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General Orders #11
May 2026
| | Convention and Officer Installment Season! | | |
MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING
Thursday, May 21, 2026
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
| | 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. | |
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National President
Fran Holtgreven
Convention and Officer Installment Season!
May flowers are blooming, schools will soon be closing for the summer vacation, reports for MOPHA are arriving, Departments are finishing up their Conventions and Units are having officer installations, which means the MOPHA 2025-2026-year end is quickly approaching.
Since the last General Orders were sent, it has been an exciting and busy time. On April 22, 2026, a Wreath-laying Ceremony honoring the fallen Ohio airmen from the Rickenbacker 121st Air Refueling Wing who lost their lives in Iraq were held at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. National Sr. Vice President, Judy Fiddler, and I were invited to attend the ceremony, where we were honored to represent the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary.
April 24th, I was on a plane to Atlanta for the Department of Georgia Convention. April 30th, a plane ride took me to Detroit (after a 5-hour delay) where I attended the Department of Michigan Convention at Bay City. Back down to Detroit to catch a plane for Harrisburg to attend the Department of Pennsylvania Convention. Returned home May 6th and caught up on laundry, emails, texts, warrants etc. and then down to San Antonio for the Department of Texas Convention. As I write these General Orders, I am waiting for my laundry to be done so I can start packing again for my flight to Appleton, Wisconsin to attend the Department of Wisconsin Convention in Marshfield. I enjoy attending these Conventions, it is an honor to be invited and be able to see how the Department and the Units work together to help our Patriots and Veterans. The camaraderie between the Patriots, Auxiliary and each other is amazing to see. Each gets their work done and then shares time with each other with excursions, Bingo, lunch, dinner and the hospitality room. Thank you to each of you for sharing your Conventions with me.
The National Zoom meeting will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, and we will have a special speaker, Dr. Roxana Delgado. She is a National advocate for Military and Veteran healthcare in caregiving and traumatic brain injury and is a member of Unit 1836. As caregivers, each of us must take care of ourselves, in order to take care of our Patriots. Hope you will be able to attend. THANK YOU to each of you for all you do for our Veterans.
Fran
Fran.MOPHA@Gmail.com
| | MESSAGES FROM OUR AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP | | |
National Sr. Vice / National Secretary
Judy Fiddler
Hi everyone…
May has come and as usual, reports are due. By now, Inspection reports should have been completed and turned in. Chaplain, History, Americanism, Publicity and VAVS reports were all due by May 15 as well. These chairpersons depend on you turning in your reports in a timely matter, so they can do their year-end reports. Even if you have no activity, please file the report. Officers and Chairpersons should be working on their end of year report. They are due by May 31. If there was a new Department President elected at your convention, then the outgoing President is the one to turn in the report. Installation reports are due by May 31. It is the first step in obtaining a rebate.
Next…if anyone is planning on running for an Office at National, PLEASE send in a letter of intent for the position. We are trying to schedule the activities and meetings for the National Convention and need this information.
Time is going quickly…have you registered for the National Convention? The link is on our website for registration. This needs to be done by June 15 or there is a late fee. Hotel reservations are made by contacting the hotel directly. It is not part of the registration.
President Fran and I attended a memorial service in Columbus, Ohio on April 22, 2026. It was for three of the airmen who died in the refueling plane crash over Iran during Epic Fury. They were Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst and Mast Sgt. Tyler Simmons, all from Ohio. We were invited by the Daughters of the American Revolution, who sponsored the event.
Some have already learned…the Auxiliary’s next National Secretary is going to be Maryann Barclay from Columbus, Georgia. She has graciously stepped up to take on the duties of Secretary. I have been passing on information about the position. I feel she will do the Auxiliary proud.
Since I was elected National Senior Vice in February, I have been contemplating my future. I have decided to run for the position of National President and would appreciate any support given to me.
Hope to see you in North Carolina and have a wonderful end to spring…
Yours in Patriotism…
Judy
mophauxsec@gmail.com
330-880-3364
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National Jr. Vice
Linda Bellis
Spring has sprung! Department meetings are almost done. Hope everyone had a good time connecting with friends. I'lve heard of people learning new ideas. That's the fun part. I hope that everyone shared the BFF Best Foot Forward flyer with everyone (Additional Information can be viewed here). The patriots would be great with helping out. In MN I had to go over to their meeting and ask again for their donations. They were very helpful. We will see which department collected the most at the National Convention.
Please make sure to bring items to the North Carolina convention for the auction table. Also, we are doing the jewelry table again this year. Only bring items that have no broken chains, clasps and missing stones. I got into a big bidding war with a very young lady (sorry) won't name the person. Hope you have your game on for this year.
