VFW NE Newspaper July-August

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NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
Official Publication of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Department of Nebraska
July/August/
September 2013
Volume 83, Issue 1
2013 State Convention
VFW Nebraska Ladies Auxiliary newly
elected state president Donna Fenske
presented State Commander Harold
Schlender with a special gift.
Nebraska Past Commander Gary
Steckelberg gives the oath of office to
incoming State Commander Harold
Schlender.
State VFW Youth Chairman John Iossi
(L) presents 1st place certificate for
Americanism Scrapbook to VFW Post
3606 Commander Jim Rall (C ) and
Auxiliary President Donna Rall (R ).
Community Service VFW Chairman
Bernie Brosnihan presented VFW
Post and Auxiliary 10727 Bellevue
the award for first place with their
Community Service scrapbook entry. (R
– L) Chairman Bernie Brosnihan, Carol
Brosnihan, and Kenneth Brink.
Past State President Karen Linden (c)
presents MAPS Chairman Matt Jones (R)
a U.S. flag and certificate from the Grand
Island National Guard in appreciation of
support and contributions for Christmas
parties and support of them while they
were deployed. (L) State Commander
Dave Beran.
Nebraska VFW membership chairman
Jim Pierce (L) and Chief of Staff Sam
DeJohn presented the “Polk” award to
VFW Post 3755 Ogallala. The “Polk”
annual award is presented to the top post
in membership with the largest numerical
increase. Accepting the award for Post
3755 was Commander Gary Bush (c ).
VFW State
Teachers
of the Year
Awards
Matt VanEngen from Ogallala High
School was awarded the 9-12 th grade
Nebraska VFW State Teacher award. (LR) State President Linda Hansen, Matt,
and State Commander Dave Beran.
Mr. Craig Wiles from Omaha Nebraska
Cresridge Magnet School was awarded the
K-5th grade Nebraska VFW State Teacher
award. (L – R) State President Linda
Hansen, Craig, State Commander Dave
Beran and Past National Ladies Auxiliary
President Dixie Hild.
VFW National representative Debra
Anderson brings greetings to members at
Nebraska State 92nd Convention.
VFW Post 6419 Clarkson Quartermaster
Bert Perina accepts a VOD participation
certificate from Sr.Vice Commander
Harold Schlender.
Nebraska VFW membership chairman
Jim Pierce (L) and Chief of Staff
Sam DeJohn presented the “Charles
Clingman Memorial” award to VFW
Post 4688 Imperial, NE. The Clingman
annual award is presented to the post
judged as the best All Around Post.
Accepting the award for Post 4688, was
Commander Gerald “P.J.” Pajerski.
Nebraska VFW membership chairman
Jim Pierce (L) and Chief of Staff Sam
DeJohn presented the Captain of all State
Quartermasters award to Quartermaster
Mike Pesek, Post 7029 Ord .
NE VFW membership chairman Jim
Pierce (L) and Chief of Staff Sam
DeJohn presented District 13 Commander
Mike Dunn with a plaque recognizing
him as captain of the All State District
Commanders.
Nebraska Web site training at VFW
State Headquarters.
Trisha Lind from Irving Middle School
Lincoln Nebraska was awarded the 6-8th
grade Nebraska VFW State Teacher
award. (L – R) Trisha and her husband.
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
Thanks from the Commander
Harold
Schlender
Comrades,
Thank you for attending the School of Instruction
in York. We had an excellent attendance, lots of first
timers. I want to congratulate you for bringing your
newly elected officers to the meeting. I hope that
everybody went home with some new ideas. Our
communication is a vital part of the VFW. We all need
to know what is going on in order to help our fellow
veterans. The programs that were not covered, due to
the absence of the chairmen, are in the program book or
online at the VFW Nebraska website.
Membership, the necessary evil in all our service
organizations, is what Congress listens to. We need
to keep our membership strong. Our younger veterans
are looking for ways to help. Keep your doors, as
well as your minds, open to new ideas. Looking at our
membership standings when I came home from York,
Nebraska was 2nd Place in membership behind Iowa.
We have a long way to go, but for now we are in a good
position. The key is to reinstate the members that we lost
out the back door in the last three years. Don’t let any
more slip away!
We are off to a great start with a new membership
contest. The first winner of the (3) three night stay in
Branson is Judith Mulligan from VFW Post 10727 in
Bellevue. Congratulations, Judith! We had over 10
veterans that signed (3) three or more to qualify for
the drawing. Several of you have signed one or two.
Keep adding to those numbers and you could become
a winner. Our next drawing for a (3) three night stay is
October 12 at the Fall Conference in Beatrice. You, too,
can help Nebraska become SECOND to NONE!!!
I’d like to begin the 2013-2014 VFW year by
expressing my thanks to each and every one of
my comrades and Auxiliary sisters. You are the
individuals who have supported me along the way as
I’ve journeyed through the chairs. My most sincere
“Thank You” I extend to each of you. Being the
Department Commander is not an “I” position. It is a
We, or Team, commitment.
I want to commend Past Department Commander
Dave on a very successful year. He has gained a lot of
ground on membership growth. Well done, Commander
Dave, and membership teams throughout the State.
We have many challenges facing us this year. Upcoming
changes will include going electronic, building the new
Veterans Home, purchasing new buses for Veterans’
Homes, calendar sales, legislative issues and more. You
will be receiving updates on these programs and issues
via the VFW Department of Nebraska website. Yes,
computers and paperless communication is no longer in
the future. It is “here” today. I have a special favor to
ask of the techies. Please patiently help the novices like
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Jr. Vice Commander
Mike
Medina
myself. We all need to be on the same page.
We are all aware that membership has to be a
priority in each of our Posts. The membership goal for
the 2013-2014 year is 20,000. We are introducing the
VFW State Membership Special Award 2013-2014.
Details can be found on the state website. There is
also a National incentive membership program entitled
Early Bird. This year you have an opportunity to win
an Apple iPad by paying your dues prior to September
1, 2013. There will be an iPad given in each state.
Details are at vfw.org
Here is a suggestion for accomplishing a successful
year: When assigning program chairmen, choose
responsible comrades that will delegate, encourage and
reward a job well done. When you assign the job, let
that comrade do it his way.
Where’s the Department of Nebraska VFW going
this year? Into the 21st Century! Communications:
Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Web mail, email. These
means of communication are all available, but not
mandatory. Again, take advantage of the techies. This
not only helps the novices learn to use the computer,
but also helps build comradeship among the members.
Keep an eye on the website for continuous updates on
our programs. We plan to be “Second to None”.
Comrades and Sisters,
It has been my extreme pleasure to serve this
organization the last two years. I want to thank all of
you for the help and support I have received so far.
I still have a ways to go before I am done, so with
your help I will continue to strive to uphold all that
this organization stands for. It was a pleasure to see
so many of you at our State Convention; I think if we
continue to work toward our goals, our Department
should do very well. I would also like to congratulate
Commander Dave for all the fine work he did for us
this past year. I am positive that we will be behind our
new Commander Harold, and all that he has planned to
do for this coming year.
This year I am pleased to be your Community
Service Chairman and Veterans Volunteer Chairman.
We need to start thinking about what we want to do
for our community. Keep in mind that anything you do
should be written down as soon as possible, so as not
to forget what you have done. Please start thinking of
things that can be done for your town or neighborhood,
and get out there and show the people exactly what our
organization is about. Your Community Service Book
should also be a priority; not only for the cash prizes
you could receive, but also for the record of your
achievements that can be passed down and shown to
your future members.
The Veteran Volunteer Program has continued to
do well. We had a number of you send some worthy
applicants in for recognition at the last Convention.
I hope to see many more this year because I am sure
there are many deserving men and women who are
qualified for this honor.
I would like to finish by saying this could be an
outstanding year, but we need your help. I know we all
sound like a broken record, but new membership and
the retention of our lapsed comrades is a top priority.
We need to keep our membership strong if we are going
to continue to grow. Please get out there and show the
community who we are and what we stand for.
Thank you again for the trust you have given to
me as your new Jr. Vice Commander. I hope to make
you proud of me, and our great organization. I will do
everything in my power not to let you down.
