VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF IOWA DECEMBER 2015

GENERAL ORDERS

No. 6

You are cordially invited to the VFW Department of Iowa Christmas party December 5, 2015 at 6:00 pm at the Holiday Inn & Suites, 4800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. The cost of the meal is $25 per person. Make checks payable to “VFW Iowa” and send to VFW Iowa, 3601 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 no later than December 2, 2015. There will be a cash bar and you will need to bring a gift for exchange. (White Elephant style $5 to $10.) Hotel rooms are available at $74 plus tax call 515-278-4755. Let them know you are with the VFW. 1. MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE: Those members whose membership dues expires December 31, 2015 your 2016 dues need to be paid to National Headquarters by December 10, 2015 in order to allow dues processing ample time to process them before the deadline of 11:00 a.m. Monday December 21, 2015. Post Quartermasters are reminded to mail any dues in by December 10, 2015 to National Headquarters. Commanders get with your Post Quartermaster and see which of your Post members have not yet renewed their membership. Remember with the subscription dues process, not every members dues expire on Dec. 31, 2015. Post Quartermasters need to check the unpaid list regularly to ensure Post Officers dues are paid on time. Post Officers whose membership dues expires will be removed from office and cannot hold an elected position until the following year.

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2. MEMBERSHIP: CONGRATULATIONS to the following Posts for obtaining 100% or better before December 1, 2015: District 1: Post 3949 District 2: Post 6174 District 3: Post 4069 & 5661 District 7: Post 8998 & 11355 District 8: Post 6129 District 9: Post 11503 District 10: Post 6161 The Department is at 87.25% as of Nov. 25, 2015. We are in 4th place in the Big Ten and 14th place out of 53 Departments in membership. This is the year we make 100% so let’s roll up our sleeves and get busy on our recruiting efforts and do not forget the new members you signed up last year and get them to renew their membership. Give them a call and invite them to your next meeting, let them know you still support them and care about them. Use the unpaid lists that were sent out to get members back into the VFW. If you need a copy of this list let us know and we will get it to you. 3. EARLY-BIRD MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE: The Top Post Commander and Quartermaster in each Division and the Top District Commander in each Division that obtains 100% in Membership by November 30, 2015, will be awarded a $75 VFW STORE GIFT CERTIFICATE. 4. PEARL HARBOR DAY: Monday, December 7, 2015 marks the 74th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. All Posts should fly their flags at half-staff during the day time hours. Please remember and honor all those individuals who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor during the sneak attack by the Japanese which began America’s involvement in World War II in December 1941. 5. VFW NATIONAL HOME: The Department of Iowa will be making a donation to the family living in the Iowa Cottage at the VFW National Home, to help buy Christmas presents for the kids. Those Posts wanting to donate please make checks payable to VFW Iowa please indicate “Christmas donation for the Iowa Cottage” on the memo line. Deadline for donations is December 10, 2015. 6. PATRIOT’S PEN/VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: The first stage of the 2015-2016 Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contest is over. All tapes/CDs, applications and other information of each Post winner must be forwarded to the District Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Chairman for judging no later than the date established by your District Chairman. The winner’s tape/cd, application and other information from each District must be sent to the Department Chairman by December 16th 2015. The Department needs the name of your District winner as soon as it is chosen so that we can get the invitations to the luncheon to them. Please send the name and address of your District winner to Department Headquarters. The point of contact for the Patriots Pen is VFW Chairman Gary O’Daniels, 1204 N. Cedar St., Creston, IA 50801, 641-782-8907, [email protected]. The point of contact for the Voice of Democracy is VFW Chairman Tara Knight-Ortiz, 2343 York St, Des Moines, IA 50316, 515-771-4233, [email protected]. 7. ANNUAL MID- WINTER CONFERENCE: The Forty-Fourth Annual Mid-Winter Conference will be at the Lakeside Casino Hotel, 777 Casino Dr., Osceola, IA 50213, Jan. 22 – Jan. 24, 2016. The deadline to make room reservations is January 9, 2016. The cost of the rooms will be $88 plus tax a night and reservations can be made by calling 1-877-477-5253. Be sure to let them know you are with the VFW to get the group rate. Page 2 of 7

8. ANNUAL MID- WINTER LUNCHEON: The cost of tickets for the Mid-Winter Luncheon will be $24 per person. The meal will be a buffet style meal: Homemade meatloaf, sliced roast beef with hunters sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, honey glazed carrots, salad with assorted dressings, rolls & butter. We will have sugar free desserts available, as well as sweet desserts. Please send order form located on page 6 of the General Orders, along with payment, to VFW Iowa Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310. Deadline for orders is January 17, 2016. 9.

