Disabled
American Veterans
Blind
Veterans National Chapter #1
WEB
SITE: http://www.davbvnc.com/
Editor: Dennis O’Connell
"IF I CANNOT SPEAK GOOD OF MY
COMRADE,
I WILL NOT SPEAK ILL OF HIM OR
HER."
OFFICERS
OF THE BLIND CHAPTER
Commander
Richard Bugbee
Phone 480 986-0304
Email:
dadbug37@gmail.com
Senior
Vice Commander Joe Wallace
1st Junior Vice Commander Stephen Moffitt
2nd
Junior Vice Commander William Burgess
3rd Vice Commander James Hogan
4th
Junior Vice Commander Junior Farley
Judge
Advocate Dennis O’Connell
Chaplain Rev. Tony Martino
Phone 847 736 2111
email: Deaconmart@wi.rr.com
Phone
904 291-0576
email: pkjax@kaminsky.com
Immediate
Past Commander Dennis O’Connell
If you
know of any member who is sick or deceased please inform one of the officers
whose contact information is listed above.
REST
IN PEACE
Delbert
Landers, Issaquah, WA
WELCOME ABOARD
Gene L. Schultz, Hudson WI
MESSAGE
FROM THE COMMANDER
About
3-4 weeks after the convention Richard suffered the first of 2 strokes. He is
doing better now and both his doctors and Richard are looking for a full
recovery for him in the foreseeable future.
MESSAGE
FROM ADJUTANT/TREASURER
The Disabled American Veterans held
their National Convention in the city of fun, New Orleans. An excellent event again topped off with the
performance of Gary Sinise with his Lt. Dan Band, but this year no special
appearance from President Obama.
Friday, August 5, 2011 the Blind
Veterans National Chapter #1 annual reunion held its first business meeting at
9:00 am. At 4:00 pm the second business meeting was held.
Roll call of officers followed the
opening invocation given by Rev. Tony Martino, and the Pledge led by Adjutant
Paul Kaminsky. Officers present were Commander O’Connell, Sr. Vice Bugbee, 2nd
Jr. Vice Wallace, 3rd Jr. Vice Farley, 4th Jr. Vice Burgess, Judge Advocate May, Chaplin Rev. Martino, and
Adjutant/Treasurer Kaminsky. 1st Jr. Vice Humphrey was excused
absent. Delegates present were Steve
Moffitt, Joe Wallace, Junior Farley and Richard Bugbee. Alternate delegates present Bill Burgess, Rev
Tony Martino and Jim Hogan.
Following the reading and approval of
the previous reunions meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s Report was given.
Following is the brief summary of the annual treasury report:
Blind Veterans National Chapter #1
Balance Sheet
As Of June 30, 2011 (rounded nearest
dollar)
Assets
Money Market: $131,443
Checking $ 17,212
Total Assets $148,655
Liabilities & Securities
Equity:
Opening Balance Equity: $168,500
Income: $ 10,367
Expenses: $ 30,212
Total
Equity: $148,655
Total Liabilities & Securities $148,655
Several business items were also
discussed during the business meetings.
Noted was that for the third year in a row the Chapter had met its
membership goal and received a third flag pendant from National Headquarters.
Last year Richard Bugbee came up with
the idea to have a Chapter Flag. He
procured and brought the new banner with him this year. The flag is light blue and approximately 4
feet long by 3 feet wide. The lettering
DAV Blind Veterans Chapter #1 surrounds a picture of a blind veteran with his
guide dog standing affront a waving American Flag. The picture was once a First Day Cover stamp
issued by the post office back in the 1981.
Commander O’Connell assigned committee
responsibilities to the Delegates and Alternate Delegates as were deemed
necessary. Convention Committee Assignments: Junior Farley: General Resolutions; Richard Bugbee: Legislation & Vet Benefits, Steve
Moffitt; Alternate Rev. Martino: Nominations; Joe Wallace, Alternate Bill
Burgess: Constitution & Bylaws; Jim
Hogan Hospital and Voluntary Services; Paul Kaminsky: Credentials.
All Delegates and Alternate Delegates attended all assigned committee
meeting and all convent5ion business meetings.
