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AMVETS DEPT. of NC

Commander Keith Dean 2014 – 2015

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STATE CONTACT: AMVETS Dept. of NC Elsie Koonts P. O. Box 1360 Welcome, NC 27374-1360 Phone & FAX (336) 619-0038 Email – elsiekoonts@triad.rr.com Website - www.amvetsnc.org NATIONAL CONTACT: AMVETS National Headquarters 4647 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706 Phone (301) 459-9600 1-877-726-8387 FAX (301) 459-7924 Website – www.amvets.org

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AMVETS DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA 2014 – 2015 YEARBOOK

CONTENTS

Elected Officers………………………………………………………..…… 4 Appointed Officers…………………………………………………………. 5 National Service Officers……………………………………………...…… 6 Service Foundation…………………………………………………………. 7 Service Foundation Bylaws………………………………..………….…8-13 Past Department Commanders……………………………..…………..14, 15 Ladies Auxiliary Officers………………………………………………16, 17 Ladies Auxiliary Post Directory………………………………………..18, 19 Sons of AMVETS Officers………………………………………………...20 Dept. DEC Meetings and Convention Schedule………………………...…21 Post Directory…………………………………………………………22 - 27 Membership Awards………………………………………………….……28 Committees ………………………………………………………….. 29 - 32 Processing Membership…………………………………...………….. 33, 34 Convention Awards………………………………………………………. 35 Honors & Awards Criteria ……………………………………………..… 36 NC Department Constitution………………………………...………..37 - 43 NC Department Bylaws…...………...………………………...………44 - 63 Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters…………..…64, 65 Suspension or Expulsion of Members………………………….………66, 67 AMVETS Family Song................................................................................68 NOTES…………………………………………………………..…………69

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ELECTED OFFICERS 2014-2015 COMMANDER JUDGE ADVOCATE Keith Dean – Post 441 Tom Nichols – Post 201 31 Zenith Drive 359 Lake Royale Sylva, NC 28779 Louisburg, NC 27549 (828) 586-6170 (252) 478-2825 tncbugman@aol.com 1st VICE COMMANDER Danny A. Crotts – Post 13 NEC 2246 Old Mountain Road PDC Mike Rozmaryn – Post 845 Lexington, NC 27292 1540 Lower Palmer Road (336) 798-1924 Salisbury, NC 28164 dannyacrotts1948@windstream.net H (704) 279-2092 C (704) 213-1326 2nd VICE COMMANDER mwroz@windstream.net Randy Ferguson – Post 320 109 Braeburn Court ALTERNATE NEC & SONS LIAISON Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 PDC W. F. (Bill) Clark – Post 906 (252) 535-4829 P. O. Box 10579 randyleeferguson@embarqmail.com Southport, NC 28461 W (910) 457-7097 3rd VICE COMMANDER C (910) 448-1775 Keith Hutchins - Post 101 parrisisland65@yahoo.com 127 Azalea Road Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 PROVOST MARSHAL & HISTORIAN (252) 537-0908 Woody Bowman – Post 13 hutch127@me.com P O Box 1216 Lexington, NC 27293 (336) 243-2380 FINANCE OFFICER woodybowman@lexcominc.net Laura L. Britton – Post 906 P O Box 10179 WESTERN DIST. COMMANDER Southport, NC 28461 Bruce Bartlett – Post 333 W (910) 457-7097 59 Carolina Heights C (910) 294-1976 Black Mountain, NC 28711 financeofficernc@yahoo.com (828) 669-2741 brenbruce59@charter.net

EASTERN DIST. COMMANDER PIEDMONT DIST. COMMANDER Victor Kosinski – Post 1111 Danny Brewer – Post 13 1407 West Road P. O. Box 874 Kinston, NC 28501 Linwood, NC 27299 C (252) 268-4676 (336) 956-7773 H (252) 523-3430 amvetspost13lexington@gmail.com victor.kosinski@nccommerce.com

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APPOINTED OFFICERS 2014-2015 INSPECTOR GENERAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Lacy Shepherd – Post 316 Tom Nichols – Post 201 253 Cartledge Creek Road 359 Lake Royale Rockingham, NC 28379 Louisburg, NC 27549 (910) 895-3056 (252) 478-2825 C (910) 206-0758 tncbugman@aol.com j.d.shepherd67@gmail.com PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER ADJUTANT Nancy Shiverdecker – Post 845 Jennifer Drum – Post 42 13470 Old Beatty Ford Road 1011 Caldwell Circle Rockwell, NC 28138 Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 267-6410 (704) 487-6753 nancy.shiverdecker@gmail.com jdcic20@yahoo.com AUXILIARY LIAISON DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL Anne Capucille – Post 635 Richard (Dick) Barringer – Post 845 5809 Deven Circle 233 Redwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27604 Mocksville, NC 27028 (919) 872-1277 H (336) 936-9325 C (704) 232-7997 DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE judib44@gmail.com Grover (Buddy) Waller – Post 845 9325 Fisher Road NATIONAL GUARD LIAISON Rockwell, NC 28138 AMVETS RIDERS LIAISON (704) 279-3929 Gerry Pion – Post 920 C (704) 400-4434 221 Palmer Street buddy12045@yahoo.com Albemarle, NC 28001 (704) 983-3651 CHAPLAIN & gandkpion@windstream.net DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL David Hand – Post 845 SERVICE OFFICER 221 Ferris Ave. Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 279-8245 davidhand89@yahoo.com

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NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS

R2SD Garry King NSO Phil Reilly (336) 251-0822 Fort Bragg, NC garry.king@va.gov AMVETS – P. O. Box 25160 Fayetteville, NC 28314 NSO Russell L. Woodall, Jr. (910) 396-6826 (336) 251-0823 philip.g.reilly@us.army.mil russell.woodall@va.gov NSO Dale Danehy NSO David Turner AMVETS – P. O. Box 4066 (336) 251-0787 New River Air Station david.turner6@va.gov Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910) 449-5344 NSO Helen Perry amvetsnewriver@yahoo.com (336) 251-0779 helen.perry@va.gov AMVETS National Service Officers VA Regional Office 251 North Main Street, Room 414 Winston Salem, NC 27155 FAX (336) 251-0858 (336) 251-0779

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SERVICE FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT Jean Reaves Alyce Knaflich P O Box 1323 825 C Merimon Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Asheville, NC 28804 (252) 673-6495 (912) 484-6316 reaves579@centurylink.net alleycat2fore@gmail.com SECRETARY TREASURER Danny A. Crotts Nancy Shiverdecker non-voting 2246 Old Mountain Road 13470 Old Beatty Ford Road Lexington, NC 27292 Rockwell, NC 28138 (336) 798-1924 ` (704) 267-6410 dannyacrotts1948@windstream.net nancy.shiverdecker@gmail.com Tom Nichols Mike Rozmaryn (NEC) 359 Lake Royale 1540 Lower Palmer Road Louisburg, NC 27549 Salisbury, NC 28146 (252) 478-2825 (704) 279-2092 tncbugman@aol.com mwroz@windstream.net James Craven Lacy Shepherd 4026 Beech Acres Lane 2532 Cartledge Creek Road Winston Salem, NC 27106 Rockingham, NC 28379 (336) 924-9848 (910) 895-3056 cravenjames@triad.rr.com j.d.sheherd67@gmail.com Keith Dean Mike Reaves 31 Zenith Drive P O Box 1323 Sylva, NC 28779 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (828) 586-6170 (252) 673-6495 reaves579@centurylink.net

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Bylaws North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation

Article 1 - Name The name of this organization shall be North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation, herein after referred to as the Foundation. Article 11 – PURPOSE The purpose of the Foundation is to further the programs and services of the AMVETS Department of North Carolina, herein after referred to as the Department, and community programs in North Carolina, including hospital programs, veterans service and rehabilitation programs, and others that operate for the benefit of veterans, their families, and dependents, their widows and orphans. Article III – Members The active membership of the Foundation shall be restricted to the members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Article IV – Board of Trustees Section 1. The Board of Trustees, herein after referred to as the Board, shall consist of nine (9) members, who shall be members in good standing in AMVETS.

(a.) Four (4) members shall be the Department Commander, 1st Vice Commander, Judge Advocate, and National Committeeman elected at the annual Convention.

(b.) Five (5) Trustees will be elected from the members of the Department at the Department Convention. There shall be two (2) positions, elected annually, serving for one (1) year each. Trustees elected annually may not serve more than two (2) consecutive years. There shall be a three (2), two (2), and one year position. At each Convention, a new three (3) year trustee shall be elected. The former three year trustee shall have two remaining years on the Board. The former two year trustee shall have one remaining year on the Board. The former one year trustee, having served three years, shall step down from the Board.

(c.) At the inception of the Board, in its’ first year of existence only, the two year and one year positions mentioned in

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paragraph (b) above shall be filled by direct election at the Convention.

Section 2. No elected officer of the Department can at the same time be an elected Trustee on the Foundation Board. Appointed Department Officers may be elected as Trustees to the Foundation Board. Section 3. If any vacancy shall occur in the Board by death, resignation, or removal, the Department Executive Committee will elect a member to serve in the vacant position until the next election. Section 4. No member of the Board shall be held personally liable for any loss, damage, penalty, or liability resulting from any action or inaction of the Board. Article V – Officers Section 1. The officers of the Foundation shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All officers will be elected at the annual meeting of the Foundation, by a majority vote of the Board. The President, Vice-President, and Secretary shall be elected from among the members of the Board. The Board may elect any member in good standing of the Department as Treasurer, or may, in accordance with Article VIII, vote to hire or retain an individual to serve as Treasurer. All officers shall serve for a period of one (1) year. Section 2. The President shall be the Executive Officer of the Foundation and shall serve as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The President shall have no vote on matters before the Board except to break a tie. Section 3. The Vice-President shall assist the President as directed and shall act as the President in case of the President’s absence or incapacity. Section 4. The Secretary shall keep a complete record of the minutes of all meetings of the Board, and perform other such duties as may be incident to the office or directed by the President. Section 5. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Foundation. All checks disbursing Foundation funds shall be signed by the Treasurer and either the President or the Vice President. The Treasurer shall

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make a report of the condition of the Treasury at all regular meetings of the Board. The Treasurer shall also perform other such duties as may be incident to the office or directed by the President. Section 6. The Department Finance Officer shall not be eligible to serve as Treasurer of the Foundation. Article VI – Meetings Section 1. The Board of Trustees shall hold its annual meeting every year after the adjournment of the Department Executive Committee that immediately follows the annual Department Convention. The Foundation’s Offices for the ensuing year shall be elected during the Annual Meeting. Section 2. The Board shall meet quarterly during the meeting of the Department Executive Committee. Special meetings of the board may be called by the President, Secretary, or any three members, by providing adequate notification to all members. Section 3. The Board may, by favorable written ballot of a majority of its members, extend its approval of, and thereby adopt, any proposal submitted in writing to all of its members by the President, Secretary, or any three of its members. Section 4. At all meetings of the Board, five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. Section 5. All meeting shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. Section 6. Any of all Board members may be compensated for expenses related to attendance at any meeting, or while performing designated Foundation duties occurring between meetings. Receipts for all compensated expenses must be submitted to the Treasurer. All compensation for expenses in excess of $50.00 must be approved by the Board.

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Article VII – Contracts Section 1. The making of contracts for fund raising or other purposes for the Foundation is specifically delegated to the Board of Trustees. Section 2. Such contracts shall be entered into under the name North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation and shall be signed by the President of the Board and the Trustee serving the final year of a three year term, after having been reviewed and approved by the Board. Article VIII – Duties of the Board of Trustees It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees:

1. To cause to be kept a complete record of all its minutes and accounts.

2. To supervise all officers or agents of the Foundation and require proper performance of their duties.

3. To designate a depository, or depositories, for the funds, securities, and other properties of the Foundation.

4. To make such appropriations to AMVETS Department of North Carolina as may enable it to render needed service to veterans as set forth in the Corporate Charter.

5. To accept or reject such bequests, donations, contributions, or subscriptions that may be made to the Foundation by any individual, company, corporation, agency, or organization. No bequests, donations, contributions, or subscriptions may be accepted from any source that seeks or attempts to influence the policy of the Foundation, the Department, or any subordinate organization.

6. To make such expenditures and enter agreements as necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Foundation.

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7. To employ or retain such persons, and set reasonable compensation for, as is deemed necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Foundation.

8. To provide for the adequate bonding of any member, officer, or agent handling Foundation funds or authorized to sign Foundation contracts.

9. To obtain such insurance coverage, either general liability and/or Directors/Officers and /or other coverage, as is deemed necessary.

