March/April 2008 39

MARCH/APRIL 2008

Support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

page 10

DAVMagcov34082.indd 1 2/25/08 1:42:00 PM

2008 DEPARTMENT CONVENTIONSDate State City Headquarters Banquet Date

April 10-13 RI Warwick Crown Plaza Hotel at the Crossing April 12April 25-26 ME Bangor Four Points Sheraton April 26April 25-27 ND Mandan Seven Seas Inn April 26April 25-27 VT Burlington Hilton Burlington April 26April 30-May 3 ID Burley Best Western Inn May 2May 1-3 MN Rochester Radisson May 2May 1-3 SD Aberdeen Best Western Ramkota Hotel May 2May 2-3 CT Cromwell Courtyard by Marriott May 3May 4-6 NV Laughlin Tropicana Express May 6May 9-11 WY Cheyenne Best Western Hitching Post Inn May 10May 15-17 IA Osceola Terrible’s Lakeside Casino May 16May 15-18 LA Shreveport Holiday Inn Financial Plaza May 17May 15-18 SC Columbia Radisson May 17May 16-18 AR Rogers Embassy Suites May 17May 20-23 NJ Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort May 22May 21-24 OR Bend Shilo Inn May 22May 22-25 AK Fairbanks Regency Fairbanks Hotel May 24May 28-30 CO Denver Doubletree Hotel May 30May 28-June 1 MD Ocean City Princess Royale May 31May 30-June 1 MO Jefferson City Capitol Plaza Hotel May 31June 4-7 CA Bakersfield Holiday Inn Select June 7June 4-7 OH Dublin Crowne Plaza June 6June 4-7 WA Yakima Howard Johnsons Plaza June 6June 4-8 VA Lynchburg Holiday Inn Select June 7June 5-6 FL Altamonte Springs Hilton June 6June 5-7 IN Indianapolis Holiday Inn Select North June 7June 5-7 UT West Wendover, NV Rainbow Hotel and Casino June 6June 5-8 GA Macon Ramada Inn June 7June 5-7 MT Helena Jorgenson’s Inn & Suites June 7June 5-8 MA Braintree Four Points Sheraton Braintree June 6June 5-8 NC Raleigh North Raleigh Hilton June 7June 6-8 AL Sheffield Holiday Inn- Sheffield June 7June 6-8 AZ Tucson Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel N. UnknownJune 6-8 KS Junction City Courtyard By Marriott June 7June 6-8 MI Sault Ste. Marie Kewadin Casino Hotel June 7June 6-8 NH Bartlett Grand Summit Hotel and Conf. Ctr. June 7June 6-8 WV Charleston Holiday Inn Express June 7June 12-14 WI Appleton Radisson Paper Valley Hotel June 14June 13-14 DC Washington Best Western Skyline Hotel June 14June 13-15 HI Honolulu The Ala Moana June 13-14June 13-15 IL Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel June 14June 13-15 KY Louisville Holiday Inn Hurstbourne June 14June 13-15 MS Tupelo The Summit June 14June 13-15 NE Kearney Holiday Inn and Conv. Center June 14June 19-21 TN Murfreesboro Double Tree Hotel June 21June 20-22 PA Plymouth Meeting Double Tree Guest Suites June 20June 20-22 TX Wichita Falls Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel June 21June 22-25 NY Kerhonkson Hudson Valley Resort & Spa June 24June 26-28 NM Albuquerque Howard Johnson June 27June 26-29 OK Oklahoma City Holiday Inn Airport June 28June 27-28 DE Dover Sheraton-Dover Hotel June 28June 27-29 PR Aquadilla FARO Hotel, Net Suites June 28

f r o m t h e N A T I O N A L C O M M A N D E R

Robert T. Reynolds

1DAV MAGAZINE

The Rewards of Volunteering

At the heart of the DAV you will find our solemn com-mitment to volunteering to help disabled veterans

and their families when they may need it the most. In time of crisis our disabled veterans look to us for help, and I personally know that the DAV is there for them. You see, I am one of our active volunteers.

The spirit of volunteerism is a strong thread woven in the tapestry of services provided by the DAV. Our partici-pation in the VA’s Voluntary Service programs has been strong from the beginning. Last year, more than 15,000 DAV and Auxiliary volunteers logged more than 2.3 mil-lion hours helping veterans in the VA system.

DAV volunteer drivers spend long hours taking sick and disabled veterans to their VA medical appointments and return them safely home. Since our Transportation Network began in 1987, our volunteers have driven nearly 412 million miles. That is a very large amount of volunteering, and more drivers are needed. It’s a reward-ing way to help our fellow disabled veterans. So if you have time available, even one day a month, you should consider becoming a volunteer driver in the Transporta-tion Network.

Our volunteers make other major contributions which enrich the lives of disabled veterans and their families, and they continue every day. They are working at VA medical centers to meet the needs of disabled veteran patients, or just to cheer them up and to brighten their spirits. And there is our new Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP) to reach out to help veterans in under-served areas.

Under this valuable program, volunteers who live in

areas with service needs can assist disabled veterans. Participation includes all the recognition awards we now provide to other volunteers, as well as eligibility for a Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship for student volunteers. Organizing local volunteers in areas where they are needed and providing incentives will help ex-pand services to even more disabled veterans and their families. Check with your Department or Chapter for further information on the new program of service.

Service is our mission, and we have an outstanding record of voluntary services. The National Disabled Vet-erans Winter Sports Clinic — one of my favorite volunteer opportunities — is called “Miracles on a Mountainside” because of what it does for disabled veterans.

But the work by the hundreds of volunteers brings mir-acles for them as well. Our volunteers get to meet many disabled veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as they take part in this important rehabilitation event.

Volunteers work closely as this new generation of disabled veterans gain new confidence in themselves as they participate in a wide range of recreational sports at a level those veterans might never have believed possible.

It is a heartwarming week for the participants and the wonderful group of volunteers. Our volunteers lend a helping hand when needed, a word of cheer for those who succeeded and special prayers of thanks when the clinic is completed.

I will be there, in my role as National Commander, but if they need an extra volunteer, I will lend a hand.

In our organization, DAV is synonymous with service. I can think of no finer calling and no finer legacy.

Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans

®

®®

Robert T. Reynolds National Commander

Arthur H. Wilson National Adjutant & Publisher

Gary Weaver National Director of

Communications

David E. Autry Deputy National Director

of Communications

Arvel “Jim” Hall Assistant National Director

of Communications

Thomas L. Wilborn Assistant National Director

of Communications

Rob Lewis Marketing & Special Events

Manager

Dan Clare Associate National Director

of Communications

James A. Chaney Production Manager

MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2008

Contact Us: www.dav.org • Toll Free 877.426.2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076

2 DAV MAGAZINE

Volume 50, Issue 2, DAV Magazine (ISSN

0885-6400) Editorial Office: DAV Magazine,

P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Telephone (859) 441-7300 or toll free (877)

I AM A VET. Published and circulated bi-

monthly bulletin by the Disabled American

Veterans, a Congressionally-chartered, non-

profit organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincin-

nati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home Page is

www.dav.org. Available on recording for

the blind and those with physical handicaps

that preclude reading printed material. The

magazine is mailed free to homes of DAV

and Auxiliary members. Nonmembers may

subscribe for $15.00 per year. Periodical post-

age paid at office of publication, Newport,

KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed

in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notify-

ing a change of address, send former as well

as new address, including zip code, to: DAV

Magazine, DAV National Headquaters, P.O.

Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550.

®

1 National Commander Robert T. Reynolds encourages DAV members to dis-cover the rewards of volunteering to help sick and disabled veterans at VA medical centers, in your communities or at special events.

3 National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson notes that while one so-called charity watchdog group has given the DAV a poor grade, our A-plus service to veterans continues to be highly rated under the very rigorous standards set by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

5 The DAV’s Transition Service Program has recently expanded to provide outreach to servicemembers at more than a dozen military separation centers across the country, thanks in part to a grant from the GE Foundation.

7 The President’s 2009 budget plan again comes up short of what’s needed for veterans

health care and the benefits delivery system when compared with recommendation by the DAV and The Independent Budget.

10 Groundbreaking for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is planned for early 2009, and the DAV has set up a fund to match donations by Departments and Chapters to help keep your memorial on schedule to be completed by 2010.

12 National Service Director Randy Reese notes that the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission recommendations offer a good starting point for much-needed improve-ments in the VA claims system.

16 Auxiliary National Commander Kathryn A. Wiley offers some good advice for improving communication to enable members to better fulfill our mission of service to disabled veterans and their families.

17 Helping homeless veterans to move from the streets and into a more productive, self-sufficient way of life is just one way the DAV Charitable Service Trust is working to make a difference.

19 DAV-supported legislation to improve and enhance mental and physical health care for female veterans has been introduced in Congress, and our grassroots advocacy network has a vital role to play in getting it passed.

Front Cover: The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will be a tribute to the service and sacrifice of disabled veterans.

f r o m t h e N A T I O N A L A D J U T A N T

Arthur H. Wilson

March/April 2008 3

The Rejection of Common Sense

Veterans organizations — DAV among them — have been in the news lately. Spurred on by a Congressional inquiry

into the practices of a handful of suspicious characters, some in the media have chosen to offer the spotlight to an outfit called the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) and its president, Daniel Borochoff. Borochoff rates charities using a system that is unique to AIP and that is based on some highly questionable assumptions. As a result of his most recent media exposure, some of our members have heard or read about AIP’s negative rating of DAV, and the time has come to set the record straight.

No one who knows DAV well doubts the magnitude of our accomplishments year in and year out. Last year alone, DAV’s Na-tional Service Officers and Transition Service Officers represented nearly 250,000 disabled veterans and their families, obtaining for them $2.6 billion in new and retroactive benefits. In collabo-ration with our Departments and Chapters, DAV facilitated the outright donation of 164 vans to the Department of Veterans Af-fairs to transport veterans to medical appointments, and provided volunteers who made 620,000 trips and spent 2 million hours doing it.

I could go on and on. The bottom line is that DAV devoted 77.3 percent of its $154.9 million in expenditures to programs serving disabled veterans and their families. That means that we spent less than 23 percent combined on fundraising and administrative costs.

Our record has not gone unnoticed. For several consecutive years, the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance has determined that DAV meets all 20 of its stringent standards for charities. These standards address all aspects of the opera-tion and management of a nonprofit organization. The BBB requires, for example, that a charity raise funds in an efficient manner, so that most of the money raised is used for programs and not for overhead. Many charities cannot meet these requirements, but we do, and we can all be proud of BBB’s long-standing approval of DAV. By the way, you can access BBB’s full evaluation, our annual reports and other financial information by visiting our Web site, www.dav.org.

Then, what about AIP? Why is its rating so completely at

odds with the BBB’s?Well, AIP takes the position that when it comes to assessing

the financial performance of DAV, the hours of service that so many volunteers contribute to our transportation program are worthless and should be counted as a “zero.” Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of veterans who rode last year, and to the millions of veterans who have ridden during the past 20 years. And what do you think AIP’s verdict is on DAV’s public awareness outreach program? You guessed it — worthless. One of DAV’s major efforts and a critical part of our Mission State-ment is to reach out to the American public at large about the needs of disabled veterans and about the services available to them through DAV. We don’t just educate — we ask the public to do something to spread the word or help in our mission. And the effort has paid off — the public awareness outreach program has recruited a substantial corps of volunteers and has also resulted in tens of thousands of disabled veterans coming to DAV for the first time, and getting the help they need and deserve.

When AIP dismisses the volunteer and outreach programs, it rejects not only common sense, but also the financial reporting rules that are accepted not only by BBB, IRS and — most impor-tant — the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Instead, AIP makes up its own rules, disparages our mission and then decides who wins and loses at its game.

By the way, DAV isn’t the only reputable charity that AIP has rated poorly. Nearly a dozen BBB-approved organizations are rated as low, or lower, than DAV by AIP. Some of these charities are household names, and may even be charities that you support.

I hope this answers any questions you may have. If not, our staff is always available for further discussion. At this point, though, it’s time to get back to the real work of DAV — we are dedicated 100 percent to serving disabled veterans and their families. When AIP’s 15 minutes of fame are over, we’ll still be doing just that.

I know I’m preaching “to the choir,” but I just had to let you know that this kind of scurrilous attack on the DAV isn’t going unanswered.

4 DAV MAGAZINE

DAV Magazine welcomes letters. However, due to the volume of mail, we are unable to acknowl-edge every letter.LOUD & CLEAR letters are sub-ject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space, and propriety. Letters involving individual claims are referred to the DAV Service Department, DAV Maga-zine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.

‘Thank You’ to Nurses

I’m a 100 percent service-connect-ed veteran and a DAV Life Member, I would like to thank the nurses at the VA medical center in Fayette-ville, N.C. Without them explaining and working with me, I might not be here today. The doctors are so busy getting people in and out of the office. The nurses have stepped up and made a difference. I think we should all take time to thank nurses from all of our VA medical centers. They work too hard to go unnoticed. Gary Bratcher, Ra-eford, NC

Response to Sen. Dole on Target

I want to thank DAV for truly stand-ing up for all veterans and their de-pendents by respectfully answering and questioning Sen. Bob Dole’s response to National Service Direc-tor Randy Reese’s commentary in the September/October 2007 DAV Magazine. I can see under the ve-neer, and I think most veterans feel that this commission is trying to rein in VA medical care and com-pensation spending. What’s worse, they are trying to weed deserving veterans out of the system any way they can with “new and improved” programs. Why not fix the problem instead of creating a new system? Farley Joseph, Virginia Beach, VA

Alabama Chapter 1 Helps Bury Local Veteran

DAV Chapter 1 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., not only helped pay funeral ex-penses for an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War who died last year, but helped in the search for the veteran’s dis-charge papers, which were lost in a fire in 1973 at the National Per-sonnel Records Center in St. Louis, Mo. Those records were the neces-

sary proof that he was eligible for a government grave marker. Much of the credit for this service to the veteran’s family goes to Assistant Chaplain Glenn Holman and Past Commander and Service Officer Andy Haydu of Chapter 1. That is the sort of help that the DAV is often called upon to offer and the kind of thing that makes us all proud of who we are and what we do. Jimmie W. Harris, Department Service Direc-tor, DAV Department of Alabama

‘Wars and Scars’ Provides Good Read

I particularly enjoyed reading “Wars and Scars,” the history of the DAV in the January/February magazine. It was extremely interesting to learn of the beginnings. The article was well-written, easy to follow and very detailed. Maj. Carroll J. Jones, Sr., USA-Ret., Oceanside, CA

Homeless Vets Proof of Neglect

I just got through reading about homeless vets. It’s shameful how our veterans, who fought and bled for us, are allowed to go on the streets after they come back from war. This is absolutely shameful. This needs to be stopped. No na-tion on the face of this planet has as much money as the United States, yet there are those who have served this nation on the street. Stand up and support vet-erans. Without them, you’d be op-pressed and under tyranny. Andre D. Gilyard, Roanoke, VA.

