General Orders Newsletter #11

June 2022

MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, June 16, 2022

8 PM EST / 7PM CST / 6 PM MST/ 5 PM PST

All Members Welcome

Meeting Code - 2020

Call in via telephone: 1-929-436-2866

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

National President

Colleen Orfanello

Friends, BEElieve it or not, we are only 2 months away from the end of my term. Hosting the monthly Zoom meetings has been such a fun aspect of my job. With that being said, I am happy to say that I have passed the torch of hosting the next (and final) 2 Zoom meetings to our National S. and Jr. Vice Presidents. Over the next few weeks, we will be transitioning skills and knowledge from my toolkit to those of kay Jos and Barbara's. It is my wish that I leave them both with the implements they need to successfully begin the 2022-2023 term with enthusiasm, dedication, and of course, patriotism - which is the theme for this month. So let's all "BEE" Patriotic and tune in on Thursday to support Barbara Hale Ray's debut in hosting a monthly Zoom meeting.

So speaking of Patriotism, I was so very honored to represent the MOPHA in Washington during Memorial Day. It was bittersweet for those back home in Louisiana - since I was not serving my famous (ok, not really famous) lemonade at my local Veteran's Cemetery, but I know that my absence was necessary because I was representing all of our members, our Patriots, our supporters, and everyone whose photograph was on the Memorial Quilt. Many of our members sent me the names of loved ones they wished for me to read aloud on Memorial Day when I was at Arlington, the Wall, and Korean Memorial. It was a privilege to do so and I look forward to sharing my experience on Thursday evening with all of you.

I would also like to acknowledge the newly elected (and seasoned) members members of the National Executive Committee. The "NEC" is composed of all National Elected Officers, the National Secretary, the National Membership Officer, the National VAVS/CDCE Representative, all Past National Presidents, and all current Department Auxiliary Presidents (or in their absence, the Senior or Junior Vice President of the respective Department. We will be hosting a Meet & Greet for Department Presidents next week on Thursday June 23rd. More info will be sent to the Department Presidents. Senior and Junior Presidents are also welcomed to attend. And a special acknowledgement to Kasandra Christner. Kassandra is the niece of National Secretary Judy Fiddler and granddaughter of Past National President Joan Walsh. Kasandra's Presidency has made history as the first 3rd generational Department President. Congrats Kasandra, and all of our Department Presidents. A listing of the 20222-2023 NEC may be accessed here:

Lastly, it has been such a pleasure working with the MOPH leadership team. I must admit that sometimes. I forget that Chris Vedvick (National Sr. Vice Commander) and Carder Ferguson (National Jr. Vice Commander) are not members of our Auxiliary because I speak to them several times a week and they have been amazing! The MOPH Leadership team is truly supportive of the Auxiliary's goals and good deeds. I know that Kay Jo and Barbara will have the same incredible relationship with them as they they are promoted to their leadership positions.

On FLAG DAY, and every day, "THA K YOU" to all of you for BEEing Patriotic members of the MOPHA.

Before I end, take a moment and read the verbal break-down of the Pledge of Allegiance as spoken by comedian Red Skelton in 1969. It can also be heard by clicking here:

I

Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge

Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance

My love and my devotion.

To the Flag

Our standard; Old Glory; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.

of the United

That means that we have all come together.

States

Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic

Republic — a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation

One Nation — meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible

Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty

Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice

The principle, or quality, of dealing fairly with others.

For All

For All — which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine. And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I am looking forward to virtually visiting with all of you this Thursday.

Colleen

mophaux @gmail.com

504-296-5022

National Senior Vice President

Kay Jo Baucom

The flag of the United States of America is a beautiful symbol of our country. It’s colors remind us of the heritage each of us has in this nation. It is the flag that service men and women salute and fight for. It is also the flag that is wrapped around the remains of that veteran when death takes their life. Memorial Day allows us time to pause and remember the price so many paid for us to have a holiday, short vacation and summer beginnings- complete with cookouts and swimming . We want families to remember the fun, laughter and together times that the departed shared . Gold Star families need to remember those special times filled with love and laughter- favorite foods, tv shows, memories of good times spent with those loved and lost. Acknowledge the tremendous loss , listen to the grief and encourage the telling of good times. The families of the fallen need this and we do too .

Kay Jo

karenbaucom8@gmail.com - NOTE New Email

National Junior Vice President

Barbara Hale Ray

Happy Hat Day

Today as I prepared for my day, I looked around and focused on all my hats hanging on my hat rack. I was quickly reminded of the Veteran who came to my home yesterday to pick up his tickets, and I happily saluted him by saying, hello Navy. He chuckled at my remarks and waited patiently for my Patriot.

