November 2015
www.vfw8874.org
POST CALENDAR:
SUNs World Tavern Poker
MONs
Monday Night Football
MONs
Pool League 9-Ball TUEs
Pool League 8-Ball
WEDs World Tavern Poker
FRI/SAT Free Pool
2nd MONs VFW Aux Meetings
3rd THUs VFW Member Meetings
NOVEMBER
3:00PM
6:30PM
6:30PM
6:30PM
7:00PM
All Day
5:30PM
6:00PM
National Military Family Month
Deadline: Patriot’s Pen Essay
NOV 1
Deadline: Voice of Democracy
NOV 1
VFW Auxiliary Meeting - 5:30PM NOV 2
Election Day
NOV 3
Veterans Day Committee - 6:30
NOV 5
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) B-Day
NOV 10
Veteran’s Day (Event - Fuller Lodge) NOV 11
VFW Meeting - 6PM
NOV 19
Great American Smokeout
NOV 19
Thanksgiving
NOV 26
DECEMBER
Civil Air Patrol (USAF Aux) B-Day Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National Wreaths Across America
US National Guard B-Day VFW Auxiliary Meeting - 5:30PM
VFW Meeting - 6PM
Christmas Eve Christmas Day
DEC 1
DEC 5
DEC 7
DEC 12
DEC 13
DEC 14
DEC 17
DEC 24
DEC 25
“Those Who Have Long Enjoyed Such Privileges As We Enjoy
Forget In Time That Men Have Died To Win Them.”
~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt ~
VFW MISSION:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization of war veterans committed
to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing
community services and advocating for a strong national defense.
COMMANDER’S THINK TANK:
Comrades,
I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming events that our post will be
participating in this month and early next month. First, we are very happy and
proud to be hosting this year’s Los Alamos Veterans Day celebration. Our post,
as well as many other local fraternal organizations have been meeting for over a
month to plan this event which will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am
at Fuller Lodge. This year’s event will be a little different, as we have partnered with
Los Alamos County as they will be celebrating the signing of the Manhattan Project
National Historical Park on that same day, 10am at the LA Youth Center. For
Veterans Day, we have the honor again to have Col. Ed Keith as our guest speaker
and Alicia Solomon will be performing the National Anthem (a cappella). The Girl
Scouts will be singing “Thank You, Soldiers” and Classic Air Medical will be providing
the fly-over with a helicopter for the ceremony. It will be a fun event and we invite
everyone to attend both the celebration and to join us for lunch following the event.
The food will be prepared by Smokin’ Bear BBQ (Ron Smith).
Also, the Auxiliary has entered a float for the Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade
which is scheduled for December 5, 6pm (thank you Joe Archuleta for volunteering
to drive). This will be another great way for us to be involved with community
events. So if you are interested in participating or volunteering to help with the
float, please contact Tita Garcia.
As many of you know, we are also involved with the Voice of Democracy (VOD)
Audio-Essay competition. The VFW established this program in 1947 to provide
students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to
democratic ideas and principles. This year we have four participants that entered
the local competition--judging will take place this week. The winner’s audio-essay
will be submitted to the VFW New Mexico Department to compete at the state level.
Our local winners have done really well at the state level in previous year, so we
want to wish all our local competitors the best of luck in this year’s competition.
1st Lieutenant John D. Gamble
As you can see, this is a very busy time of year for our post. We will be involved with
many community activities. And with that, we need to pause and honor all those
Veterans who have served this great country of ours. We also need to take time to
thank them for their service and sacrifice. And God Bless the United States of
America!
Roger Anaya, Commander
VFW - John D. Gamble Post 8874
LOOKING FOR YOU!!!
~ IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN BY IN WHILE ~
~ PLEASE STOP BY! ~
~ WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VISIT EACH WEEK ~
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER,
FOR CAMARADERIE AND SUPPORT!
New Coast Guard Stamp:
A Forever Stamp honoring the U.S. Coast Guard was
dedicated August 4, 2015 at the U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Flu Shots for Veterans ~ Walgreens:
With flu season right around the corner, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
and Walgreens are making it easier than ever for veterans to protect themselves
against the influenza virus.
Veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System can visit
their local Walgreens or Duane Reade location to receive a free flu shot. To take
advantage of this offer, simply use the registration form below. Then, present the
completed form to your local Walgreens or Duane Reade pharmacist with your VA
and photo ID cards.
With your free flu shot, Walgreens will also automatically update your VA health
care records. To find a location near you, call 800-WALGREENS (800-925-4733) or
visit www.Walgreens.com/FindAStore.