‘Tuskegee’ Info Appreciated

Thanks for including “The Tuskeg-ee Legacy” in the January/Febru-ary DAV Magazine. Although very brief, the article is quite factual and well-written. It provides yet another example of the second-class citizenship status endured by Afro-Americans during World War II. The DAV is to be commended as the most openly inclusive of all the veterans organizations. Garland A. Borden, Royal Palm Beach, FL

Hero Stories Raise Questions

The heroic story of Corporal Ste-phen Sanford was truly inspiring. My only question to the chain of command is why wasn’t he award-ed the Medal of Honor? The same is true for some of the other war-riors who have received the Navy and Distinguished Service Cross for actions in combat since the war on terror began. We have been at war in Iraq for over five years, and there have been only two or three Med-als of Honor awarded, all posthu-mously. It seems that some of the brass in the Pentagon have made dying in combat a prerequisite to receive the nation’s highest award, and that is wrong. Ty Wharton, Oceanside, CA

March/April 2008 5

SERVICE

By Thom Wilborn

Transition Service Program Expands

More veterans leaving the military or returning from

duty in Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from the DAV’s Tran-sition Service Program (TSP), which has been expanded to cover more military installations across the United States. “We have been able to expand our Transition Service Program to meet a growing need thanks in part to a $1.5 million, two-year grant from the GE Foundation last year,” said National Service Director Randy Reese. “As a re-sult, we have hired and trained 13 new Transition Service Of-ficers (TSOs) who will provide service to separating servicemembers at 33 military bases and treatment facilities.” “The Transition Service Program is the gold standard for the 21st century warrior,” said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “It is carrying the DAV’s mission of service to more of our nation’s enlisted personnel and officers who are making the crucial transition from the military to civilian life or demobilizing guard and reserve units after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.” “The Defense Department plans to increase attendance at the Transition Assistance Program and Disabled Tran-sition Assistance Program sessions to 85 percent of those leaving military service and demobilizing guard and re-serve forces,” said Reese. “It was vital that the DAV have the trained manpower to assist this growing number of veterans.” In preparation, the DAV planned to expand the num-ber of TSOs and to create a special training program to meet the anticipated increased needs of our veterans. “There were 16 TSO graduates from the training program

last November 16,” said Reese. “Three of them were assigned to fill slots at current offices, and 13 new hires resulting from the GE grant are staffing addi-tional facilities.” The TSP reached two-thirds of veterans separating from the armed services in 2006, the most recent year for which figures are available. They conducted more than 2,000 briefings to 105,000 participants. “In that time, our TSOs interviewed nearly 56,000 servicemembers, reviewed 44,000 medical records and filed 31,150 claims for benefits,”

said Reese. “We expect our service to these veterans to grow exponentially in 2008.” Since 2002, some 1.5 million Americans have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, more than 751,000 have left active duty. “The mission of our Transition Service Program is to provide our preeminent service to those leaving the armed forces,” said Adjutant Wilson. “It is far better for them to have our expert assistance when they are just leaving the military than years later when service and medical records could be lost.” “This is an exciting growth period for the Transition Service Program,” he said. “We are maintaining DAV’s position as the best provider of professional service, ad-vocacy and outreach programs for veterans and their families.” “We are grateful to the assistance of the GE Founda-tion, the philanthropic organization of the General Elec-tric Company, in expanding our program,” said Reese. “We are working to ensure that their generosity is used effectively to assist our nation’s veterans.”

6 DAV MAGAZINE

Lougee Joins Washington Headquarters Staff

Robert E. Lougee has been appointed Assistant

National Service Director at National Service and

Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“We extend to Rob our sincere congratulations in his

new position, knowing that he will continue to perform

his new responsibilities with the same dedication and

professionalism that have marked his career at DAV,”

said National Adjutant Arthur H.

Wilson. “Rob brings his extraordi-

nary skills to the National Service

Department in Washington.”

As Assistant National Service

Director, Lougee will play a key

role in the day-to-day operations

and oversight of the National Ser-

vice Program. A service-connected

disabled veteran of the Gulf War,

Lougee began his DAV career in 1993 as a National Service

Officer trainee in the Waco, Texas, National Service Office.

He was promoted to Assistant Supervisor of the Waco

office in February 1996 and was later assigned to the

National Service Office in Fort Harrison, Mont., where

he was promoted to Supervisor in September 1996. In

July 1998, Lougee was reassigned as Supervisor in the

Muskogee, Okla., National Service Office until October

2001, when he was assigned as Supervisor of the Denver

National Service Office. A native of Boston, Mass., he is a

life member of Chapter 147 in Killeen, Texas and Chapter

7 in Denver, Colo.

Lougee enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1983 and

served with the 1st Cavalry Division before being deployed

to Iraq during the Gulf War as a member of the 1st

Armored Division out of Bamberg, Germany.

“As Rob assumes his new duties and responsibilities,

we know that he will continue to meet with success in his

chosen career as an advocate for disabled veterans and

their families,” said Adjutant Wilson.

Appointments

Lougee

Disabled veterans who earned more

than $3,000 in 2007 will receive

federal economic stimulus payments this

year, and many with less than $3,000

income but who received disability pay-

ments or social security benefits may also

be eligible based on Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) criteria.

Disabled veterans with $3,000 or more

in qualifying income from nontaxable VA

disability compensation or pension or

social security benefits will need to file

a 2007 federal income tax return to be

eligible to receive the economic stimulus

payments, even if they normally would

not need to file a return, the IRS said.

In most cases payments will range

from $300 to $600 for individuals and

$600 to $1,200 for joint filers. Taxpayers

may also receive $300 for each qualifying

child. Most taxpayers need not take any

extra steps to receive the payments which

are scheduled to arrive beginning in May.

Under the Economic Stimulus Act,

some disability compensation and certain

social security payments can be counted

toward the qualifying income requirement

of $3,000 for disabled veterans who did

not have enough earned income to file

a 2007 income tax return. If a veteran

had a small amount of earned income,

any combination of income and benefits

can count toward the qualifying income of

$3,000.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

(VITA) program will provide help to low-

and moderate-income taxpayers who call

800-906-9887 or visit the local VITA site.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) pro-

vides free tax assistance to those 60 and

older. Sponsored in part by the IRS, the

TCE program is run by the AARP and can

be reached at 888-227-7669 or visit the

AARP Web site.

Economic Stimulus Payments for Most Disabled Veterans

March/April 2008 7

By Dave Autry

Election Year Veterans Budget Faces ChallengesThe annual federal budget ritual

started off on a familiar note: President Bush’s $3 trillion 2009 spend-ing plan offers an inadequate increase in veterans spending and again calls for enrollment fees and increased co-payments for VA health care that Con-gress has consistently rejected. More than half of the $93.7 billion proposed for the VA is so-called discretionary funding, mostly for medical care. The proposal also calls for $46.4 billion in mandatory funding for compensation and pension, education assistance, home loan guarantee and other benefit programs.

“Barely three weeks after asking Con-gress for emergency funding for the VA

to cover a shortfall in 2008, President Bush released his 2009 budget plan that is some $3 billion below what the DAV believes is needed for health care and other vital programs and services,” said Washington Headquarters Execu-tive Director David W. Gorman. “Fur-thermore, this budget would charge some veterans an annual enrollment fee, ranging from $250 to $750, and increase their pharmacy co-payment fees from $8 to $15 per prescription for a 30-day supply of medications.”

The $3.7 billion in emergency funds were included in the $555 billion 2008 Consolidated Appropriations bill. Among other things, the measure raises the mileage reimbursement rate

for disabled veterans traveling to VA hospitals for treatment to 28.5 cents per mile. For three decades the mile-age reimbursement had been 11 cents a mile. The measure also provides addi-tional resources for the VA to hire 1,800 employees to process veterans’ claims, eventually reducing the 600,000 claims backlog. The funding will also go to-ward expanded mental health care and improved treatment for traumatic brain injuries.

“This much-needed funding is crucial to meeting the needs of this nation’s sick and disabled veterans,” Gorman said. “For most of the past decade, the VA health care system has been operating in a highly challeng-

Veterans Health AdministrationMedical Services*Medical Administration*Medical Facilities

Subtotal, Medical Care,Discretionary

Medical Care Collections**Total, Medical Care BudgetAuthority (Including Collections)**

Medical/Prosthetic ResearchTotal, Veterans HealthAdministration

General Operating ExpensesVeterans Benefits AdministrationGeneral Administration

Total, General Operating ExpensesConstruction ProgramsConstruction, Major ProjectsConstruction, Minor ProjectsGrants for State Extended

Care FacilitiesGrants for Construction of State

Veterans CemeteriesNational Cemetery Administration

Total, Discretionary Budget Authority(Excludes $2.5 billion in medical collectionsproposed in the President’s 2009 budget)

Fiscal Year 2008Appropriations EnactedSelected Programs and Budget Accounts

Fiscal Year 2009 VA Budget Comparison(Budget Authority in Millions)

$$$

$$

$$

$

$$$

$$

$

$$

$

34,075—

4,661

38,7362,467

41,203442

39,178

1,371328

1,699

581329

85

32180

44,763

$$$

$$

$$

$

$$$

$$

$

$$

$

34,6193,6254,576

42,821—

42,821555

43,376

1,693292

1,985

1,275621

200

42251

50,160

$$$

$

$$

$

$$$

$$

$

$$

$

Fiscal Year 2009President’s

Budget Request

Fiscal Year 2009Independent Budget

Recommendation

*President’s fiscal year 2009 request consolidates Medical Services and Medical Administration into one account.**The Independent Budget believes Medical Care Collections should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, appropriations. As such, our fiscal year 2009 Medical Care recommendation reflects the total funding we believe necessary to operate the VA health care system.

29,1043,5174,100

36,7212,414

39,135480

37,201

1,327277

1,605

1,069630

165

39195

43,107

8 DAV MAGAZINE

ing financial environment. Because of funding shortfalls, a series of supple-mental appropriations have been enacted to cover health care and other critical needs for our deserving veter-ans. But this Congress has responded to our concerns and for the first time acted to fund veterans health care and other programs in line with DAV’s rec-ommendations.”

“While the 2008 VA appropriation meets the recommendations of the DAV and other veterans groups, funding targets in our Independent Budget for fiscal year 2009 might be more difficult to achieve,” said National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante. “There will be tremendous pressure on Congress to hold down spending for the VA, which saw its budget rise substantially while some other agencies did not.”

“Add to those concerns the distrac-tions of a presidential election and a compressed legislative calendar, and the outlook for completing work on the VA’s appropriation by the start of the new fis-cal year—if at all—is in doubt. The need to reform the VA health care budget has never been more clear,” Violante said.

The need to provide timely, sufficient and predictable funding for veterans health care again tops the list of critical issues in The Independent Budget for fiscal year 2009.

Developed by DAV, AMVETS, Para-lyzed Veterans of America and the VFW, The Independent Budget provides the nation’s decision-makers a veterans’ perspective on federal spending and national policy priorities for veterans programs.

For the coming fiscal year, The Inde-pendent Budget recommends increasing the overall VA medical care budget by about 9 percent over the 2008 level, to $42.8 billion. Included in that amount is a 17 percent boost for direct medical services to sick and disabled veterans and a 15 percent increase in medical and prosthetic research funding.

The Independent Budget once again strongly recommends an overhaul in the way veterans health care is funded. “The DAV and virtually every other vet-erans service organization have called for replacing the current discretionary appropriations with mandatory fund-ing or some other mechanism that will ensure sufficient, timely and predict-able funding for veterans health care,” said Violante. “The current budget model simply does not allow the VA to plan for and meet the medical needs of sick and disabled veterans.”

Other recommendations in The In-dependent Budget include $1.98 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration to hire additional staff and to improve training and information technology within the Compensation and Pension Service. Included is a recommenda-tion that Compensation and Pension Service staffing be increased to 12,184 full-time positions to meet an increas-ing workload.

In testimony before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Associate National Legislative Director Kerry Baker focused on The Independent Budget recommen-dations to solve VA’s staffing shortages as well as other initiatives to manage the increase in new claims and reduce the out-of-control claims backlog. “In total, if Congress accepts our recommendations, the Veterans Benefits Administration will be better positioned to serve all disabled veterans and their families,” he said.

Included in those recommendations is to increase VBA staffing from 9,559 to 12,184 full-time claims workers. Also included in the recommendations are new resources needed for training programs and information technolo-gies.

“Adjudicating veterans’ claims is a labor-intensive system of personal decision-making, with lifelong conse-quences for disabled veterans,” Baker said. “During Congressional hearings, VA is routinely forced to defend VBA budgets that it knows to be inadequate to the task. The priorities and goals of Congress, the Administration and the VA must be on par with the necessity for a long-term strategy to fulfill VBA’s mission and confirm the nation’s moral obligation to disabled veterans.”

“The VA must have the necessary resources for staffing and training to reduce the huge claims backlog that has delayed and often denied veterans their rightful disability benefits,” said Violante. “Resolving this persistent problem will require more than just adequate funding; it will require the VA to implement a long-term strategy to improve the quality, accuracy and timeliness of the entire benefits deliv-ery system.”

Baker stressed that the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims also add substantially to the claims backlog by needlessly and frequently remanding numerous cases on appeal.

“By merely ignoring arguments concerning legal errors rather than resolving them at the earliest stage in the process, VA contributes to the backlog by allowing a greater number of cases to go before the Court. If the Court would reverse decisions more frequently, VA would be discouraged from standing firm on decisions that are likely to be overturned or settled late in the process,” Baker said.

As Congress fleshes out the details

March/April 2008 9

on the budget and appropriations for fiscal year 2009, the DAV will be working closely with lawmakers, the Administration and other veterans ser-vice organizations in an all-out effort to ensure that adequate resources are pro-vided to meet the needs of America’s disabled veterans and their families.

“There are months of hard work

ahead, and our grassroots advocacy program is absolutely key to achiev-ing our goals in support of veterans programs and services,” Violante said. “DAV members must continue urging their Senators and Representatives to stand up for veterans. With so much at stake for the brave Americans return-ing from Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA

must have the resources it needs to provide them, and millions of veterans from previous generations, timely ac-cess to top-quality health care and oth-er earned benefits and services. Those we elect to represent us must be held accountable for their actions regarding veterans issues, and we must continue to do just that.”

The VA health care system has been given high marks by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

The interim report from the CBO credits organizational restructuring and management systems, performance measurement and information technology as contribu-tors to VA’s success. It also outlines ways in which VA can continue serving as a model for other health care systems.

The report, completed at the request of the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Af-fairs, and Related Agencies of the House Committee on Appropriations, reviews the quality of VA’s health care, examines VA’s achievements and looks at lessons learned from both its management initiatives and application of information technology.

“The VA is a quality health care system. Vet-erans who use the VA know it, and this report from Congress’s own budget office is further evidence that the VA is a world leader in so many respects,” said Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman.

The improvement in VA’s health care quality in re-cent years has been well-documented in a number of independent studies and news and magazine articles. Business Week Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, Fortune Magazine, Time Magazine and the New York Times, as well as NBC, ABC and CBS nightly newscasts all have applauded VA’s state-of-the-art medical care. In addition, a national customer satisfaction survey known as the American Customer Satisfaction Index, has re-ported VA scoring higher than private-sector health care

for seven years in a row.The CBO report pointed to VA’s structure as an in-

tegrated health care system that allows managers and providers to meet quality of care and practice guideline targets and its innovative health information technol-ogy systems. It also examined the low cost of care for veterans as an incentive for seeking care.

