NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

BULLETIN
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE U.S.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI VOLUME 36, NO. 9 MAY 2012

S E R V I C E
VFW NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSING:

W I T H

P R I D E

CONVENTION HOUSING: 113th National Convention housing opened February13, 2012. Housing reservation information is located on the convention website accessed through the main VFW website at www.vfw.org. You may also call the VFW Housing Bureau directly (#888-645-1375) to make reservations. Please note the housing cut-off is June 15, 2012. Make your reservations now as room blocks are filling up fast! There are no guarantees rooms will be available if you wait until the cut-off date. The convention web site also has registration forms and links to other general convention related information for Reno, July 21-25, 2012. CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Section 222 of the National By-laws requires each Post to pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the national convention will pay a ten-dollar ($10) delegate fee. All advance registrations should be mailed to the VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, ATTN: Convention registration or you may register on-line by going to www.vfw.org. TENTATIVE VFW 113th National Convention Reno, Nevada - Reno/Sparks Convention Center July 21-25, 2012 All meetings are held in the convention center unless otherwise noted. Times for various functions are subject to change. Meeting rooms will be posted closer to conference dates and are subject to change Saturday, July 21, 2012 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 pm. 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair VFW/Registration/Exhibits National Veterans Service Advisory Committee Budget and Finance Committee Vander Clute Memorial Ride - Check Presentation National Council of Administration Meeting Conference Meetings 1

6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2012 6:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-noon 10:00 a.m.-noon Committee Meetings: 1:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.

Catholic Mass Veterans Service Resolutions Committee (for Chairmen) Past CIC Dinner

Membership Workshop Gold Star Families Reception VFW Health Fair VFW Registration/Exhibits Field Competition Catholic Mass Protestant Service Annual Memorial Service NMS Committee Meeting Veterans Benefits Forum National Legislative Service Meeting

Resolutions Committees National Military Services Workshop National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual

Resolutions Committees: 2:00 p.m. Finance and Internal Organization (200 series) 2:00 p.m. General Resolutions (300 Series) 2:00 p.m. National Security and Foreign Affairs (400 series) Sunday, July 22, 2012 (cont.) 2:00 p.m. National Veterans Service Resolutions (600 series) Sub-committee I Health Sub-committee II Benefits Sub-committee IIIEconomic Opportunities/Other VAC Dinner

6:30 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2012 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 1:00-4:00 p.m. 12:00-1:00 p.m.

VFW Health Fair VFW Registration/Exhibits Field Competition Joint Opening Session Business Session National Outstanding Community Service Post Reception

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 6:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. 6:30 a.m-8:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 6:30 a.m.-8:00 a. m. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Chaplains Workshop All-American Commanders Breakfast VFW Health Fair VFW National Scouting Team Workshop VFW Registration/Exhibits 2

8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Noon-1:30 p.m. Noon-1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

VFW Business Session Incoming CIC (Dept. Cmdrs.) Luncheon SV Cmdr./Pres. Luncheon JV Cmdr./Pres. Luncheon Business Session/Nomination of Officers Workshops Communications & Public Affairs Workshop VFW Programs Workshop IAVC Committee Meeting NWVC Committee Meeting National Home Patriotic Rally

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012 8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Business Session /Installation of Officers National Council of Administration (immediately following installation) Commander-in-Chiefs and National Presidents Reception

(Ticketed Event)
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS: A reminder to all Post Commanders and Post Quartermasters that you will not receive copies of the VFW Leadership Reference Material CDs. The VFW Leadership Reference Material will instead be available on-line in the Online Membership System (OMS). Post Election reports must be submitted immediately following Post election of officers in April but no later than June 1 to the National Headquarters. We encourage all Post Quartermasters to use the online Election Report process featured in the Online Membership System (OMS). Department Roster reports must be filled out by the Department Adjutant and mailed to the office of the Adjutant General not later than the day following the close of your Department Convention. Please, do not delay in submitting your information. MEMBERSHIP: Dues Notices - Just a reminder, the Dues Notice tapes are created on the last Friday of every month. To prevent dues notices from being sent to those who have already paid, all membership transmittals must be received in the Dues Processing Department no later than noon on the following closing dates: TRANSMITTAL DEADLINES FOR THE 2011-2012 YEAR:

