In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

67th AnnualState Convention

Riverside, CAJune 8, 9 & 10, 2012

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National Commander’s Welcome

DedicationOur condolences to the family of AMVETS life member Hal P. Camp. He faithfully served as department commander, department chaplain and Post 18 commander. Hal was a valuable treasured member of the AMVETS family as well, and will be greatly missed.

Servingwithpride_____________________

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A M V E T S

NatioNal Headquarters4647 Forbes Boulevardlanham, Maryland20706-4380telephone: 301-459-9600Fax: 301-459-7924e-mail: amvets@amvets.org

Gary L. FryAMVETS National Commander

April 5, 2012

Greetings to the members of the AMVETS Department of California

As this group of dedicated veterans gathers for the annual state convention, I want to extend my best wishes to each of you on behalf of AMVETS National Headquarters. Thanks to your continued hard work and dedication, AMVETS remains at the forefront of veterans’ service across America, serving veterans of all conflicts and continuing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our nation’s veterans.

For more than six decades, AMVETS has built a solid reputation of tireless services to our members in posts and departments all across the country, and AMVETS Department of California is no exception. In the last year, each of you has demonstrated your commitment to our nation’s heroes through a broad range of innovative programs and volunteer efforts.

As National Commander, I want to take this opportunity to thank your department, its officers, and your members for your continued devotion to veteran’s service, and I challenge you to do all that you can to serve our veterans, past, present and future.

As AMVETS, you continue to improve the lives of your fellow veterans, and the communities in which you live, keeping with the greatest traditions of our organization and our nation. With this in mind, I wish you a most productive and successful convention in 2012.

Veterans Helping Veterans,

Gary L. FryAMVETS National Commander

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Year in ReviewBy Commander Jerry R. Greer

Good morning my fellow “Team AmveTs” members. This is my report to you for my year in review as it draws to a close. I have had a great year

so far. There have been some ups and downs, but there have also been a lot of good things that have taken place. I have gotten to know a lot more of you great AmveTs members up and down this great state of ours. I have also gotten to see all of the great programs so many of our AmveTs posts are doing, and all of the service that we as AmveTs are providing to California’s veterans.

I have been honored to serve as your “Team AmveTs” state Commander this year. I have been invited to attend post meetings, and District meetings, as well as Area meet-ings, and it is so heart warming to see all of the hard work that we are doing for veterans, as well as AmveTs that I feel that this year has gone by way too fast, here we are al-most at the end, and I see so much yet to be done. so I guess that I will just have to be content to help the new batch of officers with what we have ahead of us.

Here are some of the things I got to do while I was your commander. I chaired my transition meeting in Tulare in July right after taking command, and then I went to the Na-tional Convention in st. Louis. That was such a learning experience, with a few ripples in the river while there at the convention, but we weathered that little ripple as well and went forward with gusto and came home and prepared for my first DEC in Visalia. We had another little ripple in the sand there in the central valley, we took care of that as well.

Then October 21st I was in sacramento for the state Commander’s Council meeting with the CDvA secretary Peter Gravets and his staff, and the next day my first Vice

Cdr. Jerry Guevara and I went to santa Rosa for our North Area meeting by Commander Greg Raff, and I will have to say that Greg ran a very good meeting, as he was in com-mand and control all the time. Then on Oct 28th & 29th Foundation ED Chuck Kissel and I flew back to NorFolk, vA to attend the commissioning ceremony of the Uss Cali-fornia. The new submarine ssN 781 is named for our state. I was invited as state Commander of “Team AmveTs” to represent all of you at this ceremony, which I might add was a very high honor indeed to be able to be there. Chuck Kissel and I did you all proud! I did not see any of the other service organizations from California at that ceremony, so “Team AmveTs” Ho Raw!

Dr. Kissel and I were given a tour of the “boat” and that was a great honor. Then on November 3rd I flew back to valley Forge, PA. for the Freedom Foundation’s Youth camp and spent four wonderful days going back through our history, and that was an awe inspiring trip for me and I know the kids had a great time. I also bought a brick in their Walk of Honor, which I encourage all AmveTs members to do as the proceeds help refurbish some of the dorms they have on campus.

November 11th, I was honored by being invited to be in the Petaluma veterans day Parade and I was driven by a very beautiful young lady in a brand new Ford mustang. That is a very big parade, over 200 entries! November 15th I flew down to Anaheim for a Service Foundation meeting, then on November 17th vice Cdr. Guevara and I went to santa Barbara to meet with Post 3 to try and get a Com-mander for District 3.

December 1st through the 4th I was back in Washington, D.C. for the NeC meeting, and Commander Guevara, FO Cropper and I went over to Lanham, mD to visit the Na-tional Head Quarters, and met with membership Director Harry Neal, stewart Hickey and Commander Fry. It was a very good visit!

