S OUTH EASTE RN PA RALYZ ED V ETERAN S OF AM ERICA , IN C

President’s Report 3

HLO Report 4

Membership 6

Calendar of Events 14

Sports 17

Important Numbers 18

Southern Edition

Inside this issue:

US Highway 1

4010 Deans Bridge Road

Hephzibah, GA 30815

www.SoutheasternPVA.org

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4

(706)796-6301

Fax: (706)7960363

1-800-292-9335

April/May 2016

Points of Interest:

Ft. Gordon Changes

to Gates

Page 5

Adv/Leg Seminar

Page 8

Publication Changes

Page 13

Who Is Your

Social Worker?

Page 15

December 2015 Toy Run for Christmas House

Paralyzed Veterans of America Mourns the Loss of National Past President and Former Executive Director Homer S. Townsend, Jr.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is mourning the loss of past national president and former executive director Homer S. Townsend, Jr. Mr. Townsend, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 20, 2016. He was 63.

The passing of Homer S. Townsend, Jr. is a tremendous loss for Paralyzed Veterans of America, and for every veteran and person with disability for whom he dedicated his life and career to defending. In addition to his military service to this country, he was a staunch advocate of civil rights and veterans benefits. He leaves an unmatched legacy. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and add our own sincere condolences to those being sent from around the country by friends, family, and colleagues.

Townsend, Jr. dedicated 41 years of his life to Paralyzed Veterans, serving the organization in many capacities, from the chapter level to national, including as the organization’s 31st national president from October 1998 to September 2000. Since his passing, many leaders in the veteran community who have worked with Townsend, Jr. throughout the years have offered their condolences and remembered Mr. Townsend’s long career serving veterans and all people with disabilities.

Mr. Townsend, Jr. first volunteered as acting executive director of Paralyzed Veterans in 2006. That same year he was awarded Paralyzed Veterans’ Speedy Award, the organization’s highest honor, in recognition of his significant contributions to improving the lives of America’s paralyzed veterans. He remained executive director, after being officially appointed to the position in 2008, until his recent retirement this past January. He also served as the first Chairman of the Paralyzed Veterans’ Field Advisory Committee, advocating for the VA Spinal Cord Injury/Disease (SCI/D) system of care.

A disability rights champion, early in his career, while serving as Arizona chapter executive vice president, he was responsible for bringing the Access to the Skies Conference out of Washington, DC to Phoenix, AZ where thanks to his hard work advocacy it grew from 40 attendees to more than 200, bringing light to the access problems individuals with disabilities face when traveling.

In addition to his work with Paralyzed Veterans, Townsend, Jr. also served as a member of the President’s Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the Arizona Governor’s Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities (1992-1996), and the Mesa Mayor’s Committee on Handicap Awareness for six years, two of which he served as chair of the committee. He was presented the key to the city by the mayor for his dedicated service. Originally from Woodland, Maine, Townsend, Jr. joined the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1969, where he served as an aircraft electrician for 5 ½ years. He sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 1974, and was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1975 at the rank of staff sergeant.

