Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

GENERAL ORDERS #7 JANUARY 2018

"General Orders are to be read at the first meeting following receipt before being filed for reference."

1. LIFE MEMBERSHIP TRANSFERS: National President Dee Guillory asked the Department to informour Auxiliaries that Sections 106A and 106B of the National Bylaws shall be adhered to ascurrently written. A life member who is transferring must show proof of eligibility. Theapplication form has been revised and the online Treasurer’s Guide will be updated according tothis ruling.

2. FOURTH QUARTER AUDITS: Audits for the months of October, November and December shall be conducted in the month of January. A copy of this audit is to be sent to the Department Treasurer no later than January 31st. The Trustees shall submit and read the written report during an Auxiliary meeting. A motion to accept this audit is required. A copy of the accepted audit shall be sent to the Department Office and included in the Secretary's record book. If you are going to be late with this audit, please contact the Department Office for an extension. Please refer to the December General Orders to see what it says about audits.

3. MEMBERSHIP: If a member has not paid their dues as of December 31st, they are no longer amember in good standing. They will not again be in good standing until they have paid their duesfor the current year. Please continue working to reach 100% for your Auxiliary and your District.

4. DEPARTMENT MID-WINTER CONFERENCE: I hope many of you will be attending this conferenceon January 19-20, 2018. I am excited to see who our Voice of Democracy winner and PatriotsPen winner will be. We will again be at the Marriott City Center Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.All Auxiliary Presidents and District Presidents will be honored. If you have not sent your RSVPform in yet that you will be attending, please do so now. Our National Representative will be ourvery own District 21 Council Member Laurie Dale.

5. HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING: The meeting will be held on Friday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m.

6. VETERANS & FAMILY SUPPORT - BUDDY POPPY: If your display was entered on the District level,please remember to bring them to Mid-Winter for judging.

7. CHAIN OF COMMAND AND PROTOCOL: Be sure to adhere to the chain of command incommunicating with each other as officers, chairmen and members and follow appropriateprotocol at all Auxiliary levels. It is vital for the District and Auxiliary Presidents to know what ishappening in their District and Auxiliary at all times. Information needs to be shared and thePresidents need to be informed of items and situations that need to be addressed. Also,Presidents at each level need to keep their officers and chairmen informed.

8. LEGISLATIVE: Watch for Department Legislative Chairman Tracy McReynolds' bulletins to see when the date will be for Veterans Day on the Hill.

9. HOSPITAL: Just a reminder to bring your checks to the Mid-Winter Conference for the “GREEN SHOWER”. If you are not attending, a check may be sent to the Department Auxiliary office earmarked "Green Shower".

10. TESTIMONIAL: Department President Gail's testimonial will be Saturday, May 19th, 2018 at the Albert E. Johnson VFW Post #1223 in Dilworth, MN. Details will follow in future General Orders.

11. OFFICE CLOSED: The Department VFW Auxiliary HQ Office will be closed on Monday, January 1st, New Year's Day and Monday, January 15th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Happy New Year to All!

Get well wishes to those who have been ill and sympathies to those that have lost a loved one; please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

"Catch The Dream For Our Veterans" while we keep

"Continuing Our Legacy for ALL Veterans and Their Families"

By Order of: Attested to:

Gail Brekke Marilyn Sheffield Department President Department Secretary

Error!

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Department of MN, V.F.W.

NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED OUT PLEASE PICK THEM UP AT THE REGISTRATION DESK

Ticket orders will be stamped with date of receipt and filled in that order. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Tickets will bear a table number and orders will be filled as received. Tickets will be reserved under the name of the person designated on the order form.

THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP POST AND AUXILIARY DELEGATES TOGETHER IS TO ORDER THE TICKETS AT THE SAME TIME- This goes for V.O.D. Chairmen (at ALL levels), Post Officers, etc.

Most Posts and Auxiliaries have followed a practice of purchasing a pair of tickets for their Commander and President as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts during the year. This makes it possible for them to meet with others who have shared similar responsibilities and challenges.

Clip and mail

BANQUET RESERVATION Saturday, January 20, 2018

Please reserve ___ tickets at $29.00 each. Enclosed is Check # ________ for $____________.