VFW POST OFFICERS:
Commander: Roger Anaya
Sr. Vice Cdr:
(505) 672-0314
rogelioanaya@q.com
Beverley Simpson
Jr. Vice Cdr:
Art Brown
Phone:
E-mail: Phone:
E-mail:
Phone:
E-mail:
(505) 412-1607
bakindell@hotmail.com
(505) 239-6901
adsabrown@yahoo.com
Quartermaster: Eluterio “Eli” Garcia
Phone:
E-mail:
Chaplain: Phone:
E-mail:
(505) 662-4453
eli8874@qwestoffice.net
Fr. John Carney
(505) 662-6193
Jfcarney46@aol.com
Judge Advocate: Paul Elkins
Phone:
E-mail:
Post Surgeon:
Phone:
E-mail:
(505) 662-4634
PSElks@gmail.com
Jason Lott
(505) 231-2640
woubuft@gmail.com
Service Officer: Art Brown
Phone:
E-mail:
Adjutant:
(505) 239-6901
adsabrown@yahoo.com
Historian:
Paul Elkins
Phone:
E-mail:
Phone:
E-mail:
Eluterio “Eli” Garcia
(505) 662-4453
eli8874@qwestoffice.net
(505) 662-4634
PSElks@gmail.com
1st Yr Trustee: Nick Mezins
Phone:
E-mail: (505) 662-4946
nickm@nets.com
2nd Yr Trustee: Paul Elkins
Phone:
E-mail:
(505) 662-4634
PSElks@gmail.com
3rd Yr Trustee: Joe Archuleta
Phone:
(505) 690-4482
Newsletter Edr. Jason Lott
House Cmte: Eluterio “Eli” Garcia
Jason Lott
Roger Anaya
Beverley Simpson
Membership Chair: Eli Garcia
Patriot’s Pen Chair: Need Chair
Voice of Democracy Chair: Need Chair
Teacher of the Year Chair: Art Brown
Scout of the Year Chair: Jason Lott
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in a sharp turn
AUXILIARY of the VFW:
President: Phone:
E-mail:
Nancy Dean
Sr. Vice Pres:
(505) 665-3819
nld@lanl.gov
Jr. Vice Pres: (505) 672-9335
valenzuelam3@live.com
Kathy Steck
Secretary:
Cathy Crane
Phone:
E-mail: Phone:
E-mail:
Phone:
E-mail: Maria Valenzuela
SteckKathy@yahoo.com
cc1@q.com
Treasurer:Margaret “Tita” Garcia
Phone:
E-mail:
Chaplin: (505) 412-2686
GTita65@yahoo.com
Conductress:
Patti Remelius
Guard: Kathryn Clark
Annalisa Miranda
Phone:
E-mail: Mirandasoy@aol.com
Phone:
E-mail: Phone:
E-mail: (505) 490-3169
(505) 412-1113
KClark1177@hotmail.com
Patriotic Instr.: Alicia Garcia
Phone:
E-mail: Historian: (505) 662-4453
agluscious@gmail.com
Alicia Garcia
1st Yr Trustee: Maria Valenzuela
2nd Yr Trustee: Annalisa Miranda
3rd Yr Trustee:
Kathy Steck NOSE ART OF THE MONTH: Ready Willing and Able
(serial number 42-41078). This B-24 was assigned to
the 5th Air Force, 90th Bombardment Group, 319th
Bombardment Squadron and participated in 59
WWII bombing missions, and shot down three enemy
fighters and one ship.
Anchors Aweigh
John Hagen (Revised Lyrics 1997)
Stand Navy out to sea,
Fight our battle cry;
We’ll never change our course,
So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll out the TNT,
Anchors Aweigh.
Sail on to victory
And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!
Anchors Aweigh, my boys,
Anchors Aweigh.
Farewell to foreign shores,
We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night ashore,
Drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more.
Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.
Blue of the mighty deep:
Gold of God’s great sun.
Let these our colors be
Till all of time be done, done, done, done.
On seven seas we learn
Navy’s stern call:
Faith, courage, service true,
With honor, over honor, over all.
Marilyn Monroe
in Korea (1954)
Starving On Bataan:
EXCERPT FROM: A World War II Memoir by Joe Bergstein (Los Alamos Resident)
CANTEEN:
This excerpt is from a memoir authored by Joe Bergstein describing his military career,
specifically his experiences in Bataan during WWII and as a POW of the Japanese
military. This excerpt occurred after the invasion of Bataan prior to his capture.
All this time the short rations were taking their toll on us. We did get a very little
meat on occasion. Once or twice we got a little mule meat some horse meat when the
last of the 26th Cavalry’s horses were slaughtered. We shot a couple of monkeys,
but there was little edible on them. We also killed an iguana (lizard) and a cobra,
which we ate. We even raided a quartermaster dump one night and got away with
a case that contained four big cans of peaches. Beans or C-rations would have been
much better. The peaches or the syrup they were in gave us all diarrhea. The dump
was guarded by armed quartermaster troops who would have fired at us if we had
been detected, but of course we were armed too. We had only that one opportunity
to get to the vicinity of the dump, which was located far to the rear. Most of the
time we lived with continuous gnawing hunger. We really paid for Mac’s [General
MacArthur] blunder in not stocking Bataan with adequate food supplies. I knew
the troops in the rear areas on the island forts were being fed far better than we
were. They were supposed to be on half-rations too, but theirs was based on a lot
better ration than ours was. That came to light when a truck carrying rations to a
detachment of the 60th Coast AA was stopped by MPs. The 60th was a Corregidor
outfit, and the truck carried exotic stuff like ham to their Bataan contingent. It is a
truism that the troops doing the hardest and most dangerous work always get the
least and worst food and are the last to get anything but grief. Any physical activity
was exhausting, we had lost a lot of weight, and we were all looking pretty gaunt.
Our khakis were filthy and rotting and out boots were coming apart. George French
had chronic dysentery. Andy Long said his teeth were getting loose. Things were
about to get worse.