Harold Schlender
State Commander
VFW Department of Nebraska
Yours in Comradeship,
Mike Medina
State Jr. Vice Commander
when we, the membership, put forth the effort and time
to achieve these goals. I know that many of us feel that
we have put forth that effort and that it is now time to
let someone else pick up the load. However, when this
attitude becomes the norm we lose all of the knowledge
and experience gained over the years. This acquired
knowledge and experience is essential to making the
Dept. of Nebraska tick and to perform at its potential. The
staff at Dept. Headquarters is working hard at bringing
us into the 21st century where technology plays such an
important part of what we do. For some of us this move to
technology will be more difficult than for others, but like
it or not it is a change that must be made if we are to stay
at the forefront of our claim that “No one does more for
Veterans” than the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I believe that once all of the changes are in place
for the Department, each District, Post and Auxiliary
will have the tools they need to accomplish the goals
that have been set and that will be set in the future. I
urge everyone to get involved in the transition to the
technology that is available to them and if a question or
problem arises, contact the Dept. Headquarters and the
staff will work with you to answer your questions and
help solve the problems you may encounter.
In closing, I would like to thank all of you who
supported me by advancing me to the office of
Sr. Vice Commander for the State of Nebraska
Veterans of Foreign Wars. I would ask you to get
behind Commander Harold and help make this year a
benchmark for the future.
Serving the Deserving,
Harold Schlender
State Commander
Message from the Commander
Harold
Schlender
July/August/September 2013
Sr. Vice Commander
Bernie
Brosnihan
Aloha!
No I am not writing this article from some beach
in Hawaii, but a person can always dream. Unlike the
daydream of sitting on a beach in the tropics, in order
to get things done it takes hard work and dedication to
actually get a “dream” accomplished. The Veterans of
Foreign Wars has many goals that only become reality
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NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
Official Publication of the Department
of Nebraska, Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States
2431 North 48th Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
Volume 83 Issue 1
Nebraska VFW News (U.S.P.S. #008-155) is
published quarterly (January/February/
March, April/May/June, July/August/
September, October/November/December) by
the Department of Nebraska Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE and
additional Offices (USPS #008-155).
POSTMASTER: Correspondence regarding
subscriptions and address changes should
be addressed to Circulation Department, VFW
Magazine, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City,
MO 64111
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Payment of annual Membership in the VFW
includes year’s subscription. Rates to nonmembers $3.00 per year payable in advance.
Send all articles and photos for publication
to: VFW Nebraska P.O. Box 4552,
Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 464-0674.
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
State Commander
Harold Schlender
Post 5289
P.O. Box 104
Pawnee City, NE 68420
402-852-2037
Email: ha44530@windstream.net
State Sr. Vice Commander
Bernard Brosnihan
Post 10727
3121 Monroe Street,
Omaha, NE 68107
402-514-7377
Email: bbrosnihan@cox.net
State Jr. Vice Commander
Michael C. Medina
Post 3113
1116 3rd Street
Fairbury, NE 68352
402-729-2071
Email: vaq135whaler@yahoo.com
State Adjutant/Quartermaster
John R. Liebsack
Post 1581
P.O. Box 4552
Lincoln, NE 68504
402-464-0674
Email: johnl@vfwne.org
Assistant Adjutant
David J. Du Bois
Post 4502
818 N. Elm Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-277-0852
Email: vfwne4502qm@live.com
State Judge Advocate
James “Doug” D. Whitaker
Post 2503
1104 Macarthur Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
402-991-5317
Email: james.douglas.whitaker@gmail.com
State Surgeon
Larry Gerlt
Post 2704
8510 Monroe Street
Ralston, NE 68127
402-618-2731
Email: Larry.Gerlt@cox.net
State Chaplain
Jerry Ludwig
Post 7998
6814 N. 106th Circle
Omaha, NE 68122
402-498-2735
Email: jerryandmardelle@cox.net
State Inspector
Roger C. Broeker
Post 1504
216 East Walnut
Maywood, NE 69038
308-362-4995
Email: rbroekermaywood@yahoo.com
State Chief of Staff
Richard Morrison
Post 8334
5507 S. 170th Street
Omaha, NE 68135
402-289-2814
dickmorrison1@aol.com
Past State Commander
David Beran
Post 1504
1220 W. Eugene Avenue
North Platte, NE 69101
308-650-9203
Email: papadave1973@hotmail.net
THE FOLLOWING NEBRASKA
STATE SERVICE OFFICERS
Garry Morgan, Steve Burger
Thomas R. McDonough, Jr.,
Mike Coatney, Richard Noyes
are certified by the Department of Nebraska
VFW and may represent the Department
of Nebraska VFW on any service claims.
The Nebraska VFW News is produced at
American Graphics & Design
Milwaukee, WI
President: Jenny DeBack
Graphic Designer: Emily McKenna
Composition Specialist: Ellen Imp
www.agad.com
Quartermaster
State Judge Advocate
Doug
Whitaker
John
Liebsack
Another busy year faces our Nebraska VFW, new ideas,
new business plans, and getting the department active on line.
Participation is key to having everyone be involved to help our
organization be successful in all of the endeavors.
Participation: Raffle calendar sales, Nxgen charge card program,
Poppy sales, VOD & Patriot Pen award sponsors, reporting on line
of programs, our “Perpetual Bus Fund”, learning to use our Nebraska
web site, requesting training, membership and recruiting, becoming a
Legacy Life member (Supporting the VFW into the future) and many
more programs. Volunteers are necessary in all programs.
It is important that members know that at the National VFW
Convention the vote passed to raise National portion of membership
dues $10.00, this increase becomes effective January 1, 2014. We
strongly encourage annual members to pay their membership prior
to December 31, 2013. Members should consider going life and
using the installment plan to become a life member. It is simple, pay
$35.00 now and then a monthly payment to the amount of life (See
information below).
As time comes for our Fall and Midwinter conferences we look
forward to greater attendance as our younger members become
aware and interested in our programs. Fall Conference will be in
Beatrice October 12, 2013 and Midwinter February 14- 15, 2014.
John Liebsack
NE VFW State Adjutant /QM
Life Installment
The Life Membership Installment Plan: LIFE (12 Month
Plan) Initial installment of $35.00 due at application, and then
pay monthly installments. VFW National will handle the billing
process for the installment plan. The card issued will be a
“Provisional Life” membership card.
A permanent card will be issued upon completion of the
agreement.
Attained Age
Life Fees Life 12 Month Plan
30 and under $425.00 $38.64
31-40 $410.00
$37.27
41-50
$375.00$34.09
51-60
$335.00$30.45
61-70
$290.00$26.36
71-80
$225.00$20.45
81 plus
$170.00
$15.45
(Now is the time to go life due to annual dues increase!)
DEADLINE
VFW Nebraska is
on Facebook
Send all articles to:
Department of NE VFW
John Liebsack
P.O. Box 4552
Lincoln, NE 68504
VFW Nebraska is on Facebook and
you can access the
Facebook page by going to the
VFW NE website home page.
Auxiliary Editor
Teresa Groff
P.O. Box 306
Imperial, NE 69033
Scroll down to the icon you see
below and click on it.
for the next issue of the
VFW News is
October 15, 2013
Submitted by Dr. Steven
Youngberg, NE Webmaster
Comrades,
This article is particularly exciting for me because it is my first
one since being elected as your Department Judge Advocate. As
some of you may know, I am currently a Judge Advocate in the
Army National Guard. This has been an exceptionally rewarding
experience for me as I have been able to assist many soldiers with
their various legal issues. Whether it is a tax issue, family law issue
or a misconduct issue, helping those who have written a blank
check in defense of their country is an honor and a pleasure. The
same holds true for me as I begin my year as the Department Judge
Advocate which I am truly looking forward to.
In writing this article, I thought about it quite a bit as I wanted
my first article as Judge Advocate to be worthy of the position
that I will be holding. In doing so, I reflected back on just how
I became a Judge Advocate in the Army. When I entered law
school, I knew that I wanted to be a Judge Advocate when
I got out but to be honest it was more about improving my
retirement than anything. But while in law school, I underwent a
transformation. I learned that knowing the law was just one small
aspect of being a lawyer. The biggest part about being a lawyer is
how one chooses to use that knowledge. Most of you have heard
a lot of lawyer jokes and many of you can probably tell stories
about lawyers you don’t care for. But for 99% of you I bet there is
at least one lawyer that you hold in high regard. It is those lawyers
that have made a positive impact upon your lives because of how
they used their knowledge of the law.
As with many of my articles, I am sure you are asking what
does any of this have to do with the VFW. The answer is
EVERYTHING! Our organization has been chartered to further
the interest of those veterans who have served in harm’s way.
