The Military Order of the Cootie (M.O.C.) is the Honor Degree of the Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (V.F.W.). Born September 1920, the M.O.C. took on many special projects of two special groups of people; hospitalized Veterans and the residents of the V.F.W. National Home in Eaton Rapids, MI. We are known as “The Honor Degree of the VFW” and our members are comprised of the officers and leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Cootie Scratch March 9, 2024
Nominations, election, and installation of new officers for the 2024-25 year were conducted at the March Scratch. But not without a little mystery. Here several members search frantically for the Installation Ritual. (L-R) CCDB Bruce Mackamul looking frantically thru the binder, Blanket Bum Terry Moxley folds his arms in disbelief, Seam Squirrel Mo Motier thinks he has found it, and Sky Pilot Jose Flores saying a silent prayer that we get done before the evening meal.At last, CCDB Bruce Mackamul reads from the installation manual as he performs the installation ceremony.CCDB Bruce Mackamul hands the gavel to incomng 2024-25 Seam Squirrel Mo Motier as Blanket Bum Terry Moxley smiles with approval.
Certificate of Achievement – Pup Tent 40
A little late in coming, but the “Vainglorious Vista Vermin” have done it again. Our support of the Supreme Hospital Program exceeded 442% in 2023. Much of the credit goes to Bruce Mackamul, Hospital Chairman for the Pup Tent. His tireless work assures us that every year we continue to do more than our best in support of the program.
Cootie Scratch February 10, 2024
Pup Tent 40 held their monthly Scratch on Saturday, February 10th. Matt Foster (foreground) enjoys his baby bottle, as two new prospective Cooties fill out some paperwork. At left is Andres Aguilar, Commander of VFW Post 1513, Escondido. At right rear is Doug Scholl, Jr. Vice Commander of Ramona VFW Post 3783 and a VFW Past District Commander. The Cooties are an Honor Degree of the VFW and devote their time and efforts to local Veterans Hospitals.Hospital Chairman Bruce Mackamul presents a Certificate of Achievement Award to Blanket Bum Terry Moxley. The award is in recognition of Pup Tent 40’s contribution to the Supreme Hospital Program. We exceeded the 100% goal in contributions with a total of 442.37%. Congratulations again to Bruce for his efforts. Seam Squirrel Mo Motier was not available to accept the Award as he was suffering from a cranky tooth which required a root canal. Ouch.Provost Marshal Lora Wood reported that the Escondido Post has 2 VA reps available to assist in filing claims.Seam Squirrel Mo Motier presides over the July Scratch for MOC Pup Tent #40Members of Pup Tent #40 Terry Moxley, Stan Peiler, Jonathan North, Bruce Mackamul, Jerry Stephens, Matt Foster and Jose Flores and Ray Johnson (taking the photo) at the July Scratch.A check was presented to Judy Leonardi, Chairperson for the American Legion Baseball program on behalf of VFW Post 7041, VFW Auxiliary 7041 and MOC Pup Tent 40. (L-R) Matt Foster, Karen Bowman, Terry Moxley, Monica Camargo, Mo Motier, Judy Leonardi and Bruce Mackamul.Frank Flores, Sr. , younger brother of Cootie Chaplain Joe Flores passed away recently. Frank was the American Legion Sgt-at-Arms for the State of Michigan for several years. He was also a Michigan State football fan. Go Spartans!The Vista Vermin held their monthly Scratch on April 8th at the Post. Scratches are held on the second Saturday every month at 11:00 AM. Pictured is Seam Squirrel Jonathan North who will turn over the gavel in June to Mo Motier, the newly elected Seam Squirrel.Bruce Mackamul, CCDB, swears in Mo Motier (holding gavel) as the Seam Squirrel for 2023-2024. Looking on are (L) Hide Gimlet Terry Moxley and (R) Outgoing Seam Squirrel Jonathan North.Bruce Mackamul received this Certificate of Achievement for his tireless efforts and work as Pup Tent 40’s Hospital Chairman during the past year.
