Our Monument The Historic Dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

Transcription

1 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DAV AND AUXILIARY NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014 Our Monument The Historic Dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial page 13 AVAILABLE FOR TABLETS AND MOBILE DEVICES

2 Join the Fight After years of budget delays, partisan gridlock and access issues for veterans seeking benefits and health care, DAV s fight is far from over. One of the most important pieces of our artillery is you our vocal members and active grassroots supporters. Arm yourself for the coming battles by attending DAV s Mid-Winter Conference at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. There you ll get the facts, visit your lawmakers on Capitol Hill and address your concerns as we work together to improve the treatment of veterans in this country. Stand beside National Commander Ron Hope as he delivers DAV s Legislative Presentation to Congress. The support and direct action from Chapter and Department leaders from across the country make DAV such a strong leader among veterans service organizations. One of DAV s top priorities is advance funding for all of the VA s programs and services. We must ensure our benefits and infrastructure are not used as leverage in political battles. Veterans benefits must get required funding when it s needed. We have seen the consequences of an underfunded VA, and it is one of the major threats to veterans today. The Mid-Winter Conference agenda includes workshops and seminars to help bring you up to speed on our critical issues and efforts and can help guide you as you engage your fellow veterans back home. So plan to take part in one of the most crucial gatherings of DAV leaders from across the country. Join us as we march onward together, fighting for veterans rights and benefits. n DAV Mid-Winter Conference For more information, visit

3 From the NATIONAL COMMANDER RON F. HOPE COMMENTARY Closing the Chapter on 2014 This is the time of year when many of us, myself included, pause and reflect over the past year and enjoy spending more time with loved ones, family and friends. We also look at the year gone by and recall our accomplishments, determine whether or not we achieved personal goals and marvel at the life milestones we have surpassed. Looking back, I don t think I need to remind you it s been a busy and rewarding year for DAV. I m proud to say we stormed the very steps of Congress during Operation: Keep the Promise and, in no uncertain terms, told our elected lawmakers it is their moral and sacred duty to pass the Putting Veterans Funding First Act. By the end of the day, our members bombarded Capitol Hill with more than 10,000 phone calls and s in support of this legislation. While Congress failed to pass this measure, I assure you we have not and will not give up this fight. In October, we dedicated the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. This magnificent memorial belongs to you, and it is certainly long overdue. It s a fitting reminder to all Americans that the phrase freedom isn t free is more than just a cliché. It s a very real statement about the lasting price paid by our disabled veterans, their families and survivors. The year will be remembered in the veteran community for the government shutdown and access crisis. The attention that the challenges facing VA have raised shows us the importance the American people place on our cause. Our ability to leverage a catastrophe to provide a long-term solution may give us greater cause for hope than at any time in the history of the movement. DAV continues to work with the VA and policymakers to fix these issues, but we can t rest until the problems are resolved and all eligible veterans are receiving the quality health care they have earned. While our nation winds down from 13 years of war, I urge you to keep our military men and women close to your hearts. As the force reduction continues, many transitioning service members will be looking for a new family within the veteran community. Urge them to join us as we continue our mission of service to veterans. You can also be part of DAV s efforts by joining DAV CAN (Commander s Action Network), accessible at With just a few clicks, you can your elected representatives and tell them to support legislation that positively affects veterans and their families. Additionally, our 2015 Mid-Winter Conference in Arlington, Va., is just around the corner. If at all possible, I urge you to join me as I deliver testimony to Congress about issues that are most important to the veteran community. Thank you for your service and your commitment. I will close 2014 by wishing you and the ones you hold dear the happiest and safest holiday season. PAGE 1

4 CONTENTS 1 National 3 National 6 DAV s 7 DAV Commander Ron Hope reflects on a year of advocacy and service to veterans and extends his best wishes to veterans and their families this holiday season. Adjutant Marc Burgess reminds us to think of each other and honor all who served as we celebrate this Veterans Day. Service and Legislative experts look at the road ahead for VA and veterans health care. sets forth the year s top legislative priorities. One finance enterprise offers disabled veterans a fresh start in a new industry, with more than half their workforce comprised of prior military. DAV Auxiliary members gather in Lexington, Ky., to share the year s upcoming agenda. Chaplain Michael Dover offers notes on the meaning of spiritual leadership and its value to an organization. FEATURES PHOTO BY C.J. HEATLEY 5 A National Service Officer aids a high school friend and fellow Marine through the challenging transition to civilian life. 13 After more than a decade of planning and preparation, ill and injured veterans finally experience a national memorial to call their own. DVLMF Secretary and DAV Past National Commander, Dennis Joyner 19 DAV releases a groundbreaking new study focusing on the transition issues affecting women veterans of the past and present. DAV MAGAZINE November/December 2014 Contact us: Toll Free Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY Volume 56, Issue 6, DAV Magazine (ISSN ). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH Telephone or toll free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin by the Disabled American Veterans, a Congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH DAV Home Page is Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers. Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send former as well as new address, including zip code, to: DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box , Cincinnati, OH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box , Cincinnati, OH Ron F. Hope National Commander J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher Daniel J. Clare National Director of Communications Ashleigh Bryant Deputy National Director of Communications Joseph R. Chenelly Assistant National Director of Communications Steven Wilson Assistant National Director of Communications Charity Edgar Assistant National Director of Communications M. Todd Hunter Associate National Director of Communications Doreen Briones Production Manager Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer

5 From the NATIONAL ADJUTANT J. MARC BURGESS COMMENTARY The Day We Share as Veterans We all come from different walks of life. As for me, I grew up in the crossroads city of Hattiesburg, Miss., with the liveliest of Southern culture just a short drive in any direction. I joined the U.S. Navy in the late 80s and was absorbed into a new kind of culture one that sticks with you for a lifetime. No matter where you hail from or where you call home, if you re a veteran of the United States military, you are part of a unique family of more than 22 million brothers- and sisters-in-arms. This Veterans Day, don t wait for someone to thank you for your service start by acknowledging and thanking your fellow veterans. The fastest growing population within our community is women veterans, many of whom have crossed the barrier of combat and have returned home wounded, ill or injured. Women have traveled a long way in our military, hurdled numerous walls and continue to display the courage and resolve we expect from those in uniform. As you will see in DAV s new study, I believe the message we must all deliver, both as veterans and as DAV members, is quite clear. If you served, you are a veteran. Women Veterans: the Long Journey Home, the time for debating women in combat is over. Our sisters are there on the front lines, bravely performing their jobs in the face of grave danger. It is no longer a hypothetical situation our women veterans are transitioning home, sometimes deeply physically and emotionally scarred. It has been long reported that too many women, despite their service and sacrifice, do not even consider themselves veterans. This must be corrected, and DAV has the obligation and privilege of assisting them as we do all veterans. I believe the message we must all deliver, both as veterans and as DAV members, is quite clear. If you served, you are a veteran. And if you came home with a serviceconnected disability, then you are one of us, and we are proud to stand beside you. This is our day a day for all veterans. We must remember that and honor each other, just as we served together and fought together. I, for one, am proud to call you all brothers and sisters, especially this Veterans Day. PAGE 3

6 LETTERS VA Needs to Improve Now We veterans have two huge problems with the VA as it is set up today. First, the Compensation and Pension system is flawed. Our whole justice system is set up with the presumption of innocence. The C&P system assumes the veteran is lying unless it can be proved otherwise. There is so much time and money wasted in preventing fraudulent claims that funding for claims is greatly reduced. Second, the federal government and VA are underfunded! Regardless of which party is in control of the White House or Congress, not enough money is being provided to keep the country and its commitments funded. Charles M. Cowan, Louisville, Ky. Serious Issues Still Loom Congratulations to DAV for helping to expose the wrongs that the VA has been doing to veterans for many years! While everyone is patting each other on the back for eliminating both the barriers for health care to all veterans and ending the backlog for initial compensation claims, there is still one area that you need to look into. There are many veterans dying without ever having their appeals heard because of the new backlog and long waiting periods. I am a life member of DAV, and I challenge DAV to do something to bring this injustice to the public s attention. I read all the time in letters to the editor about Service Officers helping veterans get their benefits. I would like to see DAV help these veterans out because the VA and everyone in the government and media just don t care. Wayne D. Gary, Matthews, N.C. Fire Bad Administrators I do appreciate your input as far as VA health care is concerned. I have had many years of experience going to the clinics in Fayetteville, N.C., and, primarily, Durham, N.C. Overall, the care received from the doctors and most nurses is outstanding; I have no complaint. The problem lies with the administrative staff. I have not ever treated people as badly as I have been treated over the last 20 or so years. After all, a government employee cannot be fired, and they do let you know that by their actions and general behavior. Start firing some of those clowns, and just maybe we could have a pleasant visit at one of the facilities. G. Monteadora, Fayetteville, N.C. Money Is Not Everything While I strongly agree that the VA desperately needs additional funding, I pray that someone is keeping an eye on where the money goes. Money, however, is only part of the problem. Find a way to weed out the bad apples at all levels who throw up roadblocks instead of doing their jobs. And this means from the top down. Thank God for DAV and their dedicated, knowledgeable Service Officers, who provide hope and help to the hopeless. They helped me when the system failed, and I ve been a life member ever since. Frank Pappy Badder, San Antonio, Texas The Other Side With all the negative things I read and see on television concerning VA care, I felt a little positive reporting was in order. I have nothing but praise for the VA in Providence, R.I., and Boston. They have helped me, and everyone I have dealt with has been friendly and caring. Ralph G. Crowther, North Attleboro, Mass. Joining the Ranks I think it is about time I added my name to the veterans that have received great care. I retired August 1973 and am proud to say that I feel that I have been taken better care of through the VA than I have from the Medicare and Tricare, even after having to pay the Medicare premium each and every month. W. K. Creed, Saint Marys, Ga. Facebook Women Veterans Report Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your report, Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home, proves the issues and concerns I have had all along. Everything we ve been accused of making up is all validated by this report. It will help shape our women veterans outreach here in Wisconsin for sure. Thank you! Tegan Griffith I am glad you re trying to get more recognition for women. I am so sick of going to the VA and having people asking me where my husband is or telling me they thank him for his service. I wish I had a sweatshirt that says I AM the VETERAN! Jane Eversby WRITE TO US We welcome letters from our readers. Please mail them to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or submit them via to feedback@dav.org. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume received. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/dav) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. Letters used are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Messages involving individual claims are referred to the DAV Service Department. PAGE 4 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