And it is those interests that have the law and lawyers inextricably
combined. From advocating pieces of legislation to representing
veterans before the Veterans Administration, the law and its correct
application is at the forefront of the process. We, within the VFW,
owe it to ourselves and our fellow veterans to learn as much as we
can about the issues and the law so that we can remain the leading
advocate for veterans in this country. In the military, a soldier,
sailor or airman who thinks he or she knows the law but merely
passes along incorrect information negatively affects morale in
the worst possible way because incorrect information creates false
expectations. In today’s society, where social media and emails can
catch fire and spread rapidly, the VFW and its members need to be
knowledgeable on the issues because when information is passed
along to our elected officials or bureaucrats that is clearly incorrect
our organization loses its credibility. We must strive to keep our
credibility on the issues. I challenge each of you that if you receive
an email or hear a rumor about some new law or policy that seems
outrageous, research the issue before passing the information along.
This will protect the integrity of our organization.
In addition, possessing a solid understanding of the law will
assist our organization in recruiting the next generation of veterans.
Many of you have told me stories about how hard it is to recruit
the newer veteran. Often times you speak about being asked by
the newer veteran “What is it in for me if I join the VFW?” That
question may seem selfish but if you think about it the veteran
is merely asking what am I going to get from paying the annual
membership dues or investing in a life membership? Am I going to
get the privilege of being able to drink in a canteen or am I going
to get something else? We all know that he or she is going to get
all of the great resources that the VFW has available to veterans
who need help with compensation and pension and the benefit of
having a voice on Capitol Hill. By knowing the law you will be
able to enlighten the potential member on all of the great things that
the VFW has done and can do in return for that veteran making an
investment in our great organization.
Yours in Service,
J. Douglas Whitaker
Department Judge Advocate
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
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Past Commander
State Surgeon
Dave
Beran
Larry
Gerlt
A surgeon is supposed to talk about health issues. While this may seem to be a
bit of a stretch, I am going to talk about the financial health of our Department and
National. In these austere times, fundraising is becoming more difficult each year. Our
Department membership base continues to decline and income from dues continues to
shrink. We are all being asked to do more with less – Posts are now providing most of
the cash awards for our Department Youth Awards programs, scholarship programs,
etc. Proceeds from Poppy donations can only be used for veteran support programs
and many of our Posts are unable to hold other fundraisers.
If your Post has 100 members, how far would $1,800 a year go towards covering
youth awards and scholarship programs? What could our Department accomplish
with an additional $180,000? What could National accomplish with an additional
$9,000,000? If your 100 members were all Gold Legacy Life members, you would
receive that $1,800 for as long as your Post is chartered! If only 10,000 Department
of Nebraska VFW members were Gold Legacy Life, our Department would receive
$180,000 each year! If only 500,000 of our National membership were Gold Legacy
Life, National would receive that $9,000,000 every year!
Do you believe the VFW is the greatest organization? Do you want to see it
continue after you pass? Would you like to see us doing more for Veterans and
our communities?
If you answered yes to the questions, then you need to become a Legacy Life
member. There are three levels –Bronze, Silver and Gold. It costs $400 per level.
Each level pays $6 to your Post, your Department, and National. For example, at the
Gold Level, $18 is paid to your Post, Department and National every year…forever.
Even for me, $1,200 is a goodly chunk of change, but I purchased my three levels
over a 4-year period.
How about you? Are you willing to contribute to the financial health of the greatest
organization in the world?
Larry Gerlt
State Surgeon
State Chaplain
Comrades and Sisters,
First, I would like to thank everyone in our great Department for all of their hard
work. We should get close to 97% membership. Although that is not the goal I had
set, we did well.
One thing I noticed, that we really need to stop doing, is when we reach 100% we
need to keep going. We had 45 Posts at 100% when we selected the All-State Team on
April 16th. Two months later, we are at 53. The selection process included 28 Posts.
We had a tie for the last selection, so we gave away 12 White Hats. That means 16
were left out. The point system worked very well, but is still being fine-tuned.
Now we must commit ourselves to helping Harold and all of our future Commanders.
We really have an outstanding group of officers this year. I know this, as they have
worked for me. Congratulations to all of you, and a special acknowledgement to
Surgeon Larry Gerlt who received his Century Award for recruiting 100 members.
I am still involved at Department level in several programs. The first is our
scholarship program. If you need info on how to set up one, feel free to contact me. We
currently have 23 scholarships, but can always use more. Especially with our Voice of
Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs.
The other program I am working with is the calendar. We are going to try some new
ways to sell calendars this year. If you purchased one last year, just send your form in
for your new calendar. If not, contact HQs for more info.
Well, my friends, once again let me thank you and wish everyone much success in
the coming year.
Dave Beran
Past State Commander
Auxiliary President
Donna
Fenske
Jerry
Ludwig
As I write this article, the State Convention in Omaha is now complete. I’d like to
thank Commander Dave Beran, Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Hansen and Adjutant/
Quartermaster John Liebsack and his staff, Sue and Trudie, for a very organized
Convention. Commander Beran and President Hansen’s year is now over and everyone
should thank them for their dedication to our organization. Now we need to turn our
attention to assisting Commander Harold Schlender and Ladies Auxiliary President
Donna Fenske for the new year.
Personally, I would like to thank the following for helping make the Memorial Service
memorial. Past National Ladies Auxiliary President Dixie Hild for her inspiring message,
Ann Thieman for the wonderful musical selections, Rachel Bauer for providing Taps
and Sgt.-at-Arms Gary Bush and the Color Guard for their assistance.
Thursday afternoon during the State Convention a presentation was given concerning
the VFW going paperless. It is the future and we all need to use these valuable tools.
Believe me, I myself have much to learn. Ask the younger members of your Post to
assist you; it’s a good way to get them involved. I certainly intend to do that. The use
of websites and Facebook are here to stay, a excellent way to communicate with the
younger members and keep them involved. The younger members are our future and we
need to change to accommodate them. In plain words – we need to listen to their ideas!
Members need to take advantage of the information provided at the District, Fall
Conference, Mid-Winter meetings and State Convention. It seems attendance is smaller
each year. An example is my District 7; years back we would have at least 35 members
attend; now…maybe 15. These meetings are also a tremendous opportunity to meet
other members and share ideas.
A goal of mine is to contact members of my Post and ask them their needs and their
opinion of our Post and the VFW. If they have no idea what their Post does or have no
contact from the officers, well, they just may fade away.
God Bless everyone and God Bless America!
Jerry Ludwig
Department Chaplain
What a great start to this new VFW year. Thank you to the Installing Team at
Department Convention: Commander Schlender, Dan Petersen, Jerry Ludwig,
Connie Liebsack and Marge Thibault. Everything worked out great. Thank you
to Post 854 and Auxiliary, District 7 and Auxiliary and all my FRIENDS with the
Department of NEBRASKA.
Thank you to my husband Dale, my family, Past National President Dixie and Past
Department Presidents and my Chief of Staff Jane Petersen and Connie and Caroline
who started me on this journey. Thank you again for your support and guidance and
that little nudge to follow the path and stay the course when times were tough.
A special THANK YOU to everyone who accepted the challenge with an
appointment, chairmanship and the floor team for this year. We are Team 100 and
there’s no “I” in teamwork.
Let’s use our PRIDE & PATRIOTISM as we work our programs for Veterans
and our Youth, recruit new members, grow our membership, convert them to a Life
Member; enjoy what we do and have some fun along the way.
My special project is the MEMORY LOSS UNITS at the Veterans Homes &
Hospitals across this great State of NEBRASKA in honor of my Mother, Lila who
taught and instilled in me at a very early age to stand up, take charge and get involved
in what I believe in.
I believe in PRIDE & PATRIOTISM for our servicemen starting with my husband
Dale, a 30-year career Navy man which started in Vietnam and closed with Desert
Storm. His service to our country spanned four decades of wars and conflict and
squirms that gave me my eligibility to join this great organization.
My great-grandfather Franz who was a member of the GAR (Grand Army of the
Republic), my Father Thomas Strehle who served in the Army during WWII, and
yes! Now we will talk about the Marines – they have landed here today, my brothers
Richard and Dean both served in the Marine Corp with Richard serving in Cuba and
Vietnam. I have three son-in-laws who served in the Marine Corp and one soon to be
son-in-law who was in the Navy. Life is certainly interesting now with the friendly
competition of which branch is the best.
Our National President, Armithea “Sissy” Borel’s theme is “KEEPING AMERICA’S
VETERANS & FAMILIES STRONG”. She visited in August and it was a pleasure to
welcome her to Nebraska.