Article IX – Restricted Use of Organization The Foundation shall not be used to promote the interest of any person, or group of persons, who is (are) a candidate(s) for public office. Article X – Amendments These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the total membership of the Foundation at the annual meeting of the Foundation. An amendment will become effective at the next regular meeting of the Board following the meeting at which it was adopted. Article XI – Policy Section 1. All activities of the North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation shall be under the supervision, direction, and control of the Foundation Board of Directors. Section 2. The North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation, incorporated for all purposes of policy, shall be considered a subsidiary organization of AMVETS Department of North Carolina as referred to in Article XIV of the Department Bylaws.

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Section 3. The fiscal year of the Foundation shall be from 1 July thru 30 June. Should the current Treasurer not continue in office, the term of the current Treasurer shall run until 15 July, to assist with yearend financial reports and provide a smooth transfer of control to the new Treasurer. Section 4. The Foundation President and Treasurer shall report, at the Convention and each regular meeting of the DEC, the current activities and financial condition of the Foundation.

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PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS

Ralph T. Nevils, Jr. – Post 635 A. Roy Curphey, Jr. –Post 920 7101 Stuart Drive 217 Ruby Lane Raleigh, NC 27615 Gastonia, NC 28054 (910) 844-2582 (704) 8644-2876 arthurrjr@bellsouth.net Carrol Gantt – Post 13 9559 Linwood-Southmont Rd. Jean Reaves – Post 101 Lexington, NC 27292 P O Box 1323 (336) 798-1367 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (336) 404-1022 Jimmy L. Ely – Post 760 reaves579@centurylink.net P O Box 833 Welcome, NC 27374 Robert F. Fulmer – Post 13 (336) 731-4828 121 Creekwood Road Advance, NC 27006 Jackie Poole – Post 845 (336) 998-2698 720 Sides Road rff262@gmail.com Salisbury, NC 28144 Tom E. Nichols Post 201 Gary C. Humphries – Post 42 359 Lake Royale P O Box 174 Louisburg, NC 27549 Gastonia, NC 28053 (252) 478-2825 (704) 868-4674 tncbugman@aol.com amvflag@bellsouth.net Mike Rozmaryn – Post 845 Gerry Pion – Post 910 1540 Lower Palmer Road 221 Palmer Street Salisbury, NC 28146 Albemarle, NC 28001 (336) 704-279-2092 (704) 983-3651 mwroz@windstream.net gandkpion@windstream.net Bill Pulliam – Post 320 Mike Reaves – Post 101 83 Cottonwood Road P O Box 1323 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 537-5030 (252) 673-6495 pbp1015@gmail.com reaves579@centurylink.net

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W. F. (Bill) Clark – Post 906 Grover (Buddy) Waller – Post 845 P O Box 10579 9325 Fisher Road Southport, NC 28461 Rockwell, NC 28138 W (910) 457-7097 (704) 279-3929 (910) 734-0047 C (704) 400-4434 parrisisland65@yahoo.com buddy12045@yahoo.com John R. MacDonald – Post 227 20770 Hwy 64 East Williamston, NC 27892 (252) 792-3849 jrmpost227@yahoo.com Carl B. Morgan, Jr. – Post 845 5901 Canal Drive Bradenton, FL 34207 cmorgan527266@gmail.com Oceanus Lowry – Post 317 235 Pinelake Park Road Pembroke, NC 28372 (910) 521-9317 C (910) 734-0047 olowry1@nc.rr.com Lacy L. Shepherd – Post 316 253 Cartledge Creek Road Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 895-3056 C (910) 206-0758 j.d.shepherd67@gmail.com David Beam – Post 320 P O Box 398 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 676-0691 davidbeam61@yahoo.com

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LADIES AUXILIARY OFFICERS 2014-2015

President Judi Bullabough Chaplain Carolyn Waller 233 Redwood Drive 9325 Fisher Road Mocksville, NC 27038 Rockwell, NC 28138 (336) 936-9325 (704) 279-3929 judib44@gmail.com buddy12045@yahoo.com 1st Vice President Pat Pulliam Americanism Linda Starnes 83 Cottonwood Road 676 Greensboro Road Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Lexington, NC 27295 (252) 532-6786 (336) 596-0116 pbp101@yahoo.com lstarnes2@triad.rr.com 2nd Vice President Eva Craver Scholarship Jerri Halcomb 2480 Swicegood Road 676 Greensboro Road Linwood, NC 27299 Lexington, NC 27295 (336) 853-7777 (336) 596-8139 lstarnes2@triad.rr.com jhalcomb1761@yahoo.com 3rd Vice President Pat Walters Sergeant-At-Arms Cora Brigman 1481 Long Leaf Road 1016 Franklin Stret Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (910) 845-3498 (252) 673-0047 jpwalters@atmc.net donna181947@yahoo.com Treasurer Margaret Earl Crotts Hospital Martie Harris P. O. Box 369 196 Neal Creek Road Linwood, NC 27299 Blacksburg, SC 29702 (336) 237-9763 (864) 839-4501 mcrotts@windstream.net mfreeharris2008@yahoo.com NEC Mary O’Neal Secretary Linda Bonin P O Box 2082 3336 Holly Lake Trail Rockingham, NC 28380 Raleigh, NC 27604 (910) 995-5004 (919) 791-9992 emo4343@yahoo.com ldbonin@gmail.com Alternate NEC Ann Rozmaryn PRO/Historian Cheryl Maness 1540 Lower Palmer Road 831 Highridge Street Salisbury, NC 28146 Asheboro, NC 27205 (704) 279-2092 (336) 460-6443 cherny@windstream.net manesscheryl@yahoo.com

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Parliamentarian Nada Curphey Ways & Means Carol Paschal 217 Ruby Lane 831 Highridge Street Gastonia, NC 28054 Asheboro, NC 27205 (704) 868-2061 (336) 825-8423 ncurphey65@gmail.com cpaschal05@yahoo.com Alt. Ways & Means Alice Honeycutt Ways & Means Dorene Wilburn 14 Estate Drive 2381 Glade Road Lexington, NC 27295 Asheboro, NC 27205 (336) 224-6847 ahoneycutt18@yahoo.com Liaison Officer Betty Dean Color Guard Marcia Fenwick 31 Zenith Drive 320 Americamps Drive Sylva, NC 28779 Bracey, VA 23919 (434) 636-2199 mfen@buggs.net Color Guard Jean Dennis 1803 River Road Troy, NC 27371 (910) 572-3436 rockett1947@yahoo.com DATES FOR AUXILIARIES TO REMEMBER: November 1st is the deadline to get service reports to committee chairs. This is for the first 6 months. Second 6 months, with the 12 month total cover sheet - service reports are due May 1st. These reports go to committee chairs, which in turn record and verify information and then forward to NEC. NATIONAL CONTACT Website – www.amvetsaux.org

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Ladies Auxiliary Directory Auxiliary 13 Lexington Auxiliary 777 Winston Salem President & Contact President & Contact Eva Craver Elizabeth Shepherd 2480 Swicegood Road 6751 Idols Road Linwood, NC 27299 Clemmons, NC 27012 (336) 853-7777 (336) 479-8205 lstarnes2@triad.rr.com Auxiliary 845 Rockwell Auxiliary 101 Halifax County President President & Contact Rhonda Morgan Marcia Fenwick P O Box 443 320 Americamps Dr. Faith, NC 28041 Bacey, VA 23919 (704) 450-8652 (434) 636-2199 miminana1@yahoo.com mfen@buggs.net Contact Rita Hand Auxiliary 316 Rockingham 221 Ferris Avenue President & Contact Rockwell, NC 28138 Mary O’Neal (704) 279-8245 P. O. Box 2082 ritahand845@yahoo.com Rockingham, NC 28380 (910) 995-5004 Auxiliary 905 Asheboro emo4343@yahoo.com President Deloris Bell Auxiliary 320 Roanoke Rapids P O Box 792 President & Contact Asheboro, NC 27204 Pat Pulliam Contact 83 Cottonwood Road Cheryl Maness Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 831 Highridge Street (252) 532-6786 Asheboro, NC 27205 pbp101@yahoo.com (336) 460-6443 manesscheryl@yahoo.com Auxiliary 635 Raleigh President & Contact Auxiliary 906 Boiling Spring Lakes Delorse Nichols President & Contact 1712 Horton Road Patricia Walters Knightdale, NC 27545 1481 Long Leaf Road (919) 266-7748 Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 rbobd886@aol.com (910) 845-3498 jpwalters@atmc.net

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Auxiliary 910 Albemarle President & Contact Brenda Bruton P O Box 1167 Badin, NC 28009 (704) 985-3719 Auxiliary 920 Gastonia President & Contact Nada Curphey 217 Ruby Lane Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 868-2061 ncurphey65@gmail.com

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SONS OF AMVETS OFFICERS 2014-2015

Commander 1st Vice Commander & Chaplain David Ward Darrell Bolick 105 J Shorelake Drive 845 Thompson Road Greensboro, NC 27455 Salisbury, NC 28147 (336) 736-0671 (704) 232-4117 2nd Vice Commander 3rd Vice Commander & Post 905 Contact & Post 760 Contact Lloyd Hunt Kenneth Moon 5691 Pickett Mill Rd. 4744 W. Old Hwy 64 Seagrove, NC 27345 Lexington, NC 27295 (336) 953-3481 (336) 225-4367 Adjutant & NEC Finance Officer Gene Rabb Rodney Owens 107 Oxford Court P O Box 2424 Shelby, NC 28125 Asheboro, NC 27204 (704) 300-3902 (336) 302-4674 generabb@yahoo.com Judge Advocate Provost Marshal Keith Lucas Gerald King 214 S. Main Street 305 Confederate St. Faith, NC 28041 Lexington, NC 27295 (704) 232-0721 (336) 243-1391 Post 13 Contact Post 460 Contact Ken Dorsett Tim Eagle 166 Will Snider Road 285 Lakeside Drive Linwood, NC 27299 Salisbury, NC 28146 (336) 240-4129 (704) 633-0911 ceagle@bellsouth.net Post 777 Contact B. K. Turlington Post 845 Contact 2159 Leeds Lane John Drew Winston Salem, NC 27103 440 Liberty Road (336) 671-0364 Gold Hill, NC 28071 (704) 279-4421

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2014 – 2015 AMVETS DEPT. OF NC DEC MEETINGS AND STATE CONVENTION

FALL DEC MEETING

October 3, 4, 5, 2014 Ramada Inn (Formerly Holiday Inn)

1215 Garner Bagnal Blvd., 49-A off 77 Statesville, NC (704) 878-9691

WINTER DEC MEETING

January 9, 10, 11, 2015 Village Inn Event Center

6205 Ramada Drive (I-40 Exit 184) Clemmons, NC (336) 766-9121

SPRING DEC MEETING

2015 STATE CONVENTION June 5, 6, 7, 2015

Sheraton – Four Seasons $107.00 + tax 3121 High Point Road

Greensboro, NC 27407 1-800-242-6556

2015 NATIONAL CONVENTION August 15-23, 2015

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel (205) 307-3043 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North

Birmingham, AL 35203 $119.00 – Parking $6.00 Per Night

Cut-off Date – July 20, 2015

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POST DIRECTORY POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 13-Lexington AMVETS Post 13 Dan Brewer 423 Marco Blvd. P. O. Box 234 P O Box 874 2nd Wed. 7:00 pm Lexington, NC 27293 Linwood, NC 27299 Dues - $20.00 (336) 956-7773 amvetspost13lexington@gmail.com 18-Spring Lake Charles L. Miller Scott Logan 2604 E. Brinkley Dr. 14258 Hwy 210 S. 289 Rock Harbor Lane Spring Lake, NC 28390 (910) 497-2218 Spring Lake, NC 28390 (910) 497-2829 3rd Wed. 7:00 pm (910) 436-3317 TRICUA326@aol.com Dues - $25.00 freewheelburnin@gmail.com 42-Shelby Jon Lee Randy Robbins 706 S. Morgan St. P O Box 1462 2200 China Ave. (704) 923-6593 Shelby, NC 28151 Shelby, NC 28150 4th Mon. 6:30 pm (704) 923-6593 (704) 300-1082 Dues - $25.00 43-Roxboro Elks Lodge #2005 Wilbur Dunevant Same 408 Leasburg Rd 3686 Cunningham Rd. (336) 504-3530 2nd Wed. 7:00 pm Semora, NC 27343 dunevantw@peoplepc.com Dues - $32.50 (336) 234-7243 101-Halifax County Garfield Johnson Tanisha Flythe P O Box 1760 1710 W. Tenth St. P O Box 1760 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 1st Thurs. Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 587-4064 Dues - $25.00 (919) 259-0310 (252) 724-2960 taflythe@gmail.com popcorn1949@yahoo.com 103 Windsor Oscar K. Jones 414 NC Hwy 305 AMVETS Post 103 P O Box 729 (910) 583-7309 414 NC Hwy 305 Aulander, NC 27805 3rd Tues. 7:00 Windsor, NC 27983 (252) 287-8563 Dues - $28.50 (910) 583-7309 (252) 345-1532 randycherry@gmail.com joneso66@yahoo.com

