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General Orders # 4
October 2025
| | Help Each Other & Pamper Yourself | | |
MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING
Thursday, October 16, 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
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Challenge for the month:
Pamper yourself!
Pamper is a verb meaning "to gratify the wishes of, by catering to physical comforts."
"To spoil, coddle, humor, indulge, or caress." Is this something you could each use more of?
Are you afraid someone will think yourself centered or selfish for taking time for your "own" well-being? Don't think of it as a forbidden pleasure! "Think of it as a way to keep your insanity in this insanely paced world".
-- Taken from a Hallmark Book "50 Ways to Pamper yourself".
The Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program (CSP) will be celebrating National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) in November!
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National President
Fran Holtgreven
I had never heard of the “Fall Blues” until last week while talking to a Purple
Heart Auxiliary member. After our conversation, I decided to google “Fall
Blues” and learn a little bit more. Well, my first google went to fall blues
events in my area. Yes, I do love blues music, so I checked where locally the
blues would be playing for the weekend.
Moving on, I saw that “Fall Blues” are common, short-lived and usually mild as your body adjusts to the seasonal change. (My body is still adjusting to 90 plus temperatures and sunny skies). Then I started thinking, don’t we have “Winter Blues”, “Holiday Blues”, “Spring
Blues”, etc.? Yes, we do. So how can we get through all the “Blues”? Be goal orientated and challenge yourself for each different “Blues”. Get out during the day, especially at the peak of sunshine which is around midday. Natural light is important; a brightly lit house will also help if you are unable to get outside. Exercise and eat well. Many exercises do not need to be completed at a gym; there is always a chair exercise to do. Be kinder to yourself. Finish that book that you started months ago. In your spare time, even a short time, start or finish something that makes you happy, laugh or smile. Pamper Yourself. Reach out to each other. A phone call, text, email or a card. We all have our “blue” days. Wear a purple dress, pants, a shirt; you know we have a lot of purple clothes! Because the color purple is known to calm and stimulate our bodies, the color is mysterious and peaceful. It represents courage, bravery, pride,
independence and imagination.
These are just a few ideas to keep those “Fall Blues” and every other “Blues” away. The MOPH Auxiliary members are known as care givers to their
Patriots, let’s take care of our “Blues” and help each other.
Fran
Fran.MOPHA@Gmail.com
| | MESSAGES FROM OUR AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP | | |
National Senior Vice President
Teviah Gilliard
Embracing the Season, Strengthening Our Purpose
As we hunker down and go further into the “Brr Season,” October invites us to reflect, not just on the season itself, but on our mission. This month has arrived with a pocketful of purpose…pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness, quiet strength for Domestic Violence Awareness, Diwali, World Mental Health Month, Indigenous People’s Day, the last bright moments of Hispanic Heritage Month, the friendly clink of Oktoberfest mugs, National PIZZA MONTH and the playful mischief of Halloween. It’s a month that asks us to celebrate, to remember, and to act. We’ll lean into all of it with a little sparkle and a lot of focus: honoring our veterans daily, supporting survivors, growing our membership, and keeping the business that preserves our work running smoothly. We started off by fulfilling our reporting duties with the submission of our October 1 forms and reports; with that said--*Thank you to every officer and member who submitted LMV forms, 990N Postcards, and Financial Reports…your diligence keeps our auxiliary thriving and safeguards the Units and Departments*
Meanwhile, the membership project is blooming with purpose. Membership is where our future takes root. As we continue to Rise to the Challenge this season, I’m hopeful about the ideas I’m developing to be practical, welcoming steps that will give us something to gain and something to grow on—literally. Expect planning for small, practical steps to help us connect, learn together, and welcome new people into the Auxiliary. I’m excited to share these plans during our national Zoom soon; for now, know that every voice and every small action will help us flourish.
As we plan and serve, it’s important to acknowledge when things get tough: If you’ve felt tired, overlooked, or unsure of your place, I see you. I’ve been there. But I also believe in the quiet power of showing up, of choosing kindness, and of leading with warmth even when the room feels cold. That’s what I’m committed to as one of your leaders-being present and collaborative!