December 18th I went to our airport to welcome home our local soldiers from Aftganistan. Then on December 20th I was back in Anaheim for another board meeting. On Janu-ary 7th I was down in visalia for a central area meeting, and a firey meeting that was. We got some members to come to the D.e.C. in santa maria two weeks later, so this is what it’s all about. Get it all out in the open and discuss it!

January 25th I was in sacramento for another Command-ers conference with CDvA, and then the 27th I was down in Tulare headquarters to do some administrative stuff. Febru-ary 1st I was in sacramento at AmveTs Post 9126. District 13 Cdr. Mary White asked me to visit her post when we were at DeC in santa maria. so we had a spicy meeting

State Commander’s Greeting

Jerry R. Greer

State Commander

“Team AmveTS”

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there as one of their members did not want to sit down and talk.

Next I was in san Francisco for the Four Chaplains Ceremony at the st. mary’s Cathedral and that was a great experience for me.

On February 10th, I was at the Barstow veterans Home. Commander Dennis Boyce and John Bernier were there to give me a tour of the facility. It is a very nice home for these veterans. The next day John took me over to Adelanto Post 20 to have a meeting with them about their building. Then on February 14th-16th, Judy and I were the guests of our Department eD Rod Black-man and his wife Rose for the World Ag-Expo in Tulare. As state Commander I was invited to attend this event and was given two $550 dollar tickets to the first AG-Warrior Ceremony, with George W. Bush as the guest speaker, and this was a great honor for myself and my wife to represent California “Team AmveTs” at this very auspicious occasion. This thing is huge. That sur-prised me as I would have never thought that in this little central valley town!

February 24th, I was back to sacramento for the Commanders Conference again with my 1st vice Com-mander. February 29th was the Legislative day at the Capital and that afternoon was our Foundation meeting in sacramento. The 7th of February, I was at the Col-lege of the Redwoods for a scholarship board meeting, and the 13th I flew down to Anaheim for the foundation meeting, and back to sacramento to meet my wife and then off to Washington, D.C. for the NEC meeting in our nation’s Capital.

I missed the Community Covenant signing Ceremo-ny in san Francisco on Friday march the 2nd with my 2nd vice Commander simmons and my Post Command-er Dean Glaser.

April 7th through the 12th, I was in Coeur-d-Alene ID. Then I head down to Tulare or our Budget meeting. On April the 28th, I was in san Francisco for the North-ern Area meeting.

On may 8th, I will probably be back in Anaheim for the foundation meeting. Then in June, I will be at our state Convention. I hope all of our members make a large effort to come to Riverside for this Convention and make it the best Convention yet for “Team AmveTs”. every year should just get bigger and better. Thank you so very much for giving me the honor to represent you and all your support throughout this great year!

July: Transition meeting (date to be announced by new incoming commander)

July 1st: Cut off date to reserve rooms for National convention August 7-11th: National Convention Hotel: Hilton Daytona Beach Ocean Front 100 North Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Reservations: (866) 536-8477 (386) 254-8200 Room Rate: $119-129 Parking: Complimentary

September 10th: Cut off date to reserve room for October DeC at the marriott in visalia. October 5-7th: Fall DeC at the mARRIOTT visalia at the Convention Center - 300 south Court street visalia, Ca 93291 Phone: (559) 636-1111Rooms are $89 plus tax.

2013January 4th: Cut off date to reserve room

for January DeC in santa maria

January 25-27th: Santa Maria Inn 801 south Broadway, santa maria, CA

$94 plus tax reservationsReservations: 800-462-4276 or 805-928-7777

Year in ReviewBy Cmdr. Greer, cont.

AMVETS DEPArTMEnTOF CAliFOrniA

UPCOMing EVEnTS 2012

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Executive Director’s Greeting

Auxiliary President’s Greeting

Welcome to Convention 2012!

On behalf of AmveTs Department of California I want to welcome our members, their families, National AmveTs Commander Fry, CDvA secretary Gravett and mrs. Gravetts and anyone else who is visiting with us,

to our 67th Annual Department convention. I would like to thank Debbie from the Riverside Convention center and the staff of

the Riverside Marriott for helping us have a successful and fun convention. We hope that you will take advantage of the location and enjoy a walk (between meetings) to beautiful downtown Riverside.

Thank you to southern Area Commander Diehl and the posts in this area for put-ting on the entertainment for our saturday evening banquet and for the hospitality room.

many people have worked hard to put together information that you all need to know to help our veterans and your posts. Hopefully you have learned a lot at the com-mittee meetings that were held on Friday morning, at the Friday afternoon session and will learn even more at the convention sessions on saturday and sunday.

Rod BlackmanDepartment of California AMVETS Executive Director

Welcome to our Annual AMVETS Convention

my year of serving you as your Department President comes to a close. I want to thank all of you for all of your hard work and dedication to the organization. Together, we have worked very hard to serve our veterans, and the AmveTs California Department of California.

