THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DAV AND AUXILIARY MAY | JUNE 2017

CALLING ON CONGRESS Page 8 National commander asks lawmakers to equalize caregiver benefits, safeguard veterans health care options

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DAV.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/DAV @DAVHQ @DAVETERANS AVAILABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES A contingent of DAV members from the Department of Missouri poses before heading to Capitol Hill for congressional visits with elected representatives. Like others nationwide, the department amplified DAV’s key legislative priorities of improving benefits and services for pre-9/11 caregivers and women veterans as well as other important subjects.

Above: (From left) National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski, National Adjutant Marc Burgess and National Commander Dave Riley view a presentation during a National Service Foundation meeting.

Left: Dennis Joyner, past national commander and president of the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, leads a board of directors meeting during the conference. The foundation administers the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.

National Commander Dave Riley (right) presents DAV’s Outstanding Federal Executive of the Year award to VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin for his exemplary leadership and service to Members from the Department of Wisconsin meet with Sen. ill and injured veterans during his tenure as VA undersecretary Ron Johnson (center right) at the Hart Senate Office Building for health. in Washington, D.C. The meeting was one of dozens DAV advocates held with elected officials during the mid-winter conference. COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL COMMANDER DAVID W. RILEY

A day to remember

s our country pauses for the our department and chapter approaching Memorial Day veteran advocates fulfill a promise weekend, I think it’s safe to that was made. The noble work of Asay the national solemn remembrance DAV Transportation Network drivers means something particularly special ensures our brothers and sisters to the disabled veteran community. aren’t left behind and their caregivers For those of us who served and left a are given respite. The special thanks part of ourselves behind during our mili- given by DAV, Auxiliary and youth tary service, remembering the ultimate volunteers in local communities and sacrifice of our fallen makes Memorial VA medical centers recognize the Day a special occasion. cause and brotherhood for which they Part of the fabric that has bound the fought. And our nationwide disaster veteran community together since the relief efforts ensure those changed by Battles of Lexington military service are and Concord in 1775 not forgotten in times is that we, and our For those of us who of unforeseen tragedy. families, have made served and left a It is fitting and service to our nation appropriate that we a priority. Those who part of ourselves pause and reflect have fallen, as well behind during our on comrades lost as their survivors, military service, this Memorial Day. deserve a special However, I believe place in our hearts. remembering the with every ounce By continuing a life ultimate sacrifice of my soul that they of service to our fellow would encourage veterans and their of our fallen makes us to carry on in families within our Memorial Day a purposeful ways communities through special occasion. that advance the DAV, we pay special beliefs and values tribute to the fallen by which they lived who gave their all for the freedoms, and died. They would encourage us prosperity and peace that American to embrace every moment we have on citizens enjoy. Earth. They would ask us to give back DAV members, volunteers and staff do as much as we possibly can. incredible work every day across this Doing so honors the lives they led great country. By providing benefits and the supreme sacrifice they made counseling for survivors and veterans, on our behalf.

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National Commander Dave Riley 1 remarks on making the supreme FEATURES choice, what Memorial Day means to those who survived, and how 8 we honor those who fell. Advocacy in action: Highlights Inclusivity is key to growing our from DAV’s 2017 Mid-Winter 3 ranks and making sure no veteran falls through the cracks, according Conference in Washington, D.C. to National Adjutant Marc Burgess.

Above and beyond: How the VA 5 Office of Veterans Experience helped ensure Navy veteran Tawan Throngkumpola escaped 20 homelessness. Whether first-timers or repeat Advocacy on wheels: DAV’s participants, veterans share 16 Mobile Service Office Program hits the road to bring services directly their inspiring experiences from to veterans. the 2017 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. For Memorial Day, Vietnam 18 veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and author Pete Lemon pays tribute to those with whom he 24 served. Unsung heroes: Speaking out DAV teams up with Vet Tix to about the need for expansion of 27 provide free tickets for veterans and their families to attend caregiver benefits and support community events. to pre-9/11 veterans.

Working to bring all veterans 28 home, the DAV Interim POW/MIA Committee continues pushing legislation to support recovery David W. Riley National Commander missions for those still missing J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher in action. Daniel J. Clare National Communications Director DAV MAGAZINE • May/June 2017 Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Ashleigh Byrnes Deputy National Communications Director Cold Spring, KY 41076 • [email protected]. Volume 59, Issue 3, DAV Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box Steven Wilson Assistant National Communications Director 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone 859-441-7300 or toll Charity A. Edgar Assistant National Communications Director free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin by the Disabled American Veterans, a Congressionally chartered, nonprofit M. Todd Hunter Assistant National Communications Director organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home Page is dav.org. Available on recording for the blind and those with Mary Dever Assistant National Communications Director physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers. Bryan Lett Assistant National Communications Director Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed James W. Killen Associate National Communications Director in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send Austin Shaffner Associate National Communications Director former as well as new address, including ZIP code, to: DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250- Doreen Briones Production Manager 5550. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL ADJUTANT J. MARC BURGESS

