October 1, 2008
To Whom it May Concern,
We have recently returned from a successful Washington State Holiday Rambler RV rally at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake, Washington. The success of this rally was due in part because of your generous contributions. Our monthly rallies, as well as our annual state meeting, allow us to gather as a group for a fun, social outing, but more importantly, as a means of education to discuss the many issues that confront the rv owner. As you well know, this is done through seminars, product examination and general conversation among the attendees.
On behalf of the Washington State Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club, may we thank you for supporting us in this effort.
Sincerely,
Bob and Susan Hostetter
Washington Assistant State Managers HRRVC
We at Pin Concepts would like to say thank you to the Washington State Holiday Ramblers for allowing us to be a part of their activities.
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For over a decade the American Legion and Ronald McDonald House have worked together to save lives and support families in need. Through the Pop Tab Collection Program, American Legion Posts collect tabs from soda and beer cans, turn them in for recycling, and the proceeds go to support those in need at Ronald McDonald Houses. The program funds go to help children with serious illnesses that require extensive medical attention, provide housing for families, and numerous other medical treatments for children.
In June of 2008, Cone Post 386 made a donation of 531 lbs is in the mix of the 8,024 lbs total pounds collected.
In 2007, North Carolina Legionnaires were able to raise over $20,000 for their local Ronald McDonald House through the pull tab program!
Pin Concepts applauds the gallant efforts of all American Legionnaires in their support of Ronald McDonald Houses, and all they stand for.
In the early 80’s I met Lee and Doris Fenstermaker, and my life was greatly enriched. For over twenty years, Doris Lee Inc. provided pins and medals for the VFW, American Legion, and Elks. Shortly after entering the business, Doris and Lee discovered that pins were the way to go, moving away from their original trophy business. The VFW became their main stream, keeping them very busy. Throughout the duration of their career, they became very active in the VFW, making many friends, and were loved by all they touched.
Doris and Lee were contemplating retirement, selling their business, and moving back to Hemet, CA. to enjoy life with their grandchildren. The decision was very difficult for them. After years of building a business that they loved, how could they let it go to just anyone? Doris, Lee, and I were introduced by our CPA. He approached me with the idea of Doris Lee Inc. I thought to myself that this idea is crazy. I had no knowledge about designing pins, or even where to begin. Once I met with Doris and Lee a few times, I began to see their passion for pins and the entire process. How could I not take this opportunity? So, I gave it a try. Lee agreed to stay on for one year, to show me the ropes.
Many of the pins you see on our VFW page are from our earlier work. The art of designing and making pins is a tedious one. Thankfully I had Lee to teach me from the ground up. I found that I loved the work. I especially loved the people we worked with, we shipped VFW pins all over the United States. The entire experience was very fulfilling.
Doris Lee Inc. continued on for another ten years and was very successful. In early 1994, due to family illness, I decided it was time to sell the company. I felt I just didn’t have the time needed to take care of my customers in the way they deserved. In 1994 Doris Lee was sold with a five year “Non Compete” clause. I have to admit, I really missed it. During the next seven years life straightened out. Over the years a nagging feeling of wanting to return to designing pins grew. I found that Doris Lee was no longer in business. On New Years Eve of 2000 at about midnight, “Pin Concepts” was born.
Pin Concepts was a newborn, needing to be built from scratch. So many aspects of the industry had changed and grown. With my sister Vicki by my side, we took on this exciting challenge. With the honesty and integrity, and a lot of hard work that Doris Lee Inc. had been built upon, we set out to build Pin Concepts into what it is today. Pin Concepts returned to its roots, the VFW and the people that made it successful from the beginning. We have a heart for what the VFW stands for, and the wonderful work that they do. In memory of Doris & Lee, we once again will carry on the love and passion that they had for the VFW. We are thrilled to once again be a part of this family.
Please contact Wanell Barton or Vicki Tiller with any needs you may have for custom pins or medals. We take great pride in every item that we produce, and we hope you will give us the opportunity to be your pin supplier.