WINTER DISTRICT MEETINGS:

District 1 – 5166 Wapello

Sat. Jan. 16, 2016

Gary Marquardt, Past State Cmdr. Wilma Fickess, Auxiliary Chaplain

District 2 – 3633 Maquoketa Sat. Jan. 16, 2016

Tom Watters, State Sr. Vice Cmdr. Donna Sorenson, Aux. Sr. Vice Pres.

District 3 – 4069 Alta Vista Sat. Jan. 16, 2016 206 N. White Ave, Alta Vista, IA 50603

Darrell Blasberg, Past State Cmdr. Kathy McDonald, Aux. Conductress

District 4 – 8876 Montezuma Sat. Jan. 16, 2016

Travis Holden, State Commander Penny Hurt, Auxiliary President

District 5 - 9127 Des Moines, Sat. Jan. 9, 2016 4029 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA

Jake Gruber, State Jr. Vice Cmdr. Char Schneider, Aux. Jr. Vice Pres.

District 6- 1899 Lake City

Sat. Jan. 16, 2016

Jerry Black, State Adjutant/QM Carolyn Oldenburg, Aux. Treasurer

District 7 – Council Bluffs

Sat. Jan. 9, 2016

Tom Watters, State Sr. Vice Cmdr. Penny Hurt, Auxiliary President

District 8 – 3328 Remsen Sat. Jan. 9, 2016 207 S. Washington, Remsen, IA 51050

Travis Holden, State Commander Sandy Weldon, Aux. Guard

District 9 – Elkader, IA Sat. Jan. 16, 2016 Jake Gruber, State Jr. Vice Cmdr. Johnson’s Restaurant, 916 High St NE, Elkader, IA 52043, Cathy Fisher, Aux. Chief of Staff District 10 – 2612 Clarion, Sun. Jan. 10, 2016 211 6th St. SW, Clarion, IA 50525

Travis Holden, State Commander Wilma Fickess, Auxiliary Chaplain

10. QUARTERMASTER BOND: All bonds that have not been renewed have expired as of September 1, 2015. If you have not renewed your Bond you need to do so IMMEDIATELY! The cost of the Bond has increased to $8 (eight) dollars per thousand. The application for the Quartermaster and Men’s Auxiliary Treasurer Surety Bond is attached please fill out and send to Headquarters. If you are not Bonding with the Department fill out the name of your agent, amount of Bond and Expiration date and send in. Posts not bonded as of these General Orders are:

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District 1: Men’s Aux. 1565, & 2271 District 2: Post 8883 District 3: Post 7920, Men’s Aux 1623 District 5: Post 2099, 12105, District 5 QM, Men’s Aux 738 & 9127 District 8: Post1750, 1973 District 10: Post 4512. 11. POST ASSESSMENT: The Post Assessment for 2015-2016 will be $1.00 per member based on last year’s Adjusted Membership total. The deadline to pay your Post Assessment was Oct. 15, 2015. If your Post achieved 100% in membership by June 30, 2015, your Post does not have to pay the Post assessment. This will be shown on the Status Report block as 100%. Posts that have not paid their Post assessments as of the date of these General Orders are: District 1: Post 3508 & 10102, MEN’S AUX 1565, 2271, & 6414 District 2: MENS AUX 828 District 3: Post 733, 1623, 1886, 3914, 3974, 4069, 5661, 6607, 7920 & MEN’S AUX 1623 District 4: ALL PAID District 5: Post 12105, MEN’S AUX 738 & 9127 District 6: Post 1899 & 2349 District 7: ALL PAID District 8: ALL PAID District 9: Post 3771, 3902, 5139, & 5981 District 10: Post 4244 & 5232. 12. VFW IOWA LICENSE PLATES: We have received the official design from the Iowa Department of Transportation for the VFW special license plate, look for it in the November issue of the Iowa Voice. If you would like to purchase one fill out the application and send it to the State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310. Auxiliary members may also purchase the plate. 13. 2016 VETERANS DAY ON THE HILL: The Veterans Day on the Hill at the State Capitol will be January 20, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Please be there around 8:30 a.m. at the Rotunda. Start getting your people together to come to the State Capitol on that day to talk with your Representative concerning veteran’s issues. The more veterans we have at the State Capitol on that day, the better chance we have on getting things passed for veterans. We encourage members from all Posts to participate. 14. HOSPITAL FUND 2015-2016: Our joint (VFW & VFWA) Hospital raffle 2015-2016 will be for just one item but it is fantastic! The winner will get an Aruba sit-in 10’ Kayak!!!!! The drawing will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 with the winner announced at the Joint Session during State Convention (June 2 – 5). Both Department of Iowa VFW & VFW Auxiliary gives to our VA Hospitals and Iowa Veterans Home each month. We would like to have you sell tickets and maybe buy some yourself. Before you start selling them, please make more copies of the ticket pages. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 to be divided between the VFW and VFWA Hospital Funds. A sheet of tickets are on the last page (Page 7) of these General Orders, please make copies. Please return your sold tickets and money to: Department of Iowa VFW State Headquarters, 3601 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310 before May 28, 2016. On behalf of the Veterans who use the VA Hospitals and Iowa Veterans Home, THANK YOU! Rodger Schnoor, State Hospital Chair, Elaine Podnar State Auxiliary Hospital Chair.

