World Of Tanks- "World of Thanks" Supports AMVETS

Wargaming America Celebrates National Military Appreciation Month with "World of Thanks"

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Four charities during four weeks in May to receive World of Tanks proceeds.

To recognize and honor North American veterans and troops during National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), Wargaming America, the North American publisher and service center of the award-winning videogame developer and publisher, today announced its "World of Thanks" giving program in partnership with top veteran organizations. Wargaming America has chosen four non-profit organizations for the four weeks in May to receive proceeds from sales within its award-winning game, World of Tanks: AMVETS, Homes for our Troops, Military Families Fund and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Each week in May, one of the veteran organizations will receive ten percent of the proceeds from the $14.95 and $49.95 gold packages purchased from the North American cluster. In addition, 75 percent of the proceeds of the $8.99 T14 tank packages (T14 + garage slot + 1000 gold) purchased during May will be divided between the four organizations.

"Beyond being a military-themed game, one of our core audiences of gamers in World of Tanks is active military and veterans - and we feel it's important we show our gratitude and appreciation," said Wargaming American General Manager Jeremy Monroe. "The organizations that we've chosen to work with provide amazing services and support to troops in U.S. and Canada and we're excited to in turn support them."

Weeks for donation:

AMVETS - May 3-9, 2012

Military Families Fund - May 10-16, 2012

Homes for Our Troops - May 17-23, 2012

Paralyzed Veterans of America - May 24-30, 2012

More information about "World of Tanks" program can be found at: http://worldoftanks.com/en/military-month/military-month-2012 .

Last year Wargaming America ran a Veteran's Day campaign to support and donate to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, raising more than $27,000 in one day for the organization.

May 2012 marks the 14th NMAM, a month designated by Congress to educate on both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve their country.

About Wargaming.net ®:

Wargaming.net® is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Since 1998, the company has published more than 15 titles, including the highly acclaimed Massive Assault and Order of War series. Currently Wargaming.net is focused on establishing an MMO war trilogy that will include their flagship armored World of Tanks, the flight combat World of Warplanes (one of the most anticipated MMOs for 2012), and the naval World of Battleships scheduled for release in 2013. For more information, please visit: www.wargaming.net 

(Photo: Banner for World of Tanks, courtesy of World of Tanks, used with permission)

Additional information about World of Tanks can be found at: http://worldoftanks.com/news/1236-charity-drive-may/

Ret. U.S. Army Gen. George Casey Honoring Graduating Veterans at Columbia University

Ret. U.S. Army Gen. George Casey to Speak at Columbia University Graduation

NEW YORK, May 4, 2012—Ret. Gen. George W. Casey, the 36^th U.S. Army chief of staff and the commanding general for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2007, will be an honorary guest and give brief remarks at Columbia University School of General Studies graduation on May 13 at 9 a.m. in New York City. Casey’s attendance is a way to honor the 41 U.S. Military veterans graduating—the largest number of undergraduate veterans to graduate from Columbia University since the period following World War II.

Casey, who was commissioned through the Georgetown University Army ROTC following his graduation in 1970, said he is humbled to recognize student-veterans at this remarkable moment in their lives.

"I am honored to be present for the graduation of the largest number of veteran undergraduates from Columbia since World War II. The leadership skills that these men and women received in the military and the education that they received from Columbia have prepared them to lead this country into a complex, uncertain and demanding future. I applaud Columbia for its efforts to make world-class educational opportunities available to our veterans,” Casey said.
  

The 41 U.S. Military veteran-graduates are a part of a veteran community of more than 210 at Columbia GS—a college founded in 1947 largely to accommodate returning servicemembers from World War II—and of more than 450 at Columbia.  The Columbia student-veteran population is the largest in the Ivy League and one of the largest in the nation.

In addition to having the largest student-veteran population in the Ivy League, Columbia GS is one of the U.S. Marine Corps Leadership Scholar Program’s founding members and was also one of the first schools to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program where up to 300 eligible student-veterans continue receive $7,000 per year matched by the VA.

The School of General Studies of Columbia University is a liberal arts college in the United States created specifically for students with nontraditional backgrounds seeking a rigorous, traditional, Ivy League undergraduate degree full- or part-time. GS students take the same courses, with the same faculty, and earn the same degree as all other Columbia undergraduates.

 (Photo: Official DoD photo, Photo by Monica King, U.S. Army, released)

Gary L. Fry, National Commander, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

 Commander's Commentary

Greetings AMVETS!

