MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, May 16, 2024

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

PATRIOTS & GUESTS INVITED

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

MEETING ID: 4981732263

Passcode - 2020

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

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

National President

Barbara Hale Ray

A Mother’s Love

The month of May is set aside for celebrating “Mothers”. It’s not that we have to be elaborate in letting the woman who gave her all for you, know that she has earned all your love and praise you shower her with.

A mother's love is like no other force on Earth; it is extraordinary and mighty, akin to God's unconditional love. Her love has no limits, knows no boundaries and is unconditional. Memories of my mother keep her and her love alive. Unknowingly, she prepared me for the day her love would be tested when she leaves this life.

An eternal, all-encompassing embrace holds a child in warmth and tenderness, shaping their existence. Her passion is truly remarkable, beginning long before a child is born.

Mothers are always there to fill our hearts when we need it the most. As a mother now, I understand we do not see these moments as sacrifices, but instead as a calling, because your children become your priority and the most important project of life.

Through sleepless nights and weary days, through laughter and tears, a mother's love endures, steadfast and true. It's a love that sacrifices, putting the needs of her children above her own, without hesitation or regret.

But perhaps, most importantly, a mother's love is a legacy—a gift passed down through generations, enriching lives and shaping destinies. It's a beacon of light that illuminates the darkest of days, reminding us that no matter where life takes us, we are forever cherished and cherished by the boundless love of a mother.

Happy Mother’s Day

Barbara

BarbaraR.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Senior Vice President

Fran Holtgreven

May is always a busy month with Graduations, Mother’s Day, and especially for the Military Community.  The Month of Military Caregivers and National Military Appreciation Month starts out in the month of May.  Military caregivers should be remembered every month.  It is not an easy job to be available every hour of every day helping our Veterans, remember to reach out to a caregiver to show your support of what they do each day.  Just a phone call or a plate of homemade cookies can brighten the Veteran and the caregiver.  National Military Appreciation Month should be remembered every month of the year.  Without a Veteran’s commitment, life may be very different than we experience. 

Military Spouse Appreciation Day this year was May 10th.  Spouses handle all activities, problems and daily living while their significant other is helping keep the country safe.  Sometimes both spouses help to keep the country safe, and grandparents step up to help.  Keep them in your prayers, too. 

Armed Forces week, May 11-18 has just started and many parades will be held in honor of all the armed forces.  For example:  San Antonio Texas holds a river parade each year to honor all Military forces in the “Military City.”  Armed Forces Day is held May 22nd this year. 

Children of Fallen Patriots Day is held May 13th.  Remember the children who will be without a parent each day of the year.  Spend some time playing ball, going to a movie, listening, and if you knew their parents, talk to them about stories you remember so they can hold some memories of their loved one. 

Memorial Day is May 27th and, on this day, celebrate.  But remember you are not celebrating a day off work or the beginning of summer.  Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, it is for honoring and mourning the U.S. Military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

Remember, May is not the only month to celebrate these occasions.  We should honor and celebrate every day of every month of every year.  Remember their sacrifices. 

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@gmail.com

National Junior Vice President

Teviah Gilliard

The last day to order Hawaiian-themed Purple Heart Shirts is May 31st. We can't wait to share the results of our efforts during our June meeting.

May 31st is also the last day for a Unit or Department to turn in any resolutions they wish to submit to our National Secretary, Judy Fiddler. As we evolve, so must our bylaws. As a member, YOU have a voice in the MOPHA. We welcome suggestions, comments, and criticisms. We welcome this input to make our organization stronger.

Lastly, we are still collecting dollar bills with an "A" or an "L" for our Ways & Means fundraiser. You may send a check directly to our Treasurer, Tracy Derr.

Teviah

Teviah.Gilliard@yahoo.com

National Secretary

Judy Fiddler

Hello Spring...We are well into the month of May and as of today, I have received only 29 Installation reports out of 66. Please verify all the information before submitting them. Please do not use all capital letters when filling them out, it takes more space to get all the information in the space provided. As always...they are due no later than May 31.