Brotherhood and sisterhood

uthor Peter E. Terzick wrote, “You and need in order to address their cannot see brotherhood; neither service-connected conditions. can you hear it nor taste it. But DAV’s 2014 report, Women Veterans: Ayou can feel it a hundred times a day. It The Long Journey Home, states, “When is the pat on the back when things look women talk about their military service, gloomy. It is the smile of encouragement a large number will report that they feel when the way seems hard. It is the invisible, that their ‘non-combat’ role helping hand when the burden becomes was less valued than those of the men unbearable.” who served and that they do not identify Brotherhood and sisterhood are the themselves as veterans.” cornerstones of DAV’s membership. Additionally, the DAV Veterans Pulse When servicemen and women leave Survey noted 56 percent—more than the military, there are many chances for half—of women veterans do not believe us to create a bridge for them through they receive the same respect and our local chapters and departments. appreciation as their male counterparts. Opportunities abound to improve the Only 34 percent of male veterans feel quality of life and the sense of belonging that women don’t get the same respect. veterans feel within our community as It’s clear from the aforementioned they transition into civilian life. incident that this gap is significant Though entirely unrelated to DAV, the and real and must be addressed. recent revelation that tens of thousands Author Jolene Perry wrote that of active-duty military men and veterans “brothers don’t let each other wander have been disparaging and harassing in the dark alone.” This, of course, also servicewomen and female veterans applies to our sisters. through online forums is contrary to the I thank those among us who have notion of brotherhood and camaraderie gone above and beyond to welcome that our values demand. These actions our women warriors and created robust are shameful and have no place in the veterans programs to support them military or veteran communities. within their chapters and departments. This kind of behavior can be what I encourage others to do the same. dissuades many women from continuing As an organization of veterans helping successful careers in the military. It veterans, it is incumbent upon each and can make women doubt their status every one of us to create a welcoming as veterans, despite their many valu- environment to all those who served, able contributions in service. And it regardless of their gender, job, military can be a major factor in why many branch or service era, as we are all women veterans do not seek the bonded together through our service benefits and health care they earned to this great nation.

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Concurrent receipt cigarettes free in the C-rations and concerned that you have interpreted It’s time to change the outdated provides them at extreme discounts my list of top priorities as a slight laws that make military retirees pay through AAFES. Smoking secession to our veteran community. The for their own VA benefits. No other programs are too little too late and do order in which I presented the class of retirees has to give their not break the addiction for everyone. information was not a reflection of own money to the VA. DAV knows Steve Blythe, Orlando, Fla. the priority level of each of those every service member injured as a worthy and important topics. These result of service deserves disability DAV NSO help key priorities are all important in compensation. Why are retirees I was with the VA, and the rep my opinion, and I want to stress the only group who have that supposedly walked through the that access to timely and effective compensation deducted from their process to make sure everything mental health services was only the retired pay? David Gough, Texas was done correctly. I know they fourth key priority talked about in the are trained to help retirees, and of article. Thank you for your service The recommendation of the course this is my first time retiring, and dedication to veterans! Dave Congressional Budget Office to so of course I was not sure how to Riley, DAV National Commander end the practice of concurrent complete every box. Unfortunately, receipt of military retirement and the paperwork was done wrong, Caregivers VA disability compensation is and when the rep called, he got rude I had the great privilege of shameful. If it is fair for Congress and said it’s not his responsibility hearing Commander Riley testify in and civil service retirees to receive to make sure things are done right. Washington for expanded caregiver both benefits, then it should be Jump ahead, I switched to DAV, benefits for those who ensure the the same for military retirees. Dan and within two weeks everything quality of life of pre-9/11 veterans. My Bloodworth Jr., Opelika, Ala. was straightened out. Just son even had a chance to meet Dave wanted to say thank you. Allison and Yvonne, and it was an incredible Electronic filings Helton-Hartung, Boise, Idaho experience. Caregivers share the I read the (January/February 2017) burdens of military service with their article on electronic filings and Veteran suicide veterans and make incalculable groaned. I’d like to see a report Commander Riley, I read your sacrifices to make their lives worth on the effectiveness of disability (March/April 2017) article “The first living. If more people could learn compensation claims processed 100 days,” and I am disappointed about the sacrifices made by people as fully developed claims. As a that you put “veteran suicide” like Yvonne Riley and contact their trained chapter service officer, last on your list of four priorities lawmakers, we might have a chance I’ve had two veterans come in to for elected officials. Of the four to correct a serious miscarriage of get assistance resubmitting their priorities listed, veteran suicide is justice. J.R. Wilson, Antioch, Calif. claims. One stated he still was the only one where 20 veterans a DAV on Social Media not aware that evidence would day die. Yet it is last on your list. I facebook.com/DAV be necessary for fast processing; am confused. Why? In my view, the another claimed he submitted two number-one priority for our elected Love seeing such a wonderful pieces of evidence, but they were officials is to reduce veteran suicides. gentleman speak on behalf of not linked to his claim. Both claims Ruben Sims, Orlando, Fla. the DAV. Proud to have met were denied for lack of evidence. and spent several conventions How often is this happening, As a fellow veteran who has personal with Commander Riley! Nicole and does the eBenefits disability experience with this issue, I’m Wenthe, Anacoco, La. claims process need an upgrade? Linda Truax, Sequin, Texas WRITE TO US We welcome letters from our readers. Please mail them to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or submit them Smoking-related illness via email to [email protected]. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every Can anyone explain why smoking- letter due to the volume received. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook related health problems such as heart (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. Letters used are disease, cancer, emphysema, etc., subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Messages are not compensable VA claims? involving individual claims are referred to the DAV Service Department. The military was handing out the

4 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 SPOTLIGHT on SERVICE

VETERANS FIRST Initiative focuses on veteran perspective, builds partnerships that change lives