Spring is finally upon us and as we keep on charging through 2012, AMVETS continues to gain momentum. We successfully have made headway in our push for Affirmative Action for veterans on Capitol Hill and with the Capitol Hill Press Corps. By adding our veterans to the list of current Affirmative Action laws, we will help fight discrimination against our veterans in the workplace. While there are current laws to protect certain groups of veterans, the entire veteran community is not defended against stereotypes and prejudice in employment. If any group in the United States deserves our help to secure lasting, meaningful careers in these challenging economic times, it is our veterans. Our goal is to see Congress enact legislation that would cover all veterans.

The spring season also brought our annual Silver Helmet Award banquet. Congressman John Kline was presented a Silver Helmet Award for his leadership on Capitol Hill in defending veterans’ rights. Alfred Meadows was recognized as AMVET of the Year for his efforts in assisting wounded American veterans and their families through Operation Gift Cards. Judge Robert Milich, presented with the Silver Helmet Award for AMVETS Civil Servant of the Year, provided a model veterans treatment court program to his community and continues to contribute to local veterans in Ohio. In addition to the Silver Helmet Award, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary presented its Humanitarian of the Year Award to Peter Trovato for founding the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, which provides educational grants to children of fallen solders, and the Sons of AMVETS presented its National Aid and Service Award to Tim Tuttle for his many years of dedication at the post and community level. I would like to congratulate all of these individuals and thank them for their outstanding accomplishments in their various fields of service to our veterans.

As the end of the school year is in sight, AMVETS is proud to present annual JROTC and ROTC awards to recognize both leadership and academic achievement by cadets at the high school and college level. By promoting patriotism and leadership among our youth, this program helps to mold young men and women into responsible, dedicated and respectful leaders who may one day serve in the Armed Forces and join our AMVETS community.

Before I close, I would like to thank the officers and members of your department and post for continued devotion to our veterans’ community. I wish you productive and successful conventions in your states, and I look forward to seeing you at the AMVETS National Convention in August. I would also like to thank everyone for supporting my national project, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. This program delivers educational programs centered on citizenship to children of all ages. Donations can continue to be made through August on our website, www.amvets.org/commanders-project.

Harry Neal, National Membership Director, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

The Unseen: Reasons to be in AMVETS

He leans over the rail staring into the blue water over the USS Arizona Memorial. His hair is gray. His wrinkled hand clasps the rail as he stares below, motionless.  He is visiting a place and seeing faces only he can see. The solitude allows a glimpse into days gone and friends passed.  He still sees the fire and oil on the water.  He still feels the warmth of the setting sun on his face as he releases his grip on the rail and turns to his quietly waiting wife.  He knows he is one of the fortunate soldiers, yet he doesn’t know why. He joined AMVETS in 1949.

The early morning rain shines on the black granite as he carefully runs his finger on the name etched in the black stone. He is alone, it’s early, and there are no distractions as he looks deep into the stone. He sees his face, he remembers the day. It was wet, but hot and humid. They were in country for a month, shared everything in 30 days. Today they share another drop of rain as it runs down the black granite wall. He knows he is lucky, but doesn’t know why. He is 62 and in AMVETS.

He watched his friend as the hummer slowly rolled down into the ravine in the remote mountains of Afghanistan. He was thrown out. He ran to the bottom of the hill, it was too late for his body was lifeless. He sat for hours wondering what happened. All the machine gunning in the world wouldn’t bring him back. He saw a huge black hole inside. He rotated home and started and stopped a few times. His mom found him hanging in the woods.  He will never be 25. AMVETS knows his story and will do better. 

We hear the drone of the bagpipes and watch the solemn walk to the draped table with the empty chair and the turned glass, no drink will be poured. The lemon and salt speak silently to the bitterness of loss and tears as a family continues the vigil.  We look at the name of the soldiers in the light of the flickering candles on our tables. My card silently speaks, George Samson. Where is this lost soldier? He wasn’t found on the field of battle, we have no news.

“Remember—all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and relied on them, for surely they have not forgotten you. Present the honored guest.”