7 SPOTLIGHT on SERVICE To the battlefield and back NSO aids longtime friend in fight for benefits By Ashleigh Bryant e come from small-town America Wvery patriotic and a decent amount of us joined the military, said National Service Officer Supervisor Bryan Cody VanBoxel. Following their high school graduation, he and his friend Jake Pope decided to leave Chardon, Ohio, and join the Marine Corps. I was too nervous I would chicken out, so I joined two weeks after graduation, but Jake wanted to enjoy his summer. VanBoxel remembers losing contact with Pope following his 10-day leave from boot camp. He worked in electronics in the Marine Corps and then served in embassy duty before deploying to Iraq. VanBoxel left the service in I found my way to DAV and was hired in the D.C. office, he recalls. One of our friends from high school contacted me and said Jake had been blown up in Afghanistan and that he was coming to Bethesda. I was able to check on him, and we reconnected. Then I helped him through the process of medical discharge and working his claim. Pope was discharged from the Marine Corps with a VA disability rating but filed an appeal with the help of VanBoxel and his local NSOs. We had to go back and rework his disability claim, said VanBoxel. He lost his leg, but it wasn t just about the amputation. His good leg was injured as well, and he was suffering from a traumatic brain injury everything you would expect from being blown up. With help from VanBoxel, Pope and his wife and young daughter made it through to the end of his in-hospital recovery and made a home in North Carolina. In January of 2014, Pope was awarded a new disability rating for his 2011 injuries and received retroactive pay. Pope (center) and VanBoxel (far right), along with fellow veterans, tour the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., following Pope s injury in Afghanistan. But that wasn t the end of VanBoxel s assistance. This past March, working from his home base at the National Service Office in Philadelphia, he helped the Pope family secure a grant of up to $60,000 for home adaptation that had previously been denied based on the single-leg amputation. I think they were just very thankful, his wife in particular. She s not a pushover, and she doesn t take things lightly. She was a big advocate for him, said VanBoxel. He s in school now working on an engineering degree and doing CrossFit, and they are all finally where they need to be. I m proud to see our NSOs really going above and beyond for their fellow veterans, said National Service Director Jim Marszalek. This is what our work is all about always going to that extra effort to ensure a veteran has received what he or she earned. (Continued on pg. 17) PAGE 5

8 Crucial Challenges and Opportunities for New VA Secretary in Year Ahead By Joseph R. Chenelly After a year of revelations that rocked the Department of Veterans Affairs, new VA Secretary Bob McDonald has outlined a three-pronged plan for his first 90 days in office leading up to Veterans Day, focusing on rebuilding trust, improving service delivery and setting a course for long-term excellence and reform of the VA. While the past year put a spotlight on a number of unacceptable practices and shortcomings at the VA, it has also created a historic opportunity for long-lasting change that can and must be achieved, said Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. Secretary McDonald must seize this opportunity to dramatically reform the VA, first by carefully and effectively implementing the new legislation Congress enacted to expand access. In August, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, legislation that creates a new veterans choice program and provides new resources for VA s health care system. In general, under the law, veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility or who must wait more than 30 days for an appointment will receive a Veterans Choice Card that allows them to receive certain medical care from non-va private providers. While the law may require VA to distribute the cards to as many as 9 million enrolled veterans by November 5, the VA has yet to lay out exactly how and when this will occur. We continue to have concerns about the implementation of this legislation and possible unintended consequences, particularly in connection with the new choice provisions, said Joseph A. Violante, DAV s National Legislative Director. VA must be certain that distribution of choice cards does not create confusion about what The Cincinnati VA medical center was just one stop on VA Secretary Bob McDonald s cross-country tour to get feedback directly from hospital employees and administrators. medical services veterans are entitled to receive outside VA, how and when they must make copayments, how medical records will be returned to VA and how private providers will be paid in a timely manner. Not all veterans who may be eligible for non-va care will actually get to choose their outside provider, and much like the decision of whether to accept insurance, not every non-va care provider will opt to treat veterans through the VA coordinated care program. Importantly, both veterans and private providers must call for prior authorization from the VA. Whatever the final details are, they must be made clear to every veteran and every non-va provider before the card is used, Augustine said. VA must ensure that they correctly implement this choice program so that veterans get the health care they need and deserve, when and where they need it. The new legislation also provides a much-needed and long-overdue infusion of appropriations ($5 billion) to allow VA to expand its internal capacity to treat more veterans. As DAV has frequently testified, more than a decade of inadequate funding for the VA health care system, including for its infrastructure, was the primary cause of the access crisis. DAV believes that this new funding must be targeted to meet actual increases in patient demand and higher costs of caring for aging veterans, to expand its own capacity to deliver care, to hire more medical and support staff and to build and lease more treatment space. It is imperative that the VA use these new resources and authorities to meet the needs of veterans waiting (Continued on pg. 17) PAGE 6 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

9 LEGISLATIVE Update The way forward Legislative goals for the new year By Ashleigh Bryant Each year, the DAV National Convention provides the opportunity for members to set the organization s legislative and public-policy agenda for the upcoming year. At this year s convention in Las Vegas, the membership adopted 132 resolutions, some of which appear below, to help direct the ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of this country s injured and ill veterans and their families. These priorities will guide the work of the National Legislative staff and DAV s grassroots network as we work together, fighting to ensure veterans can access the full range of benefits and services they ve earned, said National Legislative Director Joseph Violante. Disability Compensation and Other Benefits Oppose any recommendations by any commission to reduce or eliminate benefits for disabled veterans. Oppose any proposal that would offset payments of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or any other federal benefits by the amount of VA compensation. Support legislation to provide realistic cost-of-living allowances. Support interest payments for VA retroactive awards of one year or more. Support legislation to remove the offset of Survivor Benefit Plan payments and VA dependency and indemnity compensation. Support legislation to remove the prohibition against concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA disability compensation. Reduce the 10-year rule for dependency and indemnity compensation. Support reform in the Veterans Benefits Administration s disability claims process. Oppose all attempts to change the basis of the VA Rating Schedule from the average impairments of earnings capacity standard. Oppose any change that would redefine serviceconnected disability or restrict the conditions or circumstances under which it may be established. Support legislation to provide service connection to atomic veterans for all recognized radiogenic diseases. PAGE 7

10 Seek legislation to exclude veterans disability compensation from countable income for government programs. Oppose any scheme to means-test disability and death compensation. Medical and Health Care Services Support legislation to provide comprehensive support services for caregivers of all severely wounded, injured and ill veterans from all eras. Enhance VA long-term health care services and support to service-connected disabled veterans. Ensure that priority access and timely, quality health care services are provided to service-connected disabled veterans. Support enhancement of medical services through the modernization of Department of Veterans Affairs health care infrastructure. Support enhanced medical services and benefits for women veterans. Support repeal of the Beneficiary Travel Allowance Deductible for service-connected veterans, and increase and sustain beneficiary travel reimbursement rates. Support legislation to eliminate or reduce Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense health care co-payments for serviceconnected disabled veterans. Improve the care and benefits for veterans exposed to military toxic and environmental hazards. Ensure proper screening and treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-deployment mental health issues. General Issues Support advance appropriations for all VA programs. Support legislation that would exempt the benefits paid to wartime service-connected disabled veterans from the PAYGO and Cut-Go provisions of the Budget Enforcement Act. Support a national dialogue with federal and state governments, employers and unions to establish processes for military training to meet civilian licensure and certification requirements. Seek the immediate release of any American prisoners of war and seek immediate return of the remains of any American who died during any conflict. Operation: Keep the Promise These priorities will guide the work of the National Legislative staff and DAV s grassroots network as we work together, fighting to ensure veterans can access the full range of benefits and services they ve earned. Joseph Violante National Legislative Director Extend military commissary and exchange privileges to service-connected disabled veterans. Support legislation to provide families of veterans who are service-disabled business owners, either rated less then 100 percent service-connected or who do not die of service-connected conditions, a reasonable transition period to restructure the business. Support legislation to reduce the premiums for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance to be consistent with current life expectancy. Extend eligibility for Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance to service-connected veterans rated permanently and totally disabled. Support Veterans Preference in public employment. Extend, upon availability, air travel aboard military aircraft to 100-percent-disabled veterans. Transfer the Veterans Employment Training Service to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Support outreach and employment of women veterans. n PAGE 8 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

11 From the NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR ANTHONY L. BASKERVILLE COMMENTARY Punctuating Service and Sacrifices When we communicate about particular periods of time, we tend to separate dates with the tiny and seemingly inconsequential dash. But sometimes the dash is the most important piece. For instance, let s consider our nation s history. The fighting for American independence began in It took until 1789 to establish our form of government and install George Washington as our first president. Within that time frame, , the dash in the middle of those periods of time is what really counts. That s the period of time when soldiers died fighting for our freedom, when sacrifices were made, when names like Bunker Hill and Valley Forge were forever etched in the heart of every American. The dash contains the surrender at Yorktown and the signing of the Treaty of Paris. It s when debates between our founding fathers took place to establish this great experiment of a government responsible to the people. The dash represents what really matters. For the second consecutive year, all DAV Departments and more than 80 percent of our Chapters met their recruiting goals. So, all DAV members can proudly say, From , all of our Department recruiting goals were met. My hope is in the coming year we can all say, Every Department has met their recruiting goals from I hope we ll be able to say this because of the dash. That dash between those numbers represents the tremendous dedication that takes place between reporting periods. It represents a Chapter Service Officer starting a claim for benefits so a veteran s life can be enhanced. It stands for all of the volunteer work done on behalf of veterans in our communities. The dash symbolizes an experienced member mentoring a new veteran in our DAV family. It counts for members and supporters using DAV s Commander s Action Network to tell elected representatives where we stand on legislation affecting veterans and their families. The dash is a symbol of the hard work we do on behalf of fellow veterans every day. That s not to say membership numbers aren t important because they very much are. Each new member we welcome into our fold is one more voice lending help to the great cause of ensuring our nation keeps its promises to ill or wounded veterans and their families. But it s important for each of us to note that it s not just about the numbers. At next year s National Convention, where I hope to report, Commander, from all Department recruiting goals have been met, we re talking about something more important than just a period of time. We re also talking about the dash. PAGE 9