Experiment with different

pitures and sizes to find the

right image, without wasting

time. Swap pictures by drag-

ging and dropping one of the

pctures onto the other.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

April/May 2016 PAGE 3

By: Alphonso Evans On February 22, 2016, Homer Townsend, a longtime friend and leader in the world of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, transferred to Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Eternal Chapter. Homer held positions at all levels of PVA: He has served as a Chapter Board of Director, Service Officer, National Director, National Vice President, National Senior Vice Presi-dent, National President and as National Executive Director. Mr. Town-send was very much respected by the VA Leadership and in Congress. Homer’s knowledge and experience will be greatly missed at all levels within the PVA family. Please, take a moment to thank Homer for his dedication, efforts, and belief that life for veterans with spinal dysfunc-tions must get better, as well as, that of all people living with disabilities. Thank You Homer, and many thanks to your family for sharing you and your time in making PVA better. Around this time each year, we start getting requests from our Chapter Members and other Veterans, regarding how the Chapter will assist them attending the VA Winter Sports Clinic or the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The problem is, we don’t have the funds to finance just to be financing. My first question to those asking is, “Are you a member of Southeastern PVA, and what have you done to assist yourself in getting to these events?” Then I ask, “Have you volunteered to assist the Chapter in recruiting new members, or have you attended any of the Membership Meetings, whether at the Chapter office or any of the outreach areas?” Lastly, “Have you volunteered at one of the VA Medical Centers or VA Community Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in your area in the name of the Chapter?” Every member of PVA is a Membership Recruiter, as well as, a Volunteer Officer. The Chapter needs your support in getting the word out on the all of the good we do. Volunteer for the Chapter and let people know that the Paralyzed Veterans of America is not just another Veterans Service Organization (VSO), but one that has a mission of community service and as an advocate of those with disability. April is PVA ’s “Awareness Month” and “National Volunteer Month”. So I challenge you to give something, VOLUNTEER. By time you receive this newsletter most of us should have had the opportunity to VOTE. Most of the Lo-cal, State, and National Primaries should have takin place. Please tell me we all took our Right to Vote and went out and did it. If you were unable to get out you let someone know you wanted to vote and got the needed assistance. November 8th is the National Election Day. Take the time to listen to the issues. Try to get whatever information you can and Vote. There are organization that will assist you getting to your polling place it you have problems. Early vote if necessary, but vote. With that said, you will be getting your ballot from the Chapter soon. Take minute fill it out and return it. In the upcoming newsletter you will be read-ing resumes’ of those running for Office and Board of Directors in the Chapter. Please mark the ballot and return it. Medical Facilities in our area are going through changes. We have positions on Leadership Staff that needs to be filled and on SCI Teams. Its seems as soon as we get a good Director or Chief of Staff the VA moves them to a higher position, or larger Medical Facility. The issue with the SCI Teams is that many of that staff are ready to or getting ready to retire. With large turn over in the last year hopefully most in place now will

be there for a while.

Recycle

While Supporting

Veterans

HLO REPORT

April/May 2016 PAGE 4

By: Chuck Spilman/Al Evans

On March the 9, 2016, National Service Officer Jennifer Ammons, Executive Director Jennifer Windham and President Al Evans took part in the Augusta SCI Spoke Coordinator Training Seminar. This is an annual training required by the VA for all SCI Coordinators and SCI Team staff to attend. Al and both Jennifer's updated the Coordinators and staff on issues that PVA can assist them in the care of veterans. Al had just returned from PVA’s Annual Advocacy/Legislation Seminar and updated the group on some of the issues that will affect veterans with Spinal Cord Dysfunctions. Two of the hot issues were “people with disabilities flying” and Caregiver Assistance.

Jennifer Ammons explained the importance of utilizing their Service Officers, when they encounter issues with Prosthetics (veterans equipment) and over payments. The Choice Program is causing veterans with bills that should be picked up by the VA. PVA is working hard to get these covered by the VA. Executive Director Windham explained the role of the Chapter and how we may be able to assist with various issues.

On March 10th, President Al Evans and Service Officer Jennifer Ammons took part with the Augusta SCI Stakeholders meeting. SCI Service Line Chief, Dr. Stincer and Tasha Baker-Boone, RN, Executive Nurse, briefed the meeting on the status of staffing. Presently the unit is down three Physicians and three Mid-Level Primary Care Providers (Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner). 1F’s Nurse Manage will be retiring in May and Ms. Boone, RN has started interviewing for the replacement. Dr. Stincer advised that the SCI Unit has started accepting MS/ALS veterans into the unit. This has been an issue the Chapter has be pushing to get started for a number of years. A question was raised about National PVA during Site Visits to the Spokes. Al Evans advised they can be requested and will check to see if any are on the schedule for Augusta Spokes. Ms. Boone, RN updated the meeting on the changes in Customer Service reporting for the VA. The SCI program is different from other parts of health care in the VA due to the level of care and time of care. SCI reporting is more complex and reviewed at all levels.

Charlie Norwood (Augusta) VA Medical Center has made some headway on reopening the 1E Courtyard. As we stated before, the Greenhouse has been removed. Last month Infection Control has completed their inspection and cleared the area. Facility Engineers have gone through the area and noted that there are some old stumps that need to be shaved down (removed). Once this is done, the courtyard can at least open for patients to use to get some fresh air. We are still waiting for both VA and National PVA Architects to

decide on the design of the Rehab Course that is scheduled to be install.

