MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, September 21, 2023

8 PM EST / 7PM CST / 6 PM MST/ 5 PM PST

PATRIOTS & GUESTS INVITED

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

Barbara Hale Ray

Are You Ready?

Greetings Everyone!

Are you ready? Ready for what?

For our winter weather! How can we find out about our weather, especially

our winter weather? Let me give you some information on how you can find out by using the Almanac.

The first Farmer’s Almanac was published by Robert B. Thomas (who taught school, became a book seller, built a store and bindery near the family farm, and studied astronomy in his spare time) in 1792. The Old Farmer’s Almanac as it was called was an almanac that contained weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, articles and more. It is much like the one we use today, and it has been published continuously since 1792 making it the oldest continuously published periodical in North America.

The planting seasons we use today are formats from the Old Farmer’s Almanac only in updated form. Climate change has changed the way or time we plant in using the information, but still the planning time for planting is practically the same. However, not all of us plant vegetables, but friends like Jan, Judy, Margaret and Rebecca turn their kitchens into it a cannery or processing kitchen getting their freezers, pantries or cellars ready for winter by canning, freezing, baking etc. those items that would sustain the family during the cold weather. They also use food dehydrators to preserve different fruits, meats, vegetables and other foods. I had the opportunity to make apple and grape jellies, peach jam, pear and peach preserves from my own fruit trees. The vegetables I froze were given to me by a friend and I used them for special occasions and holidays. The benefits of eating foods you raised outweighed the cost and taste of buying them at the supermarket.

The Fall season begins this year on September 23, 2023. This date tells us we still have time to gather those produce items that can help sustain us in the winter months. With the arrival of Fall, the growing season slows down, outdoor temperatures begin to drop, the trees shed their leaves and the clocks (time) fall back one hour.

December is the time we plan for the holidays and cook the foods we put away. It is also the time to collect fun items that will keep us amused during snowstorms or rain catastrophe or during family gatherings. These can be board games, checkers, playing cards, puzzles, coloring books, reading and sudoku just to name a few.

Looking back at the past few months, it seems as if we had only a few weeks of summer and now we are ready to jump into Fall and snow.

Are you ready?

Here in the Rocky Mountains, we should be used to constant weather changes but, the older I get, cold snowy days make me want to hibernate with the bunnies drinking hot chocolate. When I do go outside, I overdress putting on layer after layer of clothing making it impossible for me to move. Thus, I look like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” There are so many things left to do this year. For example, it would be nice to go to a fall festival or the county fair or apple or pumpkin picking. My

basic wish is that you plan and do some gathering of produce that might help carry you through the next couple of seasons. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Farmer’s Almanac and begin planning for the Spring season. However, we will do as we normally do and embrace what’s given to us and be thankful for the many blessings we have received.

Barbara

BarbaraR,MOPHA@gmail.com

National Senior Vice President

Fran Holtgreven

It is an honor and privilege to be National Sr. Vice President of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary for 2023-2024. Thank you for your support and by working together we will be able to help our Patriot’s and Veterans throughout the coming year.

My goal this year is to focus on Membership. (a) How can we as an Auxiliary increase membership? Reach out to a spouse, son, daughter or grandchild of a Patriot who attends your local Chapter. Invite them to a meeting, informative program or special occasion to help them understand what the Auxiliary does for their Patriot and how they could help. (b) How can we help a Unit who is struggling and has not turned in an Installation or other reports? Just letting a member or past officer of the Unit know we are here to help with any questions they may have, ideas to keep the Unit open and that we miss them and their input to this organization may open discussion to keeping them

active. Unfortunately, we may not be able to keep the Unit open, but we can help with information on how to close the Unit properly and transfer to another unit. (c) How to keep the roster updated? We continually need to be diligent in keeping our roster updated. This is something each Department and Unit can help with by letting the

National Membership Officer, Cheryl Perez, notified when there is a change in their roster. Members.MOPHA@gmail.com Also, please let other National Officers informed of the change. If any Auxiliary members have other ideas, suggestions or comments that can help the MOPHA focus on membership goals, please speak up

and let me know what is on your mind.

