GENERAL ORDERS

1. STATE COMMANDERS MESSAGE:

Comrades, TEAM VIRGINIA continues to march on. You and the Ladies Auxiliary remain committed to the Goals and Ideals of our great organization. Your efforts in service to our veterans and our communities is greatly appreciated by me and the citizens of our nation. Your support was apparent by the large turn out at the VFW Day on the Hill in Richmond. The politicians were very impressed to see how interested our organization is on subjects that impact veterans issues. There was an excellent attendance at the Department's Winter Council Meeting in Williamsburg. I met and talked to many old friends and was pleased to see Posts in attendance who rarely get the opportunity to participate at our meetings. Thanks to all members who took time out of their busy schedule to continue working for the VFW.
I am pleased to report that most Posts are doing their best to accomplish the efforts of our Department. But, there are a few which need to put forth more effort. Our Department still needs approximately 15% more members to reach the Department quota. I ask that each of you call a member that has not renewed, ask them to send in their dues and try to recruit/reinstate more members. Each Post is performing many programs. But, the job is not completed until the paper work is done. Take credit for all the work your Post accomplishes. Remember: Activities + Publicity = Membership.
There continues to be problems in Posts within the Department. We continue to try to resolve these problems. We need your help. All troubles can be corrected if we work together as a team. If you verbally report a problem to the Department please remember to follow it up with a letter. A written report helps us keep track of activities.
Always remember that we are "UNITED FOR SERVICE TO AMERICA"

Respectively,
Pete Snelling
State Commander

2. MEMBERSHIP:

Membership is coming in as you read these General Orders. We need 11 percent to reach 100 % in the State. Keep up the great work and watch us move up on those states that are sitting around waiting for something to happen. All goals can be reached with maximum effort.

Tom Hines
State Senior Vice Commander

3. GENERAL ORDER CUT OFF DATES:

The cut off for General Orders is the 20^th of the month. NO EXCEPTIONS.

4. DISTRICT MEETINGS:

FIRST - 02-28-04, Post 3219 PHOEBUS, Meeting 1:00 PM, Representative State Junior Vice Commander Dan Boyer

SECOND - 03-06-04 Post 4411 FRANKLIN, Meeting 1:00 PM , Representative State Adjutant/Quartermaster Kim DeShano

THIRD - 03-06-04 THIRD DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, Meeting 2:00 PM, Dinner to follow. Representative State Judge Advocate Charles (Doc) Crouch

FOURTH - 02-08-04 AMELIA VETERANS CENTER 2:00 PM, Representative Junior Vice Commander Dan Boyer

FIFTH - 02-15-04 Post 4637 MARTINSVILLLE, Meeting 12 Noon, Representative Commander Pete Snelling

SIXTH - 02-08-04 FLOYD VAMC BLDG 76, 2nd FLOOR, 2:00 PM, Representative State Judge Advocate Charles (Doc) Crouch

SEVENTH - 03-21-04, POST 8613 SHENANDOAH, Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting to follow, Representative State Junior Vice Commander Dan Boyer

EIGHTH - 03-14-04, POST 7589 MANASSAS, Meeting 1:00 PM, Representative Senior Vice Commander Tom Hines

NINTH - 05-02-2004, POST 9696 BLUEFIELD POST, Registration 11:00 AM,. Meeting 11:30 AM, Representative State Senior Vice Commander Tom Hines

TENTH - 02-22-04, Post 8241 MCLEAN, Meeting 1:00 PM, Representative State Surgeon Jimmy Lee Wallace

ELEVENTH - 03-07-04 Post 8644 Bridgewater, Lunch 11:30 a.m., Representative State Surgeon Jimmy Lee Wallace

TWELFTH - 05-02-04 Post 9600 Pound, Meeting 11:00 a.m. at W. J. Adams Elementary School, Representative State Judge Advocate Charles (Doc) Crouch

THIRTEENTH - 03-14-04, POST 10546 SPOTSYLVANIA, Meeting 1:00 p.m., Representative State Judge Advocate Charles (Doc) Crouch