By Charity Edgar After the condition of his discharge was inexplicably changed, former corpsman Tawan Throngkumpola struggled to access the n less than a year, combat veteran Tawan benefits he earned through service. Less than a year after leaving IThrongkumpola went from serving in the U.S. the Navy, the Iraq and Afghanistan veteran was living in his truck Navy to living out of his truck in a Wal-Mart parking with his service dog. DAV life member and retired Army Sgt. Maj. lot in Austin, Texas, with his service dog, Cali. Michelle Clark helped Throngkumpola get off the street and back on his feet. The former corpsman left the military in 2015 with an honorable discharge after serving three tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan, attached to the is what DAV stands for, and that’s why I am a member,” 2nd Marine Division. He learned later the condition she said. of his discharge, as reflected on his DD-214, had After an exhaustive search for long-term veteran inexplicably been changed to other than honorable. lodging, Clark was told by the Austin VA Medical His health care was initially covered for six months Center that none of their local transitional housing following his transition out of active duty, but by March partners allowed animals—including service dogs. 2016, he had to request humanitarian medical care from “That was unacceptable to me,” said Clark, who the VA for medication to treat post-traumatic stress and deployed to Afghanistan for a year in 2008. “There are a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The discharge hindered so many veterans with service dogs now. I could not the review of his VA claim, and that is when he found believe it.” himself sleeping in a vehicle. Clark called the VA headquarters in Washington, DAV life member Michelle Clark heard about D.C., and her complaint made its way to the office of Throngkumpola’s situation and jumped into action. VA Acting Deputy District Veteran Experience Officer The retired Army sergeant major, then serving as the Chris Hluchyj. commander of DAV Chapter 219 in Austin, rallied other members, and they came together to support the The Veteran Experience Navy veteran in his time of need. The MyVA transformation—initiated in 2014—charged “DAV took care of me,” explained Throngkumpola, the Department of Veterans Affairs with achieving who joined as a life member when he was back on his customer service excellence; the Office of Veteran feet. “Michelle also took me to the VA, through every Experience (VE) was created last year to ensure that department, to get me access to any assistance I was happens. eligible for. She made me feel like I was not alone.” The VE reports directly to the secretary of Veterans For Clark, giving back was a given. “Helping veterans Affairs, but works closely with and counsels the

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 5 Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits stakeholder agreement with the statement, “I trust Administration and National Cemetery Administration. VA to fulfill our country’s commitment to veterans” VE is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has five by Sept. 30, 2017. district teams that work with local VA facilities, as well “We want to provide the best customer service within as government and community partners like DAV to the federal government,” said Hluchyj. “Effectiveness, implement solutions that best serve veterans. ease and emotion along with our services. It’s what our “We’re effectively the connective tissue between veterans deserve.” headquarters and the field,” said Hluchyj, a Marine Hluchyj stressed that strong relationships with Corps veteran. veterans service organizations are essential for VE works with both veterans and employees, improving VA customer service. collecting feedback in order to improve customer “They amplify the voice of veterans, and that helps service with a bird’s eye view of services and programs. us continue to improve customer service at VA,” The office also leverages and incorporates industry said Hluchyj. “Additionally, benefits and services best practices from leading customer service can be extremely difficult to navigate, and we rely organizations. on organizations like DAV to help veterans with the In January, DAV National Service Director Jim process and also ensure they are getting the services Marszalek was invited to participate in a MyVA Advisory they need from VA. Committee meeting and share his experiences as a “Another area where the support of outside customer who uses VA health care services. organizations really makes a difference is where there Marszalek joined Throngkumpola and four other are gaps in benefits and services based on a veteran’s veterans in addressing the committee, which consists eligibility. These organizations supplement support to of VA leaders, including the secretary, as well as public the veterans for us,” he added. and private partners. These partnerships were critical in helping “The panel provided honest feedback to VA. We Throngkumpola find his way out of homelessness. are all veterans, but our experiences were all different; some were good and some were bad,” said Marszalek. Overcoming obstacles “Positive or negative, the committee wanted our input. “I first heard about Tawan’s situation after the Office The comments gave the VA firsthand insight into what of Veterans Experience had really just gotten off the is working—and what isn’t—for veterans.” ground,” said Hluchyj. “I knew it was critical to “In the past, veterans and community leaders were provide a positive, favorable customer experience raising issues but felt like the VA was not listening to from the beginning and show that VA is veteran- them,” explained Hluchyj. “With the creation of the centric. We can’t stop at fulfilling one need for a Office of Veterans Experience, VA has the opportunity veteran, but look at all of the issues and challenges to take these stakeholder issues to the highest level.” they are facing and see what else we can do.” The VA has a priority goal of reaching 90-percent Hluchyj worked within the VA and with outside

“It took a while to get where we’re at, and we’re still fighting. But we are in a better place than we were a year ago, and we didn’t get here alone.” —Tawan Throngkumpola, Navy veteran

