of their respective Regional District annually during
their term of office." (Disapproved)
B-22 (Proposed by Department of Kansas)
241
SECTION 717 — RESOLUTIONS
Amend Section 717, National By-Laws, by adding "Section 717 -
Resolutions" to read as follows:
"Section 717 — Resolutions.
All Department resolutions which affect matters outside state
boundaries must be approved by the originating Department Convention
and foHA/arded by the Department Adjutant to the Adjutant General not
later than July 1 of each year.
Resolutions that originate within a Department must bear that
Department Convention's approval prior to submission to the National
Convention. A resolution disapproved by the originating Department
Convention, or not acted upon by that Department Convention will not be
considered by the National Convention.
Resolutions may also be originated by Department officers or the
Department Convention itself and acted upon by the Department
Convention.
A National Officer may originate a resolution concerning National
affairs and submit it directly to the National Convention without
Department action.
A National Convention Committee may originate a resolution and
present it for approval during the National Convention.
Proposed amendments to the National By-Laws must also have
Department approval if submitted by a Post, District or County Council, and
must be received by the Adjutant General by the first working day in July in
order that they may be publicized as required by Article XIII of the National
By-Laws. Such proposed amendments must be definite and specific as to
the material to be deleted or added, containing the exact wording of the
proposed change." (Disapproved)
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL OF PROCEDURE
M-1 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 217 — NOMINATION, ELECTION, INSTALLATION
AND TERM OF OFFICE.
Amend Section 217, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the last sen-
242
tence in the tenth (10) paragraph. (Approved)
M-2 (Recommended by National By-Laws Committee. Proposed by
Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 222 -- DELEGATES. COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT, DEPART
MENT AND NATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
Amend Section 222 (d), Manual of Procedure, by inserting after the
last sentence in the fourth paragraph the following:
" Payment of convention registration fees as set forth above does
not entitle the delegate(s) voting privileges at the National Convention.
Delegates must present a properly completed Delegate Credential card to
the National Credentials Committee for registration as provided for in
Section 222 (h) of the National
By-Laws." (Approved)
M-3 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 516 — NOMINATION, ELECTION, INSTALLATION
ANDTERM OF OFFICE.
Amend Section 516, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the word
"ballot" in the first sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"voice vote" (Approved)
M-4 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 517 — OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN, DUTIES
AND OBLIGATIONS.
Amend Section 517 (a) (8), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
last sentence in its entirety. (Approved)
M-5 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 609 — NOMINATION, ELECTION, INSTALLATION
AND TERM OF OFFICE.
Amend Section 609, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the words
"by roll call" in the first paragraph.
243
Amend Section 609 further by deleting the second paragraph in its
entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
In voting for officers, a majority of all votes cast shall be neces-
sary to a choice. Should there be no election on the first two votes, the
name of the comrade receiving the lowest number of votes shall be
dropped, and so on in successive votes until an election is made."
(Approved)
M-6 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 704 — RELIEF FUND.
Amend Section 704, Manual of Procedure, by adding the follow-
ing after sub-paragraph (e):
" (f) To foster true patriotism through historical and educational pro-
grams." (Approved)
M-7 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 71 1 — BUDDY POPPY.
Amend Section 711, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the first two
paragraphs in their entirety.
Amend Section 71 1 further by deleting the fourth (4) paragraph in
its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Distribution of the Buddy Poppy shall be made exclusively for
units of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and of the Ladies
Auxiliary. Other not for profit organizations, exempt from taxes under
Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, may assist in such distribution
provided there shall be no division of the proceeds. A donation to such not
for profit organization for assistance may be paid from the General Fund of
the Post."
Amend Section 711 further by deleting the words "sale or" in the
last paragraph. (Approved)
M-8 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
244
SECTION 1101 — FORMATION, CONTROL, AND DISBANDMENT
OF AUXILIARIES.
Amend Section 1101, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the head-
ing in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
" Sec. 1101 — Organization and Disbandment of Auxiliaries."
(Approved)
M-9 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1101 — FORMATION, CONTROL, AND DISBANDMENT
OF AUXILIARIES.
Amend Section 1101 (b), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
words "and control" in the sub-heading. (Approved)
M-10 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1101 — FORMATION, CONTROL, AND DISBANDMENT
OF AUXILIARIES.
Amend Section 1101 (b) (1), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
word "control" in the first sentence of the first paragraph and inserting in
lieu thereof the following:
"jurisdiction" (Approved)
M-11 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1101 — FORMATION, CONTROL, AND DISBANDMENT
OF AUXILIARIES.
Amend Section 1101 (b) (2), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
word "control" in the first sentence of the first paragraph and inserting in
lieu thereof the following:
jurisdiction" (Approved)
M-12 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1201 —FORMATION AND CONTROL.
Amend Section 1 201 , Manual of Procedure, by deleting the words
245
in the heading "and Control". (Approved)
M-13 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1201 —FORMATION AND CONTROL
Amend Section 1201 (a), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
words "and control" in the sub-heading. (Approved)
M-14 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1201 —FORMATION AND CONTROL
Amend Section 1201 (a) (1), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
words "control" in the first and second sentences of the second paragraph
and insert in lieu thereof the following:
"jurisdiction" (Approved)
M-15 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1201 —FORMATION AND CONTROL.
Amend Section 1201 (a) (2), Manual of Procedure, by deleting the
word "control" in the second sentence of the first paragraph and insert in
lieu thereof the following:
jurisdiction" (Approved)
M-16 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed
by Commander-in-Chief)
SECTION 1301 —AMENDMENTS.
Amend Section 1301, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the first
sentence in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"The rules and procedures set out in this Manual may be
amended from time to time as provided for in the National By-
Laws." (Approved)
M-17 (Proposed by Department of Europe)
246
SECTION 101 — ELIGIBILITY.
Amend Section 101, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the word
"three" at the end of the second sentence of the first paragraph and adding
the word "two". Further delete the "(1)", the word "citizenship", the "(2)",
and the "(3)" from the fourth sentence and adding the "(1)" before the word
honorable and "(3)" before the word service. (Disapproved)
M-18 (Proposed by Department of Connecticut)
SECTION 101 — ELIGIBILITY.
Amend Section 101, Manual of Procedure, by adding at the end of
the section, a new eligibility category as follows:
"National Defense Service Medal (30 consecutive 27 June 1950
days or 60 days not consecutive duty outside Indeterminate
continental limits of the United States)." (Disapproved)
M-19 (Proposed by Department of California)
SECTION 803 — MANUFACTURE AND USE OF SEALS, EMBLEMS,
BADGES, INSIGNIA AND UNIFORMS.
Amend Section 803, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the third
paragraph under the caption "Cap" in its entirety and inserting in lieu there-
of the following:
"Post officers, members except Post Commanders and Past Post
Commanders-gold braid; County Council officers and Past County Council
Commanders — bright blue braid; District officers. Post Commanders and
Past Post Commanders, except District Commanders and Past district
Commanders — bright green braid; Department officers and Past
Department officers, Conference officers and Past Conference officers, and
District Commanders and F^st District Commanders — bright red braid;
National officers and Past Commanders-in-Chief — silver braid."
(Disapproved)
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RITUAL
R-1 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed by
Commander-in-Chief)
Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States under the heading "FORWARD" on page 1, paragraph 4, by deleting
the word "Men" and inserting in lieu thereof the word "Veterans".
247
(Approved)
R-2 (Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee. Proposed by
Commander-in-Chief)
Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States under the heading "ORDER OF BUSINESS (Post)" on page 16 by
deleting paragraph 2 in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the follow-
ing:
2. Commander: (Leading all members in recitation of Section 3
of the Congressional Charter.) The purpose of this corporation shall be fra-
ternal, patriotic, historical, and educational; to preserve and strengthen
comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate
the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and
orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States
of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patrio-
tism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to
preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever."
(Approved)
R-3 (Proposed by Department of New York)
Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States under the heading "FORWARD" on page 1, paragraph 4, by deleting
the word "Men" and inserting in lieu thereof the word "Veterans".
(Approved)
R-4 (Proposed by Department of New York)
Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States under the heading "ORDER OF BUSINESS (Post)" on page 16, para-
graph 2, by deleting the words "Article I, Constitution of" and inserting in
lieu thereof the words "Section 3 of the Congressional Charter granted".
(Disapproved)
RESOLUTIONS CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON
FINANCE AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION
No. 201 (Submitted by many Departments)
PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SPACE RENT FREE IN VFW WASHINGTON
OFFICE FOR VFW POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
(Disapproved)
No. 202 (Submitted by Departments of Colorado and Connecticut)
248
SEVERANCE PACKAGE FOR OUTGOING ADJUTANT GENERAL
(Disapproved)
No. 203 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
NATIONAL CONVENTION SITE SELECTION
(Disapproved)
No. 204 (Submitted by many Departments)
ANNUAL SALARIES OF NATIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
(Disapproved)
No. 205 (Submitted by Department of Nebraska)
NATIONAL TO ABSORB MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM COSTS
(Disapproved)
No. 206 (Submitted by Department of Nebraska)
CONTINUED PAYMENT FOR DECEASED LIFE MEMBERS
(Disapproved)
No. 207 (Submitted by Department of Europe)
RECOGNITION OF THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE COOTIE
(Disapproved(
No. 208 (Submitted by Department of Tennessee)
SETTING POST MEMBERSHIP GOALS
(Disapproved)
No. 209 (Submitted by Department of Ohio)
AGE LIMITATION FOR SONS OFTHE VFW
(Disapproved)
No. 210 (Submitted by Department of Pacific Areas)
DIRECT NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION TO URGE LADIES
AUXILIARY TO AMEND THEIR BY-LAWS SO NON-U.S. CITIZENS MAY
QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP
(Disapproved)
249
No. 21 1 (Submitted by Department of Washington)
POPPY COIN COLLECTORS
(Disapproved)
No. 212 (Submitted by Department of Montana)
REPAYING BONUS BENEFITS
(Disapproved)
No. 213 (Submitted by Department of Montana)
MEMBERSHIP
(Disapproved)
No. 214 (Submitted by Department of Montana)
MILITARY COALITION
(Disapproved)
No. 215 (Submitted by Department of Minnesota)
REINSTATE NATIONAL VFW
AMERICANISM RECORD BOOK PROGRAM
(Disapproved)
No. 216 (Submitted by Department of New York)
ENDORSE THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HALL OF HONOR
(Disapproved)
No. 217 (Submitted by Department of Wisconsin)
OFFICIAL MARCH FOR THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we establish John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes, Forever" as the
official march of the VFW. (Approved)
No. 218 (Submitted by Department of Texas)
LIMIT SITES FOR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF MEMBERSHIP TRIP
(Disapproved)
No. 219 (Submitted by Department of Washington)
SEVERANCE PACKAGE FOR OUTGOING ADJUTANT GENERAL
250
(Disapproved)
No. 220 (Submitted by Department of New Jersey)
SEVERANCE PACKAGE FOR OUTGOING ADJUTANT GENERAL
(Disapproved)
No. 221 (Submitted by Ohio, Nebraska, and Tennessee)
SEVERANCE PACKAGE FOR OUTGOING ADJUTANT GENERAL
(Disapproved)
No. 222 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
DENYVFW MEMBERSHIP TO
WORLD WAR II ERA MERCHANT MARINES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that based on documentation. World War II merchant seamen do not
qualify forVFW membership, simply because they v^/ere never part of our
armed forces and therefore did not receive military campaign or service
awards; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no request be made of Congress
to alter the VFW Congressional Charter to provide membership eligibility to
any person who has not worn the uniform and served as a member of the
Armed Forces of the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that despite not being eligible for VFW
membership, this organization recognizes the important strategic role the
War Shipping Administration played in World War II and the important con-
tribution the American merchant seamen made during this same period of
time.