I would like to welcome you all to our convention. I hope that this last year has been as rewarding for you as it has for me. Please remember that our focus is on our veterans and not what we can gain for ourselves.

I thank all of my officers for all of their hard work and dedication to the veterans and the many causes that your local auxiliaries have taken on.

Please have a wonderful convention and always remember why you joined this great organization.

Linda DiazDepartment of California AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President

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Greetings from Riverside Mayor

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AMVETS Service & Rehabilitation Department of California Service Officers

Help When You Need ItDo you have any questions about veterans’ benefits or need help getting through the red tape involved in

completing veterans’ hospitalization or claim forms? Do you know who to write or call for help? AmveTs service Rehabilitation Department has over 22 AmveTs-accredited representatives throughout the state

of California, in Reno and Las vegas to help you FRee OF CHARGe providing you have appointed AmveTs as your service organization representative so that they may access your records at the veterans Administration. These representatives have been certified by the AMVETS National Service Director and are accredited by the General Counsel, Department of veterans Affairs authorizing them to present claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Write or call our AMVETS accredited service officers below.

Jim PidgeonPost 56

Foundation President

Chuck KisselPost 18

Executive Director

Cephus R. DanielsPost 116

Foundation Trustee

Helen WongPost 34

Foundation Secretary

Jim Pidgeon, Foundation President1213 S. Dale AvenueAnaheim, CA 92980

1 800 640 VETS (8387)

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Ben AguayoProvost Marshal

Post 113

Robert CadenaFinance Officer

Post 22

Ronald FerraraN.E.C. Person

Post 113

Department Officers

Jerry Guevara1st Vice Commander

Post 22

Bud Simmons2nd Vice Commander

Post 40

Terry McCartyJudge Advocate

Post 18

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Department Officers

Dennis BoyceTrustee, Deputy

Inspector GeneralPost 311

Ray DelgadoTrustee SEB

Post 2

Rev. Vincent D. DuncanDepartment Chaplain

Post 116

George McNallyDepartment Deputy Chaplain

Welcome and may the Blessings of God be with you and your families as we meet here in Riverside the largest city in the

county by the same name.

There will be no trouble in River City!But let us make trouble for our elected in Washington if they don’t stop reducing our promised benefits. Remember in November VOTE VETWISE!

In a recent meeting I met a representative from equus medendi. Over the past few years, equus medendi has gained acceptance from the mental Health Community as well as the Department of veterans Affairs. Currently equus medendi provides equine Assisted Therapy sessions in southern California. The primary clients are military veterans and their families from the local area. This organization helps veterans with PTsD, substance abuse and other mental problems. Bonding with a horse and working with a therapist should lead to a better life for our veterans. Two veterans who have completed the program gave favorable testimonials. Almost all of the veterans in the program are combat veterans. They deserve the very best care we can give them. For more information on the program go to www.equusmedendi.com.

Pray always for our troops!God Bless America!God Bless AMVETS!

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Alex HalleyC. Area Commander

Post 56

Greg RaffaN. Area Commander

Post 4

Anne ReederDistrict 2

CommanderPost 116

Area & District Commanders

David DiehlS. Area Commander

Post 66

David RicheyDistrict 8 Commander

Post 40

Gary ImhoffDistrict 14

CommanderPost 2813

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District Commanders

Mark SanchezDistrict 16

CommanderPost 96

Tom JohnsonDistrict 15

CommanderPost 1996

John BernierDistrict 17

CommanderPost 2007

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The following rules have been adopted to govern Conventions and Executive Meetings unless amended or deleted by a two-thirds majority vote at such a meeting.

Robert’s Rules of Order - In any matter not covered by the AMVETS National Constitution and By-Laws, Department of California Constitution and By-Laws or these Convention and DEC rules, Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail.

Privilege of the Floor - All AMVETS shall have the privilege of the floor when properly recognized by the chair. When recognized, they will declare their NAME and POST NUMBER, also when making a motion or a second.

Time Limit on Debate - Debate shall be limited to three minutes for each speaker, except for the proponent of a resolution or motion who shall have two minutes for rebuttal. Debate on any one subject shall be limited to fifteen minutes unless extended by a two thirds vote of the members present.

Post Delegate Chairman - shall control his delegation with regard to monopolizing argument on the floor, pro and con on a question.

On Any Question - the Chair shall recognize proponents and opponents alternately.

The Floor - shall be permitted but once to any one individual on any one subject except the proponent of a resolution or motion, except by majority consent of the members present. However, Committee Chairman may speak as frequently as necessary in connection with their committee reports. In the event of controversy, the Chair shall not entertain any motion which will curtail further debate without affording the Committee Chairman, or the proponent, an opportunity for a two minute rebuttal.

Resolutions, Requirements for Presentation - All resolutions to come before the meeting must be presented to the Resolutions Committee, or the Department Executive Director, for referral to the proper committee, before close of business on the first day of the meeting. They must be presented in three copies, typed or printed in proper resolution

form. If submitted by a Post the resolution must be signed by the Post Commander or the Post Adjutant. A resolution may be submitted when sponsored by five AMVETS in good standing from five different Posts.

