Is Moph Closing It's Service Officer Program

MILITARY Guild OF THE Royal HEART

DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA

CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, AND RITUAL

Revised 14 June, 2016
Approved 5 July 2016

FOR Gainsay WOUNDED VETERANS

MILITARY Society OF THE Imperial Center
DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA
CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RITUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	4
ARTICLE I - NAME -------------------------------------------------------------------------------	four
ARTICLE Two - PRINCIPLES ----------------------------------------------------------------------	4
ARTICLE III - OBJECTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------	iv
ARTICLE IV - NON-INUREMENT PROVISION --------------------------------------------	v
Commodity V - Organization ---------------------------------------------------------------	five
Commodity VI - MEMBERSHIP ------------------------------------------------------------------	5
Commodity VII - PRINCIPLE Function; SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES --------------------------	6
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS --------------------------------------------------------------	six

PART Ii

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

General Department 1 - Germination ---------------------------------------------------------------------	7 vii
SECTION ii - GOVERNING Torso -------------------------------------------------------------	7
SECTION iii - MEETINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------	7
Department 4 - CONVENTION --------------------------------------------------------------------	7
SECTION five - OFFICERS --------------------------------------------------------------------------	7
Section half-dozen - Election OF OFFICERS ------------------------------------------------------	8
Department 7 - TERM OF OFFICE ----------------------------------------------------------------	eight
Section 8 - VACANCIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------	8
SECTION 9 - EXECUTIVE Commission -----------------------------------------------------	ix
Section 10 - DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE -----------	9
Department xi - FINANCE, SERVICE AND REHABILITATION COMMITTEE --------	9
SECTION 12 - VOTING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------	10
Section 13 - FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES ------------------------------------------------	11

Commodity Ii
DUTIES OF Section OFFICERS

SECTION ane - COMMANDER -----------------------------------------------------------------------	13
Department two - SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER ---------------------------------------------------	13
SECTION 3 - JUNIOR VICE-COMMANDER ----------------------------------------------------	13
SECTION iv - Aide ---------------------------------------------------------------------------	thirteen
SECTION five - FINANCE OFFICER -----------------------------------------------------------------	14
SECTION half-dozen - Approximate Abet ----------------------------------------------------------------	fourteen
Department 7 - INSPECTOR ---------------------------------------------------------------------------	14
SECTION 8 - SERGEANT-AT-Arms -------------------------------------------------------------	14
SECTION nine - Department SERVICE Director -----------------------------------------	14
SECTION 10 - DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS -----------------------------------------	15
Section xi - LEGISLATIVE Officer ---------------------------------------------------------	15
SECTION 12 - WELFARE Officer --------------------------------------------------------------	xv
Department 13 - Chaplain --------------------------------------------------------------------------	xvi
Department 14 - AMERICANISM Officeholder -------------------------------------------------------	xvi
Section xv - CHIEF OF STAFF ------------------------------------------------------------------	xvi
Department 16 - NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITEEMAN --------------------------------	sixteen
SECTION 17 - HISTORIAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------	16
SECTION 18 - Kickoff RESPONDER ---------------------------------------------------------------	16

ARTICLE Three
MEMBERSHIP

Section one - ELIGIBILITY ----------------------------------------------------------------	17
Department 2 - VOTING RIGHTS -----------------------------------------------------------	17
SECTION 3 - Chapter RESPONSIBILITIES --------------------------------------------------	17
Section iv - MEMBERS AT Big -----------------------------------------------------------	17
SECTION 5 - ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP -----------------------------------------------------	17
Section 6 - LADIES AUXILlARY --------------------------------------------------------------	17
Department 7 - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS ------------------------------------------------	18
Section viii - Affiliate OFFICERS -------------------------------------------------------------	18

ARTICLE Four
TO PRESERVE THE INTERITY OF THE ORGANIZATION

Full general -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARTICLE V
AMENDMENTS TO Section RULES, REGULATIONS AND BYLAWS

GENERAL -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article VI
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Full general -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commodity VII
INCORPORATION OF DEPARTMENT POLICY STATEMENTS

Department 1 - Department FUNDING ---------------------------------------------------------	xix
SECTION 2 - Chapters IN Skillful Continuing -----------------------------------------------	19
SECTION 3 - GRANT MONIES ---------------------------------------------------------------------	19
Department 4 - SCHOLARSHIPS ---------------------------------------------------------------------	20
SECTION 5 - CONVENTION AND Department EXECUTIVE Committee Meeting EXPENSES	21

Part III

RITUAL

ARTICLE I
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DEPARTED PATRIOTS


Full general -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	21

Function 4

RATIFICATION

General -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Military machine Gild OF THE PURPLE HEART
DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA
CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RITUAL

Function I

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We gainsay veterans of the United State and recipients of the Purple Heart awarded past the United states Government and founded past Full general Washington on Baronial 7,1782 at a critical time in history, drawn together by bonds of respect and mutual suffering, have established the Military machine Guild of the Purple Centre, chartered by the Congress of the United states of America, in order to perpetuate the principles of patriotic allegiance to the U.s.a. of America, allegiance, to its constitution and laws, the security of civil liberty and the permanence of complimentary institutions. Through this organization and our membership in it, our objective to preserve and perpetuate those ideas of liberty, justice, and the general welfare which are the very foundation of our way of life, and we pledge to foster and enhance those principles which have made this nation what information technology is today and which, from the beginning of our national liberty, have served as a beacon of hope and conservancy to the peoples of all nations.