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POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 201-Franklin County Tom Wall Greg Scott 111Sagamire Ct. 3 Lake Royale 605 Lake Royale Louisburg Louisburg, NC 27549 Louisburg, NC 27549 4th Mon. 7:00 pm (252) 883-8887 (919) 576-4392 Dues - $27.00 tiwall6@yahoo.com scottgreg1475@yahoo.com 225-Jacksonville CPL Andrew Pinkham 7 Tallman St. AMVETS Post 225 5326 Montgomery Circle Jacksonville P. O. Box 1639 Tarawa Terrace, NC 2853 1st Mon. 6:00 pm Jacksonville, NC 28541 (207) 975-5451 Dues - $32.00 (910) 265-8683 pinkham89@gmail.com joebear52me@yahoo.com 227-Williamston AMVETS Post 227 Kenny Wallace 214 E. Main St. 214 Main St P O Box 1572 Williamston Williamston, NC 27892 Robersonville, NC 27871 2nd & 4th Tues. (252) 792-7816 (252) 861-0187 Dues - $25.00 wayne.bray@nccommerce.com kww8892@embarqmail.com 240-Denton Donald Hunt Same 1351 Garner Rd. 592 Farmer Road Denton Denton, NC 27239 1st Tues. 6:30 pm (336) 302-9914 Dues - $25.00 316-Rockingham John Daniel E Rockingham Fire Post 316 Commander 501 E. Broad Street Dept 487 Airport Rd P. O. Box 774 Rockingham, NC 28379 Last Tues. 6:30 pm Rockingham, NC 28380 (910) 895-1929 Dues - $25.00 johndaniellaw@carolina.rr.com *317 Pembroke AMVETS Post 317 Ronald Brooks 707 Union Chapel Rd. P O Box 66 P O Box 1932 Every Other Thurs. Pembroke, NC 28372 Pembroke, NC 28372 7:00 p.m. giacobs@lumbeetribe.com W (910) 522-2210 Dues $30.00 FAX (910) 521-7778

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POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 320-Roanoke Rapids Randy Ferguson Mike Garris P O. Box 838 801 Charlotte St. Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 2nd Mon. 6:00 pm (252) 532-0294 (252) 537-9045 Dues - $20.00 amvetspost320@gmail.com scubabugs@embarqmail.com 333-Swannanoa Bruce Bartlett Same 101 Carver Ave. 59 Carolina Heights Black Mountain Black Mountain, NC 28711 Last Tues. 6:00 pm (828) 989-0051 Dues - $25.00 brenbruce59@charter.net 441-Jackson County Keith Dean Bojangle’s Brent Barnes 31 Zenith Drive E. Main St. 93 Kitchens Branch Rd. Sylva, NC 28779 Sylva Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-6170 3rd Wed. 9:00 am (828) 226-8896 (828) 506-9957 Dues $25.00 460-Salisbury James Bean 285 Lakeside Dr. AMVETS Post 460 3355 Long Ferry Road 3rd Wed. 7:00 p.m. 285 Lakeside Drive Salisbury, NC 28146 Dues - $25.00 Salisbury, NC 28146 (704) 737-4316 (704) 633-5018 500-Statesville Larry Propst 720 Meacham Rd. Larry Propst 3845 Grange Rd. Statesville 720 Meacham Rd. Maiden, NC 28650 2nd Wed. 7:00 pm Statesville, NC 28677 larrypropst1940@gmail.com Dues - $25.00 (704) 878-6025 565-Salisbury William (Bill) Craddock 1400 N. Main St. AMVETS Post 565 551 Maple Ridge Circle China Grove P O Box 953 Salisbury, NC 28147 4th Tues. 6:00 p.m. Salisbury, NC 28145 (704) 754-0414 Dues - $25.00 (704) 279-7427 (704) 855-7323 craddock_william@yahoo.com

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POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUE 635-Raleigh Same 2820 Rowland Rd. Harold L. Bonin (919) 791-9810 3rd Wed. 7:30 pm 3336 Holly Lake Trail (919) 295-5307 Dues - $25.00 Raleigh, NC 27604 hlbonin@gmail.com 760-Welcome Jimmy Ely 5596 Old Hwy 52 P O Box 1042 P O Box 833 (336) 731-6849 Welcome, NC 27374 Welcome, NC 27374 1st Mon. 7:00 pm (336) 731-6849 (336) 731-4828 Dues - $22.00 777-Winston Salem Del Johnson Same 838 E. Sprague St. 838 East Sprague St Last Tues. 7:00 pm Winston Salem, NC 27107 Dues - $25.00 (336) 785-9951 amvetspost777@yahoo.com 820-Mooresville Gene Moore Larry Cooke 2714 Charlotte Hwy. 2714 Charlotte Hwy 2714 Charlotte Hwy. 3rd Wed. 7:30 pm Mooresville, NC 28117 Mooresville, NC 28117 Dues - $25.00 (704) 677-4449 (704) 658-9725 845-Rockwell David R. Hand 427 Link Street Nancy Shiverdecker 221 Ferris Ave. (704) 279-6812 P O Box 986 Rockwell, NC 28138 2nd Wed. 7:00 pm Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 279-8245 Dues – 32.00 (704) 267-6410 (704) 232-0021 nancy.shiverdecker@gmail.com davidhand89@yahoo.com 905-Asheboro David Walker David Wilburn 142 W. Academy St. 2005 Old Farmer Rd 2381 Glade Road (336) 625-9828 Asheboro, NC 27205 Asheboro, NC 27205 4th Thurs. 7:30 pm (336) 626-0615 (336) 626-0864 Dues - $25.00 awalker004@triad.rr.com (336) 963-3688 umsjake@yahoo.com

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POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 906-Boiling Spring Lakes Michael Profancik BSL Fire Dept. 87 Robert W. Boyd 152 Mill Creek Road 1st Mon. 7:00 p.m. 1150 Grace Rd. Bolivia, NC 28422 Dues - $30.00 Southport, NC 28461 maprofancik@yahoo.com graceland2@ec.rr.com 910-Albemarle 29856 Bobcat Rd. Gerry Pion Gerry Pion (704) 983-5921 P. O. Box 2261 221 Palmer Street 1st Tues. 7:00 pm Albemarle, NC 28002 Albemarle, NC 28001 Dues - $30.00 (704) 983-3651 (704) 785-7755 gandkpion@windstream.net 920-Gastonia Arthur R. Curphey, Jr. Same 217 Ruby Lane Varies Gastonia, NC 28054 3rd Mon. (704) 868-2061 Dues - $25.00 arthurrjr@bellsouth.net (704) 830-4198 1111-Kinston Victor Kosinski Same 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd. 1407 West Road (252) 526-4435 Kinston Kinston, NC 28501 (252) 523-3430 1st Tues.6:00 pm (252) 268-4676 victor.kosinski@nccommerce.com Dues - $25.00 vccv04@gmail.com Members At Large AMVETS Dept. of NC Elsie Koonts, Secretary PO Box 1360 Welcome, NC 27374-1360 Phone & FAX (336) 619-0038 elsiekoonts@triad.rr.com Dues $30.00

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EASTERN DISTRICT – Commander Victor Kosinski Post 18 Spring Lake Post 227 Williamston Post 43 Roxboro Post 317 Pembroke Post 101 Halifax County Post 320 Roanoke Rapids Post 103 Windsor Post 635 Raleigh Post 201 Franklin County Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes Post 225 Jacksonville Post 1111 Kinston PIEDMONT DISTRICT – Commander Danny Brewer Post 13 Lexington Post 760 Welcome Post 240 Denton Post 777 Winston Salem Post 316 Rockingham Post 845 Rockwell Post 460 Salisbury Post 905 Asheboro Post 565 Salisbury Post 910 Albemarle WESTERN DISTRICT – Commander Bruce Bartlett Post 42 Shelby Post 500 Statesville Post 333 Swannanoa Valley Post 820 Mooresville Post 441 Jackson County Post 920 Gastonia *Last Year’s information

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NORTH CAROLINA AMVETS 2014-2015

MEMBERSHIP AWARDS POST CLASSES: A – 250 or More Members B – 151 to 249 Members C – 100 to 150 Members D – 51 to 99 Members E – 10 to 50 Members The Post with the greatest percent increase in their class will receive a trophy and $100.00 at the awards banquet June 2015. Calculations will be based on membership as of August 31, 2014 and ending May 1, 2015. DISTRICT COMMANDERS AWARDS: The District Commander with the largest number of new Post Charters submitted between August 31, 2014 and May 1, 2015 will receive a trophy and $100.00 at the awards banquet June 2015. *RECRUITER AWARD: Each of the three District Commanders will submit the name of one AMVET from their District that promoted AMVETS through membership activities. These three AMVETS will each receive a plaque and $100.00 at the awards banquet June 2015. **TOP RECRUITER AWARD: The top individual recruiter of new members will receive $100.00. Department Commander’s Service Awards will be presented to the Post and Post 1st Vice Commander achieving 100% membership by December 31, 2014. *District Commanders submit names by May 1st – this is separate from the Honors and Awards Nominee. **Post Commanders or Adjutants submit the name of the individual in your post that has recruited the most new members for 2015 with a list of the members by May 1st.

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COMMITTEES 2014-2015

Commander and Judge Advocate are on all committees (ex-officio) except the Honors and Awards Committee

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Jennifer Drum, Chairperson 1011 Caldwell Circle Woody Bowman Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 487-6753 jdcic20@yahoo.com CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS COMMITTEE Gerry Pion, Chairman 221 Palmer Street David Hand Albemarle, NC 28001 Jennifer Drum (704) 983-3651 Jean Reaves gandkpion@windstream.net RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Bill Clark, Chairman P O Box 10579 David Walker Southport, NC 28461 David Hand (910) 457-7097 Randy Ferguson (910) 448-1775 Bruce Bartlett parrisisland65@yahoo.com BROTHERHOOD, HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE David Hand., Chairman 221 Ferris Ave. Bruce Bartlett Rockwell, NC 28138 All Post Chaplains (704) 279-8245 davidhand89@yahoo.com PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nancy Shiverdecker, Chairperson All Post Representatives 13470 Old Beatty Ford Rd All District Commanders Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 267-6410 nancy.shiverdecker@gmail.com

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Tom Nichols, Chairman Joann Myers 359 Lake Royale Victor Kosinski Louisburg, NC 27549 All Post Legislative Directors (252) 478-2825 tncbugman@aol.com

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FINANCE COMMITTEE Laura L. Britton, Chairperson Tom Nichols, Judge Advocate P. O. Box 10179 Bill Clark, Elected Southport, NC 28461 Roger Fenwick, Elected W-(910) 457-7097 Keith Dean, Commander C (910) 294-1976 Jean Reaves, Past Finance Officer financeofficernc@yahoo.com Victor Kosinski, Elected MEMBERSHIP & POST ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE Danny A. Crotts, Chairman All Post Commanders 2246 Old Mountain Road All Post 1st Vice Commanders Lexington, NC 27292 All District Commander (336) 798-1924 dannyacrotts1948@winstream.net COMMUNITY SERVICE & ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE JoAnn Myers, Chairperson Victor Kosinski 805 Newsome Rd., Apt. 702 Danny Brewer Salisbury, NC 28146 Bruce Bartlett (704) 213-4805 Keith Hutchins jodi1932@hotmail.com VAVS COMMITTEE Charles Miller Tom Nichols, Chairperson Darlene Minton 359 Lake Royale Oceanus Lowry Louisburg, NC 27549 Harold Andrews (252) 478-2825 Alyce Knaflich tncbugman@aol.com Keith Hutchins James Bean ROTC COMMITTEE Dean Moore, Chairman Danny Brewer 1715 Safrit Raod Victor Kosinski Salisbury, NC 28146 Bruce Bartlett (704) 857-4473 Keith Hutchins mdeanbon@aol.com AMERICANISM COMMITTEE Tom Nichols, Chairman All Post Americanism Chairmen 359 Lake Royale Jerry Wolf Louisburg, NC 27549 Anne Capucille (252) 478-2825 Kathy Pion tncbugman@aol.com Bruce Bartlett Randy Ferguson Gerry Pion VA SERVICE Phil Reilly Garry King Russell Woodall Dave Turner Helen Perry Randy Ferguson Dale Danehy

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VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE Victor Kosinski, Chairman Jennifer Drum 1407 West Road Roy Curphey Kinston, NC 28501 Mike Reaves (252) 526-4435 Randy Ferguson victor.kosinski@nccommerce.com GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE Bill Clark, Chairman James Craven P. O. Box 10579 Nancy Shiverdecker Southport, NC 28461 W (910) 457-7097 C (910) 448-1775 FAX (910) 457-5083 parrisisland65@yahoo.com

