Words from the Commander

May 2012      Thank you for making us an  All American Department!       Congratulations to Post 1054 and District VI, first Post and District confirmed All American. We have quite a few 100% Posts and Districts and many potential All Americans. This is a prestigious honor that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our members.

      A special recognition to PDC Jerry Kraus for achieving All-American honors during his service in the VFW as Commander of Post 10216, Department of Pacific Areas and now District VI.  Congratulations Jerry in behalf of our membership. Your dedication and service has resulted in you receiving VFW National recognition as a “Triple Crown” Commander.

     SVCinC John Hamilton’s 2012-2013 National Membership Program was recently published. It includes a dramatic change in All American program as it requires 85% retention of the prior year’s new and reinstated members. The effect of this change is difficult to predict but here in the Pacific, where retention has always been a problem, this may prove particularly difficult.

     Department SVC Combs and I have been discussing the changes. We are in agreement that if there is a chance for you to reach All American this year you should go for it. This is the time when many Posts keep members in their pocket to use to start off the new term. It might be a good idea to re-think that strategy and consider putting them in this year.

     If you choose to make the push for All American, remember that there are other requirements including nominations for VOD/PP/Teachers (or a donation to National); purchase 5 buddy poppies per member (last year’s ending number); and an NMS donation.

     One thing is certainly clear, recruiting life members will be more important than ever. Our Department has recruited 166 life members so far. Almost half of them were recruited by the following eight members: Cliff Wilsey – 23; Homer Kemper – 14; Ricky Farris – 11; Dennis Provencher – 8; Allen Sanders – 8; Dennis Doty – 6; Bob Henault – 5; and Joe Mortimer – 5. Thank you for your tremendous effort.

     We are just a month away from our Department Convention. We currently have 61 members registered to attend. I hope that many more of you will be able to make it.

     Month after month our members show commitment to the high ideals of the VFW by their service to veterans; active duty; youth and community. I salute you all.

I am “Proud to Serve” as Department of Pacific Areas Commander.

Barry Hirshbein