The unseen are reasons to join our team.  We all see the faces of soldiers we served alongside. They will be with us forever. They will leave when we leave. AMVETS ceremonies reinforce our determination to ensure soldiers missing in action are not forgotten. AMVETS is determined to stand up to Congress and say,  “don’t cut the benefits you promised!” AMVETS is dedicated to help returning veterans get the benefits they were promised. We are determined to find jobs for returning soldiers. Less than 1 percent of Americans answer the call of duty, yet our strength is in our numbers. Are you counted? Stay determined and focused to make sure America’s promises are kept. Join us in service.

Denny Boller, National Service Director, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

How to Break the Backlog, Part 2

In the last issue we were examining ways that the VA can and will ultimately break the backlog of claims, however there was one item that we were not able to cover: the VA’s new eight-week Challenge Training. This occurred because the training day we attended at the Baltimore VA Regional Office was not scheduled until after the magazine editor’s deadline for this article. I attended the training on Dec. 6, so I can now tell you about this very important component of the VA’s claims backlog reduction plan.

In the past, training for new employees consisted of a few weeks of centralized training followed by on-the-job training at their new VA regional office.  Some ROs did a fine job of training their new employees, but some did an adequate to marginal job and others, to be generous, have difficulties and insurmountable challenges in the training of their new employees. This area was identified and targeted for improvement.

There have been too many disparities in the training standards between the VA ROs across the nation.  This results in having no consistency in decision ratings for the same condition. Some parts of the nation are noted for liberal (high) ratings, some for consistently accurate ratings, and the others for low ball ratings.  This lack of consistency has been an issue raised by all the veterans’ service organizations, Congress, and the press for many years.  We, the VSOs, have been recommending more centralized training rather than OJT for years and finally the VA has listened.

The training that I saw on Dec. 6 was impressive. The students were rating actual claims, which would never have occurred in the past. Instead, students would rate a few sample claims.  Today, they are given real claims that do not have numerous issues, considered easy claims by an experienced rater.  In order to prevent errors, the decisions are reviewed for accuracy by experienced raters.

I also sat in several work groups that discussed rating issues and peer review of cases.  The questions proved relevant and thought provoking, and the students demonstrated both a sincere desire to learn their new career/job well and do the very best job possible with rating our veterans’ claims for benefits. The course curriculum is comprehensive and well thought out.  There are daily reviews and weekly tests to ensure that the material is learned, but most importantly, truly understood.   

And now for the really interesting and surprising part of this story: new personnel are not the only ones to attend this training.  Experienced raters and even decision review officers are also going through the training.

All the students and staff comments that I heard regarding the course were very positive and I echo them. I did not hear one negative comment. 

Kudos must be given to the Veterans Benefits Administration and Under Secretary Hickey for this major redirection of the VBA’s training program.  It will take carefully planned, innovative, well supported and expertly executed new programs such as the eight-week Challenge Training to break the claims backlog.

If you are in a period of crisis and need to talk with someone, don’t go at it alone. Make a call that is confidential to the folks at the Veterans’ Crisis Line: 800-273-TALK (8255), Press 1.  They are available 24/7/365.  Brother, sister, you are not alone. There is help to get you through this – call them. Or you can use the veterans chat line, which is there for you 24/7.  The URL is http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Diane Zumatto, National Legislative Director, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

Hill Watch with Diane Zumatto

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of the word ‘association’ is an organization of persons having a common interest.  This common interest is what initially brings people together and motivates them to join associations.  If you consider yourself a professional and interested in furthering your career, then joining a professional association, such as AMVETS, is a good start. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many, including AMVETS, have national, state, and regional chapters available to join. An association is a powerful and energetic group; the energy of each component is multiplied as it feeds off the energy around it, which simply means that the effect of a collection of people is greater than just one individual.

For most of us, establishing and maintaining professional relationships is important, and joining a group like AMVETS allows you, through shared experiences, to have a sense of security and trust. Associations, like AMVETS, sponsor various events throughout the year, allowing members to connect with their military and veteran peers.  Members share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer, sponsor local events or serve on committees as well as learn "best practices" and new ideas. Regardless of why you join, giving back can be the best reward and benefit.

AMVETS is a military and veteran service organization which:

• provides advocacy;
• can help you network to access job opportunities; 
• can assist you in filing a disability claim with the VA; and 
• lobbies Congress to protect your earned benefits 

All of the above, plus our quarterly magazine, for the price of a dinner out. 

