February is FULL of Holidays!

MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, February 20, 2025

8 PM EST / 7PM CST / 6 PM MST/ 5 PM PST

All Members and Patriots Welcome

LOGIN ONLINE: https://zoom.us/j/4981732263

Meeting Code - 2020

Call in via telephone: 1-929-436-2866

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

National President

Fran Holtgreven

A Message from our National President

As I write this article for General Orders, I realize that February is half over and if you are like me, you are soooo looking forward to this month being over. I have never liked this month, it seems so dreary and talk of the weather, well let’s say it is up and down and up and down. I know, when I tell you here in Texas, one day it is 79 degrees and the next day it can be 38 degrees, you are thinking, well what is her problem, she should be up further North where we have -15 degrees actual and ice and snow! To cheer myself up, and hopefully each of you, I decided to google “February” and sure enough I did find some interesting facts of February 17^th and the month of February.

February 17, 1801, Electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr was resolved by House of Representatives. Jefferson elected 3^rd President of the United states.  February 17, 1863, Red Cross founded in Geneva, Switzerland. February 17, 1876, First canning of Sardines in Eastport, Maine. February 17, 1933, Newsweek is published for the first time and Prohibition is passed in the Senate.  February 17, 1959, First weather satellite sent up to measure cloud-cover.  February 17, 2025, is National Cabbage Day. (Yum Yum!) “Random Acts of Kindness Day” around the world is celebrated, too. The day encourages people to perform small acts of kindness to make a positive impact on others and to foster a sense of compassion and understanding. (Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone in the world would do this act of kindness?) President’s Day is celebrated the third Monday in February, which is today. The Uniform Monday Holiday Bill that moved several federal holidays to Mondays, was passed by United States Congress in 1968 so Federal workers could have several 3-day weekends. It was opposed by many who believed that holidays should be celebrated on the dates they happened. It was proposed that George Washington’s birthday be renamed President’s Day to honor him. This was rejected by Congress. The bill went into effect in 1971, and President’s Day became the accepted name for the 3^rd Monday in February. This day now is a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all United States Presidents. 

Let every sunrise this February “challenge” you of the light you can bring to the Auxiliary.

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@Gmail.com

MESSAGES FROM OUR AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

From the Desk of MOPHA National Chaplain

Greetings and Welcome to the second month of 2025!

Praise and honor to the One and only God! We have been escorted into a world of continuous challenges we have to face, concerns, decisions, changes and, even to some burdens. However, we have also been, resilient because of our hope and faith in the One Who has brought us through it all and keeps His promise to not ever leave us not forsake us as we trust in Him and His power for strength to move forward, whereas nothing is too difficult for Him!

This month of February, like every day, presents extra opportunities to reflect on the greatness of our Creator. As we have observed Groundhog Day (2 nd ), and celebrate Valentine’s Day (14 th ), Presidents’

Day (17th), Black History Month, I encourage doing it with the hearts of the utmost degree of gratitude and reverence. Let’s reflect a bit on their legacy and celebrate: While Presidents’ Day, according to the Observer Dispatch, was “officially known as Washington’s Birthday, the first federal holiday of the year, was originally meant to honor the country’s first president, George Washington. Eventually the holiday included honoring President Abraham Lincoln whose birthday is 12 February. The position of the holiday between the birthdays of both presidents gave rise to the popular name of Presidents’ Day, according to National Archives. George Washington, our first President, American General and Commander in Chief of this great nation,

during the American Revolution. Certainly, a strong military leader to be imitated, he is the creator (1782) of the Badge of Military Merit known today as the Purple Heart, America’s oldest military honor, which is awarded to those United States Armed forces service members who are wounded or killed in defense of our nation while serving. Birthdate on February 22nd (according to the Julian calendar the 11 th ). Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth President, who strongly contributed to the Union during the American Civil War. He issued “the Emancipation Proclamation, officially Proclamation 95, which was also known as a presidential proclamation and executive order issued by the United States President…” freeing all slaves. Birthdate on February12th.

Looking at where we’ve come from as a nation, as people, and to where we are as the distinguished organization that we are today in celebrating our precious lives, memories, legacies, et cetera, I decided

to share a couple of other significant lives/events well noteworthy to mention:

National Global Chaplains Day: “Sacred Service” Held on February 3, celebrating the Chaplain Corps’ history of sacred service to the nation. Our military must be prepared both spiritually – mentally and physically. On the first Saturday of February, each year we honor four of the Army’s most famous chaplains: Rabbi Alexander Goode, Father John Washington, Reverend George Fox and Reverend Clark Poling. Each gave up their life jackets to save others as their transport ship sank in World War II. Their example continues to inspire us today!