How many Veterans are acknowledged by their service cap, how many may have flashbacks of their time in service? We may never know, but the smiles on their faces tell it all. They proudly show where they spent time and will give you details to support the stories they love to tell.

It was at a time where being 18 years old and away from home for the first time, their Hat served them proud. They remember families left behind, romances in full bloom left on the shelves, babies in the oven waiting for their delivery day, the buckets of tears left, and the stories go on and on and on.

All of the hats I wear may not carry any significance that would compare to those who served, so I am proud to say to them, I salute you, and I thank you for your service. Welcome Home!

Barbara

Barbara.NatJrVice@gmail.com

Fran Holtgreven,

Region V President

Congratulations to all newly elected 2022-2023 Officers of Region V. Congratulations to all appointed Officers, without your help, elected positions would have to carry a heavier load. Each of you have taken a giant step in helping the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary remain a presence in helping and honoring our Patriots and Veterans this coming year. The last few years have been complicated, and I am hoping that this coming year will be less complicated, and we will be able to go in person into the VA Hospitals, Nursing Homes and other facilities where our Veterans are located. It is not only amazing to see a smile on a Veterans face, but it also puts a smile on your face, when you have one on one contact and to let them know they are not forgotten. Thank you for taking on this commitment. Reach out to your National Officers if you have questions, ideas or comments, they are here to help and support your Unit or Department.

I would also like to congratulate all Officers and appointed Officers of the other Regions. Thank you for helping our Patriots and Veterans all over the country.

Fran

Frannie50@Hotmail.com

A Friendly Reminder from our National Secretary:

The President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Sergeant-at-Arms and at least one Finance Committee member are elected at the National Convention each year.

Each member of the National Executive Committee, present at a meeting of the Convention, shall be entitled to ONE vote. The vote of Unit/Department Presidents or Vice-Presidents shall be recorded as the CHARTER vote. One (1), or more, DELEGATE(S), will vote the Unit strength. No proxy votes are counted. Unit strength is determined by the number of regular members… One (1) vote for every ten (10) regular members. For example, if the Unit has 24 regular members…they would receive two (2) votes. Junior or Associate members are not counted. A DELEGATE is voted on at the Unit meeting and there can be more than one. If only one (1) Delegate is present, they may cast the full delegate strength of their Unit. If there are more than one Delegates/Alternates, the vote can be split between the number of candidates if so desired. Voting is only allowed if an Installation report for the Unit was submitted by May 31 and the Delegate/Alternate answers “HERE” during the roll call of Units.

There is a Delegate/Alternate form available on the website… purpleheartauxiliary.org. Print it…fill it out and submit to the National Secretary. This is then the “Credentials” you need to vote with. Submission should be by June 30. However, since some do not know if they will be attending the National Convention until later, the form can be brought to the Credentials table at National Convention. More information will be shared next Thursday at the Department President's Meet & Greet Zoom Meeting on 6/23.

Convention plans are moving along nicely. Please register as soon as possible. The Dakotas are going out of their way to make this “Exploring New Opportunities” a wonder experience.

Hope to see you there…Judy

Judy

MOPHAUXsec@gmail.com

Linda Varejcka

"COMPASSIONATE CONTACT CORPS"

A telephone - Friendly Visitor Program.

Voluntary Service Department of Veterans Affairs.

' Our mission is to ensure Veterans receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, and to make the home, whenever appropriate, into the preferred place of care."

"THE PROGRAM"

1. Visit a Veteran over the phone, tablet, or computer

2. A "friendly visit' with NO medical or home-care duties

3. Matches trained volunteers with Veterans for one on one socialization.

4. Generally 1-2 times per week for 15-60 minutes

5. Schedule is based on need and availability.

"THE VISIT"

1. Veteran has a friendly visitor to share his or her stories

2. Volunteer has one-on-one interaction with one of our nation's heroes.

3. Caregiver may be provided respite on a regular basis.

If interested please contact your volunteer service department at your local VA facility to become a volunteer if not already and to get more information, training, and be buddied up with a Veteran.

Linda Varejcka

VAVS rep.

Linda

jfvarejcka@windstream.net

FLAG DAY

"FLAG DAY' June 14th

A few brief facts:

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren't fighting united under a single flag. In 1775 the "Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army , a unified colonial fighting force. This led to the creation of the first "American" flag. Then known as the "Continental Colors.

June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "the flag" of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.

In 1916 then President Woodrow Wilson, officially established June 14 as Flag Day..