ARTICLE I

NAME

This arrangement shall exist known as the Department of Pennsylvania, Military Order of the Purple Center of the U.Southward.A., Incorporated, a corporation chartered by an Act of Congress.

ARTICLE II
PRINCIPLES

The principles underlying the corporation are patriotic allegiance to the U.s., fidelity to its Constitution and laws, the security of civil liberties, and the permanence of free institutions.

ARTICLE III
OBJECTS

The objects of the Department of Pennsylvania are educational, fraternal, historical, and patriotic, perpetuating the principles of liberty and justice which take created the United States of America past (ane) commemorating all national and patriotic holidays; (2) maintaining true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; (three) preserving and strengthening comradeship and patriotism among its members and their dependents; (5) giving needed hospital and service work through its Veteran Administration accredited Service Officers; (6) cooperating with other civic and patriotic organizations having worthy objectives; (7) keeping alive the achievements and retention of our state's founders; (8) always cherishing the memory of George Washington, who founded the Purple Heart at his headquarters at Newburg-on-the-Hudson, on Baronial seven,1782; (9) influencing and didactics our citizenry with its responsibilities and privileges; and, (10) preserving and defending the United states of america of America from all enemies whomsoever.

ARTICLE Iv
NON-INUREMENT PROVISION

No part of income of the Department of Pennsylvania shall inure to the do good of any fellow member, trustee, managing director, office of the organization, or any individual individual (except that reasonable bounty may be paid for services rendered to or for the organization affecting 1 or more than of its purposes), and no member, trustee, officer of the Department of Pennsylvania or whatever private individual shall exist entitled to share in the distribution of the Department; if dissolved all funds withstanding are to be turned over to the National organization.

Commodity V
ORGANIZATION

The Department of Pennsylvania Military Social club of the Regal Heart of the The statesA., Incorporated, is a constituent part of and subordinate to the National Organization of the Military machine Order of the Purple Heart of the U.South.A., Incorporated, and shall consist of:

Subordinate organizations to exist known as (Chapter Name) (Affiliate Number), Department of Pennsylvania, War machine Gild of the Royal Eye, U.S.A., Incorporated, provided, however, that no chapter organized shall adopt the name of any living person.
Auxiliary bodies may be formed, field of study to the bylaws, which may be hereinafter adopted.

ARTICLE Half-dozen
MEMBERSHIP

All persons of skilful moral character who are or accept been members of the Armed Forces of the Usa or any foreign land of any rank who have received the Purple Centre Medal for wounds received during armed forces or naval contact confronting an armed enemy of the United States shall exist eligible for active membership in the Department of Pennsylvania.

ARTICLE Seven
PRINCIPLE OFFICE: SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Department 1 -- The office of the Department of Pennsylvania shall be located in the urban center where the Department Adjutant resides or in whatever other place as may later be determined by the Department Convention or Department Executive Committee.

Section 2 -- The activities of the Department of Pennsylvania shall be bars to the Democracy of Pennsylvania.

Commodity VIII
AMENDMENTS

SECTION i-- This Constitution may be amended at a Department Convention by a coil telephone call of two-thirds vote of the regularly elected and qualified delegates thereat, provided the proposed amendment shall have been submitted to the Section Adjutant at least 30 days prior to the date of the Convention and provided the Adjutant distributes such proposed amendment to the members of the Department Executive Committee by mail at least 20 days prior to the Convention engagement.

SECTION 2-- This Constitution may also exist amended by the unanimous vote of the regularly elected and qualified delegates at any Department Convention, providing the proposed amendment shall accept been read to the Department Convention at to the lowest degree one calendar twenty-four hour period earlier it is voted upon.

PART II

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I
General

Section I-- FORMATION

This Department shall proceed to operate as a Department as long equally at that place are three or more active chapters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This Department shall consist of all chapters which are duly organized and chartered by the National Organization. No affiliate may be within the Commonwealth which is not part of the Department.

SECTION ii -- GOVERNING BODY

This Department shall exist governed past a Department Convention, subordinate to the National Organization.

Department 3 -- MEETINGS

At that place shall be an Annual Convention of the Department prior to the end of the second weekend in June . There shall exist an Executive Committee Meeting immediately preceding and following the Section Convention. ~~There shall be a Fall Executive Committee meeting no later than 31 October.~~

SECTION iv – CONVENTION

The Section Convention shall consist of patriots who have served as a National or Department Commander from the Department of Pennsylvania and are in expert standing.
The Department Commander and all other elected officers of the Section are members of the Convention. All appointed Department Officers are members of the Convention, with a voice only no vote.
All chapter commanders are members of the Convention. In the absenteeism of the commander, the senior vice-commander or the junior vice-commander may represent the chapter, and in their absence the affiliate executive committeeman or alternate may represent the chapter.
Delegates are to be elected past the dominion of one vote for each twelve active members or major fraction thereof, in good standing, in the affiliate at the time of the election. All active members of the chapters in good continuing shall be eligible to any office in the Department. Only i elected office at the Department level may exist held at any one time.