So, let’s make this season sparkle. Let’s bring joy to our meetings and to our projects, and the love to our service.
Teviah
Teviah.G.MOPHA@yahoo.com
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National Jr. Vice
Linda Bellis
I hope everyone is doing great. The fall colors are here. First frost was on the 9th. Then hard freeze on the 10th. Get the snowblower ready.
Department meeting are coming up. Please have everyone check their emails and phone numbers on the installation report. We have found a lot of bad ones with trying to get a hold of people. So department and units please check and send correct ones to Judy, the national secretary.
The bylaws committee have our 3rd meeting under our belts. We are working to clarify some of the articles.
Ways-n-means are looking to a few ideas for fund raising. Hopefully we can have some things to turn out to you in November.
Be sure to connect with your veterans for Veterans Day. See if some nursing homes need help with any celebrations. Also, be thinking of doing fund raisers for your units and departments. I know grants are open on the web site. The nursing homes and hospitals need help with getting items for our veterans. Remember items for the women also.
Stay safe and healthy.
Linda "Bellis"
LindaB.MOPHA@gmail.com
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National VAVS Officer
National Sgt at Arms
National Americanism Officer
Linda Varejcka
VAVS
This was sent to me by a very good friend and mentor! Hope you enjoy! Thanks to all our volunteers!
VOLUNTERING
"There's a Special Place in Heaven"
Many will be shocked to find
When the Day of Judgement nears
That there's a Special Place in Heaven
Set aside for Volunteers
Furnished with big recliners
Satin couches and foot stools
Where there's no committee chairman
No group leaders or car pool
No eager team that needs a coach
No bazaar and no bake sale
There will be nothing to staple
Not one thing to fold or mail
Telephone lists will be outlawed
But a finger-snap will bring
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats fit for a king
You ask, "Who'll serve these privileged few
and work for all their worth?"
Why, all those who reaped benefits
And not once volunteered on Earth!
-- Author Unknown
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AMERICANISM
Dedicated to Sailors past and current
NAVY 250TH BIRTHDAY
The Sailor's Creed:
I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the
the Constitution of the United States of American, and I
will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who
have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
(Written in 1993 and later slightly revised by direction of Frank Kelso
Chief of Naval Operations)
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A Little Trivia:
POPEYE
Popeye debuted in the 1929 comic strip "Thimble Theatre" and later became an icon of the Navy. Popeye appeared in patriotic films to support the World War II effort and on Navy recruiting posters.
He and his burly counterpart Bluto were commonly featured on Navy ships.
Popeye's image was later engraved on a Pentagon-licensed challenge coin.
-"info taken from the American Legion October 2025 magazine"
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We will continue to do the "Hidden Object" in the General Orders. Just remember to let me know that you have found it and where you found it. Drawing will be at the end of the Thursday night Zoom meeting.
Please continue to read the General Orders and hunt.
Share the information with other members. Use the information you read to include in letters/emails to members. Get some great ideas for your units and departments. Let's keep everyone informed. A lot of time and information goes into these General Orders and it is for ALL our members. If this organization is going to continue it is up to all of us, doing our part. Enjoy and have Fun.
"I look like this so FIND ME!"
Linda
JfVarejcka@Windstream.net
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National Co-Chaplain
Kay Jo Baucom, PNP
Hello, October and the new experiences to come! October has blessed each of us, as we celebrate the season of fall. The days are longer, the mornings just a bit cooler, and the leaves offer a collage of color. May each one experience the fullness of blessings offered by our God, through whom all things are possible.
As promised, my word for the month is patience or the ability to wait patiently. Most of us are not good at waiting - we want results, almost as soon as we believe there is a need. And yet we know patience is required as we journey along life’s path. We wait at the grocery store, wait in line for special events, wait for the doctor to see us, wait for the birth of children, wait for test results, wait for that desire/ dream to materialize ,( I’m waiting for my ship to come in, but I don’t think it has sailed yet). We wait for good news or for healing for our broken hearts and sometimes, it seems like forever before we see or feel any relief or help.