NAME:

PHONE #_____________________ E-MAIL: __________________________________

POST/AUXILIARY # DISTRICT # CITY:___________________

Please list ALL people for this Reservation – Up to 10 (Include their positions if applicable)

1

2 3 4

5 6 7

8 9 10

SPECIAL NOTES or DIETARY REQUESTS:_____________________________________________________________

TICKETS: $29.00 Send ticket order form and check to:

Reception: 6:00 P.M. Dinner: 7:00 P.M. Naming of Voice of Democracy & Patriot's Pen State Winners, Parade of Checks- CMDR Project

V.F.W. State Headquarters Rice Street Station – PO Box 17146 St Paul, MN 55117

Deadline: January 10, 2018 Deadline: January 10, 2018

115th Annual Midwinter Banquet Saturday, January 20, 2018

Minneapolis Marriott City Center MENU:

Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Demi Artisan Greens Salad with Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Pecans & Red Wine Vinaigrette

Garlic Cheese Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus Alternating Desserts: Lemon Care with Italian Cream & Raspberry Sauce/

Flourless Chocolate Mocha Mousse Cake with Coconut Cream & Candied Pecans

WATCH FOR MORE…

*Parade of Checks for the State Commander’s &

State President’s Projects

*Special Seminar Sessions

*EXPANDED Display & Resource Area

*MN VFW Related Special History Display

Updates will be in December & January GOs, our website at

www.mn.gov/vfw/midwinter and in the Winter Gopher Oversea’r Issue

ALL VFW Members MUST Attend

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA

MIDWINTER CONFERENCE January 19-21, 2018 TENTATIVE Friday- Sunday Midwinter Schedule as of 12/14/17

FRIDAY – JANUARY 19: 1:00 - 6:00 P.M. Registration and Banquet Tickets 1:00 P.M. Auxiliary Hospital Board Meeting V.F.W. Finance Committee 2:30 P.M. Auxiliary Budget Meeting 2:30 - 4:30 P.M. Gambling Seminar 3:00 - 4:30 P.M. Convention Committee 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Claims Staff Open Office 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Displays & Vendors 6:00 P.M. VFW Council Meeting

6:30 P.M. Auxiliary Council Meeting

SATURDAY – JANUARY 20:

6:30 A.M. Rise & Shine Workouts TBD (Pre-Registration Friday Recommended) 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. Register Poppy Displays 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Registration and Banquet Tickets Displays, Vendors & Health Fair 8:00 – 9:00 A.M. VFW Committee Meetings VFW Finance Committee Legislative Committee Youth & Veterans Activities By-Laws Committee 8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Auxiliary Meeting 9:15 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. VFW National Recruiting Class (by National Membership Director Rick Butler)

12:00 Noon Past Department President's Luncheon Afternoon Plans being finalized: 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. Service Officers School

1:00 - 3:30 P.M. Seminar & Activity Opportunities 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. District VOD Winners Party 2:30 P.M. Buddy Poppy Chairmen Meeting Poppy Displays Remain up through Grand Banquet Reception- takedown afterward 4:00 P.M. Church Service 6:00 P.M. District V.O.D. Winners Reception 6:00 P.M. Banquet Reception (Cash Bar) 7:00 P.M. Grand Banquet

SUNDAY – JANUARY 21: 9:00 A.M. V.F.W. Council of Administration

DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT

ROSTER ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS

January, 2018

Department

Past Department President Donna Ouart, 490 23rd Street E, Unit B, West Fargo ND 58078, telephone 701-532-2622

Auxiliaries

2nd District Auxiliaries Gallagher-Hansen #295

President Linda Irey, 9026 Lone Oak Lane, Chisago City, MN 55013

Waconia #5462 Secretary Troy Nelson, 1675 Liberty Lane, Waconia MN 55387 telephone 763-688-3911

7th District Auxiliary James Ballentine #246

Treasurer Michele Nathe, 2916 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis MN 55408

8th District Auxiliary Ponti-Peterson #1720

Secretary Rita Skyberg, PO Box 178, Bovey MN 55709, telephone 218-245-3828

OFFICE CLOSED

New Year's Day - Monday, January 1, 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15, 2018

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

Treasurer’s Tips & Training

January 2018

As I began to gather my notes regarding what I wanted to touch on for

this bulletin, it occurred to me that I had already written about nearly

every one of the items I had in my notes….which begged the question – Is

anyone reading my bulletins? Surely if they were reading my bulletins

each month I would not have these same issues occurring day after

day.…….. the checks with one signature, donation checks for funds we

don’t collect for, use of old/outdated or incorrect forms, separate checks for Life Memberships

that are in the same envelope, transmittals sent to National HQ instead of Department HQ,

Membership Applications with no eligibility, applications with no Investigating Committee

signatures, etc. So, I ask that you read the Treasurer Tips Bulletins when they come out and

refresh your memory…..even if you have been a Treasurer for years; there just might be

something new to learn!

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT – GIVE THIS BULLETIN TO THE TREASURER!!

Here are a few items of note for you…..

1. When a member transfers to your auxiliary please follow procedures outlined in Section

106 of the 2018 National Bylaws & Ritual (page 17). The recent ruling from National

President Dee Guillory means that you must complete transfer applications for Annual

and Life Members in the same manner. They must prove eligibility, be investigated and

voted on at a regular meeting.