The following individuals were elected
to the noted office position:
Commander: Richard Bugbee (Arizona)
Sr. Vice Commander: Joseph Wallace (Delaware)
1st Jr. Vice Commander: Stephen Moffitt (Rhode Island)
2nd Jr. Vice Commander: William Burgess
(Florida)
3rd Jr. Vice Commander: James Hogan (California)
4th Jr. Vice Commander: Junior Farley
(Tennessee)
Judge Advocate: Dennis O’Connell (New York)
Chaplin: Rev. Anthony Martino (Wisconsin)
All
officers were installed Monday August 8, 2011 and the Chapter’s Installation
Breakfast. Honored guest Past National
Commander Ray Dempsey conducted the oath of office services.
The closing event of the DAV National Convention was an
evening where we attended the presentation of our new National
Officers. We then had a very nice dinner
followed by entertainment. Plan next
year to attend in Las Vegas, NV from August 3 - 7 2012, and enjoy a terrific and well planned event. In closing
following is our new DAV National Officers for 2011 - 2012:
National Commander Don L.
Samuels, Tennessee
Sr Vice Commander Larry A. Polzin,
California
1st Jr Vice Commander Mary J. Bencivenga,
New Jersey
2nd Jr Vice Commander Joseph W. Johnston, Ohio
3rd Jr Vice Commander Ron Voegeli,
South Carolina
4th Jr Vice Commander Frank Maughan,
Utah
National Judge Advocate Michael E. Dobmeier, North
Dakota
National Chaplain Dr. Charles W.
Edwards, Jr., Texas
Hope to see you
next year!!
Talking First Aid Kit
Carl Augusto of theAmerican Foundation for the Blind Blogposted
the following about this great product.
I think it's always important to keep safety in
mind, so I thought I'd let you know about a new product from intelligentFirstAidT, the First Aid "talking"
Kit. The Kit includes nine injury-specific packs to help treat common injuries,
including Bleeding, Head & Spine Injury, and Shock. The packs are
individually labeled and color-coded, which I love because it would help
someone with low vision easily distinguish the packs. The best part, though, is
that with the pressof a button, the audio component
attached to each card provides step-by-step instructions to manage the wound.
Situations often become chaotic when a loved one, an acquaintance, or even you,experiences a minor injury.
With this tool, people with low vision can remain calm and have an idea of how
to handle things without worrying about reading any print.
Check out the intelli gent
FirstAidT website to purchase the product or get more
information:
http://www.intelligentfirstaid.com/index.php
The site even allows you to listen to a sample of
the audio component of the kit.
If you have any questions about the tips posted in
Dan's Tech tips, please contact Dan at the following email address:
dthompson5@mchsi.com
"Enjoy the
moment, Rejoice in it.
For yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not yet ours."
Blind Rehab Center Opens
After
years of planning and anticipation, the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC officially
opened its very own Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) on August 8, 2011. The
brand new BRC is spectacular in design, architecture and function - befitting
one of VA’s premier programs. It was, after all, the VA that developed the
field of blind rehabilitation in the 1940’s for WWII Veterans.
When
the first Veteran patient was escorted into BRC for an admission, the staff
cheered and applauded! 70-year-old James Riley, a Vietnam era Veteran from
Stow, Ohio, was accompanied by his wife.
Riley, who is blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa,
was met by his care manager and nurse. He quipped with humor, “I hope my room
overlooks the swimming pool and is next to the canteen.” Riley, an Army
Veteran, was declared legally blind in 2002. He had been hitting his head on
objects, and his wife told him it was time to see an eye doctor. The Veteran
said he feels honored to become part of the history of the Cleveland VAMC BRC.
Riley
was oriented to his spacious private “guest room,” complete with a chest of
drawers, armoire, desk, recliner and private, wheelchair accessible bathroom.
He and other Veterans will quickly learn to get around independently in the
28,000 square feet of the Blind Rehabilitation Center. As the BRC becomes fully
populated with 15 Veterans, the Veterans themselves also start to help each
other in “learning the ropes.” This plays a major role in giving emotional
support to each other. A large benefit of being together is that the blind
Veterans learn they are not alone in living with sight loss. Also, when
Veterans see what others have begun to accomplish in blind rehabilitation, they
feel that they can also achieve tasks.
The
15 bed Cleveland VAMC Blind Rehabilitation Center is a regional program, which will admit
Veterans from all of Ohio and nearby cities such as Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and
Detroit. The average length of stay will be six weeks. While almost all of the
Veterans admitted will be “legally blind”, only a small number will have no
sight whatsoever.
Staffed
with “Blind Rehabilitation Specialists” provide the actual rehabilitation.
