VFW Post 5864 Newsletter 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143 – Phone 317-888-2488

Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter

"It’s not the dues you pay to be a member, it’s the price you paid to be eligible!”

“Like us” on --Facebook -- Greenwood VFW 5864-- and visit our --Website-greenwoodvfw.com—

2017 and 2018 VFW First Place Award winner in the District / Post level for “Large e Frequency” Publications. 2019 Silver Award winner at the District / Post level l

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Annual Post elections completed; Auxiliary elections yet to come

COVID-19 causes VFW elections to be unusual

A letter from VFW Commander-In-Chief William “Doc” Schmitz concerning elections for 2020-2021 due to the Corona-Virus-19 and the fact that VFW Post meetings cannot be held until at least some-time in May or June, has authorized us to hold our annual elections in a different manner than normal. I have also spoken to VFW Dept. of Indiana Commander Dave Capshaw and explained to him what VFW Post 5864 has done this year. A letter with a slate of officers for 2020-2021 based on 18 members who attend nearly every VFW meeting on a regular basis. We originally had two members vying for the position of Quartermaster. They were Doree Boger and Roger Crum. Roger Crum decided to withdraw his name on April 29. The final votes were tallied on Tuesday, May 5 at 5 p.m. The positions were filled by Steve Milbourn, Commander; Dave Everett, Sr. Vice Commander; Joe Vidales, Jr. Vice Commander; Doree Boger, Quartermaster; Ken Hall, Chaplain; “Butch” Umphrey, 3-Year House Committee and Ralph Schuster, 3-Year Trustee. There were 41 members who cast a vote. Sherri Jones and Don LaFountaine reviewed all ballots. The VFW Auxiliary had not held their annual elections as of the printing of this newsletter. Their plan, according to President Carol Puckett, was to hold their elections on Tuesday, May 19 at a regular meeting. If we were not open due to the COVID-19, then another plan will be discussed.

Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 5864 will re-open on Monday, May 11

at 12 noon, please view our Facebook -– Greenwood VFW 5864

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COVID-19 Information, protect yourself and others

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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2 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Honoring our military war dead

Memorial Day to be celebrated on Monday, May 25

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo, N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it is difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May,1868, is designated for strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any battle. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Gen. John Logan Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died

fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363). This helped ensure a three-day weekend for Federal holidays, though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas; April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson

Davis’ birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. It is customary for the president or vice president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. More than 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed by Congress in 1968, observation of Memorial Day

occurs on the last Monday in May, rather than on the actual date, May 30. ________________________________________________________________________________

Resource meeting set for Thursday, May 7, maybe

The May 2020 Resource meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7. The Resource meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Depending on COVID-19, the meeting may or may not be held. The Resource meeting is to determine what upcoming events we wish to host for the next three months. We have a month to come up with ideas that can be sent out to everyone ahead of time so that we can be thinking about the event and it will cut down on the discussion time at each meeting. In addition, we can discuss what type of raffles we wish to have. We have raffled off a basket with a bottle of liquor with lottery tickets and other items. We could also hold a silent raffle with pies and cakes. There are many things we can do. Members from the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Centennial Post 1919, and its Auxiliary, the 40 & 8 Voiture Locale 145 and anyone else interested in attending the meeting.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 3

A Message from the Commander . . .

Members, friends, and associates

Your financial help is much needed!

We opened our new facility on Tuesday, March 3 and on Monday, March 16 -- 13 days later we were closed. Based on what the Governor stated on May 1, we will be in our new facility on Monday, May 11 on a regular basis. The recent Corona Virus (COVID-19) has stopped us from meeting and being together since the Indiana Governor and the State VFW Commander closed bars and restaurants throughout Indiana. We were closed, as was all other VFW’s and military-type groups, because according to the State Excise Tax Police, we are considered a bar and a restaurant. Our Post is in a position that we need some money to pay several Steve Milbourn sub-contractors we used on our new facility. Commander Our bank provided us with $1,350,000. The Garrett Company, our “general contractor” put together a budget of $1,481,325.56 which meant we started with a deficit of $131,325.56. In addition, we spent another $140,000 on change orders, overruns and other expenditures that were necessary. After reviewing the additional money, we spent, it was legitimate, it simply was not expected. The need for the expenditures always seemed to come qt the last minute when the sub-contractor would call the Garrett Co. and say “we need this or that . . . “. As a result, the VFW simply ran out of money. We do have some additional donations that have been committed and are coming our way. They amount to about $50,000. Some of that money has slowed down due to the Corona Virus 19. We have some other options we are working on to obtain some money. I am also working on some additional donations with new donors. The other thing that may have hurt us was the additional money we were charged for items that were not even on the original “Bid Tab Quote”. I do understand that there always seems to be overruns, and some of them were necessary, however ours ran just over 20% or $270,000 and ironically that is very close to what we owe. When we open the VFW on May 11, it will have been 54 working days that we have not generated any bar, kitchen, banquet rental or gaming revenue. That includes a loss of more than $48,000. The Auxiliary provided us with $4,000 and we were able to obtain $12,400 loan from the Small Business Administration for purposes of payroll, mortgage payments, utilities, etc. As of the end of April our normal monthly bills were all paid. The extra items we have needed have been provided by a “core group” of around 15 to 20 VFW and Auxiliary members. When asked, they have given the Post some money as needed. As an example, we did not plan to have an automatic dishwasher. A request was sent out to our “core group” and they provided $2,200. The dishwasher is a Hobart and in excellent condition. Our new bar chairs are now here. There have been a few other items that the “core group” have helped with. The Garrett Company provided us insight into what was happening on a day to day basis with all the aspects of the construction. They were very gracious to allow three of their employees to work with us from the day we started construction until everything was finished. For their labor, knowledge, and time they did this completely free of charge. And we are extremely grateful. Now, back to the issue at hand. Please consider a donation. It will help us. Any donation that you make is completely tax deductible. For $100, you will at least get a brick and you can put anyone’s name on it. ◼ Continued to page 41

4 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

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Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 5

Join VFW Post 5864’s Auxiliary as they

host Bar Bingo throughout the year!

Monday Night Bar

at 6 p.m. -- Limited food is available

⬧ No tables reserved ⬧ Limited seating

Starts Monday, June 15

Gaming is posted behind the bar in the Canteen area. The Annual

Bingo License, Annual Raffle License, and the Annual Charity Game Night License # is 002855. If you need help, please let Sherri Jones, 253-278-1980 or Steve Milbourn, 317-525-7291

know so they can get the information that is needed to place you on VFW Post 5864’s gaming license.

◼ Public Welcome -- ◼ Please sign the book at the door

◼ No outside food or drinks -- ◼ Bingo License # 002855

6 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

13th Annual Golf Tournamenttt

Because of the COVID-19, we changed the date!

Brought to you by Greenwood VFW Post 5864

DATE CHANGED to Saturday, August 29, 2020000

at Valle Vista Golf Course in Greenwood

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5864 in Greenwood, Indiana will host their 13th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Valle Vista Golf Course. The net proceeds of the tournament will be used to fund programs for homeless veterans and many local charitable programs which include the Patriot’s Pen for junior high school students; Voice of Democracy for high school students; Boy and Girl Scouts of the Year; Teacher of the Year in elementary, junior and senior high school categories; and three college scholarships. VFW Post 5864 awards plaques annually to the Outstanding Citizen of the Year; Policeman of the Year; Firefighter of the Year and EMT of the Year in the City of Greenwood. We help homeless veterans in the community; and assist local veterans and their families in financial need. VFW Post 5864 acts as a resource to veterans by locating other organizations as needed to help the veteran confront the issues they may be facing today. You can join with VFW Post 5864 to achieve the mission of helping veterans by becoming a sponsor of our 13th Annual Golf Tournament. If you are unable to provide a sponsorship with a cash

donation, please consider donating merchandise to be awarded as prizes to our players. Each player will be provided with a “Ditty Bag” which will include coupons and business gratuities. Contributions and Sponsorships are 100% tax deductible as VFW Post 5864 is a non-profit organization. Sponsors will receive a letter acknowledging the contribution or donation provided. There are seven levels of sponsorship available to both businesses and individuals: Presenting and Co-Sponsor - $2,500; Diamond -

$1,000; Platinum - $750; Gold - $500; Silver - $250; Bronze - $100; and Individual Sponsors - $50. Sponsors will receive a complimentary meal at VFW Post 5864 after the golf tournament concludes. We thank you in advance for your support of VFW Post 5864 and the veterans of this area. By the way, our new VFW is located at 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood. You can Google 578 Commerce Parkway W. Dr., Greenwood to locate us. That was the former address. Thank you very much for your participation in this event and we also welcome you to sign up to golf in our tournament. If you have questions, call Steve Milbourn, 317-525-7291 or e-mail him, steve.milbourn@aol.com or you are welcome to call the Post at 317-888-2488.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 7

Greenwood VFW Post 5864

13th Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Valle Vista Golf Course e Check In – 7:30 a.m. – Shotgun Start – 8:30 a.m.

Team Registration (First 25 Teams to pay will play))

Prizes:

-- Putting contest prior to start of event – Starts at 7:30 a.m. – Winner gets $40 -- 4 – 1st Place Gift Cards @ $40 each -- 4 – 2nd Place Gift Cards @ $30 each -- 4 – 3rd Place Gift Cards @ $20 each -- 1st Place team gets their team name proudly displayed on our Winner’s Plaque. -- Closest to pin on Holes 3, 8, 11 and 17 -- Longest Drive – Men and Women – Hole 2 -- Longest Drive – 65 and Over – Hole 1 -- Longest Putt – Hole 9 -- Fantastic Door Prizes after the Golf Tournament

Funds raised support military, local veteran relief funds and other local charity programs.

Cost is $260 per foursome. The price includes green fees, cart, unlimited beverages on the course, a buffet with hamburgers / bratwurst, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and of course various beverages at the VFW after the tournament. Please mail or drop off this entry form with payment to VFW Post 5864, 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood Indiana 46143. Make checks payable to VFW Post 5864 -- Golf. Please print the team information below. This form must accompany your payment. No exceptions!

Name Phone E-mail

Team

Captain

Player 2

Name

Player 3

Name

Player 4

Name

Stop by VFW Post 5864 at 1842 Veterans Way in Greenwood if you need an additional registration form or go to our web-site – greenwoodvfw.com and go to Events / Events Calendar and print. For additional information call Steve Milbourn at 317-525-7291.

8 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Military history over the years in May . . .