April/May 2016 PAGE 5

100 Percent of Visitors to Be Screened

By Laura Levering, Fort Gordon Public Affairs Office

Fort Gordon will soon begin implementing the fourth and final phase of conducting National Crime Investigation Center background checks on visitors to the installation. A requirement from the Secretary of the Army mandates that all installations screen non-Department of Defense personnel before granting access to the installation. The requirement is part of an ongoing effort to maximize safety and security of military installations. Under the policy, visitors who do not have a federal government issued identification card must undergo an NCIC background check before entering the installation.

On Fort Gordon, the policy has been implemented in phases, with Phase I initiated on Oct. 1, 2014. Phase I applied to volunteers and contractors who work on Fort Gordon and who are ineligible to obtain a DoD ID card. Phase II applied to outside vendors and contractors who provide a service on the installation but who do not physically work on the installation, and Phase III applied to small group events, such as parties and sports tournaments. Under Phase IV, NCIC background checks must be conducted on 100 percent of non- DoD personnel prior to gaining access to the installation.

All installations must be in full compliance by Oct. 1, 2016 as indicated in Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and HQDA EXORD 033- 15. “Fort Gordon leadership is being aggressive in trying to tackle this compliance by doing as many recurring visitors’ background checks prior to Oct. 1 as we can,” said Thomas Scott, Directorate of Emergency Services security specialist. Screenings will be conducted at the Visitor Control Center at McKenna Gate and will be initiated by Fort Gordon VCC personnel, not by visitors’ requests.

Visitors must provide a valid driver’s license, social security number, vehicle registration and insurance for the initial screening. Results can take anywhere from five to 20 minutes per person. Information obtained during the screening will alert authorities to any outstanding warrants and in some cases could subject a person to arrest. Reasons a person may be denied access to the installation include – but are not limited to – crimes such as conviction of armed robbery, conviction of sex crimes, acts to overthrow the government, and those identified on the Terrorist Screening Database.

“We want to deter terrorists and criminals from gaining access to the installation,” Scott said. “That’s really what the goal is.” If the background check comes back clear, the person will be designated as “approved for access” on the installation’s access list. Just because an individual has been approved for access, doesn’t mean they will have unlimited access to the installation; they still must have a valid reason for entering Fort Gordon.

“Once they receive a favorable background check, on their return to Fort Gordon, they will need to ob-tain a visitor’s pass each time they wish to gain access,” Scott explained. A pass will be given not to ex-ceed three days. The NCIC background check is valid for one year from the completed background check.

During the next several months, the community can expect longer wait times at the VCC as a result of the screenings. Looking ahead to the future, Scott said a contract is currently in place to expand the VCC, which will help alleviate some of the waiting times. The number of terminals will increase from three to six, and the VCC will expand its parking lot space.

“The Augusta community and the Fort Gordon community need to expect and be prepared for longer wait periods,” Scott said. “The public needs to understand that it’s going to be painful, but keeping an

installation safe is not about convenience.”

Caption describing pic-

ture or graphic.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT Columbia and Dublin. The annual Patient/Staff Holiday Luncheon for the Augusta SCI Unit was held on December 9th. The meal was good as always. Everyone kept talking about how good the green beans and sweet potatoes were. Most of our Board of Directors were able to attend. Thanks to the SCI Staff for serving and delivering meals the bedside patients. We had students from Ft. Gordon also delivering and serving. Our office staff really appreciate the assistance the staff gave in setting up and rounding up volunteers. January 7th, I attended the VA Volunteer Service Committee meeting. Ms. Andrews, the facility Director, gave an update on the status of some projects in the Medical Center. She advised that they had been notified that the facility will be getting a 4% funding increase. Due the lack of housekeep-ing personnel, the facility needed to enter into a contract with a house-keeping company to maintain the up keep. If at any time you are in the Augusta VA and notice the house keeping lacking, please bring to the attention of someone. Also, contact our Service Officer. Our input as to whether the housekeeping contract is working or not, will be helpful for the Director.

Ms. Andrews, also advised the Committee that the facility is not pleased with the service veterans are getting from HealthNet. They are the contractor in the Eastern part of the United States that Congress contact-ed for the Choice Act of 2014.

There are problems with scheduling of appointments, phone calls not be-ing returned, and records not being forwarded back to the VA on veteran visits to outside sources. Some of

April/May 2016 PAGE 6

by: Al Evans

I have spoken to our Board of Director members and we all agree we need to try harder to get our membership more involved with Chapter events and outreach programs. We have moved the Membership Meeting outside of the Medical Centers since parking is a real problem. This gives us a better variety of meals to pick from and easier parking. It does limit the number of staff that may attend the meetings. But in most cases staff do come, especially since their Directors are in attendance.