12 Giving Veterans Choice and Control Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services Program offers more options to veterans in need of long-term care By Charity Edgar Current-generation veterans are seeking access to health care through VA medical centers at an unprecedented rate, as the number of survivable yet life-altering injuries has increased. Meanwhile, as World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era veterans grow older, many find themselves requiring increasingly dedicated assistance. The need for longterm services and support is on the rise, and now the numbers of options for veterans are rising as well, thanks to the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS) Program. These programs give respect, honor, dignity and choice to our veterans, said the VA National Director of Purchased Home and Community-Based Service Programs Dan Schoeps. They exemplify what we feel veterans deserve in all aspects of health care. In 2009, VA and the Aging and Disability Network joined forces to develop a long-term support system for individuals at risk of institutionalization. The goal was to create a person-centered, consumer-driven solution that would enable veterans to continue to live at home and remain engaged in their communities. Now VD-HCBS is available at 48 VA medical centers in 29 states and has improved the quality of life for more than 1,500 veterans. The men and women who sacrificed in our defense deserve to live high-quality and fulfilling lives with respect and dignity, said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. The Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services Program empowers veterans to have access, choice and control over their long-term service and support needs. Veterans enrolled in the program are given a flexible budget and are able These programs give respect, honor, dignity and choice to our veterans. Dan Schoeps, VA National Director of Purchased Home and Community-Based Service Programs to determine what mix of goods and services will best meet their needs. Some opt to hire their own personal care aides, while others choose to buy services and products that will help them live independently in the community. Whatever the decision, it remains the veteran s choice. The program is at a crossroads, with initial funding coming to an end. The information gathered from this project could catalyze local VA medical centers to (Continued on pg. 32) PAGE 10 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

13 Green House Project VAMC offers alternative housing for veterans By Steve Wilson As demand for long-term care rises in the veteran community, in particular among Vietnam and World War II era veterans, the VA has looked to Green House homes to offer an alternative to the traditional nursing home environment. According to the Green House Project, their goal is to offer an innovative, national model for long-term care that returns control, dignity and a sense of well-being to veterans, their families and direct care staff. There are currently six open Green House homes in three states VA medical centers, and 20 more are slated for construction. The Green House model is an ideal place to serve our nation s disabled veterans, because they can live with dignity and purpose in a real home, said Green House Project Director Scott Brown. Because there are only 10 to 12 veterans living in each Green House home, with a private room, they are deeply known, and their individual needs and rhythms can be honored. We want to work with the VA to provide the Green House option to more veterans, he said. DAV Assistant National Legislative Director Adrian Atizado toured the Green House Project homes in Baltimore and had the opportunity to see a home in operation. We d certainly like to see more homes like these made available for disabled veterans, Atizado said. They re vastly different than what most people think of when they envision a stereotypical nursing home setting, and they align with our values of veterans living fulfilling lives with respect and dignity. Residents in Green House Project homes are served by nurses on a 24-hour basis. Other medical professionals The VA Illiana Health Care System CLC is the first of several VA communities either planned or under construction that utilizes THE GREEN HOUSE Prototype Design Package, a new approach for seniors needing skilled nursing care that emphasizes de-institutionalization. (Photo courtesy of The Green House Project) visit each home, depending upon each resident s individual needs. Each resident is encouraged to live an independent lifestyle. And unlike traditional settings, residents decide when to wake up and what to have for breakfast, and they are free to pursue their own hobbies and interests. According to data supplied by the Green House Project, in 2013 nearly 36,000 veterans lived in longterm nursing facilities and another 4,000 were receiving short-term nursing care. Veterans who qualify for skilled nursing home care are eligible to apply to live in a Green House home in their area. The three VA facilities that have Green House homes are: VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Ill. Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Houses are scheduled to be built at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wis. Innovation and new ways of thinking about longterm professional care are keys when discussing matters of caring for an aging veteran population, said DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess. I d like to see more homes like these at VA medical centers so we can better deliver on the promises made to the men and women who sacrificed on our nation s behalf. n PAGE 11

14 COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL SERVICE DIRECTOR JAMES T. MARSZALEK New Training Platform to Enhance DAV Representation DAV is taking a major step forward to maintain its standing as the best provider of representation for veterans and families by providing a new, interactive training platform. By employing emerging technologies, DAV s already highly trained National Service Officers (NSOs) will only get better. With nine separate components, the program will provide NSOs with a state-ofthe-art means to obtain and share the latest information available. DAV Service Officers have built a stellar reputation over the past nine decades as the premier experts on veterans benefits. They are known for their immense and up-to-date knowledge on all things related to benefits and compensation. This training is going to ensure that the quality of our services is maintained and improved moving forward. DAV has the most rigorous, detailed training program for its Service Officers. Every NSO is a service-connected disabled veteran who has undergone well more than a year of standardized, on-the-job training before claiming the title of NSO. Each NSO, regardless of how long they ve been on the job, must continually undergo further professional training to stay abreast of the latest regulations, rules and procedures. DAV s professional services are free to any veteran and their family members, whether or not they are affiliated with the organization. This new investment in training resources will ensure that our NSOs remain highly effective in helping veterans, their families and survivors get the VA benefits they ve earned. The platform will provide an interactive frontend interface for NSOs, a back-end administrative suite and state-of-the-art site architecture to allow for growth and changes to stay modern. Federal government XML files will be plugged directly into the system, enabling updates immediately as needed. E-learning modules will be data-driven with interactive, hyperlinked content. The current content structure will be maintained and built upon, meaning we will maintain our highly valuable American Council on Education (ACE) accreditation. We are the only veterans service organization with ACE accreditation for our training. The new platform will include updated diagrams for Rating Schedule Workbooks, drag-and-drop checks and visual navigation links to anatomical codes. A great feature will be a stunning 3D, real-time anatomy resource with layer selection ability. Searchable repositories of documents and videos with in-browser viewing will increase every NSO s access to instant and updated information. These single access points for archives will ensure accuracy. This will also facilitate collaborative research tools for NSO knowledge sharing. NSOs will have the tools to easily support each other and the veterans they serve across the United States. With the VA s claims process evolving and becoming more electronic-based, we need to have the ability to adjust training and resources quickly to consistently keep everyone informed. We know that our free representation changes the quality of lives for the veterans we serve by getting them the benefits they ve earned. That s a sacred responsibility. This platform, which our team is working diligently to improve and perfect, will help us do that. PAGE 12 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

15 PHOTO BY C.J. HEATLEY Finally, a Home of Our Own President Obama, national leaders join more than 3,000 attendees for dedication of American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial From left, DVLMF Co-Founder and President Arthur H. Wilson, President Barack Obama, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel, DVLMF Co-Founder and Chairperson Lois Pope, and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis dedicate the new memorial. By Joseph R. Chenelly PAGE 13

16 More than 3,000 people many disabled veterans, their families and survivors covered the grounds of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial 2.4 acres of serene, bold reminders of the sacrifices still being made daily and the only memorial to honor the living disabled veterans of America s wars. Under clear blue skies on Oct. 5, President Barack Obama and a group of dignitaries joined Arthur H. Wilson and Lois Pope, the president and chairman, respectively, of the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation (DVLMF), to dedicate the memorial, which sits just 1,000 feet from Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. Looking out over the star-shaped fountain, taking in the final few seconds of a 16-year journey, Wilson and Pope stood side by side, smiling, knowing all the work it took to get there was worthwhile. At long last, the nation now has a new landmark to pay tribute to some of its most courageous heroes, said Wilson, who retired two years ago as DAV National Adjutant. The memorial celebrates men and women from all conflicts and each branch of the military who may be broken in body or in mind but never in spirit. PHOTO BY DON RIPPER The memorial pays tribute to the nation s 4 million living disabled veterans, as well as their caretakers and the millions of deceased disabled veterans. In granite slabs, glass panels and a single flame atop a solemn reflecting pool, the memorial tells the story of veterans from every conflict and from every branch of service who have borne the brunt of battle and lived to carry the visible and invisible wounds of war. The experiences etched on these walls remind us that, for those who serve and their families, wars often continue long after the final bullet is fired, Wilson said. The most difficult fight often begins after an injury is sustained. Joining Wilson and Pope as the ceremony began were the foundation s board of directors and a litany of government dignitaries led by President Obama, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, Secretary Coming together 45 years later, these veterans were all convalescing in the same ward at Valley Forge Army Hospital with Past National Commander Dennis Joyner in Veterans from all over the United States came together for the memorial s dedication. PAGE 14 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