Faith allows us to be reminded that God is always near, always working on our behalf and that He will provide all we need , in His time. Stand firm and feel the love that surrounds you and be patient. Even in the darkest of days, we must show patience. We will not be disappointed.
“I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently knowing God would come through for me. Then, at last, He bent down and listened to my cry. “ Psalms 40:1
Your partner in prayer and discernment,
Kay Jo
Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com
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In Sympathy and 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)
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Joan Haughey of NML on 11/9/2024
Gloria Delacort of NML on 12/17/2016
Gloria Morgan of NML on 2/6/2018
Mary McDonald of NML on 3/1/2023
Mary Lou Wright of NML on 1/17/2014 Thelma Story of MS 680 on 11/2/2020
Marta Edie of NML on 7/10/2016
Patricia Shaw of NML on 4/17/2003
Agazine Jones of MS 680 on 12/2/2022 Patsy Robinson of MS 680 on 11/7/2021
Betty Warner of MS 680 on 7/22/2021
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Janis Jacobs of WI 228 on 3/25/2020
Vivian Korpela of OR Unit #72 on 9/17/2025
Joanne Atkinson of MI 91 on 5/2/2024
Kristine Kohman of MN 268 on 10/11/2025
Bernice Weyrauch of MN 268 on 1/28/2022
Leola Davis of MN 8 on 2/2/2023
Patricia Ann Jordan of MN 8 on 8/24/2025
Eleanor Richardson of MN 8 on 10/21/2015
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Happy, Happy Birthday to all of our October Birthday Celebrants including PNP Joan Walsh and OUR PRESIDENT FRAN HOLTGREVEN (October 25th!)
May the good Lord keep on blessing you with many more birthdays to come with abundant favor and the desire of your heart.
Share your birthday or anniversary date so we can join in your celebration. Send them to Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com
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National Region 2 President
Angie Foster
Region 2-General Orders Article
Oops!?! Did you miss the Region 2 Zoom Meeting? A huge shoutout to those who were in attendance and got a jump start on the Region 2 Crew’s new Purple Heart Parking Space Challenge. I am challenging Region 2
Units/Departments to decorate a parking space(s) to honor our Purple Heart recipients. The Department who has the most decorated spaces by June 1, 2026 will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card from me. Get creative with your decorations by using sidewalk paint, chalk, ribbons, Christmas trees, plants, etc... Please get permission from the businesses before decorating a space. Some possible places could be at the local VA, church, town
square, farmers market, Christmas around town event, school, veteran clubs, etc.. This would be a great project for Veteran’s Day.
Please send your photos of the decorated space to me and to the webmaster and public relations chairman so we can feature your decorated Parking Space. Zoom Meeting Reminder:
The next Region 2 Zoom meeting will be on Wednesday, November 12th at 8pm EST, 7pm CST, 6MST 5PST at the regular meeting Zoom link.
Keep up the great work Region 2 Crew!
A copy of the Region 2 Newsletter can be found by clicking HERE:
Angie
angiefoster214@gmail.com
PO Box 93, Osceola, NE 68651
"Hug A Veteran"
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Tracey Brown
National Commander
Military Order of the Purple Heart
We want to hear from you!
Any articles or photos you wish to submit to editor Larry Leighton of the Purple Heart Magazine must be done by October 15, 2025.
Please send comments, articles, photos, etc to: Publications@PurpleHeart.org
Tracey
NationalCommander@PurpleHeart.org
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It's here! We are going to start a new fundraiser. This is very easy to do. You click on the link and order off the site and it is sent to you.
The product is very good. The group will make 40% off the Fat Boy and Hickman brand.
They do sell other products; however, will we not make money off of that. I know my husband is happy for this as he grills and smokes a lot.
Please show this to your Patriots and get them to order. Show at your department and unit meetings.
I'll be ordering products for Christmas gifts for family and friends. Please help out the National Auxiliary.
-- Linda B and Linda V
https://bestnaturalbbq.com/?fund=mophauxiliary
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The next Chaplain's Chat will take place on October 3oth. More information will be shared during Thursday night's zoom meeting.
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