General Orders #6

December 2025

Merry Christmas from MOPHA!

DON'T FORGET OUR HOLIDAY ZOOM MEETING

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

HOLIDAY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, December 18, 2025

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

All Members and Patriots Welcome

Meeting Code - 2020

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

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

NOTE: Some browsers offer condensed versions of General Orders. If your version is shortened, click on the "expand" or "show more" hyperlink on the bottom of this email.

National President

Fran Holtgreven

Remembering Pearly Harbor

Building Pathways to Peace, the theme of the 84th Anniversary

commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, highlights the importance of remembering the moment in the past when peace is shattered and our nation is plunged into war. 2025 represents a milestone year for the United States and all of humanity, 80 years have past since the end of World War II. We remember the ones who have perished, the hardship throughout the country and the long years of the struggle the United States went through.

December 7, 2025, it is 5am and the sun is just rising. What a beautiful morning, I see from my left side window the mountain range and on the right side I see the Pacific Ocean as I am at the end of the building at an angle on the 11th floor. What did this morning look like 84 years ago is a question I wonder.

At 6:15am, after coffee and blueberry muffin, the Uber arrived to take us out to Pearl Harbor. After arriving and signing in for seating arrangements, we move to the commemorative circle. This is a solemn group as people mingle and meet new friends and old friends. No Pearl Harbor survivors have been able to attend this year, for the first time since this Commemoration has been held, because of health. There are World War II veterans attending along with 5 Rosie the Riveters. What an honor to shake their hands, take pictures, talk to them and give them "thank you" and hugs and listen to their stories.

At 0750, the 84th Anniversary Ceremony starts with the welcome, arrival of Official Party, a moment of silence, missing man flyover, presentation of colors, pass-in-review, Hawaiian blessing, speakers, wreath presentations, benediction, rifle salute/taps which is the conclusion.

We will wait to board a boat to take us out to the Arizona, where we will spread flowers over the sunken ship and remember the sacrifice that took place on this day 84 years ago. This is a quiet moment and very moving as we see all the names of those on the Arizona and family who have come to remember their loved ones and possibly those members of their family they never got to meet.

Later in the afternoon there are bands, JROTC and choirs from the mainland and the Islands that will perform before another remembrance event. As dusk rolls in the participants line up for the night parade. People line the main street along Waikiki beach. As I ride in a yellow corvette, it is amazing to see how many people, young and old, have taken the time to come and remember this day in history and thank all veterans who have served this great country.

REMEMBER - never forget!!!!

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@Gmail.com

MESSAGES FROM OUR AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP

National Senior Vice President

Teviah Gilliard

Season’s Greetings, members and friends of The Auxiliary!

Happy December!

As we close out the final “-ber” month with a frosty “Brr!”, winter’s chill reminds us of the warmth found in traditions, laughter, and the joy of serving others. This time of year sparkles with festive energy, inviting us to create new memories and cherish heartfelt connections.

Honoring Courage, Celebrating Faith and Embracing the Traditions that Unite Us

In observance of the infamous date-December 7, 1947- we paused to honor the courage and sacrifice of those remembered on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day-- a legacy inspired by service, marked by dignity and compassion and a moment to honor the profound sacrifice and unity that preserve our freedom. We also reflect on the “Reason for the Season” with the birth of Christ—the miraculous gift that brought hope, love and a new path for mankind forever. Together, these events and gifts remind us that this season is more than twinkling lights and exchanging gifts--it’s about giving, honoring and remembering.

This spirit of enduring faith and commitment is most definitely celebrated during the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah), a testament to miraculous restoration of light and hope. And as we look to [two of] the principles of Kwanzaa, we are guided by Umoja (Unity) and Ujima (Collective work and Responsibility) -virtues that mirror the dedication and communal strength of our beloved Auxiliary’s mission.

Joyful Reflection and a Hopeful New Year

The holidays encourage us to pause, look around, and extend kindness to those in their own season of need. It’s the time of year rooted in love and generosity — a gentle call to share hope, lend a hand, and brighten someone’s day in whatever way we can. So, let’s deck the halls with hope, wrap our days in laughter, and “sleigh” our goals together as we step into the new year. As this year rushes to its close, I’m grateful for each of you and the spirit we carry forward into 2026. Wishing you warm tidings, joyful hearts and hopeful steps into the new year ahead.

Happy & Merry Christmas-Hanukkah-Kwanzaa!

Happy New Year!

Teviah

Teviah.G.MOPHA@yahoo.com

National Jr. Vice

Linda Bellis

Happy holidays to you all. December is a busy month for all of us. With parties, baking cookies, shopping ,decorations, and shoveling snow. A member of my unit ordered products for the fund raiser Fat Boy. She ordered late on Monday and it arrived on Friday. She hit the MOPHA website and it told her everything she needed to know about the order. She confirmed that the order was under MOPHA. It even told her how much was going to national. She will order again and told her friends. Make sure you are ordering gifts for your family for Christmas. I thought about the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. My Uncle was a pilot on that day. He was shot down and killed. I saw on face book a story about Navy divers returned a man to the Arizona. On the day of the attack two brothers were on the ship. One ran all over looking for his brother. He couldn't find him as he was down below. This month the man died. The divers returned his ashes to the ship so that he could be with his brother and fellow mates. What a great story. Remember to count your blessings. Share with family around the table what you are grateful for. Have a great holiday. Help a veteran in need with the food banks and cheer at nursing homes.