1494 – During his second voyage to the Western Hemisphere, Christopher Columbus first sighted Jamaica and commented on the daily rains. Columbus landed on the island of Jamaica, which he names Santa Gloria. 1498 – Columbus departed with 6 ships for his third trip to America. 1539 – Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed at Tampa Bay, Florida, with 600 soldiers in search of gold. Hernando de Soto returned to the New World at the head of a 1,000-man expedition into North America. He landed near present-day Tampa Bay and proceeded through what is now Alabama and Tennessee, making treaties with some Indian, viciously fighting with others. 1861 – Confederate troops abandon Alexandria, VA. 1861 – Kentucky proclaimed its neutrality. 1861 – Tennessee officially admitted to the Confederacy. 1862 – President Lincoln, with Secretaries Stanton and Chase on board, proceeded to Hampton Roads on steamer Miami to personally direct the stalled Peninsular Campaign. The following day, Lincoln informed Flag Officer L. M. Goldsborough: “I shall be found either at General Wool’s [Fort Monroe] or on board the Miami.” The President directed gunboat operations in the James River and the bombardment of Sewell’s Point by the blockading squadron in the five days he acted as Commander-in-Chief in the field. 1862 – Battle of Williamsburg commenced as part of the Peninsular Campaign. Confederate Captain Charles Bruce kept his father apprised of conditions during the crucial Peninsula campaign. 1863 – Hooker begins to retreat from the Battle of Chancellorsville 1864 – Atlanta Campaign: 5 days fighting began at Rocky Face Ridge. 1865 – The 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery, except for “duly convicted” prisoners. 1866 – Villagers in Waterloo, NY, held their first Memorial Day service. In 1966 Pres. Johnson gave Waterloo, NY, the distinction of holding the first Memorial Day. On April 13, 1862, volunteers led by Sarah J. Evans had paid homage to the graves of Civil War soldiers in the Washington area. 1877 – Nearly a year after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Sitting Bull and a band of followers cross into Canada hoping to find safe haven from the U.S. Army. On June 25, 1876, Sitting Bull’s warriors had joined with other Indians in the Battle of the Little Big Horn in Montana, which resulted in the massacre of George Custer and five troops of the 7th Cavalry. Worried that their great victory would provoke a massive retaliation by the U.S. military, the Indians scattered into smaller bands. During the following year, the U.S. Army tracked down and attacked several of these groups, forcing them to surrender and move to reservations. Sitting Bull and his followers, however, managed to avoid a decisive confrontation with the U.S. Army. They spent the summer and winter after Little Big Horn hunting buffalo in Montana and fighting small skirmishes with soldiers. In the fall of 1876, Colonel Nelson A. Miles met with Sitting Bull at a neutral location and tried to talk him into surrendering and relocating to a reservation. Although anxious for peace, Sitting Bull refused. As the victor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Sitting Bull felt he should be dictating terms to Miles, not the other way around. Angered by what he saw as Sitting Bull’s foolish obstinacy, Miles stepped up his campaign of harassment against the chief and his people. Sitting Bull’s band continued to roam about Montana in search of increasingly scarce buffalo, but the constant travel, lack of food, and military pressure began to take a toll. In May 1877, Sitting Bull abandoned his traditional homeland in Montana and led his people north across the border into Canada. Sitting Bull and his band stayed in the Grandmother’s Country -- so called in honor of the British Queen Victoria for the next four years. The first year was idyllic. The band found plenty of buffalo and Sitting Bull could rest and play with his children in peace. The younger warriors, though, soon tired of the quiet life. The braves made trouble with neighboring tribes, attracting the displeasure of the Canadian Mounties. While the Canadian ◼ Continued to page 9

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 9

Military history over the years in May . . .

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leaders were more reasonable and sensitive about Indian affairs than their aggressive counterparts to the south, they became increasingly nervous and pressured Sitting Bull to return to the U.S. Ultimately, though, Sitting Bull’s attempt to remain independent was undermined by the disappearance of the buffalo, which were being wiped out by Indians, settlers, and hide hunters. Without meat, Sitting Bull gave up his dream of independence and asked the Canadian government for rations. Meanwhile, emissaries from the U.S. came to his camp and promised Sitting Bull’s followers they would be rich and happy if they joined the American reservations. The temptation was too great, and many stole away at night and headed south. By early 1881, Sitting Bull was the chief of only a small band of mostly older and sick people. Finally, Sitting Bull relented. On July 10, 1881, more than five years after the fateful battle at the Little Big Horn, the great chief led 187 Indians from their Canadian refuge to the United States. After a period of confinement, Sitting Bull was assigned to the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota in 1883. Seven years later he was dead, killed by Indian police when he resisted their attempt to arrest him for his supposed participation in the Ghost Dance uprising. 1916 – U.S. Marines invaded the Dominican Republic. The occupation began gradually. The first landing took place on May 5, 1916 when “two companies of Marines landed from the U.S.S. Prairie at Santo Domingo.” Their goal was to offer protection to the U.S. Legation and the U.S. Consulate, and to occupy the Fort San Geronimo. Within hours, these companies were reinforced with “seven additional companies.” On May 6, forces from the U.S.S. Castine landed to offer protection to the Haitian Legation, a country under similar military occupation from the U.S. Two days after the first landing, constitutional President, Juan Isidro Jimenes resigned. 1920 – Anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were arrested for murder. 1942 – Sales of sugar resumed in the United States under a rationing program. 1942 – Japanese forces enter China, via the Burma Road. General Stillwell, in command of the Chinese troops decides after intelligence on the true Japanese positions to withdraw his troops towards India, not China. 1942 – Japanese troops land on Corregidor. Fierce fighting by the remaining American troops under General Wainwright results, but the Japanese maintain a beach head. 1942 – Japanese Admiral Takagi’s carriers enter the Coral Sea. American Admiral Fletcher’s TF-17 is there refueling, but the Japanese do not find it. 1942 – Japanese Imperial Headquarters orders the Japanese Navy to prepare for the invasion of Midway Island. 1944 – Hospital ship, U.S.S. Comfort is commissioned in San Pedro, CA; first ship to be manned jointly by Army and Navy personnel. 1951 – Eighteen U.S. Marines and one U.S. Army infantryman captured during the Chosin / Changjin Reservoir campaign were returned to U.N. control. 1952 – Republic of Korea President Syngman Rhee declared martial law in Pusan and arrested members of the Korean National Assembly. 1952 – The U.S.S. Iowa made its heaviest attack to date against the industrial seaport of Chongjin. 1965 – A five day running battle begins in Quangngai Province. Viet Cong forces ambush a battalion of ARVN troops near Bagia and reinforcements are called for. The U.S. Marine battalion fails to arrive in time and other ARVN reinforcements are also ambushed. Only three U.S. advisors and about 60 ARVN troops manage to get away. The battle instills a sense of urgency in U.S. military leaders, as it reveals how vulnerable the South Vietnamese military remains facing a sizable and flexible Communist force. ◼ Continued to page 10

10 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Named after Ralph D. Napier

Scholarship program applications now available

The Greenwood VFW’s annual Scholarships are named for former Greenwood VFW Post Commander, District and State Commander, Ralph D. Napier. Ralph served in Korea and became eligible when he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with five bronze stars. Napier, now deceased, was born in 1932 in Three Point, Harlan County, Kentucky. He was the 10th of 12 children. He was urged to quit school at age 17, joined the Army and spent 17 months in Korea. When he returned home, he married Ponciana (Garcia) Napier. They were parents of a son,

Bradley; and two daughters, Teresa, and Rita. Ralph was the first Cub Scoutmaster of Troop 260 in 1960 and in 1965 was the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 266 earning numerous awards for his efforts. Also, in the early 1960’s he was one of the founding fathers of the Greenwood Little League. He and other founding members cleared the raw land, put in ball diamonds, fences, building dugouts and coached. Mr. Napier stayed with the Little League long after his own children moved on and then became President of that organization.

Ralph was a highly active veteran. He was a member of American Legion Post 355; Indianapolis Masonic Lodge 514 and the Scottish Rite of Indianapolis. A long-time member of VFW Post 5864, he was Post Quartermaster for 7 years; Post Commander; District 7 Commander; and finally, State Commander. According to his son Bradley, “He had that ‘never give up attitude’ and the foresight.”

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Military history over the years in May . . .

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1971 – Pres. Nixon ordered John Haldeman to do more wiretapping and political espionage against the Democrats. The orders were recorded on tape. 1971 – Audie Murphy (46), WW-II hero and most decorated U.S. Army soldier, actor (Whispering Smiths), was killed in a plane crash near Roanoke, Va. 1980 – Fifty-five women become first women graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy. 1984 – On Memorial Day the only American Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War is laid to rest at ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, attended by 250,000, including members of Congress and the international diplomatic community, and Vietnam veterans in fatigues. President Reagan, named honorary next-of-kin, delivers the eulogy at the hero’s funeral, and urges greater efforts to locate the more than 2,400 service members still missing. The remains were unearthed in 1998 for DNA testing and possible identification. They were later identified as those of Air Force First Lieutenant Michael J. Blassie and were sent to St. Louis for hometown burial. 1985 – David Jacobsen, director of the American University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, was abducted by pro-Iranian kidnappers. He was freed 17 months later. 1999 – NATO military commanders won political approval to strike at the civilian telephone and computer networks of Yugoslavia. U.S. and other allied warplanes carried out a record 650 sorties with 284 bombing attacks.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 11

_◼ Continued from page 10________________________________________________________ Greenwood Memorial

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5864 1842 Veterans Way -- Greenwood, IN 46143

Phone 317-888-2488

Ralph D. Napier Scholarship Application

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5864, Greenwood, in order to assist a deserving young man or woman pursue their education after high school, will award a graduate of the class of 2020 from an accredited high school the sum of $1000, to be applied as the recipient wishes to the costs associated with the education at an undergraduate degree granting college or university within the United States. The scholarship will be paid in two equal amounts, one payment per semester. The applicant must be a full-time student attending consecutive semesters. No exceptions to this attendance requirement are permitted.

Eligibility

Applicant must be resident of Indiana who is currently a senior in high school in the class of 2020 or enrolled in an accredited university or college. Post Graduate education or other advanced degrees are not included in this scholarship fund. The applicant must be the child, stepchild, grandchild, or step-grandchild sponsored by a member in good standing of VFW Post 5864. If the sponsor is deceased, he or she must have been a member in good standing in VFW Post 5864 at the time of death. The VFW membership number of the sponsor and the relationship must be provided on the application for verification.