Your National Legislative Department has been very busy meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill and discussing several issues of interest to veterans, including, but not limited to:  the importance of avoiding sequestration for VA; affirmative action designation for veterans; mental health care accessibility for veterans; no increases in TRICARE fees; keeping the VETS program as part of the Department of Labor; Post-9/11 GI Bill improvements and consumer awareness;  veteran status for career National Guard and Reserve members; the importance of funding the Vision Trauma Program; Transition Assistance Program modernization; and the special needs of homeless women veterans.

The importance of your personal involvement in the legislative process cannot be underestimated.  Each of you, as constituents within your home states, has the power to join your efforts with ours at National Headquarters.  I encourage each and every one of you to stay informed and get involved.  How you ask?  There are many things you can do including:  respond to ‘Legislative Alerts’ from AMVETS; attend a regional or state-level hearing on veterans issues; attend a town meeting in your home town; make an appointment to meet with your legislators the next time they are back in your home state; write a letter to the editor on an issue of importance to veterans; and offer to speak on veteran issues at your local Chamber of Commerce or school or better yet, run for a political office at the local, state or federal level.

Now that you have some ideas about how to become involved in the legislative process, how will you stay informed?  Take advantage of the resources available on the AMVETS legislative page; read the AMVETS magazine, American Veteran, when it arrives; visit the Library of Congress’ legislative website, THOMAS at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php; and visit the Web pages of your legislators  and the White House to sign up for their newsletters, participate in veterans blogs, read targeted publications, etc.

What resources are available to you on the AMVETS legislative home page?  Near the middle of the page you’ll see a new feature you can take advantage of - CapWiz.  This option not only allows you to respond to legislative alerts but provides many additional informational resources including: Elected Officials, Issues, Election, and Media tabs. Elected Officials is where you can find various information on all your elected officials through a search by state or zip code. The Issues tab directs you to links for legislative alerts and updates, including current legislation that we’re monitoring, key vote information and Capitol Hill basics. Election directs you to an election guide that is searchable by races, candidates, and/or states, and you can even register to vote. The last tab, Media, leads you to contacts for local and national media, which is searchable by the name of a media organization, state or zip code.

Look a little further down the page and you’ll see these additional resources:  ‘Stay Informed,’ ‘Spread the Word’ and ‘Congress Today,’ which will link you to the House and Senate schedules as well as the hearings schedule for both houses.

If you want to make a difference and protect yourself, we need to combine our efforts and let your legislators know that you care about veteran’s issues, that you are watching them, and that you vote.  Once you have their attention you need to let them know that there is no more important issue facing veterans right now than sequestration.   I say this because if sequestration is invoked and the VA is not protected or excluded, then none of our other legislative priorities will have any meaning.  I cannot overemphasize the importance of this one issue.  If each member sent a letter to the editor and/or to their legislators indicating the importance of protecting the VA from sequestration we would make major headway in protecting our earned benefits.

Beryl W. Love, National Programs Director, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

 

Charity Begins At Home

I have attempted to use this quarterly opportunity to profile AMVETS programs, programs that our membership has determined to be essential to fulfill our organizational mission. As a backdrop for your consideration to actively support the programs being highlighted below, please consider the following: one of the definitions for philanthropy is the practice of giving money to help make life better for others. In AMVETS, others equal veterans who have taken an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. It is AMVETS’ mission to enhance and safeguard entitlements for all American veterans who have served honorably, and improve the quality of life for them, their families and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and service. I have suggested in the past that if your post has limited financial resources you should support/donate to veterans’ causes first, because this achieves the core goal of our mission. Given the economic pressures we are all experiencing personally, organizationally and across our states and federal government, including the DoD and VA, it is time to be more direct. If your post has limited financial resources and is going to donate to only a couple of programs, those programs need to be AMVETS programs, not just any social program. The resources and financing to support AMVETS is becoming more of a challenge each and every day, yet our mission must continue to be achieved. If we refuse to lower our ambitions, refuse to not squarely meet our objectives in service to our veterans, then we must ask what works better and be willing to embrace innovative solutions. How can you contribute? Simply review and discuss your donation policies at the post and department level and put AMVETS first. There is an old adage, “charity begins at home.” This means we should try to help our AMVETS family and veterans before we help others. Consider our collective donations reported for 2011: total cash reported for donations was $1,373,744. Twenty four percent of this amount went to programs supporting homeless veterans, sick & hospitalized veterans, and support for our active duty military, fifteen percent went to six representative AMVETS programs, and the remaining 60 percent or $827,728 went to a sundry of other miscellaneous social programs. This money could have made a significant difference in helping to further some of our native and critically important AMVETS programs, such as the AMVETS Warrior Transition Programs across the U.S. Please revisit our AMVETS mission and invest your dollars with the AMVETS family.

