National Senior Vice President

Teviah Gilliard

Greetings & Salutations to the friends and members of the Auxiliary--

Happy August, everyone! Can you believe it’s already here? Grab your confetti, your coffee cup, and maybe a purple party hat, because this month is bursting with good vibes and fresh starts! So far this has been a month of momentum…

National Purple Heart Day

On August 7th, we paid tribute to our legendary Purple Heart Patriots—and let me just say, even if I didn’t host a parade (this time!), I did catch the Crescent City Connection and Caesar’s Superdome decked out in their finest purple glow. I am certain that across the Order and Auxiliary, our membership celebrated National Purple Heart Day in some of the best ways imaginable--gathering in heartfelt tribute, connecting with local heroes, and shining a bright spotlight on the meaning behind the medal. I have no doubt there are wonderful photos out there, capturing events, joyful reunions, and the proud faces of Purple Heart recipients and supporters. I’m sure many Purple Heart entities and chapters deserve to be named and celebrated for all they’ve done.

It truly inspires and humbles me to see how the recognition and publicity for our Patriots continue to grow, much of it thanks to the authentic pride and advocacy by the Auxiliary alone. Each act of remembrance and each snapshot shared adds to our collective story—a living tribute that lifts our heroes and amplifies the mission we hold dear.

Committee Work Kickoff

Now, let’s talk about committees! After our July 24th meeting (which had more energy than a double-shot espresso), we officially launched the action-packed adventure of committee work. This year, President Fran unleashed a brand-new ad hoc bylaws advisory committee—formed specifically to comb through our bylaws as they are, with fresh eyes upon them. This year’s ad hoc committee is fresher than a batch of warm cookies and just as dedicated. Our mission? To comb through our bylaws with precision and optimism, making sure our rules are as relevant and sparkling as ever. While its presence is only temporary, this committee is laser-focused on providing swift, tailored recommendations to strengthen our bylaws alongside the ongoing work of the established National Bylaws committee. Both committees are starting early, ensuring we’re proactive and ready for the year ahead!  Together, these teams are working like a dream duo—think literary superheroes—crafting modern, straightforward, and utterly fabulous bylaws. It’s about tradition, innovation, and making sure we stay as strong and united as a pack of Purple Heart penguins (if only penguins wore medals!).

So-- here’s to a month of pride, teamwork, and a dash of laughter in everything we do. Whether you’re tackling bylaws, dazzling your community, or simply updating a roster, remember: the Auxiliary is more than an organization—it’s a family on a mission, and you are the heartbeat (and maybe the comic relief)! Let’s make August one for the history books!

National Jr. Vice

Linda Bellis

I hope that you are doing well after the convention

I am honored to be your Jr. Vice.  This year I have 3 fundraising ideas that I have received from members. I have to do my research on them. Then the committee will decide on this. One will last most of the year, one maybe before the holidays and one after the holidays.  

The Purple Heart figurine with the legs was well received. I would like to have a naming contest for P.H. The ideas could stand for a number of things: Pure Heart, Polly Headstrong, Pretty Hardcore etc. You can send ideas then we can vote.  Lindab.mopha@gmail.com 

While we were in meetings P.H. had a lot of fun!!!! I had to ask employees working the tables if they had seen P.H. Good thing I had a photo of P.H. to show. There were problems with some of the workers. Not staying off the tables, riding the roulette wheel, sitting on the employees stick to pull off chips. This is NOT how auxiliary are to act out in public (or do we). BUT the bad part P.H. made more money then I did. Just ask Tracy and Terri how I lost a lot. (Ok, under $80.00 that's a lot for me. Ok maybe $100.00 as I gave John $20.00 to win something for me.- he was winning A LOT! However, he said he lost my money. So the story goes.) 

The people that make P.H. is on vacation. We will make more all even do at 1, 1-5, 1-1nd will let you know how much shipping is. I'll even do at 1, 1-5,1-10. 1-20. This is something that you can sell at Dept. and unit meetings. Turn it into a little fund raiser for you. Sell to the Patriots. The axolot is under licensing so working with them to drop the fee for the veteran. We will see on that one.

Now is a good time to set up viola drives since the weather is warmer. Ok I know it is very hot, a lot of rain, fire smoke BUT no snow. You great people down south don't have to worry about that. Cold and snow, but you dress for it. I think people feel sorry for you and give more.

Thank you to all for helping our veterans.

Linda "Bellis"

LindaB.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Secretary

Judy Fiddler

Hi Everyone…Well August has come in hot and humid with football and school about to start. I’m sure getting the kids ready is on your mind but have you also remembered that in a few short weeks, your Life Membership Verification, 990 Accepted and Finance report is due?

We will be getting a rebate this year as reported at the National Convention. For you to receive your rebate, these reports need to be in BY OCTOBER 1. Don’t wait. What if you have trouble filing your 990 with the IRS? Just do it now…be proactive.

Our National Treasurer, Tracy, has asked that you NOT send your reports by REGISTERED mail. Due to her work schedule, she can’t get to the post office to sign for them before they close. Best way to submit is by email… MOPHATreas2021@gmail.com.

You can also mail them to:

Tracy Derr

320 S. Hughes Rd. #107

Howell, MI 48843

You should have also received your roster for the Unit in July.

They were emailed to the Unit’s President and Secretary. You need the roster to fill out your Life Membership Verification (LMV). Cheryl has put all the instructions on how to file in the email. Her email is

members.mopha@gmail.com .