Selection Criteria

Academic achievement (e.g., GPA, official academic transcript requires) Leadership and participation in school and/or community activities Honors (e.g., academic, church, community, Scouting, etc.) Community Service Patriotic Involvement

A biographical essay including the above selection criteria (i.e., leadership, participation, and service in school, church, or community; honors received), the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society, and the personal goals for the future. The essay shall be the original work of the applicant. Any other material must be footnoted. The essay shall not be less than one page or longer than three typed pages, and will be formatted with one-inch margins, 1.5 line spacing and 12-point font. This essay will be reviewed and graded based on grammar, spelling, originality, context, and content at a level consistent with exceptional academic work. Please include a passport sized photo with the application. A grade report and course registration for the second consecutive must be submitted in order to receive the second payment of the scholarship if the applicant is selected. Send all required material and supporting documentation to: VFW Post 5864, 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143, Attention: Scholarship Committee Please include your name, address and phone number and email address for contact information. Applications must be delivered to the VFW Post 5864 by Friday, May 29, 2020. The decision of the Scholarship Committee Judges will be final, and all applicants will receive written notification that a decision has been reached. The winner will be notified by U.S. Mail. Presentation of this award will take place on the evening of August 4, 2020 at the VFW Post 5864.

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12 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

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Greenwood Memorial

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5864 1842 Veterans Way -- Greenwood, IN 46143

Phone 317-888-2488

Ralph D. Napier Scholarship Application (Attach all Supporting Documentation)

Applicant Information: Name: ____________________________________ Age: ______ Date of Birth: _____________

First M.I. Last

Address: ___________________________ City: _____________ State: ___ Zip Code: _________

Home Tel:__________________ Mobile Tel: _______________ Email: _____________________

Employed: ☐ Y ☐ N Employer Name: _____________________________ City: ____________

Position: __________________ Volunteer: _________________________

Educational Institution Currently Being Attended:

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _________________

Major or Type of Training: _________________________________________________________

Grade Point Average (GPA): ________________ Expected Completion Date: _______________

Educational Institution Planning to Attend:

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _________________

Course of Study: _________________________________________ Degree Sought: _________

Expected Completion Date: _________________ Semester Tuition/Books/Fees: _____________

Semester Start Date: ___________________

Applicant Sponsor: ___________________________ Relationship to Applicant: ______________

Sponsor Signature: _______________________________________ Date: __________________

Sponsor VFW Membership No. ____________________________ (Required)

Applicant Signature: ______________________________________ Date: __________________

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 13

Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Veteran’s Memorial Brick Order Form

To honor those who have served this great country in the U.S. military, Greenwood VFW Post 5864 will be building one or more walkways leading up to the flag-pole area at our new facility which will contain the bricks of veterans, current military men and women, deceased veterans, businessmen / women and residents throughout Greenwood and other parts of the United States. Order Instructions: Each brick will have either 3 or 5 lines on the brick. The Veteran’s name and any additional wording, i.e., name of the military branch, unit name, or name of the conflict they were in is at the discretion of the donor. All type will be centered on the brick. When filling out the order form below, make sure to write information exactly as you want it to be on the brick, paying special attention to punctuation, abbreviation, etc. Lettering will be in upper and lower case. Please complete and send this form along with a check for $100 or $175 payable to: VFW Post 5864 at 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143. To assist us in processing your order, please write “Veteran’s Memorial Brick” on the memo line (left-hand corner) of the check.

❑ 4-in. x 8-in. Brick - $100 – 3 lines with 20 letters or spaces to each line

❑ 8-in. x 8-in. Brick - $175 – 5 lines with 20 letters or spaces to each line

Brick colors are -- ❑ Tumbleweed ❑ Wheatfield ❑ Admiral Red (Check one)

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When you order a brick (one name per form), please complete this form and then mail it to our address above. We can also accept credit cards via e-mail, U.S. mail (see address above), or you are welcome to stop in the Post and make your donation after 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Name ______________________________________________ Date ________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Phone _______________________ City ___________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _________________

All colors At right Tumbleweed Wheatfield Admiral Red

14 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 15

Meals at VFW Post 5864 for the next 5 weeks

MMonday, May 11 through Saturday, June 13M . The kitchen will be open from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on the dates above with an extremely limited menu – Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Chicken Wings, Chicken Strips, French Fries and Pizza. Beginning Monday, June 15, and forward food

will be determined by a review of what was done during May. We will publish that in the June newsletter.

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VFW now has two Banquet Rooms for rent

The size of the VFW’s Banquet Room has doubled since the new Post opened for business. Each Banquet Room, Room A and Room B will seat approximately 150 people. Each has separate bar areas, separate entrances and exits, and two adjoining restrooms for each room. There is plenty of parking and on-site management. The building is air conditioned and heated and is a non-smoking facility. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available. The VFW can cater your event if you wish or you are currently welcome to cater the event yourself. The VFW will not hold a date for you without a deposit. Once you determine when your event will be held, it is important that you place a deposit on that date to secure the date and time you are interested in. We welcome you to call ahead and make an appointment to stop in and see our venue. To discuss a date and time, please call Bar Manager “Charlie” Shirrell at 317-888-2488 or Steve Milbourn at 317-525-7291. The VFW’s website is greenwoodvfw.com.

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Credit Cards accepted by VFW

The VFW’s bar and kitchen have been accepting credit cards for about four years. Since that time gross and net income has

increased tremendously. Banquet rentals can also be paid by credit card as can VFW Post and Auxiliary membership and membership to American Legion Centennial Post 1919 and its’ Auxiliary and the 40 & 8

Locale #145.

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16 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

1. Have you made a donation to VFW Post 5864?

2. Have you purchased a brick for your loved one?

3. Have you purchased a leaf for the Tree which

will be hung in the VFW?

Please support your VFW Post with a donation to one or more of the above projects. A donation can be as little as $5 or if you feel generous, we will accept more. Our bricks are either $100 each for a 4 in. x 8 in. or $175 each for an 8 in. x 8 in. brick. They come in three different colors. Leaves are $125 for a Bronze Leaf; $250 for a Silver Leaf and $375 for a Gold Leaf. Doves (sold out) and Rocks are $500 each. Information on all three projects are in this newsletter. If you have any questions, please call Steve Milbourn, 317-525-7291 or e-mail him at steve.milbourn@aol.com.

Once we move into our new facility, we will still need to build a Shelter House. The new Shelter House will be slightly larger than our current one due to needing some additional storage space. We certainly appreciate everyone who has made a donation.

Greenwood Memorial

VFW Post 5864

1842 Veterans Way ⧫ Greenwood, Indiana 46143 ⧫ 317-888-2488

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 17

300 Leaves and 10 Rocks available on “Giving Tree”

We have another opportunity for members and non-members to help fund our new facility. The tree below could be placed on a wall for all to see. There are 300 leaves. We can order them in Bronze, Silver and Gold and they can be inscribed with any information you wish. There are also 3 Doves (Sold Out) within the leaves and 10 Rocks below the tree. The Doves and Rocks can also be inscribed. The Bronze leaves are $125 each; the Silver leaves are $250 each and the Gold leaves are $375 each. At the right is a sample of a leaf showing you can get up to 7 lines of type on them and the number of letters per line. The Doves and Rocks are $500 each. DOVES ARE SOLD OUT. Thanks much. The tree and accessories are open for sponsorship to anyone interested in helping with this project. The project could generate between $70,000 and $86,000. This money will be used to purchase additional items associated with the new building. Samples of the leaves will be at the bar in the VFW for anyone to look at prior to purchase. If you are inclined to help support us through this project, it would be greatly appreciated. We are hopeful that we can finish the sale of all the leaves prior to July 1, 2020 and showcasing it when we hold our grand openings. VFW 5864 gives you yet another opportunity to help fund the new Post. Call Steve Milbourn, 317-525-7291 or e-mail him at steve.milbourn@aol.com

18 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Be prepared to prove you are eligible

Transferring your VFW membership to another Post

There has always been some confusion about transferring your membership from one Post to another Post. This can be done at the time you relocate, or you can transfer to another VFW Post at any time. The misconception is that because you are a current Life or Annual member, you just give the Adjutant or Membership Chairman your card and they transfer you in. We are always hopeful that the person who originally signed you up received all the correct information and documents that showed you were eligible to join the VFW. Sometimes in the VFW’s haste, the member’s paperwork is only glanced at and not thoroughly reviewed. That is not your fault as the incoming transfer. Over the years we have found members who were not actually qualified to be a member of the VFW. When that happens, it becomes rather embarrassing. Here is the correct procedure according to the VFW Manual of Procedure: 1. Ask the member transferring in to complete a membership application. 2. Review his or her DD-214 or other documents showing eligibility for the VFW. 3. If they are an Annual or Life member, the Membership Committee, normally Commander, Quartermaster and Membership Chair signs off on the back of the membership application. 4. If they are an Annual member, you may have to collect $35 for the current year and follow through with the same procedure in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3. 5. Another step that is supposed to be taken is to call the Post the individual is transferring from to determine if he or she is leaving on “good terms” and that they do not owe any money to the Post they are transferring from. Be sure, to get the name and title of the person you spoke with. 6. At the next meeting, the prospective transfer member’s name is brought up. His or her eligibility, the branch they were in and where they served. The membership makes a motion, a second, ask for any discussion and the membership votes (without the Individual present, to accept them in or to deny them entrance to our VFW). 7. It is embarrassing to ask a Life member for them to show their credentials to prove they are qualified to be a member, but it is part of the VFW’s rules. 8. One of the things that we do at VFW Post 5864 is make a PDF copy of the DD-214 and put it on an external hard drive/ We keep it in a safe. Why do we do this? Simple. Over the years, a multitude of mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, etc. come looking for a DD-214 when the member passes. We simply go to our file and print them a copy off. When veterans pass, their family must provide a DD-214 or a document showing they served in the military to receive a flag to drape their casket. They also need the information to obtain grave markers, insurance, etc. Remember, it is not the Post’s rule nor any individual’s rule. Many of our rules and regulations are old and as they come up, they are discussed at various levels, and new ones may replace the old ones. We voted to let women in the VFW in 1978 but the Manual of Procedure still spoke of the veteran as a male until several years ago -- 2015. That too has since been changed. Stick with us. There are other things that will be changed in the future. It just takes quite a while to get the language right. Thanks.

Free Notary Service to all Veterans and Auxiliary

Members -– Contact Steve Milbourn –- 317-525-7291

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 19

VFW now serving fresh Tenderloin sandwiches

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 continues to serve the giant Tenderloin sandwiches of years past. The tenderloins are cut, pounded out and breaded if desired. The VFW purchases their tenderloins from Archers Meats.

NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

The meal includes French fries and baked beans. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 8 p.m. On Friday, Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. (after COVID-19 is over). Plan to stop by and enjoy a delicious meal and wholesome laughter in a non-smoking atmosphere.

Would you be interested in a VFW motorcycle group?

VFW Post 5864 considering starting “Rider Group”

Recently an avid motorcycle rider remarked, “We ought to look into starting a VFW Rider’s Group at the VFW”. Several of us were sitting at a table in the VFW and we all chimed in, “Let’s look into it”.