17 At long last, the nation now has a new landmark to pay tribute to some of its most courageous heroes. Arthur H. Wilson, DVLMF Co-Founder and President of the Interior Sally Jewell and actor and musician Gary Sinise, national spokesman for the memorial. Unlike the six war tributes on the National Mall, this memorial sits in the shadow of the Capitol, a purposeful reminder that costs of military conflict linger far beyond the battlefield. With this memorial, we commemorate, for the first time, the two battles our disabled veterans have fought the battle over there and the battle here at home, your battle to recover, which at times can be even harder, and certainly as long, the president said. You walk these quiet grounds pause by the pictures of these men and women, you look into their eyes, read their words and we re somehow able to join them on a journey that speaks to the endurance of the American spirit. And to you, our wounded, we thank you for sharing your journey with us. The 90-minute ceremony included music by the United States Army Band Pershing s Own and a video about the making of the memorial. Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation, served as master of ceremony. Past DAV National Commander Roberto Barrera, a director of the DVLMF, which raised the private funds as it guided the memorial from conception to completion, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance to begin. Sinise addressed the crowd, Today, and from this day forward, with the opening of this national monument, we honor millions of our heroes living with the wounds of war with a place of healing, remembrance and gratitude for all they have given. And by so doing, we help to ensure that our nation will endure for generations to come. For if we do not remember our defenders, our heroes, how can DVLMF Director Roberto Bobby Barrera and wife Maricelia stand before one of the memorial s etched glass panels shortly after the official dedication. PHOTO BY DON RIPPER we expect future generations to step up to serve? Certainly what happened post-vietnam, when we forgot our returning veterans, we weakened our nation, and we must never, ever, let that happen again. Another past DAV National Commander, Dennis Joyner, DVLMF Secretary, provided personal perspective that moved the crowd. While on patrol in Vietnam s Mekong Delta in 1969, Joyner, then a member of the Army s 9th Infantry Division, didn t hear the explosion that took his legs and an arm. But he knew his life had been changed. Let me die, he demanded. But his sergeant reminded him of his family and all he had to live for. Joyner was able to thank his sergeant, Ed Reynolds, as he looked out on the only memorial to honor the living disabled veterans of America s wars. Joyner detailed the terrible challenges his mother, wife, daughters and he faced, evoking visible emotion among the crowd. My family and I are just an example of the millions of lives affected by lifelong disabilities that are the terrifying consequences of war. Although I ve been blessed with many achievements in life, the achievement I am most proud of is this memorial. A memorial that gives me, and the many of other disabled veterans like me, a sense of contentment knowing that what we gave, what our families gave and what we continue to give will be forever remembered here in our nation s capital. This remarkable accomplishment would not have been possible without the overwhelming support we received from veterans organizations, foundations, corporations and more than 1 million individuals, Wilson said. Until this day, we have not PAGE 15

18 Today, and from this day forward...we honor millions of our heroes living with the wounds of war with a place of healing, remembrance and gratitude for all they have given. Gary Sinise PHOTO BY C.J. HEATLEY remembered those who lived and whose lives were forever changed by the sacrifices they made in uniform. Following a musical interlude, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial was officially presented to the American people. Concluding remarks were delivered by President Obama, followed by performances by vocalist Vicki Golding, singing God Bless America, and the Pershing s Own, playing Order of the Purple Heart March. Wilson explained, As the words of my dear friend, the late Jesse Brown, remind, For every tragic story of a life unraveled by military battle, there are a dozen tales of individuals who have managed to triumph over the harrowing experiences of war and ruin. Adjacent to the U.S. Botanic Garden and south of the U.S. Capitol, the memorial will now be operated by the U.S. Park Service. Designed by landscape architect Michael Vergason, the memorial conveys a combination of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. Its focal point is the star-shaped fountain with a single ceremonial flame, flowing into a triangular-shaped reflecting pool. A grove of trees beside the pool signifies hope. Three walls of laminated glass panels with embedded text and photographs and four bronze sculptures by noted sculptor Larry Joan Shuey, wife of Department of Nebraska Adjutant Jim Shuey PAGE 16 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014 Kirkland, display the universal story of disabled veterans pride of service, trauma of injury, challenge of healing and renewal of purpose. Washingtonbased architectural firm Shalom Baranes Associates was the project architect. The memorial was completed 14 years after President Bill Clinton signed the federal legislation approved by Congress into law in October Since we began this journey, more than 200,000 courageous men and women have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with life-long disabilities, said Pope, the foundation s co-founder, who was instrumental in launching the memorial campaign with Wilson and the late Jesse Brown, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former DAV Executive Director. Now, it is our turn to honor them with this memorial, as we reaffirm our own commitment to the values and liberties of our great nation. n Major contributors to the Memorial included DAV; Lois Pope and The Lois Pope Life Foundation; H. Ross Perot Sr. and the Perot Foundation; Leaders In Furthering Education Inc.; Leo Albert and The Leo & Anne Albert Charitable Trust; AT&T Foundation; Kirkland & Ellis, LLP (pro bono); Fifth Third Foundation; Ford Motor Company Fund; State of Maryland; Downey McGrath Group (pro bono); Gary Sinise Charitable Foundation; Norman & Irma Braman; Peter C. Peterson; TriWest Healthcare Alliance and more than 1 million private donors.

19 VA Reform (Continued from pg. 6) for care today, while also rebuilding its own capacity to deliver the best care available to the men and women who served, Augustine said. Ending the Funding Delays Once and For All Last year s government shutdown made clear once again that extending advance appropriations to all VA programs, services and benefits is and will remain one of DAV s highest priorities until accomplished. A one-year advance appropriations cycle is currently used for the VA s three medical care accounts. This insulated the VA s health care system during the shutdown; however, other VA programs, including medical research, burials and claims processing, were not protected. Had the shutdown continued longer, there would have been the unacceptable threat of a default on disability compensation and pension payments. The Putting Veterans Funding First Act, legislation that would eliminate this threat, has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Unfortunately, it does not yet have the support of the VA. DAV is continuing to work with Congress to bring the Putting Veterans Funding First Act up for a vote during the lame-duck session, where it would surely be approved, said Violante. We need the support of key leaders in the House and Senate and at VA to get this legislation approved, which would go a long way toward restoring the trust of America s veterans. Caregiver Support for Veterans of All Eras DAV is also urging the Secretary to take a closer look at its under-resourced, overburdened Family Caregiver Program authorized by Congress four years ago. The program is only available to caregivers of veterans who were severely injured, To the battlefield and back (Continued from pg. 5) It s very rewarding to help anyone who walks through that door, and we give 110 percent for all veterans, said VanBoxel. But, he explains, it s a different sort of satisfaction to help an old friend from high school. We were just good old boys driving pickups and whatnot. A lot of people come in and we help them out, but as an NSO you don t always see the end result, VanBoxel said. It s been an honor to work with him and his family and to be a part of this. It s been great to see him rebuilding his life and getting himself and his family where they need to be. n physically or mentally, on or after Sept. 11, That leaves out many deserving families of severely disabled veterans injured before 9/11. It also excludes those who have severe service-connected illnesses rather than injuries. Too many severely injured and ill veterans, including most represented by DAV, aren t eligible for the comprehensive caregiver benefit. We have always asked that eligibility include illness, so if you come down with multiple sclerosis or ALS, a disease more prevalent in the veteran population, it should be covered by this program, Augustine said. It is especially unfair to family members who have provided care to severely disabled veterans for decades. That must end. Supporting Women Veterans DAV recently published a comprehensive study revealing that nearly 300,000 women veterans are put at risk by a system designed for and dominated by male veterans. DAV is urging the VA to take this report for what it is a compelling picture of federal agencies and community service providers consistently failing to understand that women are impacted by military service and deployment differently than men and take heed of the 27 specific recommendations to effect the changes needed by the federal government and local communities. The number of women veterans is growing, and our country is simply not doing enough to meet their health, social and economic needs, said Joy J. Ilem, DAV s Deputy National Legislative Director. We are working with senior leaders in VA to turn our findings and recommendations into policy changes and will work with Congress to address gaps in the laws. More information on the women veterans report can be found at n VanBoxel, who keeps in touch with old friend and fellow Marine, Pope, works as an NSO Supervisor in Philadelphia. PAGE 17

20 Veterans on Wall Street Veteran-owned firm commits to hire and train those who served By Steven Wilson n institutional brokerage firm has made a commitment to hire veterans and train them for careers in finance. Drexel Hamilton LLC currently employs 39 veterans, 21 of whom were injured or made ill as a result of military service. Assistant Vice President Joseph S. Krulder II, an Army veteran of the Iraq War, said the performance of veterans, especially those who sacrificed or were changed in service, communicates a special message. The distinction of being a [service-connected] disabled veteran for our firm simply provides the general public with an understanding that veterans with disabilities are as capable as those without a disability, Krulder said. Drexel Hamilton does more than just hire veterans. They also train other veterans from various militaryrelated specialties for careers in the financial services sector. If those veterans do not end up working for Drexel Hamilton, the company helps them with job placement all over the country. In today s increasingly competitive and fast-paced environment, companies need a more highly skilled, disciplined and educated workforce, said Krulder, who became disabled while serving as an Army paratrooper. Veterans are a perfect fit. Accustomed to the rigors of hard duty in high-pressure environments, veterans bring that go attitude, along with education and on-the-job training not available anywhere else, he said. Lawrence K. Doll, Drexel Hamilton s founder and chairman, was twice awarded the Purple Heart for Jerry Majetich is a Marine and Army veteran. He is also a vice president at Drexel-Hamilton, where he has worked for four years. While deployed to Iraq, his vehicle was ambushed. Majetich suffered severe burns to his body and was shot four times while escaping the wrecked and burning vehicle. Jerry is my battle buddy and living proof that being service-connected disabled does not mean you re unable to have a meaningful career and provide for your family, said Joseph S. Krulder, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Depository of Drexel-Hamilton. service as a Marine in Vietnam. He said Wall Street is a place where veterans can succeed. Wall Street is a very challenging street, and it s also an Ivy League street, Doll said. [Veterans] are not [always] Ivy League, but they re already trained. They re team players, and they are willing to do anything. They work hard and [are] easy to get along with and very bright, said Doll. The effort by companies like Drexel Hamilton shows the capabilities of America s veterans as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce, according to National Adjutant Marc Burgess. I m very pleased that organizations like Drexel Hamilton are demonstrating just what returning veterans can bring to the table, said Burgess. America s veterans are very capable and have a no mission failure mindset, which employers are sure to find valuable. Many employers are recognizing the benefits of having veterans within their ranks, which we can see from our DAV/RecruitMilitary All Veteran Career Fairs. Getting more veterans in leadership positions will create more opportunities and make a difference for any employer seeking a quality workforce. n PAGE 18 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