Mon~Thu 1PM to at least 8PM
Fri
1PM to at least 9PM
Sat
11AM to at least 8PM
Sun 12PM to at least 7PM
Happy Hour: 4-6PM MON~FRI
FRI/SAT ~ FREE POOL
Smoking Policy:
Post 8874 is
smoke free, except for the special
smoking parlor room located in the
entrance loft, adjacent to the Canteen.
Canteen Manager:
Ashley & Samantha D’Anna
Phone: (505) 670-7713
(505) 670-1853
E-mail: BarMgr@vfw8874.org
Know Your Bartenders:
Ashley D’Anna
Samantha D’Anna
Amanda Giovo
Kendra Cordova
David Dover
Pool Tables: $. 50 per Game
Free Pool on FRI/SAT
Member’s Pool Table:
$2 per person per day
Wireless Internet: Free
Ask Bartender for Password
Atomic City Pool League:
MONs & TUEs 6:30PM
Tony Zukaitis: (505) 690-3965
E-mail: azukaitis@gmail.com
World Tavern Poker:
Wed (7-9PM) & Suns (3-5PM)
Mike Cutler:
E-mail: Bosman.1@netzero.com
Jukebox: Set Up Your Own Playlist
MEMBERSHIP:
VFW
VFW Auxiliary
136 (131 Life)
68 (39 Life)
Service MEDAL ~ American Campaign Medal:
FROM: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Campaign_Medal
The American Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States Armed
Forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by Executive Order 9265 issued
by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was intended to recognize those
military members who had performed military service in the American Theater of
Operations during World War II. A similar medal, known as the American Defense
Service Medal was awarded for active duty service prior to the United States entry
into World War II.
The criteria was initially announced in Department of
the Army Circular 1, dated January 1, 1943, so that the
ribbon could be authorized prior to design of the medal.
The criteria for the medal was announced in DA Circular
84, dated March 25, 1948 and subsequently published
in Army Regulation 600-65, dated September 22, 1948.
The American Campaign Medal was issued as a service
ribbon only during the Second World War, and wasn’t
issued as a full-sized medal until 1947.
The first recipient of the American Campaign Medal
was General of the Army George C. Marshall, Jr.
The requirements for the American Campaign Medal
were for service within the American Theater between
December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 under any of the
following conditions:
RECRUITING:
A healthy organization continues
to grow and recruit new members,
which brings in new ideas and energy.
By actively engaging new members,
we ensure the future of our honored
organization, strengthen our cause,
and better perform our mission.
Each of us should be reaching out to
fellow veterans to encourage their
membership and have a goal of
recruiting at least one new member
per year. If you are aware of someone
who may be interested, please contact
one of the post officers.
- On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States.
- Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters
for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
- Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on
temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
- In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or
furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or
independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat.
- In the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year.
The boundaries of American Theater are as follows: The eastern boundary is
located from the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the
77th parallel north latitude, thence southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection
of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, thence
south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, thence southeast to
the intersection of the Equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, thence south
along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole.
The western boundary is located from the North Pole, south along the 141st
meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, thence south and southeast
along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, thence south along the 130th
meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, thence southeast
to the intersection of the Equator and the 100th meridian west longitude, thence
south to the South Pole.
The medal, made of bronze, is 1 1/4 inches wide. The obverse was designed by
Thomas Hudson Jones. It shows a Navy destroyer underway with a B-24 Liberator
bomber flying overhead. In the foreground is a sinking enemy submarine, and in the
background is the skyline of a city. At the top of the medal are the words AMERICAN
CAMPAIGN. The reverse of the medal, designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman,
is the same design as used on the reverse of both the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. It depicts an
American bald eagle between the dates 1941 - 1945 and the words UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA.
MEDAL OF HONOR ~ PVT Joe P. Martínez:
FROM: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_P._Mart%C3%ADnez
Private Joseph Pantillion Martínez (July 27, 1920–May 26, 1943) born in Taos,
New Mexico, was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the
Medal of Honor — the United States’ highest military decoration —- for his actions
on the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Private Joseph P. Martínez was the
first Hispanic-American and first Coloradan to receive the Medal of Honor during
World War II. His posthumous award was the first act for combat heroism on
American soil (other than the 15 at Pearl Harbor) since the Indian Wars.
Joe Martínez was one of nine children born to José
Manuel Martínez and María Eduvigen Romo, both who
were natives of New Mexico. In 1927, his father, who
was an agricultural laborer, decided to move from Taos,
New Mexico to Ault, Colorado. There, Martínez received
his primary and secondary education. On August 1942,
he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to
Camp Roberts, CA where he received his basic training.
On June 6, 1942, Japanese forces invaded the island of
Kiska and on June 7, the island of Attu. These islands are
among the western most islands on the Aleutian chain
PVT Joe P. Martínez
and are part of Alaska. The U.S. feared that the islands
would be used as bases from which to launch aerial assaults against the West Coast,
and it became a matter of national pride to expel the first invaders to set foot on
American soil since the War of 1812.
VFW’S CODE OF ETHICS:
• Act in a professional manner at all
times;
• Promote an environment where
honesty and open communication
are valued;
• Resolve differences of opinion in a
professional and mature manner;
• Respect the confidentiality of
privileged information;
• Refuse to engage in or tolerate
any form of discrimination or
harassment toward members,
employees, volunteers or other
officers;
• Exhibit respect and fairness
toward all people;
• Speak highly of the organization
and its members; and
• Promote VFW and support the
activities of the organization.
