[House Document 104-20]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                  PROCEEDINGS OF THE

             95th NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE

               VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

                 OF THE UNITED STATES

                 [SUMMARY OF MINUTES]
                                   104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - 
                                   - - - - - - - - - House Document 104-
                                   20

               Las Vegas, Nevada : : : August 21-26, 1994

  


                                     

        104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House 
Document 104-20


                         P R O C E E D I N G S

                                 of the
 
         95TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

                          OF THE UNITED STATES



                          [SUMMARY OF MINUTES]



                           Las Vegas, Nevada



                           August 21-26, 1994




  March 16, 1994.--Referred to the Committee on National Security and 
                         ordered to be printed
  
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

     Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
                                           Kansas City, MO,
                                                  October 24, 1994.
Hon. Thomas S. Foley,
The Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: In conformance with provisions of Public 
Law No. 620, 90th Congress, approved October 22, 1968, I am 
transmitting to you herewith the proceedings of the 95th 
National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 21-26, 1994, 
which is submitted for printing as a House document.
            Sincerely,
                                           Larry W. Rivers,
                                                  Adjutant General.


                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Annual Memorial Service, Sunday, August 21, 1994:
    Call to Order................................................     1
    Advance of Colors............................................     1
    Invocation...................................................     1
    In Memoriam..................................................     3
    Introduction of Speaker......................................     3
    Memorial Address.............................................     4
    Introduction of Colonel Archie T. Roberts....................    15
    Presentation of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor     16
      Bronze Medallion.
    Benediction..................................................    18
    Retiring of Colors...........................................    18
Joint Opening Session, Monday, August 22, 1994:
    Advancement of Colors........................................    20
    Invocation...................................................    20
    Welcome......................................................    21
    Introduction--The Honorable Jan Jones, Mayor, City of Las        23
      Vegas.
    Greetings--The Honorable Jan Jones, Mayor, City of Las Vegas.    24
    Introduction--The Honorable Bob Miller, Governor of State of     26
      Nevada.
    Response--The Honorable Bob Miller...........................    28
    Presentation of American Flag Sets...........................    30
    Introduction of Commander-in-Chief Cramer....................    31
    Presentation of VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation.........    38
    Response--Ladies Auxiliary President Juanita Crowe...........    40
    Introduction--Helen Putnam Blackwell.........................    41
    Introduction--General Ray Davis, USMC (Ret.), Chairman of the    41
      Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board.
    Response--General Raymond Davis..............................    44
    Introduction--Lieutenant General Claude Kicklighter, USA,        49
      (Ret.).
    Response--Lieutenant General Claude M. Kicklighter, Chairman     50
      of the 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative 
      Committee.
    Introduction of Adjutant General Vander Clute................    61
    Response--Adjutant General Vander Clute......................    64
    Introduction--1994 National Voice of Democracy Winner........    67
    Voice of Democracy Winner--Nathaniel Bennett.................    69
    Introduction--Ian McDonough, Vice-President, Returned            73
      Servicemen's League--South Australian.
    Response--Ian McDonough......................................    74
    Introduction of the Supreme Commander of the MOC, Glen           75
      Maroney.
    Remarks--MOC Supreme Commander Glen Maroney..................    76
    Introduction of Professor Teh-Shaun Hung, VACRS..............    80
    Response--Professor Teh-Shaun Hung...........................    80
    Introduction of Dr. William Bennett..........................    85
    Keynote Speech--Dr. William Bennett..........................    86
    Introduction of General Tae-wan Chang, Korean Veterans          101
      Association.
    Remarks by General Tae-wan Chang, President of the Korean       102
      Veterans Association.
    Recess.......................................................   104
Distinguished Guests Banquet, August 22, 1994:
    Invocation...................................................   105
    Pledge of Allegiance.........................................   105
    Introduction of Master of Ceremonies.........................   105
    Presentation of Commander-in-Chief's Gold Medal of Merit.....   110
    Response--Mr. Robert Stack...................................   113
    Presentation of VFW Americanism Award, Gold Medal and           115
      Citation.
    Response--Mr. Gerald McRaney.................................   118
    Presentation of the Dwight David Eisenhower Distinguished       119
      Service Medal and Citation.
    Response and Principal Address--The Honorable Deane R. Hinton   121
    Benediction..................................................   131
    Recess.......................................................   131
First Business Session, Tuesday Morning, August 23, 1994:
    Call to Order................................................   132
    Salute to the Colors.........................................   132
    Opening Prayer...............................................   132
    Report of Credentials Committee..............................   134
    Report of Committee on Convention Rules......................   134
    Presentation of VFW News Media Award, Gold Medal and Citation   139
    Response--Mr. Joseph Goulden.................................   141
    Introduction--The Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of           146
      Veterans Affairs.
    Address--The Honorable Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans       147
      Affairs.
    Presentation of VFW Hall of Fame Award, Gold Medal and          158
      Citation.
    Response--Mr. Peter Graves...................................   162
    Presentation--VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation...........   165
    Response--The Honorable G.V. Montgomery......................   168
    Presentation of VFW Distinguished Service Award, Gold Medal     184
      and Citation.
    Response--Comrade William Radigan, Sr........................   186
    Presentation--VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation...........   188
    Response--Lieutenant General William G. Pagonis..............   191
    Report of Committee on National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure    195
      and Ritual.
    Report of Committee on Finance and Internal Organization.....   210
    Introduction--Diane Carlson Evans, Vietnam Women's Memorial     235
      Project.
    Remarks by Diane Carlson Evans...............................   236
    Report of Committee on Americanism and Community Activities..   239
    Winners of Insurance Drawing.................................   263
    Recess.......................................................   264
Second Business Session, Wednesday Morning, August 24, 1994:
    Call to Order................................................   265
    Salute to the Colors.........................................   265
    Opening Prayer...............................................   265
    Report of Credentials Committee..............................   266
    Introduction of Eileen Fulton, March of Dimes National          266
      Spokesperson and Honorary Member, Board of Trustees.
    Response--Eileen Fulton......................................   268
    Presentation of the J. Edgar Hoover Award, Gold Medal and       274
      Citation.
    Response--Ms. Mayra Fausett..................................   277
    Presentation of VFW Emergency Services Award, Gold Medal and    278
      Citation.
    Response--Mr. Thomas Korlin..................................   280
    Presentation of the VFW Aviation and Space Award, Gold Medal    285
      and Citation.
    Response--Colonel Thomas Akers...............................   287
    Report of Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs.   290
    Report of POW/MIA Subcommittee...............................   295
    Presentation by the PAC Committee............................   307
    Introduction--Harry G. Summers, Jr., Cowles History Group....   308
    Remarks by Colonel Harry G. Summers..........................   309
    Presentation of Life Membership to Major Buddy Merritt.......   318
    Response by Major Buddy Merritt..............................   319
    Presentation to Adjutant General Vander Clute................   320
    Response by Adjutant General Vander Clute....................   323
    Presentation of VFW Armed Forces Award, Gold Medal and          326
      Citation.
    Response--General Needham....................................   328
    Report of Committee on Veterans Service......................   333
    National Marching Units and Parade Committee Winners.........   367
    Report of Committee on Veterans Service (Cont'd.)............   369
    Report of Committee on General Resolutions...................   372
    Presentation of Buddy Poppy Display Winners..................   383
    Winners of Insurance Drawing.................................   417
    Recess.......................................................   418
Third Business Session, Thursday Morning, August 25, 1994:
    Call to Order................................................   419
    Salute to the Colors.........................................   419
    Pledge of Allegiance.........................................   419
    Opening Prayer...............................................   419
    Report of Credentials Committee..............................   419
    Introduction--General Wilma Vaught, President, Women in         420
      Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc.
    Remarks--General Wilma Vaught................................   421
    Presentation of James C. Gates Distinguished Service Award...   427
    Response--Mr. James Edge.....................................   429
    Winners of Insurance Drawing.................................   432
    Presentation--National Large Employer of the Year............   433
    Response--Mr. Daniel Grafton.................................   435
    Visit of Ladies Auxiliary Delegation.........................   437
    Presentation of Distinguished Service Award, Gold Medal and     442
      Citation.
    Response --Past Commander-in-Chief John Carney...............   444
    Presentation of VFW Small Employer of the Year Award.........   448
    Response--Comrade George Whitmill............................   450
    Presentation of the National Employment Service Office Award.   452
    Response--Mr. James Mason....................................   454
    Presentation by Department of the Treasury, U.S. Savings Bond   456
      Division.
    Response--Mr. Kenneth Burch..................................   456
    Presentation of VFW Outstanding VA Health Care Provider of      460
      the Year Award.
    Response--Mr. Charles Bouley.................................   461
    Presentation of VFW Outstanding Community Health Care           462
      Provider Award.
    Response--Dr. Murray T. Pritchard............................   464
    Presentation of VFW Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award..   465
    Response--Mr. Daniel W. Moore................................   467
    Presentation of VFW Post Service Officer Award...............   467
    Response--Comrade John J. Speckman...........................   469
    Introduction--Mr. Mike Lynch, General Manager, Help             470
      Hospitalized Veterans.
    Remarks--Comrade Mike Lynch..................................   471
    Introduction of Past Commanders-in-Chief.....................   473
    Recognition of National Sergeants-at-Arms....................   475
    Visit of National Home Representatives.......................   478
    Remarks by 1994-95 Buddy Poppy Child.........................   481
    Nomination of Officers.......................................   483
    Nomination of Commander-in-Chief.............................   484
    Nomination of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.................   486
    Nomination of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief.................   489
    Nomination of Quartermaster General..........................   491
    Nomination of Judge Advocate General.........................   494
    Nomination of Surgeon General................................   498
    Nomination of National Chaplain..............................   501
    Salute to the Colors.........................................   503
    Closing Prayer...............................................   503
    Recess.......................................................   503
Fourth Business Session Friday Morning, August 26, 1994:
    Call to Order................................................   504
    Salute to Colors and Pledge of Allegiance....................   504
    Opening Prayer...............................................   504
    Final Report of Credentials Committee........................   505
    Completion of Convention Business............................   506
    Nominations for National Home Trustees.......................   507
    Election of Officers.........................................   508
    Announcement of Council Members-Elect........................   528
    Announcement of Appointments by Commander-in-Chief-Elect.....   530
    Installation of Officers.....................................   531
    Presentation of Past Commander-in-Chief Lapel Pin and Gold      539
      Life Membership Card.
    Acceptance Address by Commander-in-Chief Kent................   540
    Parade of Transmittals/Report of New Posts...................   556
    Closing Ceremonies...........................................   556
    Retiring of Colors...........................................   557
    Closing Prayer...............................................   557
    Adjournment..................................................   558
              VFW NATIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1993-94

Commander-in-Chief...............................................
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief...................................
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief...................................
Adjutant General.................................................
Quartermaster General............................................
Judge Advocate General...........................................
Surgeon General..................................................
National Chaplain................................................
National Chief of Staff..........................................
Inspector General................................................
Assistant Adjutant General, Administration.......................
Assistant Adjutant General, Programs.............................
Assistant Quartermaster General..................................
Director, Accounting.............................................
Director, Administrative Services................................
Director, Americanism & Community Activities.....................
Director, Emblem & Supply Department.............................
Director, General Services.......................................
Director, Insurance Programs.....................................
Director, Marketing Services.....................................
Director, Membership.............................................
Director, National Convention....................................
Director, Post Development.......................................
Director, Post Services & Buddy Poppy............................
Director, Publications & Public Affairs & Editor,
  VFW Magazine...................................................
Director, Purchasing & Life Membership...........................
Director, VFW Properties, Kansas City............................
Director, Voice of Democracy & Youth Activities & Safety.........
Administrative Assistant to Adjutant General.....................
Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Director,
  Washington Office..............................................
Director, National Legislative Service...........................
Director, National Security & Foreign Affairs....................
Director, Political Action Committee.............................
Director, Public Affairs, Washington Office......................
Director, Veterans Employment....................................
Director, VFW Properties, Washington.............................
National Service Officer & Director,
  National Veterans Service......................................
Administrative Assistant to Washington Office....................
      REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS, 1993-94

District 1 (ME, NH, VT)..........................................
District 2 (MA, CT)..............................................
District 3 (MD, RI)..............................................
District 4 (DC, DE, EU)..........................................
District 5 (IN, MO)..............................................
District 6 (VA, WV)..............................................
District 7 (TN, KY)..............................................
District 8 (GA, AL)..............................................
District 9 (SC, NC)..............................................
District 10 (OK, AR).............................................
District 11 (WI, IA).............................................
District 12 (SD, ND, WY).........................................
District 13 (NE, KS).............................................
District 14 (MT, WA, ID).........................................
District 15 (NM, CO, AZ).........................................
District 16 (PC, PAC, AK, HI)....................................
District 17 (UT, NV, OR).........................................
District 19 (LA, MS).............................................
District A (Pennsylvania)........................................
District B (Illinois)............................................
District C (New York)............................................
District D (Ohio)................................................
District E (Minnesota)...........................................
District F (Michigan)............................................
District G (California)..........................................
District H (Texas)...............................................
District I (New Jersey)..........................................
District J (Florida).............................................
Past Commander-in-Chief..........................................




              VFW NATIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1994-95

Commander-in-Chief...............................................
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief...................................
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief...................................
Adjutant General.................................................
Quartermaster General............................................
Judge Advocate General...........................................
Surgeon General..................................................
National Chaplain................................................
National Chief of Staff..........................................
Inspector General................................................
Assistant Adjutant General, Administration.......................
Assistant Adjutant General, Programs.............................
Assistant Quartermaster General..................................
Director, Accounting.............................................
Director, Administrative Services................................
Director, Americanism & Community Activities.....................
Director, Emblem & Supply Department.............................
Director, General Services.......................................
Director, Insurance Programs.....................................
Director, Marketing Services.....................................
Director, Membership.............................................
Director, National Convention....................................
Director, Post Development.......................................
Director, Post Services & Buddy Poppy............................
Director, Publications & Public Affairs & Editor,
  VFW Magazine...................................................
Director, Purchasing & Life Membership...........................
Director, VFW Properties, Kansas City............................
Director, Voice of Democracy, Youth Activities & Safety..........
Administrative Assistant to Adjutant General.....................
Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Director,
  Washington Office..............................................
Director, National Legislative Service...........................
Director, National Security & Foreign Affairs....................
Director, Political Action Committee.............................
Director, Public Affairs, Washington Office......................
Director, Veterans Employment....................................
Director, VFW Properties, Washington.............................
National Serivice Officer & Director,
  National Veterans Service......................................
Administrative Assistant to Washington Office....................
      REGIONAL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS, 1994-95

District 1 (ME, NH, VT)..........................................
District 2 (MA, CT)..............................................
District 3 (MD, RI)..............................................
District 4 (DC, DE, EU)..........................................
District 5 (IN, MO)..............................................
District 6 (VA, WV)..............................................
District 7 (TN, KY)..............................................
District 8 (GA, AL)..............................................
District 9 (SC, NC)..............................................
District 10 (OK, AR).............................................
District 11 (WI, IA).............................................
District 12 (SD, ND, WY).........................................
District 13 (NE, KS).............................................
District 14 (MT, WA, ID).........................................
District 15 (NM, CO, AZ).........................................
District 16 (PC, PAC, AK, HI)....................................
District 17 (UT, NV, OR).........................................
District 19 (LA, MS).............................................
District A (Pennsylvania)........................................
District B (Illinois)............................................
District C (New York)............................................
District D (Ohio)................................................
District E (Minnesota)...........................................
District F (Michigan)............................................
District G (California)..........................................
District H (Texas)...............................................
District I (New Jersey)..........................................
District J (Florida).............................................
Past Commander-in-Chief..........................................
  
   COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

(Including societies that amalgamated to form Veterans of Foreign Wars)

    The American Veterans of Foreign Service and the Army of 
the Philippines amalgamated at Denver, Colorado, 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 charter as granted October 11, 1899.

                  American Veterans of Foreign Service                  
                        The * indicates deceased                        
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 Jamestown,       
                                             Virginia.                  
1908-1909    J. Alfred Judge *............  Elected at Lebanon,         
                                             Pennsylvania.              
1909-1910    J. Alfred Judge *............  Elected at Pittsburgh,      
                                             Pennsylvania.              
1910-1911    Robert G. Woodside *.........  Elected at Jersey City, New 
                                             Jersey.                    
1911-1912    Robert G. Woodside *.........  Elected at Philadelphia,    
                                             Pennsylvania.              
1912-1913    Robert G. Woodside *.........  Elected at Pittsburgh,      
                                             Pennsylvania.              
                                                                        


                  American Veterans of Foreign Service                  
                            (Eastern Branch)                            
                        The * indicates deceased                        
1903-1904    Capt. Robert S. Hansbury *...  Elected at Altoona,         
                                             Pennsylvania.              
1904-1905    H. O. Kelly *................  Elected at Pittsburgh,      
                                             Pennsylvania.              
                                                                        


                         Army of the Philippines                        
                        The * indicates deceased                        
1900-1901    Gen. Francis V. Greene *.....  Elected at Denver, Colorado.
1901-1902    Gen. Irving Hale *...........  Elected at Salt Lake City,  
                                             Utah.                      
1902-1903    Gen. Irving 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    A. H. 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             
                        The * indicates deceased                        
1913-1914    Rice W. Means *..............  Elected at Denver, Colorado.
1914-1915    Thomas Crago *...............  Elected at Pittsburgh,      
                                             Pennsylvania.              
1915-1916    Gus Hartung *................  Elected at Detroit,         
                                             Michigan.                  
1916-1917    Albert Rabing *..............  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 T. Strayer *...........  Elected at Providence, Rhode
                                             Island.                    
1928-1929    Eugene P. Carver, Jr.*.......  Elected at Indianapolis,    
                                             Indiana.                   
1929-1930    Hezekiah N. Duff *...........  Elected at St. Paul,        
                                             Minnesota.                 
1930-1931    Paul D. 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 Orleans,     
                                             Louisiana.                 
1936-1937    Bernard W. Kearney *.........  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,       
                                             Missouri.                  
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 Dalls, 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    T. C. Connell................  Elected at Detroit,         
                                             Michigan.                  
1961-1962    Robert E. Hansen.............  Elected at Miami Beach,     
                                             Florida.                   
1962-1963    Byron B. Gentry *............  Elected at Minneapolis,     
                                             Minnesota.                 
1963-1964    Joseph J. Lombardo *.........  Elected at Seattle,         
                                             Washington.                
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 Orleans,     
                                             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 Orleans,     
                                             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 Orleans,     
                                             Louisiana.                 
1980-1981    T. C. Selman *...............  Elected at Chicago,         
                                             Illinois.                  
1980-1981    Arthur Fellwock..............  Succeeded T.C. Selman       
                                             October 21, 1980.          
1981-1982    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 Orleans,     
                                             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, Jr............  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.   
                                                                        

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 95TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE VETERANS 
OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, AUGUST 21-26, 
                                  1994

                        ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

                        SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1994

    [The Memorial Service of the 95th Annual Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held at the Las 
Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, was called to order 
at 9:00 o'clock a.m., with Commander-in-Chief George R. Cramer, 
presiding. The Gold Star Parents, Gold Star Wives, National 
Officers and Past National Chaplains were escorted by the 
Sergeants-at-Arms.]

                             CALL TO ORDER

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Sergeant-at-Arms, please prepare 
the hall 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.]

                               INVOCATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, comrades. The 
Reverend Harland M. Palmer will give the Opening Prayer.
    REVEREND HARLAND PALMER: Good morning. Shalom. Peace be 
unto you. We would like to welcome all the VIPs this morning. 
Of course, in the sight of God, we all are VIPs. In the book of 
Isaiah, Chapter 40, ``Even the youth shall faint and be weary, 
and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon 
the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with 
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they 
shall walk, and not faint.''
    Let us bow our heads in prayer, please. Almighty God, we 
ask a special blessing for this new day. We give thanks knowing 
that you are guiding and directing our paths. We look to you 
for our strength and our understanding.
    Heavenly Father, bless everyone here and bless all our 
dearly departed comrades. Bless our country, Lord, and may we 
help keep it free. And everyone said, ``Amen.'' Amen.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You may be seated. The Trinity 
Life Center Choir will now sing the ``Battle Hymn of the 
Republic.''
    [Whereupon, the Trinity Life Center Choir sang the ``Battle 
Hymn of the Republic''.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Led by the Soloist of the Ladies 
Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, 
we will join together in singing ``Nearer My God To Thee.''

                              IN MEMORIAM

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: 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 shall refrain from applauding. The Chief of Staff will 
see that there is no disturbance during the ceremonies.
    NATIONAL CHIEF OF STAFF DARREL MILLER: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, your order will be obeyed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I request the National Chaplain 
to preside.
    [National Chaplain Reverend Charles W. Edwards, Jr., 
presided during the Memorial Services performed by the National 
Officers in accordance with the Ritual.]
    [At the conclusion of the Memorial Service the Trinity Life 
Center Choir led the assembly in singing ``America.'']

                        INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: It is now a pleasure for me to 
introduce our special Memorial Service speaker, Brigadier 
General Arthur S. ``Sam'' Thomas, Deputy Chief of Air Force 
Chaplains, Headquartered in the United States Air Force, 
Washington, D.C.
    Chaplain Thomas is a native of Mankato, Minnesota, where he 
attended high school and college. A former enlisted member of 
the Minnesota National Guard, he enlisted in the Air Force in 
January 1955, and served as the Russian Language Specialist in 
Japan.
    After attending St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle, Illinois, 
Chaplain Thomas was ordained in 1965 as a priest for the 
diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, where he served as a parish 
priest. In November 1968, he was commissioned as a Chaplain, 
First Lieutenant, and reported to March Air Force Base, 
California.
    As the Deputy Chief of Air Force Chaplains, he assists the 
Chief of Chaplains in directing and maintaining a trained, 
equipped and professional chaplain service, including more than 
2,300 active duty guard and reserve chaplains, enlisted to 
support personnel and civilians.
    As a member of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, he and the 
other members serve as Advisors to the Secretary of Defense and 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff on religion, ethical and quality of 
life concerns.
    Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a warm 
welcome to Brigadier General Arthur S. Thomas.
                            MEMORIAL ADDRESS

    CHAPLAIN BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS: Thank you. A Brigadier 
General I am, an Air Force Chaplain I am. I am not a pilot for 
Continental Airlines. This is our new uniform.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Honored Guests, Members of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gold Star Parents: It is my honor to 
greet you this morning in the love and mercy of the God of all 
mercy and constellation. I feel very privileged to share in 
this meaningful service today, and I bring you greetings from 
the Chiefs of Chaplains of the Air Force, the Navy and the 
Army. All three of them greatly appreciate the sacrifices that 
you have made and the contributions that you continue to make 
as dedicated citizens and patriots of our great nation.
    I wish to begin my reflections this morning with a little 
story, a true story, and it is inspired by the VFW emblem. As 
all of you know, the Cross of Malta has a rich history. It has 
been worn with pride and honor for centuries. The banner on the 
emblem, as we share it in the VFW, says Pro Deo Patria, for God 
and country.
    This is a powerful sentiment which rightly joins patriotism 
with the vital spirit of faith. As is well known, this Maltese 
Cross was the mark of the Knights of Malta, officially known as 
the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, whose primary mission was 
to care for the injured crusaders and pilgrims in the Holy 
Land.
    The story I wish to share with you is about their finest 
hour which is, also, coincidentally, the account of their 
grimmest days. You see, in May 1565, the Knights of St. John 
were using the small Mediterranean Island of Malta as a base 
from which to attempt to stem the imperialistic advances of the 
powerful Turkish Empire.
    In May 1565, 40,000 experienced and merciless Turkish 
troops landed on the island to crush the brave members of this 
religious order. Facing them during a violent siege, which 
would last more than five months with more than a mere 8,000 
Christian soldiers, of whom about 700 were Knights.
    There were also a thousand local men, women and children 
who were there to help the defenders. With virtually unlimited 
resources, the Turks made attack after attack on the two small 
fortresses that sheltered the defenders. The fortress was Fort 
St. Elmo.
    Every day, 6,000 to 7,000 iron, marble cannonballs were 
hurled at the fort as its soft stone walls were pulverized. 
Every day, walls of men rushed forward to seize the stronghold. 
The Turks were certain a small fortress would fall within less 
than a week, but they had underestimated the courage and the 
commitment of the Knights. It was more than a month before St. 
Elmo fell.
    Preparing for their deaths, as the Turks massed for the 
final onslaught, the defenders used the small chaplain bell to 
signal their friends that they had made peace with God and were 
prepared for their final battle. The wounded, too injured to 
stand, were placed in chairs near the walls from which they 
opposed their foes with their final energies.
    The final grim battle for Fort St. Elmo, on the 31st day of 
the siege, lasted over an hour. At its close, the overwhelming 
Turkish force turned its attention to the remaining crusader 
fortress in Malta.
    As we pause today to remember and commemorate the lives and 
members of the armed forces of the United States who have gone 
ahead of us, it occurs to me that the members of the VFW have 
far more in common with the Knights of St. John than simply the 
shape of our emblem.
    Indeed, I would like to suggest this morning that you share 
at least three priceless characteristics which these soldiers, 
who so willingly sacrificed their lives in the defense of ours. 
And what are these qualities to which I refer?
    Along with the Knights of St. John, each of you display a 
generous degree of compassion, courage and commitment. To some 
of those outside the armed forces, it sounds contradictory to 
say that members of the profession of arms can be guided by 
compassion.
    But to those of us who are members of this distinctive 
family, it is so obvious. We know very well the love which 
reaches out to aid those in need. We take care of our own is 
more than simply an empty phrase. What is more, we take care of 
others in need, even when they are not our own.
    One needs to look not further than Bosnia or Rwanda, to see 
who it is who is there to help. When America is helping people 
around the globe, the Americans carrying food and medicine are 
almost always wearing a uniform like the one which each of you 
has brought credit to.
    We members of the military community have seen compassion 
in our midst with such frequency that I am ashamed to admit 
that most of us have taken it for granted. We have seen people 
make tremendous sacrifices, such as being separated from their 
loved ones for months at a time, so that people they have never 
even met are free to live in peace and security with their 
families.
    American citizens in uniform have willingly gone to foreign 
shores often at great personal cost, not to serve a selfish 
purpose, but rather they have journeyed to the fortress, 
beaches, jungles and deserts of the world to defend the people 
and defend that precious gift of freedom and liberty.
    Yes, compassion has motivated many that we have seen in our 
midst. Many of those in our number today here in this 
conference hall have been privileged to witness one of the 
greatest miracles of compassion and unselfishness that can ever 
be experienced by a human being.
    Though the memory is not without pain, it is all something 
very, very precious. Although the recollection of such 
sacrifices reminds us of the deep personal loss, I am convinced 
that those who have witnessed the death of a fallen comrade, 
life lives forever transformed and enriched by the sharing of 
that moment.
    For you, without a glimmer of a doubt have beheld ultimate 
compassion. There is a French proverb, ``Gratitude is the 
heart's memory.'' The gratitude that you feel today and every 
day for their sacrifices is the most fitting memorial that we 
can hope to offer.
    The acts of compassion worked by the VFW are as numerous as 
its members. In communities all over our nation, you are 
volunteering to work with troubled youth, homeless families, 
handicapped, and individuals, and virtually everyone who 
possesses a need.
    You are freely and generously contributing your resources 
and energy to make the United States and the world a better 
place. Why? Because you profit in some manner? Certainly, you 
are not only motivated by compassion, but you see the need and 
you respond.
    This willingness to respond, to act upon the compassion you 
feel when you recognize need is an evidence of the second 
quality you share with the defenders of Malta, courage. Many 
people recognize need and they simply immerse themselves more 
deeply in their selfish pursuits to drown out the cry.
    Others see the troubled state of the world about them and 
they flee for refuge to the false security of drugs or alcohol. 
But these are the paths of cowards. You, on the contrary, see 
the need, but instead of running away you face the fear and 
confront the darkness. Only a fool is never afraid or 
intimidated by the challenges facing them.
    George Patton said that in the heat of battle courage is 
fear, holding on a minute longer. And in a similar vein, Eddie 
Rickenbacker noted that courage is doing what you are afraid to 
do. There can be no courage unless you are scared. So, if you 
sometimes feel that the obstacles are too great to surmount, 
that is a test in some particular endeavors and will be 
impossible to attain, then take heart.
    Your courage can still prevail. Don't surrender when you 
know you are right. I will just share one example. As important 
as the issue is to many, in the current political climate, 
there are those who despair about ever gaining a full 
accounting of American POWs and MIAs from World War II, Korea 
and particular Vietnam.
    Most Americans, in fact, do not know how many thousands of 
sons, sisters, brothers and fathers these numbers represent. 
Yet, despite the times when calling for the fullest possible 
accounting appears a futile appeal, the VFW boldly continues to 
make this one of its primary goals. I commend you. I commend 
you for your concern, I commend you for your constancy, I 
commend you for your courage.
    The third quality you possess is commitment. In our day of 
instant gratification, it is anything but popular to say that 
something takes time; but it does. You the members of the VFW 
have proven that you are committed to what is right for the 
long haul. You don't leave the plow when the tilling gets 
rough.
    You understand what Adlai Stevenson meant when he said, 
``Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but 
the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.'' Yes, we all 
have been particularly moved when we have recited the Pledge of 
Allegiance or sung the National Anthem. Of course, we have had 
to catch our breath when we stood at the Tomb of the Unknown 
Soldier or the Vietnam War Memorial.
    Who wouldn't become emotional as they stroll through 
Arlington Cemetery? But we know all too well that such emotions 
don't last. They are simply precious moments. It is in the 
daily grind, the ongoing commitment to doing what is right that 
things get done.
    It perplexes me that the unbounded enthusiasm and 
patriotism which treated American veterans in the aftermath of 
the Gulf War evaporated so quickly. I don't doubt that it was 
sincere, yet it was based not on thoughtful commitment to 
principles involved, but simply on the emotions and the relief 
of the moment.
    That, and I believe, unfortunately a degree of national 
penitence for the mistreatment of the returning Vietnam 
veterans two decades earlier caused this sudden evaporation. By 
contrast, you as members of the VFW possess a profound and deep 
commitment to your beliefs, a commitment that you have in 
common with the defenders of the Malta more than four centuries 
ago, which reminds me I didn't finish the story about the 
Knights of Malta.
    You see, that siege of the island after the fall of St. 
Elmo continued during 1565. The crusader casualties were 
horrible as the months passed, conditions in their remaining 
strongholds deteriorated to the point where their hope was 
nearly gone.
    Yet, the Knights of Malta and their comrades remained 
steadfast. Strengthened by compassion, courage and commitment, 
they defied the overwhelming odds and refused to spare their 
lives by denying their God and embracing a new faith.
    Finally, on the verge of defeat, but not surrender, a small 
relief force of 16,000 did arrive with reinforcements. The 
mighty Turkish army already battered by the much smaller 
crusaders and defenders fled after one final battle in which 
they were utterly brutal as they boarded their enormous fleet 
to return to Constantinople.
    Hardly a man, woman or child on Malta was unscarred by this 
siege. By the close of the conflict, only 600 defenders of 
Malta were capable of fighting. Seven thousand have died and 
the remainder were severely wounded. However, the ships 
returning to Constantinople carried 25,000 fewer soldiers than 
they had arrived with in May 1565.
    The Knights of Malta had stood with courage in the face of 
incomprehensible odds and they had emerged victorious. 
Likewise, no matter how intimidating the challenges which seem 
to face you or the prestigious organization, I have confidence 
that the VFW will always emerge triumphant. Is there any wonder 
that you have chosen for your theme this coming year ``Anchored 
in Pride''?
    One closing thought, which is also inspired by the Pro Deo 
Patria portion of the VFW emblem. We recently commemorated the 
50th Anniversary of D-Day, the day that sounded the death knell 
for fascism in Europe. Some of you were there.
    Without its section, the allied leaders on that day were 
convinced that their cause was not only right but holy. It was 
only appropriate that they sought divine blessing for the 
invasion of Normandy. In rereading the words of General 
Eisenhower's Order of the Day to the allied troops invading 
France, I was struck by the degree to which they affirmed the 
ongoing vision and mission of the VFW.
    I quote General Dwight Eisenhower. ``The tide has turned, 
the free men of the world are marching together in victory. I 
have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and 
skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. 
Let us all beseech the blessings of almighty God upon this 
great and noble undertaking.''
    Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this special 
occasion. May God continue to richly bless and comfort you and 
to also fill you with overflowing compassion, courage and 
commitment as you continue to pursue this great and noble 
undertaking.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, General, for the very 
fine memorial message. We will now be led once again by the 
Trinity Life Center Choir in singing America the Beautiful.
    [Whereupon, the Trinity Life Center Choir led the assembly 
in singing ``America the Beautiful.'']

               INTRODUCTION OF COLONEL ARCHIE T. ROBERTS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: The names of four chaplains, 
Lieutenants George L. Fox, Clark V. Poling, John P. Washington 
and Alexander D. Goode, will never be forgotten. Chaplains Fox 
and Poling were Protestant Ministers. Chaplain Washington was a 
Roman Catholic Priest. Chaplain Goode was a Jewish Rabbi. 
Although their religious traditions differed, they were united 
in the spirit of sacrifice that was their foundation.
    When the Army Transport, the Dorchester, was torpedoed and 
sunk in the North Atlantic off Greenland in February 1943, they 
gave their life jackets to others in hopes those lives would be 
saved. The four chaplains perished in those icy waters. A 
postage stamp was issued in their honor.
    In Philadelphia, the Chapel of the Four Chaplains preserves 
their memory for all posterity. I wish to bring to the podium 
now Chaplain Archie T. Roberts for his remarks from the Chapel 
of Four Chaplains. Past National Chaplain, Archie T. Roberts.

  PRESENTATION OF THE CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS LEGION OF HONOR BRONZE 
                               MEDALLION

    COLONEL ARCHIE ROBERTS: Thank you very much, Commander-in-
Chief Cramer. As he related the incident that we are all so 
very familiar with, and as we have celebrated the days of World 
War II the past couple of years, and look forward to that, we 
certainly know that this stands as a true and eternal message, 
not only of that day but for all of the future generations, as 
well as the importance of mankind working together.
    So, it is a privilege for me to represent the Chapel of 
Four Chaplains here this morning to present an award to one who 
symbolizes that kind of giving of himself in the service of 
others, one who was recognized by the Chapel some years ago for 
the giving of himself in his local community, and certainly now 
for the past few years at the National level.
    So, Commander-in-Chief Cramer, it is an honor and privilege 
for me to present to you the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of 
Honor Bronze Medallion.
    If you would come forward, please. This is awarded to 
George R. Cramer, Commander-in-Chief of the VFW. And on the 
reverse Pro Deo Patria, which is, as the General said, For God 
and Country, which you truly symbolize.
    The award for the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion is 
presented to George R. Cramer by the Chapel of Four Chaplains, 
Valley Force, Pennsylvania, in recognition of outstanding 
service to all people regardless of race or faith. This award 
symbolizes for all Americans and for all time the unity of this 
nation founded upon the fatherhood of one God. Congratulations, 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief Cramer.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Archie, I just certainly want to 
thank the Chapel of Four Chaplains for the prestigious award 
and recognition. It is even more important, Archie, because you 
gave it to me.
    We will now join the Trinity Life Center Choir in singing 
``God Bless America.''
    [Whereupon, the Trinity Life Center Choir led the assembly 
in ``America the Beautiful.'']
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We will have the Benediction by 
Reverend Immanuel Wasson, Holy Trinity AME Church.

                              BENEDICTION

    REVEREND IMMANUEL WASSON: Let us bow our heads. Lord let us 
all leave this service with a prayer in our hearts for the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars and their families. Help us to 
appreciate those who have given their lives for our safety, and 
now to the congregation when you return to your homes tell your 
friends and your relatives that Las Vegas is not only a city of 
bright lights and glitter but we love the Lord and we serve him 
with all of our heart.
    Now, unto him that is able to keep you from falling and 
unto the presence and to present you faultlessly for his glory 
with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Savior, the glory 
and mighty dominion and power both now and forever. Amen.

                           RETIRING OF COLORS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would like to express my 
appreciation to the Trinity Life Center Choir for being with us 
today. We certainly appreciate your presence.
    [Whereupon, the Retiring of the Colors was performed by the 
VFW National Honor Guard.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Will you all remain standing 
while the Sergeants-at-Arms escort the Gold Star Parents and 
Gold Star Wives out, please.
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS GEORGE SARVER: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, 
the Closing Ceremonies have been performed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would like to thank you all 
for attending this Memorial Service of the 95th Annual 
Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I look forward to 
seeing you this afternoon at the Awards Luncheon. Please note 
the doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Thank you again for 
attending.
    32D ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON HONORING ALL AMERICAN COMMANDERS AND 
                        NATIONAL PROGRAM WINNERS

                        HILTON CONVENTION CENTER

                        SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1993

    George R. Cramer, Commander-in-Chief and Mrs. Juanita 
Crowe, National President, Ladies Auxiliary, were Host and 
Hostess of the Thirty-second Annual Awards Luncheon, 95th 
National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States.
    The Invocation was given by Reverend Charles W. Edwards, 
Jr., National Chaplain.
    The menu for the luncheon was Chilled Melon in season, Beef 
Tenderloin Tips in a La Deutsch with Pearl Onions, Normandie 
Vegetables and Rice Pilaf, Apple Pie, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, 
Brewed Decaffeinated and Tea.
    Toastmaster for the event was Paul A. Spera, Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief.
    After the presentation of awards for the All American 
Commanders and National Program Winners, Reverend Charles W. 
Edwards, Jr. Chaplain, gave the Benediction.

                         Presentation of Awards

                   all american department commanders

    Donald Kilmer, Alaska; Leslie Thone, Arkansas; Raymond 
Sisk, California; James Boyt, Europe; Niel Ramsdell, Florida; 
Glenn Mitchell, Georgia; Norbert Enos, Hawaii; Alvin Mason, 
Idaho; Eddie Akers, Kentucky; Alan Winter, Maine; Joseph 
Nassar, Maryland; Leslie Blanchard, Mississippi; Herbert 
Tellkamp, Nevada; James Ferguson, New Mexico; William Penn, 
Pacific Areas; F.E. ``Gene'' Warden, Texas; Frederick Peyton, 
Utah; William Myette, Vermont; George Berthiaume, Washington.

                    all american district commanders

    Alabama--James H. Brewer, 4; Arkansas--Jerry Cloud, 9; 
William Walden, 13. California--Leonard Herrst 4; Dennis R. 
Atwood, 13; Stephen C. Highnight 17; Fred V. Vogler, 22. 
Europe--Myron H. Murley, 4. Florida--Robert M. Sprute, 7; 
Sidney R. Holm, 10; Rocky E. Albert, 13. Georgia--Ben Clay, 5. 
Illinois--Vincent J. Medina, 6. Kansas--Leon Shaw, 3. 
Kentucky--Jack N. Moore, 13. Maryland--Gregory J. Abbott, 17. 
Michigan--Barry J. Estill, 6. Minnesota--Clarence R. Fyhrlund, 
6. Mississippi--Leonard Slade, 3; Glenn O. Patterson, 5. New 
Jersey--Walter R. James, 9; Donnie C. Wine, 11; Brune W. 
Schlueter, 12. New York--William J. Stackman, 3. Ohio--Raymond 
R. Burrows, 1; George M. Householder, 7; John R. Johnson, 12. 
Pacific Areas--John F. Welsh, 3; Rhett O. Webber, 7. Rhode 
Island--Ernest Frappier, 1. Texas--Doyle W. Sloan, 1; Richard 
L. Johnson, 9; Richard J. Crissman, 10; Gary L. Kinson, 21.
                 all american county council commanders

    Montgomery, Ohio--Robert Legault. Lake Geauga, Ohio--Guy 
Speakman.

                      all american post commanders

    Alabama--Charles Gavin, 3550; James Green, 4388; Phyllis 
Crowden, 5140; Fred Wynn, 5818. Alaska--Horace Johnson, 9978; 
Arkansas--Samuel Walters, 2278; James Randazzo 4507; Raz 
Munholland 4548; Donald Nelson, 7769; Mark Cybulski, 9095; 
Odell Stricklin, 10442. California--Kenneth Robbins, 85; 
Alexander Brown, 1512; James Sehrt, 1934; Leslie Mahler, 3255; 
William McDonald, 3982; Roy Springer, 4084; Manfred Poole, 
4647; Hugh Hartfield, 5394; Lyman Indermuehle, 8547; Dale 
Samuelson, 10165; Donald Roberts, 11133. Connecticut--Dominic 
Romano, 7330. Delaware--William Wailes, 475. Europe--Austin 
Mansfield, 89; James Landreth, 8862; Martin Mieras, 10436; 
Jaudon Davis, 11281. Florida--William Taylor, 2811; James 
Walden, 4781; John Logan, 8463; Donald Pierce, 8696; Norman 
Auger, 10097; Thomas McDole, 10137; Thomas Koulan, 10209; Carlo 
LaPollo, 10757. Georgia--Hubert Swecker, 665; Ben Clay, 1100; 
Leonard Ott, 6330. Illinois--Roy Russell, 99; Joe Dannels, 
2223; Junior Murray, 4549; Terry Wright, 9759. Indiana--Ivan 
Dimmett, 1114; Leo Farnsley, 3281. Kansas--Larry Salzman, 7479. 
Louisiana--Milton Foster, 7286. Maine--Joseph Gallant, 832; 
Larry Smith, 11363. Maryland--Claude Groom, 482; Noble Sutphin, 
6506; William Berry, 6694; Kenneth Britter, 9862. Michigan--
Raymond Kolka, 485; Gerald Hawkins, 3243. Minnesota--Roger C. 
Fahrenkrug, 5555. Mississippi--J.L. Beeson, 4889; James 
Teeters, 6473; Willie Lindsey, 9832. Missouri--James Farmer, 
3777; Leonard McGee, 5896; Richard Palmer, 7147. Nebraska--
Richard Doty, 247; James Brown, 2503; John Lossi, 3704. 
Nevada--James Martin, 3819; Alfred Staff, 10053. New Jersey--
Juan LaBoy, 157; Joseph Fortunato, 453; Edward Damiano, 6805; 
Daniel Firus, 9112; James Felton, 9503. New Mexico--Donald 
Brown, 11384. North Carolina--Sherrill Brawley, 6480; David 
Brooks, 7383. Ohio--John Wasilko, 1500; Craig Swartz, 2947; 
Charles Smith, 4736; Talmadge Bailey, 7201; Nathan Sternberger, 
8437; Mark Caniff, 8850. Oklahoma--Ronald Slowick, 2270; Donald 
Connelly, 3669. Pacific Areas--James Luther, 10215; Sammy 
Skipper, 10269; Victor Ferrer, 11435; Jerry Bristle, 11447. 
South Carolina--Arthur Mann, 10420. South Dakota--Sid Walter, 
628; Daniel Sigmund, 1273. Texas--Richard Crissman, 812; Roy 
Paulk, 1475; Henry Salisbury, 2772; Danny Henry, 4372; Jack 
Meadows, 4380; James Nordyke, 6873; Harvey Henderson, 6899; 
James Zimmerman, 7211; Hubert Brast, 8577; Bobby Cook, 8790; 
Albert Poste, 8919; Louis McCellan, 8923; Alonzo Bryant, 9181; 
Edward Rodriquez, 9186; John Dread, 9191; David Dickens, 9286. 
Vermont--Robert Dean, 2571. Virginia--John Dodge, 1503. 
Washington--James Van Slyke, 2995; Niel Lavin, 4760. West 
Virginia--Eugene Patrick, 3856; Alvin Johnson, 8365. Wyoming--
James Little, 2316.
                        national program winners

    Americanism--Post 7472 and Ladies Auxiliary, Ellicot City, 
Maryland; District 2 and Ladies Auxiliary, Department of 
Minnesota.
    Community Activities--Division I: Post 5812 and Ladies 
Auxiliary, Pueblo West, Colorado; Division II: Post 2681 and 
Ladies Auxiliary, Marietta, Georgia; Division III: Post 9969 
and Ladies Auxiliary, Del City, Oklahoma; Division IV: Post 
4876 and Ladies Auxiliary, Altus, Oklahoma.
    Loyalty Day--Post 5290 and Ladies Auxiliary, Conyers, 
Georgia; District 9 and Ladies Auxiliary, Department of 
Washington; Allegheny County Council and Ladies Auxiliary, 
Department of Pennsylvania; Department of Texas and Ladies 
Auxiliary.
    Youth Activities--Post 302 and Ladies Auxiliary, Kansas 
City, Missouri; District 14 and Ladies Auxiliary, Department of 
Maryland; Department of Washington and Ladies Auxiliary.

                          parade leaders award

    First Place--Department of Europe. Second Place--Department 
of Pacific Areas. Third Place--Department of Utah.

                  national department division winners

    Division I--Department of California.
    Division II--Department of Florida.
    Division III--Department of Missouri.
    Division IV--Department of Washington.
    Division V--Department of Iowa.
    Division VI--Department of Kentucky.
    Division VII--Department of Mississippi.
    Division VIII--Department of Maine.
    Division IX--Department of Vermont.
    Division X--Department of Pacific Areas.
    Division XI--Department of Europe.

                           conference winner

    Western Conference--100.58% + 2,181

                      department conference winner

    Western Conference--Department of Pacific Areas.
    Southern Conference--Department of Mississippi.
    Big Ten Conference--Department of Missouri.
    Eastern Conference--Department of Europe.
                         JOINT OPENING SESSION

                        MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994

    [The Joint Opening Session of the 95th National Convention 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the 
81st National Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary was called to 
order on Monday, August 22, 1994, at 9:00 o'clock a.m., in the 
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, by Comrade 
Albert J. McMindes, Chairman of the VFW 95th National 
Convention Committee.]
    COMRADE ALBERT McMINDES: Good morning. Welcome. Please 
clear the center aisle and please take your seats. Sergeants-
at-Arms, please retire to the rear of the hall to prepare the 
National Honor Guard for the presentation of the Colors.
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS GEORGE SARVER: Yes, sir.

                         ADVANCEMENT OF COLORS

    [Whereupon, the National Honor Guard advanced the colors at 
this time and the Pledge of Allegiance was given.]
    COMRADE ALBERT McMINDES: We will have the Invocation by the 
National Chaplain, Reverend Charles W. Edwards, Jr.

                               INVOCATION

    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Edwards gave the Invocation.]
    NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: The Opening Ceremonies 
have been performed.
    COMRADE ALBERT McMINDES: We have put together for you a 
review of the 1993-94 year. Please watch your video screens and 
enjoy the presentation.
    [Whereupon, a video presentation on the 1993-94 
``Commitment to Service'' year was presented at this time.]

                                WELCOME

    COMRADE ALBERT McMINDES: On behalf of the VFW Department of 
Nevada, I would like to welcome all of you to our state, the 
City of Las Vegas and to the VFW 95th National Convention. We 
are proud to be the host for this National Convention. It took 
a lot of hard work to arrive at this moment, and we still have 
some work ahead of us this week.
    But the hard work is worth it, because each of these 
Conventions is a milestone in the field of veterans affairs. On 
a personal note, I am very proud to stand here this morning 
where Past Commander-in-Chief Les Frye stood five years ago to 
welcome you to our 90th National Convention.
    We sounded taps for Chief Frye this year, and in his 
passing the VFW lost one of its great leaders and the 
Department of Nevada lost a dedicated and a dear comrade and 
friend. In the days ahead, we will carry on the work of Les 
Frye as well as the work of those dedicated comrades who 
founded our organization 95 years ago.
    If only those founders could see us today. We are over two 
million strong, with over 10,000 Posts serving all of America's 
27 million veterans and their families. I think they would be 
proud of what they have founded and proud of us and all that we 
have done to carry on their work and make their dreams come 
true.
    Our work is not yet completed. As you meet this week, you 
will have 222 Resolutions to discuss, vote on and then put into 
action. In addition, we will give awards to two dozen people 
who have served our veterans and our communities. Speakers from 
the U.S. Government and many other organizations will appear 
before us to present their views on veterans affairs and what 
we must do to approve those affairs.
    We have a lot of work ahead of us, comrades and sisters, 
and before I hand this Convention over to Commander-in-Chief 
Cramer, I would like to thank my National Convention Committee 
who have done so much his year to being us to this moment. I 
cannot thank them enough.
    If you enjoy this Convention, tell them. If there is 
something you did not enjoy, tell me. Welcome to Nevada, 
welcome to Las Vegas, and welcome to the 95th National 
Convention.

    INTRODUCTION--THE HONORABLE JAN JONES, MAYOR, CITY OF LAS VEGAS

    COMRADE McMINDES: Our next guest became the 15th Mayor of 
Las Vegas in May 1991. She has presided over the city's change 
from a small town to a major metropolitan area.
    A champion of public and private partnerships, her Mayor's 
Committee for a Better Community has succeeded in renovating a 
shelter for homeless women, children and establishing a 
neighborhood community center offering social, recreational and 
educational programs.
    She recently raised $150,000 from the business community to 
fund a city and county government consolidation study which 
realized a savings of more than $35 million in city and county 
services.
    She serves on a variety of influential Boards affecting the 
Las Vegas Visitors and Conventions, transportation, housing, 
flood control, clean air, senior citizen concerns, and she also 
serves on the Nevada State Commission on Nuclear Projects, and 
is Chair for the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Communications and 
Transportation Committees.
    A mother of five children, she maintains an active 
involvement in the community. She was recently recognized by 
the Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs for her community 
service and was the 1992 Woman of the Year for the National 
Conference of Christians and Jews. She is listed among the 
2,000 Notable Women in America and was recently recognized as a 
member of the Distinguished Women of Nevada.
    The Chief Executive Officer of a restaurant and catering 
company, a Director of Research and Development for another 
company, President of the Fletcher Jones Management Group, 
please welcome the Mayor of Las Vegas, Jan Laverty Jones.

      GREETINGS--THE HONORABLE JAN JONES, MAYOR, CITY OF LAS VEGAS

    MAYOR JONES: Thank you. It is both an honor and pleasure to 
be here this morning to welcome the Veterans of Foreign Wars on 
the occasion of their 95th Convention. It is also a great 
pleasure for me to welcome you to one of the world's finest 
resort destinations but also one of the most livable cities in 
the country.
    One of the little known facts about Las Vegas is per capita 
we have more churches, schools, Little League, Cub Scouts, Boy 
Scouts, Girl Scouts, Frontier Girls, Pop Warner Football Teams 
than any city of our size in the country. I invite you, if you 
have the time, not only to visit our resort area but take a 
little time and go out and see what a wonderful city we are 
really to live in.
    Your presence here today reinforces your commitment to 
ensuring that our country continues to remain a leader and 
dominant power in accepting responsibility in the world. The 
2.2 million dedicated men and women of the VFW, have our deep 
devotion and heartfelt thanks for your unselfishly answering 
the call of our country in our hour of need. That is what your 
presence here today means.
    The great personal commitment and sacrifice of each of you 
so the hopes and future of those of us behind and all our 
children can be realized, as well as to promise all of our 
future generations that we will live in a country that is free 
of war and free of the threat of war.
    It is that simple hope and common vision that has united 
our country. We owe a great deal to all of those who have 
fought and died on foreign soils for the cause of freedom and 
for the foundation of peace we enjoy today.
    My sincere thanks to all the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 
selecting Las Vegas as the site to host their National 
Convention. I am very pleased to offer my personal, best wishes 
and also those of the city's residents. One of the things, even 
though I know this is a very serious occasion, I noticed that 
earlier they said if there were any problems, call your 
Commander. You can also call me.
    One other thing we attempted to do, and I know most of you 
won't be spending time in the casinos, but as mayor I want you 
to know one of the things we try to do for our special 
conventions is make sure all our slot machines are set at a 
rate that the return will be very favorable in your interest.
    That is just a little something we offer. I can't promise 
anything on roulette or the crap tables. For those of you who 
may lose, I want you to know that 56 percent of those revenues 
go to educate our children. School started this morning, so you 
are not losing money, you are helping to educate the children 
of Nevada. Enjoy yourselves and please all come back and visit 
with us again.

INTRODUCTION--THE HONORABLE BOB MILLER--GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA

    COMRADE McMINDES: Whether you fly into the Las Vegas area 
or drive, it is hard to ignore the beauty of Nevada. Our next 
guest, who is committed to preserving the natural beauty of 
this great state, was elected Governor in 1989. He is Chairman 
of the Western Governors' Conference and serves as Chairman of 
that group's Committee on Natural Resources.
    He is active in the National Governors' Association, 
serving as lead Governor of the Infrastructure Committee, the 
Transportation Committee, and is Chairman of the Legal Affairs 
Committee.
    In 1993, he was appointed by President Clinton to the 
Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations and the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, or as we know it FEMA. A 
strong advocate for justice and public service and safety, he 
formerly served on President Ronald Reagan's nine-member 
President's Task Force on Victims of Crime.
    Entering Nevada politics shortly after receiving his law 
degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, he has served as 
Clark County District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney, 
Las Vegas Township, Justice of the Peace, and as a uniformed 
officer in the Sheriffs' Departments of both Los Angeles and 
Clark County. He was the first Legal Advisor of the Las Vegas 
Metropolitan Police Department.
    He served his country as a member of both the U.S. Army 
Reserve and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, receiving his discharge 
at the rank of E-6 in 1973. He is the father of a boy, two 
girls and the husband of a former teacher of the hearing 
handicapped.
    Please give a warm welcome to the Governor of the beautiful 
State of Nevada, Bob Miller.

                   RESPONSE--THE HONORABLE BOB MILLER

    GOVERNOR MILLER: It is exciting to stand here and look out 
at so many attendees, and it is truly an honor to welcome all 
of you to the Silver State for your 95th Annual Convention. I 
know that every veteran believes in hard work and in playing 
hard, and I know that you will be working hard, and now having 
seen your ambitious opportunity for the play of every sort, you 
certainly will be able to combine both of those while you are 
here in the Las Vegas area.
    In Nevada, our state slogan is ``The Battle Born.'' It is a 
slogan that dates back to the beginning of the Civil War when 
Nevada was the first to achieve statehood in those times. But 
it is a slogan that Nevada veterans have carried into battle in 
every conflict since right up to modern conflicts like Desert 
Storm.
    All Nevadans embrace their slogan in support of our 
veterans. I am proud to be the Governor of a state that has 
more veterans per capita than any other state. Those Nevada 
veterans, like all of you, are the people who have been part of 
a long history of this country's commitment to defending 
freedom and liberty around the globe.
    Without the contributions and sacrifices of veterans of all 
of our previous wars, this country might not now have the 
opportunity or ability to defend freedom around the world. Your 
accomplishments and sacrifices have not only resulted in 
victorious individual awards, but have also laid the foundation 
for a legacy of peace and democracy for generations to come in 
this country and on foreign shores.
    Every American needs to remember the contributions made by 
our veterans. It was just a few months ago that the world was 
reminded of the significance of long-range impact of those 
contributions during the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. It was an 
opportunity for the whole world to be reminded that America's 
military forces aren't employed purely out of self-interest but 
also in the interest of peace and freedom for all people.
    When General Dwight Eisenhower announced to the world the 
D-Day landing on the coast of France, he said, ``I call upon 
all who love freedom to stand with us. Now together we shall 
achieve victory.'' Nevada veterans, all the veterans of this 
country, stood together on battlegrounds around the world and 
here on our home front in support of our combat troops. To this 
day, our veterans stand together. They stand together in 
support of each other and in support of their communities, and 
as the case with comrades in arms, our veterans will continue 
to be victorious in their efforts to make their lives and the 
lives of their fellow citizens better.
    I look forward to standing with you together in that 
effort. I thank you for returning to Nevada. I am sure you will 
have not only a productive but a pleasurable conference. Thank 
you.

                   PRESENTATION OF AMERICAN FLAG SETS

    COMRADE McMINDES: At this time I would like to call on 
Mickey Scherer, the Ladies Auxiliary National Patriotic 
Instructor, to the podium, please.
    NATIONAL PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR MICKEY SCHERER: Thank you 
very much. I would just like to take a moment to reflect back 
to two memorable occasions, one being December 7, 1941, the 
1991 anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Going back to June 6, 1944, 
to 1995, the 50th Anniversary of the invasion of Normandy.
    On these anniversaries, how many memories have been stirred 
up, friendships renewed, tears shed? These two flags being 
presented today are being dedicated to those men and women who 
served in the armed forces of the United States and to the many 
who gave their lives for the cause of our freedom. I would just 
like to quote a few lines from a poem written by Herb Lee 
Watkins.
    It states, ``What was inside of them that overcame their 
fear, what made them leave the homes they loved and families 
held so dear? What made these men lay down their lives to stem 
the tide of war, for now they must rest beyond the blue, upon 
the golden shores.
    ``I am much more than just a flag that decorates a pole, I 
am faith, the hope and the love within the G.I.'s soul. And if 
a flag could really talk, here is what this flag would say, to 
every soldier laid to rest, `Come fly with me today'.''
    Honorable Bob Miller, Governor of Nevada, and Honorable Jan 
Jones, Mayor of Las Vegas, we of the Ladies Auxiliary of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States are proud to 
present to each of you this piece of cloth. It is our symbol of 
liberty. The red represents the sacrifices of our brave 
defenders; the white, our desire for liberty; and the blue 
represents the loyalty and human dignity of all our people.
    May these flags presented to you today always be displayed 
proudly. Thank you.

               INTRODUCTION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER

    COMRADE McMINDES: It is now my sincere pleasure to 
introduce the gentleman who will lead this 95th National 
Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    When the VFW looks for leaders, we seek men of integrity 
and strength of character. We seek men with the ability to 
motivate and encourage us to greater accomplishments for 
America's veterans. Commander-in-Chief George R. Cramer has 
proven himself to be just such a man.
    A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, George earned an 
Air Medal and the Bronze Star as an artillery surveyor with the 
6/14 Artillery, 1st Field Forces. He served in Vietnam from 
October 1967, through December 1968.
    He joined the VFW in 1969. He was quickly recognized for 
his leadership abilities and ultimately served as an All-State 
Post Commander in 1972-'94, an All-American District Commander 
in 1976-'77, a 100 percent State Commander in 1982-'83, and an 
All-State Post Quartermaster from 1976 through 1985.
    George's commitment and service are also recognized outside 
the VFW in organizations like the American Legion, the 
Dibrovsky Club and the Scottish Rite.
    He is a Life Member of VFW Post 6869 in North Riverside, 
Illinois. George and his wife, Linda, son Scott and daughter 
Cheryl reside in Woodridge, Illinois.
    For the past year, George has led the VFW in speaking out 
against full diplomatic relations with Vietnam until the POW/
MIA issue is fully resolved. He has spoken boldly against 
military intervention in Haiti and has worked hard to protect 
veterans entitlements and ensure the VA Health Care System 
remains intact and exclusively for veterans.
    Please join me in welcoming the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, George R. 
Cramer, from the great State of Illinois.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Commander-in-Chief Cramer.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Jack, for the kind 
introduction. Good morning. You know, what a better way to 
start the 95th National Convention than by having the house 
lights dimmed and our great looking National Honor Guard 
walking down the aisle with a spotlight on the American Flag.
    I want you to know that two nights ago I had the 
opportunity to be with our National Honor Guard at the football 
stadium where the native football league, Las Vegas Posse plays 
and they did a great job on the field representing you as well. 
I think they deserve a hand for what they do for this 
Association. [Applause]
    Unfortunately, the Mayor and the Governor have already 
left. I was going to tell the Mayor that we were there 
representing our organization and doing our moral support for 
the City of Las Vegas. The Posse showed up, I guess, but didn't 
do well. They came out on the short end of a 10 to 39 score.
    You know, I have always learned when I got out of school, I 
entered the military, business and now for the last three years 
I was very confused on coming out to the Silver State. I 
thought by coming out here that was perhaps a token of their 
appreciation for us coming out here, but like many of you I 
guess instead of getting some type of a souvenir to take home 
we are making the Silver State while we are here this week.
     No year truly comes to an end in the VFW. Instead, each is 
a building block and that adds strength to our organization. 
Throughout my travels this year, I saw the work, the dreams and 
the progress of those that preceded me as VFW Commanders-in-
Chief.
    It can be said of them that in their time they built for 
the future. I feel the same can be said of our year. The work 
that each of you did this year will have an impact today, 
tomorrow and for many tomorrows to come. Because of you, the 
POW/MIA issue is closer to being resolved.
    You held the line on the cuts to the VA budget, and you 
asked that the future budgets address the needs that have been 
neglected for so long. You took the joy and happiness to 
hospitalized veterans around the country, and you set the VFW 
on a new course of veterans service in co-sponsoring the Golden 
Age Games.
    I must tell you this is the third year I have had the 
opportunity to attend the games, and one of the individuals, a 
very proud individual that is partially handicapped, and in 
both of these games, in a wheelchair, is a competitive guy. I 
have been talking to this guy for three years.
    This year I had the opportunity to present him with one of 
his medals. As I was presenting his medal and saying something 
to him, he said, ``You know, Chief, I have got to tell you 
something.'' I said, ``What is it?'' He held up a little card. 
It said, ``I am deaf.''
    But the whole thing, I am getting the point across is what 
these games do for those guys in the hospital. They look 
forward each and every year meeting each other and competing 
each other against the VA Hospital system, the guys in the VA 
Hospital system.
    It is because of people like yourselves that are making 
this all possible. Through programs and projects, you continue 
to serve our country and make it better than ever. You honor 
those who served in World War II through hundreds of 
commemorative events, and on D-Day, 1994, you walked the cold, 
windswept beaches of Normandy where so many fought and died for 
freedom over 50 years ago.
    You maintain our tradition of serving veterans, a tradition 
that goes back over 95 years, and through your work and 
dedication you have assured that this tradition will go on as 
long as there are veterans. You have set a new record in our 
Voice of Democracy program by contributing over $2 million in 
scholarships.
    At that Washington Conference, you awarded more 
scholarships than ever before. Even since our Washington 
Conference, two more scholarships have already been awarded for 
next year, and the day is very close where each student will 
have at least $1,000 when they go out.
    You kept the pressure on our government to maintain a 
military of defending our country against any enemy. 
Strengthening the peace time is the best defense that a nation 
can have. We know too well what can happen when a country is 
weak at home and has no foreign policy abroad.
    We don't want anyone to forget about Pearl Harbor and the 
history of America, and we don't want the cost of another D-
Day. Everything that you did this year, you met the challenges 
of the day and set the course for the future.
    I enjoyed representing you and carrying your message around 
the world. Sometimes it seemed like the day just blew by real 
quickly and, then, of course, other times it seemed like the 
day would never end. But in my case, it is the best year I have 
had, the best experience in my life.
    I have only you to thank for it. Because of people like 
yourselves, this organization will continue to honor the dead 
by helping the living through your commitment to service.
    As I told the Council of Administration a couple of days 
ago, it took us about nine months to have the opportunity to go 
in to see the President of the United States. At the Washington 
Conference, I made a decision, perhaps a decision that wasn't 
received well by many of you out there, but in respect to the 
office of the presidency of the United States, I, along with 
Larry Rivers, on May 20th went in to visit President Clinton in 
the Oval Office with several other veterans service 
organizations. One at a time, of course.
    While Larry and I were there, we presented the VFW priority 
goals to the President. I personally asked him verbally and 
with a typewritten letter to attend this Convention. I want you 
to know that it wasn't until two weeks ago that he and/or his 
staff refused to attend this Convention. In addition to that, 
with the exception of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse 
Brown, also told us that no other cabinet member was available 
for our Convention or any other Convention.
    I want you to know last Monday Vice-President Al Gore 
attended a union convention in Chicago and, of course, he met 
with the Chicago Police Department for some unknown reason.

   PRESENTATION OF VFW GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT AND CITA- TION TO LADIES 
                   AUXILIARY PRESIDENT JUANITA CROWE

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: It is a singular pleasure to 
introduce our next honoree. An outstanding leader, she 
represents the more than 770,000 women of the Ladies Auxiliary 
to the VFW. She and they have contributed greatly to the VFW's 
success over the past year.
    She was elected National President at the 80th National 
Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary in Dallas, Texas, last year 
at this time. Her theme, ``Volunteers for a Better World,'' set 
the tone for a year of outstanding achievement.
    During the past year, a Ladies Auxiliary Museum was 
established at National Headquarters in Kansas City with more 
than $22,000 donated by the members. In keeping with her theme, 
the Ladies Auxiliary volunteers contributed an all-time high 
$46 million conducting community service and patriotic programs 
during the '93-'94 year. The ladies volunteered more than 3.7 
million hours at VA Medical Centers, nursing homes and other 
hospitals across the nation.
    Another highlight of the past year was a total of 
$3,088,173 raised for cancer victims and research. This is the 
sixth consecutive year the Auxiliary has raised more than $3 
million.
    Without question, the Ladies Auxiliary experienced a banner 
year under our next guest's leadership. Please honor the Ladies 
Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with a warm welcome 
for their National President, Juanita Crowe, from the great 
volunteer State of Tennessee.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Gold Medal 
of Merit and this Citation awarded to Juanita Crowe, National 
President, Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
1993-'94.
    ``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 to ``Volunteers for a Better 
World''.
    ``In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States, this 22nd day of August, 1994.'' It is signed by myself 
and, of course, by Howard Vander Clute, our Adjutant General.
    Juanita, I publicly want everyone to know that it has been 
a real pleasure for me to have the opportunity to serve with 
you these last three years.

           RESPONSE--LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT JUANITA CROWE

    LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT CROWE: Commander-in-Chief 
Cramer, National VFW and Auxiliary Officers, Comrades, Sisters 
and Guests:
    I am deeply honored to receive this special award from the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars and I thank you very much. This 
Convention marks the completion of the 80th year that the 
Ladies Auxiliary has served as a partner with the VFW towards 
our joint goals of serving American's veterans and our 
communities.
    I am proud to have been able to play a role in that caring 
legacy. I am pleased to have been able to join our Commander-
in-Chief Cramer in his dedicated ``Commitment to Service.''
    I thank each of you here today for your continued 
dedication to our organization and for the tremendous efforts 
you have put forth conducting our programs. You truly are 
volunteers for a better world. It is a better world because of 
you and your ``Commitment to Service.''
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, thank you for the leadership you 
have provided and for the tremendous feeling of cooperation 
that you have fostered during your term of office. May you have 
a very successful year and I, too, have certainly enjoyed 
serving with you and for you for the last three years. Thank 
you so very much.

                  INTRODUCTION--HELEN PUTNAM BLACKWELL

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Seated in the audience this 
morning is the daughter of our founder, James Putnam, the first 
Commander-in-Chief of our original organization, the American 
Veterans of Foreign Service.
    This lady has continued in the family tradition of service, 
recently completing a term as President of the Department of 
Arkansas Ladies Auxiliary. Please give appropriate recognition 
to Mrs. Helen Blackwell.

 INTRODUCTION--GENERAL RAY DAVIS, USMC (RET.), CHAIRMAN OF THE KOREAN 
                  WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Next, being a Korean veteran 
himself, I would like to call on Past Commander-in-Chief John 
Staum to introduce our next guest.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief Cramer. Madam President, Distinguished Officers of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Distinguished Guests, my Fellow 
Comrades and Sisters:
    It is a pleasure to stand before you this morning as a 
member of the Korean War Memorial Veterans Advisory Board and 
to present to you and introduce to you the Chairman of that 
Board. I asked the Commander-in-Chief for this special 
privilege and he graciously consented to let me do this.
    I am introducing to you this morning a great American 
fighting man, and I am sure once you listen to his speech this 
morning you will agree with me that he is a great, great 
person.
    For the past eight years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 
its Ladies Auxiliary have generously contributed to the 
building of a monument in our nation's capital to honor those 
who fought and died in freedom's cause during the Korean War.
    To date, the VFW's contribution has exceeded our original 
$500,000 commitment to the Korean War Memorial by more than 
$100,000.
    Next July 27th marks the 42nd anniversary of the signing of 
the Korean Armistice and the dedication of that Memorial to 
those who served and sacrificed in the Korean War.
    For an update on this Memorial, we are most honored to have 
with us this morning the Chairman of the Korean War Memorial 
Veterans Advisory Board, General Raymond G. Davis.
    During the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Davis commanded 
the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division from August 
to December, 1950. Besides receiving the Medal of Honor for 
action during that period, he also earned two Silver Star 
medals, the Legion of Merit with Combat ``V,'' and later, as 
Executive Office of the 7th Marines, the Bronze Star Medal with 
Combat ``V''.
    Prior to his retirement, he served as the Assistant 
Commandant of the Marine Corps. A World War II veteran, Korean 
War veteran and Vietnam veteran, my friends, in all my private 
life, my business life and my affiliation with the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, I have had the honor of 
meeting many great and distinguished people in this United 
States and throughout the world, but this man rates right at 
the top.
    So, I ask you to please give a great welcome to the 
Chairman of the President's Korean War Memorial Advisory Board, 
General Raymond G. Davis, United States Marine Corps, (Ret.) 
General Davis.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to General Davis.]

                    RESPONSE--GENERAL RAYMOND DAVIS

    GENERAL DAVIS: Thank you, John. That was most generous. In 
fact, somewhat overpowering. I would like today initially to 
reflect on what happened in this hall yesterday, which was my 
first great privilege to attend your Memorial Service, and I 
must say it was totally outstanding.
    I was indeed moved to tears. I swelled with pride, I was 
thrilled to the depths of my spirit, challenged to ever moving 
forward in support of those great causes which we all serve. I 
congratulate you, I commend you and I certainly salute you.
    I am here today to talk about those eight years that John 
referred to in bringing forth the Korean War Veterans Memorial 
in Washington. It is now being constructed. I was there last 
week at the site near the Lincoln Memorial. As some of you may 
know, the water table in that area is just two feet below the 
surface.
    We have repaired that and we have compacted the soil. We 
have driven the piles, and last week we poured the foundation 
for the 19 figures which will be soon in place. On a recent 
visit to the foundry, we observed the 19 figures in full size, 
seven to eight feet, being readied for casting.
    A side statement about that visit. Five out of the first 
seven we disapproved of the facial features. Somehow sculptors 
and artists know only people who have pointed ears and long 
noses and sunken eyes and terrified looks on their face. We 
have corrected that.
    We have now approved 11 out of the 19. I have just been 
told that the rest are ready for our approval. I think that the 
sculptor is now convinced, because we told him time and time 
again, that these are young gallant warriors embarked on a 
mission where they are dedicated and determined to have 
victory.
    That is what you will see on the faces of those figures in 
our Memorial. The wall, 180 feet long, will depict all those 
who supported this formation of foot troopers. Huge boulders 
from the desert near San Jose, California, are hauled to 
Minnesota--it is black granite--sawed into slabs eight inches 
thick, ten feet by four feet in size, highly polished, and 
etched with a computerized system.
    We have approved most of that and, of course, we have our 
friend John there in the vicinity to carefully oversee that 
part of the operation. The list of those being lost is being 
researched, being sorted out and will soon be ready for display 
in a manner which many of you have seen at the Naval Memorial, 
an upgraded automatic process where all will be seen with their 
activities and possibly their photographs. All of this will be 
at the site of our Memorial.
     The Memorial is to be finished in May or June of next year 
and will be dedicated on the 27th day of July, the date of the 
Armistice in Korea. It is a three-day event. You will find in 
the registration area here in Las Vegas copies of the details 
of the three-day schedule.
    Generally, the dedication is on the 27th, and all past 
presidents, the President of South Korea, representatives from 
all the nations that participated in the war will be present.
    On the second day, the assembly of flags of all units that 
participated in the war. Those who have been deactivated will 
be symbolically reactivated for this event. Then on the third 
day, of course, the parade. In anticipation of maybe up to 
500,000 veterans, families and their friends, we plan 
continuous activity and entertainment throughout this period.
    The Memorial, we have arranged to be open 24 hours a day 
for several days before and certainly after the event. No more 
than 2,000 per hour can view it carefully and, therefore, we 
have arranged to maximize its availability. Entertainment at 
the Kennedy Center, on the mall, major events near the 
Washington Memorial, fireworks, an exhibition in the 
Smithsonian Institute, art displays in the National Gallery, 
war movies, a major symposium on the war, the causes, the 
effects, the lessons, and open house in all the embassies with 
a bus fleet that will shuttle from embassy to embassy.
    A contract is being completed this week with World Travel 
Partners, a billion-dollar enterprise, will run the details of 
these activities. We now have more than 8,000 rooms reserved, 
the schedules, the travel, the communications, the local buses, 
the control headquarters, the conduct of the details of all the 
activities.
    An international flavor will be obvious. In the last four 
or five months I visited Korea three times. I briefed the 
President of South Korea. They are fully organized and they 
have committed a million dollars to recruit the best talent in 
Korea to perform at the Kennedy Center is one example.
    Their government will provide honor guards, flag carriers, 
banners. Their veterans will come, and I met here a few minutes 
ago the President of the Korean Veterans Association who is 
here. I have seen him many, many times. We are prepared for a 
major participation by Korean veterans.
    The tourists industry, some of us don't realize how many 
tourists from South Korea and other nations come to this 
country, but many of those will be diverted to Washington to 
join in this event. One thousand five hundred British veterans 
are already committed, for example.
    None of the construction money can go to this dedication 
event, and you will soon hear from us. We are now moving out 
smartly. The Battle Monument Commission has new leadership. 
General Joe Roffstodder is here. He is really building the 
fires for us in Washington.
    In the defense, General Kicklighter is here who is running 
the 50th Anniversary event. Will you stand, please. In a 
priority mail-out, in our initial lists are the 200,000 
contributors to the construction of the Memorial, and they will 
be asked to commit themselves to attending, to the purchase of 
a souvenir passport which will mark them as full participants.
    In addition to the passports, it will be an opportunity for 
contributors to receive books, prints and artifacts of other 
kinds. We anticipate a major participation by veterans and 
their families. Any surplus we raise, and this includes surplus 
which might have gone to World Travel Partners, is being put 
into a foundation to support needy veterans and their families.
    We have a prototype of a newspaper which will be mailed to 
those who indicate their participation. We will give you an up-
to-date view of exactly what is to happen in July, 1995. I have 
hundreds of copies of the three-day schedule, so when you have 
a chance go by the registration area and pick up one of those. 
After July of next year, our nation will never again forget 
Korean War veterans. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: General, certainly it is my 
pleasure, on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to present 
to you this check for $4,000 towards the Korean Memorial Fund. 
That check brings the VFW total to well over $600,000 and makes 
the VFW the largest contributor to the Korean Memorial.

    INTRODUCTION--LIEUTENANT GENERAL CLAUDE KICKLIGHTER, USA (RET.)

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: With 50 percent of our 
membership being World War II veterans, plans, programs and 
tributes on the 50th Anniversary of World War II have special 
significance.
    With us today is Lieutenant General Claude Kicklighter, 
Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army and Executive 
Director of the 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative 
Committee.
    During the Vietnam War, General Kicklighter served with the 
101st Airborne Division. Prior to his retirement, he served as 
Commanding General, United States Army Pacific.
    The VFW has an excellent working relationship with the 
committee in developing plans and programs that provide 
communities across America with a greater understanding of the 
lessons and history of World War II.
    Please join me in giving a VFW welcome to a VFW Life Member 
and the Executive Director of the 50th Anniversary of World War 
II Commemorative Committee, Lieutenant General Claude M. 
Kicklighter.

  RESPONSE--LIEUTENANT GENERAL CLAUDE M. KICKLIGHTER, CHAIRMAN OF THE 
        50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE

    GENERAL KICKLIGHTER: Thank you, sir, for those very kind 
introductory remarks.
    Commander-in-Chief, Madam President, other Distinguished 
Guests, especially General Davis, Fellow Veterans, Ladies and 
Gentlemen:
    It is an honor and privilege for me to be here in Las Vegas 
and to attend our 95th National Convention and also to provide 
you an update brief on the Commemorative Program for 
commemorating the 50th Anniversary of World War II.
    It is also great for me to celebrate my sixty-first 
birthday with you this morning. What a birthday party. I have 
never had a group like this. From the very start of this 
program, the VFW has been a leader in helping our nation 
remember and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of World War II.
    It has been an honor and privilege for me to work with our 
past three National Commanders. Commander-in-Chief Bob Wallace 
helped get this program off to a great start, and then he was 
followed by Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney, who helped move 
this program across the nation by getting involved our 
Departments, Districts, our Posts, and the Ladies Auxiliaries 
who moved this program into many of our communities across 
America.
    During this past year, it has been indeed a privilege to 
work with our Commander-in-Chief George Cramer. He has always 
been there when I needed advice and counsel and support. 
Starting right after our Convention last year, we initiated a 
program to issue the 75th Commemorative Medal to the World War 
I veterans. Commander-in-Chief Cramer was there to help kick 
that program off.
    I will tell you that we still have many World War I 
veterans out there, unfortunately, who are disappearing rapidly 
that have not received that medal. I would ask you to help us 
find those World War I veterans and make sure they get their 
75th Commemorative Medal.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer also participated and was very 
active in the recent D-Day activities in both England and 
Normandy, France. In July, we were together as we commemorated 
a very moving commemoration in Guam, as we commemorated the 
liberation of Guam with 1,200 other veterans of that battle.
    I look forward to this next year working with our 
Commander-in-Chief-Elect ``Gunner'' Kent. I look forward to 
that opportunity. Although Commander-in-Chief Cramer has 
already mentioned the purpose of the program, I will briefly 
review it for you.
    It is to help a grateful nation, and I underline ``grateful 
nation'', to remember and to thank and honor our World War II 
veterans and their families, and especially the families of 
those who lost loved ones in that war, who know the price of 
freedom.
    Also, we want to remember those who served on the home 
front and we want to remember to tell the story of the women 
who served both on the home front and in the war, and we want 
to complete the story of the minorities that served on the home 
front and the war.
    A second part of that purpose is to encourage the study of 
history of this period. When we began this program, three out 
of five Americans could tell you almost nothing about World War 
II. We want to make sure that we learn and we prepare and we 
use this knowledge to ensure our children and our grandchildren 
and our great-grandchildren never have to go through what this 
generation went through.
    So, a big part of this program is to support the local 
schools. You know, the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary are very 
active in the school program. I would like to give you now just 
a brief update of several of the programs that are helping us.
    First, I will talk about the World War II Commemorative 
Community Program. This is a grass roots program where we are 
trying to reach more than eight million World War II veterans, 
where they live, whether that is in a community, a retirement 
home, a nursing home or a veterans hospital.
    We are recognizing and we are asking our states, our 
communities, our veterans and civic organizations across 
America to join in this program and volunteer to participate 
and to sponsor at least three events each year to thank and 
honor our veterans.
    As we come to the final year of this program, we need more 
than ever the help of our VFW Posts and Auxiliaries across the 
nation. We also want to emphasize not only thanking the 
veterans but we use them to get in the local schoolhouses. Once 
a community and organization volunteers to become a 
commemorative community, they are officially designated with a 
plaque signed personally by the Secretary of Defense, as 
authorized by Congress, and they become a Commemorative 
Community.
    They receive a Commemorative Community plaque, and along 
with that plaque they receive many very professional products 
to go into local schoolhouses. To date, I am happy to report 
that there are more than 4,000 World War II commemorative 
communities across America today.
    That includes every state and every territory, and it 
includes colleges and universities, the Supreme Court, also 
television channels, and many, many other organizations that 
are a part of this. We are continuing to grow, thanks to your 
help, more than 200 new commemoratives each month are joining 
our ranks.
    Our National VFW Headquarters became a World War II 
commemorative community about two years ago, as you recall, 
when General Colin Powell made a surprise visit to our winter 
conference and presented a Commemorative plaque to our 
Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney.
    Since that time, hundreds of our VFW Posts and Ladies 
Auxiliaries have become World War II commemorative communities. 
They are doing wondrous and great things across America and 
around the world. I wish I had time this morning to share some 
of the contributions that are being made through our Posts and 
Auxiliaries, but time doesn't allow it.
    I would say that District No. 3, in Arizona, all of the VFW 
Posts and the Ladies Auxiliaries are all World War II 
commemorative communities and working extremely hard throughout 
their District. I thank you for that.
    As we come to the final year of this commemoration, we need 
all of our Posts and Ladies Auxiliaries and your communities to 
become more involved. We need to make sure that all of our 
World War II veterans are properly thanked and honored as they 
must be.
    The next area I will give you a brief update on is 
education. I don't have to talk to this group about education. 
The VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary and our committees have 
produced some superb educational materials that are available 
to all of our schools across America at no cost.
    We need you to assist in getting these materials and our 
veterans into the classroom to assist our teachers. If we 
study, learn and prepare, just maybe World War II will become 
known as the last world war.
    Howard Vander Clute and Mike Gormally have been a driving 
force in the commemorative program and our educational program. 
I want to thank both Mike and Howard for the very great work 
and support you have done for this program. If you need more 
information about either the educational or the commemorative 
program, I will ask you to check at our booth, and also the VFW 
has products out there to assist you in this as well.
    A quick update on the media. As you know, as well as I do, 
if we are going to reach young America we must keep the media 
involved in telling the story. We are working hand in hand with 
the VFW and with your Posts around the country to get our local 
stations involved.
    I would like to share with you just a couple of things that 
we are doing. One is that we have prepared some 30-second spots 
about World War II for our television stations. I am happy to 
report to you that many of the stations across America now are 
playing those spots and will continue to produce those 
throughout this next year.
    So, any assistance that you can do to encourage your local 
stations will be appreciated. There already have been more than 
50 major television programs and movies in the past three years 
that have honored and thanked our veterans of World War II. 
There are many, many more that are planned for this final year. 
So, with the VFW we will keep the pressure on the media to tell 
your story.
    The last item that I will give you is an update on this 
morning is the commemorative events. As you know, we began this 
program on December 7th, 1991, with the 50th anniversary of the 
attack on Pearl Harbor, in Honolulu and the VFW was again very 
much involved in helping make that happen.
    We have had many events that we have done since then, but 
due to time this morning I will just hit a few. I would also 
point out that at the commemorations that we do around the 
world, they are normally done on the site where the battle 
takes place, and it is also done in many sites across America. 
That will be the model that we will use throughout the rest of 
this program.
    In June 1994, we commemorated the battles in Italy, the D-
Day landings in Normandy and the liberation of Saipan, and 
Tinian in the Pacific. In June '94, we had the liberation of 
Guam, a very moving ceremony in the Island of Guam.
    In August, we commemorated the landings in Southern France, 
and the 25th of August we will commemorate the liberation of 
Paris. In September '94, we will commemorate the liberation of 
Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Then we will be back 
in the Pacific to commemorate the Battle of Peleliu and Palau, 
one of the toughest and bloodiest battles of the war.
    In October, we will commemorate the great naval battle of 
Leyte Gulf and General McArthur's return to the Philippines. In 
December '94, the Battle of the Bulge, both in Belgium and in 
St. Louis, Missouri. Then we come to the final year, 1995.
    In February-March '95, we will commemorate the Battle of 
Iwo Jima. We will do this initially in Washington, and then we 
will have three separate ceremonies during the period of 
February and March on the Island of Iwo Jima. In March '95, we 
commemorate the crossing of the Rhine River at the Remagen 
Bridge in Germany. That is the first time we have had a 
commemoration in Germany.
    In April through June, we will commemorate one of the most 
significant and the toughest battles of war when we commemorate 
the Battle of Okinawa. We will initially commemorate this in 
Washington, but we will finish the commemorations and the last 
commemoration before ``V-J'' Day will be on the Island of 
Okinawa.
    Also, we will commemorate in Russia on April 25th, we will 
commemorate the U.S./Russian link up on the Elder River both in 
Germany, Washington and Moscow. May 8, 1995, is the end of the 
war in Europe and VE Day will be commemorated throughout Europe 
and all across America, remembering the end of the war and 
tyranny comes to an end in Europe.
    Then in July '95, we will all be in Washington, D.C., to 
help General Davis unveil the Korean Monument that we are so 
excited about. Then September 2nd is the end of the war in the 
Pacific. This will be our last event during the celebration, 
and we will close the World War II commemoration with an 
international event, with many heads of state participating in 
Honolulu.
    We will have major end of the war ceremonies all across 
America in major cities across America. We will be glad to 
provide a list for you on that. Then the program officially 
closes November 11, 1995, Veterans Day. Throughout America that 
morning we will remember the price of freedom that we had to 
pay 50 years ago.
    No generation has ever been given a tougher job than the 
World War II generation. You have fought the most destructive 
war in history, a war that we were not prepared for, and we had 
to buy time to get prepared with lives of young Americans.
    You literally saved the world as we know it, and it is 
appropriate that we remember and that we thank you. No matter 
what we do to honor this very special generation, it will not 
be enough. Every day, when we wake up and look around at this 
strong and free and beautiful America, we must always remember 
that this nation didn't just happen, it happened because brave 
men and women answered our nation's call 50 years ago as they 
always have done and as they will always do.
    It has been said that any nation that forgets its veterans 
ceases to be a great nation. America will never forget its 
veterans. A grateful nation does remember. God bless America. 
Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, General. In 
appreciation of not only what you are doing for World War II 
activities, but also in appreciation for your service to the 
country that we all live in, and on behalf of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, it is my pleasure to present 
to you your Life Membership in the VFW.
    GENERAL KICKLIGHTER: Wow. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Working very closely with 
General Kicklighter is Colonel Kevin Hanretta. Certainly, 
Kevin, in addition to what I said to the General, we are most 
appreciative of your efforts as well and on behalf of the VFW I 
would like to present to you your Life Membership in the VFW.
    Yesterday, our Annual Memorial Service was dedicated to the 
memory of two distinguished Past Commanders-in-Chief, Lewis G. 
Feldmann of Pennsylvania, and Leslie M. Frye of Nevada.
    Witnessing that Memorial Service and with us this morning 
is Thomas Fagan, a Feldmann, a nephew of Past Commander-in-
Chief Lewis, with a message from the family. Mr. Fagan.
    MR. THOMAS FAGAN: The Veterans of Foreign Wars meant a 
great deal to Lewis Feldmann. On behalf of Lewis' widow and the 
rest of the family, I would like to present this memorial to 
the VFW in honor of him.

             INTRODUCTION OF ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The purpose of this next 
introduction is to honor a gentleman who is no stranger to 
these proceedings. He has given 36 years of service to our 
great organization. He has made significant contributions to 
the VFW and to America's veterans.
    Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., was appointed Adjutant General 
in 1981, after serving as Commander-in-Chief of this 
organization during 1979-80. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, he 
served with the Army Corps in Germany through 1951 and '53. He 
later joined and remained a Life Member of VFW Post 6467 in 
Bergenfield, New Jersey.
    Howard Vander Clute was elected Post Commander in 1958 and 
ultimately served as an elected officer of the Post, County 
Council and the Department at all levels. He is a past All-
American District Commander. He was an All-American Department 
Commander of New Jersey in 1974-75, and has served as the 
Chairman of the National Security Committee, on the National 
Council of Administration, General Resolutions Committee, and 
the National Budget and Finance Committee.
    In 1972, former Governor William Cahill of New Jersey 
appointed Vander Clute State Veterans Day Chairman. In later 
years, New Jersey's Governor Brendan Byrne appointed him to two 
successful four-year terms as the Chairman of the State 
Veterans Service Council.
    During his years as Junior and Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief, Vander Clute made fact-finding trips to Europe, the Far 
East, the Middle East and Central America. He also appeared on 
Good Morning, America, Today and Tomorrow Shows representing 
the VFW on major issues of interest to all members.
    Vander Clute is married to the former Susan Stamm and 
resides in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has served the VFW 
for the past 13 years as its Adjutant General.
    Sergeant-at-Arms, will you present our guest to this 
podium. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming a man 
who has become an institution in our organization, Howard E. 
Vander Clute.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Adjutant General Vander Clute.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The citation reads, ``Gold Medal 
of Merit and Citation awarded to Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr.
    ``In special recognition of his extraordinary service as an 
articulate spokesman and exceptional advocate for our nation's 
veterans and for the programs and purposes of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars that is more than 36 years of leadership rendered 
in every elected office at the Post, County Council and 
District and on the National levels for which he received All-
American honors as the District and Department Commander of New 
Jersey, followed by his election to serve on the National 
Council of Administration, representing New Jersey and 
Maryland.
    ``In his election and advancement through the Chairs to the 
highest office of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States in 79-80, at which time his single achievement and 
brilliant leadership as National Commander-in-Chief propelled 
the organization and its membership in front of the rest, and 
in its sincere appreciation for continuing to serve the 
organization with great dignity, high esteem and unparalleled 
expertise, and innovation for another 13 years as the Adjutant 
General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.''
    Howard, it is a pleasure for me to sign that citation and 
for John Senk to sign for you. Thank you, for all your efforts 
on behalf of the VFW.
    I thought it was important at the employees party the other 
night that the employees were a part of this first, because 
they were the people that purchased the pin. At the party, I 
showed Howard the pin. I said I have got to take it back 
because they bought it at Sears and it is broken, so we have 
got to return it and get it fixed.
    It was not broken, but I wanted to keep it for this special 
occasion. So, it is a proud moment for me to present to you the 
only Past Adjutant General's pin.

                RESPONSE--ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE

    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Commander-in-Chief, I always 
prided myself in the fact that I knew everything that goes on 
at a National Convention. I am a hands-on sort of a manager, 
and much to the irritation of my staff at times. Every day of 
this Convention, we review carefully the daily agenda before we 
come here in the morning, and everybody has a copy. Obviously, 
there was one copy that got by me this morning.
    Also the daily business of the organization almost always 
passes by my office. I don't know how they were able to prepare 
a citation, because I am always in on everything to be 
absolutely certain that we have all of the things that we need 
to make this convention a success.
    So, you can imagine this morning my surprise when the 
Commander-in-Chief was not reading from the same script that I 
was monitoring. Please let me say if you have set aside this 
moment this morning to pay tribute to me, let me reverse that, 
because you have given me an opportunity to serve this 
organization that has produced for me a great deal of 
excitement, a great deal of self-satisfaction and a great deal 
of pride in having the position of Adjutant General for the 
almost 14 years I have served.
    It is I who owe you a debt for which I will continue to 
work to pay off by paying attention to the policy, by 
subscribing to the policy of this organization and working in 
its best behalf as long as I can take a breath.
    Secondly, I want to thank, and I am trying to do this and 
not leave anything out, the 13 Commanders-in-Chief that I 
served during that time, beginning with Art Fellwock, who had 
to serve two terms because of the untimely death of T.C. Selman 
just a month after he had been installed as Commander-in-Chief.
    It was decided that I would have a training period in 
Kansas City under the tutelage and counsel of then Adjutant 
General Julian Dickenson. Circumstances prevented that from 
happening, because only a few days after I arrived at 
headquarters, Julian Dickenson died in the St. Mary's Hospital 
in Kansas City.
    So I was thrust into the position almost immediately. 
Commander-in-Chief Art Fellwock flew to Kansas City to install 
me in front of all of the employees. Frankly, it was an awesome 
responsibility, one that took a great deal of time to adjust 
to.
    After that initial adjustment, it was the most rewarding 
position that any member of this organization could ever hope 
to have to deal with the membership of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, deal with the Commanders-in-Chief who served it so well, 
and to work with the professional staff that all of you have 
helped to assemble.
    I say that to this audience because every member of that 
staff came from the ranks of this organization having been 
tested in the field as a volunteer before he came to the 
headquarters. I am proud of the staff that serves this 
organization, I am proud to have worked with it.
    If there have been accomplishments in that 14 years, the 
credit belongs to the staff who has focused upon the 
responsibilities that were given to them and to perform in the 
best interest of their country and of this organization.
    Before I sit down and attempt to regain my composure and 
get on with the agenda of this Convention, which is so 
important to me these few days, I want to share this moment 
with my wife, Susan, who has been there all the way. My wife is 
known to talk a lot, and it is not a very secure secret if she 
has one, but that one was well kept. Thank you everybody for 
all this great experience. Thanks again.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Howard, it was easy to keep 
Susan from telling you anything. We didn't tell her until 
yesterday.

  INTRODUCTION OF NATHANIEL BENNETT--1994 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY 
                                 WINNER

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For 47 years, the VFW's Voice of 
Democracy Scholarship Program has encouraged high school 
students to think, write and speak out on freedom and 
democracy.
    For each student, competition begins at his or her school. 
They move through the VFW Post, District and State levels, 
finally to the VFW National Competition where more than 
$100,000 in scholarship monies are given.
    All told, more than $2 million in scholarships and awards 
are provided each year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    The 1994 First Place National Winner of the Voice of 
Democracy Program is Nathaniel Bennett of Minneapolis, 
Minnesota.
    Nathaniel just finished his junior year at Minneapolis 
South High School. He is sponsored by VFW Post 1149 and its 
Ladies Auxiliary in Minneapolis.
    As First Place Winner, he is the recipient of the $20,000 
T. C. Selman Memorial Scholarship and he plans to use his 
scholarship to attend the University of California.
    Here to present his award-winning essay on ``My Commitment 
to America'' is the 1994 Voice of Democracy Scholarship First 
Place Winner, Nathaniel Bennett.
    It is a pleasure for us to present you with your medal and 
this plaque to Nathaniel Bennett, First Place National Winner 
of the Voice of Democracy Winner 1994. Young man, you did an 
excellent job.

              VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER--NATHANIEL BENNETT

    MR. NATHANIEL BENNETT: Before I begin, thank you's are in 
order. This is great. I will have to speak to my parents to 
build another wing for all the awards and medals that you have 
given me. It is amazing. It is beautiful. If I named people 
specifically, I would take up much more of your Convention than 
I think is appropriate, because all the people I have met have 
treated me so kindly and warmly, and it has been a pleasure to 
meet you all.
    So, just quickly I would like to thank my Stars Spangled 
Banner Post 49 in Minneapolis and the 7th District, the 
Department of Minnesota, and, of course, all of the members of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary, not only 
for the scholarship and for your service in the war conflicts 
and in the ladies' case keeping the country, the jobs and the 
families together when the men were gone, but also for your 
sharing yourselves with me and the American community.
    Every time I come to one of these events, it becomes more 
obvious how dedicated service you truly are. So, without 
further ado, ``My Commitment to America.''
    All of us can think of a commitment that we've made to 
someone else; in marriages, in families and with friends. 
Commitment means people pledging themselves, often to each 
other. My commitment to America is no different. It involves 
America and I pledging ourselves to each other. For America's 
part, I have been welcomed by my family, my community, a 
government that is of, by and for the people, and by a society 
that has made this country great. To make the relationship 
between my nation and myself work, I must make my own 
commitment.
    I have always felt a commitment to America, but only 
recently thought about what that commitment really is. I have 
pledged allegiance to the flag and to the republic for which it 
stands, but never fully understood the meaning of allegiance. I 
studied the Constitution, and discovered that it explains what 
the government can and cannot do, and gives the people certain 
rights, but nowhere in the Constitution does it mention a legal 
commitment. To understand my commitment to this country, I had 
to look deeper than the letter of the law. I had to look at the 
moral principles that America is based on, such as freedom of 
expression, toleration of differences, and belief in peaceful 
compromise. I had to realize that I, and every other American, 
must make a moral commitment to America.
    As part of that commitment, it is important that I exercise 
my right to vote, my right to free speech, and my right to 
petition the government. Still, this is not enough. I must also 
contribute to society in my own, individual way. America is not 
only a political state, it is a society that was shaped by many 
people, in many ways.
    Many of the greatest Americans were not involved in 
politics. If Mark Twain had been a career politician, we would 
not have his novel, Tom Sawyer, and we would not know how fun 
and profitable it can be to white-wash a fence. If Alexander 
Graham Bell had spent his life studying Constitutional law, we 
might still be communicating by Pony Express. If the father of 
the skyscraper, Louis Sullivan, had been a Washington lobbyist, 
the world of architecture would be less interesting and a lot 
shorter. If Harriet Tubman had been a member of Lincoln's 
Cabinet, there would have been many slaves that never made it 
to freedom. The point is not that these people weren't making 
political statements. Of course their lives reflected their 
political opinions. The point is that they contributed to 
society in their own way.
    Right now, I am experimenting with a few ways to express my 
commitment to America. I'm no Ansel Adams, whose pictures 
inspire awe in our nation's natural beauty, but I do take 
photographs of my surroundings that express my commitment to 
America. One of my pictures is of a building with a billboard 
displaying the message, ``Support our Troops in Operation 
Desert Storm.'' Below the billboard, on the building are the 
words, ``Troops Out'' in black spray-paint. When I took the 
photograph, I thought of it as merely an ironic urban scene, 
superimposing two messages into one image, but now it seems to 
me it is an example of the American forum. The maker of the 
billboard, the maker of the graffiti, and I, the maker of the 
photograph, all considering America's direction.
    I'm not on a par with Bob Dylan, the American troubadour, 
but I play the bass guitar and occasionally I write songs. One 
of them called ``Indecision'' describes an inner struggle. Two 
lines read, ``I try to communicate. I do so with perseverance. 
But hypocrisy retaliates with its interference.'' The tunes and 
lyrics are simple, but the song reflects my occasional 
frustrations about life.
    And what about this speech? I do not think the great 
American orator, Fredrick Douglas, will lose his place in 
history because of me, but I am using this speech to explore 
and explain my commitment to America. It made me think about 
how my photography and music reflect that commitment. Even now, 
as I recite, I gain more insight into who I am and what my 
commitment to America means.
    I've discovered that I treasure the freedom of expression 
that allows me to contribute my music, my photography, and my 
opinions to American society. My whole generation and I 
experience this freedom because of many Americans before us; 
Americans who have given their ideas in political speeches, in 
songs, in stories and in actions; Americans who have worked in 
factories and universities and grocery stores; Americans who 
have given their loyal services and even their lives, in the 
armed forces. In response to and in honor of those Americans, I 
contribute my ideas, my talents, and my life to America in 
order to make it better now and for generations to come. This 
is my commitment to America. It is the greatest commitment that 
I can make.

  INTRODUCTION--IAN McDONOUGH, VICE-PRESIDENT, RETURNED SERVICEMEN'S 
                        LEAGUE--SOUTH AUSTRALIA

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: A long-held tradition among the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars is to maintain close relationships 
with our counterparts in other countries. VFW members have 
strong affection for troops with whom they have shared the 
field of battle.
    In World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, many American 
troops fought alongside the troops of Australia. These close 
ties have carried forward in our current relationship with the 
Returned Servicemen's League of Australia.
    This morning, I am especially pleased to introduce the 
current Vice-President of the Returned Servicemen's League from 
South Australia, Ian McDonough.