CONVENTION COMMITTEE Nancy Shiverdecker, Chairperson Laura Britton 13470 Old Beatty Ford Road Jennifer Drum Rockwell, NC 28138 Alyce Knaflich (704) 267-6410 Mike Rozmaryn nancy.shiverdecker@gmial.com Jean Reaves Judi Bullabough HONORS & AWARDS COMMITTEE Buddy Waller, Chairman All Past Department Commander 9325 Fisher Road Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 279-3929 buddy12045@yahoo.com POW/MIA COMMITTEE Kenny Wallace, Chairman Tom Nichols P O Box 1572 Laura L. Britton Robersonville, NC 27871 Kathy Pion kww8892@embarqmail.com Gerry Pion HISTORIAN COMMITTEE Woody Bowman, Chairman PO Box 1246 Jennifer Drum Lexington, NC 27293 All Post Historians (336) 243-2380 woodybowman@lexcominc.net WOMEN VETERANS COMMITTEE Jennifer C. Drum, Chairperson Anne Capucille JoAnn Myers 1011 Caldwell Circle Laura L. Britton Nina Hutchins Shelby, NC 28150 Kathy Pion Nancy Shiverdecker (704) 487-6753 Jean Reaves Judy Blackman jdcic20@yahoo.com Alyce Knaflich Rosalind Pugh

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POST DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING COMMITTEE Bill Clark, Chairman PMB 10579 Laura Britton Southport, NC 28461 Franklin Scott, Jr. W (910) 457-7097 C (910) 448-1775 FAX (910) 457-5083 parrisisland65@yahoo.com

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IMPORTANT – “CHANGES”

PROCESSING MEMBERSHIP

ALL MEMBERSHIP PROCESSED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 WILL BE FOR 2015 MEMBERSHIP UNLESS THE MEMBER HAS NOT PAID THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WISHES TO CONTINUE MEMBERSHIP AS A RENEWAL. NEW MEMBERS: From the membership application, complete a new membership card filling in all the blanks. The expiration date will be 08/31/2015. Get the new card to the member as soon as possible. RENEWED MEMBERS: When you receive the dues for renewed members, give the member a sticker showing expiration 2015. A member CANNOT renew unless they have paid the dues for the previous year!! If the dues were not paid for 2014, the member will have to go in as a new member or pay for the previous year. Send the members name and membership number to: AMVETS Dept. of NC, P O Box 1360, Welcome, NC 27374-1360 along with a check made payable to AMVETS Dept. of NC for $22.00 for each member. – National $15.00 and State $7.00. Send one check with both amounts included for each member! NEW MEMBERS: Send me the National copy of the new card and make sure it can be read. Since this is the only thing I will receive with the member’s information, fill in all the blanks and make sure it is legible (typed or printed). Annual dues are the same for new members and renewals. LIFE MEMBERSHIP: From the Application or, if a current member decides to join as a Life Member, fill out a Life Membership Transmittal Form. Send it to AMVETS Dept. of NC along with one check for $187.50 for each member. Life membership is $250.00. If the member has already paid his/her 2015 annual dues, you may deduct the $20.00 annual fee and if the Life Membership is turned in before September 1, 2015. National will issue the Life Membership Card. AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 AN ANNUAL MEMBER CHANGING TO LIFE MEMBERSHIP WILL HAVE TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT UNLESS THE DUES HAVE BEEN PAID FOR 2015. Use forms for Life Memberships, Member Transfers and Deceased Members. Send all forms to the Department address listed above. Copies of the Transfer Forms are needed to keep up with each Post Membership and the Memorial Service Deceased List is completed from all the Deceased Forms sent to the Department office.

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If you need any Membership Cards or Forms, contact me at: AMVETS Dept. of NC, P O Box 1360, Welcome, NC 27374-1360: Phone & FAX (336) 619-0038 email elsiekoonts@triad.rr.com or you may print the Forms from the National website www@amvets.org I will have copies of these forms, new membership cards and applications at each DEC Meeting and at the State Convention. If you can pick them up at that time, it will save postage! Dues Remittance Forms are not necessary since dues will be paid and entered on line. A copy of the membership card is all that is needed. If you pay your post dues on line – send me a copy of the receipt National sends you. You can send this to me by email or copy and send it to me at the address listed above. I need this to complete the Membership Report and this will determine the Membership Awards at the State Convention. Life membership dues, effective January 1, 2012, shall be not less than $250.00, nonrefundable and payable to the post, of which 50 percent shall be for National Headquarters and 25 percent shall be for the State Department.

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STATE CONVENTION AWARDS

HONORS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE – Past Dept. Commanders Post Commanders Award District Commanders Award Distinguished Service Award Battleship Award: Nominations submitted from the body and/or PDC’s AMVET of the Year Award: Nominations submitted from the body and/or PDC’s ALL SUBMITTALS FOR AFOREMENTIONED AWARDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE HONORS/AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR, NO LATER THAN THE CLOSE OF THE SPRING DEC MEETING. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD The Community Service Award will be determined by the Committee Chair. The following requirements:

1. 100% Post Membership by May 1, 2015 2. Three (3) separate Community Service Reports before May 1,

2015 - These reports can be made on line at AMVETS National website www.amvets.org

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HONORS & AWARDS CRITERIA

The Honors & Awards Committee will consist of all the Past Department Commanders. No members of the committee may participate in the judgment of an award application that originates from his/her post or concerns a member of his/her post. If any member, in good standing, wants to recommend anyone for an award, they must submit their recommendation to their Post Commander or District Commander, who, in turn, will submit to the committee chair.

AMVET OF THE YEAR 1. Member in good standing of the Dept. of NC 2. A member who supports the aims and purposes of AMVTS and The Veterans

Commission. 3. Consideration for this award will be based on the following: a. Membership b. Community Service c. Hospital Service d. Veterans Service e. Activities of Post & State that promote AMVETS

U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA BATTLESHIP AWARD 1. Nominee shall be a resident of North Carolina 2. Consideration for this award will be based on the nominee’s outstanding work in the

following areas. a. VAVS, both local and state b. AMVETS Programs c. Leadership d. Service to Veterans and families e. Improvement of our community and state

POST AND DISTRICT AWARDS 1. Each Post Commander shall send the name of one AMVET, in good standing, from their Post. 2. Each District Commander shall send the name of one AMVET, in good standing, from their district. 3. Nominees shall be forwarded to the Chairman, Honors & Awards Committee.

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AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS INDEX

CONSTITUTION

(In accordance with Article IX, Section 10 of the National Constitution) Page PREAMBLE …………………………………………………………………...….…….38 NAME …………………………………………………………………………...…...….38 AIMS ……………………………………………………………………………...…….38 SECTIONS 1 THRU 19 …………………...…………………………………….….39 -43

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATION AND DUTY…………………………………...……44 ARTICLE II – DEPARTMENT CONVENTION…………………………...…………..45 ARTICLE III – OFFICERS………………………………………...…………..………..46 ARTICLE IV – DUTIES OF OFFICERS………………..……………………….….….48 ARTICLE V – DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE…….……………….…..51 ARTICLE VI – LOCAL POSTS…………………………………………………….…. 54 ARTICLE VII – FINANCES…………………………………………..……………….. 56 ARTICLE VIII – DISCIPLINE OF POST AND POST MEMBERS …………………. 57 ARTICLE IX – LADIES AUXILIARY ……………………………………………….. 58 ARTICLE X – SAD SACKS ………………………………………...………………… 58 ARTICLE XI – JUNIOR AMVETS …………………………………………………… 58 ARTICLE XII – SONS OF AMVETS …………………………………………..…….. 59 ARTICLE XIII – AMVETS RIDERS ………………………………………...……….. 59 ARTICLE XIV – SERVICE FOUNDATION …………………………………….…… 59 ARTICLE XV – COUNCIL OF PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS ………….. 59 ARTICLE XVI – CHARTERS ………………………………………………………… 59 ARTICLE XVII – MONIES AND COLLECTIONS …………………………….……. 60 ARTICLE XVIII – DEFINITIONS ………………………………………...………….. 62 ARTICLE XIX – RESTRICTED USE OF ORGANIZATION …………………….…. 62 ARTICLE XX – MEETINGS ………………………………………………………..… 62 ARTICLE XXI – POLICY …………………………………………………………….. 62 ARTICLE XXII – AMENDMENTS ……………...………………………………….... 63 Appendix A: Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters ……………… 64 Appendix B: Suspension or Expulsion of Members ………………………………….. .66

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AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

CONSTITUTION

AS AMENDED JUNE 9, 2013, BY THE AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA CONVENTION.

PREAMBLE

We, the American Veterans who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II, fully realizing our responsibility to our community, to our State, and to our Nation, associate ourselves for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, to safeguard the principles of freedom, liberty, justice for all, to promote the cause of peace and good will among nations, to maintain inviolate the freedom of our country; to preserve the fundamentals of democracy; to perpetuate the friendship and association of these Veterans; and to dedicate ourselves to the cause of mutual assistance, this by the grace of God.

NAME The name of this organization shall be AMVETS (American Veterans), and it shall be hereinafter referred to as AMVETS Department of North Carolina.

AIMS The aims and purposes of this organization are:

1. To serve our country in peace as in war; to build and maintain the welfare of the United States of America toward lasting prosperity and peace for all of its inhabitants.

2. To encourage, in keeping with the policies of our government, the establishment of a concrete plan to secure permanent international peace, and to assist in the maintenance of international peace.

3. To inspire in our membership a sense of responsibility, and to develop leadership, for the preservation of our America democratic way of life.

4. To help unify divergent groups in the overall interest of American democracy. 5. To train our youth to become purposeful citizens in a democracy with full

knowledge of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship. 6. To cooperate with all duly recognized existing veterans’ organizations in the

furtherance of the aims of the veterans of World War II and those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States thereafter.

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7. To insure the orderly return of the veteran to civilian life by protecting the rights of individuals white the service member is still in uniform.

8. To expedite and assist in the rehabilitation of the veteran by maintenance of employment services, sponsoring educational opportunities, and providing counsel on insurance, housing, recreation, personal problems, hospitalization and veterans’ benefits.

9. To act as a liaison agent between the veteran and the government. 10. To provide an organization to encourage fellowship among all American

Veterans who have served or are serving I the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II.

11. To keep the public forever reminded that the veterans of World War II and those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States thereafter, fought and served to preserve peace, liberty and democracy for the nation.

Section 1. Departments shall be organized with a headquarters located as authorized

by the department convention or an intervening State (Department) Executive Committee (SEC or DEC) meeting. Local posts shall be formed, and intermediate administrative groups may be created by the State Executive Committee to function within their respective jurisdiction where such action is deemed advisable. This appendix to the AMVETS National constitution shall be the constitution for all departments. Departments shall formulate BYLAWS to address those aspects of operation not covered in the constitution no later than July 1, 2010.

Section 2. Departments shall be composed of state officers, both elected and appointed, and the members of the State Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of the state officers to advance the cause of AMVETS, to carry out its aims and purposes, and to provide for realization of the plans and policies established by the mandates of the department convention and the State Executive Committee.

Section 3. Each department shall conduct its convention, to be held annually between May 15 and June 30, at which time it shall elect department Officers and its delegate and alternate to the national convention and its national executive committeeman and alternate. Elected department officers shall assume office not later than July 15. National executive committeemen and alternates shall assume office in accordance with Article VII, Section 4 of the National Constitution and Bylaws.

(a) The department convention delegation shall be comprised as prescribed by the Department Bylaws.

(b) Each post shall choose a delegate(s) and an alternate(s) at a post meeting. (c) The department commander shall vote only in the case of a tie. (d) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote. Alternates shall have all the

rights and privileges of their delegates except they shall vote only in their delegate’s absence. No delegate or alternate, however, shall be seated at the department convention unless the individual’s accounts with department headquarters are fully paid up.

(e) No delegate of an accredited post shall be seated at the department convention unless the respective post shall be fully paid up in all its accounts with department headquarters and department districts. No post delegate or alternate shall be

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permitted to register as such unless the delegate or alternate shall have been a member in good standing on the department rolls for at least 30 days prior to the opening of said convention and possesses a membership card or other satisfactory evidence identifying the delegate or alternate as a member of the post from which the individual is registering.

(f) Departments shall specify convention quorum requirements in bylaws or convention rules.

(g) No department convention bids shall be received on the convention floor unless they are previously submitted to the Department Finance Committee and/or the State Executive Committee, in accordance with the rules of said committee, and in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Sate Executive Committee.

(h) Convention Chairmen shall be chosen in accordance with the Department Bylaws.

