DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA
VETERANS OF
FOREIGN WARS
1231 Carmichael
Way
May 1, 2008
1. MEMBERSHIP:
We currently have 19,608 members
reported for 91.40%. We
appreciate your support as we start the “Caring and Serving all Veterans and
Families” membership year for 2007-2008. We need 774 members to reach 95% by May 31, 2008.
2. DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS are directive and are to be read/discussed at the next Post/District meeting and filed for reference.
3 COMMANDERS: Section 218 (a) requires the Post Commander to assure he or his representative attend all properly called district meetings. In the absence of the Post Commander, Section 218 (a) (2) requires that the Sr. Vice Commander represent the commander. Section 218 (a) (4) requires the Jr. Vice Commander to be the representative in the absence of the Commander and Sr. Vice Commander.
4 STATE CONVENTION: will be held at the Birmingham Marriott, 3590 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243 June 5-8, 2008. Room rates are $103.00 plus tax. Reservations must be made prior to May 13, 2008. After May 13, 2008 cut-off date rates will be regular rack rate. Room cancellation date is 48 hours prior to arrival date. For reservations call 1-205-968-3775. Registration fee for the State Convention is $25.00. Registration must be received by May 30, 2008. Anyone sending in a $25.00 registration after May 30, 2008 will have the registration returned unaccepted. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
5. COMMANDERS: The distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies will
be conducted according to the provisions set forth in sections 711 of the
National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.
Department, District, County Council and Post Commanders should arrange
now for the distribution of Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day campaign in
their respective areas. All profits
accruing from the distribution of Buddy Poppies shall be used for the relief of
disabled and needy veterans and their dependents.
6. District
Commander of the Month of February 2008 is District 4 Commander Robert
Littrell with 100.49%. CONGRATULATIONS!
7. COMMANDERS: The letter dated October 31, 2000 from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board waivers the requirement for the Ladies Auxiliary to sign in as a guest with a member sponsor. They have the same rights under the waiver as a member. This does not waive the requirement to have 150 VFW members to hold a Class I retail liquor license. You must have 150 paid VFW members.
8. ATTENTION ALL COMMANDERS: National By-Laws section 213 – ARREARAGES: states that any Post in arrears for National, Department, County Council or District dues, Poppy money, supply money or other financial obligation or failing to have the office of Quartermaster properly bonded in accordance with Section 302, failing to ensure that the Post is properly insured in accordance with Section 709, or failing to submit properly completed quarterly Post Trustees Report of Audit or Post Election Report (election report for 2007-08 officers) shall be deprived of all representation in County Council meetings, District, Department and National conventions. Such representation shall be restored promptly upon proper adjustment of such deficiencies.
9. DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS: State By-Laws Article VI, Section 2 – The Delegate and alternate strength of each Post in the Department shall be based upon one of each for every fifteen (15) members or fraction thereof in good standing thirty (30) days prior to convention and they shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the National by-Laws.
10. PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICERS: All Post, Councils and Districts are reminded of the provisions of Section 215, 413, and 514 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure that officers, elected and appointed, shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until such proof of eligibility has been submitted to the respective Adjutant for review.
11. POST ELECTION REPORTS: Election reports are to be sent to National Headquarters IMMEDIATELY after election of officers. DO NOT repeat DO NOT wait until the Post Officers are installed. Posts will be required to indicate if they own or rent a Post Home. PLEASE CHECK THE SPELLING OF NAMES, CURRENT ADDRESSES, CAP SIZE AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS, AS THESE ITEMS ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!!
12. Election Reports should have been mailed 1st week in March to all Posts. District Election Reports have been discontinued. Districts only have to notify Department Headquarters who the top three officers are plus Quartermaster
13. COMMANDERS: Please notify Headquarters of the physical address of your Post Home or the address of where your regularly scheduled meetings are conducted.
14. DISTRICT COMMANDERS: Flying Squadron – Marriott Mobile, 3101 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606. Telephone 1-251-476-6400-Fax 1-251-476-9360.
15. SOI SOUTH REGION: Will be held at Selma VFW Post 3016 July 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM.
16. SOI NORTH REGION: Will be held at Birmingham VFW Post 668 July 26, 2008 at 10:00AM.
17. NATIONAL CONVENTION: will be held August 16-21, 2008 at Rosen Center Hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. Telephone 1-407-996-9840 or 1-888-221-9425-Fax 1-407-996-3169. Room rates are $115.00 plus 13.5% tax.
18. COMMANDERS: If you have a young veteran serving as a Post Officer under the age of forty (40) please notify headquarters with name and date of birth.
OFFICIAL: EDWARD
PRITCHARD
STATE
COMMANDER
JOHN HANCOCK