If you are interested in being part of this group, let us know. VFW members, Auxiliary members and friends and supporters of veterans are eligible to join the group. Poker Runs and other events can be scheduled to earn money for various projects. You can contact Rodney Davis at redL5@comcast.net or call Steve Milbourn at steve.milbourn@aol.com or call him at 317-525-7291. If you are

interested in joining this group, let us know. If we obtain enough people who are interested, we will set-up a meeting and get things underway. There are at least two motorcyclists who are ready to jump in and help.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864’s Indiana Gaming License # is

The Annual Bingo License,

Annual Casino Game Night License,

and Annual Raffle License is # 002855

VFW 5864 continues with weekly Euchre games

Euchre games are being held every Saturday at the VFW. Players begin showing up around 12 noon and play will begin at 1 p.m.

NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL AFTER SATURDAY, JUNE 20

There is also a cash prize for the high game score. The Indiana Gaming License Number is 002855. Members interested in working the Euchre games, should let Bill Clark know by calling him at 317-442-7086.

20 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Being a volunteer -- they live to serve . . .

The concept of giving of one’s time and energy to help or walk alongside other volunteers is a special and unique thing for many people. Some do not grasp how meaningful and important it can be, not just for those being helped, but also for those who volunteer. Live to serve individually or as a team of dedicated volunteers. Collectively as a Post, we can help a veteran, a family, or even members of our community. If you would like to feel wanted, inspired, and empowered, consider spending some of your time and energy volunteering at your Post. It may be just a few minutes that will change everything for someone or for you as a volunteer. We promise you an experience filled with fun, encouragement, laughter, camaraderie, and excitement with important and meaningful pride in yourself and your Post. Consider joining us. Have a belief in something bigger than yourself. – Anonymous

May Birthdays at the VFW

May 03 – Katherine Wright

May 04 – Johnny Capps May 05 – Dale St. Peter These birthdays are taken from Facebook. May 25 – Janice Morgan Grider

List your birthday. ________________________________________________________________________________

June 2020 deadline is Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m.

News and photo submission policy is announced

Members of the VFW and the Auxiliary are encouraged to submit news articles and photos to be published in the Post’s monthly newsletter. Auxiliary members (formerly Ladies Auxiliary) should

contact Carol Puckett via e-mail at carolbulpuck@yahoo.com, or by dropping off the information at the Post addressed to her. All other news and photos can be e-mailed to Steve Milbourn. Information can also be dropped off at the VFW and given to the bartender on duty. It is important that you place your name and phone number on the item in case there are any questions. Please ensure that names are legible. Your article may be edited. All photos must have the following information with them: who, what, when,

where, why and how the photo was taken, and who is in the photo. Please submit all articles by April 16 for the next month’s publication. The Editor is Steve Milbourn, his phone number is 317-525-7291 or steve.milbourn@aol.com. The deadline for the June newsletter is Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m.

VFW Post 5864 now has a 4,400 sq. ft. Banquet Room which can be divided

into two separate rooms for your rental needs. Call 317-888-2488 for info.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 21

New location is 2.3 miles from current location

VFW 5864’s new address is 1842 Veterans Way

VFW Post 5864’s new facility is in the final week or so of being completed. Our new address is 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143. The new address was requested by Commander Steve Milbourn to recognize and remember all veterans.

The VFW is located between Mays Chemical on the north and Dunham Rubber and Belting on the southside of the VFW property. To get to the new location, go east on Main St. Continue east past Starbucks at E. Main St. and Emerson Ave., go under I-65 and continue east past Road Ranger Truck Stop, the next street will be Commerce Parkway W. Dr. Turn right and travel about 200 yards. Our 3.63-acre lot is on the right. It is across the street from a two-story commercial building that will house Peterman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. A sign we had been waiting on was installed in the front of our building near the street. City of Greenwood Planning Department provided a reminder and warning concerning our private street – Veterans Way. According to that Department, “There will be problems with private mapping providers like Apple, Google and Garmin with the new street. The City does not have any way to influence these providers to make changes to their services and algorithms. Once the address ‘goes live’ and people cannot use Apple or Google maps to get directions to the VFW, the City will not be interacting with these providers to solve this issue. The issue will have to be resolved privately by the VFW.” If you wish to use the former address, 578 Commerce Parkway Dr. W., and put that in your phone, you should get to our location without any issues. Milbourn stated, “We have a map placed on the front of the former VFW building with directions to our new facility.” Furthermore, Milbourn said, “We have written letters to the three organizations above and anyone else who requests information as to our new address.”

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11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VFW reviewing serving lunch Monday thru Friday

Once the VFW is open on a consistent basis, the VFW will be proposing serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. once we are settled in our new facility. We know that most factories have only 30 minutes for lunch and we will need to get folks in and out. Our menu will be simple. More than likely, in the winter, a bowl of soup or chili and a sandwich and in the spring and summer, a salad and a sandwich. We hope to keep lunch down to less than $8 per person. If there is something you think might be good for lunch, let us know. Contact Steve Milbourn at steve.milbourn@aol.com. One proposal that has been submitted includes: Monday -- Hamburger and Fries; Tuesday -- Hot Ham & Cheese and Fries; Wednesday -- Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato & Fries; Thursday -- Chicken Salad Sandwich & Fries; and Friday -- Fish Sandwich & Fries; Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato & Fries. These meals are all $6.50 each. Also -- Get a cup of Chili for $2.50 or a Bowl for $4.00. A fresh salad can be substituted for French fries in any of the above meals.

22 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

iIf you have not paid your membership dues for 2019-2020 --

VFW Post 5864 -- $35 per year

American Legion Centennial Post 1919 -- $45 per year

40 & 8 Voiture (Post) Locale 145 -- $25 per year

You can mail a check to the Post or you can stop in the Post and pay by Check, Cash or Credit Card. The bartender will give you a receipt and you will get a card in about 2 weeks.

Anyone who served one day of honorable service may join the Legion or the 40 & 8.

Greenwood VFW 5864 gaming and pull-tab rules

As a reminder to those individuals who play Bingo and / or purchase gaming tickets or pull-tabs at the VFW, the following rules are in effect: All Pull-Tabs or other gaming tickets which are deemed to be winners by the VFW, must be cashed in by the close of business on the day the sale was made, otherwise the ticket will become null and void. No gaming tickets are to leave the VFW’s building under any circumstances. Pull-Tabs have Serial Numbers and the VFW is required to keep a record for the Indiana Gaming Commission and therefore the VFW has the date each set of Pull-Tabs is sold. Bingo players must be 18 years old or older to play or purchase any Bingo tickets or Pull-Tabs. These rules have been in effect for several years. The Post wanted to reiterate them. If there are any questions, please call VFW Post 5864 at 317-888-2488. Also, if your winning ticket is over $250, you must print your name on the ticket, sign the ticket and place your date of birth on the ticket. This is an Indiana Gaming Commission rule.

Greenwood VFW Bingo played every Wednesday

Each Wednesday around 60 or more individuals gather at the VFW to play Bingo. VFW Post 5864

Starts Wednesday, June 17

John Keith, a longtime worker at the Greenwood Knights of Columbus (K of C) Bingo games has been overseeing the Post’s weekly Bingo games for over two years. John Keith, Sherri Jones, Steve Milbourn, Al Kessinger, Linda Kessinger, Bill Clark, Chuck Eyer,

John Hasty, Mike Delaney, Mike Tomes and others are also working weekly to support the event. Bingo is held Wednesday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Patrons are also not allowed to tip volunteer Bingo workers or staff. In addition, Bingo workers cannot play pull-tabs or other gaming devices or buy tickets on the same day, while being a Bingo worker. There continues to be a need for additional volunteer workers to sell pull-tabs. Bingo starts with four “Early Bird” games at 6:30 p.m.

Bingo is open to the public and provides an evening out for all. If you are interested in helping, contact Sherri Jones at 253-278-1980 to get signed up! The Post’s Bingo Gaming License, the Raffle License and the Casino Game Night License Number is 002855.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 23

Please follow the directional signs

Entrance to VFW 5864 is in the rear of the building

The new VFW building has four sets of entry doors. There are two sets on the west side of the building and two sets on the east side of the building. The two entries on the eastside of the building

will be used to gain entrance for Bingo or other events such as wedding receptions, parties, and so forth. On the east side, the two entries are Banquet Room A and Banquet Room B. The Banquet Room can be divided into two venues, allowing multiple events to occur simultaneously. Each Banquet Room has access to restrooms and the kitchen if needed. There is parking on the eastside as well as the westside with handicap access on both sides. On the west side, the two entries are the Bar Room and an entry for Deliveries. Currently we will continue to open at 2 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. As we develop a

plan for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., we will open earlier. Please keep an eye on our Facebook and our website – greenwoodvfw.com. If you need any other information, call the VFW at 317-888-2488.

More operators and workers needed for gaming

The upcoming move to our new location should bring additional business and more individuals to sign up as members of the VFW and Auxiliary. If you wish to help us with gaming once a month or more often, you will need to be an operator or a worker. Bingo, Bar Bingo, Euchre, selling raffle tickets or any other form of gaming requires those helping have an operator or worker’s status. An operator is an individual who has been a member for a minimum of sixty (60) days or longer and a worker must have been a member for at least thirty (30) days. Operators can perform any function including paying out large sums of money, selling tickets, tallying, and reconciling all the paperwork we complete after each event. Workers are limited on what they can do. Members who wish to be an Operator must have been a member for at least 60 days. The Post would need some basic information including your full legal name, home address (no post office boxes), your driver’s license number, date of birth, daytime phone number, and the date you joined the VFW or VFW Auxiliary. Your name would be submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission. It takes about four to six weeks for them to process the applicants. Once approved, your name will be placed on a list and it is posted in the Post. If you can help, it would be greatly beneficial. See Steve Milbourn or Mike Tomes or simply provide the information above to either Steve or Mike and it takes about four to six weeks to get added to the licenses. The Post has one license for three events. They license is renewed annually.

VFW meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The VFW holds their membership meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The VFW meets in the canteen.

Auxiliary meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The VFW Auxiliary meets in the Banquet Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Members are encouraged to attend.

24 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864 ________________________________________________________________________________

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 25

Possibly two sponsors

Sponsor needed for flag

depository at VFW 5864

Mike Delaney was looking at this flag depository recently and a thought came to him. If we could get one or two sponsors and place their names on this piece of equipment, it would help those individuals bringing flags to the VFW to be disposed of and it would also give the sponsors continual exposure through advertisement. Delaney ran the idea by Commander Steve Milbourn, and he said, “What a terrific idea. It will help everyone especially the supporters of the flag depository.” The container would more than likely be placed in the front of the building between the doors for Banquet Room A and Banquet Room B. If you know of anyone who may be interested in being part of this project, let Mike know. The cost is around $1,500 or $750 for each person or business. The flag depository comes like you see it and the individual or business information can go toward the bottom. The donation is 100% tax deductible. You can call Mike directly at 317-372-8791 or leave a message at the VFW for him to call you.