(i) The Convention Rules Committee, after reviewing and making necessary changes, shall present to the State Executive Committee at a regular SEC meeting, for its approval, the Rules of the Annual Convention following the SEC meeting at which the rules are considered. The Department Headquarters will then circulate those rules to the posts at least 30 days prior to the Annual Convention. The Rules of the Convention may be amended by a majority vote of the delegates assembled at the Annual Department Convention.

Section 4. (a) The department convention shall elect a department commander, a

department first vice commander, a department second vice commander, a department finance officer, a department National Executive Committeeman, a department Alternate National Executive Committeeman, a department provost marshal, a department judge advocate, and any other officers prescribed in the Department Bylaws.

(b) No member shall be eligible for any department office unless the individual is fully paid up in all accounts with the department headquarters 30 days prior to the opening date of the department convention. (c) Departments shall specify candidate eligibility certification procedures in the bylaws or convention rules. The department commander, with the consent and approval of the State Executive Committee, shall appoint and have the power to remove a department chaplain, a department inspector general and such other officers and committee chairmen as specified in the Department Bylaws. These appointments shall be made at the post-convention SEC meeting.

Section 5. All elected and appointed department officers shall be members of the (Department) State Executive Committee. The authority for officers to vote on the State (Department) Executive Committee shall be prescribed in the Department By Laws.

Section 6. (a) An elected officer may be removed from office only by a two-thirds vote

of the Department Executive Committee after written charges against such officer shall have been preferred and furnished by certified mail to the officer concerned and to the members of the Department Executive Committee. A full hearing shall be held by the Department Executive Committee on charges preferred against an elected department

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officer. Such haring shall be held not less than 30 days after the charges are referred and mailed.

(b) The procedure for removal from office of elected officers shall be prescribed by the State Executive Committee on recommendation of the department judge advocate in accordance with the UNIFORM CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF A MEMBER (AMVETS National Bylaws, Appendix B).

Section 7. Department officers elected at a department convention shall be installed in office at a ceremony held at the Convention. The term of office shall be as prescribed in the Department Bylaws.

Section 8. In the event of a vacancy in the office of department commander, the department first vice commander shall succeed to that office, except that the Department Bylaws may prescribe election of the department commander by the State Executive Committee. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the department first vice commander, the department second vice commander shall assume the office of department first vice commander. Any additional vice commanders specified in the department bylaws shall similarly participate in succession.

Section 9. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the most junior vice commander, department finance officer, department provost marshal or department judge advocate, or other elected officer, regardless of the reason for such vacancy, the department commander shall appoint an AMVET to fill the vacant office for the unexpired term. Such appointment shall be with the approval of the State Executive Committee and the appointee shall be in compliance with all qualifications and restrictions regarding the holding of said office as set forth in any other article of the constitution and bylaws of AMVETS, except the requirement of election. On approval of the State Executive Committee, the appointee shall assume all powers and responsibilities pertaining to the office as though elected.

Section 10. The administrative power between department conventions shall be vested in the State Executive Committee, which shall be composed of the department commander, the department first vice commander and the department second vice commander, all other elected department officers, past department commanders and others as prescribed by the Department Bylaws. Each of the above members shall be entitled to one vote except the department commander, who shall vote only in case of a tie, and except that the past department commanders present may be entitled to vote as prescribed in the Department Bylaws.

Section 11. Voting members of the State Executive Committee shall be delegates to the department convention, each entitled to one vote, providing their respective posts have complied with all the provisions of the department constitution and bylaws.

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Section 12. The management of the Department budget as approved at the state convention shall be under the control of the State Executive Committee, which shall delegate sufficient general and specific authority to the Department Finance Committee, as authorized by the Department Bylaws, to carry out the usual duties of such committee. The Department Finance Committee, with the approval of the State Executive Committee, shall have the authority to retain independent investment experts as needed for consultation in supervising any and all AMVETS funds. (a) The Department Finance Committee shall consist of members as prescribed in the department bylaws. (b) The Finance Committee shall meet prior to each SEC meeting, or at other times as set forth in the department bylaws. (c) The Finance Committee shall make an annual report to the department convention. Revenue shall be derived from annual dues and such other sources as may be approved by the State Executive Committee. (d) The Finance Committee shall submit a provisional annual budget as prescribed in the Department Bylaws.

Section 13. The following provisions shall govern the establishment and administration of the budget of the Department Headquarters. (a) The Finance Committee has the sole fiduciary responsibility to prepare and present a budget that is fiscally sound. (b) In determining the budget, revenue shall be based on tangible assumptions and realistic and/or proven income projections to include revenue that provides funding for the operations and programs approved by the Finance Committee, State Executive Committee, and department convention. (c) In the full execution of approved programs within the budget, expenses shall be budgeted as realistically as possible to ensure overall spending integrity. (d) A contingency budget line shall be developed solely to address unexpected expenses during the operating fiscal year and included in the budget. (e) In no case shall the Department Finance Committee or any other body of the department organization be permitted to adopt or approve a budget in which the expenses, provisions for capital expenditures and provisions for debt reduction exceed the income established above. Under no circumstances, however, shall the aggregate budget as approved by the Department Convention be over-expended. Violation of any of the foregoing provisions by any person shall constitute cause for disciplinary action, including removal from office or dismissal from employment. (f) Any person who willfully violates any provision of this section shall, in addition to any other disciplinary action taken, be personally financially liable for any amount spent that exceeds the budget appropriations unless such excess had prior approval of the Department Finance Committee. Any salary or expense money due or to become due to such person may be retained by the organization to offset all or any part of the unauthorized over-expenditure.

Section 14. The Department Finance Committee shall have the power and authority to designate the depository banks or other financial institutions to receive

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deposits into various accounts belonging to the Department and to disburse such funds on checks signed by two or more persons designated by the Department Bylaws.

Section 15. The fiscal year shall be designated in the department bylaws.

Section 16. Any resolution emanating from a department convention involving the expenditure of funds or any financial commitment shall be referred to the Department Finance Committee for approval. In reviewing resolutions adopted at a department convention, the Department Finance Committee shall have three options: (1) provide funding from the newly adopted department budget, (2) defer funding pending appropriate planning by the department staff as part of the next fiscal year or (3) deny funding based on current and projected funding levels. If a resolution is denied or deferred because of a want of available funds within the meaning of Section 13 hereof, the Department Finance Committee shall report such decision to the Department Executive Committee at its next meeting.

Section 17. (a) The State Executive Committee, after notice and hearing, may cancel, suspend or revoke the charter of any post for good and sufficient cause. Procedure for any such action shall be as prescribed by AMVETS National Bylaws, Appendix A. (b) In the event of the cancellation, suspension or revocation of any charter of any Post, the suspended body shall have the right of appeal to the next department convention.

Section 18. As prescribed in the Department Bylaws, the department commander, after notice, may invoke and formulate a trusteeship to take over the operation of a post for good and sufficient reasons and for the well being of the AMVET organization.

Section 19. From among the voting membership of the State Executive Committee, the state commander shall appoint a State Grievance Committee, consisting of three members, to hear grievances and appeals as are provided for in this constitution and bylaws and to report its findings and recommendations to the State Executive Committee. The state commander shall designate the chairman. This committee shall function during the state convention, meetings of the State Executive Committee, and upon the call of the state commander or State Executive Committee. Such appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the state commander with the advice and consent of the State Executive Committee. The state commander and state judge advocate shall serve as ex-officio members of this committee without vote.

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BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

ORGANIZATION AND DUTY

Section 1. Membership in AMVETS constitutes membership in the National and Department Organization of AMVETS through Post affiliation. Hereafter, all AMVETS prior to their acceptance as members shall pledge allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and certify that they have read or had read to them, the AMVETS Declaration of Principles and that they accept and subscribe to the same and that they do not advocate the overthrow of the United States Government by force.

Section 2. AMVETS Department of North Carolina shall consist of the following officers and bodies: Department Headquarters, Executive Committee together with its Sub-Committees; and Local Posts. The Commander shall have the power to create such intermediate administrative groups as he may deem desirable, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Section 3. The Department of North Carolina shall be composed of Officers and an Executive Committee hereinafter described. It shall be their duty to provide the machinery of organization and carry out the aims, purposes, policies and plans of the entire organization as established by the Department and National Conventions, and wherever possible, to assist the local Posts and to consider and abide by, if it so determines, the recommendations of the local Posts. Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Department of North Carolina to aid in the organization and maintenance of local Posts and to carry out the policies and plans of local Posts, the Department and National Conventions, and to adhere to provision of this and the National Constitution and Bylaws. Section 5. Local Posts shall be approved and assisted and administered by the Department of North Carolina and chartered by the National Headquarters. Each local Post shall be governed by its own officers; chosen according to its Constitution and Bylaws. The policies and actions of the local Posts shall be controlled by the membership of the Post and must not be at variance with those prescribed by the Department of North Carolina and National Headquarters. Section 6. In order to expedite the co-ordination of the principles and purposes of AMVETS, the Department Executive Committee shall have the power to divide the State of North Carolina into several geographic divisions known as Districts, with each District electing their District Officers prior to the conclusion of the Department Convention and presenting their new Commander for installation at the Department Installation Service.

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Section 7. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina is hereby divided into three (3) Districts to be known and referred to as Eastern, Piedmont and Western Districts. These Districts are comprised of the following counties:

(a.) EASTERN DISTRICT: Alamance, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrell, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wilson Counties.

(b.) PIEDMONT DISTRICT: Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Scotland, Stanley, Stokes, Surry, Union and Yadkin Counties.

(c.) WESTERN DISTRICT: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancy Counties.

ARTICLE II

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

Section 1. The Department Convention shall consist of the following delegates:

(a.) Each local Post shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for its first fifty (50) members or a fraction thereof. Thereafter, the post shall be entitled to one delegate and one alternate for each additional fifty (50) members or fraction thereof. Each delegate is entitled to one vote. Alternates shall have all the rights and privileges of their delegates except they shall vote only in their delegate’s absence. The number of delegates and alternates to which each Post is entitled shall be computed by Department Headquarters as of May 1st each year and reported to the Post as soon thereafter as may be possible. No Post delegates or alternates however, shall be registered or seated at the Department Convention unless or until the post is fully paid up in all accounts with Department Headquarters.

EXAMPLE 10 - 50 members = 3 delegates and 3 alternates 51 - 100 members = 4 delegates and 4 alternates 101 - 150 members = 5 delegates and 5 alternates 151 - 200 members = 6 delegates and 6 alternates, etc.

(b.) Each duly elected Department Officer as set forth in Article III, Section 1, of these Bylaws is a delegate to the Department Convention and each such officer shall be entitled to one vote. The Department Commander shall vote only in the case of a tie. (c.) Each duly elected Post Representative as set forth in Article V, Section 2, of these Bylaws shall be a delegate to the Department Convention, and shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Alternates shall have all rights and privileges of their delegates except they shall vote only in their delegate’s absence.

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(d.) Past Department Commanders shall be delegates to the Department Convention with full voting rights.

(e.) Each local Post shall choose its delegates and alternates prior to the Department Convention.

(f.) Post delegates or alternates shall not be permitted to register as such without a membership card or other satisfactory evidence identifying him as a member of the Post from which he is registering.

Section 2. A delegate to a Department Convention must be present on the

Convention floor in order to cast a vote. Alternates shall have the rights and privileges of the delegates, but may only vote in the event the delegate is absent.

Section 3. Department Convention bids will be accepted in accordance with the

rules established by the Convention Committee. After consideration of the bids, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Department Convention for approval. Upon the Department body’s approval of a convention site, the Department Commander and the Department Adjutant, along with Auxiliary representatives, will schedule and make arrangements for the conduct of the Department Convention.

Section 4. The Department Commander shall preside over the Department

Convention until the election of his successor. Section 5. Twenty voting delegates registered at a Department Convention shall

constitute a quorum. At least 50% of the delegates registered by the Department Convention must be present on the floor of the Convention to constitute a quorum.

Section 6. The Department Convention shall be held for a minimum of two (2)

days, holding at least one (1) business session of the Convention on the first day thereof and holding at least one (1) business session of the Convention and the first meeting of the new Department Executive Committee on the second day thereof.

Section 7. No Department Convention bids will be received on the Convention

floor unless they are previously submitted to the Convention Committee in accordance with rules and procedures of said committee.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

Section 1. The Department Convention shall elect a Department Commander,

First Vice Commander, Second Vice Commander, Third Vice Commander, Judge Advocate, Finance Officer, National Executive Committeeman, Alternate National Executive Committeeman, Provost Marshal. The Department Commander, First Vice Commander, Second Vice Commander and the Third Vice Commander shall not be elected from the same post. The Incumbent Department Commander shall serve as the Department Delegate and the Immediate Past Department Commander shall serve as the

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Alternate Delegate to the National Convention. If the Department Commander cannot serve as the Department Delegate, then the immediate Past Department Commander shall serve as the Department Delegate and the Alternate Delegate shall be elected by the Department Convention. If neither the Commander nor the immediate Past Commander can serve, then both the Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the National Convention shall be elected by the Department Convention. The duly elected Department Commander, First Vice Commander and the Second Vice Commander shall be considered to be Directors of the Headquarters of the AMVETS Department of North Carolina as required by the ARTICLE OF INCORPORATION OF AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA and shall be perpetual.

