National Sr. Vice President

Teviah L. Gilliard

Let us RISE as FALL approaches...

 Labor Day has come and gone so quickly as though it was a reminder that the “BER” [BRRRR] season is upon us. As a resident of the Gulf Coast, I can speak to arriving at the last couple of months of hurricane season! (Thank you to those of you who expressed overwhelming care and concern before and after the storm made landfall!) During the most recent Category 2-ish hurricane |tropical storm “FRANCINE” that ironically fell on 9/11, I took the time to pray, honor, and reflect on the sacrifices and heroism on the same fateful day twenty-three years ago; to the 9/11 and Operation Freedom families-we have not forgotten and we pray for your comfort always…despite the tragedy, ever-present was unity, hope and tremendous faith; our patriotism and love of country shone so bright! You could even say America ROSE up and showed up to strengthen our homeland. Speaking of faith and strength—we all know that there is strength in numbers and ‘mustard seed’ faith; our commitment to gain and retain membership will be our focus this year, along with serving those who first served us! Your auxiliary leadership team and Membership Committee are working together to provide ways and suggestions to make outreach a breeze and assist with either recruiting or upkeep of your unit, department or region. Another part of membership maintenance is and a friendly reminder that the required completion and filing of the annual reports (Life Member Verification, IRS 990 Postcard) for rebates are due Oct 1. 

In closing, let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity. Together, we can RISE ABOVE any challenge, honor the past, and build a brighter future. With unwavering faith and a shared commitment, we will continue to support one another and serve those who have served us. Our unity is our strength, and it will guide us forward.

Friends and members of the Auxiliary, thank you for all that you do! I hope to see many of you on September 19^th for our Monthly ZOOM and School of Instruction!

Yours In Reverent Patriotism,

Teviah

teviah.gilliard@yahoo.com

National Secretary

Judy Fiddler

Hi Everyone...HEY...Did you know?...There are rebates this year, but in order to receive yours, you have to submit your LMV and 990 Accepted IRS letter and finance report by October 1, 2024. Your Installation report had to be submitted by May 31. The National ZOOM on Thursday, September 19 will have a "how to file" demo so have your treasurer join in the session.



I have been very busy since our convention. Because I will be leaving at the end of this fiscal year, I am currently going through all the boxes I have been storing and sorting through, removing duplicate items, removing staples or bindings and labeling everything to prepare them for scanning to thumb drives. This is in order for the next secretary to have easier access to our history and easier to store. I started with the minutes from 1937's convention and as of now, I have completed 2017. I have files pertaining to those Units and Departments that have closed to go through and 2 boxes marked "Financials". This was approved by the National Finance Committee at the post-convention meeting when PNP Kay Jo Baucom, offered to cover the expense of doing this...so many THANKS Kay Jo and Ronnie.

Have a great September and hopefully see you on ZOOM.

Judy

mophauxsec@gmail.com

330-880-3364

National Americanism Officer, Sgt at Arms, VAVS Rep, and CDCE Grant coordinator

Linda Varejcka

Caregivers' info: GRATITUDE

grat-i-tude noun: the feeling of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Start a gratitude journal. Some prefer once a day some journal in the morning, and some journal in the morning and evening. Research shows that if you make a habit of writing down just three things you are thankful for every day, you will be surprised at the change you see in yourself, your wellbeing, and your happiness! Start each day with some quiet time or just 5 minutes and reflect on the little things (or the big things) that you are thankful for, it is a sure way to start the day on the right note. If you focus on what went wrong, what we don't have etc. how do we expect to be happy. But if we choose to see the blessings all around us, big or small - a beautiful sunny day, a good cup of coffee or tea, your favorite chocolate, smell of rain after a storm, etc. etc. I'm sure you can think and see many others. Just write down three single things and remember to see the beauty in this life you have been given. There are many sources if you need help but just a notebook will do.  I'm using "Good days start with Gratitude journal "www.prettysimplebooks.com. I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. I'm grateful for all my MOPHA friends!.

Brief History of the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA)

The idea of providing health care to soldier's dates to Colonial America. In 1776, the Continental Congress encouraged enlistment by providing pensions to those who became disabled.

