General Orders Newsletter # 2

September 2022

MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, September 15, 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

Kay Jo Baucom

Hello to the most dedicated members of our MOPHA family! It is a distinct honor and privilege to bring you greetings and well wishes as your National President. It seems only yesterday, I was attending my first meeting and being totally in awe of the service given to our military families. I felt drawn to those members that I encountered and have made lifelong friendships from that initial time together. As we begin to get things moving for this new year of working together, I am so excited to have a leadership team that represents our auxiliary family across our great nation. This team has a shared vision of transparency, commitment, and service. Together, we have the dedication and expertise necessary to move our organization forward in a positive, caring manner. We will use the legacy of all who have served before- being forever grateful for the tremendous work that was done - and hope to continue to serve together, calling upon each one to utilize their knowledge and skills for the betterment of our MOPHA.

My theme for the year will be “This is our Time” and each monthly Zoom meeting will revolve around that topic . The theme for our September Zoom will be “Time to reflect on all the great things done in the past year and consider those things we hope to accomplish in the coming months”. Your time is valuable, and I will be cognizant of the duration/ time limits of these meetings. Join us as we celebrate our past and navigate our journey ahead. Looking forward to some fun, fellowship and virtual hugs on September 15th!! “See” you soon!!!

Serving together with hearts and hands,

Kay Jo

karenbaucom8@gmail.com

National Senior Vice President

Barbara Hale Ray

Moving Forward

Labor Day is the signal for us to know that our long days, hot weather,

beautiful flowers, lush green trees are coming to an end, some hibernate.

Were you able to squeeze in that last family holiday, put away your white

clothing until next year, and for some, harvest your summer crops? Labor Day is shared by students and workers alike until the next holiday season begins in November. But what happens between September and November? We become busy Beavers trying to prepare our services for Veterans needing our help. The temperatures begin to drop therefore causing us to change our focus from lighter clothing to getting warmer clothing, sleeping bags, more blankets, hooded sweatshirts, etc. for those not living in ideal conditions, the state turn cold or natural disasters.

We are like the Beaver, who likes to keep themselves busy. Unlike the Beavers, they work at night, we work all the time. When duty calls, we get things rolling day or night. How do our busy Beavers begin their jobs? They begin to solicit those businesses, our faithful givers, asking for many of those items mentioned above. The MOPH/MOPHA will hold clothing drives with the DAV and VFW assisting each other to make sure that we reach as many groups as possible. Yes, it is a team effort because the need is so great. Labor Day has a long history and carries an extended message for many people other than celebrating the long deserved get away weekend with

your family; it also means that the Beavers continue their work no matter the "Time" of year.

Barbara

BarbaraR.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Junior Vice President

Fran Holtgreven

A big "Thank you" to the Dept. of the Dakotas for a wonderful and fun MOPH and MOPHA Convention. The excursions to Mount Rushmore and Deadwood were so much fun and very informative. Thank you to all who could attend in person and on zoom. And last, thank you to our outgoing President, Colleen for “Bee-ing” an amazing leader, friend, and supporter of The Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary.

It is now “Time” to start a new year with new leadership, ideas and all

Auxiliary members to keep working to help our Patriots and Veterans. This will be an exciting year, as it will be the 90th Anniversary of The Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. Working together we will be able to accomplish great projects, ideas and help not only to our Patriots and Veterans, but each Unit, Department and Region. Reach out to National Officers, PNP’s and each other for help and ideas. Working together makes each of us stronger.

I am so excited to be your National Jr. Vice President. Reach out to me for anything. If I don’t have the answer, I will find the answer. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the Auxiliary, Patriots and Veterans.

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Secretary

Judy Fiddler

Hello Everyone…I’m still here. Thank you Madame President Baucom for the opportunity to serve as your secretary for this coming year. You are my 11^th President. Many THANKS to our newest Past National President, Colleen Orfanello, for a wonderful and successful year. She BEE amazing.

Thank you to the Department of the Dakotas for a great convention. The trips to Mount Rushmore and Deadwood, the Opening Ceremony with the Tribal-welcoming and so much more will be a memory I won’t soon forget.