No Resolutions - shall be discussed on the floor until it has been reported out by an appropriate Committee after referral by the Resolutions Committee. All resolutions properly submitted must be reported to the floor of the meeting. No Committee shall give consideration to any resolution, the subject matter of which does not pertain to the duties or functions of that particular Committee. Under these rules, a Committee may originate such resolutions as pertain to the subject with which the Committee is charge. A two thirds vote of the delegates may accept a resolution which does not meet the above requirements. Video & Recording Devices - in the audience are absolutely prohibited. Official minutes of this convention are property of AMVETS Department of California.

Legislative Rules For Convention And Department Executive Committee Meetings

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Legislative Rules For Convention And Department Executive Committee Meetings

Voting - Only duly accredited delegates or, in their absence, the accredited alternates, shall vote on any question before the meeting. Any vote is subject to challenge by another delegate.

Voting shall be by voice or hand vote, except that the Chair, or the delegates of at least three Posts, may demand a roll call vote. Election of Department Officers shall be by VOICE VOTE.

(a) Final nominations for Officers shall be held at 9:30 AM sharp on Sunday morning and the election shall immediately follow the close of nominations.

Nominations, Invitations for Meetings - Nomination speeches for Department Officers, invitations for meetings and acceptance speeches shall not exceed three (3) minutes. Not more than two seconding speeches for any candidate or place shall be permitted. Such speeches shall not be more than one (1) minute.

Discussions, Personal and Local Grievances - Discussion of PERSONAL GRIEVANCES, LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CLAIMS CONCERNING AN INDIVIDUAL with respect to his personal interest shall not be permitted on the floor; however, such matters may be discussed before Committees with a majority approval of the members of such committee. Time Keeper and Rules Administrator - The Provost Marshall shall be the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Judge Advocate shall be the administrator of the Rules of the meeting. A Time Keeper shall be appointed by the Department Commander. Each may appoint assistants with the approval of the Department Commander.

Election Rules - Delegates and Alternates who have paid their registration fees will be qualified to represent Posts in good standing.

Election of all Officers - shall be by a majority of the votes cast. After any ballot for any office, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated. A candidate for any office receiving less than ten percent (10%) of the votes on any ballot shall likewise be eliminated when there are more than three

candidates for the office. In case of a tie, the Department Commander will break the tie.

No Ballot - shall be taken on any office until such time as reports on the qualifications of all for the office have been submitted.

Each Office - shall be voted on separately in the order outlined in Article VI of the Department Constitution. As each Department Officer is elected, nominations will be in order for the next office indicated.

Voting Delegates - shall be furnished with some visible means of identification to facilitate vote counting. Offices would then be voted upon and filled in the order listed in Article 7. The election shall proceed under the supervision of three AMVETS appointed by the Department Commander. The candidates for office may have one personal representative to witness the counting of the ballots for the office he or she seeks. The election shall proceed for one office at a time.

During the Elections of Officers - the doors will be closed and no one will be allowed to come in; however, delegates may go out.

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PAST COMMANDERS POST YEAR PAST PRESIDENTS AUX.*Jack Hardy 1 1945 *edith Males 55*edward shattuck 1 1945 *edith Males 55 *ronald Button 1 1945 *edith Males 55 *Frank dee scriven 1 1946 *inez Murphy 18*Prentice smith 13 1947 *Patricia loeblich 30*James Kehoe 53 1948 Helen Wolf 14*Hampton Hutton 1 1949 Zoe riley *William o’sullivan 1 1950 *Genevieve Basham 48*lionel Hudson 5 1951 *Pearl Barnett 30*edward Miratti 3 1952 *Kathryn lindsey 5*douglas Kueny 52 1953 Helen Whelchel 14*edward Branum 111 1954 lucia russo 48*leroy Gardiner 4 1955 lottie Young 14*arthur Green 48 1956 *louise Campbell 48*Jack lindsay 5 1957 *Kay Camp 18Hal Camp 18 1958 *Mae Pierce 48*Frank russo 48 1959 *Marion Walker 33*Walter Myers 48 1960 Vivian Wasner 48*robert Kehoe 53 1961 *texas Myers 48*Bearl Bennett 5 1962 *diane dodgen 48*Joseph doyle 48 1963 *Clara Podrazik 48*Thad Males 23 1964 *esther Glenn 48*B. Bill Murad 15 1965 *roberta stephens 18*G.W. stewart 1 1966 *Nettie Pina 2*Julio Pina 2 1967 *evelyn stack 48John engberg 44 1968 Kitty Kelly 18Faith rothburn 30 1969 rachel Brown 18*M. d. Christopherson 48 1970 *Marie Pena 48*louis Kelly 18 1971 *Mildred Klesper 70*Billy alexander 15 1972 *Polly Nicolai 30*Joseph lopez 19 1973 diedre lingenfelter 70*Joseph alexander 30 1974 Fern Graupmann 117*Jack Wu 34 1974 Fern Graupmann 117 *Harvey Boswell 24 1975 *sarah Flores 33*John lingenfelter 70 1976 *agnes Kolano 30Manual toledo 56 1977 dolores stoll 70*Murray Zeckowy 25 1978 deborah Fox 48*Melvin e. Brown 18 1979 *louise Weaver 30stephen K. davis 20 1980 *esther Hodgson 10stephen K. davis 20 1981 Myra rogers 30*Marion (Gene) Thomas 56 1982 *Vera l. Garner 26*arden Johnson 72 1983 diana Honabarger 48*Jim adams 56 1984 Barbara t. schmidt 80