Boosting morale while helping military families in need, is a key objective of the VFW. Operation Uplink, a project started in 1996, helps connect active-duty service men and women, and hospitalized veterans, with their families. Over the last two decades Operation Uplink has donated millions of minutes of free phone time as part of its VFW National Military Services.
In 2006, the program became so successful that instead of phone cards, “Free Call Days” were sponsored by the VFW. One day each month troops could go to select internet cafes to call home, without charge. Phone cards are still issued, care of the VFW, at military hospitals,VA facilities, and stations that do not have internet access.
Connecting troops and veterans with their loved ones is very important to the VFW. Family offer much needed support and morale for our service men and women. Operation Uplink and all of its components, are just one more positive act the VFW to show their support.
When circumstances arise that our dedicated men and women in service need someone on their side, the VFW are first to stand. Until recently, our soldiers were being charged for extra baggage while traveling on active duty. This was an out-of-pocket expense for them which would eventually be reimbursed after filling out the proper forms. “This is a lot to ask when the service member has much more important things on their minds, such as staying alive and keeping those around them alive, ” says Joseph Davis, VFW spokesman.
American Airlines and the ATA were approached by the VFW in regards to this matter. The VFW says they understand the airlines financial constraints. However military travelers “represent such a small fraction of the total passengers carried every year” (washingtontimes.com aug. 2008), that waiving this fee should be an easy decision.
James C. May, president of the ATA responded that airlines must determine their own fare rates. “While ATA cannot by law even suggest uniform pricing policies to our members, we will bring this matter to their attention for their independent consideration.” The ATA are among many whom strongly support our nation’s military.
On August 13th, American Airlines decided to waive all extra baggage fees for troops traveling on orders. George Lisicki, of the VFW said “American Airlines proved today that they also agree our troops deserve special treatment, and I hope the other major carriers will follow their lead.”
“I think this story shows how the VFW continue to serve our military, and make a difference for all of our service men and women, and their families” Wanell Barton, PinConcepts.com Thank you to the VFW, for once again being there to stand up for our troops.
Pin Concepts really enjoyed attending our second annual Elks convention, this time in Anaheim CA! We enjoyed meeting a whole bunch of new people, and wanted to thank all the Elks that signed up for our free lapel pins drawing. Especially those that visited us this year that we met last year in Charlotte. We truly felt like family, and have never enjoyed working so much with such a great group of people.
And the Winner is…
The winner this year, of our drawing for free lapel pins was George Mazzotte from Glendale Ca. Lodge # 1289. It’s always a joy to see the surprised look on their face and the pleasure they get from winning their “Free Pins” - Congratulations to George Mazzotte.
We have sure enjoyed helping you to design that special pin, and the greatest joy comes when we get to meet you face to face at the convention. Thank you all for helping make 2008 exceed our expectations. We look forward to meeting and working with more of you in the coming years.
Don’t forget to scroll down to view the rest of our convention pictures!
Best Wishes,
Pin Concepts
Don’t forget to visit our special Elks area on our website and to subscribe to our blog!
Two incredible new pins that we have designed for the Elks organization are now viewable. Click on the pin pictures below to view all of the new pins.
“Things have been so busy that I don’t remember if I ever thanked you for the exceptional job on producing my ER pins. Not only did I love them, but at my installation everyone who received one was as excited about them as I was. They are the hot item in the Lodge! I have already given out over half my order and the State and National Conventions are yet to come! What’s the scoop if I should need more?”
Thanks again - ER Wally
Pin Concepts invites you to visit our booth at the National Elks Convention in Anaheim, July 6-10. Come say hello, pick up your FREE pin, and sign up for a chance to win 300 lapel pins for your lodge! Tim Churchill from the Ohio Elks Association was 2007’s big winner.
We enjoyed our first ever convention in Charlotte, NC last year. We look forward to another great convention seeing new and familiar faces, and fulfilling your custom pin needs. See pictures from last years convention (link)
All orders placed at the convention will receive free shipping! Don’t forget to stop by our booth and receive your FREE pin.
See you in July!
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