The President Notes: Bridging The Gap

Transcription

1 Vol.1 No.4 Apr-June 2011 Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another The President Notes: Bridging The Gap Dave Martin, President, VVA # 1027 As the current president of VVA Chapter # 1027, I plan to broaden our support of our We Bridge The Gap motto to champion rights of all veterans. We continue to gather the Vietnam Vets, reach out to the WWII and Korean Vets, and are working diligently to embrace all those from Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others. We will maintain our sincere intention of assisting, educating about earned & deserved benefits and the camaraderie that is reasonable to us all. We are very proud of our members and friends ability to support some of the following events and important challenges: Toys for Tots Memorial Day Parades Local VFW Post 9820 Military Day at the Cove VFW Burial Detail Marine Mud Run Kokomo IN Veterans Reunion Numerous donations to local food pantries, Miller s Vets and other community needs as requested Important information brought forward from our previous president. Really, these are must do s! 1. Get a copy of all your Medical Records and Medical Files 2. Get a copy of all your campaigns and duty stations 3. Get as much as much historical information about your service time as possible 4. Retain and protect this information All Veterans: Stop by one of our monthly meetings, see what we are all about, join a growing voice for our earned benefits and common cause. If making a meeting is not possible, feel free to contact anyone of our Board Members for information. Our Very Own: Kevin D. Kelsheimer, St. Joseph County Veteran Service Officer We welcome Kevin home! Kevin Kelsheimer is St. Joseph County s Veteran Service Officer. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1950 and moved to South Bend in Kevin attended Clay High School and Southwestern Michigan College. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in February1969, and completed boot camp at MCRD, San Diego, and advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton, California. While in Vietnam, from August 1969 to August 1970, Kevin received the Navy Achievement Medal with Valor device, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the RVN Cross of Gallantry medal (Republic of Vietnam). After his tour in Vietnam, he was stationed at Henderson Hall, Washington DC, as an MP at the Pentagon until he was honorably discharged in February In October 1973, he joined the St. Joseph County Police Department as the department s first scuba diver and established the first dive team. He served 16 years in warrants and the remaining years on road patrol and courthouse security. In February 2001, he retired after 27 ½ years. Feeling like he was entirely too young to retire, he continuing working for St. Joseph County as the Capital Assets Inventory Specialist for 5 years. (Continued on pg. 10) Design and publication of HEROES is sponsored by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. 1 VVA Chapter # 1027 St. Joesph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN

2 Upcoming Events Board Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at the Marine Corps League 539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN :30 PM EST All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Marine Corps League 539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN PM EST City of Mishawaka Proclamation: National Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day March 30, 2012 Call or any Officer listed Marine Corps League Golf Outing Call Call any of the Veterans Groups Below for Veterans Day Activities & Meetings: American Legion Post American Legion Post VFW Post VVW Post Marine Corps League #95 Disabled American Veterans Elkhart Chapter # Disabled American Veterans Marshall County Chapter # Mess Call Lunch with the Vietnam Veterans 2nd Thursday every month Noon at Yakety Yak Café 701 W. 4th St., Mishawaka American Legion Post 161 Fish Fry every Friday from 4:30 to 7 pm Marine Corps League Club Hours: Monday Friday, 3-9 pm Saturday 3 11 pm All Navy/Marine Lunch Brunch 1st Wednesday every month Noon at Allie s Café 2323 W. Mishawaka Ave., South Bend Seadogs 3rd Wednesday every month Noon at Honkers 211 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka

3 Message from the Vice President Frank Piontek (1969 In-Country) Hi troops! Dave Martin and I switched roles and he is doing a terrific job at the helm. Here is a Bridge the Gap story. What about these odds? Five men from Sub Unit One 1st ANGLICO (Air-Naval- Gunfire- Laison-Company) returned to Viet Nam in March this year. Joel Eisenstein, Zeke George, Tom Williamson, Dan McMahon and Joe Swift (middle) were joined by their friends Elic Cundiff, Larry Sheagley, Bill Wescott and John Maurer. The retired NVA Colonel (far right) asked us where we were in Vietnam. We fought against this particular band of NA. It was very, very spooky. The NVA they are pictured with were celebrating the NVA victory over the ARVN at Quang Tri, the Easter Offensive in the spring of 1972 after all the American ground troops had departed. About VVA Chapter 1027 St. Joseph County, IN Officers & Board of Directors President: Dave Martin Phone: martind@1stsource.com Vice President: Frank Piontek Phone: piontekf@trinity-health.org Secretary: Jerrol Satterfield Phone: nitroman65@aol.com Treasurer: C. David Guzicki Phone: gmguzicki@sbcglobal.net Sgt. Of Arms: Harold (Spider) Draves Phone: spiderworks1@att.net Quartermaster: ChrisitanLuciani Phone: purestair@yahoo.com Historian: Ralph Bakle Phone: ralphbakle@sbcglobal.net Brd/Founder: Earl Simon Phone: paulswim@att.net State Delegates: Name: Joe Swift Phone: dtnjoe@comcast.net Name: Paul Oyler Phone: pauloy@hotmail.com Name: Dave Rothenhoefer Phone: welsheimerfuneralhome@yahoo.com Want to receive HEROES? If you would like to receive a copy of HEROES, simply provide one of our officers with your address and we will add you to the mailing list. Membership not necessary. 3

