VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS

GENERAL ORDERS #12                                                                                              JUNE 2008

2007-2008 SERIES

1.  POST REPORT OF ELECTION, IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED: As of the end of May, National has not received post Report of Election listing the post officers for 2008-2009 from numerous posts in the Department of Arkansas.  The 2008-2009 mailing lists will be activated on or about June 15, 2008.  If your reports are not in, no tax and no dues kit, no commander’s packet, NOTHING! 

2.  REMINDER:  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SPECIAL OCCUPATIONAL TAXES ARE DUE JULY 1, 2008.  The annual cost for retailers is $250.00.  Renewal registration and return forms were mailed in May.  If you have not received your forms by mid-June, contact the nearest Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms regulatory enforcement office.

3.  QUARTERMASTERS: A word of caution, if you are holding any membership (new, reinstated, or continuous members), neither National nor State is responsible for the $2,500.00 Accidental Death Insurance.  PLEASE remit all membership documents along with the proper insurance form to avoid problems.

4.  NATIONAL CONVENTION: If you plan to attend the National Convention, August 16-21, 2008 make your reservations now.  Housing will be handled through THE HOUSING CONNECTION, 175 S. West Temple, Suite 140, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 by mail or by fax 801-355-8019, or phone 888-221-9425 or via Internet: www.vfw.org,

5.   NATIONAL CONVENTION BANQUET:  A limited amount of National Convention banquet tickets are available through Department Headquarters.  They are $50.00 each (cash, check, money order or credit card) and must be purchased before Friday July 25, 2008.

6   “E” NEWSLETTER & UPDATE:  As part of the membership-recruiting program, the Membership and Communications Departments have joined to create an on-line newsletter.  The purpose of this newsletter is to attract younger veterans to the VFW and potential membership by offering articles of interest to the various age groups.  As an example, these articles may be directed toward health issues of our Gulf war veterans or Vietnam veterans.  They will also offer articles of current VFW events to include articles from the Legislative, Veterans Service, Community Service, and Youth Development Departments.  They currently have over 5,000,000 subscribers from within VFW membership ranks and from non-members alike.  They plan to offer this newsletter to all current and potential members as they proceed with the e-mail recruiting campaigns.  To subscribe to the “e newsletter & update” the VFW website, www.vfw.org/newsletter.

7.  FLYING SQUADRON:  This year there will be a Flying Squadron on July 11-12, 2008, held in Dallas,  Texas at the DFW Hyatt Regency.  Commander, Sr Vice Commander, Jr Vice Commander, Quartermaster, Membership and all District Commanders are requested to attend.  If there are any questions regarding this matter please contact the State Headquarters.

DISTRICT MEETINGS AND OTHER IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

June 14           Flag Day

June 19-22     State Convention – Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs, Phone 800-643-1502

June 18           Department Closed

June 23           Department Closed

July  03-04     Independence Day Holiday - Headquarters closed.

July 11-12      Flying Squadron, Dallas Texas

July 20            District 13, Post 11474 – Levy, 1:00 pm – Commander Kerr

July 26            District 6, Post 4513 – Fairfield Bay, 1:00 pm – Sr Vice Commander Parrott

                                                                                    Michael K. Nuckolls

                                                                                    State Commander

OFFICIAL: 

Christine Oldham

State Adjutant