Each of our programs have Golden Goals for Team 100 (2013/2014). 100%
PARTICIPATION in: Scholarship, Cancer Aid & Research, Veterans and Family Support,
Auxiliary President, continued on page 5
5
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
Auxiliary President, continued from page 4
Hospital and Membership. A 91% in membership by December 31, 2013 will obtain an
invite to the “Golden Goal Event” at the 2014 National Mid-Winter Conference.
We are the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and we live in the
Great State of Nebraska, second to None. We can do this.
Thank you in advance for everything you do for OUR VETERANS and Families.
Home Depot Helps Post 1681
Donna M. Fenske
Department President
Auxiliary Membership Chairmen
Carol
Thompson
Hello, ladies of the VFW Auxiliary. I am Carol Thompson and I am your Membership
Chairman for 2013-2014. As Membership Chairman I make sure the dues sent in by
the Department Treasurer match what National shows for the Department and checks
discrepancies. I have no control over when you send your dues to the Department
Treasurer or when they get sent on from her office. I will help in any way I can.
Now…for the exciting things that are going on for 2013-2014. If your Auxiliary is
100% before December 15th, your Auxiliary will go in for a drawing of $100 or $150
to be drawn at Mid-Winter Conference. Something new…for every member that gets
reinstated members or any new members by October 31st, and the member’s names
have been sent to Sandee or myself, they will go into a drawing and have a chance to
win two (2) tickets to the Nebraska-Iowa football game on November 30, 2013. I hope
this extra incentive will excite you all a little more and you can get on Membership
on July 1, 2013.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. My information is in the Program
book. Let’s make this a good year for our Department President. We need to be at
least 91% by December 31st, but being 95% will be better…and being 100% will be
fantastic. Let’s show our Pride and Patriotism.
Carol Thompson
Membership Chairman
Ladies Auxiliary Programs
Scholarships: It is time to contact schools about the scholarships sponsored by the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Please contact your school’s principal, guidance
counselor or appropriate teacher. Give them information about the scholarship, and
the deadline date for it to be in the hand of the contact person from the Auxiliary.
Also be sure to leave a local person’s contact name and telephone number if they have
questions. Check in a month to see if there are questions that need to be answered.
Also remind the person of the deadline when it must be returned to the Auxiliary for
judging. Schedule your judging date and ask the people you wish to be judges.
Deadline Dates
Continuing Education Scholarship is due by February 15, 2014 to Director of
Programs, Ladies Auxiliary National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th Street, 10th Floor,
Kansas City, MO 64111.
Young Americans Creative Patriotic Art due to local Ladies Auxiliary March 31,
2014; due to department April 15, and National, May 5.
Voice of Democracy due to Post/Auxiliary by Midnight, November 1st. Completion
of Post judging November 15th, Completion of District Judging December 6th,
Completion of Department judging January 7th and Department winner to VFW
headquarters, January 15th. The 2013-2014 Theme is: “Why I Am Optimistic About
Our Nation’s Future”.
Patriot’s Pen due to Post/Auxiliary by Midnight, November 1st. Completion of Post
judging November 15th, Completion of District Judging December 6th, Completion
of Department judging January 7th and Department winner to VFW headquarters,
January 15th. The 2013-2014 Theme is… “What Patriotism Means to Me”.
Jane Petersen
Scholarships Chairman
Ladies Auxiliary to VFW
Thank You
VFW Nebraska, Auxiliary Members and friends,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the cards and support to all of you
that visited with Sharon and sent cards with best wishes to her.
A special thank you to all that were able to attend her services.
Roger Lang
Past State Commander 2008-09
Pictured are some of the Home Depot crew who painted the VFW Post 1681 Post
Home Bingo hall and also put in new flooring during the week of July 29 through
August 2, 2013. Pictured in front row is John J. Brehm, Service Officer of VFW Post
1681, Tom Arends, Commander of VFW Post 1681 and Eddie Gregory, Manager of
the Home Depot Store in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Commander Tom Arends worked with
Home Depot to get a grant so Home Depot furnished the paint, tile for the flooring and
the labor to do the painting and lay the floor. It has really improved the hall at VFW
Post 1681 with the fresh paint and the new floor. Submitted by John Brehn.
Veterans and Family Support
As we begin our new fiscal year of 2013-2014, let’s all remember we need to
support our veterans and families throughout this number one state of Nebraska every
day to show our Pride and Patriotism.
On July 1st, we started the new projects for this sole purpose. At this recent
Department Convention, your local Auxiliary Presidents and District Presidents
received the 2013-2014 programs with new report forms to be sent to me, Carol
Philbrick, as you complete a project. So please throw away all the previous forms to
avoid the need of re-mailing or being lost. With the cost of postage and deadlines, this
does mean a lot for your success throughout the upcoming year.
I’m looking forward to hearing from 100% of you for Department President
Donna’s Team 100 and National President Sissy Borel’s theme, “Keeping America’s
Veterans and Families Strong” with all your wonderful support and loving them
forever and ever. We will be Second to None in this great state of Nebraska with your
100% participation and 100% reporting to me, Thank you so very much for all you
have done in the past and we can start now to be a fantastic Team 100 in 2013-2014.
Remember, fall is around the corner and the work has begun.
Carol Philbrick
VFW Salutes New Stolen
Valor Law
The legislation passed with overwhelming support
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Stolen Valor Act of
2005 almost a year ago on the grounds that lying was protected speech, but justices
on both sides of the 6-3 decision also provided a roadmap requiring any future
legislation to be narrower in focus than just to penalize people for simple lying.
Yesterday, the president signed the new Stolen Valor Act of 2013 into law.
Said John E. Hamilton, National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the U.S., “the new law is bulletproof against another constitutional challenge
because the focus is now on the intent to profit from the lie – to obtain money,
property or something of a tangible benefit or value – which is what con artists
have been doing throughout history.”
The VFW-supported legislation was introduced by Rep. Joe Heck and Sen.
Dean Heller, both from Nevada. H.R. 258 passed overwhelmingly in the House
two weeks ago and its Senate companion, S. 210, passed by unanimous consent
two days later.
Not every combat award is covered, but the ones most coveted will now have
wannabe heroes facing up to a year in jail and $100,000 fines for each offense.
Now protected by law are the Medal of Honor, service crosses, Silver Star,
the Purple Heart and combat badges such as the Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Ribbon and
Combat Action Medal.
“The VFW salutes Congressman Heck, Senator Heller, their co-sponsors and
President Obama for following through on a very sensitive issue that everyone
who has worn the uniform cares deeply about,” said Hamilton, who earned three
Purple Hearts as a Marine Corps rifleman in Vietnam. “We want all con artists to
pay a very severe penalty – and a very public price – for daring to steal the valor
of those too few who survived and of the great many who did not.”
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
Post 3755
Celebrates 75 Years
VFW Post 3755 of Ogallala made local history
lately. For the first time since the Ogallala Post
was chartered on October 20, 1938 it has its first
All-American Commander Gary Bush Sr. and AllAmerican Quartermaster Jim Hudson, making this Post
All-American.
Gary traveled to the National Convention in
Louisville, Kentucky to receive the award on stage
and experience the National Convention. Gary set his
2012-2013 goal to get everything needed and done to
qualify for this award and being the only Post in the
state of Nebraska made it extra special.
NXGIVE: A Great
Reason to Accept
Credit Cards
Increase Sales
Improve Cash Flow
Increase Average Ticket
Improve Productivity
Better Customer Service
Enhance Business Image
Mail in Customer Lead Generation Sheet
VFW Nebraska Merchant Services
Thank You!
I would like to thank all members and Posts who
cast their votes for me in my run for the State Surgeon.
Your support and votes were very much appreciated.
Thank You.
Business Name (DBA):________________________
In Comradeship,
Gary E. Bush, Sr.
Commander Post 3755
Ogallala, Nebraska
Phone:______________________________________
Contact Name:_______________________________
Email Address:_______________________________
Fax:________________________________________
City, State:__________________________________
Last Printed Issue of
Nebraska VFW News
Service/Products:_____________________________
This will be the last printed issue of the Department
of Nebraska VFW newspaper. This was voted on at
the Nebraska VFW State Convention and approved.
The news will be on the Nebraska VFW Website
for members to download beginning October 2013.
There will be monthly news on the VFW Nebraska
website at www.vfwne.com. There will be a $15.00
a year charge to those wanting to subscribe for the
printed newsletter to be mailed out.
