MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, November 17, 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

At All Times, Be Thankful.

It is the sacrifice of our military forces that has allowed me to attend special ceremonies. Arlington National Cemetery, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located, is dedicated to those individuals who served and therefore, sacrificed for our United States of America.

As a citizen of the USA , I am humbled to say “Thank you for your service” and try to live my life in such a way that Veterans know that their sacrifice was not unnoticed. Laying a wreath adorned with beautiful banners was an honor that I will cherish. To stand side-by-side with Patriots who gave their blood, made me nearly burst with pride. "Thank you" to my fellow brothers and sisters of the MOPHA, for this privilege. May God continue to bless these United States, it’s Veterans, and all who honor and respect our national flag !!!

President Baucom's Veterans Day Message:

Service has always been a given in my family. Everyone that I have been told about or had the privilege to know, that is related to me, was or is gifted with the ability to serve or help others. My grandparents, on both sides, collectively believed in education and the right to have opportunities to better oneself. With such a mindset, my relatives helped to build an educational system in my hometown that focused on family, faith and helping others. Service in its truest form supports the acts of kindness performed and shows a disregard for self-indulgence. Kindness abounds and benefits from this lifestyle, are limitless. Service before self is a proven mantra that dates back quick a bit and yet, the sentiment is as important today has it was in its origin. Service is an action that speaks louder than any words and the facts speak for themselves- we can and must serve in some way that benefits many. It is in this vein that I begin to think about Veterans Day, 

Veterans Day is all about service- service to one’s country. This service is through all branches of the military or armed forces and is performed by all who proudly wear a uniform that depicts that branch. November 11 is a day set aside to honor all service men and women- those currently serving and those who have served in previous years. It is a celebration of the dedication to duty and “service before self” attitude. There is a sense of belonging that the military provides- an extended family- and with it the notion that all lives are important and worth defending and helping. To acknowledge the service that a veteran has given, always makes me proud to know - and lets that veteran know- that the service provided is appreciated.

 Originally, Veteran’s Day was a designated day to celebrate the end of World War 1. It was called Armistice Day and was to become known as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. That is now Veteran’s Day- officially becoming a national holiday November 8, 1954.

Kay Jo

karenbaucom8@gmail.com

Deputy Adjutant, Patriot Eric Johnson, accompanied President Baucom as she presented the honor wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

National Senior Vice President

Barbara Hale Ray

November is a busy time of the year for students in our local schools. We, The MOPH and MOPHA Chapter 375 Aurora, CO had the privilege of attending several activities early in the month celebrating

Veterans Day. I am including several photos of students, Auxiliary members, MOPH Patriots and other Veterans at our Aspen Crossings Elementary School event. I am proud to congratulate Associate Member Judy McLaughlin in her reading, “The World Needs More Purple Schools” by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart to all K-3 classes. Department President Rita Cusack

brought her sewing machine to school and had the students working on making a quilt. Rita is a member of Quilts of Valor and she showed off the newest quilt she is creating for a veteran. After spending the morning with students, it was now time for the neighborhood parade. All students and grades from Aspen Crossings Elementary School walked with their teachers, parents and staff members down the street to Sky Vista Middle School. They were protected by school security, Police Officers, floats, horses and balloon parade items. At Sky Vista Middle School, we honored The Cherry Creek School District making them a Purple Heart School District. They are the only known school district in the state of Colorado. This was a great honor and a surprise to school Superintendent Dr. Christopher Smith who received the Proclamation. Our school visits didn’t end on Friday November 4 th because the Horizon Community Middle School also wanted to honor Veterans by preparing breakfast and a program honoring Veterans. Two Veterans were draped with their Quilts given to them by Quilts of Valor. November 10th is dedicated to two more schools, Mission Viejo Elementary School (the first Purple Heart School in Colorado) and Altitude Elementary School. I will cover the activities of those schools in my next paper.

Happy Veterans Day to all our Veterans

Barbara

BarbaraR.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Junior Vice President

Fran Holtgreven

Thanksgiving as a child was watching Mom put the big turkey in a covered roasting pan and plug it into the electrical outlet before she went to bed. In the morning, the house would smell wonderful, and my parents would rush around making all the other goodies before my Grandma and Grandpa would arrive. My brother, sister and I would be staying out of their way watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on a small black and white television set, and occasionally my parents would stop their hustling about to watch the parade with us. But of course, our main thought was waiting for Santa at the end of the parade.  At that young age, I never thought what the day meant, to us kids, it was just a day when we had great food, company, and Santa would be watching us. By the time I was a teenager, things changed drastically, grandparents were not around, the parade was boring, I had to help in the kitchen, etc.

Looking back from those early days makes me more thankful for each year and remembering what I have learned and how many things I have been thankful for throughout the years. The last few years have been a difficult time and I am so thankful that we have all survived them and we are able to move forward and remember the little things to be thankful for. Every night before I close my eyes, I say to myself, one thing that has made me appreciate and be thankful for that day. Sometimes, there is even more than one, remembering something my grandkids did or said, a smile from someone I don’t even know, my husband’s silly jokes, my parents’ voice on the phone. 

I am thankful to all of you for all the time, energy and work you are doing for our Patriots and Veterans.

Don’t wait once a year to be thankful, every day be thankful and remember something each day that you have treasured and are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks to someone. 