SECTION 5 -- OFFICERS

The officers of the Department shall be the Commander, Senior Vice-Commander, Junior Vice-Commander, Adjutant, Finance Officer, Chief of Staff, Judge Advocate, Inspector, Historian, Service Director, Clergyman, Americanism Officer, Sergeant-at-Arms and such other officers as may be fixed by the Department Convention and incorporated in the Bylaws of the Convention. The Department Commander may appoint a National Executive Committeeman and an Alternate National Executive Committeeman provided that the Department membership strength, in practiced continuing, exceeds 500 members.

SECTION 6 -- Ballot OF OFFICERS

The Commander, Senior Vice-Commander, Inferior Vice-Commander, Finance Officeholder, Judge Advocate, Inspector, and Sergeant-at-Arms, will be elected at the Annual Convention.
The Department Adjutant, Legislative Officer, Welfare Officer, Surgeon, Historian, Clergyman, Chief of Staff, Americanism Officer and National Executive Committeeman and Alternate National Executive Committeeman, Department Service Managing director and Department Service Officers shall be appointed by the newly elected Department Commander. The Department Service Director and Department Service Officers volition fulfill all training requirements in social club to become accredited through the National Service Director with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The date and removal of the Department Service Managing director and Service Officers requires the blessing of the Department Convention.

Section 7 -- TERM OF Part

Officers elected and installed shall enter upon their respective duties immediately later the adjournment of the meeting at which they are chosen, and shall hold office until successors are duly installed. Both elected and appointed officers may succeed themselves, if properly elected or appointed.
The term of the Commander will be for two years unless he notifies the Section Aide he declines to serve his 2d year. Term limits of other elected officers tin be modified by a majority vote of the Department Executive Committee and by notifying the National Adjutant through the Regional Commander of the term limits.. Term limits become effective upon submission of the next Election Report and upon the blessing of the National Aide. A majority vote of the Department Executive Commission is required to remove the term limits previously established and canonical.

Section 8 -- VACANCIES

All vacancies in elected part shall be filled by the Executive Commission provided, however, in the outcome of a vacancy in the part of the Commander, the Senior Vice-Commander shall at in one case succeed to the title and duties of said function, and the Junior Vice-Commander shall succeed to the title and duties of the Senior Vice-Commander. The Executive Committee volition be convened to elect a Junior Vice-Commander. In the consequence of a vacancy in the office of Senior or Inferior Vice-Commanders, the Executive Committee shall exist convened to elect a Senior or Inferior Vice-Commander.

SECTION 9 -- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Section Executive Commission shall include Patriots who are in good standing and who have served as National Commanders and are residents of the Section and Past Section Commanders of the Department who are residents of the Department. For the purpose of a quorum, the number of these Patriots will not be counted in the "total" members of members in the Department Executive Committee.
All elected officers of the Department.
All appointed officers of the Section, who will have a vocalism only no vote.
The affiliate commander, or senior vice-commander or inferior vice-commander, or in their absence the department executive committeeman or alternate may correspond the chapter.

Section x -- DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Department Executive Commission shall meet immediately preceding the Section Convention, and the new Executive Committee shall meet immediately following the adjournment of the Department Convention in the Convention metropolis, or at the phone call of the Department Commander, or at the written request of a majority of the Executive Commission.
In the interval between Department Conventions, the Department Executive Committee shall exist vested with full administrative powers of the Department. All actions of the Section Executive Commission shall be subject to approving by the Department Convention.
The Department Executive Committee shall authorize the hiring of the Department Service Director ~~,Service Officers and administrative administration/clerical personnel in conjunction with the Section Service Program~~ .
The Department Adjutant shall exist responsible for a complete report of the minutes of all Department meetings, and the Department Executive Commission may exist polled by the Adjutant through a mail vote on any thing requiring emergency activity in the opinion of the Section Commander.
The Department Executive Committee upon the recommendation of the Department Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Committee shall authorize all expenditures, inspect the accounts, and be responsible for fiduciary issues.