2. The VFW Auxiliary Membership/Transfer Application was updated in December 2017. We

have included the new form in this mailing.

DO NOT USE OLD MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORMS!!

3. District Treasurer’s should be reporting at each District Meeting – your report should

include all transactions since your previous meeting, just as your District Audit is from

meeting to meeting rather than Quarterly. Only Auxiliary Audits are performed quarterly.

4. If your auxiliary receives a letter from Department President Gail regarding a new

member’s eligibility, please make sure you address it in a timely fashion. If eligibility is

found and can be provided to our office the matter will be complete. If eligibility cannot be

found, you will have to take steps to remove the ineligible member. It is VITAL that you

exercise due diligence before accepting new member applications. We cannot have

“Wanna-be” members in our organization. EVERYONE MUST BE ELIGIBLE!

5. Please make sure all Membership Applications are legible. You may know how to spell

someone’s name and can decipher their writing – but perhaps we can’t.

6. If there is no money in your General Fund or Relief Fund – YOU MAY NOT SPEND! No

negative balances are allowed for these accounts.

7. If you enter a NEW member in MALTA, you must send a copy of that member’s

application to the VFW Auxiliary HQ Office for permanent placement in your Auxiliary

file.

8. If an Annual member is converting to Life and they already paid annual dues for the

current year, you MAY NOT subtract the amount of annual dues they have already paid.

National requires the full Life Membership amount be transmitted.

9. Any member that is currently unpaid for the 2018 Dues Year is considered not in Good

Standing. What does that mean? They may not hold office, may not attend meetings or

apply for a Cancer Grant.

10. Step, half and adopted parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren are

considered the same as biological parents, children, siblings, grandparents and

grandchildren and may join the VFW Auxiliary under their VFW eligible veteran.

Foster relationships no longer provide an avenue for membership however.

***************** If you ever have a question about anything or need help with something on the National website,

please don’t hesitate to call me at the Department HQ Office Monday- Thursday 8 am – 4 pm.

So now we are near the end of my bulletin and I hope you have read it all, if you did and you

would like to win a little something you can shoot me an email or give me a call no later than

February 15, tell me you read to the end and you will be entered into a drawing for a gift from

me. I will print the winner in our General Orders bulletin in March.

I would like to wish you all a very healthy and Happy New Year!

Laurie A. Dale, Treasurer

Department of MN VFW Auxiliary

treasurer@vfwamn.org

651-291-1759

PLEASE ONLY USE THE PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL LISTED BELOW FOR VFW

AUXILIARY BUSINESS

DO NOT USE MY PERSONAL PHONE NUMBERS AND EMAIL

THANK YOU

MEMBERSHIP/MEMBER TRANSFER APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Recruiter Member ID ________________________ _____ Recruited/Recommended by:

Auxiliary No. City State Member ID (If already a member)_________________ _

Annual Membership Life Rejoined Previous Member No. , Previous Auxiliary ___________________

Member‐at‐Large Life Member‐at‐Large in Department of or in National

Name Date of Birth / /_______ These

Address _______ Male _______or Female ______ fields

City ________ State _____ ZIP ____________ required. Phone ( ) ‐ E‐mail _______________________________________________________

POST AFFILIATED: (*Must be a member to the VFW Post affiliated with the Auxiliary to which you are applying.) Relationship to Eligible Veteran* VFW Membership ID ______________________

NON AFFILIATED: (*Veteran is not a member of the VFW Post affiliated with the Auxiliary to which you are applying.) Relationship to Eligible Veteran* VFW Post (If applicable)

LIFE MEMBER TRANSFER, Previous Auxiliary Accepting Treasurer’s Signature Date

ANNUAL TRANSFER, Previous Auxiliary Paying or Nonpaying ? (check one)

ANNUAL TRANSFER CONVERTING TO LIFE, Previous Auxiliary (Fill out Life Membership information below.)

Name of campaign ribbons or medals: Dates of Service: / / to / / Location:

I attest that I am a citizen of the United States or a U.S. National, and am at least 16 years of age. I further state that I believe in God. I pledge to comply with the National Bylaws of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary. I attest I am not eligible for membership in the VFW. I further attest that the above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, including my stated relationship to the Veteran.

Applicant’s Signature Date Investigating Committee: 1) 2) 3) ______________________________________ Per Section 102 of the National Bylaws. Rejected Election Date / / Obligated Date / /_____

LIFE MEMBERSHIP Check here if this is a gift. Card will be mailed to the Auxiliary Treasurer.

Payment: Cash Check Visa

Mastercard Discover

Life Membership Fee $

Name on credit card

LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACH (Bank withdrawl)

Name of Bank Bank Routing No. Account No.