VA has an electronic health record for every patient, which provides up-to-date information about a patient at the point of care, including his or her history, allergies and medications. It also consists of relevant diagnoses and laboratory tests, enabling providers to avoid dupli-cate tests and adverse drug interactions.

The CBO said that VA’s integrated structure and ap-propriated funding may have helped it focus on pro-

viding the best quality care for a given amount of funds as contrasted to fee-for-service incentives toward billable services and procedures. These and other issues will be addressed in the final

report, due out later this year.

High Marks for VA Health Care System

VA has an electronic health record for every patient, which provides up-to-date informa-tion about a patient at the point of care, including his or her history, allergies and medications.

10 DAV MAGAZINE

Groundbreaking for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memo-

rial is scheduled for early 2009, but only if all funds to cover the cost of construction plus 10 percent for the perpetual maintenance and preserva-tion of the memorial are deposited or formally pledged beforehand. That is what federal guidelines require.

“We have not achieved our funding goal for the memorial yet, but with your continued help we certainly can,” National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said.

Wilson, who is also Co-Founder and President of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. is confident that, with the support of DAV members and their families, the groundbreaking will occur in 2009 and the goal of com-pleting and dedicating the memorial in 2010 will be achieved.

“This memorial will be a fitting tribute to our nation’s brave disabled heroes; the men and women, past and

present, whose courage and sacrifice have paid the price of freedom for all,” Wilson said. “This memorial will be-come a treasured landmark and sacred place where disabled veterans, their loved ones and all Americans can visit to reflect on the experiences and lives of so many men and women disabled while serving our nation. It will be a place to take grandchildren and for them to take their grandchildren. It will be a link with the past and a place to heal in the present, and your support will make it possible.”

Pledging as a Department or Chapter is a great way to support the construc-tion of the memorial. Commander Mi-chael Corbett, representing members of Chapter 152 in Delray Beach, Fla. , pledged $1,000 toward the construc-tion of the memorial and presented a check for half of their pledge to Lois B. Pope, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation last Oct. 30. He was ac-

companied by Past Chapter Command-ers Jerry Weiss and Michael Posner.

“We made this pledge not only to honor the service and sacrifices of our members of the DAV, but also to honor all veterans disabled while serving our great nation,” Commander Corbett said.

“It is one small token of this orga-nization’s pledge that we shall never forget the honorable sacrifices of all those who have served,” Weiss added.

The remainder of the pledge will be donated early this year, according to Posner, who added, “These funds come from donations made to our Chapter. The money we are donating to the memorial benefits disabled veterans by focusing attention on the physical and emotional strains our service members are subject to, and continue to suffer long after they leave the military.”

Chapter 152 joins a number of Chapters who have pledged to the me-morial, but many have not yet pledged.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Needs Your Support

March/April 2008 11

Corbett has issued a challenge to all DAV Chapters nationwide to pledge support similar to the pledge Chapter 152 made to the memorial.

To help encourage contributions from Departments and Chapters, DAV established up to $3 million to match donations made by Departments and Chapters. When the Department of Cali-fornia donated $300,000 the DAV matched their contribution to the memorial. As of this writing, DAV has matched over $600,000 contributed to the memorial by Departments and Chapters. More than $2 million is available to match future contributions, which is an ideal way for Departments and Chapters to double their support.

The DAV has supported the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial for more than a decade. In 1997 DAV delegates adopted a resolution to support the creation of the memorial at its National Convention and has passed a resolution to support the memorial every year since.

Congress approved construction of the memorial in 2000, following a $5 million pledge from philanthropist Lois B. Pope of Palm Beach, Fla.

Speaking to the need for a memorial for American vet-erans disabled for life, Mrs. Pope said, “This memorial is intended not only to honor their service, but also to be a constant reminder to all of us that freedom truly has a sig-nificant price in the lives of those who have fought for it.”

Conceived by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd., the memorial’s powerful, meditative design concept was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the Na-tional Capital Planning Commission in 2006.

Dedicated to disabled veterans living and deceased, the memorial will encompass a two-acre site within full view of the U.S. Capitol from its location adjacent to the National Mall, and across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Bo-tanic Garden. The focal point of the memorial will be a star-shaped reflecting pool, its surface broken by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will stand sentry beside the pool, signifying the persistence of hope.

Donations to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial are tax de-ductible and can be made in a variety of ways, including mail, online, by phone, through corporate support, by will or trust bequests and more. To learn about the many ways you can donate to help build the Memorial visit the Web site at www.avdlm.com and click on “Con-tributions.” If you don’t have access to the Internet, mail your tax deductible contributions to: Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, 6290 Lin-ton Blvd., Suite 104, Delray Beach, FL 33484.

Commander Michael Corbett, DAV Chapter 152, Delray Beach, Fla., presents a check for $500 to Mrs. Lois B. Pope, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Founda-tion, Inc., as Past Chapter Com-manders Michael Posner (left) and Jerry Weiss (2nd from left) look on. The $500 is half of a $1000 contribution pledge to be used to help fund construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.

D I R E C T O R ’ S C O M M E N T A R Y

Randy Reese, National Service Director

DAV MAGAZINE12

The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission last fall unveiled a thorough and thoughtful final report that

could help resolve several important issues for disabled veterans far into the future. The commission’s 113 rec-ommendations would help to ensure that disabled vet-erans receive fair and timely compensation that allows them to live in dignity as they rehabilitate and re-enter civilian life. The three-year study looked at the benefits that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their families for disabilities and death attributable to military service. The final report recommendations are aimed at giving appropriate, equitable and consistent benefits to disabled veterans and their families. Some of the recom-mendations are much needed, while others are very at-tractive but will take a concerted effort to enact. The recommendation that grabbed headlines was an increase in disability compensation rates of up to 25 per-cent to account for quality of life and other non-work related effects of severe disabilities. This recommenda-tion, however, will face a difficult path given the cost-conscious mood of Congress and the Administration. It also may take years for the Department of Veterans Af-fairs to develop and institute any increase into the dis-ability rating schedule. One of the report’s 14 priority recommendations calls for the elimination of the ban on concurrent receipt of military longevity retirement pay and disability compen-sation for those who must leave the military early be-cause of service-connected disabilities. The commission said that priority should be given to veterans who leave military service with fewer than 20 years and a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, or a veteran disabled as a result of combat. It also called for elimi-nating the offset for the military’s Survivor Benefit Plan

and the VA’s dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. Another very important recommendation called for es-tablishing a simplified and expedited process using best practices and maximizing the use of new information technology, as well as a larger and well-trained claims processing staff. This is crucial if we are to eliminate the long waits and backlogs in claims processing. Addressing concerns about post-traumatic stress dis-order (PTSD), the commission said that the VA should develop and implement new disability ratings criteria specific to PTSD and improve treatment, compensa-tion and vocational assessment. Disabled veterans with PTSD would be re-evaluated every two to three years to determine the effectiveness of treatment and to encour-age a healthy outlook. The commission also said the VA should improve screening and treatment of veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is a forward looking, responsible and authorita-tive report with balanced improvements that will greatly help veterans recover from their injuries and restore their lives. It is a worthy study and should be closely evalu-ated by the VA and Defense Department. It would be sad if this study and the recommenda-tions contained were placed on a shelf to gather dust and be forgotten. Coupled with the recommendations from other commissions, there exists a crucial opportunity to modernize and improve the time-tested benefits system for disabled veterans. We have a window of opportunity, and it is our hope that Congress and the Administration do all that is pos-sible to see the wisdom of the commission’s recommen-dations and move them forward to implementation. It is the best way to say “Welcome Home” to a disabled veteran returning from today’s wars.

Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission Report a Good Start

March/April 2008 13

By Jim Hall

Other organizations do chari-table flying, Walt Fricke said.

“We wanted to emphasize veterans serving in uniform. For us, Veterans Airlift Command is a payback for the service veterans have given to our nation. We want to ease their burden and provide the assistance we believe

they have earned.”And thanks to a $35,000 grant from

the DAV Charitable Service Trust, the Veterans Airlift Command will continue its mission.

The Veterans Airlift Command pro-vides free air transportation to wound-ed warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network

of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. The current priority is on veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Fricke, founder of the Veterans Airlift Command. As capacity allows, the mission will expand to serve veterans of other conflicts.

“I spent six months in a hospital 700 miles from my hometown recovering from combat injuries sustained while flying a helicopter in Vietnam,” Fricke said. “My healing began in earnest when my family was able to gather the resources to make a trip to visit me. I know how important being with family is to the healing process.”

Among their many life-enhancing flights, the organization arranged for an Air Force sergeant who was badly burned in a roadside bombing to be flown home on a private jet to be with his wife and family for his 32nd birthday party. His recuperation had kept him from his family for more than two years. On another occasion Veterans Airlift Command flew a young soldier home to North Carolina for Christmas with

his wife and 18-month-old daughter, and then back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to continue therapy for injuries from a roadside bomb.

“We certainly want to make flying easier,” Fricke

said. “Flying privately is much easier than commercially.”

To make flying privately possible, Fricke has invested in technology to take requests, map and schedule flights and recruit volunteer pilots.

Originally, Fricke thought he would do everything himself, but the job quickly outgrew him, so he recruited

Volunteer Pilots Take to the Air to Help Wounded Veterans

Volunteers help a wounded veteran aboard a Veterans Airlift Command plane for a free flight home to be with his family.

14 DAV MAGAZINE

an assistant, Jennifer Salvati, as Operations Manager, and welcomed nine volunteers. Now he is looking to bring

on another staff member and hopes to schedule as many as 1,000 flights a year.

Fricke currently has more than 500 pilots on his volunteer roster. Half of the volunteer pilots are former military members and, according to Fricke, “the other half wish they were and sincerely

want to help.”When asked about what makes him do what he does for

disabled veterans, Fricke’s eyes brighten and a smile lights his face as he jokes, “My mom made me do it.” Then, more seriously, he adds, “My personal experience makes me do it. I was wounded flying helicopters in Vietnam. I know I didn’t start healing until my family came to visit me at Fort Knox. I want to be sure the wounded warriors currently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan get the same chance I had.”

For more information, contact Veterans Airlift Com-mand, 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416; 952-582-2911 or via email info@veteransairlift.org. You also can visit their Web site at www.veteransair-lift.org.

DAV Guard/Reserve Award ...Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman, left, accepts a Patriotic Employer Award in recognition of the DAV’s support of employee participation in our nation’s National Guard and reserve force. Presenting the award is Lewis F. Wil-liams of the District of Columbia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

Walt Fricke founded the Veterans Airlift Command to provide free air transportation to veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes.

Dates Falling Into Place for DAV Days at the Ballparks

March/April 2008 15

By Thom Wilborn

Each day Hospital Service Coordi-nators (HSCs) work tirelessly to

arrange transportation to help veterans reach their VA medical appointments. For veterans seeking to file a disabil-ity claim with the VA, often their first step is to contact a Department Service Officer (DSO) for help. And when Departments find they need additional resources so they can continue offering these and other services to veterans in their communities, they know they can turn to the Colorado Trust.

“The Colorado Trust is a valuable resource for our Departments that have needs but lack the funds to support programs serving veterans,” said Na-tional Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “In 2007, the Colorado Trust provided nine grants to eight Departments totaling more than $291,000 for the HSC and DSO programs.”

Our HSCs have recruited and coor-dinated nearly 8,600 volunteer drivers who last year drove 23 million miles to transport sick and disabled veterans to their VA medical center appointments and return them home. In all 620,000 veterans used Transportation Network vans last year. It is the HSCs who re-ceive transportation requests from vet-erans, schedule the drivers and make sure those veterans are picked up in a timely manner.

The Department Service Officers serve as a valuable link with DAV Na-tional Service Officers assisting in the preparation of disability claims for vet-erans and making sure they receive the finest representation of any veterans service organization.

Both of these programs are crucial

to the DAV’s mission to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families, but some Departments lack sufficient funding to provide the staff and training necessary to ensure suc-cess. “That’s where the Colorado Trust comes in,” said Adjutant Wilson. “It allows Departments, Chapters or in-dividuals to contribute funds to the Trust, which provides grants to worthy DAV programs that lack their own suf-ficient funding.”

“Since we created the Colorado Trust 11 years ago, we have awarded $14.8 million in grants to deserving De-partments and Chapters,” said Wilson. The Trust has granted $14.4 million to HSC and Transportation Network pro-grams. The remaining $400,000 has been awarded to support Chapter and Department service programs.

The Trust was created as a “restricted fund” within the DAV National Service Foundation—meaning the funds are limited to programs of service to vet-erans and their families. The funds contributed to the Colorado Trust by Departments, Chapters and individual members are primarily used in the National Service and Voluntary Service Programs and distributed to needy Chapters and Departments.

The Trust got its name when the Department of Colorado donated $500,000 to help establish the fund. By the end of the first year, the fund totaled more than $1.1 million. Over the last decade, the contributions of Chapters and Department have given life to new programs serving disabled veterans and their families. Without that crucial support, many programs would have languished or might never have been more than a good idea.

To increase the effectiveness of donations, the National Organization matches every dollar donated by a Chapter or Department. These efforts keep funds growing until they are granted to Chapters and Departments to provide needed services.

“The Colorado Trust is one of DAV’s most successful support programs to assist disabled veterans, providing opportunities for Chapters and De-partments to be more innovative and creative in developing new service pro-grams, as well as helping expand cur-rent services,” said Adjutant Wilson.

“We are always ready to encour-age new programs of service,” said Wilson. “We encourage Departments and Chapters to examine the needs of disabled veterans in their states and communities and develop ideas to meet those needs creatively and effec-tively. Chapters and Departments who lack resources and funding for these programs should consider applying for a grant from the Trust.”

“The Colorado Trust is a remarkable service instrument,” he said. “And we look to our Chapters and Departments to ensure that the needs of our newest generation of veterans are quickly and adequately met.”

Colorado Trust Boosts Services for Veterans

Kathryn A. Wiley

f r o m t h e A U X I L I A R Y N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R

16 DAV MAGAZINE

Most everyone has experienced a situation in which another person communicates something you think

you understand, but in fact don’t. It can cause problems and embarrassment.

For example, let’s imagine you are at a Unit meeting and the Parade Committee Chairperson announces everyone is to meet at Marge’s house at 221 Oak Street in Fairview on Saturday at 7 o’clock to work on the float for the upcoming Veterans Day Parade.

Saturday arrives, and at 7 a.m. half of the Unit shows up at Marge’s house ready to work on the float. They ring the bell several times before Marge, who usually likes to sleep in until 8 a.m. on Saturdays, answers the door wearing her house robe. Marge and the other half of the Unit thought they were to meet at 7 p.m., not 7 a.m.

You can see how communicating a simple exchange and flow of ideas and information from one person to another can turn into a problem. A lot of problems that occur in an organization are often a direct result of people failing to communicate.