(Approved)
No. 223 (Submitted by Department of Michigan)
EMPHASIZE CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER, BY-LAWS,
MANUAL OF PROCEDURE AND RITUAL
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, requested through channels, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars
National Headquarters italicize any new or revised text in the
Congressional Charter, the By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure and
Ritual. (Approved)
CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
251
No. 301 (Submitted by Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief)
U. S. FLAG DESECRATION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge Congress to propose to the states an amendment to the
Constitution of the United States which specifies that Congress and the
states have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the United
States Flag. (Approved)
No. 302 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER TO REMAIN NATIONAL ANTHEM
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we shall go on record to say, "The Star Spangled Banner" shall
remain the National Anthem of the United States, despite the efforts of any
person or persons to change it to any other piece of music, and the mem-
bers of the above named group strongly oppose any changes. (Approved)
No. 303 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
RESTRICT DESIGNEES ON WWII MONUMENT
(Disapproved)
No. 304 (Submitted by Department of Texas)
"60 MINUTES" CBS ON DECEMBER 7, 1997
(Tabled)
No. 305 (Submitted by Department of Florida)
FUND OUR VETERANS EARNED ENTITLEMENTS WITH
OUR CONSTITUTIONAL POWER
(Disapproved)
No. 306 (Submitted by Department of Montana)
VFW COMMEMORATIVE COIN
(Disapproved)
No. 307 (Submitted by Department of Montana)
STAR SPANGLED BANNER
(Disapproved)
No. 308 (Submitted by Department of New York)
100TH ANNIVERSARY STAMP
252
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we shall petition the Treasury Department and/or other appropriate
government agencies, in proper manner, in order to effectuate the issuance
of a block of postage stamps commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said stamps shall depict some of
the programs and activities of the VFW, as well as the history of the VFW;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Headquarters of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall request the right of
approval on the design of any block of said stamps that may be approved
for issuance. (Approved)
No. 309 (Submitted by Department of New York)
PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 29, 1999, AS
"VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DAY-
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we shall petition the President of the United States to issue a procla-
mation naming September 29, 1999, as "Veterans of Foreign Wars Day," or
such other title as may be deemed appropriate by the Commander-in-Chief
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. (Approved)
CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND POW/MIA
No. 401 (Submitted on Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT PUBLIC AWARENESS PROJECTS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the National Organization will:
(a) ensure routine distribution to the field of pertinent, credible
and responsible information on a routine basis and, as requested, to pro-
vide such information about other POW/MIA organizations as may be
needed by the Departments;
(b) encourage participation in the program by veterans groups of
other friendly nations such as our NATO and Far Eastern allies;
(c) encourage exchange of information among State POW/MIA
Chairmen to include publishing up-to-date lists of POW/MIA Chairmen;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each Department exercise max-
imum initiative to maintain the vitality and thrust of the POW/MIA program
at Department levels by encouraging such actions as:
(a) display of the black POW/MIA flag, subordinate to the U.S.
Flag, at any function at which it is proper to fly the U.S. Flag;
253
(b) encourage support of information exchange at Post levels;
(c) appoint an interested member at the Post level to act as the
POW/MIA project officer; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Organization of the
VFW supports the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day. (Approved)
No. 402 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO RESOLVE
THE KOREAN WAR POW/MIA ISSUE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the VFW is encouraged by the U.S. -North Korean Joint
Operations and the visit of a VFW representative to resolve the status of
Americans still unaccounted for in Korea; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that with renewed vigor, the VFW urge
the U.S. and Republic of Korea governments to increase their contact with
the North Korean and Chinese governments, to pursue and expand the cur-
rent joint effort to include the live POW issue and thus seek new opportu-
nities to resolve this humanitarian issue as soon as possible; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the VFW, in keeping with United
States laws and in consultation with the Republic of Korean and U.S. gov-
ernments, continue its contact with North Korea to press for the accounting
of the over 8,100 Americans still missing and the investigation of reports of
live Americans. (Approved)
No. 403 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
VFW SUPPORTS KUWAIT'S DEMAND FOR
AN ACCOUNTING OF ITS MIAS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign of the United States,
that we
strongly urge the United Nations, the United States Government and other
governments to take such action as necessary either unilaterally, through
our allies,
or the United Nations, that will force Iraq to account for those Kuwaiti cit-
izens still missing. (Approved)
No. 404 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
THE LESSONS OF THE COLD WAR
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the lessons of the Cold and Gulf Wars taught us that our peace,
our freedom and our security can best be achieved by remaining united in
common purpose with our many allies and friends whereby we share both
the danger and security burden and by maintaining a national defense
which in combination with our allies and friends, is equal to those contin-
254
uing threats; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in contrast to the Korean and
Vietnamesfe Wars, the lessons of the Gulf War are apparent: to ensure vic-
tory in future wars, the United States, led by resolute leadership and backed
by unwavering public support, should quickly and decisively engage the
full range of its military power until the threat to our security is eliminated.
(Approved)
No. 405 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
LIMIT FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF U.S. BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress to enact legislation to limit foreign own-
ership of United States corporations, companies, businesses and property,
and industrial technologies and/or processes which could become vital or
sensitive to the national defense of the U.S. and which will protect the
economy of the United States.
(Approved)
No. 406 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
TAKE ACTION ON THE IMMIGRATION PROBLEM
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President and the Congress in the strongest terms to
heed these ominous warnings and focus their attention on the immigration
problem; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we petition the President and the
Congress to expand and strengthen the Customs and Immigration Services,
the Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard, and enact such emergency
measures as necessary to prevent smuggling of illegal aliens and stop,
detain and deport potential terrorists or those with ties to terrorist groups;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, as appropriate and when
required, well trained and supervised military resources be employed to
assist in stopping the
flow of illegal aliens into the country. (Approved)
No. 407 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR CASTRO
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the U.S. Government to continue its present policy of
no trade with Communist Cuba and no diplomatic recognition of that com-
munist state and to increase the economic and political pressure on Castro;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the U.S. Government to
2S5
use all measures, short of violence and/or invasion, to increase the pressure
on Castro in conjunction with his isolation, to hasten the time until Castro's
dictatorship is overthrown and Cuba can regain its freedom. (Approved)
No. 408 (Submitted by Commander-in-ChieO
PUNISH TERRORISTS NOW
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we continue to urge the U.S. to take decisive action against all
terrorists and bring tojustice those responsible for terrorist acts and to serve
as a warning that all terrorists — no matter what country gives them refuge
— will be hunted down and brought tojustice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we continue to urge decisive
action in the war on terrorism by:
(a) remaining on the offensive against terrorists rather than pas-
sively remaining on the defense;
(b) instituting and pressing our allies to support a quarantine on
those "rogue or outlaw states" guilty of inciting, harboring or aiding and
abetting terrorists;
(c) holding all countries accountable for the security of American
citizens traveling within their borders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Congress should authorize
and the President should declare a quarantine against the outlaw Qadhaffi
regime of Libya and other terrorist states found to support and harbor ter-
rorists; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our civilian leaders and military
commanders should take all necessary steps to ensure U.S. servicemen and
women stationed abroad are adequately protected against the threat of ter-
rorist attacks and that both foreign governments and U.S. authorities be
held accountable for such lapses in security that endanger the lives of our
servicemen and women. (Approved)
No. 409 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
STRATEGIC DEFENSE IS A STRATEGIC PRIORITY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support both a deployable theater ballistic missile defense
and a strategic ballistic missile defense before the end of this century as a
priority defense requirement. (Approved)
No. 410 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the VFW calls on all elected and appointed officials to publicly
recognize the major contributions and sacrifices made by those in military
256
service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our elected and appointed offi-
cials acknowledge the professionalism of our servicemen and women by
ending the erosion of entitlements and expanding the benefits of service
and by so doing, show that this nation cares for those who unselfishly
served and sacrificed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call on our elected officials
to provide military pay raises that continue to close the "pay gap" between
the military and private sector. (Approved)
No. 411 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
OPPOSE LIFTING THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BAN
ON HOMOSEXUALS IN THE ARMED FORCES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we unequivocally oppose the efforts of homosexual organiza-
tions and other organizations to force the military services to accept and/or
retain homosexuals and urge that federal law (10 U.S.C. section 654) and
implementing DOD policy which provides for the discharge of those
engaging in homosexual conduct be consistently
and property enforced; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Uniformed Code of Military
Justice should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised in an effort to elimi-
nate any possible question that any denial of civil rights is based on moral,
religious or ethical behavior and that there is no intent to deny civil rights
to any servicemember, rather our concern is to maintain the good order,
discipline and readiness of our Armed Forces and their ability to operate
effectively. (Approved)
No. 412 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
MAINTAIN AN EFFECTIVE U.S. COAST GUARD
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign V\/ars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress and the Administration to provide the
funding necessary for the Coast Guard to carry out its mission and numer-
ous tasks, including but not limited to, drug interdiction and enforcement,
military readiness, pollution control, maritime safety, search and rescue
missions as well as their many other duties and responsibilities. (Approved)
No. 413 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
STANDING FIRM FOR DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we will always stand firm for liberty, and in furtherance of the
ideals of liberty and democracy, we support a foreign policy that nourishes
the newly won liberties in Europe and elsewhere, and we maintain our mil-
257
itary strength against both the possibility of the reversal of Europe's liberties
and the threats to other important regions of the world. (Approved)
No. 414 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
NATIONAL STRATEGY OF PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we continue to support a national strategy of peace through
strength, the general principles of which should be:
(a) maintaining a strong economy at home and protecting our
overseas resources of energy and vital raw materials;
(b) maintaining an American military presence in Europe and Asia
to stabilize the military balance in these regions and help our friends and
allies to defend themselves from aggression;
(c) maintaining such strategic, nuclear and conventional military
forces (including active Reserve and National Guard components) trained
and equipped with such high technology weapons and equipment and with
sufficient bases and infrastructure which in the judgment of our military
leaders are more than equal to the current threats and adequate to meet our
current defense requirements;
(d) helping formerly communist controlled countries in their
process of converting to freely elected democratic governments;
(e) maintaining effective security and intelligence capabilities to
prevent strategic surprise from any quarter; and
(f) employing the leadership necessary to inspire, focus and unite
the national will and international unity to further our goal of peace and
freedom.
(g) maintaining alliances as required by our national strategy, pro-
tect our national interests, support our friends and promote peace.
(Approved)
No. 415 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
HALT THE EROSION OF INTELLIGENCE SERVICES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we reject deep reductions in our national intelligence agencies,
instead supporting appropriate expansion and funding to ensure that we
will have adequate warnings of future political, military, economic or tech-
nological changes that would increase the risks to our national security and
vital national interests abroad and that Congress appropriate necessary
funds to strengthen the intelligence services. (Approved)
No. 416 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
BE !T RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
258
States, that we urge the Government of the United States to increase its mil-
itary aid and assistance to the Republic of Korea by providing modern state
of the art weapons and technology to safeguard her freedom, and promote
the security in the Pacific and Asian regions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States, in concert
with its allies, bring pressure to bear on North Korea to comply with the
nuclear safeguard accord of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
to be a responsible country in the community of nations and to come to the
table for peaceful dialogue directly between the South and North.