MONTH

DEADLINE DATE

(DAY)

MAY May 25 (Friday) JUNE June 29 (FRIDAY - MUST BE RECEIVED IN DUES PROCESSING BY NOON FOR YEAR END CLOSING) ADDITIONAL REMINDERS:

National Membership Program: The 2011-2012 National Membership program is listed in the Leadership Reference guide. This can be viewed online via the OMS system. Subscription Dues: The subscription dues resolution was approved at the National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The program will not go into effect until January 1, 2014. A briefing of this program will be given at the National Convention in Reno. All American Program 2011-2012: Please review and follow the current requirements for this years program. The deadlines for this year have changed. The deadline for completion of all criteria is June 30, 2012. However, in order to have your awards presented at the National Convention in Reno, all requirements must be met and reported by no later than June 15, 2012. NOTE: It is the Departments responsibility to ensure that all program participation is reported to the National Programs department by the deadline. A programs activity report will be sent to all Departments for review, once a month, beginning February 2012. Please review these reports to make sure that you have sent in all of the necessary information on all Posts and Districts. Failure to do so will result in the loss of awards for the participating Post/Districts.

Legacy Life Member Contest: Department Commanders who increase their Legacy Life members in their Department by May 31, 2012, will receive a $300 cash award. ***A minimum of one new legacy life member per one thousand members in your Department is needed to qualify. District Commanders that increase the legacy life members in their District by May 31, 2012, will receive a $200 cash award. ***A minimum of one new legacy life member per number of Posts within your District is needed to qualify. Post Commanders who sign up new legacy life members by May 31, 2012, will be placed in a drawing and six winners will be selected. ***You will receive one ballot for a new Bronze member, two ballots for new Silver members, three ballots for new Gold members and one ballot for level upgrades. The six winning Commanders will receive round-trip airfare to the National Convention in Reno, Nevada for the Commander and their spouse, $500 expense stipend, and special seating at the Joint Opening ceremonies on Monday.

Legacy Life Membership: Please pass the word on our Legacy Life Program available to all Life Members. This program offers three levels of membership each offering its own packages of prestigious benefits. Financial contributions to the Legacy Life Member program are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Annual Payouts (Natl., Dept. & Post): _____________________________________________ Gold - $1200 Silver - $800 Bronze - $400 $18.00 $12.00 $6.00 Enrollment Cost:

What Legacy will you leave?

Your continued support and cooperation in ensuring that all cards are received in a timely fashion will be greatly appreciated. 4

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
OPERATION FIRST STRIKE WINNERS: DAVID REARDEN, COMMANDER ADAMS-HAMILTON POST 6932 DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA Group 1 GERALD PETERSON, COMMANDER MATTHEW R. HENNIGAN POST 12101 DEPT. OF NEVADA Group 2 G. A. WOLUSKY, COMMANDER MSGT WILLIAM J. CRAWFORD POST 7829 DEPT. OF COLORADO Group 3 DARWIN DEMPSEY, COMMANDER LLOYD R. SMITH POST 10293 - DEPT. OF CALIFORNIA Group 4 ENRIQUE CURIEL, COMMANDER HUNTINGTON PARK MAYWOOD POST 2830 - DEPT. OF CALIFORNIA Group 5 THURMAN BENDA, COMMANDER PAYETTE VALLEY POST 2738 - DEPT. OF IDAHO Group 6 CHARLES KOBES, COMMANDER PAUL G. MAHONEY POST 4372 - DEPT. OF TEXAS Group 7

POST NEW & REINSTATED MEMBER CONTEST WINNERS:

Division 1 76 - TX 1503 - VA 7330 - CT 7686 - NM 9400 - AZ 401 - NM 10692 - EU

Division 2 11160 - TN 3892 - TX 1152 - IN 4300 - FL 3586 - UT 3944 - MO 755 - IL

Division 3 2451 - TX 970 - HI 2394 - MA 924 - AL 2875 - HI 4709 - TX 3911 - FL

5

Division 4 10276 - HI 9985 - PAC 2738 - ID 2164 - IL 3331 - OH 12057 - LAT 2226 - NJ

1114 - IN 5958 - PA 4548 - AR

10281 - KY 1087 - MT 8587 - TX

10033 - PAC 4248 - OR 805 - IL

7448 - IL 3973 - OR 4321 - FL

Division 5 4572 - AL 3457 - PAC 10454 - TX 3568 - AL 735 - ID 9934 - CA 1598 - OH 8241 - VA 9078 - TX 3292 - HI Division 9 5917 - IL 2978 - IL 7539 - IL 3750 - LA 2379 - UT 5412 - VA

Division 6 2214 - AL 2698 - IL 5619 - TX 3337 - LA 9983 - NC 9143 - GA 10427 - TX 4149 - TX 8164 - MA 2410 - TX Division 10 4835 - IL 12071 - NM 836 - AZ 4595 - WV 9413 - UT 8564 - TX 2528 - NM 10293 - CA 4617 - OR 2850 - OH Division 14 9801 - IL 9632 - AZ 5355 - AL 9835 - VA Division 18 7321 - LA 12014 - IL 12061 - UT 9796 - WV

Division 7 4918 - UT 5838 - MD 9936 - OH 1487 - CA 1533 - TX 2298 - IL 10215 - PAC 9630 - OH 311 - IL 3467 - OH Division 11 12107 - NC 11079 - SC 9761 - TX 12075 - TX

Division 8 2830 - CA 10374 - TX 4736 - OH 4890 - OK 4484 - WV

Division 12 6395 - UT 7829 - CO

Division 13 6500 - SC 7217 - NH

Division 15 5811 - WI 7975 - IL 1351 - CA

Division 16 409 - UT 1674 - AR 9248 - WV

Division 17 12101 - NV 12046 - FL

Division 19 12087 - UT

NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES (NMS): REMINDERthe deadline for All American is June 30, 2012! However, to receive your All American Award at Convention your deadline is June 15, 2012. All American Qualifications for National Military Services: Posts -- Hold a fundraiser with proceeds going to NMS 6

Districts-Make a donation to NMS ($100 minimum) Departments-Department fundraising event for NMS (non-reimbursable minimum of $500 or donate $500 to the program).