Attach voided check HERE. (Required)

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEES Effective 1/1/2017

Attained age at 12/31 of year applying for Life Membership.

Through 20 $253 21‐25 $242 26‐30 $230 31‐35 $219 36‐40 $213

Billing address for card 41‐45 $201 46‐50 $196 51‐55 $184

City State ZIP 56‐60 $173 61‐65 $161

Credit Card No. ________________________________ CVV Code Exp. /

66‐70 $150 71‐75 $132 76‐80 $109 81‐85 $86

Signature _________________________________ Date __________ 86‐90 $69 91 and over $58

OBLIGATION In the presence of Almighty God and the members of this organization here assembled, I do of my own free will and accord, solemnly promise that I will never wrong or defraud this organization nor a member thereof nor permit either to be wronged if in my power to prevent it. I will never propose for membership any person not eligible, according to our Bylaws. I further state that I believe in God. I will be faithful to the United States of America, obedient to the laws and loyal to the Flag. Should my membership with this organization cease in any way, I will consider this obligation as binding outside of the organization as though I had remained a member. I do so promise. Signature (Must be signed by all members.)

VFW Auxiliary HQ Revised 12/2017

___ ___ ___

VFW Auxiliary Member Change/ Update Form Rev. 12-17

REQUIRED FIELDS: Member’s Current Name Membership ID No.

Current Address

E‐mail Address Phone Number ( )

Current Auxiliary # Department of Date of Birth

NAME CHANGE

ADDRESS CHANGE

CONTINUOUS ANNUAL DUES (We recommend using the Membership Summary Form for multiple dues payments.)

CONVERT TO LIFE MEMBER

Life Membership Fee $

Check here if this is a gift. It will be mailed to the Auxiliary Treasurer.

Payment Methods:

Check: Make check payable to: VFW Auxiliary

Credit Card VISA MasterCard Discover

Name as it appears on the card:

Address associated with the card holder:

Credit Card Number

CVV Code (3 digit code shown on back of credit card) Expiration / Month / Year

Card Holder’s Signature Date

ACH (Bank withdrawal) Name of Bank Routing Number

Attached voided check HERE (required) Account Number

REPLACE MY MEMBER CARD

DEATH REPORT Date of Death

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEES Effective 1/1/2017

Attained age at 12/31 of yearapplying for Life Membership.

NAME CHANGES OR LOST CARD REQUESTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CHECK made payable to VFW Auxiliary or complete the payment information above if using a credit card or ACH. Please send directly to National Headquarters at 406 W. 34th St., 10th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111. You can also order a replacement card online in MALTA by visiting vfwauxiliary.org and selecting “Member Login.”

Through 20 $253 21-25 $242 26-30 $230 31-35 $219 36-40 $213 41-45 $201 46-50 $196 51-55 $184 56-60 $173 61-65 $161 66-70 $150 71-75 $132 76-80 $109 81-85 $86 86-90 $69 91 and over $58

Former Name: First ________________________ Last _______________________________

$5 Annual $10 Life

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

VETERANS & FAMILY SUPPORT Bulletin #7

January 2018 Donate to the VFW National Veterans Service (NVS) through the “Spirit 365” initiative! The Veterans & Family Support (VFS) National Ambassador, Big Ten Conference Chair, and I are asking for your continued support during the holiday season with selfless acts of giving to Veterans, their families, and local communities. Donations made to VFW NVS ensure benefits to Veterans, service members, and their families are maintained and provided at zero ($0.00) cost to them. Consider donations from Auxiliary Relief Funds to support the VFW NVS program. You can donate online or mail checks to the VFW, earmarked ‘NVS’ to https://www.vfw.org/ways-to-help and select “National Veterans Service” or: VFW National Headquarters Attn: NVS 406 W. 34th St., 11th Fl. Kansas City, MO 64111 Coming to the Mid-Winter Conference? Bring your poppy display for the official “Buddy”® Poppy Contest! Entries did not need to place at the District level, but were required to have been judged.

Mid-Winter Conference “Buddy”® Poppy Display

Theme: Military Family Legacy

What inspires the military family? What does a military family look like?

Poppy Displays must be judged at the District level before the Department Mid-Winter Conference. Record the total poppies used and number of hours spent and include with the finished display.

“Buddy”® Poppy Contest Rules | Displays will be presented and judged in three (3) categories:

Category 1 = Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign (Window, booth, parade, poster displays, campaign promotions) Displays must be designed for public exposure and must bear a message soliciting a donation for and wearing of the VFW “Buddy”® Poppy. At least one poppy used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached.

Category 2 = Memorial or Inspirational Displays (Wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or devotional themes) Displays must be designed to honor the dead, to inspire devotion to God and Country, or to dramatize the activities supported by the “Buddy”® Poppy. At least one poppy used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached.