Membership Involvement

I need to know what we have to do to get more members involved. We need to promote PVA and our Chapter in our area. PVA and the Chapter work hard to improve the life of veterans but if people don’t know the good we do, then we’re just another charity asking for funds. A good time to raise the awareness of the Chapter and PVA both is during the month of APRIL. April is what we call PVA Awareness Month (PAM). PVA was founded April 14, 1947 and across the coun-try Service Offices and Chapter hold events and fairs to raise the profile of PVA. I need our members’ assis-tance in these projects. If you have an idea we could try or take part in please give the office a call. Don’t wait until March to give us a call, as we may have to arrange Board members of items to get to the event to assist.

Charlie Norwood (Augusta)

VAMC December was a busy month for the Chapter. We had meetings in

these problems are making veterans wait over 30 days for appointments and care. The Choice Act was intended to do away with this problem. In some cases, HealthNet is actually making the problem worse. If you feel you are getting the run around, please contact your PVA National Service Officer. We need to know when there is a breakdown in the system.

Carl Vinson (Dublin) VAMC

We held the Membership/Holiday luncheon for Dublin on the 14th of December. The facility Director updated the group on construction projects and plans to improve Accessible Parking around the campus. They are still working with the local government on getting back some buildings. These building will be removed and a new Mental Health facility will be built. They started on the Tipton Community Base Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), construction will begin in early February or March. Dublin has plans to expand the Macon CBOC. They will either be adding to the present building or constructing a new building. Waiting for funding from the VA. Dublin has expanded its TeleMed program. They are now connected to all their CBOCs and Augusta SCI Unit. The program is used for Mental Health, Cardiac, and Wound Care evaluations. These assessments cuts down on some the traveling required by the veteran.

Upcoming Elections

Please exercise your right to vote in all upcoming elections in your area!

April/May 2016 PAGE 7

We have officially started another election year for officers and directors for the Southeastern Chapter’s Board of Directors. Beginning. Members that are interested in running for a position on the Chapter’s board are asked to send in a resume.

A “resume” is a brief description of who you are, your strengths, what qualifies you as a board member, what you have done in the past and would like to see done with our Chapter in the future.

Resumes with or without a photo, may be sent via email to me at the Chapter:

JenniferW@SoutheasternPVA.org.

You will find all resumes printed in our Chapter newsletters through the end of July, to inform members of your interest and qualifications. All resumes to be printed in the newsletter are to be received by the Chapter no later than April 8, 2016.

Only in-person nominations with a resume will be accepted at the June 8, 2016 meeting at the Chapter Headquarters.

The Election Committee for 2016 has been appointed, consisting of: Chuck Turek, Alan Washington and Rick Messer. They will review each resume that is submitted to the Chapter and ensure that the individu-al meets the following requirements:

Upcoming Chapter Elections In August

By: Jennifer Windham

1. A certified voting member of the SEPVA.

2. Member is in good standing with the

SEPVA.

3. Confirm that individual has reliable/

dependable transportation.

4. Confirm that the individual has the ability and is willing to make scheduled meetings.

Resumes will not be accepted after May 1 as ballots will be printed so that they are mailed out to members on July 31, 2016. Members will have until the August 31, 2016 to have their ballots returned to the Chapter via the PO Box address on the envelop included with your ballot. I will collect ballots from the post office box for the final time on September 1, 2016, as ballots will be counted at our September 7th Membership meeting. Any bal-lots received by mail after this date will be considered void.

Ballots are to be mailed. Hand delivered ballots will not be accepted. To ensure that your ballot makes it back in a timely manner to be counted, it is recommended that you return it by mail no later than August26, 2016.

Please feel free to call the Chapter office if you have any questions pertaining to the election nomi-

nation process.

April/May 2016 PAGE 8

PVA Advocacy and Legislative Seminar 2016

By: Paul Stewart

The PVA Advocacy and Legislative seminar and testimonies held February 29 thru March 3, were informative, passionate and interesting. We spent the first couple of days covering key issues we needed to discuss with congress or staff members. Most of the issues were about veteran issues and a couple were about issues that affect all people with disabilities.