Linda "Bellis"

LindaB.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Membership Officer

Cheryl Perez, PNP

Jordan Jakubicz, WI 162

Carolyn Jakubicz, WI 162

Linda Darlene Paul, PA 190

Cheryl

Members.MOPHA@gmail.com

National VAVS Officer

National Sgt at Arms

National Americanism Officer

Linda Varejcka

"SILENT NIGHT'

"Silent Night" lyrics were written by priest Joseph Mohr in 1816 in Austria. The poem was inspired by a peaceful winter scene and a hope amidst post-war hardships, and a mild newborn child.

Two years later a friend and school teacher and organist set the lyrics to music for Christmas Eve. In 1839 the Rainer Family signers brought it to the U.S., performing

it in New York. Today, it is sung in over 300 languages and remains one of the most recorded songs ever.

The song's message of peace resonated deeply during turbulent times.

It is sung in churches, in town squares, even on battlefields during World War I, when, during a temporary truce on Christmas Eve, soldiers sang carols from home.

When I do my holiday programs for Veterans the one song they always want to sing is "Silent Night"......

From my home to yours "A Wish" for each of you, for a Very Blessed Holiday Season"

Instead of finding a hidden image in this holiday version of General Orders, let's play a game!

If Rudolf the reindeer had a PURPLE nose, instead of a red one, what would his name be?

Send me your answer before 4pm PST on Thursday December 18th and YOU may win a prize for the most creative name.

Drawing will be at the end of the Thursday night Zoom meeting.

Linda

JfVarejcka@Windstream.net

National Co-Chaplain

Kay Jo Baucom, PNP

Joy, hope, peace and love are words that are spoken often, especially during these days of the Christmas season. The decorations shine brightly, the temperatures are colder, holiday music fills our ears and hot chocolate warms cold hands! All of these are signs of the season and for most, a time of family and fun. Often, festivities get hectic and we all feel rushed and the excitement and joy get over shadowed but somehow, in the quiet moments, as the music of Silent Night fills the air , that joy returns. Joy is contagious. It comes from within and bubbles over, touching even the most hard hearted individual. Who hasn’t found themselves beaming with pure joy while watching a child enamored with a Christmas tree or Santa or singing Away in a manger. Christmas carols make everyone become a caroler- whether making a joyful noise or singing with angelic voice. We watch favorite Christmas classic movies, and read our favorite holiday stories and books. Joy spills over and smiles are everywhere. Friends and family gather together to reminisce and catch up on the day-to-day activities. Each one finding comfort in time spent with those most loved.

The word joy itself is a directive for each of us to follow: J- join together to serve O - others and - Y - yourself. If you take care of yourself, you can serve others, and bring an inner joy only you can experience. Our MOPHA exemplifies serving others as we support and care for our military members and their families. Let us enjoy this season of giving and also seek out those who may not find peace or comfort from hunger, shelter or loneliness . Joy is contagious and we want to spread it everywhere- including sharing with those we may not know. Sometimes, our joy becomes exceedingly greater when we share and are able to witness joy on the faces of those often ignored or in the shadows. Hope , peace and love will fill your soul when you reflect on the goodness given and received. Remember those who have lost loved ones, are sick or anticipating medical challenges for they need to feel the spirit of the holidays you are so willing to share

“For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace, the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” Isaiah 55:12

Sending wishes that each of you find the love, hope, joy and peace of this season.

Kay Jo

Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com

Prayers Requests:

Requesting to continue in prayer: those grieving, the homebound/hospitalized/sick and shut-in; the survivors of all incidents of terrorism, violence, devastating environmental and societal effects, and other changes.

Please remember to include our Nation, the United States of America government, religious and political leaders as well as other worldly affairs and changes negatively affecting lives; support for our military, protectors (police, firemen, etc.),volunteers, front line workers, caregivers; medical and educational professionals, field workers in other services giving a helping hand for people (missionaries); the unhomed, needy and hungry; those who are lonely, disenfranchised, demoralized or incarcerated; those unspoken requests with many other needs including concerns for health, family, healing, finances other matters; those prayers known and unknown to only God.

MONTH Birthdays: Happy, Happy Birthday to all of our December Birthday Celebrants! 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.

The next deadline to be included in the Purple Heart Magazine is February 15th. Send articles, ideas, suggestions, and/or photos (list people in photo description) to Publications@PurpleHeart.org

For social media postings, send to Barbara at webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com. PLEASE PUT SOCIAL MEDIA in the subject line.

The fist Zoom meeting of the new year will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Send articles, photos, or news to Barbara, our new webmaster at webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com before January 7th.

Download a copy of the National Officer Listing by clicking HERE