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“Hanoi Jane Fonda” targets an important reminder

Over the last 50 years there have been many “Hanoi Jane” urinal targets in bathrooms in VFW’s, American Legions, and other military-type organizations throughout the United States. Recently there have been individuals who are either members or have visited our VFW who apparently do not understand the meaning of having her “targets” in our urinals. Jane Fonda

disrespected veterans by going to Hanoi and carrying on a war of her own against the American soldier and the American people during the Vietnam War. In my mind, what she did was unconscionable. I also understand the First Amendment to the Constitution – Freedom of Speech. But with that understanding, it is important to remember the 58,000 plus men and woman who died attempting to carry on the legacy of the USA. My point is that someone has been tearing out the stickers from the urinals.

Please read up on “Hanoi Jane” and try to understand that as a Vietnam veteran we were doing what they asked us to do. We pledged our allegiance to the United States and our citizens to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. “Hanoi Jane” was not the veteran’s friend. I left South Vietnam on October 6,1967 – just over 52 years ago. I still have as much disdain for her and her actions as I did when she committed her sins. I will never be able to forgive her.

An Editorial . . . . -- This is the opinion of Steve Milbourn and not that of the VFW

26 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864 ________________________________________________________________________________

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 27 ________________________________________________________________________________

28 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

American flag case maker

Bob Witt, U.S. Army veteran passes on April 11 James Robert Witt, 92, of Greenwood, IN, died Saturday, April 11, 2020. He was born October 10, 1927 in Franklin, IN. His parents were Helen (Gauntz) Witt and Clyde Witt, Sr. “Bob” as he was known to veterans, was preceded in death by his two wives, Rosemary (Clark) Witt and Jean

(Garrett) Witt; four brothers, Sam, Clyde, Jerry, David; and one sister, Elizabeth. He is survived by his two brothers, Benny (Helen) Witt and Denny (Debbie) Witt; two sisters, Mary Ann (Bill) Abbott and Nancy Hoskins; nine children, Sue (Don) Richwine, Sandy Searles, Debbie (Larry) Boyce, James Robert Witt II, Teresa (Dennis) Beaman, Shelly (Mike) Davidson, Sharon (Gary) Fletcher, Tim (Denise) Witt, Jeanne (Bob) Heere; and by nineteen grandchildren; thirty one great grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren. Bob was a Life Member of the VFW, American Legion, and veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from carpentry work and was a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood, and Saint Francis and Clare. Due to the current unprecedented guidelines limiting public gatherings, Bob’s funeral will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Francis and Clare food pantry.

Robert “Bob” Witt Bob was an Honor Guard member for years and made flag cases for veterans. After that he made flag cases for Greenwood & Whiteland VFW’s as well as for a few funeral homes. He was also best friends with Ray Willham, a past Honor Guard Commander.

U.S. Flag Code has rules for display and care

The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the United States of America. It is Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq). This is a U.S. federal law, but the penalty described in Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 700) for failure to comply with it is not enforced. This etiquette is as applied within U.S. jurisdiction. In other countries and places, local etiquette applies. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. • The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a

salute from a ship of a foreign nation. This is sometimes misreported as a tradition that comes from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII; American team flag bearer Ralph Rose did not follow this protocol, and teammate Martin Sheridan is often, though apocryphally, quoted as proclaiming that "this flag dips before no earthly king."

• When a flag is so tattered that it no longer fits to serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be replaced in a dignified manner. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Trail-Life USA, the military and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies.

• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it. ◼ Continued to page 29

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 29

U.S. Flag Code has rules . . . ◼ Continued from page 28

• The flag should always be permitted to fall freely. (An exception was made during the Apollo moon landings when the flag hung from a vertical pole designed with an extensible horizontal bar, allowing full display even in the absence of an atmosphere.)

• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.

• The flag should never be upside down. According to the United States Flag Code, an American flag upside down means a sign of distress or great danger.

Prior to Flag Day, June 14, 1923, neither the federal government nor the states had official guidelines governing the display of the United States' flag. On that date, the National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of over 68 organizations, under the auspices of the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. The code drafted by that conference was printed by the national organization of the American Legion and given nationwide distribution. On June 22, 1942, the code became Public Law 77-623; chapter 435. Little had changed in the code since the Flag Day 1923 Conference. The most notable change was the removal of the Bellamy salute due to its similarities to the Hitler salute. In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Eichman that the prohibition of burning the U.S. flag conflicts with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and is therefore unconstitutional. The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 prohibits real estate management organizations from restricting homeowners from displaying the Flag of the U.S. on their own property. The Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007 added a provision to fly the flag at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who died while serving on active duty. It also gave the mayor of the District of Columbia the authority to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff. Federal facilities in the area covered by the governor or mayor of the District of Columbia will also fly the flag at half-staff as directed. The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Sec. 595.) allows the military salute for the flag during the national anthem by members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and by veterans.

VA Secretary thanks Wounded Warrior Project

for $10 Million commitment to aid Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Secretary Robert Wilkie praised the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) on April 10, for its generous donation of $10 million to assist Veterans experiencing a financial crisis due to COVID-19.

“Coronavirus is disrupting daily American life, but WWP’s incredible contribution shows the American spirit is alive and stronger than ever,” Wilkie said. “This commitment does more than aid thousands of our warriors when they need it most – it inspires all us to help our friends and neighbors though this unsettling time.”

WWP is asking foundations and companies in the private sector to match its commit- ment, and Wilkie urged any who can to contribute to this noble effort.

“These heroes risked everything when their nation called, and now it’s time for every- one to hear their call,” he said. “WWP has my deep thanks and appreciation for this gesture.”

30 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Image used to sell war bonds during WW-II

Rockwell’s "Rosie the Riveter" was a real person

Norman Rockwell's image of "Rosie the Riveter" received mass distribution on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on Memorial Day, May 29, 1943. Rockwell's illustration features a brawny woman taking her lunch break with a rivet gun on her lap and beneath her penny loafer a copy of Adolf Hitler's manifesto, Mein Kampf. Her lunch box reads "Rosie"; viewers quickly recognized that to be "Rosie the Riveter" from the familiar song. Rockwell, America's best-known popular illustrator of the day, based the pose of his 'Rosie' on that of Michelangelo's 1509 painting Prophet Isaiah from the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Rosie is holding a ham sandwich in her left hand, and her blue overalls are adorned with badges and buttons: a Red Cross blood donor button, a white "V for Victory" button, a Blue Star Mothers pin, an Army-Navy E Service production award pin, two bronze civilian service awards, and her personal identity badge. Rockwell's model was a Arlington, Vermont resident, 19-year-old Mary Doyle, who was a telephone operator near where Rockwell lived, not a riveter. Rockwell painted his "Rosie" as a larger woman than his model, and he later phoned to apologize. In a Post interview, Mary explained that she was actually holding a sandwich while posing for the poster and that the rivet-gun she was holding was fake, she never saw Hitler's copy of Mein Kampf, and she did have a white handkerchief in her pocket like the picture depicts. The Post's cover image proved hugely popular, and the magazine loaned it to the United States Department of the Treasury for the duration of the war, for use in war bond drives. After the war, the Rockwell "Rosie" was seen less and less because of a general policy of vigorous copyright protection by the Rockwell estate. In 2002, the original painting sold at Sotheby's for nearly $5 million. In June 2009 the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas acquired Norman Rockwell's iconic Rosie the Riveter painting for its permanent collection from a private collector. In late 1942, Doyle posed twice for Rockwell's photo- grapher, Gene Pelham, as Rockwell preferred to work from “Rosie the Riveter” still images rather than live models. The first photo was not suitable, because she wore a blouse rather than a blue work shirt. In total, she was paid $10 for her modeling work (equivalent to $148 in 2019). In 1949 she married Robert J. Keefe to become Mary Doyle Keefe. The Keefes were invited and present in 2002 when the Rockwell painting was sold at Sotheby's. In an interview in 2014, Keefe said that she had no idea what impact the painting would have. "I didn't expect anything like this, but as the years went on, I realized that the painting was famous," she said. Keefe died on April 21, 2015, in Connecticut at the age of 92.

Multiple VHA facilities inspected by OIG during pandemic

VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) made unannounced visits to over 237 facilities throughout the nation to inspect VHA’s COVID-19 screening processes and pandemic readiness last week. A report released on March 26, 2020, detailed the findings of those visits. OIG hopes these findings will assist VHA leaders in their awareness of the facilities' emergency status and preparedness during the pandemic.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 31

Five neighborhood children also die via armed balloon in WW-II

Oregon woman killed dragging Japanese balloon

During 1945 in Lakeview, Oregon, Mrs. Elsie Mitchell and five neighborhood children were killed while attempting to drag a Japanese balloon out the woods. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Mitchell and the children, the balloon was armed, and it exploded soon after they began tampering with it. They were the first and only known American civilians to be killed in the continental United States during World War II. The U.S. government eventually gave $5,000 in compensation to Mitchell’s husband, and $3,000 each to the families of Edward Engen, Sherman Shoemaker, Jay Gifford, and Richard and Ethel Patzke, the five slain children. The explosive balloon found at Lakeview was a product of one of only a handful of Japanese attacks against the continental United States, which were conducted early in the war by Japanese submarines and later by high-altitude balloons carrying explosives or incendiaries. In comparison, three years earlier, on April 18, 1942, the first squadron of U.S. bombers dropped bombs on the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kobe, and Nagoyo, surprising the Japanese military command, who believed their home islands to be out of reach of Allied air attacks. When the war ended on August 14, 1945, some 160,000 tons of conventional explosives and two atomic bombs had been dropped on Japan by the United States. Approximately 500,000 Japanese civilians were killed as a result of these bombing attacks.

Two VFW’s and one American Legion

Honor Guard reports first quarter funeral results

The Greenwood Honor Guard monthly report in January 2020 included: Total number of funerals attended: 17; Total number of Post members in attendance: 79; Total number of manhours expended: 145; Total number of miles driven by Post members: 574. The monthly report in February 2020 included: Total number of funerals attended: 7; Total number of Post members in attendance: 35; Total number of manhours expended: 71; Total number of miles driven by Post members: 299. The monthly report in March 2020 included: Total number of funerals attended: 5; Total number of Post members in attendance: 24; Total number of manhours expended: 50; Total number of miles driven by Post members: 210. Greenwood VFW Post 5864, Greenwood American Legion Post 252 and New Whiteland VFW Post 6978 make up the Greenwood Honor Guard. There are about 30 or so volunteers and they are ready to be at a funeral for veterans on a quick notice. The group has done as many as 2 and 3 funerals in a day.

Indiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs to move soon

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs will re-locate their offices to 777 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis beginning Spring 2020. Our newly renovated original home is a larger location that will offer the same benefit services with enhanced capabilities and access to better serve our Hoosier veteran community. Located across the street from the Capehart Federal Building and within a one mile walk of the Indiana Government Center, the new location will feature State Approving Agency offices, Regional office representatives, medical and health care representatives and private organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Stay up-to-date at in.gov/dva.

32 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Scheduled for July 18-23, 2020

VFW cancels Reno 121st National Convention

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars announced its 121st VFW National Convention scheduled to be held in Reno, Nevada, this July has been officially cancelled. Thousands of VFW and Auxiliary delegates were expected to gather to represent the organization’s total membership of more than 1.6 million at the weeklong event. The decision comes as public-health concerns and social-distancing mandates are expected to

span into the summer months ahead. This year will mark the first in the organization’s storied 121-year history where a national convention will not be held. The VFW Auxiliary has also cancelled its convention. “We explored every effort to move forward with the convention in its current form, and the decision was not made lightly,” explained William “Doc” Schmitz, national commander of the

VFW. “But the fact is the health and well-being of our members, partners and supporters remains our priority, and we will not put them at risk.” Pursuant to the organization’s bylaws, the VFW National Council of Administration is responsible for administering the affairs and transacting the business of the organization in the intervals between conventions to include conducting an election of national officers. Despite the cancellation of convention, the VFW remains fully operational in accepting and processing applications to all its national support programs and maintains an active role in advocating for veterans’ legislation. Further, VFW Posts across the nation have mobilized to lead many initiatives to bring relief and assistance to their local communities amid the pandemic. “As veterans, we know best how to navigate times of uncertainty,” said Schmitz. “Convention or not, we have a job to do and a solemn promise to keep to America’s veterans, service members, and their families. We will ensure the needs of those who rely on the vital services we provide are met without interruption.”

VFW Auxiliary continues welcoming qualified males

The VFW passed a resolution to amend their National By-Laws, five years ago, at the 116th National Convention in Pittsburgh, allowing male spouses and family members to join the VFW Auxiliary. This became effective August 21, 2015.

A few facts about the change:

-- It was not a merger of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW and Men's Auxiliary. -- It changed the name of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW to VFW Auxiliary and allows spouses and eligible male relatives to join the VFW Auxiliary. -- Males who wish to join the VFW Auxiliary will be required to complete a membership application, provide proof of eligibility, and their

application will be voted on just as females who wish to join.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 33

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 check cashing policy

The House Committee of VFW Post 5864 adopted a policy concerning the cashing of personal checks. Members of VFW Post 5864 or its’ Auxiliary; American Legion Centennial Post 1919 or its’ Auxiliary and / or the members of the 40 & 8 Voiture Locale 145 can cash one (1) $100 check daily. Non-Members of VFW Post 5864 or its’ Auxiliary can cash one (1) $50 check daily.

No two-party checks will be cashed. Any check returned for Insufficient Funds will be charged $36 ($11 for bank charges and $25 for the returned check fee. Anyone who has outstanding returned check(s) will have their check cashing privileges revoked.

We do have an ATM in the bar area that you can access for additional cash up to $200 in a 24-hour time period. Any exceptions to these rules must be discussed with a member of VFW Post 5864 House Committee.

To combat COVID-19

VA increases capacity by 4,000 beds across nation

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced April 1, that it has successfully increased its ICU and Medical/Surgical bed capacity by over 4,000 across the nation. These beds, along with the staff, equipment, and personal protective equipment required to operate them, are critical to the treatment of Veterans and civilians infected with COVID-19. The VA historically had approximately 1,000 ICU beds and 6,000 Medical/Surgical beds, and now has more than 2,300 and 8,500, respectively. “Our frontline medical personnel have been working tirelessly around the clock to prepare for an influx of Veterans infected with COVID-19, and we are now treating hundreds of cases.” said VA Secretary Robert Wilke. “Simultaneously, we have been working to enhance as many beds as possible to be equipped with what is necessary to care for those infected, both Veterans and non-Veterans if need be.” VA is part of the National Disaster Medical System, which positions it as a backstop to the nation’s private medical facilities when States have exhausted their capacity to provide care. At this time, VA has been assigned two such missions in New York and New Jersey. States may request assistance from the Federal Government through their local Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC), as part of FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center. Counties, cities, and other municipalities should route all requests for Federal support through their respective states. VA cannot receive direct requests for assistance from state and local governments. VA continues to strongly encourage Veterans, staff members, and their families to take everyday precautions to protect against respiratory illnesses caused by COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold, and to follow the guidance of all local healthcare and emergency management officials.

VA to reimburse denied and rejected non-department emergency claims

Many veterans are having their rejected emergency room expenses reimbursed by VA. The action stems from a VFW-supported court case decided in Sept. 2019, which found VA failed to comply with laws and regulations requiring it to reimburse veterans for emergency room visits. This week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, again, ruled that VA's new regulations are in violation. The court has required VA to reexamine more than 72,000 rejected claims and update its rule. VA estimates it will need to reimburse between $1.8 billion and $6.5 billion in new and previously denied emergency room claims to comply with the court order. Read more.

34 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Cancellation of the 2020 Department Convention

and continuation of current officers for 2021

Indiana Commander Allen Connelly met virtually with his advisory committee and recorded an electronic vote by the Department Executive Committee (DEC) to cancel Indiana’s 102nd annual department convention. “It’s very unfortunate that we had to cancel our department convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the health of our members is our top priority. At the American Legion Department of Indiana, “We Change Lives,” but by canceling our convention, we might just save lives. I want to thank our DEC for their difficult decision on Resolution 2020E01. Their decision was not easy, but their effort to save lives does not go unappreciated,” a statement from Commander Connelly said. When the American Legion national executive committee passed Resolution No.: 3 unanimously canceling the 2020 National Convention, it recommended that all Departments follow a similar course of action. Past National Commander James Koutz says “It’s something we needed to do with every-thing going on today. We at the American Legion don’t want to see anyone get sick, so it’s best that we cancel the department convention until this all blows over.” The national resolution also recommends that departments cancel their 2020 conventions and elections, and to maintain the status quo of their officers until next year. Commander Connelly says, “At the recommendation from the National Headquarters Resolution No.: 3, I accept the responsibility of leading the Department through this unprecedented time and I look forward to gathering again soon, when appropriate.” Allowing officers to remain elected for an additional year is unprecedented, however PNC Koutz says that it makes sense. “This year the officers didn’t have a chance to finish their year” due to the cancelation of convention and elections, and now he says, this gives those officers the ability to finish out their year not under quarantine. With nothing officially scheduled for in the near future, now is the perfect time to conduct buddy checks. While we are sitting at home, we can call veterans and members that are both current and expired, to see if we can help them in any way.

VA acquires Texas community hospital to fight

COVID-19 and care for Veterans in the future

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acquired the former Garland-Baylor, Scott & White hospital, April 3, to increase its capacity to care for Veterans. The 470,000 square foot facility was donated by Baylor, Scott & White and will eventually serve as an outpatient and specialty care clinic within the VA North Texas Health Care System. Initially, the facility will be setup as an inpatient overflow unit with capacity for 100 beds to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Later care will expand care for the 184,000 North Texas Veterans, to meet the growing demand for VA healthcare in that area. “We thank Baylor, Scott & White for this generous donation.” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, “This acquisition demonstrates VA’s innovative approach to providing care for Veterans, both in this time of crisis and in the future.” VA encourages Veterans, staff members, and their families to take everyday precautions to protect against respiratory illnesses caused by COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. Follow the guidance of your local and state healthcare and emergency management officials.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 35

CARES Act to help VA boost protections for veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun implementing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, signed into law March 27, to protect America’s Veterans. The CARES Act is best known as the law providing $2.2 trillion in economic relief to Americans and has language critical to ensuring the safety of Veterans. “President Trump signed this legislation into law with a sharp eye on ensuring the safety of our nation’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Since the President signed the CARES Act, VA has been moving quickly to implement the President’s intent to hire new staff, take care of homeless Veterans, use our cutting-edge telehealth technology to keep appointments, help state-run Veterans homes.” The bill contains important funding increases in support of VA’s nationwide response to the challenge. This includes $17.2 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, where money is already being used, to hire new staff and make sure existing personnel have the resources they need to deal with the evolving needs of the pandemic. The funding has also been used to add beds, provide overtime pay and purchase needed supplies such as ventilators, pharmaceuticals, and personal protective equipment. Other CARES Act benefits to Veterans includes: Homelessness • Increasing the amount to support the additional costs of aiding Veterans in today’s more difficult

economic circumstances. Before the CARES Act, VA provided up to $48.50 per day for each Veteran that grantees assist.

• Expecting loan servicers to comply with all home loan related provisions of the CARES Act, giving borrowers the right to loan forbearance upon request and protecting against foreclosures, evictions, and adverse credit reporting. During the COVID-19 emergency, servicers must also comply with all other federal, state, and local requirements implemented to address the servicing of home loans.

Telehealth • Allowing VA to enter into short-term agreements with telecommunications companies to deliver

free or subsidized support for mental health services through a telehealth connection or VA’s Video Connect service.

• Working to ensure Veterans participating in the HUD-VA Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH) have access to telehealth equipment.

State Veterans Homes • Waiving a requirement that VA state homes maintain a 90% occupancy rate in order to receive

federal benefits for times when the Veteran is not in the home. The change recognizes the importance of social distancing, especially among the older Veteran population.

• Permitting State Veterans Homes to admit more spouses of Veterans and Gold Star parents. Additionally, the CARES Act law allocates $150 million for emergency State Veterans Home construction and $2.15 billion for information technology. ________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

36 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

VA news briefs from the National VFW . . .

COVID-19-Related Extensions for Claims Deadlines: VA recently announced, in a policy memorandum, that veterans impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for extensions for deadlines related to claims and appeals. The memorandum states extensions can be requested by a veteran or the veteran’s service officer and will be granted for the perfection of claims after an intent to file, appeals and higher-level review, the submission of additional evidence, and attendance at a hearing or a compensation and pension (C&P) examination. “While the VFW appreciates the intent, VA must suspend all claims and appeals deadlines until after this national emergency ends,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Matthew Doyle. “The process VA has established does not guarantee an extension will be granted.” The VFW continues to urge our members to maintain communication with their service officers. Please keep your service officer informed if you are unable to attend a compensation and pension (C&P) exam, and please contact the C&P examiner to reschedule your appointment.

