1. law, govt and politics
2. armed forces
3. air force

Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
"Back to Basics"
Commander Shawn Watson
Comrades,
I would like to thank the Comrades in District 5, had a great time visiting with them this
past month. Things are working themselves in place for the Department Convention. I’m
looking forward to visiting Pattaya again next June.
This year paid appoints to the National Veterans Service Committee and the National Programs Committee
will be Barry Moshinsky and Pat “Doc” Higgins. They will do a great job in these positions. At this time this all
the appointment that has been made. I have just received the letter for the non-paid appointments. I will be
contacting the District Commanders this month to fill these.
Membership statuses have yet to be updated. I’m sure by the time we get this published they will have
been. I encourage each Post to get out there and recruit, not only new members but the ones that have not
paid their dues in a couple years, or have not renewed for this year. Each category is important as the other.
Has your Post recruited a new Legacy Life member yet? The Legacy Life program is something a Post
member can continue to give to a Post once they have pasted on. It also has many benefits to the Legacy
member, discounts at the VFW store, additional insurance and many others.
School is back in session in most areas if not all. Now, if you have not already, is the time to get the VOD,
PP and Teachers programs off the ground. If you do not have a school in your area, be sure to talk with a Post
that does or get with the Department Chairman to find the Posts that are participating.
It is time to review the All-State and All-American Programs. There have been many changes. Don’t fall
behind the power curve. If there are any questions to either program, do not hesitate to ask. I’m never far
from my email, [email protected]
Yours in Comradeship,
Shawn Watson
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 1
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Jr. Past Dept. Commander Darin Combs
Comrades,
This month I would like to dedicate my article on one subject and that is the Clark
Cemetery. Post 2485 has done an outstanding job taking up the slack where the US
Government has abandoned their responsibility to keep and maintain the Clark Cemetery to
a respectable standard. The memory of our fallen heroes
should be one of our nation’s highest priorities.
We were able to see a partial victory when Congress
passed legislation stating that the American Battle
Monuments Commission was authorized to take on the
responsibility of the cemetery restoration and upkeep.
Many of us were so happy to see this and some even
claimed victory.
While it was a victory in getting the legislation passed,
money was not appropriated. What does that mean?
That means that people THINK that Clark Cemetery is
being taken care of by the US government and we can
move on to something else. This is FAR from the case.
The cemetery is still being maintained by our faithful Comrades and the expenses are still there. It is
through contributions that our Comrades are able to keep the cemetery in its already dilapidated state. They
have made great strides with their work and the whole place looks so good for the limited budget and
manpower they have.
I want to encourage all of you to contribute to the Clark Cemetery fund. If you already contribute, please
keep it up and even consider a little extra to help out where others have discontinued their support due to
misunderstanding of the legislations passage. Please see the address at the end of this publication and help
our fellow Comrades out in their effort to maintain the dignity of the Cemetery. Make it a priority in your life,
Post, and District when the US Government has not. If you won’t, who will?
If you need any help or have any suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You may email me at:
[email protected]. Thanks for all that you do for Veterans, their widows, and their orphans.
Yours in Comradeship,
Darin Combs
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 2
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
National Council Member Jerry Kraus
National Council Member’s Report
I attended the VFW National Convention at Louisville, KY during July 19-24, 2013. Immediately after the
convention the Council met and considered three disciplinary action appeals; all of which approved the action
of the Commander in Chief. The Council also approved the CinC national officer appointees and temporary
budget items. I also served on the Finance and Internal Affairs Committee.
Highlights of the convention included keynote speakers, Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, both from
Kentucky. Bill Thien was elected CinC, John Stroud SVC and John Biedrzycki JVC. Adjutant General Gunner
Kent retired after eight years of service and Jr. Past CinC has replaced him as Adjutant General.
Important decisions made in committee and passed on the convention floor include:



Expand the Foreign Medical Program – Resolution submitted by Post 12074, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Approved $10.00 increase in annual membership dues – effective January 1, 2014 along with
subscription dues activation. Resolution to amend $10.00 dues increase over a period of three years
failed in the committee and on the convention floor by a roll call vote – over 13,000 delegate votes.
Resolution to merge men’s auxiliary failed committee and was not voted on from the convention floor.
I inquired of the Membership Director regarding members signing up at large using the internet without
showing proof of eligibility. He answered that the member signing up certifies by affidavit that the eligibility
items they showed on the application are true and correct. Then, it is up to a Post if the member transfers to a
Post, to obtain proof of eligibility.
Yours in Comradeship,
Gerald L. Kraus
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
COMRADES HAVE YOU RECRUITED A NEW MEMBER TODAY!
IF YOU DON’T ASK, THEY CAN’T SAY YES!
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 3
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Sr. Vice Commander Bear Hudson
Hello Comrades,
We are off to a very good start in both the Membership and All State Programs.
Response from you, thus far, has been very encouraging.
Membership is moving along well. We have 302 new or re-instated members as of 31 August.
Within the Department so far, Gasper Delise is in high gear and has already recruited 106 N/R members
while Cliff Wilsey keeps speeding on with 23 N/R.
The Department has added two new incentives for all the hard work that Posts and their members do in
successfully completing one of our VFW’s most important goals of increasing VFW membership. For this term:
"All Posts that reach 100% +2 by 30 Nov. will be eligible for drawing at Midterm C of A for three prizes:
Two - $200 Stipends to be applied either toward New Life Membership or New Legacy Life Membership.
One - $400 New Bronze Legacy Life membership”
“All Posts reaching 100% +3 by 30 April will also be eligible for drawing at Convention in June 2014. Awards
include:
Two - $200 Stipends to be applied either toward New Life Membership or New Legacy Life Membership
One - $400 New Legacy Bronze Membership"
Keep up the great work all!
Bear
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Jr. Vice Commander Homer Kemper
Comrades,
First of all let me thank everyone for their first four months of Community Service. The
reports are looking great and we have currently submitted around 280 entries more than at
this time last year. Please keep up the great work and the honorable services you are
giving to the Community.
I know a lot of Comrades in the Pacific have very busy lifestyles and schedules and that reporting
Community Service is or can be very tedious. I also know that each and every one of us do some form of
Community Service so please take the time and document your outstanding hours and services you give to
your community.
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 4
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Please take a close look at your entries and as you can see the total entries for this month are very low as
well as some Posts with zero entries. Comrades let’s try to re-evaluate all your Services we ALL are doing
some form of community service so please get it documented. If you forgot to document your services within
the last 4 months submit a late entry.