                        RESPONSE--IAN McDONOUGH

    COMRADE McDONOUGH: Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Distinguished 
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. I would probably be like one of 
our Prime Ministers. He lost his trunks in the Indian Bank one 
day and got caught with his pants down. I have been 
experiencing audiences up to about 200. Your Adjutant General, 
I am very pleased to meet him, but this is a con man.
    I have only met him last Friday for the first time and I 
have met him twice since, and he has put one over on me each 
time. Being 34 years in a law agency, it is a bit hard to take, 
Howard. It has been a pleasure meeting you. I have the honor to 
present to you the Australian Flag. It is the first one 
respective government has presented outside of Australia on 
behalf of the British Governor.
    In addition, I would like to present the VFW with this 
Returned Servicemen's League gold plaque from my President in 
Australia. That was the first Con Act of your Adjutant General. 
The second one was this morning he asked me to present a plaque 
on behalf of the Australian Veterans organization, called the 
Greater Southeast Australia Association on behalf of their 
Vice-President.
    It is an honor to present this. I served in 1960 in the 
Australia Air Force. I know the area well. I most certainly 
treasure our association, so this is given to you, sir.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER. Thank you, Ian.

       INTRODUCTION OF SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE MOC--GLEN MARONEY

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER. Thank you, Ian.
    A national gathering of the Veterans of Foreign Wars would 
not be complete without a visit from the Supreme Commander of 
the Military Order of the Cootie.
    Elected Supreme Commander at the 74th Supreme Scratch in 
1993, Glen Maroney first became a member of Gopher Pup Tent No. 
2 Grand of Minnesota after joining VFW Post 246 in 1948.
    Glen is a World War II and Korean War veteran, serving as a 
U.S. Naval Officer in the Pacific Theater during the Second 
World War and being recalled to active duty during Korea.
    He has been active in both the Military Order of the Cootie 
and the VFW for more than 45 years.
    Please give a warm VFW welcome to the Supreme Commander of 
the Military Order of the Cooties, Glen Maroney.
              REMARKS--MOC SUPREME COMMANDER GLEN MARONEY

    COMRADE MARONEY: I almost thought I needed to take a bow 
out there. That is a Cootie greeting. Anyway, good morning, my 
dear friends, National Officers, Commander-in-Chief George and 
the National Officers of our Ladies Auxiliary, the beautiful 
ladies, my fellow comrades out here and friends all.
    We have your other Auxiliary that have had a beautiful year 
this year. I am extremely proud of our members and what they 
have done. We will start our Supreme Scratch this coming 
Thursday at 1:00 o'clock over at the Riviera. That will be our 
75th Anniversary.
    That is 75 years our veterans have come back to these 
encampments and to do things and have a good time and renew old 
friendships and acquaintances. Some people ask me why in the 
world would you name an outfit a Cootie? Well, this happened 
after World War I, the ones that came out of the trenches of 
Europe.
    They didn't have all these head doctors, psychiatrists, 
therapists, whatever you want to call them, that tell you today 
what is wrong and put on you Prozac. How to solve your problems 
then was in laughter, good times. They weren't so darn thin-
skinned that we couldn't tell an ethnic joke, a religious joke, 
or any kind of a joke, where like today we are not politically 
correct to start with.
    What I am saying, they got over their problems with 
laughter. Our original parameter was to both perpetuate humor 
and offer advice to American servicemen. And we still to this 
day try to have a good time in our meetings, enjoy each other 
and enjoy life. I think we should look to that a little bit 
more. We need to lighten up and let's have some fun.
    As we matriculated through the years, the Cooties got a 
little more serious program. Some of you with better ideas than 
I came up with our hospital program which they call the ``Keep 
Them Smiling in Beds of White.'' I am proud of what we have 
done in the hospitals this last year.
    We have set all-time records. I am not going to give you a 
lot of figures. You don't want to hear them anyway. We set all 
kinds of records, but one thing that has really made me realize 
how good we have been doing is the VAVS. You all know that is 
Volunteer Service for Veterans Administration Hospitals that 
puts out figures as to what the organizations do.
    There are 172 VA's in the United States or under their 
jurisdiction. We Cooties are represented in 160 of them, which 
is a good record. We need more of you, though, to join with us 
and to get those other 12. We are working on them. More 
importantly, there are 60 regular organizations who are 
registered with the VA system to do volunteer work.
    We are not number one or number two, I am sorry to say. 
That is the American Legion and their Auxiliary. We are not 
even number three and number four. That is the VFW and their 
Auxiliary in that position. Number five, no, the DAV, the 
Disabled American Veterans.
    But we are number six and we are proud of that figure. We 
are very proud of that. Our motto this year was ``Volunteer 
With Pride.'' We have some of the greatest volunteers in the 
world, and I am proud that they selected me to lead them this 
year.
    I want to reiterate and try to get through here, and it is 
a hard thing to do. When we become Cooties, we do not abandon 
the VFW. We still stay strong and work with the VFW, and under 
the leadership of our great Commander-in-Chief this year we 
have been fostering and trying to promote that word around the 
country.
    Just as an example, I have one of our Supreme Officers down 
front. He is Quartermaster of his Post. He has been District 
Commander two or three times. He has held all kinds of offices 
in his Department. Bobbie Birdett, my Supreme Adjutant 
Quartermaster, is down front. Along with him I would like to 
introduce his wife, Faye, who is our Supreme Senior Vice-
President of the Cooties Auxiliary.
    Just one more short thing and I will get out of here. I 
know we have a lot of speakers coming. I have tried to somehow 
show the fact that we are active in the VFW and we have tried 
to pick up our VFW booster program, not just a numbers game 
where we say only you members can sign up and things like that.
    We wanted the states, when we called them, to give us a 
resume on what they are doing to promote and help their VFW on 
membership. We have got some great letters from some of them. 
Some didn't respond. It is a new program and didn't get through 
the heads right away, and they have to think about it for a 
while.
    I would like to announce at this time that the Grand 
Commander Rick Allen of North Carolina will be the winner of 
our VFW Booster Program this year. Rick is here. With that, as 
I said earlier, we have had a terrific year. I am proud of the 
fact I was able to lead this Auxiliary for the VFW and I am 
especially proud to be here with George and serve with him this 
year.
    I know with Howard, George and I retiring, we will all be 
around. Howard is not going to wander off on his motorcycle 
into the sunset like the rest of us. Thank you again for all of 
your kind attention.

            INTRODUCTION OF PROFESSOR TEH-SHAUN HUNG, VACRS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For more than two decades, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars has pledged their support for our 
friends in the Republic of China on Taiwan through resolutions 
at our National Convention.
    The citizens of the Republic of China on Taiwan are proud 
of their success and 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 and model for the VFW. We 
wish to thank our friends with VACRS, the Vocational Assistance 
Commission for Retired Servicemen, for their long and 
beneficial friendship.
    Joining us today to reaffirm our pledge of brotherhood and 
comradeship is Professor Teh-Shuan Hung, Vice Chairman of 
VACRS.

                   RESPONSE--PROFESSOR TEH-SHUAN HUNG

    PROFESSOR TEH-SHUAN HUNG: Commander-in-Chief Cramer, 
Delegates to the Convention, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and 
Gentlemen.
    On behalf of the Vocational Assistance Commission for 
Retired Servicemen and the veterans of the Republic of China, I 
extend to you our most sincere congratulations on the occasion 
of the National Convention of the VFW. I am very pleased to be 
with our old friends from the VFW here in Las Vegas.
    As veterans, we have endured the horrors of war, and we 
long for peace and quiet. Unfortunately, even today, with the 
near-demise of communism as a force of evil in the world, we 
still have many trouble spots, which could erupt into wide-
spread violence, and possibly world war, at any moment. In 
Bosnia, Rwanda, Haiti, Somalia, and in a host of other places 
around the world, the embers of hate are fanned by greed, until 
they rage into a roaring fire of death and destruction.
    We believe that it is the special responsibility of the 
veterans of the Free World to unite in our efforts to promote a 
spirit of justice, which may calm the propensity toward war and 
violence. As we know, the devastation of war can only lead to 
economic dislocation, hardship, and suffering, not only for the 
military forces, but also for non-combatants within the nations 
and the people of neighboring countries.
    The VFW has always been a close friend of VACRS and the 
Republic of China. We share many common goals and mutually 
beneficial interests in veterans affairs. We both promote the 
best quality in home care, health care, education and training, 
and job placement that can be provided for our veterans. We 
understand that veterans benefits are not merely grants from 
the government, but rather compensation for service rendered to 
the nation on which no one can place a price tag.
    In the areas of foreign relations and national defense our 
two countries likewise share common aims. We are committed to 
expanding liberty, democracy, national security, and prosperity 
for all people of the world. We believe that the cooperation of 
freedom-loving people will triumph over dictatorship and 
slavery. As the Iron and Bamboo Curtains continue to fall, we 
are all hopeful that nations around the world can finally enjoy 
peace.
    For two decades, the VFW has shown its endorsement of the 
Republic of China through Resolutions at the Department and 
National levels. You have supported the diplomatic recognition 
of the Republic of China, our return to the United Nations, and 
the continued supply of advanced military equipment for our 
armed forces. For this support our people are truly grateful.
    As an important example, I would like to recall that, 
during the 1970s and 1980s, the Republic of China attempted to 
purchase F-16 fighters from the United States. Unfortunately, 
the Carter, Reagan and Bush administrations denied our 
requests. The VFW, in spite of the difficulties, knew that it 
was in the best interests of both the Republic of China and the 
United States to provide us with F-16s, under the provisions of 
the Taiwan Relations Act, so that we could maintain a 
sufficient self-defense capability.
    After almost two decades of continuous support, your 
Resolution was finally fulfilled, when President Bush 
authorized the sale of 150 F-16 fighters to our country in 
1992. We thank you and are most grateful for your unending 
efforts in this regard, and we hope that you will support our 
continued access to advanced U.S. military equipment in the 
future.
    We also hope that the relationship between the VFW and 
VACRS will continue to grow and prosper in the years to come, 
so that we will be able to enhance and foster the spirit of 
veterans' brotherhood between our organizations.
    In closing, I give you my best regards for health, 
happiness, and a most successful Convention in 1994. Thank you 
very much.
    MR. CHARLES KAN: On behalf of the Republic of China, we 
have a presentation that I have the honor to read, a 
certificate accompanying the Cloud and Banner Medal.
    ``Mr. George R. Cramer, Commander-in-Chief, The Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, has distinguished himself by 
his outstanding contributions to the promotion of friendly 
relations between the peoples of the United States of America 
and the Republic of China and to the enhancement of ties and 
cooperation between the veterans of our two countries.
    ``In appreciation of his meritorious service, Commander-in-
Chief Cramer is presented the Order of the Cloud and Banner 
with Cravat by the Government of the Republic of China, in 
accordance with Article 11 of the Armed Forces Decoration 
Regulations.'' It has been signed by Lee Teng-hui, President, 
Lien Chan, Premier, and Sun Chen, Minister of National Defense.
    We have a plaque presented by VACRS. ``Presented to Mr. 
George R. Cramer, Commander-in-Chief, the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States in appreciation of his outstanding 
contributions to a strengthening of brotherhood between the VFW 
and VACRS by the Chairman of the Vocational Assistance 
Commission for Retired Servicemen, Republic of China, August 
22, 1994.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Professor Teh-Shaun Hung, I want 
to thank you for the medal and the plaque, and also I want to 
thank you on behalf of the VFW for being a most gracious host 
when we had an opportunity to visit with you folks in the 
Republic of China.

                  INTRODUCTION OF DR. WILLIAM BENNETT

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Ladies and gentlemen, we are 
pleased and honored to have with us this morning one of the 
most exciting and intellectually stimulating speakers in 
America today. He is also the 1987 recipient of the prestigious 
VFW James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award.
    In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Bill Bennett 
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 1985, 
he was named Secretary of Education; and in 1989 he accepted 
the Post of Director of National Drug Control Policy.
    Dr. Bennett, in a decade of distinguished public service, 
earned a reputation as a man of strong, reasoned convictions 
who addresses the tough issues of our time in an eloquent, 
meaningful manner.
    In his post-government career, Bill Bennett continues to 
have a significant impact on gut issues that move the American 
people.
    Evidence of his influence on national political debate can 
be seen in his extraordinarily successful and widely praised 
``Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories,'' which 
was number one on the New York Times Best Seller List; and his 
book ``The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators'', his 
assessment of modern American society.
    A commentator and frequent guest on ``Good Morning, 
America,'' CNN, MacNeil/Lehrer and Nightline, Bill Bennett is 
currently a distinguished fellow in cultural studies at the 
Heritage Foundation and is Co-Director of Empower America, a 
public policy ``think tank.''
    A native of Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in Washington, 
D.C., where he attended Gonzaga High School. He went on to 
receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Williams 
College and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Texas, 
and a law degree from Harvard.
    Please join me in a warm VFW welcome for the Honorable 
William Bennett.
                  KEYNOTE SPEECH--DR. WILLIAM BENNETT

    DR. WILLIAM BENNETT: Thank you very much, Commander-in-
Chief Cramer, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great pleasure, 
privilege and honor to once again appear before the VFW. I 
treasure the award I received in 1987 and it was a great 
delight to get the phone call, as many of you know, last week 
inviting me to come. I have been on vacation with my wife and 
children and there are a few things I would give up for that 
family time, but I was happy to do so for your kind invitation. 
I have a reputation for speaking candidly, so let me speak 
candidly to you today.
    Though I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to 
you, I frankly do not understand why the President of the 
United States or the Vice-President could not come and speak to 
you today. For a long time it has been my view, and let me just 
say parenthetically I know we do not take sides in the VFW, it 
is not a political organization, but you will allow me free 
speech, nonetheless.
    For a long time it has puzzled me and bothered me that the 
President of the United States nor the Vice-President could not 
see fit to attend the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Jamborees. In 
doing so, to my knowledge, they were the first President and 
Vice-President to stiff the Boy Scouts in the history of the 
United States. To find out the same thing was done to the VFW 
simply adds to the embarrassment.
    To me, this is more important than Whitewater. I don't 
understand Whitewater, I may never understand Whitewater, I may 
be with many of you never understanding Whitewater, but I do 
understand what it means to neglect critical and important 
institutions. It is not as if the virtues of the Boy Scouts and 
the Girl Scouts and the virtues of the VFW were in oversupply 
in our nation that we could neglect these august institutions.

                          virtues vs. virtues

    Indeed, as I shall say in a few minutes you have given me, 
these are the virtues we need most of all. By the way, I hope 
you don't mind my using the term virtues. I feel I have made 
some contributions in getting this word back into circulation 
with the ``Book of Virtues.'' When I talked to my publisher a 
year ago about this book, he said, ``What is it?'' I said, ``It 
is a collection of moral stories for adults and children and 
adults and children together.'' Then he said why don't we call 
it the ``Book of Values.''
    I said no, it's not about values. When I hear the word 
values, I reach for my Sears catalog. This is about virtues, 
and a virtue is an excellence of character, and what we need I 
believe more than anything else today is attention to 
character, to nurturing the character of the young, and to 
instill in them the kind of virtues long associated with this 
organization and its brother and sister organizations.
    The tremendous success of the ``Book of Virtues'' has, of 
course, meant a great deal to me and my family personally and 
financially, and I don't want to stay too long in Las Vegas to 
make sure that it remains so. But it says something else about 
the country and the culture. The book was number one on the New 
York Times best-seller list, which I have to tell you as a 
conservative Republican was the nicest thing the New York Times 
ever said about me. It's a book with no pictures, there is 
nothing dirty or nasty or salacious or illicit in it, and it 
has sold 1.4 million copies.
    Three weeks ago it outsold Howard Stern's book four to one. 
Two weeks ago it outsold Howard Stern's and Roseanne's combined 
three to one. The last time I said that in public I got a phone 
call from a friend of mine named Rush Limbaugh, you may know 
him. He said, ``Don't use that locution.'' And I said, ``Why 
not?'' And he said, ``That's a hell of a thought, Howard Stern 
and Roseanne combined.''

                          winning the struggle

    But anybody who suggests that the cultural war has been 
waged and we have lost it; that Americans don't care about what 
is decent and honorable and forthright is mistaken. There is a 
great struggle going on in the country and I think the greatest 
and most important struggle going on in the country is in the 
culture.
    The stakes are these: Who wins gets to teach the children, 
and who gets to teach the children will decide what it is our 
children learn. Whether they will learn that America is the 
greatest country in the world, the greatest country that has 
ever existed, a country with faults and problems and a history 
that is mixed, but still the beacon of liberty and freedom in 
the world where whether they will learn something else about 
America.
    Who gets to teach the children will decide whether our 
history is taught accurately, whether math is taught at all, 
whether children are taught to speak English for their sake as 
well as for the sake of the identity of this country. It is a 
fight and a struggle I invite you to join. A grateful nation 
thanks you, ladies and gentlemen, for your service to this 
great country.
    It is our responsibility, people like me whose life is 
public policy, and whose life as an educator is to try to make 
it plain that our schools and colleges must teach the 
accomplishments of this country and how this country could not 
survive, could not have the greatness it has without the 
sacrifice made by you and your colleagues. So with that we 
thank you. Without the Veterans of Foreign Wars it would not 
have achieved what we achieved five years ago.

                         victory over communism

    Perhaps one of the most significant events in the entire 
history of Western civilization, the overthrow of communism and 
the victory of freedom. The long twilight struggle against 
communism of which John F. Kennedy spoke, a struggle waged by 
Republicans and Democrats alike, over the last 40 years, has 
ushered in the victory of liberty and democracy and most 
important, the American idea.
    Your contribution to that victory is not just a victory for 
the military, it is not just a victory for our children, it is 
not even a victory for America, it is a victory for 
civilization itself. Because the struggle to be clear, was a 
struggle between civilization and barbarism, between the 
goodness represented by democracy and freedom on the other 
side. Quite accurately, although to some it was a shock when 
Ronald Reagan said it, it was called ``The evil empire.'' 
Indeed, that's what it was and it was vanquished by the forces 
of righteousness, decency and freedom.
                            domestic crisis

    The struggles we face now are somewhat different, I would 
submit to you. Yes, there are still foreign problems and there 
are no doubt going to be needs and opportunities for the United 
States to involve itself militarily. History is not over, the 
military involvement of the United States in the wider world is 
not over, and yet I believe the great struggle before us is the 
struggle I described, the struggle for our culture, the 
struggle for our children, the struggle internally to the 
United States.
    The great wars that the United States has waged and won 
were not fought and won so that we could see a 560 percent 
increase in violent crime in the last 30 years. The great 
struggles and wars were not fought and won so that we could see 
a 90-point decline in the scholastic aptitude test scores in 
the last 20 years. And the great wars and efforts that this 
country has waged were not fought and won so that we could see 
an increase in illegitimacy in this country that staggers the 
imagination.
    In 1960, five percent of the children born in this country 
were born out of wedlock. In 1990, 30 percent of the children 
born in this country were born out of wedlock. Senator Patrick 
Moynihan, a Democrat from New York, and I have spoken often on 
this topic and he agrees with me that if this rate continues by 
the end of this century we will have a 50 percent illegitimacy 
rate in this country.
    This country, this republic, cannot survive that kind of 
onslaught. We did not wage the wars against fascism, Nazism, 
Stalinism and communism in order to be overthrown from within 
by a declining decay of our own institutions. Our churches, our 
schools, our neighborhoods and our families are the places and 
the beachheads where these next wars will be fought and 
decided.
    The struggle again is the struggle for our children. Public 
policies, sound public policies can make a difference. To have 
a serious criminal justice system and not one that's a 
revolving door system will make a great deal of difference. We 
have to make it plain that we no longer believe what was 
popular in the '60s and '70s--that all criminals are victims 
and must be treated as such.

                    sense of personal responsibility

    We have to have once again a clear and certain idea of 
personal responsibility, not the idea that we have seen 
recently in the courtrooms of California where a person can say 
``I'm not responsible because the riot made me do it,'' or 
``I'm not responsible because sometime in my youth I was 
mistreated.'' At the heart of American politics, at the heart 
of the American political philosophy, and at the heart of 
Western civilization I described a few minutes ago, is the idea 
of personal responsibility. If that goes, it all goes.
    As to the welfare system, it is my belief and it has been 
for some time, that we must simply end the welfare system. The 
government must say we will no longer subsidize the wantonness 
of youth. Welfare programs were started, as many of you know--
this should be a point underlined by this organization--to help 
the widows of those killed in service to their country. It has 
now been perverted into a system which rewards teenagers for 
the wantonness of the back seat of an automobile. This is not 
progress.
    And in the third area--education. We need to make it plain 
that an education is the education of mind and heart, that all 
education is the education of character. That parents want the 
schools to do several simple things: To teach children how to 
read, and write and count and think correctly and to help to 
develop ideas right and wrong that will guide them through 
life. If the current educational structure cannot provide these 
ends and reach these ends in a straightforward way, then it is 
time to turn the system back to parents. In my view, the 
American people will do better than the bureaucracies that now 
govern our educational system.

                         lessons of government

    So there are things to do in the realm of public policy. 
But I must tell you, I served in three different government 
jobs. I was Chairman of the National Endowment for Humanities. 
That's not the National Endowment for the Arts, I don't want 
you to confuse it. The National Endowment for the Arts is the 
one with the dirty pictures, the National Endowment for 
Humanities is the one with the dirty books but you have to be 
an intellectual to understand that.
    Then I was Secretary of Education where I fought with 
teachers' unions, university presidents; then I became the 
nation's first drug czar, which the only laugh line I had in 
that position was that I could refer to my lovely wife as 
czarling and to our two little boys as the czardines.
    Parenthetically, my wife thinks that my career in 
Washington is a case study in downward mobility. The thing 
started while at the Humanities, then I got into fights in 
Education, then I ended up in busts of the ``Bloods'' and the 
``Crips'' at four in the morning in Los Angeles. And when I 
left that job she asked, ``What's next dear, toxic and 
hazardous waste cleanup?''
    But I saw a lot, I saw a lot about America. I visited 
classrooms; it was my wife's idea. When I became Secretary of 
Education, she said instead of making pronouncements, why don't 
you go around the country and go to class and teach classes, 
talk to parents, teachers and kids and see what they think, 
then make your pronouncements.
    I said, ``Elaine, I'm the Secretary of Education for the 
United States, I don't do retail, I do wholesale.'' And she 
said, being a daughter of a salesman, ``Do retail and you'll do 
better wholesale,'' and I did. And I went to 105 classrooms and 
taught class, and believe me, it's difficult to teach class 
with cameras in the back of the room. Dan Quayle will tell you 
that. And I will tell you that.
    And when I was drug czar I went to 103 besieged communities 
and I said take me to where the problems are the worst and they 
would always take me to where the problems were the worst. So 
I've had a pretty good survey of the American scene and I can 
tell you that our greatest problems are not going to be solved 
by government. Our greatest problems are not going to be solved 
by public policies. The government can help, they can hinder, 
but right now I think it's doing a lot of hindering in its weak 
approach to crime and it's approach to welfare and it's 
approach to education.
                       strengthening institutions

    But the real answers I believe lie outside of government. 
They lie in the idea of personal responsibility. They lie in 
the idea of the strengthening of our institutions. And they 
lie, of course, and most significantly, in the spiritual and 
moral realm. They lie in that realm in which we are all called 
to our own sense of responsibility. What we must do first, it 
seems to me, not to conclude, is to attack the idea of 
dependence in our time. There is an idea in our time of 
dependence on government which we must slough off if we are to 
regain our sense of personal responsibility.

                            richmond debates

    In the Richmond debate, the last of the presidential 
debates almost two years ago now, there was an important moment 
to me--the single important moment of that political campaign. 
A man about 40 years old, wearing a pony tail, approached the 
podium in Richmond--the interactive debate you remember with 
Clinton and Bush and Perot--and he said to the three men, ``We 
are your children,'' said this 40-year-old man, ``one of you 
will become the President. What will you do to take care of our 
needs as your children?''
    ``As your children we have needs, what will you to do take 
care of us?'' It was a shocking question. This question that 
was asked in Richmond not far from where Madison and Jefferson 
are buried, this man, this self-governing citizen referred to 
himself as a child in the presence of the future President of 
the United States as the father who would take care of him.
    What was perhaps more shocking than the question was the 
answers that were given. My colleague, my boss George Bush, a 
very good and decent man, demurred a little bit then answered 
the question. He told this man six or eight or ten things that 
he would do for him.
    Then Ross Perot answered the question. Well, to be fair to 
Ross Perot, he didn't answer the question, he said something 
like open the hood and get granny out of the closet, open the 
barn and some other stuff. It was very peppy, but it didn't 
really answer the question.
    But then Mr. Clinton answered the question and answered 
with a long and elaborate litany about the things that he would 
do for this man. And that answer goes on today. Look, I don't 
want to take cheap political shots and use the VFW platforms 
and opportunity to do that, that would not be right that 
wouldn't be fair.
    The political philosophy of the party empowered is a 
coherent political philosophy; it just happens to be one with 
which I disagree. That political philosophy says this: ``Give 
us your money and we will take care of you. Give us more of 
your money and we will take care more of you. Give us all of 
your money and we'll take care of everything, cradle to grave, 
your health care, your child care, your condoms, everything you 
need, we'll take care of it.''

                          spiritual challenge

    That, it seems to me, is the challenge to the American 
political and public spirit today. We need to say something to 
that, in my view, Democrats and Republicans alike, because 
there are Republicans who participate in this philosophy. But 
Americans, whatever their political persuasion, need to stand 
up to the government and say to the government today: ``Give us 
back our money and with it our sense of responsibility.''

                        who will lead the world?

    Finally, ultimately, as you know, because this is the idea 
for which you fought, this is an idea of self-government. This 
is an idea not of being in tutelage to a federal government. 
This is an experiment in liberty, liberty of the citizens, 
liberty of all the citizens.
    I referred earlier to the great victory of freedom around 
the world. One of the great heroes of freedom of the era in the 
last ten years was Lech Walesa of Poland. Let me close by 
reminding you of what Lech Walesa said at his departure from 
the United States. He visited the United States and addressed 
the Congress, in which he thanked the American people for the 
service that the United States had provided in the cause of 
freedom. Then he went to New York City, and with the Statue of 
Liberty behind, he said goodbye to the United States. He said, 
``Thank you, thank you America for teaching the world the great 
lesson that freedom is more important than tyranny.'' Everyone 
thought he was finished, but he wasn't. He added a sentence or 
two: He said, ``Now comes another challenge for the United 
States. Take care of this country,'' he pleaded with us. ``Take 
care of America,'' said Walesa, ``for if you do not lead us, 
who will?''
    Well, we have taught the world a great lesson. Thanks to 
you and your colleagues, we have taught the world great lessons 
over centuries. Now there is a great lesson to be taught and to 
be relearned at home, so let us take care of that country at 
home.
    And I hope now that you will join with other Americans to 
fix the problems at home; to get into the struggle in our own 
country, the struggle for the minds and hearts of our 
countryman and our children.
    The ideas of America, the idea of liberty, the idea of 
freedom and the idea of personal responsibility. That is the 
great struggle of our time. Thank you very much.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Dr. Bennett, for your 
sincerity and inspirational message. Quite frankly, I am glad 
the other fellow was unavailable.
   INTRODUCTION OF GENERAL TAE-WAN CHANG, KOREAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Four decades ago, we stood 
shoulder-to-shoulder with our comrades in Korea on freedom's 
front line. We shared the hardships and agonies of a war that 
took a terrible toll not only in lives but the very fibre of a 
nation. Since then, we have continued to stand together, 
committed to defending the freedom we won. During the difficult 
days of the Vietnam War, our allies from the Republic of Korea 
joined us in fulfilling our commitment in Vietnam.
    Today, Korea, through the sheer dynamics and energy of its 
people has emerged as an economic power in that region of the 
world. It is an achievement in which we share the pride of the 
Korean people. It remains an achievement that was made possible 
by the sacrifices of gallant veterans, both Americans and 
Koreans.
    We take great pride in the special relationship that we 
share with the Korean Veterans Association. We know the courage 
and dedication of those veterans, but most of all we know their 
friendship.
    It gives me great pleasure to introduce our comrade- in-
arms, General Tae-wan Chang, President of the Korean Veterans 
Association.
    Comrades, please join me in giving General Chang a warm VFW 
welcome.

  REMARKS BY GENERAL TAE-WAN CHANG, PRESIDENT OF THE KOREAN VETERANS 
                              ASSOCIATION

    GENERAL CHANG: Thank you. Commander-in-Chief Cramer, 
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
    It is a great privilege for me to be invited to attend your 
1994 Annual Convention. I extend warm greetings on behalf of 
all members of the Korean Veterans Association.
    Dear VFW Members, the Republic of Korea, with its new 
government since February of last year, has made remarkable 
progress in all fields including politics, economy and social 
affairs. This progress and great achievements would not have 
been possible without your assistance in the Korea War. I 
extend our sincere gratitude for this assistance.
    Today, in the midst of world political turmoil, the United 
States leads the pursuit for reconciliation and peace to form a 
new world order. However, North Korea is only eager to beef up 
its military power.
    As you know well, North Korea has refused to allow complete 
nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency 
for the last six years and continues its nuclear weapons 
development. The North Korean Nuclear Program provides a 
serious threat to peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but 
also around the world.
    As you know, Kim Il Sung, the ruler of North Korea for the 
past 49 years, died last month and has been succeeded by his 
son, Kim Jung Il. The son is cruel and belligerent and this 
increases the possibility of a reckless provocation by North 
Korea. These factors have increased tension between the North 
and the South.
    Dear friends, we take great pride in our traditional 
friendship. I look forward to your continued support in 
furthering the security and mutual interests of our two 
nations. In closing, I sincerely hope your Convention will be a 
successful and rewarding one. Thank you.
    This plaque is presented to Commander-in-Chief Cramer, in 
grateful recognition of the dedication and continued support to 
the Republic of Korea and to the promotion of friendly nations 
between the two organizations. This is presented this 22nd day 
of August, 1994, Las Vegas, Nevada.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, General, not only for 
this fine plaque but I also want to thank your organization as 
well for the hospitality extended to me upon my recent visit to 
Korea.
    Before we go into our closing ceremonies, I would like to 
remind everyone our Distinguished Guests Banquet tonight will 
feature Robert Stack and Gerald McRaney. I say that because 
they are perhaps going to arrive a little late. I do want you 
to know that we will have a show that will last for about an 
hour and one-half, your entertainment. I hope you can 
appreciate what we are doing here in the entertainment capital 
of the world.
    I would like to call on our National Chaplain Dr. Charles 
Edwards for the Benediction.
    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Charles Edwards, Jr., gave 
the Closing Prayer.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This concludes the Opening 
Session of our 95th National Convention. We will reconvene at 
9:00 o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
    [Whereupon, the meeting was duly recessed at 11:50 o'clock 
a.m.]
                      DISTINGUISHED GUESTS BANQUET

                            AUGUST 22, 1994

    [The Distinguished Guests Banquet of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, meeting in the Las Vegas 
Hilton Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, was called to 
order at 7:00 o'clock p.m., by Comrade Albert J. McMindes, 
Chairman, Board of Directors, VFW 95th National Convention.]
    COMRADE McMINDES: May we have your attention. We would like 
to start the program. If you will all rise and remain standing 
until the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance is given, 
please.
    At this time I would like to call upon the National 
Chaplain, Reverend Edwards, to give the Invocation.
    [Whereupon, the Invocation was given by National Chaplain 
Reverend Charles W. Edwards, Jr., followed by the Pledge of 
Allegiance.]

                  INTRODUCTION OF MASTER OF CEREMONIES

    COMRADE McMINDES: Good evening and welcome to the 
Distinguished Guests Banquet for this, our 95th Convention. As 
your Chairman of the Board of Directors for this Convention, I 
want to extend a sincere welcome to all of you from the City of 
Las Vegas and the great State of Nevada.
    I sincerely believe that this banquet may well be one of 
the highlights of your Convention. We have a stimulating and 
what I am sure will be a memorable program in store for you. We 
hope that you enjoy the meal and the program.
    It is my pleasure, and I consider it to be indeed a 
pleasure, to have the special privilege of introducing the 
distinguished member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who will 
serve as your Master of Ceremonies for the remainder of the 
evening.
    The VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief ``Gunner'' Kent has 
been continuously active in the VFW affairs at the State, 
District and National levels since joining the VFW in 1968. The 
VFW offices include All-American Post and Department Commander, 
Captain of the All-State Team, and the Western Conference 
Chairman.
    He was named Arizona's Young Vietnam Veteran of the Year 
for 1979. He has also served as your National VFW 
Transportation Coordinator, Vice-Chairman of both the National 
Legislative and National Security Committees, and Chairman of 
the Americanism Committee. He is currently a Life Member of VFW 
Post 19972, Sierra Vista, Arizona.
    I am proud to introduce a good friend, our Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief ``Gunner'' Kent from the great State of 
Arizona.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Thank you, Comrade 
McMindes. It is truly my honor to have the opportunity to serve 
as your Master of Ceremonies for this magnificent event. For 
your pleasure, the Sun Spots will entertain with their 
appropriate music during the meal.
    After the meal, it will be my honor to introduce the head 
table and the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States. Please enjoy your meal.
    [Whereupon, the dinner was enjoyed at this time.]
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: It is my high honor to 
introduce our head table guests.
    [Whereupon, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Kent introduced 
the distinguished guests at the head table.]
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I have the privilege 
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 beginning, the VFW has drawn 
together dedicated men and women who share the same concerns 
and love for America.
    As 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 of the American veterans. Whether its efforts were 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. Throughout his 25 years of active 
involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, George Cramer has 
been a man on the move helping his fellow veterans and his 
community.
    In keeping with his motto, ``Commitment to Service'', he 
has worked hard, addressed the concerns and resolved the 
mandates of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, George R. Cramer, from the Department of 
Illinois.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Commander-in-Chief Cramer.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Gunner, for the very 
kind introduction. It will be my pleasure to surrender the 
gavel to you Friday morning. You see standing before you a very 
proud man. For the last 12 months, he has had the wonderful 
privilege of leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States and our Ladies Auxiliary.
    Leading this great organization is very gratifying. I have 
seen the results of the work and services of over two million 
VFW members and over 770,000 members of our Ladies Auxiliary 
across the United States, in Central America, Europe and Asia.
    In every city and town I visited, I saw positive proof that 
the VFW and our Ladies Auxiliary are a dynamic force serving 
our nation's communities and our nation's veterans. The year 
1994 has been a pivotal year not only for world events but in 
our continuing efforts to ensure adequate funding for the 
veterans' health care programs, ensuring that veterans' 
programs received the proper funding, maintaining the integrity 
of the VA as Congress and the Administration review our 
nation's health care programs, and in seeking eligibility 
reform in the VA health care system continue to be our biggest 
challenges.
    To our commitment to service, we have supported our armed 
forces and the need to maintain a strong national defense. Our 
VFW has committed tremendous resources and travel to the POW/
MIA issue. Our steadfast stand to resolve that issue has not 
wavered.
    Your efforts in support of every program that we have 
undertaken this past year, whether it be in community and youth 
activities, the Voice of Democracy, Post development, Buddy 
Poppies, has 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 serve with the finest men and women of our 
nation, its veterans.
    In conclusion, let me say that the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
have always and always will be committed to serving America and 
its veterans. Before my personal mission as your National 
Commander-in-Chief draws to a conclusion, I wish to say on 
behalf of my wife Linda, my son Scott, and my daughter Cheryl, 
thank you for your hard work and thank you for your commitment 
to service.
    I might say that I am sure you have noticed there is a 
vacancy next to me tonight. Linda and the kids were here and 
one of them got sick so you know where mom is. They are in the 
room, and she is taking care of the one that is sick. He is 
okay. I am sure you will find him terrorizing the hotel 
tomorrow morning.

        PRESENTATION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Our first honoree has a face and 
voice instantly recognized by nearly every American and most 
Europeans. A fifth-generation Californian, he literally grew up 
among the men and women in the performing arts.
    Stars of film, the concert stage, opera and radio were 
regular visitors during his formative years. It was only 
natural that he aspired to a career in the limelight.
    Before achieving international acclaim as a performer, he 
garnered accolades as an athlete and in motor sports. He and 
his brother won the International Outboard Motor Championships 
in Venice, Italy, and he was a National Skeet Shooting Champion 
at the age of 16. In 1971, he was inducted into the National 
Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame.
    While still in college, he began his acting career in 
earnest when he signed a contract with Universal Studios. His 
first assignment as the male lead opposite Deanna Durbin in 
``First Love'' began a long and successful career.
    However, just when his career began to pick up speed, he 
answered the call that echoed across America following that 
fateful day in December, 1941.
    Commissioned as a Navy Ensign in 1942, his shooting skills 
gained him duty as an Aerial Gunnery Instructor. After four 
years, including a year overseas, he returned to his Hollywood 
career.
    He has 40 successful feature films to his credit, including 
an Oscar nomination for ``Written On The Wind.'' However, he is 
most often identified with his emmy-award winning performance 
as Eliot Ness in the long-running TV series ``The 
Untouchables.''
    He is one of the few actors to star in four major 
television series and is currently in his sixth year as the 
host of the highly-rated ``Unsolved Mysteries.''
    He is particularly proud of the number of criminals that 
have been captured as a result of that show.
    His portrayal of law enforcement officers and his strong 
support of aggressive law enforcement have brought significant 
recognition and honor to those who serve to protect and defend 
our city streets and country roads. In addition, he has been a 
veterans advocate throughout his lengthy career.
    Please give a warm VFW welcome to a patriot, a veteran and 
a sincere law enforcement advocate. Please rise and honor this 
year's recipient of the VFW Commander-in-Chief's Gold Medal of 
Merit and Citation, veteran actor Robert Stack.
    [Whereupon, a prolonged rising ovation is given to Robert 
Stack.]
    ``The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Gold 
Medal of Merit and this Citation awarded to Robert Stack in 
special recognition of his distinguished career in motion 
pictures and television, highlighted by his sincere and 
positive portrayals of a variety of law enforcement 
professionals.
    ``In grateful appreciation for a service to America as a 
naval officer during World War II and for his commitment to 
creating a safer environment for United States citizens in the 
television series ``Unsolved Mysteries'' which he hosts and 
resulted in apprehension of dangerous criminals.''
    It is signed this 22nd day of August by myself as 
Commander-in-Chief and Howard Vander Clute as Adjutant General.
    Mr. Stack, as I told you, it is really kind of ironic that 
I should be presenting this award to you as a person who 
portrayed Eliot Ness. I told you I grew up in a neighborhood of 
your arch enemy, Mr. Al Capone.

                       RESPONSE--MR. ROBERT STACK

    MR. STACK: Cicero, Illinois? Al Capone. I am deeply touched 
and honored. An award is conditioned upon the value of the 
people who give it. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States is the finest veterans organization in the world.
    It is a kick for me tonight because I came from a military 
family in World War II. Five of us were in the Navy. From a 
Vice-Admiral aiding President Roosevelt, to a Captain 
Commander, Ensign and Seaman 2nd, and I was low one. But it is 
a fulfilling thing.
    I was on the trip two months ago when we went over for the 
50th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. To see the men 
given recognitions like the death of a salesman, respect must 
be given. Finally, these men and women, to see them with their 
medals, not just the ribbons, but to see them dressed in their 
flight jackets going back to Omaha Beach getting the accolades 
they should have gotten a lot earlier than 50 years, it gave me 
a thrill.
    I have been involved with veterans groups for the better 
part of my life. I have worked one group in particular, the 
Paralyzed Veterans. We put on a trap shoot and they shoot from 
the wheel chairs, and they can shoot the socks off anybody who 
is standing up on their two feet.
    I think one little bumper sticker puts it best that is on 
the back of one of these wheel chairs. The guys are all lined 
up, and on the back of this one it says, ``This wouldn't be the 
land of the free if it wasn't the home of the brave.'' God 
bless you, thank you and keep the faith.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Mr. Robert Stack.]
     PRESENTATION OF VFW AMERICANISM AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Each year, when we come together 
at our National Convention, one of the highlights of our 
gathering is to bestow the VFW Americanism Award. This award, 
given to an individual for outstanding contributions to the 
principles of Americanism, has been bestowed upon such notables 
as Senator John McCain, comedian Red Skelton, singer Lee 
Greenwood, actor John Wayne and many others.
    Tonight we are pleased to add another individual to that 
distinguished list.
    Our guest's show business career has not been quick or 
easy. He began acting in high school and college. Before coming 
to Hollywood, he labored long in repertory theaters and low 
budget films across the country. Coming to Hollywood, he drove 
a taxi too support his family and finance his acting classes 
while looking for acting jobs.
    His first television role was on an episode of ``Nightly 
Gallery.'' Four appearances on ``Gunsmoke'' were followed by 
steady work as a character actor in ``Where the Ladies Go,'' 
``Women in White,'' ``The Law,'' and ``Roots II.'' In addition 
to made-for-TV movies, he worked steadily on several series, 
including ``The Incredible Hulk,'' ``The Rockford Files,'' 
``Police Woman'' and ``How the West Was Won.''
    One of his fondest roles was to play the last gunfighter to 
square off against Matt Dillon in the final episode of 
``Gunsmoke''.
    Bolstered by several successful years as a character actor, 
our guest was in a unique position to pick and choose among a 
variety of offers which came his way for a series pilot.
    One particular script caught his eye and the rest, as they 
say, is history. He began the first of eight years as the 
irrepressible, yet immensely likable private investigator Rick 
Simon on ``Simon and Simon.'' He immediately followed that 
success with a four-year stint as America's favorite Marine in 
``Major Dad.''
    He takes great pride in both ``Simon and Simon'' and 
``Major Dad'' because he has been able to write, produce and 
direct, addressing some issues he considers very important.
    He co-wrote a segment of ``Simon and Simon'' titled ``I 
Thought the War was Over'' in which his character suffers from 
post-traumatic stress disorder from his Vietnam service.
    On another segment, he was able to deal with adolescent 
drug abuse, deglamorizing the use of drugs for his many teenage 
viewers.
    In addition to his show business success, he has formed the 
Entertainment Industry's Council for a Drug-Free Society and is 
a strong supporter of the John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles 
which teaches communications and educational skills to deaf and 
hard of hearing children.
    A strong supporter of American military forces, he visited 
the troops in Somalia. While there, he lived as a soldier, 
donning his flak vest and helmet as he moved from compound to 
compound. His visit was a highlight and a real morale booster 
for troops in a dismal situation.
    For his commitment to the principles of Americanism, 
demonstrated in his strong stand against drug abuse, his 
concern for those suffering from PTSD, his professional 
portrayal of a Marine officer and his support of our men and 
women in uniform, we are proud to welcome to the podium this 
year's recipient of the VFW Americanism Award, ``Major Dad,'' 
Mr. Gerald McRaney.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Mr. Gerald McRaney.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States Americanism Award, Gold Medal and Citation 
presented to Gerald McRaney:
    ``In sincere appreciation and special recognition of his 
exceptional ability as an actor, crusader for a drug-free 
America, entertainer of United States forces in Somalia and as 
a director and portrayer of an American serviceman in the film 
titled `Vestige of Honor' and a segment of `Simon and Simon' 
entitled `I Thought the War Was Over' and special recognition 
of his starring role in the `Major Dad' television series. His 
expression of patriotism by entertaining and encouraging 
members of the United States armed forces during their 
`Operation Restore Hope' deployment in Somalia and his 
initiatives through use of entertainment media to chronicle the 
devastating effects of illicit drugs by America's youth 
demonstrate his devotion to this country and to his fellow 
man.''
    This has been signed by myself and Howard Vander Clute, 
Adjutant General.
    Mr. McRaney, congratulations for what you do for America.

                      RESPONSE--MR. GERALD McRANEY

    MR. McRANEY: I am deeply touched and highly honored to be 
recognized by such a prestigious organization. I also am filled 
with a sense of humility to be presented with an award for 
Americanism knowing full well that any person in this room is 
much more deserving of it than I am.
    I just left the set. I flew in from Seattle where we are 
making a ``Simon and Simon'' movie of the week, and among the 
people working on the set is a Navy veteran of Vietnam, and 
then about a month ago I buried an uncle of mine. So, if you 
will, I will accept this honor, but not for myself, but for my 
buddy up in Seattle and in the name of Charles Lee Lewis, who 
served this country in the Pacific campaign during World War 
II.
    I do believe Uncle Chuck might be looking tonight. He is 
probably pretty proud. I thank you all from the bottom of my 
heart for the honor that you do to me, but more importantly, I 
thank you from the bottom of my heart for the honor that you do 
to the United States of America. Thank you. [Applause]

PRESENTATION OF THE DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL 
                AND CITATION TO AMBASSADOR DEANE HINTON

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Since 1970, the Dwight David 
Eisenhower Distinguished Service Award has been presented to 
eminent Americans for their individual contributions to the 
cause of American security, unity and world peace. No one is 
more deserving of this prestigious award than our honored guest 
tonight, Ambassador Deane Hinton.
    Prior to his retirement from the State Department in March, 
Ambassador Hinton was the longest serving foreign service 
officer, serving overseas for more than 50 years. Ambassador 
Hinton has served under every President since Harry Truman.
    During troubled and difficult times, he served with 
distinction as Ambassador to Panama, Costa Rico, Pakistan and 
El Salvador. In Washington, he served with the Bureaus of 
Intelligence, Economic Affairs, and European Affairs as well as 
with the Council on International Economic Policy in the White 
House.
    In 1983, he received the President's Award for 
Distinguished Diplomatic Service.
    At the time of his retirement, Ambassador Hinton was a 
Career Ambassador in the Foreign Service of the United States. 
This is the highest rank in the Foreign Service, limited to no 
more than five serving American diplomatic officers.
    Born in Ft. Missoula, Montana, Ambassador Hinton served two 
years active duty with the United States Army during World War 
II.
    Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to present 
the VFW Dwight David Eisenhower Distinguished Service Award to 
a great American and distinguished statesman, Ambassador Deane 
Hinton.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Ambassador Deane Hinton.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: ``The Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States Dwight David Eisenhower Distinguished 
Service Medal and Citation awarded to Deane R. Hinton, United 
States Ambassador.
    ``In special recognition of his distinguished career in the 
Foreign Service of the United States spanning fifty years and 
marked by his record of skillful diplomacy in handling 
assignments of extreme sensitivity and importance which have 
contributed immeasurably to maintaining global harmony and 
world order and in sincere appreciation for his exceptional 
service to the nation under every President since Harry S. 
Truman.''
    This citation has been signed by myself and Howard E. 
Vander Clute, Jr. Ambassador Hinton, thank you for what you 
have done for America.

     RESPONSE AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS--THE HONORABLE DEANE R. HINTON

    MR. HINTON: Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Secretary Brown, 
Fellow Veterans:
    Actually, I started as a Private under Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt. You are right, the Foreign Service career started 
with Harry Truman. Ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a 
singular honor for me to address you tonight. I am deeply 
appreciative of the award that the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
have bestowed upon me. It only seems unfair to subject you to 
me after dinner music, but still the Commander-in-Chief told me 
no speech, no award. So, to you, my friends, you pay the price.
    It is my pleasure being with you. Let me start by 
expressing four beliefs about the United States and the world 
that I have arrived at in these 50 years. I won't argue them, I 
will just say them.
    First, the nation's peoples, the economies and the faith of 
all of us are more definite every day than that proposed 
isolation solution to our problems, in fact, advocating formula 
for disaster.
    Second, as the United State's relative power position 
moves, even though we remain the only super power, the need to 
strengthen multi-lateral institutions is central to a secure 
prosperous future. The United Nations, as discordant as it is, 
must play an increasing role in the managing of world problems 
in crisis.
    A new world trade organization must supersede the GATT, and 
like it or not we must abide by the rule just as we expect 
others to abide by them. So, also we must continue to support 
and help fund the international financial institution's key 
regional bodies, such as the Organization of American States.
    Third, and this is critical, there is no substitute for 
United States leadership in facing up to the world's problems. 
Neither the United Nations or anything else is likely to 
function well without our leadership.
    Fourth, the strength of our position in the world depends 
on the strength of our domestic economy and society.
    Just as we should not concentrate on world problems at the 
expense of the home front, neither should we concentrate on the 
home front at the expense of our international credibility. You 
will perhaps forgive me if as an Army brat, son of a soldier, a 
one-time soldier, and as a retired Foreign Service Officer I 
reflect tonight both on the state of the world and on two 
critical instruments dedicated to advancing our national 
security, our armed forces and our foreign service.
    Neither works at its best without the other. In fact, 
resort to arms to deal with international problems is generally 
evidence of foreign policy favor, where it is the diplomat's 
job to advance the national diplomacy without the exercise of 
force. Still, diplomacy not backed up by the force, or possible 
force, is like a football team quarterback, whether to pass or 
not pass.
    For this and many other reasons that you and I know that we 
need to maintain a strong national defense establishment. We 
also need, in my opinion, a strong State Department with strong 
foreign service. You may understand this a bit better if I tell 
you something about what Foreign Service Officers are and the 
FSO's, as we call them, do.
    First, let me tell you what we don't do. I only wore 
striped pants once, and that was over 40 years ago. As to tea 
drinking, if it is not iced tea, I say that is all. That phrase 
about striped pants and tea drinking diplomats is a bum rap.
    Pastor John Gordon Mean, my boss in Guatemala, was killed 
there by terrorists in 1968. I lost other colleagues in 
Guatemala, including the military group commander. In 
subsequent years, friends of mine have been killed in Cypress, 
Lebanon, Sedan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
    Now, it is high time that the American public understood 
that the Hollywood image of diplomats and a drinking society is 
a gross distortion of the reality. There are far more hardship 
posts in Africa, Asia, Latin America and in the Middle East 
than there are dozens of the plush, expensive European Posts. 
For every London, Paris or Rome, there are Africas, Ghanas, 
Kuwaits and others.
    What does the Foreign Service do? Basically, it is the 
Washington's eyes and ears in a foreign land. Ambassadors are 
responsible for the President knowing what is going on and 
analyzing its impact on American interests, and for presenting 
recommendations to the Secretary of State and the President as 
to how best to advance those interests.
    He and his staff also conduct negotiations pursuant to 
instructions from Washington on a wide range of issues which 
may include nuclear non-deliberation, maritime law enforcement, 
participation in peace keeping, protection of the Gulf 
copyright and patent rights, extraditions, cooperation of the 
war on drugs, economic development, mutual security and 
assistance programs, allocation of radio frequencies, air 
traffic rights and a myriad of other things.
    For example, the last agreement I signed with Panama took 
years of negotiation by the Department of Agriculture experts, 
my staff and myself, related to screw worm eradication. 
Esoteric, yes. Vital to U.S. interests, no. Important, yes, to 
American Mexicans and Central American Cattlemen, and there may 
be some here tonight.
    Other less glamorous but nevertheless essential functions 
are the constant protection of American citizens; 
administrative support for a wide range of government agencies, 
the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Defense, or what 
have you, and an increasingly commercial profession in helping 
to market the U.S. exports and promoting an investment.
    I will skip a page or two. I will not put this harm on you 
people. The Ambassador and his staff, a multi-agency staff, 
should know the players in the country to which he is assigned, 
understand the decision-making process. Once you know your 
decision-making process in Washington, you know better than 
anybody else how to influence and control policy.
    If they do, then visits by high Washington officials or 
phone calls, would be followed by sound diplomatic preparation 
that can get results. On the other hand, failures in diplomatic 
preliminaries in cities. Now, in setting strategic priorities 
can easily reduce the needed reputation at the top, and each 
such failure results in the loss of prestige.
    What is far worse is loss of our credibility. The fiasco 
concerning human rights in China is a clear example. Another 
example, our diplomats in Europe should have been able to 
advise the President in advance of his proposal for a new 
ground of trade negotiations was premature, doomed to rejection 
this last June by the French President and other leaders of the 
industrial democracy.
    Let me say one or two words about the researchers. The 
Secretary of State Christopher, in recent Congressional 
testimony, called for redefinition of national security, 
putting greater emphasis on American economics and building 
democracy and meeting threats both by our proliferations and 
environmental degradation, rapid population growth, the illegal 
narcotics, and terrorism.
    The National Security Advisor, speaking at John Hopkins, 
laid out a strategy, what he called democratic awareness. He 
argued compelling that our interests and ideals require us not 
only to be significantly engaged but to lead. He is right. But 
fine words backed with shrinking resources will not get the job 
done. Indeed, the administration has not even sought the 
requisite appropriations from Congress.
    No wonder Jim Hoagland, Associate Editor of the Washington 
Post, says, describing Bill Clinton's foreign policy is like 
describing the Loch Ness Monster. How can you describe what you 
cannot see? Jim will appreciate that.
    We have opened 29 embassies in new countries in the former 
Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in a period in which the State 
Department's budget has declined by over five percent constant 
dollars. Around the world in the last few years, we have been 
firing experienced foreign service nationals and also reducing 
Americans.
    This year the intake of new Foreign Service Officers is 
130, down from 200 last year. Our service is a rather small 
one. But in addition to the immediate Edwards impact, the long-
run implication is 35 percent decrease in new officer blood in 
the Foreign Service to me is horrendous.
    There are other endless lists of consequences of excessive 
budgetary stringency. In Brazil, in a country the size of the 
United States, more or less, political officers have a travel 
budget of $3,200 for all year. How can they do their job? The 
overall appropriation for the State Department is a little over 
$2 billion for the fiscal year.
    That is less than the cost of one B-2 Bomber, a small 
fraction of the appropriation for our intelligence services, 
and almost nothing compared to domestic entitlement programs. I 
submit to you the American people cannot reasonably expect the 
Foreign Service to meet its responsibilities with declining 
resources.
    Let's look at the world. It is a mess. It is a dangerous 
complicated chaotic mess. Moreover, we as people are showing 
signs of wanting to run away from it. Fifty years ago, and 
there has been mention of this from this podium tonight, the D-
Day celebration reminded us we were a united nation, with a 
clear understanding of the imperative need of victory over the 
Nazi and Japanese aggressors.
    The Cold War period, once the dangers were widely 
apprehended and the policies containment set, the struggle of 
Communism in the Soviet Union clarified and simplified most 
critical foreign policies. There were voices of dissent, but by 
and large the leaders, the allies of the United States, had the 
clear policies and they stayed with it.
    That formula has then introduced successes unchanged today, 
simple in concept but difficult application. You must 
understand and define the American interests given the 
situation. Collect the relevant data, do some hard analyzing 
and establish strategic policies and then stick with them. 
Perseverance is pretty damn important in this business.
    Now, there is some difficulties in doing these things, and 
particularly in these days when we are seeking the television 
impact shots on the American public backing. But we have to 
recognize, and certainly everyone in this room and this 
organization recognizes that there is a cost for freedom and 
that cost is not paid as you go along. It should be encountably 
more costly as you go along.
    Leaders with a vision of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry 
Truman and Richard Nixon, or the diplomatic skills and 
consensus of the George Bush or Dwight Eisenhower are not in 
evidence today. If in an actual vision of America's future 
World War remains to be drawn, we certainly have little or no 
consensus today about our interest in the Baltics and around 
Somalia, North Korea, to name just a few places.
    I submit that it is more important than ever to strengthen 
the Foreign Service and fund it. Surely, to the extent that we 
are unable or unwilling to use force, because of public 
weariness or otherwise, our need for effective diplomacy 
becomes more critical.
    The diplomacy, like the armed forces, are but tools 
employed with vision and political, while they can help 
America's selected leaders advance the cause of democratic 
leaders.
    Henry L. Luce, in the 1940's, popularized the idea of the 
American Century. Over the past 50 years, despite some weaving, 
swerving and occasionally backsliding, Luce's vision has 
sustained American world leadership and it came to pass. With 
his prophesy fulfilled for half a century, also will be 
fulfilled with the next 50 years. Let us hope so and let us 
work for it. Thank you very much. [Applause]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Ambassador Hinton. We 
are delighted that you were able to be with us this evening. 
Your remarks are greatly appreciated.
    Before I turn the microphone over to our Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief ``Gunner'' Kent, I would just like to 
request that after the concluding ceremonies that you stick 
around for the show from the Sun Spots. When they first began 
their career in entertainment and got their start at, where 
else, a VFW Post in the Philippines and Okinawa.
    I will turn the program back to Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief ``Gunner'' Kent.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Thank you very much. I 
would like to thank everybody for a special Distinguished 
Banquet tonight and for your attention during the ceremonies.
    If everybody will please rise, we will now have the 
Benediction by the National Chaplain, Dr. Charles Edwards.
    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Edwards gave the 
Benediction.]
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Thank you very much, 
comrades and sisters. That concludes our Distinguished Guests 
Banquet. Remember, we do have a show. Please stay around.
                         FIRST BUSINESS SESSION

                    TUESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 23, 1994

    [The First Business Session of the 95th National Convention 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was called 
to order in the Barron Room of the Las Vegas Hilton Center, Las 
Vegas, Nevada, at 9:00 o'clock a.m., by Commander-in-Chief 
Cramer.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Sergeants-at-Arms, will you 
prepare the room for the posting of the colors.
    [National Sergeant-at-Arms George Sarver led the Convention 
in the Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance and 
National Chaplain Reverend Charles W. Edwards, Jr., gave the 
Opening Prayer from the Ritual.]
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, the 
Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You may be seated. If you can 
quietly come in, we would like to start the proceedings. As 
people are coming in, let me take this opportunity to introduce 
the people that are sitting on the dias. I know you know most 
of them.
    First of all, I would like to introduce the Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief, ``Gunner'' Kent, from Arizona; our Junior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief, Paul Spera from Massachusetts; our 
Judge Advocate General, Jim Plick from New Jersey; our Surgeon 
General, Dr. Howard W. Bryant from Washington; our Chaplain, 
from Texas, Dr. Charles Edwards.
    Also the Chief of Staff from Iowa, Darrel ``Sarge'' Miller; 
and our Inspector General from Minnesota, Larry Ziebarth. Our 
Assistant Adjutant General for Administrative, John Senk; 
Quartermaster General Jim Bowden, and Assistant Quartermaster 
General Joe Ridgley.
    If I may, as long as people are quietly coming in, I would 
like to introduce the Past Commanders-in-Chief on the dias this 
morning, not in any particular order. They are Past Commander-
in-Chief Eric Sandstrom; Past Commander-in-Chief and Director 
of our PAC, Bob Currieo; Past Commander-in-Chief Clifford 
Olson; Past Commander-in-Chief John Stang; Past Commander-in-
Chief Norm Staab; Past Commander-in-Chief Billy Ray Cameron; 
Past Commander-in-Chief John Staum; Past Commander-in-Chief Bob 
Wallace; Past Commander-in-Chief Ray Soden; Past Commander-in-
Chief Art Fellwock; Past Commander-in-Chief Thomas C. Walker; 
Past Commander-in-Chief Ed Hanson; our Adjutant General and 
Past Commander-in-Chief Howard Vander Clute, also Past 
Commander-in-Chief and Executive Director of our Washington 
office, Larry Rivers.
    I would like to begin the proceedings this morning by 
calling on the Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Richard 
Trombla.

                    REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

    COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174--Kansas): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, this is a temporary report of this 
Committee as of last night. Total delegates 14,769; Department 
Commanders 43; National Officers 10; Past Commanders-in-Chief 
23. That is for a grand total of 14,845 as of last night.
    Commander-in-Chief, this is a temporary report of this 
Committee at this time.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. I missed a 
distinguished guest on the dais, the Southern Conference 
candidate for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Jim Nier from 
Texas. I should have introduced Jim first.
    I would like to call on our Adjutant General for any 
announcements that there may be this morning.
    Convention announcements.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Next, I would like to call on 
the Chairman of the Committee on Convention Rules, Past 
Commander-in-Chief Cliff Olson.

                REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION RULES

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CLIFFORD OLSON: Thank you. Good 
morning, comrades. I just wanted to make sure you were all 
awake out there. On behalf of the Vice-Chairman of the 
Committee on Convention Rules, Eric Sandstrom and myself, I 
would like to thank Commander-in-Chief Cramer for this 
appointment, and I will try to make it quick.
    The Committee on Convention Rules to the 95th National 
Convention, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Las 
Vegas, Nevada, met Monday afternoon, August 22nd, and agreed to 
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 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. Debate shall be limited to ten minutes for each 
        speaker.
          4. A delegate shall be permitted to speak but only 
        twice on any one subject, or any pending resolution, 
        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 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 final rebuttal.
          5. All resolutions offered by individual delegates 
        must bear the endorsement of the Department Commander 
        or Department Adjutant and must be submitted to the 
        office of the Adjutant General for numbering and 
        referral to committees.
          6. 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.
          7. 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 just 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.
          8. 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.
          9. This Convention will not consider any resolution 
        endorsing legislation sponsored by any other veterans 
        organization, or requesting us to join with any other 
        organization in sponsoring legislation not expressly 
        approved by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
        States.
          10. No person not a duly accredited delegate or 
        member of the National Convention shall participate in 
        debate, directly or indirectly, in a viva voce vote on 
        any subject before the Convention.
          11. Unit rule of voting shall not be allowed in this 
        Convention.
          12. On roll calls, the Chairman or acting Chairman of 
        each delegation shall poll his delegation on the floor 
        and shall announce the vote of his delegation.
          13. Delegations 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. When the report of the chairman of the delegation 
        is not acceptable to all members of the delegation and 
        a poll of the Department delegates is demanded by ten 
        delegates of said Department, the Adjutant General 
        shall poll the delegates, without discussion of 
        question.
          15. Voting shall be by acclamation, except when a 
        roll call be demanded by ten delegates representing 
        Posts in ten separate Departments.
          16. 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. 
        Nominating andelection of National Officers will be 
        held according to the National Constitution and By-Laws 
        and Manual of Procedure, Article VI, Section 609.
          17. 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.
          18. Consent of two-thirds of the voting strength of 
        the Convention present is necessary for suspension of 
        the rules of this Convention. That is proposed by Cliff 
        Olson, Jr., Chairman and Vice-Chairman Eric Sandstrom.
    I move adoption, Comrade Commander-in-Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. You have heard the 
motion. Is there a second? The microphones are on two sides.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ERIC SANDSTROM: Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, I am Past Commander-in-Chief Eric Sandstrom from the 
State of Washington, and I second the motion.
     COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Comrades, you have 
heard the motion and the second. Now, on the question. Hearing 
none, all those in favor will vote by the usual sign of 
``aye''; those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.

 PRESENTATION OF VFW NEWS MEDIA AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO MR. 
                             JOSEPH GOULDEN

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The VFW's News Media Award has, 
over the past decade, become an increasingly important honor. 
In an era when journalistic integrity and objective reporting 
have been given way to textbook journalism, sensationalism and 
rampant editorializing, those members of the media who value 
truth and simply wish to inform the public need to be singled 
our for recognition.
    This year's recipient of the VFW News Media Award is just 
such an organization. Founded by veteran media critic and 
author Reed Irvine in 1969, Accuracy In Media or ``AIM'' has 
been a thorn in the mainstream media's side for nearly 25 
years.
    Accuracy in Media was created to combat the liberal bias 
infecting the nation's airwaves, newspapers and magazines. The 
mission of AIM is to foster accuracy and fairness in reporting, 
while investigating complaints of media error, distortion and 
bias and exposing them if the charges warrant.
    Most of AIM's ire focuses on TV and newspapers, but 
magazines do not escape the organization's scrutiny. AIM's 
Director of Media Analysis, Joseph Goulden, a winner of a 1971 
National Magazine Award and the author of 16 books, is dismayed 
by the prejudices he thinks distorts major magazines' coverage 
of issues like gay rights, the environment and the POW/MIA 
issue.
    In an effort to reward integrity and journalistic 
excellence, we are proud to present this year's News Media 
Award to Accuracy In Media.
    Here to accept the award is AIM's Director of Media 
Analysis, a U.S. Army veteran and respected military history 
author, James C. Goulden.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, Gold Medal and 
Citation awarded to `Accuracy In Media' in special recognition 
of AIM's exceptional service to the American public through the 
fulfillment of its mission to foster accuracy and fairness in 
reporting by its assertive investigation of complaints of media 
error, distortion and bias and its expose of warranty charges 
and in sincere appreciation of AIM's continuing efforts to 
combat the liberal bias infecting our nation's airwaves, 
newspapers and magazines.'' This award is signed by myself and 
Adjutant General Vander Clute.
    Congratulations, Joe, in what you do for America.

                      RESPONSE--MR. JOSEPH GOULDEN

    MR. GOULDEN: I accept this award on behalf of the founder 
and Chairman, Reed Irvine, who is a Combat Marine in the Second 
World War. I fought a lot of those guys in the Pacific. 
Yesterday morning, as my wife and I came through the Pittsburgh 
airport, there was one of your delegation there, and a fellow 
that is even grayer than I had a sign on his cap that said, 
``Remember Pearl Harbor.''
    That brought immediately to my mind something that is going 
on in Washington right now which our media has yet to pick up 
on, and it is the exhibit commemorating the 50th Anniversary of 
the bombing of Hiroshima. I looked at this fellow in the 
Pennsylvania delegation, and I went back to what the script 
that the Smithsonian had written with taxpayer money.
    Essentially, this exhibit said that we bombed Hiroshima, 
and actually, what these people were doing out there, the 
Japanese were defending their unique culture against the 
Western imperialism. This exhibit starts as if Pearl Harbor 
never existed as if and the Bataan death march never happened 
by the Japanese and the Asians, and it never occurred.
    We are getting cracked up on this Accuracy In Media, and I 
hope we can inspire the media to take another look at this 
version of history and of the truth. Our goal essentially is to 
do to media what they do so vigorously for everyone. That is 
Accuracy In Media is an independent watchdog and try to correct 
errors when we find them.
    A couple of issues I want to touch on briefly. In 1988, CBS 
News did a report called ``The Wall Within'', about six 
supposedly psychotic veterans, who were living as wild men in 
the Pacific Northwest. One of these men told Dan Rather, the 
interviewer, that he had personally skinned the lives of about 
50 Vietnamese civilians, men, women and children. He had the 
psychotic episode that drove him off to live outside of 
society.
    Reed Irvine was very suspicious of this report when it came 
out and he was trying to run down the identity of these 
barbarians. CBS News wouldn't turn the names over. They were 
shadowed interviews and we didn't know who they were. Finally, 
this story has been exposed to the work of the independent 
researcher by B. G. Birkett out of Dallas.
    We got the names and the records, and we found these men 
did not have combat experiences they claimed. They were Vietnam 
REMS, some who are now drawing physical disability, simply 
psychotic. They have never been in the front lines or never 
have had any episodes such as they claim.
    This goes back to something I recall from research I did a 
few years back on a book called ``The Best Years About America 
in 1945 to 1950.'' I was really struck then in the way the 
media picked up on this vet syndrome. Any veteran in the armed 
services, who had a couple of beers and got in a shuffle in a 
bar was a crazy veteran.
    The VFW and other organizations fought that false image 
very well and I think finally expunged it from the press. What 
happens, though, when CBS News is proven wrong in such a crazed 
veteran story, they were given the service records of these six 
people that they featured in this broadcast. CBS News' response 
through Dan Rather was, ``We stand by our story.'' CBS has not 
heard the last of this episode yet.
    Another issue which was stressed very strongly by AIM, and 
that is the POW/MIA issue. I will go back to one of our 
favorite persons, Dan Rather, who wrote a rather lengthy piece 
in National Review earlier this year criticizing the Clinton 
Administration for distorting normal relations with the 
Communist regime in Hanoi, jumping up and down on Bill Clinton 
for doing this.
    We went back and looked and saw exactly what Dan Rather 
suggested had been done in the way of reporting on the POW 
issue since the Clinton people came in office. In all of 1993, 
one story, one other brief mentioned period. We have been 
continuing all along the media voted the investigative press of 
this story, we could break it out in the open and find out what 
happened to those guys still missing from the four-year war 
era.
    The media are not in the habit of committing error. The 
Washington Post, as a number of other newspapers, has a person 
assigned the job of ombudsman, these are the guys that go 
through the complaints. Richard Carlwood, while he held that 
position with the Post, had this to say in print about your 
rights as a person who has been aggrieved by the media.
    ``You are not entitled to a letter to the editor, you will 
not be entitled to a paid advertisement. If we don't like it, 
we don't print it. To ask for equal time on the evening news or 
reporting newspaper is very often the base of the mood. You 
have no right to fair treatment, right to be quoted accurately 
or in context, or even quoted at all in the news reports, 
broadcasts or commentaries.''
    Now, that is a fairly civilized newspaper, and that is the 
attitude they take towards truth in accuracy. It has been a new 
show all. As was said in the introduction, a lot of people are 
getting disgusted with the media and their ability to report 
accurately and fairly. There was a poll I noticed recently in 
the National Research Center about tracking public opinion on 
various power groups in America in the last 20 years. In 1973, 
they asked American adults, ``What is your level of confidence 
in the media?'' Hardly any, 15 percent, had any confidence, 
hardly any confidence at all.
    In 1993, after 20 years of assertions, the figure was up to 
39 percent that had hardly any confidence at all in the media. 
That is four out of ten people don't believe what the media are 
telling them. By contrast, people put great confidence in the 
military. In 1993, 42 percent were confident versus only 11 
percent in the media. I think the media should be getting a 
message out of this, and not a very good message, that the 
people are not responding to distortion of the inaccuracies.
    I will conclude by saying this: AIM, Accuracy In Media, we 
stand ready to go to the defense of the military establishment 
and of the veterans when you are mistreated by the media. We 
salute you, and God bless every one of you men for what you 
have done for our country, and God's speed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Joe, along with your award is 
this honorarium of $1,500. Thank you very much.

 INTRODUCTION--THE HONORABLE JESSE BROWN, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and Sisters, it is a 
special pleasure to introduce to you our next speaker.
    Sworn in on January 22nd by President Clinton as Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown has brought a new spirit and 
direction to the second largest Cabinet Department.
    A decorated combat veteran of Vietnam, he enlisted in the 
Marine Corps in 1963, and served in Vietnam from August, 1965, 
to December, 1965. As a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 9th 
Marines, 3rd Marine Division, he was wounded in a fire fight 
near Da Nang.
    Mr. Brown was formerly Executive Director of the Disabled 
American Veterans. Throughout his career, he has worked with 
and for veterans. His life has been truly dedicated to 
veterans' issues and concerns.
    He began his employment with the DAV in 1967 in Chicago, 
moving to the DAV Headquarters in Washington in 1973. There, he 
served in a variety of positions with increasing 
responsibility, including Supervisor of the National Appeals 
Office and Deputy National Service Director.
    He was appointed DAV Executive Director in 1988 and was 
responsible for overseeing DAV's National Service, Legislation, 
Employment, Volunteer Services and Communications Programs.
    Jesse Brown has served as Chairman of the Vietnam Civic 
Committee, and was a member of the White House Conference on 
Handicapped Individuals and the Chicago Mayor's Committee on 
Employment of the Handicapped.
    Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome a fellow VFW Life 
Member and a true advocate for veterans, the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown.

   ADDRESS--THE HONORABLE JESSE BROWN, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

    SECRETARY BROWN: Thank you so very much, Commander, for 
those very kind remarks. I was listening to George, our 
Sergeant-at-Arms out there, and I was wondering if he had 
aspirations for political office. He is very good at what he 
does. In fact, I wish I had him with me in Vietnam. He is 
outstanding.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Distinguished Officers, Fellow 
Members of the VFW, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
    I do want you to know that I am so very, very happy to be 
here as we celebrate our 95th Convention. I want you to know 
that I am also making plans to attend our 150th National 
Convention. It is an honor as always to appear with Congressman 
Sonny Montgomery, the distinguished Chair of the House Veterans 
Affairs Committee, who is rightfully known as the champion for 
our veterans.
    He has proven time and time again that his feelings for our 
veterans and their families come from the heart. History, in my 
view, will probably never, never be able to fully measure the 
contributions this man has made to our nation and to those who 
have made such tremendous sacrifices and contributions on its 
behalf.
    I also should like to share with you an observation about 
this great organization. The fact is great organizations do not 
just happen. It is no accident that the VFW has been so 
outstanding for so long. Harry Truman once said in times when 
there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs 
when courageous skillful leaders seize the opportunity to 
change things and make them better. Things are better because 
of the VFW and its leadership.
    Commander-in-Chief George Cramer, Adjutant General Howard 
Vander Clute and Executive Director Larry Rivers do a wonderful 
job. They, and the rest of the excellent VFW staff, are there 
for you when you need them, and I want you to know that they 
are there for me, giving me advice and counsel.
    I personally can never, never forget the Veterans Service 
Organization that put me on the path in life that has led me to 
my highest hopes. There is a special place in my heart for our 
veterans organizations and that will never change.
    Some things have changed. For instance, the VA and the 
veterans organizations are working closely together on behalf 
of the veterans and their families. In the past year, together 
we have built a strong working relationship. I must tell you 
our good work together has not been without criticism.
    I will tell you, frankly, there have been some very strong 
accusations made against me. I have been accused of being too 
close to veterans organizations. I have been accused of 
defending their interests too strongly. I have been accused of 
being too responsive to their hopes and to their dreams.
    My friends, my fellow members, I say to you, the only jury 
that matters, I confess I am guilty. If it is a crime to work 
with those who have spent their lives helping our fellow 
veterans, I am guilty. If it is a crime to listen and be 
responsive to the needs of our disabled vets, I am guilty.
    If it is a crime to work hard for the families of veterans 
who died for world peace, I am guilty. Of course, as you and I 
know working hard and putting veterans first is not a crime. It 
is, I suggest to you, our moral obligation to care for those 
who have won the battle. I make no apologies to anyone. I stand 
with you and that shall never, never change.
    Last year, when I met with VFW leaders, they told me of 
your concerns. I heard that some things had happened at the VA 
for the first time. Over the past year, the VA veterans 
organizations working together have made important advancements 
on behalf of our veterans.
    They are advancements involving former prisoners of war, 
Vietnam vets, Persian Gulf vets, women veterans and veterans 
for our homeless. For the first time, we have trained all 
260,000 VA employees on how to treat our veterans, with dignity 
and respect when they come to our institutions.
    For the first time, the VA wrote to nearly two million 
veterans inviting them to refinance their home loans. This 
saved them $450 million a year in interest payments. We also 
wrote to 40,000 veterans suffering from the effects of Agent 
Orange. We informed them that the VA is now paying compensation 
for acne, for various forms of lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, 
Hodgkin's disease, liver disorder, PTC and multi-myeloma and 
respiratory cancers.
    Of course, we have not forgotten about our Persian Gulf 
veterans. We are providing immediate medical care and engaging 
in extensive research. I believe very strongly that we have a 
moral obligation to compensate those with undiagnosed 
illnesses.
    I have told Congress so and I have written to all 535 
members asking them to support legislation to accomplish this 
goal. Because of Chairman Sonny Montgomery, who is here with us 
today, the House has done its job and now we are waiting on the 
Senate to act.
    For the first time, the VA has made helping homeless 
veterans a top priority. We have increased spending by $20 
million. We held the first National Summit and we established a 
new $5.5 million grant program for public and non-profit 
organizations.
    The VA is also addressing the concerns of women veterans. 
We have appointed a National Coordinator and have established 
comprehensive health centers. For the first time, we have 
established task forces to include the VFW to help us reduce 
our backlog and process our claims in a more timely manner.
    We have also made great progress on some other issues that 
I know that many of you are concerned about. That is the reason 
why we are going to compensate former prisoners of war who 
developed ischemic heart disease, secondary health problems.
    For the first time, veterans are represented in the 
development of health care reform. Your VA staff, and I say 
``your VA staff'' because all 260,000 of them work for you. If 
it were not for you, the VA as an institution would not exist 
and they would not exist.
    So, therefore, I always refer to VA employees to include 
myself as your servant. They were deeply involved in helping 
formulate the health reform proposals. As a member of the 
Health Care Task Force, I must tell you quite frankly I was 
shocked at the number of people who wanted to take our Veterans 
Hospitals away from us.
    But we told them through your VA employees that this would 
be contrary to the moral obligation this nation has to those 
who have served and served honorably. We explained to them that 
we needed these hospitals to take care of the 670,000 who were 
wounded in World War II, the 100,000 that were wounded in 
Korea, the 300,000 that were wounded in Vietnam and the 500 
that were wounded in the Persian Gulf. And, of course, those 
who will become wounded in future wars.
    We explained that we needed these hospitals to provide 
nursing home-care for our older veterans, our World War I 
veterans and World War II veterans, our Korean veterans, and, 
of course, not too far beyond them are our Vietnam veterans. We 
might think of ourselves as young brats, but we are getting on 
up there. So, we need these hospitals to take care of our older 
veterans, to provide nursing home-care and to do research to 
improve the quality of care for all of our veterans.
    Also to back up our military hospitals in times of national 
emergency and, of course, to take care of all veterans who have 
served the nation and served it well. I want you to know that 
when we had finished negotiating, we walked away with a 
commitment that this nation's VA Hospitals will be maintained 
as a separate entity for our veterans. And I am excited about 
that.
    We have a commitment that our service-connected former 
prisoners of war and our low income veterans who pay nothing 
for their care, they will also be eligible for extra VA 
services not included in the national package, services such as 
long-term nursing home-care.
    On the health-care reform, we will open our doors to all 
veterans who want to get their care from the VA. For the first 
time in history, when a veteran comes to a VA Hospital, he or 
she will receive full, comprehensive care, everything that is 
needed to stay healthy.
    There will be no more questions about conditions that are 
not service-connected, but just service, just medical care, and 
that is as it should be. We have urged Congress to work very 
closely with the Chairman here to pass a bill that protects the 
best interest of all our veterans, those who have given so 
very, very much to our nation.
    We all know, quite frankly, that this is a time of great 
challenge for the VA's health-care delivery system. But I 
believe very, very strongly by looking in the depths of my 
heart that with the VFW's help, the VA will rise to accept that 
challenge.
    You may have heard that two VA employees were accused of 
illegally removing documents from veterans' files. I say to you 
that this is a betrayal of the trust that you have placed in 
them. I want you to know in this place at this time that anyone 
caught destroying your records will be prosecuted to the 
fullest extent of the law.
    There should be no guessing when it comes to Jesse Brown. 
Some people might refer to me as the honorable or the 
secretary. But the bottom line is Jesse Brown has been a 
national service officer for 27 years and he is going to die a 
national service officer.
    As a national service officer, I understand, and they must 
understand, that we need those records to establish claims for 
service connection, increased evaluation, educational benefits 
for our children and medical care for our veterans and their 
families. Therefore, we are not going to tolerate that kind of 
behavior. We are just not going to do it.
    As I look back at these and other issues, I feel that we 
can be proud of what we have accomplished together. I do not 
suggest that all of the VA's problems are solved. We continue 
to place and face many challenges, but we have proven that 
working together we can get things done. I know that this 
progress will continue.
    Recently, I was reminded of why we do what we do; why we 
have a moral obligation to help our veterans. I had the honor 
of attending ceremonies in France, marking the 50th Anniversary 
of the landings at Normandy. I was proud to see Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera and Adjutant General Howard 
Vander Clute there.
    I was so glad, very, very glad that the VFW was there 
representing our veterans who are World War II veterans. Paul, 
Howard and I knew that we were in a sacred place, 50 years 
after D-Day. I looked out at the sea which carried so many of 
our young men to an uncertain destiny.
    I looked at Omaha Beach, where every foot of sand was paid 
for with the mud of our veterans. I looked at the cliffs where 
the American Rangers achieved the impossible, and then I knew 
that in that sacred place that freedom is not free. There, in 
that sacred place, it became clear that 400,000 who died and 
700,000 who were wounded in World War II advanced the cause of 
freedom and world peace.
    This, my friends, is a story that has been played out many 
times and many places and in many wars, wars like Korea where 
35,000 died, and more than 100,000 were wounded, and wars like 
Vietnam where nearly 60,000 died and over 300,000 were wounded.
    During the span of our nation's history, over 40 million 
Americans have accepted the challenge to defend our nation's 
principles and our democratic institutions. They did so at a 
price. As a result, we must be certain that those who have 
fought to defend our freedom are not disadvantaged because of 
their service.
    There are those who may have forgotten why the VFW and the 
VA exist, why this nation has a sacred obligation to our 
veterans. Unlike many bureaucrats and politicians, when you and 
I think about veterans, we think about our friends, our 
buddies.
    We think about our mothers, our fathers, and we think about 
our sons and daughters. We think about the veteran that comes 
to the VA for care. We think about the mother and father whose 
son shall never, come home. We think about a young wife 
learning that her husband will be disabled for life.
    We think about the families and their hopes and dreams that 
will change forever. For these reasons, the VFW and VA 
understand the price of freedom. The VFW and VA understand the 
sacrifices that veterans and their families have made for our 
nation.
    The VFW and VA understand that we have a sacred obligation 
to care for those who have borne the battle, and that is why we 
do what we do. Together, I suggest to you, we will continue to 
fight to assure those that have served, those that have been 
wounded and disabled, and those that have died receive the 
respect and honor they have deserved from a grateful nation. 
So, thank you very, very much. God bless you all.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Secretary Jesse Brown.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I want you to know that on 
behalf of all of you going out and raising all the money for 
the Golden Age Games, that is one time we saw the Secretary 
smile this year, just a couple of months ago, when Larry Rivers 
and I went into the Secretary's office in Washington and 
presented him, on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a 
check for $50,000.
    Mr. Secretary, I know you said you are going to make plans 
for the 150th Anniversary of this great organization and you 
said you were going to die a service officer. Mr. Secretary, 
you are a Life Member and General Order No. 1 says you cannot 
die. [Applause]

PRESENTATION OF VFW HALL OF FAME AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO MR. 
                              PETER GRAVES

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Each year the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars Hall of Fame Award honors an individual from the 
field of entertainment who has made a significant contribution 
to America and her veterans. We are particularly delighted to 
honor this year's recipient this morning.
    Our honoree has combined an enormously successful film 
acting career, from the classic ``Stalag 17'' to the hilarious 
``Airplane,'' with an equally rewarding TV career encompassing 
more than a half-dozen series, several major mini-series and 
numerous movies-for-television.
    Since his film debut in ``Rouge River,'' he has starred in 
a host of leading roles in such motion pictures as ``The Court-
Martial of Billy Mitchell,'' ``A Rage to Live,'' ``The Raid,'' 
``The Ballad of Josie,'' ``The Long Grey Line,'' ``Texas Across 
the River,'' ``Five Man Army,'' ``Number One With a Gun,'' 
``Airplane II'' and others.
    His series credits include ``Court-Martial,'' ``Whiplash,'' 
``Fury'' and ``The Rebels,'' plus two Time-Life series, 
``Discover: The World of Science,'' in national syndication and 
on PBS-TV.
    Additionally, he created the role of Palmer Kirby on ABC-
TV's ``The Winds of War'' mini-series and reprised that role 
for ``War and Remembrance.''
    He continues with his hosting chores for the third season 
of Arts & Entertainment Network's popular ``Biography'' series.
    Despite a long and successful career on both the big and 
small screen our guest is most often remembered for his six 
seasons as the leader of an elite team of specialists fighting 
crime, corruption and radical foreign dictators on ``Mission 
Impossible.'' That role established him as a star of 
international importance, a status that continues undiminished.
    But we are here this morning to honor him for his real life 
role, that of a compassionate veteran.
    Enlisting in the United States Air Force after high school, 
he developed an appreciation for America's veterans that has 
continued throughout his career. Over the past year he has 
served as the National Chairman and Spokesman for the Salute to 
Hospitalized Veterans Program.
    Those who work with the program have developed a unique 
affection for our guest. To quote them, ``He has been a hands-
on chairman, visiting the hospitals and establishing 
relationships with the veterans. On one occasion he passed up a 
TV guest appearance to be a part of the Veterans Winter Sports 
Clinic in crested Butte, Colorado. At that event, in spite of 
fatigue and altitude sickness, he invited the wheelchair-bound 
participants back to his room and enjoyed their company into 
the wee hours.
    In a word, he has been the very best chairman the 
Hospitalized Veterans could have asked for. In addition to his 
work with hospitalized veterans, he will shortly begin taping a 
documentary on the G.I. Bill. He was eager to do this 
documentary as it was the G.I. Bill that, following his Air 
Force duty, allowed him to pursue his education and training as 
an actor.
    It is with a great deal of pleasure that I now introduce a 
veteran, humanitarian, Chairman of the National Salute to 
Hospitalized Veterans, star of films and television, and this 
year's recipient of the VFW's Hall of Fame Award, Mr. Peter 
Graves.
    Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Hall of Fame 
Award, Gold Medal and Citation awarded to Peter Graves.
    ``In special recognition of his singularly successful film 
acting career and equally exceptional television career and his 
hosting for the third season of Arts & Entertainment Network's 
`Biography' series and in grateful appreciation for the 
countless hours of service he devoted to veterans as the 1994 
Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Chairman and for his plans to 
do a special documentary on the G.I. Bill which enabled him to 
enroll at the University of Minnesota as a drama major.''
    This citation is signed by myself today as Commander-in-
Chief and by Howard Vander Clute, Adjutant General.
    Let me say along with this citation we have two checks for 
you, one for $2,500 for Citizens Assisting the Pacific Palisade 
Youth, and one for $2,500 for the Motion Picture and Television 
Fund. We would like to see you get ``Mission: Impossible'' back 
on TV.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to recipient Peter Graves.]

                       RESPONSE--MR. PETER GRAVES

    MR. PETER GRAVES: Thank you very much, Commander-in-Chief 
Cramer. Mr. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Ladies and 
Gentlemen:
    Boy, what a thrill to be here with you. It is a thrill to 
have these donations by your wonderful organization. The Motion 
Picture and Television Fund, I am sure you have all heard about 
it. It does wonderful work, including the motion picture 
country home and hospital, and all sorts of things for people 
in need in my business.
    The other to the Citizens Assisting Palisades Youth, that 
is my wife's favorite charity. She is one of the founders of it 
and works most diligently in its behalf. She was not able to be 
here with me today, but I know how deeply she thanks you for 
that.
    That is the best introduction I have ever had and the 
longest, I think. It made me think of something, a picture I 
forget about every once in a while, and I have done it and I 
should not. It was called ``The Long Grey Line.'' As many of 
you may remember, it is a story of West Point from the early 
days of this century on up through World War II, and a 
marvelous old guy, Marty Monker, who served there for something 
like 50 years. Probably many of you know about this.
    Well, I was in that film, and we made a great deal of it, 
most of it, at the United States Military Academy. It was 
directed by one of the great, great all-time directors, John 
Ford. Now, I am sure you have heard about him. He did ``She 
Wore A Yellow Ribbon,'' ``Stage Coach,'' and so many wonderful 
films.
    I played a young corporal in the Army, about 1900, who was 
courting or trying to court a young lady played by Maureen 
O'Hara. This is already easy work. Now, it comes along there is 
another fellow by the name of Tyrone Power who is a rival.
    We kind of mix it up every once in a while in vying for the 
affections and attentions of Maureen O'Hara. One of the scenes 
called for us to have a fight, a fist-fight in the stable yard. 
Now, of course, we filmed this in the mid-'50s and there were 
no longer any stables at West Point or no horses, fumes or 
whatever at that time.
    What the way old man Ford wanted, and he could be cranky 
when he wanted to, what he wanted was for us to fight in the 
stable yard in a pile of horse manure. So it came the day for 
this to take place, and the prop guys had done a super job. 
There wasn't any horse manure, but they had straw and mud and a 
mixture of things ten feet high that looked exactly like the 
real stuff, and on the screen you couldn't tell the difference.
    We showed up at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, and old man 
Ford said, ``What is that?'' They said, ``Mr. Ford, we can't 
get the real stuff, so we put together this straw and mud and 
all these things.'' He said, ``I want horse manure. I want it 
tomorrow morning at 8:00 o'clock.''
    Well, that day, trucks went out all over upstate New York 
to all the farms they could find looking for horse manure. By 
George, at 8:00 o'clock the next morning they had a pile of it 
about ten feet high. Even as big a star as Tyrone Power 
couldn't get out of this.
    Now, old man Ford loved it. We fought all day long in this 
pile of stuff. I think I spent the whole night in a bath after 
that. I couldn't come near Maureen O'Hara for several days.
    Ford was a brilliant director, but he could be very cranky 
at times. There was, as you remember, at West Point they had a 
football coach named Red Blake, one of the greatest coaches of 
all time. We had the whole cadet corps on parade one day for 
filming to use in the film. Of course, that is an impressive 
sight.
    Ford had arranged this. This was really a rehearsal for 
him. He always did what he wanted to do with his cameras and so 
forth. So, Red Blake was standing watching these cadets on 
parade, and when they finished, they passed by and Red Blake 
had tears in his eyes.
    He turns to Mr. Ford and he said, ``Mr. Ford, if you can 
just keep your cameras turning and you can get it just like 
that, it will be something.'' Ford said, ``Sometime I will tell 
you how to coach your damn football team.'' Well, that is life 
in the picture business.
    John Ford is gone from us now, but pictures and television 
continue and the needs of veterans continue and veterans' 
affairs and interests must be addressed. You all do so and you 
do it well and with diligence. I am proud to be among you. I 
thank you immensely for these honors you have give me today.