(Approved)
No. 417 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT THE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that to prevent further endangerment to our troops, we support the
view that unless unforeseen circumstances arise, the U.S. forces assigned to
Operation Joint Guard should be gradually withdrawn from the former
Yugoslavia while transferring remaining responsibilities to other NATO
members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States oppose the deployment of U.S. military forces to the
Serbian Province of Kosovo for peacekeeping or peacemaking operations.
(Approved)
No. 418 (Submitted by Commander-in-ChieO
ASSIST VIETNAM'S RECOVERY OF MIAS AS A SIGN OF GOOD FAITH
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that at each level of the VFW — National, Department, District,
County Council, Post — strenuous efforts be made to collect any informa-
tion which might be of value in determining the fate of Vietnam's 300,000
Ml As and of assistance in the recovery
of their remains; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge all levels of the VFW to
solicit all Vietnam veteran members (and non-members) for any information
or material that could be used to determine the fate of Vietnamese MIAs and
their graves. Such information and material include battlefield souvenirs
especially if they contain names or other identifying information; personal
effects such as photos, letters, identification documents, taken from casual-
ties; sketch maps, photos, overlays (annotated with dates and locations if
possible) which would be of help in identifying Vietnamese grave sites; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that VFW National Headquarters pub-
licize this effort and provide Departments with materials which might be
used in further publicizing our efforts and that the VFW Washington Office
act as the collecting point and repository of all such information obtained
from our members and the public at large; and
259
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that on subsequent trips to the region
by VFW National Officers, such information be turned over to Vietnamese
authorities as an expression of our desire to assist them in recovering their
Ml As and to encourage their greater effort in helping us reach the fullest
possible accounting of our MIAs. (Approved)
No. 419 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
OPPOSE U. S. FORCES UNDER FOREIGN COMMAND
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we oppose any plan or directive placing U.S. military forces
under the command of foreign military officers including those v\/ho are
operating exclusively under orders from the United Nations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress be urged to examine
Presidential Decision Directive 25 to determine if any Constitutional
authority has been misused, and if so, to find an appropriate remedy.
(Approved)
No. 420 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that while recognizing the settlement of the legitimacy question
remains an issue between the two countries, we support and urge the
admission of the Republic of China on Taiwan to the United Nations and
other international bodies so that those agencies can be useful in fostering
a spirit of cooperation and assisting the resolution of the legitimacy ques-
tion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President and the
Congress of the United States to adhere strictly to the concepts of the
Taiwan Relations Act by approving the sale to the Republic of China on
Taiwan such state of the art military equipment, weapons and technology
to include modern aircraft to the Republic of China on Taiwan as may be
necessary to maintain adequate defense capabilities to provide for military
balance and stability in the area; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the United States
Government to employ the full range of its economic, diplomatic and mil-
itary influence if it is necessary to contain the overtly aggressive posture of
the Peoples Republic of China and to use this influence to further the peace-
ful settlement of remaining disputes. (Approved)
No. 421 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
OPPOSE DOWNSIZING THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT POW/MP OFFICE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we believe the downsizing of the Defense Department's
260
POW/MP Office would have a disastrous effect on achieving our goal of the
fullest possible accounting of our POW/MIAs and would have the follow-
ing dampening effects:
(a) it would slow the momentum of a POW/MIA effort that has
taken years to develop;
(b) it would prevent us from taking full advantage of new opportu-
nities that are becoming available to resolve this issue;
(c) it would send the wrong signal that the United States is down-
sizing its effort to recover our missing men to those countries where the
search for our men still continues, or as in the case in Korea, where the
search hasjust begun and the effort is expanding; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars goes
on record as adamantly and unalterably opposed to any downsizing of the
effort or of the resources put into the effort to reach the fullest possible
accounting of our missing personnel. (Approved)
No. 422 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
RETAIN THE SELECTIVE SERVICE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the VFW goes on record as supporting the ongoing existence of
the Selective Service System in its stand-by status and urges the United
States Congress to provide the funds necessary to retain the Selective
Service System. (Approved)
No. 423 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
MONITOR THE PANAMA CANAL CAREFULLY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign of the United States,
that we urge the President and the Congress to closely monitor conditions
in the Republic of Panama, to be prepared to take whatever steps are nec-
essary to protect the Canal and to ensure continued freedom of passage,
and to carefully reexamine the conditions of Panama and the region before
the scheduled turnover with a view to balancing the views, concerns and
interests of Panama, its neighbors and the United States. (Approved)
No. 424 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
KEEPING FAITH WITH THE AMERICAN MILITARY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Department of Defense and the Department of State
to initiate changes to the Status of Forces Agreements, the Geneva
Conventions and other international agreements to improve the legal pro-
tections for United States military personnel and their families serving in
foreign countries; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department of
261
Defense and the Department of State to periodically provide written, factu-
al assurances to the Congress, the public and our military that legal protec-
tions have been put in place to bring to trial those guilty of murder, execu-
tion or assassination of members of our military service in foreign lands;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Congress of the United States
and the Administration find a solution and take the necessary steps to
ensure that the El Salvador murders of LTC Picket and CPL Dawson are
brought to trial and punished. (Approved)
No. 425 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
AMERICANS WHO ARE PRISONERS OF WAR OR MISSING IN ACTION
(Disapproved)
No. 426 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
NATO ENLARGEMENT
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support the enlargement of the NATO Alliance and the
extension of the United States mutual defense commitment to the countries
of Poland, Hungary andthe Czech Republic as it is important to the securi-
ty of that region, our own vital interests in the region as well as world
peace; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this enlargement be accom-
plished in a non-threatening manner so as not to force other countries into
an opposing alliance and that in order to project a peaceful image we urge
consideration be given to adoption of a declared policy that U.S. forces and
weapons will not be stationed, based or deployed (except for training) in
the countries of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any future enlargement of NATO
beyond the countries of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic be
approached with careful analysis as to the costs, benefits and risks involved.
(Approved)
No. 427 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
REQUIRE ALL EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD CITIZENS TO REGISTER
FOR MILITARY DRAFT
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the President of the United States and the Congress
of the United States to support legislation that would require all United
States citizens, both male and female, be required to register for the Military
Draft upon reaching their 18th birthday. (Approved)
No. 428 (Submitted by Department of Kansas)
262
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL NAVY MEDICAL AUGMEN-
TATION TEAM OPERATION URGENT FURY
(GRENADA)
(Disapproved)
No. 429 (Submitted by Department of Nevada)
ISSUANCE OF COLD WAR VICTORY MEDAL
(Disapproved)
No. 430 (Submitted by Department of Washington)
SPECIAL MEDAL FOR WWII NAVY ARMED GUARDS
(Disapproved)
No. 431 (Submitted by Department of Virginia)
AMERICANS WHO ARE PRISONERS OF WAR OR MISSING IN ACTION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we urge the President of the United States of America and every
member of the Congress to speak out on every occasion to expedite the
return of those U.S. servicemen who are still prisoners of war or missing in
action. (Approved)
No. 432 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 432, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NUCLEAR
RADIATION MEDAL FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
(Disapproved)
No. 433 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
INTERMENT OF AN UNKNOWN FROM VIETNAM
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if there are other remains that in
all likelihood cannot be identified by known forensic medical techniques,
and after all means of identification have been exhausted, the U.S.
Government make every effort to inter one of our unknown honored dead
from the Vietnam War to rest in peace along side his comrades from World
War I, World War II and the Korean War in this hallowed ground.
(Approved)
No. 434 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
IMPROVE MILITARY READINESS
263
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President and the Congress of the United States to
act now to reverse this trend in decreasing defense readiness by providing
our military leaders with the resources required to accomplish their mis-
sions and the military strategy of the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in order to improve the morale and
retention of our high quality, dedicated American service men and women,
that the Congress and the Administration take action to stop the erosion of
military entitlements and benefits, and restore military retirement benefits
to the level that existed prior to 1986. (Approved)
No. 435 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
TIGHTEN U.S. POLICY ON HIGH TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we strongly urge the President and the Congress to reverse the
present U.S. policy on exporting American advanced "dual-use" technolo-
gies and supercomputers to China and Russia, and strengthen the rules that
limit the export of American "dual-use" technologies to any country that
poses a possible ballistic missile or any other significant threat to the U.S.;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administration stop any U.S.
commercial activity which facilitates the improvement of Chinese ballistic
missile capability, and provides any information or technology that would
provide new military capability, including any long-range missile technolo-
gy, to any country that poses a significant threat to our nation without prior
U.S. government authorization. (Approved)
No. 436 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE FOR THE UNITED STATES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Administration and the Congress of the United
States to immediately accelerate efforts to develop and deploy a National
Missile Defense System to protect the United States against an accidental or
unauthorized ballistic missile launch; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Administration and
the Congress to take immediate actions to stop the proliferation of ballistic
missiles and technologies to any potentially hostile or rogue states and ter-
rorist groups that may seek to target the United States directly with long-
range missiles. (Approved)
No. 437 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
INCREASE THE DEFENSE BUDGET
264
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President and the Congress of the United States to
take what ever steps are necessary to increase defense spending and reverse
the fourteen year pattern of declining defense budgets; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in light of the first federal budget
surplus in three decades, and the current strength of the U.S. economy, we
urge the nation's bipartisan political leadership to reopen negotiations on
the Balanced Budget Act of 1 997 in order to provide for a reallocation addi-
tional of national resources to the defense budget, and to sustain period of
real growth in defense spending. (Approved)
No. 438 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
(Disapproved)
No. 439 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
IN SUPPORT OF ARMY MEDIC MICHAEL NEW
(Disapproved)
No. 440 (Submitted by Department of Kansas)
INTERMENT OF AN UNKNOWN FROM VIETNAM
(Disapproved)
No. 441 (Submitted by Department of Delaware)
RESTORE PRE-ATTACK RANKS TO ADMIRAL HUSBAND E. KIMMEL
AND GENERAL WALTER C. SHORT
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the President of the United States to restore the honor
and reputations of Admiral Husband E. Kimmel and General Walter C.
Short; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President of the
United States to take necessary steps to posthumously advance Admiral
Kimmel and General Short to their highest wartime rank of four-star admi-
ral and lieutenant general. Such action would be appreciated greatly to
restore the honor of these two great American servicemen. (Approved)
No. 442 (Submitted by Department of Latin America/Caribbean)
SUPPORT OF SELF-DETERMINATION FOR PUERTO RICO
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and the rest of
the members of the United States Senate to pass S.472 before the adjourn-
265
merit of the 1 05th Congress. (Approved)
CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS
No. 601 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SEXUAL TRAUMA TREATMENT FOR ALL VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that there will be permanent VA programs established for veterans
who need sexual trauma treatment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States insists there be absolutely no limitations or restrictions to
VA sexual trauma treatment services thereby making sexual trauma treat-
ment available to all veterans of the Armed Forces regardless of their length
of service or reserve status. (Approved)
No. 602 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
ADEQUATELY FUND THE VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress in its annual appropriations, to fund the
Department of Veterans Affairs construction to allow it to carry out a pro-
gram of modernization or replacement of aging facilities, which includes a
sound system for setting construction priorities, which in combination will
ensure the continued provision of quality health care to our nation's veter-
ans. (Approved)
No. 603 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress of the United States to pass a budget and
appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs which will fully fund
and maintain the integrity of the benefits and entitlements programs and
enhance Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. (Approved)
No. 604 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
AMEND THE UNIFORMED SERVICES FORMER
SPOUSES' PROTECTION ACT
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, seeks to amend PL 97-252, the Former Spouses' Protection Act, to
allow for the termination of court-ordered payments to ex-military spouses
upon remarriage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars
266
seeks legislation that would prohibit forcing a service member from making
payments to his former spouse on the date the sen/ice member first
becomes eligible to receive retired pay if the service member elects to
remain in the service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars
seeks legislation that ensures any increase in retired pay resulting from
increased service or promotion after a divorce is final becomes the sole
property of the service member. (Approved)
No. 605 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
CONCURRENT RECEIPT OF RETIREMENT PAY AND
VETERANS DISABIUTY COMPENSATION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we strongly advocate legislation to be enacted to permit the
concurrent receipt of longevity military retirement pay without reduction of
the Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States, that we also support legislation that initially limits the dis-
ability categories and/or the dollar amount of offset, with the final goal of
having all disabled retirees receive full concurrent receipt of all money.