Post
Dist
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Total
9723
1
9
12
11
26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
58
60
48
45
16
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
169
14
0
7
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
23
9612
71
81
60
68
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
280
8180
15
12
11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
38
9985
6
2
7
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
10033
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
32
36
14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
87
10216
21
12
14
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
59
10223
1
0
4
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
12109
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
7
7
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
26
0
0
7
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
9876
22
46
44
33
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
145
9951
59
40
39
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
138
88
88
33
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
234
9
11
14
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
47
11575
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
12074
3
30
36
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
69
1509
27
8
15
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
59
5
4
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
3457
6
7
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
124
2
7
11
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
26
2485
46
32
61
61
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
200
51
49
51
58
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
209
11447
0
1
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
12130
6
6
3
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
Total
532
535
523
373
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
1973
1054
9555
10215
727
9957
10217
10249
2917
9892
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yours in Comradeship and Service,
Homer Kemper
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 5
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Chief of Staff Frank Sass
Comrades,
I would like to make a request to all District and Post Commanders to get the word out to
our members to read the Typhoon. This is the tool we use between the C of A and our
conventions to inform our members what is going on and how we are doing in the
Department. It is also the voice of our elected offices, committee chairmen and appointed
officers to let you know where you stand in the various required programs. It is the Commanders conduit to get
out important information about what is going on in the Department and our VFW organization. A few
recommendations on how to accomplish this:
A. Brief you members at meeting and insure they have the Department URL.
B. If you have a post home post a copy on your bulletin board.
C. Have copies to pass out at your post meetings.
D. Have your adjutant email a copy to all post members (this is the best way to get the word out).
As of yet I have had not correspondence from anyone considering starting a new post in our Department.
If you have any questions or problems please feel free to contact me at my email or phone.
Frank J. Sass
Chief of Staff
[email protected]
Phone: +6353-323-6366
Yours in Comradeship,
Frank J. Sass
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Chaplain John Gilbert
Chaplain’s Notes
Comrades of the Pacific Areas:
As always, thank you for your service to our nation and to the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
The Chaplain is a very visible part of VFW events and activities, many of which include a prayer. The
Manual of Procedure and Ritual includes prayers for particular occasions, as well as for routine meetings.
Inclusion of these prayers is an important part of maintaining our traditions.
A very useful publication is the VFW National Chaplains Handbook. This can be downloaded without cost
using the Quartermaster Tools on the VFW National website and is less than 40 pages. It provides an excellent
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 6
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
reference for the Post, and particularly Chaplains. This publication gives a synopsis of Chaplains in Military
History, a discussion of Chaplain duties and services, as well as a selection of prayers appropriate to a number
of situations. Also, a Prayer pamphlet can be purchased from the VFW Store.
Please utilize the Taps Report form available on the Department website, (Forms tab), for reporting
member deaths. This will ensure accurate record keeping and the submission of required information to Post,
District, and the Department Chaplain.
Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
Yours in Comradeship and Service to Veteran,
John Gilbert
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Quartermaster Pete Callaghan
Greetings Comrades,
Quartermaster Bonds have been emailed to every Post and District which ordered one.
According to my records, only two Posts and one District have not yet ordered QM Bonds –
Post 10215 and Post 11575 as well as District III. If you believe I am mistaken, please let me know.
Canteen or Club Manager bonds have different rates and different requirements. I can help you order
them or you can deal directly will Tallman Insurance. Each employee to be bonded needs to fill out a
questionnaire for the insurance company. Let me know if you need a copy of the questionnaire or the rates.
September is the month when National sends out its annual Life Member payout. If you have not signed
up for direct deposit with National, your money could take a few extra weeks to arrive. I urge every Post and
District Quartermaster to sign up for direct deposit. You will receive email notification when funds have been
transferred from National to you. It saves a lot of time and trouble. Don’t forget about the dues increase on
Jan. 1, 2014. Now is the time to push your recruiting and retention efforts.
Have a good month and happy recruiting!
Yours in Comradeship,
Pete
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 7
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
2013-14 POST AND DISTRICT AUDITS/POPPIES/QM BONDS
AUDITS
SUBMITTED
9723
District I
13Jun
X
X
1054
13Dec
14Mar
QM BOND
ORDERED
13-14
ORDERED
2013-14
$58.00/500
X
$100.00/$40.000.
$9.00/$3,000.
Pd.
Pd.
$464.00/4,000 $100.00/$40,000.
Pd.
9555
$58.00/500
$54.00/$18,000.
Pd.
9612
$232.00/2,000
$75.00/$30,000. (Due
$66.)
District II
X
13Sep
BUDDY
POPPIES
X
8180
X
9985
X
$18.00/$6,000
$58.00/500
$60.00/$20,000
$232.00/2,000
Pd.
Pd.
$58.00/500
$21.00/$7,000
X
$58.00/500
$60.00/$20,000.
Pd.
X
$58.00/500
$75.00/$30,000.
Pd.
10223
$58.00/500
$30.00/$10,000.
Pd.
12109
$58.00/500
$15.00/$5,000.
Pd.
Pd.
10033
10215
10216
District III
X
727
X
$58.00/500
9957
X
$58.00/500
X
X
9876
X
$58.00/500
9951
X
$9.00/$3,000
$100.00/$40,000.
Pd.
$9.00/$3,000.
Pd.
$125.00/$50,000.
Pd.
$27.00/$9,000.
10217
X
$9.00/$5,000.
10249
X
11575
X
12074
X
District IV
District V
X
1509
2917
X
3457
X
District VI
Department of Pacific Areas
X
Pd.
$58.00/500
$45.00/$15,000.
Pd.
$58.00/500
$45.00/$15,000.
Pd.
$54.00/$18,000.
Pd.
$232.00/2,000 $75.00/$30,000
Pd.
$58.00/500
$45.00/$15,000.
Pd.
$15.00/$5,000.
Pd.
$9.00/$3,000.
Pd.
X
X
Page 8
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
124
$58.00/500
$27.00/$9,000.
Pd.
2485
$58.00/500
$200.00/$80,000.
Pd.
9892
$58.00/500
$9.00/ $3,000.
Pd.
$36.00/$12,000
Pd.
$9.00/$3,000
Pd.
$30.00/$10,000
Pd.
11447
X
12130
District VII
$58.00/500
X
X
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Legacy Life Chairman Robert Zaher
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Commanders and Quartermasters Please Take Notice
The following comrades have signed-up in this year’s 2013-2014 Department Legacy Life Membership
Program. Your Post will be receiving a dividend from the National HQ forever for these members who have
made this commitment.
Malcolm M. McCallum
Archie Turner Jr.
John Adams
Ernest Lee
Jack B. Dietz
R. Bob Farrow
Jerry Prinz
Clayton L. McKelvie
Dave Mason
James D. Malott
Commanders and Quartermaster s please pass to me any member of your Post who enrolls in Legacy Life
Membership Program so that I can add his name to the Department Legacy Chart.
Comrades, your Department and Post thanks you for your support.
Cheers,
BobZaher
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 9
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Judge Advocate William Wichmann
Comrades in this month's Typhoon I'll present Resolution 632 concerning the Foreign
Medical Program that was submitted by Department for consideration at the 114th National
Convention in July and then will discuss a Q and A on Post meeting minutes delivery.