5. CHANGES IN THE ROSTER:

Chief-of-Staff Rex Faris - FAX 276-952-3004

POST 484 - Meetings will be held at The Odd Fellows Lodge, 2615 East Orange Avenue, NE, Roanoke

POST 8469 - Post Home New Address 5703 Vogue Road, Fairfax Station, 2203901008, phone 703-250-2517, E-Mail - blue8469gray@juno.com

POST 10570 - Meeting location changed to the Rescue Squad Building, located down the road directly across from the old Courthouse

6. QUARTERLY AUDIT REPORTS:

Attention is directed to Section 218, Manual of Procedure Duty of Trustees, Form P-113. Trustees Report of Audit, must be prepared in detail at the close of each quarter, one of which ended December 31 is NOW PAST DUE at State Headquarters.

7. IMPORTANT 2003-2005 DATES:

March 7 -11, 2004 Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D C

June 17-20, 2004 State Convention Sheraton Richmond West, 804-284-2000

July 16-18, 2004 School of Instruction Lynchburg

July 31, 2004 Satellite Training

August 14-20, 2004 National VFW Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio

September 24-26 Wyndham Roanoke Airport, Roanoke 540-561-7908

November 19-21, 2004 Southern Conference Louisville, Kentucky

January 14 -16, 2005 Clarion Hotel, Williamsburg

August 20-26, 2005 National VFW Convention, Salt Lake City, Utah

8. SPECIAL ORDER NO. 2 - MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION MICHAEL PENDERGRAFT

It is hereby ordered that the name of Michael Pendergraft, Membership No. 5224862, be removed from the rolls of Richard T. Shea, Jr., Memorial Post 9382 located in Suffolk, VA and his membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States be revoked.

By Order of
Peter M. Snelling
State Commander
Department of Virginia

9. HOSPITAL REPORT:

I noted that we were off to a slow start for 2nd half reporting. That was before we met in Williamsburg for the Mid-winter Council Meeting, at which time I was presented with over 35 Hospital Reports. I implore you to not hold your reports. If you make a hospital visit, immediately submit the report. We only have three more months for 2d half reporting. The report period ends 30 April 2004. I know you are doing you activities, so please submit the reports and give yourself the credit that you deserve. I urge each District Commander to look at those Posts who have not submitted their Hospital Reports, and encourage them to submit a report.

The following Posts HAVE submitted Hospital Reports as of December 22, 2003 for the 2^nd half

District 1 - 3219, 8252
District 2 - 392, 993, 3160, 4411, 4809
District 3 - 2239, 9808
District 4 - 622, 7166, 8446
District 5 - 1115, 4637, 7726, 8243
District 6 - 1264
District 7 - 621, 1860, 2447, 8613
District 8 - 1811
District 9 - 956, 9640
District 10 - 1503, 3150, 7327
District 11 - 2216, 4989
District 12 - NO REPORTS SUBMITTED BY ANY POSTS
District 13 - 8436, 8717, 10546, 10574

Surely, since November 1st, members of your Post visited someone sick or in the hospital! It only takes a few minutes to fill out the paperwork, and give your Post, your District and the State the recognition you and they deserve. Please get your reports in on a timely basis.

Jimmy Lee Wallace
Hospital Chairman

10. AMERICANISM REPORT:

Posts are reminded to collect Americanism photos, news clippings, etc., to submit in an Americanism book, separate from their Community Service books, to be submitted in May to the judging committee. See "THE RICHARD A. (AL) GUAGER AMERICANISM AWARD" section in "2003-2004 Membership Campaign" on the state webpage, and then click on the Virginia awards section. Or see like-named attachment to July 2003 General Orders. Eighty-three reports have been received from 70 posts. Status as of 20 January 2004:

DISTRICT 1 - Posts not reported: 824, 2296, 4856, 6002, 7167, 8629, 9358, 9636 (13 posts)
DISTRICT 2 - Posts not reported: 392, 993, 2582, 2894, 3160, 4809 (10 posts)
DISTRICT 3 - Posts not reported: 3125, 8356, 9224 (16 posts) (80% Reported)
DISTRICT 4 - Posts not reported: 2163, 2584, 5313, 7819, 7897, 8048, 8228, 8599, 8617, 8759, 9618, 9855, 9954, 10570, 10571 (23 posts)
DISTRICT 5 - Posts not reported: 647, 873, 1115, 2820, 6130, 7568, 7800, (12 posts)
DISTRICT 6 - Posts not reported: 484, 776, 1033, 1264, 1444, 1841, 2157, 4165, 4318, 4522, 4920, 5311, 5895, 7854, 8184, 9805, 9877 (19 posts)
DISTRICT 7 - Posts not reported: 1150, 2123, 4698, 7899, 9760 9872 (13 posts) (55% Reported)
DISTRICT 8 - Posts not reported: 472, 1177, 2524, 3103, 4468, 7589, 7728, 8208, 9835, 9865 (11 posts)
DISTRICT 9 - Posts not reported: 1184, 2719, 4667, 7136, 7328, 7360, 7969, 9343, 9696, 9864 (13 posts)
DISTRICT 10 - Posts not reported: 7916, 8469, 8815, 9274 (11 Posts) (65% Reported)
DISTRICT 11 - Posts not reported: 452, 1499, 3136, 4204, 4805, 4989, 7157, 7578, 7701, 7814, 8479, 9480, 10773 (21 posts)
DISTRICT 12 - Posts not reported: 1994, 3782, 4301, 5715, 6975, 8652, 8979, 9600, 9830, 10298,10611 (12 posts)
DISTRICT 13 - Posts not reported: 1827, 2044, 2613, 7638, 8169, 10295 (12 posts) (50% Reported)

J. Gary Wagner
Vice Chairman for Americanism

11. SAFETY REPORT:

The following Posts have submitted Safety Reports for the 2^nd half as of January 19, 2004:

District 1 - 176, 960, 3219, 5500, 8252
District 2 - 637, 1211, 3160, 4411, 8545, 9382
District 3 - 1426, 2239, 2583, 4639, 6364, 8046, 8529, 9501, 9808, 10387, 10654, 10657,11124
District 4 - 622, 637, 5371, 7166, 8446
District 5 - 4637, 8243, 10840
District 6 -1264, 4299, 4491
District 7 - 621, 1860, 2447, 6044, 9292
District 8 - 1811
District 9 - 956, 9640
District 10 - 1503, 5412, 8241
District 11 - 632, 2216, 3060, 8279, 8644, 9339,10826
District 12 -
District 13 - 2217,8436, 8947,10295, 10546, 10574

Please use the new Safety Report forms and mail all reports to Department Headquarters. Team VFW, Team Virginia!

Rex Faris
Safety Vice-Chairman

12. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY REPORT:

Post's which have not submitted Community Activity Reports for the second half.

DISTRICT 1 - 824, 2296, 4856, 6002, 7167, 8629, 9358, 9636
DISTRICT 2 - 2582, 2894, 4411, 4809
DISTRICT 3 - 8356, 9224
DISTRICT 4 - 637, 2163, 5313, 7897, 8048, 8228, 8599, 8617, 8759, 9618, 9855, 9954, 10571
DISTRICT 5 - 644, 647, 873, 2820, 6130, 7568, 7800
DISTRICT 6 - 484, 1033, 1264, 1444, 1841, 2157, 4165, 4318, 4522, 4920, 5311, 5895, 7854, 8184, 9805, 9877
DISTRICT 7 - 1150, 4698, 7899, 8613, 9760, 9872
DISTRICT 8 - 472, 1177, 2524, 3103, 4468, 7589, 7728, 8208, 9835, 9865
DISTRICT 9 - 1184, 4667, 7328, 7360, 7969, 9696, 9864
DISTRICT 10 - 1503, 5412, 7916, 8469, 9274
DISTRICT 11 - 452, 632, 2424, 3060, 4805, 7578, 7701, 7814, 8479, 8644, 9339, 9480, 10773
DISTRICT 12 - 3782, 4301, 5715, 6975, 8652, 8979, 9600, 9830, 10310, 10611
DISTRICT 13 - 2044, 2217, 2613, 7638, 8436, 10295