Category 3 = Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies (Post Home displays, table centerpieces, corsages, pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats, novelty pieces) Any display not meeting the qualifications for Categories 1 or 2 shall automatically be entered in Category 3. At least one poppy used in the display must be in original form and color, with label attached.

Displays may be accompanied by a white card, not to exceed 4 X 6 inches in size, on which is lettered in black ink an explanation of the theme for the display or other information of interest to the viewer or the judges. Post/Auxiliary name, Post/Auxiliary number, city or state (including the shape of your state) may not be visible on display entries; failure to comply will result in disqualification. “Buddy”® Poppy Contest Judging: Judging of displays will be on the basis of effectiveness, purpose, clarity of theme, suitability, originality, beauty and number of poppies used. Where a sample of a large number of identical items (such as corsages or wreaths) is entered, full credit shall be given for the total number of poppies used. Veterans and Family Support, through special recognition of the military family, will ensure a successful year by “Continuing Our Legacy For ALL Veterans and Their Families” as we work to “Catch the Dream for Our Veterans.” Francesca Bill, Chairman 4882 Woodcrest Rd. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Phone: 651-263-6721 Email: frankiebill@msn.com

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

AMERICANISM JANUARY 2018 - BULLETIN #7

Brothers & Sisters, At our January 20th Mid-Winter Conference meeting, Department President Gail is planning a session with Department Chairmen to discuss our Year-End Reports. Please attend to hear examples of how to accomplish the projects as asked of each Auxiliary. Our mission in Americanism is to promote Patriotism in all our projects and get the community and public involved in our cause. In order to participate in the POW/MIA PROGRAM, consider donating a POW/MIA Flag to a local business or school. Keep and stay informed of the issues by donating monetarily to the MN Won’t Forget POW/MIA Newsletter titled “Tell The World About Us”. Ask for a subscription at PO Box 11782, St. Paul MN 55111. Editor and Executive Director of MWF, Rich Daly, has worked tirelessly since 1985 to offer all information about the accounting of our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action with details of the long mission filled with disappointments and frustrations of the families and concerned citizens. Please get your Auxiliary involved in this non-profit organization and never forget our plight. Also, remember to donate to FREEDOM FLIGHT, INC, PO Box 1052, St Cloud, MN 56302 to assist their mission of POW/MIA awareness around the world. The newest item in our 2017-18 Americanism Program is to host a FAMILY FREEDOM FESTIVAL. Full packets of information were given out at Fall Conference to assist you with this new event. To date, I have not received any Flyers or Press Releases of an event in MN. Those Auxiliaries hosting an event will be put into a drawing for a special gift from me. The Tool Kit pages are on our MN VFW Auxiliary website under “Forms” http://mnvfwauxiliary.org/and on the National Website https://vfwauxiliary.org/ Please get this accomplished by March 30th to report for 2017-18. TEACH AUXILIARY TRADITIONS to your members new & old. We all need reminders. See pages 2-5 in the Yellow Booklet of Instructions for details on Meeting Etiquette, Attention, Parade Rest and Heart Salute. No one moves or speaks while the flags are on the floor or while the Chaplain opens or closes the Bible. No alcohol or smoking shall be permitted during a meeting. Please read all these Traditions to your members. Auxiliaries and Districts will be recognized at the Department Convention on all items on the year end reports. Keep track of all promotions, events and activities throughout the year and report every detail. Feel free to add a page to write additional AMERICANISM projects. I want to hear about everything you do to promote this program. I am proud of every member as I know your personal dedication. Our MN Americanism School Contest Winners for grades K-5 will be announced at the Mid-Winter Conference Meeting. I am happy to announce that I have received entries from all 9 District Americanism Chairmen. Also, the VFW Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Mid-Winter Banquet. Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year, Carol Kratz / MN Department Americanism Chairman ckratz2003@comcast.net Phone 651-245-1024

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

CHIEF OF STAFF/EXTENSION JANUARY 2018 - BULLETIN #7

Can you believe we are half way through the 2017-2018 Program Year?!?!?!

As of January 1, 2018 if your continuous members have not paid their dues, they

are no longer in good standing and cannot attend your meeting and participate!

Please contact your members and wish them a Happy New

Year and ask them to forward their dues and attend a

meeting!

Perhaps you will discover that they are having some issues

and could use assistance in paying their dues; if so, please

make sure to offer that assistance from the Relief Fund.

Maybe it’s as simple as offering them a ride to the meetings so they can

participate!

January is a brand new year and new and exciting things are on the horizon for

auxiliaries all across America! Ask members to personally participate in the

planning and execution of events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. The

key is to get members involved and energized in your activities and programs. Be

sure and thank them for their time and efforts with the “Good Job Award”

available in the Healthy Auxiliary Toolkit on the VFW Auxiliary National website

www.vfwauxiliary.org.