The Resolution 632 was originated by Post 12074 Chiang MIa, Thailand and then submitted by
Department to the National Convention where it was amended and adopted as follows:
RESOLUTION No. 632
INCLUSION OF VETERANS TRAVLING AND RESIDING ABROAD
ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDICAL UNDER THE
FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM (FMP)
WHEREAS, services under the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) are strictly limited to the treatment of
service-connected disabilities, regardless of a veteran's VA rating adjudication; and
WHEREAS, at this time current law prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from establishing a
VA Fee-Basis Program outside the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Fee Basis Program is solely for veterans receiving non-VA hospital care and medical
services in the United States and is not applicable to veterans residing or traveling abroad; and
WHEREAS, reimbursement for a veteran travel under the FMP is limited to Compensation and Pension (C&P)
examinations and transportation for a veteran to the nearest medical facility when life-threatening emergencies occur;
now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the Foreign Medical Program be
expanded to provide all inclusive medical services to 100 percent disabled veterans.
Comment: At the National Convention the Committee on Veterans' Services reviewed the original resolution
submitted by the Department of Pacific and amended (wording in red) without changing the original intent of the
resolution. It was then presented on the floor of the national convention and voted for adoption as amended.. Please
take note that this FMP resolution has been adopted by National three times starting in 2009, again in 2012 and this
year. So, let's hope some action gets taken in the halls of congress this time around. Just remember to write and/or
email your congressmen concerning this matter as it concerns overseas veterans.
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 10
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Q & A MINUTES
During the past month my office was asked a good question that concerns delivery of Post minutes to the
membership after a regular meeting. Shown below are the question and answer, as well as, comments rendered for
consideration:
Question: Can a Post make accessible their regular meeting minutes to the general membership by presenting on the
Post Website using a closed link that requires a password in order to review?
Answer: At the discretion of the Post membership they may establish a link on their Post website to provide regular
meeting minutes either open (no password) or closed (with password) for review.
Comment: In answer to the above question I reviewed the current Department Post Websites, National ByLaws/Manual, Department By-Laws and Commander/QM Manuals and found the following facts concerning posting
minutes on a website:






On the Department Website it lists 19 of 27 Posts in Department that have websites.
That 11 Posts present their monthly meeting minutes on their website.
8 Posts listed minutes open each month without a password requirement.
3 Posts listed minutes that need a password to review.
Department Website has Department minutes openly listed on a link under the Adjutant Pen.
National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure do not reference any policy or procedures concerning
posting of meeting minutes. Nor does the Commander's or QM Manual. The only references to
minutes is in the Manual of procedure, Section 1004-Order of Business Posts, where item 8 indicates
"Read Minutes" and Section 218, (a)(6) Adjutant duties, under d., item 2, that indicates the Adjutant
shall maintain minutes after correction and approval.
Considering the above facts it is my opinion that Post membership should decide on how they want to
receive/review the minutes of a Post meeting. E.g., members may receive minutes by having them posted on
their website open or closed (password), place on canteen bulletin board, sent by email/postal or handed out at
the next meeting to review and correct if necessary. Also, Post By-Laws may have policy that indicates how
regular meeting minutes are distributed. However, if the Post has no by-laws or policy shown in the Post ByLaw, then procedures for distribution of regular meeting minutes may be written in Post GO #1 issued annually.
In closing if you have any questions on by-laws or resolutions please contact my office at
[email protected] or [email protected]. God bless you comrades, God bless
America.
THE JUDGE’S SAYING:
Yours in Comradeship,
Bill Wichmann
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 11
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Surgeon Patrick “Doc” Higgins
Well Comrades, it’s that time again for me to try to provide you with some usable
information. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Although this
topic affects a very specific group I will endeavor to balance it out next month with issues
for our female comrades.
If you don’t know what your prostate is or what it does, you’re certainly not alone: But you really should.
More than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life.
Over 50% of men in their 60s and as many as 90% in their 70s or older have symptoms of an enlarged
prostate (BPH). Each year over 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 30,000 will die
of it. Prostatitis is an issue for men of all ages and affects 35% of men aged 50 and older.
What Is the Prostate?
Technically, it's part of your sex organs. It's a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that surrounds your
urethra, a tube that takes urine from the bladder to the penis. The urethra also carries semen during
ejaculation. The prostate gland grows quite a lot during puberty (as does everything, lol) and then doesn't
change much until about age 40, when it slowly begins growing again and, in many men, doesn't stop. Half of
men aren't bothered by their growing prostate. But the others will develop one of three prostate diseases;
enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, or prostatitis, or may have more than one.
What is BPH?
BPH -- or benign prostatic hyperplasia -- is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. A non-cancerous
disorder, an enlarged prostate is the most common prostate health problem among men.1 Half of men
between the ages of 50 and 60 will develop it, and by the age of 80, about 90 percent will have experienced
BPH symptoms. It may result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, incomplete
emptying of the bladder, a weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination. As the prostate slowly continues to
enlarge, symptoms may gradually worsen, interfering with sleep, physical comfort and routine activities. In rare
cases, an untreated enlarged prostate may lead to an inability to urinate, incontinence, bladder stones, kidney
infections, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and urethra.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
Symptoms of BPH vary with each individual. They may include:





Frequent, often-urgent need to urinate, especially at night
Need to strain or push to get the urine flowing
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Dribbling or leaking after urination
Weak urine stream
Because male urinary symptoms can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as prostate cancer,
it's important to see your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 12
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
How common is BPH?
By about age 50, about half of all men have begun to develop an enlarged prostate. And by age 80, 90
percent of all men have the condition.
About the prostate and what it does?
What does the prostate do? The prostate, a male sex gland, produces the fluid for semen.
How does BPH affect urinary function?
Sitting just below the bladder, the prostate gland surrounds the upper part of the urethra (the tube that
drains urine away from the bladder to the penis for excretion). As the prostate grows larger, it presses against
the urethra, narrowing the passage through which urine flows. Problems with urine flow may result as the
urethra narrows due to prostate enlargement.
Little something for the women now, Recognizing Your Partner's Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement: Is
the man in your life making frequent trips to the bathroom during the night; Is he enjoying social activities less
because he always has to be near a bathroom; Has he complained about weak urine flow or difficulty in
starting urination?
Things Every Woman Should Know about BPH
 An enlarged prostate is the most common prostate health problem among men, usually affecting men
age 50 and over
 BPH is a condition associated with aging, probably due to hormonal changes
 By about age 50, about half of all men have begun to develop an enlarged prostate
 For men over 50, prostate enlargement is likely to continue through the rest of their lives
 BPH symptoms occur when the enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, the tube that carries urine
away from the bladder
 As the prostate slowly continues to enlarge, symptoms may gradually worsen, interfering with sleep,
physical comfort and routine activities
 BPH symptoms vary with the individual. Some men with BPH experience an urgent need to urinate,
while others may have difficulty starting urination
 In most men, BPH symptoms can be effectively managed with medication
 If left untreated, BPH may eventually curtail or slow down a man’s activities and interfere with his
lifestyle – and could lead to more serious medical complications requiring surgery
 BPH is a non-cancerous condition. There is no known link between BPH and prostate cancer
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by an infection. It's the most common
prostate problem for men under 50—so common that about half of adult men in will be treated for it in their
lifetime.