   Please consider running for an office at National. A letter of intent is due by May 31 for the position you would like to run for. That letter should give a brief history of yourself, why you would be a good candidate and a line stating "if I should be elected, that I would gladly accept". As you have heard, the National Convention will be by ZOOM and we need to know who is running so that we can get everything for voting set up prior to the convention.

   ALL National Officers, Region Presidents and Department Presidents...This is your reminder...Your year end report is due by May 31 if you have not already done so. This report should be done by the person who held the office for the 2023 - 24 year. There is no form on the website...use Department letterhead or your own. List what your Department/Region did this past year, problems or solutions and any item you feel could aid others in our organization. 

   A reminder that the fundraiser of Hawaiian shirts will end May 31 and the ornaments will go until sold out. We still have 165 in stock. I believe the ornaments will be at the Convention in Florida for sale.

   Wishing all a wonderful Mother's Day....Judy

Judy

MOPHAUXSEC@Gmail.com

330-880-3364

National Sgt at Arms, VAVS Rep, Americanism Officer

Linda Varejcka

Some Memorial Day Trivia

1.  Memorial Day started out by honoring the fallen soldiers of the Civil War.

   The Civil War is known as the deadliest war in US history. Around 800,000 Americans died. Because of this, national Cemeteries had to be built. By the 1860s citizens began honoring the fallen soldiers by decorating their tombstones and praying for the fallen soldiers.

2.  Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.

   On May 5, 1968, Northern Civil War Veterans leader, General John a Logan proclaimed the 30th of May to be celebrated as "Decoration Day." General Logan stated, "The 30th of May, 1968, is designated for the purpose of stewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land."

3.  Memorial Day wasn't a national holiday until 1971.

   The observance of Memorial Day grew as American citizens observed the 30th of May in various ways. But it was mainly to commemorate the fallen soldiers' sacrifices. But it wasn't until 1971 that Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which declared that the last Monday of May should be observed as Memorial Day.

4.  Flags are flown at half-mast on Memorial Day.

   Memorial Day is perhaps the day when it is most significant to fly our flags. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the flag is supposed to be raised to the top of the flagpole quickly and then slowly lowered to half-staff. From sunrise until noon, the American flag should be flown at half-staff. At noon, the flag is raised and flown full-staff until sunset to honor those who are still serving.

5.  The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 PM local time.

   The story is that in 1996, a group of children were asked what Memorial Day meant and their response was "that's the day the pools open!" Unfortunately, there are still several who will tell you it's the first day of summer, swimming, boating, camping, barbeques, picnics. So, In 1999, President Bill Clinton stated, "As we contemplate the comforts and blessings of our lives and the well-being of our nation, I ask you to pause just for a moment to remember those who gave their lives to protect the values that give meaning to our lives." In 2000 the former president signed the Act that at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for one minute from whatever they are doing to honor the ones who died in military service and the sacrifices that U.S. military members have made.

6.  The red poppy is one of the many symbols.

   Wearing a red poppy started in 1915 when Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae spotted red poppies blooming during his military service on the Second Battle of Ypres. He then penned the poem, "In Flanders Fields." It is written from the perspective of the dead. Later Georgia professor, Moine Michael wrote her own poem, "We Shall Keep the Faith' as a campaign to make poppies the symbol of acknowledgement to those who died in wars.

7.  Memorial Day is NOT the same as Veteran's Day.

  Veterans Day celebrates all service men and women throughout history, BUT Memorial Day, technically only celebrates those who died while serving. Armed Forces Day is also separate, and honors those who are currently serving. (Not knowing the difference in these is one of my pet peeves also hearing someone say "Happy Memorial Day." )

8.  Every Memorial Day, there is a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, the symbolic grave for fallen soldiers whose remains were not found or identified.

9.  President Lyndon B. Johnson named Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1961. 

   However other towns have also claimed to be the holiday's birthplace.

10.  Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of summer and peak hot dog season.