To qualify for All American, donations to NMS must be received by one of the following: 1. Mail check to VFW National Military Services, 406 W. 34 St, Suite 216, Kansas City, MO 64111. 2. Call NMS for credit card donations over the phone at (816) 968-1155. 3. Go online to www.vfw.org/contribute.
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DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Please remember VFW depends on your donations which cover 87% of the expenses for all VFWs life changing programs. Spring Has Sprung! The special VFW Spring Note Cards were mailed mid-April. I hope you have received yours and have had a chance to use some of them. Please remember, your support of this important program helps your VFW Department assist veterans in need throughout the year. Matching Gift Opportunity Theres Still Time ! Several weeks ago, we mailed personalized patriotic address labels to use on your mail. Included in that package was an offer to match your gift, dollar for dollar up to $50,000, until Memorial Day, May 28, 2012. This is a great opportunity to help support veterans of all ages, right in your Department. Be as generous as you can and send your gift in by May 28, 2012, to make sure it is matched! Did Your Special VFW Calculator or Patriotic Address Labels Arrive? In March we sent out a couple of special packages to VFW members some received VFW Calculators and some received Patriotic Address Labels. Did you receive your special gift? We hope you are able to use your special gift and that it reminds you to keep fellow veterans and service members in your thoughts. You may receive a follow-up letter in the mail this month asking if you received your gift. If you did, and you already responded, please accept our most sincere thanks for your generosity. When you send in a generous gift to support the important programs of the VFW, please know your gift will be used to help support the programs for all veterans, right in your own Department. Take Note! Later this month you will be receiving the popular American Heroes: Then and Now personalized notepad and patriotic address labels. We hope you enjoy the nostalgic images on the notepad and use them with pride. This is just another great opportunity to support the programs and services of the VFW that assist fellow veterans in need throughout the year in your own Department. May is National Military Appreciation Month Is your Post planning to commemorate a special event for Military Spouses Day on May 11th, Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th, Armed Forces Day on May 19th, National Maritime Day on May 22nd, or Memorial Day on May 28th? If your Post is planning a special event this month to commemorate any of the above mentioned special days, please share your success story with us. We will be looking for special stories from posts like yours to feature in upcoming monthly e-newsletters and on www.vfw.org/vfwatwork. You may e-mail your story to success@vfw.org. Helping the VFW for Generations to Come Did you know that giving your savings bonds to your children after you are gone could subject them to income and estate taxes? Instead, donate your savings 7

bonds to the VFW, who is tax exempt and will receive the full value of the bond. Then you can leave other, more tax-wise gifts to your family. To learn more, contact our Planned Giving Office at 816-968-1119, by email at plannedgiving@vfw.org, or visit our website at www.vfw.org/plannedgiving. Have you heard about VFWs Partners in Patriotism? Would you like to support VFWs life changing programs for veterans, service members and their families without receiving all of the unwanted mail? VFW has developed a program that lets you support VFW programs on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, as well as reduce expenses and eliminate unwanted mail. It is called Partners in Patriotism. As a member of Partners in Patriotism, you choose a set dollar amount for your donation (minimum amount of $10) that is either charged to your credit card or set up as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from your bank account. If you are interested in joining Partners in Patriotism, you may contact the VFW Development Department at 816-756-3390, ext. 6318, or email us at partners@vfw.org with Partners in Patriotism Application in the subject line. VFW Friends of Freedom If you are not already a member of VFWs online community, please visit www.vfw.org to sign up and look for KEEP UP WITH VFW. Members of this special online community will receive a monthly e-newsletter with new grassroots stories about VFW out in the communities assisting veterans in need, educating the youth, and assisting military families across the nation and overseas. These stories can also be found by visiting www.vfw.org/vfwatwork and clicking on Story Archive. Check back often to see newly posted stories! Also, as a member of VFWs Friends of Freedom, you will receive special e-mails with breaking VFW news, and special opportunities to help VFW in assisting our nations veterans, service members and their families. Department Resources All the same great resources are still available for your Department to use now found at www.vfw.org. You need only go to www.vfw.org and log in. You will find Department Resources under the How to Get Involved heading. The latest program information, ideas and promotional tools from the Development Department can be found here. Download ad slicks, press releases, banner ads and buttons for your Department publications and/or website. Recent mailings and mailing schedules are also posted on a regular basis. Use the Department Resources tools to help strengthen your Department programs. Check it out today! BUDDY POPPY: Plans should be under way for the Memorial Day Buddy Poppy campaign. Contact your Department Quartermaster to place your order for Buddy Poppies. Remember that your Poppies should be ordered a minimum of 12 weeks in advance of your distribution date. Be sure to specify a date by which the poppies are required; do not use, ASAP. Miscellaneous items (coin cans, caps, buttons, posters, etc.) should be ordered directly from the VFW Store by calling 1-800-821-2606, visiting http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=128 or the VFW Store/Emblem and Supply Catalog. To foster true patriotism through historical and educational programs. The National By-laws and the Manual of Procedure (sections 219 and 704 respectively) provide that Post relief funds may be used for programs such as Voice of Democracy, Youth Essay, Citizenship Education, and Community Service as long as suggestions in the chairmen guidebooks are used as an example of promoting these programs. Use of relief funds for this purpose must be the result of a motion passed at a Post meeting. Posts are further reminded that section 711 of the Manual of Procedure provides that non-profit organizations, exempt from taxes under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code, may assist with the distribution of Buddy Poppies, provided there shall be no division of proceeds. A donation to these groups may be made from the post general fund. 8