In 1885 Bernard Cigrand, a small town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated nation wide every June 14.

It is believed that Betsy Ross made the first American flag. However if has been confirmed that Francis Hopkinson a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence designed the American Flag.

Some other facts:

The 50 star flag was raised on July 4, 1960 by President Eisenhower. Bob Heft was the creator.

Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag Code, it can also be an official distress signal.

The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.

The practice of draping coffins in the American flag is not reserved for military veterans and government officials, but any burial may incorporate this tradition.

Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display.

Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable.

When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the group.

(More info on our flag will be given out to those attending the National Convention in August.)

Yours in Patriotism

Linda Varejcka

Karen Larabel

Region 2 :President

CONGRATULATIONS REGION 2 – ONCE AGAIN ALL INSTALLATION REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED!!!

I wish all newly elected Region 2 Department and Unit Officers and Appointed Staff a successful year.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!

Continue to send me your projects and photos to share in our monthly General Orders. It is a great way for other units to see what and how you accomplished a project which in turn gives another Unit/Department and idea to do in helping and coming alongside their veterans. When you send in those photos, include what, when, where and each name of individual in photo. It is a good way to put a name to a beautiful face.

I would like to highlight Ohio in this G.O. For 2022-2023 the Department of Ohio elected a

3^rd Generation Department President, Kasandra Christner. The first was Joan Walsh and second was Judy Fiddler. An example of “BEEING AN EXAMPLE AND MENTORSHIP.”

Karen

kslarabel1@sbcglobal.net

3 Generations of Department Presidents:

Joan Walsh PNP, Kasandra Christner, Judy Fiddler

Michigan MOPH AND MOPHA members with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer-center.

Front: Karen Larabel-National R2 President, Fred Honerkamp MI Sgt-At-Arms, Governor,

Sam Alvarado-MOPH MI Dept Commander, Ron Allen MI Dept SVC, Joaquin Tuncap

Back: Joyce Hoolsema-Unit 91 President, Dennis Grall, Fred Fettig-Commander #1988, Paul

Bauer, Ron Knapp-MI Dept Adjutant, Dennis Wallot-National Finance Officer

DEPARTMENT OF OHIO CONVENTION 2022

Left: Vicki Art, Jean Emery, Bernie Kern, Jo Smith

Center: OH Department President Kasandra Christner,

Patti Agenbroad, Bonnie Weil, Buffy Cook, Judy Fiddler

Front: Joan Walsh PNP, June Stengel, Darlene Hanneman

Michigan Commander Sam Alvarado assisted in raising the Purple Heart flag on Mackinac Island. 5-30-22

SUPPORT THE DAKOTAS and the NATIONAL CONVENTION, PLEASE

To help support funding of our convention consider purchasing a ticket or ticket book (a book is a set of 5 tickets) for the MOPH Convention Bike Raffle. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. We are selling only 2,500 tickets and the winner will be selected as soon as tickets have been exhausted. You can purchase a ticket from Department of Dakotas Commander Connie Johnson by calling 605-651-3649 or Department of Dakotas Adjutant Bill Flippo at 910-988-5634. You can purchase many books and sell them in your area or purchase for yourself. The Department of Dakotas has Venmo and PayPal set up for ease of payment for Motorcycle Raffle.

ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO SEND IN NOMINATIONS FOR THE MARTHA WASHINGTON AWARD!

2022 MARTHA WASHINGTON SPIRIT AWARD SUBMISSIONS

DO YOU KNOW AN AUXILIARY MEMBER WHO GOES OUT OF HIS OR HER WAY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR VETERANS?

Write an explanation of why that person would be nominated and be earn the Martha Washington Award.

Send it to your Region President before June 17, 2022.

Region Presidents will send all letters to our National Secretary who will keep the original and make a copy. The copy will be redacted of all personal or identifying information. Kay Jo, Barbara, and myself will read through the letters and select an awardee based on his or her Merit.

Please try to send in letters before June 17th, 2022. All nominees will receive a certificate of thanks. The Martha Washington Awardee will be announced at the National Convention

Send it to your region president or Judy MOPHAUXSEC@gmail.com but please refrain from sharing info with Colleen, Kay Jo, or Barbara. We want to be 100% unbiased.

The Martha Washington Spirit Award was first awarded in 2006, and the award is presented at the National Convention. The recipient is a person who is associated with a specific project or projects that illustrate her passion for working for the betterment of Veterans and their families. He or she is someone who has definitely “gone the extra mile” for the good of the Veteran community. What an honor for the following women!