After Martínez completed his basic training, he was assigned to Company K, 32d
Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. The 7th Infantry Division landed at Holtz Bay,
Attu. On May 26, 1943, the 32nd Infantry Regiment engaged in combat in the
vicinity of Fish Hook Ridge against enemy troops. The regiment was pinned down
by enemy fire and Martinez on his own account led two assaults. He fired his rifle
into the Japanese foxholes and the men of his unit followed. Martínez was shot in
the head as he approached one final foxhole after the second assault, dying of the
wound the following day. Martínez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Private Martínez was the first Hispanic-American recipient who was posthumously
awarded the Medal of Honor for combat heroism on American soil during World
War II.
Martínez was buried with full military honors at Ault Cemetery, Ault, Weld County
in Colorado. On April 13, 1945, the United States Navy named one of its ships,
which served as a troop transport during the Korean War, the USNS Private Joe P.
Martinez. The state of Colorado has honored his memory by naming a street and
renaming a former base reception center and early officer’s club which currently
serves as the service center after him. The government named a Disabled American
Veterans chapter in Colorado and an American Legion post in California in his
honor. Three statues were erected with his likeness and are located in the Colorado
cities of Ault, Greeley at the Weld County Veterans Memorial Park, and Denver. The
U.S. Army also named an Army Reserve military installation in Denver, Colorado
after Martinez. The 7th Infantry Division honored him by naming the Fort Ord
Welcome Center (originally the Post Headquarters built in 1941) Martinez Hall in
1977. Although Fort Ord closed in 1993, Martinez Hall still serves as a Veterans
Transition Service Center.
VETERAN AFFAIRS:
Benefits Information & Assistance
(800) 827-1000
Health Care
(877) 222-8387
Edu/Training (888) 442-4551
VA Life Ins.
(800) 669-8477
Office of SGLI
(800) 419-1473
CHAM PVA
(800) 733-8387
Helpline (Agent Orange/Gulf War)
(800) 749-8387
Direct Deposit (877) 838-2778
Headstones
(800) 697-6947
Device for Deaf (800) 829-4833
Flag Etiquette:
Standards of Respect: The Flag
Code, which formalizes and unifies
the traditional ways in which we
give respect to the flag, also contains
specific instructions on how the flag is
not to be used. They are:
• The flag should never be dipped
to any person or thing. It is flown
upside down only as a distress
signal.
• The flag should not be used as a
drapery, or for covering a speakers
desk, draping a platform, or for
any decoration in general. Bunting
of blue, white and red stripes is
available for these purposes. The
blue stripe of the bunting should
be on the top.
• The flag should never be used
for any advertising purpose.
It should not be embroidered,
printed or otherwise impressed
on such articles as cushions,
handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or
anything intended to be discarded
after temporary use. Advertising
signs should not be attached to
the staff or halyard
• The flag should not be used as
part of a costume or athletic
uniform, except that a flag patch
may be used on the uniform of
military personnel, fireman,
policeman and members of
patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have placed
on it, or attached to it, any mark,
insignia, letter, word, number,
figure, or drawing of any kind.
• The flag should never be used as
a receptacle for receiving, holding,
carrying, or delivering anything.
• When the flag is lowered, no part
of it should touch the ground or
any other object; it should be
received by waiting hands and
arms. To store the flag it should be
folded neatly and ceremoniously.
• The flag should be cleaned and
mended when necessary.
• When a flag is so worn it is no
longer fit to serve as a symbol of
our country, it should be destroyed
by burning in a dignified manner.
Lt/ Everett Alvarez ~ Hanoi Hilton:
FROM: The American Patriot’s Almanac
“You will write a letter to American pilots flying missions in the south. You will tell them
it is wrong and they are criminals. You will tell them to protest to their government.”
With those words, Lt. Everett Alvarez’s North Vietnamese captors led him into a
room furnished with a wooden table, stick pen, bottle of ink, and blank paper. It
was November 5, 1966. For the next several days, his jailors deprived him of sleep,
kicked him, and them withheld food in an effort to get him to write a “confession.”
The ordeal was one of many Alvarez faced during his long captivity.
On August 5, 1964, while flying a mission against enemy
torpedo boats, Alvarez had become the first American pilot
shot down over North Vietnam. He soon found himself in the
infamous prison known as the Hanoi Hilton. His starvation
diet consisted of a chicken head floating in slimy stew, an
animal hoof, or a blackbird lying feet up on a plate. Monstrous
rats scurried across his tiny cell. More POWs arrived. The
North Vietnamese often beat them, tied them up for days,
or ratcheted handcuffs around their arms until it felt like
Lt. Everett Alvarez
hacksaws biting into their flesh. Not all survived.
Often held in isolation, the captives communicated by tapping a code on walls.
“Contact with one another was essential,” Alvarez wrote in his book Chained Eagle.
“Without it, we were doomed.” At the sound of pre-arranged taps, the POWs stood
alone in their cells to whisper the Lord’s Prayer in unison, then recited the Pledge
of Allegiance with hand over heart.