I addressed approximately four key issues while speaking with staff members of congress. First was the Air Carrier Access Act. Second, protecting specialized services to include reinstatement of the annual capacity report. Third, was Procreative Services for catastrophically disabled veterans. Finally, was to expand eligibility for the VA comprehensive caregiver program.

Yes, veteran issues are the main reason we are there, but I wanted to keep all the veteran issues in the same segment. We made the staff personnel aware of the concerns of the Air Carrier Act. If the transportation personnel was not available, we collected there business cards and intend to follow up with them later. When we did speak with some of the transportation staff members, they were not aware of all the problems that exist for people with disabilities when flying. We have shared stories about the problems that exist. We also let them know that Air Carrier Act will be 30 years old this year. We have shared the airac-cess30.org website and how we are asking people with disabilities to share their stories with us.

Protecting specialized services is very important to our veterans; especially those with spinal cord injury/dysfunction and visual impairment. The VA is the best health care providers for veterans. These specialized services most likely cannot be duplicated in the private sector. PVA strongly urges congress to pass legislation that will reinstate the annual capacity report requirement originally established by P.L. 104-262 the “Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996.”

Procreative Services for Catastrophically Disabled Veterans is a high concern for many disabled veterans that want children. Currently this was banned in 1992, meaning the government wouldn’t assist with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The conflict with this is that any current DOD/Active duty personnel can have IVF if needed. Once the veteran is discharged from the service, they are no longer eligible for the assistance of IVF. This is also the case if the veteran started the procedure prior to being discharged from the service and is now in the VA system. They are no longer able to get the assistance from the VAMC. PVA’s view is that our catastrophically disabled veterans have already placed the life on the line for our country, therefore, they deserve the same opportunity to have children as any other person.

Finally, expanding eligibility for the VA comprehensive caregiver program. Currently this program is only offered to catastrophically disabled veterans who served post 9/11/2001 and who meet the criteria. We are wanting the law changed to cover all veterans that meet the criteria, without concerns of when they served, whether post or prior 9/11/2001. This should also include catastrophic illnesses such as ALS and MS. PVA urges passage of H.R. 2894 “Care for All Veterans Act” and S 1085 “Military and Veterans Caregiver Services Improvement Act.”

By offering this service to all veterans, there are benefits for all parties. Starting with a cost savings, the average cost to place a veteran in VA community nursing home is approximately $332,756. Whereas, by offering the Caregiver program, the average cost is $36,700. By having the veteran remaining within their home, it helps them emotionally and psychologically. Family members who are caregiver wouldn’t have to travel to see their love ones, since they would be at home versus being in a nursing home or state home. The government would benefit financially, as less money they are paying out and in return the caregiver is spending money which then brings money back to the government from taxes. There were other points brought out during the seminar, but we did not have enough time to discuss them with Congressional members.

Veteran Health Care Reform Problems with denial of clothing allowance for catastrophically disabled veterans Complex Rehabilitation Technology The senior and veterans emergency benefits act

April/May 2016 PAGE 9

Our National President, Al Kovack, Jr, represented PVA and veterans very well at the testimony. His speech was very passionate and heartfelt. It appeared as though everyone in the room applauded when he completed his testimony. There were six additional Veterans Organizations, along with PVA, represented at the Congressional Testimony.

Another issue that was brought up during the training seminar there was a discussion regarding disabled access on cruise ships. It was interesting to find out what is being done to make cruise ships more accessible. Also, what people with disabilities should do to prepare or think about before taking a cruise. There was information provided on how Royal Caribbean on their larger vessels is more accessible. What ways their ships were more accessible such as pools, rooms, dining areas, and etc.

Whatever cruise ship you plan to talk, we advise that you do your homework. Find out what they offer: what you can do, rooms, what is accessible. If you want to get off while at port: how accessible is it, are there any additional charges for specialty transportation or private tours. Know what you will need to bring on the ship. Always read over all information before confirming your cruise. Here are some websites that may assist you when seeking a cruise: Royal Caribbean Accessible Seas www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/home.do, Cruise Planners www.easyaccesstravel.com, Disable Accessible Travel www.disabledaccessibletravel.com/wheelchair-accessible-shoreexcursions, Sage Traveling www.sagetravel.com/cruise-port-accessibillity-reviews-in-europe and Wheelzup www.wheelzupaccessibletravel.com

***We are not endorsing websites, we are just providing information that has been shared at the Advocacy and

Legislative Seminar***

PVA Advocacy and Legislative Seminar 2016, continued from page 8

April/May 2016 PAGE 13

Rep. Austin Scott and Chuck Turek

FIRST NAME: MI:

LAST NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

PHONE:

BIRTH DATE: MEMBER#:

Please make sure that if you have MOVED or even away for a short period of time, to change your address with :

1. The VA / Social Worker 2. Your Service Officer 3. Southeastern PVA: 1-800-292-9335

We strive to keep our membership

address list current.