PROCESS TO ORDER VFW BUDDY POPPIES: Your Post order for VFW Buddy Poppies starts with your Post Quartermaster, upon approval of the Post membership. Order the Poppies from your VFW Department Headquarters (you will need to contact the Department Headquarters for any special order form and pricing as this information is not available from National Headquarters).

Your Department Headquarters will in turn order from National Headquarters the quantity desired, and the shipment will be made according to directions from the Department order. PROGRAMS: DISPLAYING MILITARY SERVICE SYMBOLS. Military Service flags, insignias, etc., should be displayed in the following order (Left to Right as you face the flags): Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and then Coast Guard. For Military flags, click here: http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=22300. NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PROGRAM. This program is designed to provide recognition and awards to VFW members who volunteer their time to outside organizations. Recognition is in the form of certificates and/or lapel pins which are given to volunteers who have completed the number of hours prescribed for those awards. For more information, see the VFW Community Activities and Citizenship Education Chairmens Guide or contact the VFW Programs department at 816-968-1148 for a nomination form. HALF-STAFF U.S. FLAG. The U.S. Flag should be at half-staff on Memorial Day, the last Monday in May (federal holiday - half-staff until noon). Flags are available at the VFW Store -http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=211. FLAG DAY, JUNE 14. All VFW units are reminded to properly display the U.S. Flag on Flag Day, Thursday, June 14 and to conduct a ceremony or program as feasible. You may contact the VFW Communications Department for a Flag Day speech. It is also suggested Posts should award the VFW Patriotic Citizen Award (product No. 4385) for those who have daily displayed our National flag. This product is available at the VFW Store http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=22874. VFW NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVANT AWARDS. Departments were asked to submit three nominees (one for each career area) to the VFW Programs Office no later than February 1, 2012. VFW Programs will create citations for the following awards in each Department:
VFW National Law Enforcement Award VFW National Firefighter Award VFW National Emergency Medical Technician

Each Department will receive their three awards and contact their recipients to arrange a presentation. Department Commanders may present the awards at their Department Convention, but are encouraged to also present the award in front of the recipients peers at a professional association event, city council meeting, etc. The purpose of the second venue is to expose these VFW awards to the general public and especially other law enforcement personnel, firefighters and EMTs, many of whom are veterans eligible for VFW membership. SPECIAL NOTICE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTING. Recognizing that VFW and Ladies Auxiliary programs and chairmanships do not always coincide, we must find a way to establish an accurate accounting of the efforts and dollars expended by both organizations. Therefore, the following will apply for the 2011-2012 program year:

All VFW Post chairman will report to their respective Department Chairman at least twice yearly in a timely fashion so as to allow the Department Chairman to report to the VFW National Programs office in June and December. The VFW Post chairmens report should include whether or not their Ladies Auxiliary participated.