· Commander Gary L. Fry’s National Project is support for Freedoms Foundation campus improvements. AMVETS has partnered with Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for more than 30 years to deliver quality educational programs to children, youth, and educators. The AMVETS Freedoms Foundation Spirit of America Youth Conference has provided dynamic citizenship education for more than 2,000 young Americans. The Freedoms Foundation is also the site of the Medal of Honor Grove dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients, the nation’s highest award for valor. One hundred percent of funds donated will go to campus improvements and you will have the opportunity to place memorial pavers in the Medal of Honor Grove.

· AMVETS Healing Heroes Fund – This fund assists OIF/OEF/OND soldiers and their families during lengthy periods of rehabilitation. The funds provide money to assist with travel, lodging, food and child care expenses that are not always covered by the DoD or VA. One hundred percent of every dollar contributed is used for financial assistance to aid veterans and their families.

· AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops – These workshops are designed to address one of the major hidden wounds of Iraq and Afghanistan: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developed by combat veterans, experts in the fields of PTSD, leadership, paradigm shift and a variety of other modalities, the workshops allow the warrior to process their transition without the stigma associated with a mental health program. One hundred percent of every dollar contributed is used to administer the workshops.

· AMVETS Task Force DVD – AMVETS appeals to the AMVETS Family and all patriotic Americans to donate their new and gently used DVDs, which will then be shipped to our nation’s heroes serving around the world. Posts may facilitate in the collection of DVDs and/or make donations that will assist in procuring boxes, AMVETS stickers and providing for the cost of mailing the DVDs overseas. One hundred percent of every dollar contributed goes directly to administering the program.

Cleve Geer, National 1st Vice Commander, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

I hope this article finds you and your loved ones in the best of condition.

The two new programs that the membership department put together to help increase our numbers received a great response from our members in the field.

The first program was a veteran gift membership to the post of your choice. This individual must not presently be a member in AMVETS and the selected post would obtain immediate credit for the member.

The second one was the mail in free membership application for one year. These veterans’ applications will be held in a separate department at Headquarters. After the free year is completed, the veteran will be able to renew their membership through the HQ department, and this information will be passed on to their local department and post. This could become a good feeder membership program for both the department and post levels.

Looking at the growth of some departments over the year, this program was designed to expose the veteran community to the AMVETS brand. Not intended to take dues money from the departments and posts, this was also thought of as an awareness program and simply a national effort to help the departments get new members. Our membership department goal for 2012 is 200,000 members, and with everyone’s efforts we can reach this goal.

This year, the membership department focused on promoting AMVETS and these two programs were very helpful in achieving this goal. Now that we are getting new members, we need to develop ways to make it attractive in order to keep them.

We ask that you continue to support these two programs and give them a chance to be successful.

Realizing these were new and not fully understood, many of us did not want to get involved.

However, with your efforts these programs are successful, and they’ve helped our numbers grow. I’m enjoying being your Vice Commander for Membership. Again, I would like to thank you for all you do for veterans and their families. Please continue your good work in attempting to make AMVETS the number one VSO in this country.

John Mitchell, National 2nd Vice Commander, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

Greetings to all, particularly to our post and department 2nd vice commanders of programs. Programs are our game and in the words of the late AMVETS member Donald R. Deis, “I believe if AMVETS is to grow, if we are going to increase our influence, we must get our message out. Programs, both national and local, are our keys. Who we are, what we do, what we stand for is embodied in our programs.” Don was a great AMVETS member and we can honor his memory by implementing the basics of solid programs planning and execution. An important part of our mission is to improve the quality of life for our veterans, their families and their communities through leadership, advocacy and service. Services are really “programs” that will benefit others.

One measurement of how well our posts are poised to deliver on the mission is to take a look at how many quality posts we have: as of 2011 we stood at 15 percent. This is an area we need to improve as we approach revalidation time, which is when the QP distinction is determined.

Also, the due date for entering a submission for the National Program Awards is July 1 and the forms are available online at the National website, www.amvets.org. The process of submitting an entry in itself is recognition for your members who have worked hard on behalf of your post and our veterans. A major incentive for submitting entries is the cash awards that accompany the recognition and may be used to enhance your programs. There is a total cash value of $10,500 spread over five categories for both posts and departments. Please consider submitting an entry for one or more of the following categories: Americanism, ROTC, Special Olympics, AADAA, and Community Service.