How many times at a Unit or other meeting have you heard, “I don’t know why it did not get done, I told them to do it.” Often it doesn’t get done because the message was misunderstood? A message has not been communicated un-less it is understood by the receiving individual. To ensure your message is understood by others in your Unit, ask for their feedback. Feedback will let you know your message, its level of importance and what needs to be done were understood.

While communication content is the actual words spoken or written, it is also important to remember it includes the way a message is delivered, including your tone of voice, the look in a sender’s eyes, body language, hand gestures and state of emotions. At times we trust nonverbal communication more than verbal, even if we are not aware it is happening.

Communication is an exchange of ideas or information, and all Unit members must participate to complete an ex-change of information.

Some barriers preventing understanding a message include background, bias, past experiences, environmental noise (hearing aids), distractions and bright lights. At times we focus on ourselves rather than the member or group we are speaking to. This can also lead to confusion and conflict. Per-ceptions also affect how we talk and listen. We often listen uncritically to people of high status and dismiss those of low status or dismiss others who speak too fast or not fluently.

To help ourselves overcome these barriers, we can practice active listening and giving feedback. Hearing and listening are not the same thing. Hearing is involuntary and listening is a selective activity involving reception and interpretation of sound.

There are two types of listening; active and passive. Pas-sive listening is just hearing what is said, often referred to as “in one ear and out the other.” We need to work at not thinking about other things and letting our mind drift to be an active listener and listen with a purpose to others. It also requires asking for and giving feedback so the intention of the original speaker is understood by the second. I find one of the best ways to do this is to say, “This is what I under-stand your feelings or idea to be. Am I correct?”

When speaking at our Unit meetings, ask if members are following you and understand. Give breaks for questions and comments. Try putting yourself in the other person’s place. Be clear about what you want to say and make sure your tone and body language match and don’t ignore signs of confusion. Trust your instincts.

Good communication builds better understanding, and better understanding gets better results. As Auxiliary members and leaders we want to get the best results pos-sible as we work to build better lives for our disabled loved ones and our families.

Am I Being Understood …

March/April 2008 17

By Thom Wilborn

The heartbreak that some service members who fought in Iraq and

Afghanistan have returned from war only to become homeless and aban-doned on the streets continues to be a national shame that the DAV is deter-mined to erase.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified 1,500 homeless veterans from the two newest wars and many more are at risk of having to live on

the streets.“It is a sad disgrace that so many of

our newest generation of veterans are falling into the same downward spiral of homelessness after returning from war,” said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “We saw thousands of Viet-nam veterans who ultimately became homeless, and we may be facing a new national crisis with the veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

“The DAV is committed to ending the plight of homeless veterans in this

country. Our Homeless Veterans Initia-tive and the many programs supported by the DAV’s Charitable Service Trust have done much to return these veter-ans to productive lives,” said Wilson.

As recently as 10 years ago, there were 250,000 homeless veterans on any given night. That number has fallen to about 194,000 homeless veterans, but while that may be a significant drop, the rising number of new homeless veterans is a cause for concern. Today, one of every four homeless people is

Plight Falls on Newest Generation of VeteransHomelessness:

U.S. Marine veteran of the Iraq war Mike Lally in his living quarters in a veterans homeless shelter.

18 DAV MAGAZINE

a veteran, yet veterans make up just 11 percent of the general adult popula-tion.

Last year, the Charitable Service Trust provided grants of nearly $251,000 for programs and services to help homeless veterans restore their lives. The largest grant, $35,000, went to the Veterans Transition Cen-ter of Monterey County in Marina, Calif. The center provides case man-agement, skill workshops, substance abuse counseling, transitional hous-ing for as long as two years, and permanent housing searches and referrals for homeless veterans and

their families. Men-tal Health Systems, Inc., in San Diego, Calif., received a $25,000 grant to provide food and housing to homeless veterans enrolled in an employment and

training program.“It isn’t surprising that the two

largest grants last year were made to California organizations because the state has the most homeless vet-erans in the nation,” said Charitable

Service Trust Chairman Richard E. Marbes. “The goal of the Trust is to return as many homeless veterans as possible to productive lives.”

In all, 17 agencies and programs which provide direct, productive assistance to homeless veterans received grants from the Charitable Service Trust in 2007, and five were based in California.

A National Alliance to End Home-lessness report says the states with the most homeless veterans are Cali-fornia, Florida and Texas. And while services to homeless veterans have improved over the past 20 years, more financial resources are needed.

The VA began working on homeless veterans programs in 1987 and today has more than 15,000 residential rehabilitative, transitional and per-manent beds for homeless veterans across the country. It spends about $265 million each year on homeless programs and about $1.5 billion on health care for homeless veterans.

The VA estimates that 45 percent of those who participate in its home-less programs have a mental illness and more than 75 percent have a substance abuse problem.

“It is our deep concern that these men and women who are serving our nation today will be forgotten once the combat ends in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Adjutant Wilson. “We cannot close our eyes to these problems, but instead should reach out with a helping hand to assist all that we can.”

“The Charitable Service Trust, along with the VA and other organi-zations, are working to eliminate this shameful situation in our country,” said Chairman Marbes.

“We can’t save them all,” said Wilson, “but we can save them one at a time.”

Funds to support the Charitable Service Trust result from the gener-osity of donors through workplace campaigns like the Combined Federal Campaign, United Way, and other workplace giving programs across the country.

The VA began

working on homeless

veterans programs in

1987 and today has

more than 15,000

residential

rehabilitative,

transitional and

permanent beds for

homeless veterans

across the country.

Marbes

Veteran of the Iraq war Mike Lally pulls a clothing cart through a walk-way at a homeless shelter in Leeds, Mass. Lally did two tours of duty in Iraq while serving with the Marine Corps.

March/April 2008 19

By Dave Autry

Iraq has been called an equal oppor-

tunity war because any American service member, regardless of combat status, military occupation specialty or gender, faces almost daily risk of attacks from enemy fight-ers, roadside bombs and mortars. In fact, more than 100 female servicemembers have died and about 570 have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. More than 4,200 men have died and more than 30,000 have been wounded.

“With more women answering the call to duty, more women veterans need timely access to health care and other earned benefits and services when they return,” said Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman. “The VA needs to expand treatment and counseling for women veterans, includ-ing those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those from previ-ous generations.”

More than 182,000 women have served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the surrounding region — about 11 percent of U.S. troops deployed, according to the Pentagon. That far surpasses the 7,500 women who served in Vietnam and the nearly 41,000

deployed during the Gulf War.Although women are barred from

many jobs in infantry, armor and artil-lery units and are technically restricted to support roles, such as driving supply convoys, guarding checkpoints and the like, those jobs are among the most dangerous.

In addition to being wounded and experiencing post-traumatic stress dis-order and other psychological effects of war, women servicemembers also face the added risk of sexual trauma.

The VA reports that 20 percent of women seeking its care since 2002 showed symptoms of military sexual trauma, compared with 1.1 percent of male veterans.

To help ensure that these veterans’ needs are adequately met, the DAV has made it a high priority to enact legisla-tion to expand and improve health care

services available to all 1.7 million women veterans.

“The VA must not only be prepared for the rising number of women veterans com-ing into the system, but also must undertake comprehensive efforts to develop and provide medical care services that are uniquely suited to women,” Gorman said.

“The DAV has been working with lawmak-ers and congressional

staff as part of our Stand Up for Vet-erans initiative and is encouraged that bi-partisan legislation has now been introduced to help meet this goal,” said National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante. “We will continue working through our legislative and grassroots efforts to ensure passage of this legisla-tion that will make significant improve-ments in care for women veterans.”

The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 4107), is co-sponsored by two women legislators who serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Representatives Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.). Ma-jor provisions in the bill would order joint VA-Pentagon studies of the long-term health affects of deployments on

Female Veterans’ Care

DAV-Supported Bill to Bolster

(Continued on page 28)

20 DAV MAGAZINE

It’s Saturday, midmorning, you pull into the grocery store parking lot

and it looks like half of the population of the city has beaten you there. Up and down the rows you drive, hoping for an empty spot or someone pulling out, but no luck. The only open spots are the handicapped parking spots, and you don’t qualify for one of them.

Finally, you give up and head toward the outlying parking spots—the ones you are almost certain are in another county by the time you reach them.

Leaving the security and protec-tion of your car, you check the grid coordinates on your map, orient your compass and begin your trek toward the store somewhere ahead of you on the horizon, lost in the mist.

Around noon, you draw near the entrance to the grocery. Five parking spots, across the drive and through the automatic doors, grab a shopping cart and dash through the second set of au-tomatic doors, and you’re home free.

Suddenly, a large sedan cuts in front

of you and comes to a stop in one of the empty handicapped parking spots near the entrance.

Checking for tire marks on the toes of your shoes, you look up quickly as the car doors slam and a man and woman dart for the grocery entrance and are gone. They were fast and didn’t look handicapped. You look closely at the car. There is no handicapped li-cense plate, but there is a handicapped placard hanging from the rearview mirror. The heat rises in you your face, your fists clench, anger mounts as you begin to mumble things under your breath that small children should not hear. The man and woman who had snatched up the handicapped parking space with the car that had barely missed you were not handicapped in any way you could see.

You grit your teeth and wish you had a waterproof, wide tip marker to write an angry note on their windshield. You want to call a policeman to ticket the car and begin to think of other ways

to punish these inconsiderate people. For a moment, you even wonder if you might be able to turn them in to Home-land Security.

Okay, maybe Homeland Security is too much, and before you get too carried away and wind up doing some-thing that may well land you in trouble, there is an alternative way to deal with handicapped parking violators. It’s called HandicappedFraud.org.

HandicappedFraud.org is an Internet Web site that lets you report suspected handicapped parking violations, espe-cially placard fraud and abuse. They even have free post-it notes stating, “You’ve been reported at Handicapped-Fraud.org.”

The site was created by a woman who believed fraud and abuse were on the rise and decided to do some-thing about it to raise awareness and help put a stop to illegal use of handicapped placards nationwide. It also includes illegal parking in hand-

Working to End Handicapped Parking Violations

(Continued on page 27)

March/April 2008 21

They began arriving at Lakeside Christian Church on Buttermilk

Pike in Ft. Mitchell, Ky., on Oct. 17, 2007, well before the designated 6:15 a.m. on their itinerary. They knew the bus was scheduled to depart for the Louisville Airport promptly at 7 a.m., and they were not about to miss their trip to the National World War II Me-morial in Washington, D.C.

Most wore T-shirts with a U.S. Flag, an airplane and the words “Honor Flight Tri-State” printed on them. Nearly all sported baseball caps proudly identi-fying them as World War II veterans. They were excited. The trip was one all had hoped to make.

Honor Flight is an organization that seeks to honor as many World War II veterans as possible by providing, a free trip to visit the National World War II Memorial. Sadly, with the high rate of death for World War II veterans, who are now mostly in their 80’s and 90’s, the trip to the memorial is the last

some veterans are able to make.Making sure as many World War II

veterans as possible had the opportuni-ty to visit their memorial was the goal of retired Air Force Capt. Earl Morse, a Springfield, Ohio, physician assistant.

As soon as the memorial was dedi-cated in 2004, Morse noted patients who were World War II veterans were enthusiastic and talked a lot about the memorial. It was easy to see how proud they were of the memorial dedicated to them. As Morse realized this, he also realized age and failing health, the means to make the journey and other challenges would prevent many World War II veterans from ever being able to travel to the memorial.

A pilot, Morse decided to do some-thing about it. He soon found himself addressing 150 members of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Club promot-ing a volunteer program to fly World War II veterans to the memorial free of charge. Honor Flight was on the way

when 11 pilots stepped forward to vol-unteer. The first Honor Flight departed out of Springfield in May 2005 with six small planes flying 12 veterans. It would not be long before Honor Flight programs were starting in other states.

Honor Flight programs have been highly successful. The Honor Flight out of Fargo, N.D., serving the Dakotas and Minnesota expected to serve 300. After three scheduled flights, they had sent 586 veterans to the memorial, thanks to the generosity of businesses, clubs and individuals from the three states.

While no new applications are being taken by the Fargo program, a bonus trip is now planned for May to take ap-plicants who weren’t able to make an earlier trip.

The Honor Flight Tri-State program, serving Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana and Northern Kentucky, com-pleted two flights last year, taking 79 veterans to the memorial. According to Director Jonathan Hardwick, 2008 is

Honor Flight Honors World War II Veterans

World War II veterans, who received a free trip to the National World War II Memorial from Honor Flight Tri-State, take in all the sights. Right, Bob Holtcamp, a former Marine and Lead Guardian for Honor Flight Tri-State, places a memorial flag and a photo of his uncle who was killed in World War II on the Ohio marker at the memorial as his mother and deceased uncle’s sister, Betty Holtcamp looks on.

22 DAV MAGAZINE

shaping up to be an even busier year. “We anticipate eight flights for our program this year,”

Hardwick said. “It should complete our present list of more than 200 World War II veterans waiting to visit the memo-rial.”

An Honor Flight for tri-state area World War II veterans is a long and busy day filled with excitement, lots of shared stories, travel, plenty to eat and a nap when you can grab one. The agenda begins at 6:15 a.m. and ends shortly after midnight the next morning. In between the veterans tour the World War II, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Wall and Iwo Jima Memorials, and enjoy a country buffet dinner, be-fore departing Baltimore at 8 p.m. and heading west toward home.

For Hardwick being with the veterans on an Honor Flight is a way to get to know the history his grandfather lived.

“My grandfather was a corporal in the Army Air Corps,” Hardwick said. “He never talked much about his experience. I would have loved to talk with him and learn about his World War II experience, but by the time I was in college he had passed away. For me, Honor Flight is a way for me to connect to his generation.”

The bus pulls back into the church parking lot shortly af-ter midnight. Tired, happy and proud veterans climbed from the bus with new stories and memories and made their way to waiting cars to return to their homes. More than 66 years ago, the old warriors on the way to the comfort and safety of their homes, were young men and women boarding buses and trains heading off to war, the infamy of Pearl Harbor

fresh in their minds. They were a generation of heroes going off to save the world, and they did.

The parking lot is soon empty, bathed in a dull glow from street and security lights, with only the sound of distant traf-fic moving by on I-75 breaking the silence.

Honor Flight hopes to honor Korean War and then Vietnam War veterans in a similar fashion after providing flights for surviving World War II veterans. For this and more information about Honor Flight Tri-State, visit their Web site at www.honorflighttristate.org or write to Honor Flight Tri-State, P.O. Box 5310016, Cincinnati, OH 45253, or visit the national Honor Flight Network at www.hon-orflight.org.

At right, the price of freedom and the memory of a loved one killed in action are reflected in a photo and a flag at the National World War II Memorial. Above, Frank Young and Thomas G. Powell gaze proudly at their memorial— erected to honor all veterans who served in World War II.

Jonathan Hardwick, Director for Honor Flight Tri-State, serving Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana and Northern Kentucky.

March/April 2008 23

Despite a concerted effort to send back pay to disabled

military longevity retirees under the Combat-Related Special Compensa-tion (CRSC) and Concurrent Retire-ment and Disability Pay (CRDP) programs, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) now says it will be this fall or later before some eligible veterans will receive their checks.