6 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 local VA office and getting Throngkumpola out of his “We can’t stop at truck and back into housing. “When we had doors shut fulfilling one need because of what his DD-214 for a veteran, but look said at the time, we couldn’t let that prevent us from helping,” at all of the issues and said Hluchyj. “We can’t— challenges they are and won’t—forget about our veterans. It’s following up, facing and see what reassessing and re-evaluating the way forward.” else we can do.” Hluchyj’s determination —Chris Hluchyj, VA Acting Deputy District Veteran Experience Officer to help Throngkumpola foreshadowed a historic announcement regarding urgent mental health care from organizations to ensure Throngkumpola had basic VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin during testimony to necessities. the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in March. “Chris never left my side. He made sure that I had “We are going to start providing mental health care food, that Cali had dog food and that we both had a for those that are other than honorably discharged,” said roof over our head,” said Throngkumpola. Shulkin at the hearing. “I don’t think it can wait, and so Throngkumpola learned that he and Cali were we are going to start doing that now.” eligible for a veterans program in San Antonio With mentorship from Hluchyj, Throngkumpola that provides residential rehabilitation and case decided to embark on a new journey that his experience management services, life skills training and counseling. had inspired him to pursue: college. The program specializes in assisting veterans diagnosed “My calling is to help other veterans,” said with PTSD and TBI. Throngkumpola, who is now a student at the University Throngkumpola moved from Austin and enrolled in of North Texas following confirmation that he was, in the VA-sponsored program and housing as he continued fact, eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. to work to fix his military discharge and obtain his VA At the end of that semester, he received more good rating, with support from Hluchyj along the way. news: He was rated appropriately and now had access to “Chris was instrumental in navigating my way the benefits and services he fought for, as well as back through the VA bureaucracy,” said Throngkumpola. pay that is allowing him to focus on being a student— “Things were starting to look up.” not how he will pay for his next meal. Then a staff member at the Audie L. Murphy “This is a happy-ending story,” said Throngkumpola. Memorial VA Hospital informed him that he was not “Cali and I have a roof over our head, we have food, eligible for housing assistance because of his discharge. and most importantly, we feel safe. It took a while to get Throngkumpola tried to explain his unique situation where we’re at, and we’re still fighting. But we are in a and the efforts underway to change the discharge, better place than we were a year ago, and we didn’t get but the VA staffer contacted the transitional housing here alone.” program and told them the veteran was not eligible for Hluchyj stressed that the various groups working enrollment. Throngkumpola was back to living in a together is what set Throngkumpola up for success. parking lot—but not for long. “When it comes to serving veterans, it takes not only Throngkumpola called Hluchyj, and the VE team the VA, but national and local organizations coming jumped into action, reversing the decision from the together with veterans at the forefront.” n

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FOCUS ON FUTURE Advocates converge in Washington to amplify legislative efforts

By M. Todd Hunter big picture to ensure better health outcomes for veterans.” National Adjutant Marc Burgess noted that the swell ith a new president, new Congress and new VA of interest surrounding veterans’ issues over the past Wsecretary sworn into their respective offices, and three years has been remarkable. with the future of veterans health care and benefits “Frankly, it’s not something we should ignore,” he on the line, 2017 is a critical time for veterans’ voices said at the opening session. “If you’ve watched the news, to be heard by lawmakers. That’s why hundreds of paid attention to the presidential election cycle, picked DAV’s most dedicated advocates from across the nation up a DAV Magazine or received an alert or newsletter converged on Washington at the end of February for the from the national organization, you know this year we organization’s annual mid-winter conference. stand at a critical juncture when it comes to the future At this year’s event, DAV and Auxiliary members of our health care system. held dozens of meetings over three days to focus on “Your presence here is always one of the most the organization’s numerous legislative priorities and important ways we can put a face on these issues and advocacy efforts. Our advocates then took DAV’s show lawmakers their actions affect real people—real message to Capitol Hill to speak directly to various veterans—and their families each day,” Burgess noted members of Congress and their staffs. to veterans and Auxiliary members in attendance. “If “At the very front of the line is safeguarding and there’s one thing I know about this crowd, and about improving the VA so that we can ensure all veterans, the base of DAV’s membership, it’s that we stand up today and tomorrow, have a system accountable to for the rights and benefits we’ve earned when they are them for the injuries and illnesses sustained in service threatened. to this nation,” National Commander Dave Riley told “The time for debating what’s next for VA is over. We conference attendees at the opening session Feb. 26 in must move from talk to action.” Arlington, Va. VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin, in his first “For several years, there has been a vigorous national public comments since being sworn in, addressed the debate about how to best provide timely, high-quality, conference at the opening session and laid out his top comprehensive and veteran-focused health care to our 10 priorities for the department. Among his priorities is nation’s heroes,” said Riley. “‘Choice’ should be part of the redesigning the current Veterans Choice Program into solution to fixing VA health care, but it has to fit into the what he called “Choice 2.0.”

8 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 With the current program set to expire in August, the Benefits Protection Team legislative workshop. It secretary said he wants to eliminate rules stipulating focused on DAV’s 2017 legislative priorities and that veterans can only utilize it if they have to wait provided an overview of the new landscape of the more than 30 days for an appointment or live more executive and legislative branches of government. than 40 miles’ driving distance from a VA facility. “Our success in pushing for and seeing legislative Shulkin noted, though, that he must first get Congress changes in Washington remains dependent on the to eliminate the expiration date of the current program continued strength of our nationwide grassroots before he can officially propose Choice 2.0. movement,” National Legislative Director Joy Ilem said. “We want to make sure we continue the current “Now is the time to become proactive, to prepare— program so veterans don’t experience any gap in care,” before others decide it is a good idea to dismantle the said Shulkin. VA or take away hard-earned benefits and services Other top priorities for Shulkin include employee from those who have served and sacrificed for this accountability; enhancing the VA’s information country. We are all responsible to help ensure that our technology capabilities and improving infrastructure; government upholds its promises made to our nation’s and making quicker decisions on veterans’ disability veterans and their families.” claims, pension compensation and appeals. Among the key legislative priorities that were Commander Riley later presented the secretary with discussed were improved benefits and services for DAV’s Outstanding Federal Executive of the Year award caregivers and women veterans. for his exemplary leadership and service to ill and “Those are two critical issues that DAV continues injured veterans during his tenure as VA undersecretary to focus on,” said Ilem. “Thanks to DAV members’ for health. continued involvement and support, the Senate is set to In the lead-up to members’ Capitol Hill visits and the hold a hearing on legislation to expand caregiver support, national commander’s testimony, DAV representatives and several bills aimed at addressing gaps in services for attended a series of seminars. The first was DAV’s women veterans have been introduced in the House,