(a.) The National and Alternate National Executive Committeemen shall be elected in the odd numbered years and they shall serve for a period of two (2) years.

(b.) No elected Department Commander shall succeed himself in office unless he is filling such office by succession or election to a vacancy occurring between Department Conventions.

(c.) Officers elected at the Department Convention shall be installed in office at the same session at which they are elected. The term of office shall be for one (1) year, starting 1 July thru 30 June, except for the National and Alternate National Executive Committeemen. District Commanders are elected by the Post’s within each District and that they will be installed along with the other Officers at the State Convention.

(d.) Any Department Officer elected or appointed shall within (30) thirty days thereafter furnish official proof of eligibility to the Credentials Committee and same be placed on file in the Department Adjutant’s office. Any Officer failing to comply within the time specified shall have their office declared vacant by the Department Commander. If the office was uncontested, the vacated office shall be filled as specified in this Article III, Section 5 of these Department Bylaws.

Section 2. All Department Officers hereinafter mentioned shall be members of the Department Executive Committee, but the Commander shall vote only in the event of a tie. Section 3. The Department Commander, with the approval of the Department Executive Committee, shall appoint an Adjutant, Chaplain, Historian, Legislative Director, Service Officer, Public Relations Officer, Inspector General, Deputy Judge Advocate, Liaison for all subsidiary organizations and such other officers necessary to carry out the policies and plan as established by the Department Convention. Said appointed officers shall have the right to be heard at all meetings but shall not have a vote, unless they are a registered Post Delegate at the Department Convention or are serving in another capacity elsewhere specified. These appointments shall be made at the Post Convention Department Executive Committee meeting. Section 4. Any Officer may be removed for just cause by notice, hearing and a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee. Appeal from such removal shall be to the National Executive Committee and their decision shall be final.

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Section 5. If the office of the Commander shall become vacant by death, resignation or removal, the order of the succession for the unexpired term shall be First Vice-Commander, Second Vice-Commander, and Third Vice-Commander. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of the First Vice-Commander, the Second Vice Commander shall assume the office of First Vice-Commander. In the event that the office of the Second Vice-Commander shall become vacant, the Third Vice-Commander shall assume the office of the Second Vice-Commander. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any other Department Officer, the Department Commander, with the approval of the Executive Committee shall appoint a successor of the unexpired term. However, in the case of death, removal from office or resignation of the National Executive Committeeman, his duly elected Alternate will serve the unexpired term of said Committeeman. The department shall elect an Alternate National Executive Committeeman at the next DEC meeting. Section 6. Any Officer, elected or appointed, who misses two (2) consecutive regular Executive Committee meetings during the term of his office without due cause shall be grounds for removal from office by action of the Department Executive Committee. Section 7. The duly elected National Executive Committeeman shall attend all National Executive Committee meetings and Conventions during his term of office and failure to do so without due cause shall be grounds for removal from office by action of the Department Executive Committee. Section 8. The National Executive Committeeman is required to submit written reports at the National Executive Committee meetings and shall do so by certified mail, return receipt requested, thirty days prior to each said meeting as directed by the National Department. In addition, the National Executive Committeeman, or the person seated at any duly scheduled meeting of the National Executive Committee, will within 45 days of return from said meeting, make a full and complete written report to his Department.

ARTICLE IV

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. DEPARTMENT COMMANDER The Department Commander shall be executive head of the Department of AMVETS with full power to enforce the provisions of the Department Constitution, Bylaws, and the will of the Department Convention. He shall appoint all necessary committees, subject to the ratification of the Department Executive Committee. He shall serve as a member ex-officio on all committees except the Honors and Awards Committee and the Council of Past Department Commanders, without right to vote, and shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office. Section 2. DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDERS The Department Vice Commanders shall act as representatives of the Department Commander in all matters

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referred to them by him and shall upon his request, preside over the meetings of the Department Convention or the DEC, and perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office. The First Vice Commander shall serve as Membership Chairman; the Second Vice Commander shall serve as Programs Chairman and will oversee the following areas: Americanism, VA Service, Scholarship, and Employment and the Third Vice Commander shall serve as Community Activities Chairman and will oversee the following areas: VAVS; Community Programs; and ROTC. Section 3. DISTRICT COMMANDERS The District Commander from each of the recognized department districts shall report to the Department Executive Committee meetings, Chair District meetings and will act on behalf of the Department Commander when called upon by the Department Commander, the District Commander will travel within the geographic boundaries of the district for the purpose of representing the organization, investigate or assist in settling disputes, follow up, make recommendations and report activities. Section 4. DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT The Department Adjutant will be charged with the administration of the policies and mandates of the Department Convention, the Department Executive Committee, and the Department Commander. He shall supervise all activities of the Department Headquarters, issue such directives as may be necessary to posts, act for the Department Commander during his absence from the Department Headquarters, and perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office. Section 5. DEPARTMENT FINANCE OFFICER The Department Finance Officer shall be the Custodian of the funds of the Department Organization. All checks disbursing the funds of the Department Organization shall be signed by two (2) or more persons as designated by the Department Executive Committee, and the Finance Officer shall make reports of the condition of the Department Treasury when called for by the Department Commander or the Department Executive Committee. He shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office. Section 6. DEPARTMENT JUDGE ADVOCATE The Department Judge Advocate shall advise the Department Officers, the Department Executive Committee, and the Department Committees on all legal matters, including the construction and interpretation of the Department Constitution and Bylaws. He shall serve as a member on all committees ex-officio except the Honors and Awards Committee and the Council of Past Department Commanders, without right to vote, and shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office. Section 7. DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER The Department Service Officer shall be the service and welfare of the Department Organization. He shall be responsible for the proper handling of claims of veterans and their dependents and survivors before the Veterans Administration, employment problems, prosecution of rights under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act and Selective Training and Service Act, Civil Service questions, and other legislation concerning veterans’ affairs; and the

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answering of individual requests for assistance or information from members of posts. It will be the duty of the Department Service Officer to formulate a training program and direct the activities of Department Service Officers charged with implementing this program. The Department Service Officer will coordinate with the AMVETS National Service Officer assigned to the Department of North Carolina in organizing and implementing his program(s). Section 8. DEPARTMENT LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR The Department Legislative Director shall be responsible for preparing the Department Legislative program in accordance with the mandates of the Department Convention, the Department Executive Committee, the Department Committees and the Department Legislative Committee. It is his further responsibility to draft the necessary bills in connection herewith and to cause such bills to be introduced into the State Legislature and actively urge the consideration of legislation thus proposed. He shall, at all times, be fully informed when hearings are to be held on legislation in which AMVETS are interested and be prepared to present testimony before the Committee or Committees handling such bills. It shall be his duty to maintain close liaison with the law-making bodies of the State in order to secure the enactment of the AMVETS Program. He will make every effort to co-operate fully with other groups favoring proposed legislation information when requested by individual members or Posts. Section 9. DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER The Department Public Relations Officer, under the direction of the Department Commander, shall be responsible for the planning, formulation and development of a public relations program, including publicity, organizing publications, etc. He shall be responsible for efficient and proper liaison of all public relations media - press, radio, newsreels, periodicals, television and all forms of advertising. He shall be kept currently informed by other Department Officers of all matters affecting this department and keep the public constantly advised of declared and established AMVETS policies and activities. Section 10. DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN The Department Chaplain shall perform such divine and nonsectarian services as may be necessary, adhering to appropriate rituals and discharge the other duties incident to his office. Section 11. DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN The Department Historian shall compile from year to year all records of historical value and interest for the Department Headquarters of AMVETS. He shall also assist post historians so as to co-ordinate and unify the work of these officials and perform such other duties as the Department Commander or the Department Executive Committee shall prescribe. Section 12. DEPARTMENT PROVOST MARSHAL The Department Provost Marshal shall maintain order at all meetings and conventions. He shall perform such other duties as may be requested by the Department Commander.

Section 13. DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL The Department Inspector General shall be the investigating officer of the organization, by direction of the

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Department Commander or the Department Executive Committee. The Inspector General shall make any necessary investigations pertaining to grievances, disciplinary cases, fraud or dishonesty within the organization, charges of conduct unbecoming an AMVET and shall be empowered to have access to all records, financial and otherwise of the Department, Posts, Officers or members when necessary for the discharge of the Department Inspector General’s duties. In making such investigations, the Department Inspector General shall report to the Department Commander who shall in turn review the findings with the Department Judge Advocate and, if warranted, report to the Department Executive Committee.

Section 14. DEPARTMENT DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE The Deputy Judge Advocate, during incapacity of the Department Judge Advocate, shall perform all duties incidental to the office of the Department Judge Advocate.

ARTICLE V

DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The administrative power between Department Conventions shall be vested in the Department Executive Committee which shall consist of all the elected Department Officers under the provisions of Article III, Section 1; the duly appointed Department Officers under the provisions of Article III, Section 2; and the Post Representatives under the provisions of Article V, Section 2; and Past Department Commanders. Each Past Department Commander present shall have one individual vote. Section 2. Each local Post shall elect a representative and an alternate representative to attend each Department Executive Committee meeting. The representative will be a member of the Department Executive Committee. The alternate representative can act in the absence of the representative. Section 3. Each duly elected Department Officer and each Post representative shall be entitled to one vote at all meetings of the Department Executive Committee. The duly appointed Department Officers shall have the right to be heard at all meetings of the Department Executive Committee, but they shall not vote.

Section 4. Meetings of the Department Executive Committee shall be held as follows:

(a.) One immediately following the adjournment of the Department Convention, one in the fall, and one in the winter and one in the spring.

(b.) SPECIAL MEETINGS may be held upon reasonable notice at the call of the Department Commander or the written request of five members of the Department Executive Committee.

Section 5. The Convention Committee shall accept bids for the DEC meeting sites and make a recommendation to the Convention for a minimum of one (1) year in advance but no more than two (2) years. In the absence of a selection of a DEC meeting

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site by the Convention body, or in the event the place selected by the Convention body becomes unavailable, then the next scheduled DEC shall select the place of such meeting. As in the case of the Convention site selection, Article II, Section 3, will govern the scheduling and arrangements of activities and events.

Section 6. At all Regular Department Executive Committee meetings twenty-five percent (25%) of the elected Department Officers and Post Representatives shall constitute a quorum.

(a.) At all Special Department Executive Committee meetings one third (1/3) of the elected Department Officers and Post Representatives shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7. The following committees are hereby identified as Department Committees: The Department Commander shall appoint (except where otherwise indicated) a chairman, vice chairman and such members of AMVETS Department of North Carolina, to each committee as are necessary to accomplish it’s objectives. Such committees shall serve during the pleasure of the administration appointing them, and/or shall terminate upon the inauguration of a new Department Commander.

(a.) STANDING COMMITTEES:

AMERICANISM, AND PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to citizenship, the promotion of the American way of life and other related subjects. RESOLUTIONS: Any resolutions not specifically falling within the jurisdiction of other standing committees shall be considered by the Resolutions Committee. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS: To receive and consider all suggested amendments to the Department Constitution And Bylaws and to report their recommendation thereon to the Department Convention, and/or DEC. BROTHERHOOD: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to the spiritual or moral welfare of the United States and it’s citizens. CREDENTIALS: To supervise the registration of delegates, alternates, members and guests at the Department Convention and set forth the voting strength of the Convention in accordance with the provisions of the Department Constitution And Bylaws. HOSPITAL, MEDICAL SERVICES, REHABILITATION & SERVICE: To receive and consider all resolution relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and medical services program, veterans claims and ratings, compensation, pension, insurance, education and related matters. LEGISLATIVE: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to legislative matters that are of interest to AMVETS and all veterans, and to report their recommendations to the Department Convention and/or DEC. CONVENTION AND RULES: To receive and consider all bids, contracts etc. that pertain to DEC meetings and Department Convention site selection, and to report their recommendations to the Department Convention and/or DEC. To formulate and propose to the DEC at the last regular meeting prior to the Annual Convention, the rules that will be governing procedures for the Convention. MEMBERSHIP (INCLUDES POST ORGANIZATION): To consider all matters relating to the development of AMVETS through membership activities.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to publicity and public relations of the organization and to report their recommendations to the Department Convention and/or DEC. COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES: To receive and consider all resolutions in regard to programming involvement in your community, state and nation, and other related matters. VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & CIVIL SERVICE: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to the field of employment, both governmental and non-governmental as pertains to veterans. VAVS: To receive and consider all resolutions relating to the VAVS program and to promote this program within the various Posts and VA Medical Centers. POW/MIA: To receive, consider and promote the safe repatriation of POWs, to keep the public forever mindful of the plight of our POW/MIAs, to aid our separated POW/MIAs in their endeavors to become productive citizens, to promote their health and welfare and to report their recommendations to the Department Convention and/or DEC. GRIEVANCE: To receive and consider all grievances and or complaints that are brought forth to them, and to report their recommendations to the DEC and Department Convention. CIVIL DEFENSE/HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: To prepare for tragedies that may occur in the future. POST DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING PROGRAM: To assist in development of new post, new officers, and to assist existing posts as deemed necessary by the Committee and the Department Commander. MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT: To compose and forward resolutions to National Headquarters concerning Missing in America Project; and to investigate and review material on Missing in America Project within the state and other Departments. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: (1.) The Department Commander may appoint such special committees as he deems necessary to the proper conduct of organizational affairs. (2.) Such appointees shall serve during the term of the appointing administration. SPECIAL NOTATION: Each committee authorized by these Constitution & Bylaws must report its activities and recommendations at the next DEC meeting and/or at the Department Convention.