PRESENTATION--VFW GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT AND CITATION TO THE HONORABLE G. 
                        V. ``SONNY'' MONTGOMERY

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my 
pleasure to introduce to you a friend of the VFW and our 
nation's veterans. A true patriot, he has given a lifetime of 
service to the nation in uniform and in the United States 
Congress.
    Now serving his fourteenth term in the U.S. House of 
Representatives, he joined the House Committee of Veterans 
Affairs in 1969. Two years later he was appointed to the Armed 
Services Committee. Service in these two positions has enabled 
him to stand vigil over the entitlements and services for our 
military personnel, our veterans and their families.
    Our honored guest assumed the chairmanship of the House 
Veterans Affairs Committee in 1981. For his leadership in the 
crusade for a permanent peacetime G.I. Bill, a new Bill, now 
known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, was signed into law by the 
President on June 1, 1987.
    His effectiveness as Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs 
Committee can best be measured by the manner in which he has 
been able to protect and fine-tune veterans entitlements and 
services.
    A retired Major General of the Mississippi National Guard, 
his active and reserve service includes duty in World War II in 
the European Theater with the 12th Armored Division.
    It is my privilege to introduce a fellow comrade, a Life 
Member of VFW Post 79, in Meridian, Mississippi, a friend, and 
in the finest tradition of Southern grace, a true gentleman, 
the Honorable G. V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Gold Medal 
of Merit and this Citation awarded to G. V. `Sonny' Montgomery, 
United States Representative, District 3, Mississippi.
    ``In special recognition and sincere appreciation for his 
enduring efforts, singular knowledge, assertive leadership and 
exceptional service as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs 
Committee and senior member of the Armed Services Committee and 
his unwavering support for the men and women of the armed 
forces, our nation's veterans and their families through his 
vigilant fights to preserve and strengthen veterans 
entitlements, protect the interests of the members of the armed 
forces and especially his dedication to advance educational and 
training benefits for veterans as embodied in the Montgomery 
G.I. Bill.''
    This citation has been signed today by myself, as 
Commander-in-Chief, and by Howard Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General.
    Congratulations, Sonny, and thank you, Mr. Congressman, for 
what you do for our veterans.
                RESPONSE--THE HONORABLE G. V. MONTGOMERY

    CONGRESSMAN MONTGOMERY: Good morning. I tell you it is a 
tough act to follow the Secretary and Peter Graves, but I will 
try. I have been watching the doors and there have not been 
many of you that have left, so thank you very much.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, please make General Order No. 2 
live forever. You gave the Secretary No. 1 and I would like to 
have No. 2 on behalf of a number of World War II veterans out 
there, also.
    To the other National Officers of the VFW and to Secretary 
Brown and to Mr. Graves, to Diane Evans, who will be on the 
program, other Distinguished Guests and my Fellow VFW Members:
    I am very proud. In fact, the first veterans organization I 
joined after I got home from Europe in 1946 was the VFW on 8th 
Street, I believe. In my remarks, I have got to do that to 
catch up with these other two fellows. I mentioned to Howard 
Vander Clute that it showed that I joined the VFW in 1976.
    I joined the VFW in 1947. I was one of the Post Officers in 
1948, and I am proud of that. As Secretary Brown mentioned, he 
could use the Sergeant-at-Arms George, who got order here this 
morning. We certainly could use him, Commander-in-Chief, in the 
Congress of the United States. [Applause] I see you agree with 
that.
    About six months ago, I went to my VFW State Convention in 
Jackson, Mississippi. I talked to my comrades in Mississippi. I 
said, ``I know you are doing well in your membership drive for 
1994.'' They said, ``No, Sonny, we are not doing very well. We 
are about at 80 percent.''
    So I and others gave them a challenge. We said, ``You have 
got six months before the Convention. Let's get busy.'' They 
did, Mr. Commander-in-Chief. They are now 103 percent. You have 
got them on the second row.
    Commander Byrd and Johnnie Sartor and others over there, 
thank you for the job that you did. I feel right at home here 
today. You say, ``Hello, Sonny'' and some of you say ``Hello, 
Senator.'' I am on the House side, but you can call me Senator. 
I don't mind.
    I wasn't sure whether we were going to make it or not. We 
were working on the Crime Bill in the House of Representatives. 
I told Jesse Brown we did pass the bill. It has gone over to 
the Senate side now. Even if we pass the Crime Bill, I don't 
believe I would go get in any dark alleys. I don't know what 
these people will do.
    Thank you very much to the VFW for your Medal of Merit and 
Citation. I am very proud to have this award. I hope next year 
if I am invited back that I can wear this medallion. It is a 
special award and I appreciate it very much.
    I do know that the record we have established in Congress 
for veterans would not be possible without the help that we 
have had from the VFW, and also I would like to mention the 
Ladies Auxiliary, what they have done, especially the VFW 
Ladies Auxiliary, which is so strong and does a tremendous job. 
I congratulate you with working with the VFW full membership.
    I am very pleased that the VFW has chosen the Beech 
Aerospace Services Corporation, a worldwide aircraft logistics 
training and support company to receive the Large Employer of 
the Year Award. I understand that this national award is given 
annually to a company for its outstanding policies and 
achievements in hiring, promoting and retraining veterans.
    The VFW has picked a good one. I know the company well, 
Commander-in-Chief. Its headquarters is in Madison, 
Mississippi. That is also in my congressional district. I don't 
think it had anything to do with winning this award. I am sorry 
that Dan Grafton will be here tomorrow. He is the Beechcraft 
President.
    He is a wonderful person and a great company, who employs 
about 600 people. They have got another contract to move up to 
900. I know a large part of that number will be veterans that 
they will hire, because they believe in this veterans 
preference, even though they are private enterprise. I sure 
wish the U.S. Post Office could honor veterans like Beech 
Aerospace has done and hire more veterans.
    I want to commend you, Commander-in-Chief Cramer, for 
inviting me to the 95th National Convention. The last year 
under your leadership, Commander, the VFW has accomplished much 
since you were elected at the last Convention. The last time I 
saw you, sir, was at the 50th Anniversary of the D-Day 
Ceremonies, and it was an unforgettable week.
    It is always a pleasure to be with my friend, Howard Vander 
Clute. Howard's record as your National Adjutant General speaks 
for itself. I had a nice visit with he and his wife last night. 
The organization has grown and prospered during the years he 
occupied this crucial position. Howard is retiring after this 
Convention, and we wish him well and we will miss you also, 
Howard.
    I want to thank Larry Rivers and his excellent staff for 
all they do on Capitol Hill. They really help us out in every 
piece of legislation that comes out of our Committee over 
there. The VFW, under Larry Rivers, has had something to do 
with what is in that Bill.
    They have helped shape, as I said, every piece of 
legislation that comes out of our Committee. Larry Rivers runs 
the best banquet in Washington honoring members of Congress and 
knows how to get us out on time every time. I value the 
friendship of both of these two gentlemen that I have 
mentioned, and they have done a great job for the VFW.
    Of course, I want to recognize the very able Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, my good friend, Jesse Brown. Jesse, I 
appreciate your staying here. Most times in Washington, after 
you make a speech, you get up and leave. Thank you, Jesse, for 
staying. He is a good Secretary.
    I want him to hear this. He has firmly established himself 
as a champion of veterans. The best thing about it is that you 
veterans like him. He has taken a lot of heat. He has taken a 
lot of heat for what is called the Office of Management and 
Budget.
    They kind of tell the Congress what they would hope they 
would do to represent the administration. The White House has 
been on him, but he is still for issues for veterans. There is 
no doubt that he is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and make 
no mistake about it. He stands up for us a lot of times. I see 
him up there dealing with legislation. Thank you again, Jesse 
Brown, for all you do.
    Let me thank all of the delegates for your outstanding work 
through the years. If we don't have strong Posts back in the 
different states, we can't do a job in Washington. You have to 
go see the members of Congress, and you the Senators if you are 
going to get things done.
    There are other organizations out there working against us 
trying to get these funds and we need your help. Please 
continue to work on veterans issues. I appreciate very much 
your stand for a strong national defense. This has been really 
an unforgettable year for our veterans.
    This year we celebrated the milestone in national and world 
history, the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the 
military force, 175,000 Americans, British and Canadian troops 
launched the most massive sea and air assault ever attempted in 
the history of the world.
    The goal was to liberate Europe and restore freedom to 
those people. The invasion was in the beginning of the end of 
the war and pushing the deadlock out. The Speaker of the House 
authorized me to be chairman of the group, and we took 27 
members of the House to Normandy during the week of June 6th.
    While there, Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Secretary Brown and 
our delegation joined President Clinton and other heads of 
state to pay tribute to the brave men and women who 
participated in the invasion. This story is a powerful part of 
both our past and future.
    Many of you served in that historic military conflict. I 
went in about the fourth month after June 6th. How many of you 
did go into Europe--hold up your hands--in World War II? Don't 
be bashful. How many were in the Pacific Theater? I want to 
tell you we have not forgotten you either. We are going to have 
a celebration.
    General Kicklighter told me last night that we have already 
had several celebrations out in the Pacific and some more will 
be going on. Thank you for the job that you have done in World 
War II.
    Some of you also have great distinction in Korea, Vietnam, 
the Persian Gulf and other distant places. The delegates here 
have a common bond which makes this organization great. We 
believe in duty in mind, bravery in heart and purpose in 
spirit. You had it then, and please keep it.
    We need it more than ever to talk about patriotism and love 
of our country. The D-Day Celebrations reminded us of the 
courage and sacrifice that inspired President Roosevelt to sign 
into law two Bills 50 years ago, three weeks after the Normandy 
Invasion. They have been touched on this morning.
    On June 22nd of this year, Secretary Brown and I joined 
President Clinton in the 50th Anniversary celebration of the 
signing of the G.I. Bill of Rights, and with the help of the 
veterans organizations, Congress created the G.I. Bill to help 
veterans readjust to civilian life.
    Many people here today have benefitted from that Bill, 
either by education from the different wars or the home loans. 
Those that have benefitted by the G.I. Bill hold up your hand. 
It is most of the audience, Mr. Secretary, here today.
    I still live in the same home I financed under the G.I. 
Bill. I thought I had a four-percent interest, Mr. Secretary, 
but it was four and a quarter, but we will not worry about 
that. This G.I. Bill passed that long ago will probably be the 
greatest piece of legislation passed in this century. It moved 
America forward and you were a part of it.
    I am going to talk to you about the Veterans Preference 
Act. We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this Preference Act. 
As a result of that, the legislation of the Federal Government 
is currently deleting the employee. The Federal Government all 
right. Most of the departments do hire veterans.
    They do hire our veterans under the Government Preference 
Act. Recognizing the value of this legislation, President 
Clinton said, ``This nation owes a great deal to our men and 
women who have worn our country's uniform. The prosperity and 
freedom we enjoy today are the priceless gifts of their service 
and commitment.''
    The President affirmed these remarks recently when he 
directed the Justice Department to drop an appeal of a ruling 
against the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Service violated 
the Veterans Preference Act while implementing a reorganization 
plan.
    Secretary Brown asked the administration not to appeal the 
case. I asked the President of the United States not to appeal 
the case, and the VFW acted promptly and got in touch with the 
President. Now, it was not appealed. Let me share with you the 
response.
    We have had some critics and criticism who say the Veterans 
Preference Act makes it difficult for minorities and women to 
get some of the better jobs in the Federal Government. I am 
quick to tell them as Chairman of the Veterans Committee my job 
is to stand up for veterans, male and female of any race, creed 
or heritage. As long as I am Chairman, I am going to see that 
these veterans are protected.
    We have had many good years working with the VFW. I would 
like to mention a few of the things. We have done the best we 
could to protect and strengthen one of the best medical systems 
in the world. Yes, I know there are a lot of problems out 
there, and you see them because you go there in the hospitals 
and the out-patient clinics. We are trying to get that 
corrected, and we are working with the Secretary on that.
    We have protected and expanded the compensation of the VIC 
and pension programs. We have expanded and reformed the home 
loan program. We have re-established new programs for the 
homeless veterans. We have set up Vietnam veterans cancer 
centers and for post-traumatic stress disorders.
    We have provided special medical care and compensation for 
veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and we have established a new 
U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals. So we have had some help along 
the line by the staff that I have mentioned today.
    I would like to recognize my staff director, Mack Fleming, 
who is really a true veteran, and Carl Commentator also. I wish 
they would stand. They are on our Committee and do everything 
they can for veterans and the VFW knows it. You two stand up. I 
would appreciate it if you would give them a hand. [Applause]
    Mack Fleming helped make the speech, so I guess he didn't 
want to hear it anymore. We passed the 1995 VA Appropriations 
Bill. I will be brief on that. It is $37 billion to run the VA 
system that Jesse Brown has. It includes $16 billion for 
medical care, and that is $111 million more than the President 
requested.
    It is also $610 million more than we got in 1994. We are 
getting some more money now to run the Veterans Hospitals. In 
this appropriation, it has passed and these are the final 
figures. It includes $252 million in medical research, $41 
million more than proposed by this or the last administrations.
    I am sold on medical care in the VA system. They do a lot 
of good for the veterans. They don't get much credit for it. 
They have made a lot of us live longer and in less pain. When 
we get their good medical research, the accomplishments, we 
pass it on to the civilian sector. We have done a lot of 
things. If I had more time, I would just cover some of them. 
Medical research is certainly important in the VA.
    On general operating expenses, we have an increase of $44 
million. Now, $10 million of that will go to processing of 
claims and backlog of cases. I have talked to Secretary Brown 
about this. We have a problem. It takes too long to process the 
claims in cases, and we ought to do better and we will try.
    Under the administration's plan to reinvent government, 
which passed in Congress earlier this year, 252,000 federal 
employees must be cut from the payroll during the next five 
years. The VA's share of the reduction would be about 27,000 
people.
    Now, 25,000 of that total would come from the VA medical 
staff, 5,000 cut in medical personnel, professionals in the 
next five years. We quickly introduced a bill exempting the VA 
Hospitals from the personnel cuts. The House passed the bill in 
April over the opposition of the Administration.
    One hundred eighteen members of the House voted against the 
bill. That is one of the highest numbers we have ever had to 
oppose a veterans bill. I don't like to get any votes against 
my bills. I didn't like it a darn bit when they voted against 
that bill.
    Some of them are finding out about it back home. The bill 
is now pending in the Senate. You might work on the Senate. 
Don't see staff members in the Senate. Get a hold of the 
Senators and say, ``Listen, I want you to pass that bill over 
there'' and we will get something done.
    On August 8th, the House passed and sent to the Senate, our 
Bill 4386, the Persian Gulf War Benefits Act. This is for 
Persian Gulf veterans who are seriously ill. We have not been 
able to diagnose what is wrong with them. Therefore, there is 
no compensation that could be paid to them.
    Secretary Brown supports this legislation. It is not a 
budget buster. The Secretary will approve each case, but it 
will give compensation to some of these veterans. We don't know 
what is wrong with them and we need to get that bill moving in 
the Senate.
    Health-care reform, we will be very busy the remainder of 
the year and we will be since we have gotten the Crime Bill out 
of the way working on health-care reform. Mr. Cramer, I want to 
sincerely thank you and your staff, Jim Magill and others, for 
working so closely with us and the veterans organizations to 
come up with a workable bill.
    We are included in the general hard bill health care and we 
will be putting in the Senate bill the bipartisan health care 
bill. The veterans part of the health care pending before 
Congress could not be better. Veterans would come out real 
well. We do have health-care legislation.
    The bottom line is that in health-care reform the veteran 
will be given more options and different medical care than he 
or she is given now. Now, the Enola Gay, you know what the 
aircraft is. That is the one that is led by great pilots of the 
atomic bomb in World War II, and bringing the war to a close.
    I want to mention something that some of you VFW members 
know about and some of you don't know about it and should know 
about it. Next August, the Smithsonian Institute will have the 
exhibit in the Air Space Museum entitled ``The Last Act.''
    This museum is the most visited of any other museums any 
place else in Washington. ``The Last Act'' is the atomic bomb 
at the end of World War II. There is much controversy about it 
and the VFW leadership and I are working to see if we can get 
this changed.
    Those in charge of the exhibit are trying to show that 
President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb was wrong. 
The exhibit would attempt to convey the message that Japan was 
not the aggressor in World War II. Now, I knew that would get 
your attention.
    When I first heard about it, I asked the Smithsonian 
officials to meet with the VFW and other veterans 
organizations. They did that. We have let everyone know we are 
concerned about this. Now, if something comes out like this, 
where it is a very explosive situation from veterans throughout 
the country, and I certainly hope that it will be.
    I am reminded of the deep sorrow that I felt when I was 
visiting the Island of Corregidor in 1987 and reflected on the 
horrors experienced at the hands of the Japanese by the 
American soldiers, forced to take part in the Bataan death 
march.
    I reminded them that President Truman's decision to drop 
the bomb saved hundreds of thousands of American lives and that 
the Pacific to be displayed otherwise should not be allowed. I 
know you are glad I am wrapping it up here. I have enjoyed it.
    I am very proud of our legislative record that we have 
worked with the organization over the last 28 years. We have 
been very fortunate to work with a number of VFW Commanders and 
VFW staff, and I have really relied on these VFW Commanders.
    Commander-in-Chief, I would like to restate the names of 
those here today that have really helped me and guided us in 
the past 14 or 15 years. They are Howard Vander Clute, Art 
Fellwock, Bob Currieo, Cliff Olson, Billy Ray Cameron, John 
Staum, Norman Staab, the late Earl Stock, Larry Rivers, Wally 
Hogan, Jim Kimery, Bob Wallace, Jack Carney and George Cramer.
    Also, I want to recognize another former National Commander 
who has been a great help to all of us, a source of strength to 
us. He is a former long-time Washington Executive Director of 
the National, Past Commander-in-Chief Cooper T. Holt. I wish 
these gentlemen would just stand up and let me thank them with 
you for the work they have done for us. [Applause]
    I am proud to be a member of the VFW because you are big 
and strong. When you talk in Washington, Congress listens. One 
of your areas of work is to do everything that you can for the 
veteran or his or her dependent. Another area that you are 
strong in, and there are few organizations that do this, you 
believe in a strong military defense.
    I hope you will continue to push for a strong military 
defense. We are cutting the military too much and too fast, and 
I am concerned about it.
    Now, listen to this. I want to thank the good Lord that the 
VFW does score members of Congress on how they vote on the 
military. Keep it up. We pay attention to it. God bless the VFW 
and God bless the USA.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Congressman Sonny Montgomery.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Congressman 
Montgomery, not only for your diligent work over the many years 
on behalf of our nation's veterans, but I also want to thank 
you and your staff for always keeping the door open so we can 
discuss veterans issues.
    PRESENTATION OF VFW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND 
                  CITATION TO COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: It is always a great pleasure 
when we have the opportunity to honor one of our own for a 
lifetime of distinguished service.
    The gentleman I wish to introduce has, for more than 42 
years, unselfishly given his time and energy to our great 
organization. He is a veteran of World War II, having served in 
the European Theater as a gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress in 
Italy from November, 1943, until November, 1945.
    For his service, he received the European, African Middle 
Eastern Service Medal, an Air Medal and the World War II 
Victory Medal.
    Returning at the end of World War II, he joined VFW Post 
3061 in Vermillion, South Dakota, in July, 1948. He is still a 
member of that Post.
    He became a mail carrier in 1946 and retired from the U.S. 
Postal Service 34 years later in 1980. While working full-time 
in 1952, he accepted the position as Adjutant/ Quartermaster of 
the Department of South Dakota.
    He is the father of eight sons and three daughters. One 
son, Major Randall Radigan, spent three years in Vietnam as a 
medical dust off pilot. Another son, William, Jr., has 26 years 
of service in the U.S. Air Force and is currently a major in 
Weisbaden, Germany.
    William, Sr., resides in Vermillion, where he is also a 
member of the American Legion, the Vermillion Fire Department 
and a member of the Vermillion City Council.
    Our purpose here today is to honor Comrade Radigan as he 
continues to perform as Adjutant/Quartermaster of South Dakota.
    Few men have given so much for so long to the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars. His outstanding record has created a standard by 
which those of us who continue the work can aspire.
    Please join me in a warm welcome for a veteran who has 
given much to make the VFW great, William J. Radigan, Sr., from 
the great State of South Dakota.
    Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Distinguished 
Service Medal and this Citation awarded to William J. Radigan, 
Sr.
    ``In sincere appreciation and grateful recognition of 42 
years of unselfish service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States as a dedicated worker, able administrator and 
distinguished leader in fulfilling the duties and 
responsibilities of the office of State Adjutant and State 
Quartermaster of the Department of South Dakota Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States.''
    This citation has been signed today by myself as Commander-
in-Chief and by Howard Vander Clute as the Adjutant General.
    Bill, you know many times we have honored those that 
retire, but I think it is important and very fitting and proper 
that we need to look at the people that give of their time for 
so many years and award them while they are still working for 
us. We really appreciate people like yourself.

                 RESPONSE--COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN, SR.

    COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN (Post 3061--South Dakota): 
Commander-in-Chief Cramer, the distinguished individuals on the 
podium, and to all the Post Commanders-in-Chief, and to you, my 
Comrades, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:
    It would have helped if I had known this was going to 
happen. I am so honored and feel such an emotional high today 
that I don't think any of you could understand it if I tried to 
explain it to you. I think it is appropriate that today I 
extend some thanks to two ladies who have worked in our office 
through the 42 years, one for 11 and one for 31 years. Rena and 
Shirley Potts have been such a help to me.
    I am grateful to my wife who for 40 years before she left 
us worked so closely with me. I am grateful to all my comrades 
and sisters in the Department of South Dakota who made this all 
possible for me. When I took the job, I agreed to stay 18 
months, and then I was going to be on my way to other things.
    It has been a great trip and I am still active and I still 
enjoy it. This honor is something that few people get. 
Naturally, I am deeply, deeply moved. My appreciation is known 
only to me.
    As I look out in this room today, I think I would like to 
have you know something else about me. First, I have to thank 
my children who gave up some things, all 11 of them, so I could 
do this job. I want to thank my God for giving me the ability 
and the strength to do it, and then I want to say something to 
all of you.
    This is a great honor, and I don't belittle it, but there 
is a greater honor in this organization as far as I am 
concerned. I have known most of these men as they walk through 
their offices. It has been wonderful. Today, I have a privilege 
and an honor.
    I can walk out into this audience and it will make no 
difference what the man's military rank was, it will make no 
difference what position he holds in civilian life, it will 
make no difference what his financial status might be. The only 
thing that makes any difference today here is that all of you 
have offered service to the great United States of America and 
that you are eligible to belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States.
    My greatest honor as long as I shall live will be that when 
I walk up to one of you I can shake your hand and call you 
``comrade''. There is no greater honor. I am appreciative of 
what you have done for me today, Commander-in-Chief, and my 
friend George. I certainly appreciate it. I will cherish it all 
my life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Comrade Radigan.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would like to call on our 
Adjutant General for a few announcements. [Convention 
announcements.]

   PRESENTATION--VFW GOLD MEDAL OF MERIT AND CITATION TO LIEUTENANT 
                 GENERAL WILLIAM G. PAGONIS, USA (RET.)

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We are indeed very honored to 
have with us today the man responsible for two of the most 
significant logistical operations of the past decade, the 
dismantling of the Cold War infrastructure of the U.S. Army in 
Europe and total logistical operations for Desert Shield and 
Desert Storm, Retired Army Lieutenant General William G. 
``Gus'' Pagonis.
     Based on his Desert Storm experience, he co-authored a 
book entitled ``Moving Mountains--Lessons in Leadership and 
Logistics from the Cold War.''
    To put the Desert Storm feat in perspective, one book 
reviewer described the situation as follows: ``Pagonis' 
logisticians and transporters moved 560,000 service personnel 
and their equipment to Saudi Arabia, the equivalent of 
relocating the entire City of Richmond, Virginia, and 
everything in it, halfway around the world; supplying and 
repositioning them over an area larger than half of the Eastern 
United States.''
    Today, he is a Senior Vice-President for Logistics for 
Sears, Roebuck & Company, the single point of contact for 
logistics for Sears.
    A native of Pennsylvania, General Pagonis served with the 
501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1970-'71. 
He is the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor 
with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Combat Infantry Badge 
among others.
    For his contribution to the success of Operation Desert 
Storm, I am pleased to present the Commander-in-Chief's Gold 
Medal of Merit to a distinguished soldier and logistician, 
William G. ``Gus'' Pagonis. General Pagonis has indicated that 
he wishes to contribute the honorarium accompanying the Gold 
Medal of Merit Award to the VFW sponsorship of the Golden Age 
Games.
    Please welcome a great soldier, executive and Life Member 
of VFW Post 167 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, William ``Gus'' 
Pagonis.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars Gold Medal of Merit and Citation 
awarded to William G. Pagonis, Lieutenant General, United 
States Army, in recognition of over 29 years of distinguished 
service to his country in the United States Army, which 
included duty as the Commander of the 1097th Transportation 
Company in Vietnam and later as the Division Transportation 
Officer of the 101st Airborne Division during its deployment in 
Vietnam, and for his role as Commanding General, 22nd Theater 
Army Area Command, United States Central Command, Saudi Arabia, 
from August, 1990, to January, 1992, an assignment that 
required his taking full responsibility for logistics during 
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
    ``His inspiring leadership manifests itself in the fact 
that Operation 'Desert Storm' was a dramatic military success 
with minimum loss of life of United States forces as a result 
of the proficiency of his command in providing food, shelter, 
fuel, arms, ammunition and other logistical support. His 
performance and his selfless devotion to the cause of this 
nation's vital interests in the Persian Gulf have thereby 
reflected great credit upon the highest tradition of the United 
States Army.''
    This citation is dated the 23rd day of August, 1994, and 
signed by myself as the Commander-in-Chief, and by Howard E. 
Vander Clute, Adjutant General.
    General Pagonis.

            RESPONSE--LIEUTENANT GENERAL WILLIAM G. PAGONIS

    LIEUTENANT GENERAL PAGONIS: Thank you very much. First of 
all, everybody knows that Generals don't do anything but the 
troops do. We end up getting a lot of credit when we should 
not. I will tell you that all of you who participated in the 
Gulf War or saw me on CNN, I looked a lot taller on television, 
but I am the same guy.
    Somebody asked me while I was here if it was going to be 
hard to go from a General to becoming a private citizen. I 
said, ``No, not as long as you serve the United States Army 
troops.'' I will tell you that I was ordered by General 
Schwarzkopf to serve for six months and I stayed there 18 
months.
    During the last six months, he came back over to say 
goodbye to the troops prior to his retirement. All the soldiers 
loved to get their picture taken with General Schwarzkopf. I 
was standing maybe 20 feet away, and this one trooper walked up 
to me and said, ``Sir, can I have my picture taken with you?'' 
I said, ``Sure, don't you want to wait for the boss?'' He said, 
``Yes, but your line is a lot shorter.''
    I must tell you that my entire 29 years in the Army I have 
always had soldiers keep me in my place, and you don't have to 
ever worry about getting big-headed. I have to tell you a 
couple of quick stories, because only this group would 
appreciate them.
    During the time I was overseeing Iraqi POW's, I became the 
Colonel Klink of the prison camps. I didn't realize that I was 
to run the prison. There were some great guys from New York, 
men and women who served in the Military Police. We captured 
70,000 prisoners in less than 48 hours, and the idea was to 
sacrifice about 70,000 troops and throw them into the battle, 
and these individuals had no food, water for days, and no 
shoes.
    They were petrified when the American soldiers and Marines 
captured them that they would be tortured and not taken care 
of. I don't have to tell people in this room, just the opposite 
occurred. Now, CNN didn't report any of the stuff, but just the 
opposite occurred.
    Soldiers gave their field jackets to the prisoners. They 
were given water, medical supplies, and many of them were ready 
to take up arms and fight against Hussein. This just showed the 
great tradition that the American soldiers, sailors, Marines 
and Air Force have always done a marvelous job.
    I would like to close with there are 520,000 service 
members, your sons, daughters, grandchildren, and many of you 
in this room served in the Gulf War. During the 18 months that 
I was there, it was 180 degrees different than anything I have 
ever been exposed to before.
    Women were allowed to drive. I had 15,000 female soldiers 
that drove trucks, forklifts right in the heat of battle. All 
of these kinds of customs were so different, yet we did not 
have one major or minor incident in the 18 months. That just 
shows how great these young Americans were.
    All we know is that soldiers, airmen, Marines, sailors are 
not like the 42-year-old veteran that Broderick Crawford was in 
the movie. They were 18 and 19-year-old Americans. I tell 
people anywhere I go I feel good about this United States, 
because these great Americans are still with us and are still 
serving their country.
    I am honored to be with you today among the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, and it is an honor and privilege to have served 
in the military. I thank you so very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, in a few moments and 
throughout the remainder of the Convention, we will be taking 
up important business of our Committee Reports and acting on 
the Resolutions proposed for adoption by this Convention. I 
have asked the Committee Chairmen to use the following 
procedure in presenting the respective reports.
    First, the Committee Chairman will read the list of 
Resolutions which the Committee recommends to be adopted or 
adopted as amended. Following the reading of this list, the 
Chairman will move the adoption of those Resolutions. After 
that motion and the second, the Chair will ask if there are any 
of those Resolutions that the comrades want to set aside.
    Note will be taken of those Resolutions to be set aside and 
actions will be taken on those Resolutions which have not been 
set aside. After the vote on the Resolutions, which were not 
set aside, the Chair will take up those Resolutions which have 
been set aside for debate. They will be taken up in the order 
in which they have been set aside.
    Each Resolution will be voted on by the Convention as a 
motion to adopt. If the Committee has recommended referral of 
any Resolutions to any permanent Committee of the VFW for 
review, those motions will then be acted upon. After action is 
completed on the Resolutions recommended for adoption or for 
referral to a Standing Committee, the Chairman will read the 
list of those Resolutions in which the recommendation is 
rejection.
    After the list is read, you will have the opportunity to 
move for the adoption of any of those Resolutions. Each motion 
will be taken up and disposed of in order. No motion is made by 
any comrade. The Resolutions under our Convention Rules 
automatically are rejected by the Convention.
    The first Committee to report, I will call on Past 
Commander-in-Chief Bob Wallace to give the Report on the 
National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL BY-LAWS, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE AND RITUAL

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ROBERT WALLACE: Thank you, Comrade 
Commander. First of all, let me thank you for the appointment 
as Chairman of the By-Laws Committee and also let me thank you 
for giving me the Vice-Chairman who served this organization 
with distinction in 1974-'75 as Commander-in-Chief, continues 
to serve, John Stang, from the great State of Kansas, as well 
as the members that were appointed to this Committee.
    A special thanks to the Final Review Committee that you 
have set up this year and worked diligently to clean up any 
housekeeping on the By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    I want to recognize them. The Chairman Dwaine Wilson, 
members Ed Burnham, Jack Melban, John Gwizdak, Glen Gardner, 
George Riedel, Vernon Soukup, Frank Zenzer and Larry Maher. I 
want to also thank Jim Plick, our Judge Advocate General, for 
his advice and counsel. I want to thank John Senk, Tom Kissel 
and all those that served on the By-Laws Committee.
    The Committee met Sunday afternoon and the following is 
what we propose to you today. By-Law B-10 and By-Law B-5 have 
been pulled because they have typographical errors in them and 
will not be presented at this Convention. At this time, the 
Committee recommends the passage of B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-6, B-
8, B-9, B-11, B-12, B-13 and B-14.
    Commander-in-Chief, I move approval of those By-Laws.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE JUDGE BROWN (District G--California): Commander-in-
Chief, I am Judge Brown, District G, California. I second it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; 
opposed. The ``ayes'' have it and it is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALLACE: At this time I will go 
through the Manual of Procedure. The Committee recommends 
approval of M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, 
I move that we approve M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE CARL AIELLO (Post 1645--Massachusetts): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I second the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALLACE: M-5 was rejected by the 
Committee. The change in the Ritual, the Committee recommends 
passage of R-1, R-2 and R-3. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I move 
approval of R-1, R-2 and R-3.
    COMRADE JUDGE BROWN (Post 7792--California): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, once again, you have 
heard the motion and second. On the question. Hearing nothing, 
all those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; 
those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALLACE: Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, if you have nothing else for me, I thank you and I thank 
the members of this Convention for their cooperation, and 
especially the members of this Committee. Thank you very much.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I am Al Hedges from the Department 
of Europe. I would like to have B-16 set aside.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I think you are out of order. 
The motions have already been passed.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Nothing was said about this, Commander-in-Chief.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): Is 
this on the eligibility question? Do you wish to address the 
eligibility question, B-16, that was objected to in Committee? 
You would like to bring that up?
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): I 
would like to bring it up, yes.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Okay. Go ahead.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I would----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before you debate anything, it 
will have to be a motion to adopt.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): I make 
a motion that we adopt B-16.
    COMRADE CHARLES BODILY (Post 9342--Department of Europe): I 
second that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Okay. Comrades, you have heard 
the motion and the second. On the question.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALLACE: On the question, Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, the reason the By-Laws Committee rejected 
B-16 is because it deletes the requirement for citizenship in 
the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    The primary organization of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States citizenship is a mandate to belong to this 
organization, and the By-Laws Committee feels that to belong to 
an Auxiliary unit the individuals should also be citizens of 
the United States of America.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I believe I can address this body 
on this subject.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Go ahead. You are on the 
subject.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): I am 
not here to rehassle with this group. In modern times, we, in 
the VFW, have been seeking changes in other Resolutions that 
went through the Committees in the past couple of days or 
yesterday, or the day before that were calling for change.
    Section 1102, which you have announced, Comrade Past 
Commander-in-Chief Wallace, I would like to point out why we 
would like this done. I cherish my citizenship as much as any 
of you do. I am sure that all of the veterans around the world 
who are there by military assignment or by government 
assignment, or by work, when they go to these foreign countries 
around the world, while living there, they marry and some of 
these people are in these countries for many, many years. They 
obtain a wife.
    Now, this man is an American citizen. Many Europeans are 
wives, and that wife bears children for him, and they will 
become American citizens. I am an American citizen, but I do 
live overseas. I have a life to run. I have a wife who is very 
dear to me. She speaks English better than I do.
    The options that you give us, not you give us but the 
United States gives people for citizenship is three years with 
a waiver, five years otherwise. All right. That still means 
that when you take these foreign wives back to the states they 
are still not eligible for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
    This is wrong. I have met some people in different areas 
that do have wives in the Ladies Auxiliary who are working on 
citizenship. The Ladies Auxiliary title means just that, Ladies 
Auxiliary. It doesn't say Ladies Auxiliary of Citizens. This 
woman performs all of her duties as the wife of an American 
citizen overseas.
    When that man joins the Veterans of Foreign Wars overseas, 
he is accepted as a U.S. citizen. Do you mean to tell me we are 
going to tell that man he is a second-class citizen because his 
wife just happened to be separately born in another country?
    I don't believe we really want to do that. We are not only 
from the Department of Europe, and I am not talking about 
Europe, I am not talking about retirees, I am talking about a 
large segment of the American citizenry that lives overseas and 
eligible to be Veterans of Foreign Wars members.
    I have also seen and addressed the people who said if my 
wife can't be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies 
Auxiliary then I don't want to be there. That is not too often. 
But it does happen.
    In closing, I must say that I have been going to 
Conventions from Europe for the past 18 or 19 years. I have 
been spending my wedding anniversary here and my birthday. This 
is Friday. I will hit my sixty-eighth birthday. I sure would 
like to have a birthday present from you to take back to my 
wife and tell her, ``Honey, you can stand next to me in a 
VFW.'' Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair recognizes Microphone 
No. 2.
    COMRADE JAMES CARLISLE (Post 10097--Florida): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I understand the Department of Europe's 
problem with this particular case, but how about the rest of 
the country? What would this cause in our state of Florida 
where we have non-citizens that have lived there for 25 or 30 
years who have been married to citizens and the only reason 
they are not citizens is because they don't want to be an 
American citizen?
    We certainly don't want them in our Ladies Auxiliary. I 
think that one of the big points here is the fact that the 
Ladies Auxiliary has not come to us and asked us to change 
this. I think that when they come to us, then we can sit down 
and study it further. This is why I am opposed to changing the 
By-Laws on this particular case. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    I recognize Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PATRICK BUCKMAN (Post 9342--Department of Europe): 
I ask that the Resolution be read to the delegates in full, 
please.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WALLACE: Many years ago they told 
me that the eyes would be the first to go, but that is not true 
with me. That was the second. This pertains to retired military 
people who reside in a foreign country.
    ``WHEREAS, the spouses of these members do not reside in 
the United States except when their spouses are re-assigned on 
military orders or who do not expect to reside in the United 
States for a sufficient time to qualify for naturalization of 
citizenship in the United States; and,
    ``WHEREAS, the spouses of these members have faithfully 
supported their husbands in all endeavors, both career and 
private business, and supported their husband's involvement in 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States by assisting 
in fund-raisers and other functions, although they are not 
currently eligible for membership in the Ladies Auxiliary of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and,
    ``WHEREAS, these spouses would be active members of the 
Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States were it not for the citizenship restriction and would be 
able to sustain Ladies Auxiliary Posts in overseas areas after 
native born American ladies went back to the United States due 
to reassignment of their husbands; and,
    ``WHEREAS, these spouses will not be eligible for 
naturalization of citizenship until they have resided in the 
United States for a minimum of three years with a waiver and 
have attended extensive classes on the American government and 
culture; and,
    ``WHEREAS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States Ladies Auxiliary has the opportunity to assist these 
spouses in learning about the American government and culture 
so the spouses may pass their tests and be active members of 
the Ladies Auxiliary at the same time; and,
    ``WHEREAS, it is impossible for the Departments in Europe 
and the Pacific and Panama to sustain Ladies Auxiliary Posts 
without the National By-Laws being changed to allow for foreign 
wives as members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States;
    ``THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the 17th Annual Convention 
of the Department of Europe, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, that the National By-Laws be amended by deleting 
the citizenship requirement for membership in the Ladies 
Auxiliary, thusly amending Section 1102--Eligibility, by 
deleting the last sentence of the first paragraph and 
substituting in lieu thereof the following `members must be not 
less than 16 years old.' ''
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I wrote this Resolution. The reason 
why I wrote it the way it is written is because in the 
Department of Europe we have one Auxiliary in Elsein, Germany.
    Each year, usually in October, the Senior Vice-President of 
the National Organization of the Ladies Auxiliary visits 
Europe. She visits that Post in her travels. We are told every 
time they come over, yes, they, the Senior Vice-President, 
supports the idea of this Resolution
    On the 23rd of June, I submitted a letter to the National 
Organizations asking for their support or their indication of 
support to this Resolution. To date I have not received an 
answer from them. As far as the question of them coming to us, 
comrades, we are the parent organization. We set the rules.
    The ping-pong game is being played back and forth, and we 
don't want to shove it down their throat. Their game is, 
``Well, we can't do anything until we do something over here.'' 
Now, if you understand the ``Whereas'' on the three-year 
requirement of residency before you can even apply for 
citizenship, this is very important. It is five years without 
the waiver and three years with the waiver.
    The point here is if I start an Auxiliary in Europe, for 
instance, and my wife joins that Auxiliary, and she learns how 
to run the Auxiliary, and I come back to the States in three 
years, she transfers into that Auxiliary, two things will 
happen. One, you have got an active member in that supporting 
your Post, and, two, your Post will help her learn how the 
Americans really live to pass their naturalization test.
    That is the whole point of this Resolution, to make the 
Auxiliary and the VFW a stronger organization. That is why I 
ask for the support of this body to make this change. Thank 
you, Commander-in-Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair recognizes Microphone 
No. 2.
    COMRADE CHARLES CANNON (Post 5076--Texas): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am on the Committee and I am here to 
oppose this. Number one, how can any person take an obligation 
to defend the United States as the Auxiliary does and not be a 
citizen? That is number one.
    Number two, wives don't always stay with husbands. They get 
a divorce. As long as the Ladies Auxiliary pays their dues, 
they can remain a member. So, I object to this By-Law change.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3. There is 
nobody there.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RON RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, my name is Ron Rusakiewicz, a member of 
Post 9468, Stratford, Connecticut, and a member of the By-Laws 
Committee. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, and my good comrades, I 
want to tell you this particular By-Law amendment was debated 
very well on Sunday afternoon in the Committee meeting and was 
debated by a good many comrades from all over this country that 
were chosen to head that Committee and to work on that 
Committee and give recommendations to you here on this floor 
today.
    I want to tell you we have great sympathy for those 
Departments who would like to see this particular By-Law 
amendment passed. There were a few problems with it. When you 
get into it just a little bit deeper, the debate on it was part 
of the Ladies Auxiliary.
    The last By-Law in their By-Laws is that the By-Laws cannot 
conflict with the men's By-Laws. How could you possibly have a 
By-Law that says you can have someone in the organization 
without citizenship and yet still we cannot? We were looking to 
opening up Pandora's box.
    The second thing that was brought up, and it was brought up 
here on the floor again today, it simply said that when they 
join a Ladies Auxiliary let them become citizens. That wasn't 
explained very well on the floor. I am told that if you are a 
national of a certain country, and you either own a business or 
if you have any rights from that country whatsoever, obviously 
if you become a citizen of another country, you lose those. So, 
again, we have sympathy for the women, but in this case I don't 
think it can be you can have your cake and eat it, too.
    Finally, I think the most important point, as our good 
comrade on Microphone No. 2 said before, another member of the 
Committee, is that it is, in fact, important that the Ladies 
Auxiliary has never come to us, has never proposed the 
Resolution, nor have they ever proposed a By-Law amendment in 
this organization to change this.
    So why in God's good name are we trying to do that to them? 
I think this is simple. I think we want to keep it simple and I 
think we ought to defeat this By-Law amendment. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair recognizes Microphone 
No. 3.
    COMRADE M. W. BRYANT (Post 35--Missouri): I move the 
previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second? If there is 
no second, we will continue debate.
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE JUDGE BROWN (Post 7792--California): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, there has been a 
motion and a second to move the previous question. Under the 
Rules of the Convention, the proponent of the adoption of this 
Resolution has one more chance to speak.
    If there is no one at Microphone No. 3, I will recognize 
Microphone No. 1, one person, and then after that we will vote 
on moving the previous question.
    COMRADE AL HEDGES (Post 9334--Department of Europe): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, in answer to the question about the 
Ladies By-Laws, naturally, they can't change their By-Laws 
until we change ours, to start with. Their changes are 
predicated on what we do, not what they do.
    Secondly, we have got soldiers coming in these countries 
that are also non-citizens serving our country. Also they marry 
and the point is we are the ones that are losing in this 
battle. We are losing membership in both organizations.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion before us is to move 
the previous question or to stop debate. All those in favor 
will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; all opposed. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    We will now vote on the motion to adopt this Resolution. 
Should you vote ``yes'', that means that the members of the 
Ladies Auxiliary would not have to be a citizen of the United 
States. If you vote ``nay'', or in the negative, it means that 
we uphold the By-Laws as they are today and members of the 
Ladies Auxiliary must be a citizen of the United States of 
America. Do you understand that?
    Okay. All those in favor of adopting the motion will 
signify by the sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``nay''. The 
Resolution is not adopted.
    Anything else? Comrade Commander-in-Chief Wallace, I will 
discharge your Committee. Thank you for your work.
    Next, the Chair would like to call on the Chairman of the 
Finance and Internal Organization Committee, Past Commander-in-
Chief Art Fellwock.

        REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ARTHUR FELLWOCK: Thank you very 
much, Commander-in-Chief. First of all, I want to thank you for 
the appointment to serve as Chairman of the Finance and -210-
para. Internal Organization Committee. I also want to recognize 
the fact that the Committee was an outstanding Committee and we 
had a most able Vice-Chairman, and that being Joe Scerra, Past 
Commander-in-Chief from Massachusetts.
    My name is Art Fellwock and I am a member of VFW Post 1114 
in Evansville, Indiana, and a Past Commander-in-Chief. I will, 
first of all, read the Resolutions that the Committee adopted.
    Resolution No. 201, Amend Congressional Charter. The 
Committee voted to adopt this Resolution. I make a motion that 
we adopt Resolution No. 201, to Amend the Congressional 
Charter.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, there is a motion. Is 
there a second?
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE VERNON SOUKUP (Post 8081--Illinois): I second that 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Any questions? All those in 
favor of the motion will signify by saying ``aye''; those 
opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: The Committee was in a 
negative mood, I think, because these are the ones the 
Committee voted to reject. I shall read them to you.
    No. 202, Life Membership Card Designating Commandership on 
all Levels of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    Resolution 203 was referred to the Americanism and 
Community Activities Committee.
    Resolution No. 204, Request for Reconsideration of 1994-'95 
Commander-in-Chief's Membership Program was rejected.
    Resolution No. 205, Sale of VFW Buddy Poppy, was rejected.
    No. 206, Amend Congressional Charter, was rejected in favor 
of 201 that you just passed.
    Resolution 207, 100th Anniversary 1999 National Convention, 
was rejected.
    No. 208, Eliminate Age Requirement for Sons of VFW, was 
referred to the Americanism and Community Activities Committee.
    Resolution No. 209, Safe Student Transportation Award, was 
rejected.
    No. 210, Post to Establish Fund to Support Korean War 
Association, was rejected.
    No. 211, Provide VFW Cancer Insurance Program, rejected.
    No. 212, Amend National Membership Program, rejected. 
Proposal No. 213, ``Buddy Poppy'', rejected.
    No. 214, Print Constitution, By-Laws, Ritual and Podium 
Edition in Loose-leaf Form, rejected.
    Proposal No. 215, Eliminate Age Restriction for Sons of the 
VFW. This was referred to the Americanism and Community 
Activities Committee.
    Resolution No. 216, Abolish the Political Action Committee 
Program, rejected.
    No. 217, Changing of Wording in Resolutions to By-Laws, 
Rules, Ritual and Manual of Procedure, rejected.
    Resolution No. 218, was rejected.
    Does anyone wish for any of these I read to be set aside at 
the present time?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DON HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, the Department of Minnesota requests that 
we set aside Resolutions 217 and 218.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): 
Comrade, you will have to take those up one at a time. Since 
they were rejected by the Committee, you will have to propose 
them as an affirmative motion. That motion will then have to be 
seconded.
    Do you understand, Comrade?
    COMRADE DON HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): Commander-in-
Chief, the Department of Minnesota moves the adoption of 
Resolution No. 217.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE RUSSELL VILLWOCK (Post 3579--Illinois): I second 
the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question? There is nothing on the 
question. All those in favor of adopting Resolution No. 217 
signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``nay''. 
The ``nays'' have it.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN VRTJAK (Post 1612--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am Jack Vrtjak, Post 1612, Department of 
Illinois. I move that Resolution 213 entitled ``Buddy Poppy'' 
be adopted.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE ROBERT SMALL (Post 8322--Illinois): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question.
    COMRADE JOHN VRTJAK (Post 1612--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I would respectfully request that the 
Chairman read the entire Resolution. There are only a few 
``Whereases'', and they are short. I wish the comrades would 
please pay attention before I debate this. Thank you.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: Resolution No. 213 is 
entitled ``Buddy Poppy''.
    ``WHEREAS, 'to assist worthy comrades, to perpetuate the 
memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and 
orphans'; and,
     ``WHEREAS, to carry out the intent of the above words 
found in Article I of the Constitution of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; and,
    ``WHEREAS, at the 1923 Encampment of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States at Norfolk, Virginia, the 
`Buddy Poppy' was adopted to `Honor the Dead by Helping the 
Living'; and,
    ``WHEREAS, a certificate was issued on May 20, 1994, 
granting the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States all 
trademark rights in the name `Buddy' under the classification 
of Artificial Flowers; and,
    ``WHEREAS, the `Buddy Poppy' is a flower of remembrance to 
`Honor the Dead by Helping the Living' since the 1923 
Encampment; now, therefore,
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the `Buddy 
Poppy' remain in its original shape and color with only the tag 
removal permitted when used in displays.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN VRTJAK (Post 1612--Illinois): Thank you, 
Commander-in-Chief. We are sorry that the maker of this motion 
could not be present--I beg your pardon, I yield to the maker 
of the motion.
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): Comrades, the 
Buddy Poppy is the emblem as much as our Cross of Malta. If you 
want to go over to the other side of that door, when do we let 
something that we are dedicated to be colored, painted, 
changed? We will not let it happen to the Cross of Malta.
    I say on this Resolution, leave the Buddy Poppy red like it 
belongs. Let us honor the dead by helping the living. That is 
our emblem of the Buddy Poppy. I am sure that none of us would 
paint one of them black or white, green, and go out and try to 
sell it to the public on the street and say this is our emblem 
of the Buddy Poppy.
    You must put red yesterday, this day, and I am sure all of 
us heard through our Chaplain say to honor the dead by helping 
the living. The red is our Buddy Poppy. It is used numerous 
times. So, Comrades, let's pass this Resolution and leave that 
Buddy Poppy red like it belongs. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2, anybody else 
at Microphone No. 2?
    Mr. Chairman, will you explain the Committee's reasoning on 
this?
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: The Committee's thinking 
on this was that it definitely would limit the use of Buddy 
Poppies and the creativity of the assemblers of the Buddy Poppy 
displays. I know all of you have seen some beautiful Buddy 
Poppy displays.
    There is a lot of momentum on that. It would work against 
the goals of our organization to promote the sale and use the 
Buddy Poppy to honor the dead by helping the living. We 
sincerely think that this would work against this in the sale 
of the Buddy Poppies. So, we, on the Committee, recommended 
that we reject this Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, on rebuttal, I also understand what they 
are saying, but, comrades, just a little real quick statement. 
Illinois has been real proud. We have won lots of awards on the 
National level.
    About 92 percent of our awards, and I mean they are great, 
like 26 percent over the last eight years. I have been Buddy 
Poppy Chairman for the last fourteen years in the Department of 
Illinois. The Department of Illinois does not color very many 
poppies in our state, but we get the awards. Incidentally, I 
see some plastic poppies out there in the displays and I think 
they should be out of there, and I don't think it hurts selling 
your poppies.
    We are interested in the Buddy Poppy and what we stand for, 
just what we are on our Cross of Malta. Again, comrades, I 
don't think not coloring the poppy will hurt our sales or our 
creativity. We can do it with the red poppy. Let's stick with 
it and keep it like it is. Thank you, comrades.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RICK BARNELL (Post 6520--Illinois): I just want to 
speak and say if we are concerned about the situation with the 
Buddy Poppy displays, then let's change some of our entry 
forms, too. The instructions, basically, what the award is to 
be given on.
    Let's not change the Buddy Poppy. I am in agreement let's 
keep it red. Let's keep it in its form. Let's honor those 
veterans that have given it all.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else on debate? I will 
call for the motion. Should you vote ``yes'', that means that 
the Buddy Poppies will only be used in their red color. If you 
vote ``no'', it means that you will be able to use them as you 
are using them today, and you can change the color of the Buddy 
Poppy.
    All those in favor of adopting this Resolution will signify 
by the sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``nay''. Let me do that 
one more time. All those in favor of adopting the Resolution, 
signify by the sign of ``aye''; all those opposed say ``nay''.
    The Chair is confused. All those in favor of adopting the 
Resolution, please stand. Please be seated. All those opposed 
to adopting the Resolution, please stand. I don't believe the 
Chair is confused, I believe the motion haspassed and will be 
adopted.
    Past Commander-in-Chief Fellwock says because I am from 
Chicago we stuffed the ballot box early on this morning. Is 
there a Resolution somebody wants to set aside?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1333--New Jersey): I would like to 
have No. 205 set aside.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You want to move for passage?
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1333--New Jersey): I move that we 
adopt or pass Resolution No. 205.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE DENNIS WALL (Post 7164--New Jersey): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, Dennis Wall, Post 7164, New Jersey, seconds 
that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second to adopt Resolution 205. On the question.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1333--New Jersey): I would like to 
have the Resolution read so that everyone in the room will know 
what they are voting on or voting for.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: For the sake of saving 
time, let me just read the ``Resolved''. I think it will get to 
the meat of what we want to talk about.
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the sale of 
poppies by the National Organization of the same design to 
other organizations be stopped.''
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1333--New Jersey): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, the sale of identical poppies, deleting the 
tag on the bottom that says ``Buddy Poppy.'' Now, I understand 
that Buddy Poppy, the wording is patented. The removal of that 
tag and placing a substitute tag with other organization's name 
on the Buddy Poppy, and pardon me, on the poppy of the same 
design, has deterred the sale of Buddy Poppies in our area.
    I am sure what happened in our area in New Jersey is going 
to go on. It will become a steamroller and other organizations 
around the country will do or adopt the same, providing they 
can still buy them through the National Headquarters.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair recognizes Microphone 
No. 2.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, Howard Vander Clute, Post 6467, New 
Jersey. I certainly don't like the idea to stand here and speak 
in opposition to two distinguished Department Officers from New 
Jersey. Perhaps I can shed some light on this issue.
    You might recall that eight or ten years ago we were faced, 
perhaps even longer than that, about 12 years ago we were faced 
with the situation that we had a manufacturer in New Jersey who 
was gouging us with prices to supply the parts to the National 
Organization.
    As a result, we were able to by taking our case to court 
negate the contract that we had with them, because we found 
that the conditions of the contract they had provided, many of 
the provisions were false. We were able then to provide a new 
manufacturer of parts.
    We even had this manufacturer design and produce a machine 
that makes the petals for us, and we have a veteran operating 
that machine five days a week, and they continue to do so. That 
company is in Kansas, by the way. We were able to control the 
price of poppies for a long period of time.
    In order to do so and in order to protect the investment of 
the manufacturer who designed the machinery, we had to give him 
a long-term contract. In order to meet the terms of that 
contract, we have contracted with other Veterans Service 
Organizations to provide them their poppies.
    Not all of them are exactly the same as ours. I think the 
reference here is to Catholic War Veterans. We produce annually 
less than 300,000 for the Catholic War Veterans, while we 
produce for ourselves 18 million. It is hard for me to imagine 
that this could affect the sales of Buddy Poppies that are 
conducted by Posts and Auxiliaries in the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars.
    Remember this, the most important part of this issue is 
that we have been successful in protecting the price of poppies 
for sale in the organization. You have not had a price rise in 
years, and it is simply because we can keep that machine 
running constantly and we can protect the investment of the 
contractor that produces the parts.
    Obviously, we want to continue doing what we are doing. 
Now, 300,000 poppies for the Catholic War Veterans does not 
significantly hurt the sales of VFW Buddy Poppies. We make them 
also for the DAV, and we have been trying to contract with the 
AmVets.
    They are not poppies, as you know, they are an entirely 
different flower. All of this business protects our investment 
and protects the price. Thank you, Commander-in-Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1333 - New Jersey): The objection 
is not money. The revenue that we receive, the Post receives 
from the Buddy Poppies, is used in the Relief Fund. Many of the 
Posts stand out there in the hot sun, in the rain at times, and 
offer the sale of Buddy Poppies.
    Many people will come up, and the public is not 
knowledgeable of the difference between the VFW Poppy, the DAV 
Poppy, and the Jewish War Veteran's Poppy, and whatever else. 
They see the same design. When the poor fellow, our member, is 
trying to collect the money for our VFW Poppy, they say, ``We 
have already given.'' They will display the poppy.
    Our member will go up to them and say, ``May I see the tag 
on that poppy?'' It was not a VFW poppy. You just went through 
a motion to keep it red, the poppy red. I agree that is great. 
Why can't we sell a different colored poppy if it is money we 
are worried about to the other organizations so that the public 
can distinguish the difference in the poppies?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN DeBOLD (Post 364--New York): I got here a 
little late from New York and when I walked in I just heard 
this Resolution before the floor. I said to myself I am 
definitely opposed to this. If you take it away, where is the 
money going to come from to support our guys in the hospitals?
    So, let's talk about reality. They have done away with the 
parade, and I don't want to do away with this. This is an 
important thing to have. Forget about the Jewish War Veterans. 
They should have these poppies and let's not abolish ours. We 
need it.
    If you are going to abolish it, we will have nothing for 
our hospital veterans. God Almighty, don't take it away. Caring 
begins at home. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3, anybody there?
    Microphone No. 1.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JAMES FERGUSON (Post 7686--New Mexico): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, it seems to me that we are arguing a moot 
point. After all, we are all veterans organizations, and I 
can't see any reason why 300,000 poppies are going to hurt the 
VFW in any way. I say we stay with the program we have at this 
time. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN (Post 3061--South Dakota): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am Bill Radigan, Post 3061, South Dakota, 
Chairman of the 1993-'94 Buddy Poppy Committee. Our Committee 
reviewed this. We are all aware of what they were doing.
    I think that all of us have the feeling that the first 
thing you consider are the veterans. These other organizations, 
basically, use the money for the same things we do, and it 
really doesn't make an awful lot of difference who they benefit 
from.
    They are veterans, they need us, and we can help these 
other organizations who probably couldn't have a program unless 
we helped them. I think it behooves all of us to stand up and 
be veterans and to say if we can help you, the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars are ready to do it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anybody else?
    Microphone No. 1. The rules of the Convention say that a 
delegate can only speak twice on the question. I think you have 
already spoken twice.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TOM ADKINS (Post 6423--Kentucky): As long as we are 
producing these poppies, if they start interfering in our 
business, we could surely stop producing them. It is real 
simple. If it gets to become a problem, we eliminate them 
getting the poppies.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there anything else? We will 
now vote on the motion. If you vote ``aye'' on the motion, that 
means we stop the sale of our poppies to other organizations. 
If you vote ``nay'', it is business as usual and we continue 
with what we have been doing.
    All those in favor of adopting Resolution 205 will signify 
by the usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``nay''. The Chair 
is not in doubt. The motion fails.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DONALD HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): I move 
adoption of Resolution No. 218 and request the Chairman to read 
it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Just make the motion. Is there a 
second?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DONALD GATES (Post 141--Minnesota): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second to adopt Resolution No. 218. Don, would you like to 
hear the Resolution in its entirety?
    COMRADE DONALD HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): Yes, please.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: The Resolution is as 
follows:
    ``WHEREAS, resolutions presented to the resolutions 
committee at the various VFW conventions should be presented by 
a proponent of the resolution; and
    ``WHEREAS, the thoughts that brought about the resolution 
are best related by the author or at least by the Post, County 
Council, District or Department from which the resolution 
originated; and,
    ``WHEREAS, the chairman of the committee that hears the 
resolutions could impose restrictions on speakers who are not 
members of the committee; now, therefore
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States that the VFW 
Post, County Council, District or Department that proposes a 
resolution will be able to speak on the resolutions committee 
that will hear the resolution and give its recommendation to 
the VFW District, Department or National Convention for which 
the committee was convened.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DONALD HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, last year in the City of Dallas, I attended 
the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual Committee 
Meeting. Last year, as it was this year at that same meeting, 
the Chairman would not allow anyone outside of the Committee to 
speak on Resolutions taken to that Committee.
    I felt that that was absolutely outrageous last year, 
considering one Department in our organization presented to 
that Committee no less than nine Resolutions. That Department 
was not represented on that Committee. By the ruling of the 
Chairman that Department could not speak to that Committee.
    The one thing that the By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and 
Ritual Committee deals with is the By-Laws, and it is my 
understanding that in the Committee it would take a simple 
majority to recommend approval or rejection to the floor. On 
the floor, it requires a two-thirds motion.
    If I am mistaken about that, please correct me. I felt that 
it was only right that the members of the Committee should be 
given the full knowledge, the full thoughts of the meaning 
behind a Resolution that is brought up, and I felt that is only 
right and proper.
    I want to also personally thank Art Fellwock from Indiana, 
Chairman, and Joe Scerra, Vice-Chairman from Massachusetts, for 
their graciousness in allowing me at that Committee to speak. 
This Resolution was presented and they allowed me to speak.
    I knew that I was going to come to the floor and speak, but 
I necessarily wouldn't be able to speak at that Committee 
meeting. I feel that the knowledge of the information available 
that came about from the Resolution, the thought behind it 
should be presented to the Committee where they could ponder 
it, they could debate it, and that is what I really feel that 
the good, honest open debate should be, should be available.
    The way it is set up right now, it can be denied at a 
Committee meeting. That is with the thought that each Committee 
has members from every Department or nearly every Department 
that was brought up, and I refer to the Committee on Veterans 
Benefits, Veterans Service, where the Department of Oregon had 
a Resolution and where the Department of Oregon is not 
represented, at least not in this booklet. That is all I have. 
Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair would like to ask the 
Chairman of the Committee to explain the reasoning behind the 
Committee's decision.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FELLWOCK: The Committee discussed 
this in quite length, and I can say that Don knows, and he 
recognizes the fact that yesterday during our Committee Meeting 
I allowed Don to speak, a non-member of our Committee. On most 
Committees in the VFW, we do allow participation after the 
Committee members have spoken, allow other VFW members to speak 
on the Resolution.
    We have done this many times. The VFW National Organization 
tries to put on every Committee someone from that state, every 
state. So, someone from that state, where that Resolution 
originated, can speak for that Resolution. Now, we try to do 
that all the time.
    However, at times we must have discipline. I refer to last 
year that you will recall I was Chairman of the National 
Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, and we had threats from 
outsiders that were going to come in and disrupt our meetings 
and disrupt the POW/MIA.
    So, we maintained a very stringentness that only Committee 
members could speak because we wanted no one to disrupt our 
meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I am saying for most 
of the time all of the Committee Chairmen are very lenient. 
They let most everybody speak.
    However, we have to have some rules and regulations and 
some disciplines so that, by golly, if someone intends to 
disrupt our meetings at any time we have some disciplines that 
we can enforce that policy. This is why the Committee 
recommended rejection of this Resolution. They can always come 
to the floor here and speak.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anybody wish to speak? If not, 
go ahead at Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DONALD HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): I fully 
realize and understand Past Commander-in-Chief Fellwock's 
feeling there that we must maintain order. There is no question 
about that. We can't have chaos in running your meeting. I 
certainly also am very confident that every Past Commander-in-
Chief has held the gavel on many, many occasions and many 
various levels, and they certainly would be well experienced to 
take care of whatever would be out of order and order could be 
maintained.
    The fact still remains that there is a possibility that the 
Department that will present the Resolution to this body, at 
any National Convention, will not be represented on this 
Committee. The same would apply to your Departments. You might 
have some Resolutions coming out of your Districts or Posts.
    If you want that Resolution read, a real good way of doing 
that is have a proponent on the Committee to make the motion to 
adopt. You will have somebody there to adopt it. Who is going 
to do it? Yesterday they were only looking for a motion to 
reject.
    Whatever minutes I have left, I want to personally thank 
the comrades that stood up at that Committee meeting and backed 
my thinking here as far as the Resolution. Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, first of all, I think that Past 
Commander-in-Chief Fellwock made an excellent point when he 
said you must have good discipline. I think there is another 
element here, too.
    The Commander-in-Chief has the authority to appoint and 
does the best he can to cover all of the Committees with the 
experienced comrades who know the process of the National 
Convention. Most all of you have been to many Conventions. This 
is simply a recommendation from the Committee to the members of 
the Convention.
    The debate occurs here on the floor. No one that I know of, 
any Past Commander-in-Chief that has served before, has denied 
any comrade the right to speak on a Resolution or a By-Laws 
amendment on this floor, and to articulate the reasons why that 
Department, that District, that Post presented that thought 
through that Resolution and/or By-Laws amendment.
    There are two things here. It is only a recommendation to 
the Convention, and with the benefit of those who serve on the 
Committee. They are not biased when they are assigned to 
consider these Resolutions and/or Amendments, and simply bring 
the facts to the floor.
    The debate occurs here. No one is being denied nor has 
anybody ever been denied that right. This is the most 
democratic organization I have ever seen, and our By-Laws are 
in place to support it as a democratic organization.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anyone else? I will now bring 
the motion to a vote. The motion is to adopt the Resolution 
which would allow the proposer or author of any Resolution to 
speak in front of the Committee, even though he or she is not a 
member of the Committee. If you reject the motion or the 
Resolution, the Committee just gets to debate the Resolution in 
the Committee Meeting, which is the way it has always been.
    All those in favor of adopting the Resolution will signify 
by saying ``aye''; all those opposed ``nay''. The ``nays'' have 
it.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE DONALD GATES (Post 141--Minnesota): I move the 
adoption of Resolution No. 209.
    COMRADE DONALD HEVER (Post 9433--Minnesota): I second it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second to adopt Resolution No. 209. Now, on the 
question, I recognize Microphone No. 2, Donald Gates from 
Minnesota.
    COMRADE DONALD GATES (Post 141--Minnesota): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am not even going to ask to have the 
Resolution read, unless somebody else does. I wrote the thing. 
If there are errors in it as communicated to me by the 
Committee, the errors fall on my shoulder. It is the Safe 
Student Transportation Award.
    I understand the reason for its non-recommendation was the 
fact that it would incorporate a new program and new finances, 
and all the other associated baggage that goes with the 
creation of a new program. It was actually meant to be another 
facet of the existing safety program. I would ask that it be 
considered as such.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anyone else? Hearing none, all 
those in favor of adopting this Resolution will signify by the 
sign of ``aye''; all those opposed. The ``nays'' have it. 
Anything else?
    If there is nothing else on Finance and Internal 
Organization, Past Commander-in-Chief Fellwock, I discharge you 
and your Committee and thank you for doing a great job.
  INTRODUCTION--DIANE CARLSON EVANS, VIETNAM WOMEN'S MEMORIAL PROJECT

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: In our nation's capital on 
Veterans Day, 1993, after nearly a decade of work, the Vietnam 
Women's Memorial was dedicated on the grounds of the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial. This historic event would never have 
happened had it not been for the tireless dedication of our 
next guest.
    Diane Carlson Evans served as an Army Nurse in Vietnam in 
1968 and 1969. That experience provided the motivation for 
launching the efforts that resulted in the Vietnam Women's 
Memorial.
    Please welcome a member of VFW Post 4393 in Eau Claire, 
Wisconsin, Diane Carlson Evans.
    Before you say anything, Diane, on behalf of the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States, it is my pleasure to 
present to you a check in the amount of $2,500 for the Ladies 
Memorial, which brings our total contribution over $100,000.

                     REMARKS BY DIANE CARLSON EVANS

    COMRADE DIANE EVANS (Post 4393--Wisconsin): Thank you, 
Commander-in-Chief Cramer. I am a Life Member of the VFW, but 
it is Northfield, Minnesota.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, my Fellow Veterans and Members 
of the Auxiliary, Friends of the VFW:
    This is truly a moment I have waited for for ten years to 
be able to come before you and say thank you, thank you, 
members, from all across America of the VFW for helping us 
build a Vietnam Memorial for Women in Washington, D.C. Our 
years of hard work paid off.
    My very special thanks to Paul Spera that sat with us on 
the platform last fall to represent the Commander-in-Chief and 
the VFW at the dedication, and my very special thanks to Cooper 
T. Holt, who early on was very helpful with the Vietnam Women's 
Memorial as our National Adjutant.
    A special thanks to Howard Vander Clute, Larry Rivers and 
every single National Commander since 1985, beginning with 
Billy Ray Cameron, who some of you may remember in 1985 when I 
came before this delegation for help. We all kept our eye on 
this mission and with sheer grit and a lot of determination, 
which is what it takes when we are fighting for issues for 
veterans, we now are a lasting legacy for all future 
generations and a beautiful tribute to the quiet soldiers of 
the Vietnam War, the women. Silence is no longer a hiding place 
for these women. Thousands came to the dedication last fall.
    They were thanked by a grateful nation, they were thanked 
by the Chair of the Joint Chiefs, General Shalikashvili, and 
they were thanked by other veteran that hugged them. At last 
the men and women that served beside each other during that 
turbulent history of our Vietnam War are together in time and 
place forever.
    The figure of the statue, portraying a wounded male soldier 
and women that served in varying roles, was designed by Santa 
Fe Sculptor Glenna Goodaker. This monument will always be a 
reminder that America is great because of the men and women 
working together side by side.
    There is now a sense of calm, healing and completion at the 
Vietnam Women's Memorial, not unlike the calm that thousands of 
women brought to the wounded and the dying during the Vietnam 
War. The remaining cost of the design, construction and the 
landscaping of the Memorial, the debt that we still have is 
still $300,000.
    So, we thank you for this check for $2,500, which will go 
to help retire that debt. We continue to look to you for your 
financial support. To fund the project's continuing mission of 
education, research and identifying the women who served, 
Senator Warner and Senator Murkowski, and Congressmen Morella 
and Lambert introduced the Vietnam Women's Coin Act of 1994 
with minting of coins for 1995.
    The coin design will be emblematic of the Vietnam Women's 
Memorial. Thanks for your help in contacting legislators to co-
sponsor this bill. It did pass unanimously last fall in the 
Senate. However, with 236 co-sponsors in the House, our bill is 
being held up in the Subcommittee, chaired by Joe Kennedy.
    I have flyers here at the Convention. On your way out, 
please pick up a flyer or stop by our booth. The co-sponsors, 
who have signed on are starred on these flyers. I would ask 
that each of you go back to your state and try to get at least 
300 to 400 co-sponsors so we can prove to Mr. Joe Kennedy that 
this coin is needed and wanted by the people of America.
    On behalf of the Vietnam Memorial Women's Project, I extend 
to you all of our internal thanks. You did the right thing in 
1985 and every year since when you decided to help, and you 
will all know that when you visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
in Washington, D.C.
    In the words of Sculptor Glenna Goodaker who said that my 
hand can shape the clay which might touch the heart and heal 
the wounds of those who served, it fills me with humility and 
deep satisfaction and I can only hope that future generations 
that view the sculpture will stand in tribute to the women who 
served.
    Now, congratulations to the VFW and to the first woman 
Surgeon General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Yes, this is 
wonderful. Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Next, I would like to call on 
the Chairman of the Americanism and Community Activities 
Committee, Past Commander-in-Chief John Staum.

      REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON AMERICANISM AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN STAUM: Good afternoon. It is 
12:15. I will try to make this as quick as possible. One thing 
I do want to say, yesterday morning I had the privilege of 
introducing General Davis to you for his comments regarding the 
Korean War Memorial.
    General Davis' comments to me in private were that he was 
never more impressed by the reception he received from you and 
the courtesies received here. At the Memorial Service, I sat 
next to him and he was deeply moved. Coming from a medal honor 
recipient, he is probably one of the most decorated veterans in 
the United States. He has a new respect and a new love for the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars. I think we will see him around here 
many more times participating.
    Yesterday afternoon, we had the Committee on Americanism 
and Community Activities meeting. We had a number of 
Resolutions, and at this time I will read the Resolutions that 
were recommended for adoption by the Committee.
    Resolution No. 101, U.S. Flag Desecration, recommended for 
adoption.
    Resolution No. 102, to Support and Promote Voice of 
Democracy Scholarship Program, recommended for adoption.
    Resolution No. 103, Cooperation with National and State 
Organizations to Promote Youth, Safety and Patriotic Programs, 
recommended for adoption.
    Resolution No. 104, Oppose any Action to Change our 
National Anthem, recommended for adoption.
    Resolution No. 105, Oppose any Effort That Would Ban the 
Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools, recommended for 
adoption.
    Resolution No. 106, Censor/Remove Henry B. Gonzalez for 
Remarks on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
recommended for adoption.
    No. 107, English as the Official Language of the United 
States of America, recommended for adoption.
    No. 108, Proper Respect to our National Anthem, No. 108 and 
117 regarding Memorial Day, and we recommended No. 111 simply 
because it was the most concise and the best of the three 
Proposed Resolutions. That is to return Memorial Day to May 
30th. We recommended that No. 111 be adopted.
    Resolution No. 112, National Flag Celebration Week, with a 
Further Be It Resolved that the President sign a Proclamation 
supporting National Flag Week. That was recommended as adopted.
    Commander-in-Chief, I move that the body accept the 
recommendations of the Committee.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE ROBERT STOUT (Post 8398--California): I second that 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question, is there any 
discussion?
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): I move that 
Resolution No. 106 be set aside.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? No. 106 will be 
set aside. We are voting on the recommendations of the 
Committee on the rest. All those in favor will signify by the 
usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It 
is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: We will take up 106. Let me 
look in the book. This was discussed on the Committee floor, 
Ernie. Let me make a couple of comments here. I think I know 
what you want to say. It calls for the official censor of 
Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez from Texas for the comments made 
about the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance on the U.S. 
House of Representatives.
    This is the staff's recommendation, by the way. Our 
national censorship could be viewed as a local problem and 
inappropriate. The staff did recommend rejection. However, the 
Committee felt very strongly that veterans should be able to 
speak out against something like this.
    Now, I could read the whole Resolution. It is very long and 
it is quite inflammatory. However, Ernie, go ahead and talk, 
please.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): I make a motion 
that Resolution No. 106 be rejected.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): There 
is a motion on the floor to adopt the Resolution. You have 
asked it be set aside for debate. You can debate that motion at 
this time, but the motion before the floor is to adopt the 
Resolution.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): I am prepared to 
debate it. I thought somebody had to second it to let me talk.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: It has been seconded. Go 
ahead and talk.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): Comrades, this is 
my Congressman from the 20th District of Texas. I understand a 
lot about him. He has been in Congress for 39 years, something 
like that. He has got a lot of points that you don't know.
    Some of you watch him on TV and some of you don't. When you 
take things out of context and you start glaring them in front 
of the media, they make a lot of to-do about it. We don't 
approve of some of these. Several of us have spoken to him 
personally about these remarks he makes.
    But if you take something out of context, you can make it 
mean anything. Let me say this, he has the right of freedom of 
speech. You cannot deny his freedom of speech as it has been 
proven many, many times.
    Number two, I don't think it is in the purview of this body 
to censor any Congressman, because the censor of a Congressman 
has to be done by that body and done with the Speaker of the 
House presiding.
    Number three, if you are going to do this, then I request 
that we put a list of all Congressmen before this body and let 
us decide whether we as a body of Veterans of Foreign Wars 
should even censor them or not censor them. Many Congressmen 
have made remarks that are derogatory and against what our 
thinking is.
    I move this Resolution No. 106 be rejected.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): That 
is out of order.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): That is my 
recommendation, and whatever words you want, that is okay. I 
don't like them talking about my Congressman.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there anyone else?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE WALTER LUKSTA (Post 9115--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am Walter Luksta from the Department of 
Illinois, Post 9115. As a point of order, I don't have a copy 
of the written Rules of the Convention, but is there any 
contradiction between the Rules of the Convention that we have 
adopted and this Resolution?
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: As far as I hear it, no.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JAMES FERGUSON (Post 7686--New Mexico): If I may, 
Commander-in-Chief, I was at the meeting where we talked about 
this, and personally I offered to hang the man. I think that 
maybe if you read the Endorsement Act of what the Congressman 
said about us or about the members in the Pledge of Allegiance, 
I think that some of the rest of the people in here might get 
as upset as we were at that meeting. Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Do you want to hear it read? 
I will read the portion from the Congressional Record dated 
June 14, 1993, Page H3502. By the way, this was submitted by 
the Department of Washington.
    ``Nothing is sadder to see than the harried instinct in 
taking the Pledge of Allegiance here in the House of 
Representatives. What is that pledge? That pledge was not 
around until just about three decades, three and one-half or 
four decades ago. Here we are, we have taken an oath and that 
oath is to the Constitution, not to the flag. The flag is a 
symbol, and here we are like a good little herd reminiscent of 
the hypocrisy,'' and it goes on.
    That is what the Congressman said. I am quoting out of the 
Congressional Record. This is why the members of the Committee 
felt that we should adopt this Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 8541--Texas): Comrades, if you 
take that and take just part of it, I would be with you and 
willing to run somebody out of town on that. When you look at 
what could be said about things that are happening in Congress 
and remarks made against it, I don't think that is a reason to 
ask for censorship of a Congressman.
    We have five military bases in the District. He fights to 
keep them open. He fights to keep the people employed. He 
fights, and we are not losing anything in San Antonio because 
of his being in there. He is on very important Committees in 
Congress.
    He is very well respected. He is controversial. I will tell 
you this. If you don't have a Congressman up there a little bit 
controversial once in a while, what do you send him up there to 
be, to be a ``yes'' man up there? That is why on some of these 
things the present President tries to put through. We need 
controversial Congressmen.
    I say, comrades, I don't think this body should take a 
stand against a Congressman of the United States. I, for one, 
am a 46-year member of this veterans organization, and I don't 
recall it ever being put on the floor where we voted to censure 
a Congressman.
    I may be wrong, but I would challenge the Judge Advocate or 
Parliamentarian to give us a ruling on that. Thank you.
    COMRADE DAVID GREANEY (Post 7420--California): I move the 
question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We need a second.
    COMRADE GERALD GILGENBACH (Post 8847--Ohio): I second that 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Okay. Before we vote on the 
motion, I will allow one person to speak against the 
recommendation of the Committee. If anyone wants to do that, 
please do so
    Microphone No. 1, there is nobody.
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): Did you 
say who wanted to speak in favor of it or against it?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Against the motion. Did I say in 
favor of it?
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): All I 
have heard is people speak against. I would assume you would 
allow someone to speak in favor of it.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): When 
somebody moves the question, the opponents, under the 
Convention Rules, have the last word. If there is anybody out 
there, a single proponent that wishes to speak against the 
motion, he has his say now.
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): That 
would be myself. The entire reason behind the Department of 
Washington doing this is that we feel that any time any Senator 
or Congressman gets----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Corky, you are in favor of the 
motion, right?
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): I am 
opposed to it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion is to adopt.
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): The 
motion is to pass?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Yes.
    COMRADE GEORGE BERTHIAUME (Post 969--Washington): My 
apologies. The motion is to approve 106. I am in favor of it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion on the floor right 
now is to move the previous question. All those in favor will 
signify by the sign of ``aye''; all opposed ``no''. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Now, we are going to move the previous question. To vote 
``yes'' means to adopt the Resolution and to vote ``no'' means 
to reject the Resolution. All those in favor to adopt the 
Resolution, which means censor the Congressman. Now, to say 
``no'' means we don't censor the Congressman.
    All those in favor will signify by the usual sign of 
``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so 
ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: The following Resolutions 
were rejected by the Committee.
    Resolution No. 108, which is entitled ``Memorial Day'' and 
that was rejected in favor of No. 111.
    No. 109, Proper Respect to our National Anthem, that was 
rejected.
    No. 110, regarding Hunter Safety, was rejected.
    No. 113, A Tribute to the Flag, that was rejected.
    No. 114, in Celebration of America Week, that was rejected.
    No. 115, ``Meet You At The Poll'', that was rejected.
    No. 116, ``Flag Etiquette'', that was rejected.
    No. 117, Support Senate Resolution No. 132, Return Memorial 
Day to May 30th, and that was rejected in favor of Resolution 
111.
    We also received, and I don't think printed in your books, 
Resolutions No. 203, No. 208 and 215, and those were all 
dealing with Sons of the VFW and the age requirements, and 
those three Resolutions were rejected.
    That is the Report of the Committee, Comrade Commander-in-
Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): In regard to 
what the Commander-in-Chief said about rejection of 203, and 
the others, the Sons of the VFW----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before you debate it, somebody 
will have to make a motion to adopt.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): I would like to 
make a motion that that be adopted, restrictions on the Sons of 
VFW, with the age be removed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You are talking about multiple 
Resolutions now, right? You will have to do each one.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): The one that 
restricts.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Which Resolution would you like 
passed? You have to make a motion to adopt one Resolution at a 
time. We would like to know who you are and where you are from.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): I am William 
Haas from Post 7980, Illinois. Resolution 203, I don't know the 
context or the Resolution or Resolved part of it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You are still debating the 
motion. Are you going to make a motion to adopt No. 203?
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): I am. However, 
I----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Make the motion to adopt No. 
203.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): I move adoption 
of Resolution No. 203.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE RUSSELL VILLWOCK (Post 3579--Illinois): I will 
second that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second to adopt Resolution No. 203. Now, on the 
question.
    I will recognize Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE WILLIAM HAAS (Post 7980--Illinois): I come before 
you to speak in regards to this, the age restriction on the 
Sons of the VFW. Commander-in-Chief Cramer, it was my privilege 
to serve you as State Director in 1983. We have got these young 
men in our organization as the Sons of the VFW and we teach 
them loyalty, patriotism, citizenship and consideration for 
welfare of others.
    Along with this, they also learn our ways and help us in 
raising funds and do the duties and obligations set forth for 
us and them. Then the age of 16 or 18 comes along and we put 
them in a button. We no longer have any use for them. It is 
ridiculous, in my opinion, with all of us advancing in age.
    Those in World War II, in particular, are in the area of 70 
or more who can easily use the talents and the abilities that 
we have taught to these young people in our efforts to 
accomplish our duties and obligations. My son was Past State 
Commander of the Sons of the VFW. His sisters are members of 
the Auxiliary.
    They are still vibrant and helpful in doing it just as my 
son and many other sons and grandsons could be in the Sons of 
the VFW. I also carried it to New Orleans and it didn't even 
receive consideration. One of the individuals is up on the 
roster now. We were flatly turned down.
    Now, the thing that I would like to remind you is that when 
my sons or my grandsons reach age 16 or 18, it doesn't mean 
that they are not my sons or grandsons anymore. They are 
forever, so long as the good Lord will let them breathe and 
live.
    I ask you today to consider extending this age and let's 
make use of these people that we have taught and made good 
citizens. Let's make them apply this to things we have taught 
them. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would like to ask the Chairman 
of the Committee to explain the reasoning of the Committee.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: I think in your book you 
will find this under Financial and Internal Organization. 
However, it was sent over to our Committee. Resolution 203, the 
recommendation that came down, 203 would eliminate the age 
restriction on the long-standing youth program called Sons of 
the VFW.
    This Resolution would eliminate the current youth activity 
and create a Men's Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 
The staff recommended rejection.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE ROBERT FONTENOT (Post 6394--California): I am the 
State Chairman of the Youth Activities and the Sons of the VFW. 
I wholeheartedly support the comrade that got up and spoke on 
the extension of the age, because once these kids become 16 
years old, then we kick them out, back into the community.
    It seems like to me we are sending a bad message to the 
youth of our country when we get them into our organization and 
get them started, to train them, and then kick them right back 
out when they become 16 years old and we can no longer use 
them.
    I belong to the American Legion and the DAV also. They all 
have no age limit. They do all right. I can't see how we can 
continue trying to get former Sons of the VFW, and when they 
get 16 years old we send them back to the community and we no 
longer use them.
    That is, do you think we are going to get the other 
youngsters to join with us and when they become 16 if we are 
not going to use them anymore? I think that we are sending a 
bad message with the age limit. Thank you very much.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Can I read something else, a 
recommendation? The Resolution, as I said, Resolution 208 also 
dealt with this problem. Let me read that. Maybe it will clear 
up the 16-year-old bit. Resolution 208 would eliminate the 16-
year age restriction for the Sons of the VFW in favor of no age 
restriction.
    It is the same as Resolution No. 203 and also no age 
restriction at 16 is inaccurate inasmuch as 18 years of age has 
always been the limit for the Sons' program. The Sons of the 
VFW is not a feeder program for the VFW organization. The Sons 
of the VFW was a youth program that was established to give 
young men an opportunity to work side by side with their 
fathers as they do beneficial activities within their 
communities.
    The Junior Girls unit was established for a similar purpose 
and is used as a feeder program for any young woman wanting to 
participate in the Ladies Auxiliary. They also recommended 
Resolution 208 be rejected.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE AL BUBECKI (Post 4425--Florida): I am speaking in 
favor of the motion, because I believe that the VFW needs all 
the help it can get. Getting these young people to continue to 
help us after the age of 16 is a worthwhile project, not only 
in the way of getting help but also in educating them. I am in 
favor of the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE BENNY BACHAND (Post 4287--Florida): Commander-in-
Chief and Delegates to this Convention: As you know, I have the 
opportunity to serve you as the Assistant Adjutant General and 
to see that the programs work every day, as does Gordon Thorson 
in the arena of Youth Activities.
    It was our recommendation to reject for the similar reasons 
that Past Commander-in-Chief John Staum recommended to you. 
Obviously, this is not an Auxiliary and one in which we would 
have to think long and hard about if we wanted to form another 
Auxiliary.
    The truth of the matter is that over the 10,000 Posts that 
we have in this organization, only roughly 40 Posts have Sons 
of the VFW units. One of the things we must be very careful 
about is that, as all of you know, regarding the Flying 
Squadrons this last year, the IRS is attacking us in every 
venue. We have to make sure that we are careful to keep our tax 
exempt status.
    I want to warn the people here in this Convention that we 
are under closer scrutiny by the IRS to protect our exemption 
under 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. It would not be wise 
to try to attempt to broaden the past for participation at our 
canteens. That is the problem we are faced with. We recommend 
rejection of this Resolution. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there anybody else at 
Microphone No. 3?
    COMRADE STEVE JACOBS (Post 6944--California): Comrades, 
Benny said we have 40 units. The reason is because they don't 
stay in the units. I am a Life Chairman of the Youth Activities 
in the State of California. I am a Past Department Chairman and 
what we need to do is keep those kids.
    I understand the canteen problem. You know, as the 
Commander-in-Chief said about the age, we need to keep these 
kids involved. The Auxiliary started out the same way, and it 
was the Junior Girls, and now they can belong to this 
organization.
    We all know when we go out with poppies and do parades and 
do everything else, it is good to have young men. They are our 
sons and our grandsons that could be side by side with us 
forever. I think we need to adopt this motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE LAWRENCE MARTELL (Post 10131--Florida): I move the 
previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE NORMAN GAOVETTE (Post 8681--Florida): I second that 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There is a motion and a second 
to move the previous question. I believe one person can speak 
in favor of the adoption. Is there anyone that would like to 
speak? Is there anybody at Microphone No. 2?
    COMRADE RAY SODEN (Post 2149--Illinois): I rise to support 
the Resolution that we extend the age limit of our Sons of the 
VFW. I stand before you with very much pride in the fact that I 
wrote the original Resolution that started the Sons of Veterans 
of Foreign Wars in the National Organization.
    One reason why we only have 40 units, and I am going to say 
this as straight as I can say it, is because the National 
Organization has not promoted it to extend it beyond what its 
original intention was supposed to be. We have to have some 
continuity.
    Comrades, we have the Dads of the VFW who are in the 
Department of Indiana, and Evansville is one of the greatest 
supporters of their activities and run a lot of their 
functions. There is no reason that my son, who is a Past 
Commander of the Sons of the VFW, could not have the 
opportunity as he has done voluntarily to stand side by side on 
Poppy Day to help shake the can, to help raise money as he has 
done for many years, or to participate and help around the Post 
with any activity that we have.
    We need all the support that we can get. If you have ten 
percent of your Post's membership coming out to help, or 
participate in the meeting, you have a great attendance. You 
have a great participation, believe me. So, we do need all the 
help we can get.
    So, we have the Junior Girls unit and the mobility of it 
because of their By-Laws. That allows them to join the 
Auxiliary. We hope and pray to God that our sons and our 
grandsons never have the opportunity to become eligible for 
this organization.
    We want peace in the world. That is what we are telling 
everybody. So, let's let them participate on some level and 
join with us hand in hand in promoting Americanism and 
promoting youth activities to working with our Junior units.
    My son, a Past Commander of the Sons of the VFW, would be 
willing to work with the units, would be able to communicate 
with them and help on all of our programs. Let's add another 
little arm of strength and utilize that vitality of youth and 
let's put them to work. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Ray. Let me just 
clarify one thing. There is a dad's organization, but they are 
not part of the VFW.
    Before I move the previous question, because we are 
encountering so many problems nationwide now with the Internal 
Revenue Service affecting our membership today, I would like to 
call on our attorney from Kansas City, Larry Maher, to explain 
some of the situations that we have.
    COMRADE LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): I am just 
going to explain one situation it impacts that which you are 
about to do here. The Internal Revenue, the Baltimore District 
Office, has taken a position that all of the Auxiliary units, 
to the extent they can use the club, have to be counted against 
the 75-percent requirement for (c)(19) qualification.
    If you had all of the members of the Sons of the VFW 
together with the members of the Posts, and you don't have 75-
percent eligible veterans of the VFW, you could lose your 
501(c)(19) exemption. That is the position they are taking. We 
don't agree with it. We are going to fight them over it.
    But understand, if you expand the eligibility beyond 16, it 
looks an awful lot like you are making them eligible to go into 
that club, and that is precisely what the IRS wants you to do. 
Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion before us is to move 
the previous question. All those in favor will signify by the 
usual sign of ``aye''; all those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. 
It is so ordered.
    The motion in front of us now is to adopt Resolution 203, 
To Lift the Age Limit of the Sons of the VFW. If you vote 
``yes'', we don't have any age restriction. If you vote ``no'', 
we retain the rules as they are today. All those in favor will 
signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The 
``nays'' have it.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STAUM: Commander-in-Chief, that is 
the end of our report and we ask that the Committee be 
discharged.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. John, you and your 
Committee are discharged for the rest of the Convention.
    I would like to call on our Adjutant General to make a 
couple of announcements.
    [Convention announcements.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would like to call on our 
Assistant Adjutant General Benny Bachand to give a briefing on 
this evening's Patriotic Rally.
    COMRADE BENNY BACHAND (Post 4287--Florida): Thank you, 
Commander-in-Chief. As all of you know by now, the VFW will 
have a Patriotic Rally this evening in the Las Vegas Convention 
Center. Buses will run from the Bally to the Convention Center, 
and then they will continue to run after the program.
    Those Department Commanders, Auxiliary Presidents and those 
units that are in the parade portion will have to assemble by 
4:30 in M-1. The doors to the Convention Center will open at 
5:00 o'clock. The program will start at 5:30. Then the parade 
starts.
    We will have a tribute to America, a program that will last 
approximately one hour and 15 minutes. I will assure all of you 
that by 8:00 o'clock this evening this program will be done, 
and I hope to see all of you here because I think we have an 
exciting program for you this evening at the Las Vegas 
Convention Center.
    Thank you, Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Benny. Let me just 
say we are attempting something different this year instead of 
just walking down the street with hot weather and a parade. 
Benny has put another great program together here.
    I want to tell you something. Last night, after the 
banquet, in which we had about 3,000 attending, better than 
half of the people left the hall. Those who left, you missed a 
tremendous show for about an hour and one-half. I want to thank 
Benny and Joe Ross for getting those people together for us.

                      WINNERS OF INSURANCE DRAWING

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The final order of business is 
to bring up our Insurance Director, Bob Crow for today's 
insurance drawing. While he is coming up here, I know there 
must be an officer from the Big Ten Conference around here, and 
I want you to know you have a small 50-pound box for yourself 
to pick up in the Conference Room in the Business Center.
    COMRADE ROBERT CROW: Thank you, Chief. Again, this year we 
are going to have a cash drawing, and this is sponsored by 
Combined Insurance Company of America. They are currently our 
underwriters of all our individual health, life and accident 
programs.
    At this time I would like to have Past Commander-in- Chief 
Jim Kimery to go ahead and draw six tickets. We are going to 
have six drawings today. They will be for $25, $50, $100, and 
then $25, $50 and $100. That will be the order of the drawings.
    Tomorrow we will have three more drawings, and they will be 
for $25, $50 and $100. Then on Thursday, we will have four 
drawings. They will be for $25, $50, $100, and then a grand 
prize winner of $1,000. I will see if I can get the tickets and 
we will read off the winners.
    The names will be listed down in the Insurance Booth in the 
display area. If the individuals are not here to pick up their 
money, we will send it to them after the Convention. The winner 
of the first $25 is Jack Adkins, Post 3404, Missouri.
    The $50 winner is Phillip G. Phistry, Post 10124, New 
Mexico. The $100 winner is Kenneth Mueller, Post 6401, Kansas.
    The second three drawings, the $25 winner is Elmer 
Talkington, Post 10386, Arizona. The $50 winner is Charles 
Horne, Post 9969, Oklahoma. And the last $100 winner is Frank 
J. Landerway, Post 3641, Colorado. If any of these gentlemen 
are here, or if you know the gentlemen, they can stop by and 
pick up their money after the meeting.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: All right. I will now recess 
this meeting until 9:00 o'clock tomorrow morning. I will see 
you at the Patriotic Rally tonight. Thank you for a great 
attendance.
    [Whereupon, the session was recessed at 12:55 o'clock p.m.]
                        SECOND BUSINESS SESSION

                   WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 24, 1994

    [The Second Business Session of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States, held in the Barron Room of the Las 
Vegas Hilton Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, was called to order at 
9:00 o'clock a.m., with Commander-in-Chief George R. Cramer, 
presiding.]
    COMMANER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, prepare 
the room for the Pledge to the Flag.
    [The National Sergeant-at-Arms lead the Convention in the 
Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.]
    [The Opening Prayer was given by the National Chaplain 
Reverend Charles W. Edwards, Jr.]
    NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, the Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Good morning. I hope you all had 
an enjoyable afternoon as you keep the silver state smiling. 
Those who attended the Patriotic Rally last night, did you 
enjoy it?
    First of all, the members of the General Resolutions 
Committee, I would like for you to meet with Past Commander-in-
Chief Jack Carney outside the second set of glass doors for a 
Resolution that was proposed yesterday. We would like to get 
you together briefly so you can over that Resolution if you 
would, please.
    I would like to call on the Chairman of the Credentials 
Committee, Richard Trombla, for his report.

                    REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

    COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174--Kansas): I am Richard 
Trombal, Department of Kansas, Chairman of the Credentials 
Committee. This is a temporary report as of last night. We have 
16,263 delegates; Department Commanders 44; National Officers 
10; Past Commanders-in-Chief 25. That is for a grand total of 
16,342. This is a temporary report, Commander-in-Chief.

INTRODUCTION OF EILEEN FULTON, MARCH OF DIMES NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON AND 
                   HONORARY MEMBER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Our next guest has one of the 
most recognizable faces in the world today. As the forerunner 
for television vixens such as Susan Lucci, Joan Collins and 
Donna Mills, she will shortly celebrate her 35th Anniversary as 
the infamous ``Lisa'' on CBS-TV's award-winning drama ``As The 
World Turns.''
    Although best known as ``Queen of the Soaps,'' she is a 
dramatic actress, songstress and comedienne who has appeared 
both on and off Broadway in the ``Fantasticks,'' ``Summer of 
the Seventeenth Doll,'' ``Abe Lincoln in Illinois'' with Hal 
Holbrook, and in ``Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?''
    On the big screen she played the lead role in ``Girl of the 
Night,'' an adaptation of Harold Greenwald's novel ``The Call 
Girl.''
    She is an accomplished cabaret performer and song stylist, 
receiving nationwide rave reviews for her one-woman show 
featuring her powerful soprano voice. She recently released a 
new CD and cassette entitled ``First Kiss,'' featuring a 
collection of beloved romantic standards and torch songs.
    She is currently dividing her time between ``As the World 
Turns,'' Broadway, Regional Theater, singing and writing her 
autobiography, and several murder mysteries. She is also 
writing her memoir ``Diva Darling'', which will be available in 
May, 1995, to coincide with her 35th Anniversary on ``As The 
World Turns.''
    Although she has one of the busiest schedules of any 
performer, she finds time for those disabled and less 
fortunate. She has served as Chairperson of the New York 
Metropolitan Committee for UNICEF, co-hosted cerebral palsy 
telethons, worked for the Lupus Foundation and Martha's Table, 
a Washington, D.C. organization to benefit homeless mothers and 
children, and hosted the March of Dimes International Telethon.
    She comes to us today as the National Spokesperson for the 
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.
    Please rise and welcome the ``Queen of the Soaps'', 
actress, authoress, singer and humanitarian, Miss Eileen 
Fulton. [Applause]

                        RESPONSE--EILEEN FULTON

    MS. FULTON: Thank you very much. Thank you for such a 
speech. I want to meet this wonderful person that we are 
talking about. I know there are a lot of you out there who have 
not seen me on ``As The World Turns,'' so I am going to catch 
you up on my character for 35 years.
    My name, Lisa Miller Hughes Eldridge Hughes Shay Coleman, 
almost Hadley, McCall, now Mitchell, and now looking, and she 
is looking. I have only had six husbands, but I have had 
seventy some odd, very odd, lovers. I have just has a ball on 
that show. That is why I stay with it.
    We used to be live, and I don't mean that we are dead now, 
but you understand that we did the show live. I have a couple 
of little stories I would like to share with you, because that 
was the most horrific time for me.
    We had on our show, and we do a lot of things about doctors 
and lawyers, but we had a young man, an actor, to come on for 
one day and he had to play the part of a specialist. He had to 
come in and diagnose a patient who was dying off of 
diverticultis.
    The young actor came in and he said, ``Okay. I can do this; 
I can do this. `Gentlemen, I am here to tell you that your 
patient is dying of divicu--what is that word? That she, no, no 
diverticulitis. He said, yes, difticlus. I can't get that. 
Well, when we would do the show, I am coming through the door, 
so perhaps you will just stop the cameras and then if I don't 
say it right the first time I cold have another chance.''
    They said, ``You will never have another chance. This is 
live. Twenty-three million people will be watching you.'' That 
is the wrong thing to say to an actor who is scared to death. 
``Twenty-three million people? Diverticu--how do you say 
that?''
    Well, one of the actors on the show was very clever and 
very kind. He read this commercial that goes bum, bum, bum, 
bum, bum dippety-do and bum, bum, and diverticulitis. I think 
you got it, diverticulitis. Yes, he got it.
    We all went about doing, ``Diverticulities, I think you 
have got it.'' He said, ``That will help me remember.'' All day 
he was practicing and getting that right, and he said, ``I have 
got it. I know how to say it. When I come on the air, I will 
say diverticultis. I have got it.''
    On the air, he was all just full of himself. He had on his 
nice suit. He painted on his mustache and he came through the 
door in front of 23 million people and he says, ``A gentleman, 
the patient is dying of diverticulties. I think he has got 
it.''
    Another cute little story, I had to walk around and say it 
three months. I had to walk around and say, ``I am pregnant and 
I don't know how it happened.''I had had four husbands and two 
children, and I didn't know how it happened? Oh, come on now.
    So, I walked around saying, ``I am pregnant and I don't 
know how it happened. How have I gotten pregnant? How did it 
happen? I don't know. I am so pregnant. How did it happen?'' 
Finally, a lady from Birmingham, Alabama, sent me a letter. She 
enclosed a pamphlet from the Planned Parenthood. She said, 
``This is how it happened. Get on with it.''
    This life has been full of stories like hers and I could 
stay up here all day and tell you about these, but the real 
reason I am here is to thank you especially for the March of 
Dimes for all the wonderful work that you are doing. I have 
worked with the March of Dimes for quite some time.
    I didn't realize what the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary have 
done for the March of Dimes. I am so impressed. I want to thank 
you. You have helped with your time, with your support, your 
energy, your love, your kindness. You have marched in the Walk 
of America, you have gone door-to-door for the Mothers March.
    You know what you have done. It is wonderful. I think it is 
time that the rest of the world knew what you did. And why 
should I be amazed? You are my heroes. You have saved our 
country more than once and now you are saving lives. You are 
helping prevent birth defects.
    I would like to tell you just a quick story of something, 
and I would like to personalize one thing that you did do. I 
think this is totally amazing. In Brownsville, Texas, in 1990, 
there was a couple, Teresa and Ramon Salazar. They looked 
forward so much to having a family.
    Teresa had two miscarriages. The third time she went full 
term and she was so excited because she was going to have this 
baby. At that very time in 1990, there was discovered that in 
Brownsville alone children were being born with neural tube 
defect.
    That is a birth defect affecting the brain and the spine. 
In five years, 68 babies in Brownsville alone had died or had 
this birth defect. This is a major epidemic. In Texas, the 
Department of Health, with the help of the March of Dimes and 
their expertise, came in to see what was causing it.
    The cause, we are not sure, but they did come up with a 
wonderful discovery. This is because of your money and your 
support and devotion that you have given. They found that 
Vitamin B can help save at least 50 to 70 percent of the 
children born and keep 50 to 70 percent of the children--do you 
understand what I am trying to say--can prevent 50 to 70 
percent of the children born with this. I think this is 
wonderful.
    Well, Teresa wanted another baby. She went to the doctor. 
The doctor put her on vitamins, the Vitamin B, and that is 
folic acid. She went for prenatal care and when their baby was 
born she gave birth to as healthy baby. I thank you for making 
this possible for her.
    I think some of you were there at the Wayne Newton Show the 
other night. Didn't I see some of you at the Wayne Newton Show? 
I saw you, yes. I was impressed by what Wayne said. It kind of 
reminds me of you. Wayne said, when he was thanking his 
audience, and he is a very gracious man, he said, ``You can 
give your money; a man's money is his money. When you give 
time, you give a part of your life.''
    That is what you have done. You have given your money and 
your support, but you are also giving your time. You are giving 
a part of your life. The March of Dimes thanks you and so do I. 
Thank you very much.
    We do have our awards now. I have got the mike and it is my 
show. (Laughter) we are going to give our awards. We have four. 
The first one, I will read to you what it says on this 
beautiful plaque. It is from the March of Dimes Birth Defects 
Foundation.
    ``Because you cared enough to support the campaign for 
healthier babies, more of America's babies will get a healthy 
start in life.'' This award goes to Plymouth, Wisconsin, Post 
5612, VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary, for outstanding support of 
the March of Dimes Mission, 1993-'94. Congratulations.
    The next one, again, ``Because you cared enough to support 
the campaign of Care for Babies, more American babies will be 
born healthy and have a healthy start in life.'' This goes to 
VFW Post 1, Department of Michigan, and the Ladies Auxiliary, 
in financial support of the March of Dimes, 1993-'94.
    This award goes to North Dakota VFW and the Ladies 
Auxiliary No. 2 for the financial support of the March of Dimes 
mission for '93-'94. Congratulations. They were first last year 
and many years before, and you will be first again. 
Congratulations.
    Ms. Eillen Fulton. You-all have been so marvelous and you 
are so quiet, and we are standing up here and having our 
pictures taken. This is the last award.
    To the National Headquarters of the VFW and the Ladies 
Auxiliary for continued support of the March of Dimes Mission, 
1993-'94. Here we go. Congratulations. Thank you again for your 
help and your support. You are wonderful.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER. Tank you, Eileen. Accepting the 
award for the national organization are the two people that 
should be because they do so much for us, our Director of 
Community Activities, Mike Gormalley and, of course, our 
Assistant Adjutant General for Programs, Benny Bachand.

   PRESENTATION OF THE J. EDGAR HOOVER AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: On May 13, 1994, in a 
candlelight ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers 
Memorial in Washington, D.C., the name of Detective Evelyn Gort 
was added to the names of those officers who died in the line 
of duty.
    It was early in the morning in Coconut Grove, Florida, last 
October 30 when Detective Gort of the Metro-Dade Police 
Department, off duty and in the company of a friend, were 
approached by a man with a gun who attempted to rob them.
    As her friend handed over three dollars and the keys to his 
car, Detective Gort pulled her handgun and exchanged shots with 
the gunman before being fatally wounded.
    The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. He 
was later dropped off at a hospital where police arrested him 
after determining that the bullets taken from his body had been 
fired from Detective Gort's gun. His accomplice has since been 
apprehended by police. Both men have extensive arrest records.
    The recipient of many commendations, Detective Gort was 
recognized not only by her peers but those of the community 
whom she served as a dedicated and respected law enforcement 
professional.
    On three separate occasions, Detective Gort was commended 
by the Director of the Metro-Dade Police Department for her 
investigative skills leading to arrests in major fraud and 
embezzlement cases.
    Following her death, Detective Evelyn Gort received the 
Police Department's Gold Medal of Valor which stated her 
actions were well above and beyond the call of duty and were 
performed in the true spirit of the law enforcement Code of 
Ethics.
    The life of Evelyn Gort, 34 years of age, mother of two 
daughters, and an law enforcement career of seven years has 
ended. What has not come to an end is her memory.
    Today the Veterans of Foreign Wars honor her memory and pay 
tribute to her and the men and women in law enforcement who so 
unselfishly serve their communities.
    Accepting the VFW J. Edgar Hoover Award for Detective 
Evelyn Gort are her mother, Mrs. Ofelia Gonzalez, and her 
sister, Mayra Fausett.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, J. Edgar 
Hoover Gold Medal and Citation awarded posthumously to 
Detective Evelyn Gort, Metropolitan Dade County Police 
Department.
    ``In special recognition of her exceptional career as a 
distinguished law enforcement officer as evidenced by her many 
commendations for dedicated and devotion to law enforcement, 
including the Gold Medal of Valor, distinguished officer of the 
month awards and employee excellence awards and in grateful 
appreciation for her professional excellence, personal bravery 
and courage in the face of great personal danger above and 
beyond the call of duty and in the true spirit of the law 
enforcement code of ethics for which she sacrificed her life 
resulting in the survival of her fellow officer and the 
increased safety of the public of Dade County.''
    The citation is signed today by me as Commander-in-Chief, 
and attested to by our Adjutant General, Howard Vander Clute. 
Of course, along with this award goes an honorarium of $1,500.

                      RESPONSE--MS. MAYRA FAUSETT

    MS. FAUSETT: For myself and for my family, I would like to 
thank all of your from the bottom of our hearts. You are our 
heroes. So many of you have died to make this world a better 
place as my sister did. She is my hero. She was a wonderful 
human being.
    When someone dies, often you always have to say something 
nice about them. In my sister's case, there was nothing but 
something nice. She was a person that cared more about the 
people that she served than about herself. She gave of herself 
24 hours a day.
    She gave her life to save another human being. She will 
always be with us and she will always be a memory of the Metro-
Dade-Police Force. We are so grateful for all the things that 
you have done and that everyone has done. You have made these 
ten months a little easier. Thank you.

  PRESENTATION OF VFW EMERGENCY SERVICE AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Each day, countless brave men 
and women, members of the Emergency Services in our 
communities, put their lives at risk fighting fires, providing 
rescue service, civil disaster assistance or rendering 
emergency medical care to save lives.
    The Veterans of Foreign War Emergency Services Gold Medal 
Award seeks to focus national attention on the deeds and 
sacrifices of those who so nobly meet the emergency needs of 
our nation's communities.
    Our recipient this year is a 22-year veteran of the North 
St. Paul, Minnesota Fire Department. In addition to his 
accomplishments in providing medical training and safety 
education to his community, he has been recognized by the 
citizens of North St. Paul for his dedication to the well-being 
of others, both on and off duty.
    As an example, the State Police of Minnesota presented 
their Lifesaver Award to him for saving the life of a four-year 
old boy after the car in which the child was riding crashed 
into a boat trailer at high speed. His CPR efforts restored the 
child's breathing and pulse and the boy survived.
    We are honored today to present the VFW Emergency Services 
Award to a fine example of all who serve their communities in 
emergency services with dedication, concern, and at times, 
sacrifice, Captain Thomas Korlin, North St. Paul, Minnesota, 
Fire Department.
    Please give a warm welcome to Captain Korlin. [Applause]
    ``The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
Emergency Services Award, Gold Medal and Citation awarded to 
Captain Thomas Korlin, North St. Paul Fire Department.
    ``In special recognition of his distinguished career 
spanning twenty-two years of exceptional service as a 
firefighter, engineer, tactical and training officer and 
medical officer for the Fire Department's Ambulance Service and 
in sincere appreciation for his selfless and dedicated service 
protecting life and property at great personal risk and his 
C.P.R. teaching and training of fire and ambulance personnel 
and his fellow employees.''
    This citation has been signed by myself, of course, as 
Commander-in-Chief, and attested to by our Adjutant General. It 
also includes an honorarium of $1,500.
    Captain Korlin, I understand there are five members of your 
Fire Department out in the audience with us. I am sure they 
would like to be standing up here to help you accept this 
award.