Left: National Commander Dave Riley, a quadruple amputee, and his wife, Yvonne, pose on the Capitol grounds ahead of the commander’s testimony before a special joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. Commander Riley advocated for the expansion of caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras during his testimony. Above: In his address to the opening session of the annual DAV mid-winter conference, VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin outlines his top 10 priorities for the department. Among them is a plan to redesign the current Veterans Choice Program into what he calls “Choice 2.0.”

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 9 Now is the time to become proactive, to prepare—before others decide it is a good idea to dismantle the VA or take away hard-earned benefits and services from those who have served and sacrificed for this country. —National Legislative Director Joy Ilem

based on recommendations from DAV’s special report, Riley noted, however, that there are still some within Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home.” the veteran community who are promoting an unrealistic The report, released in 2014, identifies gaps in vision of what the Choice program should ultimately be. benefits and services across the federal landscape “Rather than continuing to debate the false promise for female service members and veterans and offers of unlimited choice,” Riley testified, “it’s time for 27 specific recommendations regarding health Congress to get behind the plan to create an integrated care, transition services, disability compensation, network that keeps VA as the coordinator and primary employment and housing. New legislation introduced provider of care and uses the best of private care to fill in the Senate following the conference—the Deborah access gaps. Sampson Act—also addresses key recommendations “That’s real choice,” he emphasized. made by the report, and more than a dozen bills Riley spoke about a number of other issues during his were introduced during the 114th Congress, one testimony, including women veterans, appeals reform of the most significant being the Female Veteran and the VA budget for fiscal year 2018. But the most Suicide Prevention Act, which was signed into law poignant element of his testimony was the topic of by President Obama last June. family caregiver and support services. “The passage and signing of this law was a step A quadruple amputee, Riley depends on his wife of forward in addressing the unique transition needs of 30 years, Yvonne, for assistance in completing many of women veterans,” Ilem said. “This was clearly a victory, life’s everyday activities. but there’s still more work to be done.” Riley recounted how the decisions to amputate all The conference peaked on Feb. 28 when Commander four of his limbs while he was in a coma fell to Yvonne. Riley testified before a special joint hearing of the While the procedures were necessary for his survival, he Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. told the joint committee members that her challenges Veterans and supporters filled the caucus room to had only begun during his first major hospital stay. maximum capacity in the Dirksen Senate Office “She has been my source of strength and inspiration Building for the hearing. all these years, especially in my darkest moments. She Riley’s first order of business in his testimony was to has selflessly dedicated herself in unconditional love address access to high-quality VA health care. He noted and compassion for two decades,” he said. “For Yvonne, that since the 2014 waitlist scandal, a vigorous national and all other caregivers like her, we owe a tremendous debate has taken place about how to reform the VA and debt of gratitude. She and all caregivers are truly that, by the end of 2016, virtually all major stakeholders unsung American heroes.” had come to a common, long-term solution of creating Yvonne received a standing ovation from both the an integrated network of both VA and community audience and members of the joint committee. providers to ensure veterans have seamless access “Unfortunately, VA’s comprehensive caregiver whenever and wherever they need it. assistance program is limited to those caring for

10 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 The Department of Wisconsin’s contingent of DAV advocates, led by Benefits Protection Team Leader Al Labelle (not pictured), meets with House Speaker Paul Ryan (left) during congressional office visits on Capitol Hill. Labelle serves as the department’s legislative director. (Caleb Smith/Office of Speaker Ryan) veterans injured or made ill after 9/11, leaving untold thousands of family caregivers behind,” Riley explained before calling on Congress to correct the inequity by expanding the program to all caregivers of seriously disabled veterans from all eras. “Never forget the men and women we’re fighting for,” Riley implored to convention-goers at the opening session in the days prior to his testimony. “The veterans here in this room, the veterans in long-term care and nursing facilities, the veterans coming home each and every day making the difficult transition back to civilian life and the service members currently overseas in harm’s way. Let these men and women guide your daily efforts.” n Learn More Online More on how to advocate with DAV can be found at dav.org/grassroots. Information on DAV’s efforts to reform veterans health care is available at dav.org/ operation-keep-promise-2016. Watch Video Online The opening session presentations from DAV leadership and the VA secretary are available on DAV’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/DisabledVeterans.