These BR specialists have Master’s Degrees in the field of Blind
Rehabilitation, a very specialized area. New staffs have worked at five different VA BRC’s (Hines in Chicago, Birmingham, Augusta,
Waco and Palo Alto) and also from the private sector such as the
Cleveland Sight Center. Other staff joining the Cleveland BRC includes a nurse
manager, 14 nurses and a social worker. Medical needs will be attended to by a
physician and nursing care will be provided around the clock. All staff was
hired for their experience, compassion, ability and desire to work with blind
Veterans. Other essential support staff members include psychology, nutrition,
pharmacy, and recreation therapy.
Blindness
is one of the most dreaded disabilities. When a Veteran learns their vision
will not return, their entire world comes to an abrupt
stop. They may become numb with the news, followed by feelings such as disbelief,
shock, anger, hopelessness, and despair. Without rehabilitation, the Veteran
with blindness is likely to settle into a life of inactivity – life without
quality or meaning.
The
Cleveland VAMC BRC will provide each Veteran with an intensive, individualized
blind rehabilitation training program. The rehabilitation is designed to return
hope, independence and self-confidence to the Veteran. Some of the biggest
doubters are the blind Veterans themselves. Family members too are often at a
loss as to how to help. Both Veteran and family are amazed and astonished with
what they learn in blind rehabilitation -- sometimes activities such as cooking
and woodworking that they never did when they could see!
Veterans
will immediately begin learning skills of independence with six daily classes.
The blind Veterans will be instructed in independent cane travel (orientation
and mobility), communications skills (Braille, tape-recording, typing),
activities of daily living (cooking, cleaning, organizational systems), manual
skills (woodworking, leather working, gardening, working with power tools),
visual skills (using optical aids for remaining sight) and computer access
training. They will participate in individual and group counseling, and family
members will also learn about sight loss. VA learned early-on that Veterans
could lose the independent skills if family members did not buy into the
Veteran’s new independence. A spouse might say, “I’m not going to let my
husband leave the house by himself,” not understanding that he learned to
independently cross Euclid Avenue in University Circle.
When
you see a blind Veteran using his cane at the Cleveland VAMC, say hello! They
won’t see you wave, but will appreciate your warm greeting.
By
Ellen Papadimoulis, LISW-S, Chief Rehabilitation
Center
Remarks by DAV National Commander Donald L. Samuels AT NATIONAL
CONVENTION
National Commander
Tyson, National Adjutant Wilson, Department and Chapter Commanders, Auxiliary
members, honored guests, friends, and my fellow members of Disabled American
Veterans:
Thank you all very
much. Thank you for this humbling opportunity to serve you. It is an immense
honor and responsibility that I take very seriously. You can be sure that I
will put my all into carrying on the great traditions of this organization,
working tirelessly for every disabled veteran, their families and survivors.
Together, we will continue standing up for veterans and keeping our pledge to
leave no veteran behind.
When I was
discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969, I came to a crossroads. At that point
in my life – a young, wounded Vietnam veteran dealing with a disability – my
life could have taken many different directions. But the DAV was there for me
with much-needed help. Then they offered me a chance to help my fellow
veterans. I have been hooked on this, the finest veterans
service organization anywhere, ever since.
Being elected into
this office is well beyond anything I could have ever imagined when I first
became a National Service Officer. But now that I am here, you can count on me
to always remember our one mission – improve the quality of life for disabled
veterans, their families and their survivors.
It would only be
right to start by thanking some of the incredible people who really made this a
reality for me:
Thanks to the
entire 8th District, led by NEC Gerald Humphries, and to the entire Department
of Tennessee, particularly my Department Commander Sammy Rogers; Past
Department Commander George Martin; the Tennessee Auxiliary and the 8th
District Auxiliary.
Would those of you
from the Departments of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee, please
stand, if you can?
You are truly one
of the premier groups in this great organization, and I would not be up here
without your longtime support. I am going to do my best to make you proud.
A
very
special thanks to my entire family. My daughter Deborah Wright and her
daughter, my granddaughter Hollie are here. As are my
son Don Jr. and his wife Tawana. Their son—my
grandson—Don the third. My son is a U.S. Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant and a
combat veteran of Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a DAV
member.
Nicole Samuels, my
youngest son’s wife, is here. My youngest son Staff Sargent
Joshua cannot be here today. He is a flight engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps
and is currently deployed to Italy in support of operations in that region. He
is a veteran of combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
My youngest
daughter Patricia and her husband Junior Harris.
