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 Frank Piontek, President, VVA #1027 The motto of the Vietnam Veterans of America is NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER. This stems from the lack of camaraderie, information and administration services given to Vietnam Veterans from WWII Veterans. We were not unique in receiving this antipathy in an organized fashion. To be precise, the Korean Conflict Veterans, were shunned by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Society since they were not in a real war. This also applied to us, the Veterans of the Vietnam Conflict who also were not in a real war. Many of us did collect respect and solidarity from our WWII and Korean War dads and uncles, brothers and cousins. However, our families & friends were not in the position to bring to the forefront any benefit information we might be entitled to, except for VA education compensation. Bridging the Gap: From Vietnam to Present 20 Years since Operation Desert Storm War in Iraq March 19, 2003 December 15, 2011 The 2012 National Memorial Day Parade, our nation s largest Memorial Day parade, will feature a special tribute recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcoming home those who have served. The parade will mark the first major public event in Washington paying tribute to the Iraq war generation since the conclusion of operations in December As a consequence, countless thousands missed out on the countless thousands they should have rightfully accrued. According to the 2010 US Census, there are 22.6 million military veterans. 7.6 million are Vietnam era veterans. Thirty-five percent of all living veterans served during this time ( ). In addition, 4.8 million served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present); 2.1 million in World War II ( ); 2.6 million in the Korean War ( ); and 5.5 million in peacetime only. Our Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1027 is proud to have as a standing order that we will Bridge the Gap between our era and the current era of Heroes. We serve to make certain that all returning Gulf War Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans acquire at least the logistical and administrative information they need to help them as they move forward. We advise: Step 1: Get a copy all of your Medical Records and Medical files. Step 2: Get a copy of all your campaigns and duty stations when you were in country. Step 3: Get all the information that you can. While a large-scale ticker-tape parade for Iraq war veterans is unlikely anytime soon, as troops are still deployed to Afghanistan, the valor and sacrifice of the Iraq war generation cannot and should not be ignored. The National Memorial Day Parade will serve as a dignified tribute to those who sacrificed in Iraq, and a place for the public to gather to demonstrate their gratitude, stated Jim Roberts American Veterans Center President. The 2012 National Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 28 along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC. To learn more about the parade, visit com. Turn to page 9 for more Resources for Gulf War Veterans. Design and publication of HEROES is sponsored by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. 1 V V A C h a p t e r # S t. J o e s p h C o u n t y P. O. B o x 4 S o u t h B e n d, I N

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 Mishawaka Memorial Day Parade May 28, 2012 Marine Corps League Gulf Outing Call Other Memorial Day or July 4th Ceremonies call: American Legion Post American Legion Post VFW Post VVW Post 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 Marine Corps League #95 The Disabled American Vets

3 Message from the Vice President Dave Martin (66-67 In-Country) As we embark upon our 3rd year of existence as a Vietnam Veterans Chapter, I am both somewhat disappointed, but remain proud. Disappointed that we have not yet reached/helped more veterans in need. But, I set the bar high for others and myself. That said, I am very proud of our Board and our members, and every bit of the extremely positive impact and difference we have made as a group. As we move into and through 2012, I commit as much effort as I can, to increasing our members; educating Veterans on their well-deserved benefits; and exposing (at every opportunity) our unwavering desire to Bridge The Gap between all veterans, past and present. Some important information to share: There are approximately 25,000 Veterans in Saint Joseph County. Of that number, a relatively small percentage is registered with the Veterans Administration. Please sign up! It is free and comes with numerous benefits on purchases at local retailers, to eligibility for healthcare services, and also, the increased number helps each and every one of us. We all know how the powers at be look at small numbers and cut budget and funding without good cause. Sign up this is a way to silently be heard. Carry the flag for each other! Help Bridge The Gap! Your involvement and resources are needed. Volunteering to help your brothers IS OK. We re not in the service where volunteering was bad. Step up proudly and be heard. Respectfully written, Dave About VVA Chapter 1027 St. Joseph County, IN Officers & Board of Directors President: Frank Piontek Phone: piontekf@trinity-health.org Vice President: Dave Martin Phone: martind@1stsource.com Secretary/Founder: Earl Simon Phone: paulswims@att.net Treasurer: C. David Guzicki Phone: cmguzicki@sbcglobal.net Board: Jerrol Satterfield Phone: Board: Christian Luciani Phone: purestair@yahoo.com Board: Charles McDonald, Jr. Phone: CharlieMcDonald@remax.net Board: Darwin F. Buzz Stock, Jr. Phone: buzzdotcomc@sbcglobal.net Board & Sgt. of Arms: Harold (Spider) Draves spiderworks1@att.net Chaplain: Dennis Porter Phone: Historian: Ralph Bakle ralphbakle@sbcglobal.net 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. sjmed.com 5

