GENERAL ORDER NO. 7 2007-2008 SERIES

1. MEMBERSHIP: We currently have 17,988 members reported for 83.84%. We appreciate your support as we start the “Caring and Serving all Veterans and Families” membership year for 2007-2008. We need 1,999 members to reach 90% by January 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. NOTE: MIDWINTER CONFERENCE: is scheduled for January 24-27, 2008 at the Huntsville Marriot, 5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama. For Room reservations call 1-256-830-2222 or fax 1-256-830-1336. Room rates are $82.00 + tax. Reservations must be made prior to January 2, 2008 cut-off date. Registration fee is $40.00 and you must register by January 11, 2008. After this date registration will be $50.00 if seating is available. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

4. 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.

5. ATTENTION COMMANDERS: Your attention is directed to action of the National Council of Administration prohibiting the wearing of baseball type caps and/or western style hats at any VFW meeting.

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 2007-08 Roster and Program Book. Being 100% will not always make the team.

7. ATTENTION: A thorough program of Post Inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department By-Laws and directives. Department Inspectors and Deputies shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed.

8. 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.

9. POST COMMANDERS AND QUARTERMASTERS: New 2008 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.

10. District Commander of the Month of December 2007 is District 4 Commander Robert Littrell with 89.88%. CONGRATULATIONS!

11. REMINDER: Very important that everyone be reminded that to receive an appointment from the National Commander-in-Chief to the National Convention you must have five (5) new or reinstated members. If you have a state appointment this year the State Commander requires that you must have ten (10) new and/or reinstated members by December 31, 2007 to maintain that appointment and also to be considered for a National appointment.

12. 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 no waive the requirement to have 150 VFW members to hold a Class I retail liquor license. You must have 150 paid VFW members.

13. STATE COMMANDERS HOMECOMING: April 25-27, 2008, Dothan, AL. Room reservations, can be made by calling Holiday Inn, 2195 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 1-334-794-8711.

14. NEW: Effective immediately any payments due to Headquarters can be processed on a credit card: American Express, Discover, Visa or MasterCard. Payment for Buddy Poppies or registration for any conference or convention will be accepted by credit card. Please send reason payment is being received, amount and current credit card information with expiration date and security code (3 numbers on back). The information can be received by phone, mail, e-mail or fax.

15. COMMANDERS: Section 220 of the National By-Laws, “Vacancies and Removal of Elective Officers” states that “Any elective Post officer removed by the Department Commander, by reason of failure to pay current dues or by vote of the Post under the provisions of this Section, shall not be eligible to serve in any Post office in the same administrative year in which the officer is removed.”

16. The State Veterans Service Office has an opening for a Deputy Service Officer. Candidates should submit their resumes to State Headquarters no later than January 18, 2008. Interviews and selection of a Deputy Service Officer will he held during the Mid-Winter Conference and employment will start February 1, 2008. Service Office employees must be members of the VFW and live in or be able to commute on a daily basis to Montgomery. For additional information contact State Headquarters at 1-800-240-6697.

17. National Special Order No. 138, dated November 30, 2007, terminated the membership Jim L. Walden, 4001 Brandywine Dr., Phenix City, Al 36869, Membership No. 6205508, David Sallie Memorial Post No. 12072, Phenix City, AL, because of ineligibility.

BY ORDER OF:

EDWARD PRITCHARD

STATE COMMANDER

OFFICIAL:

JOHN HANCOCK

STATE ADJUTANT