Section 8. The Department Finance Committee shall be charged with the Preparation of the annual budget and the handling of funds, subject to the approval of the Department Executive Committee. Section 9. The Department Executive Committee shall approve the appointment and employment of proper officers and employees for the administration and prescribe their duties and compensation. Section 10. Any Department Officer may receive reimbursement for his authorized activities on behalf of the organization, such reimbursement to be fixed in amount by the vote of the Department Executive Committee.

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Section 11. All questions affecting the eligibility for office and conduct of Department Officers shall be referred to and determined by the Department Executive Committee. Section 12. The Honors and Awards Committee shall consist of all Past Department Commanders who shall elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman each year. The Honors and Awards Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairman. The following awards will be considered for presentation in accordance with the Committee’s published guidelines:

a. Distinguished Service Award b. Appreciation Award c. AMVET of the Year d. USS North Carolina Battleship Award e. White Clover f. Meritorious Service Medal

ARTICLE VI

LOCAL POSTS

Section 1. Local Posts may be formed by any ten (10) eligible individuals by making application to the North Carolina Department Adjutant. Upon its approval by the Department Commander, Department Adjutant, Inspector General, and the concerned District Commander, the application will be forwarded to the National Headquarters. Each Charter shall be signed by the National Commander and National Adjutant and countersigned by the Department Commander and Department Adjutant, and bear the Department Seal to be affixed after Post Finance Officer is bonded. The power and strength of the North Carolina Department rests in the quality, character and activity of the individual Post member and therefore all authority and power is derived from that source. Section 2. Posts shall be governed locally by their own officers chosen according to their own Constitution and Bylaws, except that election of officers shall be held annually between May 1 and June 30, and said officers shall be installed and assume office no later than July 15 thereafter. The Posts shall be subject and subordinate, however, to the jurisdiction of the National and Department Headquarters; and any provisions of a Post Constitution found to be in conflict with or contrary to the provision of the National Constitution shall be null and void. Officers of Posts shall use the equivalent titles provided for National Officers. Section 3. Every post shall be required to revalidate its charter annually prior to July 15. Such charter revalidation shall be evidenced by an appropriate device to be issued by the National Headquarters. In order to revalidate such charter and to receive a revalidation certificate, each Post, aside from any other requirements imposed in these Bylaws, shall:

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(a.) Furnish National and Department Headquarters with a certified list of current post officers; and the post federal tax identification number; (b.) Furnish National and Department Headquarters with copies of the post’s current Constitution And Bylaws, or a certification stating that copy previously submitted has not been amended; (c.) Be fully paid up in all of its accounts with National and Department Headquarters; (d.) Any Post operating a Post Club room for the convenience and pleasure of its members, shall be required to carry Workmen’s Compensation Insurance in accordance with the law of the State in which the Post is located and Public Liability Insurance, including products liability and personal injury coverage, with a minimum single limit of $300,000.00. Posts which maintain a building primarily for meeting purposes shall be required to carry Public Liability Insurance, including products liability and personal injury coverage with a minimum single limit coverage of $100,000.00 or the minimum local amount prescribed by State law. The AMVETS Department and the National Department shall be included as an additional insured in all policies and a certificate of said insurance shall be furnished to the State Department and to the National Department. Any Post failing to comply with this provision shall be deemed to have violated the National Bylaws and the charter of said Post shall, in accordance with the adopted procedure, be subject to suspension or revocation; (e) Have at least ten (10) members in good standing at the time of revalidation by July 15th. (f.) Posts must maintain a minimum of ten (10) members in good standing at all times to sustain their charter. Section 4. All Posts shall comply with local, State and Federal laws and statues in the operation of the Post and its facilities. Each Post shall certify to the National Department yearly, that it is in compliance. Section 5. All Posts shall be mandated to incorporate under the Not-For-Profit corporate law, in accordance with existing state statutes and furnish State Headquarters with a copy of their Post Incorporation papers. Section 6. Any Post that is not in compliance with Section 1, 4 and 5 of this Article, will not be seated at the State Convention.

Section 7. No AMVETS Post within the Department will be allowed the privilege of operating or maintaining a clubroom for the entertainment of members or guests therein without a minimum membership of fifty (50) members. Provisions of this section shall be adhered to by February 1 of each membership year.

(a) New AMVETS Posts will be allowed ninety (90) days from the date of their charter applications before this rule will apply; that is to say, that ninety (90) days from the date of a charter application, a Post will be required to have a minimum membership of not less than fifty (50) members in order for the Post to continue to enjoy the privilege of operating or maintaining a clubroom for the entertainment of members or guests therein.

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Section 8. No matter whether Beach Bingo or Bingo, each Posts operating or

desiring to operate any Bingo game, in accordance with current State Statutes, shall first receive authorization from the Department Commander and the Department Adjutant. Post membership shall be at least fifty (50) at the time of approval and shall be maintained each membership year. Provision of this section shall be adhered to by February 1 of each calendar year. Permission for Bingo will have to be obtained each year whether it is for renewal or obtaining a new license. The Department Commander is hereby given authority to suspend the charter of any Post found to be operating in violation of these rules. Appeal from the Department Commander’s order of suspension must be taken within thirty (30) days to the next Department Executive Committee meeting; and appeal from the Department Executive Committee must be taken within thirty (30) days to the next Department Convention.

Section 9. It is the duty and responsibility of each Post within the Department to have representation present at all Department Executive Committee meetings, the Department Convention and the National Convention. Failure to have post representation present at each Department Executive Committee meeting and Department Convention is probable cause for suspension of the Post Charter by action of the Department Executive Committee. The decision of the Department Executive Committee shall be final with right of appeal to the next Department Convention.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCES Section 1. All finances of the North Carolina Department of AMVETS shall be under the control of the Department Executive Committee, which shall delegate sufficient authority to the Finance Committee to carry out the usual duties of the office. The Finance Committee shall make reports at all stated meetings of the Department Executive Committee and an annual report at the Department Convention. Section 2. The proposed annual budget shall be submitted by the Finance Committee to the Department Convention for its approval. The Department Executive Committee, upon recommendation of the Finance Committee, has the authority to alter or amend the budget between conventions, if circumstances require. Section 3. Revenue shall be derived from membership dues and other sources approved by the Department Convention and/or the Department Executive Committee. All financial records of each Post are subject to review by the Department Finance Officer by direction of the Department Executive Committee. Section 4. The Books of Income and Expenditures of the Department’s Finances shall be subject to review at any time by petition of any ten (10) members of AMVETS, North Carolina Department.

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Section 5. The Finance Committee shall consist of seven (7) members composed as follows:

1. The State Finance Officer who shall be Chairman 2. The State Commander 3. The State Judge Advocate 4. The Retiring Finance Officer 5. 6. 7. Three (3) members to be elected by the Department Executive Committee from among its membership to serve for a term of one (1) year (a.) In the event any of the three members elected by the Department Executive

Committee, are unable to serve on the committee for any cause whatsoever, then and in that event, the State Commander may appoint another member of AMVETS to serve in the place and stead of said member so unable to serve.

(b.) In the event the Department Commander is unable to attend the meeting of the Department Finance Committee for any cause whatsoever, the First Vice Commander shall be seated in his stead with full voting rights. Should either of the Committee elected members be unable to serve, then in that event, the Department Executive Committee shall elect from its membership another member, or members, to serve in their stead.

Section 6. The fiscal year for the Department shall be 1 July to 30 June.

(a.) The term of the Finance Officer will be from when voted in until 30 June the following year.

(b.) The new Finance Officer will start their term upon when voted in and run concurrent with the previous Finance Officer until the completion of their term.

(c.) The purpose for this concurrent position is to close out the fiscal year, receive all bills from the state convention, review all accounts, and transfer all accounts to the new Finance Officer by 1 July.

ARTICLE VIII

DISCIPLINE OF POST AND POST MEMBERS

Section 1. Each Post of AMVETS shall be the judge of its own membership,

subject to the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the National and Department organizations:

(a.) Provided, however, that when the conduct of any member of AMVETS is such that it in any way will reflect discredit or invite criticism of the organization or who belongs to or joins any group, organization or party that is not compatible with the aims and principles of AMVETS, the Department Commander shall immediately bring the matter to the attention of the Post of which the individual is a member. If the Post fails to act and protect the name of AMVETS, the Department Executive Committee may suspend the charter of the Post involved, pending a hearing and final action by the Department Executive Committee.

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Section 2. Members may be suspended or expelled by a Post, the Department Executive Committee, or by the National Executive Committee upon a proper showing of cause. Written charges which shall be furnished the member involved at least thirty (30) days prior to the date set for the hearing shall be based upon disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, or conduct unbecoming a member of AMVETS.

(a.) The Department Executive Committee shall provide a uniform code of procedure to be followed in effecting the suspension or expulsion of members, which said code of procedure shall establish a method of appeal.

Section 3. Any member who has been suspended or expelled in accordance with

Section 2 hereof has the right of appeal. In the event the suspension or expulsion is imposed by the Post, the appeal shall be to the Department Executive Committee. In the event the suspension or expulsion is by the Department Executive Committee, the appeal shall be to the National Executive Committee. In the event the suspension or expulsion is by the National Executive Committee, the appeal shall be to the National Convention. The decision of the appellate body shall be final.

ARTICLE IX

LADIES AUXILIARY

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes the

organization known as the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary shall operate in conjunction with and according to the spirit of the Local, Department and National AMVETS principles.

ARTICLE X

SAD SACKS

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subsidiary

organization known as AMVETS Sad Sacks.

ARTICLE XI

JUNIOR AMVETS

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subsidiary organization known as Junior AMVETS.

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ARTICLE XII

SONS OF AMVETS

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subsidiary organization known as Sons of AMVETS.

Section 2. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subordinate

organization known as Sons of Fun, a fun and honor organization of the Sons of AMVETS.

ARTICLE XIII

AMVETS RIDERS

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subordinate organization know as AMVETS Riders.

ARTICLE XIV

SERVICE FOUNDATION

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes a subsidiary

organization to be known as North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation.

ARTICLE XV

COUNCIL OF PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS

Section 1. The AMVETS Department of North Carolina recognizes an advisory council known as Council of Past Department Commanders, to be chaired by the immediate Past Department Commander. Said Council will meet at the call of the Chairman or at a minimum each Department Executive Committee and Department Convention. The Council shall present annually a written report to the Department Commander.

ARTICLE XVI

CHARTERS

Section 1. The Department Executive Committee may suspend, cancel, or revoke a post charter and such action shall be final and conclusive, unless an appeal is taken to the National Executive Committee within 30 days of said suspension, cancellation, or revocation. Action taken by the National Executive Committee upon appeal shall be binding, pending appeal to the next National Convention.