                      RESPONSE--MR. THOMAS KORLIN

    MR. KORLIN: Good morning, gentlemen. I would just like to 
inform you of one fact in anticipation of this morning. It is 
unreal for me because I am not much of a public speaker. I 
assert myself on a medical emergency call, and a fire, and I am 
here at this time very nervous.
    I will start with when I received the letter from Mr. 
LeFebvre's office in Washington, D.C. I was asked to be the 
first recipient of this award. Needless to say, I was 
flabbergasted in receiving this award, because I wasn't even 
aware of the fact that I was nominated.
    Being here to receive the award is a great honor, but it is 
honor enough in itself to know that your peers think that much 
of you to give you this nomination. I would like to especially 
take this opportunity to thank Commander of Post 1450 in St. 
Paul who was going to be here present this morning but was 
unable to attend. He called me Sunday morning and made me aware 
of the fact he was in an automobile accident and will be unable 
to attend.
    Also my Fire Chief and members of my Department, which I 
did not know were coming. I just met them maybe about a half 
hour ago. They are here. I would like to introduce them to you, 
if I may. They are Mr. Mike Chungman, Retired; Dominic 
Singotti, Captain of the Fire Department; Jerry Burnham, 
firefighter, and our illustrious Chief, David Six, and Honorary 
Member in Rio Grande, California, Mr. David Athey. Thank you, 
gentlemen, for being here.
    To just give you a little past history, after graduating 
from high school I joined the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. 
Carrier Independence. I got married to my wife, Nancy, in 1968. 
We have two children, a son 19 and a daughter 17 years of age.
    I have always enjoyed helping people, especially those that 
are in some kind of need. So, in 1972, I joined the North St. 
Paul Fire Department. Today, I am a Captain. I am the oldest 
continuous active Emergency Medical Technician in the State of 
Minnesota. As I mentioned before, I am also a C.P.R. American 
Red Cross Instructor.
    A little history of our city. The city of North St. Paul 
has population of approximately 1,000 people. We are just in 
the suburbs of St. Paul. We have a 40-member Fire Department 
who are all volunteer except for our Chief, and we respond to 
approximately 300 fires a year.
    We man two ambulances and we respond to approximately 600 
mercy medical service calls during that year. That gives me 
ample time to do what I really like to do most. However, there 
are times even being a volunteer you feel like throwing in the 
towel.
    One I can always remember being in the back of my mind 
forever was an incident back in November, 1985. My wife and I 
had a few couples over at the house for the evening. One of 
these members, a gentleman was an Emergency Medical Technician 
and a firefighter.
    He was on call for an ambulance that night. It was a 
typical November evening, and we had just received about six to 
eight inches of snow. When the ambulance call came in that a 
pedestrian had been struck, he arrived on the scene rapidly and 
found a 13-year-old lad, who I will call Mike, lying in the 
snow-covered street with an extreme head trauma, no pulse or 
respiration.
    He was loaded in the ambulance for C.P.R. and artificial 
resuscitation where it was done by an individual that was at my 
house, who I will call Harvey. Excuse me for a minute. My 
friend, Harvey, said the young man loaded in the back of the 
ambulance had braces on his teeth.
    Subsequently it dawned on him that the individual, the 
young man he was working on, was his own son. Harvey, in turn, 
did C.P.R. on his little boy and took him to the emergency 
hospital, and they worked very diligently on Mike to save his 
young life, but they did not.
    The doctors came out of the hospital ER room and approached 
the emergency crew and informed them that there was nothing 
more they could do, and they were going to be notifying 
immediately the parents. Harvey turned and told them that there 
was no need for that, because he was his father.
    Another incident that I recall is that a young lad was run 
over accidentally in his driveway. I answered the call, and I 
was the first person on the scene. What took place was that the 
mother was washing the car and abruptly left momentarily.
    When she came back, she found that the car had rolled out 
of the driveway. The young lad was standing in the middle of 
the driveway. I got there and there was no pulse, no breathing, 
no obvious trauma to the young guy. I immediately started 
C.P.R. resuscitations on the boy.
    Again, I carried the young man to the ambulance and brought 
him to our nearest trauma center. En route to the trauma 
center, I got breathing restored in the individual, but I never 
got a pulse back on him. Needless to say, he in turn died.
    But as fate would have it, a week later, the family and I 
were up north on vacation. Coming back on the interstate, it 
was typical road construction in Minnesota during the 
summertime and the traffic was backed up probably five or six 
miles, stop and go.
    I had made the comment to my wife at that time that note of 
the traffic. Just right at the time I witnessed a car slam into 
the back of another vehicle traveling about 65 miles an hour, 
and the other vehicle was at a dead stop. Unknowingly, somehow 
I got my first aid kit out of the trunk of the car and ran down 
there to the interstate, probably 100 yards or so, where I 
found a four-year-old lad, no pulse, no breathing, and he had 
severe head trauma.
    I in turn administered C.P.R. and artificial resuscitation 
to the young boy. Because of the distance that the ambulance 
had to travel, I stayed with the young lad for about 15 
minutes. Needless to day, I did restore his breathing and his 
pulse again.
    The young boy was in critical condition for several months, 
but he made it and he is alive today. That child's respiration 
and healthy life was enough work for me. Needless to say, I 
received the Minnesota State Highway Patrol Lifesaver's Award 
for that year. The following year I received the Firefighter 
Award and Emergency Medical Technician State Award. Now, this 
one.
    I would like to thank the VFW especially for recognizing 
the efforts of our nation's firefighters. As far as I know, the 
VFW is the only organization that does.
    Last but not least, I would like to thank my family, 
especially my wife Nancy. They may not have been at the fires, 
but they have done a lot of sacrifices, so I would like to 
thank my family. Thank you, gentlemen, for this prestigious 
award.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Mr. Thomas Korlin.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Captain, once again, we thank 
you, and we thank the people of your profession for helping to 
save lives.

   PRESENTATION OF THE VFW AVIATION AND SPACE AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND 
                                CITATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: NASA's successful servicing of 
the Hubble Space Telescope represents one of the most extensive 
and difficult servicing missions ever attempted.
    After finding and retrieving the bus-size Hubble Space 
Telescope, the team of astronauts aboard the space shuttle 
Endeavor completed the servicing and repairs needed to 
refurbish the telescope.
    With more space walks than any other mission, their success 
represented the culmination of incredible efforts by both the 
scientific and NASA community.
    We are honored to have with us today mission specialist Tom 
Akers who, prior to the Hubble Space Telescope mission, had 
flown two previous flights in which he, as part of a three-
member crew, captured the stranded Intelsat satellite and on a 
second space walk evaluated space station construction 
techniques.
    Colonel Akers joined the Air Force in 1979, following four 
years as the high school principal in his hometown of Eminence, 
Missouri.
    Selected for the astronaut program in 1987, Colonel Akers 
is a veteran of three space flights.
    We are honored to present the VFW Aviation and Space Award 
to the scientific and NASA community for its combined 
contribution toward enhancing our understanding of space.
    Please join me in welcoming Lieutenant Colonel Tom Akers, 
who will accept the award on behalf of NASA and the community 
of scientists which contributed to the success of the Hubble 
Space Telescope servicing mission.
    ``The Veterans of Foreign Wars Aviation and Space Award, 
Gold Medal and Citation, awarded to The Crew of STS-61, 
National Aeronautics Space Administration.
    ``In special recognition of exceptional contributions in 
the field of space evidencing, the dedication, knowledge, 
professionalism and courage of the crew in accomplishing its 
difficult and challenging servicing mission to the Hubble Space 
Telescope, demonstrating the versatility and resourcefulness of 
men and women in space.''
    This has been signed by myself, the Commander-in-Chief, 
today, and attested to by Howard E. Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General. With this award goes an honorarium of $1,500.
    Congratulations, Colonel Akers.

                     RESPONSE--COLONEL THOMAS AKERS

    COLONEL AKERS: Thank you, George, It is an honor to be here 
today to represent the rest of my NASA STS-61 crew and also the 
entire NASA team who put together the mission that resulted in 
us repairing the Hubble Space Telescope just this past 
December.
    I think it is entirely appropriate, and I am very pleased 
that the VFW chose to include not just the STS-61 crew members, 
seven of us, but also the entire NASA team because, indeed, it 
was the epitome of a team effort of what we accomplished last 
December some 300 million miles in space in Europe.
    In fact, we like to tell people that we think that mission 
was so successful for three reasons. Number one, we had good 
hardware; number two, we had good preparation; and number 
three, we had good people.
    The good hardware included not only the excellent space 
shuttle that worked faultlessly. It included the Hubble Space 
Telescope that had been designed several years before and 
deployed in space in the spring of 1990, and it was designed 
for space walkers like myself to go out and work on them.
    That hardware also included over 200 tools that we had in 
the space shuttle's cargo bay to work on the telescope with. 
The good preparation also included the work of a lot of good 
people. We trained for over a year and one-half. Most of our 
training was underwater in a very large swimming pool down in 
Houston, Texas, where all of us astronauts live, and also 
several trips over to Huntsville, Alabama, to the Marshall 
Flight Space Center where we also trained in a larger pool.
    Each of us who went outside on that mission had over 200 
hours of training underwater. All that good preparation wasn't 
just training for us, it was training for the ground team. For 
each of the seven astronauts up in space, we had literally 
hundreds of people on the ground who were watching while we 
were working in space making sure that we didn't miss anything 
or do anything incorrectly.
    Finally, of course, what makes every good team is good 
people. I think we have some of the best people in the country 
working in NASA, and I am very proud to be a part of that team. 
As you all know, everyone accomplishes a lot more by teamwork.
    We like to spread the word that for astronauts there are 
thousands of scientists, technicians, engineers, custodians and 
secretaries that all go together to make up the NASA team, not 
just the ones at NASA doing the work on the mission, but the 
scientific information that that Hubble Space Telescope is 
sending back.
    That data that you have seen in the media, and certainly in 
the past month or so, you have seen what a great job the Hubble 
Telescope is now doing helping us to learn about the outer 
edges of our universe.
    Again, I would like to thank you for this award. I think it 
is also very appropriate that the $1,500 honorarium has been 
donated to the NASA Scholarship Fund, and it will help some 
young men and women as they pursue their future going to 
college and, hopefully, they will be around to help us in NASA 
to solve some of the problems we are going to encounter in the 
future as we build a space station and hope to send someone to 
Mars during my lifetime. Thank you.

      REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For this report, I would like to 
call on the Chairman of the National Security and Foreign 
Affairs Committee, Past Commander-in-Chief Ray Soden.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: Thank you very much, 
Commander-in-Chief. To all of the outstanding delegates at this 
Convention, I would like at this time to thank the Commander-
in-Chief for giving me an outstanding group of comrades to work 
with on the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee.
    Serving alongside with me is an outstanding Past Commander-
in-Chief, Pat Carr, from the great State of Louisiana. Billy 
Ray Cameron, Past Commander-in-Chief from North Carolina, 
served as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on POW/MIA. 
Unfortunately, Billy Ray heads up the Emergency Services for 
the State of North Carolina and had to return home because of 
flooding problems.
    So, in his place the Vice-Chairman, Russell Rieke, from the 
Department of Illinois, will be giving the report of the 
Subcommittee on POW/MIA. I would like to thank Ted Steadman, 
our Director, for all of his able assistance and kindness he 
have given us during our meeting.
    Most of all, Chief, I want to thank you for presenting to 
us an outstanding group of comrades dedicated to serving the 
organization, who served on the National Security and Foreign 
Affairs Committee. At this time I would like to present those 
Resolutions that were adopted.
    No. 403, The Lessons of the Cold War.
    No. 404, Limit Foreign Ownership of U.S. Businesses and 
Properties.
    No. 405, Stop Illegal Immigration at the Border.
    No. 406, Continue Castro's Isolation Until he is Removed.
    No. 407, Punish Terrorists Now.
    No. 408, Strategic Defense Should be a Strategic Priority.
    No. 409, The Future is Brighter in Central America.
    No. 410, Add the B-2 Bomber to our Arsenal.
    No. 411, Protect our Technology and Industrial Base.
    No. 412, Oppose Lifting the Defense Department Ban on 
Homosexuals in the Armed Forces.
    No. 414, Maintain an Effective U.S. Coast Guard.
    No. 415, Standing Firm for Freedom.
    No. 416, National Strategy of Peace Through Strength.
    No. 417, A Common Sense Military Balance in Europe.
    No. 419, Military Service; an Honored Profession.
    No. 420, Start for Start Treaties I and II.
    No. 421, Strengthen Intelligence Services to Prevent 
Strategic Surprise.
    No. 422, Limit U.S. Role in Yugoslav Civil War.
    No. 423, Support for the Republic of Korea.
    No. 424, Support for the Republic of China on Taiwan.
    No. 427, Grant the AFEM to Veterans of El Salvador.
    No. 430, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Navy Medal 
Augmentation Team Operation Urgent Fury. That is Grenada.
    No. 432, Surrender of U.S. Sovereignty.
    No. 433, Supporting a Korean Service Medal.
    No. 437, Oppose U.S. Forces Under foreign Command and 
Reveal Contents of Presidential Decision Directive 25.
    No. 440, No Women in Combat.
    No. 441, Demand Iraq Account for Kuwaiti Missing.
    No. 442, Support for United States Naval Training.
    No. 443, Support Retention of Selective Service.
    No. 444, Support for the U.S. Army School of the Americas.
    No. 445, Support for the Reconfiguration of Merchant 
Marines.
    No. 447, Security of the Panama Canal.
    No. 448, Merchant Marine Academy Tuition.
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I move these be adopted by this 
Convention.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TED EATON (Post 2104--Massachusetts): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. Now, on the question. Hearing nothing, 
all those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; 
all those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: Now, I will read those that 
were rejected.
    No. 425, Support the Exclusion of Iraqi POW's.
    No. 428, Oppose U.S. Forces Under Foreign Command.
    No. 434, Uphold Current Ban on Homosexuals Serving in the 
Active, Reserve and National Guard Forces of the United States.
    No. 436, No to U.S. Military Intervention in Haiti.
    No. 438, Congress Urged to Re-examine All-Volunteer 
Military Services.
    Those are the ones that were rejected, comrades.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE LEO RELLER (Post 2366--Indiana): I move that we 
adopt Resolution No. 436.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE LEWIS WEISHEIT (Post 1114--Indiana): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second. On the question.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: That is the Resolution of No 
U.S. Military Intervention in Haiti.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: On the question.
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PETER PUENTES (Post 10209--Florida): We should 
oppose the military intervention in Haiti, because Haiti is not 
Panama or Grenada, or there is no interest for the United 
States citizens that are at risk at Haiti. Also military 
intervention will not solve Haiti's political problems, which 
has been shown in previous years. We should adopt Resolution 
436, and I implore the comrades to adopt it. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE LEO RELLER (Post 2366--Indiana): This Resolution is 
very dear to the Commander-in-Chief. He has already sent three 
warnings to the White House in regards to intervention in 
Haiti. If we reject this, we will undercut his warnings.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? Anything else? 
Comrades, you have heard the motion to adopt Resolution 436. 
All those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; 
opposed ``no''. I guess we will have to do it again. All those 
in favor will signify by the sign of ``aye''; all those opposed 
``no''.
    Well, good morning. Please, let's hear it one more time. 
All those in favor, please stand. Now, those opposed, please 
stand. I think it is close, but I think the ``ayes'' have it. 
The Resolution is adopted.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: You win a few and you lose a 
few, you know. At this time, my comrades, I would like to 
present to you the Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on POW/
MIA, who will report in the absence of the Chairman, Past 
Department Commander of Illinois, Russell Rieke.

                     REPORT OF POW/MIA SUBCOMMITTEE

    COMRADE RUSSELL RIEKE (Post 5694--Illinois): First of all, 
let me say to our Commander-in-Chief George Cramer, from the 
bottom of my heart I would like to thank you for we adopt these 
Resolutions.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TERRY McKINNEY (Post 886--Illinois): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    COMRADE RUSSELL RIEKE (Post 5694--Illinois): The following 
Resolutions were rejected by the Committee.
    Resolution 429, we rejected 429 because it was, in essence, 
the same as Resolution No. 401.
    No. 431 was rejected because it was the same as 401 and 
429.
    Resolution 439 was rejected in favor of Resolution 418 but, 
in essence, was the same.
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, they are automatically rejected 
if there is no one wishing to make a motion.
    I have two other things. In yesterday's paper was a news 
article about missing Vietnam veterans. ``The remains of three 
pilots shot down in the Vietnam War have been recovered and 
identified. The Pentagon has said they are Air Force Captain 
Leslie Boye, Air Force Major John Peter from Tusla, Oklahoma, 
and Navy Captain Hubert Modeen of Middleboro, Massachusetts.
    ``The remains of 335 Americans have been identified since 
the end of the war, and there are still 2,229 missing. If you 
would, sometime today stop off and see the representatives of 
our Joint Task--Full Force Accounting, and the Central 
Identification Lab.
    They have set up a booth in the display area, and we 
encourage you to visit and see how they work to try to recover 
our MIA's and our POW's. Believe you me, I stand before you, 
and I saw what the JTFFA in Stoney Beach are doing for us or 
the POW/MIA's in Vietnam. They are doing an outstanding job.
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, that concludes my report.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Russ, for your work 
on the Committee. I also want to thank you for what you have 
done as the Vice-Chairman of the POW/MIA Committee. This is the 
first time that our Chair Officers over the past four years 
have had the opportunity to travel either on their own or with 
members of the State Department to investigate this issue, both 
in the United States and abroad.
    This is the first time that we have thought it was 
necessary that a member of the troops, all of you, have the 
opportunity to go as well and get first-hand information. So, 
you don't have to believe what we are telling you. I think Russ 
got that firsthand information. I want to thank you, Russ, for 
taking the time from your schedule to travel overseas for us.
    I would like to call back the Chairman of that Committee, 
who is also the chairman of the PAC and also PAC Director.
    COMRADE FRED VonHINKEN (Post 4159--Michigan): Commander-in-
Chief, I believe you went right from discussion and action on 
Resolution 436. I have a comrade here that has been standing to 
speak on another Resolution. You went right into the POW/MIA 
Subcommittee Report. This comrade has been standing here 
waiting.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We saw people over there, but I 
didn't see anyone raise their hand at the microphone. I will 
tell you what I will do. I will go back, if you have something 
to say. I will give you that opportunity. What I would request, 
if you want to make a motion or something on a Resolution, 
please then go to the microphone. Don't just stand there so we 
don't know what is going on.
    The Chair recognizes the comrade at Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE DENISE NICHOLS (Post 4171--Colorado): Excuse me, 
sir. I did talk to the Sergeant-at-Arms. We skipped over 
Resolution 425. I understand that one was turned down. I am 
Denise Nichols, a Desert Storm veteran. I would like to know 
the reason why 425 was rejected by the Committee.
    I would like to make a motion that that Resolution be 
adopted.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: First of all, you are making a 
motion that Resolution 425 be adopted?
    COMRADE DENISE NICHOLS (Post 4171--Colorado): Yes, sir.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second? Is there a 
second? Please go to the microphone.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I will 
second that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There is a motion and a second 
to adopt Resolution No. 425. On the question.
    Mr. Chairman, do you want to let us know what the 
Resolution is?
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: Resolution No. 425 is 
Support the Exclusion of Iraqi POW's. Do you want the 
Resolution read in its entirety, or just want the ``Be It 
Resolved''?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Just the ``Be It Resolved.''
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: ``Be It Resolved, by the 
95th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, that we support the bipartisan request from the 
members of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge the 
Secretary of State, Secretary of Health and Human Services and 
the President to withdraw the refugee status to be granted to 
these former Iraqi soldiers.''
    The rationale behind the rejection was the fact of 
erroneous information that we had received. I will call on our 
Director Ken Steadman to explain the erroneous information.
    COMRADE KENNETH STEADMAN (Director of National Security and 
Foreign Affairs): Comrades, if you will recall at our last 
Convention in Dallas, we acted on this Resolution based on the 
information that we had then and, indeed, I wrote the 
Resolution in the hours just before our Committee meeting.
    However, shortly after that, when the Resolution reached 
Washington and got to the Secretary of State's desk, Junior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera and I went to the State 
Department to address this particular issue at which time we 
were informed, given the data which proved that the Iraqi's, 
which we had reported as being POW's and brought here as 
refugees, were, in fact, line bosses, individuals who had 
deserted the Iraqi Army and had crossed over to the coalition 
forces and provided the coalition forces with the information 
which was a value to them in defeating Iraq and the recapture 
of Kuwait.
    It was either those, a large number of them were Kurds, who 
had rebelled, if you will recall, up in Northern Iraq and were 
also rebelling down in the South. All of these people had been 
erroneous lumped in as POW's. That was the original mistake.
    I compounded it for you. I made the mistake at the 
Convention last year of reporting them as Iraqi POW's. They 
were, in fact, legitimate Iraqi refugees who were brought here, 
about 2,000 of them. I did report that, I think it was in 
October or November, when the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, 
Spera asked me to put out a paper, which I did to all 
Departments, explaining the error of that Resolution.
    Unfortunately, that Resolution was picked up again this 
year. So, it again contains erroneous information which I 
originally put out. I apologize and I thank you for hearing me 
out.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE DENISE NICHOLS (Post 4171--Colorado): I am the one 
that originally brought that back up. I would like to report to 
the Convention that some of our Desert Storm veterans have gone 
to testify in Washington, D.C., which one of these Iraqi POW's 
is now located in his own hometown.
    After the publicity of his testimony, he was called by this 
Iraqi POW and kind of laughed at. He was told, ``Well, I am 
sorry you are sick, sir, but I am being taken care of by your 
government. I have food stamps, I have got welfare'' and the 
whole list of things that our government is providing. ``I am 
really sorry you are sick.''
    It didn't end there. After he testified again, the Iraqi 
POW has called him and threatened his family and the Desert 
Storm veteran. He has had to put his family in hiding, sir, so 
I really think we ought to do something about the Iraqi POW's 
that were brought to this country that are receiving better 
care than our sick Desert Storm vets and are now making 
threats.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before I ask for any other 
comment, in my own mind, if I understand what is going on here, 
if we adopt this Resolution it keeps the Iraqi refugees out. If 
we don't adopt it, it allows them to come in. I have to agree 
with you. I think we ought to take care of our own people first 
before we worry about the rest of the world.
    Microphone No. 3.
    JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF PAUL SPERA (Post 144--
Massachusetts): Just for clarification, comrades. As Comrade 
Steadman said, when you passed that Resolution last year, we 
went to the State Department and we brought the matter to them, 
and they gave us certain information which indicated that the 
individuals that were allowed into this country were not, in 
fact, Iraqi POW's.
    We also got information, as Ken just stated, that some of 
them are Kurds, some were individuals who deserted and came to 
our side. Just so that you understand how we operate, we did 
not accept that information at face value. Ken Steadman has a 
wide mentor of individuals within the Defense Department and 
the State Department, and he was instructed to contact that 
network and gather as much information as he could.
    Based on that information that he received, opposition came 
up to this Resolution. I am only telling you this, not to say 
that we should not pass the Resolution, but to let you know 
that when you do pass something like this we will follow up on 
it and we investigate it independently as well as we can.
    With that in mind, I will join with the Commander-in-Chief 
in recommending that we pass this Resolution, because we have a 
lot of problems with our own people here that we need to take 
care of and maybe stop letting all the refugees in to begin 
with.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN DeBOLD (Post 364--New York): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I concur with your thoughts with regard to 
taking care of our own. As I said yesterday, and I will say it 
again until the day I die, charity begins at home and no place 
else.
    Right today, they are picking up the people that want to 
leave Cuba. What are they doing with them? They are bringing 
them to Guantanamo Bay and we have to support them also. I 
believe that----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade, we are on a motion. 
This is unrelated.
    COMRADE JOHN DeBOLD (Post 364--New York): You are talking 
about taking care of our own. They pick up the people from Cuba 
and take them to Guantanamo Bay and we are supporting them so--
--
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade, you are out of order. 
Anything else on the question?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE KEITH BROWN (Post 4695--Texas): I think that we are 
addressing the issue of POW's. Those other individuals who left 
their armies and came over to our side are not POW's. So, I 
support the ban of POW's.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? If not, all those 
in favor of adopting Resolution 425 will signify by the sign of 
``aye''; those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I 
don't believe the great Chairman of this Committee has yet 
reported on 113 as either being approved or rejected. That was 
Concerning the Granting of Asylum or Residence, Temporary or 
Permanent, in the United States or its Territories to any 
Leader, President, Monarch or Dictator.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is that No. 413, Ron?
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): Excuse 
me, Resolution 413. I apologize.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: I did not read that 
particular Resolution. Resolution No. 413 is Concerning the 
Granting of Asylum or Residence, Temporary or Permanent, in the 
United States or its Territories to any Leader, President, 
Monarch or Dictator. We will move adoption of that Resolution.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): We 
agree.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Ron, did you say you want to 
second that motion?
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): Yes, I 
would. That is exactly what I said. Ron Rusakiewicz, Post 9460, 
Stratford, Connecticut, seconds that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Comrades, you have 
heard the motion and the second. On the question. Hearing none, 
all those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; 
those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Anything else that we may have missed? If not, I would like 
to call back up our Chairman of the PAC Committee and also the 
Director of our PAC Office.

                   PRESENTATION BY THE PAC COMMITTEE

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF SODEN: That is what happens when 
you are looking at those slot machines popping all night long. 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, this morning it gives me a great 
deal of pleasure, on behalf of the PAC Board, the Director and 
myself to present this to you for your support that you have 
given the PAC.
    This is presented to George R. Cramer, Commander-in-Chief, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, in appreciation for your support to 
the VFW-PAC 1993-94.
    Chief, I really want to sincerely thank you for allowing me 
the privilege to serve this year as the PAC Chairman. I present 
this to you with our most profound thanks.
    Chief, I just want to add one thing. Bob Currieo has served 
as Director of the PAC for five years. He will be leaving that 
position to assume a new position with our organization. I 
sincerely would like each and every one of you to join with me 
in thanking Bob for the outstanding leadership and direction he 
has given to the Political Action Committee.
    Bob, thank you very, very much. [Applause]
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BOB CURRIEO: Thank you.

       INTRODUCTION--HARRY G. SUMMERS, JR., COWLES HISTORY GROUP

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: At the 92nd VFW National 
Convention, the VFW presented its prestigious VFW News Media 
Award to a distinguished author and journalist.
    Retired Army Colonel Harry G. Summers, a syndicated 
columnist, editor and author of the ``Korean War Almanac'', has 
served on the faculties of the U.S. Army War College and the 
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
    Beginning as an Infantry Squad Leader in the Korean War, he 
rose through the ranks, building a distinguished military 
career, as a Battalion and Corps Operations Officer in the 
Vietnam War and later as a negotiator in meetings with the Viet 
Cong and North Vietnamese.
    His articles on strategy and his commentary on military 
issues have appeared in syndicated columns across the nation 
and in such renowned military journals as ``Army, Military 
Review'' and ``The Naval Institute Proceedings.''
    Colonel Summers is a nationally-syndicated columnist and 
editor of ``Vietnam'' magazine. Harry Summers knows of what he 
writes. He served with the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th 
Infantry Division in Korea, 1950-51, and in Vietnam with the 
2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, 1966-67.
    Among his decorations and awards are the Combat Infantry 
Badge for both Korea and Vietnam, the Silver Star, the Bronze 
Star for Valor, and two Purple Hearts. He is a member of VFW 
Post 8065 in Bowie, Maryland.
    Comrades and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, will you please 
join me in welcoming a distinguished journalist and soldier, 
Colonel Harry G. Summers, Jr.

                  REMARKS BY COLONEL HARRY G. SUMMERS

    COMRADE HARRY SUMMERS (Post 8065--Maryland): I was 
impressed at the dinner the other night when the Past Commander 
was speaking and someone in the wings said, ``Cut to the 
chase.'' Well, it is pretty easy to cut to the chase when you 
are talking about the future of the United States military and 
the future of the United States.
    As you know, we are in disarray. We are in disarray not so 
much on the fighting ability of our armed forces because we 
probably have the best armed forces we have ever had. I had the 
great opportunity to interview General Fred Franks. Some of you 
may know he led the 7th Corps attack in the Gulf.
    He lost a leg in Vietnam, and he left and spent 22 months 
in the hospital, and came back with an artificial leg, and he 
led the attack in the Gulf War. He is a great soldier. He is 
head of the Army Training Doctrine Command at the present time. 
He couldn't say enough good things about the soldiers that we 
have today.
    As an Army Colonel to be named the General in charge of war 
strategy at the Marine Corps University, to sort of test the 
thesis, you can tell a Marine but you can't tell him much. I 
must say I am very impressed with the Marine Corps in 
everything they do, including education. They are a great group 
of students.
    Anyway, the military we have today is in great shape. The 
challenge is keeping it in great shape. Even the President has 
said that we probably have cut as far as we can go, and I think 
that is certainly true. We are now probably at the rock bottom 
if we are going to protect the United States and defend its 
interests in the world.
    I think it was particularly apropos this vote just a few 
moments ago on the Resolution to oppose invasion of Haiti. One 
of the things that has come back to the great truth is that the 
United States was called 160 years ago a treatarian military. 
What does it mean?
    It means 160 years ago that the military no longer belongs 
to the king, it no longer belongs to the chief executive, it 
belongs to the people. The people have learned from the French 
Revolution and our people have learned from the American 
Revolution.
    The American military belongs to the American people. It 
belongs in particular to the American people who know something 
about it, you, sitting in the audience. The people who know 
what the military is, certainly in its ranks know what it could 
do and what it can't do.
    As General Shalikashvili recently said concerning Bosnia, 
``You just can't build a democracy on the point of a bayonet.'' 
The Iraqi military is the one telling people that. One of the 
strange things we have had since the end of the Cold War, for 
the want of a better name, we can call it intervention doves.
    People don't know a damn thing about the military and will 
be against the military intervention and every intervention we 
have ever had, and now are screaming to invade Bosnia, invade 
Haiti, invade wherever. I mean, it is absolutely amazing.
    Being from Maryland, and the people from Maryland will 
probably appreciate this, the strangeness of the political 
climate now. When Barbara Mikulski ran for the Senate last 
time, she has been opposed to the military and in the beginning 
she had a Schwarzkopf of Maryland. I thought you can't beat 
that, I must say.
    The idea that the intervention of doves is somehow the 
military can do everything. They can build nations, they can do 
this and that and the other, and Haiti at least being one. Of 
course, President Clinton ran on precisely that platform, the 
platform that the military of the future, the primary job would 
be peace keeping, the primary job would be intervention under 
the U.N. auspices, would be intervention in all the troubled 
spots around the world.
    We have got troubled spots around the world. We always have 
had and we always will be. The interesting thing is when the 
Presidential Directive 13, which was the alkaline of this new 
military under U.N. command in intervening around the world, he 
ran into a fire storm from whom, the American people, who said 
no way.
    It really should not have surprised me being from Arkansas, 
I must say. The last time I was at the Embassy in Saigon in 
1975, I must say a terse moment, my counterpart said, ``How can 
you do this? How can you abandon an ally in time of need?'' I 
said rather cynically, ``Look, I am from Ohio and I must say 
not only Ohians don't give a damn about Vietnam, they are not 
too keen on New York and San Francisco, either, when it comes 
down to it.'' I think that has generally been true.
    One of the last speakers said Americans should take care of 
Americans first. That is hardly a new idea. George Washington 
said this in his Farewell Address, the idea that Americans 
should look to Americans first. I think that is generally true, 
and the idea that the United States somehow is going to be the 
world's policeman or the world's nanny is just not going to get 
it.
    It is not going to get it, because the military doesn't 
belong to the President, the military belongs to you. You are 
the people who determine whether or not it is going to succeed. 
Now, if you sought this vote, it is not that lopsided, it is a 
concern we are concerned about humanitarian need and helping 
people in need.
    We primarily are concerned with taking care of ourselves. I 
think that is the way it should be. That is the way it is going 
to be. As we look to the foreign policy and military policy of 
the United States, what is in terrible disarray now is this 
whole idea that President Clinton campaigned on that military 
is going to be the world peace keepers and to look after all 
the ills of the world.
    The American people have said we don't want our sons and 
daughters doing that. We don't want to see them committed in 
all these places around the world. The interesting thing to me 
was that after all this luster, we are going to do this and do 
that, Senator Byrd from West Virginia stands up in the Senate 
last year and said get the troops out of Somalia by 31 December 
or I am going to get off this war.
    An interesting aside, he said, ``I want to send them the 
basic high school civic lesson that we have three branches of 
Government and the Congress controls the purse strings.'' 
Wouldn't you think an Oxford Rhodes Scholar would understand 
that and it wouldn't have to be explained to him?
    I am not picking on Clinton but all the presidential 
administrations, especially the imperial eunuchs that surround 
him and the things they do. He said, ``I am going to give them 
a wake-up call.'' The Senate just did it again, as you know, 
and said that the Resolution on the U.N. Resolution on Haiti 
was not going to cut it. That was not sufficient basis for the 
President to use it. The House of Representatives had already 
passed that.
    I guess one of the best messages today is that the people 
are back in charge. The American people, and the people forget 
this, the American people gave it to us on faith in Vietnam for 
31 months. They supported the war overwhelmingly for 31 months, 
the same period of time for the Invasion of North Africa, the 
VEA in Europe.
    After 31 months, they said either win the damn thing or get 
the hell out. When the administration was not able to do 
either, that was the end of the public support for the war. 
They are not going to be this patient in the future. We see it 
with Bangladesh, we see it with Somalia, with Bosnia, and we 
are seeing it now in Haiti.
    The American people's patience on this sort of thing is 
very, very short. That is sort of the bad news about the 
defense of the United States today. When it comes to the peace 
side of the question, we are floundering because as Ambassador 
Hinton said the other day, we don't know what the hell we are 
doing. We have no plan.
    The good news is that we are where it counts, and we were 
where it counts in World War II, Northeast Asia and the Middle 
East where we have true vital interests. Its interest is so 
vital that we will go to war for you and have gone to war for 
you in World War I and World War II in Europe, and the war in 
Asia in World War II, and Korea and Vietnam.
    In those areas, where we have true vital interests, the 
President has been remarkably firm. That has not shown. I must 
say he has not much credit for it. President Carter came in the 
campaign for withdrawal of forces from North Asia and was told 
by the Soviet Union and China and Japan that was not a very 
smart idea since it was destablizing all of Southeast Asia. 
President Clinton has continued to station 100,000 troops in 
the Western Pacific.
    The question comes, will we defend Korea? Those of you who 
are Korean veterans know it was an academic question. We are 
going to defend Korea as long as that division sits there. The 
President has also said you were in a dread fall in Europe on 
NATO, whether or not NATO would survive.
    The President did guarantee the floor of 100,000 troops for 
NATO for several years. As we have had since 1949, we have 
enabled Presidents in the Gulf, and they are still there. The 
good news is that we are really where it counts, where vital 
interests are truly involved our defense is still pretty 
strong.
    In these areas, the touchy areas of the world, the 
humanitarian areas of the world, the other ideal that the 
United States is the world's savior, there is no consensus 
among the American people that we ought to do that. The first 
thing that the President has got to do, or any President has 
got to do, is to go out to you and convince you that it is 
worth putting your sons' and daughters' lives at risk.
    If you can't do that, we are not going to do it. That is 
the great secret, it seems to me, in the American military is 
that it does really belong to the American people. We take a 
real interest in what it is doing. At the end of the Vietnam 
War, as you may remember, there was a lot of that.
    It said if we can't get rid of the draft, then we would 
have this great mass of people out there of volunteers. The 
people that said that they didn't know who they were and didn't 
even know anybody who knew who they were. We could just commit 
them anywhere, to do anything and we could get away with it.
    When we talk about Foreign Legion, well, they learned in 
Beirut that doesn't happen. Nobody asked whether it was 240 
soldiers or Marines killed at Beirut or whether they were 
draftees or enlistees. They were Americans and in the defense 
of their country. That was the key question.
    We saw it again in Bangladesh when they drug those bodies 
through the street. Nobody asked whether they were draftees or 
enlistees. They were people who put their lives on the line for 
the United States.
    One of the great blessings is that the American military, 
as I said earlier, belongs to the American people. That is your 
job and my job as a member of the VFW as well, to make sure 
that the President never forgets that, never forgets who the 
military belongs to. It belongs to you and it is your support 
that makes it what it is today. Thank you very much.
         PRESENTATION OF LIFE MEMBERSHIP TO MAJOR BUDDY MERRITT

     COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Last night, the VFW held its 
first annual Patriotic Rally. Much of the success of the rally 
can be contributed to ``the tribute to America'' by Major Buddy 
Merritt who produced and directed this tribute because of his 
love for this organization at a greatly reduced cost to 
himself.
     His grandfather, Dr. Virgil Samuel, was VFW Surgeon 
General during the World War I, and he has performed at VFW 
functions at the Southern Conference. Major Merritt is a 
veteran of the United States Navy where he served in the Cuban 
blockade and received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
     He is currently a member of the Army National Guard and 
was a helicopter pilot. He most recently went to the Persian 
Gulf with the Department of Defense and worked with the armed 
forces radio and television network where he provided moral 
support to our troops.
     Major Merritt, to show you our appreciation for what you 
do to promote Americanism and good will, it is my pleasure on 
behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to 
present to you your Life Membership in the VFW.

                    RESPONSE BY MAJOR BUDDY MERRITT

     COLONEL MERRITT: I am really humbled by this. My 
grandfather was Surgeon General during World War I at the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, and my great-great-grandfather was a 
Brigadier General who fought at Gettysburg and commanded the 
Iron Brigade at the Gettysburg battle.
     I am the namesake of both of those gentlemen. I carry that 
in my blood. We had a little conversation at the hospitality 
suite last night. In that conversation I said to the gentleman 
I was speaking with, ``You know, probably in this room right 
now are men and women whose ancestors are like mine. Maybe they 
weren't Generals, maybe they were Sergeants, maybe they were 
Privates, maybe they fought at Gettysburg or maybe they fought 
in the American Revolution.''
     ``I think that one of the things that makes America great 
is that their blood flows in their veins.'' Maybe that is why I 
love you and the VFW. I can't tell you how highly I regard 
this. God bless you and I thank you very, very much.
     COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you for the great rally 
last night.
     I would like to call on Cleve Cox, Adjutant Quartermaster 
of North Carolina.

          PRESENTATION TO ADJUTANT GENERAL HOWARD VANDER CLUTE

     COMRADE CLEVE COX (Department of North Carolina): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief and Fellow Delegates:
     I would like to ask Mr. Vander Clute if he would come 
forward, please. Last April at the Adjutant Quartermasters' 
Conference we decided to provide to you plaques from each of 
the Conferences upon your retirement. This force represents 
each Conference, with Bill Radigan from the Big Ten, Jack Mack 
from the Western Conference, Bill McArthur from the Eastern 
Conference, and me from the Southern Conference.
     I might add at this time I am the junior member with 30 
years. Radigan has 42 years and Jack has 36 years and McArthur 
with 33.
     ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: I am the junior member.
     COMRADE CLEVE COX (Department of North Carolina): Howard 
says he is the junior member. Since I am making the first 
presentation, I would like to ask all the Quartermasters from 
the Southern Conference to stand, please. Howard, in addition 
to this plaque, I am also very proud to present this check from 
the Adjutant Quartermasters which represent the monies that 
were left over from the purchase of the plaques.
     I understand that you and Susan are planning a trip to 
Europe next spring, and perhaps this check will make the trip 
more enjoyable.
     Now, Bill McArthur representing the Eastern Conference.
     COMRADE BILL McARTHUR: I would like all the Adjutant 
Quartermasters from the Eastern Conference to please rise. I am 
representing them in presenting this section. It is a four-
section plaque. I am representing the East. Of course, since 
Howard is from the East, Howard and I go back a long way. To 
me, he has been an outstanding Adjutant General.
     I didn't think he was going to be one. He certainly proved 
me wrong. He was a terrific Adjutant General.
     COMRADE JACK MACK (Department of Utah): I am the Adjutant 
Quartermaster from the Western Conference, and I would like for 
all the Adjutant Quartermasters of the Western Conference to 
please stand up because all of you guys contributed to this 
award.
     COMRADE BILL RADIGAN (Post 3061--South Dakota): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief and Comrades: I would ask the Adjutant/
Quartermasters of the Big Ten Conference to stand and join with 
me as I make this presentation to a great individual who has 
served our organization well.
     Will all the Big Ten Adjutant/Quartermasters please rise. 
Howard, it is my pleasure to present you with this plaque. Now, 
comrades, my colleagues, the Department Adjutant Quartermasters 
have given me a great honor here today. I have been selected to 
present the final plaque from us to Howard.
     It is also an honor but is bothering me a bit. This man 
has served us very well. Those of us who have been Adjutant/
Quartermasters during his term of office know that there are 
three things always true about this gentleman. One thing is 
when you call and tell his secretary you have a problem, he 
will not forsake you. He will answer you. He will call you back 
and discuss it with you.
     Number two, we all know when we have a problem that they 
may get sticky and they may get difficult and maybe a lot of 
conversation and there may be some feelings. Number three, we 
all know when it is all over, this comrade will walk up to us, 
shake our hand and tell us we have got to go on with the 
business of running this organization.
    He made it very plain to us in the years that he served us, 
nearly 14, that we were Lieutenants and he was on our side. 
Howard, I don't think there is anyone in this audience that has 
served under you as an Adjutant/Quartermaster that doesn't feel 
that way and that we hate to see you go, but we want you to 
know that we realize you had an awesome job, you had tremendous 
responsibilities.
    We think you handled them well and you treated us fairly. I 
would like every individual in here who has during Howard's 
term of office been either a Department Adjutant or a 
Department Quartermaster to stand as we present this plaque to 
him, which I am going to take the privilege to read.
    ``Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., presented in appreciation of 
your many years of support and assistance as the Adjutant 
General. From your friends, State Adjutants and Quartermasters, 
August, 1994.''
    I have had fewer honors and privileges that have affected 
me more, Howard. I am glad I got to present this to you in 
recognition of all you have done for our great organization. We 
all thank you.

            RESPONSE BY ADJUTANT GENERAL HOWARD VANDER CLUTE

    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: To receive such an honor 
from distinguished Adjutant/Quartermasters representing each of 
the conferences is an honor that, first, I didn't expect, and 
secondly, I desire to share it with others.
    Number one, I hate to have attention directed away from the 
Commander-in-Chief as he conducts this Convention, because I 
know how important it is to him and to all of you. I thank you 
for allowing this to occur, Commander-in-Chief, this morning.
    I have a high regard and a deep respect for all of those 
members of this organization that serve, first of all, as 
Department Adjutant-Quartermasters, because I know the 
hardships they must endure in that position. In most instances, 
they are understaffed, simply because there is not that kind of 
revenue in the Departments to provide for the staff that is 
necessary.
    Secondly, I suspect that most or probably most are under-
compensated for what they do. It is a 24-hour job attending to 
the business of this organization, in each of our individual 
Departments, and to stand here and receive recognition from 
four Department Quartermasters who have service far beyond that 
which I have rendered to this organization, believe me, I have 
deeply felt emotion that I perhaps cannot explain.
    As I stand here this morning and tell you again as I told 
you Monday when many of you were in attendance, that was an 
emotional high for me. I have been on an emotional high this 
entire week. Please let me repeat to you once again that my 
service to this organization was exciting, was memorable, was 
something that I will never forget.
    My entire adult life has been spent in the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars and my life is long from being over, and I expect 
to dedicate the rest of my life, compensated or not 
compensated, because there are so many of you out there who 
work so hard for this organization with very little recognition 
and very little compensation, only the self-satisfaction of 
knowing that you are working for your country, you are working 
for your fellow veteran and for his survivors. That should be 
self-satisfaction enough for all of us.
    However, I had the addition of being compensated for what I 
did. I initially had the privilege of going many places to 
represent you, which I was proud to do. I have been proud to 
serve every Commander-in-Chief that I have served.
    I think this organization has been most fortunate to, 
first, have those Adjutant/Quartermasters working for us in the 
field, such as they have, and secondly, the kind of quality of 
leadership that we have been blessed with over the years. Thank 
you very, very much.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Adjutant General Vander Clute.]

PRESENTATION OF VFW ARMED FORCES AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO THE 
                   JOINT TASK FORCE--FULL ACCOUNTING

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Veterans of Foreign Wars has 
been in the forefront of the POW/MIA issue for the last two 
decades, demanding that it remain the highest national 
priority.
    The VFW was the first to call for an independent public 
commission to look into all allegations and give the true facts 
to families, veterans and the American public. Resolution of 
this important issue will not be made in Washington but in the 
field.
    For the past two years, we have been most fortunate to have 
with us U.S. Major General Thomas Needham, Commander of Joint 
Task Force--Full Accounting.
    Working out of his headquarters in Hawaii and with tams 
throughout Southeast Asia, he is the point man of an important 
mission. His job is to determine the fate of and make as full 
an accounting as possible of Americans still unaccounted for 
from the Vietnam War.
    Because of the tireless efforts of General Needham and his 
dedicated staff, the VFW is presenting to Joint Task Force--
Full Accounting this year's Armed Forces Award.
    Ladies and gentlemen, a special welcome for General Thomas 
Needham.
    ``The Veterans of Foreign Wars Armed Forces Award, Gold 
Medal and Citation awarded to Thomas H. Needham, Major General, 
United States Army, and the Men and Women of Joint Task Force--
Full Accounting.''
    ``In special recognition of General Needham's leadership 
and devotion to duty and the dedication of those men and women 
of Joint Task Force--Full Accounting, who have endured exposure 
to disease, inhospitable climates and torturous terrain in 
pursuit of their mission to fully account for our missing 
comrades in Southeast Asia thus fulfilling our government's 
initiative to attain the fullest possible accounting of our 
missing men and that this issue will remain for all of us a 
non-negotiable matter of honor.''
    This has been signed today by me as Commander-in-Chief, and 
attested to by Adjutant General Vander Clute.
    General Needham, I personally want to thank you and the 
young men and women of Joint Task Force--Full Accounting for 
what you have done to try to get an accounting of all our 
missing people.
                       RESPONSE--GENERAL NEEDHAM

    GENERAL NEEDHAM: Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief Kent, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Spera, 
our Distinguished Guests, Members of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, Ladies and Gentlemen:
    Thank you for this generous introduction and welcome. I am 
deeply honored to finally stand before you today. As the 
President said so well during the 50th Anniversary of D-Day 
earlier this summer, you are those who when you were young 
saved the world. You are also those who responded whenever your 
country called.
    In addition, the list of previous recipients of this award 
is most impressive. To be perfectly honest, I feel unworthy to 
be listed among them. However, I am most pleased to accept this 
award not as a recognition of what I have done, but rather as 
an acknowledgement of the magnificent work and the untold 
sacrifices made by the men and women of the Joint Task Force--
Full Accounting and the Central Identification Lab in Hawaii 
and the United States Pacific Command.
    A few of you know the full story of the efforts your 
Government has made to resolve the Vietnam POW/MIA issue. 
Fortunately, some of you have just recently, as of last month, 
seen our troops in action, have visited some of the isolated 
sites that the Joint Task Force--Full Accounting routinely 
inhabit.
    You have seen some of the unbelievable terrain and some of 
you have seen the hardship these members endure on a daily 
basis. This is something that I have been trying to communicate 
at every opportunity that I have had. So, if you will indulge 
me for a few moments while I take this opportunity to brag on 
the men and women assigned to the Joint Task Force--Full 
Accounting.
    The Joint Task Force--Full Accounting's undertaking is 
massive, it is intense, it is even more importantly working. 
The Task Force team has just one goal in mind and that is to 
answer truthfully the foremost questions directed by such as 
yourself that family members have on their mind.
    What happened to those Americans still unaccounted for? If 
they died, where are their remains? Each member of the Task 
Force, from senior officer to the junior enlisted person, feels 
a close kinship with you and with the family members. In a 
sense, they work for you and they know it.
    This provides an almost unbelievable motivation, a greater 
motivation than I have experienced in 33 years in uniform. 
Working under intense pressure and extremely dangerous 
environments and arduous conditions, these men and women, 
military and civilian, are performing magnificently and they 
never complain.
    I must be honest they have achieved much more than we 
thought possible two years ago. The answers, the facts are 
passed on to you and, most importantly, to the families are 
truthful. But more than 8,000 occasions in the past 30 months, 
the Task Force has passed on meaningful data to family members 
about their loved ones.
    The Joint Task Force--Full Accounting teams have 
investigated more than 1,500 cases in China, Vietnam, Laos and 
Cambodia, and more than 180 sites, both fresh and burial sites 
in those four countries, have been excavated. More than 240 
sets of remains, with the potential of being those unaccounted 
for Americans, have been returned to U.S. soil.
    The intense investigation of the priority structure the 
cases. Those cases, where we believe that the U.S. individual 
was alive at the time of the loss have been investigated. Those 
members have been reduced from 135 to 55. The remains of 38 
individuals also have been identified and returned to their 
families.
    The truth about the Joint Task Force--Full Accounting and 
its work is once we were granted the kind of access to the 
counties necessary, we aggressively reacted and pursued every 
opportunity to gain insight and information about the more than 
2,000 Americans still unaccounted for as a result of the 
Vietnam War.
    More families know more about their loved ones today, and 
that is a real measure of our success. The effort has not been 
easy, inexpensive or risk-free. The Task Force team members are 
working in some of the most difficult terrain in the world. 
They routinely deal with exposure to disease, very arduous 
circumstances and, yes, even hostile fire.
    They spend 200 days a year separated from their families 
and they get little notice. To rectify that somewhat, I have 
brought along with me a representative group of dedicated, 
committed, hard-working troops who comprise the Joint Task 
Force--Full Accounting and the Central Identification Lab.
    These folks are the ones that deserve your applause and 
recognition. I would ask them over to my left to stand as I 
read their name. Please stand up on the stage so you can see 
them.
    First, Major Roger Overture with the United States Air 
Force; Master Sergeant Scott Marx, United States Air Force; 
Sergeant First Class Steve Thompson, United States Army; Mr. 
Ray Spock, Department of the Navy, civilian; Captain Kenneth 
Regis, United States Army, Central Identification Laboratory.
    These folks are the ones that do the work and represent the 
350 personnel assigned to the Joint Task Force--Full Account 
and Central Identification Lab that every day of the year are 
working. I not only thank them in your behalf, but I thank them 
for the service they have given to our country. Thank you very 
much.
    So, if you will allow me, I will accept this award in their 
behalf. General Vessey, who was awarded the Presidential Medal 
of Freedom two years ago for his service as a presidential 
emissary to Vietnam regarding the POW/MIA issue said he wished 
he could cut the medal into 150 pieces to share it with the 
Joint Task Force--Full Accounting.
    At that time I was appreciative, but not knowing how 
precisely he felt, but today on behalf of the Joint Task 
Force--Full Accounting, the Central Identification Lab and the 
men and women of the Pacific Commands who are working in 
Hawaii, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, I thank you for 
this honor and ask that you never forget the sacrifice and 
their devotion to duty.
    Keep supporting our government as it works to resolve this 
extremely difficult and emotional POW/MIA issue. Thank you very 
much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, General Needham. We 
personally thank your young men and women who work with you at 
the JTFFA.
    I would like to call next on the Veterans Service Committee 
Chairman, Past Commander-in-Chief Cooper T. Holt, for his 
report.

                REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief 
Cramer. Commander, I have certain comments I wish to express at 
this time. I would like to thank you for appointing me as 
Chairman of our Veterans Service Resolutions Committee. I want 
you to know I have truly enjoyed the challenge and all our 
Committee members, all 145 of them, were extremely active in 
all deliberations.
    I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Washington 
office staff for their cooperation and expertise. Of course, I 
speak of Jim Magill, Director of our VFW National Legislative 
Service, Fred Juarbe, Director of our VFW National Veterans 
Service and other staff members, Commander-in-Chief, who made 
our job much easier, including Bill Dozier, Field 
Representative from the National Veterans Service, Jay Boone, 
Appeals Consultant of the National Veterans Service, John 
Dublin, Field Representative of the National Veterans Service, 
William Bradshaw, Senior Field Representative of National 
Veterans Service, and Jimmy Lee Wallace, who has been my right 
hand and Special Assistant of National Veterans Service.
    Sid Daniels, Director of National Veterans Employment, Ted 
Simco, Field Representative of National Services. Robert Mahan, 
Assistant Director of National Legislative Services, Jim 
Jewell, Field, Representative of the National Veterans Service, 
and Rodney Graham, Military, National Veterans Service.
    My comrades, all these individuals are seated on the 
platform and I would appreciate it if you would give them a 
hand. They have done a fine job for you. [Applause]
    Delegates to this Convention, our Committee on Veterans 
Service Resolutions considered 125 Resolutions. The Committee 
members were divided into four separate subcommittees. The 
Subcommittee 1, VA Medical Programs, Ray O'Neill, from 
Michigan, served as the Chairman. Bill Kirsop from Florida 
served as Vice-Chairman.
    Subcommittee 2, Veterans Benefits and Entitlements, Richard 
Branson from Georgia served as its Chairman, and Carlo DiGrazia 
from Illinois served as Vice-Chairman.
    Subcommittee 3, from National Employment, Tony Iuo served 
as Chairman and Gary Kurpius from Alaska served as Vice-
Chairman. Our Subcommittee 4, on Other Benefits, Alfred Simmons 
from Maryland served as Chairman, and Tom Hanson from Minnesota 
served as Vice-Chairman.
    Comrades, all of these Committee members, at least to my 
opinion, served with distinction. They performed their duties 
over and above the call of duty. Commander-in-Chief, you also 
appointed Harvey ``Bulldog'' Smith from Georgia as Vice-
Chairman of our Committee, truly an energetic VFW member.
    ``Bulldog'' certainly gave of his time and efforts toward 
the successful conclusion of our Committee work. He is a credit 
to our VFW, he is dedicated to our cause, and I certainly 
enjoyed working with him. ``Bulldog'', take a bow, please. Give 
him a hand. [Applause]
    Now, Commander-in-Chief, with your permission I will begin 
the report of our Committee by reading those Resolution numbers 
that were approved by our Committee, and secondly, I will 
submit to the delegates attending this Convention the 
Resolutions that were approved, as amended.
    Finally, I will submit the Resolutions that were 
recommended for rejection or were rejected in favor of other 
Convention Resolutions. We have a booklet for those of you who 
are trying to keep up with us on the Resolution actions.
    Now, for the first group. Those Resolutions that were 
approved by Committee action, and if any delegate would like 
any of these Resolutions to be set aside, please make a note of 
the Resolution number and request such action after I complete 
the report of this particular group of Resolutions.
    If you are ready, I am ready, and we shall take off. These 
are the Resolutions that have been recommended for approval: 
Nos. 601, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 612, 616, 
617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 
631, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 642, 643, 645, 
646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 659, 660, 
661, 662, 665, 667, 668, 673, 676, 678, 680, 686, 688, 689, 
690, 691, 693, 694, 701, 702, 703, 709, 712, 713, 716, 720 and 
724 which is not in your packet, and the title of that is VA 
Grave Markers.
    They have been recommended for approval. Now, those are the 
ones that the Committee has recommended approval of. Are there 
any set asides? Are there any set asides?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): I would like to 
have set aside Resolution 650.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: Are there any more set 
asides? Commander, I move that all the Resolutions recommended 
for approval by your Committee, except the one set aside, be 
accepted by the delegates attending this 95th National 
Convention.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, there is a motion. Is 
there a second?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE TORCHY DAMES (Post 2260--Wisconsin): Commander-in-
Chief, I will second that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion. On the question. Hearing nothing, all those in favor 
will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; opposed ``no''. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): Comrades, I am 
currently stationed at Travis Air Force Base and I am Operating 
Supervisor of the David Grant Medical Center. I am also in a 
joint planning venture group with the DOD and the VA. I would 
like to make a few remarks about Resolution No. 650. What is 
most important is perhaps the bottom line.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: Excuse me. Let me tell you 
that Resolution 650 is Health Reform Regarding VA and DOD 
Health Care, for those of you that don't know what he is 
talking about.
    Go ahead, sir.
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): My name is John 
Lutz, Post 6640, Louisiana. I am currently on active duty at 
Travis Air Force Base. The bottom line is this. The VA and the 
DOD joint ventures is not the complete picture. When you speak 
of health care reform in the VA and the DOD, it cannot be in a 
vacuum with health-care reform that we hear and talk about 
every single day and the dialogue that is going on currently in 
Washington.
    We have to realize that it is our responsibility, just as 
William Bennett said the other day, to take it upon ourselves 
to educate ourselves. What is it that is happening, what is 
required? Having been a part of the joint planning group at 
Travis, I can tell you that it is a much more complex problem 
and what we really need is an understanding.
    What I would like to do very quickly is just give you, 
comrades, a quick education on what health care reform means to 
the VA and the DOD and civilians. The bottom line, the VA and 
the DOD have been mandated by Waashington to compete against 
the civilian counterparts. You think about that.
    As the beginning of this Resolution 650 says, that the VA 
Health Care System is the largest health-care system in the 
country with 172 hospitals and an operating budget of $15 
billion. According to Representative Montgomery, it will soon 
be $16 billion a year, the system that accesses 10 percent of 
the 60 million plus veterans in this country.
    In the DOD, we have never done much with cost containment, 
particularly as well as our civilian counterparts. In other 
words, what I am telling you is that the lean green machines 
are not in the VA or the DOD. If we are given a mandate to 
compete against them, it will probably be a slaughter.
    For myself, on active duty, I was never guaranteed health 
care for the past 17 years for my wife or my children. It has 
always been conditional on space availability. When I retire in 
a few years, as a retiree, it will be conditional. It will not 
be a guarantee. It will be only on space availability.
    Keep in mind what I am saying as far as competing against 
civilian counterparts. These men tell us we have an over-
abundance of beds in our----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade Lutz, the Chair is 
becoming confused. One, I am not sure if you are speaking in 
favor or against this Resolution. Two, I think that you are 
introducing subjects into what you are saying that are not 
pertinent to this current Resolution.
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): Comrade, this is 
the closest thing I saw in 650 of what you have on your agenda 
where I can address what actually is happening in the field in 
a VA-DOD facility. I am here to tell you that, yes, it is 
working.
    We are trying to make it work very well. But it is just a 
small part of the picture and that it would behoove the VFW and 
all the comrades here to understand that there is really a much 
greater concern personally.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade, are you speaking in 
opposition to this?
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): I am not. I am 
supporting it, but I am saying it does not cover the full 
picture.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: In that case, you were out of 
order. I will have to ask you to stop. Now, what I need to do 
is to have somebody make a motion to adopt Resolution 650.
    COMRADE JOHN LUTZ (Post 6640--Louisiana): I will make the 
motion to adopt.
    COMRADE DEWAIN WEST (Post 2874--Wisconsin): I will second 
that motion, if there is a motion on the floor.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the motion. All those in favor will 
signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: For the second group, those 
Resolutions that were approved, as amended, again, I will read 
the Resolution number and if any delegate would like any of the 
Resolutions to be set aside, please make a note of the 
Resolution number and request action after I complete the 
report of this group of Resolutions.
    These are the Resolutions approved, as amended. I will tell 
you most of them really include dotting the I, and crossing the 
T and trying to make the Resolution read better. These are the 
Resolutions approved, as amended. They are Nos. 611, 613, 614, 
615, 632, 641, 644, 656, 657, 658, 663, 666, 672, 679, 687, 
699, 700, 704, 711, 714, 721.
    We have a 725 that is not in your packet. It is entitled 
Amended Tax Returns for Military Retirees. Now, those are the 
Resolutions relative to approved as amended. Are there any set 
asides? Are there any set asides?
    Commander-in-Chief, this concludes the Resolutions that the 
Committee recommended be approved as amended. At this time I 
would like to ask the delegates if there are any Resolutions in 
the group to be set aside?
    I heard none, therefore, I move that all Resolutions 
recommended for approval, as amended, except the set asides, 
which we have none, be accepted by the delegates attending this 
95th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOHN SAUNDERS (Post 4809--Virginia): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all those 
in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: I will get into the rejected 
ones. Finally, for the last group of those Resolutions that 
were recommended for rejection or rejected in favor of other 
Committee Resolutions. According to the Convention Rules that 
you adopted, I must read the number and the title of these 
particular Resolutions.
    Here we go on the rejected Resolutions, or rejected, as 
amended. No. 602, Approve One-Member Decision at the Board of 
Veterans Appeals. It was rejected simply because it is already 
accomplished by Public Law 103-221.
    No. 629, Tinnitus. That was rejected because it is 
accomplished by proposed regulatory changes already.
    No. 630, Herbicide Exposure, rejected in favor of 
Resolution No. 630.
    No. 664, Veterans' Re-employment Rights Protection, 
rejected in favor of Resolution No. 680.
    No. 669, Guarantee Full-Strength Chaplain Service, rejected 
in favor of Resolution No. 666.
    No. 670, Military Funerals, rejected in favor of Resolution 
721.
    Resolution 671, Establish a Federal Legislative Chairman in 
all 50 States, rejected because the Committee felt that it was 
a duplicated service provided by individual Departments and the 
VFW Action Corps.
    No. 674, Remove Means Tests, rejected because we feel it is 
contrary to the VFW position on eligibility reform.
    No. 675, National Fund Expenditures Saved From Reduction of 
Defense Expenditures be Dedicated and Expended to Provide 
Needed Benefits and Services to the Nation's Veterans and their 
Families, rejected in favor of Resolution 613.
    No. 677, Military Hospital Closures. This was rejected in 
favor of Resolution 610.
    Resolution 681, Prevent VA Functions Being Further 
Splintered. This was rejected in favor of Resolution 625.
    Resolution 682, Nursing Home at VA Hospital Fort Harrison. 
This was rejected because we feel that is a local issue.
    Resolution 683, Need for Another VA Domiciliary Facility. 
This was rejected again because we feel it is a local issue.
    No. 684, Reinstate the VA Transportation System. This was 
rejected, not germane to the VA programs.
    No. 685, Elimination of the VA Pauper's Oath for Hospital 
Admission. This was rejected again because it is contrary to 
the VFW policy on eligibility reform.
    No. 692, Civil Service Employment Practices 
Standardization, rejected because we feel that it requires 
further development.
    No. 695, Entitlements and Benefits of Retired U.S. Military 
Personnel. This was rejected because the Committee feels that 
it creates another special category of veterans.
    No. 696, Reinstatement of U.S. Veterans Employment Rights 
and Entitlements Affected by CINCUSNAVEUR Policy. This was 
rejected because we feel that it needs further development.
    No. 697, Veterans Federal Employment Preference by General 
Accounting Office a Priority. This was rejected because it 
requires further development, in our opinion.
    No. 698, Commissary and Post Exchange Privileges for U.S. 
Military Retirees Residing Overseas, rejected in favor of 
Resolution 689.
    Resolution 705, Funding for VA Hospitals, rejected in favor 
of Resolution 608.
    Resolution 706, Maintain Hospital and Commissary 
Facilities, rejected in favor of Resolution 610.
    Resolution 707, Enforce Compliance of Veterans Preference 
Laws, rejected, in our opinion, because it requires further 
development,
    Resolution 708, Abolish the Means Test as a Criteria for VA 
Medical Services, rejected because the Committee feels it is 
contrary to VFW eligibility reform.
    No. 710, Guaranteed U.S. Armed Forces Medical Support for 
Retirees, rejected in favor of Resolution 609.
    No. 715, Rebuilding/Reinstatement of Complete Inpatient/
Outpatient Services at Sepulvedva V.A.M.C., rejected because it 
is unsafe, in our opinion, to reveal and not cost effective.
    No. 717, Eliminate Social Security Law Inequities Known as 
``The Notch'', rejected in favor of Resolution 639.
    No. 718, Establish a New U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Northern Virginia, rejected again 
because we feel it is a local issue.
    No. 719, To Help the Victims of Agent Orange and other 
Defoliants, rejected in favor of Resolution 660.
    I have two Resolutions that are not in the packet, and 
again we recommend rejection.
    No. 722, The Gulf War Veterans Blood Ban, rejected. The 
Committee felt it was not VFW policy to dictate medical 
determinations.
    No. 723 is not in the packet and it is entitled ``VA Grave 
Markers,'' rejected in favor of Resolution 724.
    Commander, this concludes the Resolutions that are 
recommended for rejection by your Committee. I again ask the 
delegates if there are any Resolutions from this group which 
they wish to set aside.
    Back to No. 630, Herbicide Exposure, we rejected it in 
favor of 660. That is 630. We rejected it in favor of No. 660.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
Resolutions of the Committee to reject, which will 
automatically be done unless you make a motion to adopt.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE ERNEST GLYNN (Post 7327--Virginia): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I wish Resolution 717 be set aside.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You will have to make a motion 
to adopt Resolution 717.
    COMRADE ERNEST GLYNN (Post 7327--Virginia): I make a motion 
to adopt Resolution 717.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am Richard Pignone, Post 3173, Commander 
of the Department of California, seconds that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second to adopt Resolution 717. On the question.
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE ERNEST GLYNN (Post 7327--Virginia): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I wish to inform my comrades about this 
very important question. You have no Resolution in my humble 
opinion before this Convention today more important to every 
man, woman and child in America than the Social Security 
``Notch Law''.
    In the law originally of 1937, one percent of the wages, up 
to $3,000, was deducted. This has been amended through the four 
decades of this operation so that now 7.65 percent from 
employers and 7.65 percent from employees, a total of 15.3 
percent, and this money has been more than adequate to 
carefully fund the Social Security operation.
    However, in 1977, the Social Security ``Notch Law'' was 
erroneously conceived to be going bankrupt in the year 2020. 
Therefore, those persons born after 1 January, 1917, and later 
amended through the year 1921 and 1926, were cheated out of 
their earned employment benefits, otherwise known as Social 
Security ``Notch Law'', to the total of $2,200 and more.
    Currently, there is more money in the Social Security 
``Notch Law'' than is needed to pay-as-you-go basis. Resolution 
No. 639, which was adopted by your Committee, and I respect the 
operations of that Committee, it is not definitely positive. I 
offer these to be positive, be done by the 16,000 delegates to 
this Convention, because the Social Security Administration, as 
of August 15, 1994, was established as an independent agency.
    By that action, 12 persons have now been nominated to a 
Commission of outside experts that will meet in Washington, 
D.C., on the 16th of December. I am on the Speaker's list for 
that to tell them that we think that here in this Convention 
that the Social Security ``Notch Law'' should be amended to do 
three things: restore the benefits of those in the ``Notch 
Law'' four percent, 1917 through 1926, to those that were 
existing in turn to entitlements before that 1977 law went into 
effect.
    Secondly, those government agencies, those state agencies, 
those persons, those individuals who made the loan from the 
Social Security ``Notch Law'', escrow account, should be 
invited to pay back the money they borrowed from that. If you 
make me a loan, Comrade Commander-in-Chief, and I say I am 
going to pay it back, by George, I think you have a right to 
expect me to pay it back.
    I think that we should have a right to ask the General 
Accounting Office to say who done those wrongs, where they are, 
and invite them now to pay that back and put it into the fund 
before we start cheating people in the sundown of their life 
out of the money they thought they were going to have, the 
money that they were planning to give to their children.
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, if we have the integrity of 
this great organization totally strong, if we have the 
integrity, and if we have the courage to go forward with this 
and say we feel this way, not only for the members of our 
organization and our sisters in the Auxiliary, let us do the 
honorable thing and quit cheating those people by the Federal 
Government.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrade, I think we got your 
point. I will give you two minutes to summarize what you are 
trying to say.
    COMRADE ERNEST GLYNN (Post 7327--Virginia): All right. Two 
minutes in summary, let's restore what they said they were 
going to have. Let's have an actuary to complete what they will 
have to pay and be on a pay-as-you-go basis. From the actuaries 
that I have been told are in the Congressional Record, people 
who are actually in the field as actuaries, say that five 
percent from the employer and five percent from the employee, a 
total of ten percent, is adequate.
    Let's go back on that, and two years from now let's take 
the crystal ball and let's throw away the broken mirrors, and 
let's go on the actual facts that are reported at that time and 
say whether we need it or whether we don't need it, not when 
somebody is running for office.
    Remember, 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives 
and one-third of the members of the Senate stand for election 
between now and November of this year. Give them the message 
when they ask for your vote to do something for us and quit 
cheating us, and send down the word. I heartily thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: My comrade, I think we all agree 
with you and the reason, as you so strongly put it, the reason 
that the Committee rejected this Resolution was in favor of 
Resolution No. 639, which they felt had a stronger message than 
Resolution No. 717.
    I will call on the Chairman to speak to that at this time.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: I am not the speaker, I just 
agree with everything that the comrade said. We just got a 
better Resolution. That is all.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? The motion is to 
adopt 717. As I said, we have passed 639, which is already 
stronger. So all those in favor of adopting Resolution 717 will 
signify by the sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The 
``nays'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE JIM LINEBERGER (Post 4103--California): I make a 
motion to adopt Resolution No. 722.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There is a motion on the floor. 
Is there a second?
    COMRADE WAYNE THOMPSON (Post 6061--Colorado): I second the 
motion. Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I understand there will be 
an amendment offered. I suggest it be offered and we take it 
with the amended Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, there is a motion and 
a second on the floor. Let me ask you, are you making a motion 
to amend what he just said or what?
    COMRADE JIM LINEBERGER (Post 4103--California): Yes, I am.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Go ahead and make your motion to 
amend.
    COMRADE DENISE NICHOLS (Post 4171--Colorado): Commander-in-
Chief, I am Denise Nichols, Post 4171, Colorado. Our amendment, 
if you have the Resolution, if you will read it first, then I 
will offer the amendment.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Go ahead and read it.
    COMRADE JIM LINEBERGER (Post 4103--California): What I am 
going to do, Commander-in-Chief, is read the original 
Resolution first, and I will attempt to read the proposed 
amendment that was handed to us earlier.
    Resolution No. 722, Gulf War Veterans Blood Ban.
    ``WHEREAS, in 1991, a coalition of nations led by the 
United States participated in Operation Desert Shield Storm to 
liberate the nation of Kuwait from Iraqi armed forces; and
    ``WHEREAS, upon return home from the Southwest Asia Theater 
of Operations, many veterans began to experience a moderate 
amount of severe health problems, commonly known as Gulf War 
Syndrome; and
    ``WHEREAS, the cause of the veterans health problems may 
result in multiple exposures to smoke, pollution, pesticides, 
chemical and biological weapons, experimental vaccines, 
depleted uranium and leishmaniasis; and
    ``WHEREAS, as several hundred veterans have died of Gulf 
War Syndrome and many spouses, children and family members of 
Persian Gulf veterans are also experiencing symptoms of the 
Gulf War Syndrome;
    ``NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National 
Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
that we support national and state legislation to ban blood, 
plasma, tissue, sperm, egg and organ donations from Persian 
Gulf veterans, and that the ban should remain in place until 
such time that medical research can prove without a shadow of a 
doubt that the Gulf War Syndrome is not a communicable 
illness.''
    Now, the proposed amendment, I am just going to attempt to 
read the ``Be It Resolved.''
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support 
national and state legislation to seek and support the 
immediate testing of Desert Storm veterans for biologic, 
chemical and radiation exposure; and
    ``BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States supports a national policy and efforts to 
protect the public from exposure to the Persian Gulf War 
veterans based on the findings of test results, and that the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States support 
reinstating a ban on blood and body donations from this group 
of veterans until all medical and health questions on 
biological exposure are answered.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: That is the amendment that you 
are speaking about. Is there a second to the amendment?
    COMRADE JOHN SPORTSMAN (Post 6747--California): I second 
the amendment as read.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the amendment to 
the motion. Now, on the question. This is on the amendment. 
Does someone want to say something on the amendment?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE DENISE NICHOLS (Post 4171--Colorado): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am a nurse and I have a Master's Degree. 
I have served in Desert Storm. I have been very active in this 
issue over the past year and one-half, and have made many trips 
to Washington at the National Institute of Health and Senator 
Riegle's hearings.
    Senator Riegle has produced a report about this that was 
released on May 24th. It is quite large. His work is not done. 
I can't tell you some of the things I know from him, because we 
have to let the Senator handle this from the best possible way.
    He addressed the issues of biological chemical 
contamination. He felt that the Vietnam vet that is his staffer 
on this, who served in Vietnam who wrote this report, they 
definitely feel that we probably had a biological chemical 
exposure. They are calling us the toxic cocktail veterans.
    We have people that are showing symptoms that did not go 
over there. We have people that dealt with our equipment when 
it came back from the Gulf that never went over there. A 
Vietnam veteran out of Sharp Army Depot that dealt with our 
equipment is having problems.
    I can tell you more, but I am kind of held back because 
Senator Riegle's staffers asked me to hold back a little bit. 
Also, we have veterans' families, the spouses reporting 
problems. We have the children being born, which you are 
already aware, similar to Agent Orange problems, with birth 
defects, health problems.
    I have a daughter who will turn eight on November 4th, 
Election Day. She was four when I left. Guys, I am a little 
worried she is showing some of the symptoms I first 
experienced. I am trying to remain calm, professional about it. 
This is not an unusual story across the nation.
    I spend a lot of money on phone bills talking to vets and 
trying to support them and all hope that things will move 
ahead. We need the VFW to champion our cause. You are comrades 
from previous wars who have bits and pieces from radiation from 
Agent Orange.
    We need your expertise to help us champion this cause. We 
are very concerned about the public health. We don't want to 
contaminate you by you getting blood or by you having an organ 
that may be donated by a vet. A lot of our vets are not as 
fully informed as the ones of us that are going to Washington 
and speak out.
    We are standing out there and being brave. We are putting 
our lives out there again, and we need you behind us. I 
remember the motto of this organization and the Malta Cross, 
``To Honor our Dead is for us to Serve the Living.'' Let's do 
it now and protect the public.
    Redbook just had an extremely excellent article come out 
this September. This brand new article, we have had it on major 
news shows, we have had it on major magazines. What more can we 
do to get the issue out there? We are the ones suffering. We 
are asking you to support us.
    I can go on and on. I will tell you that we had no 
biological warning devices, we had no protection from that 
equipment. On February 9th, Senator Riegle released, and 
included on the May 24th report, pages upon pages of biological 
agents that this country alone, not to mention France, England 
or any other country, had sent to Iraq up until eight days 
before Sadam Hussein invaded Kuwait.
    We had no detection equipment, no protective gear for them. 
Let's do the right thing. Please, VFW comrades, support me in 
this. I want to protect you and your loved ones. I want to get 
the answers from the Desert Storm vets. We have got to work at 
maximum speed if this is a biological issue.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Before we go into any 
further debate, I would like to call on the Chairman of the 
Committee to explain the Committee's reasons for rejection.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: On the subject we are 
debating now, she is doing an excellent job of it, No. 722, the 
Gulf War Veteran Blood Ban, we rejected it. The Committee 
rejected it simply because it is not VFW policy to dictate 
medical determination.
    Now, furthermore, we all know on the Committee that this 
Resolution came from the Department of California, adopted at 
their Convention. It was assigned to the Medical Group 
Subcommittee 1. The subcommittee recommended, after a lot of 
study, rejection of this Resolution as it is not VFW policy to 
dictate medical determinations.
    This determination, in our opinion, is in the purview of 
the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, the 
National Institute of Health and the American Medical 
Association. It is also noted in Committee deliberations that 
the discussions phase of this Resolution, if approved as 
written, a Persian Gulf veteran would be barred from donating, 
for example, an organ, kidney, et cetera, to a family member 
who might perish without such donation.
    The ``Be It Resolved'' also states that medical research be 
able to ``prove without a shadow of a doubt'' that Gulf War 
Syndrome is not a communicable disease or illness. There is 
absolutely no absolutes in medical research.
    Commander-in-Chief, that is the reason for the Committee's 
action.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I rise in 
favor of this proposal by the lady. The only thing I can see 
wrong with it is that they are the ones that are carrying this 
disease. They are trying to tell us, comrades, not to use their 
blood, not to use their parts in order to protect us.
    This thing has been going on down in Washington, D.C. It 
may not be our policy, but we are signing up these young people 
and we have got to show them that we stand by them. If they are 
asking us to help in this cause, I see no reason that we 
shouldn't, because it will affect us if we say go ahead and 
give us their blood and give us their body parts and our 
children and our families can suffer.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE JIM LINEBERGER (Post 4103--California): I am Jim 
Lineberger, once again, Post 4103, South San Francisco and 
District Manager of District No. 12, Northern California. It 
was through my District and the Department of California that 
this Resolution was presented.
    Before getting into my reasons for your support of this 
Resolution, I would like to say at the outset that over the 
past couple of days, those of us who have been directly 
concerned and involved in this Resolution have approached many 
Departments, State Departments at this Convention.
    I want to thank you very, very much for your courtesies, 
for your understandings and I hope, comrades, when it comes 
down to the vote that you will support California because we do 
feel very, very strongly about this issue. Now, the matter at 
hand, in fact, in my District, the Department of California, I 
have over 1,500 Desert Storm and Persian Gulf veterans who are 
members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    They have come to the Department of California by way of 
the 12th District and said this is something that is sorely 
needed. We don't profess to be physicians, chemists or anything 
of the sort. We are interested in humanitarian aspects of this.
    We are simply trying, as Commander Pignone pointed out, to 
carry out the wishes of those in our ranks who are personally 
acquainted with this problem. I would also like to advise that 
in the last three days I have had an opportunity to speak 
personally with the closest aide and advisor to Congressman 
Montgomery.
    I want to say this, that the House of Representatives and 
the Congress of the United States has appropriated $56 million 
to look into this problem. This Bill has now been approved by 
the House. It has been passed on to the Senate. It will no 
doubt be decided by a Committee of the Senate and the House.
    We know that there are a lot of Desert Storm and Persian 
Gulf veterans out there. We want to protect them and we want to 
protect you. There will be others speaking on this Resolution. 
Please give us your support and your consideration. We thank 
you so much for your attention.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOHN BURNS (Post 2097--Connecticut): I wish to 
speak in favor of the motion. It was many years ago when the 
State of Connecticut brought a Resolution on Agent Orange 
defoliant and it is the National Officers on the Committee that 
voted against it.
    With a lengthy debate on the floor, we were the first 
veterans organization to go on record favoring legislation for 
Agent Orange. I wish we would be the first organization going 
on record in favor of this Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE FLOYD VOLKER (Post 1660--California): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, my name is Floyd Volker, Post 1660, 
Sacramento, California, District 17. First of all, the 
amendment does not dictate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
about taking this on personally and making themselves 
vulnerable.
    What it does is it takes our veterans that come to us for 
help, and what we are doing is supporting the legislative 
branch and getting behind them to get that blood tested. To 
answer the question that our young men that came back from the 
Persian Gulf, and some of them don't even talk about it, we are 
answering their pertinent question, that they want to be tested 
and they want to be known.
    That is the main point here. They are just asking for it. 
We didn't know how to do it. We came here and we talked to the 
experts. A lot of the Commanders are behind it. Let's make the 
VFW support it and get that money appropriated and get the men 
in to be tested for the specific things we are asking for. 
Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RICHARD FITZGERALD (Post 7721--Florida): I stand to 
support this with a very free statement of an adage taught to 
me many years ago, that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound 
of cure. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anyone else?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE DEAN LUNDHOLM (Post 5888--California): I am the one 
that wrote the original Resolution. I will have to apologize 
for not knowing what the VFW policy is. We have not been in the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars very long. We are begging for your 
help to know why we are sick, why our spouses are sick, why our 
children are sick.
    Do they want to pay us off with compensation? Yes, we need 
compensation. My only income is $100 a month in food stamps, 
which I have got to sit there in Safeway and be degraded every 
time I use them. Yes, it is a little personal issue. Yes, it is 
a little touchy issue.
    These wounds are fresh and salt doesn't help. We want to 
protect the American people. That is what we signed up to do. 
We want the VFW to be the crusaders in this battle, regardless 
of what their past policy has been.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you.
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE JOHN STEPHENSON (Post 3031--Arkansas): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am a Vietnam veteran and I would like to 
speak in favor of this. The CDC years ago, or not even that 
long ago, came out and took millions of our taxpayers' dollars 
only to turn around and tell the government they weren't 
qualified to do a study on Agent Orange.
    If they are not qualified to do a study on Agent Orange, 
they sure are not qualified to do one on the Gulf problem. We 
need the medical people to find out what in the world is wrong 
with this problem and get it corrected now.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE CLYDE DAVIS (Post 1604--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, Clyde Davis, Post 1604, Department of 
Illinois. I move the previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Is there a second to 
move the question?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE FRANZ WEDEMANN (Post 2828--California): I second 
it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, there is a motion and 
a second to get on with the vote. We are just voting on the 
amendment first, to get the amendment on the floor for a vote. 
All those in favor will say ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    We will now vote on the amended Resolution. It was 
incorporated with the ``Therefore, Be It Resolved.'' All those 
in favor of the amended Resolution, as it was read here, 
signify by the sign of--we have stopped debate already.
    COMRADE JACK VRTJAK (Post 1612--Illinois): The motion was 
to put the question. We should have been voting on putting the 
question, not voting on the amendment. We should be voting on 
the amendment as the second vote.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We were now voting on the 
amended motion, is that correct? You-all are starting to 
confuse me. I thought this motion was to adopt the Resolution, 
as amended, correct? All those in favor of adopting the 
Resolution as amended, as it was amended, signify by the sign 
of ``aye''; all those opposed to the contrary. The ``ayes'' 
have it. It is so ordered.
    No. 720 has been adopted as amended. Are there any further 
motions to adopt Resolutions that were suggested for rejection?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE DOMINIC RAMONO (Post 7330--Connecticut): Commander, 
under a personal privilege, I was on the floor prior to the 
count of the vote on the Social Security ``Notch Law'', 
Resolution 717. I would like to speak in favor of 717, because 
there was only one speaker.
    Irregardless of that, whether I get recognized to speak 
after the vote, I am here to question the vote. It was a voice 
vote. It seemed like the ``ayes'' have it, and I am asking for 
reconsideration of that vote.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair was not in doubt. That 
Resolution 717 was rejected. If you want to move for 
reconsideration, you have to be on the prevailing side.
    COMRADE DOMINIC RAMONO (Post 7330--Connecticut): I am 
asking for a recall.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You did not vote in favor of 
rejection, right? Then you cannot do that. Is there anyone 
else, someone who would like to perhaps make a motion to adopt 
a Resolution that we rejected on Veterans Service? There is 
nothing.
    Are you done, Mr. Chairman?
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: Yes.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To you 
and your Committee, you are now discharged.
    I would like to call on the Director of Parades, Bob Brady, 
for his awards.
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): Comrade 
Commander, I rise for a point of personal privilege, if you 
please.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: State your rank, serial number 
and state your point.
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): I am from Post 
7327, Springfield. I stood at this microphone purposely to ask 
that Resolution No. 718 be set aside so that I could bring 
something before this Convention. It is a separate Resolution 
and it has not been discussed here on the Convention floor.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are you making a motion?
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): I make a motion 
to grant us that privilege.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: To adopt 718, is that what you 
are saying?
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): Yes, 718, a 
motion to adopt.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE DOMINIC RAMONO (Post 7330--Connecticut): I second 
it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will take the second. But if 
you don't mind, I would like a point of personal privilege 
since I introduced somebody to do some awards, I will not 
forget you. I want you to do these awards. Some of these units 
have early flights this afternoon, and we would like to give 
them their awards before they leave. We will bring this right 
back after the awards.

          NATIONAL MARCHING UNITS AND PARADE COMMITTEE WINNERS

    COMRADE ROBERT BRADY (Post 7090--Pennsylvania): Commander-
in-Chief, our awards to the units that won during the period of 
our contest that started Monday through Wednesday are as 
follows:
    The winner of our Senior VFW Color Guard was Aurora Silver 
Rifles, VFW Post 2629, Aurora, Ohio.
    The Senior Ladies VFW Auxiliary Color Guard was District 6 
VFW Ladies Auxiliary Department of Arkansas.
    The winner of our Junior ROTC Color Guard, Regulation 
Drill, was won by the male unit from Upson Lee High School, 
NJROTC, VFW Post 6447, Thomaston, Georgia. Accepting for them 
will be the Department Commander since this unit had to fly 
home yesterday.
    The winner of our Junior ROTC Armed Drill Team was from 
Griffing High School, Male, Army JROTC, sponsored by VFW Post 
5448 and 8480, Griffin, Georgia.
    The winner of our Junior ROTC Unarmed Drill Team was the 
female unit from Basix High School, VFW Post 3848, Henderson, 
Nevada. This is a Marine Corps Junior ROTC Unit.
    The winner of the Junior Open Field Contest, from Rubidoux 
High School, Air Force Junior ROTC, VFW Post 8632, Riverside, 
California. Rubidoux is also declared the National Champion 
Overall Junior ROTC Unit as they achieved the highest scores 
during the period of our contests.
    The Best All-Girl Junior ROTC Color Guard was the All-Girl 
Unit representing Griffin High School Army Junior ROTC, VFW 
Posts 5448 and 8480, from Griffin, Georgia.
    This is the Best All-Girl Junior ROTC Rifle Drill Team. 
This was won by Upson Lee High School Junior ROTC, VFW Post 
6447, Thomaston, Georgia. Accepting is the Department 
Commander.
    A Special Judge's Award goes to the Top Hats, VFW Post 92, 
New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
    At the Patriotic Rally last evening, the Best Appearing 
Senior Men's VFW Color Guard, the Silent Sixteens, VFW Post 
6933, Darien, Connecticut.
    Last night at the Patriotic Rally, the Best Appearing 
Senior Ladies VFW Auxiliary Color Guard was the Happy Dayettes, 
VFW Post 7591 Auxiliary, Madison, Wisconsin. Do we have a 
representative from Wisconsin that will accept, please?
    Assisting us this morning was the First Sergeant Dusalle of 
the Eighth Division. Thank you for your attention and that is 
the extent of my report, Commander-in-Chief. For those of you 
who might be interested, the Ritual Team contest will begin at 
2:00 o'clock. We have three teams. The contest will be held in 
this hotel in Ballroom B. Thank you.

     REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS (CONT'D.)

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Now, if the maker of the motion 
is still here, the one that set aside 718, are you still here? 
Let me say that in checking with the Sergeant-at-Arms at the 
microphone, you were present at the time we asked for any 
additional Resolutions to be either set aside or to be voted 
upon and have been rejected.
    Because I have already discharged the Committee and because 
I think that we have given you ample time to respond to 
anything, I am going to rule your motion out of order. I will 
do this, I will give you two minutes to say anything you want 
pertaining to that Resolution as a point of personal privilege.
    That is only to speak about it. We will not take any action 
on it. I am sure that you are going to speak for two minutes. 
The microphone is now on.
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): I rise to ask 
that reconsideration be given even though the Committee may 
have been discharged. We have asked repeatedly in these 
Conventions for----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Sir, the motion was rejected. To 
bring it up under reconsideration, you would have to be on the 
prevailing side of the rejection. I do not think you are. Do 
you have anything else?
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): No, I couldn't 
because there was a little confusion at this podium. I do wish 
to speak on this Resolution. That is one of the things I came 
to this Convention for.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will give you two minutes; you 
have used 20 seconds.
    COMRADE GLENN TUCKER (Post 7327--Virginia): 220,000 now 
veterans live in the 50-mile radius of the Washington Monument. 
We have been promised a VA medical facility to serve those war 
wounds, disease and injuries, created or aggravated by a 
military service. No such facility exists.
    We are told we can go to Baltimore, Martinburg, Richmond or 
Irving Street. Those are areas of high crime, those are areas 
where it is a financial hardship for the individual veterans to 
go or ask a member of his family to transport him there. It is 
risky to be in the District of Columbia after dark. We no 
longer have the financial resources to pay for our own medical 
attention.
    We have asked in this Resolution to have a medical 
facility, to be owned and operated by the U.S. Department of 
Veterans of Foreign Affairs, be established in the vacant 
facilities now available in the federal domain in that area 
before they hand it out to private industry or for breeding and 
development of those people who are interested in making a fast 
buck.
    I ask this Convention, I ask your Committee, I ask everyone 
in the Veterans of Foreign Wars to consider the need, the 
hardship and the physical problem these persons have. There are 
more than 150,000 veterans over the age of 65 that live in my 
own County of Fairfax, Virginia.
    Now, 880,000 people live there. The criteria established in 
1960 is out of date and must be revised. The VA knows that. 
They say, ``Well, Glenn, you have the requirements''----
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, my comrade. I have 
given you two minutes and I believe the delegation at this 
Convention have already voiced their opinion on this 
Resolution.
    I next call on the Chairman of the General Resolutions 
Committee, Past Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney.

               REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GENERAL RESOLUTIONS

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN CARNEY: Boy, it is refreshing 
to follow the Veterans Service Committee. It is great. I would 
like at this time to recognize the Committee, and certainly I 
want to give recognition to our Vice-Chairman Norman G. Staab 
from Kansas.
    Certainly, Commander-in-Chief, I want to thank you very 
much for appointing such a professional, knowledgeable and 
dedicated Committee as this General Resolutions Committee. I 
will now present the Resolutions that have been approved for 
you at this time.
    Resolution No. 301. Resolution 303 was amended. Resolution 
304, Resolution 309, Resolution 310, Resolution 311, Resolution 
319, Resolution 320, Resolution 322, Resolution 323, as 
amended; Resolution No. 324, Resolution No. 325, Resolution 
327, Resolution 329, Resolution 330, Resolution 331, and a new 
Resolution that was presented to our Committee this morning, 
Resolution 332, National Convention Parade Alternatives. These 
are the ones that we recommend approval.
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I move that these Resolutions 
be approved.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE DAVID GREANEY (Post 7420--California): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. Are there any Resolutions that you would 
like to have set aside?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PHIL ANDERSON (Post 284--Washington, D.C.): I would 
like to set aside Resolution 310.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else?
    Microphone No. 2, I am not sure if you want to be 
recognized or just exercising.
    COMRADE JOSEPH RELLS (Post 856--Texas): The last 
Resolution, 332 that was brought in this morning, can we have 
that read? I am not familiar with it.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: I will read the ``Be It 
Resolved.''
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that a Patriotic 
Rally be held as an alternative to the Annual Military Parade 
at the 96th National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona; and
    ``BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Council of 
Administration be empowered to decide annually if a military 
parade or an alternative form of patriotic salute will be held 
during the next National Convention and that such decision be 
made at the October meeting of the National Council of 
Administration and promptly promulgated throughout the 
organization in the General Orders and the VFW Magazine.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? We will now vote 
on the question. All those in favor of the Committee's 
recommendation for the Resolutions to be adopted, with the 
exception of Resolution 310, will signify by the usual sign of 
``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so 
ordered.
    Now, would somebody like to bring up Resolution 310 for 
debate?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PHIL ANDERSON (Post 284--Washington, D.C.): 
Resolution 310 is, in fact, a political instrument involving a 
sensitive and highly political issue. It is not germane to the 
long-standing policy and principles of the VFW. In order to 
maintain our political neutrality, I move rejection of 
Resolution No. 310. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion is out of order. We 
understand your debate. We already have a motion on the floor 
to accept. You should be debating why you don't want it 
accepted. Anything else?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE CLAUDIO PEDERY (Post 5471--Washington, D.C.): 
Comrade Commander-in-Chief, I would like to give you a brief 
background why I am opposed. We revolted against Great 
Britain's taxation without representation. Ladies and 
gentlemen, we pay tax in the District of Columbia, but we don't 
have representation in the Congress. We don't have a delegate. 
Comrades and Commander-in-Chief, we need that. We would like to 
oppose that opposition.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Do you suggest that this 
Resolution not be accepted? Let me read the ``Be It Resolved.''
    It says, ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we 
oppose statehood as an unconstitutional approach and ask our 
Representatives in Congress to strongly defeat any act that 
they may be confronted with in the future.''
    Anybody else?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PHIL ANDERSON (Post 284--Washington, D.C.): We 
oppose that, Commander-in-Chief. I guess we have 700,000 people 
in the District of Columbia. Many of us are Veterans of Foreign 
Wars. Why don't you help us defeat this Resolution? We need 
also representation in Congress. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Anyone else?
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE STAN KOLNIAK (Post 2238--Louisiana): I speak in 
favor of the Resolution. Could we have that Resolution read in 
its entirety? I think that it would explain many of the issues 
that would be questionable to the comrades present.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: ``WHEREAS, the majority of 
the citizens in this beloved Republic honor and adhere to the 
United States Constitution; and
    ``WHEREAS, a certain segment of politicians in Congress and 
the news media are promoting efforts to establish another state 
forum our Federal District of Columbia; and
    ``WHEREAS, granting statehood to the nation's capital is 
inconsistent with Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the 
Constitution which designates a neutral district outside the 
boundaries of any State where the capital city is to be 
located; and
    ``WHEREAS, if the District of Columbia were to be granted 
statehood, the specific terms of Maryland's secession of 1791 
would be violated inasmuch as the State of Maryland seated land 
to fulfill the land requirement of the federal district serving 
as the national seat of government and not for any other 
purpose; and
    ``WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the 
Constitution states that no new state shall be formed or 
erected within the jurisdiction of any other State; and
    ``WHEREAS, if the call for lack of representation was real, 
then an alternative consideration could be to retrocede the 
District of Columbia back to the State of Maryland, save a 
reduced Federal Enclave, and those current citizens that were 
seated into Maryland would enjoy a full and equal voice in 
national affairs; and
    ``WHEREAS, this ten-mile square area lacks the economic 
base to support a state and does not contain an independent 
economy to sustain its own government furthermore shows its 
impractical application, so be it now, therefore,
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States that we oppose 
statehood as an unconstitutional approach and ask our 
Representatives in Congress to strongly defeat any act that 
they may be confronted with in the future.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE THOMAS PIERCE (Post 9566--Massachusetts): While I 
agree with all of the statements that were just made as part of 
that Resolution and I don't disagree with the gentleman who was 
in favor of not defeating this Resolution, I do think that it 
ought to be defeated.
    I think that the reason it should be defeated, it is a 
political problem, and I don't think that the VFW wants to be 
entering into political problems that don't have to deal with 
veterans.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE JOHN LEWIS (Post 4061--Colorado): I move the 
question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Let me do one thing before I 
accept Microphone No. 3's motion. The gentleman asked at 
Microphone No. 1 that the Resolution be read first. He didn't 
have an opportunity to speak on the motion. I will allow 
Microphone No. 1 to speak.
    COMRADE STAN KOLNIAK (Post 2238--Louisiana): Thank you, 
Chief. First of all, comrades, this is not a political 
question. The political question is on the other side of the 
proposal to make a statehood out of federal territory. This is 
unconstitutional.
    You cannot form a state from a federal enclave. This 
proposal of statehood of being made by a single vote of 
Congress. That is not correct. It cannot be. I think that it is 
a Resolution that pretty well bears out the reasons for it. It 
is a Constitutional question.
    The support of the Resolution, as voted in the Committee, 
was to mainly retain what we had today, period. In addition, 
just think of our own state. What type of industries and how 
many industries does it have? They are many and various. D.C. 
does not.
    In other words, would you concur in voting a statehood for 
very large city? I mean, that area is not even as large as the 
county that you live in. What is that going to open up? In 
addition, the 23rd Amendment that was voted on is contrary to 
statehood.
    In other words, that amendment was voted and delegated 
three votes, delegate votes, electoral votes. They acknowledged 
in their amendment, if you look up the history of that, that 
amendment acknowledges the existence of a federal enclave and 
no state could be formed from it.
    So, I mean there are many areas. Our forefathers brought 
about and created this seat of government, period. Are we going 
to turn around and stand against them? Not in any way unless we 
retain the status of what we have today as being the seat of 
government from the federal government. And in addition some of 
these people mentioned, you know, they don't have negative 
voices, and so on. Maryland voted and gave us this seat. If 
they want any kind of voting privileges, they can always 
recede.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The Chair will now accept the 
motion made from Microphone No. 3 to move the previous 
question. Is there a second to move the previous question?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RUSSELL VILLWOCK (Post 3579--Illinois): I second 
the motion to move the previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Comrades, all those 
in favor of moving the previous question will signify by the 
sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It 
is so ordered.
    We will now have the motion before us. The motion is to 
adopt this Resolution, which keeps the District of Columbia the 
way it is today. If you vote ``yes'', that is the way it is. If 
you vote ``no'', what you are saying is that you want the 
District of Columbia to become a state.
    All those in favor of adopting the motion will signify by 
the sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have 
it. It is so ordered.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: The Committee has 
recommended rejection of the following Resolutions:
    Resolution 302, Resolution 305; Resolutions 306, 307, 308, 
312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 321, 326, 328.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Unless someone moves to adopt 
one of these rejected Resolutions, they will be rejected.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE LARRY BENDER (Post 788--Iowa): I make a motion that 
General Resolution No. 302 be approved.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There is a motion. Is there a 
second?
    COMRADE ROBERT MATHIESEN (Post 8486--Iowa): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second. Now, on the question.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, 
the Committee recognizes the fact of the POW/MIA stamp and they 
also recognize the fact that on November 24, 1970, a stamp was 
issued in recognition of the POW/MIA and that the Resolutions 
that have been introduced to this Convention have not been all-
inclusive of World War II and Korea. For that reason, the 
Committee defeated the Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE LARRY BENDER (Post 788--Iowa): I will make this 
short. Resolution No. 302 does not encompass all. It does not 
take anybody out. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and delegates to 
this Convention have always been the champion of the POW/MIA 
issue.
    Unless we forget our comrades now, there have been reissues 
of other stamps in the past and there will be in the future. To 
remain to keep this issue before our assistants, I ask this 
motion be adopted.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Anything else? Any further 
discussion? All those in favor of adopting Resolution 302 will 
signify by the sign of ``aye''; all those opposed ``no''. The 
``nays'' have it.
    Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for your work and the 
work of the Committee. Unfortunately, I can't discharge you. 
You have to get your full eight hours of day. You get all the 
catch-alls that might come up right now.
    Next I would like to call on Howard Vander Clute to give 
the Report on the Buddy Poppy Display Winners.