As many as 133,000 disabled military longevity retirees may be entitled to retroactive CRSC or CRDP payments as a result of winning an appeal of a Department of Veterans Affairs decision. However, efforts to calculate the back pay have encountered delays for finishing up the so-called VA Retro Awards, according to DFAS Deputy Direc-tor for Operations Pat Shine.

“We are again witnessing the weakness of the piecemeal process of enacting concurrent receipt of disability compen-sation and military longevity retirement pay,” said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “Instead of Congress enacting a clearly understood, well-defined program to correct a serious inequity, we have two different programs that hardly anyone understands. The DFAS is working under the handicap of a dysfunctional program.”

“Some back payments are getting to veterans,” said National Service Director Randy Reese. “But this process is dragging along due to errors and miscalculations. We need fair and full concurrent receipt for all military longevity retired veterans.”

“It’s simple,” said Reese. “Veterans should receive full disability compensation and military longevity retirement payments, not percentages based on a vague formula for service connection or phased in over nearly a decade.”

By April 1, the VA had made $76.1 million in retroactive payments to 40,145 military longevity retirees. DFAS has paid $19 million to 10,500 military longevity retirees, mostly to those who were due back pay from both the DFAS and the VA.

About 22,000 military longevity retirees were found ineli-

gible for back payments. Late last year DFAS dis-

covered that a new computer program to speed the process had failed, and calculations were done by hand. There is a revised computer program to automate the calculation process, but it won’t be ready until April. Human errors have also caused delays.

On Sept. 1, 2006, DFAS and VA finalized plans to pay eli-gible military retirees any retro-

active money due. These payments include adjustments to CRSC, CRDP and VA disability compensation. Amounts will vary based on differences in disability ratings and length of retroactive period.

CRSC was available to retired military personnel who have a combat-related VA disability rating of at least 60 percent effective June 1, 2003, or 10 percent with a Purple Heart. Eligibility for CRSC was lowered to 10 percent effective on Jan. 1, 2004, in legislation passed by Congress. Through CRSC, recipients can receive partial or full military longev-ity retirement pay and VA disability compensation. CRSC is paid based on the combined disability rating of combat-related disabilities for which recipients actually receive VA compensation.

CRDP is a phased-in restoration of the pay deducted from military retirees’ retirement checks due to their receipt of VA compensation. The phased-in restoration was effective Jan. 1, 2004, and applies to military retirees who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more. CRDP payments are taxable and subject to collection actions for alimony, child support, community property, garnishment and government debt.

A disabled military longevity retiree can be eligible for both CRSC and CRDP but, by law, cannot receive both. Each year an open season is provided so that recipients can elect which type of payment they want to receive. CRSC is clearly the best option for disabled retirees because it is a

CRSC and CRDP Back Pay Delay

(Continued on page 29)

24 DAV MAGAZINE

DAV Member Helps Keep a Helping Hand Extended

Early in 2004, during a telephone conversation with Dr. Steve Scott,

Chief of Physical Medicine and Re-habilitative Services for the James A. Haley VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Tampa, Fla., Robert J. Silah discov-ered active duty wounded or injured military men and women who had served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families were in need of a helping hand at the medical center. That call was the starting point from which Silah would soon launch Operation Helping Hand (OpHH).

“Dr. Scott called me and said, ‘You got a minute?’” Silah said. “When he told what was needed for the returning active duty wounded and injured, and their families, I knew something had to be done. I started thinking about it and Operation Helping Hand was the result. I attribute Dr. Scott with motivating me to start OpHH.”

“I was the Chapter President of the

local Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), at the time, and I took the OpHH idea to the board. They approved it, and OpHH was founded in May 2004 as a program of the Tampa Chapter of the MOAA.”

Silah became chairman of OpHH. He is a retired U.S. Navy Captain and a life member of DAV Chapter 4 in Tampa. He’s also active in a variety of other civic, veterans and military associations, and a volunteer at the Tampa VAMC.

OpHH primarily provides care and support to Tampa VAMC patients who are active duty wounded or injured who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families.

“When you ask something of Mr. Silah, he responds immediately,” said Deborah Gottardi, Chief of Voluntary Service at the Tampa VAMC. “He’s a ‘go to’ person who gets involved 100 percent to help others. I know I can count on him when needed. He and

Operation Helping Hand want to be involved.”

Many family members of the wounded and injured come to Tampa to be with them. The time family members spend with their loved ones ranges from a brief visit to more than a year, depending on the seriousness of the wounds and injuries, which can include blast, blindness, amputations, burns, brain and spinal cord injuries. During this time, family members may find themselves in need of additional finances, lodging, transportation, cell phones, food, personal comfort items, and access to recreational opportuni-ties or other activities.

Family members and extended fam-ily members of active duty men and women who are patients at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center may be eligible to receive services provided by OpHH. Since 2004 the organization has assisted more than 200 seriously wounded and injured veterans and

The Herrick family is among the first of the military men and women wounded or injured in Operation Enduring Free-dom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to be assisted by Operation Helping Hand (OpHH). Pete Herrick (seated), a former U.S. Navy Seabee, was seri-ously injured in a mortar attack in Iraq. Pictured from left are Capt. Robert J. Silah, USN retired, Chairman, OpHH and DAV life member; Diana Herrick; Pete Herrick; and Lt. Col. Robert Sawallesh, USA retired, Vice Chair-man, OpHH.

By Jim Hall

March/April 2008 25

more than 500 family mem-bers.

Support for OpHH comes from many sources, and area support has been generous and heartwarming. An elementary school near MacDill AFB con-tributed in excess of $800; a 15-year-old from the Ft. Myers area asked her family and friends to give money to OpHH rather than projects for her on her birthday; two elementary school children in Tampa set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the presents; and phone cards from a Tampa doctor were among the first donations to OpHH.

More than $100,000 in cash has been given to wounded and injured military members and their families, as well as over $250,000 in in-kind sup-port, such as gas and food coupons, tickets to amusement parks, day care and civilian clothes for wounded and injured patients.

Two new OpHH programs have been initiated. Dine One One allows a family member of an active duty wounded or injured soldier to order a meal for the family. This gives the family a chance to relax and be with their loved one during dinner. This program is getting lots of praise. OpHH has also joined with the YMCA to provide access to the facility for family members of the wounded and injured.

OpHH provided an in-kind donation of more than $17,000 for the opening and dedication of the new Fisher House on the Tampa VA Campus and to sup-port the facility. Contributions by OpHH include the purchase of items such as rollaway beds, benches, bathrobes for each room, linens, book cases, and golf shirts for Fisher House volunteers. OpHH also sponsored the Navy Band from Jacksonville to be on hand for the dedication ceremony. Construction of the Fisher House was paid for by the Fisher House Foundation.

“Operation Helping Hand is our best supporter,” said Paula Wellenc, Manag-er of the James A. Haley Fisher House “They are wonderful friends to Fisher House who understand our mission and have wonderful, warm hearts.”

According to Wellenc, OpHH sets

the benchmark for all organizations in the Tampa community.

OpHH is a non-profit organization and the recipient of two national Newman’s Own Awards, one first place award in 2005, which included a $10,000 grant from the Paul New-man Foundation; and a third place in 2006. The organization is composed exclusively of volunteers representing a variety of public, veterans, retirees and active duty military organiza-tions, and individuals who volunteer as needed.

The James A. Haley VA Medical Cen-ter is a 327 bed tertiary care teaching

hospital, with 300 authorized nursing home care beds, as well as a 60-bed Spinal Cord Injury Service, and a 42 bed Compre-hensive Rehabilitation Center. The VA Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Units have treated many military service members who have been severely injured in combat operations while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi

Freedom. While military mem-bers are treated at the VAMC, family members from around the country ar-rive in Tampa to be with their loved ones, especially during critical treat-ment. The average hospital stay is 45 days, and family members who visit patients must for the most part provide for themselves. Operation Helping Hand, with help from the community, lends a helping hand during their stay in Tampa.

Silah also says OpHH is all for ex-panding and has already sent over 300 shirts and duffle bags for distribution to wounded and injured military members at the U.S. Military Hospital, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; and the U.S. Military Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, which was visited by Past National Com-mander Bradley S. Barton last year.

Silah is quick to point out that the success of OpHH is the result of every-one involved. “I have had so many good volunteers and committee members who have been dedicated to Operation Helping Hand,” he said. “They make OpHH a success.”

Silah also credits his membership in the DAV for giving him a more thorough understanding of the needs of wounded and injured and their families. With that understanding, and through Op-eration Helping Hand, DAV life member Robert Silah is making a positive differ-ence as he helps to build better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families.

Haley VAMC, Tampa.

The organization is

composed exclusively

of volunteers

representing a variety of

public, veterans, retirees

and active duty military

organizations, and

individuals.

26 DAV MAGAZINE

Receive Fixed Income for Life — and Help Disabled Veterans

Many of our members and friends have turned to Charitable Gift Annuities to increase their income. With your gift to us, you (or you then a survivor) can receive generous fixed payments for life, with tax benefits ... and make a tremendous difference in the lives of disabled veterans!

Benefits include: • Generous fixed payments for life, partly tax-free • Charitable deduction for income taxes• Guardian Society recognition for your generosity.

“We feel this was an excellent investment. It helps us and it was an opportunity to help our fellow man, which is our main life enjoyment. This is such a wonderful cause. You just can’t ask for more than that!”

Clifford and Florice TenBroeck, Lakeland, FL

(Home chapter: Massachusetts #96)

Sample Gift Annuity Payout Rates Sample gift: $10,000

Rates are available for every age and age combination — just ask!

One Life Two Lives Age Rate Income/Year Ages Rate Income/Year 60 5.7% $570 65 & 67 5.7% $570 65 6.0% $600 70 & 72 6.0% $600 70 6.5% $650 75 & 77 6.4% $640 75 7.1% $710 78 & 80 6.8% $680 80 8.0% $800 80 & 82 7.1% $710 85 9.5% $950 83 & 85 7.6% $760 90+ 11.3% $1130 86 & 88 8.4% $840

To receive a personalized illustration of benefits, specific to your age(s), call Judie or Kati at 1-800-216-9802, then press 1, or return attached postcard reply.

e-mail: plannedgiving@dav.org website: www.dav.org/plannedgiving

Minimum gift: $5,000 (cash or stocks) Minimum age: 60

Payments can be divided into monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual checks — or direct deposits.

Charitable Gift Annuities

DAVCGAad108.indd 1 1/9/08 2:06:48 PM

March/April 2008 27

icapped parking spots without a placard or license plate, and allows everyone to make a difference by reporting suspected violators. There’s even an abuse board to list the date, time, location state, placard number (if there is a placard), license plate number and comments, and an expanded view to more information.

People everywhere, who bring attention to suspected offenders, makes HandicappedFraud.org work. The organi-zation recommends individuals not to confront suspected violators. Some you suspect as violators may actually be handicapped. Others who are violators might become angry or even violent when confronted. Instead, the organization advises recording the suspected violator’s license plate num-ber and placard number (printed on the placard), and leave a post-it note saying they’ve been reported at Handicapped-Fraud.org on their car. Then post the suspected violation to the HandicappedFraud.org Web site as soon as possible.

The goal of the organization is to receive uploads about suspected violators which are reported to the Department of

Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state. This in turn provides DMV’s nationwide an opportunity to see trends emerging from reports and track the placard number to the doctor and patient. If abuse is detected, fines may be issued, and placards revoked. With this process the organization hopes to bring awareness and change to what HandicappedFraud.org considers a rampant problem.

Handicapped parking violations are certainly nothing new to the DAV. The 1.3 million members of the DAV have long-advocated against handicapped parking violations and asks everyone to respect parking spaces reserved for handi-capped people. “Don’t Take a Hero’s Space” is DAV’s motto regarding handicapped parking spots.

Unfortunately, asking some people to respect handicapped parking spaces just doesn’t work. For them, there is a post-it note that doesn’t ask, it states, “You’ve been reported at HandicappedFraud.org.”

To become involved and learn more about Handi-capped Fraud.org visit their Web site at www.handi-cappedfraud.org.

Recently, much na-tional media attention

has focused on the traumatic amputees of the Iraq and Afghan conflicts. However, there is little known about the long-term outcomes of traumatic amputations arising from war. The largest remain-ing group with a lifetime of experience is the Vietnam War amputees. It is estimated there were 6,000 or more Vietnam veterans that came home with missing limbs.

The Department of Defense has funded a partnership between Indiana University and Ohio State University to create the Indiana-Ohio Center for Traumatic Amputa-tion Rehabilitation Research.

They are trying to locate Vietnam veteran amputees in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the needs of these veterans. Their objec-tive is to study the health, psychosocial and rehabilita-tion needs of veterans with amputations to help determine the needs of Vietnam veterans and aid in the rehabilitation and adjustment of traumatic amputees from present and future conflicts.

The center is currently establishing a database of Vietnam veterans who had amputations. The researchers are asking for those veterans to register by filling out an online questionnaire or obtain-ing a hard-copy through the

mail. Participant confidentiality will be strongly protected. The study currently has 125 Vietnam vets enrolled, but there are many more out there and are encouraged to call the Indiana-Ohio Center for Traumatic Amputation Re-habilitation Research toll-free 1-866-283-2599 or visit the Web site www.vietnamwaram-putee.org for more details.

To obtain a hard-copy questionnaire, call the toll-free number or write: Mr. Chris Robbins, Project Coordinator, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, Coleman Hall CF 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Researchers Seek Vietnam Veteran Traumatic Amputees

Parking Violations(Continued from page 20)

28 DAV MAGAZINE

women and expand veterans’ counseling programs to put more emphasis on treating sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women. Another provision would create a pilot program to provide child care for women veterans while they are being treated at VA facilities.

In DAV’s congressional testimony in support of H.R. 4107, Assistant National Legislative Director Joy J. Ilem noted that women are a “dramatically growing segment of the veteran population” and that the VA “must prepare to receive a sig-nificant new population of women veterans in future years, who will present needs that VA has likely not seen before in this population.”

“This comprehensive legislative proposal is fully consistent with a series of recommendations that have been made in re-cent years by VA researchers, experts in women’s health, VA’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, the Independent Budget and DAV. Therefore, we support this measure and urge the Subcommittee to recommend its enactment,” Ilem told the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

This legislative initiative, which the DAV helped develop, will be a major topic at the 2008 Summit on Women Veter-ans’ Issues to be held June 20-22, 2008, in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the VA Center for Women Veterans, this is the fourth national summit convened as a forum to discuss current initiatives for women veterans, identify issues of concern to the women veterans community and share ideas on how these issues might be addressed.

“The issues discussed and recommendations stemming from those discussions will help the VA and other federal agencies improve existing programs and develop new ap-proaches to meeting the gender-specific needs of women veterans,” said Ilem, the DAV’s summit coordinator.

Gender-specific medical care, mental health and sexual trauma services, the changing role of women in the military and the effectiveness of the VA benefits delivery system were featured prominently at the third National Summit on Women Veterans’ Issues held in 2004.