Therefore, please make sure that we have

your current mailing address on file.

Even if you are away for a short

period of time, please call the

Chapter office and let us know

so that we can make the

temporary change.

Complete this form and mail in, or call our 800 number.

Thank you!

UPCOMING CHANGE IN PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTION

By: Jennifer Windham, Executive Director

As we have shared in the last several issues, we have diligently worked to keep costs down. With returned newsletters reaching an all-time high, we have tried to reach out and request that members keep us informed when you have an address change (even temporary changes).

In a continued effort to save money at the Chapter level, I approached the Board of Directors with a variety of suggestions. The following was approved by the Southeastern Chapter’s Board of Directors. Beginning with our August/September 2016 issue of the Southern Edition, we will only mail hard copies out to members that contacted our office and requested to be on the mailing list. You can find all current and past issues, along with Annual Reports are posted to our website via www.SoutheasternPVA.org and click on the Publications tab. We will use the email contact we have within your membership information, here at the Chapter, to send you the latest edition. If you need to update this information, please contact the office at 800-292-9335 and give us a current e-mail address.

The decision to distribute electronic copies via our website and email follows suite with various organizations of this modern day social media era. We estimate that this change will save the Chapter nearly $8,000.00 annually in postage alone, not to mention, printing and administrative costs. This savings can be better utilized throughout our other programs.

We appreciate your support and understanding regarding this change. Please feel free to contact me if you have

questions or concerns.

VETERAN BUSINESS OWNERS- ATTENTION

The Coastal Chapter of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Network (SDVOB) was recently created and is based out of Charleston, SC. This non-profit 503 c 19 organization will provide networking support to service disabled veterans. The chapter will also offer training and technical assistance to vets. The Elite SDVOB will focus on lobbying on a state level to gain support for procurement targets, joint venture opportunities, and loan funds on behalf of service-disabled veterans.

The Coastal Chapter meets on a monthly basis and the next meeting will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016, 8:30 am, the Catalyst Center located on the second floor of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce building, 4500 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston. For additional information, contact Chuck Davis, President, 843-830-0555, chuckbpw@gmail.com.

April/May 2016 PAGE 14

April 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

May 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

8: Mothers Day

17-20: National PVA Convention

30: Memorial Day– Chapter CLOSED

To all of our members celebrating birthdays

in April and May

1-30: Paralyzed Awareness Month

1: April’s Fool Day

12: Board of Directors Meeting

13: Membership Meeting @Chapter Office

15: Columbia Membership Meeting

19: Johnson City, TN SCI Clinic Open House

22: Earth Day

30: Belk Charity Sale

Joke:

April/May 2016 PAGE 15

Who is my VA Medical Center

Social Worker? By: William Pack, Senior National Service Officer

PVA Winston-Salem

When you have difficulty solving a problem at the VA Medical Center, the Primary Care Clinic a Social Worker should be contacted. This individual is assigned to your Primary Care Clinic by the Chief of Social Work. I encourage you to have their name and office phone number for the best contact information. The Social Worker can be assigned to Specialty Care Clinics as well. Social Workers are also found in Mental Health Clinics, Extended Care Clinics, Homeless Services, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

Social Workers are there to promote better health advocacy for you, as you move through the VA Health Care System. They are great resources to help you and your family learn coping and adjustment skills regarding your disabilities. The Social Worker can assist with connecting you with community services that can help resolve issues for you and your family. They are a primary source in coordinating your discharge and aftercare planning, on your way home.

Some of the programs your Social Worker can help you navigate are: Clothing Allowances, Rehabilitation Medicine, Prosthetics, Home Improvement Structural Alterations (HISA), Pharmacy, and Business Office Issues. As your disabilities increase in severity your Social Worker can assist with Home Health Aid Care and Home Base Primary Care evaluations. He or she can explain Respite Care and how the program can assist caregivers. Your Primary Care Social Worker along with a Specialty Clinic Social Worker can help in resolving many problems and issues at the lowest level. The most important issue is to bring specific concerns to your Social Worker’s attention and keep good notes for yourself on the proposed resolutions.