As we know, Valentine’s Day, observed the 14th of February, is not a holiday but observed throughout America as supposedly the most loving, affectionate, and kind day of the year. Furthermore, members

already practice 1 John 3:18 and 1John 4:7,8 , every day, when giving a helping hand in service, a kind word, a card, a smile, pay a genuine compliment, give edible treats, a surprise gift, holding a door open,

acknowledging one’s presence with a hello, through donations, listening more intently, giving even a pair of socks, undershirt or hand cream, celebrate a birthday, saying thank you or I’m sorry, just showing care and the like to our Veterans, neighbors or/and to each other, offering to help pretty much every day anyway, just to list a few ideas and connect to others as well as ourselves. Also, think of another time in life as the most significant love–the Eternal Love Day, the Eternal Life of Love, the Greatest Unconditional Love that God has for made available to each one of us as found in John 3:16, 17. It is

more than we can begin to wonder in our minds, or hold in our hands, or arms or even contain in our hearts-it would overflow. Don’t forget to love and treat yourself kindly! Enduring love-that’s eternally

of 1 Corinthians 13. Happy Valentine’s Day, every day!!!

A Tidbit About Black History Month:

The Theme for this year’s Black History Month is: “African Americans and Labor”. I have chosen to share a brief history and lyric (1 verse) to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (a hymn, written by James Weldon Johnson, also called the Black National Anthem) adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to hopefully increase one’s awareness and serves as an inspiration of faith and unity reminding everyone that Black History is American History too: “Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won.” And still encourages HOPE.

In Memoriam

Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom called to their Eternal Reward the following Members

(Always sad to share but never too late to send card, if possible)

In Memoriam

Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom called to their Eternal Reward the following Members. (Always sad to share but never too late to send card or express concern, if possible)

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…”Revelation 21:4

Irma Tyree NML (8/26/2015)

Anna Jones NML (3/30/20)

Agnes Jean Sayre NML(12/30/98)

Thelma DeBoer NML (3/13/22)

Margaret Diefenbach NML(6/13/2018)

Billie Marie Case NML(2/6/2011)

Edna Dodrill NML(2/18/2015)

Christine Napier NML(11/16/21)

Martie Edie NML(2/21/216)

PNP Jane Stoel WI (2/9/2025)

In Sympathy for Bereaved Families:

Expression of sympathy may be sent to: The Family of Jane Stoel

W274 S3951 Stonegate Rd. 

Waukesha, WI 53189

(Services for Jane will be held on March 15, 2025, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 300 Carroll St., Waukesha, WI. Visitation will be from 12-2pm with services to immediately follow.)

In remembrance of Patriot Ron Knapp (12/6/2025), husband of PNP Jan Knapp. Expression of sympathy may be sent to: Address forthcoming

Prayer Requests: Let us continue in prayer ongoing for those grieving, the survivors of all incidents of terrorism, violence, devastating environmental effects, other changes. Please remember to include our Nation, government, political and religious leaders and other worldly affairs; our military, protectors (police, firemen, etc.), volunteers; those in harm’s way throughout the world; the unhomed, needy and hungry; lonely or incarcerated, medical and educational professionals, caregivers; field workers in other services for people; disenfranchised, demoralized; our children of the world; homebound/hospitalized/ sick and shut in; those anonymous unspoken requests with the many other needs and concerns for health, family, healing finances, other matters.

Prayers for Other Need/Concerns: Our senior citizens, MOPHA, MOPH to bear the fruit of the Spirit and forgiveness, unity, to help us we ask as humbly as we know how.

With a heavy but loving heart, as we join together in our grief, love and respect, honoring, sharing, and celebrating our precious memories of our devoted, sister/brother, Auxiliary members, friends and MOPH Order and Veteran supporters, Jane Stoel and Patriot Ron Knapp, who will be sorely missed! We pray, as they are welcomed into His presence He will present them with “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.” Rest in Peace, Jane and Ron, in His loving presence. In His Holy Name, Amen.

February Birthdays/Anniversaries: Happy, Happy Birthday to all of February Birthday and

Anniversary Celebrants! May the good Lord keep on blessing you with many more birthdays and anniversaries to come with abundant favor and desires of your hearts.

Birthstone: Amethyst.

Birth flowers: Violets and Irises.

Chaplain’s Note and Zoom:  

The Chaplain’s Zoom of 27 February was great! Expressions of gratitude to the participants who zoomed in and shared ideas resulting in the following: to continue encouraging each other as Chaplains

of Units, Departments and National levels; encouraged to maintain open, honest, compassionate relationship with members, each other and being a confidant when specifically expressed from anyone.

-Some set up a Memorial table at their Unit/Department meetings in honor of Auxiliary members with decorations, pictures, biography of member(s) if possible, flowers, etc.

-Concerned of being notified when Chapter’s Patriot’s demise of sister Unit, as well as Unit deaths. Ladies shared attends Memorial service (as an option) when known or sends cards to family members.

Suggested can send cards to Chapter as well on behalf of their Auxiliary, if known.

- Discussed the challenge of maintaining better communications to be able to send cards for other different occasions, need assistance from all members for awareness to keep in contact especially for addresses and phone numbers, if known; encouraged to make personal phone calls when possible to show interest.

-Discussed also the dilemma of our members due to weather and environmental changes of which none

had been made known needing assistance, continue to keep them in prayers.

-Requesting ideas or suggestions for the next scheduled Chaplains Zoom to be sent to the National Chaplain for agenda purpose, thank you. Again, thank the presence of ladies in attendance and also took notes-so good to see ya! Looking forward to the second Chaplain’s Zoom on Thursday, 27 March 2024 at 7 P.M. (CST) and in your time zone accordingly, thank you. Love all! Agape!!!