I have seven other
grandchildren who are not able to be here today.
I also have some
close, personal friends of mine down front I want to recognize. My
sister-in-law Patty and her husband Bob Peacock. Bob
was a submariner in the U.S. Navy. Vader Stultz,
a U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran, and his wife Wanda. Midge
Straub and Chuck Straub, a retired Air Force veteran. Vader, Chuck and
Bob are all disabled veterans and life members of the DAV.
And most
importantly, I want to thank my wife, Sandy. She has supported my work with
veterans for many years. She tells me a lot, there is a veteran at the front
door of our home, I ask “How do you know it’s a veteran?” she says, “Because
they have a VA letter in their hand.”
Disabled veterans
have always been a part of our family.
I would like to
congratulate Commander Tyson on an outstanding year. Commander, you have made
all of us proud and will be a very tough act to follow. Thank you for your deep
dedication to disabled veterans.
Lastly, because of
the leadership, vision and dedication of Art Wilson, our professional staffs in
Cold Spring and Washington continue to take this organization to new levels,
further distinguishing the DAV as the unquestioned leader among veterans’
service organizations. We owe all of you our sincere appreciation. Thank you.
Art was a highly
respected National Service Officer when I first came aboard. Everyone was aware
of his technical abilities and we all looked up to him. I believe the DAV is
what it is today, which is the best, because Art remembers what the DAV is all
about and ensures everyone around him understands it, too.
It is such an
honor to stand before you. No other organization’s membership body can match
your dedication. Your service to the men and women whose service and sacrifice
have kept America strong and free cannot be matched.
I am very much
looking forward to this year and the challenges that will come with the current
stormy atmosphere in Washington and a very important election year just around
the corner.
No matter, we
stand ready to work with the government so that the needs of veterans are
understood and addressed in a way that will improve the care and quality of
life for disabled veterans and their families.
Standing up for
veterans also means making sure everyone knows how to get needed care. We, as
veterans helping veterans, need to aide those who are suffering. They need to
know about the hotlines the VA has setup, about the VA facilities offering free
and immediate care. We need to know what symptoms to watch for,
and we need to help other veterans and their families and friends understand
the truths about PTSD.
To have a
successful tour, I need everyone to continue charging forward. Our grassroots
organization sets DAV apart from everyone else. All of us, our blue caps in
particular, we need to ensure our government knows that the VA urgently needs
to modernize the disability benefits claims processing system.
Not only does the
VA need to get claims through much faster, they must get them through correctly
the first time.
This means we need
chapter and department leaders to take an active role themselves. We must lead
from the front and be mentors to inspire newer members to help ensure our
future. That said, we need to really embrace our
younger disabled veterans, showing them they are needed to help ensure our
future. Every single veteran is important to our success.
I am excited about
continuing our relationship with Harley-Davidson during my term. The Harley's
Heroes program is doing great things for veterans by getting our Mobile Service
Office into communities around the nation, helping us bring benefits,
education, and counseling to our veterans free of charge to them and their
families. I appreciate Harley-Davidson’s commitment and I appreciate our
skilled counselors who are developing and prosecuting veterans’ claims.
Our Voluntary
Services Program is as strong as ever, making sure the sick and disabled
veterans are not left behind, taking them to their medical appointments.
Getting them the care they need and earned.
Our volunteers are
in the hospitals, visiting disabled veterans at home, going where the
government cannot or will not go. The DAV is leading the way, and I am proud to
be a part of this organization and even prouder to have been chosen to lead it.
Please, could all
of our volunteers who are present stand, if you can, to be recognized?
Our largest
endeavor in fulfilling that mission is our Service Program. Clearly, our
unparalleled program is the backbone of the DAV, extending from the chapters
through the departments to the national level. For those of you who make it
your mission to serve, I sincerely thank you.
Our Transition
Service Officers, National Service Officers and Department and Chapter Service
Officers are on the frontlines, carrying our flag, continuing the outstanding
tradition of service. They are meticulous, ensuring that every earned benefit
is received. I am particularly proud of the jobs they do and they are most
deserving of our support.
After about 20
years as an NSO myself, I am well aware of the dedication it takes to properly
provide the level of service that we, as an organization, pledge to deliver.
