General Orders 2 & 3

August 2010
To Be Read, Acted On, and Filed

Listen Cooties,

Take a look at the Testimonial Reservation form as well as the Ad book and Booster pages included in this General Orders. I would appreciate an Ad from as many Pup Tents as possible to help defray the costs of the dinner.

The agenda for the C of A weekend is:
Executive Meeting on Saturday September 25, 2010 at 1:00 pm.
Council of Administration will be held on Sunday September 26, 2010 at 9:00 am.

COMMANDERS TRAVEL
Attended the V.F.W. Flying Squadron in Harrisburg on July 30,31st and August 1st.
Attend District 4 Meeting the weekend of August 7 and 8.
Attend the Supreme Convention August 22-28th.

AROUND THE SEAMS OF THE GRAND

Andy Hanes reported that Pup Tent 58, Moshannon Valley participated in the Clearfield County Parade. Pup Tent 58 put a float in the parade. He said there were thousands of people on the parade route. The MC at the Grandstand was given a short article by Andy. When the article was read the people stood up, some saluted the Cooties while others just applauded. Andy was so proud a tear came to his eye. Boo’s go out to Seam Squirrel Bob Barkman and the Lousy Cooties of Pup Tent 58 for doing such a good job of making their presences known in the seams of Clearfield County. Good work Cooties!

GENERAL ORDERS # 1

June: 2010
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties,

New offices have been elected and installed for the term 2010-2011. All old officers committee chairman have expired. Today started a new year with our programs and the way we recruit new cooties. By going back to our VFW Posts and asking members if they are Cooties. If not ask them why not, telling them we see them in the VA hospitals and nursing homes. So join our organization and be faithful to our veterans. Receive the recognition for there work.

To our Grand President Janet Bossman and Auxiliary Officers. I'm looking forward to working with you. We Cooties have to quit being so modest. We need to start tooting our own horn. All Pup Tent audits should be in on time for July. I hope to see all Cooties at state VFW convention. We have a table set up Thursday though Saturday. Be faithful to our vets. Keep them smiling in beds of white.

QUARTERMASTER REPORT

First off I would like to thank all Cooties for their support in my recent election as your Grand Quartermaster. Given time I hope to be able to answer any and all your questions by the next C of A in Philadelphia in September, mean while until June continue to mail transmittals to Past Quartermaster Ed Wood along with any checks until I get set up with a local bank in my area. We still need approximately 30 members for 100% and about $150.00 for Special Projects. Remember up until July 1, 2010 you can take a new member in to your Pup Tent for $25.00, they will not get a hat with this fee schedule, send $16.00 to Grand Quartermaster and you can keep the rest. If he wants the hat the cost will still be $63.00. This is a great time to get some new members Cooties lets get Pat that 100% he needs prior to July 1,2010.

Membership How your Pup Tent stands, PT 6 17 of 24, PT 8 34 of 34, PT 13 19 of 19, PT 14 17 of 16, PT 18 17 of 19, PT 24 16 of 16, PT 26 4 of 21, PT 29 66 of 81, PT 33 11 of 14, PT 34 33 of 38, PT 38 19 of 18, PT 39 17 of17, PT 44 24 of 24, PT 45 39 of 38, PT 48 48 of 46, PT 50 17 of 19, PT 57 46 of 56, PT 58 29 of 29, PT 59 26 of 38, PT 64 10 of 12, PT 65 13 of 12, PT 72 37 of 41, PT 77 34 of 34, PT 92 19 of 21. We know some Pup Tents had several deaths but lets try and get those members that are still with us. Remember if they are in nursing homes it’s ok to pay their dues and fill out a hospital report as a gift.

Projected Budget FY 2010-2011 Income Membership (life 449) no per capital at this time Annual membership (401 members @ $5.00 per) $ 2,005.00 //projected if we gain get back to 1000// Another new or reinstated 150**members ($ 750.00) Delegate fees 250 @ $10.00 per every 10 members $ 1,000.00 (other delegate fees PGC PSC Dist Commander so on) $ 80.00 Ways & means ($60.00 lottery tickets convention tickets) $5,000.00 sub total $8,835.00 *note as of may 7,2010 we have $66,273.33 in Checking we no longer have any CD's. Projected to withdrawal and invest $50,000.00 out of Checking hope to make on return ($3,075,oo) Total income with invest $11,910.00