VA to Rescind Decades-Long Claims Review Policy: VA has announced, in a memorandum, that it will rescind its policy of permitting accredited service officers to review claim decisions within 48-hours prior to formal promulgation of ratings. VA stated that this policy change is due to a lawsuit it faces from an attorney who was denied access to the 48-hour review process. Unlike veteran service officers (VSOs), attorneys are not permitted to review claims decisions within the 48-hours preceding promulgation. VA also stated that 48-hour review policy is no longer necessary due to the efficient system of filing and appealing claims made possible by the Appeals Modernization Act. During the 48-hour review period, VSOs inspect claims for accuracy to ensure that all claims were rigorously evaluated and are free from error prior to a veteran receiving notification of a ratings decision. The VFW strongly opposes this policy change as this decision will invariably cause harm to veterans who file claims for disability benefits.

Beware of COVID-19 Testing Scams Targeting TRICARE Beneficiaries: The VFW wants its members and supporters to be careful of scams that target TRICARE beneficiaries regarding coronavirus testing. If you receive a call from someone offering to send you a COVID-19 testing kit, you could be the target of a scam. COVID-19 testing is not available for everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your medical provider is the only one who can determine if you need testing. So be sure to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms. The people involved in the COVID-19 testing kit scam are looking to steal personal information from you. This could be your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account numbers. “If someone you are unfamiliar with requests your personally identifiable information, immediately hang up and call your medical provider or TRICARE,” said VFW Director of Communications Terrence Hayes. “Don’t give these perpetrators an opportunity to steal your ID.”

Senators Seek Funding for Veterans Using FMP: Last week, Senate offices sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie requesting that he use funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Emergency Response (CARES) Act to cover the costs of COVID-19 testing and treatment for veterans eligible for the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) with the assumption that COVID-19 could aggravate all service-connected disabilities.

DOD Financial Readiness During COVID-19 Pandemic: The DOD Financial Readiness Program website now has a COVID-19 landing page with financial resources. They are planning to continually update this page with content and additional resource links. To the extent possible, they are linking to the primary source so any updates to individual pages are captured.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 37

Current officers to remain in office

No elections for American Legion Post 1919

American Legion Centennial Post 1919 will not have their annual elections this year for 2020-2021. The Dept. of Indiana American Legion is also not hosting an election for the 2020-2021 year. National, Department, and District have all recommended that the Post level keep officers in place for the next year. There are no bylaws in any of these levels to "force" the Post to do anything that they do not want to do. According to Dave Everett, “As Commander, I have spoken with the E-Board and they agree

with the recommendation. We will keep our officers in place until the next elections in 2021. I hope that this does not upset anyone. If it does, please contact me directly to voice your concerns. In full disclosure, all the current officers expressed a desire to remain for the next year and only two members showed a desire to step up into a certain role. Both these members have been contacted directly and are willing to go along with the plan.”

The officers currently in the positions in which they wanted to run will be asked to mentor them over the next year and let them sit in sometimes to gain experience for the role. The Corona Virus 19 (COVID-19) disease has caused many changes this year in our lives, schedules, and our day-to-day activities.

For hearing loss or tinnitus

DAV urges military presumptive compensation

In November 2019, Senator Tina Smith (MN) introduced S. 2810, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2019. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not provide a presumption of service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus. All veterans must establish exposure to acoustic trauma in service, provide a diagnosed hearing loss or tinnitus, and a medical opinion linking them together. However, this can be difficult to overcome as in many cases acoustic noise exposure in service is not documented or hearing exams were not provided.

S. 2810 would consider hearing loss, tinnitus, or both, incurred in or aggravated by active military service for a veteran who served in combat and for veterans in a military occupational specialty or equivalent who were likely exposed to sufficient high levels of acoustic trauma to result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or both.

Veterans can be rated at 0% disabled for hearing loss and be required to use hearing aids. It is a general principle of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities that ratings are not offset by the function ____________________________________ artificially restored by a prosthetic device. Veterans

with a 0% rating for hearing loss that requires hearing aids should not be held to a different standard. Additionally, S. 2810 would require the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid for a service-connected disability. ___________________________________________

REUNITED -- Bobby Jennett, left; Dillon Sutton, center, and Steve Milbourn, on the right reunite after Staff Sgt. Dillon Sutton returned from Kuwait after being gone for 12 months. Dillon has now been reassigned back to the National Guard unit at Holt Rd. on the west side of Indianapolis.

38 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Served at Keesler AFB

Veteran makes

American flag

presentation

Robby West, at right, an Air Force veteran, who made the American flag on the left makes a presentation to American Legion Post 1919 Commander Dave Everett. The flag is made from wood. West said while making the first flag and chiseling the stars, he felt it very therapeutic for his mind. West served with another

American Legion Post 1919-member, Jerry Prickett. Both served at Keesler AFB in the late 1980’s. ________________________________________________________________________________

VA partners with Treasury Department to help

deliver Economic Impact Payments to Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced recently it is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or IRS filings. The ‘Economic Impact Payments,’ authorized by the Treasury Department under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be issued automatically to recipients of non-taxable VA benefits who did not file annual income tax returns for 2018 or 2019. VA and the IRS have been collaborating since the passage of the CARES Act to ensure Veterans receive their EIP. “Many have expressed concern that Veterans and their beneficiaries would be overlooked during the distribution of Economic Impact Payments from the CARES Act simply because they don’t file an annual tax return,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This collaboration will ensure our Veterans receive CARES Act payments without any additional action or paperwork required.” Economic Impact Payments will be automatic for non-tax filing VA beneficiaries. For VA beneficiaries who filed a Form 1040 for 2018 or 2019, those payments will also be automatic. No further action is needed. They can track the status of their payments on the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov. For non-tax filing VA beneficiaries, please note their information will be loaded on this tool within the next few weeks. For VA beneficiaries who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have a dependent, there is a special step they need to take, and the sooner the better. They should visit the Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info Here tool on IRS.gov. By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. ◼ Continued to page 39

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 39

VA and Treasury Dept. watching out for Veterans

◼ Continued from page 38

VA recognizes that many non-tax filing beneficiaries have already begun using the IRS’ EIP payment portal to provide the necessary data to IRS to receive their EIP. There will be no interruption to payments being processed using the IRS portal, and Veterans with internet access are encouraged to continue providing information and track their EIP through the IRS portal. For those who do not have access, or choose not to use the IRS portal, their EIP will be processed without further action on their part. While no date for distribution has been set at this time, VA is securely sharing necessary beneficiary data with Treasury which will allow Treasury to begin issuance of Economic Impact Payments. For more information on CARES Act ‘Economic Impact Payments,’ visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know. ________________________________________________________________________________

Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient

David P. Hilton passed April 20

David P. Hilton, age 71, died on April 20, 2020, in Indianapolis. David was born August 10, 1948, in Indianapolis, IN. He was a U. S. Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict. During his service, David became a Purple Heart recipient. He was employed as a barber at Mike's Barber Shop for 12 years and then with Southport Barber Shop until he retired. David was a beloved resident of Greenwood Healthcare Center since 2017.

David P. Hilton David is survived by his close friends, Jerry & Betty Welty, and Pat Hiatt. Per David's wishes, a graveside service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (Greenwood) with military honors was held on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Entrance to the new VFW is in the rear of the building

The Bar Entrance to the building is on the northwest side and the Delivery Entrance is on the southwest side. Currently the VFW is shut down due to the Corona Virus 19.

40 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

VA hiring jumps 37.7% in fight against COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has significantly increased hiring in the two weeks ending mid-April — a surge that will continue in the coming weeks as VA works to protect patients from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During the timeframe from March 29 to April 11, VA hired 3,183 new staff members, of which 981 are registered nurses, a 37.7% increase from the prior two-week period. “As VA proactively bolsters its workforce, the department expects to hire another 4,500 staff members during the next several weeks,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Caring for Veterans requires dedicated staff. On behalf of the Veterans we are charged with serving, I salute those who have recently joined the VA team so we can continue serving Veterans during this national emergency.” VA has moved aggressively to ensure each of its 170 hospitals and more than 1,200 clinics are staffed to handle the increasing flow of patients due to COVID-19. This effort protects both Veteran and non-Veteran patients VA treats as part of its "Fourth Mission" in serving as a backstop during a national health crisis. VA launched a national hiring campaign to attract registered nurses, respiratory therapists, anesthesiologists, housekeepers, supply technicians, and other medical and related professionals to work in its facilities across the country. Many of VA’s new hires come from health care systems that have seen temporary layoffs due to COVID-19. VA has also invited retired health care workers to work for VA, and waived salary restrictions that would normally apply to those potential employees.

American Legion has Veterans Outreach committee

American Legion Centennial Post 1919 Commander and a small group of members has put together a new committee last month. The Veterans Outreach Committee will be doing things like reaching out to current members and checking in on the local assisted living facilities for veterans. Additional members for the committee are needed. James Engleking and Doug Pearson are the co-chairs of the committee. If you’re interested in being on the committee or providing information to the committee, please contact Commander Dave Everett by e-mail him at jd_everett@hotmail.com.

Providing a connection

Facebook, VA, and the American Red Cross

As a part of the PREVENTS initiative, veterans enrolled in VA’s caregiver support programs or a geriatric and extended care program now qualify for two free video-calling devices while supplies last. The program provides two portal devices: one for the veterans and the other for a caregiver or family member. VA has seen a 70% increase in mental health appointments in March compared to February. During this time of social distancing and loneliness, it is more important to check in with both veterans and their caregivers. #BeThere and keep these resources handy: -- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. The VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 (toll free 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST). ________________________________________________________________________________

COVID-19 Testing Costs: Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, TRICARE will waive co-pays for approved COVID-19 testing that is ordered by a doctor. Beneficiaries are not responsible for copays for tests (and related provider services and supplies) furnished on or after the date of enactment. Claims that were filed with a copay will be re-processed to remove the copayment or cost-share. Beneficiaries who already paid a copay for now-covered tests can file for reimbursement.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 41

VFW Post 5864 is in need of your help . . .