Enjoy the rest of your summer… fall isn’t too far away.

YIP

Judy

mophauxsec@gmail.com

330-880-3364

National Treasurer

Tracy Derr

A school of instruction on "How to complete the IRS 990 form will be offered on Thursday evening's Zoom Meeting. Please join us and learn how to complete the form. It only takes a few to complete, and seven additional minutes to be accepted by the IRS.

Without an accepted 990, your Unit and/or Department is not considered in-good-standing and will not receive rebate distributions.

Tracy

Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Co-Chaplain

Kay Jo Baucom, PNP

This is my initial writing as co-chaplain and each time I write, I will focus on one word . This word will carry meaning beyond the printed page and will make you think and perhaps inspire you to use that word as an anchor for the month.

My word for this month is hope. Hope, by definition, is a feeling of trust or expectancy of something one wants to happen. As this new year for our auxiliary begins, hope abounds in my heart.

First, I hope each newly chosen leader is willing and able to serve our membership with a sense of pride, dedication and responsibility. Much is expected and much can be accomplished.

Secondly, my hope is that each member of our MOPH family harbors a sense of unity and believes that communication- open and honest- is a key to a successful year. Working together, with common goals , we will thrive.

My third hope is for Patriots everywhere to realize how fervently we honor and remember them- collectively and individually. Their service and sacrifice have given us the rights and privileges we enjoy each day. Now, we will serve them, as best we can. 

National Region 2 President

Angie Foster

General James H. Doolittle stated, “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” As a leader, do you have an attitude of gratitude? Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization.

This is just a reminder to thank the volunteers showing up at your backpack projects, fundraisers, fairs, food pantries, StandDowns, etc.. You can thank a volunteer with a quick note in the mail, thanking them in person or even with a simple pat on the back.

There are 11 states in Region 2: NE, IA, IL, MN, KY, IN, WV, MI, MO, OH, WI and that is a lot of volunteers to thank. We will be having Region 2 Zoom meetings every other month starting on Wed., Sept. 10th (2nd Wednesday of month). Please be prepared to share what you do in your state to have an attitude of gratitude for your volunteers. Watch your email for meeting reminders and link to the meeting. Any MOPHA member is

encouraged to attend.

Keep up the great work Region 2 Crew!

CLICK HERE for Region 2's Monthly Newsletter

Thanks,

Angie

angiefoster214@gmail.com

PO Box 93, Osceola, NE 68651

"Hug A Veteran"

National Region 3 Liaison

Patricia Hail

Last week – the first week of August – we made a trip to Wenatchee, WA, where I grew up, for a family gathering. We walked into the American Legion Post 10 (my husband, Rae, is a past commander there) to get him a birthday beverage and visit with friends (he shares his birthday with Purple Heart Day and several years age tried to start a chapter in Wenatchee, but got no cooperation from MOPH Dept. WA. One member, in his color guard uniform came up behind Rae, got his attention, and told him that the Purple Heart Day Ceremony would begin in less than an hour at the Vet Hall. This story could be quite lengthy, but it suffices to say that Rae promoted and encouraged the Vet Center and actively encouraged veterans to advocate for themselves and get help wherever and whenever it was needed. He made a lot of friends and was soon well known in the area.

The few veterans that came to the Vet Center on Tuesday mornings for coffee, carried on their work and now they have 50 plus veterans coming in for coffee visiting, and ideas. Apparently Purple Heart kept coming up, so they got with the service officers in Chelan County and Douglas County (just across the Columbia River) and decided to have a Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Two towns, Heart Counties/Cities, and on Purple Heart Day of 2024 inducted 12 Purple Heart Recipients into their Hall of Honor. Word was that they only had about 40 – 50 people in attendance. They worked hard to increase their numbers and their objectives.   

Purple Heart Day 2025, brought in an estimated 150 veterans, families, and community members (128 chairs were set up) to honor the 14 new honorees from WWI to the present.  As Region 3 Adjutant Rae said a few words before everyone disappeared outside to take part in the free barbeque put on by the Vet Center, two counties and four cities, and the color guard from the American Legion and VFW posts. Simply, it was Great! And now we are sending information so they can start both a MOPH Chapter and MOPHA Unit. This was a wonderful way to honor our past and present Purple Heart Recipients and all those who have served. And a great way to find Purple Heart Recipients “out in the bush.”

Patti

BlindMarine@Outlook.com

National Region 6 Liaison

Terri Shattuck, PNP

California's Unit 49 Chaplain Barbara Waller send this Purple Heart Day Prayer to their Patriots and Members:

"Today we honor all Purple Heart Recipients. This is a time to remember and celebrate the brave men and women who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. This is a medal that no one desires to be awarded. Many of the one percent who protect our country have been awarded this medal. The Purple Heart is a symbol of courage, dedication, and the deep cost of that precious thing called freedom. Let’s take a moment to reflect and pray for these heroes.

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You asking that You remember those who have risked

their lives for this Nation. Those You have returned to us, some healed and some are still

broken both physically as well as psychologically. We also pray for those who abide in the

Heavenly Home You have provided for them.

Please touch their families and loved ones, comfort and sustain them as only You can. Always

assuring each of us that You and Your Angels surround each of these heroes. We ask that You

grant them a special Blessing for their service and sacrifices.

God Bless All in Authority, and God Bless America. We ask these things in Jesus' name.

AMEN

Barbara Waller

MOPHA Unit 49 Chaplain

MOPH Department of California Chaplain

Terri

BTSHATTUCK@gmail.com