Remember, our National President Barbara Hale Ray's, theme for the year is: “TOGETHER, WE CAN DO IT!” I also would like to thank everyone for all the gift cards, raffle items and other items that were donated to the Ways and Means during the 2023 MOPH and MOPHA Convention in Baton Rouge LA. Also, a big THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets and who purchased the auction quilt and stained-glass items. With your support and help the Ways and Means prospered. Thanks to the Dept. of LA, this was a great working, informative and fun Convention.

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Junior Vice President

Teviah Gilliard

Greeting and Salutations to all of you-members and friends of the Auxiliary!

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Teviah Gilliard, MOPHA Department of Louisiana| Crescent City Unit 1955. I am your newly-elected National Junior Vice. I look forward to filling the shoes of our past National Jr. VIce, Fran Holtgreven, as she has done a tremendous job fulfilling her role. I extend my deepest thanks to our newest Past National President, Kay Jo Baucom for and exceptional year of leadership and your guiding light. 

I would be amiss if I did not express how proud I am of my department-which is from none other than the great state of Louisiana-who hosted a stellar and "FUNtastic" 90th National Convention in Baton Rouge, LA; to Colleen and the rest of my beloved Department, hats off and a chef's kiss to you and all of your hard work, hosting and providing and wearing many, many hats around the clock to make our annual reunion unforgettable and one for the books! How ever it was that you were able to attend this year's convention, I hope the "Louisiana Experience" was informational and note-worthy in your minds and hearts with memories and tools for you to bring back home to continue to aid in the care of our Patriots, veterans and their families-TOGETHER.

I am more than sure that TOGETHER with our new slate of national officers, we can do it all, meanwhile, upholding the good name of the auxiliary an carrying on with our mission and bottom line. I am excited for our new year is going to bring; TOGETHER, I know we will achieve all of our goals. It's our time to THRIVE & SHINE again one more time!

I hope to see a lot of you September 21 for our Zoom Meeting to kick off the new year!

Yours in Patriotism and Warmest Regards,

Teviah

Teviah.Gilliard@yahoo.com

National Secretary

Judy Fiddler

Hi everyone…Well, another convention has come and gone and what a convention it was. The heat was on the outside and the hotel was as cold as ice on the inside.

Many thanks go out to the Department of Louisiana, especially Commander Crowley and PNP Colleen Orfanello, for their hard work and much success in hosting the convention. Thanks goes out to the newly elected Commander, Carder Ferguson, for stepping in at the last moment for the previous Commander.

Many thanks to Past National President Kay Jo Baucom for her leadership and

never-ending support of the Auxiliary.

Highlights would include Linda Varejcka was honored with this year’s Martha Washington Spirit Award and Mike Fiddler was honored with the George Washington Spirit Award. The President’s luncheon was themed “Kay Jo in Wonderland” and was the Mad Hatter’s tea party. One lowlight would be…once again, the Order took the trophy for The Patriot Games (3rd year in a row). President Kay Jo gave it her best to win, but her horse had other ideas.

I wish to thank all those in attendance for voting me as the recipient of the Sharon Carlton Mentor Award. This award is recognition for the help or mentoring of persons who help in any situation, questions that need answered, etc. I so much appreciate your confidence in me.

Just a reminder that your 990’s “ACCEPTED” and finance reports are due to Tracy by October 1 and your Life Membership Verification forms are due to Cheryl by October 1st as well.

With much gratitude and thanks,

Judy

MOPHAUXSEC@Gmail.com

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

From the Desk of the MOPHA National Chaplain

September 2023

With a heavy heart, Chaplain Gilliard wishes to share that Past National Commander James Randles passed away earlier this month. He was 79 years old.