21 DAV Study Highlighting Women Veterans Issues Paves Way for Change By M. Todd Hunter As the United States longest war winds down, tens of thousands of American veterans are returning home to a war-weary, yet grateful nation. Welcomehome ceremonies, yellow ribbons and smiling families reunited with their fathers, mothers, sons and daughters are staples throughout military installations and communities across the country. And while many returning troops continue serving after coming home from their deployments, others will hang up their boots to pursue additional life goals. But reintegrating into society can present numerous challenges for these returning veterans, some of whom battle various physical, mental or emotional wounds as a result of their military service. Fortunately, numerous federal government policies and programs exist to assist these service members with the tools they need to move on from war. Many of those policies and programs, though, fail to address the unique needs of a specific, yet growing, demographic of brave American veterans: women. Currently, women make up 20 percent of new recruits, 14.5 percent of the 1.4 million active-duty service members and 18 percent of the 850,000 reservists. Approximately 280,000 women have served in either Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11. And because of significant U.S. military downsizing, it is estimated that 11 percent of the veteran population will be female by At a time when the number of women veterans is growing to unprecedented levels, our country is simply not doing enough to meet their health, social and economic needs, said Joy J. Ilem, DAV s Deputy National Legislative Director. To highlight these shortcomings, DAV released a report entitled Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home, on Sept. 24. The landmark report is the most comprehensive assessment conducted to date of the policies, programs and cultures across multiple federal agencies to see how female veterans were treated upon returning home. Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home paints a Col. Rebecca Tomsyck, M.D., an Army psychiatrist, speaks during a DAV-hosted panel discussion surrounding the release of Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., Sept. 24. Tomsyck discussed her deployment experiences and detailed the various challenges female service members face during and after combat deployments. compelling picture of the shortfalls of the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense, Labor, and Housing and Urban Development in understanding the differences in how men and women are impacted by military service and deployments. Such differences explored in the report include health care, military sexual trauma, education, transition assistance, employment, disability compensation, housing and culture change, to name a few. From this variety of issues, DAV identifies and offers 27 key policy and programmatic change recommendations ranging from the requirement that every VA medical center hire a gynecologist and create gender-sensitive mental health programs to developing education and career guidance programs for women veterans and establishing female-only transition support groups. DAV commissioned this report to shed light on the unique challenges facing women as they transition out of military service, explained DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry J. Augustine. While the study shows there are still large gaps to fill, it also establishes a clear path forward for elected leaders, policymakers, and public and private entities to ensure women veterans receive the benefits and services they earned and deserve. It is now up to those elected leaders and policymakers to follow the path set forth by DAV. n PAGE 19

22 VA Prepares to Replace Antiquated Scheduling System by Charity Edgar The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced plans to modernize their general scheduling system, which has long been criticized as archaic. In September, the VA issued a request for proposal for a new medical appointment scheduling system that will replace the existing 29-year-old system. Prospective vendors submitted their proposals for cutting-edge, management-based scheduling software. The new system will improve access to care for veterans, filling a void that was identified earlier this year when secret waiting lists and falsification of medical appointment records were discovered at the Phoenix VA Medical Center and other facilities throughout the country. The issues veterans have had accessing health care were exacerbated by the fact that VA s antiquated scheduling system didn t have the capacity to respond to the needs of veterans entering the system, said Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. We need to get VA out of the Dark Ages in regard to information technology. We need a VA that is accountable to veterans and focused on providing them with access to care and the best possible outcomes. The VA plans on awarding the contract by the end of the calendar year. When we can put a solid scheduling system in place, this will free up more human resources to focus on direct veterans care, said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. As VA recommits to its mission of caring for veterans and evaluating our actions through the lens of what serves them best, we know a better scheduling system is necessary to provide them the timely, quality health care that they have earned and deserve. DAV is encouraged by the Secretary s swift action to modernize a system that has been a roadblock to care for veterans, said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. The Secretary is taking a businesslike approach to addressing these challenges, and we re proud to be a part of the conversation. We know the issues veterans face and hope this new system will lead to greater transparency and access for them. n PAGE 20 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

23 Partners in Law Finnegan and CCK partner with DAV, the National Service Foundation and the Charitable Service Trust to help veterans achieve American Dream For more than nine decades, DAV has provided direct services and advocacy to millions of veterans and their families. Veterans of every era continue to receive free, professional support in obtaining the benefits earned through their military service. While the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies of government allow for countless veterans to access the much-needed services at their health care facilities each year, many other service members face denial of their benefit claims and lack the resources needed for stability and reintegration. In an effort to advocate for those heroes, DAV facilitates legal representation at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Decisions made by the CAVC can have a lasting impact on America s ill and injured veterans. Veterans seeking review of adverse benefit decisions at the court need first-class representation. DAV works closely with two private law firms Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP (Finnegan) and Chisholm, Chisholm & Kilpatrick (CCK) that have agreed to provide pro bono services to veterans pursuing their appeals from adverse decisions of the BVA. In 2013, these pro bono attorneys offered free representation before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in 1,468 denied appeals and provided representation in over 1,160 of those cases. Since the inception of DAV s pro bono program, our attorney partners have made offers of free representation to more than 5,165 veterans and have provided free representation in over 3,360 cases. Throughout the years, DAV has been fortunate to collaborate with other entities in providing these quality services that connect veterans with their well-deserved resources, said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. These firms not only provide legal representation on behalf of sick and wounded veterans, they have also shown their commitment to veterans through generous contributions to DAV. On Aug. 12, 2014, the DAV National Service Foundation and DAV Charitable Service Trust were honored to accept gifts from both firms during DAV s National Convention in Las Vegas. As a multioffice firm, Finnegan has locations in California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Massachusetts and Virginia, in addition to international sites. Finnegan contributed $150,000 to the DAV National Service Foundation, whose core mission is to support DAV in meeting the immediate needs of veterans and their families. CCK, a firm located in Rhode Island, contributed $75,000 to the DAV Charitable Service Trust, which provides assistance for programs ensuring quality health care for veterans; assistance to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse and more; programs enhancing research and mobility for veterans with amputations and spinal cord injuries; and initiatives for evaluating and addressing the needs of veterans from each era of conflict. The DAV National Service Foundation and DAV Charitable Service Trust remain profoundly grateful for the ongoing loyalty of both firms that remain dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity, said Burgess. n PAGE 21

24 An All- American Memorial Photos by Ty Wright (Getty Images) Then-Commander Joseph Johnston spoke at a veteran memorial dedication in his home state of Ohio. The Prospect, Ohio, memorial was conceptualized by longtime DAV volunteer and retired Major League Baseball umpire Larry Barnett and community leader Dick Hix. The community held several fundraisers, while many neighboring businesses supplied the raw materials and manpower to make the memorial, which recognizes DAV, a reality. One of the honored attendees of the memorial dedication was 100-year-old World War II veteran Gene Speicher (far left). PAGE 22 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

25 Miracles return to the mountain March 29 April 3, 2015 Snowmass Village, Colorado By Charity Edgar The 29th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic returns to Snowmass, Colo., March 29 to April 3, bringing with it miracles on the mountain. For decades, DAV and the Department of Veterans Affairs have co-hosted the annual event, which saw nearly 300 severely ill and injured veterans and activeduty service members participate last year near Aspen. Participants ski, snowboard, scuba dive, kayak and rock climb, dominating every obstacle in their way. The event is open to our nation s most profoundly ill and injured veterans. All of them push past seemingly impossible odds. During the event s 29-year history, thousands of our nations heroes have proved to themselves their injuries do not define them. The event is made possible by generous private, corporate and nonprofit sponsors who recognize that the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic truly improves the quality of life for veterans and their families. It is an emotional and powerful journey where our nation s heroes inspire each other with their unmatched determination to charge forward instead of step back. n Learn More Online For more information on this life-changing event, visit Disabled veterans receiving care at a VA medical facility, as well as injured or ill military personnel currently serving, can request registration packets by calling PAGE 23

26 ALS Patients to Get Adaptive Housing Grants By Ashleigh Bryant As a result of new guidelines, veterans and active-duty military personnel diagnosed with service-connected amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig s Disease, are now considered medically eligible to receive the maximum adapted housing grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This will help ensure [veterans] can make those adaptations or move into an adapted space in a more appropriate timeframe. Jim Marszalek, National Service Director The change means veterans with service-connected ALS could now receive up to $67,555 to build or purchase a new home or to adapt an existing home to meet the adaptive needs of their disability. Other grants may also help eligible veterans purchase adapted homes or pay down the mortgage of homes that have already been adapted. The VA amended the disability rating scale in 2012 to assign a 100-percent disability rating to any veteran diagnosed with service-connected ALS. This change meant veterans no longer had to file additional claims for increased benefits as their condition progressed. Until now, however, the eligibility for adapted housing grants did not reflect the change. Prior to this, some veterans were unable to make the needed modifications to their homes as their disease progressed, said DAV National Service Director Jim Marszalek. This will help ensure they can make those adaptations or move into an adapted space in a more appropriate timeframe. At the time of the announcement, former VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki explained the change is part of the VA s commitment to eliminating barriers that keep veterans and service members from their earned benefits. The VA estimates the changes will save veterans roughly 12 months in the overall process of applying for and receiving a Specially Adapted Housing grant. n Learn More Online To learn more, visit benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ adaptedhousing.asp. PAGE 24 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