(Approved)
No. 606 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
AMENDED TAX RETURNS FOR MILITARY RETIREES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that Congress amend current law whereby a military retiree will be
allowed to file amended tax returns involving receipt of VA disability com-
pensation beyond the current three (3) year limitation. (Approved)
No. 607 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
EXCLUDE GUARD AND RESERVE INCOME WHEN DETERMINING ELI-
GIBILITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge Congress to enact legislation that standardizes
Unemployment Insurance eligibility rules to the extent that Guard and
Reserve income will be excluded for purposes of determining eligibility for
Unemployment Insurance. (Approved)
No. 608 (Submitted by Commander-in-ChieO
ESTABLISHMENT OF A WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
ON VETERANS ENTITLEMENT AND BENEFITS POUCY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
267
States, that we support legislation authorizing establishment of a White
House conference on veterans entitlement and benefit policy with the mis-
sion of improving and preserving veterans benefits. (Approved)
No. 609 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFIT PROGRAM (FEHBP) FOR
MILITARY RETIREES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress to enact legislation requiring the
Department of Defense to offer military retirees the full range of FEHBP
under the same terms as do all other federal departments, agencies, and the
post office; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, that we also support legislation that initially limits FEHBP to
only Medicare eligible retirees with the ultimate goal of allowing all retirees
to participate in the program. (Approved)
No. 610 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
FULL FUNDING FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE
MOBILIZATION INSURANCE PROGRAM (MIP)
(Disapproved)
No. 611 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF ON-THE-JOB-TRAINING PROGRAM
FOR RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Administration and Congress to take immediate
action towards the creation of and implementation of a nationwide On-the-
Job-Training Program for recently separated service members. (Approved)
No. 612 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT WITHOUT OFFSET
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that the Department of Veterans Affairs collect and retain all third-
party reimbursements without offset from its appropriation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that legislation be enacted to make up
any Medical Care Cost Recovery (MCCR) shortfall with supplemental
appropriations. (Approved)
No. 613 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
ENTITLEMENT TO NURSING HOME CARE
268
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge Congress to amend Public Law 104-262 to mandate the
provision of nursing home care for all veterans. (Approved)
No. 614 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT AN EFFECTIVE VETERANS EMPLOYMENT
AND TRAINING SERVICE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support a viable and effective Veterans Employment and
Training Service which has necessary funding and capability to assist veter-
ans in seeking and maintaining meaningful employment and re-employ-
ment opportunities. (Approved)
No. 615 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SERVICE CONNECTION FOR THE RESIDUALS OF TOBACCO USE
(Disapproved)
No. 616 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
IMPROVED VA HOSPITAL FACILITIES FOR WOMEN VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that Congress provide funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) specifically for the purpose of improving the quality of hospital facili-
ties and services available to women veterans at VA hospitals. (Approved)
No. 617 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE
(Disapproved)
No. 618 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
NECESSARY FUNDING FOR THE LOCAL VETERANS
EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVES (LVERs) AND
DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM SPECIALISTS (DVOPs)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress of the United States to appropriate suffi-
cient funds to support the number of LVERs and DVOPs positions as
required by Title 38. (Approved)
No. 619 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT PRIORITY OF SERVICE FOR VETERANS TO ALL
FEDERALLY FUNDED JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS
269
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress to enact legislation which will nnandate
priority of service to all eligible veterans in federally funded job training
programs. (Approved)
No. 620 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
BENEFITS FOR FILIPINO VETERANS AND SCOUTS WHO SERVED WITH
THE U. S. ARMED FORCES DURING WWII
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support legislation to recognize veterans of the organized
military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines,
while such forces were in the service of the Armed Forces of the United
States during World War II, as having been active service for purposes of
equal benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars sup-
port additional legislation that directs the Secretary of Army to issue a cer-
tificate of service to every national of the Philippine Islands deemed by the
Secretary to have performed any military service in aid of the Armed Forces
of the United States during World War II. (Approved)
No. 621 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE FORVA BENEFICIARIES
AND MILITARY RETIREES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge Congress to provide timely annual increases in an
amount at least commensurate with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all
Department of Veterans Affairs' beneficiaries and military retirees.
(Approved)
No. 622 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
VA MEDICARE SUBVENTION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support the swift enactment into law of legislation authoriz-
ing VA to collect and retain Medicare dollars. (Approved)
No. 623 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
EXCLUSIVE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEES FOR
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the Congress to establish separate appropriations sub-
270
committees exclusive to the Department of Veterans Affairs in both the
House and Senate. (Approved)
No. 624 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
FUNDING OF SBA VETERANS PROGRAMS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support the strengthening and sufficiently fund an effective
veterans entrepreneurship program in the United States Small Business
Administration. (Approved)
No. 625 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT FOR PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we continue to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to estab-
lish an open ended presumptive period until the medical and scientific
community determines an appropriate time in which conditions associated
with Gulf War service will manifest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department of
Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care for
all veterans whose health has been adversely affected by the Persian Gulf
War and to conduct all necessary tests to determine the causes of these ill-
nesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, veterans of the Persian Gulf War be
afforded the same rights and privileges guaranteed to all other veterans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department of
Veterans Affairs to act in accordance with 38 USC, 1117, and develop, at
the earliest possible date, appropriate definitions or diagnoses of the ill-
nesses associated with service in the Persian Gulf; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Departments of
Defense, Health and Human Service and Veterans Affairs, and the Congress
to fund appropriate research into the causes of these illnesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the VFW continue to closely mon-
itor this issue, identify and research problems, and urge appropriate cor-
rective action to assist Persian Gulf War veterans and their families.
(Approved)
No. 626 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
HONOR GUARD FUNCTIONS AT FUNERALS FOR VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support legislation to provide active duty and recognize, as
a federal function. Reserve and/or National Guard participation at veterans'
funerals, with necessary appropriated funds. (Approved)
271
No. 627 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
VATO PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF COST OF CARING FOR VETERANS
RESIDING IN STATE VETERANS HOMES
(Disapproved)
No. 628 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
RETAIN EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR
VETERANS AND DISABLED VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we oppose any elimination of federal oversight and control of
the employment assistance entitlements earned by America's veterans/dis-
abled veterans through their honorable service. (Approved)
No. 629 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
FUNDING OF NATIONAL VETERANS' TRAINING INSTITUTE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we petition Congress to support full funding of the National
Veterans Training Institute as required by PL 100-232. (Approved)
No. 630 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
VETERANS PREFERENCE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we strongly support veterans preference in federal, state and
local employment as provided by a grateful nation, and oppose any and all
efforts to eliminate or undermine this earned entitlement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States shall aggressively support enactment of legislation that
strengthens the Veterans Preference Act of 1944 and all subsequent amend-
ments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we strongly urge Congress to
enact legislation which provides that any intentional violation of a provi-
sion of the Veterans Preference Act as a "prohibited personnel practice" and
therefore be subject to corrective and disciplinary action, and intervention
by Office of the Special Counsel. (Approved)
No. 631 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge standardized licensure and certification requirements
be adopted by the appropriate federal and state agencies in all 50 states;
and
272
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that recently separated service mem-
bers be afforded the opportunity to take licensing and certification exams
without a period of retraining. (Approved)
No. 632 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
PROVIDING EMERGENCY SERVICES TO ENROLLED VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that Congress enact legislation that mandates the VA to pay for emer-
gency services in non-VA facilities for all enrolled veterans if emergency
services are not available within a VA facility. (Approved)
No. 633 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
TOBACCO INDUSTRY SETTLEMENT AND
VETERANS HEALTH CARE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the Administration and Congress advocate more
aggressively for a portion of the "tobacco settlement" to be directed solely
to offset VA health care costs and the promotion of smoking cessation and
prevention programs for veterans with tobacco-related disabilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States insist that any such funds the VA receives from a federal
tobacco settlement will not be offset from VA's annual medical care appro-
priation. (Approved)
No. 634 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
OPPOSE STAFF REDUCTIONS
FOR THE VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we recommend Congress includes sufficient funding in VA's
appropriations to increase FTE in the Compensation and Pension Service by
500 and maintain FTE at the FY 1997 levels in the other VBA components.
(Approved)
No. 635 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
EQUITY IN VA HEALTH CARE COPAYMENTS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that Congress urge VA to find a more equitable means to determine
a non-service connected veterans outpatient co-payment. (Approved)
No. 636 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
GULF WAR UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESSES
273
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, support President Clinton's November 1997 directive mandating
National Academy of Sciences review of scientific and medical research
toward possible establishment of presumptions for Gulf War undiagnosed
illnesses and urges Congress to immediately pass legislation that will rein-
force this endeavor. (Approved)
No. 637 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SUPPORT LEGISLATION PROVIDING
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND SERVICES TO
VIETNAM VETERANS CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge Congress to amend the Agent Orange Benefits Act of
1996 to provide Vietnam veterans children with Spina Bifida Cystica with
comprehensive health care coverage, attendant services, independent liv-
ing services, up to 48 months of educational assistance, adaptive housing
and transportation assistance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Act be amended to include
outreach and service coordination assistance to: (1) ensure that Vietnam
veterans children with Spina Bifida and their families are aware of their eli-
gibility for VA benefits and services and, when needed, in fully accessing
such benefits; (2) assist such children in protecting Supplemental Security
Insurance and other federal and federally-supported benefits and services
from unwarranted reduction or termination due to the receipt of assistance
under the Act; and (3) assist such children in accessing other specialized
human services for persons with severe disabilities offered by federal, state,
and local government agencies and other human services organizations.
(Approved)
No. 638 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STRATEGIC PLAN
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States supports the Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan as the best
approach toward resolving the current claims processing problems, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars fully
supports the improved technology initiatives by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and we urge that the Veterans Benefits Administration's planned
information technology program be fully developed and instituted at the
earliest possible time. (Approved)
No. 639 (Submitted by Department of Arkansas)
AMEND HIRING RESTRICTIONS OF DVOPs
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
274
States,
that Chapter 4103(a)(1) of Title 38 USC be amended to remove the require-
ment that
DVOPs must be Vietnam era veterans and that the position be open to vet-
erans who are disabled, have employment barriers or recently separated.
