MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, July 21, 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 Senior Vice President

Kay Jo Baucom

This month's Zoom meeting will be a celebration of all that’s great about our MOPHA family- our outstanding members, unbelievable units, dedicated departments, remarkable regions and a leadership team- lead by President Colleen- that is second to none! Come join me, Kay Jo, as we salute those who work tirelessly, not only for our veterans, but for our Auxiliary family and our Patriots. We have lots to “Bee Proud Of”” so take time out of your busy lives and let’s brag a bit- or come listen as others brag about you!! Looking forward to “seeing” each of you Thursday.

Kay Jo

karenbaucom8@gmail.com

National Junior Vice President

Barbara Hale Ray

CELEBRATIONS

We just celebrated the happiest time of the year with neighbors, family,

friends, seat mates and a ton of people we might not know. Everyone has

come to celebrate the fireworks with hot dogs, beer, burgers and happy

spirits,

Celebrations held outdoors where you don’t need a coat, a sweater or hot chocolate makes the event feel more festive. The click of a bat, the happy smiles from the child given a foul ball a player makes becomes a celebration for that child.

Then, there are those who cannot participate in the celebrations, but would love to have someone bring a celebration to them. What changes in our lives could we make that would include people from different walks of life and needs?

What steps do we make? How would we make this happen? Who do we talk to? These are questions that can be answered but alone. There are so many who need our help. Let’s talk with each other and make plans to bring a little celebration to someone in need.

Barbara

Barbara.NatJrVice@gmail.com

(A note from Colleen: Barbara has been working tirelessly to receive raffle and auction prizes for our National Convention. Prizes will be available online for those who cannot bid on them in person. More news on how and when to place your bids will be sent in the next few weeks. And friends, YOU DO NOT want to miss these amazing items!!!)

Fran Holtgreven,

Region V President

A note from Colleen:

Members, please note that Fran, your Region V Region President, has submitted her letter of intent to run for National Jr. Vice President. If elected, Fran's leadership skills will be most welcomed; however, a new Region V President will need to be elected.

If You are from Region V and are considering running for the office, please have a letter of intent prepared and given to Fran or Judy to be read at the National Convention. If you are attending the National Convention, you may be nominated from the floor. 

A letter of intent is simply a letter stating your name and relationship to your Patriot. It should also include the office you are running for ,and that if elected, you will accept and assume the duties of the office. If you are hesitant to run for office, don't "bee". You will have much support from the amazing members and leadership team. 

Fran

Frannie50@Hotmail.com

Judy Fiddler,

National Secretary

A Friendly Reminder from our National Secretary about voting at the National Convention:

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 tit o the National Secretary (Judy). This are the “Credentials” you need to vote with. The form can be brought to the Credentials table at National Convention.

Convention plans are moving along nicely. You may still register, but please do so as soon as possible. The Dakotas are going out of their way to make this convention's theme, “Exploring New Opportunities”, a wonderful experience.

Hope to see you there…Judy

Judy

MOPHAUXsec@gmail.com

Linda Varejcka

National Sgt at Arms, Americanism Officer, & VAVS Representative

(A HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY to LINDA 7/27)

Hope all of you had a safe and happy “4^th of July” as we all celebrated out Nations Birthday.

Upcoming dates to remember:

July 27^th:  Korean War Armistice, 1953

August 2^nd:  Gulf War Operation Dessert Shield began in 1990

August 4^th: Coast Guard Birthday. Commemorates the founding of the United States Coast Guard as the Revenue Marine on August 4, 1790, by then Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. On that date, U.S. Congress, guided by Hamilton, authorized the building of a fleet of the first ten Revenue Service cutters, whose responsibility would be endorsement of the first tariff laws enacted by the U.S. Congress under the U.S. Constitution.

AUGUST 7^th: Purple Heart Day. This is a day created to give back. It’s a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed while serving. These people are decorated with a “Purple Heart in the name of the President, and this day is for remembering them and their sacrifice. George Washington awarded the original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, in 1782.It was originally designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver. Washington himself only gave out three of the badges, and instead authorized subordinates to issue the badges as they saw fit. The “Badge of Merit” faced from use but was revived and launched in 1932, this time as the “Purple Heart”. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the p “Purple Heart” was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to hone those who have been wounded or died. The 1^st service member to be given the modern “Purple Heart” was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. “Purple Heart Day” was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is “Never Forgotten”.

September 1st” Operation New Dawn began in 2010

September 2^nd: Japan surrenders WWII 1945

September 5^th: Labor Day. Celebrated the first Monday in September. It pays tribute to the American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19^th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

September 11^th: Patriot Day. In the aftermath of the attacks, carried out by terrorists from Al-Quada, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. A bill to make September 11 a national day of mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on October 25, 2001. The result was t to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first “Patriot Day”.