27 From the AUXILIARY NATIONAL COMMANDER LEEANN B. KARG COMMENTARY Holidays Offer Time to Give The holiday season is a time for cherishing our friends and family and for giving generously to our fellow man by volunteering our time and resources. The DAV Auxiliary is an organization that takes this spirit to heart. We are part of the larger DAV family, and I would love for us all to take the time to work on increasing our member ranks to enhance our mission of service and support. Many people volunteer especially around this time of year and they do so much for our veterans, yet we forget to ask them to join the DAV Auxiliary. Many of these individuals are eligible for membership in the Auxiliary without even realizing it. I challenge you to be more proactive and talk to everyone you meet about the work the DAV Auxiliary does to help veterans and their families, and encourage them to become a part of this worthy cause. We volunteer in hospitals, medical centers and nursing homes. We offer assistance with rides to appointments, errands, church and school. We fix meals, mow lawns, babysit and give care providers a much-needed day off. Our DAV Auxiliary also has a scholarship fund and a financial assistance fund. We do community service, promote Americanism, get involved with legislation, and we welcome juniors to make them part of the Auxiliary. Juniors are our future, and we simply cannot grow and continue to breathe life in the organization without them. Our veterans secured for us the America that we love so much. It is our turn to pay it forward for all they have given. In doing so, I believe we honor the sacrifices made by those family members who were left behind when their loved ones were called away to serve this country. Let s all work together as a team and strive to reach each and every veteran and their family. This is a huge feat and can t be done by one person or even a small group of people. We are stronger when we all join together to fulfill our promises to the men and women who served. When we support things like the Caring and Sharing boat ride in Pittsburgh or the Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham, Ala., we are showing the world who we are. When we work hard to represent the organization and maintain a presence in a community, it inspires others to get involved and give back. I congratulate the newly elected officers and appointed committee chairs of both DAV and our DAV Auxiliary for the coming year. I wish them well and look forward to working together. A strong DAV Auxiliary is one that has strong members committed to our cause, and I believe we have the right people to make us a stronger organization. As I travel the country during the course of the coming year, my main goal, as I mentioned at this year s National Convention, is to encourage DAV and DAV Auxiliary to march in lockstep as we continue to move toward our goal of bettering the lives of veterans, their families and survivors. PAGE 25

28 THE DAV AUXILIARY 2014 FALL CONFERENCE Story by Steven Wilson Photos by Arvel Jim Hall The 66th annual DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference was held Sept in Lexington, Ky., with an enthusiastic group of attendees committed to serving veterans and their families. The total care of veteran families, including the veteran and the caregiver/family unit, is increasingly important, said National Adjutant Judy Hezlep. I believe that message rang true in each of the programs presented by our national chairmen. DAV National Commander Ron Hope spoke at the event and said it was an honor to serve beside DAV Auxiliary Commander LeeAnn Karg, noting his support for Karg s theme for the two organizations to present a strong, united front regarding advocacy for veterans and their families. It will be an honor to serve beside you as we both work to better the lives of the men and women who served and their families, which is the priceless fabric of support our veterans rely on, said Hope. DAV National Commander Ron Hope and DAV Auxiliary National Commander LeeAnn Karg Karg said the fall conference is a place where members get to know each other as well as have a little fun. This is where all of our programs are presented, she said. Changes are explained along with explanations of what is required for each member. The report forms are gone over and questions are answered. We encourage a lot of participation from the attendees. Presentations on civic values, patriotism, membership and legislative efforts on behalf of the veteran community are key conference topics. The conference was also a bittersweet moment for attendees, as it was noted this would be Hezlep s last as DAV Auxiliary National Adjutant. Her leadership and vision of charting where we should take the Auxiliary will certainly be missed, said Karg. She s a strong advocate for veterans and families, and we ve grown into a great organization with her at the helm. Hezlep is retiring after 46 years of employment with the PAGE 26 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

29 When people get excited about what they re doing and the direction their respective organization is heading in, it s a great recipe for success. DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess Members listen attentively to important legislative information. Judy Hezlep, DAV Auxiliary National Adjutant DAV Auxiliary and said that while she intends to remain active on the local Unit level, she desires to spend more time with her family and explore other community volunteer opportunities. DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess said he was impressed by the level of energy at the conference. When people get excited about what they re doing and the direction their respective organization is heading in, it s a great recipe for success, he said. I ll certainly miss Judy as my strong right arm at these functions, but I know DAV Auxiliary is in great hands with tremendous potential for the future. n The annual conference welcomes this enthusiastic group of Ohio members. Education, enjoyment, and smiles a clear indicator of a successful event. Pictured are Auxiliary State Department of Georgia Commander JoAnn Atkinson and her husband, Willie. PAGE 27

30 REFLECTIONS From the NATIONAL CHAPLAIN MICHAEL P. DOVER Spiritual Leadership Greetings, everyone! If you have ever attended an Army promotion board for the purpose of advancing to a leadership position, then you are familiar with the process. The task is to recite the definition of leadership. The candidate may choose to recite something, such as the act of influencing men and women in such a manner as to obtain their willing obedience, confidence and respect in order to accomplish a given mission. If the candidate fails to correctly define leadership, he or she would be dismissed from the board to return later or not at all. Mention the term spiritual leadership today, and it brings many different concepts to the human mind. Some of these popular concepts are too vague or general, and others are more worldly than spiritual. Many popular concepts focus on what a leader does, such as: identifies orderly progress, acts as a guiding force, encourages people toward a certain purpose or goal, motivates people into a certain course of action, gives direction and structure, advises and coordinates others ideas, guides others toward a life of holiness by example, or maintains authority leading by instruction and correction. Both secular leadership and spiritual leadership have many of the same traits. So here s the problem: a bad leader can have the same influences listed above as a good leader. I liken the difference between good and bad leadership, whether spiritual or not, to this: 98 percent of ingredients in rat poison are harmless; it s the other 2 percent that are lethal. Most spiritual leaders have good intentions, but if they are not knowledgeable or experienced, or if they have their own agenda, it can be devastating for our organization. So how can spiritual leadership enhance DAV? I believe the chaplain must intervene, when appropriate, at points that bring spiritual health to the organization and community. Were you looking for a more specific answer? There isn t one. There are millions of different situations the chaplain will have to contend with, which require a million different solutions based on faith and background experiences. But a good spiritual leader will be ready in season as well as out. DAV life member Ed Saunders places leadership in a unique perspective. He stated, Rank is never a position of privilege but always a position of service. The higher the position, the greater responsibility to serve. National Membership Director Tony Baskerville stated in the May/June 2014 issue of DAV Magazine (I invite everyone to go back and read it) that good leaders mentor the new upand-coming members of our community. This can be said for spiritual leaders, as well. It is our moral obligation to teach what is right. That can only be done when responsible spiritual leaders and members know and do the right thing. In His Service for You. PAGE 28 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

31 NEWS for VETERANS Veteran s Choice Card Guidance n The VA is developing guidelines regarding the Veteran s Choice Card, as required by the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of All veterans enrolled in the VA health care system as of Aug. 1, 2014, as well as those who served in combat, will receive this card, but the department estimates roughly 700,000 will be eligible to use it based on specific criteria. Veterans unable to obtain an appointment at a VA facility within 30 days and those living more than 40 miles from a VA facility make up the primary eligibility pool. All care must be pre-authorized by the VA, and outside care providers must also meet certain requirements, including having a provider agreement with the VA and Medicare certification. Certain veterans are also expected to pay private providers any previously established VA co-pays and cost-shares, deductibles, and co-pays required by their private insurance. VA still has to issue the regulations that will further define this program, how it operates and how veterans can participate. DAV is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. For more information concerning the card or other benefits, veterans are encouraged to contact or a local DAV National Service Officer. Veteran and Military Parents Stay Connected with Family n Veterans and military members face unique challenges when it comes to being parents. Moves, deployment, reintegration and job stressors may affect a person s ability to adapt, adjust and manage parenting challenges, as well as maintain strong relationships with their children. The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have developed an online site dedicated to helping veterans and service members bond with their children and better handle their parenting responsibilities. Parenting for Service Members and Veterans, an interactive, self-paced online course, guides parents in interacting with their children in new ways and reinforces the good habits they already have. Each of the six online modules addresses a different challenge parents may face when raising children, including reintegrating into the family after deployment; helping children with difficult emotions and behaviors; positive approaches to discipline; and parenting when the mother or father has emotional and/or physical challenges. Unlike other online courses, Parenting for Service Members and Veterans focuses on the parent s own behavior, rather than just managing a child s behavior. The course is not designed to replace or change a parenting style. Instead, it serves to supplement a parent s existing knowledge and experience and can be used as often as needed. The modules include videos with perspectives from families who understand the challenges of military service. The information from the courses can benefit any family and is not intended just for those experiencing parenting difficulties. Parenting for Service Members and Veterans is an anonymous service, though the tools and videos remind military parents that they are not alone. No registration is required, so veterans can visit veteranparenting/index.html to start the training today. COLA Increase n The 2014 Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act was signed by President Obama on Sept. 26, becoming Public Law This legislation increases the COLA for veterans disability benefits effective Dec. 1, The rate increase will be the same as the cost-of-living adjustment for individuals receiving Social Security benefits. The annual COLA legislation, which passed both the Senate and House in September, also applies to the disability payments and compensation for veterans surviving spouses and children. Law Would Give Disabled Veterans Access to Sick Leave n New bipartisan legislation approved this month would grant disabled veterans hired as federal employees immediate access to their full year s sick leave balance upon starting their job. The 2014 Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act applies to those federal employees with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30 percent and aims to enable veterans to attend medical appointments for their service-related injuries without exhausting their sick and annual leave balance. Generally, full-time federal workers have no sick leave when beginning their job in the first year, but instead accrue four hours per pay period, or 104 hours over the course of 12 months. PAGE 29