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln called upon congress and the American people "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The VA's motto is based on his words and reads "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

During WWI Congress established new Veterans' benefits. The Veterans Administration (VA) was established in 1930. Congress authorized the President to consolidate and coordinate government activities affecting wartime Veterans. Initially the agency served over. 4.7 million Veterans.

During WWII, it became necessary to expand VA facilities to accommodate the vast increase due to the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. By 1982 the population was estimated at 28.5 million.

The VHA became a cabinet level department in 1989 and was renamed Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), which is comprised of the (VHA), Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Cemetery Administration (VCA). Currently the VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system: 162 hospitals, approximately 175 nursing homes and domiciliarys , more than 800 outpatient clinics, and over 200 counseling centers around the nation.



Basic Qualifications of Volunteer

 Sincere interest in rendering service - conscientious and reliable - business-like approach to work - willingness to accept Health Care System standards of orientation, conduct, and supervision - sense of responsibility and dependability in accomplishment of purpose - ability to work with groups as well as individuals - tact, congeniality, patience, warmth, kindness, and humanity - physical ability to perform a volunteer assignment - sense of pride in the work force - must be at least 14 years of age.

As a volunteer you are considered a valuable member of the health care system team. You will be part of a team with direct supervision and perform beneficial services. You will provide necessary and worthwhile assistance and gain invaluable experience and a satisfaction for helping others.

Black and White American Flags

As I was driving down the street, I spotted a Black and White American Flag. Have you seen them? Have I been living under a bushel basket? At first, I was mad. "How dare they." Then I started to research. Oh my goodness they were for sale, they were real. But I still wanted to try to understand. To me it should be the Red, White and Blue Flag on that pole.

From article I read online this is what I found. "U.S. flags".  

The American flag is our symbol of bravery and ideals of the American people. The red, white, and blue is to me and most the world the recognizable emblem, but I read there is another version growing in popularity. It has causes controversy among those who don't know its origins or history. (as I have now heard of people fighting in a local neighborhood in our nearby town). Some are claiming it is a symbol of the American Civil War and using it as a symbol of resistance, but researchers of the civil war say that this is not likely. Pirates would fly black flags as a symbol "to take no prisoners." The first monochromatic U.S flag appeared in1955 when an artist Jasper Johns painted the symbol. Within the military setting, an infrared (IR) flag is used on the uniforms as an easy way of identifying friendly fire without compromising camouflage. The black coloring is only highly visible under infrared light, making it perfect during combat situations.

The monochromatic United States flag is a powerful symbol for many different causes, from supporting law enforcement to embracing civil rights and has many meanings to different groups.  Then black and white flags with a colored stripe started showing up, the color of the line determines its meaning. In 1854, the Crimean War raged. The soldiers fought valiantly, forming a "thin red line: against their attackers. People began using the phrase "thin red line" to symbolize bravery against those who would bring harm. So, a thin red line started appearing on the black and white flag. A similar saying, "thin blue line." describes how police officers protect society by acting as a barrier and protector against chaos. The Thin Green Line represents first responders serving as border patrol agents, park rangers, conservation personnel and more. The Thin Grey line stands for corrections officers, including parole officers, bailiffs, and jailers. The Thin Gold Line brings visibility to emergency dispatchers and the critical role they play in law enforcement. The Thin Pink Line showcases the strength and power of women and heroic breast cancer survivors.

The black and white flag does not violate the U.S. Flag Code because it's not technically an American Flag. Since it doesn't contain the official colors of the American flag, it is not considered the official ensign of the country. The flag code considers the black and white U.S. flag just a regular flag.

IF you see an upside down black and white flag, people are doing that to signify distress, or protest... 

National Region 2 President

Linda Bellis

It's that time of year again to get the 990 in. This is due October 1st. This is also a good time to look at how you spent your money. Also, what you need to do to raise money. What can we do for fundraisers?  The weather is still nice out (at least up North) to set up viola events. You can go to Sams club, grocery stores, Walmarts, and big box stores. Ask Walmart if they will donate a gift card to be used in their store to purchase products. Show them the list from a nursing home needs. Then ask them if they can donate $500.00. Dosen't hurt to try for an amount. Tell them you will give them a letter stating the amount for a tax write off. HOV grant is open. Just remember to tell what it is being used for and turn in the receipts. Same for the CDCE grants. Plan ahead. I know we are all getting back to our unit and department meetings. It's a busy time again for all. 