Details and registration information for the 2008 Summit on Women Veterans’ Issues can be found on the VA Center for Women Veterans Web site, www.va.gov/womenvet.

“For several years, the DAV has urged that the VA conduct further research on the needs of women veterans. And there now is a great need to examine the particular needs of women veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Violante.

The DAV also urges the VA to do more to identify and eliminate the barriers that women perceive or have experi-enced when seeking health care through VA.

“The DAV believes the VA must de-velop a plan for researching, develop-ing and disseminating, evidence-based treatments that are specific to women veterans who have experienced sexual trauma in the military or suffer from PTSD.

“The VA also needs to realize that women veterans often have different roles in their families and must de-

velop new support services for them,” Violante said. For example, he said family counseling programs should be expanded and enhanced to meet the needs of spouses and children of veterans who served in combat theaters. The VA should develop a pilot program to provide child care for veterans who are the primary guardian of children, while they receive intensive mental health treatments. In addition, the VA’s system of Vet Centers should allow families of veterans who suffer combat trauma to receive counseling as well.

“DAV members are asked to contact their Represen-tatives in the House and urge them to co-sponsor and support passage of the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, H.R. 4107,” Violante said. “This bill represents a significant step forward in achieving DAV’s long-time goal of ensuring that all veterans—men and women—receive the health care and benefits they have earned. It also recognizes the unique medical and mental health care needs of women who have served in combat theaters and the impact on their families.”

Women(Continued from page 19)

Brown-Waite

Rep. Herseth Sandlin tours a B-1B Lancer

aircraft hangar at Ellsworth Air Force

Base.

March/April 2008 29

tax-free benefit, unlike CRDP.Retirees may be eligible for back

pay from the DAFS as a restoration of retirement pay or from the VA as part of disability compensation. Retirees entitled to additional money from the DFAS will receive notification by mail of money due and a schedule of payment. If recipients are entitled to additional compensation from the VA, that agency is responsible for payment and will notify affected retirees. Retired disabled veterans do not have to apply for back pay under what is called the VA Retro program.

Both the DFAS and the VA are work-ing together to provide eligible re-tirees with their full entitlements to both VA compensation and CRSC or CRDP.

If a deceased military retiree was owed CRSC or CRDP at the date of death, the designated beneficiary is entitled to any unpaid military retired pay. Retroactive increases made prior to the military retiree’s death and during the period in which CRSC or CRDP were paid provides for entitlement to VA Retro payments. These payments will be made to the beneficiary of the deceased.

Military retirees should call 1-877-327-4457 for issues concerning their entitlement for back pay. Calls may

be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., E.T. Questions concerning disability rat-ings should be directed to the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

For all other questions regard-ing military retired pay, regular CRSC or CRDP payments, allot-ments, taxes or any other retired pay-related business, call 1-800-321-1080. This service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Military retirees can also find regular updates concerning VA Retro on the DFAS Web site (www.dod.mil/dfas) or contact the DAV National Service Office in your state.

Cheesehead Camaraderie ...Members of the Camaraderie Club from Cornell, Lake Hol-combe and Jim Falls, Wisc., and surrounding area, display packages ready to mail to U.S. military men and women serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The club meets on Monday mornings at the Cornell Elementary School to assemble boxes and prepare them for shipping. Students also help with the project. More than 250 boxes containing a variety of items (see photo above) have been mailed to troops. On hand to prepare boxes are, kneeling, front row, Kathy Swanson; Second row, from left, Georgia Violet, Mary Jane Hrdlicka, Betty Huston, Juanita Brun and Ron Pinter; Third row, Ethel Klein, Kathryn Adrian, Barb Thompson and Sonja Westerberg; and back row, Don Schulze, Lyle Adrian, Jackie Lee and Sue Jensen.

CRSC/CRDP(Continued from page 23)

30 DAV MAGAZINE

Don’t Leave Home Without Your 2008 Delegate Credentials

By Jim Hall

n You’ll need delegate credentials to represent your Department, Chapter or Auxiliary Unit during the 87th DAV and Auxiliary National Convention at Bally’s in Las Vegas, Nev. — so don’t leave home without yours.

“It’s important for all DAV and Auxiliary del-egates attending our Na-tional Convention to obtain proper credentials to be seated as voting delegates representing their Depart-ment, Chapter or Unit,” National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said. “Having proper credentials maintains the integrity of our convention system and guarantees the

most accurate repre-sentation of the will of the membership of this great organization.”

National Member-ship Director Anthony Baskerville stressed the electoral process is the key to the future of the DAV and Auxiliary, adding the National Membership Depart-ment is prepared to assist anyone in order to make the process of obtaining credentials as easy and accurate as possible.

Details of the cre-dentialing process are mailed to all Departments, Chapters, Auxiliary State Departments and Units well in advance of the National Convention. The April Membership Memo is scheduled to include all necessary forms needed for credentialing. The forms must be signed by the Commander and Adjutant of the delegate’s

appropriate Department or Chapter or Auxiliary State Department or Unit. All subordinate organizations of the DAV should select delegates and alternates as soon as forms arrive and be sure to get the lists of delegates and alternates to National Headquarters before the July 11 deadline.

Remember, conventions are for guests too. Be sure to register guests attending

the National Convention to ensure they will have registration badges permit-ting them to attend many business sessions and lots of planned social functions.

The 87th DAV and Auxiliary National Conven-tion at Bally’s Las Vegas will certainly be a fun-filled, exciting event you won’t want to miss. Get your credentials, and join us for a great convention.

Wal-Mart Makes a Difference …Canton, Ga., Wal-Mart Community Service Officer Imogene Hughes, second from left, and Co-Manager Steve Hines, third from left, present a $2,000 Good Works grant to Commander Al Hall, left and Adjutant “Spaghetti Rich” Sestili of Chapter 6, Marietta, Ga. in recognition of the Chapter’s effective efforts to assist area veterans and their families.

Showing Appreciation …Department of Florida Adjutant and PNC Al Linden presents a DAV Appreciation Award to Gail, Kevin, and Paul Lytle, owners of Gainesville Harley-Davidson in appreciation of their generous donation to help disabled veterans and their families.

March/April 2008 31

News Briefs

VA Expands Diabetes Awareness

n The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its ef-forts to prevent and control diabetes as part of an ongoing campaign to help veterans eat healthy, watch their weight and stay physically active.

More than 25 percent of VA patients are living with diabe-tes, and VA is doing more to educate veterans, research the disease and provide the specialized care that diabetes demands. The VA has provided diabetes care to 70,000 veterans since 2005.

The expanded diabetes awareness effort is part of the VA’s broader HealthierUS Veterans campaign.

Last year, televi-sion stations around the nation aired more than 3,000 VA-produced broad-casts about eating healthy and staying active. The VA held a symposium for health care professionals in Washington, D.C., and several public events around the country to

inform veterans of the dangers of diabetes.

Annual evaluations of veterans with diabetes show small but continuing improvements in tested levels of blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure with treatment, includ-ing weight management.

The VA’s tele-health program also allows patients with diabetes to monitor and transmit their blood pressure and blood glucose levels from home to VA facilities, thus allowing them to take control of their own health through improved communication with their health care providers.

VA research programs include seeking ways to reduce dia-betes complications that lead to disability, focusing on pre-venting loss of limbs and avoiding obesity among paraplegic patients likely to gain weight due to reduced movement. VA researchers also are examining the interplay between genet-ics and the environment in determining glucose metabolism and weight gain or loss.

VA Travel Reimbursement Rates, Deductibles Increase

n Effective Feb. 1, 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs Beneficiary Travel Program mileage reimburse-ment rate increased from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile for travel to or from a VA facility or other place for the purpose of examination, treatment or care.

Along with the increase in reimbursement rates, the VA also increased associated deductibles. The new deductibles are $7.77 per one-way trip, $15.54 for a round

trip, with a maximum deductible of $46.62 per calen-dar month. The previous deductibles were $3 one-way and $6 round trip with a maximum of $18 per calendar month. These deductibles may be waived when their imposition would cause severe financial hardship, the VA said.

“Congress provided the first increase in the reim-bursement rate in 30 years, yet the VA is taking a bigger bite out of it than before,” said Washington Headquar-ters Executive Director David W. Gorman. “In effect, this may leave sick and disabled veterans even worse off and circumvents the intent of Congress to provide them a measure of much-needed financial relief.”

Those eligible for mileage reimbursement for travel to or from a VA facility or other place for the purpose of examination, treatment or care include:

• Veterans rated 30 percent or more service-connect-ed for travel relating to any condition;

• Veterans rated less than 30 percent disabled for travel relating to their service-connected condition;

• Veterans receiving VA pension benefits for all con-ditions;

• Veterans with an annual income below the maxi-mum applicable annual rate of pension for all condi-tions;

• Veterans traveling in relation to a Compensation and Pension examination; and

• Veterans in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation Program for all conditions.

32 DAV MAGAZINE

Army

Reunions - Because of increasing

number of requests and the space limi-

tations of our magazine, we must limit

publications of unit reunions to one

time only. Send such notices at least

six months in advance to: Reunions,

DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincin-

nati, OH 45250-0301. Thank you...the

Editors.

Marines

Navy

147TH FIELD ARTILLERY/196TH REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM - September 18-20, 2008, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dean Mann, Phone: (605) 332-3446, Email: dlmann@sio.midco.net.10TH ARMORED DIVISION VETERANS’ ASSN. – May 1-3, 2008, Phoenix, Arizona, Zeke Prust, (480) 756-4376, Email: Zaprust2@juno.com.14TH COMBAT ENGINEER BATTALION - Septem-ber 4-7, 2008, Louisville, Kentucky, Roger Heaton, Phone: (520) 404-8183, Email: rogerheaton1042@hotmail.com.1ST BATTALION 33RD ARMOR DIVISION (ALL YEARS) - June 6-8, 2008, Anderson, Indiana, Larry E. Plummer, Phone: (765) 934-3835, Email: ljagdti-ger@bpsinet.com.25TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSN. - August 10-16, 2008, Orlando, Florida, Glenda Ellis, Phone: (215) 248-2572, Email: TropicLtn@aol.com, Web-site: www.25thida.org.26TH YANKEE INFANTRY DIVISION VETERANS ASSN. - June 5-7, 2008, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Sam Thompson, Phone: (508) 285-4656, Email: sthompson.1sgret@comcast.net.45TH INFANTRY DIVISION (THUNDERBIRDS) - September 25-27, 2008, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Raul Trevino, Phone: (210) 681-9134.70TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSN. – September 10-14, 2008, Erlanger, Kentucky, Andy McMahon, Phone: (803) 754-9362, Email: Macson70@aol.com, Website: www.Trailblazersww2.org.503RD ABN RCT ASSN. - September 10-14, 2008, Shreveport, Louisiana, Nelson Gatewood, Phone: (870) 856-2216.547TH ENGINEER BATTALION © - August 1-4, 2008, Houston, Texas, Chuck Jones, Phone: (360) 683-6994, Email: ccjones@olypen.com.728TH MILITARY POLICE BATTALION - June 26-29, 2008, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tony Analla, Phone: (405) 794-7906.771ST FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION - May 1-4, 2008, Hunt Valley, Maryland, Chris Christofferson, Phone: (309) 762-3881.8TH BATTALION, 4TH ARTILLERY, VIETNAM 1967-1971 - May 2-6, 2008, Washington, D.C., Gerald Mazur, Phone: (724) 339-7028, Email: igor@scaredofbees.com.9TH INFANTRY DIVISION: 5TH BATTALION 60TH INFANTRY VIETNAM (ALL YEARS) - June 19-22, 2008, Indianapolis, Indiana, Tony Sparaco,: (516) 293-6219, Email: tony_sparaco@yahoo.com.CHARLIE COMPANY, 2/12 INFANTRY REGI-MENT, 25TH ID - June 5-8, 2008, Gatlinburg, Ten-nessee, Danny Breeding, Phone: (423) 345-5000, Email: veteransservice@charter.net.COMBAT INFANTRYMENS ASSN. - October 9-12, 2008, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Larry Eckard, Phone: (828) 256-6008, Email: combatinfantrymen-sassoc@yahoo.com.

KOREAN VET 999TH AFA BN, “NEVER DIE” (KOREA 1950-54) - August 29-31, 2008, Metairie, Louisiana, Diane Cureaux, Phone: (985) 651-0703, Email: Samcghee@hotmail.com.KOREAN WAR VETERANS REUNION - September 24-28, 2008, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Charles Egres-itz, (717) 652-4088, Email: apebble@aol.com.L COMPANY, 21ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 24TH INFANTRY DIVISION - April 23-27, 2008, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, George Vlasic, Phone: (910) 287-5618, Email: geonanvlasic@atmc.net.RETIRED CHAPLAINS & CHAPLAIN ASSIS-TANTS 2008 REUNION – May 1-3, 2008, Kansas City, Missouri, Chaplain Billy Whiteside, Phone: (913) 683-2386, Email: bwhiteside@kc.rr.com.SIGNAL SERVICE & ASA OKINAWA PERSONNEL 1945-1970 - September 10-14, 2008, Charleston, South Carolina, Paul Watson, Phone: (978) 465-7473, Email: W562236@aol.com.THE THIRD INFANTRY DIVISION SOCIETY - September 18-21, 2008, Columbus, Georgia, Linda Irvine, Phone: (360) 663-2521, Email: info@theRe-unionBrat.com, Website: www.3rdiv.org.

CHARLIE COMPANY, 1ST BN. 1ST MARINES, KOREA 1950-53 - September 10-13, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri, Al Baiocchi, Phone: (924) 933-1100, Email: usmcc11@sbcglobal.net.COMBINED ACTION PROGRAM (CAP) VIETNAM - November 6-10, 2008, San Diego, California, Fred Caleffie, Phone: (254) 547-0879, Email: fcaleffie@hot.rr.com.MARINE DETACHMENT, USS JUNEAU (CL-119) - September 3-7, 2008, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, William S. Gerichten, Phone: (336) 993-5415.MARINES OF LONG AGO - September 23-26, 2008, Quantico, Virginia, Joe “Red” Cullen, Phone: (203) 877-0846, Email: aircooledmg@aol.com.THIRD MARINE DIVISION ASSN. - July 30-August 3, 2008, Iselin, New Jersey, Bill Krueger, Phone: (703) 451-3844, Website: www.caltrap.com.WWII MARINE RAIDER ROUNDUP - May 6-7, 2008, Reno, Nevada, Archie B. Rackerby, Phone: (530) 273-4220.

