VETERAN ID CARDS

The following information was received from past Department and Post Commander Clayton Thompson, who received it from Department of Mississippi via e-mail.

On July 20, President Obama signed into law P. L. 114-31, a bill that created a new identification card (ID) for military veterans.  Sponsored by Representative Vern Buchanan (FL), the bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a veteran's identification card (VA currently only provides VA-enrolled veterans an ID card).  The newly-legislated VA card would allow veterans to prove teir veteran sttus without having to carry a military service record, such as the most comon form of proof of service known as the "DD-214".  DD-214s contain sensitive personal information, such as the veteran's Social Security Number, thus leaving a veteran at risk for identify theft.

Section 2 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a veteran's identification card to a requesting veteran who is neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA system of patient enrollment.  Requires such card, among other things, to (1) display the veteran's name and photograph, and (2) serve as proof that the veteran has a DD-214 form or other official document in his or her military personnel file that describes the veteran's military service.

Directs the VA to charge a card fee.

States that such card shall not serve as proof of entitlement to any benefits.

We are waiting to hear from VA concerning when they plan on rolling out the new VA ID Cards.  As soon as we receive confirmation, we will provide you with an update.

Roscoe Butler

Deputy Director for Health Care, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

Phone 202-263-2998  ::  Fax 202-833-4452

POST 139 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

     Installation of officers was held last night, July 17, 2015, at Post 139 in Bay St. Louis.

     The Sons of the Legion officers were installed by Post 139 and Past Department Commander Clayton Thompson.  Henry Wilkinson was installed as the Commander for the coming year.

     The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 139 were installed by current Department President Anita McCallister.
Helen Barnes was installed as Unit President for 2015-2016.

     Robert Endt, recently elected Department Commander installed the officers of Post 139.  Bill Taylor was installed as Post Commander for 2015-2016.

     Miss Poppies were crowned at the installation.  They were Brynn Alyce Compretta and Emma Munson.

     Prior to the installation music was provided by Chuck Tippit.  Following the installation Johnny Fung entertained those in attendance with a variety of music.

     A great meal was enjoyed by those in attendance following the installation.  The meal was prepared by 2nd Vice Commander Donald "Huggy Bear" Handler and his team.

     A good time was had by all.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

     Membership renewal notices are coming in from National at this time of the year.  It is important that you respond and renew your membership as soon as you receive it.  Membership numbers are very important to all veterans.  The more members we have, the more effective our lobby in Washington, D. C. to get more benefits for our veterans.

     The installation of officers for Post 139 will be held at the American Legion Clubhouse on July 17, 2015.  All members of Post 139 and guests are invited to attend.  Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with the installation of the ladies auxiliary beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by the men's installation with dinner to follow.

      On August 7, 2015, our new second vice Donald (Huggy Bear) Handler will be cooking steaks for the members.  The steaks will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Please pass the world around to your friends and plan to attend.

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