Send your paid subscription form to: Department of
Nebraska VFW, P.O. Box 4552; Lincoln, NE 68504.
___________________________________________
Subscription Form
Name:___________________________________
Additional Comments: _________________________
___________________________________________
Person Submitting Lead: _______________________
Date Submitted: ______________________________
Mail in Lead to: John Liebsack, P.O. Box 4552,
2431 N. 48th, Lincoln, NE 68504
Phone in Lead to: 402-464-0674
Fax in Lead to: 402-464-0675
E-mail Lead to: johnl@vfwne.org
Post/Auxiliary:____________________________
Address:__________________________________
City, State, Zip:____________________________
Phone:___________________________________
Amount Paid: $____________________________
VFW Nebraska
Raffle Calendar
The annual raffle calendar will be on sale starting
in October. The prizes are paid out for every day of
the week. This program has been very successful due
to the participation of our members, the support of
our communities and the efforts of all those involved
getting the calendars sold.
Funds raised go towards VFW and Auxiliary
programs throughout the year.
The deadline for sales money to the department is
no later than December 31, 2013. Drawing for the
prizes will be on January 6, 2014. Checks are mailed
out weekly to the winners.
The raffle rules are in accordance with the NE State
gaming statues.
Winners do not need to be present to win.
Diesel Submariners
Take Note
For ALL that served in the Diesel Submarine Service
as I did, this is a very important ruling. I have been
denied any form of disability due to Agent Orange
exposure while at sea during West-Pac, but this ruling
shows we were exposed to something just as bad.
If you have any symptoms (as I do) print this report
and take it to your VA Rep.
Please pass this on to all Vietnam Veterans Service
Connection for bladder cancer, as due to Agent Orange
exposure and/or diesel fuel exposure, is granted.
See the citation at: http://www.va.gov/vetapp07/
files2/0717857txt
Homecoming
State Commander Schlender and State Auxiliary
President Donna Fenske invite you to their
Homecoming in Beatrice, Nebraska at the Beatrice
Veterans Club.
Social hour will be 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dinner is
at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment and program to follow.
July/August/September 2013
6
Calendar of Events
October 2013
1
Trustee Quarterly (#2) Report to Department (July to September)
11
Homecoming at American Legion/VFW
Bldg., 701 Dorcy, Beatrice, NE
12
Fall Council Meeting at Holiday Inn Express, Beatrice, NE (Information included in Genmail)
13
District 3 Meeting at Tilden Post 7603. Meeting at American Legion Post 170 at 1:00 p.m. Registration fee of $5.00; Evening lunch to follow.
Ladies Auxiliary(same time and place) Rep: Roger Lang, Past State Commander
18-20 Big 10 Conference – Veterans of
Foreign Wars & Ladies Auxiliary
Rolling Meadows, Illinois (Chicago O’Hare Airport)
20 District 1 Meeting at Gering Post 1681 at 1:00 p.m. Lunch to follow,
Rep: John Iossi, Past State Commander
27 District 10 Meeting in Millard at Post
8334 at 1:00 p.m.
Ladies Auxiliary (same time and place) Rep: Harold Schlender, State Commander
Cancer Aid
and Research
Hello, I am Sue Ann Busing and I am your Cancer
Aid and Research Chairman for the Ladies Auxiliary
Department of Nebraska this year. We are going to have
an exciting year as President Donna has set a goal for
our Cancer donations of $35,500.00 however National
Headquarters has asked all Departments to set a goal
of $5.00 per member for our Cancer Aid and Research
quota which makes our goal $45,200.00. That is a huge
sum of money! If all auxiliaries would send $3.00 for
their obligation the Department would attempt to make
up the difference.
We will have themed Cancer Tables this year. We are
still having our baskets to raffle with some new ideas for
the veterans. Our Fall Conference cancer table will be
Christmas items, Mid-Winder Conference will be kitchen items and Department Convention will be patriotic
items. Barry Caster is once again doing his woodworking magic and producing us a fine raffle item. President Donna has yearlong raffles and meeting only raffles
planned as well as a fifty-fifty raffle at each meeting.
We are making this year the Year of the Challenges. I
have challenged the District Presidents to raise the most
money by having at least one fund raiser for Cancer Aid
and Research. The District raising the most money for
cancer will receive a monetary gift from me. So I think
the auxiliaries should challenge the posts. The line officers of the VFW and the Auxiliary should challenge
each other. One side of the room could challenge the
other side of the room or one post could challenge another post. The options are endless. I am going to ask
everyone to dig a little deeper this year for Cancer Aid
and Research.
I am always available at 402-540-3011 and my new
email address is sabusing@gmail.com
Sue Ann Busing
Cancer Aid and Research Chairman
7
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
2013-204
GENERAL ORDER #1
1. Having been elected and installed as Commander of the
Department of Nebraska, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at the
Annual Convention held in Omaha, Nebraska, June 7, 2013, I
hereby assume command.
The following officers have been duly elected and installed:
Commander: Harold Schlender (Post 5289)
P.O. Box 104, Pawnee City, NE 68420, 402-852-2037
Sr. Vice Commander: Bernie Brosnihan (Post 10727)
3121 Monroe Avenue; Omaha, NE 68107, 402-514-7377
Jr. Vice Commander: Mike Medina (Post 3113)
1116 3rd Street, Fairbury, NE 68352, 402-729-2071
Adj./Quartermaster: John Liebsack (Post 1581)
P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504, 402-464-0674
Assistant Adjutant: Dave DuBois (Post 4502)
818 N. Elm Street, Wahoo, NE 68066, 402-991-5347
Judge Advocate: James “Doug”Whitaker (Post 2503)
1104 MacArthur Drive, Papillion, NE 68046, 402-498-2735
Surgeon: Larry Gerlt (Post 2704)
8510 Monroe Street, Ralston, NE 68127, 402-618-2731
Chaplain: Gerald Ludwig (Post 7998)
6814 North 106th Circle, Omaha, NE 68122, 402- 498-2735
Past State Commander: Dave Beran (Post 1504)
1220 W. Eugene; North Platte, NE 69101, 308-650-9203
2.The following District Commanders have been elected
and installed:
District Commanders:
District No. 1, Thomas Arends (Post 1681)
1035 11th Street; Gering, NE 69341, 308-586-1366
District No. 3, George Rathman (Post 1644)
208 Willow Street, Norfolk, NE 68701, 402-379-1745
District No. 4, Gerald Pajerski (Post 4688)
P.O. Box 537, Imperial, NE 69033, 308-882-1569
District No. 6, Steve Calkin (Post 1077)
102 Mulberry, Beatrice, NE 68310, 402-239-9429
District No. 7, Dale L. Fenske (Post 854)
2128 North Garden City Road, Fremont, NE 68025,
402-727-8135
District No. 9, C.E. “Hank” Sauer (Post 9844)
599 County Road L, Yutan, NE 68073, 402-625-2192
District No. 10, Michael Miloni (Post 247)
2512 N. 45th Street, Omaha, NE 68104, 402-553-7998
District No. 11, Ralph Carman (Post 7029)
P.O. Box 154, Ord, NE 68862, 308-728-3176
District No. 13, Albert K. Miller (Post 9357)
205 Paxton, Cambridge, NE 69022, 308-350-0384
District No. 15, Donald D. Eckstein (Post 4836)
509 Elk Street, Schuyler, NE 68661, 402-352-3573
3.All previous appointments having expired are hereby
null and void.
4.The following members were elected or appointed and
installed at the 92nd Nebraska VFW State Convention.