Another issue that needs your attention is the collective effort to regain the two percentage points we lost in post-programs reporting at the end of 2011. We closed out the six-month reporting period at 916 posts (79 percent) having made at least one report. In December 2011 we fell back to 77 percent. As of March 27, we stood at 34 percent, leaving us the next three months to regain 45 percent to reach and/or surpass our all time high. We must capture all of the outstanding programs that positively impact our veterans, their families, the active duty military and their communities. This information demonstrates the effectiveness of our organization not only to our membership, but also to those on Capitol Hill and the public to whom we look to for financial support.

The final thought I want to share with you is the need for each of our posts to report their numbers and document their successful programs. It is my goal to actively support our Department 2nd vice commanders and this type of information proves critical to that end. Only by sharing our successes will we truly accelerate our ability to fulfill our mission. Each of you is encouraged to take advantage of our program resources available online at the AMVETS National website (www.amvets.org). One of the resources available is a simple form that may be used to record and share your best practices. Send the form to our National Programs Department and they will post the report for others to access. Thanks for all you do!

Lynda Taylor, National Ladies Auxiliary President, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

Although most of us had a fairly mild winter season, it is still nice to see the warm spring weather.  Spring has typically been a time for new growth after a long, gray and dark winter.  We also can experience growth.  Even though our reporting period is almost over there is still time for new projects, recruiting new members and planning for the future.  We must always work together for the good of our organization.

Don’t forget to check our convention digest to apply for awards and make plans to travel to Daytona Beach.  Our convention chairman has included helpful information for you.

Thank you once again for the many courtesies extended to me during my travels.  I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know you – the local member.  Please continue the great work you are all doing for our active duty, veterans and their families.  Your volunteer hours in all our program areas are certainly appreciated.  Remember to “Keep Patriotism Alive and Remember the Veteran.”

Don’t forget my special president’s project – “USO, Trevor Romain, With You All The Way,” benefiting our military children.  Information can be found on the USO website, www.uso.org

Hope to see many of you at our National Convention in August.

 

PNC Bill Kilgore, National VAVS Representative, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

 

The week of March 12 was a busy week for yours truly, for I had the responsibility and privilege of representing AMVETS at the 66th VAVS National Advisory Committee meeting in Charleston, S.C. I then made a quick trip to Virginia to attend our National Executive Committee meeting and our Silver Helmet Banquet.

I am extremely honored and proud to share with each of you one of the highlights of the NAC meeting. One of our own, Charles Roth, AMVETS WI Post 2180 life member and VAVS Representative at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wis., was recognized as the Male Volunteer of the Year. Truly an outstanding accomplishment, this is the first time, to my knowledge, that an AMVETS VAVS Representative has ever received such an award. Please join me in congratulating him and acknowledging his dedication and service.

It is time once again for the Department Commanders in the states of Alabama-Missouri, including D.C., to re-certify their VAVS representatives and VA Medical Center deputies. Current certifications for these individuals expire on July 31. Failure to recertify your personnel will result in removal of AMVETS from the VAVS committees at your respective VA Medical Centers. Appointment forms for new certifications or re-certifications can be downloaded from our website, www.amvets.org, on the VAVS program link. You may mail, email, or fax this information to Tiffany Hilton, AMVETS National Programs Associate, at National Headquarters, (thilton@amvets.org), fax (301-683-3031).

In conjunction with the re-certification, all Department Commanders are required to appoint a VAVS Department Coordinator. VAVS Department Coordinators will provide leadership and support for all certified representatives and deputies. Departments are required to submit the name and contact information of a duly appointed VAVS Department Coordinator to National Headquarters as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days after department elections.

It is imperative that we take the re-certification of our representatives and deputies as well as the appointment of a Department Coordinator seriously. AMVETS needs strong leadership in VAVS to recruit “regular scheduled” volunteers, improve programs for our hospitalized veterans, solicit donations of financial and material resources and to attend/participate in VAVS committee meetings in order to coordinate all VAVS activities with the voluntary service office at your respective VA Medical Centers. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (423) 378-3378 or through email at (wgkamvet@charter.net), and of course Beryl Love, our National Programs Director, is also available to assist you anytime, (240) 832-7768.