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PAST COMMANDERS POST YEAR PAST PRESIDENTS AUX.Baldemar salmon 22 1985 Marilyn J. Murphy 48*Clarence J. Garner 26 1986 Patricia a. Cathey 48George Maness 56 1987 Marilyn J. Murphy 48George Maness 56 1988 *Vera l. Garner 10*lionel (Butch) Madole 100 1989 deborah l. Fox 48*lionel (Butch) Madole 100 1990 roberta Jacobs 5277richard Bowen 18 1991 roberta Jacobs 5277*Joaquin silva 56 1992 Patricia richardson 56*Joaquin silva 56 1993 Hazel Hogan 100Frank Gonzales 1990 1994 Hazel Hogan 100Frank Gonzales 1990 1995 deborah Fox 48Vernon robinson 17 1996 Marie lucero 113Vernon robinson 17 1997 Charon dunn 20*Howard dean 56 1998 Charon dunn 20* Howard dean 56 1999 Charlene Newell 80dennis o’dell 2 2000 Charlene Newell 80don Mcdonald 1990 2001 Helen Blanchette 20leo simon 1996 2002 Helen Blanchette 20 robert salisbury 30 2003 irene Cervantes 113Beverly Grable 56 2004 irene tellex 113John reece 1 2005 irene tellex 113arthur “dell” Benton 2007 2006 linda adi 80Jim Pidgeon 56 2007 linda adi 80Mel Posey 26 2008 Michelle scovil 1John Byrum 18 2009 Michelle scovil 1Charles ramos 56 2010 linda diaz 113 Jerry Greer 96 2011 linda diaz 113 AMVETS OF THE YEAR POST YEAR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AUX.*ralph Thorpe 56 1957 Mae Pierce 48*edward Branum 111 1958 lucia russo 48*earl ash 48 1959 Not awarded 00 Hal Camp 18 1960 Kay Camp 18*eugene rudd 13 1961 *Marion Walker 33*Walter Myers 48 1962 *texas Myers 48*Jack lindsey 5 1963 *Kathryn lindsey 5*Frank stephens 18 1964 *esther Glenn 48Manual toledo 56 1965 Kitty Kelly 18*Bearl Bennett 5 1966 *Marie Pena 48John engberg 44 1967 *Nettie Pina 2*Joseph torres 98 1968 rachel Brown 18*Julio Pina 2 1969 Phyllis Mannon 111Not awarded 00 1970 Not awarded 00*emory alderson 48 1971 *evelyn stack 48

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AMVETS OF THE YEAR POST YEAR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AUX.*B. Bill Murad 15 1972 Jean Farber 30*Joseph doyle 48 1973 *elma Kneip 48James G. Jay 34 1974 *Margaret alexander 15(Not awarded) 1975 Hazel Hogan 70Joseph Kolano 30 1976 *lena Basilone 48*Melvin e. Brown 18 1977 *Vera l. Garner 26*John lingenfelter 70 1978 *esther Hodgson 10*M. d. Christopherson 48 1979 *Fern Graupmann 111*Mary Branum 80 1980 *Clara Podrazik 80Hal Camp 18 1981 Helen tucker 20*Joseph lopez 19 1982 not awarded *Clarence Garner 26 1983 *Geneva Bennett 7*david Hall 28 1984 Patricia Cathey 7Bert sa 56 1985 not awarded *Joseph tom 78 1986 *Mary Walker 48*Pete Valdez 2 1987 rosie Valdez 2George Maness 56 1988 Barbara schmidt 80*Clifford Well 23 1989 *Polly Nicolai 80*lionel (Butch) Madole 100 1990 Mary Wilhelms 48Jo Fisher 4 1991 Jo ann Blatt 80*John everett 5277 1992 Marilyn Murphy 80*Jim adams 56 1993 not awarded Martin Fishman 177 1994 Charlene Newell 48del Benton 2007 1995 deborah Fox 48Vanda Bresman 18 1996 Helen Blanchette 20Gus Wilson, Jr. 100 1997 not awarded donald Mcdonald 1990 1998 regina Hasbrook 56*lloyd reid 6 1998 not awarded *Bob lynch 56 2000 Charon dunn 20John lock 34 2001 eileen Hogan 100leo simon 1996 2002 irene taylor 4*Joaquin silva 56 2003 *agnes Kolano 30Joel devenish 30 2004 lee Peterson 48Jeff sharp 18 2005 diana Honabarger 48rose Blackman 56 2006 Bernandette Cawthorne 20terry McCarty 18 2007 Vickie o’Neal 30Chuck Kissel 18 2008 diana Honabarger 20Jim Pidgeon 56 2009 debbi Johnson 1996ann reeder 116 2010 Benny aginga 113Baldemar salmon 56 2011 Charlene Newell 80*Denotes deceased

