By Alyson M. Teeter
While attending the Post 3063 2017-2018 officer induction ceremony and business meeting May 4, 2017, installing officer and state junior vice commander, Linda Fairbank, gave a plug for the “Military Order of the Cootie.” She said this organization within the VFW is a quirky organization that helps others while having fun.
The name alone piqued my interest, so I did a little research and found out some other interesting tidbits about the MOC at http://www.lotcs.org:
- “It is a distinction reserved for “active” members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; those who have succeeded as an officer on any level, or who have demonstrated ability as a leader of a major Post committee or function.”
- “Cooties take on the added responsibility of support for the kids at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, …and support the hospitalized veterans in VA Medical Facilities, domiciliaries, and hospitals around the United States, and throughout the world. “
- “The prime directive of the Military Order of the Cootie is to Have Fun.”
- Their favorite slogans: “Keep ’em Smilin’ in Beds of White,” “Closer than a Brother, Busier than a Bee,” “Increase and Multiply”
- “As our hero, The Great Blue Louse instructs us, “A smile is the one thing that you can give that you will always get back,” we strive to bring humor to our efforts, to our fellow veterans and to those less fortunate than us.
If you’re interested in joining the Military Order of the Cootie and the local “Pup Tent,” contact Linda Fairbank at [email protected].