4 VA Extends Agent Orange & Gulf Wars Benefits Agent Orange: Diseases Related to Agent Orange Exposure VA assumes that certain diseases are related to qualifying military service. These are called presumptive diseases. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Also, VA presumes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans with 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service. Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits for diseases that VA has recognized as related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for survivors benefits. Veterans Diseases Related to Agent Orange Exposure Acute and Subacute Peripheral AL Amyloidosis Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease) Chronic B-cell Leukemias Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) Hodgkin s Ischemic Heart Multiple Myeloma Non-Hodgkin s Lymphoma Parkinson s Disease Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Prostate Cancer Respiratory Cancers Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma) Gulf War Veterans Illnesses: Infectious Diseases diseases.asp VA presumes certain infectious diseases are related to military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan. Eligible Veterans may receive disability compensation and health care for these diseases. VA presumes the following infectious diseases are related to military service in Southwest Asia theater of operations during the first Gulf War starting August 2, 1990, through the conflict in Iraq and on or after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan. Veterans must have the diseases within the time frames shown above and have a current disability as a result of that disease in order to receive disability compensation. Malaria Brucellosis Campylobacter Jejuni Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) Shigella Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Nontyphoid Salmonella Visceral Leishmaniasis West Nile Virus For more information contact anyone on page 3. Read about new VA Diseases for Gulf War Vets on page 12. 4

5 We honor life. On March 8, 2012, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center unveiled our World Trade Center Memorial. A combination of concrete and steel weighing over three tons from Tower 1, the memorial is located in the main lobby of our Mishawaka Campus, at 5215 Holy Cross Parkway. All are welcome to visit. It is a tremendous privilege to display this memorial, to serve as a permanent remembrance of those who lost their lives, as well as to honor those who serve our country. 5 Mishawaka Plymouth South Bend sjmed.com

6 Photo Album Don Betty The crew at Kokomo September 2012 Terry Fournier Dave Rothenhoefer stirring things up 6

7 Richard Labonte Dick Williamson in Germany On guard with George L. Searfoss Ralph Balke 7

8 From the Desk of Your Secretary Jerry Satterfield, Secretary Hi, my name is Jerry Satterfield, and I am your new secretary. Let me tell you a little about myself. I enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in 1964, in October of 1965 I was sent to active duty. The Navy sent me to Norfolk Naval Base to wait further assignment. While there was asked what type of ship I wanted to serve on, and what coast I wanted to go to. Told them that I wanted an aircraft carrier or a cruiser, and wanted the west coast. Well, with their infinite wisdom they assigned me to an ammunition ship and on the East Coast. As you can tell I was not in Vietnam or in Vietnam waters, I am a Vietnam era veteran and proud that I served at that time. I want you the members of Chapter 1027 of VVA to know that I will work hard for you and for the betterment of the chapter. Should any questions or ideas arise, please feel free to come to me or call, and together we will work on them with the help of other officers and board members. I respect every one of you serving in Vietnam. Upcoming Event: Holiday Dinner/Meeting For VVA Members, Chapter 1027 December 5, pm Marine Corp League 539 Parry St., South Bend, IN This is a catered dinner for members and their spouses and significant others, Bring a Toy for Tots, there will be door prizes and 50/50 lots of fun to be had so please plan on attending. Welcome home. Respectfully Yours, Jerry Satterfield Veteran Service Officers JD Swift Please see the following for the names telephone contact information for the 2nd District County Veteran Service Officers. These are the point people to get your VA claim started: St. Joseph...Kevin Kelsheimer Elkhart...Gary Whitehead LaPorte...George Watkins x 2216 Porter...James Lynch Starke...Golden Richie Marshall...Josh Wakeland Fulton...Bernard L. Holloway Cass...Larry Lowry Howard...Robert Bob Ladd Miami...Jay Kendall x 217 or x 271 White...Tom Carter Carroll...Larry Leach Pulaski...Edward A. Fleury President s Note: If you need to know anything about Local, National or Obscure Veterans Issues, JD is your Logistics Officer. 8

