NO FORMAL ZOOM MEETING

but we will have a Zoom call for holiday greetings and socialization.

AND... We heard from a little birdie that a special visitor from the North Pole will join us for a special reading of the Night Before Christmas.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

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

All Members Welcome

LOGIN ONLINE: https://zoom.us/j/4981732263

Meeting Code - 2020

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

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

National President

Kay Jo Baucom

Honor Flight

Imagine yourself surrounded by veterans - mainly older, but genuinely fun to be around- in an airplane bound for Washington, DC. Picture these folks wearing matching shirts, lanyards for identification and the biggest smiles you can imagine. As a bonus, get a mental picture of guardians of these veterans also wearing matching shirts- different color of course- and keeping a watchful eye on those heroes they are charged with accompanying. With that mental picture add Kay Jo, who is beyond thrilled to be on this flight!! My task was to assist my veteran and any one else who may need me. Wearing blue and red shirts, Ronnie and I were blessed to have this opportunity to join fellow veterans and make some exceptional connections. Believe it or not , Kay Jo ,listened , laughed, had sobering moments of sympathy and experienced so much emotion, I was elated!! What a beautiful experience to watch comrades share special time together. The trip was exceptional in every way and the memories made will fill my heart and spirit always!! Everywhere we went the reception was unbelievable- huge crowds cheering, clapping, banners flapping and flags waving- that image is forever etched in my mind. Patriotism reigns supreme in the hearts of our veterans and those who honor and respect them.

It you or someone you know, has the chance to be on the Honor Flight, I hope you stand ready to go. It is indeed an honor to be among those who first served me. My Purple Heart friends and family helped to make this trip possible and it is one that I won’t forget. May everyone who has served or is serving know how grateful we as a nation are and have the opportunity to share such a memorable experience as the Honor Flight! Honor describes our servicemen and women perfectly and it was my honor to share this time together. 

Kay Jo

karenbaucom8@gmail.com

National Senior Vice President

Barbara Hale Ray

The Season of Giving

The Holiday season is upon us and it requires more than just time. We reminisce about the good old days, the time in between and the present days. Why were these days so important? This time reminds of us of where we were and exactly what we were doing. The love we cherished with family members, neighbors, pets, co-workers, friends and just how warm that made us feel. Oh, time was so important to us because we all loved the season of giving.

The act of giving means so much more. Why is the season of giving so important? It wasn’t about the gifts received but about the gifts given. It was about a hug, or a smile, a handshake, a word or a token no matter how big or small. But by doing so, it included our time, attention, compassion, presence, wisdom and a host of other things. Bringing those items to someone struggling makes your day of season of giving so important. Energy is given to those individuals in need of receiving without asking for it.

Giving and receiving when you spent the last Christmas shared with a love one, brought a smile to you and them of something that was said or done. The twinkle seen in their eyes, acknowledges the gift of what was just given to them.

The Holiday season should make sharing a wonderful and grateful event to give to others. Sharing a meal with someone you don’t know will enlighten your soul because you made someone else feel special at that given time.

Having the Holiday spirit in you reminds us to keeps a flame always burning in your heart by giving of your time to others and the wonderful gifts you will received from others in return.

Happy Holidays

Barbara

BarbaraR.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Region 2 President

Karen Larabel

We close out the year pondering those footprints we left with serving and providing for our veterans in many ways.      

With newly fresh white fluffy snow falling and no footprints to be found, we prepare to take new steps in the snow to refresh us in continuing to serve our veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. If you are not sure of stepping into the snow, just ponder and follow those footprints that have gone before you to guide you each step of the way with ideas of how you can come alongside our veterans in creative ways.

Karen

Footprints in the Snow

National Region 5 President

Eileen Oltmann, PNP

Seasons GreetingsI I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. We spent a quiet day celebrating with PNP Colleen, her family and friends. Colleen put on a fantastic spread and is the turkey queen.

The holiday season is in full swing. Lets not forget our Patriots in VA hospitals and homes by spreading holiday cheer.  Although we are not having a formal meeting this month, join us and share holiday greetings to all.

Can't close without a send off from Ms Bling (Joyce) Put your right hand on left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder and give a big hug.

Wishing good health to all and yours for the new year. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

Eileen

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

From the Desk of MOPHA National Chaplain

 Greetings,

Some of you may have received an email or text by now of a prayer request needed for the Schuff family for Patriot Lee Schuff, husband of Dar Schuff. (Former National Chaplain). As of Saturday I received a text from Dar and with permission from her, I share with you: “Lee’s heart and kidneys have worsened and he has a long road to recovery.” She also expressed that she is thankful for everyone’s prayers and staying in the hospital with him 24/7. Let us continue in prayer for Lee, Dar and their family and friends during this difficult time:

Loving Heavenly Father,

Thank You for every opportunity You give us to come humbly before Your throne of grace and mercy for any and all occasions, for any and all of our human concerns. Thank You Father for Your faithfulness that You hear our prayers and our heart cries as we seek Your tender loving mercies and now as we lift up our Lee, Dar and their family during this difficult time. We seek You as the Great Physician, Jehovah Rapha, the God Who heals, and ask that You grant an extra measure of favor according to your healing virtue, power and will for Lee as You coordinate his care through the medical team assigned to him, bless them Lord. We ask that with every breath he takes and with Dar beside him they both will hear Your voice, feel Your presence and know that they are not alone, You are present with them and will never leave or forsaken them, and they will be strengthened, thank You. We believe Lord that with You all things are possible and that You will be glorified in all outcomes. We thank You for Your amazing and immeasurable love for us-to You we give the honor, glory and praise. 

Dear Lord, for all others whom You know by name that have needs/concerns at this time we ask that this prayer covers them as well as Your grace and mercy is extended. Thank You for hearing our prayers. We shall remain thankful, with hearts of gratitude being blessed, in faith, hope, love and forgiveness; and continuing in declaring victory in Your anointing, in the Name of Jesus. Amen

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;..."Jeremiah 17:14

In Prayer and Peace,

Gwendolyn

Numbers 6:24-26

PS: Please pass this on-thank you-bless you

Gwendolyn 

Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com

The 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor was recognized by MOPH National Commander Vedvick and MOPHA National Senior Vice President Hale-Ray They were honored to attend the remembrance ceremony in order to pay homage to the bravery and valor of those men and women present that day. Having Pearl Harbor Day survivors and MOPH members Tommy Tanaka and Henry Lee in attendance was very humbling.

A Special "Moment to Moment" will be sent out during Hanukkah, Christmas Day and New Years Day. If you have a submission, let us know at Webmaster.MOPHA@gmail.com.

Much love to all, Colleen

504-296-5022

CLICK HERE to shop online and support our Auxiliary.

The Holidays are here!

Rada has amazing cutlery and items that would be perfect in your kitchen or to give as a gift. After all, the holidays will be here before we know it. What a great hostess or holiday gift!