SECTION 11 -- FINANCE, SERVICE AND REHABILITATION Commission

The Commission shall consist of the Department Commander, Department Finance Officer, Section Aide, and four members elected by the Section Executive Committee. The Finance Officer and Adjutant have a voice simply no vote. The Chairman is elected past the members, from among the 4 elected members at the commencement coming together following the election. Committee members for the post-obit year will be elected annually at the last DEC meeting of the twelvemonth.
The Commission will assure that the Department maintains ii years of funds on hand to finance the operation of the Department Rehabilitation and the Full general Fund. The Committee will monitor grants given to the chapters and Ladies Auxiliary to assure that all monies received from the Department are expended within the Fiscal Year of receipt and clinch that only two years of funds are retained within the affiliate general administrative accounts. No funds received from the ~~MOPH~~ Service Foundation volition be expended outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Funds received from the ~~MOPH~~ Service Foundation are for the purpose of conducting a Service Program. Monies backlog to the price of conducting the Service Program may be used to assist veterans and their families.
The Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Commission in conjunction with the Department Finance Officer, will prepare the annual budget and recommend the mileage and per diem to be authorized by the Executive Committee. If any adjustments are made between conventions, such adjustments must be approved past the Executive Committee and ratified past the Convention at the next Convention.
The Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Committee shall be responsible, through the Department Finance Officer, for the comport of all audits to include the Department Audit, CPA Inspect, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Audit, and the MOPH Service Foundation Audit.
The Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Commission is authorized to exceed past not more than 10% of each approaching line item without prior approving of the Executive Committee. Total expenditures may not exceed more than ten% of the budget approved past the Convention.
The Committee is responsible to the Executive Committee for the supervision of the Department Service Manager and the Service Officers.
The Commission in conjunction with the Department Service Director will incorporate the Service Plan into the annual budget submitted to the Section Executive Committee for approval.
The Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning the contracts with and employment of salaried personnel. The activities of the Section Service Manager include conducting a Program in accordance with guidance provided by the National Service Director and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Only duly accredited and registered members of the Department Convention, or alternates taking their place, shall participate directly or indirectly in discussions or voice vote (mitt or continuing vote is permitted) on any subject before the Convention. Voting shall be past acclaim except when a roll call is called for and approved past the Convention (come across MOPH of the USA Constitution, Bylaws, and Ritual Commodity IX (National Convention) Section five B. and F.)
Each member of the Section Executive Commission shall have one vote, except appointed officers shall be without vote. 1 third of the eligible membership of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum except that absent-minded PDC and PNC will not count in the total membership of the DEC at Convention or Executive Committee meetings . Voting past proxy shall not be allowed and no individual shall have more than i vote (see MOPH of the USA Constitution, Bylaws, and Ritual Article 10 [National Officers] Department 6).
The vote of affiliate commanders and/or vice commanders shall be recorded every bit the chapter'southward Lease vote. At Section Conventions, the vote of whatever chapter delegate absent and not represented past an alternate may be cast automatically past the chapter commander, senior or inferior vice-commanders, or section executive committeeman, or his alternate nowadays and in adept standing. No private, however, shall have more one vote.
For roll call votes (due east.g., elections of officers) each chapter volition accept a weighted vote depending on the number of members in skillful continuing. There shall be one vote for every twelve members or major fraction thereof (i.due east., seven or more than).
1. As an case, if a chapter had 30-two members, it would receive ane vote for the first twelve members and a second vote for the second block of twelve of members. Since there are 8 additional members, and that is a major fraction of twelve, the affiliate would receive a 3rd vote.
2. As a second case, if the affiliate had thirty members, it would receive one vote for the beginning twelve members and a second vote for the 2d block of twelve members. However, there are simply six boosted members, and that does not establish a major fraction of twelve. Accordingly, the chapter would receive but two votes.
Capacity with fewer than 12 members in adept standing or who have not submitted Ballot Reports to the Department Adjutant in accordance with submission dates published by MOPH National Headquarters and these Bylaws are not entitled to vote.
A uncomplicated majority of the full votes cast at Department Conventions/Executive Commission meetings is sufficient to win an election. If more than than one candidate is running for an function and no candidate receives a simple majority, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is removed from the ballot and a vote will be taken again. If only 2 candidates are on the ballot, and a uncomplicated majority is not received by either, boosted votes volition be taken to pause the tie.

Department thirteen – FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES

GENERAL. The Department Commander may appoint such standing, advertizement-hoc and/or special committees to give communication and counsel concerning subjects, programs, inquiries and miscellaneous Department issues.
AWARDS COMMITTEE: The Awards Commission, chaired by the Senior Vice-Commander, shall consist of the Department Junior Vice-Commander, Estimate Abet, Finance Officer, and Aide. This Committee shall recommend to the Department Commander personnel selected to receive Department, National and/or other awards. The Committee shall receive recommendations from chapters and/or individuals concerning persons to be considered for Awards.
TIME AND Identify COMMITTEE: The newly elected Department Commander (or the Department Commander inbound his 2d yr of role) shall engage a Chairman and at to the lowest degree two members for this Committee, to include ane from the LAMOPH in coordination with the Section President. The function of the Committee is to select a site which volition be reported on at the following Annual Convention as the side by side Department Convention site. In an emergency state of affairs as adamant by the Department Commander, selection of a site may be approved past mail vote of the DEC. Additionally the Committee will work out all details needed in securing the Convention site and all other details afforded this commission.
1. Whatever chapter can nominate a location for the Section Convention site for the Convention 2 years hence. (e.g., in June 2013, the site will be selected for Jun 2015). The nomination will include hosting whatever ~~the October~~ December meetings convened . The nomination will exist for the Convention and ~~the Oct~~ whatsoever Dec meetings for two years. A nomination will consist of a candidate location and will include the 'and so' cost of :
  1. 2 meeting rooms of sufficient size to accommodate the Section meetings (forty-five people) and the LAMOPH meetings (twenty people);
  2. a hospitality room capable of accommodating xxx people;
  3. a suitable room for serving breakfast, tiffin, and dinner;
  4. either a recommended caterer to provide those meals, with estimated costs, or the estimated costs of those meals prepared and served by the facility.
  5. individual rooms;
  6. the permission of the facility for the Department to provide developed refreshments in a hospitality room.
2. Each affiliate making a nomination will automatically get a member of the Time and Identify Committee.
3. Selection volition exist based on time-distance factors for attention patriots and the potential price of the Convention.
4. The Fourth dimension and Place Committee will nowadays possible sites and the associated costs, and the Convention will determine the site to be selected.
PUBLICATIONS Commission: The newly elected Section Commander shall engage a Department Editor and a number of administration to be determined to work in conjunction with representatives from Chapter 455 to jointly produce a Department/chapter Newsletter. The Editor will be entrusted with and accountable for the Department equipment needed to implement this position.
GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE: The newly elected Department Commander shall appoint a Grievance Committee, as required, of iii Past Department Commanders who volition human activity as a hearing board for all issues that arise throughout the year inside the Department and its chapters.

