General Orders Newsletter #9
April 2022
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MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING
Thursday, April 21, 2022
8 PM EST / 5 PM PST
All Members Welcome
Meeting Code - 2020
Call in via telephone: 1-929-436-2866
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National President
Colleen Orfanello
Dear members,
Whether you celebrated Easter or are currently celebrating Passover, your leadership team hopes that you have a beautiful Holy Week.
In this April edition of General Orders, we will be focusing on some "Hoppy" news. By the time we visit via Zoom on Thursday, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will have met and approved the 2022-2023 budget and reviewed the hard work your Forms Committee have done over the last few months. We will discuss the Martha Washington Award selection process, and give an update on our Memorial Day Quilt Design.
Your leadership team is here for anyone needing help with Inspection Reports or need assistance with anything they are struggling with.
We also have an update on our National Convention Registration, and much more!
And the BEST and most Happy news is that we have GRANT MONEY TO GIVE! Units and Departments are eligible to receive funds that will enrich the lives of the Heroes we serve. More information and a formal application will be posted on our website May 1, 2022. When you are meeting at your Unit and Department Conventions, decide on a project and apply for a grant.
"Happy (um, I mean "HOPPY") News All around!"
In the tradition of the "Bee" theme, let's "Be Hoppy!" and I am looking forward to virtually visiting with all of you this Thursday.
Colleen
504-296-5022
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National Senior Vice President
Kay Jo Baucom
Kay Jo has formally announced her candidacy for National President. If you are interested in running for an office or have questions about the election process or Installation Reports, let us know. Your leadership team wants to help. Kay Jo's leadership as Sr. Vice has been awesome and we know she will accomplish great things as National President.
Be the first to read our National Jr. Vice's formal declaration here:
"My name is Kay Jo Baucom and I am a candidate for the office of National President of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. I am from North Carolina and have been here all my life. My membership eligibility comes from my Dad, who served in WWII and my husband, who served in Vietnam. Family is a top priority for me and I am the proud mom of three adult children and have 9 of the best looking, kind natured and talented grandchildren in the world. I also have auxiliary sisters and brothers across this extraordinary United States who share my passion and pride in honoring, remembering and serving our military servicemen and women.
From the first meeting I experienced with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, I knew I was in the right group and that I wanted to be a part of an organization that did so much and was composed of those men and women who shed their own blood for the country we all call home. My home Unit is 634 and I am a charter member, having held leadership roles there and then I became the President of the Department of North Carolina. While in that role, I became friends with some of our finest veterans and their families, and was able to coordinate with units across the fine state of North Carolina to help veterans and their families. My heart, hands, and spirit moved me to become the Region 4 President and my pride in the MOPHA only grew. With the responsibility of coordinating, sharing and working with departments throughout the Southeast, I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing firsthand the love, dedication and service that our membership has for our country and for those who have served and are serving. Patriotism shines brightly within our ranks and it provides an excellent mentoring example for our children and youth.
I have been one of the most blessed individuals ever, having served as the National Junior and currently the National Senior Vice President of our fantastic organization. To say I have been mentored by the most knowledgeable, trusted and dedicated women , would be an understatement. Those who have served before me, have given countless hours of precious time to our MOPHA family, always with service to others their first consideration. I am in awe of their devotion to service of our military men and women. I have been especially touched by their patience and willingness to teach, and guide me. No question has gone unanswered and I have always felt supported. My heart swells with gratitude just thinking about it!!
It is my time to give back and share, so I am offering my name as a candidate for National President. If elected, I pledge to work with my heart, hands and spirit to the best of my abilities. THIS IS OUR TIME-and only great things are ahead of us, if we work together."
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Jo Baucom
Kay Jo
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National Junior Vice President
Barbara Hale Ray
Barbara was kind enough to travel to Rapid City and tour the Convention Space. She gave an incredible report and sent photos to the leadership team. We are so excited to plan for National convention. With Barbara's keen eye for detail, we know it will be an amazing experience. While visiting with your Units or Departments, inquire about donating a raffle prize to support Ways & Means. Remember, the funds received from the raffle go right back into our organization so we can offer comfort, care, and projects to help our Veterans.
