2008_Convention

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2008 Department Convention Report

Department of Missouri

8787 Old Santa Fe Trail

Kansas City MO 64131

REPORT OF THE BUSINESS MEETING AND CONVENTION

held 17 May at the Department Convention 16-18 May 2008 in Grandview MO.

Attendees: Patriots Van Johnston, John Fladung, Clayton Jones, Owen Hilton, Paul Starchman, Chester Addison, Jeffrey Pepper, Jim Gooden, Ron Mosbaugh, Ralph Barrett, Howard Johnson, Jimmie Young, Cloyd Green, Ken Swords, Gary Hughes, Lyle Horner, Ralph Skelly, Roy Talbott, Nate Riley, Bud Whyte, Carl Dietrich, Ralph Barks, Frank Rice, Ted Scott.

The meeting was called to order by the Commander at 0910 with Ladies and Auxilliary members present. He introduced Gwenolyn Guilliard who addressed the joint gathering. She encouraged wives and LAMOPH members to actively recruit for the Order as well as the LAMOPH, and Associate members for both. She urged all to reach out to OIF and OEF Veterans and spouses as the future of the organizations.

The new national policy on VAVS funds distribution will have the funds coming to the Dept Commander, he in turn distributes moneys to Chapters according to their requests. These needs must be specific as to impact and costing. Items and services provided by MOPH will be so identified for recipients and users. The Executive Council will work out criteria and guidance for the Commander.

DFO Van Johnston gave the Financial Report. Approved.

Old Business

Cdr D brought forth D-SvcO Norm Humes, hospitalized in serious condition and unable to man the office in VAMC-KC. The office is important to the Order and we need to retain it.

Cdr D read minutes of the 30 June 2007 EC meeting. Approved.

Cdr D read minutes of the 23 Feb EC meeting. Approved.

Cdr D further explained the use of the Department cell phone was to provide a direct communication to the Commander from year-to-year for contact and recruiting purposes. That number is listed on the D-MO website. This phone and number will be passed on to each succeeding commander and renewed for his term of office. So far this has worked well as envisioned. If the phone use turns into a problem, we can drop it.

Supervisory NSO Syd Staton in St. Louis wants Chapter 115 to appoint a VAVS officer to occupy the VSO office in VAMC-KC. The office is located with good exposure to Veteran traffic.

Clayton Jones urged the Chapters to appreciate their Volunteers, celebrate them at a dinner and give them a pin or plaque to recognize their service. Cdr D feels this should happen at the Chapter level, Volunteers of the Year as well as Patriot of the Year should be recognized at the Department Level and all funded at those levels

Cdr D appointed John Fladung as Dept VAVS Officer.

A little more discussion ensued on Chapter Service Officers advising Veterans on their claims – they need to refer the Vet to a National Service Officer. We need to be careful and not recommend anything other than gather up all the Vet’s paperwork and send him to a NSO.

New Business

Cdr D noted the Adjutant’s recorder has died and called for a motion to authorize Bud to purchase one not to exceed $100. John Fladung moved , Jimmie Young seconded. Motion passed on voice vote.

Cdr D asked the membership if we wanted an Ad in the National Convention Booklet, hosted by Dept Nevada in Las Vegas. Clayton Jones moved we authorize $200 for a full page ad. John Fladung seconded.

Jimmie Young stated that since our native son Clayton Jones is running for Nat’l Jr. Vice Cdr, we include that endorsement in our ad. Carl seconded. Motion passed. Bud will produce the ad.

Cdr D brought forth a flyer from the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, in New York. Very well done and special because it’s all about us Patriots. An application is included for Patriots to send in a voice recording about our experiences in battle. All of us are encouraged to get our story preserved in history. Each of us is part of our Nation’s heritage. The city and the Hall of Honor is the site of the same encampment where Gen George Washington first awarded the Legion of Merit – our current Purple Heart Award.

Cdr D mentioned the First Responders Program, recognition for Firefighters and Police Officers killed or wounded in the Line of Duty. Plaques are provided by National and made available on request from Chapters for presentation. The plaque should be presented a little time after the First Responder services and is a way for the Order to honor the service of that Public Servant. Criteria include a First Responder who has the power to arrest. This is a good outreach effort and good for Chapters in our community.

Cdr D mentioned that some Veterans Organizations want the Purple Heart to be awarded to Veterans suffering with PTSD. The Order and National Leadership is standing firm in not allowing this.

Cdr D mentioned the squabbles between the National Leadership and the National Service Foundation. He had copies of correspondence relating to this and urges Patriots to form their own opinions.

Cdr D mentioned the concern that MOPH was awarding the PH to JROTC students. The MOPH award is for Leadership. Cdr D wants all JROTC award requests to come thru Dept.

