Convention Newsletter

Patriots of Southwest Missouri

Chapter 784 Forsyth, Missouri

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Newsletter for the Patriots of Missouri 25 June 2008

The Convention is behind us and I can proudly say that the Kansas City Chapter led by

Chester Atkinson and his Officers did a superb job. I don’t know when I have been so

Impressed by Convention people as I was there. Thank you for your hospitality and

Dedication to making this one of the finest events in a very long time.

I have been studying the best possible way to communicate to our Patriots the items

Of interest that concerns them. I do believe the website is number one in my book.

The St Louis people have been very supportive in this matter. One does not have to

Look very far to see the website is well manned and is very informative. Thank you

Webmaster for your efforts(Bill Hughes)

The Summer is upon us and the National Convention is drawing close. The price

Of fuel has risen enough to put vacation plans for many on hold and for that reason

We voted at the Convention to not meet anymore than necessary to conduct State

Business. The next Executive Council meeting will be held in Joplin at a date to be

Determined, however, it will be sometime in January 2009.

I have many items that have come into my presence that I want to pass onto the

Chapters for information to their Patriots.

Associate Membership: As most of you know the recent change to the Purple Heart

Charter, allowed Associate Members to hold non-elected position within the Chapters,

The only exception is the Adjutants position(this is an appointed position only to Purple

Heart Members). I have received reports that the National Headquarters is not approving

The request. I have voiced my disapproval and notified Congressman Blunt’s office.(he

Sponsored the bill). I am awaiting a response on this issue.

PTSD: Recent studies reveal that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are being adversely

Affected by their service. Estimates now indicate that 20% of all soldiers returning

From these areas of combat are experiencing PTSD, and nearly 40% of our National

Guard and Reserve troops are afflicted with psychological and emotional difficulties.

The Veterans Corp of America and the Purple Heart Foundation have proposed the

Creation of a call center to be staffed by Veterans of armed conflicts who are specif

icily trained in PTSD matters. I applaud the VA for its commitment to meeting the special need of Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and believe this proposal will help fulfill that commitment.

Suicide Prevention Awareness: Suicide is the 11^th most frequent cause of death in the United States. Someone dies every 16 Minutes. Suicidal idea’s and attempts to harm oneself are the result of problems that seem like they cannot be fixed. Together, Vet Centers and VA Medical center stand ready to reach out and help Veterans at risk for suicide. If you know someone in crisis –call the suicide hotline and indicate they are a Veteran and they will be immediately connect to the VA Suicide prevention and mental health professionals. That number is 1-800-273-TALK. It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help!

Hypertension based on Herbicide Exposure: On June 2008, Secretary Peake announced that, based on the National Academics of Sciences, Institute of Medicine report, there is NO evidence to support the presumption of service connection for Hypertension due to Herbicide(Agent Orange) exposure.

Korean Veterans: The Senate and House bills to award a Federal Charter to the Korea War Veterans Association was passed by the Congress at 1750 Hours on 17 June 2008.

There are 3.5 Million veteran of Korea who have served and are still serving in Korea.

Travel: I am planning to attend all Chapter meeting sometime in the near future and will formulate those plans later in the year.

Appreciation: I wish to thank all the people who make this organization work. I know many of you toil unknown to others. But, there is someone who knows what you do, and that is the recipient of your good works. In my opinion, this is the finest organization on the face of the earth and it is that way because of you. I know, some of patriots are not the warmest and kindness of personality, But I ask you to overlook the personality conflicts and work together for the good of the Order. Once we lose a Patriot for whatever reason, its so very difficult for them to return. I know that some of the Chapters are small in number and struggle to conduct affairs. I want to tell you all, that I do appreciate your efforts and will work with you in any way that I can.

State Convention 2009: It is anticipated that the 2009 State Convention will be held in St Louis. I know its very early for this announcement, but it will give everyone an opportunity to prepare. I am serving notice that I will not run again, so the door is open for all to start planning their plans, if desired.

Passing: It is with regret that I announce the death of a great Patriot. Norm Humes, of the Kansas City Chapter Passed away. His presence will be missed by all.

“let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors: and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence.”

Joesph Story (Commentaries on the Constitution, 1883)

Thank you and enjoy the Summer Carl A. Dietrich, Commander, Department of Missouri 2008

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