Bruce McEllhaney, National Riders President, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

 Spring is upon us and now is the time to grow the AMVETS Riders organization by talking with veterans while we get out and ride with pride!  I ask that each AMVETS Riders Chapter focus on helping veterans through various programs.  I also challenge each Riders chapter and Department to hold one poker run or event that contributes proceeds to help support the national Riders’ program, Work Vessels for Veterans.  WVFV is a program that helps wounded combat veterans start and operate their own business.  Check out their website at www.WVFV.net.  A special thanks goes out to Mr. John Niekrash, founder and CEO of WVFV, for giving some very inspirational speeches at the spring NEC!

I encourage everyone in the AMVETS Family to take part in the AMVETS Riders National Raffle.  Prizes include a Caribbean vacation, a seven-day cruise and several great cash prizes!  Also, please keep safety in mind while you are riding all over this great nation.  There are many drivers who are distracted by cellphones, eating, etc.  We have to take care of ourselves by being aware of our surroundings while riding.  Let's go out and make things happen!  LRB

John Barnhill, National Sons of AMVETS Commander, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

Well, we’re over the halfway mark of my year as National SOA Commander, and this is my third article in our veterans’ magazine. I continue to travel, so I’ll just touch upon the highlights since the last article. In January, we held our second E Board meeting at Post 2000 in Warm Mineral Springs, Fla.  We toured several posts, and took part in a benefit for Loveland Home for adults with developmental disabilities.  I thank everyone there for the great hospitality.  In February, Martie and I met with the committee in Daytona, Fla., at the Ocean View Hotel for the pre-convention meeting. I took a short tour of Florida posts with National AMVETS Commander Gary Fry and National AMVETS Auxiliary President Lynda Taylor with AMVETS Department of Florida Commander A.J. John as our guide.  The following weekend I attended AMVETS Department of Florida Spring NEC.

I just returned from Spring NEC.  The SOA officers and members went to Capitol Hill, where we kept 194 appointments.  We also covered states not represented and handed out 295 veterans’ legislative points of interest.  On March 16, the SOA members and guests went to lay wreaths at the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials.  Again we had the honor of having veterans with us who helped with the wreath placement.  We conducted our meetings, and I am happy to say our new guidebook is completed and available on the website.  Our new plastic life cards are also available.  New life members will automatically receive the plastic card.  Current life members who would like a plastic card need to send in their current card and a check for $5 to National Headquarters, and Martie will issue you a new plastic card.  The following week, I attended the testifying of Commander Fry on veterans’ affairs in front of Congress.  

I just want to remind everyone that the project I picked for the Sons of AMVETS is Camp Hope with the goal of $30,000 to build a new cabin. Please remember this is a retreat for our wounded veterans, and dig deep for a donation.  No amount is too small.

Finally, my officers and I are here to assist you.  You can reach me by phone (616) 928-8422, or by email: johnbarnhill616@aol.com.

Gary Sallade, National Chaplain, Spring 2012 American Veteran Column

A friend of mine was at the dentist recently and told me that while undergoing the usual poking, prodding and drilling, his dentist told him that he was tired of being a dentist and wanted to do something else for the rest of his life.  My friend said, “But you have been a dentist for 30 years,” and the dentist said, “Yes, I know, but I really want to do something different now.”  My friend told me he thought to himself, this guy sticking a needle in my jaw doesn’t want to do this anymore!  Later, I thought about what he said.  How many of us have the opportunity to do what we love for our whole working life? I would guess not many.  Confucius said, “Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”  A lot of us, maybe most, took a job because we had to make a living and earn a salary so we could survive, but it wasn’t necessarily the job or the work we wanted to do.  While all our situations are different, I think the good Lord knew that we might need something other than our work to fulfill us as human beings.  The Bible encourages us in Deuteronomy and Galatians to fill our lives by serving God and others.  Mankind measures a life in years; God measures it in opportunities taken to be of service to others.  Your time off from work can become the most joyous and fulfilling time that you have.  AMVETS can be the service opportunity that fills that time.  Since most of us can’t be involved in our AMVETS service projects while we are at work, we can utilize our “time off” by active, productive service through our AMVETS family.  I encourage you, regardless of vocation, to find one area of service that you can do.  It is out there if you look for it and if you ask God to lead you.  Spending your life in service is a life well spent!  Oh, and by the way, the dentist who didn’t want to be a dentist anymore wants to work at a golf course! FORE!   

Luke 6:38

Malachi 3:10