Feb 22, 2021

February 22-26, 2021 - Half-Staff Alert - Entire United States

A Proclamation on Remembering the 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19

As of this week during the dark winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 500,000 Americans have now died from the virus. That is more Americans who have died in a single year of this pandemic than in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined. On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind. We, as a Nation, must remember them so we can begin to heal, to unite, and find purpose as one Nation to defeat this pandemic.

In their memory, the First Lady and I will be joined by the Vice President and the Second Gentleman for a moment of silence at the White House this evening. I ask all Americans to join us as we remember the more than 500,000 of our fellow Americans lost to COVID-19 and to observe a moment of silence at sunset. I also hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset February 26, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

 

Feb 8, 2021

The Home Depot (HD) has opened their Community Impact Grant for 2021

 

VFW members can receive up to $5,000 to fund repairs or construction projects at their Post building. 

 

There are of course are no guarantees to being funded, but several VFW Posts have been awarded this grant.  

 

To begin the process, click on the following link:

 

 https://corporate.homedepot.com/grants/community-impact-grants

 

The application must be submitted online using the posted hyperlink. Telephone calls, emails or written submissions sent to Home Depot will NOT be accepted, nor will you be able to turn this application in at your local HD store.

 

Please find the attachment "HDGrantGuide2021,” and carefully read the instructions before attempting to complete the application. NOTE: Home Depot Foundation has completely overhauled the application process. We have created these user friendly instructions to assist you in completing the application, screen captures and thorough descriptions of how to complete each field are included. Deviation from this guide could result in the applicant being unable to submit their request.

 

Pay close attention to the Tax ID Instructions. You will use the Employee Identification Number (EIN) of your Post and upload the Post’s 501(c)(19) IRS determination letter at the end of the application. If you cannot locate the Post’s 501(c)(19) letter,  follow the instructions below under "Lost IRS Determination Letter” on how to request a copy from the IRS. 

 

If you receive funding it will come in the form of Home Depot gift cards that can be used to buy materials at your local HD store. You will need to recruit Post members and/or other community volunteers as the use of contractors to complete your project is not permitted. The project must be completed within six months. You will also be required to submit a final report. You must be willing to include stories and before-and-after photos of the project. Failure to do so will negatively impact your Post’s ability to receive any future funding from The Home Depot Foundation.

After submitting the application, you should receive an email response after six weeks.  

Should you have any questions and or concerns, please contact Jason Couch, VFW Foundation Grants & External Relations Coordinator, directly at (816) 968-1174 or jcouch@vfw.org.

 

Feb 4, 2021

 Veterans Service Organizations:  We have been contacted by the California State Library regarding a program that is of interest to veterans orgs.  The State Library is concerned that many of the historical items owned and exhibited by smaller organizations may be at risk because of a lack of disaster response plans and long-term protection strategies for the cultural keepsakes in their care.  They contacted us because many vet orgs have military and historical memorabilia stored or on display in their halls, posts, and administration buildings.  The State Library has a survey they would like your organization and your posts to take.  They want to make sure you have the tools to let the next generation see and understand the history.  There is also a video introduction from the State Librarian.  

 

Deadline to complete the survey is February 21.

 

Take the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/CSLSurveyRegistration

Watch the introduction from the State Librarian:  https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=srqWTrFudtU

 

So far, the State Library has seen that:

• More than 80% of early respondents do not have a long-term preservation plan.  Almost half have never completed a general condition assessment of their collection.
• Approximately half of respondents do not have a written disaster plan, a significant need given the risks posed by fire, flood and earthquakes and threats from inadequate storage facilities and simple decay over time.
• Three in four of the collections surveyed have not been digitized, a crucial concern for those organizations holding works on paper and other fragile materials.

 

Oct 14, 2020

District One has its first 100% or above Post.  Bravo Zulu to the Commander, Quartermaster, and Comrades of Colonel Frank M. Brezina Post 5431, Solana Beach, is 100.83% in membership. 

 

 Sept 17, 2020

With sadness to report Jenny Poe, the lovely wife of Ray Poe for 71 years, passed away today.  

Ray Poes' Country western Band has probably performed at the majority of the Post in District One.   Some of these  Posts are no longer around.  Ray and Jenny belonged to Santee Post 9327, where their son (who also passed away)  was once the Commander.   Our prayers and thoughts are with Ray and family at this time of sorrow.  

Reporting can now be done by any member on VFWCA.ORG Login is your member number and last name. 

Jun 29, 2020 4:54 pm

San Diego County ordered bars, breweries, and wineries without food licenses to close.
https://youtu.be/SDtIdSJB2AQ

Congratulations to PDC Myles Fry for being selected as a California District ALL-STATE COMMANDER

 

Comrades:

• 2021 Podium Edition Bylaw Books
• National will not be publishing new Podium Editions for 2021, the 2020 will still be the Bylaw book to use

 

Congratulations 

District 1 Commander Paula Jansen

District 1 President Rachel Luke

 

 

The mental health push is enormous for National, and they are encouraging Departments, Districts and Posts to get involved with one of the most important challenges among our veterans - PTSD.

National VFW "A Day to Change Direction" date was Sep. 15, however Posts may host an event associated with the National level effort at any time throughout the year and report the results to Lynn Rolf at Lrolf@vfw.org. Be sure to check the link above for a wealth of information, resources, and tools for you to use.