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67th Annual Convention AgendaJUNE 8-10, 2012

Riverside Marriott, Riverside, CAFriday June 8th Registration 0800-1130 COMMITTEE MEETINGS:0800: VAVS for all reps and Posts: Jacobs, Women Veterans: reeder & Team AMVETS Charities: daniels 0900: Resolutions: isaacson, Americanism: Kissel 1000: Ways & Means: sanchez & Programs: – simmons– 2nd Vice Commander1100 Constitution and Bylaws – Kissel & Legislative Committee:- Plass1600 (4 pm): Executive Board Meeting: Commander Greer TBD, Immediately after E Board Meeting, Convention site selection committee.

Friday 8 JUNE 1300 – 15501300 hrs – CONVENTION called to order Commander Greer

Colors Posted by state Color Guard, Pledge of allegiance led by Provost Marshall Ben aquayoinvocation –Chaplain acceptance of agenda and deC minutes: Commander GreerWelcome – southern area Commander diehl, Convention ChairpersonWelcome – City officials – riverside Mayor Pro tem Paul davis introduction of National Commander Fryspeaker: secretary of Calif. Veterans affairs: Peter J. Gravett and his wife

speaker: alton Garrett senior advisor on Veteran’s affairs from senator Boxer’s office

First credentials report: olson Roll Call of Officers & Posts: rod Blackman, executive director

Officers Reports: dept. 1st Vice, Guevara - Membership dept. 2nd Vice, simmons - ProgramsNorthern area Commander: raffa Central area Commander: Halleysouthern area Commander: diehl

Committee Reports:NeC Man report Ferrera Judge advocate report: McCartyProvost Marshall report: aguayo americanism, Kissel

District Commanders and Post Commander’s Reports

1600 (4 p.m.), Executive Board Meeting TBD, Immediately after E Board Meeting, Convention site selection committee.

SATURDAY June 9th Registration 0800-1130

Commander Greer reconvenes convention 0900 –1130 hours

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67th Annual Convention AgendaRoll Call: dept. of Ca officers & Posts by rod Blackman- executive director

2nd Credentials report: olson

Committee Reports: CBls, awards, resolutions, Programs, sad sacks, service Foundation report: President Pidgeon

Recess for lunch Registration 1300 - 1500 SATURDAY June 9th Reconvene convention at 1300 – 1430 hours (Joint session with Auxiliary).

Commander introduces distinguished guests: National Commander: Fry Auxiliary President diazspeaker: aMVets dept. New York NeC person: Commander Greer dismisses distinguished Guests

legislative advocate: Conatylegislative Chair: PlassFinance officer’s report: Cadena Proposed budgetVaVs report: JacobsConvention Committee: 2013 2014 convention sites: e. d. Blackman

1st Nominations of Officers

Announcementsarea caucuses will be held right after this meeting in this room SAD SACK SCRIMMAGE, 31 minutes after the banquet

1830 No Host Cocktails 1900 Commander/ President’s Banquet- dance - aMVet of the Year Woman of the Year Volunteer of the Year raffle

Sunday, June 10th Registration 0800-0900Memorial services 0800 -0900

Commander Greer Reconvenes Convention 0930 Final Credentials report: roll Call of officers and Post, rod Blackman, e.d. executive Board report: Commander Greer Final Nominations: election of 2012-2013 dept. officers Installation of new officers by National Commander Fry

old business - New business - Benediction: Chaplain - retirement of Colors - raffle

Convention Closed by Commander.