Prayer Time:

You are invited to join in with your own prayer and according to your faith:

Eternal Father, Father God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, In reverence and humility to You, we come before Your throne of grace and mercy with praise, honor and glory to You, our amazing, magnificent one and only deserving God to be worshipped. With bowed hearts and heads we kneel and thank You Lord for being our source, our refuge, our strength during these days of many changes, challenges, confusion, atrocities, anxieties, environmental devastations, disrespect of life, greed, catastrophes on top of catastrophes and all those things that Your Holy Word tells us about and how we shall prepare for these times by fixing our hearts, eyes and ears upon You, paying attention to Your Word, trusting You and leaning not to our own understanding but through our Savior. Have mercy upon us Lord as we humble ourselves and seek Your face, as we seek a Love relationship with You; teach us Lord and continue to guide us showing us what is good as You have required us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with You, thank You Father for Your guidance. Giving You thanks for blessing us with the privilege of knowing PNP Jane Stoel and Patriot Ron Knapp, grant, we pray, an extra measure of mercy and comfort to their families, our Auxiliary and Order families and friends, who have lost loved ones or still going through the grief process; the thousands who have been effected by recent environmental devastations; others within and beyond our borders who have the many needs and concerns to be met regardless to race, creed, color, or culture during these humanitarian crisis. Protect those who are providing assistance- every day, keep them safe. We ask for healing and forgiveness Lord according to Your divine grace; bless those who are mourning other kinds of losses and we ask You to strengthen them (us) and be their (our) rock them as they (we) continue to move forward in this year of 2025. Thank You for what You have done, for what You are doing, for what You are going to do that is yet to be seen because only You know what the future holds according to Your plans and purpose. We ask that You will extend Your power, Your sweet amazing grace and mercy that endures forever to us to accept the things that we cannot change, to recognize, believe and accept the things You change Lord, even us, with Your godly wisdom, as You produce and we live and walk the fruit of Your spirit. In Jesus Name. “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (KJV) “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is from God everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1John 4:7, 8

The Two Greatest Love Commandments can be found in Matthew 22:37-40

Humbly in His Love,

Peace, Patriotism and Prayer

Gwendolyn,

National MOPHA Chaplain

Numbers 6:24-26

Let us remember those who are feeling a little blue during this dreary cold month. A cheery "hello" truly makes a difference to those who need a little kindness. On Random Acts of Kindness Day, we wish all of you well-wishes and would like to encourage you to reach out to a member and send a little happiness their way - including these two wonderful women who faithfully served the MOPHA as National Presidents.

Judy Spaulding's new email is:  judith.spaulding47@yahoo.com

Bonnie Dumler

Phone: 402-469-7069

Address:

Park View Haven

PO Box 667

Deshler, NE 68340

VAVS: Connecting with a Suicide Loss Survivor:

What You Can Do to Help

LISTEN

l. Be ready, open, and willing to have tough conversations

   Knowing that it may take time - keep checking in

2. Offer your full attention

   Focus on listening by asking open-ended questions

3. Understand the loss survivor's choices and emotions from their point of view rather than your own

VALIDATE

1. Resist the desire to fix, reframe, or advise

   Try paraphrasing what you have heard in your own words

2. There is no timeline on grief

   Avoid the pull to say that "things will get better"

3. Everyone experiences suicide loss differently - what is helpful to you, may not be the same for someone else

SUPPORT

1. Ask what the loss survivor needs help with and assist with tangible, supportive tasks

   Bring prepared meals - grocery shop for them - walk their dogs = etc.

2. Relieve some pressure by helping the loss survivor navigate the support resources available to them

   Provide suicide loss resources - help schedule appointments etc.

3. Keep checking in months and years after the loss

   Holidays - life events (e.g., wedding, new baby, promotion( - birthday of the person who died - loss anniversaries

HONOR

1. Show the loss survivor that you remember the person who died

   reach out - share memories - proactively remember important dates

2. Suggest ways to honor the memory of the person who died

   Regularly meet at their favorite place - create a memorial in their honor - participate in a memorial walk

3. Remind the loss survivor you continue to value the life of the person who has died and that they will never be forgotten

"Copied from United for Suicide Postvention - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Rocky Mountain MIRECC"

LASTLY, But Not Least! In each edition of General Orders, a hidden image will be available for you to find. The image (pictured), is of a hot air balloon and will have the words "find me!" written on it. The one in my article doesn't count. You will have to find the hidden one. When you find it, email me with the location, before the beginning of the upcoming Zoom meeting and a name will be drawn from those lucky enough to have found the hot air balloon. The winner will be announced during Zoom and a prize will be awarded.

Linda

JFVarejcka@windstream.net

We extend a HEARTfelt welcome to our newest Purple Heart Auxiliary member,

Kerry Holguin from California's Unit 385

On behalf of Patriot Bill and President Holtgreven, we hope that our Members, Patriuots, family and friends had a wonderful Valentine's Day!