Bacterial prostatitis
Nonbacterial prostatitis
There are three major types of prostatitis:
Prostatodynia
Bacterial prostatitis.
There are actually two types of bacterial prostatitis: acute (meaning it develops suddenly) and chronic
(meaning it develops slowly over several years). Both types can be treated with antibiotics. Each type affects
about 1 in 10 men with prostatitis. Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are often severe, and therefore are
usually quickly diagnosed. These symptoms include: Fever, Chills, Pain in lower back, Aching muscles,
Fatigue and/or Frequent or painful urination. Chronic bacterial prostatitis may involve few symptoms other
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 13
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
than those of a recurring urinary tract infection, and the condition keeps returning even after the initial infection
has been treated and symptoms have disappeared.
Nonbacterial prostatitis occurs in about 6 out of 10 men with this condition. Although the causes are
unknown, the inflammation may be related to organisms other than bacteria, like a reaction to the urine of
substances in the urine. For example, men with a history of allergies and asthma sometimes develop
nonbacterial prostatitis. However, doctors cannot be sure exactly how these conditions are related. Doctors do
know that nonbacterial prostatitis is not found in men with recurrent bladder infections. Symptoms include:
Occasional discomfort in the testicles, urethra, lower abdomen, and back, Discharge from the urethra,
especially during first bowel movement of the day, Blood or urine in ejaculate, Low sperm count, Sexual
difficulties, Frequent urination
Prostatodynia (pain in the area of the prostate gland) occurs in about 3 out of 10 men with prostate
irritation. Unfortunately, tests used to diagnose infection and other problems affecting the prostate gland are
not useful in detecting the cause of this pain. In some instances, the pain may be caused by a muscle spasm
(an involuntary sudden movement or contraction) in the bladder or the urethra. Usually, though, the cause of
prostatodynia is unknown.
Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the prostate gland, testicles, penis, and urethra, and may include
difficulty in urinating. Certain activities increase your risk of developing prostatitis. These include: Having had a
recent bladder infection, Having BPH (see below), Having gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted
disease, Having frequent, unprotected sex, or unprotected sex with multiple partners, Excessive alcohol
consumption, Eating a lot of spicy, marinated foods, Injury to the lower pelvis (often as a result of cycling, lifting
weights, etc)
Diagnosing Prostatitis
Diagnosis is usually made during a DRE (digital rectal exam), where the physician inserts a lubricated,
gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate, or by examining fluid from the prostate under a microscope.
Some doctors use a symptom index questionnaire developed by the National Institutes of Health. Still,
diagnosing prostatitis isn’t easy, so the most important diagnostic tool your doctor has is you and your detailed
descriptions of your symptoms.
Prostatitis is not considered a serious disease, and it doesn’t lead to cancer. But it’s painful, extremely
inconvenient, and sometimes difficult to cure. There are a number of treatment options that usually provide
relief. These include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and surgery.
Well my friends, if you recognize yourself or a significant other or loved one here hope this helps to discuss
and visit your physician. All this information is available at www.prostatehealthguide.com. Looking forward to
seeing y’all in a couple months at the C of A.
YIC,
Doc
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Legislative Committee Chairman Bill Wichmann
Comrades, this past month the US Congress has been on home leave, so it is hoped that
you were able contact your representative or senator in person, by phone or email with
issues concerning veterans services. I know it's a hard task for those of us residing in the
Pacific Areas to do, but you still can use email or the postal service to make contact on
current and pending issues. With that said, I'll discuss in my article some specific concerns
of the government's general budgeting that seem to be on going in Congress.
VFW Legislative Service
The congress will return on September 9th to a litany (a tedious recital) of issues requiring immediate
attention, which are as follows:
 Funding the government in FY 2014
 Ending sequestration and adjusting the debt ceiling
 Passing a defense authorization bill
Considering the above the most pressing issue is to keep the government funded in FY 2014. Specifically,
congress must either complete the FY 2014 appropriation process before the new fiscal year begins on
October 1, or more likely pass yet another continuing resolution. A continuing resolution would peg funding
at FY 2013 levels, leaving DoD and other agencies navigating the rolling waters of sequestration cuts without a
rudder. If Congress fails to agree on a resolution the federal government will be forced to shut down and
hundreds of thousands of government employees will be furloughed indefinitely.
To date, only four appropriations bills have cleared the House (Defense, Energy & Water; Homeland
Security; and VA) and none in the Senate. The next major issue is “de-triggering” the sequester bomb. The
administration submitted its budget request in April with the assumption that sequestration targets would be detriggered by adopting a series of cost-saving measures. But there appears to be little support on the Hill for the
proposal, and the prospect of striking a “grand bargain” to replace the cuts imposed by the sequester,
appears unlikely.
Although the President announced military pay will be exempt from sequestration in FY 2014, the exemption
will shift cuts into other Pentagon programs. To complicate matters, the government is expected to hit the
statutory ceiling on the size of the national debt by November. In the past the debate over how to avoid the
debt ceiling resulted in additional defense cuts. While dealing with these two massive undertakings, Congress
also will need to find time to pass a FY 2014 defense authorization bill. The bill cleared the House, but is
pending full Senate approval.
So comrades the next few months are likely to be more or less nerve-racking on Capitol Hill. That being so,
it is believes Congress must abandon its haphazard approach to dealing with our nation’s debt burden, and
work in a bipartisan manner to find a solution that balances the burden of debt reduction across all federal
spending and not disproportionately on our nation’s security.
Comrades, this concludes my report on legislative matters concerning veterans and if you have any
questions you may contact me at [email protected].
Yours in Comradeship,
Bill Wichmann
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
VOD/Patriot Pen/Teachers Award Chairman Robert Moses
Commanders,
I would like to remind all District Chairmen for the VOD/PP/Teacher’s Award that we have
a little over two months before all entries for these programs are due on 1 November 2013.
As of this time I have not received the official packets for the programs. But as I stated in my
last Typhoon article, I will need all District Chairmen email address so I can send these out as soon as they are
received.
Please do not wait until the last minute to remind all schools in your areas the deadline to submit all entries
for these programs are 1 November 2013. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Yours in Comradeship and Service,
Robert Moses
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Inspector Jerry Prinz
Comrade District and Assistant Inspectors,
Now is the time to start getting your Inspection Schedules underway. Our goal is to have
all Inspections completed and in the bag by the C of A in December.
I provided Post and District Inspection Forms to your District Commander or
representative at the Incoming C of A in Cebu in June. Additional copies may be obtained on-line at
http://www.vfwdeptpacific.org/index.php/dpa-forms.
Please e-mail me a copy of each completed Inspection Form as you complete them. Do not wait until all of
your Inspections are completed. If you have scanning capability, e-mail me a scanned copy with
signatures. Otherwise just an e-mail copy without signatures, and bring the signed copies to the C of A in
December. Also, you should provide the District Commander and the Post with a copy.
Let's have a good year of inspecting and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail.