   It is estimated that between Memorial Day and Labor Day (the sausage season) 7 billion hot dogs or 313 hot dogs every second, are expected to be consumed.

11. Unfortunately, Memorial Day has also been credited with being the holiday with the most people getting injured or fatalities on the roads.

   Please be careful. Remember and Honor. 

YOU EACH MAKE A DIFFERENCE

"The Starfish Story"

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.

Approaching the boy he asked, "Young man, what are you doing?"

the boy replied, "Throwing the starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

The man laughed to himself and said, "Do you realize there are miles of miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?

You can't make any difference."

After listening politely, the boy bent down to 

pick up another starfish and threw it into the surf.

Then, he smiled at the man and said,

"I made a difference to that one."

Linda

JFVarejcka@windstream.net

Social Media Communications Officer

Amanda Flener, PNP

Of course we always need submissions from Units, Departments and individuals; but this month, please send us photos of your Department meetings, events, or other accomplishments our members have done.

To all of the Military Spouses: "We honor you this month".

Amanda

aflener1@gmail.com

National Chaplain

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

FROM THE DESK

of

MOPHA NATIONAL CHAPLAIN

MAY 2024

The month of May is here already. Beautiful flowers, plants, pollen and allergies. The last two we can certainly live without, however, I am thankful for the availability of meds. There are a lot of activities going on this time of year. The one that stands out the most that I can think of immediately is Mother’s Day. I recall it being mentioned that it is the one day of the year other than Christ mas when church attendance is at the highest. The most read popular reading is found in Proverbs 31 about a virtuous woman (work in progress). However, I like to encourage the woman of today to think of herself as a warrior raising her children and preparing them for the battles of this world. May I encourage you/her to read about the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18 that Mothers, wives, women and all can use to defend and claim victory over the wiles and society of this world for her children and self? Thank you-bless you.

In Sympathy and Memoriam for Bereaved Families

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

(Always sad to share but never too late to Pray, express Condolences, or send cards for God’s Comforter)

“… mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

*Pittman (Dover), Avis NE 260 (4/7/24)                          

*Kirschbaum, Lois MI 127 (10/5/22)   

*Halash, Evelyn MI 127 (8/29/22)                                          

*Johnson, Teri MI 127 (11/26/21)      

*Brown, Linda MI 91 (4/14/24)

Cards of condolence can be sent to Patriot Alan Brown

 1689 Creekside Ct  

Wayland, MI 49348                                                                            

*German, Gloria MN 8 (4/10/24) 

*Olson, Kaye (SGT) WI 550 (9/5/23)                               

 *Connor, Nanette MN 268 (10/22/23)

*Beal, Muriel MN 268(12/28/99)                                        

*Regalia, Linda CA 750 (11/2/21)

*Smart, Dorene TX 1836 (4/10/24)                                  

*Price, Ursula, CO 423 (

*Schlaudraff, Linda FL 535 (2/2624)                                 

*Jenkins, Cecilia MN 5 (4/25/24)

Prayers Requests: Let us continue in prayer, cards can be sent:

*Barbara Hale-Ray (Nat’l Pres.): Her health concerns:

4569 S. Ireland Lane, Aurora, CO 80015

*Judy McLaughlin’s son, Christopher, on the road to recovery from bike accident:

 7239 Upham Street, Arvada, CO 80003 or can be emailed to jmcl_42yahoo.com

(Note: Please let me know if you desire to have your prayer request shared. Thank you.)

Sick: Homebound/hospitalized, Shut-in: Unspoken requests

Prayers for Other Need and Concerns: Anonymous and unspoken for all others; those in harm’s way throughout the world, the unhomed, the needy and hungry; those incarcerated or lonely; marriages, disenfranchised; demoralized; graduates; newlyweds; and all others

May Birthdays: Happy, Happy Birthday to all of our May 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 date so we can celebrate with you.  May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley/Hawthorn. Birthstone: Emerald

Next Chaplain’s Zoom will be the fourth Thursday, 23 May 2024, 7:00 p/m. CST and other times accordingly. Looking forward to having you joining us.