Okay…back to business. Your Life Membership Verification (LMV) and your “ACCEPTED” 990’s and Finance reports are due by Sunday, October 1, 2022. Your LMV and Finance reports can be found on the website.

Let’s continue with the great work we do for our Veterans. There are funds available for those special projects. Contact Linda Varejcka about how to receive those funds. Her email is jfvarejcka@windstream.net

Have a wonderful Fall and see you on ZOOM.

Judy

MOPHAUXsec@gmail.com

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

Linda Varejcka

Sergeant-At-Arms:

At the National Convention, a resolution was submitted regarding the organization cap. The resolution was not passed as submitted, but was amended and then passed. During break many questions were asked.

MOPHA caps may be ordered from "Keystone Uniform Cap" (More on ordering the caps below) They have been our source for years, understand our guidelines, and are embordered with dedication and love.

Our bylaws state "No insignia other than that of the Auxiliary may be placed on the official MOPHA Auxiliary Unit, Department, or National cap.

Unit caps: ( All members) shall be purple with white piping and lettering. (Unit number embroidered in front, Unit name under Auxiliary emblem on the left side. City and State if desired on the right side.)

Department caps: (Elected officers or appointed) shall be purple with white top, purple band, white lettering and binding with emblem.

National caps: (National elected officers or appointed) shall be white with purple lettering. Purple binding, with emblem.

Every Department and National Officer (upon termination of such office) shall immediately discontinue wearing the cap of such office with the following exceptions:

The year during which such office was held is on such cap.

Past National Presidents, who are permanent members of the National Executive Committee, (NEC) may wear their "Past President" cap at ANY time. And their cap may have the past emblem which was the emblem when they served.

As of 2022 National Convention a member of MOPHA who is a Veteran, may place only their military insignia on the side opposite the logo.

When ordering or wearing a MOPHA cap if you have questions always contact the National President for further information. She will, in turn, answer or find the answer for you.

VAVS

Attention! Attention! Attention! Urgent!

We need to increase our Reps/Deps in at least 10 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 - 450 Conestoga Ave. Hickman NE 68372

Americanism

School has started and now is the time for us to visit the schools in our area. You may need to talk with a school board member to see what they will allow. See if they have enough classroom flags, if any need to be purchased or replaced. She if you can purchase a patriotic book for their libraries. Will they allow you to come into the classroom (esp. lower grades) and read a book around Patriotic holidays. Will they allow you to bring in Patriotic coloring sheets for the class to color, or hold a coloring, art, contest. Something I noticed during a parade this summer was the lack of proper protocol for when the flag passed. Someone has stated to me that Patriotism is going backwards, but we must keep educating. Also work with your chapters to see if they can volunteer to be a color guard at your local schools sporting event. These are just a few idea's that I hope you will consider, brainstorm with, and work for your area. Joyce and I are always available to help you. I have a list of some books we have donated in the past and I know that Joyce has found some uncolored patriotic pictures she can share with you if you wish.

September 16: Military National POW/MIA Recognition Day United States, is an annual American holiday that is designed to honor missing soldiers and prisoners of war.

September 17: Constitution Day (or Citizens Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the ratification of the United States constitution and those who have become U.S. Citizens. September 17th was the day the U.S. Constitution Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

September 18: Air Force Birthday

September 25: Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United Stated Armed Forces.

October 7: Operation Freedom (OEF) began 2001

October 10: People have ritually remembered Columbus beginning at least in the colonial period. Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October. It is generally observed by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and some school districts.

Yours in Patriotism,

Linda

jfvarejcka@windstream.net

From the Desk

MOPHA National Chaplain 2022-2023

Greetings in the Name of our Lord,

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! While it may seem odd or awkward to some that after the post-Convention health concerns I am still strongly encouraging praising the God of our nation, for He is the One to be praised! He has not brought us this far to leave us. His Word tells us: “…I will not leave or forsaken you…” (Deuteronomy 31:8). With a heart of magnanimous gratitude, we can certainly be deeply grateful for His promises.