Total assets $50,000.00 in investments $16,273.33 in checking Expenses for Grand of Pa 2010-2011 Printing $ 150.00 Delegate badges (donated) 00.00 Adj. Supplies gen orders stamps ink $ 1,200.00 Quartermaster supplies stamps so on $ 500.00 Hospital program(cash awards conv.) $ 300.00 (hosp chair) Membership program awards cash $ 325.00 (mem chair) Booster program awards cash $ 75.00 (per chair) Inspection chairman prog. Post/trav. $ 70.00 (Grand insp) Grand photographer film exp. $ 300.00 Advertisement (Supreme AD/ Dept AD) $ 250.00 (bond) not this year ($465.00). Tomb trek wreath $ 25.00 Grand hospital (visit) Sharing & caring boat rides $ 800.00 Pa. War council anual dues $ 200.00 C of A and convention room exp $ 2,000.00 Sub total / $ 6,195.00//* Officers expenses Grand commander receives $400.00 qtr. $ 1,600.00 for year Sr vice Commander receives $125.00 Qtr $ 500.00 for year Jr vice Commander receives $100.00 qtr $ 400.00 for year Quarter master $ 50.00 qtr $ 200.00 for year Adjutant 00.00 $ 000.00 he is Jr Vice ***note officers must attend C of A and convention for travel National home Christmas Party $ 200.00 Grand Commander tom trek exp if attending $ 300.00 Grand Commander nat home xmas party if goes $ 300.00 Supreme Scratch (if attending expenses)$ 1,000.00 Supreme hospitality expense $ 500.00 Total officers expenses $ 5,000.00 Total all expenses ( $11,195.00 ) Total projected income $11,195.00. Balance budget proposal ending balance $00.00

All Pup Tent Seam Squirrels should read propose budget 2010-2011 at a scratch. If any one has any questions or suggestions for changes should be put in writing and given to the Grand Commander, Grand Quartermaster, or Grand Adjutant prior to September 1, 2010. This will allow the Budget Committee time to address these issues prior to the September. C of A

Membership Program First, a Pup Tent must be 100% in membership the sooner the better, PT bond must be up to date for bonding year, PT must be inspected get 10 extra points if the inspection report is mailed in by December 1, 2010. PT must have four audits turned in, if turn in on time receive 10 points. PT must have at least one hospital report turned in by March 2011. PT must have a warrant turned in to Grand Adjutant. & Supreme Headquarters by April 15, 2011. The PT who mails in a VFW Booster report by March 1, 2011 gets 10 extra points.

This year we gave away most of membership money allotted to awards, all the hospital awards money, and booster money at the Lancaster Convention. The money is there for Pup Tents but only if the proper paper work is turn in. This year when you open your General Orders the forms will be enclosed. Its up to the SS, CCDB, Keeper of Lousy Records, Trustees, and Hospital Chairman to prepare each report. Lets get back on track for are new Grand Commander Jack.

Ways and Means Drawing Winners in Lancaster First place $500.00 Pete Wilkins second place $200.00 Lenny Gillespie, 3rd place $100.00 John Brenner, 4th place $50.00 Ron Moon
5th place $ 50.00 Ron Herman 6th place $50.00 Tina Mutt 7th place $ 25.00 John F. Kohler Jr. 8th place $25.00 Gaylord Peters All winners checks have been mailed

Want to help support the Grand on an individual bases? Our yearly Lottery ticket sales are down. The cost for the ticket is $60.00 for the entire year the 3 digit number you get is good for entire year. Everyday of year from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011 that’s $5.00 a month Less than cost of a big burger and drink at Burger King. Call Ben Bowers today its only $55.00 after June 1, 2010 for the year. This helps pay for 30 to 50 percent of the Grand bills. Thanks again Uncle Ben


SUPREME HOSPITAL PROGRAM 2010-2011
Objective: It is the objective of the MOC Hospital Program to encourage all MOC members to actively participate in hospital visitations and volunteer work.

Pup Tent Level Program
1. Each Pup Tent Seam Squirrel shall appoint a PUP TENT HOSPITAL CHAIRMAN.

2. The Pup Tent Hospital Chairman is to coordinate and encourage the Pup Tent to take an active part in hospital visitations and volunteer work.

3. The Pup Tent Hospital Chairman shall accept all correct report data within ninety (90) days after the activity is performed. Final reports for the 2010-2011 Program Year will include all activity through 30 June 2011 and postmarked by 5 July 2011.