Commodity 2
DUTIES OF Department OFFICERS

Section 1-- COMMANDER

The Commander shall preside at the Department Convention and Executive Committee meetings. He will:

Sign all warrants properly drawn on the Finance Officeholder by the Department Aide, official papers, and only such contracts properly authorized and approved by the Department Convention or the Executive Committee. He will countersign all checks properly issued by the Department Finance Officer.
Appoint promptly upon entering function, a Department Aide, Legislative Officeholder, Welfare Officeholder, Historian, Chaplain, Americanism Officer, Surgeon, Chief of Staff, Service Director (with the approval of the Dec) and Service Officers (unless such officers are held over by reason of a contract approved by the Department Convention or Section Executive Commission equally herein provided for. Appointed salaried officers may be removed past a ii-thirds vote of the Department Executive Commission after the Department Commander has recommended removal.

SECTION 2 -- SENIOR VICE-COMMANDER

The Senior Vice-Commander shall assistance the Commander by advice or otherwise, and in the Commander'south absenteeism or disability, he shall discharge the duties of the role. His specific responsibilities shall be membership activities, and he shall be the Department Membership Chairman. In coordination with the Department Aide and Chief of Staff, he will organize new chapters where viable. He also chairs the Awards Commission.

SECTION 3 -- JUNIOR VICE-COMMANDER

The Junior Vice-Commander assists the Commander by communication or otherwise, and in the absenteeism or disability of the Senior Vice-Commander he shall belch the duties of the office co-ordinate to seniority. His specific responsibilities shall exist to help in membership recruiting. He serves as a member of the Section Awards Committee.

SECTION iv -- Aide

The Aide shall maintain correct records of the proceedings of the Department Convention, Executive Commission meetings and all other meetings, and conduct the correspondence and issues all orders under the management of the Commander and Chief of Staff. He shall originate and draw warrants on the Finance Officer, make all returns required of him by the national organisation; maintain a correspondence file of letters, reports, and such other files and books as may be required past the Department Commander. He shall go on ~~a correct business relationship of the monies due and receivable from all sources,~~ and ~~of the vouchers~~ a copy of all warrants and vouchers drawn on the Finance Officer. He shall gear up prior to each Convention a list showing capacity in skilful continuing, and the number of entitled delegates for capacity in skillful standing. He shall maintain a holding and equipment inventory for all officers of the Department. He serves as a member of the Department Awards Committee.

SECTION 5 -- FINANCE OFFICER

The Section Finance Officeholder is responsible to, and under the direction of the Department Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Commission for all functions and operations of his part. He shall concur and be responsible for the funds, securities, vouchers and pay all warrants drawn by the Aide and canonical by the Commander. All checks issued by the Department must have the signature of the Commander and Finance Officer. He shall brand an almanac report of the finances of the Department. In
conjunction with the Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Commission he is instrumental in preparation of the Section annual budget. His books shall at all times, together with those of the Adjutant, exist open to inspection. He is instrumental in coordinating the annual Department Audit, CPA audit, Republic of Pennsylvania Audits, and represents the Section at the annual MOPH Service Foundation Inspect. His duties include fiduciary accountability for the Department and the Department Service Plan which includes all authoritative aspects of the Service Programme to include pay gyre and related employee issues. He serves as a fellow member of the Department Awards Program.

Section 6 – JUDGE ADVOCATE

The Estimate Advocate shall preferably be a licensed attorney. He shall give the Commander such legal advice and parliamentary assistance equally he may require and perform the duties incident to his function. He shall review and approve all bylaws of subordinate bodies under the management of the Executive Committee.

Department seven -- INSPECTOR

The Inspector shall have charge of the piece of work of inspection within the Department. He shall brand reports as may be required to the National Inspector and to the Department Commander and perform the duties properly incident to his part. He shall make inspections of the books of each chapter in his Section at least once during his term of office, and he shall forrard reports to the Department Commander as presently as possible.