I am so delighted to share with you my impression of the success MOPHA National Convention 2022 which was a beeautiful success! Firstly, the Joint Opening Ceremony Posting of the Colors by the South Dakota’s Native American Veterans and families was unlike that I have witnessed during my 26 plus years of attending meetings.

Our MOPHA Leadership carried us through a well-organized, informative, busy and fun convention while performing their duties professionally and accordingly to our CBL plus accompanied with a smile. Although there were discussions brought to the floor which were at times painfully challenging (one in particular), our leadership stood strong and bold in seeking answers to items for understanding and resolution of pending concerns as we wait-let’s trust the Lord (Proverbs 3:5,6). Prayer works.

Besides the business aspect of the convention, activities were offered to learning how to create service projects to share with Veterans and families. This is where I say hats off and a hearty thank you to Madam President (now PNP) Colleen Orfanello for achieving her goals and to her devoted 2021-2022 leadership team (NEC) and the Auxiliary-Hearty Thank You and Thank God for y’all. Congratulations to our new President Kay Jo Baucom and her new slate of officers for 2022-2023. Thank you and I look forward to serving with you all.

As National Chaplain, this year’s Joint Memorial Service was held with great reverence with MOPHA 6 Regions plus DML. Besides performing the normal meeting duty, a number of greeting cards were prepared to send out from SD to the reported sick/shut-in, bereaved and PNPs who have not attended meetings in years (miss their presence). I met with the Chaplains present afterwards to set goals as Chaplains with embracing and providing outreach service within to each other resulting in having a quarterly Zoom (initial date to be determined). I made a suggestion to have Unit Chaplains to submit their final annual report to their Department Chaplains who would then submit that final annual report to the National Chaplain to avoid duplicates/triplicates. It is requested for everyone to continue notifying the Chaplain of any illness or other significant concerns/celebrations and to both the Chaplain and National Membership Officer (PNP Perez-thank you for the great job and support) of any demise of Auxiliary members as soon as known. Please know that all of your caring, sharing and concerns are greatly welcomed, appreciated and prayed for reflecting the commandment of LOVE. Please know that we as Chaplains (and Auxiliary members) are here not only to perform opening and closing prayers of each meeting or conduct ceremonies but as the Lord leads us to provide prayers, support, hope and comfort to our members, Patriots, families. Reassuringly to everyone, we are also held to a high standard of confidentiality and non-judgmental of what is shared; disclosure is at member’s request.

I am abundantly blessed and privileged to serve as your National Chaplain 2022-2023 as I was this past year-thank you for the honor. Remember you are never alone for we are on this journey together in service to our God and our organization for His divine purpose.

Inclusively, as we observe the 21^st Anniversary of September 11, let us continue in prayer, I submit:

Almighty God, because of Who You are and to Whom we belong, we bow before You with many human emotions but with greater hearts of gratitude. We lift up to You prayers for those whose lives were sacrificed on that tragic day for the people of this great nation for which we live. We thank You for providing Your Comforter in Your loving arms For I know and peace to the survivors, families, friends and citizens as we come together once again to pay respect in memory of those precious lives. We need You Father for all of our hearts, minds, and souls. We ask that as understanding and healing is still sought for all emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs for that day and in this present day, that in all of our seeking we desire to seek a deeper and stronger relationship with You. And as we do that Father, we seek extra favor from You as we each do our part in extending arms of giving, peace, joy, hope, love and forgiveness on this day and everyday throughout this nation and the world. Thank You that You are still our Refuge and Strength.

Lord, we are so thankful for our outgoing MOPHA Leadership and welcome our incoming MOPHA Leadership. As we enter this new season of the MOPHA and MOPH, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom and that Your will and purpose is met and completed. Lord, may this prayer cover all needs/concerns of those who are in need of prayer to include our children, national leaders. Thank You for hearing and answering. God bless America and we pray that America will bless You God. In Your Most Holy Name, AMEN

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Blessed be the Lord

Yours in Peace, Patriotism, Prayer

Gwendolyn, MOPHA National Chaplain

Chaplain.MOPHA@Gmail.com

Hannah Gensel of PA DML (2/1/13)

Anne Kish of PA DML (6/11/19)

