The record shows that the measure of success achieved in the state association is in direct proportion to the quality of leadership of the state chairman. In order to obtain maximum use of our resources, and to continue serving our nation's veterans, it is important that every Lodge participate in the National Veterans Service Commission Program in some manner. In this endeavor, the state chairman, assisted by the state vice-chairman when applicable, plays a vital role.

Here are some specific tasks that are essential to the development, initiation and continuation of a quality National Veterans Service Program:

1. Develop an awareness of:
   • The National Veterans Service Commission Program.
     
     
   • The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program.
     
     
   • Location of Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs) and outpatient clinics (OPCs) within the state(s).
     
     
   • Name and phone number of chief, Voluntary Service, at each VA medical facility.
     
     
   • Name and phone number of director of volunteers at state veterans homes.
     
     
   • Location of active service hospitals within the state(s).
     
     
   • Names and phone numbers of service officers at the active service hospitals.
     
     
2. Establish a good working relationship with:
   • Past Grand Exalted Ruler(s) of jurisdiction.
     
     
   • President of the state association.
     
     
   • Director, National Veterans Service Commission.
     
     
   • National chairman, Veterans Remembrance Program.
     
     
   • National chairman, Adopt-a-Veteran Program.
     
     
   • National chairman, Veterans Leather Program.
     
     
   • Director, Re-Creation Program.
     
     
3. Accomplish the following tasks on an ongoing basis:
   • Reinforce implementation of current National Veterans Service Commission Program within districts and Lodges to include emphasis on Veterans Remembrance, Veterans Leather and Adopt-a-Veteran programs.
     
     
   • Train, motivate and support assigned National Veterans Service personnel at district and Lodge level. The Elks National Veterans Service Commission video is a very useful tool to assist you in your training program.
     
     
   • Recognize any and all positive actions publicly.
     
     
   • Publicize efforts within every area of program.
     
     
   • Cause all efforts to be documented.
     
     
   • Ensure all information is shared between state chairman and vice-chairman.
     
     
   • Write "Elk" article(s), using photographs when possible, for publication in state newspaper and The Elks Magazine.
     
     
   • Submit expense vouchers to state association in a timely manner with supporting receipts.
     
     
   • Maintain helpful, but firm, relationship with district chairmen to direct and motivate them in rendering meaningful support to programs designed to raise the quality of life for ailing veterans.
     
     
   • Keep assigned District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers and state vice-presidents informed and enhance their support by providing them with with copies of your committee documentation. documentation.
     
     
   • Develop future state National Veterans Service Programs based on the changing needs of veterans.
     
     
   • Prepare, announce and present, as needed, National Veterans Service Committee seminars. Gather, review and implement appropriate changes in National Veterans Service Commission Program and its three subprograms: Adopt-A-Veteran, Veterans Leather and Veterans Remembrance.
     
     
   • Continue to update and disseminate information on programs and procedures, tools, forms, etc.
     
     
   • Collect, grade and submit annual Lodge Veterans Remembrance Reports.
     
     
   • Develop annual budget and ensure its compliance, once approved.
     
     
   • Prepare Annual Performance Evaluations on district National Veterans Service Committee chairmen and the state vice-chairman of National Veterans Service.
     
     
   • Prepare and man lobby display at annual conventions and midterm conferences (when applicable).
     
     
   • Screen, approve/disapprove and forward to Past Grand Exalted Ruler of jurisdiction for approval, requests for certification of VAVS representatives. In order to be certified as a VAVS representative, the nominee must have the approval of the state sponsor(s).
     
     
   • Screen, approve/disapprove, forward requests to Past Grand Exalted Ruler of jurisdiction, for certification of VAVS deputy representatives. While approval by the state sponsor(s) is not required for VAVS deputy representatives, continue to notify them as a courtesy.
     
     
   • Publish and distribute, as needed, a BPOE VAVS representative and deputy representative directory.
   • Attend quarterly VAVS meetings at VAMC.
     
     
   • Visit each district annually for assistance, problem solving, training, speaking and awards presentation.
     
     
   • Visit each VA medical facility not less than annually to maintain working relationship and to stay apprised of effectiveness of BPOE involvement.
     
     
   • Visit State Veterans Home(s) not less than annually to maintain working relationship and to stay apprised of effectiveness of BPOE involvement.
     
     
   • Maintain filing system for pertinent copies of historical data.
     
     
   • Working with the state president, select one outstanding Elk and one outstanding spouse each year for special recognition by National Veterans Service Commission. (See below.)
     

Veteran Volunteer of the Year

With the last point in mind, the commission developed the Veteran Volunteer of the Year award. This award allows state chairmen to honor an Elk and a spouse of an Elk who have given extraordinary service to our nation's veterans.

The state National Veterans Service Commission chairman should coordinate this program if the state wishes to participate. The chairman should work closely with the state president and a committee established for judging nominations.

Nominees for this award must meet one of the following criteria:

• Work with hospitalized veterans.
  
  
• Work with veterans at outpatient clinics.
  
  
• Work with veterans in nursing homes.
  
  
• Work with homeless veterans.
  
  
• Work with veterans and veterans groups within the community.
  
  
• Host veterans functions at the Lodge -- Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day observances, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas party, etc.
  
  
• Host veterans functions outside the Lodge -- fishing trips, day at the races, baseball games, etc.
  
  
• Visit veterans confined to their home.
  
  
• Adopt-a-Veteran.
  

Those eligible for the award are: Elk members and their spouses, with emphasis on VAVS representatives, deputy representatives, Elks who visit the VA medical centers, nursing homes, etc., or who work at Lodge veteran functions, either within or outside the Lodge. Spouses of Elks who visit hospitals or work at Elk veteran functions are also eligible.

There will be two awards (1 male and 1 female) per state association per year.

Nominations for Veteran Volunteer of the Year must be submitted in narrative form, not to exceed 300 words, to the state NVSC chairman, or the designated judging committee, by January 31st of each year. The Judging Committee, with the assistance of the state NVSC chairman, will select the winners (one male and one female) and submit their names and other pertinent information to the National Veterans Service Commission office by February 28th of each year, so that inscribed certificates, watches and pins can be sent for presentation at the state convention.

Please Note:

1. When you submit nominations for Elks, list the member's name and Lodge Name in the upper left-hand corner of the paper.
2. Award letters postmarked after February 28th will not be considered.
3. Winners will not be eligible for future selection. This will enable other volunteers to receive recognition.

Finally, one of the most important responsibilities of serving as state chairman of the National Veterans Service Commission is to keep the lines of communication open. Please return phone calls as quickly as possible and answer all correspondence promptly.