Elected and Appointed Officers:
Adjutant & Legislative: John Liebsack (Post 1581)
P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504, 402-464-0674
Chief of Staff: Richard Morrison (Post 8334)
5507 South 170th Street, Omaha, NE 68135, 402-681-4251
Honorary Chief of Staff: Milo Hazen (Post 5547)
P.O. Box 31, Syracuse, NE 68446
Inspector: Roger Broeker (Post 1504)
216 East Walnut, Maywood, NE 69038, 308-362-4995
Sgt.-at-Arms: Darrel Johns (Post 5547)
3067 H Road, Syracuse, NE 68446, 402-269-3435
Color Guard:
Parliamentarian: James “Jim” Pierce (Post 5547)
150 Oak Street, Syracuse, NE 68446, 402-269-5108
State Service Officer: Richard Noyes
402-420-4021
Nebraska Service Officers: Garry Morgan;
Steve Burger, Thomas McDonough Jr., Mike Coatney;
P.O. Box 85816, Lincoln, NE 68501, 402-420-4021
Budget Advisory Committee:
1 Year – Ron Hild (Chairman) (Post 8334)
6618 S. 147th Street, Omaha, NE 68137, 402-895-2630
2 Year – Sam DeJohn (Post 8334)
15322 “R” St; Omaha, NE 68137, 402-515-8386
3 Year – Roger Broeker (Post 1504)
216 East Walnut, Maywood, NE 69038, 308-362-4995
Convention Corporation
1 Year Member (Chairman) Barry Caster (Post 8334)
4251 S. 150 Avenue, Omaha, NE 68137, 402-895-4191
2 Year Member Dan Kramer (Post 8258)
P.O. Box 53, Stapleton, NE 69163, 308-636-8359
3 Year Member Dennis “Mike” Sweeney (Post 247)
1623 N. 105th Street, Omaha, NE 68114, 402-496-7567
Committee Chairmen:
Americanism/Loyalty Day: Kyle Lantz (Post 5289)
310 11th St; Pawnee City, NE 68420, 402-852-2942
Blood & Insurance: Larry Gerlt (Post 2704)
8510 Monroe Street, Ralston, NE 68127, 402-618-2731
Buddy Poppy: Dale Wittrock (Post 10579)
P.O. Box 216, Davenport, NE 68335, 402-364-2585
Bylaws & Ritual & Volunteer Veteran (VV):
James “Doug” Whitaker (Post 2503)
1104 MacArthur Drive, Papillion, NE 68046, 402-916-4857
Comm. Activities Chairman: Mike Medina (Post 3113)
116 – 3rd Street, Fairbury, NE 68352, 402-729-2071
Editor/Photography: John Liebsack (Post 1581)
P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504, 402-464-0674
Hospital Chairman: Gary Steckelberg (Post 7419)
14158 County Road 3, Nickerson, NE 68044, 402-654-2296
Legislative Chairman: Jeff Baker (Post 4755)
P.O. Box 202, Milford, NE 68405, 402-525-7937
Life Membership/Legacy Life: Edward Raper (Post 5289)
437 7th Street, Pawnee City, NE 68420, 402-852-6157
Membership: James “Jim” Pierce (Post 5547)
150 Oak Street, Syracuse, NE 68446, 402-269-5108
Military Service/(MAPS, UNMET Needs):
Military Service Committee: John McNally (Post 131)
9002 S. 74th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516, 402-525-1317
National Home: Bernie Brosnihan (Post 10727)
3121 Monroe Street, Omaha, NE 68107, 402-514-7377
Nebraska State Fundraising:
Chairman Dan Petersen (Post 131)
3521 N. 72nd Street, Lincoln , NE 68507, 402-466-6258
POW/MIA: Dale Fenske (Post 854)
2128 N. Garden City Road, Fremont, NE 68025,
402-727-8135
Scholarship Chairman: Bobby E. Nickels (Post 3704)
2780 - 37 Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601, 402-564-4420
Scholarship Member: Robert D. Fenton (Post 2503)
7205 N. 73rd Place, Cir #114, Omaha, NE 68122,
402-556-5393
Scholarship Member: Jerry Chlopek (Post 3704)
3075-39th Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601, 402-564-6442
Veterans Home Board: Eric Williams (Post 7102)
344 S. 9th, Geneva, NE 68361, 402-759-3513
Veterans Home Board: John R. Liebsack (Post 1581)
P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504, 402-464-0674
Veterans Volunteer (VV)/
Sports & Emergency Service: Ron Packard (Post 10648)
405 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland, NE 68331, 402-890-0333
VFW NE Riders: Ron Dupell (Post 2503)
702 Eagle Crest Circle, Papillion, NE 68133, 402-614-3003
VOD/Youth/Patriot’s Pen/
Teacher: John L. Iossi (Post 3704)
3383 36th Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601, 402-720-0098
Women’s Veterans Advocate: Jamee Kugler (Post 2503)
15008 Ellison Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116, 402-880-4831
VAVS Representatives and Deputy/
Cheyenne VAMC: Walter Witt (Post 2243)
106 S. Nadine, Kimball, NE 69145, 308-235-2705
Cheyenne VAMC: Thomas Arends (Deputy) (Post 1681)
1035 11th Street, Gering, NE 69341, 308-586-1366
Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home-Bellevue:
Dennis “Mike” Sweeney (Post 247)
1623 N. 105th Street, Omaha, NE 68114, 402-496-7567
Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home:
Ann Thieman (Post 1581)
4716 Seward Street, Bellevue, NE 68123, 402-639-5075
Grand Island VAMC: Ronnie E. Hitch (Post 1347)
341 Redwood Road, Grand Island, NE 68803,
308-293-9047
Grand Island VAMC (Deputy):
Dennis Niemann (Post 1347)
2936 Rose Lawn Drive, Grand Island, NE 68801
308-384-8685
Hot Springs VAMC: Thomas Krotz (Post 5639)
6652 – 370 Trail, Rushville, NE 69337, 308-327-2063
Hot Springs VAMC (Deputy): Benny L. Martin (Post 1375)
223 N. Chadron Avenue, Chadron, NE 69337, 308-432-8426
Lincoln VAMC: Dan Petersen (Post 131)
3521 N. 72nd Street, Lincoln, NE 68507, 402-466-6258
Norfolk Veterans Home: Douglas R. Harbottle (Post 1644)
310 Cottonwood Street, Norfolk, NE 68701, 402-379-0708
Norfolk Veterans Home (Deputy):
LeRoy Kerkman (Post 5816)
83740 – 523 Avenue, Elgin, NE 68636, 402-843-5946
Omaha VAMC: Tom Falconer (Post 247)
4227 Mayberry, Omaha, NE 68105, 402-553-6953
Omaha VAMC (Deputy): Patrick Peterson (Post 2503)
3105 N. 47th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104, 402-397-2210
Western Nebraska Veterans Home:
Willard R. Loose (Post 1681)
2107 Avenue O, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, 308-635-3482
Scottsbluff Veterans Home (Deputy):
Ray Elwood (Post 1681)
4412 Cottonwood, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, 308-220-4167
National Committee Chairmen
National Veterans Service: Bernie Brosnihan (Post 10727)
3121 Monroe Avenue, Omaha, NE 68107, 402-444-6491
National Programs: John L. Iossi (Post 3704)
3383 36 Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601, 402-563-2408
National Women’s Veterans Advocate:
Jamee Kugler (Post 2503)
15008 Ellison Avenue, Omaha, NE 68116, 402-880-4831
National OIF/OEF: James “Doug” Whitaker (Post 2503)
1104 MacArthur Drive, Omaha, NE 68046, 402-916-4857
National NMS/MAP: John McNally (Post 131)
9002 S. 74th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516, 402-525-1317
Nebraska Council Member (NDCM):
Dan Petersen (Post 131)
3521 N. 72nd Street, Lincoln, NE 68507, 402-466-6258
National Legislative: Dick Morrison (Post 8334)
5507 S. 170th Street, Omaha, NE 68138, 402-681-4251
5. All District Commanders are reminded that notice of
District Meetings should be at Department Headquarters at
least 30 days prior to meeting date so that the representative
requested can be scheduled, if possible; and all requests
for Department Representatives at any Post or District
function must be made to Department Headquarters.
6. All checks payable to Department Headquarters should
be made payable to: VFW Department of Nebraska, not an
individual.
7. Please mail any change of address to Department
Headquarters, P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504, so our records
can be corrected and changes are sent to National Headquarters.
8. Post Quartermasters are urged to make sure that all money
due Department Headquarters is paid currently. CAUTION:
Please, make sure the amount is correct to avoid returning the
check; also, that all necessary signatures are on the check.
9. All Posts are expected and mandated by the National
Constitution and By-laws to audit the Post books every three
months: June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31. The
audit reports are due prior to the 30th of the following month.
10. All Post and District Commanders are urged to appoint
their key Chairmen as soon as possible, if not done by this
time, and notify Department Headquarters, as many District
Chairmen may be on Department Committees and possibly
Post Chairmen may be on District Committees.
11. All Post Commanders and District Commanders are
urged and requested to keep the records pertaining to them. For
All-State and All-American Post, the “20 Questions” found in
the State Program book needs to be returned to Department by
November 1, 2013 (for 10 Points) or by January 16, 2014 (for
5 points towards the white hat awards).
12. All Posts are reminded that they must register at least one
member for the National Convention, according to National
Bylaws (Section 222/d). Cost is $25.00 prior to National
Convention. Failure to comply will result in revocation of Post
charter by the National VFW Commander.
