GENERAL ORDER NO. 5 2008-2009 SERIES

1. MEMBERSHIP: We currently have 15,025 members reported for 75.95%. We appreciate you support as we start the “Our Veterans-Second to None” membership year for 2008-2009. We need 4,759 members to reach 100%. Complete membership as of October 31, 2008 can be found online at www.alvfw.org.

2. COMMANDERS: are reminded that any member or guest barred from a Post for violation of By-Laws and/or conduct unbecoming will be allowed to attend all regular scheduled or special called post membership meeting. They may arrive fifteen (15) minutes before scheduled meeting and must leave immediately following close of meeting. They may not purchase any type beverage and entering upon the property at any other time subjects them to arrest for trespassing on VFW property.

3. COMMANDERS: The Department Council of Administration has wavered the first year’s dues on any new first time member (this does not apply to re-instated members). This should be of great assistance to the local Posts and Districts in recruiting new members. All you have to do is fill out the required information and indicate which Post the individual will be a member of. Send the application to the State Adjutant/Quartermaster who will verify that the individual is not a re-instate or continuous member. If he qualifies for the program the Adjutant/Quartermaster will forward the application and required dues amount to National Headquarters. This program will end December 15, 2008.

4. MID-WINTER CONFERENCE: will be held February 26-March 1, 2009 at the Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 South Water Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602. Telephone #1-251-438-4000-Fax #1-251-415-0123. Room reservations are $104.00 + tax and must be made prior to January 27, 2009. You must be registered to receive the reduced room rate. Department will make reservations for the top five (5) officers. All others must make their own reservations. Registration is $25.00. Cut-off date is February 19, 2009. Refund cut-off date is February 19, 2009. NO registration will be accepted after February 19, 2009.

5. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM DEADLINES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY – DEADLINE DECEMBER 6, 2008

PATRIOTS PEN – DEADLINE DECEMBER 6, 2008

CITZENSHIP EDUCATION – DEADLINE DECEMBER 6, 2008

SCOUT PROGRAM – DEADLINE APRIL 1, 2009

MEDIA AWARDS – DEADLING APRIL 1, 2009

ALL POST ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN NOON ON THE NLT DATE LISTED FOR THAT PROGRAM. ANY ENTRY RECEIVED AFTER THAT DATE WILL NOT BE ENTERED INTO THE JUDGING.

6. ALL STATE TEAM: The State Commander will select an ALL STATE TEAM based on the performance of each individual post. Prerequisites are listed on page 2-6 and 2-7 of the 2008-09 Roster and Program Book. Being 100% will not always make the team.

7. ATTENTION POST COMMANDERS: ASCAP/BMI LICENSE FEE: Public Law 97-366 exempts non-profit veterans organizations that meet the following requirements: (1) The function wherein live music is performed must be limited to VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members and their bona-fide guest and not open to the general public, (2) All profit after paying reasonable cost of producing the performance, must be used for charitable purposes. Post shall maintain records that will substantiate their claim to exemption as a non-profit organization and should immediately notify ASCAP or BMI representative if they receive invoices for license fee.

8. IRS FORMS 990 AND 990T’S: All Post Commanders and Quartermaster are reminded that they must withhold taxes on all employee and report income on all employees. Anyone performing (band, etc.) or contract labor must be provided a 1099 each year. Posts that are required to submit IRS Form 990/990T must do so by November 15, 2008.

9. District Commander of the Month of September 2008 is District 8 Commander Harry Smith with 81.18%. CONGRATULATIONS!

10. COMMANDER’S POST AND DISTRICT: It is your responsibility to insure that any change in the officers of the Post and District be sent to State Headquarters immediately. Include Phone and E-mail address and Department will notify National.

11. POST COMMANDERS AND QUARTERMASTERS: New 2009 Podium addition of Manual of Procedure and Congressional charter and By-Laws are now available at Department Headquarters at a cost of $10.00 each.

BY ORDER OF:

OFFICIAL:

DAVE ALVEY

Travis Whaley STATE COMMANDER

TRAVIS WHALEY

STATE ADJUTANT