              PRESENTATION OF BUDDY POPPY DISPLAY WINNERS

    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: This concerns the Buddy 
Poppy Display Winners. Let me tell you that we have 83 displays 
in the contest this year. That is the highest number of poppy 
displays that we have had in recent reporting at our National 
Conventions.
    Let me tell you that 50 percent of those 83 displays used 
painted and/or dyed poppies in the display. I just bring this 
to your attention because of the action of this Convention 
yesterday.
    Public Promotion of Poppy Sales, this is Category 1, 
window, booth, parade or Post displays, sales promotion, in 3rd 
Place is Wichita Memorial Post & Auxiliary 3115, Wichita, 
Kansas.
    In 2nd Place is Grand-Mesa Post & Auxiliary 9221, 
Cedaredge, Colorado.
    In 1st Place, naturally, Reddy-McClellan Post & Auxiliary 
8789, Bowie, Texas.
    In Category 2, Memorial or Inspirational Display, for 
example, wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or 
devotional themes, in 3rd Place is Howard M. Black Post and 
Auxiliary 1508, Lake Elsinore, California.
    In 2nd place, Casper Memorial Post and Auxiliary 9439, 
Casper, Wyoming.
    In 1st Place, naturally, Cole-Miers Post and Auxiliary 
3619, DeRidder, Louisiana.
    Category 3, Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies. This is, 
for example, Post Home displays, table centerpieces, corsages, 
pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats and novelty pieces, 
almost anything other than the two before mentioned are in this 
category.
    In 3rd Place, General W.W. Atterbury Post and Auxiliary 
3420, Newark, Delaware.
    In 2nd Place, Klemenic Nail Smith Post & Auxiliary 4663, 
Clifton, Colorado.
    And in 1st Place, naturally, South Portland Post and 
Auxiliary 832, South Portland, Maine.
    In Category 4, Memorial or Inspiration Displays by Junior 
Girls Units and Sons of the VFW Units.
    In 3rd Place was Wallis-Witcher Junior Girls Unit, VFW Post 
3031, Rogers, Arkansas.
    In 2nd Place, Collinsville Memorial Junior Girls Unit, VFW 
Post 5691, Collinsville, Illinois.
    In 1st Place, naturally, Category No. 4, is Richard J. 
Gross Sons Unit, VFW Post 8896, East Berlin, Pennsylvania.
    Honorable Mention, in Category 1, is Harper Erdman Post and 
Auxiliary 1548, Libby, Montana, and Chief Pontiac Post and 
Auxiliary 1699, Cahokia, Illinois.
    For Category No. 2, Honorable Mention goes to Hoevel-
Barnett Post and Auxiliary 1341, Bull Shoals, Arkansas, and 
Paul McVey Post and Auxiliary 1592, Charleston, Illinois.
    In Category 3, Honorable Mention goes to Roscoe Post and 
Auxiliary 2955, Roscoe, Illinois, and Grandview Memorial Post 
and Auxiliary 8100, Grandview Missouri.
    Category No. 4, Honorable Mention goes to Olan Forest Smith 
Junior Girls Unit, VFW Post 8577, Copperas Cove, Texas, and 
Robert V. Lindsey Junior Girls Unit, VFW Post 10041, Bethel, 
Alaska.
    The awards for Directors, Joseph Monfort Post and Auxiliary 
9400, Sunnyslope, Arizona; Billy Krowse Post and Auxiliary 
9969, Del City, Oklahoma; Heart of the Lakes Post and Auxiliary 
1008, Waterford, Michigan; and Manheim Post and Auxiliary 5956, 
Manheim, Pennsylvania.
    Sergeant-at-Arms, will you escort the Commander-in-Chief to 
the front of the podium for special recognition to the over one 
million sales of poppies.
    The Over One Million Club was established several years ago 
to pay special recognition to the Departments whose poppy sales 
equaled and/or exceeded one million. This year's recipients 
are: Illinois, who led the nation in sales, with 1,211,000.
    They were followed by the Department of California, with 
1,193,500. Next was the Lone Star State of Texas, with 
1,109,500. Then the Department of Minnesota, with 1,013,185. 
And, finally, the Buckeye State of Ohio, with poppy sales of 
1,000,208. Congratulations to those that exceeded one million. 
This helps us, obviously, make our commitment to at least our 
manufacturer of approximately 18 million poppy sales annually.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before we go into the Closing 
Ceremonies, is there anything else to be brought up before this 
Convention?
    I recognize Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): Comrade Commander-
in-Chief, I move that we reconsider Resolution 213 that was 
passed by the delegates in yesterday's session.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Glen, what I have to do is to 
ask you if you were on the prevailing side when that happened?
    COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): I voted ``yes''.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I did 
vote on the prevailing side and I know of no other Resolution 
that needs to be reconsidered more than this. I second the 
motion for reconsideration.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second. Is this the one on poppies?
    COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): Yes, sir.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion on the floor is to 
reconsider the decision about the color of the poppies being 
used in the displays. Now, on the question.
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): If I may, sir, 
read the ``Resolved'' part of Resolution 213 as it was passed 
yesterday.
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the `Buddy 
Poppy' remain in its original shape and color with only the tag 
removal permitted when used in displays.''
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am asking for a motion that takes 
precedence over this one. It is a precedence over the motion. 
You must take a vote on the reconsideration.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): He is 
debating the motion. As I understand it, the comrade from Texas 
is debating that.
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): When a motion 
for reconsideration is put before the delegation and seconded, 
it must be voted on before it is debated. There is no debate on 
the reconsideration before the vote.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): I 
respectfully disagree. You can debate the motion to reconsider. 
He is debating the motion to reconsider. After the debate on 
the motion to reconsider, if the motion to reconsider is 
approved, then we will return to the main motion and debate the 
main motion and pass or fail on that basis.
    The motion to reconsider is debatable. As I understand it, 
the comrade from Texas is debating the motion to reconsider, 
and if anyone wants to get up and oppose the motion to 
reconsider, they may get up and debate that.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Continue, please, Microphone No. 
2.
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): Thank you. 
Commander-in-Chief, I stand here, my comrades, asking that we 
reconsider Resolution 213, because I feel that the action of 
this Convention would, as it stands, greatly tie the hands of 
those that work so hard each and every day to put together the 
Buddy Poppy displays.
    We have now congratulated the Posts and Auxiliaries for the 
presentation of the flags to those that place and received 
Honorable Mention. On Resolution 213, most of these displays 
that have received awards today would not even qualify to be 
judged at next year's National Convention.
    Under Resolution 213, the Posts and Auxiliaries will use 
less poppies and more background material and we don't want 
that to happen. We want the poppy to be used in the displays. I 
think also, comrades, that this Resolution would create a 
decrease in the ordering of Buddy Poppies by the Posts and the 
Auxiliaries.
    We have had a decrease the last two years on the National 
level. The decrease in poppies doesn't sound like much, but you 
have got to remember that the revenue from these poppies goes 
to support National Service, the Department service funds.
    They go to support the National Home, and also goes to help 
the veterans in the hospitals that are putting these poppies 
together. I think that this Resolution also is contradictory 
due to the fact that the Resolution says if you can put a 
display together, you cannot color the poppy, but we can take 
off the tag that identifies it as a Veterans of Foreign Wars 
Buddy Poppy.
    That is ridiculous. If we are going to have this display, 
we have got to allow these comrades and sisters to have the 
freedom to continue to use the poppies and use and use it as it 
best portrays and puts together the displays they would like to 
have brought before this Convention. Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Glen. Let me just say 
before I call on the next microphone, I don't know how many 
people had the opportunity to see many of the displays that are 
in the hall or have witnessed many of the displays over the 
past Conventions.
    I noticed that this year's Convention, as in prior years, 
many displays have the American flag in them. I wonder how we 
are going to display the American flag in all red.
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE RAY ORTMANN (Post 6498--Wisconsin): The entire body 
was here yesterday. The hall was full. We discussed it. I rise 
and object to reconsideration at this time. We talked when the 
hall was full, and now we have got a small nucleus in here and 
that is not right.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I want 
to thank the good comrades for staying to take care of the 
business of this organization. If the hall is not full, that is 
not our fault. Comrade Commander-in-Chief and my good comrades, 
I would like to see this Resolution rejected.
    We need to reject this and reject it for a number of 
reasons. Number one, when the Posts and Auxiliaries buy their 
poppies they become the property of that Post and Auxiliary. 
Our Post buys 22,000 poppies. If we have 2,000 or 3,000 left 
over, we will make a display, and then we take the rest of them 
and we throw them out.
    So, we buy 22,000 more poppies next year. That is the 
purpose of the program. We say in the Buddy Poppy Program that 
the amount of poppies used in the display does not allow you to 
win an award or not. You see all the displays that say 2,000 
poppies. How many are there?
    Can you imagine if we are going to take away this 
Resolution, if we don't reject it, the ingenuity, the artistic 
ability, the creative work of the ladies and men who build 
these great patriotic displays, we all come here and at our 
State Conventions to view in awe; that will be gone.
    What is there now to look at? A red sky or a red sea or red 
grass. That is what this Resolution says. You will not be able 
to artistically use the poppies in the way you want to at the 
Posts. We revere our poppy and if we drop it on the floor we 
pick it up and we may even dust it off a little bit.
    We care about it. We probably revere it as much as we do 
our American flag, because it is the symbol of our hospitalized 
veterans and the veterans who won the wars. I think in this 
particular instance, if we don't defeat the Resolution, what we 
are really doing is we are giving more control or more 
protection to the Buddy Poppy than the United States gives to 
our flag.
    Comrades, we need to reject this and go on with having a 
great Convention in the Veterans of Foreign Wars with those 
poppy displays.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I would suggest and I would 
appreciate what has been said so far, that when people get up 
to speak on the reconsideration, that you speak on why we 
should or should not reconsider the motion.
    I now call on Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): I am speaking 
against this. Comrades, when the Chaplain finished his prayer 
this morning, he said ``Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.'' 
The VFW has three emblems, the American Flag, the Cross of 
Malta and the Buddy Poppy.
    Since 1923, at the Enclave in Valley Forge when they 
adopted the poppy, they also honored the dead by helping the 
living. That is what it stood for. A certificate has been 
issued that the words ``Buddy Poppy'' cannot be used in any 
real or artificial flower by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    We have our poppy displays. And to the gentleman from 
Texas, I will say one thing. I talked to Comrade Senk out 
there. Walk out there and look at a couple of your 1st Place 
ones. They are beautiful painted all kinds of color. But, 
comrades, you should not worry about the sale of poppies. They 
are plastic poppies we have had for three years.
    So I don't go with our coloring. Illinois will go along 
with you on this. Right today, Illinois received four awards 
out there. I am proud of our state. We had 96 poppy displays in 
our Department Convention, using over 100,000 poppies this 
year.
    We are not against in Illinois telling them you can't, 
because National says you can't. We try to keep our competition 
with them. Over all the years I have been involved, since 1969, 
the Department of Illinois is far above and ahead of any other 
state to receive awards at the Convention without colored 
poppies.
    We don't need an artistic display, we don't need any 
professional show of floral displays. We need a Buddy Poppy 
display and a Buddy Poppy is a red poppy. As we go down the 
line, with all of the things you want to think about, there is 
no way that these men that put these together, I don't think 
anybody in our hospital will be very happy if we went and told 
them that I am going to buy 100,000 of these poppies but I am 
going to go out there and color 50,000 or 60,000 all different 
colors so they can look real pretty.
    Comrades, we do make displays that are beautiful with red 
and they will not hurt the sale of Buddy Poppies. It hasn't 
hurt the sale of poppies in the State of Illinois. We almost 
prohibit color, but very few do. I think we better revert to 
our original motion as we did yesterday and stand by our 
convictions and honor the dead by helping the living.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): I had 
one thing in mind to speak about when I came down here, but 
after listening to the comrades that came before me I have 
something else I want to express.
    First of all, let me make it very clear that I am speaking 
in favor of reconsideration. In regards to what a comrade said 
earlier relative to the attendance this morning and the vote 
that was taken yesterday, I would simply say that these are the 
dedicated, interested working members of this organization who 
have the fortitude to remain until all of the business at this 
Convention is conducted. I have complete confidence they can 
make an appropriate decision on this matter if it is 
reconsidered. That is number one.
    Number two is we expect to sell 18 million poppies every 
year, and although as was pointed out there may be still some 
of the old craft plastic-coated poppies used in displays and 
painted, that is fine by me, because what we are doing is 
simply utilizing poppies and that they will purchase more.
    Number three is this organization, with your money and your 
indulgence, each year spends about $6 million of its annual 
budget on Veterans Service and community service, substantially 
over $6 million. The sale of Buddy Poppies, the revenue from 
that contributes, as you know, to Veterans Service, which has 
been pointed out before by the comrade from Connecticut and 
others who have spoken.
    That doesn't bother me one bit to go in there and look at 
those beautiful displays. Those displays are generally for our 
own use and to compete in a contest so they can be displayed 
here at our National Convention. We don't paint poppies and go 
out and sell them. That doesn't happen.
    We are simply using it as a means to promote the sales. If 
this makes an attractive display and allows the members of this 
organization, and particularly the members of the Ladies 
Auxiliary, and as you heard, the Junior Girls and the Sons of 
the VFW are to be used, their artistic talent and abilities to 
create these kinds of displays because they have an interest in 
the program, and it helps them understand why we sell the 
poppies in the first place.
    For heaven's sake, we are grown men. We understand that we 
need the revenue from the sale of poppies. What is wrong with 
allowing our organization to express itself memorially as they 
do by painting the poppies? The sale of poppies is what counts. 
We don't go out and sell them in any other color. I support 
reconsideration of this Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE M. R. GAOVETTE (Post 8681--Florida): I am in full 
support of reconsideration of Resolution 213. You know, 
comrades, if you stop and think, our Ladies Auxiliary, the 
backbone of this organization, does an awful lot of work for 
us.
    One of the few places they get to work is working in these 
Buddy Poppy displays. Now, do we want to take that away from 
them? The old saying is if it works, why fix it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE WILLIAM RADIGAN (Post 3061--South Dakota): I am 
Bill Radigan, Post 3061, South Dakota, Chairman of the 1993-'94 
National Buddy Poppy Committee. I rise before you today in 
support of reconsideration of this motion. I think it is very 
important to the National Organization and every Post and 
Auxiliary within the organization.
    It is becoming more and more apparent to all of us that 
work in this program, and I have for many years like many of 
you, we have Posts and Auxiliaries that cannot go out on the 
street and sell poppies. It is so difficult for them, and it is 
so dangerous.
    In some places, they can't get into, and they can't get 
permission to sell. They can't get permission to go out on the 
streets. We have to provide them some kind of avenue to take 
part in this program. My comrades, I ask and I tell you there 
is nothing in the regulations that we have that say if they 
want to stay all red with their poppy display, they can stay 
all red.
    But our rules and regulations provide that they cannot use 
colored poppies. I would rather they use colored poppies than 
tissue paper. We have had great displays made out of poppies, 
made out of only poppies. I think we ought to be very serious 
when we consider telling people that maybe we will accept your 
display if you have four or five red poppies and a lot of 
tissue paper, instead of thousands of poppies in the display. I 
am for the thousands of poppies. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I rise in 
favor of the motion. One of the things we must do and Howard is 
correct in what he said, and I am happy that he said them so I 
don't have to say it; I will say this, that one of the things 
why we get the poppies is to get out into the public and sell 
them out there.
    We wouldn't be able to if we colored them. They are red 
when we buy them, and we should have them red when we sell 
them. We do have it like that. I get out myself and sell 
poppies. The purpose and the reason for the Buddy Poppy is to 
meet the public and have the public look at me, that I am a 
veteran, I helped give you the freedom to buy the poppy or not 
to buy the poppy. That is the reason for it.
    What Howard said is if you have some left over and you want 
to make your display, you can color it whatever color you want. 
The main purpose is to get out there and ask for donations. We 
should not be selling them. We have to ask for donations. If we 
sell them, the IRS says give us your taxes. So donations is 
what we need. Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE PETER PUENTES (Post 10209--Florida): I move the 
previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    COMRADE WILLIAM DOUGLAS (Post 1710--Arizona): I will second 
that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion and the second is to 
move the previous question. All those in favor will signify by 
the sign of ``aye''; all those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. 
It is so ordered.
    We will now vote on the motion. The motion is to reconsider 
the Resolution that you adopted to restrict the colors of the 
poppies. If you vote for this motion, it means that you can go 
in and reconsider what you have done. All those in favor of 
reconsidering will signify by the sign of ``aye''; all those 
opposed ``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Microphone No. 2.
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): I move that we 
reject Resolution No. 213.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I 
second that motion.
    PARLIAMENTARIAN LAWRENCE MAHER (Post 7356--Missouri): I am 
not certain that we need a motion at this time. We are 
reconsidering the Resolution that came through the Committee 
from the Department of Illinois, and that Resolution is to 
restrict the red Buddy Poppies.
    As I understand it, that is the Resolution that is before 
the house. We will debate that Resolution now and vote it up or 
down at the end of that debate.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Does anybody want to debate the 
motion that is in front of us to accept this Resolution 213? 
What you will have to do, if you want to accept this motion, as 
you previously did, if you want to keep it the way it is, to 
keep the color of the poppies in the red form only, you will 
vote ``yes'' again.
    If you are saying that the poppy displays that you allow 
people to color them, then you would vote ``no''. Does 
everybody understand that, ``yes'' for red poppies in the 
display and ``no'' to color the poppies in the display? Is 
there any more discussion?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): Again, 
we now have before us the question, as I understand, being 
returned to this body as a result of reconsideration. If I am 
correct, the Resolution that we are considering is to restrict 
the color of the Buddy Poppy to red.
    We can no longer paint them or dye them, or change the 
color for the purpose of displays. Is that correct, sir?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: That is correct.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): Then, 
I urge the delegates in the interest of promoting the sale of 
Buddy Poppies, in the interest of helping disabled veterans, in 
the interest of making a substantial contribution to our 
National Home annually from sale of these poppies, and in the 
best interest of this organization to defeat the motion, to 
defeat the question that restricts us from coloring poppies. 
Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I move in 
the same direction that Comrade Howard moved. I am in favor of 
the same thing. I want to bring it out so we can paint the 
Buddy Poppy, do what we want after the fact of selling them on 
the street. I am against the motion. I am in favor of rejecting 
the proposal.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): I 
think we have heard a real good discussion by both sides of 
this, and I move the previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: What I will do, before we vote 
on the motion, I will let the maker of the Resolution speak for 
one last time.
    COMRADE JOHN BUETTNER (Post 1699--Illinois): I think today 
is going to be a black day. When does this organization take an 
emblem, and just listen to me, gentlemen, take an emblem we 
have dedicated ourselves to in Flanders Field and save the 
dollars we might lose so we can do anything we want to?
    Maybe next year, let's take the Cross of Malta and sell it 
out on the public street. We don't need it anymore. Comrades, I 
assure you I am not angry with you, I will continue to make a 
poppy display. I have since 1969. I think I have got a rack 
full of trophies and there has never been a colored one that 
will compare with the people that still are using plastic that 
were used five years ago. We are dedicated to our poppy 
program. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. I will call for the 
motion. All those in favor will say ``aye''; all those opposed. 
The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    The motion, if you vote ``yes'', is to keep the poppies 
only red, or if you vote ``no'', you want to color them as you 
have been doing. All those in favor will signify by the sign of 
``aye''; all opposed ``no''. The Resolution is defeated.
    Does anyone else want to bring up something?
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 2541--Texas): This body 
yesterday adopted Resolution 106. I would like this Resolution 
to be reconsidered.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: First of all, if you are making 
a motion to reconsider, were you on the prevailing side?
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 2541--Texas): No, I was not on 
the prevailing side.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Get somebody on the prevailing 
side to make the motion to reconsider. If I am not mistaken, 
that Resolution has to do with something about a Congressman, 
is that correct?
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 2541--Texas): Resolution 106, 
proposed by the Department of Washington State, is to censor 
and remove Henry B. Gonzalez.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: To reconsider, somebody on the 
prevailing side must move for reconsideration.
    Microphone No. 1. There is no one there.
    Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TED CONNELL (Post 9192--Texas): I voted correctly, 
and I wish to make a motion that we reconsider.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second? Whoever 
seconds the motion must be on the prevailing side or can 
anybody second it? I guess you can second your own motion, 
Ernie.
    COMRADE CHARLES CANON (Post 5076--Texas): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second to reconsider Resolution 106. Now, on the question, 
is there any discussion?
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 2541--Texas): I wish to express 
why I am asking for reconsideration. I have discussed this 
further with more people throughout our organization, various 
states and leaders of this organization, to explain that we 
have already taken care of this matter in his Washington 
office.
    This was done, the Resolution was because he made a 
statement on June 14, 1993. We apprised him of this and in his 
office in Washington, D.C. We have taken care of our own 
matter. If that is what you want done, the way you do it with 
other things is you write a letter to him or call him, and that 
is the way you take care of these things with Congressmen.
    To ask this body to censor a Congressman, I think is very 
erroneous and would be setting a precedence, something we have 
never done and something that when the Commander-in-Chief goes 
before Congress and presents a Resolution of this body, I would 
like for someone to say yes, we are representing you on 
Resolution 106, and if you say something wrong we are going to 
censor you. That wouldn't look too good, although it might be 
right on our side.
    The other thing is this was infuriated by the Chairman of 
the Committee reading one ``Whereas'' and a fiery statement. If 
I am wrong, hang me from this ceiling. I can explain what this 
page in the Congressional Record is. If I explained it to you, 
you might understand something that I tried to put across 
yesterday, that we should not censor this Congressman.
    Right now we have less than five percent of our membership 
that is attending this Convention in here now. We have the 
Pledge of Allegiance here. We say a prayer. Congressman 
Gonzalez, when he made that statement, was talking about pork 
barrel spending in the House on the Resolution.
    He made a statement they opened the Congress every day with 
a prayer. They pay a Chaplain a tremendous amount of money to 
come in and give a two-sentence prayer. He is paid for that and 
no other obligation, and nothing else. He is saying that is 
pork barreling.
    He says, likewise, since we have less than five percent of 
the membership when all this takes place, likewise, they have 
five percent of the Congress in there when they open the 
business of the Congress. Some of his Congressmen, he said the 
only time they are there is when they are called in to give the 
Pledge of Allegiance for our glorious flag.
    That is the only time they are there, and less than five 
percent of the Congressmen are in there, and later come in and 
do business for our great nation. He made the statement that is 
significant as when they are walking down the street and say 
``Heil Hitler, heil Hitler.''
    That is the way he made that remark. Gentlemen, that was 
not derogatory towards the flag of our country He is a very 
good Congressman and supports the veterans. That is the reason 
for my reconsideration.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): 
Essentially, I agree with reconsideration. I speak on behalf of 
those comrades from the Department of Texas who are trying to 
restore that motion to this floor. I think, first of all, that 
for an action, and this is an institution because that is what 
we have been called, this is an American institution of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars and many in this room have shed blood 
to protect the Constitution of the United States and allow 
anyone to express their views about our institutions or about 
our government as long as it doesn't indicate an attempt to 
overthrow the government.
    Number one, I also agree that we obviously do not have the 
power to instruct the Speaker of the House to censor. It 
doesn't occur that way in the rules of the Congress of the 
United States. It seem to me that it would satisfy perhaps the 
delegates here today if we wrote to the Speaker and said that 
we take his remarks as a personal affront to this organization, 
and simply let him know that that kind of conduct from a 
Congressman on the floor of the United States House of 
Representatives is inappropriate to members who have served in 
the armed forces of the United States.
    I hope we can get this Resolution reconsidered and perhaps 
be amended so that we can say the delegates desire to deliver a 
message to the Congress that was an affront to an organization 
such as this.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1, did you have 
somebody there?
    COMRADE BOB SADLER (Post 1189--Oklahoma): I stand in favor 
of reconsideration of this question and suggest very strongly, 
as I would in my own state, that Texas take care of their own 
politicians.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TED CONNELL (Post 9192--Texas): I clipped a quote 
today from this newspaper in the city, an editorial by Sammy 
Grady which says, ``Except for child molesters and church 
robbers, con men who prey on widows, no group is more scorned 
than the politicians in Washington, D.C.''
    Henry Gonzalez is obnoxious, is despicable, all of the 
things I personally campaigned against him in the beginning and 
each time that he has had an opponent since then. But this is 
not the way of a great organization to take care of a problem 
that is in San Antonio, Texas.
    Gonzalez should be relieved of his duties, but it must be 
done by the voters in his District. Therefore, I speak for 
reconsideration.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. You know, let me take 
a point of personal privilege here. I sometimes wonder what you 
said, Past Commander-in-Chief Connell, I sometimes wonder when 
we send a message like this what we would do to our own 
organization because you have got to remember he still is a lot 
stronger than we are. I hate to think of what his repercussions 
could be to this organization.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I am in 
favor to bring it back on the floor for the simple reason of 
what Howard said and what Ernie has said, to bring it back and 
have amendments made to the motion and let the State of Texas 
take care of the problem with Congressman Gonzalez.
    He is not totally a bad man, but he offends us. He offended 
the American flag. I believe we should let Texas take care of 
that in their own District. Thank you.
    COMRADE PETER PUENTES (Post 10209--Florida): I move the 
previous question.
    COMRADE RUSSELL VILLWOCK (Post 3579--llinois): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Does anyone else want to speak 
in favor of reconsideration one more time? All those in favor 
of moving the previous question will signify by the sign of 
``aye''; those opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Now, the motion we are voting on is the motion to 
reconsider. All those in favor will signify by ``aye''; those 
opposed ``no''. All those in favor of reconsidering the motion 
will signify by the sign of ``aye''; those opposed ``no''. The 
``ayes'' have it and it is so ordered. Now, we can debate the 
Resolution.
    Microphone No. 1.
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): I stand, 
Commander-in-Chief, in opposition to this Resolution. I would 
ask the delegates to defeat this Resolution as has been stated 
and allow us, those in Texas that have to deal with Henry 
Gonzalez on a monthly basis or daily basis, to take care of our 
problems.
    Whether you like it or not, let me tell you, my comrades, 
as Past Commander-in-Chief Ted C. Connell has said, Henry B. 
Gonzalez has been on Capitol Hill for 30 years. He is a 
powerful individual. He only sits on the Appropriations 
Committee. We don't need anything from Appropriations, no more 
than the VA budget and everything else that we want.
    He is only the Chairman of the Banking Committee. The guy 
doesn't have any money, he only owns half interest in 42 banks 
in Texas. You know, we can't stand here and censor all these 
Congressmen that we don't like. As Howard said, we don't have 
the authority to censor them.
    We have got to deal with them in a businesslike manner. We 
have got to deal with them in the way we can deal with them. My 
comrades, I, as many of you, have had discussions with 
Congressmen, pro and con, in the way they support issues.
    We don't ever agree with them on everything. If we start 
trying to censor every Congressmen that does something we don't 
like, then we are going to have to be on this Convention floor 
maybe three weeks. I would encourage you delegates to reject 
this Resolution.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: What you are saying is that what 
the Resolution says, you are trying to say that not only the 
VFW but the veterans of this nation could suffer some very 
strategic financial grief in the future. Is that what you are 
trying to tell us there?
    DELEGATE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): Yes.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE EARNEST MUDD (Post 2541--Texas): I will second that 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I don't believe that anybody 
made another motion.
    COMRADE TED C. CONNELL (Post 9192--Texas): Did you not take 
the motion to defeat?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The motion is to approve and you 
voiced your opinion against it. He did not make a motion. The 
motion is already on the floor. What he suggested is everybody 
should vote ``no'' instead of ``yes''.
    COMRADE TED CONNELL (Post 9192--Texas): You have no motion 
on the floor.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There is a motion to adopt the 
Resolution as it is. We are going under reconsideration. 
Comrade Gardner suggested that we vote ``no''.
    COMRADE HOWARD VANDER CLUTE (Post 6467--New Jersey): 
Commander-in-Chief, let me go back to my earlier remarks. 
Please let me return to my original remarks relative to an 
amendment. I think the delegates expressed themselves 
yesterday, and I think that the sentiment of most of us who 
belong to this organization remains the same.
    But we recognize that the action that we took was not in 
our best interest. That has been brought to our attention by 
the Department of Texas. I am going to suggest that we amend, 
if you will accept an amendment, the Resolution that was placed 
on the floor.
    I have not written this. I will have to extemporaneously 
give this. I think we can get a sense of this Convention. I 
offer this as an amendment:
    ``BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we 
correspond with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of 
the United States to express the sense of this Convention that 
his remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in 
reference to the Pledge of Allegiance are a personal affront to 
the members of this organization who have served honorably to 
preserve the nation,'' and simply let everyone know that those 
kinds of remarks are not appropriate on the floor of the House 
of Representatives.
    That will delete all the other language in here that is 
very strong and also asks us to do things that are not possible 
for us to do. I move that as an amendment.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second to the 
amendment?
    COMRADE JOE SCOTT (Post 1330--New Jersey): I second the 
amendment.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
amendment and the second to the Resolution.
    On the question, the Chair recognizes Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE RODNEY WILKINSON (Post 2539--Mississippi): There 
are two things I would like to say. Number one, next year it 
might be your Congressman or my Congressman. Think about it 
when you come to this vote. Number two, we may not like what 
every man says, but every man in here fought for his right to 
say it. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE RONALD RUSAKIEWICZ (Post 9460--Connecticut): With 
all due respect to my good friend Howard Vander Clute in trying 
to fix something we already agree should be in Texas' hands and 
let them fix it. As I understand the Resolution, the 
``Whereases'' are very inflammatory as well.
    I noticed in the amendment that our Past Commander-in-Chief 
Vander Clute proposed there was nothing to strike anything from 
the original Resolution. I would urge everyone in this great 
Convention to simply reject this Resolution and put it back in 
the hands of Texas where it belongs and let them clean it up.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE TED CONNELL (Post 9192--Texas): Let me urge my 
comrades to defeat this Resolution and let us handle it.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I move 
that we dress up the Resolution, the previous Resolution and 
the amendment, and I second the amendment to the Resolution 
that Howard Vander Clute made.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I am not sure what you said. Any 
further discussion? You said move and we have a motion on the 
floor.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): That is 
what he said, he would amend it and take out the other 
amenities in there.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You are speaking in favor of the 
amendment and you don't want to have a motion?
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): Right.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you.
    Microphone No. 1.
    COMRADE BOB LOFTUS (Post 4643--Florida): I stand to defeat 
this Resolution. When the people elect our Congressman, we go 
back to the polls and we put them back in. Why should we go 
ahead? I agree with Texas. Let them clean up their own house. 
When we have our problems, we are the ones that talk to them. I 
speak in favor of defeating this.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE RUSSELL VILLWOCK (Post 3579--Illinois): I move the 
previous question.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Is there a second?
    Microphone No. 3.
    COMRADE GERALD BURKEL (Post 5373--Wisconsin): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second to move the previous question. All those 
in favor will signify by the sign of ``aye''; all opposed 
``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Now, on the amendment to the motion, first of all, to add 
this to the Resolution, what Howard suggested, we didn't have a 
second so the amendment is gone. What we are back to now is the 
original motion to adopt Resolution 106 as it was presented.
    COMRADE RICHARD PIGNONE (Post 3173--California): I did 
second that amendment.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The amendment has been seconded. 
We are now really going back to the amendment that Howard 
proposed to add what he said into the original Resolution. All 
in favor of adding this into the Resolution, what Howard said, 
will signify by the sign of ``aye''; opposed ``no''. The 
amendment is defeated.
    Now, all those in favor of the original Resolution, the way 
it was presented to censor the Congressman, will signify by the 
sign of ``aye''. I don't believe the Chair is going to be in 
doubt on this. Those opposed will say ``no''. The Resolution is 
defeated.

                      WINNERS OF INSURANCE DRAWING

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: If there is nothing else, I 
would like to call on the Director of the Insurance Program to 
bring us the drawings for today's lucky winners.
    COMRADE ROBERT CROW: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief. I would 
like to thank Jack Carney for doing the drawing today. The 
winner of the $25 drawing is Joseph Koch, Post 1564, 
Pennsylvania. The $50 winner is Donald Mason, Post 3547, 
Nevada, and the $100 winner is Genesio Benenuto, Post 5933, New 
York.
    Tomorrow, we will draw a little bit earlier so you have an 
opportunity to have any winners pick up the money. We will be 
open until the close of the day, and tomorrow they will be open 
until about 12:00 or 1:00 o'clock.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, please rise and salute 
the flag of our nation.
    [Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was given at this 
time.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This Convention is recessed 
until 9:00 o'clock tomorrow morning. Thank you for your 
indulgence.
    [Whereupon, the session was recessed at 1:35 o'clock p.m.]
                         THIRD BUSINESS SESSION

                   THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 25, 1994

    [The Third Business Session of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States, held in the Barron Room of the Las Vegas 
Hilton Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, was called to order at 9:00 
o'clock a.m., with Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Allen F. 
Kent, presiding.]

                             CALL TO ORDER

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Sergeant-at-Arms, you 
will prepare the room and Salute the Colors.
    [Whereupon, Sergeant-at-Arms Sarver led the Convention in 
the Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.]
    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Reverend Charles W. Edwards, 
Jr., gave the Opening Prayer.]

                    REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: You may be seated. At 
this time we will have the Report of the Credentials Committee 
by the Chairman, Richard Trombla.
    COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174--Kansas): Comrade Senior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief, I am Richard Trombla from the 
Department of Kansas, Post 1174, and Chairman of the following 
National Council Members report to the Credentials Committee: 
District 11, District 16, District A and District G.
    Comrades, this is a temporary report of the Credentials 
Committee. As of last night, the total delegate strength was 
16,862. The Department Commanders 52; National Officers 10; 
Past Commanders-in-Chief 25. That is a grand total of 16,954. 
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, this is a temporary report of 
this Committee at this time.

   INTRODUCTION--GENERAL WILMA VAUGHT, PRESIDENT, WOMEN IN MILITARY 
             SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, INC.

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Ladies and gentlemen, 
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.
    Nearly two million women have served in the U.S. military, 
from the American Revolution through the Persian Gulf War. For 
that reason, it is fitting that such a Memorial receive the 
support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    This morning we are pleased to have with us the 
distinguished President of the Women in Military Service for 
America Foundation, Retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma 
Vaught.
    Prior to her retirement from active duty, General Vaught 
served as the senior woman military representative to the 
Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services from 1982 
to 1985.
    General Vaught became eligible for the VFW while serving 
with the Military Assistance Command, U.S. Air Force, Saigon 
Vietnam in 1968 and '69. She is a member of VFW Post 346, in 
Washington, D.C.
    Please join me in a very warm VFW welcome for the President 
of the Women in Military Service for America, Brigadier General 
Wilma Vaught.

                     REMARKS--GENERAL WILMA VAUGHT

    GENERAL VAUGHT: I am deeply honored to be here with you 
again this year. I think this is my third year, and 
particularly I am honored to be a member of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars. You know, I was one of the 7,500 military women 
that served in Southeast Asia, and I was proud of our armed 
services then and I remain proud today of each person who has 
served and each person who is serving.
    I know that you feel as I do that some of our troops today 
in some of the humanitarian missions have a difficult task 
before them. They need to be in our prayers and our thoughts. 
Before I say anything about the Memorial, there is something I 
do want to say, and I understand that a number of people have 
been honoring Howard Vander Clute, who has been a friend of 
ours over a period of time. We want to do that, too.
    You have been a great friend. We are going to give you 
something here today. That is the Women in Military Service 
Memorial Coin. Just because I have given you one, Howard, I 
want you to know that doesn't let you off the hook in buying 
one. We present this with our deep appreciation. [Applause]
    You know, we have been in a period of remembering recently 
and paying tribute to our service people, past and present, and 
we will soon be doing more of those as we recognize the Battle 
of the Bulge coming up on May 8th.
    This past November we observed the seventy-fifth 
anniversary of World War I, and then the great celebrations in 
honor of D-Day, and what a memorable moment that was. As we 
think about these remembrances, I want to think a bit about the 
history of the women who served and that we are going to 
document and preserve that history and make it visible through 
the Women's Memorial.
    As your about to be Commander-in-Chief Kent said, women 
served in every one of America's wars, every single one. And 
sometimes it was with great difficulty, sometimes there was 
only one or two in some of the early wars, but they were there. 
Their stories are a multi-faceted story of honor, of humor, 
joy, of their veteran's status or service not being recognized 
after they got out, accomplishment of the struggle for 
acceptance, of discrimination and of progress.
    Within the last month, in terms of progress, the Army has 
just opened 30,000 new jobs for women. Interestingly, as I 
travel around the country, I find few people that know about 
the history of women in the military, including those of us who 
are serving or have served.
    That is going to change when we get the Women in Military 
Service Memorial built, because we are going to capture that 
history. We have a unique mandate from the Congress, because we 
are going to recognize the living, the dead, all services, the 
officers, the enlisted, yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's 
women.
    It is unique in another way because we are building this 
Memorial at the main gate of Arlington Cemetery, which has some 
existing structures there, and those structures will become a 
part of the Memorial.
    We have an incredibly beautiful design. It will have at the 
top of our tablet with quotations of the women that served, and 
that will serve as the skyline, and an Educational Center where 
we have exhibits, where we have the computer registrations of 
the women who served. You are going to be proud to have been a 
part of that as a member of the VFW in supporting us where it 
counts because only money builds memorials.
    We have made enormous progress since I spoke to you last 
year. We have got a federal grant of $9.5 million to cover the 
repair and restoration work. We have a coin authorized for 
500,000, like the one that I just gave Howard. We have 
1,440,000 of those sold now, which gives us up to $11 million 
to build the Memorial.
    We still have more than I like to think about yet to sell, 
about 3.6 million. We need to sell every one of those coins if 
we are going to break ground in the spring. For those of you 
who may still work for the federal government, we are in a 
combined federal campaign. Think of us when that starts this 
fall.
    Six states have donated money. We sell things. I never 
dreamed in retirement I would be out selling bumper stickers, 
T-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, and all those things that 
you folks sell and all the rest of us do. Shortly, thanks to 
Commander-in-Chief George Cramer and the Council this past 
year, there is going to be a letter going out from the VFW to 
each Post with a brochure telling you about the Memorial.
    I hope when you get that, you do one or all of the 
following. Number one, if you have any women veterans who are 
members of your Post, I hope you will make sure they are 
registered. If not, I hope you will register them for the 
Memorial.
    Second, something you need to do is to honor your wife or 
spouse, because let me tell you, they have supported the United 
States simply by doing that and they have received not as much 
recognition for being a wife as they should.
    Third, you should just send a donation. I ask you to do 
that now, because we need it to make our ground breaking time 
the spring of this coming year. I just want to tell you we 
don't discriminate, we take money from anybody.
    The VFW to date has given us about $35,600 from 41 states. 
California leads with $4,710, followed by Maryland with $3,960. 
Those two states make up about a third of the amount of money 
we have received from the VFW. The Women's Auxiliary has 
donated $103,000 and the name of the VFW Auxiliary will be 
listed inside the Education Center of the Memorial.
    As I think about the Memorial and what it means to women, I 
think of a woman named Cindy Bowden, a Specialist of the U.S. 
Army. I just want to close with her story. On February 28th, 
1991, just hours after the seizure had been declared at Desert 
Storm, Specialist Cindy Bowden was rendering first aid to the 
surrendering Iraqi soldiers which killed her Platoon Commander 
and several others.
    Cindy immediately took her rifle in an attempt to defend 
her comrades. A second explosion mortally wounded her. In her 
last letter home, Cindy wrote: ``Dear Mom and Dad, I hope you 
never have to open this letter, because it means something has 
happened to me. This is my final goodbye to both of you. Do not 
only mourn for me, mourn for all of us who have given our lives 
so that others may live free.''
    I am confident that you served for the same reason that I 
spent 28 and one-half years. We served so that others could 
remain free. The Women's Memorial at Arlington National 
Cemetery will enshrine the generations of women like Cindy, who 
have served and given the generations to follow a heritage and 
tradition, special and honorable as those have held dear 
through time.
    Believe me, we are counting on the VFW to help us make our 
ground breaking this spring so that the maximum number of World 
War II and Korean women veterans will be alive to see it done. 
Thank you.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: On behalf of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United Stats, I would like to 
present you this check for $2,500.
    GENERAL VAUGHT: We don't discriminate. We will take it.

       PRESENTATION OF JAMES C. GATES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: The James C. Gates 
Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an 
individual or organization that has made extraordinary 
contributions in advancing veterans' employment opportunities. 
This year we are honored to present this prestigious award to 
James R. Edge.
    Jim, as he is called by friends, began his career in 
employment with the Vermont Department of Employment and 
Training three years ago. He currently holds the position of 
Local Veterans Employment Representative.
    Since joining the Employment Service in 1991, Jim has used 
his organizational skills, his office computer and the print 
and electronic media to serve hundreds of unemployed veterans. 
Through his individual efforts, Jim has heightened the 
awareness of employers in his community to the many qualified 
veterans in the area. Here are just a few of his 
accomplishments.
    He started a ``Veterans Newsletter'' to introduce himself 
and co-workers to veterans who were searching for work. He 
later formed ``Veterans Network'', the first support group for 
unemployed veterans in Vermont and possibly the nation.
    Jim was the first job developer in Vermont to capitalize on 
the placement enhancing potential of personal computers and fax 
machines.
    He produces video resumes of unemployed veterans which are 
later aired over local broadcast channels.
    He helped establish a veterans transitional housing project 
to address the plight of homeless veterans in Rutland, Vermont.
    Jim is an extremely energetic, innovative and productive 
employment representative whose efforts have increased the 
employment of veterans in his state and brought tremendous 
pride to all of us.
    He is a veteran of the Korean War and served with the 1st 
Calvary Division in Vietnam. Please join me in recognizing our 
1994 James C. Gates Distinguished Service Award recipient, 
James R. Edge.
    This citation reads as follows: ``Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States, James C. Gates, Distinguished Employment 
Service Award presented to James R. Edge, Local Employment 
Representative, Rutland, Vermont.
    ``In special 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.''
    This has been signed by George R. Cramer, Commander-in-
Chief, and attested to by Howard E. Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General.
                        RESPONSE--MR. JAMES EDGE

    MR. JAMES EDGE: Good morning. My name is Jim Edge and I am 
a veteran. I would like to thank you for this wonderful award, 
and thank you for having me here. I would like to acknowledge 
that I would not be here, and the things I have accomplished 
would not have been possible without the help of a bunch of 
caring veterans and wonderful support throughout the State of 
Vermont and Rutland, Vermont, where I am from.
    I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of all the 
veterans providers throughout the country who care enough to 
make a difference in the lives of veterans. Still there is lots 
of work to be done, and I would like to take this opportunity 
to say a few words about something that is very important to 
me, and that is every veteran have a home and have a job.
    I do mean all veterans, not just homeless veterans. I mean 
the unemployed and the underemployed. I think the plight of our 
nation of homeless veteran is a national disgrace. Let's not 
forget about the working poor who just manage to scrape by 
seeing that his family is fed and they are living from hand to 
mouth.
    I am very nervous and I didn't think I would be. I believe 
that the VFW and the Legion and the DAV, and the AmVets have 
all done wonderful jobs for veterans. We have spent a lot of 
money, and we help our communities. I think that, however, we 
need to remember that charity begins at home.
    Our government is cutting back on veterans entitlement 
employment every day. They are looking for ways to cut back. We 
need to take care of our own. I think that it is great that we 
have a baseball team or we help finance a school band trip, or 
we help finance a town park.
    How can we call ourselves a veterans organization when 
there are veterans sleeping under bridges or in bus terminals, 
or vet families in substandard housing just managing to get by? 
When these men and women were called to serve their country, 
they didn't look for draft deferments, they didn't run to 
Canada, they didn't have daddy call the Congress for them, they 
stepped forward and did their duty.
    Now, they are having problems and if we don't help them, 
shame on us. I know some of you are saying we do help these 
people, and you are right, we do. Unfortunately, it is a very 
small percentage of them. A far larger percentage are ashamed 
of the situation, they are proud people, and some of them don't 
know how to reach out for help.
    The only way I have become aware with them is after working 
with them over a period of time. They learn to trust me and 
they let me know what their real situation is, that they don't 
have a home or whatever.
    All I am asking of you is this: when you get back home, in 
your city or town, look around and see how you can help 
veterans that are down and out in your area. See what is 
needed. Maybe a veterans' shelter, maybe a training 
opportunity, maybe soliciting some jobs or help those in your 
Post.
    Maybe just start a local veterans fund so a man or woman 
can have a pair of boots or clothes so he can go to work. It 
could be someones needs like the price of a haircut or a tank 
of gas to get a job interview. If we don't take care of our 
veterans, who will? All I ask is when you get back home, look 
around, ask questions, find out what these veterans need, and 
do it.
    With God's help, someday there will not be a hungry or 
unemployed veteran in the United States, and that will be a 
proud day for all of us. Thank you.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Jim, on behalf of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we would like to 
also present you with this check for $1,000.
    MR. JAMES EDGE: Thank you very much.

                      WINNERS OF INSURANCE DRAWING

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: At this time I will 
call on Bob Crow to do the Insurance Drawings so we can get rid 
of the rest of this money.
    COMRADE BOB CROW: Thank you, sir. I am going to have the 
distinguished Past Commander-in-Chief Joe Scerra to do the 
drawing. As soon as we have drawn the four tickets, the first 
one, that will be for $25, then $50, $100, and the last one 
will be for $1,000.
    Any of the prizes which are not picked up at the insurance 
booth by around 12:00 o'clock or 1:00 o'clock today will be 
mailed to the winners at their home within a week or so. That 
is once we get back and get a check cut. If any of you know the 
$1,000 winner and he is not here and he is still in the area, 
you might want to contact him and see if he wants to stop by 
and pick up the money.
    Before I read the names, I would like to again thank the 
insurance company, Combined Insurance of America, for donating 
all the prizes, the cash prizes we have given out this week.
    The $25 winner is Kasper Kebel, Post 1117, Illinois.
    The $50 winner is Lawrence Tholen, Post 2864, Kansas.
    The $100 winner is Kenneth A. Buckley, Post 9400, Arizona.
    Now, the $1,000 winner is William D. Ferguson, Post 9143, 
Georgia. Thank you, gentlemen.

  PRESENTATION--NATIONAL LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR TO MR. DANIEL A. 
                                GRAFTON

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Each year, the VFW 
presents a national award to both a large and small company. 
These companies' policies and achievements in hiring, promoting 
and training of veterans is exemplary.
    This year we are honored to recognize Beech Aerospace 
Services, Inc., of Madison, Mississippi, as the National Large 
Employer of the Year. Beech Aerospace Services is a major 
defense contractor providing maintenance and logistics support 
for over 1,100 military aircraft at 200 locations worldwide. At 
the time of nomination, the company numbered 1,486 employees of 
which 55 percent were veterans. Sixteen percent of the 
employees are disabled veterans.
    As a government contractor and responsible corporate 
neighbor, Beech Aerospace is committed to a policy of non-
discrimination in employment. It is further committed to 
affirmative action for persons with a handicap and for disabled 
and Vietnam era veterans.
    The company reviews its personnel processes annually to 
ensure that procedures provide thorough consideration of 
applicant's qualifications for job vacancies filled by hirings 
or promotion; and for all training opportunities.
    Beech Aerospace's demonstrated efforts and firm commitment 
to a progressive policy encouraging the hiring of qualified 
veterans is indeed exemplary. The company justly merits honor 
and recognition by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States.
    Here with us to accept the award, is Beech Aerospace 
President and an Air Force veteran, Daniel A. Grafton.
    The citation reads as follows: ``Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States, National Large Employer of the Year Award 
presented to Beech Aerospace, Madison, Mississippi.
    ``In special recognition and grateful appreciation for 
meritorious service in effecting a very comprehensive policy 
toward the recruitment, employment and promotion of veterans.
    ``In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States, this 25th day of August, 1994.''
    This has been signed by George R. Cramer, Commander-in-
Chief, and attested to by Howard Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General.

                      RESPONSE--MR. DANIEL GRAFTON

    MR. DANIEL GRAFTON: Thank you, Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief Kent. Speaking for the men and women of Beech Aerospace 
Services, I thank you for honoring us as the 1994 Veterans of 
Foreign Wars Employer of the Year in the category of Large 
Companies.
    Beech Aerospace Services is an aircraft logistics and 
training support company headquartered in Madison, Mississippi, 
and employs more than 2,600 people worldwide, of which 63 
percent are veterans. We oversee and manage more than 1,100 
military and government aircraft, at over 200 plus sites, and 
are recognized as a leader in our marketplace.
    This award is truly appreciated and makes us stand very 
tall. Also I would like to thank the Mississippi State 
Employment Security Division for nominating us, to Commander 
Dan Patterson of VFW Post 6473, Salem, Mississippi, and their 
consideration and support.
    The State Commission knows our policy, knows our 
requirements, and knows to send us a veteran first when a 
position is open. It knows that veterans fit our business in 
bringing qualities of employees we are looking for. Our policy 
has always been to assure careful, thorough and systematic 
consideration of the job qualifications of veteran applicants.
    There is a considerable pool of talented veterans out 
there. Some 17.8 million veterans are under the age of 65. We 
believe this policy is not only best for the veteran and our 
country, but it provides our company with the trained and 
talented professionals who are team players with good work 
habits.
    It is a win-win situation for all of us. However, recent 
statistics showed that the veteran population was continuing to 
decline through the year 2010 by an average annual rate of one 
and one-half percent. This continuing declining of the number 
of veterans, especially under the age of 45, which are some 6.3 
million currently, is a direct result of the downsizing of the 
military.
    As the pool gets smaller, it makes filling our work with 
qualified workers more difficult. We will not lessen our 
resolve to actively pursue him or her first. The commitment of 
your more than two million members and 760,000 Ladies Auxiliary 
members to protect veterans entitlements, support national 
security measures, and exercise influence on national 
legislative actions affecting veterans is commendable and vital 
to the veterans' interests.
    Beech Aerospace Services thanks you for all that you do for 
our country and thank you for this prestigious award. It is an 
honor for all of our employees, but especially for our own 
1,571 veterans. Thank you.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: In addition, we would 
like to present you with a check for $1,000.
    MR. DANIEL GRAFTON: Thank you. I would like to donate this 
check to VFW Post 6473 for education of the employers in the 
area to hire veterans.
    [Whereupon, Commander-in-Chief Cramer assumed the Chair at 
this time.]

                  VISIT OF LADIES AUXILIARY DELEGATION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Sergeant-at-Arms, will you 
escort the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary to my 
station, please.
    My comrades, will you give a nice warm round of applause to 
the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Juanita Crowe.
    Comrades, as you know, I just had the opportunity to 
represent all of you at the ladies' meeting just a little while 
ago and en route I had a telephone call and some more faxes I 
had to pick up. At this time, it gives me indeed a great 
pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce to you a lady I 
have gotten to know very well over the last three years, a lady 
that has been very helpful to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and helping the Ladies Auxiliary to be very 
helpful to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    From the volunteer state of Tennessee, our National 
President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, Juanita Crowe.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
    LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT JUANITA CROWE: Thank you, 
Commander-in-Chief. It is certainly my privilege to be standing 
here before the greatest organization in the world, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    Commander-in-Chief Cramer, National Officers and VFW 
Members:
    Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to greet 
you one more time as the National President of the Ladies 
Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The 1993-'94 year 
has been a very interesting and challenging year for the Ladies 
Auxiliary and the VFW.
    I am very proud to say that our Auxiliary set many records 
this year. We donated $46 million conducting our community 
service programs and, of course, we also topped $3 million for 
the sixth year in a row for our Cancer Aid and Research 
Program.
    We owe that assist also to you, because without your help 
and support we couldn't have made it. You know in cancer we do 
help our cancer-stricken members, but we also donate a large 
majority of this money to research, which helps all mankind. I 
am also proud that we now have an Auxiliary Museum which 
officially opened July 29th in the VFW National Headquarters. I 
invite you to see it the next time you are in Kansas City.
    Your Commander-in-Chief just donated $2,500--well, he had 
an envelope. Where is Jim Bowden? He had an envelope, but he 
didn't have anything in it, but he said that if I would see 
you, Jim, that he was sure you would honor his signature on a 
blank envelope for $2,500 to the National Museum. The Ladies 
Auxiliary certainly appreciates that, comrades.
    My thanks to all of you for your assistance to the 
Auxiliary during the past year, and also to me personally. I 
know that many of you play a very key role in making my 
official visits to your states so enjoyable. I did enjoy every 
state that I was in.
    I wish I could write a book, and then I thought about it, 
and then nobody would believe what was in it anyway. Then I 
thought I might make about a million dollars if I told 
everything that I know. So I will just say ``thank you'' and 
forget the whole thing.
    I particularly want to thank you, George and Linda, for 
everything that you have done for me personally and for our 
Auxiliary and for making this year so memorable. It has 
certainly been my pleasure to serve with you. As a token of my 
appreciation, I would like to present you with this flag set 
and hope that you will have time when you return home to enjoy 
your new stereo that is there waiting for you.
    It has been a good year and a great Convention, and I look 
forward now--where is the Tennessee delegation? Are they here? 
I look forward to getting back to my home state of Tennessee. I 
thought I would have time to rest a little bit, but they say we 
have got in Tennessee what is known as a reverse drawing that 
we make money for our community service, and they said you have 
got to work the reverse drawing. I said okay.
    I will help there, and then I am going to rest. They said, 
``No, we have got to have 1,000 hot dogs for the Special 
Olympics in September.'' I was hoping it would be on Gunner's 
homecoming and I could get out of it, but it didn't happen that 
way.
    Before I sit down, I want to present a lady that has 
certainly made my year very, very enjoyable. Sometimes--no, I 
will not tell it. Anyway, my Chief of Staff, a wonderful lady, 
a lady that has certainly, and I mean this sincerely, made my 
job a lot easier. That is, from the great State of Texas, 
Barbara Gulick.
    Commander, thank you again for all the hospitality. It has 
been a pleasure serving with you. [Applause]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Madam President, once again I 
want to thank you for your support and the support of the 
Ladies Auxiliary. I thank you for the lovely Flag Set that you 
gave to me, and I want to thank you for the stereo that you 
also gave to me. You did tell me I could stay home and listen 
to it for a while and, Madam President, your order will be 
obeyed.
    Let's have a nice hand for Juanita Crowe, National 
President of the Ladies Auxiliary.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged ovation.]

PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD, GOLD MEDAL AND CITATION TO 
                 PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN M. CARNEY

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Only a handful of men have risen 
to the VFW's highest office. Those with that distinction have 
shown us the finest in dedication, leadership and commitment.
    Our next guest, Immediate Past Commander-in-Chief John M. 
``Jack'' Carney, is no exception.
    A naval hospital corpsman, he was attached to the 1st 
Marine Division during the Korea War. He joined the VFW in 1958 
and has served his fellow veterans for more than 45 years in 
nearly every office a member can hold.
    As Commander-in-Chief in 1992-'93, Jack took on a variety 
of sensitive issues in support of America's veterans. His first 
effort was to call for the resignation of former Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs Edward Derwinski. Derwinski departed that 
office a few weeks later.
    Jack was a major force in bringing recognition to veterans 
of the Cold War in Korea and his call for North Korea's 
assistance in resolving that war's MIA situation continues to 
result in increased cooperation by that government.
    His efforts brought increased attention to the maladies 
suffered by veterans of the Persian Gulf War, victims of Agent 
Orange and atomic veterans.
    His motto during his year as Commander-in-Chief was ``Stand 
Up, Speak Out.'' For him, standing up and speaking out for 
veterans is not just a motto, it is a way of life.
    Please join me in giving a warm VFW welcome to our 
Immediate Past Commander-in-Chief John M. ``Jack'' Carney from 
the great State of Florida.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States Distinguished Service Medal'' and this 
Citation awarded to John M. Carney, Commander-in-Chief, 1992-
'93.
    ``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 and enthusiastic leadership during the 
1992-'93 administrative year the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
demonstrated its commitment and readiness to serve our nation 
and its war veterans, including veterans of the Cold War in 
complete affirmation of his mission for the VFW to `Stand Up, 
Speak Out'.''
    Of course, this citation has been signed by me today as the 
Commander-in-Chief and attested to by our Adjutant General 
Howard Vander Clute. To both Jack and Joanne, I want to say it 
is an honor and privilege for me to present this Distinguished 
Service Medal, and not only that but it was equally as 
rewarding to have the opportunity to serve on your team. 
Congratulations, Jack.

             RESPONSE--PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN CARNEY

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CARNEY: Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief. This is indeed a great honor. You know, when you are the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 2.2 
million men and women that are dedicated to the highest 
principles of this nation, you are supposed to inspire, 
motivate and be a part of the team.
    You know something, I thought a little different. The 
motivation, the inspiration, the time to do something is 
because of each and every one of you. Your personal involvement 
with me and our team, your personal shake of the hand, a pat on 
the back, to meet me at the airport or to greet me in your 
Posts, inspired me, motivated me.
    Your exchange of ideas with me just gave me that much more 
willingness to make sure that my job was your job, my ability 
was your ability, and my willingness to stand up and speak out 
was because of each and every one of you. I think this honor 
this morning is your honor. I accept this award with Joanne on 
behalf of each and every one of you, and the men that could not 
be here.
    Because of you and because of your caring, and because of 
you willingness to welcome Jack Carney into your hearts, Joanne 
and I are very proud to accept this award.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: If I may, I would like to take 
this opportunity and the privilege of the Chair to maybe read 
to you a little fax I intercepted this morning. I have been 
inundated with faxes since I arrived here last Thursday. Larry 
Rivers kind of told our Council a couple of days ago what was 
happening out here. So, you know what is going on.
    It says, ``People should flood the Las Vegas Hilton,'' and 
it gives the fax number, ``addressed to George Cramer, VFW, 
Commander-in-Chief, because these faxes cost him $3 per page. 
Send letters of complaints to him but don't duplicate the 
complaints and make sure you call the Washington office 
tomorrow, and hopefully if you are planning to resign from the 
VFW and give them your card number and Post number.''
    Let me tell you, this all stems from the fact we gave the 
young men and women of the JTFFA that prestigious award 
yesterday. Believe you me, think about this yourself. If you 
were to give three years of your life to a commitment to a 
project like that, where you would be away from your family for 
six weeks at a time, and then return for two weekends, or 
possibly ten days, and then go out for another six weeks and 
repeat that month after month and year after year for three 
years, that is why we gave those people those awards.
    All these faxes say, and they are very repetitious, they 
complain that General Needham shredded evidence on the POW/MIA 
issue. He did not shred any evidence that was not already in 
the computer or on file. That is a fact. All he did is 
consolidate all of the records involved worldwide into the POW/
MIA in the JTFFA.
    I think he was smart in doing that. Why have records in 
Bangkok, Washington, Hawaii and all over? Bring them into your 
central office so everybody knows what is going on. That is all 
that gentleman did. Let me tell you, I have been inundated with 
telephone calls, first of all, since I got here, and I even got 
one at 1:00 o'clock this morning, where people said they were 
going to protest what we did. That is great.
    I asked every one of those individuals who called me, and 
there is more than one, what VFW Post they belong to. Every one 
of those people said they did not belong to any VFW Post, but 
they were offered money to stand around and hold up a sign by 
some individual.
    I have also received calls from people that say they are 
family members of POW/MIA people. Well, you know, the Vietnam 
War has been over for about 20 years. The Korean War has been 
over about 40 years and World War II has been over for 50 
years. So, I asked the individuals, if your loved one 
disapproved some 20 years ago, what did you do 20 years ago or 
more when you got that letter from the Department of Defense, 
the Department of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, 
when you received that letter that your loved one was missing?
    They all said, ``Well, nothing.'' I said, ``What did you 
say within the first 10 years that your loved one was 
missing?'' They said, ``Well, nothing.'' I said, ``When did you 
get involved in the POW/MIA issue?'' They said, ``Well, four or 
five years ago.'' I said, ``The VFW has been involved in this 
issue for two decades, 20 years.''
    Excuse me, my friends, but if I had a loved one missing I 
would be on my Congressman's door the next day. I wouldn't wait 
15 years to do something about it and to put my name in lights 
just so I could get involved in the issue.
          PRESENTATION OF VFW SMALL EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This year, we are greatly 
honored to present the prestigious VFW National Small Employer 
of the Year Award to Lear Siegler, Management Services 
Corporation, also called LSI. LSI's policies and achievements 
in hiring, promoting and training of veterans is noteworthy.
    The company operates at several sites across the United 
States and overseas. Today, however, we focus attention on LSI 
at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, which specializes in the repair and 
refurbishment of combat aircraft, vehicles and engineering 
equipment.
    LSI started its Fort Campbell operation in June, 1992. One 
of its top priorities, from the beginning, was to make maximum 
use of the State Employment Service Systems in the area to meet 
its work force needs.
    The local Job Service Office in Clarksville, Tennessee, was 
of great assistance to LSI in responding to its initial 
personnel requirement of 117 highly qualified workers. The 
veterans representatives at the Job Service Office screened, 
processed, and referred dozens of qualified applicants who 
possessed years of experience with military vehicles and 
equipment, all veterans.
    It is particularly noteworthy that the company decided to 
recruit its workers through the Public Job Service as many 
newly separated veterans seek initial employment after military 
service through the veterans program operated by the State 
Employment Service.
    To date, with 117 employees on board, LSI has maintained an 
average of 92.5 employees per year since its start-up. 98.3 
percent of its work force are veterans, including 15 percent 
who are disabled.
    It is important to note LSI placed its confidence in the 
Tennessee Department of Employment Security. This relationship 
made it possible for a substantial number of qualified veterans 
to be referred to meaningful jobs.
    Receiving the award for Small Employer of the Year is LSI's 
Plant Manager and a Vietnam veteran himself, George Whitmill.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States National 
Small Employer of the Year Award presented to UNC Lear Siegler, 
Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
    ``In special 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 by myself this day as Commander-in-
Chief, and attested to by Howard E. Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General. Along with this award goes an honorarium of $1,000. 
George, congratulations.

                   RESPONSE--COMRADE GEORGE WHITMILL

    COMRADE WHITMILL: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank 
you, Tennessee. If I get a little tongue-tied, I will blame it 
on the Tennessee delegation last night. Thank you very much for 
this award.
    UNC Lear Siegler and those of us at the Fort Campbell Site 
0311 truly are grateful for this recognition. I am very honored 
to be here today. I would like to also thank the membership of 
Local Clarksville, Tennessee, Post 4895 for their support, and 
the employees for their fine work.
    It is the quality of their work that has established a very 
positive reputation for Fort Campbell. That reputation 
significantly contributes to keeping our company and our Fort 
Campbell site in business. There is no substitute for providing 
quality to the customer as our formidable success. This is the 
first and most essential element.
    I would like to say I am proud to be a veteran and a member 
of the VFW. I find that is an organization with a great history 
and noble purpose. The company I work for, UNC Lear Siegler, 
perhaps known to many of you as LSI, was established in 1961 to 
provide aircraft maintenance and related services to the U.S. 
military.
    LSI's affiliation with the military has expanded over the 
years to encompass ground equipment, logistics operations, 
engineering and communications equipment support. Our parent 
company, UNC Base Services recently acquired LSI and the 
company is known today as UNC Lear Siegler.
    We started working at our Fort Campbell site in June, 1992, 
repairing vehicles and engineering equipment returning from 
Desert Storm. Within a few weeks our requirements grew to 117 
members. Employees with experienced Army experience on 
equipment was needed quickly to respond to the 101st Division's 
needs.
    Fortunately, the Fort Campbell area, with thousands of 
veterans, has an abundance of the skill and knowledge we 
needed. Mr. Bobby Williams, the local Job Service Office in 
Clarksville, Tennessee, was able to meet the challenge of 
dozens of applicants possessing years of experience.
    They were veterans. These were the people with experience 
that was needed, and they were also people that were not afraid 
of hard work, and who had met and passed the test of maturity 
and willingness. Our business was not to achieve goals or 
comply with company policies or to win awards, we just made 
good sense.
    It proves to have been the right decision. We were 
extremely fortunate to have found a pool of personnel with 
skills and experiences that we needed on such short notice. 
With that, I would like to thank Mr. Williams and the 
Clarksville Job Service Office.
    Once again, I would like to thank the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars for their recognition and the opportunity to be here with 
you today in Las Vegas. Thank you very much.

      PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We are deeply honored to 
recognize the Anchorage office of the Alaska Employment Service 
for our National Local Office of the Public Employment Service 
Award.
    The Anchorage office has excelled in providing services to 
employers and veterans alike, particularly Vietnam era veterans 
who comprise nearly half of the 70,000 veterans in the state. 
The unit's commitment to service is a total effort. They 
promote veterans service at every opportunity.
    In addition to exceeding performance standards for placing 
veterans in jobs, the Anchorage veterans unit continues to 
distinguish itself by developing innovative programs to assist 
veterans.
    The Anchorage office is currently the home of the only 
state employment service agency in the nation that assists 
veterans preparing for Postal Service exams. Since the program 
started in 1989, over 1,200 veterans have taken the class.
    The veterans units continues to conduct an Outreach Program 
to the veterans community through a television program called 
``Alaska Veterans: Update.''
    In 1993, the veterans unit provided crucial leadership in 
the multi-agency planning of the first stand down for homeless 
veterans in Alaska.
    The veterans units continues to provide regular transition 
assistance services to active duty military personnel, at-large 
and small installations alike, including distant sites in the 
Aleutian Island chain, some 1,500 miles away.
    These accomplishments clearly identify the Anchorage office 
as one that has excelled in service to veterans and one that 
justly merits recognition by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States.
    Here to accept the award is the team leader, James Mason.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States National 
Employment Service Office Award'' presented to Alaska 
Employment Service, Anchorage Local Office, Anchorage, Alaska.
    ``In special recognition and appreciation for meritorious, 
professional employment service rendered to veterans.''
    Of course, this has been signed today by myself as 
Commander-in-Chief and attested to by Adjutant General Howard 
Vander Clute.
    Mr. Mason, we certainly want to thank you and congratulate 
you for receiving this award. Along with this award goes an 
honorarium of $1,000.

                       RESPONSE--MR. JAMES MASON

    MR. MASON: Good morning. Commander-in-Chief Cramer, 
Distinguished Guests and Friends:
    It is indeed an honor for me to accept this award on behalf 
of the Alaska Employment Service, Anchorage Office. This 
prestigious honor is one that we will long cherish. The local 
staff in Anchorage has not always found it easy to serve those 
veterans.
    Sometimes they find them needing some assistance, caring 
and concern, or sometimes just a friendly hand up as opposed to 
a mere hand-out. As veterans representatives, our staff has 
worked to find ways to service veterans. We have been able to 
successfully inaugurate approximately ten mandated programs, 
and with the assistance of the local employment staff we have 
been available to service veterans population locally of 
approximately 30,000.
    To maximize our efforts, we have had veterans 
representatives in other stations on two military bases and the 
VA Regional Clinic, and the Anchorage Vets Center. We conduct 
post-employment workshops and do a weekly statewide veterans' 
television program.
    We have our program workshop for sailors, Marines and 
airmen serving at those industries from one end of Alaska to 
the other. I am also very proud to report that with the support 
of the scenic agencies in the area it has been outstanding, 
particularly those that have sent the donations, such as the 
VFW, the American Legion and the DAV and other agencies, plus 
the Alaska Vocational Rehabilitation Center, the VA itself and 
other federal agencies.
    I wish to thank the State Department of Labor and the State 
Director of Employment and Training, Mr. Dan Travis, and the 
Director of the Alaska Women's Training, Judy Knight, and 
especially our local area manager, Mr. Jerry Padro, for their 
support and insight and in the freedom that allows my staff to 
create activity to accomplish our mission, which is to promote 
economic ability by responding to the needs of both the 
employers and veterans seeking jobs.
    Last but not least, I would be remiss if I did not extend 
our sincere thanks to the Nominating Service Officer who made 
this recognition possible, and that is the VFW Service Officer, 
Mr. Gary Hurbers.
    I would like to make one final announcement. This $1,000 
award is going to be donated to the Alaska 1994 Stand Down, 
which is a homeless veterans campaign.

 PRESENTATION BY DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, U.S. SAVINGS BOND DIVISION

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For many years, the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars has promoted the purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds as 
an effective savings tool and a way to keep America strong.
    In keeping with that VFW priority, I am pleased to 
introduce the Manager of the Office of National Organization 
and Federal Programs, U.S. Savings Bond Division, Department of 
the U.S. Treasury, Mr. Kenneth J. Burch.

                      RESPONSE--MR. KENNETH BURCH

    MR. KENNETH BURCH: Thank you. Commander-in-Chief Cramer, 
Executive Officers, National person Benny Bachand, Members and 
Guests:
    It is my pleasure to be here today representing the 
Department of the Treasury, Secretary Lloyd Bentsen, and the 
Savings Bonds program. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States has a very important influence on the lives of 
veterans and their families.
    That is why I would like to be here today to share some 
thoughts about savings and savings bonds with you. One of the 
foundations of our economic strength is savings. The more we 
save, the better our individual futures will be; the better 
America's future will be as well.
    Savings, as you know, builds capital. Capital builds 
business and industry. Unfortunately, Americans have not been 
very good savers. We have, in fact, one of the lowest levels of 
savings in any Western industrialized nation. So, one thing 
that you as community leaders should be concerned with is 
encouraging everyone to save and save more regularly.
    The savings bonds are of continuing importance to America 
because they make it easy to save. Not only are bonds sold in 
every nation in the land, but they are also offered to millions 
of employees to have the Payroll Savings Plan where they work.
    The Payroll Savings Plan is becoming more and more popular 
each year through small, regular allotments where an employee 
can build a collection of savings bonds over time that is truly 
impressive. The single decision to join the Payroll Savings 
Plan gets you started, and then the employee can just sit back 
and watch their savings grow.
    There are other reasons beyond the ease of purchase to buy 
savings bonds. The foremost among them is savings bonds today 
are truly a decent investment. A buyer of bonds gets a 
guaranteed rate of four percent, which compared to similar 
investments, such as savings accounts, checking accounts, CD's, 
money markets, you look today out there, you go in your bank, 
the rates are pretty low.
    The savings bonds are very competitive. Once the bonds are 
held for five years, they receive market base rates. That means 
that bonds will be competitive under any conceivable economic 
situation. The current market base right now is 4.7 percent. 
That is 4.7 percent, up from 4.25 percent in the past six-month 
period. All indications are the next six months cycle or market 
base can go up over 5 percent.
    There are still other advantages which you may be 
interested in about savings bonds, including safety. Bonds are 
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. If 
lost or stolen, they will be replaced free of charge by the 
United States Government.
    They are also exempt from state and local income tax, which 
sets them apart from other investments. Perhaps the biggest 
plus of buyers is the added tax rate. The bonds purchased are 
used for educational purposes. Education today, as you know, is 
very expensive for your children and your grandchildren.
    Those buyers who need income and certain other limitations, 
and most Americans do, savings bonds can be completely tax 
free. Currently, the value of U.S. savings bonds held by 
Americans today is $178 billion. Last month, $687 million worth 
of savings bonds were purchased.
    All in all, buying bonds today makes a stronger economy and 
well into the future. I know all of you will take this message 
back home. Tell your members about savings bonds and they more 
they know, the more likely they are to be a part of the 
program.
    I know that you will give savings bonds your full support 
as you have in the past. With your help, the program will 
continue to grow, helping other generations of Americans to a 
better, more secure future.
    It is now my pleasure to make a presentation to the 
National Organization's Chairman for Savings Bonds Program, 
Benny Bachand, for his continuing support of the Savings Bond 
Program.
    Over the past few years, Benny has volunteered his time in 
spreading the word about savings bonds to over 100 of the 
nation's top national organizations. Thank you-all for your 
support. I look forward to working with all of you in the years 
to come.
    COMRADE BENNY BACHAND: Thanks and buy bonds.

  PRESENTATION OF VFW OUTSTANDING VA HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR 
                                 AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: The National Hospital Committee 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has established an award 
recognizing the Outstanding VA Health Care Provider of the 
Year. This year's recipient is Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Bouley, a 
Vietnam veteran, and a physician's assistant at the Audie 
Murphy Memorial VA Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
    Chuck is a 21-year Army veteran. He served in Vietnam in 
1970 and '71 with the 85th Evacuation Hospital at Phu Bai.
    In the past year, while undergoing chemotherapy treatments, 
and with a real ``commitment to service,'' Mr. Bouley continued 
to work because he knew his veterans depended on him, even 
though he was feeling the effects of chemotherapy treatments.
    Despite his illness, and with determination and dedication 
to the veterans of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Medical 
Center, he worked tirelessly to alleviate many backlogs.
    As the VA looks at ways to improve its service to veterans, 
the dedicated and professional efforts of employees such as 
Chuck Bouley serve as an inspiration to all.
    Please join me in welcoming Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Bouley, 
recipient of the VFW Outstanding VA Health Care Provider of the 
Year Award.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Outstanding 
Health Care Provider Award, 1993-'94, presented to Charles 
``Chuck'' Bouley, Physician's Assistant.
    ``In special recognition of his singular 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, 1993-'94.''
    This award is dated today, the 25th day of August, and 
signed by myself as the Commander-in-Chief, and attested to by 
Adjutant General Howard E. Vander Clute. Thank you for what you 
do for our nation's veterans.

                      RESPONSE--MR. CHARLES BOULEY

    MR. BOULEY: Commander-in-Chief Cramer, Fellow Veterans, 
Distinguished Guests:
    I want to thank all of you for this distinguished award. I 
want to thank Don Donnelly from Post 880, Statesville, Texas, 
and all of the Texas veterans. I want to thank my wife for her 
continued support. Again, thank you very much.

  PRESENTATION OF VFW OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This year we are honored to 
present the VFW's Outstanding Community Health Care Provider of 
the Year Award to Dr. Murray T. Pritchard of West Plains, 
Missouri.
    Dr. Pritchard began a lifetime of providing quality health 
care to his fellow veterans during World War II when he was 
with the 119th Medical Battalion attached to the 168th Infantry 
in the 35th Division. Captured in North Africa, he was held in 
Stalag 3B in Frankfurt until he was liberated in March, 1945. 
Returning to the United States, Pritchard continued in the 
medical field.
    He joined the staff of the John J. Pershing VA Medical 
Center in 1973 where he worked in the Outpatient Department 
until he retired in 1985. His care and compassion made him a 
favorite of the staff and patients.
    Not content with retirement, he returned to work in the new 
Mobile Clinic at the Poplar Bluff, Missouri, VA Medical Center.
    The VA Mobile Clinic travels in a special bus to five sites 
in rural South Central Missouri and North Central Arkansas 
providing health care to veterans. Dr. Pritchard is on the road 
four days a week with a team. He has a reputation as a 
physician who really listens to and cares about each veteran he 
treats.
    In September, 1992, Dr. Pritchard accompanied the VA Mobile 
Clinic to Florida where they spent two weeks treating Hurricane 
Andrew victims.
    Please join me in welcoming a World War II veteran of North 
Africa, a former POW, a Life Member of VFW Post 1828 in West 
Plains, Missouri, and a caring physician and humanitarian, Dr. 
Murray T. Pritchard.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Outstanding 
Community Health Care Provider Award, 1993-'94, presented to 
Murray T. Pritchard, Doctor of Osteopathy.
    ``In special recognition of his singular 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, 1993-'94.''
    This has been signed this date by myself as the Commander-
in-Chief and attested to by Howard E. Vander Clute, our 
Adjutant General.

                   RESPONSE--DR. MURRAY T. PRITCHARD

    COMRADE PRITCHARD: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief, and thank 
you all fellow members of the VFW. I want to explain a little 
further about our mobile clinic. There are six such mobile 
clinics being used in the United States. We were lucky enough 
to have one.
    This is a pilot program, and it has been going on for two 
years, and there have been statistics being compiled to see if 
it is feasible. We think it is going to be, because we have 
been very successful with our mobile clinic.
    I would also like to have my wife to stand, who is the 
chief volunteer on this mobile clinic. She has been very 
faithful in helping the veterans to be ushered in and to be 
shown where to go for treatment. We have on our staff a 
physician, a physician's assistant, a registered nurse, a 
coordinator and a driver who is the expert on the computer and 
fax system.
    Our team has been very successful, and we have at times 
seen as many as 200 patients in a three-day period in one 
location. Sometimes we have to have a special nurse to help us 
in these busy locations. We are very much indebted to the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    Each one of our stations is at a VFW Center. We have a 
place for these older veterans to come and to rest until they 
are processed. They are in the shelter where it is either air 
conditioned, if it is needed, or we have heat for them. It is 
very comfortable.
    These patients, many of them, are not able to go to the VA 
Hospital. They are older and they are sick. Some are crippled 
and some are blind. These are the ones that we are serving the 
greatest need to.
    I would like to add one more thing. These Veterans of 
Foreign Wars volunteers and the people who are working with us 
are really great. They have made the greatest contribution to 
the success of our mobile clinic. Thank you.

      PRESENTATION OF VFW OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This is the first year the VFW 
Hospital Committee has established an award recognizing the 
outstanding VA Volunteer of the Year.
    The first recipient of this award is Comrade Daniel W. 
Moore, a Life Member of the Anthony T. Calista Post 5579, 
Gibbstown, New Jersey.
    Comrade Moore's many volunteer activities include bingo 
parties for patients of the Nursing Home Care Unit at the 
Elsmere VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, off-shore 
fishing trips for patients on charter fishing boats, and his 
countless hours in support of the annual VAVS Carnival.
    Moore has become a regular on Christmas Eve, dressing up in 
his Santa Claus suit and passing out cookies and soft drinks to 
all the patients at the Medical Center.
    Moore is a Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving in 1950 
and 1951, and again in 1953. He returned to active duty in 
1955, retiring in 1973.
    Because of his consistent and unselfish efforts, he has not 
only contributed to the quality of life and well-being of his 
fellow veterans, but has enhanced the reputation of the VFW and 
VFW Post 5579, known by all the patients as the best volunteer 
group at the Elsmere VA Medical Center.
    Please join me in welcoming Comrade Daniel W. Moore, the 
1994 VFW Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Outstanding 
Volunteer Award, 1993-'94, presented to Daniel W. Moore.
    ``In special recognition of his singular achievements in 
support of the programs and purposes of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States as the outstanding volunteer of the 
year, 1993-'94.''
    The citation is dated today and signed by myself as the 
Commander-in-Chief and, of course, attested to by the Adjutant 
General, Howard E. Vander Clute.
    Having the opportunity to have worked as a volunteer in a 
hospital, I think besides this award one of the most rewarding 
things is to go up to a patient and see how appreciative they 
are of the VFW volunteers that are out there in making their 
life a little more enjoyable. Dan, the first recipient, I 
congratulate you. I hope your success rubs off on the rest of 
our membership.

                     RESPONSE--MR. DANIEL W. MOORE

    COMRADE DANIEL MOORE (Post 5579--New Jersey): Thank you, 
Commander-in-Chief. Comrades, being a volunteer is not without 
compensation. I personally receive an emotional high every time 
I go to the hospital and do something for these guys.
    Their eyes light up when they know somebody cares. It is my 
humble opinion there is no program which the VFW has which is 
any more important than the hospital volunteer program. 
Remember, comrades, they are our people, they are veterans, and 
if we don't look out for them who in the heck will? Thank you.

             PRESENTATION OF VFW POST SERVICE OFFICER AWARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: This is the third year that the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars has recognized one of its own, the 
Outstanding National Post Service Officer. The Post Service 
Officer is the crucial first link for veterans and their 
dependents at the ``grass roots'' level.
    This award is presented annually to the VFW Post Service 
Officer who attains the highest percentage of claims assistance 
referrals. These are referrals made on behalf of veterans, 
their dependents, and survivors to the appropriate Department 
Service Officer for processing within the Veterans Benefits 
Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    The recipient of this award is Comrade John J. Speckman. 
Comrade Speckman is Post Service Officer for VFW Post 5890 in 
Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
    Speckman is an Army veteran of World War II. He served 
nearly three and one-half years in the South Pacific with the 
27th Infantry Division, 165th Infantry Regiment on Makin, 
Eniwetok, Saipan and Okinawa.
    This award testifies to the commitment of Comrade Speckman 
to his duties as a Post Service Officer. He has reached out to 
members of his Post and Ladies Auxiliary. He has gone the extra 
mile on their behalf.
    His service to others is in the finest tradition of our VFW 
commitment to ``Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.'' It is 
for that reason that we formally recognize him today.
    In addition to Mr. Speckman's awards, VFW Post 5890, Rio 
Rancho, New Mexico, will receive a plaque recognizing Mr. 
Speckman's accomplishments.
    Please join me in welcoming Comrade John J. Speckman.
    ``Veterans of Foreign Wars National Outstanding Post 
Service Officer Award presented to John J. Speckman, Rio Rancho 
Post 5890, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
    ``In special recognition for having achieved an exceptional 
record of service to VFW members and their families, marked by 
a spirit of dedication, compassion, selflessness and faithful 
adherence to the VFW principle `Honor the Dead by Helping the 
Living'.''
    This citation is signed this day by myself as Commander-in-
Chief, and attested to by Howard E. Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General.
    Before I give you this plaque, Howard, do you want to put 
his cap on his head, please? John, congratulations and thank 
you for your assistance in helping veterans.

                   RESPONSE--COMRADE JOHN J. SPECKMAN

    COMRADE SPECKMAN (Post 5890--New Mexico): Comrades, I 
gratefully accept this plaque as the Outstanding Service 
Officer, and I want to give thanks to our State Service 
Officer, Comrade Charlie Nasser.
    I started in New York many, many years ago at the 
Department Post, Beachhead Post. I see a lot of these guys from 
Illinois here because I used to be in 335, and I retired to New 
Mexico. Now, I have all this time, I am pleased to dedicate it 
to something worthwhile.
    I urge any of the Service Officers to really continue 
giving your help to these elderly fellows, because a lot of 
guys would love to be here today that just can't do it. You 
should really get your kicks out of seeing them when you see 
them places. Thank you, gentlemen.

   INTRODUCTION--MR. MIKE LYNCH, GENERAL MANAGER, HELP HOSPITALIZED 
                                VETERANS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Since its inception in 1971, the 
Help Hospitalized Veterans Project has delivered more than 13 
million arts and crafts kits to veterans in more than 260 VA 
and military hospitals. This effort represents more than $100 
million in donations to this worthwhile effort.
    Recently Help Hospitalized Veterans became a priority with 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Here to discuss that relationship 
is the General Manager of Help Hospitalized Veterans, Mr. Mike 
Lynch.
                      REMARKS--COMRADE MIKE LYNCH

    COMRADE MIKE LYNCH: I first want to thank the VFW for 
allowing the Help Hospitalized Veterans organization to be a 
part of your National Convention. Particularly, I would like to 
thank Commander-in-Chief Cramer and Mr. Vander Clute for their 
evaluating our program and allowing us to be a part of this 
worthwhile effort.
    Before I continue on, I have got to share a personal moment 
with you-all. Raised in Houston, Texas, as a child, and as a 
teen, my mother and my father allowed me and took me to many 
events of the VFW, the dances and the various charity fund-
raising efforts that Post 8930 in Houston did when I was a kid.
    I have got to tell you that if my father was alive today 
and could see his son addressing my father's comrades, he would 
be very proud. I, too, am now a comrade, being a Vietnam 
veteran, and very proud to be a part and a member of the VFW 
after being recruited in Kansas City.
    For those of you who do not know what HHV is, Help 
Hospitalized Veterans, I will give you a quick insight on who 
we are. We are a national known profit group that was 
formulated in 1971 to distribute arts and crafts kits to 
hospitalized veteran patients throughout the country, in VA and 
military hospitals.
    This program is designed to allow the veteran's mind to get 
off of his problems while being hospitalized. These kits are an 
escape. As one Chief of Recreation Services told me, these kits 
are not to kill time but to make time live while I am 
hospitalized.
    It is true, if you have ever been in the hospital, there is 
nothing that you can do, and you can go stir crazy. It is worse 
than walking a perimeter or being on guard duty for hours.
    On June 13th of this year, with the permission of the 
National VFW Headquarters, we were allowed to mail to all Posts 
a videotape describing the program, along with a couple of 
posters and a letter from myself and a letter from Mr. Vander 
Clute explaining and requesting support from Posts nationwide.
    I am pleased and very proud to say as of this date we have 
received contributions in excess of $50,000 representing over 
600 Posts that are currently participating in the HHV Craft Kit 
Program. What this means is this has allowed us to distribute 
an additional 12,500 craft kits to our comrades that are 
hospitalized across this country.
    So, on behalf of HHV Board of Directors, it is an honor for 
me to present to the VFW this token of our appreciation, and 
the appreciation of thousands of hospitalized veterans served 
by VFW members everywhere. Thank you for all you have done and 
enjoy the rest of your Convention. God bless you all.

                INTRODUCTION OF PAST COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: At this time I would like to 
take the opportunity to introduce once again the comrades who 
have led this organization the first 95 years of its life. If I 
may, I will start with the past Commanders-in- Chief that are 
on the dais, and if you would, please hold your applause until 
I have introduced all of them and then you can respond.
    Past Commander-in-Chief and Executive Director of our 
Washington office, Larry Rivers; Past Commander-in-Chief and 
Director of PAC, Bob Currieo. You gentlemen will remain 
standing. Past Commander-in-Chief Norm Staab; Past Commander- 
in-Chief Art Fellwock; Past Commander-in-Chief Cliff Olson; 
Past Commander-in-Chief Joe Scerra; Past Commander-in-Chief Ted 
C. Connell; Past Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney.
    Past Commander-in-Chief Bob Wallace; Past Commander- in-
Chief Bob Merrill; Past Commander-in-Chief Cooper T. Holt; Past 
Commander-in-Chief John Mahan; Past Commander-in-Chief Bob 
Hanson; Past Commander-in-Chief Rich Holman; Past Commander-in- 
Chief Ray Gallagher; Past Commander-in-Chief Pat Carr; Past 
Commander-in-Chief Ray Soden; Past Commander-in-Chief John 
Stang; Past Commander-in-Chief Thomas Walker; Past Commander- 
in-Chief R. D. ``Bulldog'' Smith; Past Commander-in-Chief John 
Wasylik; Past Commander-in-Chief Eric Sandstrom.
    Sitting on the dais is Past Commander-in-Chief and Adjutant 
General, Howard Vander Clute. Also Past Commander-in- Chief 
Billy Ray Cameron was here but called home because of his 
employment.Past Commander-in-Chief John Staum; Past Commander-
in-Chief Wally Hogan; Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Kimery. I 
think that is all of them. How about a nice hand for all of 
them. [Applause]
    I would now like to call on our Adjutant General Vander 
Clute for any announcements that we may need today.
    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Department Commanders, 1993-
1994, those of you who just left office recently in June, a 30-
minute get together at the sports bar in the Hilton at 1:00 
o'clock. That is signed by Charlie Shewmaker, Past Commander of 
the Department of Kansas.
    The Department Commanders for 1992-'93 will meet out in the 
hall to your left immediately following the close of this 
meeting.
    Comrades, the Commander-in-Chief has given me the privilege 
this morning to introduce hard-working members of this 
Convention Corporation, but before I do that I want to say that 
I have been through fourteen of these Conventions as the 
Adjutant General.
    I remarked to our Commander-in-Chief this morning, I can't 
remember any Convention that was conducted quite so well as he 
has done. He has moved the Convention, he has given everyone an 
opportunity to express themselves on Resolutions that were 
being debated on the floor.
    He also, as he should do or as any Chair should do, 
explained the Resolutions in the parliamentary procedure that 
was necessary to have the debate run smoothly, and to have the 
process of adoption or rejection go very quickly. I think that 
you-all agree with me that he has indeed conducted a very fair 
and very democratic and a very expeditious Convention. Perhaps 
you would like to acknowledge him for that.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation to Commander-in-Chief Cramer.]

               RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS

    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Comrades, also because I 
suspect that it is within the domain of the Adjutant General to 
manage the Sergeant-at-Arms at our National Convention, I have 
been given this opportunity. Maintaining order and discipline 
at a National Convention is essential for its expeditious 
conducting.
    Sometimes the Sergeant-at-Arms and Assistant Sergeants-at-
Arms are asked to do things that perhaps can be perceived by 
delegates as being abrasive to their comfort and ease. But it 
is necessary to seat people. It is necessary to see there is 
not an undertone or perhaps even an overtone at a National 
Convention.
    So, sometimes I know that you may lose your patience with 
them or not entirely understand what their duties are. But in 
all fairness to those of the ranks of Sergeant-at-Arms and 
Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms, you must understand they come here 
and spend every day on the floor of this Convention.
    When you leave here to go and engage in some of the revelry 
of the Convention, which we all enjoy to do, they generally 
have another assignment. Sometimes their assignment, along with 
the National Officer, will last long into the evening.
    Then they are expected to again be on the floor of the 
Convention by 8:00 o'clock to begin the process of the day, 
conducting a disciplined Convention. Comrades, this morning I 
know that now that perhaps you have thought about that, you can 
appreciate the work and industry they do in performing their 
duties.
    I want to introduce to you them this morning. The National 
Sergeant-at-Arms, George F. Sarver, of Post 402, Pennsylvania. 
The Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms are Carl C. Aiello, Post 1645, 
Massachusetts; Barry Hoffman, Post 6240, Kansas; William F. 
Miller, Post 4206, Florida; Nicholas Polansky, Post 2083, 
Connecticut; Joseph P. Schirmers, Post 4847, Minnesota, and 
Fred H. VonHinken, Post 4159, Michigan. I have saved this 
comrade for last, Walter W. Hamilton, Post 7420, California.
     In conjunction with the introduction of Walt Hamilton, he 
submitted a letter at this Convention asking to be relieved of 
his duties as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. He has expressed in 
this letter, and I will not read it all to you, but he has 
expressed in the letter his appreciation to the many 
Commanders-in-Chief, Past Commanders-in-Chief who continue to 
appoint him to this position.
     He certainly has performed in the highest tradition of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars during this time. The reason for his 
withdrawal, I suspect, as you all know, he is a candidate for 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief in the Western Conference and 
he, I suspect, will have other concerns that he must attend to 
while seeking this office.
     My comrades, I express my appreciation to the Sergeant-at-
Arms and Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms every day after the 
session. During the session, I am probably barking at the 
Sergeants-at-Arms constantly. But I know and I appreciate what 
they have done to help to conduct these Conventions.
     Join with me, please, once again, and give them the 
appropriate round of applause.
     [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
     COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: While the Sergeant-at- Arms 
leaves the stage, we will go into nominations for 1994-'95 
officers. If you are going to nominate somebody and would like 
to come up to the dais, please do so. I think that you would 
like to do that.
     Sergeant-at-Arms, will you escort our Representatives for 
our National Home, please.

                 VISIT OF NATIONAL HOME REPRESENTATIVES

     COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, it gives me great 
pleasure to introduce the President of the National Home, Past 
National President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Alice Hutto.
     NATIONAL HOME PRESIDENT HUTTO: Thank you very much, 
Commander-in-Chief. Good morning, Commander-in-Chief, National 
Officers, Distinguished Guests, and most importantly, you 
Comrades in the audience:
     I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and 
every one of you for your love, your support, your compassion 
and your dedication to the National VFW Home. We appreciate it 
so much.
     Now, I would like to introduce to you your elected 
trustees. They are Allen Jones from Pennsylvania, Ed Sanders 
from Indiana, Hal Webber from South Dakota. I don't think Hal 
is here. His wife had surgery. Also George Smith from New York, 
Robert Keys from Arkansas, Bob Houston from Michigan. Also the 
Commander-in-Chief George Cramer, our able Adjutant 
Quartermaster Jim Bowden and Howard Vander Clute, Adjutant 
General.
     Again, I just want to say thank you. You know, our 
National Home is alive and very well, and it is all because of 
you and your continued support. For that we thank you so much.
     Now, I would like to present to you our excellent 
Executive Director, Susan Shoultz, who is doing an excellent 
job at our National Home for us, as well as running the Home.
     MS. SUSAN SHOULTZ: Good morning. To our Commander- in-
Chief, Officers and Guests, and to you the membership of the 
VFW:
     There is much excitement and anticipation at the VFW 
National Home. We look forward to 1995 and the 70th Anniversary 
of our operation. The Home was created in 1925 to care for the 
widows and orphans of the men who fought for their country.
     Since then, over 1,500 children have spent growing up 
years in the National Home. As the world in which we live has 
changed and new generations of young people have to go out to 
work to defend their way of life, the National Home has 
remained steadfast and ready to care for the families of these 
courageous individuals.
     It is an unfortunate reality that after 70 years there are 
children and grandchildren of the membership that continue to 
need a home during their growing up years. During these past 
several months, the referrals of children to the National Home 
have doubled over the previous year. This means we will have 
achieved our goal of operating at full capacity during 1995.
     As we look forward into the future, it is becoming 
increasingly clear that the National Home will need to continue 
to exist to provide for children a safe and loving home and set 
a value that will ready them for responsibilities of adulthood.
     Equally important, the National Home will continue to 
exist as a living memorial which serves to honor you and your 
service to this great country of ours. Don't forget the 
children. We do not let them forget you.
     Now, I would like to introduce to you our 1994-'95 Buddy 
Poppy Child, Sharon Zaddock.

                 REMARKS BY 1994-'95 BUDDY POPPY CHILD

     BUDDY POPPY CHILD ZADDOCK: Good morning. Welcome to Las 
Vegas. I am glad to be here. My name is Sharon Zaddock. I am 
the Buddy Poppy girl for 1994-'95. In September, I will be 
going in the fifth grade. I have been living at the VFW 
National Home with my mother, my older sister and my younger 
brother for four years.
     We live in the Maine Cottage, which I think is cool. The 
home has given me the chance to be involved in a lot of 
activities. I have been in gymnastics for four years. My older 
sister is jealous because she cannot do cartwheels better than 
I. I have taken piano lessons for two years. At my main 
recital, I did one song by myself and one with my other sister. 
I learned a lot about the songs. I had a lot of fun, too.
     Finally, the National Home has been a great teacher, too. 
I have taken care of rabbits for two years under the 4-H 
program at the National Home. I have learned a lot about 
rabbits. This year, when I learned about rabbits, I was a 
Judge. I am getting real nervous.
     The best part of going to the fair is seeing the horses. I 
really love horses. Each year I keep bugging and bugging and 
bugging my mom to buy me one. But does she? No. This past 
summer I played softball. I guess you could say this is the 
first time I had a person that actually pitched to me. I guess 
you could say our team was disabled because we lost every game. 
But we are the most improved team.
     We have Michigan Day and Ohio Day and I help with the 
carnival games. I like it because I get to meet a lot of new 
people. After I am done, I go and play with the other kids. 
There is so much to do there. We play games and watch videos. 
We get to do arts and crafts.
     I like to play basketball and volleyball, and then the 
other side has to catch it or else you get a point. Last year I 
was lunch room helper and I served the food and cleared off the 
tables. I also helped the kids to solve their problems like, 
unfortunately, it has happened with my brother.
     I started trying karate lessons for self-defense only. 
This is one of my favorite karate moves. It is called the star 
step. I am a junior in Girl Scouts. My mom said she liked me 
being in the Girl Scouts because she knows she will get Girl 
Scout Cookies each year.
    I like horses, stuffed animals and dogs. I have got a dog. 
In my spare time, I like to read poems and I would like to 
share one with you. It is, ``Beware of a Dog.''
    ``Beware of a cat, beware of a mouse, beware of a bat for 
being lost or anything in this girl's house.''
    This apartment has given my mother the opportunity to have 
a job and save for a down payment on our own home. Next year we 
will be ready to move out. Thank you one more time. Have a 
wonderful time at the Convention and thank you.
    NATIONAL HOME PRESIDENT HUTTO: On behalf of the Board of 
Trustees and employees of the National Home, George, we would 
like to present you with this small token.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you, Alice, Sue and 
Sharon. Rush Limbaugh and Oprah Winfrey, look out. The 
competition is on the horizon. How about a big round of 
applause for the National Home Representatives. By the way, I 
am sure that Sharon would like to, if she has not already, 
start a collection of pins. Should you have some, give them to 
her.

                         NOMINATION OF OFFICERS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: We will now go into the 
nominations for 1994-'95 officers for the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States. For the purpose of nominating our 
next Commander-in-Chief, the Chair recognizes from Post 9972, 
Sierra Vista, Arizona, Past Commander-in-Chief James R. ``Bob'' 
Currieo.

                    NOMINATION OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BOB CURRIEO: Thank you, Commander-
in-Chief. National Officers, Comrades to this great Convention, 
it is a privilege to come before you this morning to place in 
nomination for Commander-in-Chief a man who has certainly paid 
his dues in our organization.
    He has served in the Post, District and Department of 
Arizona, has achieved the high honor of All-American Post 
Commander and Department Commander. He has served our 
organization in various National offices, and in the past two 
years has distinguished himself as our Junior Vice and Senior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief, traveling to the four corners of this 
great nation of ours and to many, many nations overseas, and 
the troubled spots that confront our country.
    He has traveled on four different occasions to Vietnam in 
quest of answers to the troubling MIA issue. He is a retired 
Marine, who had served more than 20 years in the Corps, 
retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. He has dedicated service 
to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    He is a no-nonsense leader, who believes firmly in the 
motto of his beloved sword, always faithful, always faithful to 
himself and always faithful to his comrades, and always 
faithful to the veterans of this nation. He will help host our 
Association in the 21st Century, beginning another 100 years of 
success for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    It is an honor to place in nomination for the office of 
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, the name of Allen F. ``Gunner'' Kent from the 
Department of Arizona.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair recognizes from Post 1710, Phoenix, Arizona, Department 
Commander of Arizona, William Douglas.
    COMRADE WILLIAM DOUGLAS (Post 1710--Arizona): Commander-in-
Chief, National Officers and Delegates:
    I rise to second the nomination of Allen F. Kent for the 
office of Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are there any other nominations 
for Commander-in-Chief for the ensuing year? Is there any other 
nomination once, twice, three times? The nominations will 
remain open until tomorrow morning.
    For the purpose of nominating the Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief for the year 1994-'95, the Chair recognizes from Post 
905, Gardner, Massachusetts, Past Commander-in-Chief Joe 
Scerra.