Legislative

Chief of Staff Howard Johnson reported on the Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations [MAVO]. Representatives from all participating Veterans groups meet quarterly in Jefferson City and bring forth issues or concerns from their membership that the state can address. In February they present MAVO proposals to the combined state senate and house Veterans Committee to sonsider for the coming legislative sessions. For instance 60% disabled Vets don’t need a hunting/fishing license – just carry documentation to prove it. Ralph Skelly said that one of the current proposals on the November ballot that 1/8^th of 1% be added to Missouri sales tax to support Veterans Affairs. One use of such would be to add a wing to Mt. Vernon Veterans Home of 100 beds. We need this and Patriots should support and talk it up for November. Paul Starchman brought forth the Access Pass that a service connected disabled Vet can get for free access to National Parks.

Cdr D mentioned a U.S. Senate bill to make the Purple Heart stamp a Forever Stamp.

Cdr D mentioned that Chapter and Department needs to file an E-Card to the IRS immediately following our annual elections to preserve our nonprofit status. Commanders need to stay on top of this and make sure it is done.

Lunch Break from 1145 to 1315

Cdr D announced we will show the CD-video from Nat’l Cdr Cook at 1230. This concerns the problems at HQ MOPH. [Note – we could not get the video system to work.]

Cdr D mentioned those Patriots with fairly new cars can use the keyless entry panic button. This button and the vehicle alarm can be used to call attention to an intruder trying to break into your house or vehicle. This alarm system can also be used by an elderly person who falls outside or needs help.

Cdr D announced that Everett Kelly is taking care of family affairs concerning his recently deceased brother.

Good of the Order

National Sgt-at-Arms Ken Swords gave greetings from Nat’l Cdr Cook and also mentioned the new 42 cent postage stamp. A Senate bill is coming up to make the Purple Heart stamp a Forever stamp. Nat’l Legislative officer Hershel Gobels has worked hard on this.

NSO Mark Horrell of Mt. Vernon Veterans Home mentioned an issue for legislators to address would be a state-issued ID card verifying a Combat Disabled Vet status for any applicable benefits.

NSO Horrell also mentioned Chapter Service Officers should be very careful in advising Veterans’ claims, they do not have the training and authority. NSO’s are fully trained and protected from from lawsuits concerning claims.

Mark mentioned an increase in Travel Pay for Vets to their nearest VA facility. Also Priority-8 may open up for 60 days later this year.

He also said a VA outreach clinic is slated to open up in Branson, Sept this year.

Cdr D announced the Dept Convention will be hosted by Ch-125 St. Louis in 2009.

Break called by Cdr D at 1353

Tom Weatherby addressed the group on his work with PTSD sufferers.

Clayton Jones discussed and moved the Dept sign the Recall Petition against Cdr Cook. The Petition addresses misappropriation of funds without EC approval and public denigration of the Order. Jimmie Young seconded. Motion Passed.

NSO Horrell mentioned that Vets with DOD 30% disability qualify for Tricare-for-Life. This DOD disability rating needs to be verified by current medical exams.

Election of Officers

PDC/Past Nat’l Adjutant Jimmie Young presided over the nomination and election process.

Dept Cdr – Carl Dietrich nominated by Clayton Jones, seconded by Bud Whyte. Paul Starchman moved nominations close, seconded by Owen Hilton – Approved.

Cdr Dietrich elected by voice vote.

Sr. Vice Cdr – Everett Kelly nominated by Paul Starchman, seconded by Owen Hilton. Bud Whyte moved nominations close, seconded by Jim Gooden– Approved. SrVCdr Kelly elected by voice vote.

Jr. Vice Cdr – Paul Starchman nominated by Ron Mosbaugh, seconded by Clayton Jones. Nominations were voted closed. JrVCdr Starchman elected by voice vote.

Dept FinO – Van Johnston nominated by Carl Dietrich, seconded by Paul Starchman. John Fladung moved nominations close, seconded by Owen Hilton – Approved. DFO Johnston elected by voice vote.

JAG – Howard Johnson nominated by Van Johnston, seconded by Clayton Jones. Paul Starchman moved nominations close, seconded by John Fladung – Approved. D-JAG Johnson elected by voice vote.

Sgt-at-Arms – John Fladung nominated and seconded by Howard Johnson. Nate Riley moved nominations close, seconded – Approved. Sgt-at-Arms Fladung elected by voice vote.

These Officers for the Department of Missouri were installed and sworn in by Nat’l Sgt-at-Arms Ken Swords during the Banquet in the evening.

Business Meeting of the 2008 Dept Missouri Convention was closed by Cdr Dietrich at 1530.

In Memoriam

At 1600, Dept Chaplain Jimmie Young officiated at a service honoring Department Patriots who have passed away during the past year.

Chapter 115 – Elmer Johnson, George Renault, Robert Conley, Harlo Sterrett, Michael Rupe, Jack Sites, Herbert Schokel, Benjamin Dickson, Warren Berry, Jack Rewark and George Nicklin.

Chapter 605 – Walter Gerrett.

Chapter 621 – Tony Grogan, Edwin Hughes, Beauford Lowrance, and Bill York.

Chapter 821 – Raymond Kreutzel and Ferman Beaver.

The Banquet followed with Social Time at 1830, with the meal catered by Hy-Vee, Belton at 1900. Following the meal, we installed Officers and various Patriots related funny stories from their war-time experience.

Minutes and Report submitted by Dept Adjutant Bud Whyte 23 June, 2008

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