6 Photo Album Steve York For the first time in over 20 some odd years, three carrier strike groups got together in formation for a great photo op. From top to bottom are the aircraft carriers, Abraham Lincoln, Kitty Hawk and Ronald Reagan. Not seen: the 4 nuclear powered submarine standing guard. Dan Cichos 6

7 Dick Williams in Germany Ron Bobeleny Hill Ralph Balke on Shore John Mitchell 7

8 Note from Our Members Jerry Satterfield, Board Member As I look back at these soon to be three years, I see all the things this chapter has been able to accomplish. We have a great looking newsletter with the help of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Our Chapter 1027 has donated money to notably, the Northern Indiana Food Bank, as well as several other local non-profit-organizations. We have helped clean up and dedicate the Robert Miller Cemetery for Homeless veterans. We have been in two Memorial Day Parades in the South Bend Westside and Mishawaka. We have been given a Proclamation from the City of Mishawaka, for Welcome Home Day for Vietnam and Vietnam Era Vets, on March 30th of every year. As far as we know the only city in the State of Indiana to do so. We had a successful fundraiser, worked two military days at Coveleski Stadium. We have represented Chapter 1027 at the V.A. Center on Miami St. in South Bend as well at the Century Center for Embracing Veterans on Martin Luther Day. We established a monthly lunch at Yakity Yaks the second Thursday of every month at Noon. All Veterans are welcome! Come to one of these you will have fun. These and many more things have been accomplished. Thanks to all that have made these things possible, Chapter 1027 is grateful. We can do more if more members would step up to the plate and help. Become a committee member or chair one, give us ideas. We need several committees and Chairpersons, your officers and board members need your help. Welcome Home. Jerry Satterfield, Board Member 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...Drew McClain LaPorte...John Wantuch x 216 Porter...Louis Stanko Starke...Golden Richie Marshall...Josh Wakeland Fulton...Bernie Holloway Cass...Larry Lowry Howard...Bob Ladd Miami...Jay Kendall x 217 or x 271 White...Tom Carter Carroll...Larry Leach Pulaski...Steve Seifert President s Note: If you need to know anything about Local, National or Obscure Veterans Issues, JD is your Logistics Officer. 8

9 American Veterans Center The mission of the American Veterans Center is to preserve and promote the legacy of America s servicemen and women from World War II through today s military. The Center works with veterans to record their personal experiences through documentary and speaker programs, its magazine American Valor Quarterly, and events such as the National Memorial Day Parade. JOBS JOBS JOBS Do you know the top 100 companies that are Vet Friendly? 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 www. ngwrc.org, 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 Memorial Day Parade 2012 The plans for the 63rd Annual Mishawaka Meorial Day Parade are under way! The Memorial Day Parade Committee (MPDC) has already had its first meeting for The MDPC has facilitated this annual event in Mishawaka for decades, seeking permission from the Board of Public Works and Safety to hold the parade on the federally observed holiday, as well as asking for parade route approval. While the theme and specifics have yet to be determined for 2012, it is known that the MDPC is currently working on its website and Facebook page to provide the community with parade details and information. Help us celebrate Memorial Day 2012, on May 28th. Check for details, information and participation forms. Please Note: The City of Mishawaka does not organize the parade. It is organized by the MDPC. The City does try to provide information to residents when it becomes available. SPECIAL NOTICE St. Joseph County, Indiana, Chapter 1027 took part in the Embracing Veterans activity on January 16 at the annual Martin Luther King Day in South Bend, Indiana. An array of services from local out reach agencies, including VSO (Veteran Service Officer) member, Kevin Kelshiemer, attended to offer help to homeless veterans. Among other things, Chapter 1027 members Robert Eberlein, Christian Luciani, Jerrol Satterfield, Ralph Bakle and Darwin Buzz Stock helped check veterans in and directed them to the appropriate service stations. President s Note: If anyone needs any Quartermaster Gear from any branch of the military from any war, Christian Luciani, Past Commander, VFW 1167, knows how to find and deliver it to you. 10

11 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 Meet South Bend s New Mayor Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the chief executive of the City of South Bend. The city s thirty-second mayor, he was sworn into office on January 1, As mayor, Buttigieg supervises the enforcement of municipal codes and state laws, appoints and supervises department officers, and communicates with the Common Council on financial issues and policy affairs. He also serves as the representative for the city and its residents for special events and ceremonies. Buttigieg is working to strengthen the local economy by retaining and attracting businesses, partner with the local public school system, manage a cutting-edge and transparent city administration, and provide safety and security by empowering neighborhoods throughout our community. Buttigieg was born in South Bend and grew up in the North Shore Triangle neighborhood of the city. He was valedictorian of St. Joseph s High School in 2000 and graduated from Harvard University in He worked for former U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen in Washington, D.C. before he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford from 2005 to After obtaining a degree from Oxford, Buttigieg worked for McKinsey & Company, a top consulting firm, where he was responsible for advising senior business and government leaders on major decisions related to economic development, energy policy, strategic business initiatives, and logistics. His work took him around the country and the world, including to Iraq and Afghanistan. Buttigieg is also an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He lives in the same neighborhood where he grew up, where he is restoring a once vacant home. 11