May Observances: (some have passed)

2 National Prayer Day                     

5 Cinco de Mayo            

7 Holocaust Day of Remembrance

6-13 National Nurses Week         

10 Military Spouse Appreciation Day          

12 Mother’s Day

15 International Family Day                            

18 Armed Forces Day                 

20 National Armed Forces Day  

21 World Meditation Day                                

27 Memorial Day Observance    

31 World Smile Day 

National Senior Health/Fitness Day

Mental Health Awareness Month         

Gold Star Awareness Month

Please join in prayer and according to your faith:

Our Heavenly Father and Mighty God,

Thank you for this and every opportunity presented…You gift us to be able to come before Your Throne of Grace and Mercy in prayer with any and all of our human concerns and needs. To You alone belongs the honor, glory, praise and power-forever and ever. Your faithfulness encompasses human knowledge and understanding, thank You Lord. Your love resonates so very strongly and loudly as You have shown us how faithful You are regardless to the world’s situation or view; You are present with us daily-never leaving us alone, in every situation-every breath we breathe, every step taken-thank You Lord, thank You that in Your kindness-Your love, You continue to give us Hope. Yes Lord, here we are with the same prayer requests, same concerns that we had before and then some, yesterday and it seems that we’ll have tomorrow, forgive us Father for being weak vessels but we trust in You to strengthen us. Your Word encourages us to come to You, seeking you and asking You in reverence to You, here we are again, as humbly as we know how. Thank You for loving us.

Loving Omnipotent God, these past few days, weeks/months, in our human lives, have been so difficult, so challenging with what seems like overwhelming environmental occurrences; human devastation and losses; confusing adverse worldly events of, political, legal, health, education, not least Dear God-our religious-spiritual needs and growth; daily personal losses of loved ones; and all that is prevalent in the world today, we humbly ask for Your infinite wisdom and generous Mercy and Comfort, thank You.

 Gracious Lord, for all victims and families, for all our Patriots, for all and Auxiliary members and families, friends and acquaintances, losses, and others whom You know by name that have needs/concerns at this time, we ask for restoration and overall healing, healing of our hearts and souls, healing of our land, we ask that this prayer covers all throughout the world as well as this journey is travelled. Lord, we ask for You to continue to provide our earthly Protectors and Caregivers with a shield of protection around them as You orchestrate their purpose, thank You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. And, for the Mothers of past, present and future, maternal, adopted, or extended that you have blessed us, thank You. May Your strength, please, we ask keep us strong; as we purposefully shall remain thankful, with hearts of gratitude being blessed, in faith, hope, love, peace and forgiveness of others as we want to be forgiven, seeking in Your righteousness; and continuing in trusting, believing, declaring victory in Your blessings. May our words be kind, gentle and wise, in the Name of Jesus. Amen!

"If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it." John 14:14

“The blessing of the Lord be upon you.”  Psalm 129:8

Please pass-it-on to others, thank you. Have a safe and blessed May! Happy and Joyful Mother’s Day!

Humbly In Patriotism, Peace, Prayer, Love and Service,

Gwendolyn Gilliard

MOPHA National Chaplain

Numbers 6:24-26

Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP

MOPHA National Chaplain

Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com

REGIONAL NEWS

Region 2 President

Karen Larabel

REGION 2 - We've come through the winter and many are trying to survive the tornado season. The sun is out today and there is hope for today. As you know this month our INSTALLATION REPORT IS DUE BY MAY 31. Thank you to those who have already turned them in. If you did not also send to National Region 2 President, that's me!, then please send.

For this report, GO TO:  purpleheartauxiliary.org   

    CLICK ON: MEMBERS   THEN: FORMS   THEN: INSTALLATION REPORT.   SAVE - PRINT - SEND

  SEND TO: National Secretary, Region President, and Dept. Secretary

SHOUT OUT TO MICHIGAN MOPH AND MOPHA 91 AT THEIR LAST MEETING HAD 5 NEW ATTENDEES, WITH 1 PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT WHO ALREADY HAD HIS MEMBERSHIP CARD!