◼ Continued from page 3

⧫ If you purchase a 4 in. x 8 in. brick for $100, our cost is $25; the $175 brick is 8 in. x 8 in. and costs us $45. The brick company engraves the bricks, ships them to us at no cost and all we will do is place them near our flagpole area. ⧫ If you wish to purchase one of the leaves on “The Tree of Life” that are available – Bronze - $125; Silver - $250 or Gold - $375. There are also rocks at the bottom of the tree that are $500 each. All these leaves and rocks can be inscribed. The “tree” will be placed in either the main bar area for all to see or in another area that will stand out as well. ⧫ Or you can make a 100% tax deductible donation in any amount. We will send you a receipt and anyone providing a donation of $100 or more will be recognized at our “Open Houses” and via a plaque near the front (bar) door. ⧫ If you make a substantial donation, we will make sure you are placed in our newsletter with your photo (if you want the publicity). ⧫ And you can make a donation with your name on a room, etc. If you go to our website at greenwoodvfw.com under “DONATIONS”, you can see the forms for the various items above and a 7-page brochure showing what else we have available. For any donation over $1,000, we will provide you with a 50% discount on any of our two banquet rooms or the one single banquet room. Although we are still closed until this coming Monday, May 11, you are welcome to mail a check, call in a credit card or make an appointment with Commander Steve Milbourn to make the transaction. You are welcome to call him at 317-525-7291. We still plan to have several “Open Houses” for various groups including – (1) our VFW members and our Auxiliary first and foremost; (2) our American Legion and the 40 & 8 and their Auxiliaries. (3) State and District VFW officers as well as any member of any other VFW Post; (4) our neighbors in the area where we built our new VFW; (5) our contractor, sub-contractors, and workers’. (6) residents of the City of Greenwood and the staff of all the employees in the City; (7) residents of Johnson County; and (8) members of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. I hope I have not left anyone out. If I did, just show up one of these nights and tell me I forgot you. By the way if you will, bring your checkbook, some cash or even some change. And this will be the last chance you will be able to have to purchase a brick because we will start placing them. Just so you will know, veterans are extremely important to all of us. Seldom do we ever ask for anything; we do not jump up and down and let everyone know we served in a combat zone and for the most part many of us were fired upon by the enemy. If you see us on the street, unless we are wearing a cap or jacket, you will never know that at one time we defended and protected American citizens again all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I am sure that all of you reading this news story know a veteran or a veteran is in your family. Thanks much for listening. We appreciate all of you and hope that you, your family and friends get through our nation’s current COVID-19. After we re-open, we hope that you will stop in and see our facility.

Thanks,

Steve Milbourn Post Commander VFW Post 5864 317-525-7291 steve.milbourn@aol.com

42 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

DAR and VFW Post 5864 were teaming up

Memorial Day flag laying at cemeteries cancelled

The Mary Bryan Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and Greenwood VFW Post 5864 were set to place flags on graves of soldiers at two or three cemeteries in Johnson County. Because of the COVID-19, both groups thought it was prudent to forgo the annual May 30

Memorial Day event. The DAR’s next major event is the Veteran’s Day program on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 at The Mizo Christian Church, formerly One Christian Church and Southport Baptist Church located at 2901 E. Banta Rd. at the corner of Banta and McFarland Rds. in Southport. Social

time starts at 6:30 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 7 p.m. The program, which was arranged by Vicki Kurtz, Regent of the Mary Bryan Chapter NSDAR, will be on Hoosier Ernie Pyle.

Joint statement from DHS and VA on continued

collaboration throughout COVID-19 pandemic

In a whole-of-government effort, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs have worked very closely together throughout the coronavirus pandemic to bring critical medical supplies to our nation’s heroes. While the supply and demand for PPE during this crisis is greater than ever before, the federal government has worked with governmental and private sector partners to secure what the VA needs. In support of our nation’s veterans, FEMA has coordinated shipments of more than 4.3 million various types of respirator masks, 1 million facial/surgical masks, 1.5 million gloves, and 14,000 face shields to VA facilities across the country. An additional 1 million facial/surgical masks are shipping this week. Additionally, working in close partnership with FEMA, the VA has made 1,500 acute and intensive care hospital beds across the nation available to non-veteran patients, if necessary. VA is helping 38 states, providing support to state Veterans’ homes and private nursing homes.

VFW Post 5864 to open on May 11 at 12 noon

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 will open on Monday, May 11 at noon after being closed 56 days due to the COVID-19 virus. Their hours will from noon to 8 p.m. or so. The VFW was shut down when other bars and restaurants closed in March. There will be a limited food menu every day beginning at noon until Monday, June 15. If you are interested in eating lunch, you can call ahead or stop by. Entrance to the building is in the rear Bar area. There will be a full drink menu, however no live entertainment is permitted until mid-June. The capacity will be limited to around 60 people. Social distancing guidelines will be required, but we will help anyone who wants specific accommodations. Employees will be wearing masks. There will be no one allowed to sit at the bar. The VFW is now at their new location at 1842 Veterans Way, between Mays Chemical and Dunham Rubber. Come visit and meet some new people in a non-smoking atmosphere with comfortable seating. If you have any questions, please call the VFW at 317-888-2488.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 43

VFW Post 5864 gets 18 new bar stools

Eighteen new bar stools were delivered to the VFW on Wednesday, April 29. They are made from a heavy-duty metal and have comfortable vinyl padded seats. The seats swivel and the chair will support up to 500 pounds. Thanks to the Auxiliary and several other benefactors. ________________________________________________________________________________

Six volunteers put together the bar stools in late April. From left is Don LaFountaine; under him is G.K. Puckett; Roger Crum in the center and on the right is “Butch” Umphrey. Mike Delaney took the photos and Steve Milbourn helped carry the chairs into the bar area to put them together. We all maintained our six feet apart.

44 – May 2020 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

VFW Post 5864 elections for 2020-21 are held

Greenwood VFW Post 5864’s annual elections were held between Thursday, April 16 and Tuesday, May 5. A list of nominees was presented to all VFW members via E-mail or U.S. mail. There were less than 10 members who did not have an e-mail and their address was in “red” which means that they had a bad address. A letter from VFW Commander-In-Chief William “Doc” Schmitz concerning elections for 2020-2021 due to the Corona-Virus-19 and the fact that VFW Post meetings in Indiana could not be held until at

least sometime in mid to late May or June. The National VFW has authorized Posts to hold their annual election in a different manner than normal. Commander Milbourn also spoke to VFW Dept. of Indiana Commander Dave Capshaw and explained to him what VFW Post 5864 was planning on doing. This news article will explain the process which was used to hold the election for 2020-2021. A letter with a slate of officers for 2020-2021 based on 18 members who attend nearly every meeting on a regular basis. However, we did take into consideration anyone wanting to be nominated for a position. They

would have to submit a signed letter with their request that they would accept a position if nominated and E-mail it to the E-mail address below or send it through the U.S. mail to the address below. You can mail your Election Letter to VFW Post 5864, Attn: Election, 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143 or E-mail it to: VFWpost5864election@gmail.com An updated membership list was printed off with all current and unpaid members. The list was used to verify who is and is not eligible to vote. Unpaid members are ineligible to vote. If you received an E-mail or a letter in the mail, you were eligible. An E-mail was sent to all those members who have an E-mail and were eligible – 305 members. Those who did not have an E-mail but were eligible received a letter via the U.S. mail – 146 members. There were 79 unpaid members and 11 members who had a bad address and no E-mail. That is a total of 541 members which is what we had listed on our VFW Membership List on April 11, 2020 This was completed by April 16. The vote was required to be returned by Tuesday, May 5. We gave members 19 days to get the paperwork and get it back to us. Sherri Jones, who is not running for any position, oversaw the operation. She collected all the ballots and four (4) additional members, who are not running for any position, counted the ballots. Sherri is the only person who has the password to the E-mail. The final votes were tallied on Tuesday, May 5. The positions have been filled by Steve Milbourn, Commander; Dave Everett, Sr. Vice Commander; Joe Vidales, Jr. Vice Commander; Doree Boger, Quartermaster; Ken Hall, Chaplain; “Butch” Umphrey, 3-Year House Committee and Ralph Schuster, 3-Year Trustee. Please work with these men and women in the coming year.

VFW offers Life Membership incentive

William J. “Doc” Schmitz, Commander-in-Chief is offering a new Life membership incentive program. All members who either join the VFW as a new Life member, reinstate as a Life member, or upgrade their existing annual membership to a Life member beginning Sept. 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, will earn a $50 store credit. This credit must be used prior to Aug. 31, 2020. You are welcome to upgrade, pay off or reinstate your membership.

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 – May 2020 Newsletter – 45

For the first time

Veteran trust in VA health care rises above 90%

The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs has released survey results showing Veteran trust in VA health care outpatient services has increased more than 5% since 2017, reaching 90.1% as of April 12. VA received surveys from 4,030,438 Veterans since June 2017 to the present via the Veterans Signals customer feedback program which asks Veterans about their care experience and to rate their trust in VA. “These improvements are a testament to not only VA’s investment in patient experience programs but also the dedication of our employees.” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Even during a pandemic, our VA team has continued its steadfast commitment to delivering the highest quality care for our nation’s Veterans.” This delivery of quality care reflects VA’s priority mission of customer service and its goal to ensure a positive patient experience. In the past three years, more than 95,000 Veterans Health Administration employees have been trained on VA’s customer experience training program called Own the Moment. VA has also implemented programs like Red Coat Ambassadors nationwide to improve the Veteran’s navigation of care facilities across the country. Initiatives such as VA Patient Experience Week (April 27-May 1) share best practices in culture changing patient experience tools, technology and training with institutions and providers across the country. Since the VA began offering Veterans the option to respond to Veteran Signals surveys with free-text feedback, 68% (918,873) of their comments have been complimentary, 18.9% (255,351) have been concerns and 13.3% (179.902) are recommendations. VA uses this feedback at the national, regional, and local levels to make improvements in the way VA provides care and services. ________________________________________________________________________________

8th Day Distillery switches from alcohol to sanitizer

Matt and Mason Lamping opened the 8th Day Distillery in 2016 at 1125 Brookside Ave. on the downtown’s near eastside. Their phone number is 317-600-3791. Since beer, wine and liquor stores were shut down in early March, the distillery like many others decided to use their time to help with the COVID-19 by making hand sanitizer. They are providing it to first responders and health care workers. The items they currently carry include: Gin & Tonic in cans; Craft Cocktail mixes -- Raised Me Right; The Favorite Child; The Birds and Bees; The Rona Rita. Also -- Gin; Rum; Chaf Maison; Bourbon; Navy Strength Gin and Rye. Some of the items are currently out of stock, but you can call them to verify that.

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Emergency Stimulus Checks -- All eligible veterans will receive their 2020 stimulus check

regardless of whether they filed taxes or not. Veterans who do not file taxes because they rely on VA benefits are still eligible to receive stimulus checks. Such veterans can go to the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments webpage to input their direct deposit and dependent information to help expedite and track when they will receive the stimulus checks. Eligible individuals for whom the IRS does not have direct deposit information and do not submit their data electronically will instead receive paper checks through the mail, which is estimated to take several months.

Mortgage Forbearance during the COVID-19 Pandemic -- The Department of Housing

and Urban Development has partnered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to produce a “What You Need to Know: Mortgage Forbearance” video to educate consumers who may have difficulty making on-time mortgage payments due to the national coronavirus emergency.