(Approved)
No. 640 (Submitted by Department of Arkansas)
REWRITE TITLE 38, USC, CHAPTER 41
(Disapproved)
No. 641 (Submitted by Department of Arkansas)
AMEND SECTION 4212, CHAPTER 42 OF TITLE 38 USC
(Disapproved)
No. 642 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
OPPOSE EXCESSIVE CO-PAYMENT FOR OUTPATIENT CARE
(Disapproved)
No. 643 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
REFORM OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO VA HEALTH CARE
FOR RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL
(Disapproved)
No. 644 (Submitted by Departments of Maine and Delaware)
VA DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR ALZHEIMER'S FACILITY
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support the need for an Alzheimer's Facility for veterans,
under a congressionally authorized demonstration project, through the
Department of Veterans Affairs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this demonstration project be a
uniquely designed facility for veterans with Alzheimer's disease using other
than the routine medical or psychiatric care models. The project should
include Alzheimer's research as an integral part of the veterans treatment
program. (Approved)
No. 645 (Submitted by Department of Rhode Island)
VATO PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF CARING FOR VETERANS
RESIDING IN STATE VETERANS HOMES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
275
States, we support a VA per diem payment that equals 33.33% of the
national average cost of providing care in a state veterans home; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Congress of the
United States to fully fund State Veterans Home Construction Grant Priority
on projects for fiscal year 1999; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support a ranking system,
whereby State Home Construction Grant Program requests would be prior-
itized in the year they are received, utilizing current VA needs criteria.
Grant requests, received in future years, would be prioritized in the same
manner, with the understanding that they will not receive funding until pro-
jects submitted in previous years are funded. However, states without state
veterans homes would automatically become eligible for funding regardless
of the year their requests are received. (Approved)
No. 646 (Submitted by Department of Oregon)
VETERANS' PREFERENCE IN HOUSING
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we strongly support veterans preference in federal, state, and local
housing. (Approved)
No. 647 (Submitted by Department of District of Columbia)
PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF THE CEMETERY
AT FORMER CLARK AIR BASE IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
(Disapproved)
No. 648 (Submitted by Department of District of Columbia)
NATURALIZATION PROCESS FOR FILIPINO VETERANS
OF WORLD WAR II
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support legislation for the naturalization of all categories of
WWII Filipino veterans. (Approved)
No. 649 (Submitted by Department of District of Columbia)
BENEFITS FOR FILIPINO VETERANS AND SCOUTS WHO SERVED
WITH THE U.S. ARMED FORCES DURING WWII
(Disapproved)
No. 650 (Submitted by Department of District of Columbia)
RESTORE GRANT IN AID HOSPITAL PROGRAM TO THE
FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS IN THE PHIUPPINES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
276
States, that we petition the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the President, and
the Congress to restore the Grant In Aid Hospital Program under the man-
agement of the Manila Regional Office to assist in the medical treatment of
surviving Philippine-based WWII veterans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all inequities proportioned at the
time of the original suspension be evaluated so as to bring the Philippine
Veterans Memorial Medical Hospital in line with U.S. hospital standards
and procedures. (Approved)
No. 651 (Submitted by Department of Nebraska)
DOWNSIZING VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE
(Disapproved)
No. 652 (Submitted by Department of Illinois)
NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM
(Disapproved)
No. 653 (Submitted by Department of Pacific Areas)
BENEFITS FOR SAIPAN MARINE SCOUTS WHO FOUGHT ALONGSIDE
U.S. FORCES DURING WORLD WAR II BATTLE OF SAIPAN
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we support legislation to recognize the Saipan Marine Scouts
who served alongside U.S. soldiers during the Battle of Saipan as having
been active service for purposes of equal benefits under programs adminis-
tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support additional legislation
that directs the Secretary of Defense to issue a certificate of service to every
Saipan Marine Scout deemed by the Secretary to have performed military
service in aid of the Armed Forces of the U.S. during the WWII Battle of
Saipan. (Approved)
No. 654 (Submitted by Department of Pacific Areas)
PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF THE CEMETERY
AT FORMER CLARK AIR BASE IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we urge the United States government, by legislative or admin-
istrative action, to seek a long term solution to the neglect of the Clark
Cemetery; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that until a long term solution is
reached, we seek support from all available sources to assist VFW Post 2485
and supporters with the annual cost of the repair and upkeep of the Clark
Cemetery. (Approved)
277
No. 655 (Submitted by Department of Georgia)
AMEND 38 USCTO INCLUDE SERVICE CONNECTION
FOR CHRONIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request an amendment to 38 USC to include Chronic
Peripheral Neuropathy as a sen/ice connected disability as a result of expo-
sure to Agent Orange. (Approved)
No. 656 (Submitted by Department of New Jersey)
VA PROJECT FOR ALZHEIMER'S FACILITY
(Disapproved)
No. 657 (Submitted by Department of Kentucky)
EQUITABLE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
(Disapproved)
No. 658 (Submitted by Department of Virginia)
REQUESTING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO
ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR VETERANS EXPOSED
TO BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, NEUROLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL,
STRESS PRODUCING CONDITIONS WHILE IN MILITARY SERVICE
(Disapproved)
No. 659 (Submitted by Department of Virginia)
REQUESTING THE HONORABLE TOGO D. WEST SECRETARY OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS, TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME FOR A DECISION ON
A CLAIM FOR THE U.S. BOARD ON VETERANS APPEALS
(Disapproved)
No. 660 (Submitted by Department of Wisconsin)
VATO GUARANTEE FULL REPAYMENT OF LOANS FOR
THE PROVISION OF MULTI-FAMILY TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
(Disapproved)
No. 661 (Submitted by Department of Texas)
VETERANS PROGRAM TO REMAIN A NATIONAL MANDATE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
278
States, that we oppose any such elimination of Federal direction and con-
trol over the employment assistance entitlements earned by America's vet-
erans through their honorable service. (Approved)
No. 662 (Submitted by Department of Texas)
SUPPORT OF FULL FUNDING FOR ALL VETS PROGRAMS
(Disapproved)
No. 663 (Submitted by Department of California)
IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS AND THEIR RIGHTS TO USE THE HERB,
CANNABIS, FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES
(Disapproved)
No. 664 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 76, PERMIT MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE MILITARY RETIREES
THE OPTION TO ENROLL IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
(Disapproved)
No. 665 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 303, PERMIT RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES WHO HAVE A SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY TO RECEIVE
COMPENSATION FROM THE VA CONCURRENTLY WITH RETIRED PAY
WITHOUT REDUCTION FROM EITHER
(Disapproved)
No. 666 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT S. 1334 MILITARY RETIREES OPTION TO ENROLL IN FEHBP
(Disapproved)
No. 667 (Submitted by Department of California)
PRESERVATION OF THE NATIONAL SOLDIERS' HOME
LOCATED AT THE
VA MEDICAL CENTER, WEST LOS ANGELES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we request the United States Congress to ensure adherence to the
expressed wishes of the donors of said land, that the terms and considera-
tion of the grant be adhered to, that the Pacific branch of the National
Soldiers' Home for Disabled Veterans be maintained on said property, that
an opportunity be offered to those who were displaced from said National
279
Soldiers' Home to return thereto, and that the admission requirements for
entering the home revert back to the original status. (Approved)
No. 668 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 2572, CAP ON PRIVATE ATTORNEY'S FEES WITH
RESPECT TO VETERANS CLAIMS IN THE APPEALS PROCESS
(Disapproved) r.<
No. 669 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 1362, VETERANS MEDICARE
REIMBURSEMENT DEMONSTRATION ACT
(Disapproved)
No. 670 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 836, FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 1997
(Disapproved)
No. 671 (Submitted by Department of California)
AMEND INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR STATE FINANCIAL VETERANS
HOME MORTGAGES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we support legislation to amend IRS code of 1986 to allow veterans
who served after January 1 , 1997, in a military operation and are authorized
a military campaign medal to qualify for the state veterans home mortgage
bond program. (Approved)
No. 672 (Submitted by Department of California)
AMEND TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE (USC), CHAPTER 41
(Disapproved)
No. 673 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 1241, AMEND INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR
STATE FINANCED VETERANS HOME MORTGAGES
(Disapproved)
No. 674 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 1766, DEMONSTRATION PROJECT USING THE
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR
MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE MILITARY HEALTH
SERVICE SYSTEM
280
(Disapproved)
No. 675 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 3613, MILITARY HEALTH CARE FAIRNESS ACT
(Disapproved)
No. 676 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT H.R. 3653, VETERANS BURIAL RIGHTS ACT OF 1998
(Disapproved)
No. 677 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT S. 224, MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE MILITARY RETIREES OPTION TO
ENROLL IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
(Disapproved)
No. 678 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT S. 1825, VETERANS BURIAL RIGHTS ACT OF 1998
(Disapproved)
No. 679 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT S. 324, HONOR GUARD FUNCTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL GUARD AT VETERANS FUNERALS
(Disapproved)
No. 680 (Submitted by Department of California)
SUPPORT S. 623, FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 1997
(Disapproved)
No. 681 (Submitted by Department of Colorado)
ESTABLISH AN OFFICE OF VETERANS' WIDOWS/SURVIVING SPOUSES
AFFAIRS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
(Disapproved)
No. 682 (Submitted by Department of Tennessee)
MILITARY AND VETERANS HEALTH CARE
(Disapproved)
281
No. 683 (Submitted by Department of Europe)
TO RETAIN PERSHING HALL AS A MEMORIAL
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we oppose any change in present regulations that would violate the
original purpose of having Pershing Hall serve as a memorial. (Approved)
No. 684 (Submitted by Department of Connecticut)
THE PEACE HEART MEDAL AUTHORIZATION
(Disapproved)
No. 685 (Submitted by Department of West Virginia)
SUPPORT THE TERMS OF THE NATIONAL TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
(Disapproved)
No. 686 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
RESEARCH ON THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF DEPLETED URANIUM
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EDUCATION AND SAFETY TRAINING
PROGRAM FOR ALL GROUND TROOPS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the Secretary of Defense to immediately direct and
verify the full implementation of the Depleted Uranium training program;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an independent, non-profit scien-
tific organization, under federal contract from the Department of Veteran
Affairs, conduct appropriate studies regarding the health effects of DU, with
additional instructions to review and evaluate all other agencies' scientific
studies regarding DU, for the purpose of issuing a comprehensive report
identifying the health effects related to use of DU. (Approved)
No. 687 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOANS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we urge Congress to initiate legislation allowing VA to
underwrite/guarantee, on a limited basis, selected commercial loans made
to non-profit organizations to construct and maintain selected multi-family
transitional housing exclusively for use by veterans and their dependents;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this legislation must require the par-
ticipating non-profit housing organizations to closely and continuously
coordinate their efforts on behalf of homeless veterans with VA, as well as
state and local housing authorities, to share technical expertise and to avoid
282
wasting time. (Approved)
No. 688 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SERVICE CONNECTION FOR HEARING LOSS AND TIN NITUSO FOR
COMBAT VETERANS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, we request Congress to enact legislation that will authorize the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to grant service connection to veterans with
documented combat service and who have been diagnosed with hearing
loss or tinnitus at any time after discharge from military service. (Approved)
No. 689 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
COST WILL NEVER BE A FACTOR FOR VETERANS' ENTITLEMENTS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we correspond forcefully to Congress and the President that
never again can veterans' entitlements be negotiated based on solely eco-
nomic factors. (Approved)
No. 690 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ALLOWANCE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, that we seek leg-
islation to amend 38 U.S.C.§2102 to allow a veteran to qualify for a second
allowance not to exceed 50 percent of the maximum amount authorized
under 38. (Approved)
No. 691 (Submitted by Commander-in-Chief)
REFER VETERANS TO VETERANS SERVICE
ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTATIVES
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, that we request the Secretary of Veterans Affairs establish a policy
whereby all veterans that seek VA medical care or inquire about other enti-
tlements be informed that Veterans Service Organization representatives are
available for assistance.
NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL BY-LAWS, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE
AND RITUAL
Chairman: John M. Carney, Past Commander-in-Chief, Florida
Vice Chairman: Alcuin G. Loehr, Post 4847, Minnesota
283
(River Room A, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Department Name Post No.