              NOMINATION OF SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOSEPH SCERRA: Commander-in-Chief 
George R. Cramer, National Officers, Past Commanders-in-Chief 
and Delegates to the 95th National Convention:
    I have the great honor and privilege to place in nomination 
before this Convention a dedicated and outstanding comrade. 
Unanimously endorsed by the Eastern States Conference, the 
Department of Massachusetts, and all other conferences for 
elevation to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
    I nominated and you elected this distinguished comrade 
almost a year ago as our Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. His 
service to you and our organization has been exemplary and in 
the highest tradition of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States.
    As our Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, with full knowledge 
of the objectives, aims and mandates of our membership, he 
accomplished every duty, commitment and assignment given him 
with great competency. Endowed with a great degree of ability 
to articulate explicitly the sensing of the needs of our 
membership and organization. This year, with more than ordinary 
ability, effectively represented our organization on local, 
state and national levels.
    I predicted a year ago that this dedicated and extremely 
well-qualified officer would be a valued assistant to the 
Commander-in-Chief and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, with the 
splendid ability to fully inform and motivate our membership.
    He has fulfilled this prediction to the extent that the 
welcome mat has again been exhibited wherever he has been.
    Paul Spera has served our membership and organization with 
the highest degree of accomplishment and dedication in all his 
endeavors during the year 1993-'94, and he has faithfully 
discharged the duties of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
    Eminently qualified and competent with a history of 
superior service to our organization, and unquestioned 
leadership ability, I, with pride, on behalf of the Eastern 
States Conference and the Department of Massachusetts, place in 
nomination Comrade Paul A. Spera, a Life Member of North End 
Post 144 for the high office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief 
for 1994-'95. Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize, from Post 8699, in Boston, Massachusetts, 
Past Commander-in-Chief, Clifford G. Olson.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CLIFFORD OLSON: Thank you. Good 
morning, comrades. I was just talking with some of the people 
with respect to the officers next year and I find that we don't 
have one Navy man left. This is your last chance to cheer for 
the Navy.
    Comrades, I stood before you last year in our Convention 
and stated that I would never come to this rostrum and nominate 
or endorse a candidacy of a man I didn't feel was worthy or 
qualified to hold an office, whatever that office may be.
    Last year I was proud to second the nomination of Paul 
Spera for the office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. You and 
I have not been disappointed with his actions. I don't have to 
reiterate what Past Commander-in-Chief Scerra has put before 
you. I stand here proudly without fear to second the nomination 
of Paul A. Spera for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Also for the purpose of a 
second, from Post 2346, in Saugus, Massachusetts, the 
Department Commander, Stanley T. King.
    COMRADE STANLEY KING (Post 2346--Massachusetts): National 
Commander-in-Chief Cramer, National Officers and Delegates:
    I stand before you with personal pride to second the 
nomination of Paul A. Spera. A little history, in 1982-'83, 
Paul Spera was the Department Commander of Massachusetts and 
did an excellent job. I was very proud and honored to serve as 
the Post Commander of the largest Post at that time in 
Massachusetts, and my Post worked diligently and hard and made 
the All-State Team of Paul Spera.
    I have been serving with Paul for a number of years. It is 
a great privilege and with pride to say that my Department, the 
Department of Massachusetts, stands behind Paul Spera for this 
office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. We are with him, we 
have been with him, and we will continue to be with him.
    We are proud of Paul and proud of the Department of 
Massachusetts. We could say something about the Navy not being 
alive. We are alive in Massachusetts. The Senior Commander and 
the Junior Commander are all from the Navy.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are there any other nominations 
for the office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief? Any other 
nominations once, any other nominations twice, and any other 
nominations three times? The nominations will remain open until 
tomorrow morning.

              NOMINATION OF JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of nominating 
the 1994-'95 Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, from Post 9192, in Killeen, 
Texas, the Chair recognizes Past Commander-in-Chief Ted C. 
Connell.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CONNELL: Commander-in-Chief, my 
Comrades: I stand before you a proud delegate from Post 9192. I 
am proud to have been chosen to nominate a great American for 
the high office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Jim Nier has 
been an All-American District Commander, an All-American State 
Commander.
    He entered the Army in 1959 and served for 22 years. He 
served both in Vietnam and Korea. He returned to the United 
States and while stationed in Maryland attended night school 
where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business and his 
Master's Degree, both by attending night school while serving 
full-time duty.
    After that, he was assigned as an instructor at the Command 
Sergeant Major's Academy in El Paso where he retired. I know of 
no individual that would be better qualified for this job. 
Being only the third member of the Texas delegation to have 
been nominated and served in this high job, without further 
ado, I give to you the name of Jim Nier for Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize from Post 5359, in Dawson Springs, 
Kentucky, Past Department Commander Joel Hurley.
    COMRADE JOEL HURLEY (Post 5359--Kentucky): It looks like we 
have got a few more than the Southern Conference Commanders 
here, but we are glad to have them up here, too. On behalf of 
the State Commanders of the Southern Conference who served in 
1989-1990 with the Junior Vice Commander designee, and under 
the leadership of the great Chief, Wally Hogan, we proudly 
second the nomination of Jim Nier from the great State of Texas 
for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief for 1994-'95.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are there any other nominations 
for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief? Any other nominations for 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief once; any other nominations for 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief twice; any other nominations for 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief three times? The nominations 
will remain open until tomorrow morning.
    For the purpose of nominating the Quartermaster General for 
the year 1994-'95, the Chair will recognize from Post 6240, in 
Russell, Kansas, Past Commander-in-Chief Norman Staab.

                  NOMINATION OF QUARTERMASTER GENERAL

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NORMAN STAAB: Commander-in-Chief 
George Cramer, National Officers and Delegates to this 
Convention:
    It is with a great amount of pride that I have the 
privilege to nominate a distinguished member of our 
organization, a fellow Kansan, to the high and prestigious 
office of Quartermaster General, James D.``Jim'' Bowden. Jim 
Bowden is a lifetime resident of the State of Kansas, and he 
has grown up in Emporia, southwest of Kansas City.
    He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business 
Administration from Emporia State University in 1966. Jim 
served his country in the United States Army and was stationed 
in South Vietnam in 1969. Jim was attracted to the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, joining the staff at the National Headquarters in 
1970 as Manager of Accounting.
    Six years later he was promoted to head the VFW Emblem and 
Supply Department, where in nine years gross sales nearly 
doubled, reaching over $4 million by 1985. At that time, Jim's 
record at the VFW stood out such that he was asked to step up 
and fulfill the responsibilities as Assistant Quartermaster 
General.
    Six years later, on April 16, 1991, after nearly 21 years 
at the National Headquarters, Jim was installed as the 
Quartermaster General, only the fourth Quartermaster General in 
the history of this fine organization.
    In the short time he has been Quartermaster General, a 
reliable friend has made itself apparent. Jim believes strongly 
and persistently in the day-to-day influence of this 
organization's finances and readily demonstrates that belief 
that has been confronting its use as it becomes necessary.
    Unselfishly and without compromise of what he believes is 
best for the VFW, while constantly keeping abreast of the 
economic news, he is bringing sound financial principles to a 
legitimate long-range plan that will keep the VFW not just 
above water but resting on a solid rock of a financial 
foundation.
    This diligence and deep concern for the future comes with 
the initiative that he has put in place, makes Jim the kind of 
comrade that we need for financial help, the one to lead us 
into the 21st Century and make the Veterans of Foreign Wars as 
the driving force it needs to accomplish our honorable goals.
    I proudly nominate James D. Bowden, Life Member of Post 
869, Kansas City, Kansas, as Quartermaster General for 1994-
'95.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize from Post 864, in Brookline, 
Massachusetts, Department Quartermaster Bill McCarthy.
    COMRADE WILLIAM McCARTHY (Post 864--Massachusetts): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, on behalf of Bill Radigan of South Dakota 
in the Big Ten, William Cox of North Carolina, representing the 
Southern Conference, and Darrell Bencken from the State of 
Kansas, representing the Western Conference, we are more than 
proud to represent the rest of the Adjutant/Quartermasters in 
nominating a man that we deal with on a daily basis. We think 
he is outstanding and, in fact, we know he is an outstanding 
Quartermaster General, Jim Bowden. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are there any other nominations 
for Quartermaster General? Any other nominations once; any 
other nominations twice; any other nominations three times? The 
nominations will remain open until tomorrow.
    For the purpose of nominating the Judge Advocate General 
for the year 1994-'95, the Chair will recognize from Post 4643, 
Satellite Beach, Florida, Immediate Past Commander-in-Chief 
Jack Carney.

                  NOMINATION OF JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOHN CARNEY: Thank you, Commander-
in-Chief. Commander-in-Chief, National Officers, Past 
Commanders-in-Chief, Delegates to this great Convention:
    It is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me from the 
Department of Florida, and our candidate has been endorsed by 
the Southern Conference, I am pleased to nominate Charles 
Whiteacre. Charlie has had many distinguished credits to his 
history.
    I am pleased to tell you he has been an attorney-at-law for 
38 years. He attended Boston University, a graduate of the 
University of Miami, and he is a member of the Florida Bar 
until he just recently retired. He was City Judge in Hialeah, a 
Mayor of Hialeah, Florida, and I could go on and on and tell 
you about his personal involvement in politics.
    However, he is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars and served as Post Commander, District Commander. He has 
been State Judge Advocate, State Junior Vice Commander, State 
Senior Vice Commander and State Commander. He was also 
President of the National Convention Corporation in 1958, and 
then again selected in 1970.
    He has held many National Committees with the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars. He has served his state and his National 
Organization with full energy and enthusiasm on behalf of the 
veterans of this country. I am pleased to place in nomination 
for Judge Advocate General for 1994-'95, Charles Whiteacre from 
Florida.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize from Post 10131, in Cape Canaveral, 
Florida, State Commander Larry Martell.
    COMRADE LARRY MARTELL (Post 10131--Florida): It is a great 
pleasure that I come before this august body to second the 
nomination of Charles Whiteacre from Florida. We call him the 
Judge. Believe me, comrades, he is the Judge. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Also for the purpose of 
seconding the nomination, from Post 1289, in Chattanooga, 
Tennessee, Past Commander-in-Chief Cooper T. Holt.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HOLT: Thank you, Commander-in-
Chief. My comrades, I am indeed honored to have the privilege 
and the high honor of seconding the nomination of Charlie 
Whiteacre from the great State of Florida for the high and 
important office of National Judge Advocate General.
    I want you to know that I have known Charlie Whiteacre for 
well over 40 years. Over this long period of time, I have 
always known Charlie to be a man of action, a man of action on 
the Post level, where he served as Judge Advocate, to Junior, 
Senior, the Post Commander and on the District level.
    He is a man of action, serving in many offices there, 
including the Judge Advocate General, and certainly he is a man 
of action on the Department level serving there as Judge 
Advocate for many, many years. I think from 1979 to 1983. He 
also served as the Department Junior Vice, Senior Vice and 
Commander.
    He has been on the National level, serving as President of 
the National Convention Corporation in 1958 and 1970, and he 
has served on practically every National Committee that I know 
anything about. Charlie served in the United States Army with 
the Americal Division in the South Pacific during World War II. 
I also served there, and that is why we won that damn war in 
the Pacific.
    Now, our next Judge Advocate General has been an attorney-
at-law for over 38 years. He is a member of the Florida Bar 
Association and several other Bars throughout the State of 
Florida, and not necessarily the Bar Association as you know 
it.
    The office of Judge Advocate General, as I have indicated, 
my comrades, deserves a man of action. Charlie is that man. It 
is with honor that I second the nomination for National Judge 
Advocate General from the great State of Florida, Charles 
Whiteacre.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, are there any other 
nominations for Judge Advocate General? Are there any other 
nominations once? Any other nominations twice? Any other 
nominations three times? The nominations are closed.
    For the purpose of nominating the Surgeon General for the 
year 1994-'95, the Chair will recognize from Post 249, in 
Butler, Pennsylvania, Past State Commander, Norman Rettig.

                     NOMINATION OF SURGEON GENERAL

    COMRADE NORMAN RETTIG (Post 249--Pennsylvania): What an 
honor it is for me to be the Immediate Past Commander of the 
Department of Pennsylvania and to be here before you to 
nominate Patricia Potter for the prestigious position of 
Surgeon General.
    Pat is a Registered Nurse and the State Surgeon of 
Pennsylvania, and served in Vietnam from Da Nang to the DMZ, 
and earned the Service Medal, Bronze Star of Republic, the 
Vietnam Campaign Medal with the device and other decorations. 
She served 11 years on active duty in the United States Navy. 
That is another Navy person. That is also me.
    She is an active member, and I mean an active member in 
every sense of the word, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on the 
Post, County Council, District and Department levels. She has 
been a registered service officer since 1985. She was elected 
Department Surgeon in 1989 and is currently serving her fifth 
term.
    As State Surgeon, she visits each of the ten VA Medical 
Centers in Pennsylvania at least once. I repeat, at least once 
each year, to monitor the quality of care. She has testified at 
U.S. Senate Public Hearings on Veterans Affairs, appointed by 
the Pennsylvania Governor Casey to the Advisory Council for the 
Veterans Home, whose term will expire in 1996.
    Her professional bio is extensive. She graduated from 
Presbyterian School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She 
is licensed as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania. She 
graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
    She was the unanimous choice of the Eastern States 
Conference, based on her enviable service to the VFW, 
especially for our hospitalized veterans. With great pride, we 
present our candidate, State Surgeon, Patricia S. Porter, 
Jamestown Memorial Post 5424, Jamestown, Pennsylvania, for the 
high office of Surgeon General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States. We solicit your support.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize from Post 6493, in Warminster, 
Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Commander, Neale Diebler.
    COMRADE NEALE DIEBLER (Post 6493--Pennsylvania): Commander-
in-Chief, National Officers and Delegates:
    Several years ago, I attempted to convince Patricia to 
become a candidate and eventually serve as State Commander in 
Pennsylvania. She told me she was very happy with what she was 
doing and believed she could best serve our organization by 
remaining in that position.
    That was a historic decision in her personal life as well 
as the Department of Pennsylvania and our National 
Organization. It is with overwhelming pride that I second the 
nomination of Patricia Potter for National Surgeon General of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Also for the purpose of a 
second, the Chair will recognize, from Post 4789, in Northeast 
Pennsylvania, National Council Member Frank Fisher.
    COMRADE FRANK FISHER (Post 4789--Pennsylvania): Commander-
in-Chief Cramer, Distinguished National Officers, Past 
Commanders-in-Chief, and all you important delegates to this 
Convention:
    I, too, am proud to stand here to second the nomination of 
Patricia Potter as your National Surgeon. Believe me, having 
been associated with Pat in our own District for many, many 
years, and throughout the Department, if you want a working 
Surgeon, comrades, you have that in Patricia Potter for the 
year 1994-'95.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, are there any other 
nominations for National Surgeon General? Are there any other 
nominations once? Are there any other nominations twice? Are 
there any other nominations three times? Nominations will 
remain open until tomorrow.
    For the purpose of nominating our National Chaplain for the 
year 1994-'95 for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States, the Chair will recognize from Post 2149, in 
Bensenville, Illinois, Past Commander-in-Chief Ray Soden.

                    NOMINATION OF NATIONAL CHAPLAIN

    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF RAY SODEN: Thank you very much, 
Commander-in-Chief. Commander-in-Chief, National Officers, Past 
Commanders-in-Chief, the outstanding Delegates to this 95th 
Convention:
    I am indeed honored this morning to appear before you to 
present our nominee from Illinois and from the Big Ten 
Conference for the office of National Chaplain. Father Neville 
has served the State of Illinois as Chaplain and he has reached 
out to all of the various religions.
    He has counseled and guided our Department in every 
direction. He has attended every meeting of his Department, the 
Council of Administration, District, Post. Father Neville is 
twice an All-State Commander of Richmond Post 2450 in Illinois.
    He served with the Army during World War II, with the 31st 
Station Hospital at New Caledonia in the Southwest Pacific. He 
spent 48 months in that area. He attended Northwest Florida and 
Dayton Schools of Higher Education.
    Father Neville was ordained a Catholic Priest of the 
Rockford Diocese 41 years ago. He is presently Pastor of St. 
Peter and Paul Church in the small community of Virgil, 
Illinois. Father Neville has managed to obtain other priests to 
come in and fill in for him so he can travel and dedicate 
himself to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all that we stand 
for.
    He has been a humble and yet a very wonderful guidance to 
all of us in our Department. I know that he will carry this 
forth to the National Organization. He is dedicated to serving 
God and country. So, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I 
place in nomination the name of Reverend Thomas Neville for the 
office of National Chaplain for the year 1994-'95. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: For the purpose of a second, the 
Chair will recognize from Post 1301, in Marion, Illinois, the 
Illinois State Commander, Ed Griffith.
    COMRADE ED GRIFFITH (Post 1301--Illinois): Commander-in-
Chief, National Officers and Delegates:
    I proudly rise to second the nomination from the great 
State of Illinois for Thomas Neville as our National Chaplain.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Are there any other nominations 
for National Chaplain? Are there any other nominations once; 
any other nominations twice; any other nominations three times? 
The nominations will remain open until tomorrow morning.
    Comrade Adjutant General, do we have any further 
announcements. There are no further announcements. If not, I 
know you will be disappointed, but if you want to rise we will 
salute the flag and I will recess this Convention until 
tomorrow morning at 9:00 o'clock a.m.
    [Whereupon, the Salute to the Colors was given at this 
time, followed by the Closing Prayer by Reverend Charles 
Edwards, Jr.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I thank you for your attention 
and have a good time at your banquets. We will see you at 9:00 
o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
    [Whereupon, the session was recessed at 11:25 o'clock a.m.]
                        FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION

                    FRIDAY MORNING, AUGUST 26, 1994

    [The Fourth Business Session of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States, held in the Barron Room of the Las 
Vegas Hilton Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, was called to order at 
9:00 o'clock a.m., with Commander-in-Chief George R. Cramer, 
presiding.]

                             CALL TO ORDER

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Sergeant-at-Arms, you 
will prepare the room for the Pledge to the Flag.

               SALUTE TO COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrades, face the flag of our 
nation, standing at attention and salute.
    [Whereupon, Sergeant-at-Arms Sarver led the Convention in 
the Salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance at this 
time.]

                             OPENING PRAYER

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I call on our Chaplain, Dr. 
Charles Edwards, for the Invocation.
    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Reverend Charles W. Edwards, 
Jr., gave the Opening Prayer from the Ritual.]
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, the 
Opening Ceremonies have been performed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Before we begin, I 
would just like to inform you that anyone making any type of a 
motion or a second, please note there will only be one 
microphone on the floor today, and that will be right here in 
front, Microphone No. 2.
    I will now call on our Chairman of the Credentials 
Committee, Richard Trombla, for his final report, and also ask 
him to introduce the members of his committee.

                 FINAL REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

    COMRADE RICHARD TROMBLA (Post 1174--Kansas): Commander-in-
Chief, I am Richard Trombla, Post 1174, Department of Kansas, 
Chairman of the National Credentials Committee. This is the 
final report of the Credentials Committee.
    The total delegates, 17,387; Department Commanders 54; 
National Officers 10; Past Commanders-in-Chief 26. That is for 
a grand total of 17,477. Commander-in-Chief, this is a final 
report. I would like to request that the Committee be dismissed 
at this time.
    I would like to introduce the members of my Committee. They 
are James H. Willis, Post 534, Missouri; Edwin Meyer, Post 
9814, California; James Mascola, Post 3580, Illinois; James A. 
Kennedy, Post 3877, Minnesota; and Elwood Rickards, Post 7234, 
Delaware.

                   COMPLETION OF CONVENTION BUSINESS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Other than the Election and 
Installation of Officers, is there any further business to come 
before this Convention? Any further business?
    If not, I would call on our Adjutant General Howard Vander 
Clute for any announcements he may have to make.
    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief Kent has asked me to advise you that tonight's reception 
for the Commander-in-Chief and for the National President, who 
by that time Gunner will be it, and Helen Marsh from 
Pennsylvania will be the National President.
    They will host that reception tonight. It is Country 
Western, so if you have that sort of attire, that would be 
appropriate. But failing to have that, it will be casual. There 
is no invitation and there are no tickets. Just, please, come 
and join with all the others in offering your congratulations 
and support to these two National Officers.
    The reception is 7:00 o'clock until 11:00. It is in one of 
these ballrooms. It will be in Ballrooms A, B and C. Have I 
left anything out? Commander-in-Chief, this will complete the 
business of the 95th National Convention other than that which 
may come from the floor.
    Commander-in-Chief, I move that the proceedings of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars 95th National Convention be submitted 
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for printing as 
a House document in accordance with Public Law No. 620, 90th 
Congress, approved October 22, 1968, Title 214 of the United 
States Codes, Section 1332.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I second that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.

                 NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL HOME TRUSTEES

    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Commander-in-Chief, the 
procedure provides that we must announce the names of the VFW 
National Home Trustees that have been nominated at this 
Convention by virtue of an endorsement from their Posts, their 
District or their Department.
    In the 7th National Home District, which comprises the 
Departments of Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, to replace Robert 
W. Goossen, whose term has expired, we have four candidates. 
They are George Hollenbeck, Post 701, Lansing, Michigan; Eric 
L. Halvorsen, Post 5065, Sheridan, Michigan; Donald V. Nettler, 
Post 9507, Madison Heights, Michigan; and Evyline Woodcock, 
Ladies Auxiliary to Post 6034, Lansing, Michigan.
    In the 11th National Home District, which comprises the 
Departments of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, 
Arizona, Alaska and the Pacific Areas, this is to replace Joan 
Katkus as National President of the Ladies Auxiliary whose term 
is expiring.
    We have Charles H. Cloud, Jr., Post 3544, Winfield, Kansas, 
and Lee G. Lewis of Post 5559, Juneau, Alaska. That has been 
entered into the record as required.

                          ELECTION OF OFFICERS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: There being no further business, 
we will go into the Election of the 1994-95 National Officers. 
I now reopen nominations for the office of Commander-in-Chief. 
Allen F. ``Gunner'' Kent has been previously nominated. Are 
there any other nominations? Are there any other nominations, 
once, twice, three times? The nominations are closed.
    It would be nice if someone would make a motion that 
nominations cease and he be elected by acclamation.
    At Microphone No. 2 in the center.
    COMRADE WILLIAM DOUGLAS (Post 1710--Arizona): I make the 
motion that the nominations be closed and the Adjutant General 
be instructed to cast one unanimous vote for Allen F. 
``Gunner'' Kent for Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States.
    COMRADE CARL AIELLO (Post 1645--Massachusetts): I second 
that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. All those in favor will 
signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; all those opposed. It is 
so ordered.
    Comrade Adjutant General, you will do your duty.
    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, 
by instruction of this delegation, I cast one unanimous ballot 
for the election of Allen F. ``Gunner'' Kent for Commander-in-
Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 1994-'95.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you our Commander-in-Chief, Allen F. 
``Gunner'' Kent.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT KENT: Thank you very much. I 
appreciate it. I am looking forward to talking to you in a few 
minutes. Thank you very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Gunner, I want you to know it 
feels much lighter up here now.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL JOHN SENK: The Commander-in-
Chief's wife has asked that I read this letter received by fax 
this morning, dated 26 August, 1994.
    ``Congratulations, Commander-in-Chief. I am sorry we can't 
be with you today but I just want you to know that we are 
thinking of you and wishing you the best. We are extremely 
proud of you and all you have done. Here is to a productive, 
successful and fun year. See you in September, Love, /s/ 
Commander and Mrs. Jim Stringer and family, United States 
Navy.''
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Nominations are now open once 
again for the office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Paul A. 
Spera, from Massachusetts, has been previously nominated. Are 
there any other nominations? Are there any further nominations 
once, twice, three times? The nominations are closed. Is there 
a motion?
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOSEPH SCERRA (Post 905--
Massachusetts): There being no further nominations, I move that 
the Adjutant General cast one unanimous ballot for the election 
of Paul A. Spera of VFW Post 144, Massachusetts, for the office 
of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States for the year 1994-'95.
    COMRADE ARTHUR ROMLA (Post 144--Massachusetts): I second 
the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. Comrades, you have 
heard the motion and the second. Any discussion on the 
question? Hearing none, all those in favor will signify by the 
usual sign of ``aye''. The ``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    ADJUTANT GENERAL VANDER CLUTE: As instructed by the 
delegates attending the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, I cast one unanimous ballot for the 
election of Paul Spera for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the year 1994-'95.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you our Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief 
Paul A. Spera.
    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT SPERA: Thank you very 
much, Commander-in-Chief George. To the newly-elected 
Commander-in-Chief, Gunner Kent, to all the dignitaries and to 
all of my comrades, the best words are always the most simple 
words, and that is ``thank you.''
    That is the only words that can describe this. It is a 
fantastic feeling. I want to thank some people from Post 144, 
my Post members and their wives that are here. Also the people 
from the Department of Massachusetts and the Eastern Conference 
that put me where I am today.
    Let me introduce a few very special people I have up here 
on the podium. From San Antonio, Texas, a Life Member, my 
brother Thomas. Also my sister and that very special individual 
that we brought down with us, that 87-year-old young member of 
our family. Stand up, Ma.
    Those of you who were in the Eastern Conference and three 
young ladies that show excalibur over being with me, which I 
stood by the way and I forgive them for that, Michelle, Angela, 
and one that we are really proud of because not only is he a 
Navy veteran but a Life Member of the North Hampton Post Desert 
Stormer, Don.
    My State Commander, Stan King, and that very special lady 
that has made all of this possible for me, the woman I love the 
most, Joan. Let me just say a couple of words while I am 
standing here and then we will get on with it. We have a lot of 
challenges that face us and face veterans.
    I want to congratulate Gunner on his election and 
congratulate all the other officers that will be elected. 
Gunner, I give you my promise that whatever is possible for me 
to do to make the ``First to Serve'' team successful, I will 
do. All you need to do is to ask. Congratulations, Gunner. 
Thank you all very much.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Nominations are now reopened for 
the high office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. James Nier 
from Texas has been previously nominated. Are there any further 
nominations? Are there any further nominations, once, twice, 
three times? The nominations are closed.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE GLEN GARDNER (Post 3359--Texas): I move we instruct 
the Adjutant General to cast one unanimous vote at this 
Convention for James E. Nier as the Junior Vice Commander- in-
Chief for the 1994-'95 year.
    COMRADE MANUEL RIVAS (Post 8782--Texas): I second the 
motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed. It is so ordered.
    Comrade Assistant Adjutant General, will you cast the 
ballot, please.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Commander-in-Chief, as 
instructed by the delegates attending the 95th National 
Convention, I cast one ballot for the unanimous election of 
James E. Nier for the office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the 1994-'95 term.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you our newly-elected Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief from the great State of Texas, Jim Nier.
    JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT NIER: Thank you very 
much, comrades. To Commander-in-Chief Gunner Kent, Senior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera, all National and Department 
Officers, Past Commanders-in-Chief, my fellow Comrades and 
Friends:
    First, I want to thank most sincerely Past Commander-in-
Chief Ted Connell and Joel Hurley, and the 1989-'90 Southern 
Conference Commanders who served with me, along with Past 
Commander-in-Chief Wally Hogan, who collectively seconded my 
nomination yesterday.
    Let me first tell you how truly I am honored that you have 
chosen me to represent you in the high office of Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief. I am fully aware of the responsibilities of 
this office and pray that God will guide me in discharging my 
duties.
    I will do all within my ability to justify the confidence 
and the support that each of you has demonstrated here this 
morning. I am grateful to many people for no comrade reaches 
this plateau without the confidence and the guidance of the 
comrades and the leaders of the Posts, the District, the 
Department and the Conference of which he is a candidate.
    To my VFW Post 8919, in El Paso, Texas, District No. 10, 
and the Department of Texas and its Ladies Auxiliary, you have 
been loyal and devoted, and for that I thank all of you. We 
have a tremendous group here this morning. To the Southern 
Conference, thank you for the opportunity. I shall never, ever 
forget it.
    There are three other people that I shall never forget, 
John Gwizdak from the Department of Georgia, Preston Garrison 
from the Department of North Carolina, who were the candidates 
in the same campaign. We became friends and I cherish that 
friendship. Also Joe Pinnell from the great State of Alabama, 
deceased.
    To my wife Kim and our family, thank you for being beside 
me. To my mother and brother who made the long trip from 
upstate New York, and my brother's lady friend, Brenda, thanks 
for being here.
    Also with me on the stage this morning is my niece, Wendy 
Nier, who is on active duty in the Air Force here at Nellis Air 
Force Base, and two of her Marine Corps friends. It is good to 
have them all here with us.
    I am looking forward to my travels across this great nation 
and to meeting as many hard-working comrades and sisters as 
possible who make up our great organization. I know it will not 
be only a rewarding but also a most learning experience. I look 
forward with enthusiasm to being a member of the ``First To 
Serve'' Gunner Kent, Paul Spera team, the team that will lead 
and guide our organization during 1994-'95.
    There are many imposing challenges facing our organization 
and many tough decisions to be made, and I am grateful that you 
have afforded me the opportunity to be a part of the decision-
making process that will help determine the future of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    No longer can we dwell on the accomplishments of yesterday. 
We must turn our attention to the challenges of tomorrow. I am 
asking each of you to join me in working together to ensure 
that we remain successful in the years to come.
    The veterans, widows and dependents of this country are 
counting on us and our great organization. We believe in the 
VFW, you and I, and it is a major part of our lives, but we 
must encourage more of our comrades and sisters to be involved. 
I am asking you to join me in working to make the VFW the type 
of organization which will attract new, active members so our 
voice can be louder in our communities, in our states and on 
the national level.
    Working together we can make our communities, our states 
and our nation more aware of the great work that we do. It is 
time that we tell America what we are all about, loud and 
clear. I am ready to accept the challenges and the 
responsibilities that come with the leadership role at the 
national level, but I shall always remember that this 
organization did not start at the top but at the bottom.
    The grass roots members of our organization are what make 
it great. I assure you the concerns of the grass roots members 
will always be my number one concern. As I travel throughout 
this great organization, I will seek your support and I will 
ask your opinion concerning the tough decisions that we face.
    Gunner, I pledge to you my total support and will do my 
best to make you proud as I will the Southern Conference and 
the great Department of Texas. I am proud to be here today, and 
I am very proud to be a member of the greatest veterans 
organization in the world, and I am truly proud to be an 
American. Thank you and God bless each of you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before I go into nominations and 
election of the Quartermaster General, I would like to call 
back our Assistant Adjutant General Senk for the purpose of 
reading a telegram.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: The telegram is addressed 
to Allen F. Kent, Commander-in-Chief.
    ``Dear Commander Kent. On behalf of the Weld 
administration, I offer best wishes to the officers and 
delegates at the 95th Annual Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars. We are particularly pleased to congratulate 
Massachusetts native Paul A. Spera upon his election as your 
National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief for the 1994-'95 term. 
Paul is a highly respected leader of the veterans community and 
the Commonwealth and across the nation. He will certainly serve 
you well in supporting a strong national defense and advancing 
the goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    ``Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable Conference. 
Sincerely, /s/ William F. Weld, Governor of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts.'' COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will now reopen 
nominations for the office of Quartermaster General. James 
Bowden has been previously nominated. Are there any further 
nominations? Are there any further nominations once, twice, 
three times? The nominations are closed.
    COMRADE LEWIE COOPER (Post 774--Kansas): Commander- in-
Chief, I am Lewie Cooper, the State Commander of the Department 
of Kansas, a delegate from Post 774. I move the nominations for 
Quartermaster General be closed and the Adjutant General be 
instructed to cast one unanimous ballot for the election of 
James E. Bowden from the great State of Kansas as Quartermaster 
General for 1994-'95.
    COMRADE GERALD MANGOLD (Post 7521--Kansas): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, I am very proud to second that nomination. 
Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing none, all those 
in favor will signify by the sign of "aye"; those opposed. The 
``ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Assistant Adjutant General, will you please cast the 
ballot.
    ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER GENERAL SENK: Commander-in- Chief, 
as instructed by the delegates attending the 95th National 
Convention, I cast one ballot for the unanimous election of 
James E. Bowden for Quartermaster General of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars for 1994-1995.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you our Quartermaster General, Jim Bowden.
    QUARTERMASTER GENERAL-ELECT BOWDEN: Thank you, Commander-
in-Chief. You know, I think I am getting old because it seems 
like only yesterday that I stood here before you. So, once 
again, I would like to say thanks to all of you and a special 
thanks to my Department of Kansas. I look forward to working 
with all of you next year. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Jim, do you want Becky to recap 
you in the essence of saving money?
    I will now open nominations for the high office of Judge 
Advocate General. Charles Whiteacre has been previously 
nominated. Are there any further nominations for the office of 
Judge Advocate General; any further nominations once; any 
further nominations twice; any further nominations three times? 
The nominations are closed.
    COMRADE BENNY BACHAND (Post 4287--Florida): I move that we 
instruct the Adjutant General to cast one unanimous ballot for 
the next Judge Advocate General of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, Comrade Charles Whiteacre.
    COMRADE EUGENE MANFREY (Post 6827--Florida): I rise to 
second that motion for Charlie Whiteacre.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion and 
the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all those in 
favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those opposed 
``no''. The ``ayes'' have it. The Adjutant General will please 
cast the ballot.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Commander-in-Chief, as 
instructed by the delegates attending the 95th National 
Convention, I cast one ballot for the unanimous selection of 
Charles Whiteacre as Judge Advocate General of the VFW for the 
1994-'95 year.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you our new Judge Advocate General, 
Charles Whiteacre, from the great State of Florida.
    JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL-ELECT WHITEACRE: Commander-in-Chief, 
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Junior Commander-in-Chief, Past 
Commanders-in-Chief and all Chiefs of the Southern Conference 
and Lawrence Martell, my Department Commander, and Jack Carney, 
who nominated me, they expect you to talk and I would like to, 
and I am going to talk. I would also like to thank Past 
Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney and our entire Southern 
Conference delegation.
    As I said before, the great Department of the State of 
Florida, headed by Larry Martell. Thank you very much. I pledge 
to this Chief my entire energy for whatever he directs me to 
serve. Thank you very much.
    COMRADE EUGENE MANFREY (Post 6827--Florida): It gives me a 
great deal of pleasure to cap you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will now reopen the 
nominations for Surgeon General. Patricia Potter, from 
Pennsylvania, has been previously nominated. Are there any 
further nominations? Are there any further nominations once, 
twice and three times? The nominations are closed.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF JOSEPH SCERRA (Post 905-- 
Massachusetts): On behalf of that truly great Department of 
Pennsylvania, and there being no further nominations, I move 
that the Adjutant General cast one unanimous ballot for the 
election of Patricia S. Potter of Jamestown Memorial Post 5424, 
Pennsylvania, as our next Surgeon General of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States for the year 1994-'95.
    COMRADE NEALE DIEBLER (Post 6493--Pennsylvania): I second 
the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: You have heard the motion. Is 
there anything on the question? Hearing nothing, all those in 
favor will signify by the sign of ``aye''; those opposed. The 
``ayes'' have it.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Comrade Commander-in-
Chief, as instructed by the delegates attending the 95th 
National Convention, I cast one ballot for the unanimous 
selection of Patricia Potter for Surgeon General of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for the 1994-'95 
term.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I present to you our new Surgeon General, Pat 
Potter, from the great State of Pennsylvania.
    SURGEON GENERAL-ELECT POTTER: Commander-in-Chief, National 
Officers and Comrades:
    It is really an overwhelming feeling to be able to stand 
here this morning. It is with a great deal of pride, and at the 
same time I think a great deal of humility. This is really an 
awesome spot to be in. It is one that many of us have looked 
forward to and thought about, but very few of us have ever 
thought that it could really actually happen.
    Today, it actually has. I owe that all to a great many 
people, and those many people are all of you. I appreciate that 
very much, comrades. I think all of you are aware that today 
one of our prime concerns in the Veterans of Foreign Wars is 
health care.
    It is of primary importance to each and every one of us for 
our needs today and for our needs to come. I assure you that I 
have been moderating the situation in the VA Hospitals. I have 
faith in the VA system. I know they can and will meet our needs 
so long as we support and keep after the Legislators and make 
sure we give this system the funding and the support that it 
needs so that they can in turn care for us.
    I would like to thank, if I could, everybody individually, 
but when you reach this point, as your Junior Vice Commander-
in-Chief pointed out, no one has ever reached this microphone 
under their own steam. There has always been with many, many 
people.
    I think that the foremost people that I, like everyone else 
who has been here, has to thank is our families. Without my 
family, the same as everyone else, this would never be 
possible. Also my Post, my District, and in my District, my 
County Council.
    There were three people that I really owe a great deal to. 
They are Carl Zappa, Ed Field and Joe Marcella. They started me 
out on the County Council level. At the time, our children were 
small and my husband stayed home with the kids, and it was Joe, 
Carl and Ed who taught me the ropes, so to speak.
    They took me to my first Council meetings, my District 
meetings, and they escorted me to the Conventions. When it came 
time to start the National Conventions and the Washington 
Conferences, when my husband could not be there, they were 
always there and they were called my bodyguards or my baby 
sitters.
    I thank them for that. I owe a great deal to my Department 
of Pennsylvania and many, many people who have been behind me 
from day one. Also the many members of the Eastern States 
Conference. Especially, I would really like to say thank you to 
Past Commander-in-Chief Joe Scerra and to Paul Spera, who have 
been doing a great deal to ensure that this day arrived. I 
would like to pledge to Gunner Kent that I will do all possible 
to be on the ``First To Serve.''
    At this time I would like to introduce my family without 
whom I would never be here. My husband Al, my daughter Edith, 
her friend Mark; my daughter Alice, and my son-in-law, Donald. 
And the light of our lives, as most of you know, because most 
of you have one, Joshua Edward McKnight.
    Comrades, thank you very much. It is really a great honor 
to be given the opportunity to serve on the National level of 
this great organization, and I will do my best to deserve that 
honor. Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will now open the nominations 
for National Chaplain. Father Neville has been previously 
nominated. Are there any further nominations? Are there any 
further nominations once, twice, three times? The nominations 
are closed.
    The Chair recognizes Microphone No. 2.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF RAY SODEN (Post 2149--Illinois): I 
move that the Adjutant General be instructed to cast one 
unanimous ballot for the man who will lead us spiritually in 
our beloved organization next year, Father Thomas Neville.
    COMRADE ED GRIFFITH (Post 1301--Illinois): Comrade 
Commander-in-Chief, Ed Griffith, Department of Illinois, hereby 
seconds the motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades, you have heard the 
motion and the second. On the question. Hearing nothing, all 
those in favor will signify by the usual sign of ``aye''; those 
opposed. The ''ayes'' have it. It is so ordered.
    Comrade Assistant Adjutant General.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: Commander-in-Chief, as 
instructed by the delegates attending the 95th National 
Convention, I cast one ballot for the National election of 
Father Thomas W. Neville for the office of National Chaplain of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the 1994-'95 term.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Comrades and sisters, ladies and 
gentlemen, I give to you your newly-elected Chaplain, Father 
Thomas Neville.
    NATIONAL CHAPLAIN-ELECT NEVILLE: Commander-in-Chief Kent, 
Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief 
James, Past Commander-in-Chief George, and all the other 
comrades, men and women of the VFW:
    The scripture says that the last shall be first and that is 
what, of course, has happened this time, the last has come to 
the occasion of being among the first to serve. We are all 
called upon to serve and be leaders of society, and those 
leaders of our Posts, our Districts and our nation.
    It is an honor to be part of the team and it is also with 
humility, which has been expressed by all the other candidates. 
So many things were said, that I will just repeat and reiterate 
everything that they have said about the organization and the 
pledge they made to the organization.
     There is always the danger of forgetting people. I can 
liken this to an ordination when I was called to be a priest. I 
was given that privilege, that honor, that responsibility. At 
the reception, I forgot to introduce my sister and, of course, 
that was one of the big faux pas of the day.
    So one could forget easily someone, but I hope to remember 
and that all of those of the Posts, the District, the 
Department and the National level, particularly outgoing 
Chaplain Dr. Edwards. He has been very kind and gracious and 
gave me a list of all the duties that the Chaplain is supposed 
to perform along with updated prayers.
    I will use his version of the prayers for the closing of 
the Convention and for the opening of the Council of 
Administration. A special thank you, Dr. Edwards, for his work 
and his inspiration to me. I have known him for nearly nine 
months.
    As our state motto is ``Just Do It'', so after talking with 
Dr. Edwards and some of the other members of the Posts, the 
State, when the call came and said ``Just Do It'', I did, and I 
thank you for the call. I pledge, Gunner, my willingness to be 
``First To Serve.'' Thank you.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Thank you. If I may, I would 
like now to ask our new Commander-in-Chief to go down to the 
front, and while he is doing that, I will call upon our 
Assistant Adjutant General John Senk to read the role of the 
newly-elected National Council Members.

                 ANNOUNCEMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS-ELECT

    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: The Commander-in- Chief, 
as your name is read, would like you to proceed to the front to 
receive your cap and badge.
    Representing District No. 2, Edward S. Banas, Sr.
    Representing District No. 4, Benjamin Pernol, Jr.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 6, George E. 
McCracken.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 8, Charles B. 
Stephenson.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 10, James E. 
Newman, Sr.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 12, Charles E. 
Fresorger.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 14, Randall E. 
Russell.
    Representing Regional Council District No. 16, Norbert E. 
Enos.
    Representing Regional Council District D, Terry A. Roan.
    Representing Regional Council District E, Dean E. Means; 
and Representing Regional Council District H, Manuel O. Rivas.
    As provided in the National By-Laws, the Commander-in-
Chief-Elect will now read his appointments.

        ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENTS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT KENT: I appoint Larry W. Rivers, 
Post 1736, Louisiana, Adjutant General.
    As National Chief of Staff, Tyrone M. Benson, Post 7686, 
New Mexico.
    The Inspector General, Raymond E. Stelmachuk, Post 7564, 
North Dakota.
    The National Sergeant-at-Arms will be George Sarver, Post 
402, Department of Pennsylvania.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: Before we go into the 
Installation of Officers, I would just like to make a few brief 
remarks, if I may. First of all, I would like to say the most 
wonderful song in the world was repeated several times this 
morning.
    You know, of course, everyone is very proud of their 
association with their own branch of the armed forces of the 
United States. Last year, I had the opportunity to be with 
Gunner on the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and I 
made the mistake, I guess you could say, of saying that they 
still are looking for a few good men.
    I realize what pay-backs are all about in this 
organization. I want you all to know having the opportunity to 
serve with this gentleman, this comrade the last couple of 
years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has 
found a great man to lead this organization this year.
    On behalf of my family, I want to thank you very, very much 
and sincerely for the many courtesies that you have given us 
since we have traveled to your great Departments, and I thank 
you humbly for having the opportunity to serve with you these 
past three years.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]

                        INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I will now recognize the 
Installing Officer for the 1994-'95 officers, Past Commander-
in-Chief James R. ``Bob'' Currieo from Arizona.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: Thank you, Commander-in-Chief, 
and it is a special privilege. I would like to offer my 
congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief-Elect Allen Kent and 
his officers selected for this coming year and to all the 
Department Commanders, Post Commanders, District Commanders, 
and everyone who is going to assume the responsibilities in the 
coming twelve months.
    To you, George and Linda, we thank you very, very much for 
your kind friendship and your expert leadership. As we say it 
in Arizona, ``You've done good.''
    Commander-in-Chief, the term for which you have and your 
subordinate officers were elected or appointed will now expire. 
Before we proceed with the installation ceremony, I must 
ascertain the following. Have the officers for the ensuing year 
been duly elected?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: They have.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: Have the books of the Adjutant 
General and Quartermaster General been examined and approved by 
the National Council of Administration?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: They have.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: Do you have the National 
Charter in your possession?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I do.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: You will now surrender it to 
me. Now, Comrade Past Commander-in-Chief George Cramer, you are 
now relieved of your duties as Commander of this organization. 
You will assume the Chair of Past Commander-in-Chief, and it 
will be your duty and your privilege to assist your successor 
with all the Council and experience that you gained in your 
term of office. You will now take your position to my right.
     Will the Assistant Adjutant General call the role of all 
the officers elected and appointed, and the Sergeant-at-Arms 
will escort those officers to the alter to receive the 
Obligation.
    ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL SENK: The Commander-in- Chief 
has invited all the National Council Members to join in the 
installation.
    Commander-in-Chief, Allen F. Kent.
    Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Paul A. Spera.
    Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, James E. Nier.
    Adjutant General, Larry W. Rivers.
    Quartermaster General, James D. Bowden.
    Judge Advocate General, Charles A. Whiteacre.
    Surgeon General, Patricia S. Potter.
    National Chaplain, Reverend Thomas W. Neville.
    National Chief of Staff, Tyrone M. Benson.
    Inspector General, Raymond E. Stelmachuk.
    National Council Members: District No. 1, John J. Zuba.
    District No. 2, Edward S. Banas, Sr.
    District No. 3, Norman H. Geisel.
    District No. 4, Benjamin Pernol, Jr.
    District No. 5, James D. White.
    District No. 6, George E. McCracken.
    District No. 7, W. J. Cannon.
    District No. 8, Charles B. Stephenson.
    District No. 9, Harlan C. LaBar.
    District No. 10, James E. Newman, Sr.
    District No. 11, Roger D. Schwieso.
    District No. 12, Charles E. Fresorger.
    District No. 13, Robert J. Sander.
    District No. 14, Randall E. Russell.
    District No. 15, Ernesto E. Melendez.
    District No. 16, Norbert E. Enos.
    District No. 17, Johnnie A. Baugh.
    District No. 19, Norman J. Ledet.
    District No. A, Franklin R. Fisher.
    District B, Maurice H. Kerchhove.
    District C, Melvin Garrett.
    District D, Terry A. Roan.
    District E, Dean E. Means.
    District F, Dale J. Brubaker.
    District G, Judge Brown.
    District H, Manuel A. Rivas.
    District I, Edward Fischer.
    District J, Peter Puentes.
    Past Commander-in-Chief, George R. Cramer.
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrade Installing Officer, the 
officers are in their respective positions.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: Thank you, Sergeant-at- Arms.
    Everyone please rise. To the officers elected and appointed 
of the National Organization of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States, I will now administer to you the Officers' 
Obligation.
    You will raise your right hand, touch the flag of our 
country and extend your left hand to the comrade directly in 
front of you 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 CURRIEO: As you were.
    Comrade Chaplain, you will deliver the prayer.
    NATIONAL CHAPLAIN EDWARDS: Almighty God, our God and divine 
protector, give your blessings upon these, our comrades, who 
now become National Officers. We beseech you, O Lord, to be 
ever present among us and to grant wisdom unto them so that in 
their given deliberations they may continue to favor you and 
glorify our country and to better our organization.
    May your strength sustain them and may your power preserve 
them, and may your hand protect them in the faithful and 
fruitful performance of all of their duties. Amen.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: Officers, you now occupy 
positions of honor to which you have been elected or appointed. 
Learn well the responsibilities entrusted to you so that you 
may intelligently discharge the duties you are to undertake. 
The Constitution, By-Laws and Ritual of our organization 
prescribe in detail the duties of your offices.
    By virtue of the confidence placed in you through your 
election or appointment, we trust you will thoroughly acquaint 
yourself with those duties.
    Sergeant-at-Arms, escort these officers to their stations.
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Yes, sir.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: The Commander-in-Chief will be 
installed at the podium here in just a few seconds. Everyone, 
please, get in position and we will install the Commander-in-
Chief. You may be seated at this time.
    Commander-in-Chief-Elect Gunner Kent, before we proceed 
with your solemn Obligation, it is proper to remind you of your 
duties. As National Commander-in-Chief of this organization, 
you will be responsible for the Charter of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, and at the end of your term of office surrender 
it to the officer to install your successor.
    It will be your duty to see that all National Officers 
perform their duties to the best of their ability. You must 
keep yourself informed of all proposed legislation which may 
affect, or potentially affect, the welfare of members of our 
organization, and strive for the adoption of only those things 
that will be beneficial.
    It will be necessary for you to devote time to the many 
duties of your office and to make a special study of the 
Constitution, By-Laws and Ritual of our organization so that 
you may render fair and impartial decisions on the important 
questions referred to you.
    As Commander-in-Chief of this organization, you will be 
regarded by our comrades and by the general public as typifying 
wise and vigorous leadership of our organization.
    Comrade Gunner Kent, may all your accomplishments in the 
next 12 months bring credit to yourself, to your administration 
and honor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 
Are you ready now and willing to assume your solemn Obligation?
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF-ELECT KENT: I am.
    INSTALLING OFFICER CURRIEO: You will raise your right hand, 
touch the flag of our country with your left and announce your 
name as I touch your head.
    [Whereupon, Commander-in-Chief-Elect Kent received the 
following Obligation: ``In the presence of Almighty God and the 
Officers and Delegates of this Order here assembled, I, Allen 
F. Kent, 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, 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 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.
    ``I 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 CURRIEO: Comrade Commander-in-Chief 
Gunner Kent, I now present to you the National Charter and this 
gavel. As you assume office, use it firmly but with discretion.
    Will all National Officers, comrades, guests in the hall, 
stretch forth your right hand and repeat after me: ``To you, 
Commander-in-Chief Gunner Kent, I pledge my sincere 
allegiance.''
    Comrade Commander-in-Chief, retiring Commander-in-Chief 
George Cramer, Officers and Delegates of this Convention, I now 
proclaim the officers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States duly installed and our great organization is in 
working order for the ensuing year. Congratulations.

    PRESENTATION OF PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LAPEL PIN AND GOLD LIFE 
                            MEMBERSHIP CARD

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Past Commander-in-Chief Cramer, 
will you please come forward. Commander-in-Chief, it is a great 
honor for us to present to you your Past Commander-in-Chief's 
Pin at which time we will ask that your lovely wife, Linda, to 
please pin it on your lapel. Also we present you with your Gold 
Life Membership Card.
    PAST COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CRAMER: I want to say thank you. 
Gunner, I have been saving it for you the last year, and I 
would like to call upon Vickie to place your Commander-in-
Chief's Pin on your lapel.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: This is like high school. You keep 
passing your pins from one to another.
    [Whereupon, the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief and Junior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief's Pins were presented to the newly-
elected Senior and Junior Vice Commanders-in-Chief.]

             ACCEPTANCE ADDRESS BY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: Thank you all very, very much. To 
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera, Junior Vice 
Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier, and to my Installing Officer, Past 
Commander-in-Chief Bob Currieo, I would like to thank you very, 
very much for that outstanding job.
    To the young VFW National Officers in the audience in 
attendance here this morning, the American heroes in both war 
and peace, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and its Ladies Auxiliary, I would like to thank 
you very, very much for this high honor.
    Never did I ever imagine that I would receive your applause 
and stand up here as your Commander-in-Chief of the greatest 
veterans organization in the world. For that, I am truly, truly 
humbled and I will be in your debt forever. Thank you very, 
very much.
    You have given me a great opportunity and I will do the 
best that I possibly can working tirelessly on behalf of the 
American veterans during my term of office and beyond. Of 
course, many people have helped and supported me during these 
long years.
    As our Surgeon General stated, nobody gets to this position 
without an awful lot of good comrades and sisters being behind 
them and helping. This morning I would just like to thank VFW 
Post 9972 and its great Ladies Auxiliary, in Sierra Vista, 
Arizona, that have backed me for the last six years, both 
during the hard campaign and also as Junior Vice Commander-in-
Chief and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
    I would like to also tell all of you comrades and sisters, 
and this is a little bit of bragging, but when you are Chief 
they said you could do what you wanted to, Post 9972 in Sierra 
Vista, Arizona, is the only Post in the history of the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States that has ever had two 
Commanders-in-Chief from the same Post.
    I would like to thank my many friends from District No. 7, 
Cochise County, Arizona, which sometimes when I go to some of 
the Eastern Conferences, I can take three states and put it in 
that one county. I would like to thank them very, very much for 
all their great and hard work.
    Of course, to the greatest Department in the land, the 
Department of Arizona and its outstanding Ladies Auxiliary, I 
would like to thank you for all of your hard work and your 
support, because without your dedication I would not be serving 
as your Commander-in-Chief.
    Of course, to my Conference, the Western Conference, two 
years ago I came before you and asked for your endorsement as 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and you graciously gave me that 
endorsement. I will never, ever forget that. I thank you very, 
very much.
    Finally, let me take just a moment to thank my family and 
introduce the ones that are here to share this special day. My 
daughter, Kim Short, who is a special education teacher in 
Belleair, Florida; my son, Allen F. Kent, Jr., who is a senior 
at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, and my 
mother-in-law, Jeanne Godwin, from Anthony, Florida.
    Last but certainly not least, let me now introduce the 
person who has been very, very special to me for many years, 32 
to be exact. Although she is my best friend, she is also my 
hardest, hardest critic. When you are going through these 
chairs, I have found out that if you are Junior Vice or Senior 
Vice, when you say something, everybody says that sounds good 
to me, Gunner. It doesn't quite work with my wife for some 
reason.
    I came in off a road trip once, and I had been gone for 
about 30 days, and I got out of the car, and I went in the 
house and she said, ``Well, what about your luggage?'' I said, 
``Well, I forgot it. I usually have someone to bring my luggage 
in.'' She said, ``If you think I am going to bring your luggage 
in the house, you have another thing coming.''
    She has worked very hard and supported me these past years. 
She has been home alone an awful lot. She is working very, very 
hard for the veterans of this country in her own right through 
the Ladies Auxiliary in the Department of Arizona. I love her 
very, very much and I would like to introduce to you my lovely 
wife, Becky.
    [Whereupon, the assembly gave a rising ovation.]
    To the rest of my friends and all my supporters, I thank 
you very, very much. My remarks this morning will be intently 
brief, quite frankly little is left to say. We have spent the 
last week debating the issues that came before this Convention.
    We have passed the Resolutions for the 1994-'95 year. It 
now becomes my duty as your Commander-in-Chief to move quickly 
to ensure that we inform and educate our members, Legislators 
and friends of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States on these important issues.
    Before I move on, let me pay proper respect to our 
magnificent Ladies Auxiliary. It is perhaps our greatest asset 
and without question the best partner any organization could 
hope to have. During the coming year, the Ladies Auxiliary to 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will continue 
to play an important role in the work we do for America and her 
veterans. To the Ladies Auxiliary, you have our thanks, our 
admiration and our most profound respect.
    The environment in which we operate today, my fellow 
comrades, is much more difficult than the previous environment 
in the past we have worked in. Despite this new environment, I 
believe our members want results and expect them. I have talked 
with thousands of you members the last two years and one 
message comes through to me loud and clear.
    You want action, you want us to produce concrete results. 
You are fed up with long-winded speeches and rosy promises. To 
steal a verse from a popular Country and Western Song, ``Let's 
do a little less talking and let's do a little more action.''
    In these regards, I would like to inform you of a couple of 
steps that we are now taking to do just that, do a little less 
talking and a little more action. In this upcoming year, we 
have set aside $450,000 which will be used for service work of 
the veterans of this country.
    With this money, we are going to place a fax machine in 
every Department Service Office. We are also going to purchase 
the hardware and software that our Service Officers need so 
they can have a direct link with the VA Regional Offices so 
that we can make sure that the claims of our fellow veterans 
are done as fast as we possibly can.
    In addition to the Service Officers in the field, we are 
going to completely computerize our Washington office, and all 
of our field representatives will take laptop computers with 
them so they can do the work as they are in the field. I am 
tired of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
Service Officers going to the field with a pen and pencil like 
it was 1899. This is 1994 and it is time we got with the times.
    We are also this year creating a Veterans Service Officer 
Endowment Fund, and to start this Service Fund we have 
committed $500,000 that will be used as needed for the veterans 
work throughout the many Departments we have in this great 
organization.
    You have also asked and requested that we do more as far as 
advertising. At the first incoming Council of Administration 
Meeting this afternoon, we are going to ask the Council to set 
aside this year a sum of $4 million so that we can look at some 
ideas and areas that we can get the message out concerning the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Ladies 
Auxiliary. These are two things that you wanted us to do. My 
fellow comrades, these are two things that we will immediately 
do. [Applause]
    I believe that you elected me to do what I could to change 
the way things have been done, not talk things to death, but 
show you action. God willing and with your help, I intend to do 
just that.
    During the coming year, the Kent/Spera/Nier team will speak 
forcefully for the VFW on a wide range of important issues. It 
is absolutely essential that our organization address 
conventional, as well as unconventional issues. We must do a 
better job of addressing the homeless situation, where on any 
given night in the United States of America there are over 
250,000 veterans that honorably served this country are on the 
streets.
    I would also like for you to remember, comrades, that 
except for the grace of God there could go you or I. We must 
look at the unexplained illness that has decimated many of our 
Persian Gulf veterans, the health effects of herbicides that 
still haunt our Vietnam veterans, and so many others.
    At the same time, we must not neglect our unfinished 
agenda, improvement in the VA health-care, reform bill and the 
long-term care, compensation and pensions for our veterans. Be 
assured that we will not be overwhelmed by the number or the 
complexity of the issues that confront us. As a matter of fact, 
I kind of like to fight. I hope you like to fight, too.
    Perhaps no issue has the potential to more profoundly 
affect the veterans of this country and the non-veterans of 
this country than the need to keep our military a strong and 
viable force. America has always had brave young men and women 
who are willing to fight and die for this great land.
    If we ask them to serve, to stand in harm's way, we must be 
prepared to back them up. We must give them resources they need 
to carry out their noble and dangerous mission, and we must 
make sure that no United States of America troops ever, ever 
serve under any United Nation's commander.
    The Veterans of Foreign Wars is alarmed that individuals in 
positions of responsibility in our government are today putting 
forth misguided and short-sighted solutions to issues that 
affect life and death and war and peace.
    Our national defense budget is far short of the amounts 
needed to maintain that magnificent force that fought in the 
desert just so many short years ago. It is not the dedication 
and the skill of the men and women in uniform bringing this 
erosion about, rather, it is the almost daily raid on an 
already inadequate defense budget by the politicians in 
Washington trying to please one special interest group or 
another.
    I say to you, my fellow comrades, the only special interest 
there is is a strong national defense, because without the 
strong national defense there is going to be no country for 
special interests to worry about.
    Let me reaffirm our commitment to always stand with the men 
and women that served this country in uniform. It is the least 
we can do and we expect those Washington politicians to do the 
same. We do not need now to educate another generation on 
maintaining a strong national defense.
    We would have hoped they learned the lesson of history, but 
we will do so if we must. We will always proudly stand with the 
men and women who served in uniform just as we proudly stood 
with their mothers and fathers in wars gone past.
    I would like to take just a moment this morning to offer 
comments and observations regarding our POW/MIAs. It is an 
issue that has consumed a great amount of my time over the last 
two years. I have worked to gather all the facts and 
information that I possibly could concerning the fate of our 
POWs and MIAs in Vietnam, in Korea and from World War II.
    During the last two years, I have traveled to Vietnam and 
Laos on four different occasions. I have met with our Joint 
Task Force teams in Korea. I have met with the North Koreans in 
the U.N., and I have met with our Joint Task Force--Full 
Accounting teams in Moscow, Russia.
    I have met with government officials, U.S. Government, 
Korean, Vietnamese, Laotians, and I have met with POW 
activists. I have met with our military officials. I have met 
with the members of the House and Senate, and I have met with 
numerous others.
    I have shared all of the information that I have gathered 
through these contacts and through these meetings by the 
periodical reports that I have sent to each of the Departments 
of this great organization.
    Someone said we are entitled to our own opinions, but we 
are not entitled to our own facts. With this statement, I 
concur. The reports I have sent to you have only contained the 
facts and the facts only. I feel the membership of this 
organization should receive the facts as the facts are 
presented.
    Perhaps no issue has been so mishandled as was the POW/MIA 
issue. It is a sad chapter in the history of our nation and one 
that we must never, ever repeat again. The conclusions I have 
reached are based on the facts as I have found them.
    I am convinced that our own government can and should do 
more to account for our missing. I also firmly believe that the 
facts point to the conclusion that the answers we seek will 
come only if we follow a course that encourages other 
governments to do more than they have done in the past.
    Both we and they must move faster and cooperate more. The 
governments must give us information and access that only they 
can provide. Our government must be prepared to move quickly 
and to seize on new opportunities as they present themselves. I 
am convinced the men of good will working together can solve 
this humanitarian issue.
    The Veterans of Foreign Wars will continue to seek reliable 
information, and we will continue to make it available for all 
to see. To that end, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera 
just recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia, and I 
have asked Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier to return to 
Vietnam in April of next year and report his findings and 
recommendations to you, the members of this organization.
    My pledge to all of you, to the families and all veterans 
is during my watch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars we will 
continue to do everything we possibly can to bring about the 
fullest possible accounting for all of our POWs and MIAs, and 
that will remain an important viable issue with the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States.
    There are many other important issues, many important 
decisions that will directly affect the community of veterans 
that will be made in the coming months. Veterans health care, 
compensation and pension, and so many others will be addressed 
by the Congress over this next year.
    We have a very diversified community of veterans and we 
must work to ensure that the needs of one group do not suffer 
for the needs of another group. While we press for long-term 
care, needed by our oldest segment, we will also address the 
needs and concerns of Korean, the Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, 
Somalia, and indeed all veterans to the Resolutions passed by 
the delegates to our 95th National Convention.
    Your positions have been made very, very clear. There is no 
need to repeat them here this morning. You have told us what 
you want us to do, and beginning today I promise you we will 
move quickly and forcibly to see that the mandates are acted 
upon and we succeed in making them into law.
    Let me talk just a minute about our great organization, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and we are all 
proud to be members of this great organization. I will only say 
this once, and once only. We all know what the eligibility to 
become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States is.
    We are not a social club, we are the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars. We are veterans working for veterans. We are not a social 
club, we have never been a social club, and we never will be a 
social club.
    As we accept the challenges of the 1990's and prepare for 
the 21st Century, we are a strong and vibrant organization. We 
will build on our strengths and improve the areas where we may 
be weak. With your help, we intend to do that and more during 
the coming year. We were first among veterans organizations and 
we will, during 1994-95, again be the ``First To Serve.''
    My fellow comrades, you have asked me many, many times in 
the last two years, ``Gunner, exactly where are you going to 
take this organization?'' Comrades, I am not going to take this 
organization anywhere. You are, because you are the 
organization. You are the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and its Ladies Auxiliary.
    You are the ones in the trenches day in and day out working 
the membership, doing the community activity reports, working 
with our homeless veterans, working with the youth of this 
country, and working with our hospitalized veterans in the VA 
Hospitals.
    You are the ones that make everything happen. You have 
chosen me as your leader, as your Commander-in-Chief, and I 
will always be grateful for that. But you are the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, you are the organization.
    When this organization was first formed 95 years ago, we 
were formed with one purpose, and one purpose only, and that 
was to protect the rights and entitlements of every veteran who 
has honorably served his country. I feel very, very confident 
that as long as we have members such as yourselves with your 
dedication and professionalism that we will continue to honor 
the dead by helping the living, the veterans and their families 
of today and the veterans and their families of tomorrow.
    Again, I would like to thank each and every one of you for 
this high, high honor that you have bestowed upon me. I am 
honored that you call me Chief, but I am more honored that I am 
able to call you my friend.
    May God bless each and every one of you and may God bless 
the United States of America.
    [Whereupon, the assembly extended a prolonged rising 
ovation.]
    ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS: Commander-in-Chief, thank you very 
much. One more round of applause for our great Commander-in-
Chief, Allen Kent. [Applause]
    Commander-in-Chief, the next thing on the agenda is the 
Parade of Transmittals. Would the states begin to line up here 
in the middle of the room in alphabetical order so we can move 
on.
    Let me also remind you that the Commander-in-Chief and the 
National President of the Ladies Auxiliary will have a 
reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Ballrooms A, B and C here 
at the Las Vegas Hilton, and the Commander-in-Chief has asked 
me to invite all of you to join him at 7:00 o'clock.
    Immediately following the adjournment of this Convention, 
we will have the Council Meeting in Ballroom C here at the Las 
Vegas Convention Center.
    Commander-in-Chief Kent, it is with a great deal of 
pleasure that I am pleased to report to you 76 new Posts 
Charters have been received in the National Headquarters as of 
this morning, with 10 additional restructured Posts. It is a 
very good start as we begin to work to our goal of 282 new and 
reinstated Posts.
    At this time, we will have the $1,000 drawing. As you know, 
each Department receives one chance for each new Post reporting 
to the National Headquarters as of today. Also one chance for 
every existing Post that was restructured by July 31, 1994. The 
first drawing will be for $200, and the second one will be for 
$300, and the last one will be for $500.
    Commander-in-Chief, our Membership Director, Larry LeFebvre 
has the capsules. If you can step over by the edge and draw 
this first capsule, we would appreciate it. The first capsule 
is for the $200 drawing.
    COMRADE LARRY LeFEBVRE: New Post 7609, Seven Hills, Ohio.
    ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS: The winner of the $300 drawing is 
VFW Post 11543, Osceola, Minnesota.
    We have one last capsule, Chief, for $500. The winner of 
the $500 drawing is Post 9790, Jackson, Tennessee.
    We would ask the Department Commanders to please come back 
to the stage area after you give your Membership Reports to 
pick these up for your Departments.

               PARADE OF TRANSMITTALS/REPORT OF NEW POSTS

    ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS: At this time I would like to call 
on our Membership Director, Larry LeFebvre, so we can move into 
the Transmittals. For your information, we will have the Parade 
of Transmittals and have our Closing Ceremonies, and Retire the 
Colors and adjourn, and move right to our National Council of 
Administration Meeting that will be held, as I said, in 
Ballroom C immediately following the adjournment of the 
Convention.
    [Whereupon, each Department Commander presented the 
Membership Transmittal to the Commander-in-Chief.]
    ADJUTANT GENERAL RIVERS: That concludes the Parade of 
Transmittals/Report of New Posts, and as the Chief makes his 
way back to his station we will prepare for the Closing 
Ceremonies.

                           CLOSING CEREMONIES

    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I recognize Microphone No. 2.
    COMRADE JOHN SENK (Post 355--New Jersey): Commander-in-
Chief, there being no further business to come before this 
Convention, and the officers having been duly installed for the 
ensuing year, I move the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States be closed, sine 
die.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I have a motion on the floor. Do I 
have a second?
    COMRADE GEORGE SARVER (Post 402--Pennsylvania): Comrade 
Commander, George Sarver, National Sergeant-at-Arms, seconds 
that motion.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: We have a motion duly made and 
seconded. Any questions on the motion? Any questions on the 
motion? Any questions on the motion? Hearing no questions, all 
those in favor will signify by saying ``aye''; all those 
opposed. The motion carries. It is so ordered.
    Sergeant-at-Arms, you will prepare the room for the Closing 
Ceremonies.
    [Whereupon, the Honor Guard Retired the Colors at this 
time.]
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I will call on Father Neville, our 
National Chaplain, for the Closing Prayer.
    [Whereupon, National Chaplain Neville gave the Closing 
Prayer from the Ritual.]
    SERGEANT-AT-ARMS SARVER: Comrade Commander-in-Chief, the 
Closing Ceremonies for the 95th National Convention have been 
performed.
    COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT: I now declare the 95th Convention 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States closed.
    [Whereupon, the Convention was duly adjourned at 11:40 
o'clock a.m., sine die.]
     COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL BY-LAWS, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE AND RITUAL

    Chairman: Robert E. Wallace, Past Commander-in-Chief, New Jersey

     Vice Chairman: John J. Stang, Past Commander-in-Chief, Kansas

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alabama...................  Charles Stephens.........               3128
Alaska....................  Edward G. Frank..........               9978
Arizona...................  Bernard P. Fabritz.......               7401
                            Donald E. Maynard........               7968
Arkansas..................  J. P. Cockrill...........               5225
California................  Paul E. Goins............              10964
                            John T. Melban...........               3787
                            Kenneth L. Stevens.......               9223
Colorado..................  Donald A. Nikkel.........                  1
Connecticut...............  Edward S. Banas, Sr......              10004
                            Edward L. Burnham........               1724
                            Ronald Rusakiewicz.......               9460
Delaware..................  Paul R. Phillips.........               2863
District of Columbia......  Paul E. Wampler..........                284
Europe....................  Clarke D. Knox...........               3885
Florida...................  James W. Carlisle........              10097
                            Niel R. Ramsdell.........              11146
Georgia...................  T. D. Culpepper..........               5032
                            John F. Gwizdak..........               5080
Idaho.....................  Edward W. Holt...........                889
Illinois..................  John Powell..............                805
                            Vernon Soukup............               8081
                            Jack Vrtjak..............               1612
Indiana...................  James M. Leavitt.........               5782
                            Audie W. Rainbolt........               1693
Iowa......................  Virgil E. Freese.........               2349
                            Elmer Liebhart...........               2271
Kansas....................  Robert R. Whipple........                846
Kentucky..................  Larry Sexton.............               5839
Louisiana.................  Joseph Guidry, Sr........               3121
Maryland..................  Francis V. Dziennik......               6506
Massachusetts.............  Anthony B. Piscopo.......                529
                            Leroy Williams, Jr.......               6189
Michigan..................  Norman Folson............               5120
                            Arnold Huuki.............               6507
                            Elmer Wurster............               7546
Minnesota.................  Calvin D. Ferber.........                612
                            Robert J. Larson.........               6206
Mississippi...............  Hollis Smith.............               1983
Missouri..................  C. Gene Fee..............               1003
                            Lawrence M. Maher........               7356
                            Fred Philipps............               4219
Montana...................  Tom A. Pouliot...........               1116
Nebraska..................  John DeCamp..............                131
                            Erwin A. Klabunde........               2503
                            Dwaine D. Wilson.........               1652
Nevada....................  William L. Breen.........               1002
New Hampshire.............  Daniel J. Loud...........                483
New Jersey................  George J. Lisicki........               2314
New Mexico................  Lloyd E. Vanderhoof......               3370
New York..................  Charles J. Schnobrich....               3068
North Carolina............  Fred Y. Sigmon...........               6513
North Dakota..............  Paul S. Aaberg...........               6139
Ohio......................  Robert W. Bishop.........               1031
                            James Comedy.............               3383
Oklahoma..................  Jack E. Naifeh...........                577
Oregon....................  Norman Baugh.............               1383
                            Doyle Souders............               2807
Pacific Areas.............  Leon R. Vileo............               9951
Panama Canal..............  Richard A. Gilman........               3822
Pennsylvania..............  Ricky DiLoretto..........               3614
                            Frank J. Zenzer..........                676
Rhode Island..............  James R. Ross............               6342
                            John Sivo................               2396
South Carolina............  F. D. Williamson, Jr.....               8760
South Dakota..............  Walter F. Joynt..........               1273
                            William L. Peyton........                750
Tennessee.................  Otha J. Kerr.............               5266
Texas.....................  Charles L. Cannon, Jr....               6796
                            Glen M. Gardner, Jr......               3359
                            James E. Nier............               8919
                            F. G. Warden.............               8552
Vermont...................  Joseph E. Kearney........                792
Virginia..................  James L. Booth...........               2216
Washington................  George F. Riedel.........                969
                            John Uram................              10018
West Virginia.............  Ralph W. Honaker.........               1064
Wisconsin.................  Edward Stockel...........               7896
Wyoming...................  Gary K. Mathisen.........                221
                                                                        

           COMMITTEE ON AMERICANISM AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

      Chairman: John S. Staum, Past Commander-in-Chief, Minnesota

     Vice Chairman: Ted C. Connell, Past Commander-in-Chief, Texas

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alabama...................  Thomas B. Dean...........               2760
                            Oliver W. Dial...........                924
                            Jack F. Ivy..............               2702
Alaska....................  Alfred Berry.............               4352
                            Gene A. Corbin...........               9365
Arizona...................  Joel Hoffen..............                720
                            Vincent J. Mitchell......               9972
                            Billie E. Stuart.........                549
Arkansas..................  Wendal Gills.............               7516
                            John A. Haynie...........               2413
                            Clifford E. Turner.......               4554
                            Charles O. Wilkison......               4554
California................  Gloria Bosco.............               1622
                            George D. Branch.........               9791
                            Thomas L. Martin.........               1468
                            Masaomi J. Mita..........               1961
                            Oren D. Robinson.........                 85
                            Robert Stout.............               8398
Colorado..................  George Palmateer.........               4171
                            Emil Pischel.............               4171
                            Wayne J. Thompson, Jr....               5061
Connecticut...............  Russell H. Smith.........               7330
                            William B. Watson........               3263
Delaware..................  Robert A. McGowan........               3257
                            William G. Schaen........                475
District of Columbia......  Flora V. Moore...........                284
Europe....................  George W. Eby............              10692
                            Julian R. Johnson........              10810
Florida...................  Robert A. McDade.........               7631
                            John Scott...............               4353
                            Roger G. Thomas, Sr......               6925
Georgia...................  J. W. Bohanan............               5290
                            Charlie B. Stephenson....               5290
                            James T. Wood............               5257
Hawaii....................  Louis Balasanos..........              10276
                            Manuel P. Cabral.........               2875
                            Edward K. Kaopuiki.......               1540
Idaho.....................  Jean L. Holt.............                889
                            Randall Russell..........               2136
                            Robert N. Taylor.........               3886
Illinois..................  Thomas Morgan............               1592
                            Kenneth R. Morrow Sr.....                755
                            Russell Villwock.........               3579
                            John Waltrip.............               1379
Indiana...................  George R. Ensley.........              10006
                            William N. Hedge.........               1167
                            R. L. Johanningsmeier....               1257
                            Omar Kendall.............                673
Iowa......................  Muriel Allan.............               3633
                            John G. Hanson...........                788
Kansas....................  Charles Cook.............               2864
                            Richard Hill.............               7437
                            Denny Lawson.............               1186
                            Jay Ritchie..............               1022
                            Tom G. Sanko.............               1714
Kentucky..................  Larry E. Bowling.........              10017
                            Jeff A. Phillips.........               1181
Louisiana.................  Wilbert Kilchrist........               9822
                            Gerald Schneider.........               8973
Maine.....................  Charles F. Coty..........               6859
                            Clifton Deringer, Jr.....               3381
                            Donald R. Libby..........                832
Maryland..................  Tomas F. Bunting.........               2562
                            Thomas V. Kimball........              10159
                            Joseph L. Yurkanin.......               9619
Massachusetts.............  Antone Andrews...........                697
                            William H. Crowley.......               2578
                            William J. Curran........               1526
                            Jere L. Hill.............               2425
                            Thomas R. Pierce.........               9566
Michigan..................  William P. Bennett.......               7573
                            Norman Haskins...........               3941
                            Valentino Lemoncelli.....                552
                            James E. Reynolds........               5670
Minnesota.................  David L. Adams...........               1782
                            Michael D. Brainard......               6587
                            Merlin O. Hanson.........               1639
Mississippi...............  Kenneth W. Boggs.........               6731
Missouri..................  Charles Bellemere........               2171
                            Eugene L. Hoeltge........               5077
                            William D. Merideth......               5366
                            Clarence W. Reed.........               6337
Montana...................  Virgil T. Ray............               2252
Nebraska..................  Norbert Koenig...........                247
                            Gary C. Krause...........               2503
                            Dennis R. Niemann........               1347
                            Earl Stinger, Jr.........               3421
Nevada....................  Hal C. Morton............              10053
                            Michael H. Musgrove......               2350
                            Herbert Tellkamp, Jr.....               2313
New Hampshire.............  Harry L. Clough..........               8836
                            James McKinnon, Jr.......               8270
                            Reginald R. Wright.......               8942
New Jersey................  Harry D. Crane...........               6255
                            Domenic Lombardelli......                809
                            Hugh McNulty.............               1439
New Mexico................  Felix J. Coca............               2951
                            James H. Ferguson........               7686
                            Levi O. Wirta............               7686
New York..................  William E. McGarr........               6196
                            Vincent J. Siesta........                546
                            Harry C. Wurth...........               5253
North Carolina............  John J. McGraw...........               9133
                            Betty H. Rowland.........               9100
North Dakota..............  George A. Jahner.........               3444
                            Erling O. Rolfson........               3696
Ohio......................  Clifford E. Bauer........               3360
                            Norman Eckhart...........               1079
                            Raymond E. Mallet........               3760
Oklahoma..................  Robert B. Thomas.........               1098
Oregon....................  James L. Abbott..........               4108
                            Lester Beecroft..........               4015
                            Alton Christenson........               2807
Panama Canal..............  Aurora Toth..............                100
Pennsylvania..............  William C. Allen.........               7213
                            Patrick Cooney...........               3577
                            Carmen DeSanti...........                129
                            Thomas Millhouse.........               2435
                            Patricia Potter..........               5424
                            Reverend Archie T.                       154
                             Roberts.                                   
Rhode Island..............  John J. Barone...........               8955
                            John A. Bucci............              10011
South Carolina............  Bill E. Lark.............               4262
                            Frasier Wall.............              10420
South Dakota..............  James E. Fortin..........                750
                            Donald L. Ruby...........                628
                            Lorne F. Ruzicka.........               3312
Tennessee.................  C. F. Bearden............               1289
                            John Furgess.............               1970
Texas.....................  James R. Clark...........               6873
                            C. W. Kinson.............               9299
                            E. J. Krenek.............               8787
                            George B. Sparkman.......               9181
Utah......................  Duane Hall...............               5560
                            Boyd W. Winterton........               4355
Vermont...................  Denis B. Backus..........               2571
                            Irvin C. Tifft...........               1332
Virginia..................  Paul W. Bolen............               9478
                            James E. Higgins.........               7059
                            Charles A. Webb, Sr......               2239
Washington................  Tom Asaif................               2995
                            George A. Berthiaume.....                969
                            Edwin Rasmussen..........               9430
                            Delbert Underwood........               9476
West Virginia.............  Albert M. Legg...........               9738
                            Eugene W. Walker.........               4484
Wisconsin.................  Max Collins..............               3143
                            Gordon Harmon............               2534
                            Kenneth Munro............               2534
                            Joel P. Walker...........               1904
Wyoming...................  Robert W. Miller.........               3511
                                                                        

             COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION

     Chairman: Arthur J. Fellwock, Past Commander-in-Chief, Indiana

Vice Chairman: Joseph A. Scerra, Past Commander-in-Chief, Massachusetts

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alaska....................  Robert S. Green..........               1685
                            George A. Pikus..........               7056
Arizona...................  Fred Chapman.............               1760
                            James R. Currieo.........               9972
                            Ernesto E. Melendez......                426
                            James L. Montgomery......              10308
                            William J. Silva.........                836
Arkansas..................  Arthur Armstrong.........               2283
                            Raz T. Munholland........               4548
California................  Leonard W. Bartels.......               8547
                            Rhett W. Daverio.........               3928
                            Alphonse C. DeBaca.......               7138
                            Cedric I. Gould..........               2563
Colorado..................  Robert C. Gifford........               4663
                            Robert F. Honeywell......                  1
                            Phil E. Phillips.........               6411
Connecticut...............  John J. Grogan...........                254
Delaware..................  Clarence Burris..........               8801
                            Walter J. Kula...........               3257
                            Charles D. McGuire, Sr...               8801
                            Benjamin Pernol, Jr......               3792
District of Columbia......  Ronald L. Foo............               2979
                            George A. Lange, Jr......               2400
                            John F. Murphy...........                833
Europe....................  Harold Hedges............               9334
                            Norman J. Hirschman......              10592
Florida...................  Bobby L. Booth...........               1590
                            Ronald G. Lee............               7987
Georgia...................  Bennie B. Chastain.......               5257
                            Rance J. Taylor..........               4830
                            Don Ziegler..............               6447
Hawaii....................  Zoilo Kupukaa............               4951
                            Gary I. Masumoto.........               1540
                            Bernard E. Teves.........               1540
Idaho.....................  Gray I. Clawson..........               3012
                            Donald G. Riegel.........                889
Illinois..................  Edward Jarnell, Jr.......               8081
                            Vincent R. Long..........               1756
                            Earl McMahon.............               2838
                            Thomas Neville...........               2327
                            Dwight E. Tanner, Jr.....               9759
                            John Von Guerard.........               2955
Indiana...................  Roger Baker..............               6841
                            Richard L. Jordan........               2067
                            James D. Voelker.........               1114
Iowa......................  Edward Leopold...........               1973
                            Patrick Shanahan.........                788
                            Arthur A. Weber..........               1623
                            Frank Weier..............               3159
Kansas....................  Wayne Bushell............               1714
                            Larie O. Davis...........               6654
                            David Jones..............                 56
                            Robin Ray................               6957
                            Kenneth L. Wescott.......              12345
Kentucky..................  Eddie Akers..............               5839
                            John Hofstetter, Sr......               3205
                            Billy G. Lyons...........              10017
Louisiana.................  Tom W. Byrd..............               3619
                            Hausey Wilson............               6640
Maine.....................  Thomas Lussier...........               6859
                            Robert E. Phillips.......               1761
                            Walter D. Simmons........               9459
Maryland..................  Nicholas T. Bassetti.....               9083
                            Thomas J. Hercek.........                467
                            John P. Matthews.........              10113
                            Robert L. Miedzinski.....               2632
Massachusetts.............  William J. Ferrantino....               6907
                            T. George Kotros.........               1526
                            Kevin Lynch..............                864
                            Cornelius Sharron........               9566
Michigan..................  George D. Kosnick........               2645
                            Donald Mrdjenovic........               7573
                            Joseph O. Racine.........               5670
Minnesota.................  Patrick T. Bohmer........                246
                            Harold W. Genrich........               1222
                            Lester G. Orton..........                363
Mississippi...............  Leslie C. Blanchard......               6731
                            William H. Long..........               6473
Missouri..................  Ralph Fiehler............               4219
                            Tom Hartman..............                 35
                            John McGhee..............               4107
                            Paul O. Stoneman.........               7900
                            James D. White...........               1003
Nebraska..................  Lee Andrews..............               5289
                            Carl L. Eby..............               2503
                            Ronald Lachenauer........               2243
Nevada....................  Ronald A. Kruse..........               8583
New Hampshire.............  Michael S. Annis.........               2860
                            Paul J. Chevalier........                168
                            Francis W. Ryder.........               4368
New Jersey................  Robert Hacker............               6590
                            Curtis G. Jackson........               1297
                            Arthur M. Williams.......               7679
                            Casey Wolferse...........               7925
New Mexico................  Jimmy R. Cogdill.........              11384
                            Margarito Maes...........               1547
                            William D. Wilson........               7686
New York..................  August Abel, Jr..........               1975
                            Raymond E. Coxon.........               6142
                            Philip C. Schiffman......               8691
                            James A. Wilson..........               9132
North Carolina............  Edward L. Bookhardt......               7339
                            William Boykin...........               7315
North Dakota..............  Arnold W. Maier..........               1326
                            Theodore Will............               1326
Ohio......................  Raymond E. Burdine.......               9943
                            Lucian Esposito..........               4237
                            Lawrence Krugman.........               1079
                            Roy Welder...............               6519
Oklahoma..................  Charles T. Johnson.......               3669
Oregon....................  Patrick L. Jordan........               4248
                            Jerry M. Swanson.........               2302
                            Edwin L. Williams........              10644
Pacific Areas.............  Robert W. Joyce..........               9723
Panama Canal..............  Marion H. Lasater........               3876
Pennsylvania..............  Michael J. Bullister.....                456
                            Robert E. Durovey........               7842
                            Franklin E. Lopes........                 92
                            Ronald G. Tyler..........               1462
                            Larry Wilver, Jr.........               1665
Rhode Island..............  Benjamin Pezza...........               4651
                            Samuel Wolstencroft, Jr..               8955
South Carolina............  Melvin L. Emore..........               3034
                            John Simmons.............               8738
South Dakota..............  James Becker.............               6481
                            Ralph J. Haas............                791
                            William J. Radigan.......               3061
                            Larry L. Scudder.........               1273
Tennessee.................  Bill Davis...............               3382
                            Joe A. Murphy............               1289
Texas.....................  Charles S. Pearson.......               1533
                            Bruce Stephens...........               9191
                            Donald L. Wright.........               8134
Utah......................  Aaron Crossman...........               7398
                            Frederick E. Peyton......               3586
                            Melvin T. Richeson.......               7442
Vermont...................  Curtis E. Brown..........                758
                            Robert H. Dean...........               9653
                            William T. Myette........               9653
Virginia..................  Otis N. Berry............                637
                            John R. Peters...........               4809
                            Harry H. Spielman........               2123
Washington................  Roger Brazier............              11329
                            James W. King, Jr........               3067
                            Richard Petersen.........              10018
                            Jack Phelps..............               6929
West Virginia.............  John F. Bennett..........               3081
Wisconsin.................  Gerald Burkel............               5373
                            Steven D. Lawrence.......              10272
Wyoming...................  Charles E. Fresorger.....                579
                                                                        

                    COMMITTEE ON GENERAL RESOLUTIONS

       Chairman: John M. Carney, Past Commander-in-Chief, Florida

    Vice Chairman: Norman G. Staab, Past Commander-in-Chief, Kansas

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alabama...................  Harold Robertson.........               3492
Alaska....................  Gerald J. Dorsher........               5559
                            John P. Guinn............              10041
Arizona...................  Forrest E. Baker.........               1796
                            John M. Beeler, Sr.......               2364
                            Wilbur L. Brotton........                720
Arkansas..................  Clyde Overall............               5225
                            Odell Stricklin..........              10442
                            Leslie F. Thone..........               3141
California................  Gerald D. Anderson.......               2835
                            David B. Greaney, Jr.....               7420
                            Steven D. Jacobs.........               5944
                            Roland E. Lex............               9223
                            Art Napiwocki............               1614
                            T.H. Smith...............               7283
Colorado..................  James A. Hartford........               8661
                            John R. Lewis............               4061
                            Terry Schafer............               1166
Connecticut...............  John W. Ledwith..........               2849
                            William Martin...........              10004
                            Henry P. Milum...........               2096
Delaware..................  Louis R. Walls, Jr.......               5447
District of Columbia......  Kenneth J. Allen.........                341
                            James R. Brooks..........               2979
Europe....................  James R. Boyt............              10312
                            J.R. Lewellen............               3885
Florida...................  John J. Clark, III.......               5968
                            Leroy A. Zigmund.........               4209
Georgia...................  Glenn E. Mitchell........               5290
                            Robert K. Nelson.........               3200
Hawaii....................  Julian A. Fernandez......               3855
Idaho.....................  Takeshi Hanami...........               3886
                            Henry Vanderhoef.........              10444
Illinois..................  John Buettner............               1699
                            Rick Frank...............               1461
                            Eugene Lewandowski.......               4737
                            Willard Livingston.......               1308
                            Joseph W. Ruyle..........               4168
Indiana...................  Thomas V. Burks, II......               7119
                            John L. Dahman...........               1421
                            Glendon R. Hinshaw.......               1111
                            Michael V. Smith.........               2999
Iowa......................  Larry Bender.............                788
                            Stephen L. Ivey..........               9664
                            Robert Mathiesen.........               8486
Kansas....................  Dan P. Dollison..........               1186
                            Larry Graham.............               7521
                            John Kent................               1650
                            Robert McChesney.........               7253
                            Alonzo McClinton.........               8773
                            Charles L. Shoemaker, Sr.                 56
Kentucky..................  Lawrence Henderson.......               5484
                            James Watson.............               1913
                            Hardy B. Watson..........               3636
Louisiana.................  Gervous Lambright........               3619
                            Stanley J. Plessala......               4222
Maine.....................  Ralph T. Danby...........                832
                            Joseph L. Duguay.........               8835
                            David E. Watts...........               6859
Maryland..................  James Lohman.............               9619
                            Joseph W. Nassar.........               5627
                            Lester A. Rule...........               6506
                            Hugh F. Shelton..........                482
Massachusetts.............  Thomas M. Brennick.......               7284
                            Walter G. Gansenberg.....                834
                            Roy Luppino..............               1645
                            William J. Madera........               1702
                            John Martin..............               5737
Michigan..................  Mike Fineis..............               3306
                            Colon P. Laney...........               1071
                            Eugene Poker.............               2358
Minnesota.................  Francis Ginther..........                210
                            Ted B. Theodorsen........               6320
Mississippi...............  David Grimes.............               4057
                            Rodney G. Wilkinson......               2539
Missouri..................  Roger P. Beckerman.......               5331
                            Robert Lyons.............               8100
                            David L. Roath...........               5606
                            Charles F. Thrower, Jr...               3838
Montana...................  John M. Hoyt.............               3107
                            Allen L. Kirkeby.........               1116
Nebraska..................  Vern E. Hoffart..........                131
                            George Lee...............               1652
                            Hugh Morris..............               3606
                            Bobby Nickels............               3704
Nevada....................  James E. Inman...........               9211
New Hampshire.............  William Champagne........               1698
                            John Lilly...............               1698
                            Robert W. Madigan........                483
New Jersey................  Frank S. Candeliere......               2619
                            Harry W. Morecroft.......               6061
                            H. Raymond Skinner.......               1838
New Mexico................  Daniel V. Ortega.........               7686
                            C.H. Thornton............               7686
New York..................  George S. Smith..........                 53
North Carolina............  WIlliam J. Hendren.......               2031
                            Lester A. Melton.........                891
                            Cecil Sanders............                891
North Dakota..............  Andrew A. Johnson........                760
                            Ted A. Krogen............               2328
                            Rhiney L. Weber..........               2764
Ohio......................  Thaddeus H. Baker........               9630
                            James W. Dickens.........               5532
                            Howard Robinson..........               8850
                            Edward B. Roppel.........               1863
                            Ralph Ruhe...............               9294
Oklahoma..................  William P. Beane.........               4977
                            James E. Newman, Sr......               4876
Oregon....................  Harold Goin..............               2468
                            Martin J. LeDoux.........               4273
                            K.O. Towery..............               4273
Pacific Areas.............  Luther W. Harmon.........               1509
Panama Canal..............  Dannie Cooper............               3822
                            Robert H. Reynolds, Sr...               7405
Pennsylvania..............  Glenn Dashner............                464
                            Charles Feltenberger.....               2435
                            George A. Maxwell........               7213
                            Ronald Radmore...........               5958
Rhode Island..............  Charles W. Rogers........                329
South Carolina............  John A. Buck.............               9539
                            Arthur D. Mann...........              10420
South Dakota..............  Kenneth L. Jorgenson.....                750
                            Patrick E. O'Neill.......               1273
                            Tom Sherman..............               3342
Tennessee.................  Willis B. Grice..........               1970
                            Kendall Ickes............               7175
Texas.....................  N.F. Layne...............               3990
                            Duane G. Shriver.........               8919
                            John F. Simmons..........               6796
Utah......................  Joe Lauter...............               4355
Vermont...................  Leroy A. Dupree..........               6471
Virginia..................  Herman R. Fitzgerald.....               2216
                            Julian H. Taliaferro.....               1827
Washington................  Kenneth M. Harrison......               1135
                            Jack E. Hartloff.........               2329
                            Miles S. Irvine..........                379
West Virginia.............  Thomas N. Caldwell.......               3518
                            Paul E. Nealis...........               1101
Wisconsin.................  Martin A. Schultz........               7852
                            Mello Stapelton..........               8483
                            Bruce Wiese..............               8057
Wyoming...................  Lars Quinnell, III.......               7756
                                                                        

           COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

       Chairman: Ray R. Soden, Past Commander-in-Chief, Illinois

   Vice Chairman: Patrick E. Carr, Past Commander-in-Chief, Louisiana

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alabama...................  Gerald Brock.............               2702
Alaska....................  Lee G. Lewis.............               5559
                            Larry J. Patch...........               2509
Arizona...................  Gerald R. Goist..........               7401
                            David E. Hurst, Sr.......                720
                            Ronald L. Slater.........               9829
Arkansas..................  Verlin F. Williams.......               1991
California................  H. John Flanery..........               2073
                            Robert G. Houchins.......               1123
                            Doctor S. A. Kopp........               3255
                            Harry H. Shishido........               9938
                            Raymond C. Sisk..........                 97
                            Harry H. Tanabe..........               9879
                            Joe Velasquez............               5059
Colorado..................  Theodore G. Argys........               3820
                            Harold B. Hathaway.......                501
                            James E. Mauck...........               6624
Connecticut...............  Burdett P. Flynn.........              10060
                            Chester J. Minski........              10004
                            William T. Sheffield.....              10688
Delaware..................  LeRoy J. Rench...........               3238
                            Harry C. Steelman........               3420
District of Columbia......  Mitchell A. Mabardy......                346
                            William S. Saunders......               7284
Europe....................  Richard F. Kennedy.......               9534
                            Marvin L. Snyder.........               3885
Florida...................  Lester W. Davis..........              10093
                            Richard J. Fitzgerald....               7721
                            Ray L. Ford..............               3064
                            Eugene R. Manfrey........               6827
                            Charles A. Whitacre......              10208
Georgia...................  Sammy L. Cates...........               5290
                            Robert W. Pickins........               4706
                            Olin C. Wright...........               7331
Hawaii....................  Anthony Hubahib..........               3855
                            Allan Lee................               3845
                            Donald Raven.............               2432
                            Fred Wong................               1540
Idaho.....................  Roy E. Decker............               3043
                            Charles Griggs, Jr.......               7019
                            Ralph Hollingsworth......               3296
Illinois..................  Barry Colbank............               6502
                            Eugene Karban............               7980
                            Irvin McDougall..........                981
                            William R. Moran.........               2240
                            Dennis Richey............               1592
                            Michael Spagnoletti......               6869
Indiana...................  George A. Magurany.......                802
                            Lawrence Miles...........                266
                            Leo R. Reller............               2366
                            Lenas G. Weisheit........               1114
Iowa......................  Ronald R. Petersen.......               9128
                            Russell D. Truax.........               5240
Kansas....................  Wilmer Dreiling..........               9139
                            John Fridley.............               1254
                            Roland Robitaille........              11255
                            Charles Stephens.........               1432
Kentucky..................  Johnny Harris............               7101
                            Kenneth E. Krebs.........               2921
                            Joe C. Oliver............               4075
Louisiana.................  William M. Procter.......               1736
                            J.B. Robertson...........               8107
Maine.....................  Roger D. Blanchette......               3459
                            Donald W. Linscott, Jr...                832
                            Donald P. Lockwood.......               9787
                            Alan M. Winter...........               9459
Maryland..................  Clayton A. Deaver........               1858
                            Charles P. McConville....                521
Massachusetts.............  Theodore R. Eaton........               2104
                            Edward A. Fogarty........               9566
                            John F. Leonard..........                639
                            Gardner McWillians.......               2425
                            John W. Mowatt...........                662
                            Tyler Thomas.............                144
Michigan..................  Francis C. Burkman.......               6507
                            James N. Goldsmith.......               5666
                            John Harrow, Jr..........                372
Minnesota.................  Daniel Bartholomew.......               3144
                            Joe J. Mach..............                210
                            William J. Manor.........               3871
                            Dean E. Means............               1642
Mississippi...............  Charles Garrett..........               4877
                            Raymond A. Toy...........               4057
Missouri..................  Ken Mountjoy.............                280
                            James R. Mueller.........               5077
                            Joseph L. Thomas.........               2171
                            Calvin Vogelsang.........               3838
Montana...................  James C. Aho.............               2252
Nebraska..................  Vernon Fleshman..........               3755
                            Dan G. Petersen..........                131
                            Cecil A. Reichstein......              10562
Nevada....................  Earl W. Lewis............               2288
                            Charles R. Shetter.......               1002
New Hampshire.............  Frank E. Casey, Jr.......                816
                            John Smith...............               2520
New Jersey................  Vincent Brinkerhoff......                335
                            Charles J. Frederick.....               2648
                            Pierre Lamereaux.........               7164
                            Vincent J. Tamburino.....               2319
New Mexico................  Tyrone M. Benson.........               7686
                            Walter Crawford..........               7686
                            Albino B. Fajardo........               4293
New York..................  Anthony Ferrarese........                 16
                            Clifford E. Galbraith....               7127
                            Father Albert G. Salmon..               6912
                            Harriett Williams........               1384
North Carolina............  Dennis R. Barnhardt......               6480
                            Gene Edwards.............               4309
                            Arthur Shull.............               2843
North Dakota..............  Dean Bayer...............               6833
Ohio......................  Gary B. Bentfeld.........               2799
                            Robert C. Cockrell.......               1082
                            John E. Moon.............               2873
                            Terry D. Opperman........               8445
                            Charles Popke, III.......               2529
Oklahoma..................  George M. Nelson.........               1335
Oregon....................  Raymond Kennedy..........               3473
                            Byron E. Pullen..........               4273
Pacific Areas.............  Paul T. Gasperson........              10269
                            William J. Penn..........               1509
                            Michael L. Sullivan......               8180
                            Donald O. Webster........               9957
Panama Canal..............  John R. O'Keefe..........               3822
                            Johnnie L. Scott.........               3876
Pennsylvania..............  Thomas Dougherty.........               3474
                            Dale Haswell.............               4653
                            Donald Lehman............               8298
                            Almon J. Long............                283
                            Anthony Longo............               5205
Rhode Island..............  Joseph C. D'Abrosca......                916
                            Antonio L. Pellegrino....               8955
South Carolina............  William S. Boan..........              11251
                            Jesse Childs, Jr.........              10595
South Dakota..............  Thomas A. Henle..........                628
                            Duane Starkey............               2969
                            Harold O. Weber..........               1273
Tennessee.................  William H. Berkley.......               1291
                            Kenneth R. Houston.......               1294
Texas.....................  Donald L. Harwood........               6794
                            Robert J. Lyons..........               8246
                            Earnest G. Mudd..........               8541
                            Manuel O. Rivas..........               8782
                            Robert Speake............               1922
Utah......................  Benito G. Russo..........               3586
                            Alan B. Sparks...........               8307
Vermont...................  Fred F. Fenn.............              10038
                            Frederick F. Ladue.......                792
Virginia..................  David L. Duncan..........               1827
                            George E. McCracken......                609
                            Clifford Williford.......               3160
Washington................  Robert Berleen...........               9430
                            Clay Hoffman.............               2329
                            Ed Krels.................               1474
                            Thomas Schuster..........                969
West Virginia.............  Samuel P. Baldwin........               1212
                            Wesley Thomas............                573
Wisconisn.................  Donald Cunningham........               7591
                            Robert E. Reinke.........                721
                                                                        

               COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS

      Chairman: Cooper T. Holt, Past Commander-in-Chief, Tennessee

   Vice Chairman: R. D. Smith, Jr., Past Commander-in-Chief, Georgia

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
Alabama...................  Clarence A. Gardner......               3407
Alaska....................  Robert A. Anderson.......              10252
                            Donald L. Kilmer.........               4352
                            Gary L. Kurpius..........              10221
Arizona...................  Kenneth A. Buckley.......               9400
                            John M. Knowles..........               2364
Arkansas..................  John S. Bostic...........               7769
                            Grady L. Brown...........               4548
                            Mark Cybulski............               9095
California................  Paul Gonzalez............               2967
                            William G. Kelley........               5985
                            Robert C. Poulin, Sr.....               6945
                            Jerome A. Watson.........               1744
                            Jerry A. Williams........               7636
Colorado..................  Henry F. Sexauer.........                  1
                            Warren Tellgren..........               8661
Connecticut...............  John D. Burns............               2097
                            Benjamin T. Lord.........               5095
Delaware..................  William T. Robbins.......               3420
District of Columbia......  A. Leo Anderson..........                284
                            Claudio B. Pedery, Jr....               5471
Europe....................  Wesley E. Boyt...........              10312
                            Bruce A. Withers.........              10436
Florida...................  Elijah L. Summerfield....               6180
                            James DePass.............              10068
                            William R. Kirsop........               4256
Georgia...................  Richard Branson..........               5080
                            General Crumley..........               7720
                            Johnnie Shiver...........               4830
Hawaii....................  Jacob Akiona.............               2875
                            Norbert K. Enos..........               2875
                            Francis X. Roddin........               2875
                            John Rouse...............               1540
Idaho.....................  Roy Harmon...............              10444
                            Lyle Longhurst...........               5840
                            Alvin R. Mason...........               6399
Illinois..................  Carlo DiGrazia...........               6870
                            Walter Luksta............               9115
                            Leo Olah.................               7452
Indiana...................  Paul D. Curtice..........               1257
                            William Hays.............               7119
                            James J. Thiel...........                717
Iowa......................  Dowd J. Brandt...........               9662
                            Leslie Portwood..........                817
                            Daryl Shinker............               2349
Kansas....................  Morris Brazda............               3111
                            Tom Montgomery...........                112
                            Rudolph Negrete..........               1650
                            Lawrence Tholen..........               2864
Kentucky..................  Aaron N. Cardwell........               4075
                            Wilford O. Dismore.......               1191
Louisiana.................  Jack Coursey.............               5951
                            James W. Ritchie.........               4224
                            James E. Westbrook.......               3784
Maine.....................  Arthur A. Baker..........                832
                            Wallace C. Berard........               1285
                            Erlon B. Rose............               3335
                            Herbert Schindler........               9935
Maryland..................  Joseph M. Coppinger......               2562
                            John F. Noble............               5627
                            Alfred N. Simmons........               8509
Massachusetts.............  John J. Burnett..........                697
                            William T. McCarthy......               3439
                            John T. Tynan............                561
Michigan..................  Raymond G. O'Neill.......                147
                            Edward S. Skiba..........               2358
                            Donald St. Aubin.........               5670
                            Barry Walter.............               4005
Minnesota.................  Thomas L. Hanson.........               1636
                            Richard A. Zierdt........               6587
Mississippi...............  Jerry W. Fletcher........               4970
Missouri..................  Chester A. Doile.........               6272
                            Dennis Flynn.............               2866
                            Ronald Wooderson.........               8220
Montana...................  James J. Bertrand........               1579
Nebraska..................  Clarence Koch............               6219
                            John R. Liebsack.........               2503
                            John Olson...............               3704
                            James J. Pacas...........               4836
                            Billy C. Smith...........               7028
Nevada....................  Claude A. Brown..........              10057
                            Donald L. Mason..........               3547
New Hampshire.............  Donald R. Caron..........               7015
                            John Kisielewski.........               8179
New Jersey................  Dennis Clark.............               1743
                            Charles A. Duffett, Jr...                 62
                            Donald L. Scott..........               7247
                            Donald Stippel...........               9503
                            George T. Van Allen......               7504
New Mexico................  Johnnie Bollinger........               3015
                            Manuel G. Evaro..........               4384
                            Michael E. Schweitzer....               9515
New York..................  T. William Bossidy.......               7466
                            Ralph DeMarco............                885
                            Mary A. Gamba............                542
                            John Sanford.............               8160
                            Domenick Volpe...........                546
North Carolina............  James E. Flanders........               6018
                            Glenn P. Milliman........               2401
North Dakota..............  Jerome M. Bixby..........               9069
Ohio......................  Harold M. Blosser........                108
                            Edward H. Marzec.........               3483
                            Terry A. Roan............               3124
                            Samuel Schaffner.........               3761
Oklahoma..................  Charles Harding..........               2270
Pacific Areas.............  Charles A. Clay..........               1576
                            Paul T. O'Dowd...........               9957
Panama Canal..............  James E. Cook............               3822
                            Leonardo R. Hylton.......               3835
Pennsylvania..............  Theodore G. Hasulak......                315
                            Joseph M. Salvo..........               5267
                            John J. Thomas...........                128
                            John Wojtowicz...........               4789
Puerto Rico...............  Jose Folch...............              11103
Rhode Island..............  Frank E. Lightowler......               6342
                            Manuel V. Oliver.........                329
South Carolina............  Richard L. Mayhew........                641
                            George M. Pullie.........               6091
South Dakota..............  William A. Hollmann......               7319
                            Kenneth L. Nelson........               1273
                            Albert A. Reidinger......                 17
Tennessee.................  Bobby Collins............               1990
                            Kenneth R. Perkins.......               8778
Texas.....................  Felix Longoria...........               6719
                            R. Earl Lord.............              10351
                            Lavern H. Terbl..........               9168
Utah......................  Thomas M. Kennedy........               3568
                            Theodore B. Rimpau.......               2355
Vermont...................  Bradley F. Reynolds......                758
Virginia..................  John E. Saunders.........               4809
                            Charles B. Wilkerson.....               9808
Washington................  Charles Hunt.............               2329
                            Andrew Martin............              10018
                            Fred McDaniel............               7392
West Virginia.............  Robert B. Kesling........                573
                            John F. Payne............               3466
Wisconsin.................  Tony Eulo................               6498
                            Raymond Ortmann..........               6498
                            Arthur H. Schultz........                305
                            Thomas Tradewell.........               6498
Wyoming...................  Ray B. Taylor............               3511
                                                                        

                        COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS

              Chairman: Richard Trombla, Post 1174, Kansas

                                                                        
        Department                     Name                 Post No.    
                                                                        
California................  Edwin L. Myers...........               9814
Delaware..................  Elwood B. Rickards.......               7234
Illinois..................  James L. Mascola.........               3580
Minnesota.................  James H. Kennedy.........               3877
Missouri..................  James H. Willis..........                534
                                                                        

                     COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION RULES

      Chairman: Clifford G. Olson, Jr., Past Commander-in-Chief, 
                             Massachusetts

   Vice Chairman: Eric Sandstrom, Past Commander-in-Chief, Washington
                PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL BY-LAWS

B-1  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                  section 104--admission fees and dues
    Amend Section 104, National By-Laws, by adding to the end thereof 
the following paragraph:
    ``Admission fees and dues collected for the Department and National 
Organization are, and become, the property of the respective Department 
or the National Organization upon receipt by the Post.'' [Adopted]

B-2  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
            section 210--surrender or forfeiture of charter
    Amend Section 210, National By-Laws, by deleting the first and 
second paragraphs and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
          ``Voluntary Surrender. A Post may voluntarily surrender its 
        charter only upon a vote of its members conducted in accordance 
        with the procedures herein set forth. If any ten (10) members 
        vote against surrender of the charter, the charter shall not be 
        surrendered. A proposition to submit surrender of the charter 
        to a vote of the membership shall be made at a regular meeting 
        of the Post at least four (4) weeks before the time of the 
        vote, and due notice of the proposition and the time and place 
        of the vote shall be given in writing to every member of the 
        Post and to the District Commander, County Council Commander 
        and the Department Commander. At least fifteen (15) days prior 
        to any vote to surrender or forfeit the charter the Post 
        Commander shall provide the Department Commander with a list 
        describing all of the money and other property of the Post. The 
        Department Commander should be notified immediately after the 
        meeting, in writing, of the outcome of a proposition to 
        surrender the Charter of a Post. In the event that ten (10) 
        members do not vote to continue the Post, the Department 
        Commander shall, within thirty (30) days, request that the 
        Commander-in-Chief cancel the charter, unless during such 
        thirty (30) day period, the Department Commander receives a 
        demand in writing from at least ten (10) members in good 
        standing in said Post to continue it. Pending such cancellation 
        the Post shall not dispose of any money or property.
          Disposition of Property. In case of surrender or forfeiture 
        of a charter, all of the property of the Post, including all 
        real property, personality and money, and the Post's books and 
        records, shall immediately become the property of the 
        Department, in trust. The Department Commander shall take all 
        appropriate measures to secure possession and control of such 
        property. Post officers shall execute such deeds and other 
        documents as are appropriate to effect transfer of any such 
        property to the Department. Disposition of such property shall 
        be as directed by the Department Commander of Administration 
        for those purposes set forth in the Congressional Charter.'' 
        [Adopted]

B-3  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                        section 213--arrearages
    Amend Section 213, National By-Laws, by deleting the first sentence 
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
          ``Any Post in arrears for National, Department, County 
        Council or District dues, poppy money, supply money, or other 
        financial obligations, or failing to have the office of 
        Quartermaster properly bounded in accordance with Section 703, 
        or failing to submit properly completed quarterly Post Trustees 
        Report of Audit or Post Election Report shall be deprived of 
        all representation in County Council meetings, District, 
        Department and National Conventions.'' [Adopted]

B-4  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 inserting the following 
after the word ``Conventions,'' and before the word ``shall'' in 
subsection (b):
          '', who shall serve until the next Post election of 
        delegates,'' [Adopted]

B-5  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                          section 321--voting
    Amend Section 321, National By-Laws, by inserting the following 
after the second sentence:
          ``The delegate strength for a Post shall be one (1) delegate 
        for each fifteen (15) members based on the membership strength 
        of the Post at the time of the County Council meeting.''
    Amend Section 321 further by adding to the end thereof the 
following paragraph:
          ``A roll call vote may be required and entered upon the 
        record at the call of any three officers or delegates 
        representing three different Posts.'' [Withdrawn]

B-6  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                          section 419--voting
    Amend Section 419, National By-Laws, by inserting the following 
after the second sentence:
          ``The delegate strength for a Post shall be one (1) delegate 
        for each fifteen (15) members based on the membership strength 
        of the Post at the time of the District meeting.''
    Amend Section 419 further by adding to the end thereof the 
following paragraph:
          ``A roll call vote may be required and entered upon the 
        record at the call of any three officers or delegates 
        representing three different Posts.'' [Adopted]

B-7  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                    section 615--national committees
    Amend Section 615, National By-Laws, by deleting subsection (d)(1) 
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``(d) Political Action Committee.
          (1) Composition: The Political Action Committee shall consist 
        of a Director, a Treasurer, and a seven (7) member Board of 
        Directors.
          Six (6) members of the Board of Directors shall be appointed 
        by the Commander-in-Chief. Two members shall be appointed each 
        year for a three-year term. The seventh member shall be 
        appointed by the Commander-in-Chief upon the recommendation of 
        the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary. The Director 
        and Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the Commander-in-
        Chief and approved by the Board of Directors.'' [Disapproved]

B-8  Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
 section 617--regional national council of administration members--how 
                                elected
    Amend Section 617, National By-Laws, by deleting the third 
paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``Each Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States, except those bearing alphabetic designations, shall be entitled 
to membership on the National Council of Administration for a 
consecutive period of two years in the order listed above. If a 
Department attains membership in excess of 70,000 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 70,000 members before July 1, the Department 
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 passage at the National 
Convention.'' [Adopted]

B-9 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                     section 709--control of units
    Amend Section 709, National By-Laws, by deleting the fifth 
paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``In addition to other legal requirements under existing local 
laws, no Post, County Council or District shall purchase, sell or 
otherwise transfer title or interest in any real estate unless written 
notice of such proposal has first been given to each member of said 
unit and the Department Commander ten (10) days prior to such regular 
or special meeting at which the proposal is to be considered, and then 
only by two-thirds (\2/3\) vote of approval of those members present 
and voting at such regular or special meeting.'' [Adopted]

B-10 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                        section 710--inspection
    Amend Section 710, National By-Laws, by deleting the first 
paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``The Commander-in-Chief or any Department Commander may require, 
within his respective jurisdiction, the inspection of any Department, 
District, Country Council or Post, or any holding company or 
corporation subordinate thereto, whenever he may believe the best 
interests of the Organization will be served to insure compliance with 
the National Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure, lawful orders of 
the National Convention, the National Council of Administration and the 
Commander-in-Chief and the laws and usages of the Organization. For 
this purpose he may detail any officer of the National Organization of 
the Department whose duties shall be prescribed by the appointing 
power.'' [Withdrawn]

B-11 Recommended by National By-laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                 section 714--control of mailing lists
    Amend Section 714, National By-Laws, by deleting the second 
paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the VFW 
from soliciting or authorizing solicitation of its membership to 
benefit the purposes of the organization or soliciting its membership 
in support of the activities of a political action committee duly 
authorized and organized by the VFW.'' [Adopted]

B-12 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 first 
sentence of the third (3) paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof 
the following:
    ``The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States may issue charters to Department, District, County 
Council, and Post Auxiliaries, provided that the establishment of such 
Auxiliary shall have been approved by the respective Department, 
District, County Council or Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and subject to its control.'' [Adopted]

B-13 Recommended by National By-Law Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                  section 1201--formation and control
    Amend Section 1201, National By-Laws, by deleting all therein and 
substituting in lieu thereof the following:
          ``(a) The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States 
        is a national Honor Degree membership association separately 
        constituted as a subordinate and an auxiliary order chartered 
        by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Such 
        association shall be governed by and subject to the control of 
        the National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
        United States, the Commander-in-Chief and the National Council 
        of Administration. Grand Pup Tents (Department units) and Pup 
        Tents shall be governed by and subject to control of the 
        respective Department Convention, Commander and Council of 
        Administration or Post.
          (b) The Military Order of the Cootie shall be governed by 
        such by-Laws and Ritual as may be adopted by it, and by the 
        lawful orders issued by its national officers, provided such 
        By-Laws, Ritual and Orders do not conflict with the 
        Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure or Ritual 
        of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States or the 
        lawful orders or directives of the National Convention, the 
        Commander-in-Chief or the National Council of Administration of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
          (c) The Military Order of the Cootie may issue charters to 
        Grand Pup Tents and Pup Tents, provided that the establishment 
        of such Grand Pup Tents or Pup Tents shall have been approved 
        by the respective Department Convention or Post of the Veterans 
        of Foreign Wars of the United States and subject to its 
        control. Formation, control and disbandment of Grand Pup Tents 
        and Pup Tents, as well as suspension or cancellation of 
        charters, shall be in the manner prescribed in the Manual of 
        Procedure.
          (d) Auxiliary. The Military Order of the Cootie is authorized 
        to establish an Auxiliary for adult females and establish 
        eligibility for such Auxiliary, provided that membership shall 
        be limited to members in good standing in the Ladies Auxiliary 
        to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Such 
        association shall be subject to the control of the Supreme 
        Scratch (National Convention), Supreme Commander and Supreme 
        Council of Administration of the Military Order of the Cootie. 
        Grand Pup Tents and Pup Tents may authorize the establishment 
        and discontinuance of corresponding Auxiliaries in accordance 
        with the By-laws of the Military Order of the Cootie of the 
        United States, provided that an Auxiliary to a Pup Tent shall 
        be chartered only after approval by the Post with which it is 
        affiliated.'' [Adopted]

B-14 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
               article xii--military order of the cootie
    Amend Article XII, National By-Laws, by adding thereto new Sections 
designated Sections 1202, 1203 and 1204 as follows:
``SECTION 1202--ELIGIBILITY
    Eligibility for membership in the Military Order of the Cootie of 
the United States shall be limited to those members of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States (1) who, at the time of application, 
have been a member in good standing of his or her Post for the 
preceding six (6) months and (2) who have (a) completed satisfactory 
service on a major Post committee; or (b) satisfactorily performed Post 
duties or participated actively as a leader of Post functions, and (3) 
who have been approved for membership by a majority vote of the members 
present at a meeting of the Post. Application for membership and 
certification thereof will be in the manner prescribed in the Manual of 
Procedure.
SECTION 1203--BY-LAWS, RITUAL
    The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States may adopt 
such By-Laws and Ritual as are deemed necessary and may authorize Grand 
Pup Tents and Pup Tens to adopt By-Laws. In the event any part of the 
By-Laws and Ritual so adopted are inconsistent with the Congressional 
Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure or Ritual of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, or the By-Laws, Rules and 
Regulations and Procedures of the respective Department or Post, such 
part shall be considered null and void.
SECTION 1204--INCORPORATION
    (a) The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States is 
authorized to incorporate under appropriate not for profit corporation 
laws, provided such incorporation, and the Articles of Incorporation 
and any amendments thereto, are reviewed and approved by the Commander-
in-Chief and approved by a two-thirds vote of the National Scratch 
(National Convention) of the order and provided further that the 
Articles of Incorporation include those provisions specified in the 
Manual of Procedure. Failure to comply with these provisions will 
result in suspension or revocation of the Charter.
    (b) The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States may, by 
duly approved amendments to its By-Laws, authorize Grand Pup Tents and 
Pup Tents to Incorporate under appropriate not for profit corporation 
laws and may adopt such Rules and Regulations as are appropriate 
concerning such incorporation, provided that the respective Department 
or Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States approves 
such incorporation, which approval shall be in the same manner as for 
the initial formation of a Grand Pup Tent or Pup Tent, and approves the 
Articles of Incorporation and any amendments thereto and, provided 
further, that the Articles of Incorporation of any such corporation 
include the provisions specified in the Manual of Procedure. Should any 
state law prohibit the provisions specified in the Manual of Procedure 
for Articles of Incorporation, it shall be permissible to change the 
provisions sufficiently to conform to state law so long as the change 
is not inconsistent with the purposes of the Manual of Procedure 
provision. Failure to comply with those provisions will result in 
suspension or revocation of the charter.'' [Adopted]

B-15 Proposed by Department of Michigan
                        section 101--eligibility
    Amend Section 101, National By-Laws, by deleting the first 
paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``Anyone who has served honorably as an officer or enlisted person, 
whether on active duty, discharged under honorable conditions, released 
to inactive duty or retired, shall be eligible for membership:
          1. Who is a citizen of the United States.
          2. Who has served honorably outside he continental limits of 
        the United States with the Armed Forces of the United States.
          3. Whose service in the Armed Forces of the United States in 
        any foreign war, insurrection or expedition is recognized as 
        campaign medal service and governed by the authorization of the 
        issuance of a campaign badge (medal) by the government of the 
        United States of America.'' [Disapproved]

B-16 Proposed by Department of Europe
                       section 1102--eligibility
    Amend Section 1102, National By-Laws, by deleting the last sentence 
of the first paragraph and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
          ``Members must be not less than sixteen years old.'' 
        [Disapproved]

             PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL OF PROCEDURE

M-1 Recommended by National By-Law Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
            section 103--election, notification, obligation
    Amend Section 103, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the first two 
paragraphs and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``After the applicant has filled out and signed the application 
card, giving in detail the pertinent information required, the member 
proposing the applicant shall certify that he has reviewed the 
applicant's bona fide proof of eligibility and it should be handed to 
the Post Adjutant or Quartermaster, together with the admission fee and 
dues. The fee and dues are held by the Post Quartermaster and credited 
to the applicant until such time as the Post shall vote on the 
application. A temporary receipt shall be issued to the applicant.
    The application will be referred to a Post investigating committee 
of three members. The member proposing the applicant shall not be a 
member of the committee. The committee shall make a careful 
investigation of the facts set forth on the application card. After the 
committee shall have completed its investigation, the members thereof 
shall recommend the applicant's election or rejection by affixing their 
signatures on the application card.''
    Further amend Section 103, Manual of Procedure, by adding to the 
third paragraph the following:
    ``The original application of every member shall remain permanently 
on file in the Post's records.'' [Adopted]

M-2 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
                 section 714--control of mailing lists
    Amend Section 714, Manual of Procedure, by deleting all therein and 
substituting in lieu thereof the following:
    ``Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the 
National Organization or any Unit from soliciting its membership in a 
legitimate fund-raising enterprise in which it is financially 
interested; provided, however, that such enterprise has been approved 
by vote of members or delegates present at a regular or special meeting 
called for that purpose.
    Mailing lists provided by the National Headquarters of the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States for the use of subordinate units 
in contacting their own members shall remain under the control of the 
Commander-in-Chief and shall be used only for such purposes as he may 
authorize.'' [Adopted]

M-3 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
          section 1001--rules of order governing all meetings
    Amend Section 1001, Manual of Procedure, by inserting as rule 
number 24 the following:
          ``24. The presence, dispensation, and/or consumption of 
        alcoholic beverages in VFW meeting rooms during VFW meetings is 
        unacceptable and is prohibited.'' [Adopted]

M-4 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
               article xii--military order of the cootie
    Amend Article XII, Manual of Procedure, by deleting all therein and 
substituting in lieu thereof the following:

``SECTION 1201--FORMATION AND CONTROL

    (a) Formation and Control.
          (1) Pup Tents. Pup Tents may be formed and chartered in 
        accordance with the National Constitution and By-Laws of the 
        Military Order of the Cootie provided that no Pup Tent shall be 
        formed by less than fifteen (15) members in good standing of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and, 
        provided further that no Pup Tent shall be chartered unless the 
        Post with which such Pup Tent is to be affiliated has consented 
        to the chartering thereof. Consent shall require two-thirds 
        vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting, 
        provided that Post members are given written notice that a vote 
        will take place, such notice to be given the entire membership 
        in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the regular or 
        special meeting called for the aforementioned purpose. Each pup 
        Tent shall be assigned a number by the Military Order of the 
        Cootie.
          Each Pup Tent shall be subject to the control of the Post 
        with which it is affiliated. It shall also be subject to the 
        control of the Department Convention, Council of Administration 
        and Commander of its respective Department of the Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States with respect to matters 
        within their authority.
          Each Pup Tent shall function in accordance with the National 
        By-Laws and Ritual of the Military Order of the Cootie and 
        lawful orders issued by Supreme (National) and Department 
        officers of the Order, provided they do not conflict with the 
        Congressional Charter, By-Laws and Manual of Procedure of the 
        Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the By-Laws of 
        the Department in which it is situated or the Post with which 
        it is affiliated or lawful orders issued by the Commander-in-
        Chief, the National or Department Council of Administration or 
        Department Commander.
          (2) Grand Pup Tents (Department units). Grand Pup Tents may 
        be formed by a vote of the Department Convention. Each Grand 
        Pup Tent of the Military Order of the Cootie shall be governed 
        by and under the control of the Convention, Council of 
        Administration, and Commander of its respective Department of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, who shall 
        decide questions of law and usage for the Grand Pup Tent 
        subject to an appeal to the Commander-in-Chief or National 
        Council of Administration; but the Grand Pup Tent shall 
        function in accordance with the Supreme (National) By-Laws and 
        Ritual of the Military Order of the Cootie and lawful orders 
        issued by National and Department officers thereof, provided 
        they do not conflict with the Congressional Charter, By-Laws 
        and Manual of Procedure of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
        United States and By-Laws of the Department with which the 
        Grand Pup Tent is affiliated or the lawful orders issued by the 
        Commander-in-Chief and/or National or Department Council of 
        Administration and the Department Commander.
    (b) Suspension and Discontinuance.
          (1) The Commander-in-Chief or National Council of 
        Administration of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
        States may suspend the Supreme (National) Charter of the 
        Military Order of the Cootie for a period not to exceed sixty 
        (60) days, for conduct of the organization, its Convention, 
        National officers or National Council of Administration which 
        may be detrimental to the best interest of the Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States. The National Convention of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may, by two-
        thirds vote, cancel the charter of the Military Order of the 
        Cootie.
          (2) The Commander-in-Chief may direct the suspension, for a 
        period not to exceed sixty (60) days, or the cancellation of 
        the charter of any subordinate unit (Grand Pup Tent or Pup 
        Tent) of the Military Order of the Cootie, upon recommendation 
        of the Commander of the Department wherein such unit is 
        located, when it is shown the conduct of officers or members 
        thereof may be detrimental to the best interest of the Veterans 
        of Foreign Wars of the United States.
          (3) Disbanding of Pup Tent by a Post. A Post may, by vote of 
        eighty percent of its members present at a meeting following 
        written notice mailed or delivered to each member of the Post 
        in good standing at least ten (10) days before said meeting, 
        vote to request cancellation of the charter of its Pup Tent. 
        The notice must state the contemplated action and the reason 
        therefor. If the Post votes to request cancellation of the 
        charter of its Pup Tent, it shall certify the action in writing 
        and forward same to the Department Commander who shall forward 
        it to the Commander-in-Chief with his recommendation. If he 
        believes that it is in the best interest of the Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States to do so, the Commander-in-
        Chief shall direct the Supreme Commander of the Military Order 
        of the Cootie to cancel the charter of the Pup Tent.
          (4) While the charter of the Supreme (National) Organization 
        of the Military of the Cootie, or a subordinate unit thereof, 
        is suspended said unit shall not be permitted to function and 
        the officers thereof shall be without authority; provided, 
        however, it or its officers shall have the right to appeal to 
        the Commander-in-Chief to lift the suspension; and in the case 
        of suspension of the charter of the National Organization, an 
        appeal may be made to the National Council of Administration of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    (c) Suspension of Officers. The officers (elective and appointive) 
of the Military Order of the Cootie or of subordinate units thereof may 
be suspended by action of the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, subject to review by the National 
Council of Administration. While so suspended, the offending officer or 
officers of the Military Order of the Cootie shall be without 
authority, and if it is found that the conduct of an officer or 
officers thereof is detrimental to the best interest of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, the National Council of 
Administration of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may 
order the removal of such officer or officers.
    (d) Disposition of Property. In the event of a surrender, 
cancellation or forfeiture of a charter of a subordinate unit of the 
Military Order of the Cootie, all official records, money and other 
property shall be surrendered to such officer or officers as is 
provided in the Supreme (National) By-Laws and Ritual of the Military 
Order of the Cootie.
    (e) Reports.
          (1) The Supreme (National) Commander of the Military Order of 
        the Cootie shall, within thirty (30) days after induction into 
        officer, submit to the Commander-in-Chief an itemized report of 
        the financial and membership status of the National 
        Organization of the Military Order of the Cootie for his 
        information and for submission by him to the National Council 
        of Administration.
          (2) The Grand Commander of the Military Order of the Cootie 
        shall, within thirty (30) days after induction into office, 
        submit to the Department Commander of the Veterans of Foreign 
        Wars of the United States an itemized report of the financial 
        and membership status of the Grand Pup Tent (Department unit) 
        of the Military Order of the Cootie for his information and for 
        submission by him to the Department Council of Administration.
    (f) Liaison. The Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States shall appoint a committee who shall meet with a 
committee appointed by the Supreme (National) Commander of the Military 
Order of the Cootie. This combined committee shall meet at intervals 
between National Conventions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States to consider all matters affecting the welfare of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States insofar as the activities 
of the Military Order of the Cootie are concerned. The purpose of this 
committee shall be to coordinate the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and the activities of the Military Order of the Cootie so 
that there shall be full compliance with the Congressional Charter, By-
Laws and Manual of Procedure of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and best interest of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and the Military Order of the Cootie are furthered.
    (g) Auxiliary Approval by Post. No Pup Tent Auxiliary shall be 
chartered unless the Post with which such Pup Tent is affiliated has 
consented to the chartering thereof. Such consent shall be given in the 
same manner as consent to the chartering of the Pup Tent as provided in 
this section.
SECTION 1202--ELIGIBILITY
    An application for membership in the Military Order of the Cootie 
must be accompanied by a certificate verifying satisfaction of the 
requirements for membership specified in the By-Laws. The certificate 
shall bear the endorsement of the Post Commander attested by the Post 
Adjutant.
SECTION 1203--BY-LAWS, RITUAL
    (See Sec. 1203 By-Laws)
SECTION 1204--INCORPORATION
    (a) The Articles of Incorporation of the Military Order of the 
Cootie of the United States, should it incorporate, and any amendments 
thereto, must have the following provisions:
          (1) The active and voting membership of this corporation 
        shall, at all times, consist of and be confined to the active 
        membership in good standing of the Military Order of the Cootie 
        of the United States and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
        United States.
          (2) This incorporated organization shall be and remain under 
        the jurisdiction of the National Convention, Commander-in-Chief 
        and National Council of Administration of the Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States and subject to its charter, 
        By-Laws and Manual of Procedure and the By-Laws and Ritual of 
        the Military Order of the Cootie.
          (3) In the event of a dissolution of this corporation, or the 
        simultaneous dissolution of this corporation and the forfeiture 
        of the charter issued to it by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
        the United States, title to all of the assets shall pass to the 
        Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to be disposed of 
        according to its By-Laws. At no time shall the assets of the 
        corporation be distributed among the individual members 
        thereof.
          (4) The Articles shall, in addition, contain a provision 
        specifically excluding from the powers of the corporation the 
        power to own or hold real property. (b) The Articles of 
        Incorporation of any Grand Pup Tent or Pup Tent, should it 
        incorporate, and any amendments thereto, must include the 
        following provisions:
          (1) The active and voting membership of this corporation 
        shall, at all times, consist of and be confined to the active 
        membership in good standing of the (Grand Pup Tent, Military 
        Order of the Cootie, Department of                , Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States) or (Pup Tent, Military Order 
        of the Cootie, Post            , Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
        the United States).
          (2) This incorporated organization shall be and at all times 
        remain under the jurisdiction of the National Convention, 
        Supreme Commander and National Council of Administration of the 
        Military Order of the Cootie of the United States, the 
        Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
        United States and the (Department of                    , 
        Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) and subject to 
        the By-Laws and Ritual of the Military Order of the Cootie of 
        the United States and the Charter, By-Laws and Manual of 
        Procedure of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
          (3) In the event of a dissolution of this corporation or the 
        simultaneous dissolution of this corporation and loss or 
        forfeiture of its charter, title to all assets shall pass to 
        the Grand Pup Tent of                    , Military Order of 
        the Cootie of the United States to be disposed of according to 
        the By-Laws. At no time shall the assets of this corporation be 
        distributed among the individual members thereof.
          (4) The Articles shall, in addition,contain a provision 
        specifically excluding from the power of the corporation the 
        power to own or hold real property.'' [Adopted]

M-5 Proposed by Department of Michigan
                        section 101--eligibility
    Amend Section 101, Manual of Procedure, by deleting the following 
in the first paragraph thereof:
          ``(2) Honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United 
        States;'' and inserting in lieu thereof the following ``(2) 
        Honorable service outside the continental limits of the United 
        States with the Armed Forces of the United States;'' 
        [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 under the heading 
``INSTALLATION OF POST OFFICERS'' on page 49 by deleting the second 
sentence, ``The installing officer first reads warrant aloud and then 
says.'' [Adopted]

R-2 Recommended by National By-Laws Review Committee Proposed by 
        Commander-in-Chief
    Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars under the heading 
``INSTALLATION OF OFFICER (National and Department)'' by inserting the 
following after the fifth (5) line on page 59:
          ``Installing Officer: Does the Adjutant General have on file 
        proof of eligibility for all officers to be installed during 
        this installation?
          Commander-in-Chief: He has.
          Installing Officer: I would remind any officer not having 
        proof of eligibility on file and not being installed at this 
        time that the By-Laws prescribe you must, within sixty (60) 
        days of election or appointment, submit to the Adjutant General 
        for his file a copy of your proof of eligibility.'' [Adopted]

R-3 Proposed by Department of New York

    Amend the Ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars under the heading 
``Chapel Service'' by inserting the following after the tenth (10) 
paragraph following the word ``Air Force'' on page 94:
    ``Our departed comrades of the Marines no longer look toward 
beachhead landings, dense jungles or tours on foreign soil.'' [Adopted]

   RESOLUTIONS CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON AMERICANISM AND COMMUNITY 
                               ACTIVITIES

No. 101  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                         u.s. flag desecration
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that all VFW Posts and Auxiliaries 
promote a CITIZENS PETITIONS DRIVE requesting that the U.S. Congress 
propose to the states an amendment to the Constitution of the United 
States which prohibits the physical desecration of the United States 
flag; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all VFW Posts and Auxiliaries 
institute programs to educate our youth and adults in the area of 
proper flag respect through our Americanism and Citizenship Education 
Programs. [Adopted]

No. 102  Submmitted by many Departments
       support and promote voice of democracy scholarship program
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we highly commend and endorse 
the annual Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program and that we urge our 
members through the sponsorship of the respective units to support and 
promote increased participation opportunities and student involvement 
in an unparalleled Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program during the 
1994/95 year thereby contributing invaluably to the understanding of 
freedom and democracy by today's youth in keeping with the patriotic, 
historical and educational objectives of our organization. [Adopted]

No. 103  Submitted by many Departments
  cooperation with national and state organizations to promote youth, 
                     safety and patriotic programs
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we recognize this relationship 
and extend sincere appreciation to each of these organizations for 
their cooperation in the development and promotion of youth, safety and 
patriotic programs; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That during the year ahead, we urge our 
Posts, Districts, County Councils and Departments to maintain and to 
strengthen their ties with the American Academy of Achievement, Youth 
American Bowling Alliance, American Youth Soccer Organizations, Boy 
Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Further Farmers of 
America, 4-H Clubs, Freedoms Foundation, National Rifle Association of 
America, National and State Association of Broadcasters, State 
Superintendents and Commissioners of Education, all ROTC chapters and 
recruiting commands, Special Olympics, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Chapters 
and all other groups, associations and organizations of similar 
character and interests. [Adopted]

No. 104   Submitted by many Departments
            oppose any action to change our national anthem
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we reaffirm mandates of 
previous conventions to oppose any legislation introduced in either the 
U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate which initiates action 
to change our National Anthem. [Adopted]

No. 105  Submitted by many Departments
  oppose any effort that would ban the pledge of allegiance in public 
                                schools
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly oppose any effort 
that would call for banning the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance 
in the American school system. [Adopted]

No. 106  Submitted by Department of Washington
                    censor/remove henry b. gonzalez
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives of the United States to invoke Article 1, 
Section 2, Clause 5 and Article 14, Section 3 of the United States 
Constitution and either officially censure Henry B. Gonzalez and/or 
remove the man from office, for his despicable seditious attestation, 
that the ``Pledge of Allegiance'' given by our elected representatives 
resembles ``a good herd of Nazis'' giving some sort of repugnant 
``Hitliarian Seig Heil''. [Disapproved]

No. 107  Submitted by Department of Delaware
    english as the official language of the united states of america
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the adoption of 
legislation establishing the English language as the official language 
of the United States of America; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent both 
to the Representatives and Senators, requesting their support in the 
enactment of laws proclaiming English as the official language of the 
United States of America. [Adopted]

No. 108  Submitted by Department of Vermont
                              memorial day
    [Disapproved]

No. 109  Submitted by Department of Louisiana
                 proper respect to our national anthem
    [Disapproved]

No. 110  Submitted by Department of Nebraska
                             hunter safety
    [Disapproved]

No. 111  Submitted by Department of Montana
                              memorial day
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request the Congress of the 
United States to reestablish May 30th as Memorial Day. [Approved]

No. 112  Submitted by Department of Oregon
               as amended national flag celebration week
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge now and forever the 
Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in 
Congress assembled, that the week in which June 14 occurs shall be 
declared as ``National Flag Celebration Week,'' during which citizens 
shall be encouraged to display the flag of the United States of America 
to study it's history and the ideals it represents, and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President also sign a proclamation 
supporting a National Flag week. [Adopted as Amended]

No. 113  Submitted by Department of Indiana
                         a tribute to the flag
    [Disapproved]

No. 114  Submitted by Department of California
                     in celebration of america week
    [Disapproved]

No. 115  Submitted by Department of Michigan
                        ''meet you at the pole''
    [Disapproved]

No. 116  Submitted by Department of Texas
                             flag etiquette
    [Disapproved]

No. 117  Submitted by Department of Pennsylvania
     support senate resolution #132 (return memorial day to may 30)
    [Disapproved]

      CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION

No. 201  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-
        Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and many Departments
                      amend congressional charter
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we direct the Commander-in-
Chief to take such steps as are appropriate to cause the Congress to 
amend Section 5 of the Congressional Charter of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States to make eligible for membership veterans that 
have served within the territorial limits of Korea. [Adopted]

No. 202  Submitted by Department of Connecticut
  life membership card designating commandership on all levels of the 
                        veterans of foreign wars
    [Disapproved]

No. 203  Submitted by Department of Kentucky
 referred to committee on americanism and community activities sons of 
                                the vfw
    [Disapproved]

No. 204  Submitted by Department of Kansas
request for reconsideration of 1994-95 commander-in-chief's membership 
                                program
    [Disapproved]

No. 205  Submitted by Department of New Jersey
                        sale of vfw buddy poppy
    [Disapproved]

No. 206  Submitted by Department of Nebraska
                      amend congressional charter
    [Disapproved]

No. 207  Submitted by Department of Colorado and Michigan
               100th anniversary 1999 national convention
    [Disapproved]

No. 208  Submitted by Department of New York
referred to committee on americanism and community activities eliminate 
                    age requirement for sons of vfw
    [Disapproved]

No. 209  Submitted by Department of Minnesota
                   safe student transportation award
    [Disapproved]

No. 210  Submitted by Department of Tennessee
       posts to establish fund to support korean war association
    [Disapproved]

No. 211  Submitted by Department of Michigan
                  provide vfw cancer insurance program
    [Disapproved]

No. 212  Submitted by Department of Michigan
                   amend national membership program
    [Disapproved]

No. 213  Submitted by Department of Illinois
                            ``buddy poppy''
    [Disapproved]

No. 214  Submitted by Department of Illinois
 print constitution, by-laws, ritual and podium edition in loose-leaf 
                                  form
    [Disapproved]

No. 215  Submitted by Department of California
referred to committee on americanism and community activities eliminate 
                  age restriction for sons of the vfw
    [Disapproved]

No. 216  Submitted by Department of Virginia
             abolish the political action committee program
    [Disapproved]

No. 217  Submitted by Department of Minnesota
 change of wording in resolutions to by-laws, rules, ritual and manual 
                              of procedure
    [Disapproved]

No. 218  Submitted by Department of Minnesota
                  proponent at resolutions committees
    [Disapproved]

             CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON GENERAL RESOLUTIONS

No. 301  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
               veterans day off for all military veterans
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request the President and 
Congress to issue a joint declaration encouraging business and industry 
leaders and government agencies to honor those employees who are 
bonafide military veterans with an excused absence from the work place 
on Veterans Day, beginning on November 11, 1994, and continuing in each 
year thereafter; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each VFW Department request a similar 
joint declaration from their respective governors and state 
legislatures; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars honor 
three employers each year at its National Convention, who have granted 
their veteran-employees a holiday from work on Veterans Day. (Adopted)

No. 302  Submitted by Department of Maine
          issue commemorative postage stamp honoring pow/mia's
    [Disapproved]

No. 303  Submitted by Department of Maine (as amended)
 issue commemorative postage stamp to honor 2nd lieutenant audie murphy
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress for a 
commemorative stamp to honor the memory of this great American, 2nd 
Lieutenant Audi Murphy, whose patriotism and sacrifice for his country 
will not be forgotten. [Adopted]

No. 304  Submitted by Department of Missouri
 endorse 50th anniversary truman president by truman library and museum
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we go on record as supporting 
the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the Truman Presidency and the 
events being sponsored by the Truman Library and Museum. [Adopted]

No. 305  Submitted by Department of Nevada
              endorse second amendment to the constitution
    [Disapproved]

No. 306  Submitted by Department of Washington
             vietnam veterans memorial names--``the wall''
    [Disapproved]

No. 307  Submitted by Department of Wyoming
             opposing gun control by handgun control, inc.
    [Disapproved]

No. 308  Submitted by Department of Kansas
     commendation for refurbishing and the display of the enola gay
    [Disapproved]

No. 309  Submitted by Department of Nebraska
         expansion of the heartland museum of military vehicles
    [Disapproved]

No. 310  Submitted by Department of Louisiana
                         oppose d.c. statehood
    [Disapproved]

No. 311  Submitted by Department of Colorado
  support for military veterans in obtaining united states citizenship
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we actively assist and support 
our comrades in obtaining U.S. Citizenship; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States attempt to persuade the United States Government to 
expeditiously process and approve the applications of foreign 
nationals, who have served and been honorably discharged from the Armed 
Forces of the United States, for U.S. Citizenship. [Adopted]

No. 312  Submitted by Department of Colorado
            remove copyright protection in public law 99-652
    [Disapproved]

No. 313  Submitted by Department of New York
                          issue pow/mia stamp
    [Disapproved]

No. 314  Submitted by Department of New York
                            a pow/mia stamp
    [Disapproved]

No. 315  Submitted by Department of New York
 u.s. memorial in memory of u.s. service personnel buried in american 
                           cemetery at manila
    [Disapproved]

No. 316  Submitted by Department of Oregon
                              gun control
    [Disapproved]

No. 317  Submitted by Department of Tennessee
                  smithsonian exhibit of the enola gay
    [Disapproved]

No. 319  Submitted by Department of Illinois
              enforcement of existing laws on gun control
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the efforts of government 
should be directed to the enforcement of existing laws rather than the 
regulation of the purchase, licensing, registration, taxing, banning 
and possession of firearms by the millions of our citizens who desire 
hem for traditionally legitimate purposes; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the nation's press, television and 
radio commentators and government agencies be urged to cease seeking a 
panacea for this problem by the enactment of more laws but instead, the 
media should urge that the government provide the funds and manpower 
for more effective enforcement of present laws directed against 
criminal actions, assure speedy trials unencumbered by technical 
defenses, forbid plea-bargaining in violent crimes, impose safeguards 
against unwarranted probation and parole of convicted persons, and 
initiate long overdue reforms of our penal system so that it securely 
incarcerates enemies of society while rehabilitating young wrong-doers 
who are not yet hardened criminals. [Adopted]

No. 320  Submitted by Department of California
         perpetuate the memory and history of our dead in wwii
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request the American Battle 
Monuments Commission (ABMC) of the Federal Government to authorize the 
design and construction of a World War II Memorial Cenotaph in Area I 
of the District of Columbia; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cenotaph contain memorial walls 
listing the names of these fallen American Hero's. [Adopted]

No. 321  Submitted by Department of California
     u.s. postmaster general designation of a pow/mia postage stamp
    [Disapproved]

No. 322  Submitted by Department of California
                      pow/mia recognition week/day
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon the Congress of 
the United States to cause a law to be enacted whereby the third (3rd) 
week of September of each year, and the third (3rd) Saturday of 
September of each year be set aside as POW/MIA Recognition Week and 
POW/MIA Recognition DAy respectively; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such law requires the accepted version 
of the POW/MIA Flag be flown for the entire scheduled week, at every 
government agency and military installation where possible so as to 
honor and assure these veterans that THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. 
[Adopted]

No. 323  Submitted by Department of California (as amended)
                 refugee status for major nguyen quy an
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the President and the 
Congress of the United States to grant Major An and his daughter 
refugee status. [Adopted as Amended]

No. 324  Submitted by Department of California
       prior military service credit by public retirement systems
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly advocate the 
granting of retirement credit for prior military service by all 
publicly financed retirement systems at a reasonable cost to active and 
retired members (such as the employee/retiree paying the normal 
employee share). [Adopted]

No. 325  Submitted by Department of California
       the acquisition of building on deactivated military bases
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that every consideration be given to 
requests made by either the Department of Veterans Affairs, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, or other congressionally chartered veterans 
service organizations for the government to donate excess military base 
properties for the purpose of serving our Nation's veterans. [Adopted]

No. 326  Submitted by Department of Texas
  utilization of facilities at closed military installations to house 
                            criminal inmates
    [Disapproved]

No. 327  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
legislation by the congress to award medal of honor to colonel john w. 
                                mitchell
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we reaffirm our support for the 
Congress to adopt this legislation to award the Medal of Honor to 
Colonel Mitchell and that we call upon our Legislative Services in 
Washington, D.C. to continue its efforts to secure the passage of H.R. 
3017 in the House and S1836 in the Senate; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we ask each of our Departments to call 
upon their respective Congressmen and Senators to both support and co-
sponsor these Bills. [Adopted]

No. 328  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                     proudly display the enola gay
    [Disapproved]

No. 329  Submitted by Department of Pennsylvania
                  concerning chapel of four chaplains
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we concur with this resolution 
and to withdraw all support, moral and financial from the Chapel of 
Four. [Adopted]

No. 330  Submitted by Department of Pennsylvania
    prevent desecration of memory of brave & honored fallen comrades
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact 
legislation to the effect that the use of any National Cemetery, War or 
Veterans Memorial, or other such property or edifice, being publicly 
owned, for any political purpose whatsoever, excepting those to be 
commonly accepted as being patriotic or memorial in nature be 
prohibited under force of law; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the use of any bunting, streamers, 
symbols or other decorations of any type other than those commonly 
accepted as being patriotic in nature be banned. [Adopted]

No. 331  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                oppose the enola gay smithsonian exhibit
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to exercise 
the necessary oversight to immediately review the plans for this 
exhibit and deny all federal funds because it lacks historical accuracy 
and does not comply with either the spirit or intent of Sections 77a 
and 80a of Title 20 cited above. [Adopted]

No. 332  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-
        Chief and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief
                 national convention parade alternative
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that a patriotic rally be held as an 
alternative to the Annual Military Parade at the 96th National 
Convention in Phoenix, Arizona; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that the National Council of Administration 
be empowered to decide annually if a military parade or an alternative 
form of patriotic salute will be held during the next National 
Convention and that such decision be made at the October meeting of the 
National Council of Administration and promptly promulgated throughout 
the organization in the General Orders and the VFW Magazine. [Adopted]

    CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

No. 401  Submitted by many Departments
                   support public awareness projects
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of 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 provide 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 address lists; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that each Department exercise maximum 
initiatives 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, as appropriate, at any 
        function at which it is proper to fly the U.S. Flag;
          (b) work closely with family and reputable POW/MIA 
        organizations at all major events and render cooperation and 
        support to them;
          (c) encourage support of information exchange at Post levels;
          (d) 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 annually announced POW/MIA Recognition Day. [Adopted]

No. 402  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
         seek opportunities to resolve the korean war pow issue
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the VFW remains determined to 
resolve the status of Americans still unaccounted for in Korea; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that the VFW urges the U.S. and Republic of 
Korea governments to increase their contact with the North Korean and 
Chinese governments and thus seek new opportunities 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 Korean and U.S. governments, will 
continue its active efforts to resolve the issue of Korean War POW/
MIAs. (Adopted as Amended)

No. 403  Submitted by many Departments
                      the lessons of the cold war
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of 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 continuing threats; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that in contrast to the Korean and 
Vietnamese Wars, the lessons of the Gulf War are apparent to ensure 
victory in future wars, the United States, led by resolute political 
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. (Adopted)

No. 404  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
       limit foreign ownership of u.s. businesses and properties
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to enact 
legislation to limit foreign ownership of United States corporations, 
companies, businesses and property and industrial technologies 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. 
[Adopted as amended)

No. 405  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                 stop illegal immigration at the border
    Be it Further Resolved, that, as appropriate, military resources be 
employed to assist in stopping the flow of illegal aliens into the 
country; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that the President and the Congress should 
carefully consider new legislation which would incorporate the results 
and recommendations of the recent bipartisan review of the 1986 
Immigration Act. [Adopted as amended]

No. 406  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                      it's time to push castro out
    Be it Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that urge the U.S. Government to 
continue its present policy of no trade with Communist Cuba and no 
diplomatic recognition of that communist state and to increase the 
economic and political pressure on Castro; and
    Be it Further Resolved, that we urge the U.S. Government to use all 
measures short of violence and/or invasion to increase the pressure on 
Castro which, in conjunction with his isolation, to hasten the time 
until Castro's dictatorship is overthrown and Cuba can regain its 
freedom. (Adopted as Amended)

No. 407  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                         punish terrorists now
    Be it Further Resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we continue to urge 
that the U.S. take decisive action against the Qadhaffi regime to bring 
justice to those responsible for the destruction of PanAm Flight 103 
and to serve as a warning that all terrorists--no matter what country 
gives them refuge--will be hunted down and brought to justice; 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 
        passively remaining on the defense;
          (b) instituting a quarantine of those ``outlaw countries'' 
        guilty of harboring or aiding terrorists; and
          (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 until the Libyan intelligence officers are turned over 
for trial. (Adopted as Amended)

No. 408  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
            strategic defense should be a strategic priority
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly endorse and urge 
others to endorse the deployment of a defense against ballistic 
missiles before the end of this century as a first priority defense 
requirement; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President and the Congress 
to reverse their priorities and to reestablish strategic defense as a 
strategic priority for this country with appropriate levels of funding 
to assure this is accomplished as soon as possible. [Adopted as 
amended]

No. 409  Submitted by many Departments
               the future is brighter in central america
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that our Government increase its 
surveillance against the dangers of continued Cuban subversion and the 
drug cartels to ensure that neither communists nor hostile 
dictatorships ever again pose a threat to the region and that Congress 
appropriate necessary funds to support this requirement as well as to 
provide assistance to the free governments of the region. [Adopted]

No. 410  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                   add the b-2 bomber to our arsenal
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we endorse, support and urge 
others to support the production and deployment of the B-2 Stealth 
Bomber as a vital part of a stronger strategic triad. [Adopted as 
amended]

No. 411  Submitted by many Departments
               protect our technology and industrial base
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the U.S. Government to 
institute support for and protection of new technology to prevent the 
erosion of our national economy and national security; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. industrial base which is 
absolutely essential to a fully capable military not be allowed to 
erode and that it be protected from foreign domination. [Adopted]

No. 412  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
 oppose lifting the defense department ban on homosexuals in the armed 
                                 forces
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we unequivocally oppose the 
efforts of the President and of homosexual organizations to force the 
military service to accept and/or retain homosexuals and urge that this 
matter be taken before the Supreme Court to seek financial judicial 
reaffirmation of the homosexual exclusion policy; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned Code should be 
rewritten in an effort to dismiss any possible question of the denial 
of civil rights based on moral, religious or ethical behavior, as it is 
not the intent to inflict that upon said persons, rather a just concern 
for the good order, discipline, stability and readiness of our Armed 
Forces and its operations. [Adopted as amended]

No. 413  Submitted by many Departments
concerning the granting of asylum or residence, temporary or permanent, 
   in the united states or its territories to any leader, president, 
                          monarch or dictator
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge our United States 
Senators and Representatives and the President of the United States not 
to allow the granting of political asylum to former heads of state who 
are guilty of such acts of inhumanity against their people. [Adopted]

No. 414  Submitted by many Departments
                 maintain an effective u.s. coast guard
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars 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 numerous duties including, but not limited to, drug 
enforcement, military readiness, pollution control, maritime safety, 
search and rescue missions as well as their many other duties and 
missions. [Adopted]

    No. 415  Submitted by many Departments
                       standing firm for freedom
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we stand firm for freedom and 
in furtherance of the ideals of freedom and democracy, we support a 
foreign policy that nourishes the newly won freedoms in Europe and 
elsewhere and remain firm against both the possibility of the reversal 
of Europe's freedom and the threats to other important regions of the 
world. [Adopted]

No. 416  Submitted by many Departments
              national strategy of peace through strength
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of 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) helping our friends and allies defend themselves against 
        aggression;
          (c) helping formerly communist controlled countries in their 
        process of converting to freely elected democratic governments;
          (d) maintaining effective security and intelligence 
        capabilities to prevent strategic surprise from any quarter;
          (e) maintaining such strategic, nuclear and conventional 
        military forces (including Active, Reserve and National Guard 
        components) equipped with such high technology weapons and 
        equipment which in the judgement of our military leaders are 
        more than equal to the current threats and adequate to our 
        current defense requirements; and
          (f) maintaining the leadership necessary to inspire, focus 
        and unite the national will and international unity to further 
        our goal of peace and freedom. [Adopted]

    No. 417  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
               a common sense military balance in europe
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that while we continue to support 
military withdrawals and reductions as agreed to by the NATO Alliance, 
the changing circumstances in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of 
Independent States require the residual presence of such combat ready 
ground, air and naval forces as the NATO military commander recommends 
and NATO's political authority have approved; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such U.S. forces remain based in 
Europe and that the United States retain such land, sea and air bases 
as necessary to support military operations in Europe and elsewhere; 
and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States reaffirms our support for the continued existence of the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its military structure 
and strategy in Europe for the foreseeable future. [Adopted as amended]

No. 418  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                  keeping our eyes on the pow/mia goal
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we reaffirm our steadfast 
commitment to the goal of the fullest possible accounting of our 
missing men and that this issue will remain for us a non-negotiable 
matter of honor and a duty to be fulfilled not only for those lost in 
Southeast Asia but also those lost in World War II, the Korean War and 
the Cold War; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in consideration of the increasing 
cooperation by Vietnam, the VFW recognizes that at some point in time, 
but only after significant results have been achieved through Vietnam/
U.S. cooperative efforts, we should lift the constraints of the 
economic embargo and move towards normalizing diplomatic relations 
thereby encouraging even greater cooperation toward our goal of the 
fullest possible accounting; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any VFW decision to change our 
strategy regarding the pace and scope of establishing economic and 
diplomatic relations with Vietnam be guided by our own opinions, 
factual findings and judgements based not only on our findings during 
periodic visits to the countries of the region but also on the best 
information available; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that during VFW periodic visits to 
Southeast Asia, our representatives attempt to open dialogue with and 
contact such humanitarian, social and fraternal organizations as may 
exist and to use such dialogue/contacts to further pursue our POW/MIA 
goal of the fullest possible accounting. [Adopted as amended]

No. 419  Submitted by many Departments
                military service: an honored profession
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of 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 service; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our elected and appointed officials 
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 have served and 
sacrificed. [Adopted]

No. 420  Submitted by many Departments [As amended]
                  support for start treaties i and ii
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support Strategic Arms 
Reduction Treaties I and II which promise to increase U.S. security and 
stability in the U.S.-Russian nuclear relationship; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should credible evidence be uncovered 
of cheating or deception on the terms of the Treaties or their 
verification regimes, the Veterans of Foreign Wars will take such 
action as necessary to promote and preserve a strong national defense. 
[Adopted as amended]

No. 421  Submitted by many Departments
     strengthen intelligence services to prevent strategic surprise
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the expansion of our 
national intelligence agencies to be better able to cope with the rapid 
changes in the world and to ensure that we will have adequate warning 
of future political, military, economic or technological 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. [Adopted]

No. 422  Submitted by many Departments
                 limit u.s. role in yugoslav civil war
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that while we are seriously 
concerned about the Yugoslavian civil war and its effects on the people 
of Yugoslavia, and in consideration of the views of our military 
leaders, rather than playing a direct role in this conflict, we urge 
the President and Congress to support the active role of the United 
Nations to bring about an early end to the conflict, to provide relief 
for those still suffering, and to enforce such truce agreements and 
peace treaties as may be required to terminate the conflict; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that U.S. forces not be employed in any 
combat role or mission and that U.S. military forces employed in 
support of the UN only be placed under a U.S. military commander and 
authorized to defend themselves if attacked; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that at the termination of this conflict, 
those reports of atrocities be investigated by an international 
tribunal of the United Nations and those accused of such atrocities be 
brought to trial and justice. [Adopted]

No. 423  Submitted by many Departments
                   support for the republic of korea
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the United States to 
increase its military aid and assistance to the Republic of Korea by 
providing modern state of the art, weapons and technology to safeguard 
her freedom, sustain her development, and promote the Pacific and Asian 
regions; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States provide a strong, 
flexible military force in the Republic of Korea to vigorously respond 
to any military and/or political aggression by North Korea; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States in concert with its 
allies bring pressure to bear on North Korea to immediately cease its 
efforts to develop nuclear weapons and comply with the safeguard accord 
of the International Atomic Energy Agency. [Adopted]

No. 424  Submitted by many Departments
              support for the republic of china on taiwan
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the President and 
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 
as may be necessary to maintain adequate defense capabilities to 
provide for a military balance and stability in the area; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President of the United 
States to proceed on schedule with the previously approved sale of the 
F-16 aircraft to the Republic of China; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the President and the Congress 
of the United States to support any bid by the Republic of China on 
Taiwan to rejoin the United Nations; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the continued promotion of 
commercial, technological, educational and cultural relationships and 
exchanges between the United States and the Republic of China on 
Taiwan. [Adopted]

No. 425  Submitted by many Departments
                  support the exclusion of iraqi pows
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the bipartisan 
request from the members of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge 
the Secretary of State, Secretary of Health and Human Services and the 
President to withdraw the refugee status to be granted to these former 
Iraqi soldiers. [Adopted]

No. 426 Submitted by many Departments
          take action now to prevent future pow/mia tragedies
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we believe that prior to the 
conclusion of any future hostilities, the U.S. Government insist and 
ensure that there are ironclad guarantees in any truce, peace or 
surrender agreements to provide for the fullest possible accounting of 
all our POW/MIAs; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Congress of the United States must 
vigorously exercise oversight responsibility over the Executive Branch 
Departments and their policies, priorities and procedures to ensure the 
fullest possible accounting is achieved at the earliest opportunity and 
the Congress undertake a review of existing laws, regulations and 
procedures to prevent such future POW/MIA tragedies. [Adopted]

No. 427  Submitted by many Departments
               grant the afem to veterans of el salvador
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that in light of the successful 
campaign and resulting democratic peace recently achieved in El 
Salvador, we urge the Department of Defense to award the Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal to those U.S. military personnel assigned to the 
U.S. Military Group in El Salvador between January 1979 and December 
1991, and whose assignment to the unit consisted of 60 days or more and 
entitles them in Imminent Danger Pay. [Adopted]

No. 428  Submitted by many Departments
                oppose u.s. forces under foreign command
    [Disapproved]

No. 429  Submitted by Department of Georgia
                   support public awareness projects
    [Disapproved]

No. 430  Submitted by Department of Kansas
    armed forces expeditionary medal navy medical augmentation team 
                    operation urgent fury (grenada)
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff to recognize the direct support and participation by the U.S. 
Navy Medical Augmentation Response Team in Operation Urgent Fury and 
thereby ensure that members of the team are awarded the Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal in recognition of their participation. [Adopted]

No. 431  Submitted by Department of Colorado
                   support public awareness projects
    [Disapproved]

No. 432  Submitted by Department of Louisiana (as amended)
                     surrender of u.s. sovereignty
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon Congress to reject 
any effort to surrender the United States military, our independent 
foreign policy and supreme sovereignty to the United Nations. [Adopted 
as amended]

No. 433  Submitted by Department of Europe
                   supporting a korean service medal
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request Congress to take 
action to award a proper service medal to military personnel who have 
served in Korea assigned to units along the DMZ from July 1, 1954 to 
September 30, 1966 and from July 1, 1974 to a date yet to be 
determined. [Adopted]

No. 434  Submitted by Department of Oregon
 uphold current ban on homosexuals serving in the active, reserve and 
               national guard forces of the united states
    [Disapproved]

No. 435  Submitted by Department of Virginia (as amended)
        americans who are prisoners of war or missing in action
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that in order to display our 
national unity we urge the President of the United States and every 
member of the United States Congress to continue to speak out 
forcefully on this issue concerning missing U.S. Servicemen. [Adopted 
as amended]

No. 436  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
               no to u.s. military intervention in haiti
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose the use of U.S. 
troops in Haiti to bail out failed diplomatic initiatives and economic 
embargoes designed to support misguided moralistic policies not in the 
nationl self-interest. [Adopted]

No. 437  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief (as amended)
                oppose u.s. forces under foreign command
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of 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 who are operating exclusively under orders 
from the United Nations.
    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. 
[Adopted as amended]

No. 438  Submitted by Department of Pennsylvania
      congress urged to reexamine all-volunteer military services
    [Disapproved]

No. 439  Submitted by Department of Pennsylvania
                  keeping our eyes on the pow/mia goal
    [Disapproved]

No. 440  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                           no women in combat
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we go on record as opposing the 
assignment of women within the Armed Forces to jobs that call for them 
to aggressively seek out, close with and kill or capture the enemy 
forces; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the United States Congress to 
exercise its responsibility and examine these personnel assignment 
policies of the Defense Department with the view of passage of 
legislation restricting the assignment of women from direct combat 
positions. [Adopted]

No. 441  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                demand iraq account for kuwaiti missing
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the United States 
Government to take such action as necessary, either unilaterally or 
through our allies or the United Nations, that will force Iraq to 
account for those Kuwaiti citizens still missing. [Adopted]

No. 442  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                support for united states naval training
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly support and 
emphasize the need for our Nation's leadership to provide whatever 
funding, equipment and physical plant facilities as may be required to 
ensure continuance of the best and most professional training and 
education on the world for our sailors, Marines and Cost Guard 
personnel which will enable our deployed fleet Naval and Marine forces, 
albeit reduced in size and numbers, to maintain the combat edge and 
superiority which will continue to guarantee free and open maritime 
commerce and ensure America's ability to respond quickly to any global 
crises which threaten our national interests and security from the sea; 
and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the consolidation of 
military training in combat systems mutually agreed upon by all 
services by strongly maintaining the integrity of each service to train 
its own personnel in service-unique specialties such as helicopter 
training, carrier aircraft and others where the demands of Navy-Marine-
Coast Guard operations at sea are uniquely different from those of 
other land-based services. [Adopted]

No. 443  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                 support retention of selective service
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of 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 maintain the Selective Service System. [Adopted]

No. 444  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
           support for the u.s. army's school of the americas
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we hereby go on record in full 
support of the U.S. Army's School of the Americas at Fort Benning, 
Georgia and urge the U.S. Congress to fully fund the continued 
operation of this important instrument for influencing and 
strengthening democracy in Latin America. [Adopted]

No. 445  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
              support for a reinvigorated merchant marine
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we believe a Merchant Marine 
fleet and a viable ship building industrial base are necessary to our 
national security and our global economic competitiveness; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support legislative initiatives to 
preserve a modernized U.S. flag merchant fleet and an economically 
viable ship building industrial base capable to support future military 
requirements. [Adopted]

No. 446  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
revised the 1942 mission persons act to better protect our pow/mias and 
                             their families
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to revise the 
1942 Missing Persons Act to make what changes are necessary to address 
those already missing and assist any that may follow in the years 
ahead. [Adopted]

No. 447  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                      security of the panama canal
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the President and the 
Congress to closely monitor conditions in the Republic of Panama and to 
be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Canal 
and to ensure continued freedom of passage through it. [Adopted]

No. 448  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                    merchant marine academy tuition
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to adopt 
legislation to prohibit the charging of tuition at any federal academy. 
[Adopted]

        CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS SERVICE RESOLUTIONS

No. 601  Submitted by many Departments
  adequately fund the veterans health care system construction program
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress in its 
annual appropriations, to realistically fund the Department of Veterans 
Affairs construction need to allow it to carry out a planned program 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 veterans. [Adopted]

No. 602  Submitted by many Departments
     approve one-member decisions at the board of veterans appeals
    [Disapproved]

No. 603  Submitted by many Departments
  authorize retention of third-party and medicare reimbursements by va
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress and the 
Administration to take appropriate action to ensure that third-party 
collections by VA remain with the Department of Veterans Affairs and 
not be offset from its annual appropriation; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars supports 
Medicare reimbursement to VA for care provided to veterans without any 
offset from its appropriated funds. [Adopted]

No. 604  Submitted by many Departments
                            champus for life
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation to provide the CHAMPUS program to those retirees of the 
U.S. Armed Forces who are age 65 or older. [Adopted]

No. 605  Submitted by many Departments
     concurrent receipt of retirement pay and veterans disability 
                              compensation
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly advocate 
legislation be enacted to permit the concurrent receipt of longevity 
military retirement pay without reduction of Department of Veterans 
Affairs disability compensation. [Adopted]

No. 606  Submitted by many Departments
            eligibility reform for access to va health care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Congress enact legislation 
bringing order to the present chaos affecting eligibility for VA health 
care by using the considerations raised in this resolution as the basic 
building blocks and providing all veterans with mandated access to full 
continuum of VA health care. [Adopted]

No. 607  Submitted by many Departments
 exclusive appropriations subcommittees for the department of veterans 
                              affairs (va)
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the VFW petitions the Congress 
to establish separate appropriations subcommittees exclusive to the 
Department of Veterans Affairs in both the House and Senate. [Adopted]

No. 608  Submitted by many Departments
             full appropriation support for va medical care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the obligation and requirement 
to adequately fund veterans health care shall be acknowledged and 
properly met through appropriations actions which provide requisite 
funding to support all veterans medical services and programs 
authorized by the Congress. [Adopted]

No. 609  Submitted by many Departments
       guaranteed u.s. armed forces medical support for retirees
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the Department of Defense to ensure that retirees 
of the U.S. Armed Forces receive guaranteed medical support by 
requiring each branch of the Armed Forces' health services organization 
to provide the needed medical support as a secondary mission to 
providing medical support for personnel on active duty. [Adopted]

No. 610  Submitted by many Departments
                       military hospital closures
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we go on record opposing the 
closure of any military hospital unless the required cost-effectiveness 
study, as authorized by the Base Closure and Realignment Act, of PL 
100-526, considers all the facts outlined in this resolution. [Adopted]

No. 611  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                   national health care impact on va
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Department of Veterans 
Affairs be given the authority to be fully competitive within any 
national health care plan advanced by the U.S. Congress; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we will oppose as ``anti-veteran'' any 
national health care plan that does not adequately fund VA or that 
would reduce/abolish the VA health care system. [Adopted as amended]

No. 612  Submitted by many Departments
                      new legislative initiatives
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly urge the Congress 
of the United States to adequately fund all new legislative initiatives 
and not eliminate or reduce existing veterans' entitlements or 
programs. [Adopted]

No. 613  Submitted by many Departments [as amended]
                             peace dividend
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the reduction of needed 
financial resources saved from defense expenditures be dedicated, on a 
first priority basis, to providing sorely needed benefits and services 
to United States military veterans and their families. [Adopted as 
amended]

No. 614  Submitted by many Departments [as amended]
               the department of veterans affairs budget
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress of the 
United States to pass a budget and appropriation for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs which will fully fund and maintain the integrity of 
the benefit and entitlement programs and an enhanced Department of 
Veterans Affairs hospital and medical care system. [Adopted as amended]

No. 615  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
                     va home loan guaranty program
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that legislation be introduced that 
will serve to maintain the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program as the most 
viable and desirable means of home financing for veterans; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars opposes 
any effort to further increase the VA funding fee. [Adopted as amended]

No. 616  Submitted by many Departments
                      va pharmacy program funding
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that Congress and the Administration 
maintain fair drug pricing for VA; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funding to fully meet VA 
pharmaceutical needs be provided. [Adopted]

No. 617  Submitted by many Departments
            veterans' preference in public sector employment
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of 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 effort to reduce this preference. 
[Adopted]

No. 618  Submitted by many Departments
 review veterans affirmative action compliance procedures and develop 
                more stringent standards for enforcement
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the United States 
Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Federal Contract Compliance 
Programs (OFCCP), and Congress to review current enforcement procedures 
being employed with regard to compliance with the Veterans' Affirmative 
Action provisions of Section 4212, Chapter 42, Title 38 United States 
Code; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that following such review of enforcement 
methods and procedures, we urge DOL, OFCCP, and Congress to take 
appropriate steps within each agency or body to ensure that the 
Veterans' Affirmative Action provisions of the above cited law is 
vigorously enforced in a manner consistent with the letter and spirit 
of existing laws. [Adopted]

No. 619  Submitted by many Departments
 provisions for veterans preference in all job training partnership act
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Congress of the 
United States to amend the Job Training Partnership Act (Public Law 97-
300) to provide for veterans' preference in all programs as is now the 
case under employment and training programs operated under Chapters 41 
and 42 of Title 38, United States Code. [Adopted]

No. 620  Submitted by many Departments
                         job listing compliance
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the United States 
Congress to enact legislation repealing all references to the $25,000 
threshold with respect to the listing of job openings in conjunction 
with the Veterans Affirmative Action effort, and that appropriate 
language not referencing a salary cap, be inserted in its place. 
[Adopted]

No. 621  Submitted by many Departments
   veterans employment and training service to stay within the u.s. 
                          department of labor
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly support the present 
organizational structure of the Veterans Employment and Training 
Service within the U.S. Department of Labor, and remain opposed to 
attempts to transfer Veterans Employment and Training Service to the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. [Adopted]

No. 622  Submitted by many Departments
   veterans employment preference with the united states government 
                                overseas
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the Department of State and the Department of 
Defense to ensure the protection of veterans' employment benefits in 
all future treaty negotiations, renegotiations, amendments or 
adjustments of any nature. [Adopted]
No. 623  Submitted by many Departments
         maintaining the military health services system (mhss)
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that MHSS should remain a viable 
entity ensuring members, retired members of the armed services, their 
dependents and their survivors continue to have access to quality 
health care under the health care delivery system of the armed services 
regardless of age or health care status of the beneficiary seeking 
health care. [Adopted]

No. 624  Submitted by many Departments
             special consideration of age in pension claims
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that Congress enact legislation to 
provide special consideration of age in pension claims by reducing the 
disability requirement to 60 percent at age 55 and to 50 percent at age 
60, and that a 10 percent disability requirement be established for 
those age 65 and older. [Adopted]

No. 625  Submitted by many Departments
               maintain integrity/historic mission of va
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to 
maintain the integrity and historic mission of the Veterans Health 
Administration by reaffirming the collective commitment of successive 
Congresses and Administrations that VA was especially created for the 
administration of laws relating to relief and other benefits provided 
for veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we remind both the current Congress 
and Administration that accepting non-veterans for medical treatment by 
VA before all veterans are accommodated is in our view a clear 
abrogation of a contract made in recognition of those who devoted prior 
honorable service in defense of the nation. [Adopted]

No. 626  Submitted by many Departments
continue promoting and publicizing special hiring programs for eligible 
                                veterans
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Office of Personnel 
Management to promote and publicize these special hiring programs for 
the noncompetitive appointment of eligible veterans. [Adopted]

No. 627  Submitted by many Departments
    entitlement to housebound benefits for parents in receipt of dic
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support a change to Title 
38, United States Code, to allow for parents who receive Dependency and 
Indemnity Compensation to receive housebound benefits if so qualified. 
[Adopted]

No. 628  Submitted by many Departments
             extend presumptive period for malignant tumors
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that legislation be enacted to 
extend the one year presumptive period for malignant tumors to three 
years under Title 38, United States Code, Section 1112. [Adopted]

No. 629  Submitted by many Departments
                                tinnitus
    [Disapproved]

No. 630  Submitted by many Departments
                           herbicide exposure
    [Disapproved]

No. 631  Submitted by many Departments
      include the loss of one lung and one kidney to title 38, usc
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support legislation to amend 
Section 1114(k) of Title 38, United States Code, to add the loss of one 
lung and/or one kidney to the list of anatomical loss or loss of use 
disabilities, which now includes creative organs, feet, hands, 
buttocks, sight, organic aphonia and hearing. [Adopted]

No. 632  Submitted by many Departments
   as amended provide refunds for cause for the montgomery g.i. bill
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact 
legislation to allow refunds for proper cause. [Adopted as amended]

No. 633  Submitted by many Departments
       restore eligibility and increase burial and plot allowance
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that legislation be enacted to (1) 
increase both the VA burial and plot allowance to a level reflecting 
the inflationary impact of the intervening years, (2) restore 
entitlement to the VA burial allowance to those categories of veterans 
eliminated by Public Law 97-35, and (3) restore entitlement to the VA 
plot allowance to those categories of veterans eliminated by enactment 
of Public Law 101-508. [Adopted]

No. 634  Submitted by many Departments
             va presumptive care for persian gulf veterans
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Department of Veterans 
Affairs continue to provide, on a presumptive basis, appropriate 
medical examinations and treatment, including follow-up treatment, to 
all veterans of the Persian Gulf War who report signs or symptoms that 
may be associated with diseases endemic to that war region and other 
conditions related to that experience; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Veterans Affairs 
continue to expand the registry of Persian Gulf veterans who seek such 
treatment to be used in case service connected presumptions are later 
established. [Adopted]

No. 635  Submitted by many Departments
          veterans' vocational training and retraining program
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the United States 
Congress to enact legislation that modifies Job Training Partnership 
Act (JTPA) Title IV-C to establish a Veterans' Vocational Training and 
Retraining Program that will:
          1. be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
        Employment and Training, United States Department of Labor; and
          2. facilitate veteran workers adjustment to relocation and 
        new occupational skills; and
          3. provide temporary income support during training and 
        retraining; and
          4. stimulate employer participation through tax credits for 
        employee training programs and incentives that the cost of 
        training; and
          5. provide flexibility to the service provider to tailor 
        program assistance to the need of the veterans. [Adopted]

No. 636  Submitted by many Departments
              va per diem for state veterans nursing homes
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact 
specific legislation to amend Section 1741 of Title 38, United States 
Code, to provide that per diem subsidies paid by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be 
used to offset payments that are made under the Medicaid program for 
the purpose of assisting eligible veterans. [Adopted]

No. 637  Submitted by many Departments
    eliminate the off-set of military separation pay to receive va 
                        disability compensation
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to change 
that portion of Title 10, United States Code, that requires the VA to 
deduct for any disability compensation an amount equal to the total 
amount of separation pay a veteran may have received for the same 
period of service that the disability occurred. [Adopted]

No. 638  Submitted by many Departments
        tax exemption for all pay while serving in a combat zone
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to 
immediately amend Section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code so all 
members of the Armed Forces are equally excluded of all pay while 
serving our country in a combat zone, and to make the amendment 
retroactive to cover the period of the Persian Gulf War. [Adopted]

No. 639  Submitted by many Departments
    eliminate social security law inequities known as the ``notch''
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to 
introduce and support legislation to fund a more equitable solution to 
the rising cost of maintaining Social Security benefits for all 
recipients of Social Security and eliminate the current ``year of 
birth'' discrimination. [Adopted]

No. 640  Submitted by many Departments
          provide for an open national cemetery in every state
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support legislation which 
would provide at least one national cemetery in each state to ensure 
that all veterans may be buried reasonably close to their families. 
[Adopted]

No. 641  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
  eliminate the government offset provision for spouses and surviving 
         spouses who are in receipt of social security benefits
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to 
introduce and support legislation to eliminate the Government Pension 
Offset Provision of the Social Security Act as amended affecting 
veterans and their spouses. [Adopted as amended]

No. 642  Submitted by many Departments
              guaranteed entitlement to nursing home care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to so amend 
Section 1710 of Title 38, United States Code, as to mandate the 
provision of nursing home care for those now entitled to inpatient 
care. [Adopted]

No. 643  Submitted by many Departments
                           expand vietnam era
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we seek legislation in the 
Congress of the United States that will provide for recognition by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, under the provisions of Title 38, 
United States Code, subsection 101(29), by changing the dates of the 
``Vietnam Era'' now beginning August 5, 1964 and ending May 7, 1975, to 
July 1, 1958 and May 7, 1975. [Adopted]

No. 644  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
         compensation for surgical removal of malignant tumors
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Secretary of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs be called upon to exercise his authority under 
Section 1155, Title 38, United States Code, to amend the VA Schedule 
for Rating Disabilities to provide a rating of 100 percent for one year 
following post-surgical treatment of all malignant growths, of all 
major organs, irrespective of location. [Adopted as amended]

No. 645  Submitted by many Departments
           ensuring a guaranteed entitlement to medical care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to amend 
Section 651 of Title 2, United States Code, to expand the meaning of 
the term ``entitlement'' to recognize an obligation and a requirement 
to adequately fund programs to a class of individuals, i.e., veterans, 
who meet eligibility requirements for a service provided by the 
government and established in law as an entitlement; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this obligation and requirement to 
adequately fund programs be construed to mean that specific 
appropriation support must be established for any medical programs 
directed by the Congress to be provided to veterans, both now and in 
the future. [Adopted as amended]

No. 646  Submitted by many Departments
staffing inadequacies in department of veterans affairs medical centers
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose this ongoing 
budgetary fantasizing and we urge that the imposition of productivity 
increases be recognized as arbitrary and inappropriate, and that 
personnel staffing for patient care be established based upon the 
mandate to treat all of those eligible under Public Law 99-272 and, 
further, that staffing projections recognize the fact of an increased 
demand to be generated by aging veterans and the downsizing of the 
military. [Adopted]



No. 647  Submitted by many Departments
               military retiree pay as community property
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to amend 
Public Law 97-252 in order that all military retiree's pay not be 
considered community property in divorce settlements. [Adopted]

No. 648  Submitted by many Departments
          restoration of dependency and indemnity compensation
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we seek to restore the rights 
to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation in the event of dissolution of 
a subsequent remarriage even through this event takes place after 
November 1990. [Adopted]

No. 649  Submitted by many Departments
    day care centers for alzheimber's patients in va medical centers
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Secretary of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs to actively establish and implement 
Alzheimer's Day Care Centers in VA Medical Centers. [Adopted]

No. 650  Submitted by many Departments
          health care reform regarding va and dod health care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support more joint use 
sharing agreements between VA and DOD medical facilities where it would 
be feasible. [Adopted]

No. 651  Submitted by many Departments
                  support for prostate cancer research
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to increase 
the funding for research into the causes, detection and treatment of 
prostate cancer; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Veterans Affairs 
make prostate cancer research as well as its early detection and 
treatment a matter of great urgency and high priority. [Adopted]

No. 652  Submitted by many Departments
                          military cemeteries
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we seek assurances from the 
United States Government that these base cemeteries not be abandoned, 
and if there is no other Military Base in the area to assume the upkeep 
and care of them, they be assumed into the VA Cemetery System. 
[Adopted]

No. 653  Submitted by many Departments
      oppose third party payments on service connected disability
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to oppose any 
legislation that would enact such a law that would require the VA to 
collect third party payment for any service connected disability. 
[Adopted]

No. 654  Submitted by many Departments
       collocation of va regional offices with va medical centers
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we will only support 
collocation of VA Regional Offices on VA Medical Center grounds when it 
is clearly shown that it will enhance services to the veterans using 
that facility. [Adopted]

No. 655  Submitted by many Departments
                      amend internal revenue code
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Congress of the United 
States be urged to amend Paragraph 4 of Section 143(1) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 to read: ``(4) Qualified Veteran--For purposes of 
this subsection, the term qualified veteran means any veteran who meets 
such requirements as may be reimposed by the State law pursuant to 
which qualified veterans' mortgage bonds are issued.'' [Adopted]

No. 656  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
             amend title vii usc to restore combat duty pay
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress of the 
United States, through the Department of Defense, to introduce or amend 
legislation to provide payment of funds under the Combat Duty Act of 10 
July 1952; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that widows and survivors of the combatant, 
through proper verification, be eligible to receive such payment which 
otherwise would have been paid to the combatant had he survived. 
[Adopted as amended]

No. 657  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
          oppose abolishment of committees on veterans affairs
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that there should not be any change 
in the Senate and House regarding the Veterans Affairs Committee; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, with a membership in excess of 2.2 million, urge every 
member of the Congress of the United States to insist that the 
Committees of Veterans Affairs remain as standing committees in both 
the United States Senate and the United States House of 
Representatives. [Adopted as amended]

No. 658  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
            va hiring of released military medical personnel
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge VA to actively recruit 
medical personnel who have been released from the armed forces. 
[Adopted as amended]

No. 659  Submitted by many Departments
                         reinventing government
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to reject any 
proposed intention to ``streamline'' government that would reduce or 
diminish VA's ability to properly serve and care for our nation's 
veterans. [Adopted]

No. 660  Submitted by many Departments
         help the victims of agent orange and other defoliants
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we continue to vigorously 
support liberalizing the criteria for approval of herbicide related 
claims, including placing burden of proof for the award of disability 
compensation on the U.S. Government and not on the individual veteran, 
as it is now. Hence the U.S. Government is responsible for providing 
needed medical attention, examination, care and treatment, as required 
by sound medical attention, and where appropriate, making proper 
service connected compensation awards now; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that those veterans now carried on the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Registry be given the 
opportunity for a prompt examination by the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs unit to ascertain dioxin levels, and to determine whether 
shared medical conditions exist among them.[Adopted]

No. 661  Submitted by many Departments
        opposing veterans status for peace time merchant marines
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we are opposed to expanding 
veterans status to merchant seamen who served after August 15, 1945. 
[Adopted]

No. 662  Submitted by many Departments
   cost-of-living increase for va beneficiaries and military retirees
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to provide 
annual increases in an amount at least commensurate with the Consumer 
Price Index (CPI) for all Department of Veterans Affairs' beneficiaries 
and military retirees.[Adopted]

No. 663  Submitted by many Departments (as amended)
oppose the transfer of veterans' employment and training service to the 
                   employment training administration
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose the recommendation by 
the Secretary of Labor, and urge Congress to oppose legislation that 
would remove the Veteran Employment and Training Service as a separate 
agency of the Department of Labor and which would remove the Veterans 
Employment and Training Service from its oversight role to ensure 
veterans receive preference in all services provided by federally 
funded employment and training providers. [Adopted as amended]

No. 664  Submitted by many Departments
                veterans' reemployment rights protection
    [Disapproved]

No. 665  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
     termination of benefits upon the remarriage of former spouses
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we ask Congress to amend Public 
Law 97-252(USFSPA) to terminate payments of retired pay upon remarriage 
of the benefiting former spouse; and, terminate current payments to 
those already remarried former spouses not more than 180 days from the 
date of enactment of amended legislation.[Adopted]

No. 666  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief (as amended)
                    maintain the va chaplain service
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Department of Veterans 
Affairs insure that hospitalized veterans be guaranteed the ministry of 
a professionally trained corps of chaplains extant within VHA; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the House and Senate Veterans Affairs 
Committees be urged to fund a full-strength Chaplain Service. [Adopted 
as amended]

No. 667  Submitted by Department of Nevada and Oregon
    improve cost-effectiveness of quality of va mandated psychiatry 
                    services at local va facilities
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress for the 
functions of the Vietnam Veterans Centers be integrated with and made 
subject to the administrative control of the corresponding local VA 
medical facility and the Chief of Psychiatry Services; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the budget appropriations obligated for 
Vietnam Vet Center functions be made available to the corresponding 
local VA medical facility, and in particular be made available to the 
psychiatry services to support the mandated delivery of a high-quality, 
high-volume professional service. [Adopted]

No. 668  Submitted by Department of Georgia
  establish an education entitlement for veterans discharged from the 
                     armed forces between 1985-1988
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we ask Congress to enact 
legislation to allow veterans who had completed their full service 
obligation without any break in service prior to being discharged at 
any time between July 1, 1985, and june 30, 1988, to be eligible for 
benefits under Chapter 34/30, with a revised delimiting date for 
affected veterans. [Adopted]

No. 669  Submitted by Department of Utah
                guarantee full-strength chaplain service
    [Disapproved]

No. 670  Submitted by Department of Kentucky
                           military funerals
    [Disapproved]

No. 671  Submitted by Department of Washington
       establish a federal legislative chairman in all 50 states
    [Disapproved]

No. 672  Submitted by Department of Nevada [as amended)
          va compensation and health care for atomic veterans
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs make a special study into the future effects of 
radioactive activity on military personnel; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that where additional health problems 
related to radiation exposure are uncovered, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs will provide medical treatment and compensation to such 
veterans. [Adopted as amended]

No. 673  Submitted by Department of Nebraska
         eligibility for non-service connected pension benefits
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Government of 
the United States to formally approve the eligibility of all veterans 
participant in the military actions in Panama, Lebanon and Grenada for 
non-service connected pension benefits. [Adopted]

No. 674  Submitted by Department of Nebraska
                           remove means test
    [Disapproved]

No. 675  Submitted by Department of Colorado
national fund expenditures saved from reduction of defense expenditures 
 be dedicated and expended to provide needed benefits and services to 
                the nation's veterans and their families
    [Disapproved]

No. 676  Submitted by Department of Colorado
  support for the operation expansion, improvement and maintenance of 
                     fitzsimons army medical center
    BE IT resolved, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we ask for Congress' full 
support of the continued operation of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. 
[Adopted]

No. 677  Submitted by Department of Colorado
                       military hospital closures
    [Disapproved]

No. 678  Submitted by Department of Colorado
                   national health care impact on va
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose any national health 
care bill that would reduce or abolish the VA health care system. 
[Adopted]

No. 679  Submitted by Department of Iowa [As amended]
                    funding of persian gulf syndrome
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we fully back the decision to 
take care of those Persian Gulf Veterans, but that we strongly urge the 
Congress of the United States to provide a sufficient appropriation to 
the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund such a program; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we strongly support the provision of 
VA compensation to all veterans suffering from disabilities related to 
their Persian Gulf service. [Adopted as amended]

No. 680  Submitted by Department of Montana
                veterans' reemployment rights protection
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support and petition 
Congress for the strongest measures that secures reemployment rights 
for veterans and all other individuals called to serve in the U.S. 
Military while not placing an undue burden on the employers of America 
and with no limit to number of employees. [Adopted]

No. 681  Submitted by Department of Montana
             prevent va functions being further splintered
    [Disapproved]

No. 682  Submitted by Department of Montana
               nursing home at va hospital fort harrison
    [Disapproved]

No. 683  Submitted by Department of Montana
                need for another va domiciliary facility
    [Disapproved]

No. 684  Submitted by Department of Montana
                 reinstate the va transportation system
    [Disapproved]

No. 685  Submitted by Department of Montana
      elimination of the va's paupers oath and hospital admission
    [Disapproved]

No. 686  Submitted by Department of Europe
            renegotiate status of forces agreements (sofas)
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to 
renegotiate the applicable Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) to 
protect the interests of American service members and their spouses, as 
well as the American spouses of foreign service members, as expected 
and specified under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, Section 
703(a), allowing the on base employment of third country nationals if 
otherwise qualified. [Adopted]

No. 687  Submitted by Department of Europe (as amended)
          overseas military personnel earned income tax credit
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation allowing otherwise eligible service members access to the 
same Earned Income Tax Credit available to other taxpayers. [Adopted as 
amended]

No. 688  Submitted by Department of Europe
  establish a va assistance office in the federal republic of germany
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish 
an Assistance Office in Federal Republic of Germany to support the U.S. 
citizens in Europe. [Adopted]

No. 689  Submitted by Department of Europe
  post exchange and commissary privileges for u.s. military retirees 
                     residing or traveling overseas
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the Department of State and the Department of 
Defense to ensure the protection of post exchange and commissary 
benefits for retirees of the U.S. Armed Forces in all future treaty 
negotiations, renegotiations, amendments, or adjustments of any nature. 
[Adopted]

No. 690  Submitted by Department of Europe
           timely u.s. army entitlement payment to survivors
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the Department of Defense to ensure that each 
branch of the Armed Forces' Servicing Finance Center releases the 
initial survivor's entitlement check immediately upon receipt of the 
SBP claim. [Adopted]

No. 691  Submitted by Department of Europe
                     postal privileges for retirees
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Department of 
Defense to restore full postal privileges to Box R patrons, to include 
removal of the present weight restrictions. [Adopted]

No. 692  Submitted by Department of Europe
           civil service employment practices standardization
    [Disapproved]

No. 693  Submitted by Department of Europe
             shipment of remains-retirees residing overseas
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the Department of Defense to ship the remains of 
retirees residing overseas to home of record in CONUS at no cost to 
survivors. [Adopted]

No. 694  Submitted by Department of Europe
              military privileges for overseas reservists
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress and all 
other appropriate government agencies to affect change in the current 
Agreement of the Status of Forces Agreement regarding U.S. Armed Forces 
Reservists and their PX and commissary privileges overseas. [Adopted]

No. 695  Submitted by Department of Europe
      entitlements and benefits of retired u.s. military personnel
    [Disapproved]

No. 696  Submitted by Department of Europe
   reinstatement of u.s. veterans employment rights and entitlements 
                    affected by cincusnaveur policy
    [Disapproved]

No. 697  Submitted by Department of Europe
 veterans federal employment preference by general accounting office a 
                                priority
    [Disapproved]

No. 698  Submitted by Department of Europe
  commissary and post exchange privileges for u.s. military retirees 
                           residing overseas
    [Disapproved]

No. 699  Submitted by Department of Alaska (as amended)
             commisary surcharge (tax) for retired military
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we continue to support the men 
and women who served their nation by petitioning Congress to find other 
means to reduce the DECA budget other than increasing commissary 
surcharges for retired military personnel. [Adopted as amended]

No. 700  Submitted by Department of Wisconsin (as amended)
                            amend h.r. 4050
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Congress to 
amend H.R. 4050 by removing any provisions allowing states to request a 
waiver eliminating DVOP/LVER positions. [Adopted as amended]

No. 701  Submitted by Department of Wisconsin
                        reemployment act of 1994
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we hereby go on record opposing 
the lack of specific provisions providing veterans preference in the 
``Reemployment Act of 1994.'' [Adopted]

No. 702  Submitted by Department of Wisconsin
 sufficient funding for the local veterans' employment representatives 
 (lvers) and disabled veterans outreach program (dvop) representatives
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we hereby go on record to urge 
the Congress of the United States to appropriate sufficient funds to 
support the number of LVER and DVOP positions as required by Title 38; 
and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars, does 
hereby urge the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment 
and Training (ASVET) to include in their budgets sufficient funds to 
support the number of LVER and DVOP positions required by Title 38; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to 
the Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Employment and Training. [Adopted]

No. 703  Submitted by Department of Oregon
retain and strengthen employer sanctions against employment of illegal 
                                 aliens
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the President and 
the U.S. Congress to retain and strengthen the employer sanctions which 
were enacted in 1986, against employment of illegal aliens and to 
increase the effectiveness of employer sanctions by enacting measures 
to prevent the use of fraudulent work authorization documents. 
[Adopted]

No. 704  Submitted by Department of New York (as amended)
                          veterans health care
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the many bases that are closing 
be renovated to accommodate homeless veterans; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that adequate and proper health care be 
available to veterans. [Adopted as amended]

No. 705  Submitted by Department of New York
                        funding for va hospitals
    [Disapproved]

No. 706  Submitted by Department of New York
              maintain hospital and commissary facilities
    [Disapproved]

No. 707  Submitted by Department of Minnesota
             enforce compliance of veterans preference laws
    [Disapproved]

No. 708  Submitted by Department of Minnesota
      abolish the means test as a criteria for va medical services
    [Disapproved]

No. 709  Submitted by Department of Illinois
       establish a national cemetery in the greater chicago area
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support and aggressively 
pursue a National Cemetery in the greater Chicago area which will 
service all or at least the greatest number of resident veterans. We 
ask that the full force and power of our resources be exercised to 
pursue and accomplish the following programs listed in preference 
order, by all means at our disposal. We ask the following be notified 
of our position regarding this issue: Secretary of the Department of 
Defense, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the 
Department of the Army Closure Director, the Congress and President 
Clinton.
    We ask that one of the following options be considered and 
implemented without prejudice to the EIS Study of the Joliet Site now 
being considered:
          Option 1  That the Secretary, or his equal, of the Department 
        of Defense instruct the Army to expand the Fort Sheridan Army 
        Cemetery now located at and on the grounds of Fort Sheridan, 
        Illinois, by adding 200 acres of adjoining land and present 
        this cemetery to the Veterans Affairs Department of National 
        Cemeteries for Administration.
          Option 2  That the Department of Veterans Affairs, vigorously 
        pursue the creation of a State National Cemetery at Fort 
        Sheridan, Illinois, according to the prevailing precedent 
        established at Manteno, Illinois in cooperation with the 
        Governor of Illinois.
          Option 3  Create a National Cemetery at Vernon Hills Nike 
        Site to provide honored burial space for the veterans residing 
        in the area.
          Option 4  Create a National Cemetery in cooperation with the 
        State of Illinois as a State National Cemetery at the Vernon 
        Hills Nike Site. [Adopted]

No. 710  Submitted by Department of Indiana
       guaranteed u.s. armed forces medical support for retirees
    [Disapproved]

No. 711  Submitted by Department of Indiana (as amended)
                      veterans insurance coverage
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we shall sponsor and support 
legislation mandating the Department of Veterans Affairs to give a 
veteran and his/her dependents health and accident coverage for a 
minimum of 180 days following the date of a honorable discharge from 
military service. [Adopted as amended]

No. 712  Submitted by Department of California
preservation of the national soldier home located at the v. a. medical 
                        center, west los angeles
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request the United States 
Congress to ensure adherence to the expressed wishes of the donors of 
said land, that the terms and consideration 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 Soldiers' Home to return 
thereto and that the admission requirements for entering the home 
revert back to the original status. [Adopted]

No. 713  Submitted by Department of California
       addition to the los angeles, california national cemetery
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request legislation to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to utilize a portion of 
this land to extend the present national cemetery boundaries at West 
Los Angeles, California, to provide a burial for those eligible 
veterans residing in this area. [Adopted]

No. 714  Submitted by Department of California (as amended)
               funding for vamc at travis air force base
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we go on record as urging the 
Congress and the Administration to provide the funding necessary for 
the construction of the already approved VA Medical Center adjacent to 
the David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base; 
and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be 
transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of 
Defense. [Adopted as amended]

No. 715  Submitted by Department of California
 rebuilding/reinstatement of complete inpatient/outpatient services at 
                          sepulvedva v.a.m.c.
    [Disapproved]

No. 716  Submitted by Department of California
       san francisco national cemetery, presidio of san francisco
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Department of California 
reaffirm its commitment of VFW National Resolution 681, as listed above 
and seek legislative action to secure a minimum of eleven acres of 
property that adjoins the San Francisco National Cemetery located at 
the Presidio of San Francisco and that copies of this resolution be 
forwarded to the California Legislature seeking their legislative 
support; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we petition Congress to enact 
legislation requiring the government agency (Department of Defense and/
or Department of the Interior) provide this eleven acres of property to 
the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery systems to be used 
for burial of our nations veterans and Armed Forces members; when ever 
appropriate funding may become available. [Adopted]

No. 717  Submitted by Department of Virginia
    eliminate social security law inequities known as the ``notch''
    [Disapproved]

No. 718  Submitted by Department of Virginia
 establish a new u.s. department of veterans affairs outpatient clinic 
                          in northern virginia
    [Disapproved]

No. 719  Submitted by Department of Virginia
        to help the victims of agent orange and other defoliants
    [Disapproved]

No. 720  Submitted by Department of Ohio
     amend allocation formula for title 38, section 4103 personnel
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to amend 
the personnel allocation formula in Title 38 USC, Chapter 41, Section 
4103(a) to allow for the appointment of one (1) Assistant Director for 
each 150,000 veterans and eligible persons residing in the state. 
[Adopted]

No. 721  Submitted by the Department of Pennsylvania (as amended)
  authorize national guard to conduct military funeral ceremonies for 
                                veterans
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support legislation that 
would authorize and fund the National Guard for performing burial 
ceremonies for veterans at State and National Cemeteries. [Adopted as 
amended]

No. 722  Submitted by Department of California (as amended)
                      gulf war veterans blood ban
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support national and state 
legislation to seek and support the immediate testing of Desert Storm 
veterans for biological, chemical and radiation exposure; and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States support a national policy and efforts to protect the 
public from exposure from Persian Gulf War veterans based on the 
findings of test results, and that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States support reinstating a ban on blood and body donations 
from this group of veterans until all medical and health questions on 
biological exposure are answered. [Adopted as amended]

No. 723  Submitted by Department of West Virginia
                            va grave markers
    [Disapproved]

No. 724  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief
                            va grave markers
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition Congress to remove 
the words ``unmarked graves'' from the portion of Title 38, U.S.C. 
Section 2306, which restricts VA from providing headstones or grave 
markers to all honorably discharged veterans upon their demise. 
[Adopted]

No. 725  Submitted by Commander-in-Chief (as amended)
               amended tax returns for military retirees
    BE IT RESOLVED, by the 95th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, that the IRS establish, through 
whatever means, an exception to the current law whereby a military 
retiree will be allowed to file amended tax returns back to the 
effective date of award of disability compensation, regardless of the 
number of years involved. [Adopted as amended]
                               __________
                    REPORTS OF THE NATIONAL OFFICERS

                    REPORT OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

                            george r. cramer
    VFW's 95th National Convention is an opportunity to remember past 
experiences, celebrate camaraderie and determine the organization's 
course for the upcoming year. Simply put, it is a time to take 
advantage of all we have to offer both from an individual and an 
organizational standpoint.
    Crucial concerns confront America's veterans, which must be dealt 
with in a conclusive and timely manner. Most of these issues will be 
discussed at this convention. You can play a decisive role in 
determining how to deal with priority goals by attending the business 
meetings and making your voice heard.
                  pressing priorities on capitol hill
    VFW has been busy in the capital in dealing with a wide array of 
veterans issues. But with the number of veterans in Congress rapidly 
diminishing, VFW members must become more politically astute and 
involved. When the 1994 elections occur, get out and vote in candidates 
friendly to veterans.
    Concerns range from disability compensation to who should serve in 
what capacity. Homosexuals serving openly in the military remains 
unresolved, though the issue has faded from the headlines. Women in 
ground combat units is another social matter that must be dealt with as 
part of our interest in defense.
    Cost-of-living allowances (COLAs) and concurrent receipt of 
retirement pay and VA disability compensation are two perennial 
legislative issues that have to be debated each and every year.
    Veterans of Operation Desert Storm, who are suffering from 
mysterious illnesses contracted in the Persian Gulf, are in desperate 
need of our help. While the VA has moved quickly to remedy the 
situation, the Pentagon has been less than forthright in its answers.
    On the brighter note, presumptive service connection was granted to 
Vietnam veterans suffering from five ailments associated with Agent 
Orange, the chemical defoliant.
    And, of course, reliable health care is still an elusive goal for 
many veterans. We will continue to push for full staffing and funding 
of VA hospitals and other medical facilities within the context of 
national, comprehensive health care reform. Preserving an exclusive 
medical system for vets is the number one priority, followed by 
boosting the woefully inadequate VA budget.
    Large-scale downsizing of the armed forces has forced thousands of 
former service personnel into the job market. America is presently 
witnessing the largest demobilization of troops since WWII. As they 
enter civilian society, the private sector must create meaningful 
employment opportunities.
    Meanwhile, the VFW is positioned to extend a helping hand. With the 
Job Opportunity Board at the Post level, we have a network in place to 
ease the transition into an often highly competitive working world.
    In the public sector, Veterans Preference must be maintained and 
the Veterans Employment & Training Service retained to facilitate 
hiring within the federal government.
                            foreign affairs
    Threats to national security remain as a result of international 
instability. But when GIs are committed overseas, it must be under U.S. 
command--not foreign or U.N. The lessons of Somalia, should by now, 
have sunk in. Haiti is a prime example of where not to deploy U.S. 
troops. Americans are already dangerously exposed on the ground in 
Macedonia, right in the heart of the Balkan powderkeg.
    For those who never returned from past wars, the VFW is doing its 
utmost to obtain a full accounting of MIAs and POWs from WWII, the Cold 
War, Korea and Vietnam. Chair officers have been dispatched on several 
missions to investigate progress being made in Indochina. And we are 
pushing for North Korea to cooperate.
    Yet only by exerting maximum pressure on the Communist regimes will 
the fate of the men lost in Southeast Asia ever be resolved. Lifting 
the trade embargo against Hanoi was not the move to make at this time. 
Any further concessions should be vehemently opposed until it is 
verified that the Vietnamese are fully cooperating with U.S. teams.
                           debt of gratitude
    The VFW staff in the nation's capital ensures that members' views 
on these issues are made known. Likewise, the staff at National 
Headquarters enables the organization to operate and administer 
efficiently all its programs on a nationwide basis.
    My tenure as Commander-in-Chief has been highly rewarding. Serving 
America's veterans and the nation they fought for is a very satisfying 
experience.
    Those I worked with are deserving of the highest praise. Senior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief ``Gunner'' Kent and Junior Vice Commander-in-
Chief Paul Spera have been great confidants. Thank you both for the 
selfless work and endless hours that made this year so successful.
    Backing from the entire membership, officers and the National 
Council of Administration was critical. Both the Kansas City and 
Washington staffs provided fabulous assistance. They were always on 
call when needed.
    Howard Vander Clute, Jr., Jim Bowden, John Senk, Larry Rivers and 
Benny Bachand, to name only a few, gave advice, accumulated information 
and guaranteed that our other capable staff saw the programs through. 
Thank you all so much for your support and dedication
    I must also express my gratitude to my own Department of Illinois--
staff, leaders and members alike. A special thanks to those who made my 
homecoming such a unique and memorable event
    To Juanita Crowe, Ladies Auxiliary national president, her officers 
and staff who made it so comfortable to work with the Auxiliaries, I 
say thank you.
    In the end, it was you--the members--who gave me the opportunity to 
demonstrate to veterans, their families and the whole country that in 
the VFW we take our Commitment to Service seriously.
                Report of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief

                        Allen F. ``Gunner'' Kent

    For many years I have been honored to serve the dedicated people 
who make up the VFW. This year, however, has been a particularly 
eventful one for me.
    During the 94th National Convention in Dallas you elected me Senior 
Vice Commander-in-Chief, making me a member of Commander-in-Chief 
George Cramer's Commitment to Service team.
    The Chief's leadership, which emphasized the role of the VFW in 
protecting veterans' entitlements as well as compassion in treating 
veterans and their families, was geared to demonstrating that veterans 
continue to serve their country long after hanging up their uniforms.
    Let me express my gratitude to Chief Cramer for his advice, 
thoughtfulness and assistance as we worked during our term in office to 
assure 1993-94 was an extra special year in the VFW's distinguished 
history.
    Serving dedicated Americans who are VFW members and meeting 
personally with you in my trips to various parts of the country has 
shown to me again the caliber of the organization's stalwarts.
    Time and again you have demonstrated devotion to your country by 
selfless service. You continue to do so daily by eagerly doing whatever 
it takes to make the VFW a success wherever Posts exist.
    Consequently, my term in office has been highlighted by a 
succession of important events. In Washington, experiencing personally 
the legislative process at work gave me a new understanding of the need 
to keep up the fight for veterans' rights. Meeting with key 
congressional leaders also proved enlightening.
    Numerous visits to National Headquarters provided me with an 
enhanced respect for the work done in Kansas City. And this applies to 
the entire staff there and in Washington, D.C., the nerve center of VFW 
legislative activity.
                          issues on the agenda
    During my trips to Europe, Vietnam and Korea, I was fortunate to 
meet with Post members in our overseas Departments. But more 
importantly, as part of the VFW team dispatched to those countries, I 
was able to see firsthand the fine troops America has on freedom's 
frontiers around the globe.
    This was especially true in Korea, where GIs still stand guard 
against a hostile North. It is my goal to work for change in the bylaws 
to allow Korea vets not already eligible to become eligible for VFW 
membership. Along these same lines, active duty personnel of all 
campaigns must be made aware of their eligibility for the organization.
    Equally important were my fact-finding missions to Indochina to 
check on the progress being made in accounting for Americans missing in 
action there. The bottom line is that lifting the trade embargo against 
Hanoi was premature. The Vietnamese have to do much more before further 
concession are made regarding normalized relations.
    At home, the VFW also must renew its commitment to the spirit of 
volunteerism. Until we begin to show tangible contributions to the 
community, the VFW can expect little public recognition. A prime 
example is an issue of critical concern: homelessness among veterans. 
The VFW, at every level, should do whatever it can to help solve this 
tragic problem.
                            thank you to all
    I am especially indebted to the members of my home state of Arizona 
for their encouragement this past year. My special thanks goes to 
Commander-in-Chief Cramer and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul 
Spera. Adjutant Gen. Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr. has been tireless in 
providing aid as has Quartermaster Gen. James Bowden. Executive 
Director Larry W. Rivers of the Washington Office has been likewise 
generous in providing assistance.
    Commitment to service has long been the hallmark of the VFW. As an 
organization and as individuals we have lived up to this motto. But 
there is much more yet to accomplish. With the firm foundation laid 
last year, we can make 1994-95 another banner year for the VFW.
                Report of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief

                             Paul A. Spera

    As Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars I 
have gained greater insight into the workings of the organization. Not 
only do I now have a better understanding of the VFW's mechanics, but I 
have been able to witness firsthand the dedication of all members in 
the field.
    Visits throughout the nation as well as trips overseas have shown 
me how critical a role the VFW plays at home and abroad. Ranging from 
Posts in my home state to those in Central America like Panama and 
Costa Rica, the VFW is a natural part of society's fabric. As such, we 
must make our presence known on every occasion.
    Paying homage to the deeds of comrades of 50 years ago is just such 
an occasion, as I found on my recent trip to Europe during the 
commemoration of the Normandy landings. Honoring the memory of the war 
dead is a noble gesture called for in the VFW's constitution.
    Support for U.S. troops abroad also is critical in these turbulent 
times. We cannot afford to forget GIs stationed at lonely outposts in 
Kuwait and elsewhere. Somalia vets, for example, know the VFW cares and 
are apt to join our fraternity because of demonstrated concern during 
their recent deployment.
    On a related subject, resolving the fate of America's MIAs from 
WWII, the Cold War, Korea and Vietnam is among my top priorities. 
Improved diplomatic relations with Hanoi must await further evidence 
that the Communist regime is genuinely making a full-fledged effort to 
cooperate with U.S. search teams.
    In this regard, my July trip to Vietnam and Laos was most 
instructive. Two things are clear: the American field operatives 
assigned to Joint Task ForceFull Accounting are doing a fantastic job. 
And both regimes must do more unilaterally to account for our MIAs.
    Seeing close up the instrumental part played by the U.S. throughout 
the world reinforces my determination to ensure that the VFW continues 
to make its views heard when it comes to formulating defense and 
foreign policies.
    Domestically, the issues are equally challenging. Guaranteeing and 
advancing veterans rights is, of course, the VFW's prime objective. 
Many objectives in the areas of health care, disability compensation, 
VA accountability and the VA budget remain to be accomplished.
                        public outreach the key
    Visiting various Departments has renewed my faith in the 
determination of dedicated members across the nation.
    Their spirit of volunteerism has made VFW programs successful in 
countless communities and in doing so assured membership growth. 
Dedication is apparent everywhere--and it is a positive for the long-
term future of the VFW.
    I sincerely thank my own Department of Massachusetts for its 
encouragement and support. My year as Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief 
was made productive because of the leadership and counsel of Commander-
in-Chief George Cramer and the guidance of Senior Vice Commander-in-
Chief ``Gunner'' Kent. I am especially grateful for the cooperation of 
Adjutant General Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr.; Quartermaster General 
James Bowden; and Washington Office Executive Director Larry W. Rivers; 
as well as their excellent staffs.
    As we gather in Las Vegas for our national convention, let us 
dedicate ourselves to the successful pursuit of the many issues ahead 
and make the well-informed decisions required to increase awareness of 
our organization and its policies.
    The prime means of doing so, of course, is reaching out to the 
public. If the VFW is to maintain and enhance its prestige, it must 
speak directly to the nation as a whole. ``Preaching to the choir'' 
will no longer do. Some 10 million eligible veterans do not belong to 
the VFW, and the only way we can spread the word is through an 
effective and aggressive public affairs campaign across the country.
    You are the organization, and it has been an honor to serve as your 
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Looking to the future, let our resolve 
be strengthened by the phrase, Commitment to Service.
                       Report of Adjutant General

                      Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr.