Speaking of the Healthy Auxiliary Toolkit…..I hope you all are filling out the

member survey and are ready to return them to me!

PLEASE CHECK ALL AWARDS DEADLINES: USE BOTH NATIONAL AND

MINNESOTA PROGRAM BOOKS! SOME MUST BE TO ME BY MARCH 1, 2018

As National Chief of Staff, Jane Ziebarth, reminds us…..We look to January as a

new beginning. It can be a reason to let go of troubling baggage, a reason to renew

your energy, and it can be a time to make resolutions.

So, take a few minutes and ask yourself:

What can I do to make my membership experience and Auxiliary better in 2018?

Some suggestions to think about:

Sign up for MALTA

Review and use materials in the Programs & Publicity Resources

Visit the Auxiliary blog for ideas and program promotions

Volunteer to be a mentor

Become more familiar with current Bylaws, Booklet of Instruction & Ritual

Explore a program you have not been involved with before

Attend a District and/or Department meeting

Have a positive attitude and an open mind

Show respect to fellow Auxiliary members and VFW members

Volunteer to represent your Auxiliary at a community event

Find new ways to support & assist your VFW in the goal of serving veterans

Be kind and helpful to everyone

Recruit a new member

Say yes to new opportunities

Laurie A. Dale, Chief of Staff

Department of Minnesota

lakyllodale@yahoo.com

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

HOSPITAL Bulletin #7 - January 2018

Happy New Year! The Mid-Winter Conference is January 19 and 20. I am asking Auxiliaries from Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 to donate a basket for the Hospital raffle. Please keep our male members in mind when you consider what to donate for the raffle. The money raised from these events is distributed to all the homes and hospitals; it is a big part and a very important part of our budget. On Friday, January 19th at 1:00 p.m. we will hold the Hospital Board Meeting; please join us. We will have reports from all nine facilities. It is a great to time learn more about the Hospital program and what events are happening at the facilities. On Saturday we will hold the annual Green Shower. I hope someone will be there to present the check from your Auxiliary. If not please mail your check to the Department Office and earmark it “Green Shower”. Thanks so much for your support. What is your New Year’s Resolution? Consider adding “Volunteer more hours at a local hospital/home, creating fun and fellowship for the patients.” The “OUTSTANDING HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER” form is attached. We all know someone that deserves this recognition. Talk to your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman, fill out the form and get it in the mail. I hope to have many, many, many to read. The deadline is March 1st. Valentine’s Day is soon here. Recruit a group of children to help you make Valentines to hand out to the patients. The year is half over; soon we will be preparing the Year End reports. Get your paperwork in order, make sure you have made all your donations and completed all your planned projects. Now is the time to brag a bit about all that your Auxiliary has done this past year. Thank you for all you have done to make this a special time of year for our veterans!

“Catch the Dream for Our Veterans” by “Continuing our legacy for all veterans and their families”

Karen Haugen Department Hospital Chairman 1810 17th St S. Moorhead, MN 56560 701.367.1518 karenhaugen@midco.net

Department of Minnesota VFW Auxiliary

“OUTSTANDING HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER” 2017-2018

The Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should select ONE “Outstanding Hospital Volunteer” of the year, complete this form and mail to the Department Hospital Chairman. The deadline is MARCH 1st. The Hospital Volunteer may be any VFW Auxiliary member who serves as a VFW Auxiliary Hospital Volunteer in any medical facility in our department, (VAHCS, Military, Community, Children’s Hospital, Nursing Home, Therapy center or Clinic). VAVS Representatives and Deputies are also eligible to be considered as Outstanding Hospital Volunteers. Volunteer hours at VA and non-VA facilities may be considered for award purposes.

THE VOLUNTEER MUST SERVE FROM MARCH 1, 2017 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2018 Name of Outstanding Hospital Volunteer Address VFW Auxiliary Name & Number Medical facility where member serves How long has he/she been a VFW Auxiliary Hospital Volunteer? Number of hours served from 3/1/2017 through 2/28/2018. Total hours served as Hospital Volunteer, (lifetime hours)? What weekly or monthly hospital programs has the member participated in? What are his/her volunteer assignments? Please attach a separate sheet with detailed information on WHY this member is an Outstanding Hospital Volunteer. Auxiliary Hospital Chairman Mail To Karen Haugen, Department Hospital Chairman (signature) 1810 17th St S. Moorhead, MN 56560 Phone Number Phone # 701-367-1518 Date email: karenhaugen@midco.net

DUE MARCH 1ST, 2018

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

LEGISLATIVE Bulletin #7 - January 2018

As the New Year begins we are still in full swing for our Veterans. Its 2018 and we have a lot of work to do. It’s a midterm year; what does that mean you say? Well, let me be of some assistance in that definition. The 2018 United States elections will mostly be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. These midterm elections will take place in the middle of Republican President Donald Trump's term. All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested. 39 state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local elections will also be contested. That means we need to get the right people in positions to assist us with the very things we hold so dear to us all; VETERANS and their families. We have 11 months to get all of the details. Here are the positions that we will all be voting on. Do you know your candidates?