Section viii -- SERGEANT-AT-Artillery

The Sergeant-at-Artillery shall perform the duties incident to his office or as the Commander may direct. He shall be responsible for the Section Colors and maintain club and command of entry at the Department Convention and Executive Commission Meetings. He will also tactfully propose comeback in the conduct of meetings and use of the Ritual. He volition prepare the meeting room by displaying all flags, pictures, and credentials. He shall remove and secure all those items upon conclusion of the meeting.

Section 9 -- DEPARTMENT SERVICE DIRECTOR

The Department Service Director shall perform the duties properly incident to his office. His duties include but are not limited to the following:

He provides leadership and direction for the Section Service Plan and Service Officers in coordination with the National Service Director and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He provides and maintains information for reporting the activities of the Service Offices to the Department Finance, Service and Rehabilitation Committee, National Service Manager, MOPH Service Foundation and to various organizations within the Republic of Pennsylvania.
He coordinates the maintenance of Service Offices at the VA Regional Offices and assures judicious treatment of all claims for veterans and their families.
The Department Service Manager will fulfill all grooming requirements in order to become accredited through the National Service Director with the Department of Veteran Affairs.

SECTION 10 -- Section SERVICE OFFICERS

The Department Service Officers shall perform their duties under the supervision of the Department Service Director. They shall advise and assistance veterans and their families in the technical preparation and prosecution of their claims for benefits from any governmental bureau and in gaining suitable employment. They shall maintain good public relations with other organizations in similar fields of endeavor and with governmental agencies begetting in listen the achievement of mutual objectives for
the benefit of the veteran and his/her family. They shall assistance and cooperate with affiliate Service Officers of the Department and shall furnish monthly reports to the Department Service Director, Regional Field Supervisor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania governmental agencies and other designees as may be required.

Department xi -- LEGISLATIVE OFFICER

The Legislative Officer shall be appointed by the Department Commander. He shall gather and refer such pertinent matters of interest to the members of the Department, every bit submitted by the various capacity of the Department. He shall submit to the National Legislative Manager such resolutions or materials as may exist of interest or importance nationally. He shall prepare all suggested bills or amendments or other legislative matters for the use of the state legislature under the direction and approving of the Department Executive Commission. Copies of all such legislative bills shall be sent to the
National Legislative Director, who shall inspect and recommend for approval or disapproval all proposed veteran legislation to be sponsored by the Corporation in whatever state so that no legislation of conflicting purposes will be introduced in different states.

SECTION 12 -- WELFARE Officer

The Welfare Officer shall go on informed equally to public and private agencies and organizations which can offer temporary or permanent help to needy members, other veterans, and families and assistance such persons in securing proper and adequate assistance. He shall cooperate with the chapter Welfare Officers in the Department in the evolution of a suitable program to condolement, entertain and assistance hospitalized veterans and their families. He shall cooperate with or may serve every bit, the DVA Voluntary Service (VAVS) Representative or Deputy who shall be certified to the DVA. He shall provide the National Welfare Officer with an almanac report.

SECTION thirteen -- Clergyman

The Chaplain shall, when possible, be a fellow member of the clergy. He shall exist responsible for the opening and endmost prayers of the Department Meetings, assist in or take charge of certain burying ceremonies for departed Patriots, participate in patriotic ceremonies, send condolences to widows/widowers of Section members when alerted to deaths of members, and perform such duties requested of him past the Department Commander.

Section 14 -- AMERICANISM OFFICER

The Americanism Officeholder shall coordinate the activities of the chapter Americanism Officers in the promotion of a "positive Americanism" within the Section, and shall aid in the celebration of all national patriotic holidays past preserving and strengthening comradeship and patriotism amid the Order's members. He shall encourage the brandish of the American flag on all appropriate holidays and shall perform such other duties every bit his office may require or the Commander may direct. He shall provide the National Americanism Officer with an annual report.

SECTION 15 -- CHIEF OF STAFF

The Principal of Staff is delegated the authorisation by the Department Commander to coordinate the activities of the Staff. He shall assist the Senior Vice-Commander in membership activities and new affiliate organisation and perform such other duties equally the Section Commander may direct. He may nominate for appointment a Deputy Chief of Staff in each city, or area, every bit needed, to assist in membership activities and new affiliate organization.

Section 16 -- NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEMAN

The National Executive Committeeman and/or Alternate shall in the absence of the commander/SVC/JVC stand for the Section on the National Executive Committee with full voting power. In all other instances, the Section Commander shall serve equally the fellow member to the National Executive Committee, and the Senior Vice-Commander shall serve every bit the Alternate National Executive Committeeman.

Section 17 -- HISTORIAN

The Historian shall compile a brief history of the activities of the Department during his/her term of Office to be kept as a permanent tape of the Department, and shall perform other duties equally his function may crave or the Commander may direct.

SECTION 18 -- First RESPONDER

The Showtime Responder coordinates line of duty deaths and serious injury of burn down fighters and police force with the National Public Safety Officer. He arranges for appropriate recognition of those personnel.

ARTICLE Iii
MEMBERSHIP

Department i -- ELIGIBILITY

All persons of adept moral character who are or have been members of the Armed forces of the Us or whatever foreign state of whatever rank, who accept received the Purple Eye Medal for wounds received during military or naval combat confronting an armed enemy of the United States, shall exist eligible for active membership in the Corporation.

