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General Orders Newsletter #5
December 2020
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No Monthly Zoom This Week
National President
Amanda Flener

'Tis the Season

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah or are eagerly anticipating Christmas, chances are it looks a little different this year. However, I've had numerous requests lately for HOV project grants to cover Holiday Meals for veterans, Gift Cards for various veteran needs coordinated with VA Case Managers, and veteran wish lists providing for those who may otherwise go without this Season. I just opened the mail to find a "Thank You" from Patriot Place in Michigan for Unit 1985's contributions to their wish list. Others are helping veteran families by "adopting" the family for gifts and food this season. Your charity and thoughtfulness undoubtedly means more than you know.

You will find this month's General Orders shorter but I expect much to pass along after the first of the year when members have completed holiday projects. Earlier today, my husband and I went shopping for items on the wishlists of three local kids in need. From underwear and socks to a plethora of toys, I hope it brightens the faces of a few this Christmas.

I can't close out this December greeting without thinking of the 79th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor this past week. It saddens me that I had to cancel our travel plans for this week. Actually, I was supposed to be on a flight home from Hawaii right now. Alas, the Pearl Harbor festivities were cancelled. While Hawaii Patriot Tommy Tanaka assured me he would "show us around," the inability to even guarantee specific Covid testing results within 72 hours of travel just isn't possible where we live. Nonetheless, this week...we have paused to honor and remember.

Whatever the season holds for you and yours, I wish you all the best. Hug those you can a little tighter. May you have a peaceful and healthy Christmas and New Year.

In Patriotism and Service,
Amanda
229-325-8106

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National Junior Vice President
Kay Jo Baucom

Tis the season for finding the true joy in family, friends and faith.

I, for one, have been trying to focus on those important things we all hold close in our hearts. It can be daunting, but the effort is well worth it! This year has been a challenge but it also has taught me many lessons. 

First, time is always passing and even though I may wish it, time does not stand still for any one. 
I have missed seeing family and friends and my sisters of the MOPHA but thankfully, we have
connected though social media. 

Secondly, time is precious. Each moment spent thinking of others or helping someone else brings joy to those you touch with words, deeds or prayer. It also gives you the most wonderful feelings that can be savored.

Third, what gifts each of us have been given must be used- if not, those gifts will wither or grow stake. As an auxiliary member, you know how special you are and what unique gifts can be shared. This action keeps us moving forward, always looking for ways to be of service. 

Fourth, each individual is important and must be valued. There is a purpose that we all share and together we can be amazing!

Fifth, we are all in this life together and hardships will come. But resilience will prevail and we are stronger because of it. My role as the JrVP has taught me the value of teamwork and patience. Much work is done when you may not know it! I am proud to be a part of an organization that places priorities on those men and women who have served our country and who are serving now. Our lives are and freedoms are a direct result of their sacrifices. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned, is not to take things for granted. Things can be taken from you and never returned. I can not turn back the clock to say "Thank you" to those I should have and I can't undo things,I now wish I had done differently. Older, yes; wiser, I hope so! Please take a moment to
offer thanks for all the goodness we share. Call those you need to speak to, send out cards to those who love to receive mail, and always have a smile in your heart for those you meet. You can be the catalyst of hope and change. 

May God continue to bless each of you, your families and our service men and women. My world is a better place because of you all!

Love, peace and joy!

Kay Jo
Region IV President
Diane Grant Jenkins

Greetings from Region IV to members and friends of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary! Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Region IV President for 2020-2021.  

The holiday season is here. My prayer is for everyone to have blessed and happy holidays with a prosperous year ahead. 2020 has been an unusual year with the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected so many across our country and the world. And then there were the massive fires on the west coast and the devastating hurricanes in the gulf and up the east coast; and still, the MOPHA continued serving our Veterans and their families during this unprecedented time.

Thanks to the National leadership Team for keeping members informed through virtual communications of Zoom, Constant Contacts, emails, phone calls, etc. I was able to meet a great group of ladies from Region IV during the Zoom brainstorming sessions for Departments and Units held the end of September in which we shared ways to add members and maintain the current members. We found that Communication is the most important tool; however, listed below are other useful tools, derived from the word “Membership”, for the leadership and members of Departments and Units: 

M = Mission (Communicate the MOPH Mission & MOPHA Objects to your members.)
E = Encourage (Encourage your members.)
M = Motivate (Motivate your members.)
B = Believe (Believe in your members.)
E = Engage (Engage your members in different community events and fun activities.)
R = Respect (Respect your members.)
S = Support (Show support for your members.)
H = Help (Help your members.)
I = Involve (Involve your members in decision making.)
P = Participate (Participate! Membership grows with participation.)
Please check out Appendix K of the MOPHA Procedures Manual which covers the “ABC’s for MOPHA Members.”  Let us continue to “work together” to move the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary forward and thanks to each member for being a part of the MOPHA team.

In Patriotism & Service,
Diane Grant-Jenkins
Helping Our Veterans (HOV)
Request Funds for Unit and Department Projects
Department of Florida Chaplain and President of Unit 535, Kathy Furgeson and her daughter made gift food bags and delivered them to the homeless Veterans in Lakeland. We love seeing Units and Departments making an impact in their communities with the “Helping Our Veterans” Grants.
The Helping Our Veterans Grant is available for Units and Departments. Each Unit or Department can request a one time grant of up to $250 during the year.

Projects done at your Unit level - the grassroots efforts are always the most impactful. We love reading about and seeing pictures from HOV projects in your communities. Remember to email your idea to the National President in advance of a request to insure your project meets guidelines. Request the funds in advance of your project and send in the required documents after you complete your projects! (Details are in the instructions on the form).

Email National President - Amanda Flener at mophaux@gmail.com or aflener1@gmail.com
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