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 Treasurer - C. David Guzicki, USMC Get Involved Any success that a organization will have depends on the help and participation of all of its members. This of course, includes our group, VVA Chapter Attend as many meetings as possible and take an active part at the meetings. Your input is greatly valued. I know its hard for some of us oldtimers to get around. If thats the case, take time to any of the officers or board members listed elsewhere in this newsletter with any idea s or comments you wish to make. This also includes any one reading this newsletter. Let us know what kind of articles you like to see. Our recent veterans day raffle generated some much needed revenue for us. With the help of VFW Post 9820 we raised enough moneyto make sizeable donations to the following groups: Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Miller s Vets, Hope Ministries and the Center for the Homeless. This is one of our main goals, to help local organizations that benefit our local community. The major winners of the raffle were Christian Luciani, Ed Selent, Aiden Fox, Ralph Bakle, Larry Stafford, Ed Carrico and Irv Finkler. Thanks again to all that supported us. Semper Fi. Message from the Secretary - Earl Simon Serving our Members As our membership continues to grow and our Chapter 1027 becomes more self-sufficient, it might be time to reflect on how your Vietnam Veterans of America group can serve you our members. First of all, if all members would give of themselves in any way possible---as an Officer, Board member or help on a committee; this would make our Chapter even stronger and we would have a larger voice throughout St. Joseph County and the surrounding areas. Every Vietnam Veteran and every single Vietnam Era Veteran has something to offer. We all have hidden talents to share with our fellow veterans. Ask any Officer or Board Member how you could help and they will gladly point you in the right direction. Everyone can spare as little as five hours a year on helping at an event or by making a larger commitment. Like it has been said by others, it is great to volunteer for an important cause to help our fellow veterans. We all served Our Country and now we can help our own by sharing knowledge on the benefits we are due and to extend our comrade into lasting friendships. Dick Williamson was another Charter member that helped start our Group at the very beginning. New members that very recently joined our Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1027: John Caldemone Richard Labonte Michael Lannoo James Kytta We appreciate the many of you that have recently renewed your membership. Every one of you is a part of this organization and can have a voice in our Chapter We all depend on each other and may I say, Thank you and may you be blessed. 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. 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 14

15 THE CHAPLAINS CORNER Gifts, Benefits & Thankfulness Thomas Jefferson said: My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! John Quincy Adams wrote, Posterity you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. The gift of these possessions and freedoms we enjoy were bought and paid for by the sweat and blood of veterans. Many Americans don t realize the price paid for their benefits. Romans 6:23 says: For the wages of sin is death;. but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord. The GIFT is Eternal Life. Romans 10:13 says: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The Benefit is Salvation. How often do we neglect the gifts and benefits that God has provided for us? In Christ, Chaplain Dennis Porter These reflections do not reflect the sentiments of our entire chapter. Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran s Center Opens in South Bend The Center for the Homeless recently celebrated the opening of the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran s Center in South Bend. This beautiful facility welcomes 25 male veterans, with bedrooms, baths, a kitchenette, a gathering room that opens into the Community Garden, and a front desk, offices and conference area. This residential facility will be home to 25 U.S. veterans who are experiencing homelessness. While each guest of the Veteran s Center will have access to all the Center for the Homeless programming, they will also receive specialized, including assistance for post-traumatic stress disorder. The Center worked with the U.S. Department of Veteran s Affairs to ensure all areas of need will be addressed. A VA representative will be based at the new facility to expedite care to this population. Founded in 1988, the Center for the Homeless is a nationally recognized facility and is home to nearly 215 people on any given day, including nearly 60 children. Its residents and staff work with the community to break the cycle of homelessness through personal development, education and job-training programs. In the winter months, the Center opens its doors to an additional 30 men, women and children through its Weather Amnesty program. Photos from the dedication of the Center on Veteran s Day, November 11,

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 Include: Copy of DD214 Discharge Document Date of Birth: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: Payment (Check payable to VVA Chapter #1027) 1 Year Membership..$20 3 Year Membership... $50 (save $10) Life Membership: Age 29 & Under...$250 Age $225 Age $200 Age $175 Age 66 & Over...$150 Mail to: Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA Chapter #1027 St. Joseph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN 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 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 8) 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.