Barbara
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The Rushmore Room will be the location for our National Convention Meeting |
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Members in Region II will be lucky to know that Region II President, Karen Larabel, is declaring her intent to run (once again) for Region II President. For many years, she has served her Region wisely and with much enthusiasm.
Be the first to read Karen's letter of intent here:
Greetings, I am announcing my candidacy for 2022-2023 National Region 2 President. It has been my honor to serve as Region 2 President representing Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
" I became an army wife 47 years ago to a soldier who had served 3 tours in Vietnam receiving the Military Order of the Purple Heart and continued to serve until retiring from the United States Army with over 23 years.
Doug and I were recently Honorary VIP’s at Ft. Campbell 327th Battalion Ball. As I took each soldier’s hand, as they came through the reception line at the Ball, I thanked them for their service to our country. To be with the soldiers again was like coming home to family.
Being active with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary fulfills my passion for our veterans, active duty soldiers, and their family members. We also visited the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery to remember those who have served our country.
It has been a difficult last couple of years in not being as active with our veterans, but slowly and creatively we have found ways to fulfill their needs. We have learned new ways to function within the MOPHA.
I continue to be active with Michigan MOPHA Unit #91 and MOPHA Department of Michigan. I am also involved with the VA Homeless Center, the West Michigan Veteran Assistance Program, Community Rebuilders, and Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. I attend MOPHA National Monthly Zooms. In 2021, I attended the National Convention in West Virginia.
As we approach Memorial Day, may we remember those men and women who gave their life in service for our country when our flag is quickly raised to the top of the staff and then slowly lowered to half-staff position. At noon, the flag is then raised, symbolic of their sacrifice not being in vain. We the living are to continue the fight for liberty, freedom and justice.
If elected, I would continue to come alongside each Unit and Department in Region 2 offering my support to leadership and members in accomplishing the goals set before us.
Thank you for your support…Karen Larabel
Karen
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I hope Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods. Daffodils are blooming and my tulips have been eaten by the rabbits or deer…oh well…city life.
Installation reports are due for both Units and Departments by May 31. PLEASE do not send photos of your report. I have difficulty printing off photos and they do require more ink. If you cannot scan to your computer and attach to an email, then make a copy and MAIL it to me. I accept envelopes that are POSTMARKED May 31, 2022 or before. Most Units will have their elections in April…PLEASE…DO NOT WAIT until the last minute. Please also make sure all the information is correct…spelling of names, phone numbers and email addresses. Any other reports are due to the National Chairperson by May 15. They will in turn, prepare a report due to the National Secretary for Convention publication. If you are a Region or Department President, a report of your past years activities is also due no later than May 31.
Convention plans are still in the working stage and changing every day. Please make your reservations for the hotel as soon as possible. The links are on the website. The Registration form will be available shortly.
And finally…if your President is leaving her position, why not order a Past Unit/Department pin for her? The cost is $12.00 and can be ordered from me. There is no tax or shipping. My address is: 1231- 13th St. SE, Massillon, OH 44646.
Wishing everyone a wonderful spring and great Mother’s Day.
Judy
AND BY THE WAY, MEMBERS, National Administrative Assistant's Day is April 27th. Make sure your THANK your Unit or Department's Secretary for the hard work they do. I am so very grateful for Judy. I know I couldn't properly do my job without her guidance and wisdom. THANK YOU, JUDY!
-Colleen)
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Words of Wisdom from our Community Services, Hospitals, and Nursing Homes Chairwoman
Our goal for Community Service is to provide much needed services for senior citizens, the disabled and those in need. We all know it's been a difficult year for everyone, but there is always
something we can do.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
*Support your local food bank providing food to those who need a helping hand,
*Sponsor a blood drive.
*School supplies are very costly. Work with local schools and teachers and offer assistance in
purchasing backpacks. Fill the backpacks with school supplies and give them to children in need.
*Plan a project that will keep our children safe, such as a personal identification program with the
local police department or sheriff department. It would be helpful and informative to children, parents, grandparents, family members and neighbors.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANS
We all need to become more familiar with disaster preparedness , whether it is a medical emergency, natural disaster or a terrorist attack.
