VFW Post 6660 Newsletter
Randle Tolliver, Quartermaster / Adjutant
post6660@movfw.org / www.facebook.com/VFW Post-6660
For veterans in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line’s number—988 then press “1” or 1-800-273-8255 and press “1”.
For homebound veteran’s requiring assistance, please contact Jay Parks at (573) 689-1477, Randy Tolliver at (573) 924-2382, or Scott Rosen at (573) 466-9188.
VFW Auxiliary will meet at 1 P.M. on 15 October at the Donald L. Cook / Billy J. Swyres Memorial Veterans Center in Centerville.
The next post meeting will be 2 P.M on 16 October at the same location.
All, it is my sad duty to report that Comrade Raymond Evans of Centerville has passed on.
A Corporal of Marines, and Vietnam veteran, Comrade Evans served from 1966 to 1968. Comrade Evans was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who served as our Post Chaplain.
Our Summer Raffle is complete, and our winners are Mrs. Christine Rutherford of Middletown Missouri, Mr. John Lewis of Ellington and Mr. Bob Bryant of Centerville. We would also like to thank Miss Rory Barnes, daughter of SGT and Mrs. Dewaine Barnes, for talking time from her 4th birthday party, and new Unicorn ballet shoes, to perform the drawing. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all whom made our fundraiser such a great success!
The VFW is one of the most respected advocates for our nation’s 22 million veterans, service members and military families. Our legislative goals, both in Washington, D.C., and with state governments, fall into six categories Budget, Health Care, Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Education, Employment and Transition Assistance, Military Quality of Life, and National Security, Foreign Affairs and POW/MIA. How is the VFW so effective? As they say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” and the VFW is that squeaky wheel for veterans. Our advocacy comes in two major forms. Our National Legislative Service located in Washington, D.C, establishes the VFW’s legislative priorities and advocates on veterans’ behalf and our associated grassroots advocacy network. VFW leaders regularly testify before Congress, meet with elected officials and rally our national network of VFW members and supporters to ensure our lawmakers put veterans first. Our grassroots advocacy network is the VFW Action Corps. With more than 300,000 VFW members and supporters, this group stays up-to-date on the issues affecting veterans, military members and their families. Campaigning tirelessly with email, writing, and phone calls, and most effective of all, visiting our lawmakers or attending town halls or other events, the VFW Action Corps is very effective in advocating for our veteran and military communities. If you are interested in joining the VFW Action Corps or if you want more information, see https://votervoice.net/VFW/register. If you are already a member, encourage your friends and neighbors to join the effort!
As you know, the VFW urges Congress to include the “Major Richard Star Act” in the FY23 Nation Defense Authorization Act. This would allow combat-disabled retirees to receive, without reduction, veterans› disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation. We also urge approval of the “The Afghan Adjustment Act (H.R. 8685/S.4787)” to help Afghans who, at great personal risk to them and their families, served with us as interpreters, and evacuated during the fall Kabul. Please call and/or write: Senator Josh Hawley, 115 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. 20510/(202) 224-6154, Senator Roy Blunt, 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510/(202) 224-5721, or Congressman Jason Smith, P.O. Box 4707 Poplar Bluff, MO 63902 / (573) 609-2996.
Our annual educational awards programs, Teacher of the Year, Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy are underway and run until 31 October. Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and this year’s theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans”. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay is open to students in grades 9-12 and this year’s theme is “Why is the Veteran Important?” Home schooled students are welcome to participate. Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers who promote civic responsibility, patriotism and help students develop a better understanding of American values and beliefs. For more information, please contact Dr. Charles Laramore at (573) 637-2112, Jay Parks or Randy Tolliver.
21 years ago this week, “Operation Enduring Freedom”, the invasion of Afghanistan began. The invasion was the opening salvo in the United States led “war on terror” and a response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.
For those affected by the Camp LeJeune water issue, section 804 of the PACT ACT (“Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022” authorizes lawsuits. The VFW Veterans Service office recommends veterans not to join a lawsuit until the VA clarifies how the settlements will affect service-connected benefits and care. For more information, please contact the VFW VSO, Jim Juergens at the Poplar Bluff VAMC at James.Juergens@va.gov, or (573) 778-4614.
Now for a few reminders:
Its flu season again! Veterans in the VA health care system can receive free flu vaccinations through the Community Care Network in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care partners. Just present a valid, government-issued ID. To confirm your eligibility call the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, at (573) 686-4151 or call 844-MyVA311 (844-698-2311), select 1 and then select 1 again. For locations, see https://www.va.gov/communitycare/flushot.asp .
For more for information concerning local VA health care call the Poplar Bluff VAMC at (573) 686-4151 or https://www.poplarbluff.va.gov/services/index.asp
The VA one-stop telephone number is 1-800-698-2411 and press “0” to reach a live agent for immediate assistance. The VA one stop website is VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs .
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) one-stop Benefits and Resource Portal is www.veteranbenefits.mo.gov or call (573) 522-4061.
To order military service documents such as a DD 214/Separation Document or Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), contact the National Archives, National Personnel Records Center at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, or call (866) 272-6272.
For more information, contact Jay Parks, Randy Tolliver, or Heather King at (573) 330-1020, or email post6660@movfw.org , or go to https://movfw.org.
“Here to Serve”