Alabama Charles H. Ayers 6837
Alabama Lester E. Kapelka 5850
Alaska Leander P Carr 9978
Arizona John M. Jackson 3632
Arizona Greg A. Woodring 10308
Arkansas Bobby G. Julian 6527
California Judge Brown 7792
California Everett R. Martin 1732
Colorado Terrance D. Jacobson 3471
Colorado John R. Lewis 4051
Connecticut Edward L. Burnham 1724
Connecticut Brian J. Kennedy 1523
Connecticut Robert A. Stevens 10690
Delaware Le Roy J. Rench 3238
Dist. of Col Philip L. Anderson 284
Europe Jarold K. Stottlemyre 10810
Florida Raymond D. Brennan, Jr. . . .10131
Florida James W. Carlisle 10097
Florida John M. Carney 4643
Florida James De Pass 10068
Florida Eugene R. Manfrey 6827
Georgia Olin C. Wright 7331
Hawaii Norbert K. Enos 2875
Idaho Gray I. Clawson 3012
Illinois Norman J. Busch 5915
Illinois Eddie J. Griffith 1301
Illinois Terry W. Vance 9789
Indiana John L. Dahman 1421
Indiana James M. Leavitt 5782
Iowa Muriel E. Allan 3633
Iowa Leslie G. Portwood 817
Iowa William P. Shannon 733
Kansas Robert B. Greene 846
Kansas Gerald D. Mangold 7521
Kansas Lawrence D. Tholen 2864
Kentucky William J. Apple 1170
Latin Amer/Carib Marion H. Lasater 3876
Louisiana William M. Procter 1736
Louisiana Larry W. Rivers 1736
Maine Arthur J. Roy 1603
Maryland Norman H. Geisel 2632
Massachusetts Theodore R. Eaton 2104
284
Massachusetts William L. Mc Carthy 864
Michigan Assad Allie 147
Michigan William P. Bennett 7573
Michigan Lawrence Le Febvre 552
Michigan Barry F. Walter 4005
Minnesota Alcuin G. Loehr 4847
Minnesota Dean E. Means 1642
Minnesota Lester G. Orton 363
Mississippi J. H. Smith 480
Missouri Paul E. Connors 30
Missouri Charles R. Hauer 6840
Missouri Lawrence M. Maher 7356
Montana Calvin L. Burr, Jr 497
Montana Paul D. Westwood 10010
Nebraska Billy C. Smith 7028
Nebraska Dwaine D. Wilson 1652
Nevada Walter J. Dybeck, Jr 10047
New Hampshire Robert W. Madigan 483
New Hampshire John M. Packard 8546
New Jersey Donald J. Dooner 1439
New Jersey Donald L. Scott 7247
New Jersey John J. Senk, Jr 335
New Mexico Tyrone M. Benson 7686
New Mexico James H. Ferguson 7686
New Mexico Raymond Sierra 3015
New Mexico Frederick H. Smalley 3221
New York Ralph U. De Marco 885
New York Daniel J. Dwyer 161
New York Elton C. Klein 478
North Carolina Paul G. Yeager 7315
North Dakota Paul S. Aaberg 6139
North Dakota Richard J. Belling 7564
Ohio Gerald W. Gilgenbach 8847
Ohio Steven W. Mardis 693
Ohio Craig D. Swartz 2947
Ohio Myron E. Young 9571
Oklahoma Roderick V. Himber 4876
Oregon Johnnie A. Baugh 1 383
Oregon Patrick L. Jordan 4248
Pacific Areas Gerald L. Kraus 3457
Pennsylvania Charles R. Feltenberger 2435
Pennsylvania Joseph G. Hertzler 6704
Pennsylvania Allen Q. Jones 21
Pennsylvania Frank J. Zenzer 676
Rhode Island John Sivo 2396
South Carolina Johnnie C. Robinson 2889
285
South Dakota Delane E. Fickbohm 6149
South Dakota Tom Sherman 3342
Tennessee Joe A. Murphy, Jr 1289
Texas Anthony J. Emmite 6378
Texas Glen M. Gardner, Jr 3359
Texas N. F. Layne 3990
Texas Alexander Vernon 919
Texas William B. Warren 8564
Vermont Clifton E. La Plante 782
Virginia Charles B. Wilkerson 9808
Washington Allen E. Bell 379
Washington Donald E. Bracken 2289
West Virginia Danny P. Woofter 8129
Wisconsin Curtis J. Taylor, Jr 1318
Wyoming Charles E. Fresorger 579
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION
Chairman: James E. Nier, Past Commander-in-Chief, Texas
Vice Chairman: Thomas J. Dougherty, Post 3474, Pennsylvania
(River Room B, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Department Name Post No.
Alabama Travis W. Ledbetter 3016
Alabama Benjamin R. Minshew 49
Alabama Gordon R. Shewmake 3016
Alaska Robert S. Green 1685
Alaska Preston E. Nelson 10046
Arizona Kenneth A. Buckley 9400
Arizona Donald G. Glynn 549
Arizona Ronald L. Slater 9829
Arkansas Carthel B. Rarrott 3543
Arkansas Raymond J. Smorol 4513
California Earl D. Cauthen 7142
California James D. Duff 8737
California Richard L. Eubank 85
California Richard Fenn 7243
California James R. Rowoldt 10040
California Glenn O. Wilson 8985
Colorado James E. Mauck 2601
Colorado Henry F. Sexauer 1
Colorado Claudio E. Trujillo 61
Connecticut Raymond A. Heroux 5157
Connecticut Donald A. O Connor 9066
Connecticut William B. Watson 3263
286
Delaware William W. Wailes 475
Delaware Louis R. Walls, Jr 5447
Dist. of Col John P. Breen 2979
Dist. of Col George A. Lange, Jr 284
Dist. of Col Gerard P. Miserandino, Sr. . . .2979
Europe Norman J. Hirschman 10658
Europe Gladwin K. Spohr 10692
Florida Paul Y. Goldych 4256
Florida John E. Hamilton 7909
Florida Donald L. Pierce 8696
Georgia Ray L. Christie 5080
Georgia Robert K. Nelson 3200
Georgia William J. Wilson 7007
Hawaii William A. Merryman 3845
Hawaii Royal G. Vida 3850
Hawaii Richard J C. Wong 3292
daho Dale W. Smith 3646
linois Clyde F. Davis 1604
linois Rick Frank 1461
linois Edward F. Jarnell, Jr 8081
linois Tom Morgan 1 592
linois Russell R. Rieke 5694
ndiana Darrel W. Cavin 1130
ndiana Larry A. Dewitt 985
ndiana Robert E. Green 1154
ndiana David G. Havely 5864
ndiana Stephen J. Shedlock 3790
owa Ronald T. Deters . 839
owa Jerry L. Frederiksen 7083
owa Laurel E. Phipps 839
owa Patrick J. Shanahan 788
Kansas Ronald G. Browning 846
Kansas Lewie B. Cooper 1 174
Kansas Larry C. Duncan 7253
Kansas Francis A. Mc Cann 56
Kansas Daniel M. Shea 7397
Kansas Orlin L. Wagner 112
Kentucky James L. Bunch 5706
Kentucky Jeff A. Phillips 1170
Latin Amer/Carib Walter F. Griggs 40
Maine Vinal E. Abbott 9699
Maine Peter F. Miesburger 9389
Maryland Raymond J. Boyle 6027
Maryland Kenneth L. Britter 9862
Maryland John R. Dickerson, Sr 7460
Maryland John J. Gistedt 2678
287
Massachusetts Thomas M. Brennick 834
Massachusetts Gordon L. Crosby 1526
Michigan Wayne A. Buck 1888
Michigan Eric L. Halvorsen 5065
Michigan Arnold E. HuukI 6507
Michigan Donald L. Nattier 2645
Minnesota Harold Genrich 1222
Minnesota Merlin O. Hanson 1639
Minnesota William J. Manor 3871
Minnesota Steven P. Van Bergen 6587
Mississippi James W. Austin 3036
Mississippi Johnnie L. Richard 6285
Missouri Kenneth L. Davis 5789
Missouri Lawrence M. Maher 7356
Missouri Charles F. Thrower, Jr 3838
Missouri Donald W. Watts 5553
Montana David E. Goff 1087
Montana Gerald D. Mallo 5609
Montana Wade S. Smith 3831
Nebraska John L. lossi 3704
Nebraska George A. Lee 1652
Nebraska John F. Olson 3704
Nebraska Earl Stiner, Jr 3421
Nevada Daryl L. Mobley 3630
New Hampshire Michael S. Annis 2860
New Hampshire John A. Knapper 1772
New Hampshire Robert T. St Onge 8214
New Jersey Henry J. Adams, Jr 3525
New Jersey George J. Lisicki 2314
New Jersey Hugh F. Mc Nulty, Jr 1439
New Jersey John J. Senk, Jr 335
New Mexico Walter R Diegnau 7686
New Mexico Charles T. Durbin 3271
New Mexico Joe F. Ford 401
New York Philip C. Schiffman 8691
New York Thomas X. Szewczyk 1374
New York James A. Wilson 9132
North Carolina James E. Clark 10630
North Carolina Frank P. Durbino 9133
North Carolina George E. Walker 7315
North Dakota Richard N. Hagel 756
Ohio Clifford E. Bauer 3360
Ohio Robert C. Cockrell 1082
Ohio Robert W. Crow 4027
Ohio Keith E. Harman 3035
Ohio Roy C. Jones 1 598
288
Ohio Thomas L Kissell 9648
Ohio Joseph P. Seibert 6428
Oklahoma William C. Bender 4446
Oklahoma Robert B. Thomas 1098
Oregon Harold E. Coin 2468
Oregon James F. Hand 5233
Pacific Areas Paul T. Gasperson 9612
Pennsylvania Howard L. Adier, Jr 456
Pennsylvania Thomas J. Dougherty 3474
Pennsylvania Stephen J. Grassetti 6082
Pennsylvania Allan C. Jameson 928
Pennsylvania Frank G. Mills 1754
Pennsylvania Patricia S. Potter 5424