Agenda subject to change without notice

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Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agenda AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Department of California

67th Annual Conventionriverside, California June 8 – 10, 2012

agendaFriday – June 8, 2012

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ......................................................................................................................................... registration12:00 officers Meeting (to Be announced) ................................................................................linda diaz, dept. President1:00 p.m. ............................................................................. opening of the 67th a.M.Vets ladies auxiliary ConventionCall to order ...............................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. PresidentPosting of Colors ................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsopening of Bible ................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsinvocation ................................................................................................................................... Barbara Peterson, ChaplainPledge of allegiance ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsroll Call of officers/Chairmen .................................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretary

Present ________ excused ________ total officer/Chrm ________Voting strength ________roll Call of local auxiliaries ....................................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretary

delegates ________ alternates ________ total Voting strength ________establishment of quorum ....................................................................................................Michelle scovil, Parliamentarianadoption of Convention agenda ..................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. PresidentPreamble ...........................................................................................................................................debbi Johnson, 1st Vice Code of the american Mother ........................................................................................................ Gloria sandoval, 2Nd ViceWelcome .....................................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. PresidentMinutes of s.e.C. Meeting, santa Maria .........................................................................Charlie Newell, recording secretaryintroduction of P.d.P’s and Guests ..............................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentappointment of time Keeper ......................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentreading of Convention rules ...............................................................................................Michelle scovil, ParliamentarianCorrespondence ........................................................................................................ april Casares, Corresponding secretaryCredentials report ....................................................................................................... eileen Hogan, Credentials Chairman

officers/Chrm. ____delegates ____alternates ____Pdps ____Guests ____total Voting strength ____Finance report .................................................................................................................................... rita Garcia, treasurer

Balance Forward as of ________ (date)$________total income $________total disbursements $________

Checking account Balance as of $________ (date) ________recommendations of officers Meeting (First reading) .............................................. Charlene Newell, recording secretaryofficer’s and Chairmen’s reports (3 Copies-explain duties of office also) Position How In Office Name Ways & Means appointed Caretha Mitchell Credentials appointed eileen Hogan Parliamentarian appointed Michelle scovil Corresponding secretary appointed april Casares recording secretary appointed Charlene Newell awards (Jr. Past Pres.) appointed Michelle scovil

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Ladies Auxiliary Convention AgendaPosition How In Office NameChaplain elected Barbara Petersonseargent-at-arms elected dolores sanchezN.e.C. Woman elected (2 Years) diana Honabargertreasurer elected rita Garciascholarship elected stella useryHospital elected alma Gant Nashamericanism elected donna Mc Gonigal3rd Vice Pres./Cmnty srvs elected Carol smith2Nd Vice Pres./Child Wlfr elected Gloria sandoval1st Vice Pres./Membership elected debbi JohnsonPresident elected linda diazannouncementsClosing of the Bible ................................................................................................................. dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsWays & Means raffle .......................................................................................................... Caretha Mitchell, Ways & Meansopening of Bible ..................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsBenediction ...................................................................................................................................alma Gant Nash, Chaplainretirement of Colors ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsadjournment ................................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentstanding Committee Meetings- tBa (see saturday)7-8 p.m.………………………………….………. .............................................. dept. Commander & President reception8:01 p.m.………………………………………… ......................................... ………………….Bingo Hosted By sackettes

Saturday – June 9, 2012registration ......................................................................................................................................................8:30-9:00 a.m.aMVets ladies auxiliary Meeting reconvenes ...................................................................................................... 9:00 a.m.Formal opening of Convention ................................................................................................shirley Cullum, Conv. Chrm.Call to order ................................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. PresidentPosting of Colors ..................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsopening of the Bible ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsinvocation .....................................................................................................................................Barbara Peterson, ChaplainPledge of allegiance................................................................................................................. dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsroll Call of officers/Chairmen..................................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretary

Present____excused ____ officers/Chairmen Voting strength ____

roll Call of local auxiliaries ........................................................................................ Charlene Newell, recording secretary

delegates ____alternates ____ total delegate Voting strength ____

establishment of quorum .....................................................................................................Michelle scovil, Parliamentarianintroduction of PdPs, Guests/New Members .............................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentdefinition of americanism ............................................................................................... donna Mc Gonigal, americanismCode of ethics ........................................................................................................................ Carol smith, 3rd Vice PresidentWelcome ......................................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. PresidentCredentials report .........................................................................................................eileen Hogan, Credentials Chairman

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Ladies Auxiliary Convention Agendaofficers/Chairmen ____ delegates ____alternates____PdPs____Guests ____total Voting strength ____

Correspondence ................................................................................................................... april Casares, Corresp. secretaryFinance report ...................................................................................................................................... rita Garcia, treasurer

Saturday – June 9, 2012, cont.Continue With unfinished officers reports From Fridayreport From district ii .................................................................................................................alma Gant Nash, PresidentVavs reports: Fresnola Jolla ................................................................................................................................................................. irene taylorla outpatient Greater l.a. .................................................................................................................. irene Cervantes, PdPloma linda .............................................................................................................................................. donna Mc Gonigallong Beach ......................................................................................................................................... Charlene Newell, PdPWest la Medical Center ...............................................................................................................................alma Gant Nashreports From standing Committees Type Lead By Room Time Membership debbi Johnson Child Welfare Gloria sandoval Community service Carol smith americanism donna Mc Conigal Hospital alma Gant Nash scholarship stella usery awards Michelle scovil Const. & By-laws Michelle scovil Finance rita Garciarecommendations From officers Meeting (second reading ........................................ Charlene Newell, recording secretary11:30 a.m. .................................................................................................................................................. recess For lunch