9 Race to Save Lives Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center will be hosting a Veteran s Day Weekend Race to Save Lives - in partnership with United Health Services and the Suicide Prevention Center. In the United States, 101 people die by suicide each day. It s estimated that 18 of these are members of our military. This is a race to save these lives by bringing awareness and education to our community to prevent another tragic death. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K and 10K races will start and end on the Mishawaka Campus. Questions? Call ext. 120 or go to Gulf War Veterans Resources Grant Szabo, Editor/Founder, In 1994 while working as a Social Work Intern for the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Chicago, IL, I was seeing a lot of veterans from the first Gulf War who had many odd health complaints that were all of a similar nature. At the time the VA was offering no compensation and in fact the government was denying entirely that anything had happened to these service men and women, in spite of what I can only describe as overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The impetus for starting the website came from the fact that at the time, the VA was offering a Persian Gulf War Registry examination with the restriction that a veteran needed to apply for it within 2 years of discharge. The registry itself didn t offer any help other than create a database of individuals who indicated what they believed to be health related issues that were service connected. The idea here was that IF the government decided down the road that there was a service-connected claim, that these folks would be contacted. So, that s how the Gulf War Veteran Resource pages started. The site has helps vets find one another or find others with similar problems/issues. It also provides information on how to get advice and help from other veterans. Occasionally post new articles or links are posted. The content that really drives things are: 1) The Locator Database 2) Tracings in the Sand 3) Veteran Photos I would especially recommend that you highlight information about the National Gulf War Resource Center at who I have partnered with since 1995 to help connect GW veterans who need help with a live person who can help them. The NGWRC is a non-profit organization. They publish a self-help guide that is worthy of being highlighted. President s Note: Many thanks to Grant Szabo, Editor and Founder of this website, for his work and expertise, documentary and speaker programs, its magazine American Valor Quarterly, and events such as the National Memorial Day Parade. 9

10 Medal for Heroism Thomas Willie Jones was awarded a long overdue Navy/ Marine Corps bronze medal for heroism that involves the voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an opposing armed force. The medal was established to recognize non-combat heroism in Jones is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America and was presented with the citation of heroism at St. Augustine Church in South Bend on June 3 after Mass. Several VVA Members were on hand to present Willie the medal. A reception followed. Remember Your Indiana Veterans Benefits President s Note: Mayor Dave Wood and the Mishawaka City Council were the only city in the State of Indiana to recognize National Vietnam Veterans Day (on 30 March 2011). Mayor of Mishawaka David. A Wood reminds all Hoosier Veterans that the State of Indiana offers significant Veterans Benefits. Some of the State benefits that may apply are: County Veterans Service Officers Employment Assistance Golden Hoosier Passport High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veterans Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Motor Vehicle License Plates Peddlers, Vendors, or Hawkers License Property Tax Abatements Remission of Fees (Free Tuition) for the Child/Children of a Disabled Veteran Remission of Fees for Indiana Purple Heart Recipients Resident Veteran Hunting & Fishing License The Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Children s Home The Veterans Home Vital Documents For Veterans Benefits More information at 10

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12 Message from The Honorable Joe Kernan The Opening of the VVA Post #127 was so important. We now have an organization in St. Joseph County where we can re-establish old relationships and build new ones a place we can call home. My thanks to each of you who served and a special congratulations to the leaders of Post #1027 who made this all happen. Welcome home, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Governor Joe Kernan 114 E. Pokagon, South Bend, Indiana VA Benefits: Gulf War Veterans Gulf War Veterans who meet the criteria below do not need to prove a connection between their military service and illnesses in order to receive VA disability compensation. VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for 6 months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause. These presumptive illnesses must have appeared during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations or by December 31, 2016, and be at least 10 percent disabling. These illnesses include: Chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition of long-term and severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. Find out more about chronic fatigue syndrome, treatment, and the latest medical research at Medline Plus. Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread muscle pain. Other symptoms may include insomnia, morning stiffness, headache, and memory problems. Find out more about fibromyalgia, treatment, and the latest medical research at Medline Plus. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, a group of conditions marked by chronic or recurrent symptoms related to any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Functional condition refers to an abnormal function of an organ, without a structural alteration in the tissues. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome. Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that may include but are not limited to: abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances. Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including a Gulf War Registry health exam, health care, and disability compensation for diseases related to military service. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. See the Bulletin Board at 12