Pennsylvania Joseph T. Tragis 6082
Rhode Island Salvatore J. Capirchio 2396
Rhode Island Frank E. Lightowler 6342
South Carolina Melvin L. Emore 641
South Carolina William E. Pruitt 9509
South Dakota Fay J. Hendricks 6149
South Dakota Lawrence J. Howell 750
South Dakota Pietro A. Mazzio 1273
South Dakota William J. Radigan 3061
Tennessee John Furgess, Jr 1970
Tennessee David H. Wilson 4848
Texas Ronald Foster 9168
Texas James E. Nier 8919
Texas Benito C. Sanchez 10462
Texas David H. Slider 6441
Texas Peter Stack 4344
Texas Clifford T Teer 2148
Utah Roy S. Brown 8307
Utah Steven P. Meeker 4355
Vermont Roger W. Eastman 771
Virginia James L. Booth 2216
Virginia Robert J. Klausing 609
Washington George C. Berthiaume 969
Washington Clarence L. Hedglin 1045
Washington Gary W. Hulsey 1949
West Virginia Billy E. Javins 8129
West Virginia Milroy W. Wells 2716
Wisconsin Robert J. Collins 2037
Wisconsin Gordon R. Faust 11244
Wisconsin Kenneth D. Munro 2534
Wyoming Pete Quinnell 7756
Wyoming Robert G. Reed 2673
289
COMMITTEE ON GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
Chairman: John S. Staum, Past Commander-in-Chief, Minnesota
Vice Chairman: James N. Goldsmith, Post 4139, Michigan
Vice Chairman: John F. Gwizdak, Post 5080, Georgia
Vice Chairman: Raul R. Phillips, Adjutant, Department of Delaware
(Fiesta A & B, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Alabama William J. Burgess 6020
Alabama George A. Ganey 5660
Alaska Harvey A. Johnson 9569
Alaska Larry J. Patch 2509
Alaska William Timmons 9978
Arizona Lyman F. Chapman 1760
Arizona Donald E. Maynard 7968
Arizona James L. Montgomery 10308
Arkansas Lester R. King, Jr 4554
Arkansas Clarence L. Moore 5742
Arkansas Raz T. Munholland 4548
Arkansas Verlin F. Williams 1991
California Albert J. Butler 1512
California Robert A. Crider 1744
California Robert W. Drew 85
California Robert S. Hockenhull 2337
California Robert G. Houchins 1123
California Armando C. Pereira 7636
California William E. Pieters 6563
California Ossie Richardson 2658
Colorado John J. Holland 1
Colorado Arthur F. Ledesma 3971
Colorado George H. Palmateer 4171
Connecticut Edward S. Banas 10004
Connecticut Ronald Christopher 5095
Connecticut Howard C. Harris 9460
Delaware Leiand A. Du Bois, Jr 615
Delaware Paul R. Phillips, Jr 2863
Delaware Charles E. Price 3792
Dist. of Col Benjamin F. Willis 9755
Dist. of Col David F. Wood 1085
Europe Sidney L. Jenkins 10436
Europe Joe L. Lofton 10614
Florida John J. Clark, III 5968
Florida Lester W. Davis 10093
Florida Robert P Loftus 4643
Florida James E. Talbert 8093
290
Georgia Ray E. Brooks 2785
Georgia John F. Gwizdak 5080
Georgia Donald F. Ziegler 6447
Hawaii Kenneth T. Ito 10154
Hawaii Aloysius Spenser, Jr 3850
Idaho Thomas E. Monson 63
Idaho Thomas B. Norris 735
linois Donald Hartenberger 3553
linois George R. Lobb 3579
Illinois Robert J. Mc Mahon 2298
Illinois Thomas W. Neville 2327
Illinois Robert R Witcher 7980
Indiana Allen E. Chlupacek 1130
Indiana Paul D. Curtice 1257
Indiana William A. Thien 3281
Iowa Merle L. Duffy 839
Iowa Roger D. Schwieso 941
Iowa Daryl R. Shinker 2349
Kansas Russell R. Cutright 1650
Kansas Elmer E. Friesen 971
Kansas Roger H. Sellers 6654
Kansas Mckinley Smith 8773
Kentucky William R. Coffey 5710
Kentucky Charles W. Lee 5662
Kentucky Ronald M. Myers 1096
Latin Amer/Carib Austin L. Curtis 3835
Louisiana Ernest W. Bryant 7286
Louisiana Joseph Guidry, Sr 3121
Louisiana Robert V. Martin 8973
Maine Joseph C. Rump 4917
Maine James M. Sawyer 6859
Maine Michael L. Williams 11299
Maryland Clayton A. Deaver 1858
Maryland Joseph F. Rosetta 9619
Massachusetts Walter G. Gansenberg 834
Massachusetts Michael J. Gormalley 2016
Massachusetts Michael J. Imbracsio 639
Massachusetts Robert A. Malmberg 1526
Michigan Lowell E. Elston 3243
Michigan Garry J. Goff 2406
Michigan James N. Goldsmith 4139
Michigan Gary A. Housknecht 3243
Michigan Richard E. La Fave 5670
Minnesota Patrick T Bohmer 246
Minnesota Calvin D. Ferber 612
Minnesota Francis J. Ginther 210
291
Minnesota John S. Staum 9625
Minnesota Ted B. Theodorsen 6320
Mississippi Leslie C. Blanchard 6731
Mississippi Willie L. Lindsey 9832
Mississippi Johnnie Sartor 5573
Missouri Ralph H. Fiehler 4219
Missouri Lawrence M. Maher 7356
Missouri James R. Mueller 5077
Missouri Melvin L. Rage, Sr 2069
Missouri Calvin C. Vogelsang 3838
Montana Allen L Kirkeby 1116
Montana Erich J. Maki 4198
Nebraska John R. Gollihare 1504
Nebraska Norbert J. Koenig 247
Nebraska Arnold L. Miller 2280
Nebraska Gary C. Steckelberg 7419
Nevada Herbert Tel Ikamp, Jr 2313
Nevada Odis Ward 10047
New Hampshire Frank E. Casey, Jr 816
New Hampshire Kevin P. Mc Keating, Jr 483
New Hampshire Richard A. Robinson 816
New Jersey Patrick J. Botbyl 1593
New Jersey Vincent Brinkerhoff 335
New Jersey Pierre Lamereaux 2314
New Jersey John D. Reed, Sr 7859
New Mexico Albino B. Fajardo 4293
New Mexico C. H. Thornton 7686
New York T W. Bossidy 7466
New York Anthony M. Ferrarese 16
New York Peter G. Mazzarella 416
New York Vincent J. Siesta 546
New York George S. Smith 53
New York Harry C. Wurth 5253
North Carolina William C. Dohl 4309
North Carolina John J. Mc Graw 9133
North Dakota David A. Erbstoesser 1326
North Dakota Wayne L. Paulson 753
North Dakota Kasimir Schmaltz 6831
North Dakota Gordon R. Thorson 7564
Ohio James Comedy 3383
Ohio Frank Hofstetter, Jr 2947
Ohio Curtis M. Jewell 1090
Ohio Richard G. Kleparek 2898
Ohio Robert D. Louth 6772
Ohio Ronald G. Townsend 4713
Oklahoma Dean Derieg 4613
292
Oklahoma Eugene H. George 9969
Oklahoma Roy Isom, Jr 3649
Oregon Larry M. Newman 5653
Oregon Forrest O. Viles 4362
Pacific Areas Leon R. Vileo 9951
Pennsylvania Melvin R. Baker 8896
Pennsylvania Glenn C. Dashner 464
Pennsylvania Neale H. Deibler 6493
Pennsylvania John M. Gunn, Sr 2506
Pennsylvania Gary L. Moon 631
Pennsylvania Ronald G. Tyler, Sr 1462
Rhode Island Kuno Grosskurth, Jr 4487
Rhode Island James R. Ross 6342
South Carolina Bobby K. Bryant 9539
South Carolina Eugene Moore 641
South Carolina Gerald T. Pothier 10256
South Dakota Rick W. Barg 628
South Dakota Kenneth Jorgenson 750
South Dakota Lome F. Ruzicka 3312
Tennessee Henry Hooper, II 11333
Tennessee Carl T. Jackson 684
Tennessee Joseph J. Tirello 684
Texas Donald A. Brown 2399
Texas Charles L. Cannon, Jr 5076
Texas Anthony W. Graf 1815
Texas Donald L. Harwood 6794
Texas Bernard E. Henke 9170
Texas Edward J. Krenek 8787
Texas John F. Simmons 6796
Utah Fred L. Every 10900
Utah Joseph H. Lauter 3586
Vermont Curtis E. Brown 758
Vermont Wayne R. Chase 7779
Vermont John J. Zuba 1034
Virginia Lawrence F. Mattera 5500
Virginia Paul T. Moore 4491
Virginia Clifford Williford 3160
Washington N. J. Adamson 10018
Washington Theodore J. Buringa 1474
Washington Steven A. Kerber 2100
Washington Richard A. Petersen 10018
West Virginia Conrad H. Bennett 5578
West Virginia Roy D. Cooper 1212
West Virginia Wesley J. Thomas 573
Wisconsin Brian R. Feltes 1465
Wisconsin Rodney J. Getschman, Jr 1916
293
Wisconsin Walter E. Hahn 721
Wisconsin Steven D. Lawrence 10272
Wyoming Ralph J. Logan 2311
Wyoming Gary K. Mathisen 2221
COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Chairman: Walter G. Hogan, F^st Commander-in-Chief, Wisconsin
Vice Chairman: James L. Kimery, Past Commander-in-Chief, New Mexico
(Fiesta E, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
SUBCOMMITEE ON POW/MIA
Chairman: Billy R. Cameron, Past Commander-in-Chief, Norch Carolina
Vice Chairman: Roger D. Taylor, Post 2873, Ohio
Department Name Post No.