Lynn Harris
Community Activity Vice-Chairman

13. YOUTH ACTIVITY REPORT:

SCOUTING The VFW has actively encouraged participation in scouting since the early 1930's. Scouting promotes the basic principles, values, dedication to country and service to our fellow man that is and always will be important to our organization and to our nation. At present, VFW posts sponsor over 1,200 Boy Scout Troops, making the VFW one of the country's largest sponsors of Boy Scout programs. Every VFW Post has the opportunity to work in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) when they sponsor/charter a scouting unit. Direct involvement in scouting is a chance to positively affect youth while developing positive youth/adult partnerships. Through scouting, VFW Posts have the opportunity to expand their community outreach while developing as a clear resource for veteran families and their children. Posts that sponsor scout units have an excellent resource for membership recruitment and support of Post programs. Parents that are involved in scouting and working with youth have the skills and commitment for community service, so get out there and recruit them. They make excellent active Post members.

"LEADERSHIP THROUGH GUIDANCE, INVOLVEMENT, EXAMPLE AND RECOGNITION" Today's youth are looking for the leadership and guidance they need to grow into responsible citizens. Prepared or not, they will inherit the responsibilities of living, working and managing the affairs of family, community, state, nation and the world. The future of our great nation and its democratic institutions depend on how prepared they are. We in the VFW have a great responsibility. We must pass on to our youth the heritage of our great nation. If we do not, who will? Comrades, let's get involved, the future of our youth depends on it. Participation and visibility is the key to success. Become involved in our communities and schools. Sponsor a team, scout unit; Sons of the VFW or other youth orientated programs. Become involved as a unit leader, coach, instructor, merit badge councilor, mentor or just give as a helping hand. Set the example and get to know our young people. The rewards and satisfaction are high. Excellent performance and achievement should be recognized. However, the greatest recognition can come from you as a cheery smile, as a hello, how are you, you are doing as a good job and I am proud of you.

The following posts HAVE reported youth activities for the second half.

District 1: 960, 3219, 5500, 8252
District 2: 1211, 3160, 4411, 8545, 9382
District 3: 1426, 2239, 2583, 4639, 6364, 9808, 10387, 10654
District 4: 622, 637, 2584, 5371, 7059, 7166, 7819, 8048, 8446, 8902
District 5: 4637, 7726, 8243, 8467, 10840
District 6: 776, 4299, 4491
District 7: 621, 1860, 2447, 6044, 8613
District 8: 1811
District 9: 956, 6000, 9640
District 10: 1503, 3150, 5412, 8241, 9478
District 11: 632, 2216, 2424, 3060, 4989, 8279, 8644, 9339, 10826
District 12: 10298, 10310
District 13: 2217, 8436, 8717,8497, 10546, 10574

I also have a correction for the first half reporting, 1150 (Sperryville) and Post 2123 (Winchester)did conduct Youth Activities for the first half.

James K. Martin
Youth Activities Chairman

14. INSPECTION REPORTS:

These Post's and District's HAVE NOT been inspected.

District 1: 9636 and District
District 2: 100%
District 3: 6364,8356, 8529, 9501
District 4: 100%
District 5: 100%
District 6: 100%
District 7: 100%
District 8: 7728, 8208, 9835, 9865
District 9: 100%
District 10: 100%
District 11: 100%
District 12: 100%
District 13: 2217, 10295

Henry E. Cluney
State Inspector

15. PATRIOT'S PEN AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHERS PROGRAMS

FINAL REPORT

Many Thanks to each chairman and/or post commander and auxiliary chairman and/or auxiliary president who did the "leg work" to make these programs successful, To all district chairmen who tried to keep me "on track", thanks to all of you for a job well done.

The department winners are:

Patriot's Pen:

1^st Place: Danny Jarrell, Grade 8, Parkview Middle School
South Hill, Va. Sponsored by: VFW Post 7166 and Auxiliary
District 4.

2^nd Place: Ariel Talts, Grade 8, Sacret Heart School,
Danville, Va. Sponsored by: VFW Post 647 and Auxiliary,
District 5.