For the Spinal Cord Injured and Disease (SCI/D) veteran your SCI/D Social Worker is your go-to person for all Spinal Cord Issues. He or she is usually located in the SCI/D clinic and will see you on visits with your SCI/D Clinician. The VHA directive 1176 outlines the SCI/D Social Worker responsibilities. The registry is one of their primary tools in helping them monitor the SCI/D population for their VAMC. They will assist with long-term care placement options in your community based on individual eligibility. This article is in no way comprehensive of the SCI/D Social Worker assigned duties nor of any Social Worker assigned to your Primary Care Clinic or Specialty Clinic.

The objective of this article is to make you aware of how important the Social Worker position is and how critical their role is with overall health care. They are instrumental in the VA health care system and in the resolution of your VA Medical Center problems. Let me encourage you to find out each Social Worker that is involved with your personal health care and develop a better relationship of how they can assist you. Remember, your Primary Care Clinic Social Worker is your first point of contact for Primary Care Issues and your SCI/D Social Worker is your point of contact for Spinal Cord Issues. The best VA health care starts with you being informed. Your VA Medical Center Social Worker can help educate you

and your family for the best VA care possible.

contact list of all of the SCI Coordinators can be found on page 18 of this newsletter.

April/May 2016 PAGE 16

ARE YOU WILLING TO VOLUNTEER?

Southeastern PVA is looking for volunteers. We cover the easterner portions of Alabama and Tennessee, western North Carolina, and all of Georgia and South Carolina . The hospitals we cover are Augusta, Atlanta/Decatur, Birmingham, Montgomery/Tuskegee, Charleston, Columbia, Dublin, Tuscaloosa, Asheville, Mountain Home and Salisbury. Not all the volunteering is needed in just the Augusta, GA area. We are seeking to do more in other locations. who we are. We need volunteers to assist us by reaching out in the other areas. It is a great way to represent a chapter you belong with as well as letting people know.

We are looking for people wanting to assist in:

Fund raising Advocacy Membership Sports and Recreation Special events Hospitals

If interested, please contact the office at 1-800-292-9335 or email Jenniferw@southeasternpva.org

WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU! Service Members and Veterans with Service Related Injuries,

and Gold Star Families Appreciation Day

Saturday, May 7th, 2016 (Rain Date May 14th)

The Park @ Georgia Power’s Plant Wansley

12 miles south of Carrollton, GA on Liberty Church Road

7AM – 5PM

This event is for military members/veterans with service related injuries, and Gold Star Families. Fishing tackle, bait, food and drinks provided. Bring your boat or a few boats and guides will be available. If you live more than 75 miles away, the American Legion will pay for your room for two nights at the designated motel.

Bring your chairs! Bring a cooler!

To register to attend or for more information and directions please contact: Rick Cowan, Fishing for Freedom Chairman e-mail: rickcowan.rick@gmail.com

SPORTS REPORT

April/May 2016 PAGE 17

Please check out the Chapter’s website SoutheasternPVA.org for the latest activities/events taking place throughout the Chapter and National PVA. You can also go to PVA.org to get updated on Sports & Recreation,

Advocacy/Legislation and Research on Spinal Cord Dysfunction.

By: Al Evans, Sports Director

Remember, always start at smile.amazon.com

Do You Know Of A Sports Event?

If you know of a sporting event or clinic for people with disabilities give me a call or send an email to the Chapter with the details. We can post it on the website and place it in this Newsletter if notified early enough. This is your Newsletter and if you’re interested in an event you can bet another veteran may be as well.

The Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets

T h a n k y o u S E P V A , f o r s p o n s o r i n g t h e C h a r l o t t e R o l l i n H o r n e t s .

The Rollin’ Hornets currently have 7 Veterans playing on their “A” and “B” teams; Ike Cunning-ham, Jimmy Bruce, Nate Bias, Chuck Wesson, Paul Stewart, Oman Paulsen, Bradley Mungo.