U.S. Senator U.S. Representative Governor and Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State State Auditor Attorney General State Representative

With all of the above being said, end of year reports will be due soon. Please make sure you are documenting your achievements. I would love to blow the reports out of the water for my first year as a Department Chair but I can’t do it without all of you. Let me know if I can be of any assistance; after all we are a TEAM and if I don’t have the answers I will get them. Tracy McReynolds Department of Minnesota Chair Trosbacka@yahoo.com 651-307-2619

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

SCHOLARSHIPS JANUARY 2018 - BULLETIN # 7

Happy New Year! Even though it is a new year, we are halfway through our year. We really need to pick up steam. There will be year-end reports due soon, and I do not want to see did not participate, not applicable, or an empty line. Every auxiliary can and should be promoting these scholarships. Family members, neighbor kids, 4H groups, boy scouts, girl scouts....get the information to them. Congratulations! You have just participated in the National Scholarships Program. See how easy that was! The following scholarship opportunities are the last ones for the year. We need to work hard and promote these. The Continuing Education Scholarship deadline is February 15th. Young American Patriotic Art Contest deadlne is March 31st, Marcella Arnold Nursing Scholarship deadline is April 1st. Please take the time to get this information out to your schools, communities and let’s finish the year off strong in the National Scholarships Program.

Continuing Education Scholarship Deadline: February 15

Any Auxiliary member (who has belonged for at least a year), spouse, son or daughter with a financial need. Must be 18 years old, complete the application and

submit an essay of 300 words or less. Mail to:

Administrator of Programs VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters

406 W 34th St. 10th Floor Kansas City, MO 64111

Email to: info@vfwauxiliary.org

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

All students grades 9-12, (no older than 18) And a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National

No Digital Art. Artwork must be on canvas or paper.

It will be judged on patriotic theme and technique.

Deadlines: Entries received by local Auxiliary

March 31 Entries received by District

April 7 Entries received by Department

April 15 Entries received by National Headquarters May 5

Minnesota Only Scholarship Marcella Arnold Nursing Scholarship

Deadline is April 1 and October 1 Applicant must be a full time Nursing student

in an Associate or Bachelor Degree School of Nursing Applicant must be a member or eligible to

join the VFW or VFW Auxiliary, or a child or grandchild of a member of the VFW

or VFW Auxiliary a resident of Minnesota,

non-resident of MN with a membership in the MN VFW Auxiliary, attending a nursing school in Minnesota

Thank you Auxiliary Brothers and Sisters for all that you do. I wish you all a Happy New Year! Paige Amundson National Scholarships Chairman 210 1st Ave South Wheaton MN, 56296 320-563-0997 home, 320-815-0213 cell

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota

YOUTH ACTIVITIES JANUARY 2018 - BULLETIN #7

It is crazy that the end of 2017 and start of 2018 is here! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season and you all should be proud of all the hard work you did in 2017. Now it is time to start out 2018 strong and let’s continue to encourage our youth to learn about our Veterans and the meaning of patriotism. With 2018 here the spring contest deadlines will be quickly approaching! There are many great youth out there in our communities and let’s do our part by getting them involved so that we can let our youth shine. If you have not yet had a chance to get in contact with your local schools to talk about the Patriotic Art Explorers contest, it is not too late! I strongly encourage you to contact the schools' art teachers and try to set a time to go in and meet with them to explain the program.' I think this is a great way to connect with our teachers in the community with what the VFW Auxiliary does for our youth. But let’s not forget about all of our talented youth who do not attend the public schools in our communities. Go to the local churches to get in contact with the youth groups. Contact your local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troop leaders and ask to attend one of their meetings. Also if you have a local paper and have the opportunity to write an article, share the information there. If the local school is stopping you from getting in and promoting this program, there are many other ways to get in touch with the youth. I also suggest that you give them a convenient spot and times to drop off the entries. Check with your local VFW Post and see if they can be a spot to allow students to drop off these entries. Patriotic Art Explorers - MN ONLY (not a national program) This is an art contest for grades 6th – 8th and is a MN only contest. I strongly encourage you to get out there and begin providing this information to the schools and churches so that students can begin brainstorming and planning to participate. This year’s theme is “The Bald Eagle” Art pieces should be 2-dimensional and no larger than 11” x 17” (portrait or landscape) and no thicker than 1/4 of an inch. All work should be completed in pencil, crayon, paint, charcoal, marker and the like. A short description of the artwork is to be included. No digital artwork will be accepted. Entries will be judged on theme and technique. Entries to the Auxiliaries is due by March 31st, then to the District by April 7th and then to Department by April 15th. Prizes will be awarded at Department level for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The Entry form is included with these general orders. Get these forms out to the Youth Activities Chair in your Auxiliary and begin informing the schools, youth groups and churches on this great program! I want to see a lot of entries sent in to me at Department!