The various Ladies Auxiliary chairmen will report to their Department chairmen and District chairmen (where applicable). Each Ladies Auxiliary Department Chairman will consolidate these reports and provide a list of the number of participants, hours and money expended to the VFW Department Community Service Chairman. This information will be added to the VFW reports and submitted to the VFW Programs National Office. POW/MIA FLAG -- OFFICIAL DISPLAY DAYS. Public Law 105-85 (November 16, 1997) indicates the days that federal agencies, military installations, and U.S. post offices are required to display the POW/MIA flag. The days are: Armed Forces Day, May 19 (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day, May 28 (last Monday in May); Flag Day, June 14; National POW/MIA Day, September 21 (third Friday in September); and Veterans Day, November 11. To purchase a POW/MIA flag, click here: http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=22305. MEMBER DUES PROCESSING: Deceased Life Members in your Post Again, as in 2010, National Headquarters has obtained information from an obituary service indicating that some life members still carried on our records are deceased. A list of those deceased life members in your Post will be mailed to you in early June. They will be deleted from the records in May and their removal will not adversely affect your Membership totals for 2011-12. If you have information that any of these life members are still living, please provide the life members new address and phone number to: VFW Life Membership Department 816-968-1152 by August 30, 2012. If you have any questions, please call Robert A. Crider, Director, Member Dues Processing at National Headquarters. NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE: Massive review of military disability discharges gets personal: DOD plans to notify more than 77,000 veterans who were medically discharged between 2001 and 2009 that they may be eligible to have their military disability evaluation reviewed. Veterans who were given an evaluation of 20 percent or lower are urged to apply for this review. For more information see: http://www.health.mil/About_MHS/Organizations/MHS_Offices_and_Programs/PDBR.aspx. VA Volunteer Services: Our VFW volunteers have been doing a tremendous job. In fiscal year 2011, our 6,543 volunteers have provided over 305,000 hours of assistance to our countries heroes. If you are interested in supporting our veterans, and would like to donate your time or make a contribution, please contact the volunteer service representative at your local VA facility. Project REACH: One out of six men and women in homeless shelters are veterans. There are many community resources available to homeless veterans but they dont know whom to contact for 10

assistance, for instance, with housing or employment services, local legal resources, local VA services or where the nearest food bank is located. VA along with the departments of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services are working together with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation on Project REACH (Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless) to create an easy to use mobile application for Web and smartphones to help homeless veterans. Also, the application will be required to create a national data base that will enable caregivers like health clinics, food kitchens, housing services and shelters to update availability of key services automatically on the internet. Project REACH is sponsoring a contest to create an application to do all these things. The winning application must be able to collect, map and electronically distribute this information to caregivers and homeless veterans across the nation. Basic performance criteria for the application can be found at www.challenge.gov. Why You Need a Department Service Officer to Help with Your Claim?: VAs rating accuracy rose to 86% this month. This is good that VAs rating accuracy is improving. But, you as a veteran should worry about that level of VA rating accuracy. While 6 out of 7 ratings are right, what about the other one? What if you are the one veteran whose rating was wrong? What if the ratings VA got right didnt address all your issues? Is there help for you? The answer is yes, we have Department Service officers who are ready to help you for free. Department Service Officers are ready to assist you with your claim for VA benefits and/or services. They are in every state and at many locations overseas ready to review your service and post-service records, including service medical treatment and post-service medical treatment records to be sure you claim the benefits you earned during service. When VA has finally prepared your rating, they will review it to be sure you have been awarded all benefits and services you earned. This is to be sure that you arent that 1 of 7 whose rating is wrong or those whose rating may not have addressed all the issues you had claimed. Where do you go to find a Department Service Officer? You go to WWW.VFW.ORG and on the home screen, click on the word assistance above the picture in the center of the page. On the drop-down menu click on National Veterans Service to find the Department Service Officer in your state. On the next screen, on the right side, click on Find a Service Officer box. Find your state and highlight it and then click on the Go button. The name, address, phone number and email address of your Department Service Officer will appear. They are ready to help you navigate through VAs maze of bureaucratic red tape. To cut through the red tape, call your Department Service Officer today. QUARTERMASTER GENERAL, OPERATIONS: VFW Real Estate & Mortgage Services The VFW Home and Loan website is a one-stop resource for all your home financing and real estate needs. VFW Real Estate & Mortgage Services gives you access to competitive mortgage rates and special offers along with help from experts who can answer your questions and walk you through the process of buying or selling a home, refinancing or setting up a new mortgage. VA Home Loans A Smart Financial Tool Whether you are considering debt consolidation, home improvement, need to pay for major expenses or just need some extra cash, a VA Home Loan can help you. VFW Moving Services Are you one of the millions of veterans who will be moving this year? If so, call us to find out how you can receive 11

A 10% discount on the cost of the entire household goods relocation A 10% discount on the cost of shipping an automobile or boat A 25% discount on Full Value Replacement Insurance A 10% discount on the first month of storage (if storage is required).