13 Message from the VVA Liaison-Founder Earl Simon The growth of our membership continues to grow and as of now we have 92 members. Of that total number 27 are Life Members, representing more than a third of our membership. Becoming a Life Member really shows your confidence and support of the Vietnam Veterans of America plus you do not have to be concerned of renewing your membership every year. Depending on your age, you can be done with yearly dues in 8 years or less. Please consider renewing your annual membership into a life membership. Not all of us can do this today, but if you can, you will be blessed to know that your membership will be working for you non-stop for the rest of your life. Help us reach our goal of 100 active members by December 31 by bringing a new member to the special dinner- meeting on December 5. Just bring a Toy for a Tot to the dinner. New members that recently joined our Chapter 1027: Howard Barrett Steven Clausaon Dennis Gray William Rudlaff Michael Bella Keith Faulstich Dallas Sharpe Daton Whelan Our Very Own: Kevin D. Kelsheimer (continued from cover) In 2006, Kevin became aware that the St. Joseph County Veteran Service Officer position was opening as the current service officer was going to retire. Kevin applied for the job and got it. In the last 6 years he has received an award from the Marine Corps League for outstanding service officer and for 6 consecutive years, he has received an award from the American Legion for providing over several million dollars, each year, in benefits for veterans, totaling over $33 million. Kevin is often invited to speak about veteran s benefits at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, Real Services, The VFW, and The American legion. Kevin serves as a representative on Congressman, Joe Donnelly s Veteran s Affairs Board. Kevin is married to Rose and has three sons, Rick, Bruce, and Vince, and three grandchildren, Bruce III, Connor, and Emery. Two sons served in the Marine Corps. The youngest son served two tours of duty overseas. Kevin is related by marriage to Alex Penkala, who was one of the Band of Brothers. It is the Veteran It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. SOURCE: theuncloggedblog.blogspot.com 13

14 Support our VVA Chapter 1027 Donations of cash and property to VVA Chapter 1027 are tax deductible. Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another We re helping the veterans who are coming home wounded or disabled get the medical care they need. We re also assisting Gulf War, Afghan War and Iraq War veterans with benefits counseling and other essential services to help them rebuild their lives after wartime service. I hope you will continue to support all veterans by sending a gift to the VVA today. Contact Frank Piontek or Dave Martin for details (page 3). And we re making sure the VA healthcare and other benefits aren t the victims of shortsighted budget cuts that forget the service of our new veterans, and neglect the sacrifices they continue to make even after they come home. Find us on Facebook Be sure to Like our new HEROES VVA #1027 Facebook page. We hope that this new method of communication will be a place where we can connect, share photos and information. 14

15 The Chaplains Corner Chaplain Frank Piontek ALMIGHTY ONE: We do well always and everywhere to give You Thanks and Praise, Trust, Love and Commitments. A Teaching from Jesus: Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times? (Matt 18:21) Jesus stunned him and said I do not say to until seven times; but, until seventy times seven. (Matt 18:22) How many times do you think the SUPREME COMMANDER will forgive us our failure to give Thanks and Praise, Trust, Love and Commitments? Special thanks to Dennis Porter for his prior service as our Chaplain. Please note that these reflections do not reflect the sentiments of our entire chapter. Thanks to our Community Leaders for their support of ALL Veterans: Congressman Joe Donnelly Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center: Al Gutierrez, CEO & President, and Associates: Sister Laureen Painter, Kurt Meyer, Pam Henderson, Ken Hall, Chris Karam, Deb Versaw, Greg Kozlik, Jack Wilkens and Lindahl Wiegand. South Bend Silver Hawks Owner Andrew Berlin Brian Guzicki for his Logistic Abilities Anonymous few: Greg, Maria, Jody - they know who they are. Please give to charities this holiday season. 15

16 Vietnam Veterans of America VVA Chapter #1027 St. Joseph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN VVA Chapter #1027 is open to all eligible veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 2/28/1961 OR in any duty location between 8/5/1964 and 5/7/1975. Regardless of race, creed, sex, extraterrestrial status, et al. VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAN, CHAPTER 1027 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans who served on active duty (for other than training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, Name: Address Date of Birth: City: State: Zip: Important Numbers & Links 1) VVA Internet Access Internet access to information and the scoop on our local Chapter # 1027 can be found at How to access our chapter: On the left side, scroll down and click on Locate Your Local VVA Chapter. Then click on IN and find VVA Chapter # Click on that link and you are there. 2) Guide to Gulf War Vets Health: www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/vhigulfwar. pdf 3) Center for Minority Veterans: www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans 4 Center for Women Veterans www1.va.gov/womenvet Home Phone: Work Phone: 5) Link to Numerous Popular VA Forms Veteran to Veteran * Knowledge is Power Veterans Helping Veterans thru the VA Maze 6) South Bend VA Outpatient Clinic 5735 S. Ironwood Road South Bend, IN Phone: or Fax: ) Online Memorial Mail to: Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA Chapter #1027 St. Joseph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN ) Agent Orange: Alphabetized Ships List VA has released a list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships associated with military service in Vietnam and possible exposure to Agent Orange based on military records: va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/ list.asp. 9) Star Spangled Banner Challenge