At the war’s end, after eight and a half years in the Hanoi Hilton and other prisons,
Everett Alvarez came home. “Faith in God, in our president, and in our country -it was this faith that maintained our hope,” he said. “God bless you, Mr. and Mrs.
America. You did not forget us.”
Veterans Day ~ Manhattan Project Veterans:
This year’s Los Alamos Veteran’s Day Event is being
hosted by the VFW. Additionally, we’re combining
our ceremony with the community’s celebration
of the establishment of the Manhattan Project
National Historical Park. During our event, we’ll
recognize Corporal Roger Rasmussen as a veteran
of WWII serving with the Manhattan Project.
Rasmussen was a member of the U.S. Army’s
Special Engineer Detachment (SED) in Los Alamos
and a witness to the first atomic weapon test at the
Trinity Site. He’ll be honored at this year’s Veteran
Day and presented a quilt from Kelly Michel and
Special Engineer Detachment
the Los Alamos Quilts of Honor.
Manhattan Project
The ARMY’s bugle Calls:
FROM: Army Officers Guide
Bugle calls by recordings, colorless and scarcely recognized, serve as reminders of
past eras when the calls of the bugler regulated the military day, and served as an
essential means of communication in battle. Remaining is Taps, the last sound of
the bugle, as a soldier is laid to rest.
Historically, the beats of the drum and the calls of the
bugle go far into past centuries. The calls in current
use date back to the very beginning of our Army and
reflect the influence of the British and French armies.
It is noteworthy that before the Civil War, each branch
had its own calls, with the Infantry using the beats of
the drum. But this created confusion when several
units were involved in battle. In 1867, Gen. Emory
Upton prepared a document embodying changes
made necessary by the Civil War, and requested Maj.
Truman Seymour (later General) to prepare a new
system of calls for all arms and branches of the Army.
They have been continued in use. The history of a
few selected calls follow:
• First Call: Similar to the French cavalry call “Le Garde a Vous.”
• Reveille: Same as the French call, this dates from the Crusades. The armies
of the Crusaders were amazed and frightened at the military music of the
Saracens, and their instruments were captured and copied. Thereafter, the
European armies used music to greater advantage in both battle and ceremony.
• Assembly: The old cavalry assembly call, in use from about 1835, was replaced
in 1867 by the present more martial-sounding call.
• Mess Call: Similar to the French call “Le Rappel.”
• Retreat: French cavalry call dating from the Crusades.
• To the Color: The old cavalry call “To the Standard,” in use from about 1835,
was replaced in 1867 by the present more military-sounding call.
• Tattoo: Originated during the Thirty Years War and called the Zapfenstreich.
At 9:00 pm, when the call was sounded, all bungs (Zapfen) had to be replaced
in their barrels, signifying the end of the nightly drinking bout. A chalk line
(Streich) was then drawn across the bung by the guard so that it could not be
opened without evidence of tampering. “Tap-to” thus became “Tattoo.”
• Attention: From the British call “Alarm” for the troops to turn out under arms.
• Taps: General Daniel Butterfield of the Army of the Potomac composed the
call in July 1862, for use in his own brigade, supposedly to replace the three
volleys fired at military funerals so the Confederates would not know a burial
was taking place. Soon thereafter, it replaced “Tattoo” as the last call of the day.
Its use became popular through the Union Army. Reference to the word Taps
has been found as early as 1861 and is variously explained, one version being
that it originally was soldier slang for “Tap-To,” as “Tattoo” was first spelled, and
“Tap-To” in the infantry was sounded on a drum -- thus Taps
• Fire Call: Similar to certain British and French calls.
• First Sergeant’s Call: This call is first mentioned in Martial Music of Camp
Dupont, 1816, when it was a drum call sounded when the adjutant wished
to summon the first sergeant. The present bugle call, used to notify all first
sergeants to report to the adjutant or sergeant major, comes from the German
Army.
New Mexico Lottery:
The Los Alamos VFW is now an authorized retail
location for the New Mexico Lottery. In addition
to Bingo, you may play Powerball, Mega Millions,
Hot Lotto Sizzler, Roadrunner Cash, and Pick 3. If
you purchase these at the VFW, and you win, the
VFW also wins as the retailer selling the ticket.
CONTACTS:
VFW/Canteen Phone:
(505) 662-3506
VFW8874@qwestoffice.net
NM Veterans’ Service Officer:
Jeff George
(505) 346-4810
jeff.george@state.nm.us
NM VFW Service Officer (NVS):
Cynthia Archuleta
(505) 346-4881
cynthia.archuleta@va.gov
VFW Tactical Assessment Center:
24-hour help line for questions
& concerns w/VA entitlements
(800) VFW-1899
Santa Fe Veterans Counseling Center
Phil Chavez
(505) 988-6562
phillip.chavez2@va.gov
Creole Nouvelle Restaurant:
MON~THUR , 10:30AM~2PM
FRI, 10:30AM~8PM
*10% Discount for VFW Members*
Pete & Esther Lucchini
(505) 661-4050
www.facebook.com/CreoleNouvelle
Disabled American Veteran (DAV)
Service:
Provides free rides to
veterans Tuesday thru Thursday to
and from the Albuquerque Veterans
Administration Hospital.