His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star for Valor earned in Vietnam, along with the Purple Heart and two more Bronze Stars. His upward movement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart included stints as a Chapter Commander, Department Commander, Region IV Commander, National Junior Vice Commander, National Senior Vice Commander, and finally National Commander of the MOPH. 

In Memoriam and Sympathy for Bereaved Families

(always sad to share but never too late to send card or sentiment, if possible)

“Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”

Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom called to their Eternal Reward the following members named:



Bette Ann Hess - Unit 260, NE

Betty Eames - Unit 351, LA

Norma Douglas - Unit 777, IA

Muriel Blakeslee - Unit 162, WI

Irene Hackl - Unit 162, WI

Genevieve Kimak - Unit 162, WI

Ruth Ann Richmond - Unit 228, WI

Wanda Schwartz - Unit 228, WI

Gladys Lee - Unit 550, WI

Vera Meinhardt - Unit 550, WI

Eileen Paggi - Unit 550, WI

Colmanero Barbara -  NML  

Vilma Gorfin - Unit 194, MN

Carol Dickey - Unit 194, MN

Mai Roush - Unit 110, MI

Virginia E. Mello - Unit 385, CA

Barbara Jo Edwards - Unit 423, CO

Ernestine Williams - Unit 425, GA

Anonymous/Unspoken Prayer Requests

Please pray for both known and unknown: United States of America and the world environment.

September Birthdays: Happy, Happy Birthday to all of September Birthday Celebrants! Our organization is better because of you and you are worth celebrating! May the good Lord keep on blessing you real good with many more birthdays to come with abundant favor and the desires of your hearts.

Please join in prayer:

Loving Father God, We bow humbly before Your throne of grace and mercy, as we come to the end of this year’s season of service to this unique organization, we offer our hearts of immensely gratitude for giving us the many opportunities in the different roles You purposed us in as volunteers. Thank You for always being present not only within our meetings but within us as we conduct ourselves with Your guidance and strength in the act of love, kindness, and in fellowship with others, being that helping hand, or even that listening ear-thank You for being our guide through it all in the name of humanitarian services as You have commanded us. We have experienced Your Comfort when grieving as we now ask for those who are grieving for their loss of loved ones or livelihood-thank You for understanding our hurts; we have welcomed and basked in the joy of Your being our Provider, our Refuge; we have been uplifted in Your strength when we were at our weakest; You have been and is our Great Physician on both sides when others have given up. Dear God, You have loved us despite our faults and flaws, thank You for Your forgiveness when we ask. We are so grateful for all of the compassion and goodness that You are and give to us; and Your faithfulness to Your promises. Thank You for being that Constant in our lives –never changing-never failing, just thank You Father. Thank You for giving us hope. You are a mighty God. As we continue in service, we ask for Your grace on being faithful stewards over that You have given to us. All honor, glory and praise to You, forever and ever. In Your Holy Name, we pray, AMEN. 

HIS Mercy is Eternal  HIS Grace is Sufficient  HIS Strength is Perfect  HIS Love is Forever

AMEN

Humbly and In HIS Love,

National MOPHA Chaplain

 (Numbers 6:24-26)

Gwendolyn

Chaplain.mopha@gmail.com

Region 1, 3, 6 Liaison

Terri Shattuck, PNP

Members of the MOPHA I would like to first thank all for the kind words, flowers, cards and hugs in the loss of my son. You are and always will be our, Serenity, Bill and mine, special family. Thank you.

Next, I would like to thank all of my Regions for attending the convention. It was so nice to see all of you and talk about what is happening in your units and departments. If ever you need assistance please feel free to call, text or email me. I will help where I can or find you help within our great organization. We are all doing what we can for Our Veterans. 

As winter gets closer, don't forget our homeless veterans. A pair of warm socks or a hot drink will put a smile on their face and hope in their hearts. 

Thank you for all you do for Our Veterans. 