Margaret Kozloski of CO Unit 425 (11/22/21)

Priscilla Lassere of LA Unit 1955 Served 22 years as VAVS Rep at VA Hosp (8/10/22)

Deborah Portzline of NML (1/12/21)

Dorothy Shelton of NE Unit 260 (7/8/22)

Mary Thomas of CA Unit 106 (4/1/22)

Carole Underkoffler of PA DML (9/1/15)

Barbara Milewski of MI Unit 127 (8/16/22)

Prayer Requests

PNP Bonnie Dumler-Get Well PNP Jane Stoel-Get well Patti Agenbroad-Get Well

Linda Lickett-Get Well MOPH/MOPHA Service Foundation

Unspoken prayer requests

Region 2 President

Karen Larabel

National Convention was productive, enjoyable with trips to Mount Rushmore and Deadwood, and time to enjoy each other with meals and while doing crafts together.

As I listened to the reading of the selected submission for one of the candidates for the Martha Washington Award, I started to realize who it was. I then casually looked over to watch Barbara Counihan’s face, Nebraska Department President. I tried to have a blank look on my face as she looked over at me, after all, I did not know who had been selected. Tears came down on her checks as she realized that the submission was about her.

CONGRATULATIONS BARBARA COUNIHAN…YOU HAVE AND ARE SERVING WELL!

I have enjoyed and will continue to serve Region 2. Thank You for your support.

Continue to send me your photos and what, when, where, how you have served and come alongside our veterans to submit to our General Orders for others to see and maybe get an idea of how or what they can do.

Region 2 we have some reports due by October 1: Units and Departments

*Annual Finance Report to National Treasurer-Tracy Derr and copy to National Secretary-Judy Fiddler

*IRS 990-N e-postcard filing confirmation due to National Treasurer-Tracy Derr

*Life Membership Verification form due to National Secretary-Judy Fiddler with a copy to National Membership Officer-Cheryl Perez.

Reports can be found on purpleheartauxiliary.org

Karen

kslarabel1@sbcglobal.net

Region 5 President

Eileen Oltmann, PNP

I hope everyone that attended the National Convention ,either in person or zoom, received valuable information to make this a successful year.

For those who don't know me, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Eileen Oltmann PNP 2015-16. I will be representing you as your Region 5 President. Fran Holtgreven has been elected to National Junior Vice President. Our congratulations to her. I will do my best to continue the fantastic job that she has done representing us.

Please pass on this important information to your Department/Units. I will be emailing a "To-Do" list of important dates after our Zoom call. Items that need prompt attention, and are due on October 1st are:

1} Unit and Department Annual Finance Report due to National Treasurer. Copy to National Secretary.

2} IRS 990-N e Postcard filing confirmation due to National Treasurer for Departments and Units.

3} Life Membership Verification form due to National Secretary with a copy to National Membership Officer.

I will give you up-dates as I receive them. Everyone stay safe and well!

Eileen

Region5.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Historian

Joyce Dalton

Remember we are preparing a record book for National President KayJo 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 KayJo 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 St.

Pleasanton, TX 78064

“ IT’S OUR TIME”

Joyce

jdalton8315@gmaill.com

2022-2023 Officers!

congratulations to all!

The 2021-2022 MARTHA WASHINGTON SPIRIT AWARD are closed.

The winner of this prestigious award is Barbara Counihan.

Department of Nebraska President

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

2021-22 Colleen Orfanello named Barbara Counihan

We also awarded WWII Veteran, Patriot Tommy Tanaka with the 1st Annual MOPHA George Washington Spirit Award. More information of his award will be shared during the December issue of General Orders in honor of his Pearl Harbor Service.

TOP RECRUITERS!

Debra Hill (GA 465) - 7
Jan Huffman (CO 375) -6
Darlene Rogers (WI 162) - 4
Colleen Orfanello (LA 741) - 3
Karen Blashka (WI 164) - 3
Linda Varejcka (NE 200) -3
Rosalind Haith-Richards (GA 465) - 3
Teri DelGaudio (FL 566) - 3

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 holidays will be here before we know it. What a great hostess or holiday gift!

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.