[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

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
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____________________________________________________
Total............................................. 305,979.94
Expenses:
Operating Expenses.................................. 282,715.06
Fundraising Expenses................................ 27,822.99
Contribution to Candidates *........................ 5,600.00
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____________________________________________________
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
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____________________________________________________
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.