13. All Posts requesting speakers or representatives
must request same through the Department 30 days in
advance of such occasion, in order to avoid confusion of
representative assignments. ALL REQUESTS MUST BE
IN WRITING to Department.
14. Membership: When dues are paid at the Post, Quartermasters
are urged to see that $24.00 of the dues money is sent to National
and National will forward Department dues to the Department.
15. Attention of Post Commander to Section 218/k of the
National By-laws which states, “He or his representative shall
attend all properly called District Conventions or District
Meetings. Failure without just cause to perform these duties may
result in removal from office.”
General Orders, continued on page 8
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
8
General Orders, continued from page 7
16. VFW Posts operating clubs or canteens are hereby notified
that operation of such clubs or canteens will be closed during
regular or special Post meetings and that no alcoholic beverages
will be allowed during any meetings of any type in the meeting
room, be it Post, District or Department meeting.
17. Attention is directed to the Budget Advisory Committee.
The Chairman shall be the one-year member and the 2013-2014.
Chairman is Ron Hild.
18. The Chairman of the Budget Advisory Committee shall
notify the Department Commander, Department Quartermaster
and other Budget Advisory Committee members of dates that are
set for the meetings.
19. Officer Proof of Eligibility Requirements: All Posts and
Districts are reminded that in accordance with the National
Bylaws and Manual of Procedure that officers, elected and
appointed, shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office
until such proof of eligibility has been submitted to respective
Adjutant for review and his file.
20. National By-laws provides for only one type of
membership: that is active membership: that is active
membership. There are no provisions in the National By-laws
nor is there any authority or justification for issuance of
Club Membership cards, Associate Member cards, Honorary
Membership cards, Courtesy Membership cards or any other
special type of cards. Any Post issuing such unauthorized
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Warrior Banner Project
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Who Served and Paid
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Send Your Donations to
Department Headquarters:
VFW Nebraska
P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504
Volunteers Honored
Patrick Peterson (L) and Tom Falconer R) both received
hour pins at a VA luncheon. Pat received the 300-hour
pin, and Tom received the 3,750-hour pin. Submitted by
Marcia Jones
Survey of
Veteran’s Needs
Take the Survey of Veteran’s needs. Go to
VFWNE.com website. Go to the home page, scroll
down to “Survey of Veteran’s needs” box. This will
give us an idea for the areas to focus on.
cards, or conducting club operations open to the general
public, endangers its standing with the Internal Revenue
Service as a nonprofit organization. Officers signing outlaw
cards admitting nonmembers to VFW premises are subject to
disciplinary action. National and Department officers cannot
defend practices that conflict with VFW Bylaws or Procedure.
21. The attention of all units is called to Section 1101 of
the By-laws and Manual of Procedure, which provides for the
formation and control of the Ladies Auxiliary and Section 1301
for the Men’s Auxiliary. These Sections provide that each unit
of the Auxiliary shall be under the control of the corresponding
unit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, but shall be permitted to
function in accordance with the National Ritual, and Department
By-laws and Rules and Regulations of the Ladies Auxiliary and
Men’s Auxiliary.
In addition to provisions of Auxiliary By-laws, solicitation of
funds or donations to auxiliary units, including contracts with
fundraising organizations for greeting cards, calendars and/or
label programs shall be subject to approval and ratification by
the governing body of the corresponding unit of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
22. Only the official hat of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States shall be worn at Post, District and Department
meetings. All others shall be removed during official meetings.
23. All Commanders are reminded that Section 709, Manual
of Procedure-Control of Units, requires that any activity, unit
or club sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or on behalf
of a Post, County Council, District or Department shall be at
all times under the direct control of such Post, County Council,
District or Department and that all money, property or assets of
any kind must be placed in the care and custody of the respective
Quartermaster. All Commanders should ensure that all provisions
of Section 709 are enforced.
By order of:
Harold Schlender, Commander
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Department of Nebraska
John R. Liebsack, Adjutant/Quartermaster
** Rep: Harold Schlender
Department of Nebraska, VFW
State Commander
Attest: June 10, 2013
VFW Nebraska Merchant VFW Nebraska WebMail
Services (NXGIVE by
VFW NE WebMail official System for all VFW NE
business. VFW NE WebMail for all Posts, Districts,
NXGEN)
Department and Committees. WebMail addresses are
NXGIVE is a simple residual program designed to
create a recurring source of revenue back to the VFW
Nebraska community for the purpose of charitable
contributions through merchant services.
The Nebraska VFW has created a merchant services
program to help increase fundraising to our Veterans
and Posts Veteran’s activities. We need the help
of each post in a local community to call on local
businesses to offer this credit card processing program
from VFW Nebraska. Any business that accepts credit
cards should participate! Ask your local business
to simply switch to NXGEN for their credit card
processing. NXGEN guarantees to “meet or beat”
their existing processing rates. This donation to VFW
Nebraska is coming out of NXGEN’s profit. Not by
up-charging the Nebraska VFW or businesses.
Materials are prepared and available on the VFWNE.
com website. Go to the home page, scroll down to
“VFW Nebraska Merchant Services” box and access
additional information. There is a printable form and
online form for sales leads. We want you to call on
local businesses between August 2013 and December
2013. You can coordinate these efforts with the
VFW NE Calendar donation sales while talking
to businesses about switching to VFW Nebraska
Merchant Services. This VFW Nebraska Merchant
Services effort will continue into the future into 2014
and beyond. This is important to VFW Nebraska and
your local post.
Online Program
Reporting
Online program reporting is available for use now.
You are to use the online program reporting for all
post reporting. There are several functions within
on-line program reporting for Department, Districts,
Posts and Committees.
You can use any computer to participate with
on-line program reporting, home or post for example.
Anyone in the post may submit a report. Each
reporting area will be given a login and password to
access their area. Go to VFWNE.com website. Go
to the home page, scroll down to “VFW Nebraska
Online Program Reporting” box and access additional
information, including user guides.
based on title not a person’s name. You are to start using
this WebMail system now. VFW NE will use private
and WebMail addresses for correspondence during the
2013-2014 year. Starting in 2014-2015 the WebMail
system will be the only system used.
WebMail password automatically reset each year
for new person (All email passwords will be reset to
a default password in the days immediately following
the June State Convention.) Members newly elected or
appointed for the new year will log-in and change their
password for their new position.
Go to VFWNE.com website. Go to the home page,
scroll down to “VFW Nebraska WebMail” box and
access additional information, including user guides. Go
to the VFWNE.com website, navigation, department,
“Department of Nebraska Directories”, select VFW NE
WebMail Directory for all WebMail directories.
VFW Nebraska Veteran’s
Resources Website
Go to VFWNE.com website. Go to the home page,
scroll down to “VFW Nebraska Veteran’s Resources”
box Select the box for Jobs, VA Claims, VA Medical, Veteran Benefits, Financial Help, Education, Transitioning to Civilian Life, Home Finance, Homeless
Help, Why Veteran’s Should Locate in Nebraska, Troop
Support and Women Veteran’s.
This website is for all Veteran’s and will be updated
with additional information continuously.
VFW New Subscription
Dues Model
There is new information regarding a VFW
New Subscription Dues Model. Go to VFWNE.com
website. Go to the home page, scroll down to “VFW
New Subscription Dues Model” link.
Program Book and Roster
Book accessible online
Go to VFWNE.com website. Go to the home page,
scroll down to “2013-2014 Program Book Online” line.
9
July/August/September 2013
Don Eckstein for State Surgeon
Nebraska VFW members, I am currently
serving as the Commander of District 15.
I am seeking your
support and asking
you to consider me
for the position of
State Surgeon for the
2014-2015 year for
the Department of
Nebraska Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
Crete Carriers Semi Truck
Past State Commander Daver Beran displays his new work semi truck with Crete
Carriers employer of veterans.
Candidate For State Surgeon
Department of Nebraska
2014-2015
Mike “Santa” Dunn
US Navy Submarine Veteran 1970-1975
Legacy Life Member Post 5539
Harvard, Nebraska
2013-2014 Post Sr. Vice
2013-2014 State Membership Committee
Past District Commander
All State Team Captain 2012-2013
District Commander 2010-2013
District Sr. Vice 2009-2010
National Aide-De-Camp 2010-2011
Military Order of the Cootie Chuck Hole 4
Lincoln, Nebraska
Life Member Disabled American Veterans
Chapter, Hastings, Nebraska
Life Member United States Submarine
Veterans, Inc.,
Groton, Connecticut
Base
Member American
Legion Post 103
Superior, Nebraska
Requesting your
support and vote
for State Surgeon
Pictured is the Syracuse Auxiliary 5547 Honor Guard participating in one of the
many ceremonies held throughout the year, including all parades and funerals. All
photos submitted by Teresa Groff.