The Charlotte Rollin Hornets “A” team will be competing at the NWBA National Tournament in Lexington, KY. They had tied with the Fayetteville Flyers, for 1st place in the Northern division of the Carolina’s Conference. The Rollin Hornets “B” team ended up in last place at confer-ence level. Between the tho teams, we had several players that received awards for all con-ference team, MVP, Rookie of the year, and coach of the year.

Good Luck to the Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets “A” team at Nationals!

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OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Al Evans

VICE PRESIDENT Chuck Turek

SECRETARY Alan Washington

TREASURER Lonnie Burnett

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Braun Kurt Glass

Linda Hutchinson Orlando Perez

John Springstead Paul Stewart

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

SPORTS DIRECTOR Al Evans

HOSPITAL LIAISON “Team”

SC/NC ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION Paul Stewart

GA/AL ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION Chuck Turek

NATIONAL DIRECTOR

Paul Stewart

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Windham

SOUTHEASTERN PARALYZED

VETERANS of AMERICA

4010 Deans Bridge Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

1-800-292-9335 706-796-6301

www.SoutheasternPVA.org

Material contained herein expresses the

opinions of the writers, not necessarily the

opinions of the editorial staff, Southeastern

Chapter, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Advertisements contained herein are paid

advertisements; Southeastern PVA neither

guarantees nor endorses the products or

services represented. The editor reserves the right to edit articles

and/or advertising content.

SCI COORDINATORS

Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA

SCI Clinic Coordinator: (800)836-5561, ext. 3778 or 3710

Atlanta/Decatur VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Kim Whitmoyer, (404)321-6111, ext. 2475

Birmingham VA Medical Center

SCI/D Coordinator: Nazaren Hartman, (205)933-8101, ext. 6453

Montgomery/Tuskegee VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Karen Smith, (334)727-0550, ext. 3219

Charleston VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Elizabeth Carbonneau, (843)789-7252

Columbia VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Tonya Hamilton, (803)776-4000, ext. 6402

Dublin VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Debbie Mullis, (478)-272-1210, ext. 5459

Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Joyce McCollum, (205)554-3542

Asheville VA Medical Center

SCI/D Coordinator: Inez Whiteside, (828)298-7911, ext. 5384

Mountain Home VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Heidi Bailey, (423)979-3014

Salisbury VA Medical Center SCI/D Coordinator: Alice Gatewood, (704)638-9000, ext. 3144

SERVICE OFFICERS

AUGUSTA VAMC Jennifer Ammons, National Service Officer Lorna Jefferson, Secretary Augusta-Downtown VAMC, 2C-100, Augusta, GA 30904 (800)795-3597, (706)823-2219, FAX: (706)823-2295

GEORGIA VA REGIONAL OFFICE Mitchell Hinkle, SBA, Senior National Service Officer Shirley B. Bryant, Secretary 1700 Clairmont Rd., C/O PVA, Decatur, GA 30033-4032 (800)795-3596, (404)929-5333, FAX: (404)929-5337

SOUTH CAROLINA VA REGIONAL OFFICE Tony Timmons, SNSO, Senior National Service Officer Val Brown, Secretary 6437 Garners Ferry Rd., Rm. 1121, Columbia, SC 29209 (800)795-3631, (803)647-2432, FAX: (803)647-2311

NORTH CAROLINA VA REGIONAL OFFICE Bill Pack, SNSO, Senior National Service Officer Linda Paquett, Secretary 251 N. Main St., Rm. 424, Winston Salem, NC 27155 (800)795-3622, (336)251-0836, FAX: (336)251-0837

ALABAMA VA REGIONAL OFFICE Anthony Steele, SNSO, Senior National Service Officer Lakisha Anderson, Secretary 45 Perry Hill Rd., Rm. 1-123, Montgomery, Alabama 36109 (800)795-3581, (334)213-3433/3435, FAX: (334)279-1590

TENNESSEE VA REGIONAL OFFICE Nichelle Edwards, NSO, National Service Officer Cassandra Davis, Secretary 110 9th Ave. South, Rm. A-302, Nashville, TN 37203 (800)795-3569, (615)695-6383, FAX: (615) 695-6290

SOUTHEASTERN PARAYLZED VETERANS OF AMERICA, INC.

U.S. HIGHWAY 1 4010 DEANS BRIDGE ROAD HEPHZIBAH, GA 30815

www.SoutheasternPVA.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG.

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

AUGUSTA, GA

PERMIT NO. 324

803-791-7791 864-293-7171