11 Candidates for National Office The following information is intended to inform membership on the announced candidates for national office. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by DAV National Headquarters of any candidate to the exclusion of National Candidates others who may stand for election. DAV members may announce their candidacy at any time, up to 2 and including the time of election, at our 2017 DAV 017–2018 National Convention in New Orleans, July 29–Aug. 1. Delphine Metcalf-Foster National Senior Vice Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster is a retired Army first sergeant and combat veteran of the Gulf War. Metcalf-Foster was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1996. She continued her service for the Department of Defense as a civilian for 20 years as a quality assurance work leader for Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif. After retirement, she earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Sonoma State University. Metcalf-Foster has long been active in DAV at the chapter, department and national levels. In 2004, she was the first woman in the Department of California to be elected commander. Metcalf-Foster is a life member of Chapter 21 in Vallejo, and also serves as an active First Data Military Advisory Council member. At the national level, Metcalf-Foster’s service on the board of directors from 2010 to 2012 included one term as treasurer. She also served as a member of the VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. Metcalf-Foster is seeking election to higher office. Dennis R. Nixon

National 1st Junior Vice and chapter service officers, as well as mentoring NSO Commander Dennis R. Nixon, of trainees in the Waco National Service Office. China Spring, Texas, is a combat- Nixon has served in various leadership capacities at both wounded veteran of the Vietnam the chapter and department levels, including adjutant. War. After medical retirement from He has served on the National Executive Committee and the Marine Corps in 1970, Nixon was a member of the DAV Charitable Service Trust board became a DAV national service officer (NSO) and dedicated of directors. He also serves as the judge advocate for the 36 years to helping his fellow veterans obtain the benefits Department of Texas. they earned. He is a life member of Chapter 20 in Fort Worth and has Since retirement, Nixon has continued to serve as a been active in DAV for 43 years. volunteer, assisting in the certification training of department Nixon is seeking election to higher office.

12 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 Stephen Whitehead

Stephen Whitehead currently National Guard at the rank of command sergeant major. holds the position of National 2nd He is a DAV life member of Chapter 10 in Mankato, Minn., Junior Vice Commander for DAV. and is an active leader in his chapter. Whitehead is currently Whitehead is a service-connected serving as DAV Department of Minnesota adjutant as well as disabled veteran who is still actively chair on multiple department-level committees. serving in the Minnesota Army Whitehead is seeking election to higher office.

Donald Day

Donald Day is a U.S. Marine Corps Presently, he is Chapter 28 adjutant and DAV Department veteran who served during the of New York treasurer. Day is the past department Vietnam era. During his time on commander and served as chairman of the National active duty, he had tours in Europe Convention Credentials Committee. He is an inductee of and Southeast Asia. He is currently the New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame and has served the National 3rd Junior Vice as chief street marshal of the Kings County Memorial Day Commander of DAV. Parade. He is also a certified court mentor at the Brooklyn Day is a life member of DAV Chapter 28 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Veterans Court and earned a bachelor’s degree from the He has been active with DAV at the chapter, department and College of New Rochelle in New York. national levels. Day is seeking election to higher office.

Andy Marshall

Andy Marshall, a combat-disabled He was on the DAV Department of Florida’s Finance Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Committee before becoming the department commander. is currently the National 4th Junior Marshall’s extensive experience in veterans benefits and Vice Commander. He has been a life law includes three years on the Florida Veterans Advisory member of DAV Chapter 4 in Tampa, Committee. One of only a few non-attorney practitioners to Fla., since 1975. argue before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims while Marshall, who retired from DAV as a national service assigned to the DAV Judicial Appeals Office, Marshall argued office supervisor in Tampa, was one of DAV’s original the case that resulted in the VA’s duty to assist requirements, national area supervisors and has held multiple leadership a landmark decision positively affecting and protecting all positions during his 41 years with the organization, veterans trying to obtain benefits from the VA. including DAV Department of Maryland judge advocate. Marshall is seeking election to higher office.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 13 Richard Hogue John J. Polk

Richard Hogue is a combat veteran of John J. Polk is a service-connected the Vietnam War and was wounded disabled veteran who served from when an enemy booby trap exploded 1967 to 1992, first in the U.S. Army near him, causing his medical retire- and then the U.S. Army Reserve. ment from the Army in October 1970. Polk graduated from the University Hogue went on to a career with the of Wisconsin–Madison in 1973 and federal government and was awarded worked in the technology field in the the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Milwaukee area for 25 years. A life member since 1982, he Service Award, the highest Defense Department civilian has been heavily involved with DAV since 2005, including career award. Subsequently, Hogue has published two books holding many positions of leadership at the local, state and which catalog his tour of duty in Vietnam, “A Soldier’s Story: national levels. Currently, Polk serves as the commander for Forever Changed” and “We Were the Third Herd.” the Department of Wisconsin. He is a 45-year life member of DAV Chapter 21 in Denver. Polk is seeking election to national office. He has served his chapter in most positions, including commander and adjutant. In addition, Hogue has served on the DAV Department of Colorado Executive Committee, National Finance Committee and National Constitution and Joseph Parsetich Bylaws Committee. He most recently served as commander for the Department of Colorado and as District 17 National Joe Parsetich is an Air Force combat Executive Committee alternate member. veteran who served in Vietnam Hogue is seeking election to national office. from 1968 to 1969 and served on the DAV’s National Executive Committee for the 14th District from 2014 to 2016. He has been a chapter service Charles D. “Chad” officer since 2009 and is the past Richmond DAV Department of Montana commander. He was named Volunteer of the Quarter by the VA in 2010, and he still Charles D. “Chad” Richmond is a serves on many committees pertaining to veterans’ issues. Vietnam-era veteran who retired He serves as the mentor coordinator as well as being honorably from the U.S. Army after a mentor for the Veterans Treatment Court and has had 20 years of service. The service- eight of his veterans graduate the 18-month program and connected disabled veteran started reintegrate back into society. his military career after graduating In addition to his various duties, he has also served as a as a distinguished military graduate from Hardin-Simmons DAV volunteer van driver and as a member of the Military University in Abilene, Texas, in 1968. Funeral Honor Guard in Great Falls, Mont. Richmond joined DAV in 1999 and has been an active Parsetich is seeking election to national office. member at the national, department and chapter levels. He has been the adjutant of Chapter 28 in Blount County, Ala., for eight years. In addition to his position at the chapter, Join us in New Orleans! Find out Richmond has served as commander for the Department more about this year’s convention at of Alabama, chief of staff and current department adjutant. dav.org/events/2017-national-convention. Richmond is seeking election to national office.