SECTION 2 -- VOTING RIGHTS

Each member of the Corporation, other than associate members, shall accept the right to vote on each matter submitted to a vote at all meetings of his chapter.

Department iii -- CHAPTER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each affiliate of the Military Society of the Purple Centre of the Usa of America, Inc., shall be the judge of the admission of its own membership, subject to the rules and restrictions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the parent organization.

Department 4 -- MEMBERS AT LARGE

This Section will accept Department members-at-big when requested past members and provided such members reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania merely do not reside within reasonable altitude of an existing affiliate. Members who take had a penalty of permanent "Transfer" to Department member-at-big status imposed on them are automatically transferred to member-at-large condition.

SECTION 5 -- ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Membership equally an Associate Member is hereby granted pursuant to the terms and weather set forth in our Congressional Charter. Public law 85-761 of the Congress of the United States of America, and subject to the various rules, restrictions, regulations, and limitations, fix forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the parent organization. Membership as an Associate Fellow member of the parent organization shall be granted on the footing of, and subject to, paragraph (b) of Section half-dozen of the Congressional Charter, whether the Purple Center Recipient is alive or deceased to "parents and lineal descendants" of all
persons who are eligible for membership in the parent arrangement, as set forth in paragraph (b) of Section 6 hereinafter referred to "An acquaintance member shall be without vote and may not hold an constituent role but may hold an appointed position except that of Adjutant."

Department 6 -- LADIES AUXILIARY

The Department of Pennsylvania shall recognize a Ladies Auxiliary Department of Pennsylvania (LADOP) , bailiwick to the various restrictions and limitations as set up along in the Ladies Auxiliary Constitution and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the National System. LADOP and its units shall adhere to the requirements set forth in Commodity VII Section 3 and the various restrictions and limitations set along in the MOPH Section of Pennsylvania and MOPH National Organizations' Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual .

SECTION 7 -- MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

Membership applications along with proof of the award of the Purple Heart (Purple Heart Certificates lonely are insufficient evidence) will be forwarded to the Department Finance Officer who will forward the application and fees to the MOPH National Headquarters. The Department will pay the Life membership fees (excluding Associate Members, Members-At-Large and LAMOPH) for eligible residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And those individuals will become members of the chapter in closest proximity to their domicile address.

Department 8 -- CHAPTER OFFICERS

Each chapter within the Department shall elect and appoint such officers as stated in the National Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual. Such election/appointments shall be held in April of each year and installation of said newly elected or appointed officers shall be no later than 31 May of that year. A complete report of same shall exist received by the Section Adjutant prior to the Department Convention.

ARTICLE Four
TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE Organisation

The Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual of the National Arrangement shall govern all matters affecting the preservation of the integrity of the Organisation. Whereas the gender "he" as stated in the Department of Pennsylvania's Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual shall mean a male or female member.

ARTICLE V
AMENDMENTS TO DEPARTMENT CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RITUAL

This Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual may be amended by a roll telephone call of ii thirds vote of the Executive Committee members present at a regular or special meeting of the Department Executive Commission, provided the proposed amendment(s) shall have been submitted through the Department Aide to the members of the Department Executive Committee, by mailing same to them at to the lowest degree 20 days prior to the convening of the Department Executive Committee. If adopted, such amendment(s) shall accept full force and effect until the next Department Convention which shall take or reject such amendment(s).
This Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual may also be amended by unanimous vote of the Executive Commission members thereat, provided the proposed subpoena(due south) shall have been read to the Section Convention at least ane calendar twenty-four hour period before it is voted upon.
This Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual may be set aside or suspended for the menses of the Department Convention only if deemed expedient by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee members thereat.

Article Six
Conduct OF MEETINGS

All chapter and Department meetings of the Military machine Order of the Purple Heart of the UsA., Inc., shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, except as otherwise provided for in these Manufactures.
All meetings, observances, and official activities of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the UsaA., Inc. Shall exist conducted in accordance with the official Ritual and Manual of Ceremonies of the Corporation.

Article Vii
INCORPORATION OF Department POLICY STATEMENTS

In an attempt to maintain continuity within the Department betwixt amendments to our Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual, a series of policy statements were approved over the years by the Department Conventions and are included here for clarification.

Section 1 – DEPARTMENT FUNDING

The Department shall reimburse all Section elected and appointed officers, and Past Department Commanders for mileage (to exist determined for each Section Convention) for attendance at Department Conventions, Department Executive Meetings and other meetings deemed necessary by the Department Commander. The Department shall fund the same for the chapter commander, or the senior vice-commander, or the junior vice-commander, or department executive committeeman or alternate, in that order. Lodging will exist provided and paid directly to the lodging facility by the Department Finance Officer. Reimbursement for mileage to the individual will be made equally long every bit the individual is present for roll phone call and attends the concluding
Executive Committee Coming together of the year, the Convention, and the first Executive Committee Meeting of the succeeding year. The Department Commander tin can excuse an individual from a required meeting.