    A host of new attractions will greet our delegates as we return to 
America's entertainment capital, Las Vegas, for the second time in five 
years. This great western city has undergone a tourist transformation 
and stands ready to greet the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies 
Auxiliary.
    In mid-August 1989, the 90th National Convention attracted a record 
number of VFW attendees. Our 95th National Convention promises to equal 
or surpass that record year.
    The comrades and sisters of the Department of Nevada, our hosts, 
are prepared to answer the call from National Headquarters to assist 
with preparations for our week-long meeting and for the many special 
events that have been scheduled.
    We are grateful for their dedication. Our staff at National 
Headquarters join together with them in extending to the delegates a 
cordial welcome, along with our gratitude for your attendance and your 
continued devotion.
    National conventions provide for renewal of friendships made at 
prior meetings. For others, it is the self-satisfaction of having 
fulfilled the responsibilities of leadership and reaping the rewards 
for that performance before their fellow comrades assembled that stands 
out the most.
                             making policy
    But in a more general sense, it provides an opportunity for all 
delegates to take part in establishing VFW policies. This is done 
through the adoption of resolutions submitted by individual members, 
Posts, County Councils, Districts and Departments.
    Regardless of their origin, these resolutions ultimately set the 
VFW's course for one year. Once policy and direction are in place, we 
are mandated to pursue the objectives established. That means 
committing whatever resources are necessary to satisfy the intent of 
the resolution's stated objectives.
    The Clinton Administration poses a host of new concerns, such as 
submerging the Department of Veterans Affairs role in national health 
care plans, dangerously downsizing the U.S. armed forces to the degree 
that we will suffer a loss of respect around the world for our military 
capability, as well as seriously deteriorating future military 
deployments where national interests are concerned.
    Our organization, in our advocacy role, is faced with many new 
issues. Veterans health care, inadequately funded for over a decade and 
now coupled with the prospect of national health care reform, could 
have its very existence threatened. The VFW cannot allow such a tragedy 
to occur.
    We continue to expend our resources in pursuit of the establishment 
of a separate appropriations subcommittee in both houses of Congress in 
order to direct attention and advocacy to the need for adequate funding 
to improve the quality of veterans health care.
    Other issues to be addressed at this convention concern eligibility 
reform so that all veterans can access the full continuum of the VA 
health care system, resolve the unacceptable backlog of veterans claims 
in the VA regional offices, support efforts to increase COLAs for 
veterans on compensation or pension, to continue to insist the VA 
provide comprehensive physical examinations for Persian Gulf veterans 
who have experienced illnesses attributed to their service in that 
region, and above all, be ever alert to any ill-conceived plan that 
would provide access to VA medical centers to non-veterans, such as 
proposed by the previous administration's Rural Health Care Initiative.
                               membership
    Our responsibility as a veterans organization extends to those 
troops who served in Somalia as well as the Persian Gulf. We must react 
to their needs if they exhibit unusual medical problems due to their 
service in East Africa. We also need to aggressively recruit these new 
overseas veterans who received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for 
their participation in Operation Restore Hope.
    However, membership recruiting, as well as implementation of all 
sponsored community-oriented programs, falls to you--the individual 
member. And it is the effort put forth by the individual that in the 
past has brought spectacular success to our organization.
    The ``Train the Trainer'' program for membership recruiting is now 
fully operational. It is a means of preparing our present members to 
communicate the reason why eligible veterans should join, as well as 
the many available benefits they can enjoy after they become members.
                         day-to-day operations
    Meanwhile, national officers and staff in Kansas City and 
Washington are responsible for daily administration, fiscal and 
accounting functions, development of new sources of revenue, providing 
veterans services, preparation of congressional testimony and the 
editing of our publications.
    Programs of the organization must be adequately funded if they are 
to be successful. A capable staff must be appropriately compensated for 
their industry and expertise. Veterans Service personnel must be 
professionally trained. Real estate must be maintained, postal rates 
continue to increase and national conferences and conventions require 
substantial financing. The list of financial requirements to meet 
current expenses is a long one. It demands we consider whatever 
alternatives may be available to use to generate additional income.
    As you are all aware, National Headquarters, with the approval of 
the National Council of Administration, has been engaging in a variety 
of direct mail solicitations to certain segments of our membership, 
which have been extremely successful. Members have always been 
generous.
    We have experimented with acquisition mail solicitations, retail 
marketing programs and using the services of reputable brokers, with 
VISA credit cards. We are preparing to test other fund-raising 
proposals a continuing search to meet future financial needs without 
the necessity of raising the member per capita tax.
                          successful programs
    All programs for 1993-94 have concluded with outstanding 
participation:
          Over 17,000,000 Buddy Poppies were sold;
          $99,500 worth of national scholarships were awarded at the 
        Washington Conference and over $2,456,000 were awarded in the 
        ``Voice of Democracy'' program at Department District and Post 
        levels.
          Renewed interest and participation in Americanism and 
        patriotic activities are evident; and
          Youth and safety programs were expanded.
    Credit belongs solely to the Post and Auxiliary members who 
dedicated themselves to their country, community and organization. Such 
programs are image-builders that draw attention to the VFW. In many 
cases, they have been the underlying reasons for veterans and their 
families to join the VFW and the Auxiliary.
                            national staffs
    Your National Headquarters, combined with its adjunct office in 
Washington, DC., employs 275 full-time, dedicated men and women who 
genuinely understand our mission. They have been trained to respond to 
the needs of our great volunteer force in the field.
    That volunteer force consists of VFW and Auxiliary members who 
``toil in the vineyards'' in support of a tradition of service to 
community, state and nation. Please look upon your Headquarters as a 
resource available to you at anytime to assist you in your VFW work.
    Along with my staff, I wish to commend Commander-in-Chief George 
Cramer for his ability to forcefully articulate our legislative 
initiatives. This was never better displayed than during his testimony 
before a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee meeting at 
our Washington Conference in March. The responses evoked from prominent 
members of Congress after delivering his testimony proved to all of us 
that is remarks were not only appropriate, but delivered in a sincere, 
uncompromising manner.
    George Cramer can be proud of his performance--he represented his 
constituency well as did his predecessors. He will continue to have our 
undying respect for the leadership qualities he displayed during his 
term of office.
    Thanks, too, to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Allen ``Gunner'' 
Kent and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera, who performed 
tirelessly as capable surrogates of the Commander-in-Chief. They 
effectively carried the VFW message throughout the U.S. and around the 
world.
    I must express my personal appreciation to Quartermaster General 
Jim Bowden and his staff who attend to the fiscal and accounting 
operations of our organization. They have provided a spirit of 
cooperation that is essential to ensure our continued success.
    Next my gratitude must be expressed to my assistant adjutants 
general. John Senk, Administration, has a capable staff which addresses 
the day-to-day administrative functions of the organization. Benny 
Bachand, Programs, attends to, with his qualified staff, the image-
building programs of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary. Washington 
Office Executive Director Larry Rivers provides a keen understanding of 
the nation's capital. His expert staff carries out the legislative and 
service mandates of the VFW.
                              in the field
    Thank you to the officers in Departments, Districts, County 
Councils and our more than 10,800 Posts, whose dedication, along with 
the individual Post members, causes our organization to meet its 
commitment to veterans and their survivors.
    Congratulations to the super achievers who are attending this 
national convention as All American Commanders, and to the National 
Program award winners. Your dedication has polished our image and 
improved our established reputation as a potent force for what is good 
for America.
                            farewell message
    Finally, as I prepare to retire from my office and my 
responsibilities as the Adjutant General, I feel obliged to express 
personal feelings of gratitude to the last 13 Commander-in-Chief for 
their trust and confidence in appointing me to that position. I sought 
membership in the VFW upon being released from active service and have 
spent my entire adult life actively involved.
    I am indeed grateful to my comrades of the Department of New Jersey 
and the Eastern States Conference for providing the political support 
necessary to be elected to national office, ultimately serving as 
Commander-in-Chief in 1979-80. I am most grateful to Past Commander-in-
Chief Art Fellwock, who, when faced with the passing of then Adjutant 
General Julian Dickenson, appointed me to that position.
    Two significant VFW successes have been recorded since April 1981: 
a 250,000 increase in membership; and Posts worldwide jumped from 9,676 
in late 1980 to 10,886 by March of 1994. This in spite of over 100 Post 
charter cancellations annually.
    During this period, National Headquarters also established the new 
Marketing Services Department with the responsibility of developing new 
sources of revenue for the organization.
    A salary administration was adopted, thus establishing equitable 
means of compensating employees and new employee benefit programs.
    Negotiations are under way with a corporation to market selected 
consumer products with a VFW label.
    In spite of a shrinking veteran population and the graying of World 
War II and Korean War veterans, we have visions for a bright future. 
Our entire senior staff, with but two exceptions, are Vietnam and 
Desert Storm veterans.
    It has been because of their enthusiasm, their flexibility, their 
willingness to work diligently and to automate that we have succeeded. 
Now it will be their experience and their maturity that will sustain 
the organization through and beyond our 100th anniversary in 1999.
    Past Commander-in-Chief Larry Rivers, who presently serves as the 
executive director of our Washington Office, will become Adjutant 
General at the closing session of our 95th National Convention. He will 
bring a new dynamism to the office and will surely direct the day-to-
day operation of National Headquarters effectively. I wish him well.
    Although my retirement as Adjutant General will occur at this 
national convention, I do want to reaffirm my loyalty, my devotion and 
all of the industry I can muster to continue to serve this great 
organization in any manner or for any positive purpose.
    I am proud of my membership, I am proud of my service, and I remain 
indebted to all my fellow members who made all of this possible.
    God bless the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all the good work we 
accomplish for those who served honorably and for their survivors. And 
God Bless America!
                    Report of Quartermaster General

                            James D. Bowden

    At the beginning of this fiscal year, the Quartermaster General 
submitted a tentative balanced budget to the Commander-in-Chief and the 
National Budget and Finance Committee. On October 2, 1993, the budget 
was approved by the National Council of Administration. A summary 
follows:

Estimated Income for the Year Ending August 31, 1994:
    Membership Dues.....................................     $11,480,160
    VFW Magazine Commercial Advertising.................       2,875,000
    Property Operation--Net.............................       (800,000)
    Buddy Poppy Sale--Net Income........................         425,000
    Supply Department--Net Income.......................       1,650,000
    Interest on Investments.............................       2,140,000
    Group Insurance Program.............................       3,750,000
    Ladies Auxiliary Contribution.......................         150,000
    Solicitation Programs...............................       2,235,000
    Miscellaneous.......................................         108,500
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
      Total Estimated Income............................      24,013,660
                    ========================================================
                    ____________________________________________________
Budgeted Expenses for the Year:
    National Headquarters Fund..........................      11,311,714
    National Publication Fund...........................       5,883,639
    Community and Veterans Service Fund.................       6,813,552
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
      Total Budgeted Expenses...........................      24,008,905
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
        Budgeted Surplus................................          $4,755

    In addition, $3,824,262 is budgeted as the portion of 1994 dues 
applicable to the 1994-95 fiscal year, and $7,000,000 is budgeted as 
collection of restricted Life Membership fees. Pursuant to the National 
By-Laws, these funds are not available for operation of the 1993-94 
fiscal year.
                              audit report
    The financial statements for the nine months ended May 31, 1994, 
and the Independent Auditors' Report relating thereto, are presented as 
a part of this report. Audited financial statements for the year ending 
August 31, 1994, will be mailed to the National Council of 
Administration and the Department Commanders as soon as they are 
available.














             VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

                  Office of the Quartermaster General

                                overview
    Net income from the Emblem & Supply Department, the Group Insurance 
Program, interest income earned from investments, and more recently, 
the Marketing Services Department, total approximately ten million 
dollars annually and help substantially in meeting the monetary needs 
of all VFW programs. While these sources of revenue are relatively 
solid, expenses for printing, postage, travel and our many other 
activities continue to rise. As a result of today's trend toward more 
frequent and larger law suits, and the need to keep ourselves as 
unencumbered as possible from litigation, our use of costly legal 
services continues to grow. Another particularly noticeable cost 
increase is our use of outside professional services necessary to keep 
our operations efficient and technologically current, and to assure 
that the marketing of ourselves is superior to the attention-grabbing 
multi-media campaigns of those against whom we are forced to compete. 
These and other factors make it extremely difficult to produce a year-
ending surplus, to which we have grown accustomed over the past four 
decades.
    Our financial statements as of May 31, indicate a surplus by year 
end. Our actual financial status at August 31, cannot be accurately 
predicted, and one of the biggest uncertainties is the cost of the 
National Convention, which will be enormous by any standard.
    The Veterans of foreign Wars provides more and better benefits to 
our members at all levels of the organization than does any other 
veterans organization in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of 
other veterans, whether they belong to the VFW or not, are 
beneficiaries of many of our fine programs seeking such things as a 
strong and stable national defense, a firm, fair foreign policy, and 
the creation and protection of countless veterans benefits. In spite of 
these things, for which we can all be proud, there is no other major 
veterans organization with lower national dues than the VFW.
                             quality people
    The quality of our people at all levels is one of the many reasons 
the VFW is the fine organization it is, carrying the respect and 
admiration of top government officials for many years. While I work 
diligently as your Quartermaster General to preserve the financial 
integrity of National Headquarters, I could not do so were it not for 
thoughtful groundwork laid by those having preceded me in this office, 
of the hardworking, quality staff I am privileged to have working with 
me in Kansas City and the Washington office. Adjutant General Howard E. 
Vander Clute, Jr., retiring this year after many fine years of toil for 
the VFW, has been a pleasure to work with and a credit to his office. 
His is another example of a life dedicated to the VFW above and beyond 
the call of duty. Likewise, the contributions of other dedicated 
workers from our National Officers to the Adjutant General's staff, 
State Departments and grass roots VFW members, provide that needed 
ingredient for success. Working together for a common case, these 
quality people of the past, present and future, will forever stand as 
one of the cornerstones in the foundation of the VFW.
    I would like to express my thanks to this year's National officers, 
National Council of Administration and Budget & Finance Committee who 
have contributed to making this another very fine year. I hope this 
report gives you some understanding of the financial status of your VFW 
National Headquarters. A solid financial base is essential to support 
our VFW goal that are common to units at all levels of our 
organization. While there are many other things to be done, I urge you 
to pay close attention to the finances of your particular unit, and try 
to leave it in better shape than when you came on board.

                    Report of Judge Advocate General

                          James J. Plick, Esq.

    It has been a great honor to have served in the position of Judge 
Advocate General during this year of 1993-1994 with our Commander-in-
Chief and staff officers.
    Certainly, in all positions in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, we are 
committed to service and it has been an extremely interesting learning 
experience for me regarding the workings of our great organization.
    During my year as Judge, I have continued to serve both the 
Department of New Jersey, my District and my Post.
    I wish to extend my best wishes and express my appreciation to all 
who have given me the opportunity to have served as Judge Advocate 
General.

                       Report of Surgeon General

                         Howard W. Bryant, M.D.

    It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be elected as the VFW 
Surgeon General for 1993-94.
    The VFW has always been, to me, the leader in working for veterans 
benefits. ``Commitment to Service'' by Commander-in-Chief George Cramer 
and his officers and comrades has been evident this last year. It has 
been a great pleasure working with them.
    There are many changes in medical service in the United States in 
both the governmental and private sectors, starting in 1994.
    VA hospitals will see great changes they are supposedly going to 
cover all veterans and their dependents. They will be in competition 
with other public and private hospitals. The VFW will be one 
organization that will be ever alert and protective of the needs of the 
nation's veterans.
    It has been a tradition to elect a medical doctor and/or a doctor 
of osteopathy to the office of the Surgeon General. Let's keep that 
tradition and ensure qualified individuals occupy this post.
    Thanks to the officers and comrades of the VFW for their help this 
last year.

                      Report of National Chaplain

                      Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr.

    Let us never abandon the time-honored principle--Commitment to 
service. American veterans will never stop serving. Service, to make 
America strong. Service, to keep America free. Service, to preserve 
America; the home of he brave.
    America is a place where free men and women can hold their head 
high, proud of their country and the veterans who served in the past, 
the veterans who are serving at present, and those veterans who will 
serve in the future.
    Indeed, I am thankful to have been elected to this wonderful 
marvelous office and to have had the opportunity to serve as your 
National Chaplain and be a part of the Commitment to service team.
    As a new member of this organization 10 years ago, I asked myself, 
why should I join he VFW? After some indepth and careful thinking, I 
came to this conclusion: the VFW requires my service. Service is the 
key.
    I threw myself totally into the idea--``how can I be of service or 
how best can I serve this organization?'' The greatest thing in the 
entire world is the opportunity to be of service to others, especially 
veterans and their families.
    And so, my personal motto as a VFW member is centered around 
learning to do, doing to earn, earning to live, and living to service.
    I was privileged to serve as chaplain for:
          Post 856, Austin, Texas;
          Travis County Council, Texas;
          District #28, Texas;
          State Chaplain, Texas; and
          Southern Conference (14 states) Chaplain.
    Now, this 95th National Convention marks a new beginning, a new 
dedication, and a new spirit of service among us all. From this new 
beginning let us move forward together, maintaining a proper dedication 
in keeping the spirit of service alive.
    Let us build courage, when many times courage seems to fall; let us 
regain faith, when there seems to be little cause for faith; let us 
create hope, when it seems that we are involved in an extremely 
difficult struggle or endeavor where there is so little hope.
    May it be said of us all in the words of Tennyson: I am a part of 
all that I have met . . . Tho much is taken, much abides . . . that 
which we are, we are-one equal temper of heroic hearts . . . strong in 
will . . . to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
    Let us renew our determination, our courage, our strength. Let us 
renew our faith and our hope--to strive, to seek, to find, and never 
yield--let us be ``First to Serve.''
    For all of us who care and who have special concern for service, I 
must say--the work goes on, the cause shall endure, the hope still 
lives, and the dream will never die. With the help of God and your 
encouragement, my service to the veterans of this nation will continue. 
God bless America, and God bless the VFW.
                        Report of Chief of Staff

                            Darrel W. Miller

    I would like to thank Commander-in-Chief George Cramer for 
appointing me his Chief of Staff. It was an honor to serve in the 
``Commitment to Service'' year.
    As we near the end of the year we are still working to attain our 
membership goals. The new and restructured Post program has played an 
important roll in membership, accounting for more than 12,300 new or 
reinstated members. Over 34 Department commanders have attained their 
fair share quota of new or restructured Posts.
    I urge Department commanders to contact Post Development at 
National Headquarters for assistance in implementing their development 
programs.
    I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and 
other activities during the year and would like to thank all the 
comrades and sisters for the kindness and courtesy shown me during my 
visits.
    I would like to thank Adjutant General Howard Vander Clut, Jr., 
Quartermaster General James D. Bowden, Executive Director of the 
Washington Office Larry W. Rivers and their staffs for all the 
assistance given me.
    I urge all comrades and sisters to continue to ``Honor the Dead by 
Helping the Living.''

                      Report of Inspector General

                           Larry G. Ziebarth

    It has been a privilege to serve the Veterans of Foreign Wars as 
Inspector General. I sincerely thank Commander-in-Chief George Cramer 
for the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of our outstanding 
organization. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my 
years as a VFW member.
    The opportunity to travel and represent the VFW and our great 
Commander-in-Chief has been most gratifying. I have had the opportunity 
to visit all the conferences and several Departments, renew old 
friendships and make many new friends. The many courtesies and warm 
hospitality extended to me throughout the year will be cherished.
    It was a moving experience for me to place a wreath for Commander-
in-Chief Cramer at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the VFW 
representative to the annual Cootie Tomb Trek. I also had the honor to 
present the VFW awards to the top cadets at the U.S. Military Academy 
and the Air Force Academy.
    The knowledge I have gained from the briefings received from the 
Pentagon, State Department, JTF-FA and CIL-HI will assist me in my work 
in the VFW in the ensuing years.
    It was also rewarding to chair the VFW Homeless Veterans Committee 
as the national organization prepares to launch itself into this 
program.
    To all the national officers and the staffs in both Kansas City and 
Washington, D.C., to Auxiliary President Juanita Crowe and her staff, 
many thanks for your support and friendship.
    To serve under Commander-in-Chief Cramer, who is an inspiration to 
all who know him, is an honor I will never forget. Thank you for a 
memorable year.
        Report of Assistant Adjutant General--Washington Office

                  Larry W. Rivers, Executive Director

    Last year I took advantage of this forum to address the single most 
overriding issue confronting veterans today. I am speaking of the fate 
of VA health care in the face of national health care reform. Given 
that this issue has lost none of its urgency and is still far from 
resolved in favor of America's veterans, I will now further clarify the 
VFW's position.
    The health care debate now taking place in Congress is of such 
magnitude and importance that it touches upon every U.S. citizen, 
especially this nation's veterans. As a consequence, all of the major 
veterans service organizations have strongly engaged these 
deliberations. VFW is certainly no exception.
                         dangerous and complex
    But having said this, it should be well understood that the VFW has 
not embraced the Administration's stance on this issue with the 
enthusiasm of some. The reason being that for America's veterans the 
national health care reform process is just as dangerous as it is 
complex.
    Certainly no true veterans advocate could stand idly by and watch 
this process unfold without participation. The future mission and, 
indeed, the very existence of the veterans health care system hangs in 
the balance. But it is also certainly true that this is not 
specifically a veterans issue.
    It has mostly to do with the provision of health care to those U.S. 
citizens who do not currently have access to care--primarily non-
veterans. This plan would also establish how health care is to be 
provided to all Americans in the future. So the question that must come 
to mind is should the VFW be involved in building a national non-
veteran health care system?
    Would any of you reading this article choose to march up to your 
mother or aunt or any of your non-veteran relatives and proclaim that 
you not only chose their new health insurer but their doctor and 
hospital as well? I don't think so.
    The fact remains, however, that the national health care process 
will go on whether we choose to participate or not. You all remember 
legislation introduced a few years ago to totally eliminate VA health 
care. I assure you that there remain many individuals in the nation's 
capitol who would not hesitate to pursue this course again given the 
opportunity. Like it or not, the VFW must become involved.
                            keeping in focus
    Some in the veterans community are at least giving the appearance 
of enthusiastically endorsing the Administration's health care 
legislation, but the VFW is fighting to remain focused on the concerns 
of veterans.
    While the Administration's health care plan seems, at least on its 
face, to address many of our concerns--it is offered only as a package 
deal. It is our view that this ``package deal'' approach is unfair and 
that it is clearly designed to force us to involve ourselves in the 
non-veteran side of the health care debate.
    The Administration would have us deal with issues that reach far 
beyond our mandate to be aggressive advocates for veterans. Those 
backing this health care plan assert that in order to protect VA health 
care we must play a role in shaping the rest of the health care system 
in America. Perhaps this is true, but I have serious reservations.
    If saving and preserving the VA system is truly the goal of 
Congress and the Administration, why have they refused to support our 
proposal of proceeding with VA health care eligibility reform 
independent of any national health care plan? Even with the 
installation of a national health care system in mind, it simply makes 
sense to open up the VA to all of America's veterans now rather than 
later.
    National health care backers claim a strong VA is one of their 
objectives, so why not allow VA to proceed? In this way veterans would 
be better served now and the VA would be better able to prepare for the 
future.
                                funding
    Another point--if saving and preserving VA is truly the goal of the 
Congress and the Administration--is where is the funding for this year 
and the promise of adequate funding for future years showing a true 
commitment to America's veterans and their health care system?
    The VA health care system has been grossly underfunded through the 
years and there would seem to be no remedy in sight. Because of this 
only a small minority of the veteran population have access to the 
system. This would seem to be more in keeping with a plan to eliminate 
the VA health care system rather than sustaining it.
                         va reform legislation
    It is clear in my mind, in any event, that what the VA system needs 
is ``stand-alone'' legislation providing for both adequate funding and 
liberalized eligibility criteria so that more veterans might use the 
system. There is absolutely no need to wait for the establishment of 
some national health care plan rather than pushing ahead with VA 
funding and reform today.
    I honestly believe that we are at a crossroads in the veterans 
movement. Health care, a major issue for us over all these years, is 
now being shaped by events over which we have little if any control--
events such as national health care reform, budget deficits and the 
downsizing of the military.
    It is this, coupled with the VFW's firm conviction that national 
health care reform will not prove to be a panacea for all that ails VA, 
that compels us to continue to move against the grain by not completely 
endorsing the proposed national health care plan. For the VFW, it is 
the well-being of veterans that must remain first and foremost on our 
mind.
          Report of Assistant Adjutant General--Administration

                           John J. Senk, Jr.

    The Assistant Adjutant General--Administration assists the Adjutant 
General in conducting and managing the administrative and executive 
functions of the VFW. His responsibilities include supervision of 
Administrative Services and the Buddy Poppy departments at National 
Headquarters.
                           diverse functions
    The functions of this office are wide-ranging and include such 
diverse tasks as:
        --monitoring and reviewing Department budgets and financial 
        reports;
        --reviewing bylaws and incorporation documents of subordinate 
        units for compliance with the national by-laws;
        --preparation of administrative pamphlets and forms required 
        for internal and external use;
        --composition and preparation of national awards, citations and 
        letters of commendation;
        --publication, annually, of the VFW Constitution, By-Laws, 
        Manual of Procedure and Ritual following the national 
        convention;
        --filing of statutory congressional and state reports;
        --validation of requests for surplus military equipment;
        --maintenance of historical and legal files;
        --dissemination of summaries and preservation of proceedings of 
        the national convention and Council of Administration meetings;
        --establishment and maintenance of eligibility files of 
        national officers;
        --ensuring the proper recording of names and addresses of 
        national, Department and Post officers; and
        --all other established and administrative functions required 
        for the proper and efficient operation of the organization.
                         sound money management
    Department quartermasters have been observant in forwarding 
quarterly and annual financial reports and budgets required by the 
national bylaws. All reports are carefully reviewed and monitored by 
the administrative staff of the Adjutant General. Every effort is made 
to clarify any financial matters perceived to be unclear and to provide 
on-site assistance to quartermasters who request or need help.
    Records show that most Departments have adopted sound money-
management procedures and policies. Also, we are pleased to note that 
most quartermasters fulfill their responsibility to keep their councils 
of administration informed of their Department's financial status as 
the by-laws require.
    Special briefings are conducted by the administrative staff at 
National Headquarters for beginning Department adjutants/
quartermasters.
                             policy matters
    As statutory requirements of doing business increase in complexity, 
the need for maintaining records and up-to-date reviewed by-laws at 
every level becomes increasingly urgent. The Commander-in-Chief's 
Statement of Policy for the operation, management and control of Post 
canteens/clubs addresses these concerns and VFW requirements for such 
operations.
    The wide acceptance of this policy has served to strengthen 
canteen/club operations. As financial responsibility laws become more 
restrictive, there is a compelling need for subordinate units to ensure 
that articles of incorporation have been submitted through channels to 
the Adjutant General. There they are reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief 
in accordance with the national by-laws and then properly recorded with 
the appropriate state authority.
    Approved by-laws serve to smooth out internal Post operations, 
while articles of incorporation provide for the corporate entity of the 
Post and afford individual members protection from legal obligations of 
the Post. All Posts should have current by-laws and valid articles of 
incorporation reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief and filed with the 
secretary of state of their respective states.
                           additional duties
    Other administrative matters under the supervision of this office 
include the resolution of questions concerning membership eligibility, 
review of disciplinary hearings and appeals, research in the 
preparation of Commander-in-Chief rulings, handling questions 
concerning emblematic matters and the unauthorized reproduction and/or 
use of the VFW name and emblem and membership lists.
    Credentials for the national convention, resolutions and proposed 
amendments to the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual 
submitted by national officers and Department conventions also are 
processed, printed and disseminated by this office.
    My special thanks go to Commander-in-Chief George Cramer with whom 
it has been a pleasure to work. Also let me extend my thanks to 
Adjutant General Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., Quartermaster General 
James D. Bowden as well as to the national and Department officers with 
whom I have worked this past year.
             Report of Assistant Adjutant General--Programs

                            W. Benny Bachand

    Commitment to Service is more than just a slogan, it is a way of 
life in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Service and volunteerism have 
always been hallmarks of the VFW, and what we have done, what we are 
doing or what we will accomplish have always contributed to the 
successes we have enjoyed as an organization.
    Every day I witness the scope and magnitude of the many projects 
and services performed by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary for the 
betterment of veterans, their families, our communities and our 
country.
    As we continue our impressive work of volunteerism, we know 
firsthand that this program activity builds membership and that 
membership helps sustain our work. For every success VFW Post and 
Auxiliary, you will find a group of dedicated members carrying on the 
work that is so vital to the well-being of our organization.
    The Veterans of Foreign Wars has a long history of ``people helping 
people.'' We have always been able to count on a large volunteer force 
to carry on the programs. Now, with our unstable membership, we face a 
manpower shortage that could affect our ability to serve America and 
her citizens. We must encourage each new member to take an active role 
in those issues and problems that affect veterans.
                              new programs
    During the past year, the VFW has become involved with several new 
programs. With national co-sponsorship of the Golden Age Games, we have 
made a commitment to assist in the rehabilitation of veterans in 
hospitals.
    Our Job Opportunity Board program is an effort to get Posts and 
Departments involved in assisting veterans to get the permanent and 
full-time employment they need and deserve. Finally, we have initiated 
action to work with companies and agencies to find a solution to the 
growing ``homeless veteran'' population.
                          wwii commemorations
    With all the emphasis on programs growth during the past year, we 
have contributed a tremendous amount of time, energy and other 
resources to promote the 50th anniversary of World War II celebrations.
    As we enter the final year of reflection, Posts should ensure that 
we take every opportunity to recognize and thank WWII comrades for 
their service in time of war and their untiring and continuing service 
to our organization.
    Overall, we can look at this year as another year of challenge and 
opportunity. It goes without saying that we could have done better, as 
there are millions of eligible veterans who have not joined and become 
part of this effort.
    The future of our organization is unlimited. Proper initiation and 
planning can and will result in achieving new and higher goals in the 
years that lie ahead.
    I am excited about the changes taking place in the VFW that will 
result in achieving new heights, not only in membership, but in service 
to veterans, their dependents and the communities in which they reside. 
The call to be First to Serve will be one that propels our organization 
into success for the 1994-1995 year.
                   Report of Administrative Services

                      Thomas L. Kissell, Director

    Responsibilities assigned to Administrative Services continue to 
diversify in an ever-changing environment.
                        administrative integrity
    Currently, the director of Administrative Services duties include 
assisting in reviewing and processing the by-laws and articles of 
incorporation for all levels of the organization. This is done to 
ensure compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws & Manual of 
Procedure & Ritual of the VFW.
    The needs of subordinate units are varied and complex. They call 
for greater administrative oversight and coordination at all levels. 
The ever-present threat of litigation mandates the need for Posts, 
Districts and Departments to take appropriate measures to protect their 
membership and the organization from such actions.
                          liability insurance
    All units are urged to maintain adequate liability insurance 
coverage and to adopt by-laws, and incorporate in compliance with the 
national by-laws, as well as state incorporation laws.
    Emblematic matters are also handled by this office. Cease and 
desist orders for the unauthorized use of the VFW name and emblem are 
processed and issued as required.
    Removal orders for ineligibility originate here, too.
                     miscellaneous responsibilities
    In addition, Administrative Services reviews, resolves and refers 
complaints and problems concerning subordinate units, their officers 
and members. On behalf of the Adjutant General and Commander-in-Chief, 
correspondence is prepared on such matters. Also, coordination and 
operation of the Adjutant General's word processing system falls under 
our purview.
    Other essential functions include: compiling, publishing and 
maintaining records and proceedings of all National Council of 
Administration meetings; and maintaining certificates of compliance 
from the Departments requesting membership mailing lists for Department 
publications.
    Besides minding the daily nuts and bolts operations of the 
organization, Administrative Services plays a vital role in serving as 
a link between National Headquarters and individual members in the 
field.
    Speaking directly to officers and members on organizational, as 
well as more general veterans issues, is the primary means of doing so.
                    point man on eligibility issues
    And no issue is more important to the long-term future of the VFW 
than eligibility. By now, everyone is familiar with the demographics of 
our organization: Simply put, our members are rapidly aging. National 
attrition is increasingly cutting into our ranks. Projections regarding 
the potential pool of recruits among the WWII generation are not 
encouraging.
    On the other hand, there is still vast potential in other sectors 
of the veterans community. Korean War and Vietnam War-eligible veterans 
number in the millions.
    And let's not forget those who are eligible as a result of the 21 
campaigns recognized by the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the nine 
operations under the Marine Corps/Navy Expeditionary Medal since WWII; 
and the 657,000 who earned the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
                         Report on Americanism

                          John Moon, Chairman

                        Mike Gormalley, Director

    Across America, VFW members with the help of our Ladies Auxiliary 
continue the never-ending task of ensuring the continuation of our 
American way of life.
    Emphasizing our Americanism projects is one of the best ways of 
accomplishing that tremendous task. Passing out patriotic literature, 
conducting patriotic ceremonies and parades, holding Flag 
presentations--all of these are ways of ensuring the proper education 
of the American people, and are investments in keeping our nation 
strong. In addition, the personal satisfaction gained makes all the 
effort, time and trouble worthwhile.
    The VFW National Americanism program has been progressing 
throughout our nation. This year we have thirty-four 100% Departments.
    In the conference race, the Western Conference leads with 98.8%. 
The Big Ten Conference is second with 97.8%. They are followed by the 
Southern Conference with 95.8. The Eastern Conference is enjoying a 
good year with 93.6%. The overall average of the Americanism program 
reporting is 96.9%.
    The VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have always been among the leaders 
in supporting a strong Americanism program that educates the general 
public. Our support of this program has been very important during this 
Commitment to Service year.
                         Report of Buddy Poppy

                      William J. Radigan, Chairman

                       James R. Rowoldt, Director

    Carrying out the intent of VFW's objectives, found in Article I of 
the constitution of the VFW, together with the sale of Buddy Poppies, 
have allowed us to build a proud heritage of service to the disabled 
and needy veterans through our nationwide system of veterans service 
officers.
    The memory and history of our dead is perpetuated through the proud 
display of the Buddy Poppy on our lapel, while our widows and orphans 
are aided by the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
                            division winners
    The Department of Illinois led in sales this year with 1,211,000 
Poppies. Also joining Illinois in the Over One Million Sales Club were 
California, Texas, Minnesota and Ohio.
    Divisional winners in 1993-94 are: Division 1, Department of South 
Dakota and its Ladies Auxiliary; Division 2, Department of Delaware and 
its Ladies Auxiliary; Division 3, Department of Montana and its Ladies 
Auxiliary; Division 4, Department of Vermont and its Ladies Auxiliary; 
Division 5, Department of Oregon and its Ladies Auxiliary; Division 6, 
Department of Arkansas and its Ladies Auxiliary; Division 7, Department 
of Pennsylvania and its Ladies Auxiliary; Division 8, Department of 
Utah and its Ladies Auxiliary; and Division 9, Department of Europe.
    The achievements of this past year would not have been possible 
without the hard work and dedication of our ``grass root'' members--the 
comrades and sisters who diligently worked in the field. To all of you, 
we say ``Thank you.''
    The National Buddy Poppy Committee members who worked exceptionally 
hard to promote this year's Buddy Poppy Program are: William Radigan, 
chairman, South Dakota; Western Conference, Donald E. Bracken, 
Washington; Eastern Conference, Joseph E. Kearney, Vermont; Southern 
Conference, George T. Kelley, Florida; Big Ten Conference, Dwight E. 
Tanner, Jr., Illinois; and Kaye Mellert, Buddy Poppy director, Ladies 
Auxiliary, South Carolina. Each performed with dedication and diligence 
throughout the year in our Commitment to Service.
                     Report on Community Activities

                       Thomas Caldwell, Chairman

                        Mike Gormalley, Director

    The changing characters of our communities have created many ways 
in which Americans express concern for the needs of their fellow 
citizens. Volunteer efforts, most studies show, continue to increase 
and are widespread around our great nation. According to recent 
estimates, approximately 98 million Americans engage in some form of 
volunteer activity on a regular basis.
    Working side-by-side with the Ladies Auxiliary, VFW members promote 
community projects which assist others and improve their towns and 
cities.
    In 1993-1994, there were over 538,000 community service projects 
reported that accounted for 7.7 million in volunteer hours and $34.7 
million in donated monies. Yet, the most important and frequently 
overlooked feature of these volunteer efforts is that the VFW 
relationship to their local community has given us better visibility 
and an image of caring.
    Community Activities reporting has been very good this year. There 
are forty-one 100% Departments.
    In the Conference race, the Western Conference leads with 99.8%. 
The Big Ten Conference is second with 99.7%. They are followed by the 
Southern Conference with 96.9%. The Eastern Conference is enjoying a 
good year with 96.1%. The overall average of the Community Activities 
program reporting is 98.1%
    All over our country, VFW Posts and Auxiliaries are considered 
valuable and highly desirable assets in their community. VFW Posts and 
Auxiliaries are interested in and take an active part in the needs of 
their communities.
    Continuing support of community service programs by the VFW and its 
Ladies Auxiliary is an excellent example of the Commitment to Service 
theme.
                          Report on Membership

                      Lawrence LeFebvre, Director

    In order for any organization to grow, there must be a concerted 
effort in recruiting new members. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is no 
different than other large organizations in spearheading membership 
drives and offering incentives to members for their recruitment 
efforts.
    Unlike other organizations striving for new members, however, the 
VFW is limited in the size of the pool it has to draw from. The 
Department of Veterans Affairs tells us there are approximately 24 
million veterans in the United States. We estimate half of those are 
eligible for membership in our organization. If these figures are close 
to being correct, we need to do a better job of recruiting.
                          lacking new members
    We often hear from new members that the reason it took so long to 
join is that no one ever asked them. When looking at this year's 
figures, it becomes evident that many eligible veterans were not asked 
to join the VFW. Our recruitment of new life and reinstated members is 
equal or better than last year, but in the category of strictly new 
members we are behind.
    This points to the fact that we are not doing the job of selling 
the VFW and telling our story to those individuals who are eligible to 
join.
    Unfortunately, too many Posts sit back and wait for the dues 
notices to bring in their membership. While this works well for the 
continuous members of our Posts, it does nothing to replace those who 
die or slip out the back door.
    Dues notices are not sent to individuals you may work with who are 
eligible. Dues notices are not sent to people you socialize with who 
are eligible. Dues notices are not sent to the people you go to church 
with who are eligible. And dues notices will never be sent to these 
individuals until you ask them to join and sign them up as members.
                        personal contact the key
    Our whole attitude regarding recruiting has got to change if we are 
to be successful.
    The practice of door-to-door recruiting is a thing of the past as 
shotgun mailers do the ``knocking on doors'' for us. However, as 
successful as these mail recruiters are, there is no substitute for the 
original male and female recruiter.
    Personal contact is still the answer for bringing in new members. 
When you can talk one-on-one, explaining the advantages of VFW 
membership, you have a greater chance of answering any questions that 
may arise and the opportunity to promote the activities of your own 
Post.
    The ``back to basics'' approach must be resurrected and implemented 
by Posts, Districts and Departments. Our credibility as an organization 
and national stature depends on our membership strength. The 
recruitment and retention of new members is a critical part of whether 
we succeed or fail in our efforts to be a strong and viable voice for 
veterans in America.
                         recognizing commanders
    During this 95th National Convention, distinguished commanders who 
earned recognition as ``All American'' will be honored. Department 
commanders who earned this coveted award during the past year are to be 
commended for providing outstanding leadership in their Departments, 
which enabled their Posts to reach new levels in membership and program 
activity.
    Congratulations are also in order for the District, Post and County 
Council commanders earning All American honors.
    These comrades are to be commended for their outstanding 
contribution to the 1993-94 membership year. Their tireless efforts, 
dedication and leadership will provide inspiration for years to come.
    We cannot forget the members who, daily, provided support for the 
activities of their Post and served as relentless recruiters. The many 
who earned recruiter awards by signing up new and reinstated members 
can also take pride in their accomplishments and the effect they had on 
our organization. Those Departments which led their divisions or 
conferences are to be recognized for their persistence in the face of 
keen competition all year.
    Last, but most certainly not least, a salute to Commander-in-Chief 
George R. Cramer for his tremendous leadership, endless enthusiasm and 
sincerity in the belief that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is an 
organization that will always have a strong Commitment to Service.
             Report on National Civil Service & Employment

          James D. Voelker, Chairman; Sidney Daniels, Director

    In the employment arena, significant gains were made over the past 
program year in terms of assisting veterans to take advantage of scarce 
job opportunities. Throughout much of 1993-94, the economy was either 
in a slow-growth or no-growth mode and very few jobs were being created 
or filled. This problem has been a matter of heightened concern for 
many military personnel who just a short time ago were planning a long 
military career, but now, due to downsizing, must prepare to enter the 
civilian job market.
                            post job boards
    Partly in response to the increased demand for assistance from 
veterans affected by downsizing, the VFW national offices for 
Employment and Community Activities worked together in devising a 
program that involves Post members in employment matters. This 
collaboration resulted in the creation of the Job Opportunity Board 
(JOB).
    Under the JOB concept, participating Posts are encouraged to 
develop working ties with the state job service exchange in their 
community. Each office within a state job service system has veterans 
employment professionals on staff whose chief responsibility is to find 
jobs for veterans.
    After a process of planning and coordination, the VFW Post sets up 
a special display board where job openings, job training information 
and contact persons at the job service are listed.
    A job-seeker who visits the Post and sees a job opening for which 
he or she feels qualified, has only to contact the veterans employment 
specialist to arrange for a possible interview.
    The JOB concept is ideal for most Post homes which operate during 
late evening and weekend hours. The concept works well for the job 
service which usually operates on an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule and is 
constantly looking for ways to advertise job vacancies and other 
services.
    JOB allows more veteran-applicants to be exposed to available job 
vacancies. In some ways, it allows the Post to become an extension of 
the job service office.
    Finally, the JOB concept is especially beneficial to many active 
duty military personnel and recently separated veterans who often visit 
local VFW Posts for social activities, but who may be unaware of the 
community resources available to help them find jobs.
                         occupational training
    Another program which focuses on newly separated veterans is the 
Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act program 
(SMOCTA). This is a federal sector program that is designed to assist 
individuals being released from the service to obtain employment.
    Veterans discharged on or after Aug. 2, 1990 are eligible for the 
program if they meet certain requirements pertaining to military 
service, unemployment, or severity of service-connected disability.
    To be eligible, the veteran must meet one of three criteria:
          Must be unemployed for at least 8 of the 15 weeks immediately 
        before he or she applies for the program;
          A separating service-person must have a primary or secondary 
        occupational specialty (Job) that is not readily transferable 
        to the civilian work force; or
          Be entitled to compensation for a disability rated at 30% or 
        more (or would be but for the receipt of military retired pay).
    Participating employers who provide training will be paid an amount 
that is equal to one-half of the employee's salary. The total amount 
paid to the employer may not exceed $12,000 for individuals with a 
service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, or $10,000 for all 
others.
    Certain types of work are not reimbursable under this program. 
Ineligible employment includes employment which is seasonal or 
temporary; employment dependent primarily on commissions; employment 
with the federal government; and out-of-state employment.
    Eligibility determination and payments to employers will be 
centralized at the VA regional office in Muskogee, Okla. The SMOCTA 
program is now available in each of the 50 states. Since last 
September, approximately 1,500 businesses have begun training almost 
3,500 recently released veterans. Over 25,000 veterans have been 
certified as eligible. As of last June, funding remained for only about 
6,000 more jobs.
    Local offices of the state job service will be responsible for 
working with employers to establish training programs for veterans.
    The VFW advocated--at hearings--establishment of a training program 
such as SMOCTA as a replacement for the Veterans Job Training Act 
(VJTA), which operated for a limited period during the mid-1980s.
    SMOCTA, of course, makes it possible for servicemembers in combat 
occupational specialties--which are not readily transferrable to train 
in an area that leads--to meaningful employment.
    The program is funded at approximately $75 million for the first 
year and will provide training for between 8,000 and 10,000 vets 
initially.
                 Report on National Legislative Service

        James N. Goldsmith, Chairman, James N. Magill, Director

    For 80 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has maintained a 
legislative service for the purpose of promoting legislation--which is 
beneficial to veterans, their dependents and survivors--and monitoring 
congressional activity on Capitol Hill.
    From its inception, the National Legislative Service (NLS) has been 
a leader in the veteran's arena in Washington, D.C. and is currently 
respected and admired for its advocacy role on behalf of America's 
veterans.
    Despite the high-profile, media-conscious environment in which it 
functions, the operation of the NLS is possibly not as well understood 
by the general membership as might be expected.
    This, of course, is to a great extent attributable to the fact that 
a good 90% of its accomplishments are achieved in the form of old-
fashioned hard work performed behind the scenes and away from the 
limelight.
                         legislative victories
    Legislative victories in the area of increased VA compensation, 
liberalization of VA benefits programs and expansion of education and 
employment opportunities, all called for by VFW resolution, attest to 
the effectiveness of your National Legislative Service.
    Not since the GI Bill of Rights immediately following World War II 
has there been such a broad expansion of veterans legislation addressed 
and approved by Congress as during the last several years.
    Because of the complexities involved in the function of NLS, it is 
important that VFW members have a solid knowledge of the operation of 
this essential component of our national organization. It is only 
through a better understanding by our membership that we may all 
develop greater strength and effectiveness.
    Even though the NLS is relatively small compared to its 
counterparts in some of the other major veterans organizations, it is 
also one of the most highly regarded and sought out by members of 
Congress and their staffs when the welfare of America's veterans is at 
stake.
                            vfw action corps
    NLS has established the VFW Actions Corps in an effort to better 
inform our membership and involve them in the legislative process at 
the grass roots level.
    To complement the Action Corps, NLS has acquired a computer system 
that will enable us to target individual members of Congress for mass 
mailing campaigns--by political party, committee assignment, or 
congressional district and state. It is becoming more and more apparent 
that individual contact by our members with their elected officials is 
the key to getting things done in Washington.
    Probably the most visible aspect of NLS's job on Capitol Hill is 
testifying before committees and subcommittees of the U.S. House of 
Representatives and Senate with respect to pending legislation.
    It is extremely important that our concerns, as mandated by 
resolutions passed by the voting delegates at our most recent national 
convention, are articulated and acknowledged in congressional hearings 
where they become part of the public record.
    With the many diverse issues a member of Congress must face, he or 
she may not always be aware of the nature or the impact an individual 
bill would have on his veteran constituent. Because of the good working 
relationship we have established with Congress, NLS is constantly being 
sought after for its advice and counsel and encouraged to contact 
congressional staffs on various veteran legislation. This is 
particularly true of members of Congress who do not serve on the 
Veterans Affairs committees.
    NLS also makes ``informal'' recommendations to the appropriate 
committees of Congress concerning veterans issues. This involves 
working on a day-to-day basis with the Veterans Affairs, Budget, 
Appropriations and Labor committees, to name a few. Of course, we will 
appear before any congressional committee that is addressing an issue 
that is veteran-related.
                          committed membership
    Another essential NLS function is keeping the VFW membership 
informed of the activities of Congress and its efforts and progress in 
working with their elected representatives in Washington. In the final 
analysis, it is only the active participation of the strong, committed 
and well-informed VFW membership that has allowed for our numerous 
legislative victories for veterans on Capitol Hill.
    NLS communicates with our membership through the VFW Magazine, the 
Washington Action Reporter, special publications and direct 
correspondence with individual VFW members.
    The NLS staff works for you--the member. It brings many years of 
legislative experience concerning veterans and VFW matters. But in 
fighting for the good of veterans and the nation, however, it cannot 
stand alone.
    There has been in the past, is now and must continue to be a strong 
and vital partnership between the NLS staff and the VFW membership. We 
must all stand together, united, ever vigilant and committed in 
implementing the principles of our great organization--to serve 
veterans and the nation.
            Report on National Security and Foreign Affairs

              Harold O. Weber, National Security Chairman

              Russell R. Rieke, National POW/MIA Chairman

                     Kenneth A. Steadman, Director

    The VFW's National Security Committee and National POW/MIA 
Committee had an active year in pursuit of our priority goals.
    With over 2,200 Americans still missing in Southeast Asia, over 100 
Cold War unaccounted for, another 8,000 missing in Korea and 78,000 
from World War II, the resolution of this heart rending issue remains a 
top priority goal of the VFW.
    The VFW's national officers, committee chairmen and vice chairmen 
have stayed in close touch with the issue.
                             trade embargo
    When the President ended the trade embargo against Vietnam, 
Commander-in-Chief Cramer expressed his disappointment over this 
decision; ``While there has been progress in the past year, we are not 
convinced that the results obtained warrant lifting the embargo.''
    VFW leaders also met with Vietnamese, Korean and Russian officials 
to convey our commitment to the fullest possible accounting of all our 
missing men. In meetings at the United Nations and with Russian 
officials in Washington, the VFW set forth its views on this 
humanitarian issue.
    Acting on the Commander-in-Chief's instructions, Senior Vice 
Commander Vice Commander-in-Chief Allen F. ``Gunner'' Kent took the 
issue directly to Vietnamese, Korean and Russian leaders in back-to-
back visits to these countries.
    He conveyed the importance of the POW/MIA issue to the VFW and our 
concern for tangible results in resolving this priority issue. Later, 
the Chief sent junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera to represent 
the VFW as part of a presidential delegation returning to Vietnam and 
Laos. This included reviewing the effort between the U.S. Joint Task 
Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) and the local governments. Their 
reports, based on meetings with Vietnamese, Lao and U.S. officials, 
were widely circulated within the VFW and the U.S. government.
                             world hotspots
    During visits to Korea, the VFW's leadership reviewed the tense 
situation with U.S. and Republic of Korea officials. This hotspot has 
remained tense since North Korea refused to permit full international 
inspection of its nuclear facilities. The VFW's National Security 
Committee was kept informed of this developing crisis in Korea 
throughout the year.
    The VFW remained equally concerned over the situation in former 
Yugoslavia. There, the on-going civil war with both ethnic and 
religious overtones has defied solution. Although alarmed about the 
atrocities and concerned for the negotiating deadlock, the VFW remained 
watchful lest U.S. ground troops be introduced into this unstable 
region.
    Haiti, where a military dictatorship refuses demands to restore 
democratic government, also defies simple solutions. While some argue 
that the United States is obligated to support democracy within the 
Western Hemisphere, to include the use of military force, the VFW has 
urged a more cautious view.
    When Administration spokesmen and congressional officials urged 
military action to overthrow the Haitian dictatorship, the VFW's 
Commander-in-Chief noted that he had ``serious doubts that the VFW or 
the American public would support such a move.''
                           domestic concerns
    The VFW was also cautious about the bold moves to allow women to 
serve in military combat jobs. While recognizing the valuable role 
women played in winning the Gulf War, the Chief nonetheless urged the 
secretary of defense to be cautious as he approached the issue of women 
in combat.
    The terrorist bombing of New York's World Trade Center last year 
reinforces the VFW's views that the widespread, growing danger of 
terrorism demanded decisive action to combat terrorism. The VFW went on 
record supporting action against terrorist groups and the conviction of 
four terrorists for the Trade Center bombing met with the VFW's praise.
    The VFW also noted that in order to remain on the offensive against 
terrorists, the federal government needed to review and strengthen its 
procedures for screening and identifying terrorists. And to take 
whatever measures are necessary to improve U.S. security and safety.
                  Report on National Veterans Service

                       Walter G. Hogan, Chairman

                    Frederico Juarbe, Jr., Director

    You established our mandate to ``Honor the Dead by Helping the 
Living.'' The mission of the National Veterans Service (NVS) staff, and 
our nationwide service network, is to carry out that pledge in your 
name. A VFW service arm blankets the country, standing at the ready to 
serve you and others you may refer to us for help.
    A highly visible sign of your service program is the VFW Guide for 
Service Officers. We take great pride in this publication which is much 
sought after. No other veterans service organization can look back to 
half a century of continuous publication of such a valued reference.
    Currently, we are served by the 24th edition of this respected 
publication, which became available for distribution early in 1993. 
Individual copies can be obtained from the VFW Emblem and Supply 
Department in Kansas City.
                            service officers
    Often the first point of contact with our VFW service program is 
the Post service officer (PSO). Armed with the VFW Guide for Service 
Officers, and in possession of a few basic government forms, the PSO 
can provide valuable assistance during the first steps toward claiming 
an entitlement. This important volunteer then hands the issue over to 
the VFW Department service officer (DSO) for further development. It is 
a team effort.
    The work of your DSO assumes a heavy burden in terms of 
responsibility toward veterans, their dependents or survivors. He is at 
once a counselor, advisor and advocate.
    His world involves considerations of due process, protection of 
privacy and suspense dates associated with appeals. His tools of the 
trade are title 38, United States Code, and the Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    To keep current, DSOs join the NVS staff twice annually to 
participate in a demanding week-long training session. This training 
sharpens collective skills and improves qualifications to act on your 
behalf in seeking possible entitlement relief from problems posed by 
federal agencies.
                           courts and boards
    Your NVS staff continues to assist in the preparation and 
presentation of formal and informal appeals, initiated by veteran-
claimants before the VA Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). Claimants have 
available to them the services of a VFW medical and legal consultant.
    NVS's final product takes the form of a written presentation to the 
BVA on the claimant's behalf, or they accompany the claimant to a 
personal hearing before the Board and the transcript of that hearing 
becomes the official record.
    The VFW also continues to prepare and present briefs on potentially 
meritorious claims to the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals (CVA). Because 
this is a purely adversarial process, we must be cautious and not 
accept, for representation, appeals for that court which are frivolous. 
Neither can we practically represent appeals which fail to raise an 
appropriate point in law which would be acceptable for review by the 
court in accordance with the rules it has set for itself.
    The military claims consultants of your NVS staff continue to 
appear routinely with ex-servicemen and women before discharge review 
boards of each of the armed forces. Also, each of the military services 
has a board empowered to correct inequities in military records. We are 
in continuous contact with these boards on behalf of veterans and 
active duty personnel who walk in, write to us and call us daily.
                         field representatives
    Field representatives of your NVS staff have increased their round 
of surveys of VA medical centers, regional offices, Vet Centers and 
national cemeteries, with emphasis on the VA health care delivery 
system. The VFW is one of only two veterans service organizations 
performing this important function.
    We have altered our approach to the conduct of VA medical facility 
surveys to try to ferret out the ``hot spots.''
    Therefore, we rely increasingly on you, our membership, and others 
who may avail themselves of VA medical treatment to let us know when a 
problem is brewing. We will try to follow up every lead for you and 
keep the leadership of the VFW out front.
    A simple telephone call or a short letter to the VFW Washington 
Office, to tip us off to medical facilities where things are not going 
well, will cause us to go into action. This is a cooperative effort 
which requires the attention of all of us.
                              va meetings
    We continue to meet monthly with the under secretary for health. 
This is an informal exchange which gives VA the opportunity to share 
with us the obstacles it confronts which impact on the quality of 
health care. Plus, it gives us, as your representative, the chance to 
question the under secretary for health regarding failures by VA to 
measure up.
    Similarily, we meet quarterly with the under secretary for 
benefits. These meetings give the VFW an opportunity to provide input 
into the policies and procedures under consideration by VA, and it 
permits us to encourage change from within which benefits veterans.
    Additionally, it allows us to add a note of action when we think VA 
might be heading down the wrong track. We routinely touch base with all 
major elements of VA Central Office. We do this as surrogates for you.
    Finally, volunteers are veteran-patients' lifeline to the 
community. The VFW's VA Voluntary Services contributes almost a million 
hours annually to veterans in VA facilities. Accordingly, we ask all of 
you who can to redouble your commitment to ensure that our vital 
volunteer effort is both maintained and reinforced.
                       vfw service in the future
    As the VA continues to struggle with reductions in personnel, your 
NVS staff will remain vigilant that the needs of veterans are not 
compromised. To this end, all personnel in VFW service work need to 
double their efforts to ensure that every eligible veteran, dependent, 
and surviving spouse is made aware of, and assist with, obtaining any 
benefits they may be eligible for.
    A trained, dedicated and hard-working cadre of VFW service officers 
remain the cornerstone of our Commander-in-Chief's Commitment to 
Service as we ``Honor the Dead by Helping the Living''.
                       Report on Post Development

               Darrel W. Miller, National Chief of Staff

                        Robert Crider, Director

   Assistant Directors: Dan Pestinger, Ray Bayless, Jerry Wood, Jim 
                          Fieldler, Dave Clark

    Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines development as: the 
act, process or result of developing.
    The Veterans of Foreign Wars, like all organizations, continues to 
go through an evolution in membership. Unfortunately, active 
involvement in membership recruitment is not the priority it once was. 
The main reason why people do not join the VFW is because ``they have 
never been asked.''
    Success still awaits the old fashioned way--by opening and closing 
doors.
    First and foremost, every member should make sure the front door of 
the Post home is open wide to all prospective members. New members, the 
lifeblood of any organization, should be made to feel welcome. You only 
have one chance for a good first impression.
    Every year untold numbers of our comrades slip out silently, never 
to be heard from again. We fall that ``losing them out the back door.'' 
The best way to stop the exodus is to slam it shut by making every 
member a vital part of the Post and to make the Post a vital part of 
the community.
                         community involvement
    New Posts and restructured Posts give better local service to 
veterans and their dependents and the opportunity to further the VFW's 
goals and ideals. They give the VFW an opportunity to introduce many 
outstanding programs as well as enhance its image in communities 
worldwide.
    VFW members encourage Americanism, loyalty and Youth Activities in 
the local schools, promote community safety awareness, offer 
environmental assistance and expand exposure for participation in the 
Voice of Democracy scholarship program.
    With new Posts come new faces, ideas and leaders.
                           skilled leadership
    Follow-up is the most important factor for the success of a new 
Post. The membership of a new Post must be well-informed on the VFW's 
basic aims, purposes and programs, and assisted until it is on a sound 
footing.
    A member with proven leadership skills and well-versed in the VFW 
should be assigned as the Department representative. At least until the 
new leadership is confident in its ability to effectively service the 
community and properly represent the VFW.
                            the bottom line
    Each Post is important to the VFW's overall success and its 
individual programs. Dedicated leadership is the key to solving 
problems. Cancellation of a Post charter is seldom the answer. Once an 
unfavorable situation is confronted, it can usually be overcome.
    Proper attention from the District, County Council and Department 
is invaluable. Good leadership can rekindle member interest and inspire 
active participation. Loss of a Post means no community representation 
and in the process the local area is deprived of VFW service and 
programs.
    New Posts are clearly vital to the overall growth of our great 
organization. That's why our efforts must continue unabated.
    In 1993-94, Post Development recruited 13,764 new and reinstated 
members to join 229 new or 110 restructured Posts. As the VFW nears a 
century of service, they will be part of a unique fraternity.

NEW AND RESTRUCTURED POSTS AND MEMBERSHIP JULY 1, 1993 TO JUNE 30, 1994--
                              BY DEPARTMENT                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Total new       Total         Total   
    Department       Total new       Post     restructured  restructured
                       Posts      membership      Posts      membership 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama...........            3           99             3           288
Alaska............            0            0             0             0
Arizona...........            1           38             0             0
Arkansas..........            4          109             3           198
California........            8          403            14           637
Colorado..........            6          230             1            50
Connecticut.......            3          223             1            47
Delaware..........            1           29             1            23
District of                                                             
 Columbia.........            0            0             1            36
Europe............            3          340             7           240
Florida...........           11          395             4           254
Georgia...........            8          273             3           194
Hawaii............            1           43             1            38
Idaho.............            1           36             2           115
Illinois..........           10          341             1            26
Indiana...........            1           27             1            34
Iowa..............            1           30             2            49
Kansas............            3          117             1           135
Kentucky..........            6          236             3           165
Louisiana.........            5          143             1           124
Maine.............            9          114             3           202
Maryland..........            4           77             6           231
Massachusetts.....            0            0             0             0
Michigan..........            9          305             0             0
Minnesota.........           10          275             0             0
Mississippi.......            6          211             2            82
Missouri..........            7          204             4           143
Montana...........            1           26             0             0
Nebraska..........            2           57             2            67
Nevada............            1           25             1           100
New Hampshire.....            4          148             0             0
New Jersey........            3           86             4           394
New Mexico........            1           25             2           161
New York..........           19          493             1            26
North Carolina....            8          230             1            26
North Dakota......            1           26             0             0
Ohio..............           11          493             1            42
Okahoma...........            3           61             0             0
Oregon............            5          120             1            28
Pacific Areas.....            0            0             2           197
Panama Canal......            0            0             0             0
Pennsylvania......            4          242             2            71
Puerto Rico &                                                           
 Virgin Islands...            0            0             0             0
Rhode Island......            3          110             2           122
South Carolina....            3           93             1             9
South Dakota......            0            0             0             0
Tennessee.........            4          214             3            55
Texas.............           13          543            10           563
Utah..............            2           73             1            35
Vermont...........            3          108             0             0
Virginia..........            4          180             0             0
Washington........            6          148             6           212
West Virginia.....            2           72             2           239
Wisconsin.........            4          126             3            78
Wyoming...........            1           31             0             0
Foreign...........            0            0             0             0
                   -----------------------------------------------------
    Total.........          229        8,028           110         5,736
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Report on Marketing Services

                         Ron Browning, Director

                    Robbie Fazen, Assistant Director

    Created just a few years ago, Marketing Services is the newest 
office within National Headquarters. The establishment of this 
department represents a continued commitment by the VFW's leadership to 
meet the issues of the future and the demands of today.
    In the marketplace changes, we need to develop programs and 
strategies which allow for long-term success. This new office is an 
important first step in meeting the future in a way that translates 
into opportunities.
    A staff is being developed to provide an effective level of 
service. Existing programs and projects have been integrated into the 
daily operations of the office and projects critical to the future of 
the organization have been identified and, in many cases, 
implementation is well on the way.
    Here is a brief outline of some of the current projects now under 
the direction of Marketing Services:
                         non-member promotions
    Projects are now under way to promote the VFW to non-members for 
the purposes of communication, education and fund-raising.
              department cooperative fund-raising program
    A new cooperative program designed to improve the profitability of 
these traditional fund-raisers for VFW Departments. More than 50 
Departments and Auxiliaries have now joined the program.
                     national veterans service fund
    A host of projects that include: Veterans Service Fund and Past 
Commanders Club.
                        coordinated fund-raising
    More effective and coordinated fund-raising that communicates the 
importance of the project and the reason for the promotion. The result 
should yield improved returns with better understanding by the 
membership.
                      continuity in communications
    Developing member and non-member communications that provide a 
consistency of message, creating a stronger and more relevant story.
                          new membership tools
    Continued oversight of new and more effective membership recruiting 
tools that will provide for our growth.
                        new promotional programs
    Development of new and more effective promotional vehicles for 
fund-raising.
    As the future unfolds, these issues will change. Yet, they offer 
the organization a starting point from which to move forward.
    With your help and continued support, this department will succeed.
                        Report on Post Services

                       James R. Rowoldt, Director

    The volume and scope of duties and responsibilities assigned to 
Post Services are ever-expanding and changing. These include assisting 
the Adjutant General and Assistant Adjutant General, Administration, in 
the day-to-day administrative functions of the organization.
    One of the most important historical documents of a Post is its 
official charter. Once a Post is instituted, it becomes the 
responsibility of Post Services to correspond with the newly formed 
Post to ensure that the official charter is engrossed correctly and 
issued as expeditiously as possible. Complete and accurate records are 
maintained on microfilm and magnetic optical disk to facilitate the 
preparation of a replacement charter should the original become lost or 
destroyed.
    Section 209 of the National By-Laws provides the authority and 
procedure for two or more Posts to consolidate. When this occurs, Post 
Services initiates the necessary paperwork to correct the records at 
National Headquarters to reflect the consolidation, and a Certificate 
of Charter is engrossed and issued reciting the facts of the 
consolidation.
    Post Services is also responsible for issuing the Life Membership 
Perpetual Charter once the membership records are reviewed to verify 
that the Post has the requisite 25 life members. Once the membership 
figures are verified, Life Membership Perpetual Charter is prepared and 
mailed to Department headquarters for presentation.
    Post Services has been assigned the responsibility of processing 
requests, preparing applicable orders and maintaining permanent files 
for the Adjutant General on all suspension and cancellation actions. It 
is Post Services' duty to keep the Adjutant General apprised of any and 
all corrective action taken during periods of suspension to return the 
Post to good working order.
    In addition, the office of Post Services is charged with the 
responsibility for the collection, recording, maintenance and storage 
of the official records of over 10,800 Posts.
    The annual Post Election Report is the primary source of 
information from which the Post officers' files are constituted and 
from which the roster of Post officers and the amount of annual dues 
for each Post are compiled and stored in electronic data processing.
    The importance of the Post Election Report in the maintenance of 
the officer file is paramount. Without the information provided in the 
annual report of election, it is impossible for the Department or the 
national organization to communicate with the Post.
    The Post Officer File is one of the most frequently used at 
National Headquarters so it is absolutely essential that the 
maintenance of the file be current at all times and that special 
attention be given to accuracy in storing and updating the records in 
data processing. The data processing file contains the names, 
addresses, and telephone numbers of the commander and quartermaster, 
the amount of annual dues, the name, location, date of muster and 
status of each of our over 10,800 Posts.
    Annual dues notices cannot be mailed until the election report is 
received because of the need to know the name and address of the Post 
quartermaster and the amount of the Post dues.
    As the reports of election of Post officers for the 1994-95 year 
are received and processed, computer-generated acknowledgements will be 
sent to the Post quartermaster-elect to confirm the names and addresses 
of the Post commander and Post quartermaster and the amount of annual 
dues. Copies of these acknowledgements and any subsequent changes are 
sent to the respective Departments.
    The acknowledgement is made on a pre-addressed and prepaid return 
postcard with space provided for corrections and/or changes in any of 
the information shown on the card. If the information is correct, the 
Post retains the card for use during the 1994-95 administrative year to 
report any changes in the amount of Post dues and/or in the offices of 
Post commander and Post quartermaster.
    As corrections and changes are reported and made, these too are 
acknowledged so the Post quartermaster always has a return postcard in 
his possession to report changes during the year.
    Another area of responsibility for Post Services is the Post 
Inspection Program. In recent years, the Post Inspection Program has 
taken on increased significance. This program provides Department 
commanders and other officers with important information concerning the 
operation of each Post under their jurisdiction. Post inspections 
ensure that financial safeguards are maintained and the Post is 
operating in accordance with the provisions of the national by-laws and 
regulations of the Department, as well as governmental statutes. All 
inspection reports are reviewed by the director of Post Services. Where 
possible or known discrepancies are reflected, copies of the inspection 
reports are returned to the Department commander asking for a review of 
the discrepancies and requesting corrective action be taken.
    As a result of these review procedures, the inspection program has 
become more purposeful. When appropriately used, the results provide 
commanders with reliable indication of potential trouble areas and give 
early indication of those Posts in need of assistance. Department 
inspectors, along with their deputies who conduct inspections in a 
conscientious and concerned manner, can be assured this program will 
become a management tool of great value.
    Other matters falling within the area of the responsibility of the 
director of Post Services include the preparation and dissemination of 
the Post Adjutant/Post Quartermaster Operations Manual, Special Orders, 
and the monthly issuance of General Orders and the National 
Headquarters Bulletin.
    In our Commitment to Service the goal in Post Services is to ensure 
that the needs of our membership are better served.
               Report on Publications and Public Affairs

                        Robert McMahon, Chairman

                       Richard K. Kolb, Director

   William G. Smith, Director, Public Affairs, VFW Washington Office

 Gary L. Bloomfield, Vern Pall, Steve Van Buskirk, Assistant Directors

                              publications
    It's the obligation of the editorial staff to set journalistic 
standards, uphold the magazine's credibility and preserve the editorial 
integrity of its articles. Part of this custodial responsibility 
entails judgment calls by the staff, based on expertise in this field, 
with regard to content.
    Decisions regarding what goes into the magazine are based on the 
quality of writing, timeliness and potential interest to readers. 
Direction is taken from members as expressed in readership surveys, 
letters to the editor and resolutions on national issues. The staff's 
masters are membership interests, as well as journalistic integrity.
    Reflecting these dictates, VFW Magazine's editorial mission 
statement is as follows:
    It is the mission of VFW Magazine to offer fresh and varied 
perspectives, examine controversial issues and provide an open forum 
for balanced member opinions. At the same time, the magazine will 
report on veterans concerns, promote the VFW's positive image and serve 
as a vehicle for dissemination of VFW policy.
    No endorsement of views of authors should be inferred unless 
specifically identified as the official policy of the VFW. A free 
exchange of ideas is intended to generate reader involvement and 
enhance the magazine's vitality.
    In striving to inform, influence and interest readers, VFW Magazine 
will protect, preserve, promote, recognize, remember and respect all 
things sacred to veterans. That means a special focus on and coverage 
of four major subject areas: veterans rights/benefits, defense/foreign 
affairs, patriotism/volunteerism, and recognition/remembrance of 
military service abroad.
    In order to accomplish these goals, VFW Magazine must have the 
unfettered ability, to communicate so as to compete in the advertising 
marketplace. Since raising revenues to support the organization's 
primary means of communication--the magazine--is a major function, 
projecting a professional journalistic image is essential.
               national publications contest top winners
Department publications
    Published 10-12 times annually: Wisconsin VFW News, Bill Bottoms, 
editor; Published 4-9 times annually: Pennsylvania VFW News, William C. 
Allen, editor.
District and county council publications
    Letterpress/Offset: The Overseas Veteran, District 21(Texas), 
Charles Gulick, editor (deceased); Mimeograph: The Treaty, District 12 
(Mo.), Terry A. Klasek, editor.
Post publications
    Letterpress/Offset: The Messenger, Post 305, (Wis.), Carol 
Isaksson, editor; Mimeograph: Chandler Post Newsletter, Post 7401 
(Ariz.), June Avery, editor.
                             public affairs
    Why should I join the VFW? We all hear that question. Most of us 
have good answers. The real problem is as we approach our 100th 
anniversary that question is still being asked.
    VFW history is replete with great accomplishments for America and 
its veterans. Today, VFW members add to that legacy with their own good 
works. Alas, the VFW accomplishments of yesterday and today often go 
unnoticed.
    Our story must be told--loudly, accurately and often. Public 
relations must be a priority from the Commander-in-Chief on down to the 
newest member of the smallest Post.
    We must go beyond the walls of our Post home and tell people who we 
are and what we do. VFW membership and success grow only when potential 
members and the public see us as involved and relevant to the needs of 
America.
    We must also take our message to those in uniform. They are the 
ones who will fill our ranks in the years to come.
    We must reach out to other civic organizations and clubs. Their 
ranks include the other 10 million eligible veterans who do not belong 
to the VFW. We must tell them what we do and why they should be a part 
of it.
    We must join hands with patriotic corporations and small 
businesses. We can use their resources and our reputation to achieve 
mutually beneficial goals for America.
    Whatever your VFW position, good public relations must be your 
priority. Each plan and each decision at every level must be considered 
in the light of good public relations. Every effort must present and 
promote a positive image for the VFW, exclusive of internal politics, 
economic benefit or personal gain.
    The mission of VFW's Public Affairs office is to ensure that all 
Americans, particularly those who serve or have served in the military, 
understand the VFW and how it makes America better.
    To that end, we are planning better ways to reach our men and women 
in uniform, gain the attention of nonmember veterans and inform all 
Americans that the VFW is responsive and relevant to the needs of 
today's society.
    Make yourself aware of the VFW's past and current successes on 
veterans issues. Take advantage of every opportunity to explain VFW's 
role and accomplishments for veterans and their families.
    Effective public relations is simply communicating who we are and 
what we do for America and its veterans.
                            Report on Safety

                      Franklin E. Lopes, Chairman

                      Gordon R. Thorson, Director

    Chairman Franklin E. Lopes and Director Gordon R. Thorson would 
like to thank all members of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary who 
actively participated in this year's Safety Program. We have had 
another outstanding year, thanks to the many hours of volunteer effort 
by the comrades and sisters throughout this great nation.
    Interest in the National Safety Citation has grown to an 
extraordinary level. Thousands of Posts/Auxiliaries have qualified for 
the annual award by completing projects in all six categories.
    The VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have, for several years, 
supported, participated in and developed programs or events that 
promote safety.
    Members have involved themselves in a variety of safety efforts 
that cover virtually every possible activity. This expanding and 
growing program interest deserves proper credit and national 
recognition.
    The procedure used to report Safety Program activities will remain 
the same--completion of the VFW National Programs Report Form will be 
the accepted method of reporting activities. Please take note of the 
six-category system for reporting safety. This reorganization of the 
Safety Program allows for expanded reporting of individual Post/
Auxiliary activities.
    Basically, safety activities fall somewhere within six major 
categories:
          Category 1--Highway Safety
          Category 2--Pedestrian Safety
          Category 3--Recreational Safety
          Category 4--Home/Fire Safety
          Category 5--Drug Awareness
          Category 6--Recognition/Other
    These general categories are listed on the VFW National Programs 
Report Form followed by a line to name (describe) the actual activity 
that qualifies the Post/Auxiliary within that particular category. For 
example:
           If a Post/Auxiliary sponsors a Lite-a-Tike program, 
        it would report this activity under the Pedestrian Safety 
        category.
           If a Post/Auxiliary conducts a Drive to Survive 
        program, it would report this activity under the Highway Safety 
        category.
           If a Post/Auxiliary officially presents a Life 
        Saving Award (certificate) to honor someone in the community, 
        it would report this activity under the Recognition/Other 
        category.
           If a Post/Auxiliary actually sponsors a ``DARE'' 
        program in its local school, they should report this activity 
        under the Drug Awareness category.
    Virtually any legitimate Safety Program activity conducted by a 
Post/Auxiliary can be reported somewhere within the six categories. 
Credit is given in only one of the six safety categories for each 
activity. The Post safety chairman should determine which category best 
reflects the activity performed, and then complete the National 
Programs Report Form.
                        national safety citation
    Once a Post/Auxiliary has performed at least one legitimate 
activity within each of the six categories, that Post/Auxiliary will 
then qualify for a national citation, recognizing its outstanding 
effort (deadline for reporting is May 1 of each program year).
    The six categories and a mall sampling of the numerous possible 
activities within each are listed below. The listing is provided to 
help chairmen determine which category is best suited for the activity 
performed:
Category 1--Highway Safety
    Activity Ideas:
          Drive to Survive
          55 Alive/Mature Driving
          Railroad Crossing Safety
          State approved driving course
          Any legitimate highway safety activity
Category 2--Pedestrian Safety
    Activity Ideas:
          Lite-A-Tike
          Bicycle Safety
          Lite-A-Bike
          Any legitimate pedestrian safety activity
Category 3--Recreational Safety
    Activity Ideas:
          Hunter Safety
          Outdoor Safety (camping, etc.)
          Roller Safety (skateboards outdoor roller blades)
          Numerous other recreational safety activities exist
Category 4--Home/Fire Safety
    Activity Ideas
          Home Protection (safety & security)
          Fire Prevention (outdoor & indoor)
          Any activity that protects homes or prevents fires
Category 5--Drug Awareness
    Activity Ideas:
          Veterans Against Drugs
          DARE
          National Crime Prevention Council's ``McGruff'' campaign
          There are numerous other opportunities and programs
Category 6--Recognition/Other
    Activity Ideas:
          Life Saving Awards
          Firefighter Awards
          Police/Sheriff Awards
          Recognize an outstanding safety effort and gain credit
    Please note that this Safety program reporting procedure is more 
thoroughly described in the Safety Chairman's Guidebook. (The guidebook 
is available to Post, District and Department chairmen.)
                      Report on Voice of Democracy

                        James Mueller, Chairman

                      Gordon R. Thorson, Director

    Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay scholarship competition 
designed to give high school students the opportunity to express their 
thoughts on a patriotic theme, promote citizenship, and to convey their 
message via the broadcasting medium to America.
    Students in grades 10 through 12 in public, parochial and private 
schools are eligible to compete.
    This year's theme--My Commitment to America--focused on American 
achievements and pride in what this country represents.
    More than 138,000 students participated nationwide. More than 5,000 
Posts and over 4,000 Auxiliaries sponsored the program in over 8,000 
high schools.
    Scholarships, savings bonds and other awards totaled more than 
$2,364,000 on the Post, District, County Council and Department levels. 
National scholarships contributed another $106,500 for a grand total of 
over $2,471,000.
    The contest is conducted in cooperation with the National 
Association of Broadcasters and its state affiliates.
    State winners received, in addition to their scholarships, an all-
expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in February. While there, they 
visited national monuments, the U.S. Capitol Building and met with 
State Department officials.
    State winners, sponsored by their respective Departments, also 
attended the American Academy of Achievement's Salute to Excellence 
weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada in June.
    Each winner received the Academy's Golden Scroll Award and was 
enrolled in the Academy's Hall of Fame for America's Young Captains of 
Achievement. The first place national winner received the Academy's 
Golden Eagle Award for the Promise of Greatness.

                         TOP TEN 1993/94 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Sponsoring                                                        
        Place                  Winner            Post           Location          Amount           Award        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1...................  Nathaniel Bennett....        1149  Minneapolis, Minn...    $20,000  VFW T.C. Selman      
                                                                                            Memorial            
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
 2...................  Brenda Gilbert.......        4663  Clifton, Colo.......     15,000  VFW Scholarship.     
 3...................  Julie Willis.........        7428  Hoisington, Kan.....     10,000  VFW Scholarship.     
 4...................  Karen Rosenkoetter...        4323  Princeton, Ill......      5,500  VFW Scholarship.     
 5...................  Jeremy McCarter......         710  Steelton, PA........      4,000  VFW Scholarship.     
 6...................  Amy Bice.............        3012  Rexburg, Idaho......      3,500  Minnesota            
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
 7...................  Bryan Venable........        7328  Saltville, Va.......      3,000  Dept. of Indiana and 
                                                                                            its Ladies Auxiliary
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
 8...................  Michael Martel.......        9459  Lisbon, Maine.......      2,500  Daniel Sean Wallace  
                                                                                            Memorial            
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
 9...................  Carrie Warner........        1272  Belmont, Mass.......      2,000  Jesse A. Lewis       
                                                                                            Memorial            
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
10...................  Russell DiSilvestro..         604  Bloomington, Ind....      1,500  Joseph O. Hansen     
                                                                                            Memorial            
                                                                                            Scholarship.        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Report on Youth Activities

                       Bernard Fabritz, Chairman

                      Gordon R. Thorson, Director

    VFW recognizes the importance of shaping America's youth. Providing 
wholesome activities that stress fair play and good citizenship has 
been the goal and guiding principle of the National Youth Activities 
Committee.
    The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary have 
traditionally supported and developed programs and events that benefit 
our nation's youth. This long-standing commitment to youth has grown 
through the years to include almost every possible program or event 
associated with young people.
    This expanding and growing involvement deserves proper credit and 
national recognition.
                        youth activity reporting
    The procedure used to report youth activities will remain the 
same--completion of the VFW National Programs Report Form will be the 
accepted method of reporting activities. Please take note of the six-
category system for reporting youth activities. This reorganization of 
Youth Activities allows for expanded reporting of individual Post/
Auxiliary efforts.
    Basically, all youth activities fall somewhere within six major 
categories:
          Category 1--Sports/Athletics
          Category 2--Scouting/Organizations
          Category 3--Contests/Special Events
          Category 4--Education/Instruction
          Category 5--Recognition
          Category 6--Projects/Other
    These general categories are listed on the VFW National Programs 
Report Form followed by a line to describe the actual activity that 
qualifies the Post/Auxiliary within that particular category. For 
example:
           If a Post/Auxiliary sponsors a Teen Bowling Team, it 
        would report this activity under the Sports/Athletics category.
           If a Post/Auxiliary conducts a Child ID/Missing 
        Children program, it would report this activity under the 
        Education/Instruction category.
           If a Post/Auxiliary presents an Eagle Scout Award 
        (certificate) to honor Scouts in the community, it would report 
        this activity under the Recognition category.
           However, if a Post/Auxiliary actually sponsors a 
        Scouting Unit it should report this activity under the 
        Scouting/Organizations category.
    Virtually any legitimate youth activity conducted by a Post/
Auxiliary can be reported somewhere within the six categories. Credit 
is given in only one of the six youth categories for each activity 
performed. The Post chairman should determine which category best 
reflects the activity performed and then complete the Programs Report 
Form.
                   national youth activities citation
    Once a Post/Auxiliary has performed at least one legitimate 
activity within each of the six categories, that Post/Auxiliary will 
then qualify for a national citation, recognizing its outstanding 
effort (deadline for reporting is May 1 of each program year).
    The six categories and a small sampling of the numerous possible 
activities within each category are listed below. The listing is 
provided to help the chairmen determine which category is best suited 
for the activity performed:
 Category 1--Sports/Athletics
    Activity Ideas:
          Track
          Basketball
          Softball
          Baseball
          Soccer
          Swimming
          Bowling
          Special Olympics
          Hockey
          Any sport or athletic sponsorship
Category 2--Scouting/Organizations
    Activity Ideas:
          Boy Scouts/Explorers/Eagle, etc.
          Girl Scouts
          Cub Scouts
          Fellowship of Christian Athletes
          Boys and Girls Clubs of America
          Naval Sea Cadets
          Sons of the VFW
          Future Farmers of America
          4-H
          Any legitimate youth organization sponsorship
Category 3--Contests/Special Events
    Activity Ideas:
          Parades
          Talent shows
          Picnics
          Dance
          Fishing derbys
          Walk-a-Thon
          Rifle/pistol competition
          Bike-a-Thon
          Be creative, support the youth in your community
Category 4--Education/Instruction
    Activity Ideas:
          Ceramics
          Stamp collecting
          Model building
          Leather craft
          Missing Children (Child Id)
          Develop a youth education program
Category 5--Recognition
    Activity Ideas:
          ROTC Achievement Award (medal and citation)
          JROTC Achievement Award (medal and citation)
          Eagle Scout Award (certificate)
          Honor certificate for students
          Trophy/plaque presentation ceremony
          Any youth recognition
Category 6--Projects/Other
    Activity Ideas:
          Build or repair--
                        Baseball diamonds
                        Soccer fields
                        Playgrounds
          Donate equipment
          National Home construction
          Use your imagination
    Please note that this Youth Activities reporting procedure is more 
thoroughly described in the Youth Chairman's Guidebook. (The guidebook 
is available to Post, District and Department chairmen.)
                        Report on National Home

               Alice Hutto, President, Board of Trustees

                   Susan Shoultz, Executive Director

    The VFW National Home is a reflection of the commitment and pride 
VFW members have in their organization. With its silver anniversary 
approaching in the year 2000, this vital child caring agency, that has 
been a home to more than 1,500 children and grandchildren of America's 
veterans, is prepared to keep on serving children well into the next 
century and beyond.
    The VFW National Home is growing in many ways. By June 1995, the 
on-campus population is expected to reach its licensed capacity of 98 
children. A new referral system coupled with increased awareness among 
child care professionals have played a major role.
    Another factor in the Home's growth spurt are the millions of 
dedicated VFW members who keep the Home alive with their generosity and 
support. The National Home does not receive federal money. Rather, its 
funding comes from the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary, and the charity of 
others--people who genuinely care about the children.
    With 100,000 homeless children in America today, there are many in 
all areas of our country who can benefit from the full range of 
programs the National Home has to offer.
    For referral information, contact the Home's toll-free referral 
information line: (800) 851-0238.
    For more information on programs or funding, write to the VFW 
National Home, 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827-9799.
                          entrance eligibility
    Services for children are available at the VFW National Home when 
the child's parent or grandparent is (or if deceased, at the time of 
death was) a member in good standing of the VFW or Ladies Auxiliary, 
and the child's custodian cannot provide an adequate home for the 
child.
    Children who come to the National Home are given refuge beyond high 
school graduation. The Aftercare Program affords young adults an 
opportunity to further their education through scholarship assistance. 
Graduates may continue to live at the National Home in independent 
living for up to four years as they begin life in the adult world.
    At the Community Center, children enjoy a wide range of 
recreational activities. They also have ample opportunity to become 
involved with Eaton Rapids school and church groups, tutorial and 
enrichment programs within the Home's Education Department and a weekly 
chapel service. A full staff of counselors and support personnel are 
available to help them cope with problems and build for the future.
    Other features of the National Home include 4-H and adventure 
experience, camping opportunities, a student training program, public 
school education, health awareness training, spiritual development and 
community service responsibilities.
                  Report on Political Action Committee

                          Ray Soden, Chairman

                         Bob Currieo, Director

    The main concern of many politicians is to get re-elected. To get 
re-elected, it takes money and votes.
    The belief there is strength in numbers is a myth and politicians 
know it. But, if an organization like the VFW can combine its enormous 
membership strength with an ability to put money into a political 
campaign and even deliver votes, then that organization has 
unquestionable political power.
    Delivering money and votes for a congressional campaign on behalf 
of the VFW is the responsibility of your VFW Political Action Committee 
(see VFW National By-Laws, Section 615 National Committees.)
    The VFW-PAC tracks the actions of members of Congress on key issues 
that are important to veterans and our nation. These issues are 
mandated by our VFW national convention through resolutions adopted by 
the delegates assembled. Your VFW-PAC has no issues or agenda of its 
own. The issues come from you, the membership.
    The VFW-PAC holds Congress accountable for its votes and supports 
members of Congress who support veterans. This support is in the form 
of endorsements and contributions to their campaigns.
    Political action committees are the only legal way veterans' 
organizations can get involved in the political process.
    Collectively, veterans have the least political strength of any 
group in America. Consider this: Of the more than 4,000 PACs--1,700 
represent business, 350 labor unions, 80 health care and only one for 
that nation's 27 million veterans. That is your VFW-PAC.
    If Post, Districts and Departments are truly concerned about the 
future of veterans' programs and the political battles that lie ahead, 
they must do their part and financially support the only veteran's PAC 
in the United States. Then our Commander-in-Chief will truly speak for 
veterans from a position of strength.
    As chairman of the VFW Political Action Committee, I want to thank 
the following for their assistance and support: Board members John Ray, 
Bob Loftus, Chase Libby, Joe T. Wood, Assad Allie, Treasurer Doug 
Forrest and Ladies Auxiliary representative Florence Taylor.
    Also, the Board thanks Commander-in-Chief George Cramer, Sr. Vice 
Commander-in-Chief Gunner Kent, Jr., Vice Commander-in-Chief Paul 
Spera, Quartermaster General Jim Bowden, Adjutant General Howard Vander 
Clute, Washington Office Executive Director Larry Rivers and the staffs 
in Kansas City and Washington, D.C., for their continued support.
    The Board wishes to express its sincere thanks to all Posts, 
Districts, Departments and individual VFW and Auxiliary members who 
continually support the VFW-PAC with their generous donations.
    Finally, let me congratulate PAC Director Bob Currieo for his 
dedication in running the VFW-PAC.
    For more information about your VFW-PAC, or if you want copies of 
your representatives and senators' voting records, write to: VFW 
Political Action Committee, Inc., Suite 506, 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E., 
Washington, D.C. 20002.
             VFW Political Action Committee Financial Report

Cash and Assets on hand as of 6/30/93...................     $224,784.91
Income:
    Individual Contributions............................      141,307.90
    Post/Auxiliary Contributions........................      161,532.95
    Interest Income.....................................        3,139.09
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
      Total.............................................      305,979.94
Expenses:
    Operating Expenses..................................      282,715.06
    Fundraising Expenses................................       27,822.99
    Contribution to Candidates *........................        5,600.00
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
      Total.............................................      316,138.05
Total Difference Cash and Expenses......................      214,626.80
Cash on Hand (after expenses)...........................      121,602.80
Other Assets (Equipment)................................       93,024.00
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total Cash and Assets (10/31/93)....................      214,626.80

* 1993-1994 was a non-election year. The VFW-PAC will make its election 
year contribution to candidates during September and October 1994.