14 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 Michael E. Dobmeier | For National Judge Advocate

Michael E. Dobmeier has served as In April 1972, Dobmeier suffered severe burns on more national judge advocate, advising than 30 percent of his body after an oil heater exploded the National Executive Committee aboard the submarine USS Trigger. He was discharged later (NEC) and board of directors since that year and became a life member of Chapter 2 in Grand 2002. He served as DAV national Forks, N.D. commander in 1999 and as the 14th Since joining DAV, Dobmeier has been appointed or District NEC representative in 1994. elected to nearly every chapter and department office and Dobmeier enlisted in the Navy in 1969 after graduating position and was named the 1985 DAV Outstanding Member from high school. He trained as an engineman; attended of the Department of North Dakota. the Naval Submarine School in New London, Conn.; and Dobmeier is seeking election to another term as national completed Navy Dive School in San Diego. judge advocate.

Michael P. Dover | For National Chaplain

National Chaplain Michael Patrick Since then, he has worked as a civilian military trainer Dover is a service-connected disabled and analyst while simultaneously serving as a counselor veteran and life member who has and chaplain. He recently was inducted into the Georgia served in a variety of capacities for Military Veterans Hall of Fame for assisting over 10,000 Chapter 7, Columbus, Ga., including homeless veterans. senior vice commander, adjutant, An ordained minister and certified chaplain, Dover treasurer, judge advocate and received his Bachelor of Theology from Christian Life School service officer. At the department level, Dover has served as Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in business management commander and chaplain. from Liberty University. He retired from the Army after 20 years of service. Dover is seeking re-election as national chaplain.

Air National Guard veteran appointed communications efforts. to communications team Shaffner is currently a staff sergeant in the Kentucky Air n Austin Shaffner, a disabled veteran of the Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift National Guard, was appointed Associate National Wing. He earned his bachelor’s Communications Director in February 2017, degree in communications from joining the DAV National Headquarters staff in the University of Louisville and Cold Spring, Ky. graduated from the Defense In his new position, Shaffner’s responsibilities Information School’s Basic include video production and creation of a wide Combat Correspondent course in 2013. variety of written and multimedia projects to Shaffner, a current war era veteran, is a life support the organization’s internal and external member of DAV Chapter 19, in Newport, Ky.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 15 Cross country

DAV expands services nationwide with Mobile Service Office program

By Charity Edgar Tennessee for three weeks last year, bringing DAV’s services to veterans who otherwise may not have AV believes that all veterans should have received assistance. The nine other mobile offices do Daccess to the benefits they earned; that is why the same in other parts of the country. the organization’s Mobile Service Office (MSO) “The MSO is what us veterans need in the field so we program treks thousands of miles each year to bring do not leave any veteran behind who may not be able advocacy services directly to the men and women to get into the main office,” said David Harris, a retired who need it most. Army veteran who sought out the mobile office when Since 2001, DAV’s MSO program has traveled Budd and his team arrived in Clarksville. “The NSO throughout the country to small towns, rural [National Service Officer] that assisted me was very communities and college campuses to counsel, assist knowledgeable and assisted me in the completion of my and educate veterans and their families on the benefits claim.” they are eligible for through their service. “We bring advocacy directly to veterans,” said Budd, In 2016, the offices on wheels visited 845 sites, explaining that some veterans prefer the in-person including 77 colleges and universities, including the engagement over communicating by telephone or University of South Florida, The Ohio State University, online. Meeting with the veterans also provides the Western Nevada College and the University of Montana. service officers an opportunity to ask for any other The 10-vehicle fleet drove a combined 96,342 miles documentation required to file a successful claim. across the country, filing 11,479 claims along the way. Budd served in the infantry for two years before a Supervisor Frank Budd and his team of service medical discharge in 1997. Nearly 10 years later, the officers in Nashville traveled throughout rural Marine Corps veteran joined DAV.