Our CSOs, DSOs,
TSOs and NSOs have never wavered in their commitment to serve our nation’s
service-connected disabled veterans, their families and survivors. No one has
more impact on our organization’s ability to meet our primary mission. No one
has more impact on our organization’s stellar reputation. And I believe no one
has a tougher task than those of you representing veterans and their families
with claims for benefits from the government. In addition to the long hours,
often frustrating circumstances and tedious tasks, a service officer must have
a solid understanding of the claims process in its complex entirety.
Recognizing the vital
importance of chapter and department service programs to the fulfillment of
DAV’s overall mission of service to veterans, National offers the
highly-acclaimed Department & Chapter Service Officer Certification
Program. I feel strongly that every single service officer in the entire
organization should complete this program during my term as your National
Commander. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge and professionalism
of the non-accredited Department and Chapter Service Officer. Claims work is
covered in detail, explaining the adjudication process from start to finish,
providing the knowledge necessary to creating a successful and quick claim. It
also covers benefits, entitlements, compensation, pensions, and several other
imperative topics. In short, it will make you an effective service officer and
an asset to your community.
Please, could all
of our service officers who are present stand, if you can, to be recognized?
As combat in Iraq,
Afghanistan and other places draws down, and as more and more active duty and
recently discharged veterans learn about the DAV, we will continue seeing more
and more veterans knocking on our doors in need of our help.
Please, ensure you
are prepared to provide them with the very best service possible. They deserve
it. Those veterans, their families and this wonderful organization depend on
you to be ready.
Thank you so much
for this opportunity, this responsibility and this honor.
God bless you, God
bless those still serving, God bless the DAV and God bless America.
From the DAV
National Adjutant AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
Shared Values, A
Sacred Obligation
At a recent ceremony honoring former U.S.
Senator Robert J. Dole for his long-time support of veterans and his
instrumental role in establishing the World War II Memorial, dignitaries
praised him for his valor on the battlefield and his moral courage in public
life. And with characteristic modesty, the combat-disabled DAV life member
said, “I’m truly honored to receive this recognition. But in reality, today, I
represent all veterans, particularly my generation of World War II veterans,
who preserved liberty and freedom for us and for millions of others around the
world.”
The World War II
Memorial is indeed a well-deserved, and long-overdue, tribute to the “Greatest
Generation.” That’s why the DAV was such a strong, enthusiastic supporter of
its creation. But as Sen. Dole also noted, that memorial “celebrates not only
the Americans who waged the Second World War, but the values for which they fought:
values that transcend any one generation; values for which brave young
Americans are even now risking their lives in a Middle East awakening to the
dawn of liberty.”
Also at the
ceremony, Vice President Joe Biden said he learned a very important lesson from
his former Senate colleague: “Although we have multiple obligations as a
nation, we have only one truly sacred obligation. That is to prepare and equip
those we send into battle with everything they need and to care for these
warriors and their families when they return.”
I believe those
values and that shared sense of a sacred obligation are among the traits that
most sharply define us as a nation. They are lessons our country’s leaders and
policy makers need to learn and put into practice, not just on patriotic
holidays and special events honoring our brave Americans but every day and in
every way.
Helping educate
Congress, the administration and the general public about our country’s sacred
obligation to disabled veterans and their families is one thing the DAV does
very well. For decades we have used every tool at our disposal in that
education process. We’ve also pioneered innovations that have been most
effective in our efforts. One of those is the American Veterans Disabled for
Life Memorial, which because of its location near the U.S. Capitol will be a
near constant reminder to lawmakers and visitors of our service and sacrifice
on behalf of our country.
Though there still
are hurdles to be overcome, this vitally important project maintains its
forward momentum. Now the design is being translated into physical reality
through the selection of appropriate materials from which to build the
memorial; the logistics of site preparation are continuing so that the various
stages of construction can proceed; and we are in the final push in our fund
raising campaign.
I especially want
to acknowledge and express our gratitude to our Departments, Chapters and
individual members for your unwavering and generous support to make the
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial a reality. After all, this is your
memorial, a lasting reminder and an appropriate tribute to the sacrifices,
achievements and contributions of America’s disabled veterans.
The message this
inspiring memorial will carry is that throughout our history, disabled veterans
have paid the cost of America’s freedom and have borne the deepest wounds and
scars of war. Therefore, our nation has an obligation to make sure those who
have served and sacrificed will never be forgotten. The memorial will be a
poignant expression of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. All who
visit the site will learn lessons of courage, sacrifice, resolve,
loyalty and honor by bearing witnesses to the experiences of our heroes whose
lives are forever changed because of disability.
GOD BLESS AMERICA