4. The Pup Tent Hospital Chairman shall keep accurate records of all activity and donations of the Pup Tent. The Hospital Chairman shall consolidate the report and put it on the proper Hospital chairman’s report form. The Hospital Chairman will then mail one copy of this form to the Grand Hospital Chairman. Reporting of monthly Pup Tent hospital work will use a separate sheet each month. Do not mix months on one sheet.

5. The Black Division Pup Tent Hospital Chairmen shall coordinate their program with the Supreme District Hospital Commissioner and mail all reports as indicated above directly to him.

6. Members-at-Large (MAL’s) will report to the Grand Hospital Chairman only and mail all reports to him/her.

GOAL
A goal of $265.00 credit per Cootie has been established for the 2010-2011 program year.

CREDIT ALLOWANCE
1. Transportation Credit: $0.42 per mile per Cootie to and from hospitals, domiciles, nursing homes, etc., where sick veterans are visited, excluding family members. Outside CONUS, where the cost of operating and maintaining privately owned vehicles (POV’s) is higher, this credit is seventy cents (multiplier of 5.0). This multiplier helps offset increased costs and fluctuation in currency exchange rates. Actual cost, instead of mileage, is used if other than POV’s are used.

2. Tolls: Report actual cost under “mileage” as required.

3. Hours: All volunteer visitation, preparation hours, and travel time credited at $13.75 per hour per Cootie. Travel time limited to actual hours expended.

4. Veteran’s Funeral Credit: Credit each Cootie at $13.75 per hour, for the number of hours it may require and $0.42 per mile round trip for attendance at any veteran’s funeral. (If more than one Cootie rides in a vehicle, only the driver of the vehicle gets the mileage credit.) Remember that deceased veterans deserve an Honor Guard.

5. Gifts: Actual retail cost of the item. By definition, “gifts” include anything bought by the MOC for use or appreciation by the hospitalized veteran. For homemade or homegrown items, the cost is estimated, but never more than retail. Used items are reported at no more than one half their actual cost, keeping in mind the useful life of the item. Operation UP-LINK Calling card donations are credited under this section of the hospital report form.

6. Clothing Credit: Itemize all clothing on the Hospital Chairman’s Report form or attach to the report an itemized consolidated sheet.

7. Veteran’s Transportation: No credit allowed for transportation of other veterans. These activities are reported to the VFW Post Community Activities Chairman.

8. Hospital Equipment: Hospital equipment loaned to individuals is reported to your VFW Post Hospital Program.

9. Blood Donations: Report all blood donations to your Pup Tent Blood Chairman. Refer all questions pertaining to blood conations to the Supreme Blood Program Chairman listed elsewhere in this Program Book.

HOSPITAL PROGAM AWARDS
1. Each Pup Tent that achieves 100% in hospital work will receive a citation from Supreme. Pup Tents that achieve 100% may purchase a 100% Hospital Program Plaque for display in their Post Home.

2. Each Pup Tent Hospital Chairman who achieves 100% will receive a citation from Supreme. Pup Tent Hospital Chairman who achieves 100% may purchase a special 100% Hospital Program pin.

3. Each Grand Hospital Chairman who achieves 100% will receive a citation from Supreme. A Grand Hospital Chairman who achieves 100% may purchase a special 100% Hospital Program pin.

4. Each Supreme District Hospital Commissioner who achieves 100% will receive a citation from Supreme and will be sent two Supreme Commander’s pins.

5. Each Grand Pup Tent that wins its respective color division (based upon its total membership ranking), shall win a special plaque.

GENERAL ORDERS # 12

May: 2010
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties;

This being my last General Orders, I want to thank all my line officers and chairman for all of their hard work. I also want to thank all of the Past Grand Commanders for being there when needed. My year is coming to an end but we must continue working on membership, hospital work, and booster reports.

The Grand Scratch will be held at the Continental Inn in Lancaster, PA on May 6-9, 2010.
I hope to see many Cooties there. The Supreme Representative will be Joseph McCullough, Supreme Junior Vice. Come to the Grand Scratch to meet and greet Joe.

Pup Tent 39, 33, and 6 still need to be bonded. If your Pup Tent is not bonded, members do not have a vote at the Grand Scratch and are not eligible to receive any awards. If your Pup Tent is bonded through other insurance, Supreme must receive a copy of the bond.