Dues Increase Information
for Department
In accordance with the actions taken by the delegates of the 114th VFW
National Convention, Bylaw Amendment B-14 to amend Section 606-National
Dues was approved.
The result is that the National Organization portion of dues shall now be $21.50.
This increase becomes effective January 1, 2014.
The enrollment payment for the Life Membership installment plan will increase
from $35 to $45 beginning January 1, 2014. Because of this, we highly recommend
paying your 2014 dues now to avoid the higher rate.
20 Questions Now Online
You can now fill out your Quartermaster and Commander 20 questions
now online. Go to VFWNE.com website. Go to the home page, scroll down to “20
questions online” line.
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
July/August/September 2013
10
Jim Buford was the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day
Parade that Post 759 participated in. He is a Korean
War Veteran.
VFW Post 759 and Auxiliary participated in the
Memorial Day ceremony at the Kearney Cemetery.
They helped with flag postings, laid wreaths during
the ceremony for various branches of the military
and Auxiliary tributes. Master of Ceremonies was the
VFW Adjunct Cory Walcott. Auxiliary members also
helped gather flags after the ceremony.
Volunteers Arva Stillahn and May Bechtold were
recently honored for their many hours of volunteering.
Arva was honored for 750 hours and May for 1,750
hours. They each spend one day a month volunteering
at the Lincoln VA Medical Center. They are members
of Syracuse Auxiliary 5547.
VFW Members in attendance at the District 13 election
hosted at Post 759 in Kearney.
The Auxiliary 759 has long had a tradition of
passing on patriotism from generation to generation.
Pictured is Catherine Bahls (3rd from left) with
(L-R) daughter Ann Jeanette Gould, granddaughter
Stephanie Gould and grand niece Jennifer Nelson.
They know the importance of being involved, which
they all do by supporting the Auxiliary with quilting
projects, community service and serving as officers
for Post 759 Auxiliary.
Auxiliary members and newly elected officers at the District
13 meeting and election hosted by Post 759 in Kearney.
Auxiliary 759 Auxiliary member, Dora Day, was
recognized at Department Convention in June in
Omaha with awards from the State DAVA and
for National Outstanding Community Service. She
received the awards in recognition for her dedicated
hours in volunteerism at the hospital, Veterans
homes and the Red Cross.
Auxiliary 759 Auxiliary members. Pictured, L-R:
Doris Maurer, a VA Home Assistant, Dora Day and
Genevieve Wietjes deliver items to the Grand Island
Veterans Home. The members delivered three quilts,
clothing, craft items and kid’s fun ditty bags for
children that come to visit.
Grand Marshal Jim Bufford, Auxiliary President Genevieve
Wietjes, Post Commander Jim Lutz and other Post 759
members aboard their float at the Veterans Day parade.
Patriot’s Pen award winners from Post 759 on their
local awards night.
11
July/August/September 2013
Nebraska Veterans Home Board
For over five years I have had the honor of serving on the Nebraska Veterans Home
board. The Board is made up of veterans from all the recognized veterans organizations.
The board meets at each veterans home once a year. At that time we look over
applications to the home and we are charged with insuring the homes are a safe and
great place to live. At each meeting we have public comment, county veteran service
officer comments, members of the home comments, board member comments,
chairman comments, secretary comments.
In all the time I have been on the Veterans Home Board no one has come forward
with a problem at any one of the homes that was not discussed and FIXED before the
end of the meeting. As a Board the treatment of the members of the Home and staff are
very important to us.
In Grand Island in the past there has been much accusation regarding their staff. The
accusations were made in the newspaper, by e-mail and at other meetings, but NEVER
at the Veterans Home Board meeting where they would be entered into the public
record, thus keeping the Board members from being able to deal with any problems.
At one time it was so bad that the Hall County Board put together a group to meet with
the Veterans Home and state staff each month. What Hall County did was to say that they
do not believe the Veterans Home Board cared about the veterans at the home or its staff,
because they chose not to come to the public meeting of the Veterans Home Board and
discuss their problems in an open meeting with members of the Veterans Home Board.
Nebraska Veterans Home Board members went to the Hall County Board meeting
to talk with them, but the Hall County Board did not want to hear from the Veterans
Home Board and after just three members of the Board spoke the Hall County Board
told us (the Veterans Home Board)to stop talking and to leave the meeting. This was
almost two years ago.
Recently, a system was put in place to let other cities have the chance to host the
new State Veterans Home. In an open and public system Kearney, NE was chosen. The
Nebraska Veterans Home Board voted to support the system and support the move to
Kearney, NE.
As a Veterans Home Board member I thought it was odd that as soon as the idea of
letting other cities bid for the new veterans home all the accusations stopped until after
the move to Kearney, NE was chosen.
What has been going on at the Grand Island Veterans Home? The staff in the last
two years took a home that when inspected by the Department of Veteran Affairs had
deficiencies and now the home has had zero deficiencies. As a Veterans Home Board
member one way we insure the home is SAFE and a great place to live is with the
Department of Veterans affairs inspection.
I do not think one city, town or village in Nebraska cares for veterans more than
another. I ask that veterans continue to support the Nebraska Veterans Homes across
the state. I would also ask that if a person has a problem with one of the homes, that
they come to the meeting of the Veterans Home Board and we will work it out for the
BETTERMENT of the veterans home.
Thank you,
Eric Williams, Board Member
NEBRASKA VFW NEWS
Our Memorial Book
Is Now Available
A number of years ago, a couple of veterans
had the idea of creating a memorial volume
written specifically for the families of veterans.
This book would be presented as a gift and
keepsake for the family when their veteran
passed away.
The book was written to celebrate military
service, recognize the family, define the grieving
process and provide resources for assistance. It
would explain to the recipients not so much what
all of us did as members of the Armed Forces,
but more importantly, why we did it.
That volume is now a reality. It is entitled
“One Who Served, A Memorial Tribute To
Your Veteran”.
Quantity:
1-6
7-12
13-19
Cost:
$37.00 $35.00
$32.00
To order, call 402-432-6981 or send check
to: Matthew Jones, P.O. Box 84173, Lincoln, NE 68501.
Quartermaster Gaylord Rachow, Post 10579,
Davenport; Quartermaster Marvin Hladky, Post 4836,
Schuyler; Quartermaster Dr. Steven Youngberg, Post
1581, Omaha; Quartermaster Larry Gerlt, Post 2704,
Omaha; Quartermaster Bob Nickels, Post 3704,
Columbus;Quartermaster Russell Edthridge, Post
2280 Bellevue; Quartermaster Jason Shroeder, Post
10648, Princeton; Quartermaster Kevin Claussen,
Post 8223, North Bend; Quartermaster Eldon Payne,
Post 10491, Valpraiso; Quartermaster Tim Hudson,
Post 3755, Ogallala; Quartermaster Louis Statz, Post
4688, Imperial; Captain of All State Quartermasters,
Quartermaster Mike Pesek, Post 7029, Ord.
All State Team
Quartermasters
Department
of Nebraska
White Hat
Quartermasters
2012 – 2013
All State Commanders Team........................... 12
Nebraska Veterans Home Board...................... 11
Candidates.......................................................... 9
General Orders.................................................7-8
Calendar of Events............................................. 6
Officer Reports.................................................2-5
VFW State Convention.................................. 1, 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Commander Don Vorce, Post 10579, Davenport; Commander Chris Leighter, Post 1581, Omaha; Commander
Andrew Packer, Post 2704, Omaha; Commander Donald
Eckstein, Post 4836, Schuyler; Commander Jerry Chlopek, Post 3704, Columbus; Commander Joseph Smith,
Post 2280, Bellevue; Commander Ralph Carman, Post
7029, Ord; Commander David Wieting, Post 10648,
Princeton; Commander Jerome Hallady, Post 8223,
North Bend; Commander Don Kobza, Post 10491, Valparaiso; Commander Gary Bush, Post 3755, Ogallala;
Commander “P.J.” Pajerski, Post 4688, Captain.
Commanders
Team 2012-2013
All State
Official Publication of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Department of Nebraska.
April/May/June 2013
Volume 82, Issue 3