For assistance call:
Merejildo Ortega
(505) 351-4405
Bernardo Jaramillo
(505) 753-5594
(505) 927-3529
Hospital Service Coordinator
(800) 465-8262 x2821
REPRESENTATION:
President Barack Obama
Website:
Phone:
Address:
www.whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1111
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Senator Tom Udall
Website: Phone: Address: www.tomudall.senate.gov
(202) 224-6621
110 Hart Senate Off. Bldg
Washington DC, 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5521
Address: B40D Dirksen Senate Office Bld
Washington, DC 20510
Website: www.lujan.house.gov
Phone: (202) 225-6190
Address: 330 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Great American Smokeout ~ NOV 19:
From: www.cancer.org
Senator Martin Heinrich
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take
part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. They may use
the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day.
The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop using tobacco and
helps people know about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay
quit.
Rep. Ben Ray Luján
In many towns and communities, local volunteers use this event to publicize the
need to quit, and press for laws that control tobacco use and discourage teens from
starting, and support people who want to quit.
Research shows that smokers are most successful
in kicking the habit when they have support, such
as:
• Telephone smoking-cessation hotlines
• Stop-smoking groups
• Online quit groups
• Counseling
• Nicotine replacement products
• Prescription medicine to lessen cravings
• Guide books
• Encouragement and support from friends and family members
Using two or more of these measures to quit smoking works better than using any
one of them alone. For example, some people use a prescription medicine along
with nicotine replacement. Other people may use as many as 3 or 4 of the methods
listed above.
Telephone stop-smoking hotlines are an easy-to-use resource, and they are available
in all 50 states. Call them at 1-800-227-2345 to get more information on quitting
tobacco and to find telephone counseling or other support in your area.
Governor Susana Martinez
Phone: (505) 476-2200
Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Rm400
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone:
E-mail:
Address:
Sen. Richard C. Martinez
(505) 929-0125
richard.martinez@nmlegis.gov
Box 762
Espanola, NM 87532
NM Rep. Stephanie G. Richard
Phone: (505) 500-4343
E-mail: stephanie.garciarichard@nmlegis.gov
Address: P.O. Box 4657
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Los Alamos County Council
Phone: (505) 663-1750
E-mail: countycouncil@lacnm.us
Address: 1000 Central Ave., Suite 350
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Auxiliary To The VFW News:
Just a reminder that the Auxiliary to the VFW is now women
and men, and that we’re accepting applications. The only
requirement for membership is that you have a spouse (or are a
widow/er), parent, grandparent, child, grand-child, siblings, or
half-sibling who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW.
An application is included on the last page of this newsletter.
Also, we’re hosting a children’s float in the Los Alamos Holiday Light Parade on
December 5 at 6PM. We’d love to include you and any of your children or grandchildren. Also, we’re looking for any extra Christmas lights and decorations that we
can borrow for the float. Please contact Tita Garcia at (505) 412-2686 if you’d like
to help out with the float.
VFW MISSION:
To foster camaraderie among United
States Veterans of overseas conflicts.
To serve our veterans, the military,
and our communities. To advocate on
behalf of all veterans.
VFW VISION:
Ensure that veterans are respected
for their service, always receive
their earned entitlements, and are
recognized for the sacrifices they and
their loved ones have made on behalf
of this great country.
VFW PURPOSE:
Nationwide Gravesite Locator ~ Veterans:
FROM: http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/
The Nationwide Gravesite Locator includes burial records from many sources.
These sources provide varied data; some searches may contain less information
than others. Information on veterans buried in private cemeteries was collected
for the purpose of furnishing government grave markers, and it does not have
information available for burials prior to 1997.
The database of burial information is updated each day. Search for burial locations
of veterans and their family members in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans
cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for
veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government
grave marker.
This on-line database is accessible at http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/.
9-BALL STANDINGS
Team
High Altitude
Los Ojos
Breakers
Bad English
The Balls in Hand
Win % Won
0.000
00
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
VFW CORE VALUES:
• Always put the interests of our
members first • Treat donors as partners in our
cause
• Promote patriotism
• Honor military service
• Ensure the care of veterans and
their families
• Serve our communities
• Promote a positive image of the
VFW
• Respect the diversity of veteran
opinions
VFW PRIORITIES:
ATOMIC CITY POOL LEAGUE:
Standings as of October 4, 2015:
The purpose of this corporation
are fraternal, patriotic, historical,
charitable, and educational and are; to
preserve and strengthen comradeship
among its members; to assist their
widows and orphans; to maintain
true allegiance to the Government of
the United States, and fidelity to its
Constitution and laws; to foster true
patriotism; to maintain and extend
the institutions of American freedom;
and to preserve and defend the United
States from all enemies.
8-BALL STANDINGS
Team
Balls Deep
Red Eye Express
Hits Happen
Them Again
Breakers
Win % Won
75.00%12
71.88% 23 53.13%17
37.50%6
18.75%6
• VA Health Care
• Suicides & Homelessness
• VA Benefits & Compensation
• Seamless Transition
• Military Quality of Life
• Education & Employment
• Defense & Homeland Security
• POW/MIA
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Birthday ~ NOV 10:
FROM: Military.com - http://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday
VFW MEMBER’S
OBLIGATION:
In the presence of Almighty God and the members of this order here
assembled - I (Your Name), do of my
own free will and accord, solemnly
promise and declare that:
• I will bear true allegiance - to the
Constitution of the United States
of America - and I will always be
loyal thereto.