Alabama Gerald S. Brock 2702
Alabama Peter Frauenhoffer 5658
Alaska John P Guinn 10041
Alaska Robert R. Klotz 9785
Alaska Richard L. Mc Cluney 9981
Arizona Forrest E. Barker 1796
Arizona Charles A. Brown 10308
Arizona Dennis E. Kane 3632
Arkansas James E. Ford, Jr 3031
Arkansas Ron L. Helton 9095
Arkansas Donald E. Spears 5225
California Gerald D. Anderson 2835
California James A. Green 1622
California Robert J. Maxwell 1932
California Kenneth M. Murray 2075
California Arthur A. Napiwocki 1614
California Harry H. Tanabe 9879
Colorado Mike Bokan 1771
Colorado Charles G. Milligan 5231
Colorado Richard Wellensiek 4171
Connecticut Thomas C. Deere 6726
Connecticut Berijamin T. Lord, Jr 5095
Connecticut Henry P. Milum 2096
Connecticut Laurence Pitcher 6933
Connecticut Ronald Rusakiewicz 9460
Delaware Benjamin Pernol, Jr 3792
294
Delaware William G. Schaen 475
Dist. of Col Robert W. Harkins 2979
Dist. of Col Helen M. Jeffrey 346
Dist. of Col Paul Mays, Jr 7284
Europe George W. Eby 10692
Europe George M. Hunter, Jr 10557
Florida John N. Fabbro 4206
Florida Richard Fitzgerald 7721
Florida Normand R. Gaouette 8681
Florida Walter E. Rudd 4337
Georgia Edward P. Grealish, Jr 3200
Georgia William R. Johnson 658
Georgia David G. Pipes 2518
Hawaii Stanley E. Igawa 10276
Hawaii Zoilo A. Kupukaa 4951
daho Richard T. King 4900
daho Richard M. Lyon, Jr 2905
llinois John W. Johnston 7190
llinois Maurice H. Kerckhove 2153
llinois Vernon A. Soukup 7452
llinois John C. Vrtjak 1612
ndiana John S. Etsinger 985
ndiana Jerell O. Herston 5864
ndiana Rex A. Lewis 9323
ndiana Richard F. Swan 7119
ndiana James J. Thiel 717
owa Robert M. Capron 839
owa Robert S. Randall 839
owa A. A. Weber 1623
Kansas Denny L. Lawson 1 186
Kansas Robert J. Sander 1751
Kansas Joseph Wahrman 1133
Kansas Lester W. Wenndt 1714
Kentucky Leroy Ford 5480
Kentucky John E. Kramer 10017
Kentucky Francis L. Wimsatt 5421
Louisiana Stanley P. Breaux 3665
Louisiana Alva Nash 4586
Maine Wallace C. Berard 1285
Maine Albert A. Paul 1641
Maryland Elwood S. Knight, Jr 5118
Maryland William J. Mooney 5118
Massachusetts William Ferrantino 6907
Massachusetts John F. Leonard 639
Massachusetts Peter P. Rondeau 7556
Massachusetts Frank J. Tucker 10339
295
Michigan Dale J. Brubaker 3941
Michigan John J. Harrow, Jr 3724
Michigan Richard L. Lehner 1735
Michigan Jackie L. Pickard 2780
Michigan Richard B. Ross 1887
Minnesota Calvin G. Abers 7902
Minnesota Joe J. Mach 210
Minnesota Jerry L. Sanborn 8510
Minnesota James D. Vetter 3289
Minnesota Larry G. Ziebarth 6843
Mississippi O. R. Compton 79
Mississippi Glenn O. Patterson 4302
Mississippi Donald L. Verucchi 9573
Missouri Glenn E. Davis 4294
Missouri Eugene L. Hoeltge 5077
Missouri James M. Hughes 5789
Montana Eugene J. Mc Donald 1634
Montana Robert C. Smith 3177
Nebraska David A. Christiansen 2503
Nebraska James L. Klug 2503
Nebraska John R. Liebsack 2503
Nevada Bernard J. Juran, III 3819
Nevada Michael H. Musgrove 2350
Nevada Frank R. Risewick 10047
New Hampshire Jerry A. Parenti 8546
New Hampshire Eugene A. Pawlik, Sr 1617
New Hampshire Steven R. Rousseau 8214
New Jersey Charles Bonafiglia, Jr 2071
New Jersey Richard C. Bradshaw 4589
New Jersey James A. Nelson 493
New Jersey Joseph G. Retkovis 5579
New Mexico Felix J. Coca 2951
New Mexico William F. Festing, Jr 3277
New Mexico James L. Kimery 9354
New Mexico Carlos J. Roybal 2951
New York Joseph T. Gumo 1582
New York Arthur E. Koch, III 6780
New York Samuel C. Pilato 307
New York Harold C. Steiger 161
North Carolina George A. Bayer 7315
North Carolina Don N. Hancock 5631
North Dakota Jerome R. Berg 4221
Ohio Robert W. Bishop 1031
Ohio John R. Johnson 8850
Ohio Donald J. Limer 7576
Ohio Edward H. Marzec 3483
296
Ohio George M. Rinkowski 5530
Ohio Terry A. Roan 3124
Oklahoma Charles A. Huckaby 5994
Oklahoma Robert K. Mc Gill 4876
Pacific Areas Thomas I. Elliott 9467
Pacific Areas John F. Welsh, III 2485
Pennsylvania William C. Allen 7213
Pennsylvania John A. Biedrzycki 418
Pennsylvania Paul J. Kopp 8896
Pennsylvania Anthony J. Longo 5205
Pennsylvania Charles R. Mc Cormick 1810
Pennsylvania Norman F. Rettig, Jr 249
Pennsylvania Robert L. Snyder 6954
Rhode Island John J. Barone 8955
Rhode Island Leo R. Swider 2929
South Carolina James J. Johnson 8166
South Carolina William J. John 6087
South Dakota Ordean A. Amundsen 3061
South Dakota Harold H. Brost 3312
South Dakota Walter F. Joynt 1273
South Dakota Larry L. Scudder 1273
Tennessee Eldrie Duff 4728
Tennessee Hubert C. Stacy 7175
Texas Jerry D. Baker 3990
Texas Samuel F. Gregory 6873
Texas William B. Moody 2034
Texas Charles S. Pearson 1533
Texas Chuck E. Sinclair 8905
Texas Melvin R. Townsend 5398
Utah Clarence R. Peterson 2379
Vermont James H. Lane 6689
Vermont Donald D. Waterhouse 9653
Virginia Luther E. Anderson 392
Virginia Early R. Chappell 1115
Virginia Bruce R. Harder 1503
Virginia Earl E. Harris, Jr 2216
Virginia Samuel D. Mc Fall 1115
Washington Robert H. Berleen 9430
Washington George F. Riedel, Jr 969
Washington Ricardo E. Wilson 9430
West Virginia Robert W. Caruthers 9926
West Virginia Robert C. Johnson 6450
West Virginia Calvin L. Moran 4326
Wisconsin Leiand L. Burnett 8337
Wisconsin Walter G. Hogan 6498
Wisconsin Matthias Mayer, Jr 6498
297
Wisconsin George Pfielsticker 305
Wyoming Herb J. Carstens 579
Wyoming Gary P. Shinneman 4343
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS
Chairman: George R. Cramer, Past Commander-in-Chief, Illinois
Vice Chairman: Ted C. Connell, Past Commander-in-Chief, Texas
(Room 107, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Department Name Post No.
Alabama Alton S. Jones 5797
Alabama Charles R. Stephens 3128
Alaska Gerald J. Dorsher 5559
Alaska Gary L. Kurpius 10221
Arizona Manuel Ferra 3516
Arizona Billie E. Stuart 549
Arkansas Harold N. Harris 2952
Arkansas Ernest D. Kyzer 7769
California Kenneth E. Gleason 9223
California Clarence W. Kelly 1744
California Richard R. Pignone 3173
California Susumu Satow 8985
California Raymond C. Sisk 9791
California Pete Sozzoni 1900
California Jerry A. Williams 7636
Colorado Darrell D. Elliott 1771
Colorado Wayne J. Thompson, Jr 5061
Connecticut Mike L. Montecalvo 6933
Connecticut Dominic J. Romano 7330
Connecticut Glenn N. Tewksbury 10362
Delaware Jesse E. Kitson 6921
Delaware John J. Siekierda 3257
Delaware Clinton A. Slack 475
Dist. of Col James E. Mack 7358
Dist. of Col Flora V. Moore 284
Europe John C. Neilson 2566
Europe Bruce A. Withers 1 1058
Florida Rocky E. Albert 4174
Florida J. D. Morris, Jr 3559
Florida Robert M. Sprute 5625
Georgia Richard Branson 5080
Georgia William Satchell, Sr 660
Hawaii Monte R. Briggs 970
Hawaii Gary I. Masumoto 1540
298
Idaho Jean L. Holt 889
Idaho Donald G. Riegel 889
Illinois George R. Cramer 6869
Illinois Julius C. Grantham 4183
Illinois Walter C. Luksta 9115
Illinois Edward A. Trennert 2255
Indiana Terrence L. Aubuchon 1563
Indiana Everett D. Foreman 5864
Indiana Robert L. Jenkins 6919
Indiana Omar F. Kendall 673
Iowa Donald L. Gilbert 733
Iowa Clinton L. Hoferman 6172
Iowa Darrel W. Miller 1565
Kansas Lawrence W. Campbell 6240
Kansas Larry D. Dalton 1654
Kansas Jack D. Driscoll, Jr 6240
Kentucky Thomas I. Blain 5421
Kentucky Jennings S. Watson 1913
Latin Amer/Carib Ruth D. Thomas 3835
Louisiana Richard J. Fruge 5153
Louisiana Eldin T Guidroz 3665
Maine John S. Kennedy 11553
Maine Donald R. Libby, Jr 832
Maryland William E. Berry 6694
Maryland Hugh F. Shelton 9376
Maryland Lawson E. Van Ormer 6027
Massachusetts Joseph E. Caouette 1105
Massachusetts Gardner Mc Williams 2425
Massachusetts Anthony B. Piscopo 529
Massachusetts Robert M. Van Kirk 2394
chigan Sherman J. Gauthier 6165
chigan Norman T. Haskins 3941
chigan Martin M. Mieras, Jr 3023
chigan Raymond G. O Neill 147
chigan James R. Pintar 6165
chigan Elmer J. Wurster 7546
nnesota Daniel Bartholomew 3144
nnesota Donald L. Gates, Jr 141
nnesota Thomas L. Hanson 1639
nnesota Donald E. Heuer 9433
nnesota Lyie B. Horner, Sr 494
nnesota Richard A. Zierdt 6587
ssissippi Matthew L. Brewer 5393
ssissippi Melvin J. Johnson 4934
ssissippi Bobby Miller 4490
ssouri James C. Holmes 5717
299
Missouri F^ul G. Jones 2866
Missouri John E. Vawter 1829
Montana Larry H. Longfellow 1087
Montana Charles R. Melaney 1507
Nebraska John W. De Camp 131
Nebraska Vernon L. Fleshman 3755
Nebraska Paul B. Knievel 2503
Nevada James L. Martin 3819
Nevada Albert J. Mc Mindes 10047
New Hampshire Eugene E. Desjardins 8497
New Hampshire John M. Lilly 1698
New Hampshire Reginald R. Wright 8942
New Jersey William B. Cadmus, III 3729
New Jersey William A. Goode 809
New Jersey James G. Guariglia 9503
New Mexico Frederico Juarbe, Jr 401
New Mexico Allan W. Kuchinsky 7686
New Mexico Joe D. Salas 401
New Mexico "!William D. Wilson 7686
New York Melvin Garrett 6396
New York Roger L. Haas 358
North Carolina James H. Black 4059
North Carolina William J. Hendren 2031
North Carolina Glenn P. Milliman 2401
North Dakota Arnold W. Maier 1326
North Dakota Rhiny L. Weber 2764
Ohio George P. Durinka 1974
Ohio William A. Melott 66
Ohio Ralph F. Ruhe 9294
Ohio Gregorio J. Vela 7424
Oklahoma Herman O. Allmendinger . . . .1843
Oklahoma Ronald J. Slowik 2270
Oregon Marion M. Fritts 3437
Oregon Robert L. George 3973
Pacific Areas Edward L. Fondrick 8180
Pennsylvania Robert M. Carrara 6231
Pennsylvania William H. Conner 7132
Pennsylvania Peter Krenitsky 6082
Pennsylvania Almon J. Long 283
Pennsylvania Joseph M. Salvo 5267
Pennsylvania Howard Stegemann, Sr 928
Rhode Island William G. Crawford 4487
Rhode Island Arthur W. Williams 183
South Carolina Richard L. Mayhew 641
South Carolina John D. F^tty 2889
South Dakota Daryl L. Hailing 3164
300
South Dakota William A. Hollmann 7319
South Dakota Hugh S. Jensen . 6149
Tennessee David R. Cordray 7175
Tennessee Ramsey R Locke 5066
Tennessee David W. Tipton 9629
Texas Ted C. Connell 9192
Texas Troy A. Ellis 3907
Texas R. Earl Lord 10351
Texas Manuel O. Rivas 8782
Texas Wesley E. Strom 6008
Texas Ernest O. Werline 2147
Utah Robert O. Steele 3586
Vermont Robert H. Dean 9653
Virginia Dennis M. Cullinan 7916
Virginia Ernest B. Glynn 7327
Virginia Perry Smiley 2524
Virginia Bobby R. Walls 2216
Washington Helmut Braunsteiner 91
Washington Delbert W. Gilliland, Jr 379
Washington Miles S. Irvine 379
Washington Blaine E. Teachman 9301
West Virginia Gail L. Harper 3466
West Virginia Ralph W. Honaker 1064
Wisconsin Clifford C. Borden, Jr 8483
Wisconsin Bernard J. Boyle 2823
Wisconsin Elmer E. Uhlig 10402
Wisconsin James R. Weber 2260
Wyoming A. L. Ellefson 7756
Wyoming Kenneth E. Weber 2918
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
Chairman: Richard Trombia, Post 11 74, Kansas
Vice Chairman: James H. Kennedy, Post 3877, Minnes
Vice Chairman: James L. Mascola, Post 3580, Illinois
Vice Chairman: Elwood B. Rickards, Post 7234, Delaware
Vice Chairman: James H. Willis, Post 534, Missouri
(South Exhibit Hall, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION RULES
Chairman: Robert E. Hansen, Past Commander-in-Chief, Minnesota
Vice Chairman: Darrell F. Bencken, Adjutant/Quartermaster, Department
of Kansas
301
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