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A Post Charter which has been thus suspended may be reinstated by the action of the Department Executive Committee if the Post purge itself of the offense within 60 days of its suspension. If the delinquency is not corrected within 60 days, appropriate action will be taken by the Department Executive Committee to effect revocation or cancellation of the Charter. Section 2. Any Post failing to meet the obligations imposed upon it by this Constitution and Bylaws, or ceasing to function for six (6) months as a post of the AMVETS or voluntarily ceasing to function as a post, or merger with one or more posts, or refusing to or failing to pay the Department and National per capita dues within sixty (60) days after collection by the post, shall, upon the order of the Department Executive Committee, surrender it’s charter. Section 3. Upon revocation, cancellation, or suspension of the charter, said post shall immediately cease operations, and upon revocation or cancellation shall turn over its charter and assets to the Department Commander or the Department Executive Committee. The Department Executive Committee, deriving it’s authority from the National Constitution and Bylaws, is authorized, empowered and directed by and through it’s duly authorized agent to take possession, custody and control of all records, property, and assets of said post. So much of said assets as are required for the purpose shall be applied to any indebtedness of said post; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring the Department to take over or to assume any financial responsibility of said post. The Department Executive Committee may provide for the transfer of the members in said Post to another Post of their choice, subject to the approval of such other Post. Section 4. The Department Executive Committee shall provide a uniform code of procedure to be followed in revocation, cancellation, or suspension of Post charters, and a method of appeal to the National Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XVII

MONIES AND COLLECTIONS

Section 1. All Department and Post Officials handling AMVETS funds shall be properly bonded with a source acceptable to the National Department of AMVETS to cover the average amount of funds handled by such individuals in a single year. In case of delinquencies in the payment of accounts due Department or National Headquarters, action shall be taken at once by the proper officials to bring about an immediate complete settlement. The bonds provided by Post officials shall be approved by the Department Executive Committee. Section 2. No contracts involving expenditure in excess of $1,000.00 of Department AMVETS funds shall be negotiated without inviting a reasonable number of

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competitive written bids, and where the required products are of equal quality, the contract shall be awarded to the lowest bidder. Section 3. No public fund raising project or program of any kind or character shall be undertaken by or on behalf of any post or combination of posts or subordinate thereof unless the contract, agreement or other arrangement under which such a project or program is to operate has first been submitted for the prior approval of the Department Commander and the Department Judge Advocate and then to a standing Committee of National Headquarters. Said National Committee is required to render a decision within three (3) weeks after being submitted. In the event of an adverse decision, an appeal may be made to the next National Executive Committee meeting. A public fund raising project is defined as any project or program involving a solicitation or request to non-members of AMVETS for a donation or pertaining to the sale of merchandise, goods, tickets, or advertising matter of any kind or character. In the event of an adverse decision by the Department Commander and Judge Advocate, an appeal may be made to the next Department Executive Committee meeting. It’s action shall be final. Any fund raising project or program conducted by a post or any combination of posts or subordinates thereof in which there is no other person, firm or corporation involved, and in which such fund raising project or program is conducted solely by the post, shall not be deemed to be within the purview of this Section, provided that the anticipated gross receipts from such fund raising project or program do not exceed the sum of $10,000.00; in event it is anticipated that the gross receipts will exceed $10,000.00 in any fiscal year, then said project or program shall be submitted as described above. Failure of a post or combination of posts or subordinates thereof to adhere to the provisions of this Section shall be grounds for disciplinary action by National Headquarters, the NC Department Executive Committee, or both. Section 4. All Posts and Department accounts shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures. Section 5. The minimum annual membership dues shall be $20.00 effective 9-1-2007 payable to the Post of which $13.00 shall be forwarded to National Headquarters and $7.00 to the Department Headquarters. Dues above the minimum set forth here shall be fixed by the Post and/or Department. Any veteran who is eligible to join AMVETS and whose primary occupation is full time attendance as a student at a university, college, trade or technical school, may join any Post for a $6.00 membership fee per year, of which $4.00 shall be remitted to National Headquarters, $1.00 to Department Headquarters and $1.00 retained by the Post. The method of forwarding dues to the National Headquarters shall be prescribed by the National Convention or by the National Executive Committee. Section 6. Wherever post club rooms are maintained and operated for the convenience and pleasure of its members and the name of AMVETS or its insignia are displayed or used, a board of trustees shall be elected from among the members of the post to supervise its activities, operations and finances.

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Section 7. New chartered Post of North Carolina AMVETS must have been operating and established in a Post Home for a minimum of one (1) year prior to being authorized to operate Bingo games under AMVETS name and logo. Section 8. All Posts shall be mandated to incorporate under the Not-For-Profit corporation law, in accordance with existing state statutes.

ARTICLE XVIII

DEFINITIONS The word “he” wherever it shall appear in either the Constitution or Bylaws of the AMVETS, shall be construed as referring to both sexes.

ARTICLE XIX

RESTRICTED USE OF ORGANIZATION

AMVETS, or any component thereof, shall not be used to promote the interest of any individual who is a candidate for public office, or to promote otherwise any individual, organization, political party, faction or product. Any violation of this provision shall be sufficient cause for disciplinary action against the offending member, Post or Department.

ARTICLE XX

MEETINGS

Section 1. All meetings and all matters and proceedings not otherwise provided for herein shall be conducted pursuant to “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised”.

Section 2. At all meetings of the North Carolina Department of AMVETS or the

State Executive Committee or of duly constituted committees thereof voting electronic, mechanical, or written methods shall be prohibited.

Section 3. At all meetings of North Carolina AMVET Posts, Posts Executive

Committee or of duly authorized committees thereof voting electronic, mechanical or written methods shall be prohibited.

ARTICLE XXI

POLICY

The policy of the Department shall be fixed (a.) by the Department Convention as reflected in the resolution adopted, and

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(b.) by the compilation of the result of periodical polls of posts on current issues. Post, subsidiaries and auxiliaries shall be notified by Department Headquarters of policy so fixed.

ARTICLE XXII

AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by any Department Convention by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting at said Convention, provided the proposed amendment for action of the Department Convention has been submitted to each member of the Department Executive Committee by mail at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening date of the Department Convention. These Bylaws may be amended without prior notice by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present and voting at any Department Convention. No such amendment may be adopted, however, unless and until the same is referred to the Constitution and Bylaws committee, considered by it and reported upon to the Department Convention.

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Appendix A: Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of Post Charters UNIFORM CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE REVOCATION, CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF POST CHARTERS (Adopted Pursuant to Article IV, Section 4, of AMVETS National Bylaws) Section 1. In addition to the provisions of Article X, Section 3, of the AMVETS National Constitution, post charters may be suspended or revoked for any one or more of the following reasons:

(a) failure to comply with any of the provisions of Article X of the Constitution; (b) failure to comply with Article V, Section 1(a) and (b), of the AMVETS National

Bylaws; (c) any violation of law that reflects unfavorably on the name AMVETS, in which

case the department commander may seize the post charter prior to the hearing provided herein; or

(d) any misconduct unbecoming an AMVET post; (e) violation of any other provisions of the AMVETS National Constitution and

Bylaws.

Section 2. Any post charter may be canceled if it was obtained by fraud or deception. Section 3. Any member in good standing may prefer charges against an offending post. These charges shall be made under oath, alleging the time and place of the offense and signed by the accuser. Section 4. All charges and specifications shall be filed with the department executive director or judge advocate who shall without delay send a notice by mail to all members of the state executive committee of the filing of said charges and the date and place of the meeting to be held, not less than five days nor more than 20 days after the date said notice was mailed. At such meeting, the charges shall be read and their acceptance or rejection acted on, but the name of the accused or the accusers shall not appear in said notice. Section 5. When the charges have been presented and read, the state executive committee shall decide by majority vote whether they shall be accepted and the accused post placed on trial. If the state executive committee accepts the charges, the department commander shall set a time and place for a hearing. A notice thereof shall be sent by registered mail to the commander of the offending post together with a copy of the charges and specifications. The date of the hearing shall not be less than 15 days from the date of the acceptance of the charges by the state executive committee. Section 6. If, after notice has been duly served, the offending post is not represented at the time and place of the hearing, the state executive committee may conduct the hearing to a final conclusion.

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Section 7. The state judge advocate shall prosecute the charges. The offending post shall be entitled to counsel. The attendance of a court reporter shall be permitted. Section 8. The department commander shall decide all questions as the relevancy of the evidence and the regularity of the proceedings. Section 9. At the conclusion of the hearing, the commander shall immediately put the question of “guilty” or “not guilty” on each charge and specification. Section 10. It shall require a vote by ballot of two-thirds of the state executive committee members present to sustain any charge or specification. Section 11. If any charge or specification is sustained, the post shall be declared guilty and the commander shall put the question of the degree of punishment, beginning with charter revocation. If that not be sustained, then indefinite suspension and if that not be sustained, definite suspension and if that not be sustained, reprimand shall follow without further vote. Section 12. With the exception of reprimand, which must follow a finding of guilty unless a more severe penalty be imposed, a vote of two-thirds of the members of the state executive committee present at the hearing shall be necessary to decide the degree of punishment. Section 13. Any post whose charter is revoked or suspended may appeal to the National Executive Committee by notifying the national executive director by registered mail of its desire to appeal. The action of the National Executive Committee shall be binding, pending appeal to the next national convention. Section 14. Procedures for the handling of any such appeal shall be prescribed by the national judge advocate.

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Appendix B: Suspension or Expulsion of Members UNIFORM CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF A MEMBER (Adopted Pursuant to Article V, Section 2, of AMVETS National Bylaws) Section 1. In addition to the provisions of Article XII, Section 1(b), of the AMVETS National Constitution and Article V, Section 2, of the AMVETS National Bylaws, members may be suspended or expelled for any one or more of the following reasons:

(a) failure to comply with any obligation imposed on members under the constitution and bylaws;

(b) any violation of law that reflects unfavorably on the name AMVETS; (c) any other conduct unbecoming an AMVET; (d) ineligibility for membership at time of acceptance into membership; or (e) procurement of membership by fraud or deception.

Section 2. Any member of AMVETS may prefer charges against any other member, alleging any of the foregoing causes for suspension or expulsion. Such charges shall be made under oath, setting forth the time and place of the offense or other basis for the charges, as near as may be practicable, and signed by the accuser. Section 3. All charges and specifications shall be filed with the post commander of the post to which the member complained about belongs or if said member be a member-at-large, then with the department commander. On receipt of said charges and specifications, said respective commander shall, within five days, send a copy thereof by certified mail to the member complained about, together with a notice fixing a date, place and time of a hearing to be held not less than 30 days after said date of mailing. Section 4. Said charges and specifications shall be heard by the executive committee of the post or, in the instance of a member-at-large, by the executive committee of the department, at which said hearing the member complained about shall have the right to be represented by counsel and to cross-examine the accuser or accusers and witnesses presented against the member. No member against whom charges have been preferred, or who has preferred charges against another member, shall sit in judgment on any panel hearing or deciding the matter. Section 5. The post or state judge advocate, as the case may be, shall prosecute the charges and the attendance of a court reporter shall be permitted. Section 6. The presiding officer of said executive committee shall decide all questions as to the relevancy of evidence and the regularity of the proceedings. Section 7. On the conclusion of the hearing, a vote shall be taken first as to whether there is a basis for the charge or charges and, if by the vote hereinafter mentioned, it is determined that there is none, the charges may be dismissed. If the charges are not dismissed, then a vote shall be taken on the guilt of innocence of each of the charges and

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each of the specifications. A two-thirds vote of the members of the executive committee hearing the charges and specifications shall be required to sustain any charge or specification. Voting herein provided for shall be secret or open as said executive committee may, by majority vote thereof, determine. Section 8. If any charge or specification is sustained, then the member shall be deemed to be guilty thereof and the officer presiding at the hearing shall then put the question of the degree of punishment as to whether there shall be a suspension from the benefits of membership and, if so, for how long; or an expulsion from membership. Section 9. Any member whose membership is suspended or forfeited may appeal to the next highest level applicable from that which heard the charges and specifications, i.e., from post executive committee to state executive committee, from department executive committee to National Executive Committee. Notice of appeal must be filed in writing with the appellate body not later than 15 days after the imposition of the penalty. Section 10. In the event charges are filed against any national elected or appointed officer, such charges shall be heard by the National Executive Committee or a subcommittee appointed by it in accordance with the general outline set forth above, with the right of appeal in the event of a suspension or expulsion to the next national convention. Section 11. The decision of the appellate body at either level shall be binding and final. Section 12. The procedure for the handling of any appeal to be heard by the National Executive Committee or the national convention shall be prescribed by the national judge advocate. The procedure for the hearing of an appeal by the department executive committee shall be prescribed by the department judge advocate and the procedure for the handling of any appeal to be heard by the post executive committee shall be prescribed by the post judge advocate. No such procedure at any level, however, shall be inconsistent or in conflict with the national, department or post constitution and bylaws or this code.

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Lyrics to “The AMVETS Family” song THE AMVETS FAMILY You know I’d walk that extra mile for you I know that if I’d ask you You’d do the same thing too Only families feel this way And I’m very proud to say That God blessed me with the best Refrain: We’re the AMVETS family We kept America proud and free Standing tall together side by side Old Glory still gets to me I’m so proud I got to be A part of the AMVETS family I know we’ve had our shares of ups and downs But together we can weather any storm We kept this country free It’s because of you and me America will never be torn down Refrain Let’s not forget as we hold hands tonight All the troops who keep freedom’s flame burning bright Let’s say a prayer for them Those young women and those young men Who do the jobs that we did way back when Refrain We’re the AMVETS family We keep America proud and free Standing tall together side by side Old Glory still gets to me I’m so proud I got to be A part of the AMVETS family A part of the AMVETS family Raleigh Jay Croghan 1995

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NOTES