Hospital reports are to be sent to Michael Sabol, 94 Roland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. You can-not get credit for hosting a hospital party or visit if you do not submit a report.

The old Council of Administration meeting will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 in the Act 1 Room at the Continental Inn. Registration will start at 4 PM on May 6, in the hotel Main Lobby. Further details of events at the Grand Scratch will be available at registration.

I just received word that Supreme Quartermaster/Adjutant, Jack Roberts, is ill. We all wish Jack a SPEEDY RECOVERY. Please keep Jack in your thoughts and prayers.

If anyone has anything that they want added to General Orders, please contact Grand Adjutant, Mike Bookser, 50 North Euclid Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, telephone
412-761-3627 and e-mail mbookser@earthlink.net.

“RESPECT THE VET” and don’t forget to fly your American flag - and not just on Memorial Day on May 31, 2010.

GENERAL ORDERS # 11

April: 2010
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties;

The Council of Administration held recently at the Best Western Hotel in Bedford, PA is now history. Thank you to everyone that attended and helped to make the C of A a success.

As of March 30, 2010, our membership is at 89.15%. We still need 89 paid memberships to reach 100%. There is still some time to reach 100% and if we all work together, we can get there.

For Special Projects we have $469.00 but we need $820. This is a voluntary project and Supreme asks for $1.00 per member. Every dollar helps to reach our goal.

Pup Tent 6, 33, and 39 still need to be bonded. If your Pup Tent is bonded through other insurance, Supreme must receive a copy of the bond. Supreme Quartermaster, Jack Roberts, can answer any questions you have regarding bonds. He can be reached at 412-824-2240.

All Pup Tents must be inspected and inspection reports are to be sent to Grand Inspector, Benjamin Bowers, 400 Mill Street, Apt. 907, Columbia, PA 17512. If you have any questions about inspections, call him at 717-684-5117.

Election reports must be returned. A copy is to be sent to Grand Adjutant, Mike Bookser, 50 North Euclid Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. And a copy is to be sent to Supreme MOC Headquarters, 604 Braddock Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15143. And where applicable, a copy is to be sent to the District Adjutant.

Hospital reports are to be sent to Michael Sabol, 94 Roland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. If you have not yet sent a report, do so now - get credit for the hospital visit, party, etc. that you have done.

The Grand Scratch will be held May 6-9, 2010 at the Continental Inn, 2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. Single or double occupancy is $69 per night plus taxes and the hotel provides a full hot breakfast. Deadline for reservations at the special rate is April 9, 2010. Please call the hotel at 717-299-0421 to make a reservation and mention Military Order of the Cootie to get the special rate. Call Ben Bowers if you need a hospitality room.

The next Council of Administration meeting will be held on May 6, 2010 at the Continental Inn in Lancaster, PA - time will be announced later. See the reservation form with these orders as well as the Banquet Reservation form. Watch the deadlines.

Happy Easter to everyone. “RESPECT THE VET” and don’t forget to fly your American flag.

VA Health Care Information

If you are receiving services from the VA Health System and you feel comfortable with computers you need My HealtheVet. The Pharmacy section, My Complete Medications + Supplements allows veterans to combine both VA medications (active or inactive) and any self-entered medications, OTCs, herbals, and supplements in one easy-to-read chart. You can refill your prescriptions on-line with this system.

The Account Activity Log is a feature that can be used by registered My HealtheVet users after logging into their personal account. This feature allows the user to monitor activity within their personal account.

The entire system strives to stay in accordance with national policies and regulations in regards to operating a government website. To register type www.myhealth.va.gov in the address bar of your Web browser, then press enter. This takes you to the My HealtheVet homepage. If you are not registered, click on the “REGISTER TODAY” button on the right side of the screen and provide the requested information. Scroll to the bottom of the screen, review the information and “ACCEPT” the “TERMS and Conditions” and “Privacy Policy” by clicking the box. Follow the instructions as they appear and you will be able to log on to your account.

GENERAL ORDERS # 10

March: 2010
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties;

It is now March and we do not have a lot of time to complete our programs. But if we all work together, the Grand of PA MOC can have a good year.

As of January 30, 2010, our membership was 84.63% - we’re getting close but we still have some work to do to reach 100%.

Pup Tent 6, 33, and 39 still need to be bonded. If your Pup Tent is bonded through other insurance, Supreme must receive a copy of the bond. If you have any questions regarding bonds, please contact Supreme Quartermaster, Jack Roberts as 412-824-2240.