Take comfort in the knowledge that that your move will be managed by the highest quality moving service at special rates exclusively for VFW members and their families. For more information on these services, please refer to www.vfwhomeandloan.com or call the Member Insurance Department at 1-800-821-2606, option 1. MEMBER BENEFITS: LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Protect Your Identity with LifeLock the VFW-sponsored program that guards against identity theft. Last year, identity theft increased 22% for a five-year high of nearly 10 million victims at a cost of $48 million. Thats an identity stolen every three seconds. But you dont have to be next. VFW has partnered with LifeLock to provide you a special savings on LifeLocks industry-leading identity theft protection service. Dont wait until its too late. Enroll today and youll receive a limited-time discount of 10% off the regular membership price. Help protect yourself now. Visit www.lifelock.com or call 1-800-LIFELOCK (1-800-543-3562). Use promo code VFW. Hotel Discounts Wyndham Worldwide Family of Hotels As a member of the VFW, you will receive up to 20% off the "Best Available Rates" at participating locations every time you travel. When calling, give the agent the special discount ID #1000000469 at time of booking to receive the discount. Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more cost-effective, we have the right hotel for you...and at the right price. So start saving now. Call our special member benefits hotline and reserve your room today at one of Wyndhams fine hotels. Call 1-877-670-7088 to book your reservation. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts -- Innovative & upscale hotels and resorts located in the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom and China. Enjoy the good life world-wide; call 1-877-670-7088, option #1, for reservation and use ID #1000000469. USAA Credit Card & Banking, Investments, and Financial Planning USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 8 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military and their families. For information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, call 1-800-274-8839 or visit www.usaa.com/vfw. Car Rental Discounts Whether it is business or pleasure, receive discounts for car rentals from Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget and National: Hertz: Call 1-800-654-2200 VFW identification number: CDP164126 Avis: Call 1-800-331-1212 VFW identification number: A9935000 Budget: Call 1-800-527-0700 VFW identification number: V026800 Alamo: Call 1-800-732-3232 VFW identification number: 42592 National: Call 1-800-227-7368 VFW identification number: 5180005 12

DISH Is proud to support the VFW. As our salute to you, VFW Members receive a $100 American Express Prepaid Reward Card when signing up for qualifying packages with a 24-month Agreement. Packages start at just $19.99/month for 12 months! To learn more about the best value in TV call: 1-888-590-3688 or visit www.dish.com/vfw use Code 02VFW.

