The Filipino American Veterans Society, Inc. is open to all military
members active, reserve, retired, veterans and their surviving
spouse or child of the US Armed Forces.
                                        Mission and Vision

1)        To promote fellowship and unity among Filipino and American veterans.
2)        To provide moral support and assistance to the sick, distressed or deceased member’s.
3)        To maintain a scholarship program for qualified immediate dependents of members.
4)        To improve communication among veterans and network with veterans organizations.
5)        To be an active voice to protect veterans rights, benefits, and entitlement.
6)        To support/participate in community, military-oriented projects.
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2008 OFFICERS

Dave Pagaduan, USN (Ret.)
President

Donnie Villanueva, USN (Ret.)
Vice President

Del Papel
Secretary

Art Gandionco, USNR (Ret.)
Treasurer

Willie Reyes, USN (Ret.)
Marshall

Garfield Jones, USPHS (Ret.)
Chaplain

Dick Aquino, USN (Ret.)
Public Relations Officer


AREA OFFICER-IN CHARGE:
Rudy Alcantara, USN (Ret.)
Arlington

Larry Portillo, USN (Ret.)
Beaches

Joe Flores, USN (Ret.)
Mayport

Bob Bontilao, USA (Ret.)
Orange Park

Pat Patangan, USN (Vet.)
Southside

Fred Cabales, USN (Ret.)
Westside

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Bob Bontilao, USN (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board

Albert Montemayor, USN (Ret.)
Nes Papel, USN (Ret.)
Ding Sabio, USN (Ret.)
Don Villanueva, USN (Ret.)
Pat Patangan, USN (Vet.)
Fred Cabales, USN (Ret.)
Rudy Alcantara, USN (Ret.)
Art Gandionco, USNR (Ret.)

PAST PRESIDENTS
Albert Montemayor, 2007
Bob Bontilao, 2006
Art Gandionco, 2004-05
Filipino Organization
LINKS

Bayanihan Club

Bicol Club
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Filipino American Veterans Society, Inc.
Jacksonville Florida

    FAVS is a non-profit organization registered in the State of Florida
Counter
                                                         FAVS 2008 OFFICERS

         










         Dave Pagaduan, President                      Donnie Villanueva, Vice President













        Art Gandionco, Treasurer                                          Del Papel, Secretary










     Garfield Jones, Chaplain            Dick Aquino, PRO           Wilfredo Reyes, Marshall
Click for MAR 08
Newsletter
President's Message

I am humbled and honored for the honor, trust and confidence you have vested in me to be the President for 2008.  As your President, I pledge to uphold the
Mission and Vision of this great organization. I look forward to working with the newly elected Officers, Board of Directors and fellow members on new ideas and
enthusiasm that will continue to steer the course for future growth, vitality and success.

This past year was truly a very successful year!  With our active participation in the:
•        Purple Heart Walkway Dedication
•        Recognition of FAVS members at the Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony
•        Cooks and Greeters at the World of Nations
•        FAVS Picnic at Mayport
•        Veterans Stand Down
•        Veterans Ball
•        Veterans Parade                                                                                 
With this said there were numerous members who were recognized at the 2008 Induction for their hard work, dedication and service.  Of special note, I would like to
personally thank Mr. Nes Papel for his inspiring leadership, dedication, mentorship and service to this organization. His candor and enthusiasm is always positive
for the betterment of this organization.  Also, I thank and salute Dr. Belle Almojera and Family for graciously offering his home to our honored guest, General and
Mrs. Hilman during the Veterans Weekend Festivities. That kind of action and kindness is certainly an epitome of what our organization exemplifies as a whole. I
know for certain that General Hilman shared his experiences of hospitality, camaraderie and fellowship to his other constituents and that will show them of what a
great city and group of Veterans this city has to represent.  I would like to extend a sincere and grateful “Thank you” to the past officer’s for their leadership,
perseverance and commitment that made 2007 a remarkable and successful year.  I believe that the greatest reward is the personal satisfaction, pride and sense
of accomplishment that we have contributed to our community and fellow Veterans. These FAVS successes and distinguished accomplishments can only bring
honor and distinction to the Filipino citizens and Veterans community and to the city of Jacksonville. We need to continue at this level to maintain the integrity and
success of this organization.  

Right now in the first quarter of 2008, I feel a sense of accomplishment.  With a very successful Board of Directors meeting in early February, our application for the
501(c)19 is on track for fine tuning, review, approval and submission to obtain our long overdue 501(c)3 certificate. With this certificate, it will authorize and legitimize
our fund raising events in support of the Scholarship Program, assistance to members and their dependents and assistance to the needy Veterans.  The
Scholarship Chairman, Mr. Pat Patangan is aggressively working on the scholarship rules and application process and procedures to see that it gets accomplished
early this year.  With everything finalized and approved, we expect to award the first FAVS Scholarship to a deserving FAVS member dependent child before the end
of summer.  These are two major milestones that need to be accomplished in 2008.

I believe that in order for us to stay afloat, we must proceed on a strong membership drive.  Our new membership numbers for last year was not even in the teens.  I
appeal and encourage all members to actively seek our veterans for membership.  This year especially, I would like to see new membership extended to our active
duty personnel.  They after all, are the new generation of today’s fighting men and women that keeps “America Free” and will be our future Veterans and to have
them at our side as current members will only make our voice stronger but provide new ideas, share their talents, new leadership and be an influence.

One of our honored FAVS members, World War II combat veteran and Bataan Death March survivor, Mr. Pat Ganio is from a courageous and dedicated band of
brothers.  He was on of the many thousands of Filipinos that fought side by side with the Americans for the independence and freedom of the Philippines.  They
succeeded in victory!  However, many of the Filipinos were not compensated for their courage and sacrifice.  It is with our pledge and commitment to continue to
advocate and support the campaign locally and nationally for the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans to receive full veteran’s status and pension.

Some of the fast approaching activities and events coming up are the World of Nations on May 1 – 4 and the Veterans Stand Down on May 2 – 3.  I encourage our
members to participate in these very gratifying and rewarding experiences.  More information will be provided via our website and email as it is received.  Also
posted on the website is a 2008 events calendar that displays our scheduled meetings, events and activities.

Monday, March 3rd will be our first General Meeting, and I encourage everyone participation and attendance. Bring a guest and bring a new member. Also, bring
some ideas that we can share, materialize and apply in a fruitful way for this organization to prosper.  

Even though I am not yet permanently retired and working a regular job and running a business at the same time, I am committed to this organization and members
and make myself available for you. If there is anything you would like to talk about or share, have constructive suggestions or comments, I am available. Lets all work
in unity and as a team to accomplish our short term and long term goals and make this another successful year.  Thank you for your service and time. God Bless
you and God Bless America.

Dave O. Pagaduan
President, Filipino American Veterans Society
Welcome Aboard
FAVS welcomes new members

Nick Keller. USN Retired
Mike McNew, USA Retired
Francisco Basilio, USN Retired
Manuel Andres, USN Retired
             First Annual Veterans Day Student Essay Contest

This contest is open to all Jacksonville area dependent children in school grades 9th to 12th of active
duty, reservist and retiree's honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. If you are interested,
please read the contest rules and fill out the application and turn it in. The winner will be recognized
during the Veteran's Ball in November 8, 2008.