VFW Post 3783 - Programs


Main - Programs - Veterans Service

VETERANS SERVICE
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ROBERT (BOB) MAXWELL, PSC, Chairman
21645 Fairfield North
Burney, CA 96013
(530) 335-3876 -- FAX (530) 335-3304

     The Department of California, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States maintains a SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IS SECOND TO NONE. Only the very best and knowledgeable Veterans Service Officers are used to assist our veterans and their families in receiving their entitlements by filing claims and representing them on appeals for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits before the Board of Veterans Appeals. The VFW does not represent cases before the United State Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or before the United States Supreme Court.

     Our Department Service Officers (DSO’s) are located at each of the three (3) Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Offices. Each office is staffed with very knowledgeable personnel, highly trained to assist any veteran or widow. There are also Field Service Officers (FSO’s) at each of the individual VA Medical Centers as well as the majority of the VA Outpatient Clinics. Our objective is to have FSO’s in ALL Outpatient Clinics. If a veteran, or family of a veteran, does not receive service in a courteous and efficient manner, please call the Chairman, Vice Chairman, or any member of the Service Committee. We will correct the situation.

     County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO’s) are located in 54 of the 58 counties in California. When referring veterans to a CVSO, always instruct them to request that the claim be filed to indicate the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as the Power of Attorney. This enables the VFW to represent the veteran on appeals.

     We are requesting assistance from the Ladies Auxiliary in the form of a liaison to the committee and for administrative he lp on all levels. The Auxiliary has always answered the call and we are very pleased that State President Jean Anderson has appointed Beverly Brown to act as the Ladies liaison. For those Auxiliary members who might be interested in serving, please contact Beverly Brown, or any other member of the Service Committee.

How much is needed to run the Service Department and how is it Funded?

     1. A portion of each member's per capita tax from the dues.

     2. BUDDY POPPY TAX AND PROFIT is mandated to the Service Department.

     3. Posts and Districts can donate monies directly to the Service Department. Donations from Bingo and Post Relief Funds are authorized.

     4. Service Memorial Donation. (CAVFW FORM - 23). When we lose a Comrade, a donation can be made to the Service Department in the deceased Comrade’s memory. The next of kin will receive a memorial card indicating that a donation has been made in the name of the deceased to the Service Department. The amount is not mentioned. Posts can donate any amount they feel they can afford. These donations may also come from Bingo or Post Relief funds.

     5. Bequests: Members or non- members can name the VFW Service Department of California in their wills.

     6. Service Committee sponsored fundraisers.

Donations to the Service Department are authorized tax deductions. Please check with Income Tax advisor for deducibility questions.

     NOTE: Materials available for Service Officer Training at VFW State Headquarters include "The Service Officers Guide," which is the textbook for VFW Service Officers and is available for $11.00 each; this will also provide you with a Service Officers Registration Card. The new Guides were printed in 2001 and are available for purchase. There is one other important guide and that is the "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet No. 80-97-1, and this document is usually updated each January. This may be obtained through the
Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 at $7.00 each. This is listed under Stock No. ISBN 0-16-048958-X. Send a check or money order SNO51-000-00205-9, or phone your order (202) 512-1800, or you can FAX (202) 512-2250.

Sixteenth (16th) Annual Outstanding Veterans Administration Employees Award

     The Directors of the VA Regional Offices and the VA Medical Centers may recommend to the VFW State Service Chairman the names of their nominations of an employee in each category listed whom they feel has rendered outstanding service to our veterans.

     One Employee that is in the professional medical field, i.e., Physician, Surgeon or Doctor. One Nurse or Practitioner in the professional medical field.

     One Employee that you feel exemplifies the best characteristics of Service to Veterans from any employment field.

     A committee appointed by the State Commander will conduct the selection. Please do not submit an employee that has won this award from the Department of California, Veterans of Foreign Wars before. The selection will be conducted at the first Council of Administration Meeting in 2002. The winners one (1) in each category) will be the recipients of a beautiful plaque that will be presented to the winner with an invitation to the State Convention Banquet.

DEPARTMENT SERVICE AWARDS:

POST AWARDS

     1st in each membership division will be awarded a plaque.
     2nd and 3rd in each membership division will be awarded a distinctive citation.

     One (1) plaque will be awarded to the most outstanding Post Service Officer.

DISTRICT AWARDS

     1st in each membership division will be awarded a plaque.
     2nd and 3rd in each membership division will be awarded a distinctive citation.

      One (1) plaque will be awarded to the most outstanding District Service Officer.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

     Reports will be the criteria for awards. Please do not duplicate your Service Officer Reports; report only in your highest position. Many of our Service Officers serve in dual capacities, i.e., Post, District and/or State Service Officers-at-Large. You will be judged in your highest position only. Department Service Officers receiving a salary and/or an allowance will not be eligible for awards. All Service Officers are requested to report quarterly; 1 April, 1 July, 1 October and 1 January. The cut-off date for awards is April 15, 2002. Reports received after this date will not be considered.

      Post Service Officer Reports shall be properly completed on the Department of California Service Officers Report Form (CAVFW FORM - 22) (located in the back of this book) and are to be forwarded to the Department Headquarters.