32 Giving to DAV for DAV s Gift to Him: The Will to Live A Simple Change of Beneficiary Form A Legacy Gift to DAV To name DAV the partial or full beneficiary of an insurance policy or retirement plan, simply request a change of beneficiary form from the policy or plan administrator (or go to their website). Then use our legal name and address as follows: DAV (Disabled American Veterans), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH EIN/tax identification number: Then let us know, so we can thank you through the Guardian Society! We invite you to create your own legacy of compassion for your fellow veterans by making a special gift to DAV through your estate plans. TO LEARN MORE: Call , ext. 1, giftplanning@dav.org, or Return the attached postcard. Grateful Veteran Names DAV Beneficiary of Life Insurance Policy This spring, DAV s Gift Planning Department received the letter below from Charles H. Herring III, an injured Vietnam veteran. Approximately six years ago, a representative of your organization heard about my problems with the VA and called to offer assistance. Shortly after, I underwent several examinations by numerous medical personnel. Within 60 days, I received notice that my disability rating had Needless to say, DAV s help been increased to 100 percent (from was a life-changing event 30 percent) due to a service-connected and reinforced my desire injury. to live. At least now Needless to say, DAV s help was a I could afford to do so. life-changing event and reinforced Charles H. Herring III my desire to live. At least now I could afford to do so. In an effort to demonstrate my sincere appreciation for all of the DAV s efforts on my behalf, I have made DAV the beneficiary of a $10,000 life insurance policy upon my demise. I hope and feel that this gift will help your outstanding organization continue to assist veterans in need. Semper Fi, Charles H. Herring III United States Marine Corps Herring s letter serves as a strong reminder of the immeasurable impact that DAV has had on the countless lives of the brave heroes we work so passionately to assist. We also honored him this year as a new member of the Guardian Society, our small gesture of appreciation to those who inform us of their estate gift plans to benefit DAV. n PAGE 30

33 NEWS for VETERANS Online One-Stop-Shop Connects Veterans to Employers n A new integrated employment tool connects veterans and service members with employers and helps them translate their military skills into the civilian workforce. The Veterans Employment Center is an online tool that connects veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses with both public- and private-sector employers. It is the result of an interagency effort to improve, simplify and consolidate the current array of employment resources for veterans, according to a White House announcement. It will house a single, comprehensive database of resumes for employers who are seeking to leverage the skills and talents of veterans, service members and their spouses. Finding suitable employment after military service is a top priority for veterans, said DAV National Employment Director Jeff Hall. This new initiative, coupled with other programs DAV is associated with, will help improve job opportunities for our veterans. The site, which incorporates the features of existing online government employment tools, is the result of an extensive collaboration among the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education and Joining Forces, an initiative of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden that engages all sectors of society to give service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. The VA Employment Center is at va.gov/ebenefits/jobs. For a tutorial video on how to use this resource, go to youtu.be/vwfhi-esowk. REMEMBRANCE Marvin Roy Naval Varias n DAV Senior Associate National Service Officer Marvin Roy Naval Varias passed away Dec. 3, He was 36. A Marine veteran, Varias was assigned to DAV s Sacramento, Calif., office at the time of his death. He began employment with DAV in October 2002 as a Transition Service Officer at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. In September 2003, Varias became an NSO Trainee at the DAV S National Serivce Office in Oakland. He was transferred to the DAV National Service Office in Las Vegas in December 2006 as a Senior Associate NSO. He became the office Supervisor in Las Vegas in February In January 2011, he transferred back to Oakland until he was assigned to the Sacramento DAV NSO office on July 8, Varias was born in the Philippines on May 15, 1977, the first child of Angelito and Gloria Varias. In 1988, he immigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the Corps in August 1996 as an infantryman. Varias Marvin's genuine desire to help veterans and his strong work ethic made him an excellent and extremely well-liked NSO, said National Service Director Jim Marszalek. He was a dedicated, energetic young man we all deeply miss. He made a real difference, for which we are grateful. PAGE 31

34 CHAPTER & DEPARTMENT New Brockton Chapter Brings Service to Veterans By Ashleigh Bryant Injured and ill veterans in New Brockton, Ala., and the surrounding area have an alternative to the nearly two-hour trek to a VA regional office. Chapter 99 now operates a walk-in Chapter Service Office in the New Brockton Police Station, bringing DAV services closer to home for these local veterans. I was at a Mid-Winter Conference and the guest speaker said that DAV needed to go out to the people instead of being static, so that was the concept behind our Chapter as far as doing service work, said Chapter 99 Commander Chuck Lobdell. I asked the Department Commander how often other Chapters had been out into these small towns and smaller communities once or twice maybe? Lobdell explained. He then told Department leaders it was what members of his Chapter wanted to do regularly. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to noon, a Chapter Service Officer is available to help veterans and their family members sift through medical records; file disability compensation claims; review paperwork for VA pension, death benefits and medical care; and a host of other often complicated processes. Our Chapter and Department leaders have a direct impact on the lives of veterans and their family members, said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. This is the kind of local-level operation that is so critical to DAV s mission of service, and it helps us ensure our rural veterans don t go overlooked. This is a great example of our Chapter and Department Service Officer training programs in action, said National Service Director Jim Marszalek. There are a This is the kind of locallevel operation that is so critical to DAV s mission of service, and it helps us ensure our rural veterans don t go overlooked. Marc Burgess, National Adjuant lot of veterans out there who need claims assistance but can t get to it for one reason or another, so we need our members to be on the front lines of their communities. The newest Chapter within the Department of Alabama, Chapter 99, has a team of six Chapter Service Officers seeing to the claims work of veterans who might otherwise not have access to these services. We re doing the walk-in appointments, but we are available any time to meet them at the senior center. As many of the veterans are elderly, we need to be where they are, said Lobdell. n Choice and Control (Continued from pg. 10) maintain and expand the program, give the Veterans Health Administration reason to increase support for the program, and be an important part of helping Congress better understand and appreciate the program. Input from those currently enrolled in the program is needed to expand VD-HCBS for years to come. The National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services at Boston College is asking veterans to share in their own words what the VD-HCBS means to them. The central question posed to stakeholders is, What difference has the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Service Program made in your life? If you are enrolled in this program and would like to share your feedback, contact the research team at the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services at Boston College by calling or ellen.mahoney@bc.edu. n PAGE 32 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

35 CHAPTER & DEPARTMENT Supporting a new space for veterans... Members of DAV Mount Pleasant Chapter 21, North Providence, R.I., made a donation of $5,000 to the veteran s home in Bristol, R.I. The contribution from the Forget-Me-Not drives, will be used toward a room in the new wing of the home. In attendance at the presentation were (from left) Chapter 21 Adjutant Alan Conca, Treasurer Tony Calise, Rhode Island Veteran s Home Administrator Rick Backus, Chapter 21 Commander James Pascetta, Chapter members Gerry DiMeo, Angelo Porcelli and Al Cusati and Chapter 21 Officer of the Day Ed Restivo. New wheels give new opportunities for service... DAV Department of Florida Jim Booe Chapter 86 accepted delivery of its new 2014 Ford Flex. The vehicle will be at the heart of the Chapter s Transportation Network service, ensuring disabled veterans in need of transportation have access to medical services at VA facilities. The number of trips we make and their locations depend on the specific needs of the veterans and the VA s scheduled appointments, said volunteer driver Dee Dupuy. At times we even take the veteran to local doctors if that s what the VA specifies. We work hard to get the veterans to their scheduled appointments every day but Sunday. And sometimes our volunteer efforts spill over into Sunday, like the time I was transporting a disabled veteran to a clinic in Daytona on a Saturday, the clinic sent him just about immediately to Halifax Hospital, and I waited at Halifax until Sunday morning for the family to arrive. Share Your News! Send your DAV or Auxiliary news to feedback@dav.org. Please provide a JPEG image (minimum 300 dpi), a description of the photo and the names of those pictured. Submissions are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. A Major League tribute to veterans... The Minnesota Twins held a pregame Armed Forces Appreciation Day ceremony this summer and depicted the 50th anniversary of the June 6, 1944, D-Day landing on their giant video screen. The D-Day landings, dubbed Operation Neptune, were the beginning of the end of the German stronghold in Europe. The Allies took the beaches after bitter fighting, but the landings cost more than 4,000 Allied lives and more than 10,000 wounded or missing. (Photos courtesy of DAV Department of Minnesota member Tom Edwards) PAGE 33

36 CHAPTER & DEPARTMENT A driving force for veterans... DAV representative Lee Everton presents keys to one of two brand-new vans for the DAV Transportation Network to John Brandecker, director of the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Va. The vans will be used to transport veterans from neighboring communities who otherwise would be unable to make their medical appointments and receive treatments for service-related issues. Since the program s beginning in 1987, dedicated volunteer drivers have driven 588,984,938 miles in support of the DAV Transportation Network. View and Download DAV Event Photos Visit flickr.com/thedav. All event photos are free to download and share. The Volunteer State, indeed... DAV Department of Tennessee has set up a first-of-its-kind program for the state. The Department has placed 190 clothing and shoe donation bins across East Tennessee. The Department collects about 30,000 pounds of clothes each month. Some of the clothes go directly to veterans in need of immediate assistance, while others end up in this thrift store, which employs and trains veterans for civilian employment. Remembering our fallen, our missing... POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed in Greenville, Texas, Sept. 19, with proclamations read by County Judge John Horn for Hunt County, Texas, and a Texas State Proclamation from Governor Rick Perry s office read by DAV Chapter 81 Commander John Turner. Turner organized the event, obtained the proclamations and was able to garner representation from the veterans organizations as well as several observers and county employees. Pictured (from left): VFW Commander Robert Jordan, County Judge John Horn, DAV Chapter 81 Commander John Turner and American Legion Commander George Dierking. PAGE 34 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