Yours in Comradeship,
Jerry Prinz
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Certified National Recruiter Larry Lyons
Greeting Comrades,
I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer and soon the leaves will be falling in those
places that have four seasons. This is the first article that I am writing as the Department of
Pacific Area new Certified National Recruiter, Since Joe Mortimer moved out of the Pacific
Area and now resides in California I have been appointed by National to replace Joe. I want
to thank Joe for doing an OUTSTANDING Job! And I hope to do the Department and National justice stepping into his
shoes; it’s sort of ironic that I nominated Joe for that position when I was Department Commander back in 2008/09. I
have already down loaded Joe’s reports and ads from the Typhoon from years past to use as reference. Once again Joe
Thanks….
While I was at the National Convention and if you recall as Dave Teets would say some have the gift of gab! Anyway
while I was there talking with the MAP folks I was able to get there old “Convention Display Unit” from them free of
charge and they even paid for the mailing (pictured below). My thanks to Mike Penny and the National Military Services
Department for making this happen it will go to good use.
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
I also ordered the new VFW Recruiting Table cloth with the new motto “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR
VETERANS” I am hoping it comes in this week for our day view on 13 September
I have schedules already for the Display Unit for 13 September at the R&R Club Right Arm Night on
Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul, K-16 Fall Fest on 14 September, 19 September Osan BX, 4 October
Yongsan Fall Fest, 4 October K-16 Landing Zone Right Arm Night, 13 October Yongsan Fall Festival, 11
November Yongsan MAP Veterans Day Fun Run, and Thanksgiving weekend at Kunsan Air Base. Thus for
the rest of the year I and the Display unit will be pretty busy. Right know I am only looking using this in Korea.
But if other Districts would like to use it would have to be worth it while for it would cost about $250.00 to mail
the two cases to you then you would have to get it back to Korea. Let me know if you are interested and maybe
we can work something out it would have to be planned way in advanced.
In keeping with Commander Shawn’s theme this year “Back to Basic” look at some of these tips below and
you may need to re-approach how you are recruiting. You may recognize some of these phrases from your
military days.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT, another word know your programs and benefits the VFW has to offer not only
the time that the canteen is open!
DRESS FOR SUCCESS, Be professional looking when you are working at your recruiting booth, wear a
VFW shirt and hat if you have them, if not try and borrow a hat till you can get one.
FIRST IMPRESSION A LASTING ONE, for most of the active duty members we are trying to recruit the
first they see of the VFW may be at your Recruiting table or Buddy Poppy Drive, again follow the 2 items
above. If you have a professional looking table and booth and act professional they will feel that our
organization is a professional also that they will want to join.
STANDUP FOR A NEW RECRUIT, This obviously is if you can. If you’re sitting down get up, reach out and
offer a firm hand shake introducing yourself and asking his or her name. You now have a lead in.
GET TO THE POINT, when you recruiting you have about a minute and a half to sell your product after that
the perspective customer (Recruit) is thinking about other things, hit the main points, and how the VFW can
help them!
As an old saying goes, coined by Comrade Jim Malott at our 1997 C of A:
“IF YOU DON’T ASK, THEY CAN’T SAY YES”
Yours Always in Comradeship
Larry Lyons
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Midterm C of A Chairman Robert Zaher
Comrades Greetings!
Department of Pacific Areas Mid-Term Council of Administration will be held 6 – 8
December 2013 Oasis Hotel, Angeles City Philippines. On behalf of District Commander
Dennis Doty and host Post 2485 Commander John Gilbert they look forward to welcoming you.
Department website will have the registration site up at a later date. What I want to do is give you
Comrades a heads-up please see the schedule of events. Until the Department registration site is up and
running if you need any additional information please contact me by email at [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Department of Pacific Areas
6 - 8 December 2013
Mid-Term C of A and Mid-Term Grand Scratch
Schedule of Events
Date
6 Dec 2013
Friday
Time
0800 - 1130
0800 - 1000
1000 - 1100
1300 - 1600
1600 - 2000
Meeting/Function
Registration
DPA Audit
Grand Audit/Budget Meeting
Afternoon Social
Hospitality Room
Location
7 Dec 2013
Saturday
0800 - 0900
0900 - 0930
0930 - 1130
1130 - 1300
1300 - TBA
TBA - TBA
TBA - 1700
1700 - 2100
Registration
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
Department Business Session
Lunch Break
Department Buisiness Session (Cont)
DPA Budget Meeting
Hospitality Room w/ Live Band
Cocktails / Cdr Appreciation Dinner
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
8 Dec 2013
Sunday
0900 - TBA
Grand Scratch
Oasis Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Post 2485
Post 2485
TBD
Post 2485
*** All changes will be made through the Department Adjutant ***
Cheers,
Bob Zaher
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Historian Tom Bergam
Fellow VFW Comrades,
As we announced in last month’s Typhoon, a goal of our Department is to get our Post histories updated
on our website. I’m pleased to say that many of you have already begun this project and I have received
several draft histories for review. I’m pleased to report that the first to respond was Post 10249 Commander
Delbert “Bert” Marohl, who has written a very interesting history for his Post. Delbert is also the District 5
Historian and proposed the idea of developing District Histories for posting on our website. You will note that
this is currently missing. Department Commander Shawn Watson thinks this is a great idea and has given the
green light to work with our Pacific Districts on this effort. Delbert has also developed a District 5 History that
should be posted soon. I highly encourage your continued effort on Post histories and I’ll work with the District
Historians for their histories.
Please take a look at our Department Americanism Chairman Billy Q’s articles on Post naming for more
Department of Pacific History.
If you are interested in updating your Department History, please contact me at [email protected].
I’ll help you edit and review your inputs and make sure they get to the webmaster for update. Please help me
meet the Department Commander’s goal of “Making History in 2013-2014”!
Yours in Comradeship,
Tom Bergam
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
POW/MIA Program Chairman Rhett Webber
The 2013 National POW/MIA Recognition
Day poster honors those still missing from our
Nation’s past wars and conflicts and those who
made the ultimate sacrifice and whose remains
have not yet been recovered and returned
home. The Poster depicts the Missing Man
Table and there is special significance to each
item that is displayed. Set for four, the missing
personnel from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force are represented at the table. The round table
shows everlasting concern. The table cloth is white symbolizing the purity of the servicemen’s motives when
answering the call to duty. A single red rose is displayed in a vase as a reminder of the life of each of the
missing and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers. The vase is tied with a red
ribbon symbolizing the continued determination to account for them. A slice of lemon is a reminder of the bitter
fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. The salt symbolizes the tears shed by those missing and
their families who long for answers to end years of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects hope for their return
to their families and our Nation. The inverted glass symbolizes the servicemen’s inability to share an evening
toast. The chairs are empty; they are missing. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is held each year on the
third Friday in September. On September 20, 2013, ceremonies will be held across the country to
commemorate the sacrifices of the missing servicemen and their families. For additional information about
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, visit the Defense POW/Missing Personnel website at:
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo.
Please observe the upcoming National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 20 September 13, by conducting a
ceremony at your Post, to honor our departed and POW veterans.