Remember the Fat Boys fundraiser ends June 15th. Father's day is coming up and that would make a great gift. We have heard nothing but good responses on the flavor and great products. When ordering we only make a profit off of the Fat Boy brand. Plus the grilling and smoking season is in full swing. Additional information can be viewed here.
Thank you for all that you do for our veterans. Get out and set up the dates for viola drives.
Linda "Bellis"
LindaB.MOPHA@gmail.com
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National Membership Officer
Cheryl Perez, PNP
Welcome new member, Valeria!
Valeria Leyba, CO 375
Cheryl
Members.MOPHA@gmail.com
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National VAVS Officer
National Sgt at Arms
National Americanism Officer
Linda Varejcka
"There can be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others."
Former President George H. W. Bush
Grant and HOV requests: biofeedback devices, food, personal care items, food gift certificates, fuel gift certificates, items for tiny homes, summer clothes, vegetable plants for Veteran community garden.
What are you doing for our nations 250th? Please drop me a line and let me know.
Trivia:
1. The word______________does not appear once in the Constitution?
2. Who was the father of the Constitution?
3. Which U.S. landmark was a gift from France?
4. What U.S. city briefly served as the nation's first official capital?
5. Who said the famous line "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"?
6. Which U.S. national park was the first to be established?
(answers at the end of the general orders)
A MEMORIAL DAY POEM
We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore
by C. W. Johnson
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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 patriotic hot air balloon so FIND ME!"
Linda
JfVarejcka@Windstream.net
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A friendly reminder from the Committee Chairs who are collecting reports,
PLEASE submit your reports to the appropriate chairs as soon as possible. All emails are listed in the description on the website. The "forms" page can be found by clicking here or by visiting our website at www.PurpleHeartAuxiliary.org, then hovering over the "Members Only" tab, and selecting FORMS,
If anyone has mailed a hard-copy of the History/Americanism/Publicity report to Colleen Orfanello, please email her (if you have not already heard from her) at Colleen.MOPHA@gmail.com and let her know. She has moved and forwarded-incoming-mail is slow and may get lost in transit.
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National Co-Chaplain
Gwendolyn Gilliard, PNP
MEMORIAL DAY 2026
As we observe both this day and our Auxiliary members in remembrance. Let us bow our hearts and heads
at the Throne of our Creator, "lest we not forget" those sleeping in their graves and their families and friends who are left behind with our loving prayers for His eternal comfort. In His Mighty Name, Amen.
"Blessed are those
who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
(Matthew 5:4)
On the other hand, if you can, please acknowledge:
Mother's Day Sunday globally, living it everyday
May Birthday Celebrants Month
May Military Child Month
National Mental Healrh Awareness Month
Passed observation days:
5: Cinco de Mayo
6: National Nurse's Day
15: Intel Day of Families
16: Armed Forces Day
24: N'tl Brother Day
25: Memorial Day
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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)
Past National President (PNP) Bonnie Dumler was laid to rest 5/16/26. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, her family, and her friends during this time.
Alice Meek, IA 777
3 APR 2026
Mary Smith, NML
(30 OCT 2014)
Adelaide Jackson, FL 535 (2 JUN 2021)
Magdalena Salazar, TX
1826 (12 NOV 2019)
Mildred Peitzman, NML
(19 JUN 2019)
Sandra Kenar, NML
(12 SEP 2024)
Helen Hummer, NML
(16 AUG 2022)
Ella Pizzuti, MI 459
(5 JAN 2023)
Roseanne Earnest, NE 200, (28 JAN 2026)
Joyce Hartman, NE , 200, (28 FEB 2026)
Yvonne Oziah, NE 202,
(23 JUN 2025)
Susan Thompson NE 200, (9 JUN 2025)
Nancy Eoriatti, NE 632,
(18 JAN 2024)
Helen Greenwalt,
NE 632, (1 DEC 2024)
Helen Ramaekers,
NE 200, (14 JAN 2026)
Rebecca Avello, NE 632,
(16 MAR 2024)
Mary Schneider, WI 162,
(30 JUN 2025)
Judith Gehrt, WI 162,
(30 SEP 2025)
Marguerite Waller,
WI 162 (12 DEC 2025)
El Rose Weeden,
TX 1919, (4 MAY 2025)
Ruth Fast, CO 423,
(25 OCT 2022)
Alma Schillinger,
MI DML (29 NOV 2922)
Josalene Hall, NML,
(19 AUG 2012)
Eleanor Beumfield,
MS 690 (17 OCT 2916)
Dolores Hage, NML,
(21 APR 2023)
Helen McCollum,
LA 1955 (16 MAR 2024)
Roxie Dixon, TX DML,
(2 MAY 2015)
Bonnie Dumler, PNP,
NE (6 MAY 2026)
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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.