September 16^th: POW/MIA Recognition.  “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” POW/MIA Recognition Day, is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. It is not associated with any particular war. In 1979, Congress and the president passed resolutions making it official after the families of 2,500 + Vietnam War POW/MIAs pushed for full accountability. Americans take the time to remember those who were (POW), and those who were (MIA), as well as their families. At this time is is not a federal public holiday in the United States but it is a national observance. The 1^st Tactical Squadron from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia flew the missing man formation at the first POW/MIA Recognition Day commemoration. Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during several decades of varying conflicts. While some have made it home, many more never did. The traditional POW/MIA flag that we all know was created many years before the remembrance day became official. It was Mary Hoff in 1971 that contacted a flag company to see whether a flag could be made. She was waiting to see if her husband, Navy Lt. Comdr. Michael Hoff, would ever return home after his plane had been shot down over Laos. World War II pilot Newt Heisley designed the now famous flag, which is made in black and white to represent the sorrow, anxiety and hope symbolized by the image of the gaunt man featured on it. Since 1982 the flag has flown just below the stars and stripes, the only other flag to ever do so.

September 18^th: Air Force Birthday. The Department of the Air force was created when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947. The first Chief of Staff was General Carl A. Spaatz. The first Secretary of the Air Force was W. Stuart Symington who was sworn in September 18, 1947.

Yours in Patriotism

Linda Varejcka

jfvarejcka@windstream.net

We need 10 more volunteers to get authorization to become VAVS Reps at their local VA facilities.

Those of you that are volunteers but not VAVS Reps , please consider becoming one. And those of you that have thought about becoming a volunteer at your near by VA facility please do so and

consider becoming a VAVS Rep. Please contact me for help in doing so.

LINDA -  JFVarejcka@Windstream.net

A FRIENDLY REMINDER FROM LINDA:

"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

Karen Larabel

A note from Colleen and Chaplain Gwen:

Please keep our Region 2 President in your prayers. Karen has been suffering from illness and could use our prayers!

Karen's address is:

2854 Woodward Ave SW

Wyoming, Michigan 49509

Karen

kslarabel1@sbcglobal.net

Chaplain Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

National Chaplain

MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART AUXILIARY NATIONAL CHAPLAIN                                      

 July 2022

“Blessed is the Nation whose GOD is the LORD.” Psalm 33:12 (NKJV)

  Firstly, giving honor, glory and praise to God our Creator, Who is the head of my life for the opportunity to serve the National Officers and membership, allowing me to serve and represent you in this delicate but honorable position as the National Chaplain of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary-thank you.

While this position requires providing spiritual support and encouragement during meetings and particularly during stressful times, it is a blessing to encourage each other through prayers during sad times, distressful situations, many other significant occurrences, and joyful times in our daily lives as well. Through Units and Departments Chaplains, many outpouring of love actions and hearts of caring are reflected in their reports. Please take note that due to the unprecedented COVID-19 and illnesses, the many unnatural human and natural disasters such as Hurricane Ida, fires, floods, snow and hail storms, as well as other known and unknown personal events in our lives, many face-to-face meetings and in-home visits were not held but intercessory prayers have been and will always continue going up/out to our Father the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God-Amen. To God be the glory!                                           

It is of great comfort to be acknowledged knowing that there’s someone who has warm thoughts toward you-yeah and to be blessed like that and receive a blessing in return. Units and Departments sent cards to their members, Patriots and other Veterans for various occasions as well. Thank you-thank you all and may God bless you all for your hearts of gold for caring and sharing (as one of my old friends coined J).

It has been said that when you pray for someone else you also receive a blessing and that is exactly what you have done during this past year and I just can’t thank you enough for your faithfulness, diligence, love outreach to and being such great stewards to your Auxiliary family and Patriots except thank you and I thank God for you with a heart of gratitude on behalf of those recipients of your loving and caring. Please remember, when we do pray one for another we all will be prayed for-Amen.

Let us continue in prayer, love, peace, joy, sharing, caring, gratefulness, patience, forgiveness, safety, thanksgiving being diligent in faith, hope and trust of our unfailing, greater Almighty God for each day He grants us and our loved ones. I applaud your servant’s hearts, may your spirit remain beautifully blessed, and may God continue to bless you and your families/children, our Veterans, our leadership in all areas of government, religious, educational, medical, others throughout the world-throughout America. And, may America bless God! In HIS strong Name-AMEN, AMEN!  

The Scripture I referenced earlier that is strong in my mind and spirit that I leave you with:    

   “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NKJV)    

Yours Humbly In Prayer, Patriotism, and Peace           

Gwendolyn Gilliard 

MOPHA National Chaplain 2021

Numbers 6:24-26  

Gwendolyn Gilliard

Chaplain.MOPHA@Gmail.com

Karen Larabel sent in this buzz-worthy news from Michigan's Unit/Chapter 91!

The Grandville 4th of July Parade was celebrated by many, including Larry Fry's family. They created t-shirts and posters to honor his service.

Along with the other attendees, Larry and Marlene Fry & Ken and Linda McKenney - newer members - rode in the parade for the first time.

Way to go, California's Unit 385 Along with Citrus Heights Veteran Center , they put on a BBQ for Veterans. Lots of good food, fun and free raffle prizes.

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

During this year's convention, we will also award a Patriot with the "George Washington" award. (Shhhh. Its a surprise.)This Patriot has been a prime example of what a Patriot is and we are proud to award him this achievement award. We will also disclose the award on Wednesday Evening at the National Gala Dinner.

Let us all welcome our newest members,

Austin Fath Unit 741 Louisiana

More members will be provided in a mini-buzz edition in a few weeks.

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.