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15. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES REPORT: Send all Community Activity Reports to Chairman, Danny L. White, 1309 SE University Ave., #207, Waukee, Iowa 50263, PH# 515369-9096, or email [email protected] . Please use the new form when reporting your Post activities. 16. DEFECTIVE BUDDY POPPIES: For adjustment purposes, it is necessary to report all quality problems and shortages concerning the buddy poppies to Nelda Clifton (816) 968-1148 or [email protected], in the VFW Programs Department, within 30 days of receiving the order. After receiving your poppy order, you will need to check it as soon as possible for defective poppies and any shortages. After 30 days, no adjustments will be made. If a Post fails to report that they haven’t received their Buddy Poppy order within 90 days from the date of the invoice to their Department Headquarters, they will not be replaced. 17. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2016 Mid-Winter Conference will be January 22 - 24, 2016 at Lakeside Casino Hotel, 777 Casino Drive Osceola, IA 50213. Room rates are $88 a night plus tax. Department of Iowa 95th Annual State Convention will be June 2 - 5, 2016 at the Grand Harbor Resort Hotel, 350 Bell St., Dubuque, IA 52001. Room rates are $80 Thursday & Friday night, $129 Saturday night, plus tax. 2016 Fall Pow-Wow will be October 7 - 9, 2016 at Lakeside Casino Hotel, 777 Casino Drive Osceola, IA 50213. Room rates are not available at this time. Department of Iowa 96th Annual State Convention will be June 1 – 4, 2017 at the 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, 205 W. 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50701. Room rates at the Ramada Inn are $95.99 plus tax.

On behalf of all Department Officers, Staff and I, we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas!!! By Order of:

Travis W. Holden Department Commander VFW Department of Iowa OFFICIAL: Jerry Black

State Adjutant-Quartermaster VFW Department of Iowa TH/jb Page 5 of 7

ORDER FORM FOR LUNCHEON TICKETS FOR MID WINTER THE LUNCHEON IS AT 12:00 NOON AT THE LAKESIDE CASINO HOTEL, 777 CASINO DR., OSCEOLA, IA 50213, ON JANUARY 24, 2015. THE COST WILL BE $24 PER PERSON. RESERVATIONS NEED TO BE IN TO STATE HEADQUARTERS, 3601 BEAVER AVE., DES MOINES, IA 50310, BY JANUARY 17, 2016. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO VFW IOWA. HOW MANY WILL ATTEND ________ AMOUNT OF THE CHECK ________________ NAME _______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________ (YOU MAY MAKE COPIES OF THIS FORM)

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Aruba 10’ Kayak

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Name_______________________

Name_______________________

Address_____________________

Address_____________________

City,State____________________

City,State____________________

Phone#______________________

Phone#______________________

Post/Aux#_______________

Post/Aux#_______________

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Name_______________________

Name_______________________

Address_____________________

Address_____________________

City,State____________________

City,State____________________

Phone#______________________

Phone#______________________

Post/Aux#_______________

Post/Aux#_______________

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Name_______________________

Name_______________________

Address______________________ Address_____________________ City,State____________________

City,State____________________

Phone#______________________

Phone#______________________

Post/Aux#_______________

Post/Aux#_______________

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Aruba 10’ Kayak

Name_______________________

Name_______________________

Address_____________________

Address_____________________

City,State____________________

City,State____________________

Phone#______________________

Phone#______________________

Post/Aux#_______________

Post/Aux#_______________ Page 7 of 7