Gwendolyn
Chaplain.MOPHA@gmail.com
| MONTH 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 birthday or anniversary date so we can join in your celebration. | | |
National Region 4 President
Kay Jo Baucom, PNP
Sometimes thinking about doing for others comes quickly, with the best intentions . Other times, life gets in the way and those things you hoped to do, get put “on hold”. Region 4 prioritizes the needs of our Patriots, their families and communities. This is not to say our own families are neglected for they certainly come first but our servicemen and women come in a close second . I am always so proud and amazed at how much is done for our MOPH family, while each member accomplishes so much personally in addition to the work for our organization. What an honor to serve with such a caring, dedicated group!!!
I have the privilege of speaking to, texting or emailing with Region 4 leadership and each time, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm, resilience and perseverance displayed. Getting the proper paperwork in can be a challenge sometimes, but working together, it is easier to complete. We are stronger than we think!
Thank you Region 4 for going the extra mile when it is difficult. Thank you for pushing through when you are exhausted. Thank you for inspiring, supporting and praying for your MOPH family- because of those like our Region 4 members, we are made better!
Our word for the month is peace. May each of you experience the peace of solitude, the peace of understanding and the peace that comes from living a life of service
Kay Jo
KarenBaucom8@gmail.com
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National Region 5 President
Dorris Williams
On behalf of the Louisiana Auxiliary, a Vietnam Veteran was gifted many needed and deserved items last week such as linens, kitchen and lawn appliances and equipment, clothing, and toiletries. The items were purchased with a CDCE grant. Many organizations stepped up to help him get back on his feet. He is very grateful.
THIS is why work hard to make the lives of our Veterans better. Each one deserves the BEST that we can give, especially when they are in need of comfort, prayers, and the little things in life that let them know "we care". The Thank-You card (to be mailed to Linda Varejcka) reads:
"Dear Mrs Linda,
I am very grateful for the Purple Heart Auxiliary and the wonderful work they do. The last five months have been very hard on myself and my wife. We lost our home to a fire on New Year's Day morning. Everything was gone so fast. It was something that no family should go through. No one was hurt but everything was gone.
After I came home from Vietnam, I became a fireman in New Orleans. I retired and now spend time tending to my garden, cooking, eating, and sleeping. At age 83, I can't do much more. Everyday, I like to be in my yard with my coffee and something delicious I baked. Please send me your address and I will send you something sweet. I understand your husband also served in Nam. We are lucky to have our wives who help us old grumpy vets! I am joking. But I am not joking that I am so grateful for everything you have donated to us. Thank you to the Baton Rouge Auxiliary members and to everyone else who helped us.
Sincerely thankful,
Gerry and Emily McGaughey"
- submitted by Unit 177 Eileen Oltmann and Colleen Orfanello
Dorris
Region5MOPHAUX@gmail.com
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Convention details are on our website at PurpleHeartAuxiliary.org. Click HERE for the details.
LOCATION:
New Bern, North Carolina
River Front Convention Center in Craven County
203 S Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
DATES:
Registration - Sunday July 13, 2026
Business Sessions - Monday July 13 - Thursday July 16, 2026
Gala: Thursday July 16, 2026
Travel Out (note: Some Patriot Leadership Officers may meet on Friday July 17th)
REGISTRATION is $150. Auxiliary registration can be found on the Patriot Website by clicking HERE. (Register before June 11th to avoid a late fee.)
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Click HERE to read the latest edition of the Purple Heart Magazine
(May/June edition)
| | Remember the Fat Boys fundraiser ends June 15th. Father's day is coming up and that would make a great gift. We have heard nothing but good responses on the flavor and great products. When ordering we only make a profit off of the Fat Boy brand. Plus the grilling and smoking season is in full swing. Additional information can be viewed here. | | |
The next deadline to be included in the Purple Heart Magazine is June 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 next Zoom meeting will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Send articles, photos, or news to Barbara, our new webmaster, at webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com before Thursday, May 21, 2026 for inclusion.
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Below are the answers to the trivia questions from our National VAVS Officer, National Sgt at Arms, National Americanism Officer Linda Varejcka.
1. Democracy
2. James Madison
3. The Statue of Liberty (France gifted it to the U.S. in 1886 as a symbol of friendship)
4. New York City (It served as the capital from 1789 to 1790)
5. Neil Armstrong (He spoke the line in 1969 as he became the first person to step onto the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.)
6. Yellowstone (The park spans three states and is famous for geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and colorful hot springs)
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