• I do further solemnly promise and
declare - that I will comply with
the Congressional Charter - ByLaws and Ritual of this Order - and
I will always be loyal thereto - that
I will never wrong or defraud
this organization - nor a member
thereof - nor permit any wrong to
be done to either - if in my power
to prevent it.
• I will never propose for
membership - any person not
eligible - nor one whom I know to
be unworthy.
• I will never make known to anyone
- not authorized to receive it - any
of the work of this order.
• Should my affiliation - with the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States - cease in any way
- I will consider this pledge - as
binding outside of the order - as
though I had remained a member
of same.
• All this I promise and pledge - upon
the honor of a true comrade - and a
citizen of our great republic.
On November 10, 1775, the
Second Continental Congress
meeting in Philadelphia passed
a resolution stating that “two
Battalions of Marines be raised”
for service as landing forces
with the fleet. This resolution
established the Continental
Marines and marked the birth
date of the United States Marine
Corps. Serving on land and at sea,
these first Marines distinguished
themselves in a number of
important operations, including
their first amphibious raid into
the Bahamas in March 1776,
under the command of Captain
(later Major) Samuel Nicholas.
The first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, Nicholas remained the
senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to
be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an
end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, the
Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence.
Following the Revolutionary War, increasing conflict with Revolutionary France
led to the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on July 11, 1798. Marines
saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in
many operations against the Barbary pirates along the “Shores of Tripoli”.
Since then, Marines have participated in all the wars of the United States, and in
most cases were the first service members to fight. To date, Marines have executed
more than 300 landings on foreign shores.
Today, there are more than 200,000 active-duty and reserve Marines, organized
into three divisions stationed at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and Okinawa,
Japan. Each division has one or more expeditionary units, ready to launch major
operations anywhere on short notice. Marines Expeditionary Units are selfsufficient, with their own tanks, artillery, and air forces. The motto of the service is
Semper Fidelis, meaning “Always Faithful” in Latin.
WORLD TAVERN POKER:
TOP RANKED PLAYERS for NE Region of New Mexico (as of Oct. 31, 2015)
1Patrick Berkebile10345
8 Brian Appell
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3 Sean White
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4 Cecilia Johnson
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11 Ken Rutherford9188
5 Damon Hosford9661 12 Peter Samaniego 9186
6Mike Gallegos9566
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7 Cat Scarberry
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15 Todd Berkebile
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16 Michael Jensen
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17 Joseph Archuleta 7262
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
VFW MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
~ 3rd THURSDAY of each MONTH at 6PM! ~
Your VFW Cap:
The VFW Cap “Overseas Cap” is the signature item that identifies us as VFW
Members. It is a part of our heritage and traditions.
The history of the Cap goes back to WWI when American Forces who were serving
in the trenches discovered that their campaign hats were ill-suited for use in the
trenches and “acquired” French caps, which were an early version of the overseas
cap. These kept a soldiers head warm and dry, could be worn under a helmet, and
were easily stuffed into a pocket. It wasn’t long before this unofficial headgear
was adopted and the “Overseas Cap” was made an official part of the uniform while
stationed overseas in the combat theater of operations.
This Cap is the regulation cap to be worn at Post Meetings. The color shall be green,
shade 51. Lettering on the cap shall be in gold, and for many, there are a variety of
braids that identify current and previous
positions within the organization. The
VFW Cap may be ordered from the
VFW Store (http://www.vfwstore.org/
products/25525). Currently, the cap may
be purchased for a base cost of $34.75.
Please note that while wearing the VFW Cap, it is appropriate to render the hand
salute. With the passage of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act (Section 1877),
which amended Title 4, U.S. Code, veterans may now salute the U.S. Flag during
the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a
parade or in review. In September 2008, the President signed the 2009 Defense
Authorization Act which included Section 595 and added the National Anthem to
the occasions for a military hand salute by veterans. Later legislation is planned to
add the Pledge of Allegiance. All veterans are encouraged to render a hand salute
under these circumstances, regardless of their headgear or lack of headgear.
Major Clark Gable, U.S.
Army Air Corps (194244). Clark Gable enlisted
as a private and was
later assigned to OCS and
received a commission.
He flew five combat
missions as an observer/
gunner in a B-17 earning a
Distinguished Flying Cross
and an Air Medal.
ARMY Values:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
NAVY Core Values:
Honor
Courage
Commitment
MARINE Corps Values:
Honor
Courage
Commitment
COAST GUARD Values:
Honor
Respect
Devotion to Duty
AIR FORCE Values:
Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence In All We Do
NEWSLETTER:
If you are not currently receiving this
newsletter and would like to be added
to the e-mail distribution, please
contact Jason Lott at woubuft@gmail.
com. Additionally, if you would like
to submit an article or photo, please
contact Jason at this e-mail address.
SHOW SUPPORT BY:
Flying Your Flag:
Support our
defenders by flying the U.S. Flag,
especially on all patriotic holidays.
Voting: Your vote makes a difference!
Exercise the freedoms our veterans
have fought for throughout history.
Volunteering: Pay a visit to a lonely
or ailing veteran in your community to
let them know they are not forgotten.
Reaching Out: Write a letter to a
service member stationed overseas
or help out a military family in your
community.