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Sgt at Arms, Co-Americanism Officer, & VAVS Representative

Linda Varejcka

December 7,2022:  National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II. In 1994, the United States Congress, designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attach on U.S. military forces in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor Day is not a federal holiday - government offices, schools, and businesses do not close. Some organizations may hold special events in memory of those killed or injured at Pearl Harbor.

Happy Blessed Holidays to Everyone and wishing everyone a wonderful "2023".

Sergeant-At-Arms: 

Flag tips: Cleaning: If a flag is more than 30 years old, do not wash or dry clean it without the advice of a professional conservator. Best way is to vacuum. Gently using a brush attachment covered by a clean piece of cheesecloth. Vacuum the fabric by gently patting the surface as if you were blotting.

New flags should be cleaned when they are stored. Depending on your flag's material, it can be washed gently by hand using a mild soap.

Storage:  *Store the flag in a dark, cool place. Bright light such as sunlight can cause fading and deterioration of fabrics. Humidity and rooms where temperatures vary greatly can also damage your flag as well. *Avoid storing your flag in garages, basements, and attics - the risks of damage to fabrics are high in these areas. *Never use pesticides or mothballs in areas where your flag is in storage because they contain chemicals that are harmful to fabrics. *Only fold your flag the official style when it is in regular use since prolonged storage in that way will lead to permanent creases. *Store your flag completely flat when it is displayed infrequently. You could also roll and store the flag in a storage tube made of acid-free material. Avoid using cardboard or wood containers to prevent damage. *Use acid-free tissue paper or clean, unbleached cotton cloth when storing your flag.

VAVS

Attention! Attention! Attention! Urgent!

We need to increase our Reps/Deps in more VA facilities, by Dec. 31st.  Please consider volunteering in a facility around your area. You will become a volunteer. As a Rep or Dep, you only need to attend a meeting once a quarter. Many facilities still are not having in person meetings so you are able to attend by phone or zoom. At your earlies convenience please contact me to visit and get the process starting.

Linda Varejcka: jfvarejcka@windstream.net - 402 580.2549

Yours in Patriotism,

Linda

jfvarejcka@windstream.net

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

From the Desk of MOPHA National Chaplain

 We as citizens of the United States of America join together to pay tribute and celebrate our esteemed Veterans of our great nation humbly pray Lord God to thank you for the opportunity to come before You to lift up those who selflessly gave, and continue to, so freely their service and in so many cases their lives for the freedom we live and enjoy today. We pray that we come to realize that we should engage in recognizing Veteran’s Day (also known as Armistice’s Day) as an everyday event because none of us would be able to live the lives we lead now without the sacrifice, duty, dedication, courage, perseverance and commitment that our Veterans have given. Almighty God, we say “thank you” to

them as well as their families before the “In God We Trust” - YOU. We ask that we prove ourselves worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf and to set an example for those that will come behind us as a legacy. May this prayer reach not only our strong, brave, reliant defense Armed Forces team but to all who are exposed to being in harms’ way (law enforcement, first line responders, defenders/rescuers of all people) to stay covered in Your armor. May You, Lord God continue to protect and bless America and may America bless You God! Father, sincerely we pray with eternal gratitude to You and because of Your love and sacrifice. We give You all of the Honor, Glory and Praise, in Your Holy Name, Amen.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

FROM MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART AUXILIARY NATIONAL CHAPLAIN, GWENDOLYN GILLIARD

PS: I encourage you to Thank-a-Veteran when you recognize a one wearing a cap/clothing or driving a vehicle that indicates he/she is a Veteran-thank that Veteran; give a smile, a nod of the head, or thumbs up which just might make the day for that person. Just imagine what time in a conversation or a kind word might do. Have a beautifully great and blessed day every day!

Gwendolyn 

Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Historian

Joyce Dalton

Remember we are preparing a record book for National President Kay Jo of all events, programs and festivities which help or assist our patriots, veterans and their families. Continue to provide information to show National President what our Units are doing throughout the year. The information you provide now, will be history tomorrow. 

Every event, program and festivity is important to us. Please send pictures of what your units do with a short explanation to me as your National Historian. When National President Kay Jo visits your Department or Unit keep a record from her arrival and her participation in the events. Contact the media and newspapers so the community will be informed of the good deeds our organization does for our military past and present. 

From now through December, there are many opportunities to show our appreciation to our Patriots and Veterans. All events and programs today are history for future generations of MOPHA. 

Pictures with a brief narrative can be sent by email or regular mail. 

If you have questions, text me at 210 844 7579

USPS:

Joyce Dalton 

1415 4th Street

Pleasanton, TX 78064

“ IT’S OUR TIME” 

Joyce

jdalton8315@gmaill.com

RELIEF EFFORT INFORMATION FOR

HURRICANES IAN and NICOLE PURPLE HEART FAMILIES

Hurricanes Ida and Nicole have affected many Purple Heart Families in Florida. If you wish to donate to the Department of Florida's welfare fund, please visit their website for more details. Click here-Department of Florida Relief Link (You can mention it is a hurricane relief donation at checkout)

A Special "Moment to Moment" will be sent out on Thanksgiving morning in honor of the holiday.

If you wish to share "What you are thankful for", it will be included anonymously.

Please limit your submission to 2 sentences or less. Please pass this on to your Patriots as well. Send submissions to 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!