Linda "Bellis"

lbellis719@msn.com

National Region 5 President

Doris Williams

Greetings from Region V

With the start of a new school year, I along with members of the Armed Forces E9 Association and Chapter/Unit 1876 presented school supplies to our Purple Heart Cavazos Elementary School in Nolanville, Texas.

Let’s extend a warm welcome to Herlinda Sifuentes Unit 1836 for stepping up from Department of Texas Senior Vice President to the position of Department of Texas President. I want to thank Vera Anderson, Unit 1876, for her leadership as the past Department of Texas Present and her continued service as Unit 1876 President. Congratulations to Deanna Gamboa, Unit 1836 for accepting the challenge to become Department of Texas Senior Vice President. May we all continue to rise to the challenge.

Please remember our fallen service members and their families as we observe 9/11 around the country and let’s not forget our Pow/Mia members. POW/MIA Day is honored on the 3^rd Friday in September every year.

Doris

region5mophaux@gmail.com

National Region 4 President

Kay Jo Baucom, PNP

Region 4 accepts the challenge of a new year and is warming up for success!!

Join in the zoom call on Thursday for a closeup look at “how to” complete the necessary forms that are due October 1 and feel the anticipated energy of a vision for our future. Positivity will be our focus and veteran assistance will be our assignment. See you Thursday !

Expecting the best and Region 4 success! Extending our hands of service together, Kay Jo



Kay Jo

National Region 4 President

KarenBaucom8@gmail.com

National Treasurer

Tracy Derr

On October 1, 2024, Financial forms and proof of the accepted 990 submission are due. Join us on Zoom this Thursday for help in submitting these important (and mandatory) forms.

IRS 990 forms can be easily completed by following a few simple steps. If your Unit or Department earns less than $50,000 per year, the 990 E-Postcard is simple and takes only minutes to complete. For a guided instruction sheet, click here or go to our website and hover over the "Members Only" tab, then click "forms". It will be listed under the "Due July 1-October 1st" section. Click here for a direct link to our forms: 



Tracy

MOPHAtreas2021@gmail.com

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

From the Desk of the MOPHA National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard

September 2024

Greatest of Greetings everyone!

It is such a great blessing to be able to greet you! It is that time of year where we are at the season changing again, now from summer to fall-another turning point in our lives, although the heat is still on in some areas. I’m suggesting Praising the Lord (PTL) anyway for each day we are able to open our eyes and have use of our faculties as we “rise and shine” into His world.   Although we remain in the hurricane season as we are now being escorted into the Fall Season the environmental challenges, humanitarian issues, societal strife continues with devastating affects throughout the nation-the world. It has been asked, what can or shall we/I do besides pray? I like to share with you the following list to ponder:

• Take a few deep breaths     
• Focus on what’s positive in your life and count your blessings     
• Talk with your family, friends, co-workers and folks wherever you are
• Acknowledge people who crosses your path of life-even while driving, speaking only kind words
• Take time to express gratitude, in everything -give back to your community (the world)
• Donate your time and funds when you can, ready to serve     
• Make sure to get plenty of sleep/rest and exercise, often    
• Sit/lay back and listen for His still voice; or, to your favorite music or just have quiet time doing absolutely nothing (careful now, you may find yourself waking up an hour later)     
• Enjoy the surrounding beauty God has placed you in-take a walk        
•    -humbly, just do the best you can and what you can’t ask, He provides
•    -focus on what you can control and the wisdom to know what you can’t/don’t have the know-how
• Ask for Divine Wisdom or help from others when needed
• Claim the victory of the day/moment (repeat often, “I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me. Philippians 4:13)
• SMILE anyway-it’s free

   Add to this list and share with all of us…

We don’t have to be perfect at doing any of the aforementioned but just have a heart’s desire to “do something.” Through it all TRUST GOD in everything! And, of course, PRAY and keep the FAITH, continue to keep those individuals affected in any way in your prayer and receive your blessing too.