Contact the Fire Department, Police Department, EMT Services or other entities that offer expert knowledge in ways to become prepared in case of an emergency. Make arrangements for them to speak to your members about disaster preparedness.
Make lasting friendship with these groups by offering volunteer hours, preparation of food for a shelter in case of an emergency or disaster.
Community Service Reports should be sent to Joyce Dalton on or before May 15, 2022.
or regular mail:
Joyce Dalton - National MOPHA Community Service
1415 4th Street
Pleasanton, TX 78064
Respectively Submitted,
Joyce
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By now, Unit and Department Presidents should have received a copy of their rosters. These rosters are very valuable to the newly elected MOPHA Officers. If your Unit or Department has questions, contact our National Membership Officer, Cheryl Perez, PNP and she will answer any questions you may have.
Many Unit and Department Secretaries have found that making labels from the rosters is an easy task to do that saves them a lot of time. If you need help, click on this video that will show you how:
Cheryl
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2022 MARTHA WASHINGTON SPIRIT AWARD SUBMISSIONS |
DO YOU KNOW AN AUXILIARY MEMBER WHO GOES OUT OF HIS OR HER WAY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR VETERANS? |
Write an explanation of why that person would be nominated and be earn the Martha Washington Award.
Send it to your Region President before June 15, 2022.
Region Presidents will send all letters to our National Secretary who will keep the original and make a copy. The copy will be redacted of all personal or identifying information. Kay Jo, Barbara, and myself will read through the letters and select an awardee based on his or her Merit.
Please try to send in letters before June 15th, 2022. All nominees will receive a certificate of thanks. The Martha Washington Awardee will be announced at the National Convention
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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
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The front of the quit will be named, "The Faces of Freedom." The patterned heart-design was inspired by a submission that read the following:
"Please find enclosed a list of photos of those who gave their all (in combat).
They are members of the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 7th Battalion, Charlie Company, who were in the invasion of Cambodia. The dates range from April to July of 1970.
I would like to request that these all be together as one unit, as we, those who still honor our brothers who gave their all, and would like to see it as one entity.
Thank you for taking the time to do this, your support is greatly appreciated."
It was this beautiful request that inspired the hearts (that require 27 photos; the exact number of men that the submitter sent to us.)
These 27 heroes can be found on the second row, left heart.
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The back of the quilt has our beloved Purple Heart medal flanked by the MOPH and MOPHA logos. The back of the quilt is entitled "All gave some. Some gave ALL" because photos on the quilt represent everyone who has served, is currently serving, continues to serve, or has serve
d as a family member on the home-front.
Most photos on the quilt are of fallen-heroes but there is a sprinkling of those who continue to fight for our freedoms. as well as a few spouses who served on the home-front while their Patriot served overseas.
Not every photo is one of a Purple Heart Recipient, but every photo is one of a hero.
We are so happy to have started this quilt tradition. We will have an update on its progress in the next 2 weeks.
There are so many wonderful memories and stories that were submitted along with photos, that we will compile a list of these stories that will accompany the quilt.
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KEY DEADLINES
Annual Reports due to National Chairs
on or before May 15, 2022
Annual Inspections by Department or Region Presidents are due to Kay Jo Baucom
Unit and Department Installations Reports due to National Secretary Judy Fiddler (due immediately after Installation but no later than May 31st)
Resolution changes due to Judy Fiddler no later than May 31st. Need help submitting a resolution? Click HERE for a video explaining the process |
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KAITLYNN DASEKE COLLETTE WI 162
MIKA DASEKE WI 162
SALLY WINTER WI 162
FRANCES WALKER GA 465
JOSEPH ZAYASAL GA 465
TAWANDA CLOWNEY SC 465
MARY OYENEYIN SC 465
CAMDEN OYENEYIN SC 465
KATHERINE ZAYAS GA 465
CORBIN TURNER GA 465
DOMINIC ZAYAS GA 465
SOPHIA WALKER GA 465
OLIVIA WALKER GA 465
JANICE WERTHEIM FL DML
DONNA JAMES TX DML
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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
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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 beginning spring parties and wedding season is beginning! What a great hostess
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MOPHA's online store will be receiving new inventory soon!
For now, check out items by visiting
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. See her column above.
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