WWII - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 73,661
Korean War - - - - - - - - - 7,910
Cold War - - - - - - - - - - - - 126
Vietnam War - - - - - - - - - 1,645
Iraq & Other Conflicts - 6
Total MIA - - - - - - - - - - - 83,348
For more on U.S. full accounting efforts, go to the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office website, or the
Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command website.
"Until They Are Home"
Yours-in-Comradeship,
Rhett O. Webber
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Americanism Chairman Billy Quintero
Fellow veterans and comrades,
I will continue this month with my project of highlighting the “American Heroes” that are reflected in the
naming of our Pacific VFW Posts. I hope that you enjoy learning of our VFW heritage, as we honor the
“Americanism” of these heroes.
District 4 Taiwan
The Flying Tigers Post 9957, Taipei, Taiwan: Its name came from the famous Flying Tigers that flew combat
missions in China during the early stages of the war between China and Japan.
Taichung Post 727 located in Taichung, Taiwan, is named after its location on Taiwan; it was established in
1970.
District 5 Thailand
Fred J. Estes VFW Post 9876, Pattaya, Thailand: Named in honor of one of the Post’s former Commanders,
retired US Army Sergeant First Class Fred J. Estes. Fred was had Foreign Service in Korea and Vietnam as a
combat engineer and was Post 9876 Commander for 1997 and 1998.
Charles L Elms Post 9951, Bangkok, Thailand: Chief Electronic Technician Charles L Elms was a member of
VFW Post 9951, then known as the Bangkok Post at the time of his death on May 12, 1968. He was the first
member of the Post to pass away, so the membership sought permission from his family and Nat’l HQ to name
the Post after him. His daughter writes, “Dad was a very patriotic American and was proud to serve in any way
he could.” Chief Elms was a veteran of the Coast Guard and served in Vietnam for 18-months.
Karl W. Richter Memorial Post 10217, Korat, Thailand: This post is named after one of the most highly
decorated airmen of the Vietnam War, 1st Lieutenant Karl Richter. Lt Richter flew over 100 combat missions in
Vietnam and at the age of 23, he became the youngest American pilot to shoot down a MiG over Vietnam. He
is the recipient of the Air Force Cross, Silver Star, 4 x Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, Air Medal
(22) and the Purple Heart. He died on a combat mission in 1967 after his F-105 was shot down by North
Vietnamese AAA.
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
AFTN Memorial VFW Post 10249 in Udorn, Thailand: Established 08 January 1972 and named in memory of
nine airmen killed on duty when a battle-damaged RF-4C Phantom aircraft crashed into the Armed Forces
Thailand Network (AFTN) Udorn Radio-TV Station on 10 April 1970.
Mayaguez Post 11575, Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Established on 15 May 2000 (25th Anniversary Mayaguez
Operation) . The Mayaguez incident, which took place between the Khmer Rouge and the US from May 12–
15, 1975, was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. The names of the Americans killed, as well as those
of three US Marines who were left behind after the battle and who were subsequently executed by the Khmer
Rouge, are the last names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The merchant ship's crew, whose seizure at
sea had prompted the U.S. attack, had been released in good health, unknown to the U.S. Marines or the U.S.
command of the operation, before the Marines attacked. It was the only known engagement between U.S.
ground forces and the Khmer Rouge.
Squadron Leader John ‘Scarsdale Jack’ Newkirk Post 12074, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Named after John
Newkirk who was an American fighter pilot who gained fame in the American Volunteer Group (the famous
Flying Tigers) in Burma and Thailand during WWII. He was a US Navy pilot aboard Yorktown, flying the F4F
Wildcat, when he volunteered for the AVG. Newkirk was the squadron leader of the AVG’s Second Squadron.
Newkirk's last combat on 24 March 1942 was a raid on the Jap airdrome at Chiang Mai in Thailand. By the
time he was killed on the Chiang Mai raid, he had been credited with 7 air-to-air victories.
Billy “Q” Quintero & Co-Chairman Keith Michael
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Web Intern Shawn Watson
Comrades,
The web registration portal will open before the end of the month. We are working on the
details to ensure that the proper information will be on there. I’m looking forward to seeing
you all at the Counsel of Administration.
Many have asked to have your email passwords reset. When you email to have this
done, please include which email account you want to have reset. For the Chairmen that have a spot on the
website that needs updating, let me know if you need any help.
Yours in Comradeship,
Shawn Watson
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Publicity Chairman Thomas L. Darkus
http://thenationaldefense.com/weekly_segments
Comrades, it is “Basic” - Good PR Helps Retain Members
The public relations officer appointed or other member acting in the role of a PRO has a responsibility to
members of the VFW. The PR officer, along with other Post officers, must ensure that Post activities are
enjoyable, interesting and diverse. This promotes membership retention. Members who show pride in the
organization and the community service they perform attract potential members. Remind members to wear
their lapel pins. Make sure new members feel welcome and offer them the opportunity to get involved in a VFW
program or project that captures their interest. Getting a new member off to a good start, or involving an
existing member in a new program, is in everyone’s best interest. A happy member is the best PR the VFW
can have.
A PR officer is not responsible for meeting programs or choosing which VFW program to present to the
community, but you do have an overlapping responsibility to enhance any community-service project that is
undertaken. Good public relations can’t make up for lack of planning or poor administration. You can offer
suggestions to overcome these problems and hopefully good PR will be the result. Supporting VFW activities
through meaningful PR is the key to supporting members in their efforts to help the community. Members will
recognize your contribution to the success of the VFW and its many projects and programs. There is no
substitute for teamwork.
Facebook. Want to see what an effective publicity effort looks like – go to Facebook and enter VFW Post
1509 – Guam Official FB page-Guam VFW Hafa Adai Post 1509; Guam VFW serves, represents & supports
veterans, troops & military families. No one does more for veterans! OUR MISSION: To foster camaraderie
among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities.
To advocate on behalf of all veterans. Post 1509 gets Five Publicity Stars for a Basic and effective PR
accomplishment.
YIC and Service, Right Rev. Thomas “Tom” Darkus – “Now Hear This! Share Your Good News”
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
National Scouting Representative Joe Mortimer
Comrades,
First, as always, I would like to say thank you
for all you do for our nation’s military active duty
personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families! I
hope everyone is having a great VFW year so far! I
am now settled in my new surroundings in
California. One advantage to my being here is that
I can represent the DPA Scouting program at the
Area 6 Western Region Boy Scouts of America in
person at their meetings in the United States as
your National Scouting Team Representative and a
member of the Council Executive Board member
for the BSA Far East Council.
Department Commander Shawn Watson’s
slogan for the year, Back to Basics, I thought I
would do just that regarding our Department’s
Scouting Program.
“The mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
National Scouting Team is to support the programs
of the Boy Scouts of America within all VFW
Departments, Districts, and Posts by promoting our
shared values of volunteerism, Americanism, and
youth development.”
Some of the VFW's earliest ties to the
community involve youth groups. Few are stronger
- and none more lasting - than the close
relationship between the VFW and Boy Scouts of
America, dating back to 1915.
How VFW and Scouting works:
Chartered Partners:
Department of Pacific Areas
- BSA issues Charter to a VFW Post.
