The Military order of the Cootie started in 1920 when members of the Imperial order of the Dragon joined with World War I [the Great War] Veterans to form an Honor degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The term Cootie refers to the lice that so bothered the WWI Vets as they lived in the trenches. The Doughboys said that within 1 or 2 days after being deloused, the Seam Squirrels would find their way back into the uniforms. Then as now Cooties see as their primary duty the bringing of comfort and joy to hospitalized Veterans hence their slogan "keep em smiling in beds of white"

The Military order of the Cootie is structured on a National [Supreme], State [Grand] and local [Pup Tent] level.

Pup Tent 51, "Foul Balls" Grand of Minnesota was charted in March of 1958. The name "Foul Balls" was selected because the "Scratches" [meetings] were held within ear shot of the old Metropolitan Stadium where the Minnesota Twins used to play. Only two of the original members [Bernie Enright and Ted Rath] are still with us. The present top officers of Pup Tent 51 are Seam Squirrel [head guy] Bill Hagstrom, Blanket Bum [next in line] "Andy" Anderson and Hide Gimlet [pretty soon it will be my turn] Archie Weidner. Pup Tent 51 has produced many outstanding leaders for the upper echelons of the Military order of the Cooties including the present Supreme [National level] Commander Tom Tweet.