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10  

"...I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Karen S. Larabel 

National Region II President

kslarabel1@sbcglobal.net

616-717-1056

The Department of Wisconsin MOPH/MOPHA Convention was held

at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Saturday May 4, 2024. The Auxiliary held their Memorial Service, after the Department Chaplain Phil Moore held their MOPH Memorial Service. Past National Chaplain Dar Schuff the Department Chaplain who put together the display with  

the names and Unit # of each departed member in the shape of a purple heart.

Department President Barbara Cherone read off the 21 names 

of the departed from the 4 Units in Wisconsin, as Dar placed a

white carnation for each departed member into a heart shape stand.  

Dar read a prayer in the beginning of the service and at the end of the Memorial Service.

May they rest in peace.

• Article submitted by PNP Nancy Lee Birschbach

2024 MOPHA National Convention Will Be VIRTUALY HELD on AUGUST 9-11, 2024

VIA ZOOM.

An Unofficial Auxiliary Symposium will be held during the MOPH National Convention in Orlando July 15-17, 2024. 

Convention Items for Sale: (When prompted for a MOPH member number, simply type "None. I am MOPHA")

Convention Coin Only

$6.00

Order Here

​

Convention Coin & Pin

$25.00

Order Here

​

Gala Dinner

July 17, 2024 - Orlando Rosen Plaza

Formal/semi-formal dinner. Please make sure to choose Chicken, Salmon, or Vegetarian meal for each Gala ticket purchased when completing the registration process.

$89/person.

Order Here

​

100% Silk Regimental Tie

$ 49.00

Order Here

​

Convention T Shirts

$ 26-28

Order Here

​

MORE SYMPOSIUM INFO:

For those that would like to purchase a hotel room in Orlando for the Symposium, it is $139 per night plus tax. Please use this link to book a room:

91st MOPH National Convention Hotel Reservations Link

If you are interested in purchasing a Sponsorship/Convention Book advertisement, please click the link below for more information.

Click here for the 2024 Convention Sponsorship form.

Click HERE for information on scooter rentals. The prices range from $35/day to $60/day with a 2-day minimum rental.

NOTE: ***If you are having issues with payment on the Department of Florida registration website, please call your bank and inform them that you are trying to register for the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Convention and the charges are legitimate. ***

Also, there are many Rosen hotels in Orlando, please make sure you will select the Rosen Plaza at 9700 International Drive in Orlando.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Purple Heart Foundation has announced their 2024 Scholarship applications.

The Purple Heart Scholarship Program is a competitive program that awards scholarships to Purple Heart recipients and their spouses, children, and grandchildren each year. At least one applicant with military service will be awarded the Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy Memorial Award.

Scholarship Deadline: June 1, 2024

MORE DETAILS can be found by clicking HERE

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to apply for a Purple Heart Scholarship, applicants need to be a member of one of the following categories:

A Purple Heart recipient who is a Member of the MOPH, or

• The spouse of a Purple Heart recipient who is a member of MOPH, or
• The direct lineal descendent (child, step-child, adopted child, grandchild, step-grandchild, or great grandchild) of a Purple Heart recipient who is a Member of MOPH, or
• The spouse, widow/widower, or direct lineal descendent as defined above of a service member killed-in-action or who died of wounds. If the Purple Heart recipient is listed as killed-in-action or died of wounds, supporting documentation and evidence must be included with the application.

Webmaster

Colleen Orfanello, PNP

DID YOU KNOW...

The May/June edition of the Purple Heart Magazine is here. Click the link to view this edition.

Colleen

webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com

CLICK HERE for the May/June Issue.

CLICK HERE to shop online and support our Auxiliary.

Rada has amazing cutlery and items that would be perfect in your kitchen or to give as a gift.