1:00 p.m. ................................................................................................................................ Joint session With aMVetsOfficers and Chairmen Please Attend In Uniform

2:00 p.m. .................................................................................................................................................. awards Ceremonyreconvene Convention ...............................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentreading of election rules .....................................................................................................Michelle scovil, Parliamentarian

First Nomination of officers For 2010 – 2011Please Turn to Nomination of Officers Page

Nominations Closed until sundayCaucus .......................................................................................................... anyone May ask questions of the CandidatesContinuation of any unfinished reportsannouncementsClosing of Bible ..................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsWays & Means raffles ......................................................................................................... Carehta Mitchell, Ways & Meansopening of the Bible ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsBenediction ...................................................................................................................................Barbara Peterson, Chaplainretirement of Colors ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsadjournment ................................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. President6:30 p.m. No Host Cocktails .................................................................................dept. Commander & Presidents Banquet7:30 p.m. .................................................................................................................................................... dinner is served

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Ladies Auxiliary Convention AgendaAMVET and V.A.V.S. Volunteer of the Year Will Be Awarded

Sunday – June 10, 2012

8:00 a.m. ................................................................................................... Joint aMVets and auxiliary Memorial service8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ......................................................................................................................................... registration9:00 a.m. ........................................................................................................................................... reconvene Convention

(Please sit With Your auxiliary)Call to order ...............................................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentopening of Bible .................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsinvocation ....................................................................................................................................Barbara Peterson, ChaplainPledge of allegiance ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsintroduction of New Guests ........................................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentroll Call of P.d.P.’s ..................................................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretaryroll Call of officers/Chairmen..................................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretary

Present___________ excused___________ total Voting strength___________ roll Call of auxiliaries ................................................................................................. Charlene Newell, recording secretary

delegates___________ alternates ___________ Guests ___________ Since the First Order of Business Is Elections, Each Auxiliary Will Be Seated Together. All Alternates and Guests Will Retire to the Back of the Room. We Will Count Off As the Credentials Report Is Given.Final Credentials report ............................................................................................................... eileen Hogan, Credentials

Officers/Chairmen ___________ Delegates ___________ Alt ___________ Guests ___________

total ___________ total Voting strength ___________ Majority Vote ___________ 2/3% Vote ___________

establishment of quorum ....................................................................................................Michelle scovil, Parliamentarian2nd reading of election rules appointment of 2 tellers to assist in Counting ....................................................................Michelle scovil, Parliamentarianreopen Nominations and elections .............................................................................................linda diaz, dept. Presidentremarks From Newly elected PresidentFinal Committee reportsunfinished Businessrecommendations from officers Meeting .................................................................... Charlene Newell, recording secretaryNew Businessold BusinessFinal Convention report ........................................................................................... shirley Cullum, Convention ChairmanPresentationsinstallation of incoming officers - Please stay For This Ceremony to Honor our incoming officersannouncements/Good & WelfareClosing of Bible ..................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsWays & Means drawings and Final report.Caretha Mitchell, Ways & Meansopening of Bible ..................................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsBenediction ...................................................................................................................................Barbara Peterson, Chaplainretirement of Colors ............................................................................................................... dolores sanchez, sgt. at armsadjourn Convention .................................................................................................................. linda diaz, dept. President

Thank you one and all for your attendance of this convention, and congratulations to our new officers for the year of 2011 – 2012. Drive home safely and have a great year.

For Immediate Release Contact: Pete Conaty May 3, 2012 (916) 492-0550

Team AMVETS Legislative Chair attends press conference in support of

The Commission on the Status of Women Sacramento – Lorraine Plass, Team AMVETS’ Legislative Chairperson recently attended a press conference at the State Capitol to support the Commission on the Status of Women. Governor Brown has proposed abolishing this commission.

Plass joined actress Geena Davis and nine women legislators in applauding Assembly Speaker John Perez’ (D-Los Angeles) decision to transfer funds from the Assembly budget to the Commission. Geena Davis was appointed to the commission by the previous governor. Plass is the first woman veteran who is a legislative chairperson in any veterans service organization in California and in AMVETS’ 67 year history.

“I was honored to participate in this event as the Legislative Chair of Team AMVETS and on behalf of all of California women veterans”, stated Plass.

Plass spoke to Geena Davis about having the commission becoming more active in addressing issues facing California women veterans coming home in this current conflict.

Plass has also been selected to address the upcoming National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators at their upcoming convention in Sacramento. Plass will speak on legislative issues for women veterans. She is on the Governor’s Interagency Council on Veterans and a Judge Advocate of the AMVETS Post 40 in Sonoma County.

Left: Lorraine Plass (r) speaks to actress Geena Davis about women veterans issues.

Right: Assembly Speaker John Perez speaks to the press.

Lorraine Plass [AMVETS cap].

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