- The BSA Unit becomes part of your Post’s
Youth Program. Basically, THE POST OWNS IT
The
Post
Commander
appoints
a
representative to oversee the BSA Unit as the
Chartered Organizational Representative (COR).
- The COR must select Committee Chairman,
Scoutmaster, and approve applications for all
adults.
- Use your BSA Unit to influence young people,
support
Post
programs,
gain
community
recognition, find membership, etc.
The purpose of the Post’s Scouting Program
shall be to have a positive impact on youth, develop
constructive youth-adult partnerships, expand the
Post’s community outreach, and provide a resource
for veteran families and their children. The Post will
accomplish this by delivering the BSA’s programs
of character development, citizenship training, and
personal fitness to the youth of the American
military community.
The Post Scouting Coordinator (referred to by
the BSA as the ‘Chartered Organization
Representative’ or ‘COR’) primary functions shall
be to ensure that the Post’s Scouting program
succeeds and to provide coordination between the
Post and Scouting Units.
All Unit Scouters must be appointed by the Post
and register with the BSA; and the Post may revoke
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
their appointment at any time for any reason. (Unit
Scouters are adults who serve as members of a
Unit Committee for one or more of the Scouting
Units, as Unit Leaders, or as Assistant Unit
Leaders. Unit Leaders are adults who serve in one
of the following positions: Den Leader, Cubmaster,
Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor). Unit Scouters are
not required to be members of the Post, but are
encouraged to do so, if eligible.
There are many ways to support Scouting:
 Sponsor a Scout Unit:
- Cub Pack (age 6 – 10)
- Scout Troop (age 11 – 18)
- Venturing Crew (ages 14 – 21 boys and
girls)
 Partner a Scout Unit in your area.
The Unit Scouters shall be in BSA uniform
during the performance of their official duties.
 Provide funding for Scout Councils to help
Scouting grow.
BSA Shoulder Loops for the program assigned:
 Support Eagle Scout Projects.
- Blue = Cub Scout Pack Program
- Olive = Boy Scout Troop Program
- Orange = Varsity Scout Program
- Green = Venturing Crew Program
September 2013
Looking forward to next month’s edition with
some more great tips and hopefully something
regarding my contacts with the BSA Western
Region folks here.!
Yours in Comradeship and Service,
Joe Mortimer
Special Projects Chairman Joe Mortimer
Fundraising
Comrades,
First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all
you do for our nation’s military active duty
personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families!
As we all know, it takes funds to make our
Department function and be able to do all the great
things we do. I have been working up some
initiatives on how we can help generate funds I will
soon be presenting through the senior leadership to
Department of Pacific Areas
our Department Commander for consideration.
Some of these initiatives will need the cooperation
of our Comrades in all levels of our Department,
i.e., Quartermaster to help make the funds flow,
etc., and getting the word out to our Comrades and
communities.
Some ideas I am working on include:
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Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
- Department Endowment Program with various
levels of donation support.
- Honor Wall for the Website.
- Merchandise sales.
and more!
When my initial proposals are submitted I will be
providing more details to you after I have the
blessing to move forward with them. I am also
open to any new ideas you may have. Just let me
know!
Some of the things you can do to help is recruiting
recruiting recruiting! The more members we can
get, the more funds will be generated and the
added bonus of more folks possibly available to
assist you in your Post functions.
Other ideas include, but not limited to:
- When you are holding a Post or District
fundraiser of your own, maybe designate a certain
percentage for the Department. Every little bit
helps!
- Choose the Torture - Have donors pay $1 a
vote to decide which form of “torture” to inflict on
your organization’s leader (i.e., dress as a clown,
trade a job for a day).
- Bingo Is Its Name-O - Get prizes donated and
charge an entrance fee.
- Party Like It’s 2013 - Get entertainment and
food donated and charge a ticket fee for each
guest.
- Spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S - Hold a spell-a-thon with
each contestant collecting donations for the number
of words they spell correctly. The top winners
receive donated prizes.
Department of Pacific Areas
September 2013
- Smoothie Stand - A healthy and yummy twist
on the tired ol’ lemonade stand.
- Strike Gold - Participants ask friends and
family to donate old jewelry they no longer wear
and turn the gold in for cash.
- 50/50 Raffle - Sell raffle tickets and offer half of
the proceeds as prizes.
- Going Once, Going Twice - Seek out service
and product donations and hold an online or in
person silent auction.
- Buy a Meal - Volunteers donate homemade
meals to sell.
- Karaoke Style - Have participants raise
pledges for their commitment to lip-sync and sell
tickets to the performance.
- Working at the Car Wash - Coordinate group
members to wash cars in a high traffic location for
donations.
- Cook Off - Solicit local celebrities to enter their
best dishes and have people pay to vote on the
winners.
- It’s a Wrap - Coordinate with a store to offer
gift wrap services during the holidays.
- It Tastes so Sweet - Get baked goods donated
to sell at a large event like a dance or basketball
game
I hope some of these ideas are helpful! Remember
to also have fun in the process!
Yours in Comradeship and Money,
Joe Mortimer
Page 27
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Clark Veterans Cemetery
Committee Chairman
John Gilbert
VFW
POST 2485
CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY
ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES
This is the VFW Post 2485 Clark Veterans Cemetery Report for August 2013.
We employ five local hire employees to maintain the grounds of Clark Veterans Cemetery. Peregrine
Corporation provides 24 hour security and, assisted by Clark Development Corporation, maintains the outside
area. Total Cemetery expenses for August 2013 totaled $2,011. 53. This includes labor, normal maintenance
operations, equipment repair and replacement Flags.
ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES
CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY
Significant Activities:
August 17 … VFW Post 2485 provided military burial honors for Daniel P. Nicholson, AA, USN. (Clark)
August 18 … Australian Returned and Services League, Angeles City Sub-branch, conducted the annual
Australian Vietnam Veterans Day Observance, supported by VFW Post 2485. (Clark)
Donations total: $812.
Received $500 from organizations.
Received $187 from individuals.
Received $125 from Grave Digger membership.
No new donations for the Headstone Cleaning Project were received this month. Total thus far is $4556,
and has allowed for the cleaning and restoration of over 2200 Headstones.
As of 31 August 2013, Grave Digger membership stands at 1216, an increase of 5 from the previous
month. New Grave Diggers:
Dan Delaney
Travis Gunter
Donald Stygar
Pup Tent 8
Pup Tent 8
Supporter
Roger A. Mouser
Shane Fender
VFW Post 10046
VFW Post 10046
Although the legislation directing the American Battle Monuments Commission to assume responsibility for
the Clark Veterans Cemetery was signed into law over seven months ago, we have had no indication of their
transition plans for the Cemetery. We have been very pointedly excluded from any discussions or deliberations
regarding the future of the Cemetery. ABMC resisted taking responsibility for the Cemetery for many years,
and it appears that their position is unchanged.
Yours in Comradeship,
John H. Gilbert
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 28
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY
JULY 2013 UPDATE
VFW POST 2485
John Gilbert, Chairman
A number of events are supported at the Clark veterans Cemetery in addition to the well known
Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies.