THE NEWPORT DEALEYS - September 25-28, 2008, Nashville, Tennessee, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. AMPHION (AR-13) - April 24-27, 2008, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Lloyd Stagg, Phone: (850) 944-3302, Email: ltstagg@bellsouth.net.U.S.S. ARCADIA (AD-23) - April 24-27, 2008, Mobile, Alabama, USS Arcadia, Phone: (828) 256-6008, Email: mcaanreunion@yahoo.com.U.S.S. BRADLEY (DE/FF-1041) - July 3-6, 2008, Chicago, Illinois, Bruce Gottsch, Phone: (845) 634-3993, Email: bgottsch@verizon.net.U.S.S. CADMUS (AR-14) - April 24-27, 2008, Mobile, Alabama, Robert Baschmann, Phone: (716) 655-5415, Email: mcaanreunion@yahoo.com.U.S.S. CAMBRIA (APA-36) - April 3-6, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, David Stoll, Phone: (419) 738-3786, Email: destoll@bright.net.U.S.S. CARPENTER (DD-825) - April 24-28, 2008, San Diego, California, Jimmie Kennedy, Phone: (714) 776-4019, Email: Kennjd3@sbcglobal.net.U.S.S. CONY (DD/DDE-508) - May 14-18, 2008, San Antonio, Texas, Ken Cox, Phone: (863) 307-3187, Email: kecox@yahoo.com.U.S.S. COURTNEY (DE-1021) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. CROMWELL (DE-1014) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault,

Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. CUTTY HUNK ISLAND (AG-75) - August 7-10, 2008, New York, New York, Jerry Mussman, Phone: (727) 527-1345 or (201) 868-7167, Email: jamussman@juno.com.U.S.S. DEALEY (DE-1006) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884) - September 15-22, 2008, Portland, Maine, James “Robby” Rob-bins, Phone: (530) 283-2165.U.S.S. FORREST B. ROYAL (DD-872) - June 19-22, 2008, Lombard, Illinois, Ron Larsen, Phone: (715) 423-8905, Email: mosbyusn@wctc.net.U.S.S. FRANCIS MARION (APA-LPA 249) - Oc-tober 12-16, 2008, Savannah, Georgia, Bob Martin, Phone: (781) 665-9222, Email: bob@ussfrancis-marion.com.U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CV-42) - May 14-18, 2008, Covington, Kentucky, Raymond G. Hough, Phone: (318) 645-7673, Email: rghough@bellsouth.net.U.S.S. GENERAL W. A. MANN (AP-112) - April 23-26, 2008, Charleston, South Carolina, Walter Baker, (850) 934-1671, Email: wbake99@aol.com.U.S.S. GRIGGS (APA-110) - September 18-21, 2008, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Charles Forshee, Phone: (336) 357-6476, Email: ctforshee@lexcom-inc.net.U.S.S. GRUNDY (APA-111) - September 18-21, 2008, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Charles Forshee, Phone: (336) 357-6476, Email: ctforshee@lexcom-inc.net.U.S.S. GURKE (DD-783) - April 3-6, 2008, San Diego, California, Thomas Stephenson, Phone: (408) 263-2836, Email: dd783_reunion@tstephenson.com.U.S.S. HARTLEY (DE-1029) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. HOLLISTER (DD-788) - September 17-21, 2008, Branson, Missouri, Nelda Rupp, Phone: (503) 656-4949, Email: hnrupp@comcast.net.U.S.S. HUNTINGTON (CL-107) - September 18-21, 2008, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Gene Volcik, Phone: (512) 926-7008, Email: evolcik@aol.com.U.S.S. HUSE (DE-145) - October 12-15, 2008, Norfolk, Virginia, David Perlstein, Phone: (561) 368-7167, Email: dbp14@hotmail.com.U.S.S. JOHN WILLIS (DE-1027) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. JOSEPH K. TAUSSIG (DE-1030) - Septem-ber 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. KEMPER COUNTY (LST-854) - July 5-8, 2008, Evansville, Indiana, James Simonson, (320) 253-2167, Email: jsimonson@stcloudstate.edu.U.S.S. KENNETH D. BAILEY (DD/DDR-713) - April 10-13, 2008, Tucson, Arizona, Robert Nowak, Phone: (413) 592-1355, Email: Blueobblue@aol.com.U.S.S. LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CV/CVA/CVS-39) - September 18-21, 2008, Charleston, South Caro-lina, Eugene Carroll, Phone: (607) 532-4735, Email: gcarroll@rochester.rr.com.U.S.S. LESTER (DE-1022) - September 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, Phone: (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. MADDOX DESTROYER (DD-731, DD-622, DD-168) - September 4-7, 2008, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Cliff Gillespie, Phone: (337) 616-7499, Email: cwgilles45@aol.com.U.S.S. MARIAS (AO-57) - April 24-27, 2008, Mo-bile, Alabama, USS Marias, Phone: (828) 256-6008, Email: mcaanreunion@yahoo.com.U.S.S. NAVARRO (APA/APL-215) - October 6-9, 2008, Branson, Missouri, Robert (Bob) Robison, Phone: (573) 636-2587, Email: bbrobison@hotmail.com.U.S.S. NEWMAN K. PERRY (DD/DDR-883) -

March/April 2008 33

October 23-26, 2008, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Vernon Vance, Phone: (563) 355-3638, Email: v_vance_nkperry@yahoo.com.U.S.S. PAWCATUCK (AO-108) - April 27-30, 2008, Little Rock, Arkansas, David Willis, Phone: (623) 214-9835, Email: dwshs53@aol.com.U.S.S. PROMETHEUS (AR-3) - October 3-6, 2008, Branson, Missouri, Pete Koppin, Phone: (641) 792-5619, Email: pvpnavyreunion@gmail.com.U.S.S. PUGET SOUND (AD-38) - October 3-6, 2008, Branson, Missouri, John C. Seymour, Phone: (901) 853-1450, Email: rebels45@yahoo.com.U.S.S. PURDY (DD-734) - April 23-27, 2008, Branson, Missouri, Larry DiPasquale, Phone: (610) 433-4787, Email: chiefdi@juno.com.U.S.S. RANGER (CVA/CV-61) - August 13-17, 2008, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, George Meoli, Phone: (203) 453-4279, Email: gmeoli@erols.com.U.S.S. SALISBURY SOUND (AV-13) - September 17-21, 2008, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Marian Bruce, (505) 293-3841, Email: brubru@comcast.net.U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SSN-584) - September 3-5, 2008, Dallas/Fort Worth, Georgia, Tom McCabe, Phone: (707) 429-4796, Email: tompops@aol.com, Website: www.ussseadragon-ssn584.org.U.S.S. SELLERS (DDG-11) - September 4-7, 2008, Baltimore, Maryland, Hilton Roberts, Phone: (480) 892-8033, Email: hilton.l.roberts@boeing.com.U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118) AND VS-931, VS-20 JOINT REUNION - September 28-October 1, 2008, Reno, Nevada, J. Robert Wagner, Phone: (610) 277-4374, Email: bobwagner@msn.com.U.S.S. TARAWA (CV/CVA/CVS-40) - May 1-4, 2008, Charleston, South Carolina, Frank Grosey, (928) 221-0631, Email: groseyjr@npgcable.com.U.S.S. TARAWA (LHA-1) - May 1-4, 2008, Charleston, South Carolina, Malcolm A. Lanham, (304) 965-5916, Email: TarawaLHA1@aol.com. U.S.S. TRATHEN (DD-530) - September 7-9, 2008, Rapid City, South Dakota, Merritt Graves, Phone: (615) 773-5167, Email: merrittg@tds.net. U.S.S. TRUXTUN (DLGN/CGN-35) - November 6-8, 2008, Charleston, South Carolina, Jordan Gmach, (434) 946-5563, Email: knightsmarefarm@aol.com.U.S.S. VAN VOORHIS (DE-1028) - Sept. 25-28, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marc Arsenault, (508) 248-5072, Email: marc-a@charter.net.U.S.S. VESTAL (AR-4) - October 3-6, 2008, Bran-son, Missouri, Pete Koppin, Phone: (641) 792-5619, Email: pvpnavyreunion@gmail.com.U.S.S. WHITEHURST (DE-634) - June 25-27, 2008, Knoxville, TN, Jim Lawrence, (843) 553-1908.U.S.S. YOSEMITE (AD-19) - April 30-May 4, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri, Stan Galloway, Phone: (719) 544-9267, Email: mcpo@earthlink.net.

55TH STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE WING ASSN. (SRWA) – May 14-18, 2008, Wash-ington, D.C., Ricky McMahon, Phone: (703) 791-4133, Email: Rick_caryMc@comcast.net, Website: www.55srwa.org. 56TH CAMRON, 62ND/87TH FIGHTER INTERCEPTOR SQUADRON JOINT REUNION – July 12, 2008, Gwinn, Michigan, Nolan Duquette, (906) 475-7179, Email: nolan359@charter.net, Website: www.kishamuseum.org.6TH 150TH HELICOPTER CO. REUNION - September 4-7, 2008, Westmont, Illinois, Dolores Ryan, Phone: (708) 499-4599, Email: gramstoy3@msn.com. 707TH AC&W SQUADRON - June 18-22, 2008, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Barney Fisher, Phone: (513) 325-5879, Email: ffisher@cinci.rr.com, Website: www.af.acw.com.739TH AC & W SQUADRON - September 18-20, 2008, Wadena, Minnesota, Gordy Macklem, (218) 631-3651, Email: ggmac@wcta.net.C-7A CARIBOU ASSN. REUNION - September

29-October 3, 2008, Dayton, Ohio, Bill Buesk-ing, Phone: (210) 403-2635, Email: wbuesk-ing@satx.rr.com.SECURITY SERVICE 6989TH, 6921ST, 6920TH (MISAWA, JAPAN) - June 5-8, 2008, San Antonio, Texas, Helen Henderson, Phone: (904) 829-9235, Email: etaya49@hotmail.com.

Air Force

Coast GuardUSCGC 165TH AND 125TH CUTTERS REUNION - September 18-20, 2008, Branson, Missouri, Har-rison Ochs, Phone: (314) 822-9931.

All ServicesAMERICAN AMPHIBIOUS FORCE ASSN. - September 17-21, 2008, San Antonio, Texas, Dave Miller, Phone: (440) 989-2302, Email: capdave@centurytel.net.ANZIO BEACHHEAD VETERANS - May 1-5, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri, John Boller, Phone: (631) 691-5002.THE CHOSIN FEW INTERNATIONAL RE-UNION - August 20-24, 2008, Crystal City, Virgniia, Ed King, Phone: (410) 766-2797, Email: ELKChosin@aol.com.

Harbor Colors ...Floyd Teasley of Chapter 126 in New York, N.Y., presents the flag at ceremonies honoring area veterans at the VA’s New York Harbor Healthcare System New York Campus. Teasley is a Past Chapter Commander and a VA Voluntary Services Representative (photo by Lamel Hinton).

Texas Size Donation ...Commander Bob Douglass of Chapter 9, Houston, Texas, left, presents a donation of nearly $27,000 to Houston VA medical center (VAMC) Di-rector Edgar L. Tucker, right, to be used to purchase clinical equipment. Joining in the presentation are Bryan Dyck of the VAMC’s Voluntary Services Department, second from left, and Chapter 9 Judge Advocate James T. Hall, second on the right.

34 DAV MAGAZINE

Inquires - This Column is for inqui-ries submitted to DAV members and other interested persons attempting to locate persons to substantiate a claim for service-connected inju-ries. Your request will be processed through various means in an effort to find the person you are attempting ro locate. Requests to locate persons will be published if all other attempts

have failed. Thank you...the Editors.

Inquiries• Searching for any member of the Counter Mortar Radar section of HHB/1/77th Artillery, Vietnam, 1967-68 who was in the battle of Khe Sanh in April 1968. Please contact Marshall J. Darling, 20 Edg-erton Drive, Apt. 2A, No. Falmouth, Massachusetts 02556, (857) 222-0185.• Searching for any U.S. Army personnel at Long Binh in late February 1967 who saw or heard of a small helicopter tripping on a power or telephone line and crashing at that compound. Please contact Dennis Eugene Farmer, P.O. Box 542, Mt. Gay, West Virginia 25637, (304) 752-2666, or email: d.eugenefarmer@yahoo.com .• Searching for anyone stationed aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVS-39) at Quonset Point NAS with me in G Division 1960-61. Please contact Terry L. Wooley, 15422 Fairacres Drive, La Mirada, California 90638-1503, (562) 943-0571 or email: Biker3879@msn.com.• Searching for anyone that served with the Seabees CBMU 535 in the New Hebridees Islands 1943-1945 who remembers Indian James Welch. Please contact me at 11191 South 550 Rd., Miami, Oklahoma 74354.• Searching for anyone who knew Ex-P.O.W. (Pvt.) David Goldman, Stalag 2B, Hammerstein, Farm Komando, 36th Division, 142nd, please contact Janice Goldman, P.O. Box 59024, Chicago, Illinois 60659-1403, (773) 262-5449, or email: jg2333@msn.com.• Searching for anyone who knew Raul Pena, a for-mer member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Please con-tact Joe L. Segundo, 305 Las Brisas, Mission, Texas 78574, (956) 581-3922, or email: vsegundo305@hotmail.com.• Searching for anyone who served aboard the U.S.S. Terreboune Parish LST-1156 from 1964-66. Please contact Ronald Ferguson, P.O. Box 358, Hopkins, South Carolina 29061, (803) 201-5049, or email: rronaldferguson@sc.rr.com. • Searching for anyone who served and was in-volved in testing conducted at Edgewood Arse-nal, Maryland. Please contact Frank Rochelle at fmokar@embarkmail.com or fmokar@onslowonline.net. • Searching for anyone who served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in HQ Company 3rd Battalion 325 A.I.R. 82nd AGN Division from March 1953 to Janu-ary 1955. Please contact Andrew Peterson, 920 3rd Avenue, Smithfield, North Carolina 27577, (919) 934-3822.• Searching for anyone who served at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California during simulated Fire & Crash Training field exercises in February of 1954. Please contact Arnold Stand, #206, 3725 Cedar Avenue, S., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407, (612) 724 -3778, or email: anokar@augsburg.edu.

• Searching for anyone who served in Company E 517 Parachute Infantry Regiment during the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944. Please contact Shef-field Novik, 70-25 Yellowstone Boulevard, Forest Hills, New York 11375, (917) 863-7750.• Searching for anyone who served in the 385th Army Engineers (Separate) Battalion basic training at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts during 1942-46. Please contact Jacques Turner, 1605 Alton Avenue, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952, (941) 625-8438.• Searching for anyone who served in Vietnam in the following units: 97th LCU Boat Company, 1099th Medium Assault Boat Company, 557th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion. Please con-tact Charles Kidwell, 134 State Route 420, Trenton, Tennessee 38382-7910, (731) 513-3651.• Searching for anyone who served with HQ & HQ, 35th Infantry Regiment from August 1955 to December 1956 who remembers Harold Millman, Company Clerk and member of 35th Regiment and 25th Infantry Division Rifle Teams. Please contact Harold Millman, 9864 Crescent View Drive, South, Boynton Beach, Florida 33437, (561) 733-1289, or email: bzmillman@aol.com.• Searching for anyone who served with me and can verify my being with “Co. D” 31st Infantry 7th Division in Korea in 1951-52. Please contact Calvin W. Anderson, 432 So. Taylor, Mason City, Iowa 50401-2811.• Searching for anyone who served with me during the years 1968 through 1970, U.S. Army. Please contact Alan Davenport, 1901 S. First Street, Temple, Texas 76504, (254) 624-5937.• Searching for anyone who served with me in the 664th Ord. Co. during 1966-1968 in Idar-Oberstien, Germany. Please contact Zebedee Henderson, Jr., 6407 Lazy River Drive, Dallas, Texas 75241, (214) 372-6523, or email: zhenderson8@yahoo.com. Searching for anyone who served with me in the 774th T.D. Battalion “C” Company during WWII. Please contact William Grimaldi, 1280 Townline Road, Hauppauge, New York 11788, (631) 265-8290.• Searching for anyone who served with Sandy, insulating steam aboard either the USS Renville APA-227, and the USS Admiral W. S. Sims AP-127, between March 31, 1945 and July 25, 1946, and aboard the USS Antietam CV-36 between August 1, 1951 and May 2, 1953. Please contact Felipe (San-dy) Sandoval, P.O. Box 1015, Westport, Washington 98595, (360) 268-1947, or email: Sandy9333@comcast.net.• Searching for anyone who served with the 134th QM at Tank Farm 2 in 1969, near Qui Nhon, Viet-nam. Please contact Bobby Olles, P.O. Box 102, Eagletown, Oklahoma 74034.