Educating America’s Youth: Help
educate America’s youth on the
importance of our American history
and patriotism.
Getting Involved: Remind others
why we must protect and honor
fellow veterans.
Speaking Out:
America’s young
people need to understand what
service to our country means.
Writing: Send a letter to your local
newspaper to remind your fellow
citizens that freedom is not free.
Lobbying: Learn about key battles
veterans are facing and make your
opinion heard on Capitol Hill.
Supporting Our Troops: Get involved
with VFW Post sponsored programs
such as Homecoming Events, parades,
service programs, fund raisers and
visits to hospitalized veterans.
Hiring a Fellow Veteran: Veterans
looking to hire an employee can give
a fellow hero a job.
MEMBER BUSINESSes
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER AND OWN A BUSINESS
WE WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE THIS BUSINESS
IN OUR NEWSLETTER ~ SEND THE INFORMATION TO:
woubuft@gmail.com
~ VFW ~ Ladies Auxiliary ~ Men’s Auxiliary ~
VETERANS’ SCHOLARSHIPS:
The VFW and one of its major supporters, Sport Clips Haircuts, have again
partnered to help our veterans and their families. The VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A
Hero Scholarship” will provide service members and veterans with the financial
assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive
student loan debt. It’s just another way to say “thank you” to those who deserve it
the most. Please see below for full details on the scholarship program and to apply.
Scholarship Details:
• Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants
• Limited to one per family per semester
• Applications for the fall semester will be accepted January 1 through April 30
• Applications for the spring semester will be accepted August 1 through
November 15
• Fall semester scholarships will be awarded in August, and spring semester
scholarships will be awarded in January
• Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the
veteran is applying or they will become null and void
• Scholarships are restricted for tuition and fees only and will be paid directly to
accredited schools
Eligible Applicants Must:
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National
Guard or Reserve
• Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual
Training, Technical school, etc.)
• Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below
• Demonstrate a need for financial assistance
• Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program
or school at an accredited post-secondary institution
• If selected, authorize the VFW and Sport Clips, Inc. to announce and publish
award of your scholarship. If awarded a scholarship, the recipient’s name, city,
state, photograph and essay may be used for promotional purposes by the VFW
and Sport Clips, Inc. without further consent from the recipient.
JOINING THE
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
VFW HISTORY:
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection
(1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or
sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the
movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the
20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed
to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the
passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members,
and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Annually, the nearly 1.9 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of
volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
VFW MEMBERSHIP:
If you are a U.S. Citizen who has served honorably in the Armed Forces and has served in an overseas conflict, you are
eligible to become a member of the VFW. If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30
consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you’re
also eligible to join our ranks. You can join us even if you are still serving in the military. The VFW counts over 75,000 activeduty, Reserve and National Guard service members among our elite membership.
APPLICATIONS:
Please submit a copy of your eligibility documentation (DD-214, awards, etc.) and at least your first month’s dues to the
John D. Gamble VFW Post in Los Alamos, or you may apply on line at: www.vfw.org/oms/NewMember.aspx. An application is
at the bottom of this page.
DUES: Options for VFW dues include paying annually ($35), a one time
Life Membership (adjacent chart), or an installment plan for a Life Membership. Several payment plans are available, including
12 month and 24 month installment plans. Age
18-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81+ One Payment 12 Month
24 Month
$425.00
$410.00
$375.00
$335.00
$290.00
$225.00
$170.00
$20.23
$19.58
$18.05
$16.32
$14.36
$11.53
$ 9.14
$40.39
$39.02
$35.84
$32.20
$28.11
$22.20
$17.20
JOINING THE
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
AUXILIARY
VFW AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP:
Eligibility for the VFW Auxiliary is spouses, widowers, parents, grandparents, children, grand-children, siblings, and halfsiblings of those who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW.
APPLICATIONS:
Please submit a copy of your eligibility documentation and at least your first month’s dues at the John D. Gamble VFW Post
in Los Alamos, or you may apply on line at: http://www.vfwauxiliary.org/membership-application-form/
HOW TO REQUEST A DD FORM 214:
Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research, as well
as establishing your eligibility for membership with the Veteran of Foreign War’s auxiliaries. Most veterans and their nextof-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records several
ways:
Request Military Service Records Online, by Mail, or by Fax:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Note: Response time for records requested from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) varies and is
dependent upon the complexity of your request, the availability of records and their workload. Please do not send
a follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed, as it may cause further delays. While the NPRC works actively to
respond to each request in a timely fashion, the Center receives approximately 4,000-5,000 requests per day. They
are responding to requests for separation documents within 10 days about 92% of the time. However, requests that
involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 Fire, or older records which require extensive search efforts, may take
6 months or more to complete.
DUES: Options for the Auxiliary of the VFW dues include paying annually ($35), a one time Life Membership (adjacent chart), or an installment plan for a Life Membership. Several payment plans are available, including
12-month and 24-month installment plans. Age
18-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81+ One Payment 12 Month
24 Month
$425.00
$410.00
$375.00
$335.00
$290.00
$225.00
$170.00
$20.23
$19.58
$18.05
$16.32
$14.36
$11.53
$ 9.14
$40.39
$39.02
$35.84
$32.20
$28.11
$22.20
$17.20