CANCER RESEARCH

On October 22, 2010 the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Ohio presented a check for $50,245.71 for cancer reseach to the OSU James Cancer Hospital . Pictured is Robert Funk Jr., Quartermaster, Dr. Peter J. Houghton and Leon Johnson, Immediate Past Department Commander.

Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended

The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 3, 2010, allowing personnel more time to apply for the benefits they've earned.

To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Obama yesterday, providing funding for federal government operations through Dec. 3.

"It's important that all those eligible for this benefit take the opportunity to apply for what they've earned," said Lernes Hebert, acting director, Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. "We encourage those eligible to apply as soon as possible, to avoid the last minute rush, which can increase processing time."

RSLSP was established to compensate military members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries are required to submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. The original deadline for claims was Oct. 21, 2010.

When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts throughout the year. Efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue throughout the period of eligibility.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/
Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1

Big Ten Conference in Ohio a Success

Toast Gary Bentfeld and Janet White, Chairpersons of the Big Ten Conference hosted by the Department of Ohio in Columbus October 15-17th . Also toast Susan Hite of the Department of Ohio Headquarters for her work to ensure a successful weekend and also to the many VFW member volunteers from across Ohio who worked many hours to ensure the hundreds of VFW members from all ten “Big Ten” states had a productive and enjoyable time. Toast outgoing Big Ten chairman Roger Frye and incoming Big Ten Secretary/Treasurer Richard Uzl for the contributions they made and will make to keep our Conference the best in the VFW nation.

Jim Dickens, PDC

VFW National Commander Moves for Dissolution of Political Action Committee

I have reviewed the Political Action Committee (PAC) Board of Directors’ response to our request to rescind this year’s Congressional endorsements. I disagree with their assessment.
It is now evident to most of the VFW leadership, both National and especially the departments, that the VFW has been subjected to extreme negative publicity throughout the nation, and the recent endorsement decisions have, in fact, harmed the VFW’s reputation and future ability to fulfill our mission.
I cannot let this erosion of public support for our great organization continue. The apparent lack of the committee to address these concerns will lead to a proposal by me, as Commander-in-Chief, to amend the by-laws at the 112th National Convention for the purpose of dissolving the PAC. Meanwhile, under the authority granted to me as Commander-in-Chief in section 619 of the VFW National By-Laws and under section 620 of the Manual of Procedure, I am withdrawing all PAC appointments effective October 15, 2010.

Accordingly, I’m asking the council for a vote of “no confidence” in the VFW PAC as indicated on the enclosed ballot.

ALLEN "CRUZER" SMITH

Allen "Cruzer" Smith, State Color Guard Member, member of 9473, Reynoldsburg passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2010.

Services will be 7pm on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at Dwayne Spence Funeral Home, Hill Road in Pickerington, Ohio . Burial at Forest Lawn on Thursday at 11:45am

MYRON YOUNG

MYRON YOUNG PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER PASSED AWAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010.
MYRON WAS A MEMBER OF POST 9571 ELLSWORTH AND WAS STATE COMMANDER 1967-1968.