Below is Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Bill Weddell, Returned and Services League
Angeles City Sub-Branch President, Jim Curtis Smith, and VFW Post 2485 Commander John Gilbert
at the well-attended Australian Vietnam Veterans Day Observance on 18 August.
This yearly event is supported by VFW Post 2485 at the Clark Veterans Cemetery.
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 29
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Below is a copy of the letter I received from the Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission
regarding the Clark Veterans Cemetery. This was precipitated by a request on our part that they take some
action. The Secretary’s statement “We cannot predict when, or if, such an agreement will be reached”, is
particularly troubling.
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 30
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
Photograph of the Month
Comrades
Thank you for your military service!
&
For your continued service as members of the VFW!
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 31
Volume XVII – Number 1
Department of Pacific Areas
July 2013
Department of Pacific Areas VFW University
Planning a Meeting
A successful meeting meets these requirements:




It starts on time
It is kept short
It is interesting It is informative
It accomplishes something
It should also follow the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ritual and the general rules of parliamentary procedure.
Its success depends on the person with the gavel—the Commander. He/she can control the start of the meeting by
the time he/she bangs the gavel; he/she can keep the meeting short by keeping it moving; he/she can make it interesting
and informative by a little advance planning; and he/she can make sure something is accomplished by knowing ahead of
time just what he/she is trying to accomplish.
The Commander should meet with the Adjutant and Quartermaster prior to the meeting to make certain that their
records are in order for their part in the meeting. This includes the roll call of officers, the reading and refer- ring of
membership applications, reading of minutes, reading of bills, Quartermaster’s report, reading of communications, etc.
The Commander should know what unfinished business is left to transact. If it is not brought up by someone on the
floor, he/she should bring it up themselves. He/she should have at least a reminder list of new business which should be
discussed. At any time that there is a lag in the meeting, the Commander can bring up the next subject and ask that
action be taken.
A meeting is a business meeting and the more business that’s done, the better. One of the big jobs of the
Commander is keeping discussion on track. If he/she will stick to parliamentary law and require that a motion be made
before the subject is discussed, and that the discussion be confined to that motion, he/she will find that most items can
be disposed of pretty fast and quite efficiently.
If there’s not much business to conduct, a meeting can be pepped up by inviting an interesting speaker to address
the group.
You can have interesting meetings, well attended and productive, if you will follow these suggestions:
1. Start the meeting on time.
2. Spend an hour or so in advance of the meeting planning what is to be done.
3. Go over the correspondence with the Adjutant in advance, deciding what should be read and
what should be disposed of otherwise.
4.
Turn over all mail and information pertaining to their activities to your committee chairmen.
Do it in advance so they may read and report on it.
5.
Remember that you are the boss during the meeting. You are right until proven wrong and
you have the gavel to prove your point. Don’t be arbitrary, but if you have to make a
decision, MAKE IT! If you are overruled, maybe you were wrong.
6.
Allow everyone to have their say, but make them stick to the subject.
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 32
Volume XVII – Number 1
Department of Pacific Areas
July 2013
Editor James Malott
Publication Schedule Update
Typhoon inputs are due by the 5th, except December and June when it is not published.
Around the Pacific inputs are due by the 15th, of July, September, November, January,
March, May. Newsletters will be published soon after the deadline date.
IMPORTANT NEWSLETTER INPUT INFORMATION!
1. In order to maintain reasonable size of our newsletter I ask that whenever possible for articles be no
longer than one page.
2. Arial font, size 11 in MS Word or text document sent as an attachment.
3. Inputs will not be accepted if sent in another format, such as PDF or JPEG (Photos).
4. Please send all articles to my Department email address: [email protected]. Sending them
to my Hotmail just increases the chances of being left out.
5. Please make your charts so they fit on one page.
NOTE: If you think your input will be late please notify me in advance of the due date. Thank you for your
support for of our newsletters, our Department and the VFW.
Yours in Comradeship,
James D. Malott
USA – USAF – USN – USMC – USCG
Department of Pacific Areas
Page 33
Volume XVII – Number 1
Department of Pacific Areas
Pacific Areas
General Announcements
July 2013
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY
COMMANDER’S TRAVEL PLANS
September
11- 15 – Okinawa
October
6 -11 - Taiwan
17 -20 - Yokosuka, Japan
31 Oct - 3 Nov - Portland, OR
October - November
31 Oct - 3 Nov - Portland, OR
8 - 13 - Angeles City, PI
December
4 - 14 - Angeles City, PI
January
23 - 27 - Guam
Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted
to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is
completely dependent on individual and group donations.
VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the
caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of
Pacific Areas and is in need of your help.
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS
February - March
28 Feb - 5 Mar Washington, D.C.
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS
SERVICE OFFICER
On our Department of Pacific Areas website you
can access information from our Service Officer,
Forms, Veterans Benefits Network and Link to VA
Website.
http://vfwdeptpacific.org/index.php/service-officer
Yours in Comradeship,
Donald Melendy
Email: [email protected]
Department of Pacific Areas
Become a member and support the Department of
Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to
anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery.
To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log:
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf
Please mail your application and membership fee, as
well as any future donations to:
VFW Post 2485
Attn: Grave Diggers
PSC 517, Box RC-V
FPO AP 96517-1000
If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave
Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please
inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.
Page 34
Volume XVII – Number 3
TYPHOON
September 2013
- Ensure you complete the application fully,
Membership Information
IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE
Are you a member in good standing? Look at your
membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or
better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over
time. It’s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and
you never have to worry about rate increases or
remembering to renew! Log onto:
http://emem.vfw.org/
- Include proof of eligibility,
- Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit
card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual
Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out
to “VFW Post ________.”) Temporary membership is then
granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post
until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives
their VFW
VFW Cootie Corner
Announcements
“It’s not what you paid to be a member;
it is what you paid to be eligible.”
PACIFIC AREAS PADDY DADDY PROGRAM
VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Legacy Life Member levels are Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
VFW Life Members can now take the next step in
ensuring veterans a better tomorrow by becoming a
Legacy Life Member today. Be remembered for your
service as a veteran and VFW member. It’s easy to get
started. Choose from Gold, Silver or Bronze, each with its
own prestigious benefits.
Gold $1,200, Silver $800, Bronze $400
For more information logon to: http://emem.vfw.org/
Membership is the future of our organization. All
comrades should be willing assist with a membership
growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done.
When you are submitting an application for membership for
a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you
have it completed properly so as not to delay the
processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business
Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for
completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW
National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing:
Department of Pacific Areas
M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help
support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are
available online on the VFW Department of Pacific
Areas website. The Paddy Daddy Application for
signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and
yes, even your Pets can be signed up!
Please fill out as many applications as you like for
a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special
Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very
own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the
application to me along with a check made out to “Ee
CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00,
and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and
Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions
please
do
not
hesitate
to
e-mail
[email protected].
Yours in Comradeship & L.O.T.C.S.,
Billy Haney, Pup Tent #2
Military Order of the Cootie
Paddy Daddy Chairman
Page 35