Past recipients include:

YEAR National President Recipient

2005-2006 Judy Spaulding named Heather French Henry

2006-2007 Nancy Lee Birschbach named Elizabeth Fisher

2007-2008 Harriet Hems named Jean Thiede

2009-2010 Gwen Gilliard named Dar Schuff

2010-2011 Karen Haltiner named Army Strong (returned)

2011-2012 Barb Cherone named Helen Casti

2012-2013 Barbara Cannode (interim) named Bonnie Dumler

2013-2014 Barbara Cannode named Alice Lemle

2014-2015 Jan Knapp named Macra Brunson

2015-2016 Eileen Oltmann named Carol Lance

2016-2017 Terri Shattuck named Jan Knapp

2017-18 Gloria Sanchez named Terri Shattuck

2018-19 Diane Petrini named Helen Anderson Glass

2019-20 Cheryl Perez named Marilyn Lieurance

2020-21 Amanda Flener named Linda Bellis

THE 2022 Memorial Quilt

President Colleen is looking forward to sharing photos of her visit to Washington on Thursday Evening.

Memorial Quilt

The front of the quit will be named, "The Faces of Freedom." The patterned heart-design was inspired by a submission that read the following:

"Please find enclosed a list of photos of those who gave their all (in combat).

They are members of the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 7th Battalion, Charlie Company, who were in the invasion of Cambodia. The dates range from April to July of 1970.

I would like to request that these all be together as one unit, as we, those who still honor our brothers who gave their all, and would like to see it as one entity.

Thank you for taking the time to do this, your support is greatly appreciated."

It was this beautiful request that inspired the hearts (that require 27 photos; the exact number of men that the submitter sent to us.)

BEEing Patriotic!

NOTICE!:

We will NEVER request money, goods, gift cards, etc from our members. Each year, spam emails go to random members. Please do not open and delete these emails. Sometimes, they look vey authentic. When in doubt, text or call the sender to verify authenticity.

Past Department President, Bonnie Weil, friend Kanda,and daughter Faith traveled to Washington DC to witness the National Memorial Day Concert; however, it was closed to the public. That didn't stop the trio from enjoying the show. The three watched from the comfort of the hotel room and patriotically stood for the National Anthem.

Registration for National Convention

Please note that if your guest wishes to join you for breakfast, lunch, and/or any activities or excursions, they must register in order to do so. No one without a lanyard will be allowed in the convention area without proper identification. The cost of registration increases on July 1st, so register soon in order to forgo the late fee. A link to our registration page can be found here: REGISTRATION INFO

WELCOME TO OUR HIVE!

Let us all welcome our newest members,

Jean Emery OH 743

Cecilia Kelley-Kaestner CA 385

Our national Membership Officer, Cheryl Perez, PNP has been tirelessly working to make sure our rosters are compliant and in good order. Sadly, she has recognized the following deceased members on our roster:

Berna Dee Enck - 2001 CA on 44521 Lucille Schellin - 194 MI on 44671 Donna Easterday - DML (625) on 43880 Florence O. Smith - Dept of FL, Marshal on 44704 P.O. Box 84, Mio, MI 48647 - on 44511 P.O. Box 84 Mio, MI 48647 - MI on 44511 Irene Martini - WI 550 on 44674 Juanita L Fox - MI 750 on 44467 Daisy R Crone - NML on 44366 Lillian McAllister - NML on 43188 Margaret Brooks - FL DML on 44704 Lois M Leonard - AL 2202 on 44653 Josephine McCandless - AR 460 on 42730 Margaret Andersen - NE 200 on 43765 Marilyn J Woodruff - OH 1974 on 44681 Donna Byrne - IL159 on 43565 Bernice Helen Carey - MI 1985 on 43954 Hazel McNeely - MS DML on 44159 Ellenore Hart - OH 1974 on 44324 Elizabeth Larson - TX 1919 on 8296 Dolores Champion - MI DML on 43888 Mary Lou Beasley - NML on 43674 Jeanne Evans - CA 49 on 4/13/0201 Patricia Eloise Pimentel - CA 106 on 44538 Mary Willet - LA DML on 42644 Bobbie Sue Brooks - MS DML on 43969 Pat Morris - MS DML on 44001 Lee Marie Herron - MN 268 on 42143 Rose Marie Shetenhelm - NML on 44600 Betty White - NML on 43823 Laura J Stone - TX 1867 on 39730 Jenny Fisher - TX 1836 on 43544 Peggy Wilmeth - TX DML on 42767 Dolores Lorene Estes - TX DML on 40735 Lola Maxine Oney - OH 743 on 42226 Alberta Gittings - NML on 43907 Estelle A Belford - NML on 44646 Helene Wunder Harms - NML on 43924 Anne Duberstein - NY 03 on 43188 Mildred Brumbelow - TX DML on 43857 Shirley Narendorf - TX DML on 43018 Hattie Louise Dunn - TX 1836 on 44176 Lurline Weatherly - TX DML on 42266 Lillian Lilly - TX DML on 43812 Josehine C Adcock - NML on 44248 Goldie I King - NML on 44297 Sanita Giannini - NML on 42556 Ruth Ann Kincaid - NML on 44151 Goldia Liles Garner - NML on 41908 Rosalyn G Miller - NML on 43737 Leola R McVey - NML on 43538 Mary E Davis - NML on 42289 Ruth Marie Moes - NML on 41551 Sarah Elaine Erickson - NML on 44154 Sadie Myers - NML on 40763 Verlena M Thibodaux - NML on 40751 Mavis M Reidinger - NML on 43933 Betty Shrawder - NML on 43818 Arlene Joyce Claypool - NML on 44614 Constance Guentner - OR 72 on 44246 Roberta Gorup - CA DML on 44564 Elizabeth Sabatino - NY 03 on 40793 Lucile L Bendickson - MN 05 on 40992 Irene Hansen - MN 05 on 41585 Bernadine M Shanley - MN 05 on 42555 Jeanette Bump - MN 05 on 35089 Betty L Mattheis - MN 08 on 43613 Ethel Pflugh - MN 08 on 43221 Winifred Danenberg - MI 91 on 44522 Mary Arceo - CA 106 on 44554 Phyllis Wagner - MI 110 on 43202 Theodosia Zabicki - MI 110 on 40337 Cleo Roberts - MI 110 on 43974 Hazel McCaslin - MI 127 on 40255 Flora Irene Sayer - MI 127 on 43079 Frances Christensen - MI 127 on 43301 Mabel Johnson - NML on 43325 Billie Setser - NML on 42213 Nancy Jane Skelly - NML on 44480 Joyce Holloway Leiper - NML on 44304 Florence Schmidt - NML on 44079 Frances Bernatz - NML on 44145 Frances J Capehart - NML on 44255 Alene Hambright - NML on 43515 Charlotte M Hutson - NML on 44565 Ann L Dyer - NML on 43976 Edna Louise McElhany - NML on 41816 Helen I Calkin - NML on 44658 Ethel Louise Righman - NML on 44572 Doris M Reed - NML on 44679 Pauline Elizabeth Roberts - NML on 44538 Helen R Sheffield - NC 638 on 43627 Elizabeth M Gamble - AL 2202 on 43182 Ruth M Klumpp - NE 200 on 44209 Blanche Powless - WI 164 on 44613 Mary E Maves - WI 162 on 44649 Lajeanne Osburn - TX DML on 44634 Wilma J Jordan - TX DML on 43589 Ruth Jordan - TX DML on 42265 Mary A Minchew - TX DML on 42276 Marilyn Jean Woodruff - OH 1974 on 44685 Maxine V Saunders - MI 110 on 43888 Margaret Arlene Jenkins - MI 110 on 44643 Susan Marie Barnard - MI 127 on 43822 Florence A Tracy - MI 1985 on 44677 Naomi L Wayne - NE 200 on 43953

Chaplain Gwen is standing by for prayer requests at Chaplain.MOPHA@Gmail.com

A PURPLE HEART ISLAND!!!!????

You read this title correctly. Michigan's Mackinac island is now a PURPLE HEART ISLAND! Thank you, Dept of Michigan for making this dream come true!

NEED A NEW MOPHA CAP?

Our friends at Keystone Uniform Caps embroider each cap with dedication and love. Caps take a few weeks to be shipped. If you wish to modify your current cap, or perhaps order a new one, then visit their website at

Keystone Uniform Cap MOPHA Products

CLICK HERE to shop online and support our Auxiliary.

Rada has amazing cutlery and items that would be perfect in your kitchen or to give as a gift. After all, the beginning spring parties and wedding season is beginning! What a great hostess

MOPHA's online store will be receiving new inventory soon!

For now, check out items by visiting

MOPHA.OURproSHOP.com

Stationary, business cards, greeting cards, labels, brochures, promotional items, banners, Car decals, gifts, and so much more is featured. Have an item that you wish to have? Let us know. We value your opinion and feedback.

To use the store, first time users will need to register with a unique username and password. Have questions? Let us know.

If you need to purchase MOPHA pins or other products, let Judy know.