Special Projects which is a voluntary project and Supreme asks for $1.00 per member.
As of January 31, 2010, we have $180 for Special Projects.

Inspections are still being received. The By-Laws state that any Pup Tent that has not been properly inspected can not be represented at the Grand and Supreme Scratches. And the inspection report must be received by the Grand and Supreme Inspectors thirty (30) days prior to the said Scratch.

The next Council of Administration is going to be held March 26-28, 2010 at the Best Western Hotel in Bedford, PA. The C of A meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday March 27th. Contact the hotel directly at 814-623-9006 to make a reservation. Deadline for reservations is March 12, 2010.

The Grand Scratch will be held May 6-9, 2010 at Continental Inn, 2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. Single or Double Occupancy is $69 per night plus taxes and includes a full hot breakfast. Please call the hotel at 717-299-0421 to make your reservation and mention Military Order of the Cootie to receive the special rate. Please reserve early as after April 9, 2010, the hotel can only confirm on an “if available” basis at regular rates. And if you need a hospitality room, call Ben Bowers at 717-684-5117.

If you have not already done so, send a hospital report to Michael Sabol, 94 Roland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

“RESPECT THE VET” and fly your American flag.

GENERAL ORDERS # 8

January: 2010
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties;

Happy New Year! As we start the new year ask yourself the following: Is your Pup Tent 100% in membership? Has your Pup Tent had a hospital visit and if so, was a report sent to the Hospital Chairman? Is my Pup Tent inspected? Have audits been completed and sent to the Grand CCDB and to Supreme Headquarters? Has the Pup Tent sent (hopefully) $1.00 per Cootie for National Home Special Project? Did any Cootie in the Pup Tent do anything for the VFW and if so, was a report sent to the Booster Chairman? If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions, it is not too late to do so.

My Chief of Staff, Stan Wert, and I, attended the Cootie Christmas Party at the VFW National Home on Saturday, December 12. We were given a tour of the National Home and met a houseparent. This was the first time that both Stan and I had been to National Home and we really impressed by the facility and had a wonderful time. I hope to go back again.

The March Council of Administration meeting will be held March 26-28, 2010 at the Best Western in Bedford, PA. A single or double occupancy will be $66.00 plus tax; triple occupancy will be $73.00 plus tax and 4 occupants will be $80.00 plus tax per night. Call the hotel directly at 814-623-9006 to make a reservation. Deadline for reservations is March 12, 2010.

Don’t forget to fly your flag and Respect a Vet.

COMMUNICATIONS

Thirty-one people are receiving information from the Grand of Pennsylvania via e-mail. E-mail is one way you can be sure your Pup Tent is staying informed. Any member can receive General Orders via e-mail. Pass the word, be the first on your block to receive Lousy stuff from the Grand. Anyone who would like to receive communications from the Adjutant via e-mail send a note to Mike Bookser and let him know that you want your Lousy stuff fast.

GENERAL ORDERS # 7

December: 2009
TO BE READ, ACTED UPON, AND FILED

Listen Cooties;

I attended Tomb Trek November 6- 8 in Arlington, VA. This was the first time that I had attended and I found it to be very humbling. I hope I can participate again next year.

Don’t forget to get your hospital reports to Grand Hospital Chairman, Mike Sabol, so you get credit for the hospital work you are doing. Also, don’t forget inspection reports are to be sent to Grand Inspector, Ben Bowers. Memberships are to be sent to Grand Quartermaster, Ed Wood.

Special Project - Supreme is asking for $1.00 per member. The Special Project this year is to purchase a fuel efficient vehicle for the National Home for Veterans Children.

The next Council of Administration is going to be held at Four Point Sheraton in Chambersburg, PA on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 9 AM. Hope to see you there. The Past Grand Commander’s breakfast will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 7 AM.
The MOCA will be having their Christmas Bazaar at the C of A weekend - please support
the MOCA as this is one of their only fundraisers.

Arrangements for the March, 2010 C of A have not been finalized, but I hope to have it at the Days Inn in Bedford, PA. Further details will follow when they are available.

Happy Thanksgiving. And don’t forget to fly your flag.

Sad News
Dave Fox Seam Squirrel of PT34 died on Monday November 23 of cancer. Dave was also Grand Special Projects Chairman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave’s family. He will be missed in the seams of Pennsylvania.