“Continuing our legacy for ALL veterans and their families” Ashley Punches 417 Sunflower Ct. Cannon Falls MN 55009 ashley.punches@gmail.com 952-270-3437

Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

2018 Annual Contest

Patriotic Art Explorers Middle School Art Contest

WHO: Minnesota Students Grades 6-8

WHAT: 2-Dimensional, Original Patriotic Art Contest

WHEN: The Patriotic Art Explorers Art Contest for Middle School students (grades 6-8) is a Minnesota only contest and will follow the same basic guidelines as the National Scholarship’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Entries should be submitted to Local Auxiliaries by March 31 2018, Local Winners sent to District by April 7, 2018 and District Winners sent to Department by April 15, 2018.

2017-2018 THEME: “The Bald Eagle”

Minnesota students in grades 6-8th are to create a piece of art depicting the Bald Eagle.

Guidelines: Art pieces should be 2-dimensional and no larger than 11” x 17” (portrait or landscape) and no thicker than 1/4 of an inch. All work should be completed in pencil, crayon, paint, charcoal, marker and the like. A short description of the artwork is to be included. No digital artwork will be accepted. Entries will be judged on theme and technique.

Deadlines: March 31, 2018 Entries Due to Auxiliaries April 7, 2018 Entries Due to District April 15, 2018 Entries Due to Department

Awards: Auxiliaries and Districts are encouraged to fund awards for 3 winners just as you might for your Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Auxiliaries and Districts only forward their first place winner to District and Department. Department of Minnesota VFW Auxiliary Awards:

First Place $300.00 Second Place $200.00

Third Place $100.00

Questions: Any Auxiliary Questions can be directed to: Ashley Punches, Department Youth Activities Chair 417 Sunflower Ct. Cannon Falls, MN 55009 ashley.punches@gmail.com Phone: 952-270-3437

See Reverse Side for Application Form

Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota

Patriotic Art Explorers

Middle School Art Contest

2018 CONTEST APPLICATION (Please Print)

Name_________________________________Age_____Parent’s Phone(__)___________ Address_________________________________ City_____________State___Zip_______ School____________________________________________Grade_____ Teacher’s Name___________________________________ Parent Email Address_____________________________ Date Artwork Completed_________ Parent/Guardian Name_____________________________Signature______________________

I hereby grant permission for my artwork to be published/used for any and all purposes by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and it’s Auxiliary, if I become a District or State winner.

____________________________________________ (Student Signature)

State the source of your idea for entry: magazine, TV, newspaper, etc. To comply with copyright laws, all artwork must be original to the entrant. Artwork may be inspired by other artist’s/ photographer’s work, but not to the degree that the new piece of artwork is easily recognized as being derivative of the other artist’s work. If another artist’s/photographer’s work is used as a source of inspiration or reference, a copy of the work must be provided along with the name and date of publication in which it was found. Any artwork that is recognized as being in violation of these rules will be disqualified. Source______________________________________________________ Media used in entry (e.g., colored pencil, oil paint)_____________________________________

Non-sponsored artwork will be returned without being judged. (contest application and a short, written description of the artwork must accompany the artwork entered)

LOCAL AUXILIARY- Entries due to the Youth Activities Chair by March 31st Sponsored by VFW Auxiliary #________ District #___ City_______________________State____ Date Judged________ Signed by Auxiliary Scholarships Chairman_____________________ Chairman of Judge’s Signature (Required)_____________________________ DISTRICT JUDGING (Required)- First Place Auxiliary Winner entry due to District Chair by April 7th Date Judged________ Signed by Auxiliary Scholarships Chairman_____________________ Chairman of Judge’s Signature (Required)_____________________________ DEPARTMENT JUDGING -- First Place District Winner due by April 15 to: Auxiliary V.F.W. Dept. of MN Headquarters Attn: Patriotic Art Explorers Contest State Veterans Service Bldg., 20 West 12th Street 3rd Floor, St Paul, MN 55155

This is currently a Minnesota ONLY program. If you have any questions, please contact: Ashley Punches, Department Youth Activities Chair ashley.punches@gmail.com Phone: 952-270-3437