Terri

BTShattuck@gmail.com

Region 2 President

Karen Larabel

Region 2 THANK YOU for your continued support and for all your prayers this last year.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: 990N and Finance Reports due Oct 1. If you are new at filing and need help, please contact me.

Blessings to you all and have a GREAT YEAR coming alongside our Veterans!

Karen

KSLarabel1@sbcglobal.net

Region 5 President

Joyce Dalton

It’s a pleasure to serve as your Region V President for 2023-2024. Looking forward to a wonderful year. Remember “Together We Can Do It”. If I can be of any assistance with your Unit or Department please call, text, e-mail or regular mail. 

There are three reports due on October 1st. 

1) Unit and Department Annual Finance Report to National Treasurer and copy to National Secretary. 

2) IRS 990-N e-Postcard filing confirmation copy to National Treasurer for your Unit or Department. 

3) Life Membership Verification form to National Secretary, copy to National Membership Officer and copy for your file. 



Call or Text: 210-844-7579, e-mail: jdalton8315@gmail.com, 

Regular mail: Joyce Dalton 1415 4th Street Pleasanton, TX 78064 

Joyce

jdalton8315@gmaill.com

Webmaster

Colleen Orfanello

OCTOBER 1, 2023 is an important date!

In order to be compliant, Units and Departments are required to submit a Finance Report, confirmation of your accepted IRS 990 submission, and your Life Member Verification. A link can be found on our website or by clicking here:

It is recommended that each Treasurer, or appropriate representative, to give our National Secretary a copy of your IRS website Username, Password and "image" verification. This information is kept in case new representatives cannot remember or locate the information. This information can certainly prevent headaches and concern for procrastinators (like me) .... We can help in any way.

The IRS website can be confusing, especially with the new ID me log-in, but remember, we will help in any way. Your leadership team is here for you. TOGETHER, we can do it!

Colleen

webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com

Sonnet Ireland LA 741

Deborah Godfrey DML GA

Savannah Rickard DML PA

Renay James CO 375

Helen Cedeno Pereira NY 03

Brandon Banko NY 03

Carla Virola NY 03

George Goldstone CO 375

Keith Bobbins CA 49

RaJean Bobbins CA 49

KiAnna Bobbins CA 49

Travis Waller CA 49

Deon Waller CA 49

George Waller, Jr. CA 49

From Patriot Jo Keller, MOPH National Suicide Prevention Officer

We are in this fight together to save veterans, families, friends and others we encounter. One life lost to suicide is too many. There are many agencies ready to help and numerous resources easily accessible. Take time to research those around you.

Click on the link below to access WE FACE THE FIGHT:

Founded by USAA, Face the Fight is a coalition of corporations, foundations, nonprofit and veteran-focused organizations joined together to raise awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention. 

https://wefacethefight.org/

The American Dream Ambassador Program gives registered homeowners access to deep discounts to products and services needed to renovate or touchup their home --and it can even you help purchase a home.

Once registered, you are an American Dream Ambassador for as long as you own your home. 

Click here to watch the video to learn more.

To learn more how the program benefits our Purple Heart families, click here:

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.

CLICK HERE to view the September October issue of the

Purple Heart Magazine.

The deadline for submissions for the November/December issue is OCTOBER 15th.

Send articles, photos, and other submissions to:

PUBLICATIONS@PurpleHeart.org

GOLD STAR

RECIPIES

Examples may be a passed down family recipe for home-made pie, or as simple as the Hero's signature sandwich.

Every Gold Star Family has a story to tell. We want to share their story through recipes! Gold Star Families can may send in the recipe for their Hero's favorite dish. It is requested that a photo of your Hero, as well as a story why they enjoyed that particular recipe so much, accompany the recipe. We wish to honor our fallen Heroes by remembering their life, not the loss.

Categories will be appetizers, entrees, soups & salads, desserts, and more.

CLICK HERE to submit a recipe. Please share with family and friends.

or visit https://www.purpleheartauxiliary.org/gsr