3^rd Place: Phillip Betts, Grade 8, Johnson Williams Middle School,
Berryville, Va. Sponsored by: VFW Post 9760 and Auxiliary
District 7.

12 of 13 districts reported, 62 posts and 49 auxiliaries reported, 2000 students were given the opportunity to participate.

Citizenship Education Teachers Program:

The Department winners are:

Grades K-5: Vincent Groseclose, 241 Magnolia Street, Marion, Va.
Sponsored by: VFE Post 4667 and Auxiliary
District 9

Grades 6-8: Dawn Barnes- Tyson, 8 Tripp Terrace,Hampton, Va.
Sponsored by: VFW Post 824 and Auxiliary
District 1

Grades 9-12: Peggy Hays, 27 Little Cedar Lane, Lexington, Va.
Sponsored by: VFW Post 1499 and Auxiliary
District 11

9 of 13 districts reported, 13 posts and 11 auxiliaries, 17 teachers nominated, 7 grades K-5, 4 grades 6-8, 6 grades 9-12.

We need to put out more effort in both programs. There are many more teachers and students we need to contact.

LET'S ALL TRY A LITTLE HARDER NEXT YEAR.

Don Hall
Chairman

16. LEGISLATIVE :

LEGISLATIVE VFW LEGISLATIVE DAY ON THE HILL, RICHMOND, VA.

On Thursday, 14 January 2004, members of the VFW Department of Virginia and the Ladies Auxiliary conducted their annual "Legislative Day on the Hill" in Richmond. A total of 51 dedicated individuals participated in this important event, including Department Commander Peter Snelling and Department President Ines Kerch of the Ladies Auxiliary. Legislative Day on the Hill was a resounding success. The day's activity began at 8:20 a.m. in House Room No. 1 of the State Capitol, where VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members were briefed on legislative issues affecting the veteran community. They then met with Lt. Gov. Timothy Kaine. After being divided into legislative teams, VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members spent the remainder of the morning visiting the offices of Commonwealth legislators in the General Assembly Office Building. For whatever reasons, participants were able to meet with more Senators and Delegates, and not just staff members, than in previous years. Perhaps this was due to 15 January being just the second day of the legislative session, and consequently the legislators had more open time that morning than usual. Generally speaking, legislators were very supportive of the VFW legislative agenda. The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary delegation was recognized at the commencement of the legislative day at 1 p.m. by both the Senate and the House of Delegates. Following the end of the Senate session, Lt. Gov. Timothy Kaine met with the senior leadership of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary to discuss, in detail, issues of importance to the Veteran community of Virginia. He was very receptive to our comments and recommendations during this very frank meeting. The 51 individuals who attended our Legislative Day on the Hill represented 18 of the 185 Posts in the Commonwealth. Posts with the most attendees were Post 7166, South Hill--LaCrosse, 11 members; Post 7327, Springfield, 6 members, and Post 8469, Fairfax, 6 members. These posts deserve commendations for getting their members to Richmond. Once again, Post 7166 led the way by providing the most participants. I want to thank every member of the Department Legislative Committee for their assistance not only on 15 January 2004 but also for their help on other legislative matters. The following members of the Legislative Committee joined me in Richmond on 15 January 2004: Waynard Caldwell, Post 4522; Lynn Harris, Post 7166; Ed Essertier, Post 8469; John King, Post 5500; Roger Sullivan, Post 2239; Ken Ward, Post 7327, and J. B. Young, Post 7327. The two largest turnouts in many years for our annual VFW Day on the Hill occurred on 16 January 2003 and 15 January 2004. There is no question that numbers do count as far as politicians are concerned. The visibility of VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members in the General Assembly Office Building was a definite plus for our legislative efforts. However, those who count the most with members of the General Assembly are their constituents. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to make an earnest effort to get our own Delegates and Senators to support the VFW legislative agenda. This means we must continue to keep close contact with our lawmakers as the session progresses.