Department 2 -- Chapters IN Skillful STANDING

A chapter in adept standing is i that has compiled all reporting procedures. Any affiliate that has not forwarded the required reports to the Department Adjutant (Election Study) and the Section Finance Officer (Finance Study and PA Chapter Grant report) past 15 May annually, or has failed to respond to reasonable requests from the Department Commander, is non a chapter in good standing and incurs the risk of being in default and shall not receive Department Grant monies. The chapter will not be entitled to vote at Department meetings. The Department Fiscal Yr is 1 June through 31 May.

Section 3 -- GRANT MONIES

In accordance with a February ten, 1971 Agreement with the War machine Lodge of the Regal Heart Service Foundation, the Department of Pennsylvania receives fifty percent of the net profits from Imperial Heart Austerity/Recycling Stores located within the Democracy of Pennsylvania to conduct a Service Program. Whatever funds excess to the Service Plan can exist used for the support of the veteran and family. Funds are to be used only within the Country where raised. Each year the Section Finance Officer obtains from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Republic of Pennsylvania's State Veterans Homes inpatient and outpatient work load of VA Hospitals, Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Land Veterans Homes. This data is used in developing our annual budget to include each affiliate'southward allocated funding. Each chapter has a designated site which is their primarily expanse of responsibility. If the amount of funds received by the affiliate exceeds the needs of that site, the chapter commander has the authority to explore and fund boosted programs with those backlog funds.
Each affiliate commander, unit president, and leader/manager of any system receiving grant funds is required to provide financial records, receipts, etc., to business relationship for all grant funds expended during the Fiscal Year of receipt no later than 15 May annually on the blank voucher form provided by the Department Finance Officer. Although the cutoff date for the Finance Report is 31 May, chapters, units, and organizations receiving grant funds should project their finances forward to that date, but must nevertheless file the report to Department by 15 May. This engagement is driven by the Department's requirement to makes its finish-of-twelvemonth financial written report to the MOPH Service Foundation in a timely manner.
Grant funds provided to the chapters, units, and organizations receiving grant funds will exist expended during the Fiscal Year of receipt.
Capacity, units, and organizations receiving grant funds are restricted to the accrual of two years of General Authoritative Funds (funds raised by the affiliate) in accord with Military Order of the Purple Eye Service Foundation guidance.
Chapter commanders, unit presidents, and leader/managers of whatever system receiving grant funds are cautioned not to expend Department Grant Coin for chapter, unit, or organizations receiving grant fund functions. Section Grant Funds given to the capacity are oftentimes referred to as VAVS monies.
Grant funds will exist provided to the chapter, unit, and organizations receiving grant funds representative at the Department Convention. Run across Section 4 (CONVENTION) paragraph c. Capacity, units, and organizations receiving grant funds non attending the Convention volition not receive Grant Funds.
As indicated in Commodity VII Section two, grant funds tin only be provided to capacity in adept continuing. The provisions of SECTION 2, including the submission of election reports, will also apply to units and organizations receiving grant funds. Organizations without current election reports are considered inactive and therefore cannot receive, disburse, and account for grant funds.

SECTION iv – SCHOLARSHIPS

a.   The Department has a scholarship plan for members of the MOPH Department of Pennsylvania. Subject field to the availability of funds, scholarship awardees may receive up to two $1000 scholarships per year for four years.
b.   To be eligible, an bidder must be a graduate or upcoming graduate (Senior) of a high school, or be-accustomed past or enrolled as a Total-Time undergraduate educatee (12 or more semester credit hours, or 18 quarter credit hours, or every bit adamant past the school) at an accredited U.S. College, Academy or Trade School in Pennsylvania at the time the scholarship is awarded. (Graduate students are not eligible).
c.   The Department Finance Officeholder will brand recommendations to the Finance Committee for the corporeality of funding to be budgeted for the Scholarship Program.
d.   The choice of applicants will be decentralized to the Chapter level where a Committee volition select their proposed awardees by June fifteen annually. The Commission will consist of non- relatives of Scholarship applicants. Scholarship Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the Department Finance Officer NLT July xv.
e.   Specific details, to include the scholarship awarding, will be posted on the Department Spider web Site.

SECTION 5 – CONVENTION AND Department EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Coming together EXPENSES

The Finance Officer will gear up the amount patriots pay to attend the Convention and Section Executive Committee meetings.
The cost will include a Registration Fee associated with preparing materials. All attendees must pay the Registration Fee.
The costs will also include a Convention Fee for food, entertainment, and refreshments. Only patriots availing themselves of the nutrient, entertainment and/or refreshments are required to pay this fee.

PART Three

RITUAL

Article I

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DEPARTED PATRIOTS

GENERAL. In improver to the pertinent rituals of the National Military Order of the Majestic Heart, The Section of Pennsylvania will conduct a modified Memorial Service to:

Honor both MOPH DOP and Ladies Auxiliary members – and past extension, all gainsay wounded veterans and their spouses – who take passed abroad in the period between Department Conventions.
The service will be conducted past the MOPH DOP Chaplain, assisted past the Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain, or their substitutes.
Affiliate commanders will ensure that the members of their chapters who accept passed away are reported to the Section Chaplain.