37 CHAPTER & DEPARTMENT A focus on veterans families... Through recent and planned future donations to the Flagler County Schools, DAV Department of Florida Jim Booe Chapter 86 hopes to assist in bridging the gap between home and school for children of Florida's homeless veterans. Due to companies downsizing and outright shutting down, their parents are unable to find work, said Dr. Pamela Jackson Smith, Families in Transition Liaison and Parent Specialist of the Flagler County Public Schools. The parents stress to provide for basic needs transmits to the children, and those children bring that tension to school. Providing these students with basics, such as school supplies and hygienic items, alleviates a bit of that pressure. Organizations such as DAV, which provide assistance to a segment of our students, help us as educators do a better job." Dinner and a donation... DAV Department of New York, Chapter 154, recently received a $10,000 donation left as a bequest by one of the Chapter s members, Irving G. Rubenfeld. The Chapter received the very generous donation at a dinner hosted by Rubenfeld s family. Commander Herbert Morales, Sr. Vice Commander Connie Ranoccia, Second Jr. Vice Commander Joe Tiralongo, Treasurer Barry Berger, Sergeant-at-Arms Steve Placanica, Adjutant Carmine Lengua, Chaplain Bill Nadeo and Service Officer Keith Magnuson, all from Chapter 154, met Irving Rubenfeld s nephews, Steve Rubenfeld and Elliot Rubenfeld. Share Your News! Send DAV or Auxiliary news to feedback@dav.org. Need a lift? The Dayton VA medical center has a new golf cart donated by DAV Department of Ohio, which will be used to transport veterans between their vehicles and the hospital. The service will be available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pictured (from left): DAV Department of Ohio Dayton Chapter 9 Treasurer David J. Weeks; Dayton VAMC Acting Medical Director Mark Murdock; DAV Chapter 9 VAVS volunteer Ernest Watson (passenger seat); Chapter 9 VAVS volunteer Bill Williams (driver s seat); Dayton VAMC Acting Associate Director Shannon Rappach; VAMC Chief of Staff Thomas J. Hardy; Chapter 9 member and VAVS Hospital Representative Vincent R. Dec; Hospital Service Coordinator and Chapter 9 member Lee Sink; VAVS Deputy Representative and Chapter 9 member Dan Gorby; and VAVS Deputy Representative and Chapter 9 member Michael Frantz. PAGE 35

38 Tis the Season to Travel Stow DAV Magazine on your mobile device. Download the new DAV Digital Magazine app. Or read it online at REUNIONS ARMY BATTLE OF THE BULGE VETERANS 70TH ANNIVERSARY FL SE CHAPTER Dec. 14, W. Palm Beach, FL, Contact: George Fisher, Ph: , Web: ECHO COMPANY 2/5TH CAVALRY, 1ST CALVARY AIRMOBILE April 22 26, 2015, Branson, MO, Contact: Mick DeHart, Ph: , MARINES VIETNAM VETERANS OF 2ND BATTALION, 1ST MARINE REGIMENT Nov. 6 11, Charleston, SC, Contact: Mario Sagastume, Ph: , choncho0331@sbcglobal.net, Web: NAVY ATTACK SQUADRON VA-163 Nov. 5 8, Pensacola Beach, FL, Contact: Gordon Hunter, Ph: , gordonhunter60@gmail.com. OLD ANTARCTIC EXPLORERS ASSOCIATION Nov , 2014, Norfolk, VA, Contact: Ed Hamblin, Ph: , ehamblin74@verizon.net. USS BREMERTON (CA-130/SSN-698) Sept , Louisville, KY, Contact: Jerry Adams, Ph: , jeradams106@gmail.com. USS STEINAKER (DD/DDR-863) April 23 26, 2015, Virginia Beach, VA, Contact: Russ Noble, Ph: , steinaker@charter.net. INQUIRIES Searching for anyone who served with me from April 1957 to June 1959 in the Iceland Defense Force 2nd Battalion Combat Team, C Company, Weapons Platoon, Anti-Tank & Mortar, Keflavic, Iceland. Please contact Harold Weinbaum, P.O. Box 146, Ft. Mitchell, AL 36856, Ph: Searching for two pilots who were rescued with me on Feb. 14, 1945, at Tagaytay Ridge near Lake Taal. We were flown to the U.S. Navy detachment at San Jose, Mindoro, then on to the continental United States. Please contact Emile H. Peters, aka Emilio O. Hidalgo, Huntington Square, 1220 S. Elmhurst Road, Apt. G-14, Mount Prospect, IL Searching for anyone who served with me in Company I, 149th Infantry, 38th Division, in the Philippines during the week of July 31, Please contact Orville Lanier, 3685 Ball Park Road, Edgerton, MO 64444, Ph: Searching for anyone who served with me in the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow), 132 Signal Co., at ETO during WWII. Please contact Charles Mazurowski, 1775 Old Furnace Road, Crown Point, NY 12928, Ph: Searching for anyone who knows a Sgt. Knight who was captured by the North Koreans on Feb. 14, 1951, near Hoengsong, South Korea. Please contact Art Jaramillo, 1530 Fir Street, Pueblo, CO , Ph: Searching for C-130s assigned to the 316th in 1967/68 that were decontaminated at Langley AFB. Please contact Len Barnhardt at lenbarnhardt@yahoo.com. Searching for anyone who served with me in the 1961 Engineer Aviation Depot Company from , in the United States, Scotland, England, France, Belguim, Holland and Germany. Contact Vivian Young, 1608 Parkdale Drive, Wichita Falls, TX 76306, Ph: Searching for anyone who served with me at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, HHC, USAG Fort Wainwright USARAL from Please contact Harry Hogan, Ph: or Searching for any Vietnam veteran with the disease Essential Thrombocythemia, a blood cancer of the platelets. Please contact Barry Halem at Ph: or Kingasur@aol.com, or Ann Brazeay at Ph: Searching for Earnest Mims (Mimms) who was wounded during an attack at Phan Rang AB in Also searching for Calvin Singletary, 821st Safeside at Phan Rang AB from We were all stationed at Oxnard AFB, CA, together. Please contact Amador Garcia Jr., Ph: or garnik7062@yahoo.com. Searching for anyone assigned to AB, 753rd AAA Gun Battalion during the time period of June 29, 1948 through March 26, Please contact Alan A. Passmore, 5450 Jean Drive, Orlando, FL 32822, Ph: or alpassmore@att.net. Searching for anyone who served with me or knew about me in Company C of the 2nd Combat Engineer 2nd Division in Korea from 1950 to I was the company medic. They called me Doc Foster. Was on Pork Chop Hill in November 1952, was hit Nov. 17, If anyone recalls the dates, please contact Edward E. Foster, 4377 W. 132nd Street, #C, Hawthorne, CA , Ph: , Ernest_2nd_ID@hotmail.com. Searching for anyone who was in Leyte or the Philippines in the 187th Airborne Glider Infantry or the 77th Infantry Division Liberty Patch from August 1945 to September Please contact Jack Inserra, Ph: or inserraj@optimum.net. Searching for anyone who served or was with Robert H. DeWolf from February 26 thru June 8, He served in Company L, 304 R Infantry in Germany and was then sent to hospital in France. Please contact Susan DeWolf Kitchens, Ph: or sudeki@att.net. Searching for anyone who served with me in Vietnam from in the Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 600th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, stationed in the Mekong Delta at Rack Kein. Saw combat with NVA in 1969 not far from Rack Kein, Plain of Reeves. Please contact Neill Trussell, Ph: Searching for Hole Allen who traveled with me to Torii Station, Okinawa, back in June 1964 on the troop ship Daniel I. Sultan. We were MPs, 951 MOS. He was RA. I was a U.S. draftee. Please contact Bill Brogan, 1562 Blackrock Road, Swarthmore, PA 19081, Ph: Searching for anyone who served in SLGV5 in WWII in New Guinea and Philippines. Please contact Robert W. Hall, 403 N. Moccassin Place, Sapulpa, OK Searching for anyone who served with me in Korea - US Army, Detachment B, 304th Signal Bn. Osan Air Base, in particular Sandy Simmons. Please contact Larry R. Arnholt, 10 McGibney Road, Apt. F2, Mount Vernon, OH 43050, Ph: Searching for anyone who served in 191st Ord. Bat. HHC, Cam Ran Bay, South Vietnam , particularly Spc. Joseph Taylor. Please contact the Rev. Larry Falcon, Ph: Searching for anyone who served with me at Spesutie Island, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, 9301 TSU Ordnance Detachment 2 MP Detachment, May-July 1950 to verify claim. Please contact Eugene Shaw, 1 Tomoka Oaks Boulevard, Unit 118, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Ph: Searching for Robert Curtis, who served with me in Germany in Last known address in California. Please contact Daniel Wheeler, 3317 Emoryfield Place, Durham, NC , Ph: REUNION NEWS We welcome submissions from our readers for reunions and inquiries. Please mail them to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or submit them via to feedback@dav.org. PAGE 36 DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014

39 2014 ALL VETERANS CAREER FAIRS Date City Location Nov. 6 Jacksonville, Fla. EverBank Field Nov. 6 Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field Nov. 13 Charlotte, N.C. Center Stage at NoDa Nov. 13 Los Angeles Dodger Stadium Nov. 20 Norfolk, Va. Nauticus Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center Nov. 20 Seattle Safeco Field Dec. 4 Houston Minute Maid Park Dec. 4 San Diego Liberty Station's NTC Promenade at Corky McMillin Event Center Jan. 15 San Antonio, Texas Norris Conference Center Jan. 15 Tampa, Fla. TBD* Jan. 22 Oklahoma City, Okla. TBD* Jan. 22 Sacramento, Calif. TBD* Jan. 29 Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Jan. 29 Raleigh, N.C. TBD* Feb. 5 Atlanta, Ga. TBD* Feb. 5 Riverside, Calif. TBD* Feb. 12 New Orleans, La. TBD* Feb. 19 Richmond, Va. Richmond International Raceway Feb. 26 Dallas, Texas TBD* Feb. 26 New York, N.Y. TBD* *Please visit our website at jobs.dav.org for updates on venue locations. Major League Style... Jerry Layne (right) has spent the past 25 years calling ballplayers "safe as a Major League Baseball umpire. Earlier this year, Layne stopped at the Atlanta VA Medical Center to thank the people responsible for keeping him safe. Along with DAV NSO Supervisor Don Warren (left), Layne presented veteran William Jackson with a DAV jacket. Layne has been a longtime volunteer in the DAV's Celebrity Entertainment program.

40 Bundle up with DAV Vests men s slate grey ladies berry XS 4XL $45 Liner features DAV logo in black FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS 3-n-1 Coat heavyweight, waterresistant, removable hood and liner, XS 4XL $79 Beanie grey/black $10 Sale items now available on DAVSTORE.ORG sales@dav.org , Ext DAV Sales 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076