UPDATE ON THE VFW'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA IN VIRGINIA The status of the VFW's legislative agenda, as of 20 January 2004, is provided below. Members are urged to communicate with their lawmakers to insure that they support our program. 1. Inadequate Funding of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. VFW Position: Sufficient funds, specifically for the Benefits Division of the VDVS, should be authorized and appropriated in the FY 2004-2005 and FY 2005-2006 budgets to insure that medical and hardship claims of Veterans are handled properly and in a timely manner. There is compelling justification for a major increase in the number of full-time Claims Agents and fully operational field offices. As a first step, funds should be authorized and appropriated to permit an increase of at least 15 additional Claims Agents and support personnel for the Benefits Division, including the opening and reopening of field offices as determined by the VDVS. 2. Study Resolution for a Third Veterans Care Center and a Third Veterans Cemetery in the Commonwealth. VFW Position: Support a bill for a Study Resolution to commence planning for a Third Veterans Care Center and a Third Veterans Cemetery in the Commonwealth. [Delegate Jim Dillard, R-41st District, will sponsor the Study Resolution.] 3. Designation of Interstate Highways in Virginia as Veterans Memorial Highways. VFW Position: Support the bill to designate I-64, I-81 and I-95 as Veterans Memorial Highways honoring those military personnel who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. [Delegate Ward L. Armstrong, D-10th District, will introduce a bill for this.] 4. College In-State Tuition for Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel. VFW Position: Families who live in Virginia because of active duty military assignments should have the same privileges as undocumented immigrants and foreign nationals in being able to pay in-state tuition rates at Virginia colleges and universities. These in-state rates would apply if a military dependent has lived in Virginia at least three years and has graduated from a Virginia high school, even if the home of record is not in Virginia. 5. Memorialize Congress to Increase the Federal Burial Allowance. VFW Position: The General Assembly should memorialize Congress, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the Federal burial allowance from $300 to a minimum of $750. [Delegate Albert C. Pollard, Jr., D-99th District, will sponsor a bill to memorialize concerned Federal agencies to increase the burial allowance.] 6. Effective Security for the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. VFW Position: The General Assembly should assure that sufficient funds are appropriated to provide 24-hour-a-day security protection for the Memorial by the trained professionals of the Capitol Police.

HEADS UP: DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY, 10 FEBRUARY 2004 Virginia will hold its Democratic Presidential Primary on Tuesday, 10 February 2004. This primary will be part of what is termed the "Second Wave" of caucuses and primaries that will occur in the first two weeks of February. These political events could have a major impact on the selection of the Democratic presidential challenger. The involvement of veterans in the Iowa caucuses was frequently commented upon by political observers. Interested veterans are urged to support their candidates and go to the polls.

John P. McAnaw
Legislative Chairman

17. ENVIRONMENTAL:

The environment is a comprehensive word which includes the entire eco cycle and aqua cycle. All the air we breathe, all the water we drink and all the food we eat. A host of federal, state, and local laws, statutes and ordinances has been enacted to preserve and protect this environment. However, enforcements have not been rigidly obtained. The news media is constantly headlining the damage being done to our structures. We have identified pollutants and contaminates which are harmful and may cause disease to man or beast. We can detect these pollutants in solid, liquid or gaseous state even into parts per billion. Common diseases such as Dysentery, Typhoid, Typhus, Hepatitis Schisosomiasis and Guinea Worm to name a few of the most common.

Virginia is heavily endowed with lakes, rivers, mountains, and caves. All of these attract tourists to our state. One of each three dollars that comes to or State Treasury comes from the Tourist Industry. It therefore is important for each of us to do our individual part.

Just a small group of dedicated Comrades are needed to put this plan into action. Of course, it will also be necessary to calculate such costs that may be involved. A good source of information can be obtained from local nurserymen, forest rangers and such. Please check with property owners or the local Sheriff's Department to determine what, if any permits should be obtained. Local fire departments sometimes do controlled burnings as a training exercise, and some local contractors may donate equipment to use for this clean up along with some good workers to help. Be sure to have VFW applications with you on the work day to see if any of your volunteers are eligible for the VFW. Remember to follow on what you start and you will find other problems will find a way to work out themselves.

Ernest B. Glynn
Environmental Chairman