• Searching for anyone who served with the 574th Support Unit 1st Logistical command Long Bign during 1967-68. Please contact Joseph Ollie, 309 Market Street, #8, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania 16142, (724) 946-2764. Searching for anyone who visited me while I was in Chelsea Naval Hospital during February and March of 1952, particularly William Nesbit. Please contact John E. Fleming, 169 Lenox Avenue, Dumont, New Jersey 07628.• Searching for anyone who was on board the Queen Mary on the crossing of June 15-20 from Gourock, Scotland to New York. Please contact Milton Edel-man, 200 Ocean Park Avenue, Apt. 1K, Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720-1475, (732) 774-1811.• Searching for anyone who witnessed accident on U.S.S. Nevada on March 27, 1945. Please contact J. D. Linsteadt, 3780 County Road 4409, Commerce, Texas 75428, (903) 886-3570.• Searching for anyone who worked on the Hepatitis Ward at the US Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan in 1954 and any members of ACB #1. Please contact CW3 Bobby E. Scott, 420 Eagle Drive, Bedford, Texas 76021, (817) 577-1715.• Searching for anyone with information on any type of defoliage or vegetation killer used in Okinawa in early to mid 1960’s. Please contact Jerry Gould, 2008 Delk Drive, Silver City, New Mexico 88061, or email: jgould4@msn.com. • Searching for graduate class of Platoon 2 Battalion Platoon 245 from April 1972 thru July 1972. Please contact Ruben A. Cabenza, P.O. Box 3342, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613, (787) 365-4805 or (787) 878-9669.• Searching for LCPL Dale A. Thuet (Gulf War Vet-eran). Please contact S. Adams at (434) 774-0247 or (434) 447-4680.• Searching for Major Ewing who served in the Air Force stationed in Weisbaden AFB, Germany during 1966-69. Please contact Marlene N. (Blakely) Ver-ity, 434 Deer Run Drive, Central Square, New York 13036, (315) 668-3360.• Searching for members of M.C.C. Movement Control Center, 1969-71, who served in 101st Air-borne Division at Camp Eagle, Vietnam for possible reunion. Please contact SFC Richard Hosking, 6205 South Shore Drive, Leo-Cedarville, Indiana 46765, (260) 627-0720.• Searching for Sgt. Tony of C 1/40 3rd Armored Division, Franceua Kazerne, Lamboy Strasse Hanau, Germany, 1980-81. Please contact Leonardo Guz-man, P.O. Box 290213, Wethersfild, Connecticut 06129, (860) 296-7250.• Searching for the yearbook for the Fort Knox Eco Company 13th Battalion from June, 1963. Please contact Tom Costello, 500 Hunters Crossing Drive, #201, Elyria, Ohio 44305, (440) 366-5951.

Disabled American Veterans National HeadquartersUnaudited Statement of Financial Position • December 31, 2007

Unrestricted AssetsCurrent AssetsInvestments, at MarketLand, Buildings and Equipment,

Net of Depreciation

Total Unrestricted Assets

Life Membership AssetsCurrent AssetsInvestments, at Market

Total Life Membership Assets

$ 31,131,233311,541,07311,215,0999,611,811

$ 352,284,117

$ 2,282,59162,765,585

$ 65,048,176

Unrestricted LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Unrestricted Net AssetsGeneral and Net Assets

Designated by the NationalBoard of DirectorsTotal Unrestricted Net Assets

Total Liabilities and UnrestrictedNet Assets

Life Membership LiabilitiesCurrent LiabilitiesReserve for Future Distribution

of Life Membership DuesTotal Life Membership Liabilities

and Reserve for Future Distributionof Life Membership Dues

$ 59,003,64059,003,640

293,280,477293,280,477

352,284,117

67,99

$

$-

$

212,195

64,835,981

65,048,176

March/April 2008 35

Chaplain’s Corner

Thank You, God

Just this once, my God, I want to come to You without problems simply to say, thank You!

For forgiveness when I fall.For the sheer joy of sleep when I’m terribly tired.For the silent strength of humility when pride overtakes me.For the justice of Your laws when men are cruel.

For the remedies for sickness when I am ill.For the simplicity of orderliness when I face confusion.For the assurance that You have made a place especially for me when I feel inadequate among my peers.For the joy of helping others when I see people in need.

For the earthly evidences of Your will when I’m trying to find out what life is all about.For the reality of Your world when I stray too far into fantasy.For the rightness of reasonableness when I panic too quickly.For the fun that refreshes when everything gets too serious.

For the renewal in moments of silence when I’m dizzy from being busy in a hectic world.

Thank You, God, for all of these things.But most of all, thank You for Your abiding presence that makes every day I live a day of thanks.

Thoughts to Consider:“We don’t need more strength or more ability or greater opportunity, what we need is to use what we have.”“Every situation, properly perceived becomes an opportunity.”“He conquers who endures.”“The power to succeed or fail is yours, and no one can take that away.”“Success is getting what you want, happiness is liking what you get.”“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.”“Make it a habit to do nice things for people who’ll never find out.”

Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr., National Chaplain

Important Change in Scooter Service at National Convention

Golden Technologies, supplier of more than 130 scooters for DAV conventions annually at no cost to the DAV

members, will no longer provide the scooter free of charge. An $80 fee will be charged for scooter use beginning this year at the National Convention in Las Vegas.

Requests for scooter should be made in advance of the National Convention. If no reservation is made there is little likelihood of a scooter being available for your use at the convention.

To request a scooter, forward the name, address, telephone number and DAV chapter or unit affiliation to Michael J. Walsh, DAV Deputy Inspector General, toll-free, at 877-426-2838, ext. 2065, or e-mail mwalsh@davmail.org; requests may also be sent to Rojean Long, Membership Administra-tive Assistant, toll-free, at 877-426-2838, ext. 1342, or e-mail rlong@davmail.org. The information will be forwarded to Golden Technologies who will contact individuals for con-firmation and arrange for payment of fees.

This new fee-based service remains a reasonable accom-modation for those who need it. However, members are welcome and encouraged to bring their own scooter to the National Convention.

Members who decide to purchase their reserved scooter may apply the $80 fee toward the purchase price.

36 DAV MAGAZINE

The DAV will once again take to the skies to promote its message of

service to disabled veterans when the 2008 season of the DAV Airshow Out-reach Program kicks off in April. This year’s season will include 25 shows plus a stop at “the Super Bowl of Air-shows” at Oshkosh, Wisc.

Now in its sixth season, the DAV Air-show Outreach program continues to have unprecedented levels of success and effectiveness in carrying the DAV message to local communities around

the country. Starting with a primarily East Coast footprint five years ago, the program now reaches out to veterans and the American public at airshows in Texas, Arizona, Maine, Kansas and Nebraska.

Like so many of DAV’s programs, the Airshow Outreach Program is made successful by our members, whose support and volunteerism keep the program flying.

This year’s program will also feature a new trailer-based system to replace

the Mobile Service Office dedicated to the program. The trailer will have touch-screen computer systems and other state-of-the-art features geared at providing airshow goers an attractive, efficient experience where they can learn about the DAV’s mission, become a DAV member, learn about volunteer opportunities or make a donation.

Although the schedule is still being re-viewed, the season is tentatively sched-uled to kick off in early April. Visit the DAV Web site for continued updates.

A DAV Designated Hitter ...Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman, left, and National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante, center, present a DAV Going to Bat for Veterans baseball bat to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Sen. Reid was recognized for his leader-ship efforts to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the resources needed to provide quality, timely health care and benefit services to America’s sick and disabled veterans.

Going to Bat for Veterans …Senator Kent Conrad, D-N.D., left, receives the DAV Going to Bat for Veterans Award from Department of North Dakota Commander Gene Kouba. The Sena-tor, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, received the award for his efforts in obtaining the increase in Department of Veterans Af-fairs funding for the current budget to provide timely and quality care for veterans.

2008 DAV Airshow Outreach

All prices include shipping and handling. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Mail to: Disabled American Veterans – National Service Foundation3725 Alexandria Pike – Cold Spring, KY 41076

Ship to:Name___________________________________________________Address _________________________________________________City ____________________________________________________State_______________________________Zip__________________

Attention Credit Card CustomersMany items in our catalog are made to order and shipped to you from the manufacturer. Your credit card will

be charged the day we enter your order – with shipment following as soon as the items are available.

Check or money order enclosed.24 Hour Credit Card Order Fax Line – (859) 442-2093Charge to my credit card. Visa MasterCard

American Express DiscoverAcct# __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __Expiration Date: ___ / ___ / ___ $10minimum on all charge ordersSignature ____________________________________ Date _____________Customer Telephone: _____________________________________________

502680 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Small Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502681 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Medium Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502682 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502683 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – X Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502684 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 2X Large Quantity ______ $45.00 each $ ________502685 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 3X Large Quantity ______ $48.00 each $ ________502686 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 4X Large Quantity ______ $51.00 each $ ________502670 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Small Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502671 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Medium Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502672 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502673 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – X Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502674 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 2X Large Quantity ______ $45.00 each $ ________502675 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 3X Large Quantity ______ $48.00 each $ ________502676 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 4X Large Quantity ______ $51.00 each $ ________502150 Red Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502151 Navy Blue Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502152 White/Stone Player’s Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502130 Denim Low Profile Cap Quantity ______ $12.00 each $ ________

SubTotal $ ________Kentucky Residents Include 6% Sales Tax $ ________

Total $ ________

Player’s Jacket

Stephanie Simon,Applications SystemsAnalyst l

The new light-weight jacket is 85% polyester/ 15% nylon,sanded microfiber for smooth silent mobility, nylon sleevelining for easy on/off, adjustable snap cuffs, inside zip pocket.Wind, water resistant. “DAV” is embroidered on the leftchest over “Disabled American Veterans” in a complementarycolor. Available in stone and olive colors. Men’s sizes Small,Medium, Large, X-large, 2X-large, 3X-large and 4X-large.

Player’s Cap — Made in the U.S.A.Matches the Player’s Jacket

Wear your Player’s jacket and cap together.The poly/cotton twill cap is white with astone colored bill sandwiched with white.Embroidered “DAV” above “DisabledAmerican Veterans” in olive thread. The one piecesnap slide strap adjusts to fits most sizes. Mid-Profile.

New — Made in the U.S.A —“DAV” and “Disabled AmericanVeterans” are embroidered inivory with DAV trimmed inblue. The sandwiched bill andeyelets are sewn in ivory. Theone piece snap slide strapadjusts to fit most sizes.Mid-profile. Available in red or navy.

Order Today – On LineVisit

www.DAVstore.org

Denim Low Profile Ball CapDenim Cap features a 1 inch x 13/4 inchUSA flag. Embroidered with DAV andDisabled American Veterans in goldthread. Reinforced stitched bill and cottonsweatband. Adjusts to fit most sizes.

ORDER FORM

Chris Olbert,Desktop SupportAnalyst ll

March/April 2008 37

All prices include shipping and handling. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Mail to: Disabled American Veterans – National Service Foundation3725 Alexandria Pike – Cold Spring, KY 41076

Ship to:Name___________________________________________________Address _________________________________________________City ____________________________________________________State_______________________________Zip__________________

Attention Credit Card CustomersMany items in our catalog are made to order and shipped to you from the manufacturer. Your credit card will

be charged the day we enter your order – with shipment following as soon as the items are available.

Check or money order enclosed.24 Hour Credit Card Order Fax Line – (859) 442-2093Charge to my credit card. Visa MasterCard

American Express DiscoverAcct# __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __Expiration Date: ___ / ___ / ___ $10minimum on all charge ordersSignature ____________________________________ Date _____________Customer Telephone: _____________________________________________

502680 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Small Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502681 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Medium Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502682 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502683 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – X Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502684 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 2X Large Quantity ______ $45.00 each $ ________502685 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 3X Large Quantity ______ $48.00 each $ ________502686 Stone Jacket with Charcoal embroidery – 4X Large Quantity ______ $51.00 each $ ________502670 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Small Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502671 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Medium Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502672 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502673 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – X Large Quantity ______ $42.00 each $ ________502674 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 2X Large Quantity ______ $45.00 each $ ________502675 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 3X Large Quantity ______ $48.00 each $ ________502676 Olive Jacket with Tan embroidery – 4X Large Quantity ______ $51.00 each $ ________502150 Red Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502151 Navy Blue Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502152 White/Stone Player’s Cap Quantity ______ $12.50 each $ ________502130 Denim Low Profile Cap Quantity ______ $12.00 each $ ________

SubTotal $ ________Kentucky Residents Include 6% Sales Tax $ ________

Total $ ________

Player’s Jacket

Stephanie Simon,Applications SystemsAnalyst l

The new light-weight jacket is 85% polyester/ 15% nylon,sanded microfiber for smooth silent mobility, nylon sleevelining for easy on/off, adjustable snap cuffs, inside zip pocket.Wind, water resistant. “DAV” is embroidered on the leftchest over “Disabled American Veterans” in a complementarycolor. Available in stone and olive colors. Men’s sizes Small,Medium, Large, X-large, 2X-large, 3X-large and 4X-large.

Player’s Cap — Made in the U.S.A.Matches the Player’s Jacket

Wear your Player’s jacket and cap together.The poly/cotton twill cap is white with astone colored bill sandwiched with white.Embroidered “DAV” above “DisabledAmerican Veterans” in olive thread. The one piecesnap slide strap adjusts to fits most sizes. Mid-Profile.

New — Made in the U.S.A —“DAV” and “Disabled AmericanVeterans” are embroidered inivory with DAV trimmed inblue. The sandwiched bill andeyelets are sewn in ivory. Theone piece snap slide strapadjusts to fit most sizes.Mid-profile. Available in red or navy.

Order Today – On LineVisit

www.DAVstore.org

Denim Low Profile Ball CapDenim Cap features a 1 inch x 13/4 inchUSA flag. Embroidered with DAV andDisabled American Veterans in goldthread. Reinforced stitched bill and cottonsweatband. Adjusts to fit most sizes.

ORDER FORM

Chris Olbert,Desktop SupportAnalyst ll

38 DAV MAGAZINE

MARCH/APRIL 2008

Support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

page 10

DAVMagcov34082.indd 1 2/25/08 1:42:00 PM