Already a DISH customer? Refer a friend to DISH and get $50 off your bill ($5/month for 10 months). Visit www.dish.com/refer for more details. Dell Computer Discounts To order by phone, members call 1-800-695-8133 and mention ID# PS30482412. For posts, call 1-800-695-8133 and mention ID# PS76832215. FromYouFlowers Choose from over 2,000 exquisite gift items like our bouquet of roses or select any of our florist designed arrangements, all available nationwide for same day delivery. We have confidence your order will always be perfect so we back it with a 100% product and service guarantee. Make someone smile todaysend Flowers!!!! SAVE 20% on all regularly priced floral and gift items with FromYouFlowers. Simply visit www.fromyouflowers.com/vfw or call 1-800-838-8853 and mention code 81Y. We also deliver to over 140 Countries! 1-800-Flowers/1-800-Baskets This partnership with the VFW- Veterans of Foreign Wars, giving all members the opportunity to SAVE 15% off products with national and international delivery. Simply use PROMOTION CODE: VFW at check out on the web or on the telephone with one of our Gift Advisors. Visit www.1800flowers.com, www.1800baskets.com or call 1-800-356-9377. eKnowledge SAT/ACT testing preparation materials Big discount of 75%-90% is being offered by eKnowledge on their acclaimed SAT/ACT testing products such as DVD programs, software and books. These materials help students prepare for their college entrance exams and will potentially increase confidence which can result in higher test scores, scholarships and acceptance into the college of their choice. Open to VFW members, employees, relatives and dependents. To order, visit www.eKnowledge.com/vfw or call: 1-951-256-4076. Sears Commercial Planning on new purchases? Shop Sears Commercial and receive discounts of 10-50% off items such as tools, home electronics, lawn & garden and more. Plus, purchase Sears gift cards at a discount! For product, pricing and order information call: 1-850-321-2858 or 1-352-873-5234 to receive detailed information and mention discount code: CU06935. (Please note this discount is not available in Sears Retail Stores.) Save with Sprint Switch to Sprint cellular service and save! Sprint has joined with the VFW to offer members, employees and their families several incentives with the purchase of a new wireless device and subscription through this exclusive program. Not only will you receive a 15% monthly discount on your cell phone service, but you will also receive additional gift cards or accessories with your order. Already a Sprint customer? Refer another member who signs up for new service and receive a $25 prepaid debit card. To find out more, call 1-866-639-8354 or visit www.sprint.com/vfw. Veterans Travel Service, Inc., a VFW member benefit worth remembering! 13

If you are planning a trip, whether it is for business or personal, one of the member benefits is just a phone call away. Veterans Travel Service, Inc. has been working with VFW members since 1986 and can handle all your travel needs. They are experienced in every area of travel. It could be for a tour, cruise or vacation package. You receive a VFW rebate when booking with Veterans Travel Service. If you need help with airline tickets, their expertise might be the ticket you need; although they charge service fees, the savings will usually far outweigh the cost of the fee. So if you're travelling soon, call them at 1-800-325-9377. They are located in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Headquarters, and their personal service is something to be appreciated these days!

Veterans Care Plus (VCP) Hearing Aid program, Drug Savings program and US Vision plan. To find out more, call: 1-877-252-0970 or visit www.veteranscareplus.com. Dont forget to mention you are a VFW member. VFW FOUNDATION: BUFFALO WILD WINGS TO SALUTE THE TROOPS IN MAY For the second straight year, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants across America will partner with the VFW to conduct a fundraising event for U.S. troops and their families. During the entire month of May (Military Appreciation Month), participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations will donate 10% of a guests total food purchase to the VFW Foundation when that customer shows their military ID, VFW membership or a Return the Favor card. The Buffalo Wild Wings event is aptly entitled Salute the Troops and it seeks to also thank restaurant patrons as participants will receive a complimentary yellow wristband. Wearing the wristband into a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant anytime in May will facilitate another 10% donation to the VFW Foundation. Wearing the wristband in June entitles guests to 10% off their own food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases. The wristband offer is limited to one per check, while supplies last (500 wristbands at each participating restaurant). We ask that all VFW members and their families consider supporting our generous friends at Buffalo Wild Wings as they in turn proudly support our military service members. So, please put this event on your May calendar and get ready to enjoy great food while promoting a great cause! For more information and participating locations, visit troops.buffalowildwings.com. VFW STORE: DEPARTMENT CONVENTION - BEAT THE RUSH! Order your Department convention awards and gifts. Click here http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=205 MEMORIAL DAY May 28, 2012 Fly your Flag! Order early for Memorial Day events at http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=266 NEED A TENT for recruiting, parades, barbeques, fundraisers? Get it here http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=29458. CALL to see how we can help on special orders for your convention -- shirts, caps, gifts, etc. Dont see it in the catalog - CALL 1-800-821-2606 or email kwinston@vfw.org. Make VFW STORE your One-Stop Shopping source for all your VFW needs.

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