16 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 “When I was discharged, I was told, ‘You have your severance pay; now get on your way,’” explained Budd. “There was no TAP [Transition Assistance Program] then, and I was not aware of the benefits I had earned.” He quickly became active in DAV Chapter 212 in New York and worked his way up the ranks to serve as commander. A year later he met now-National Employment Director Jeff Hall, who asked if he was eligible for vocational rehabilitation. “The rest is history,” said Budd, who came aboard DAV in 2007 as a national service officer and now also serves as the DAV Department of Tennessee District 6 commander. Since 1932, DAV has secured nearly $95.8 billion in retroactive and annual benefits for veterans, dependents and survivors through DAV’s service programs at the chapter, county, department, transition National Service Officer Michael Smith (second from and national levels. left) is flanked by DAV Chapter 27, Pell City, Ala., “Service officers like Frank going above and beyond members (from left) Dale Onstine, Roger Gilbert and to connect veterans with DAV services is what this Hubert Stapler. program is all about,” said DAV National Service Director Jim Marszalek. “The Mobile Service Office program is just one way we are able to further our reach and help as many people as possible.” Budd commented that one particular MSO visit stuck out in his mind. “A World War II veteran came to see me. He could not hear at all and had never filed a claim. We filed one, and he was rated 100-percent service-connected disabled,” he said. “He had gone all these years and had no idea there was help until he received a letter from DAV telling him about the MSO.” We have the ability to not only help veterans but also positively impact their home, life and dependents,” explained Budd. “We are changing their lives for the better.” n Learn More Online DAV members who live in an area with an upcoming MSO visit should receive notification in the mail. The full schedule is also available online at dav.org/ veterans/outreach-programs/mobile-service-office. Veterans do not have to be members of DAV to National Service Officer Annie Byrd assists a veteran with a claim for VA benefits during a Mobile Service receive the assistance, which is offered at no cost or Office visit in Alabama. obligation.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 17 Remembering our own on Memorial Day By Peter Lemon

s Memorial Day approaches, I begin to reflect on my memories of war caught up with him, as did his A life as a proud American and as a soldier. I think numerous ailments, all of which put him in the Palo about the friends with whom I served. I say a silent Alto VA Hospital in California. There wasn’t a quick tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in battle and cure; he lived out his life there until he died a few those who battle their sacrifice in life. It reminds me of years ago. We kept in touch by phone, and I visited him my lieutenant. numerous times through the years. I always knew when It was February 1970 in Vietnam. I had just been it was time to visit. He would say, “Pete, I will pay for reassigned from my Ranger unit, which was going your flight to come see me.” I never allowed him to pay, home, to E Company (Recon), 2-8 CAV, 1st Cavalry of course, but I was on that plane. I figured he was there Division. Typically, our missions were to flank the for us back in Vietnam; I had to be there for him now. enemy when a larger unit was in a firefight, ambush the On one visit, he wanted to go to the shore. By the enemy or pull reconnaissance. This small platoon was time we got there, it was raining so hard no one was led by Lieutenant Peters. He was larger than life: 6 feet on the beach except us. As we walked, the lieutenant— 5 inches tall, 220 pounds, fearless, intelligent, college cigarette dangling from his lips—philosophized, as he educated, athletic—a warrior. He earned two Silver often would. Stars while in Vietnam. He always looked out for our He said, “You know, we’re prisoners of war.” best interests. I let it go without a response. The lieutenant had a sense of humor, too. He wanted Then, again he exclaimed, “Pete, you know we’re all to go to the Officers Club while we were on a stand- prisoners of war.” down but not without some of his men. Peters wanted This time I responded, “What do you mean, LT?” five of us to come with him. He dug into his footlocker He whispered, “Emotionally. We are all prisoners of and retrieved five “Lieutenant Peters” shirt fatigues for war. It’s the price we pay for serving our country. And us to wear. We were instantly promoted. if I had to do it again, I would pay the price.” Eleven years after Vietnam, the lieutenant was The lieutenant knew how fortunate we were to serve working as an executive for an international heavy our great nation. It was a privilege to serve with him. equipment manufacturer. The hidden, haunted On this Memorial Day, be blessed and remember. n

About the Author Peter Charles Lemon is an Army veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 1, 1970, in Tây Ninh province during the Vietnam War. A motivational speaker, Lemon authored “Beyond the Medal: A Journey from Their Hearts to Yours,” a collection of stories about Medal of Honor recipients, and is the producer of the Emmy-winning PBS film “Beyond the Medal of Honor.” His book and documentary have been donated to every high school in the United States.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.peterlemon.com.

18 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR DOUGLAS K. WELLS JR.

Make a plan, take action

uthor and former professor at prospective members. It’s not a one-size- the Naval Postgraduate School fits-all endeavor. Kenneth W. Thomas once said, Just as important as “selling” a pro- A“Make sure you’re not just waiting for spective member on DAV membership someone else to fix things or hoping is our ability to listen to what veterans that things will improve. Figure out have to say. Their words can often be what’s going on, and make a plan to used as a road map, providing us the improve things.” information we need to talk to them As veterans, we have all shared that directly about the issues that matter sentiment. It can be a surreal experience most to them. We want them to “buy when someone raises their right hand to in” to DAV as much as we want to sell take an oath and swears to support and them on the idea of membership. defend the Constitution of the United We want prospective members to feel States, but it binds us together in a that they will have a voice and can impact profound way. our direction. We want to avoid making As DAV members, we have the them feel like they are just another name responsibility of continuing to lead, on our rolls, but rather that they are an to serve and to grow our ranks by influential and important part of DAV. recruiting new members. We understand the challenges The reality is, even when a service veterans face, and that is why it’s member takes off the uniform, their important when speaking with a potential earned benefits and health care are member that we illustrate the whole not etched in stone. It’s our job not only picture of DAV’s mission—from securing to safeguard these benefits but also to earned benefits to addressing veterans’ expand and improve upon them when overall health and well-being through our necessary. programs, and from our legislative efforts Our national service officers are to our volunteer programs and working hard to secure earned benefits. employment services. Our legislative team is fighting on behalf An African proverb states, “If you want of veterans nationwide. Our rapidly to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go growing employment program is helping far, go together.” With the strength of over veterans and their spouses find work. 1.3 million members behind us, we not And our robust volunteer network helps only represent the voices of ill and injured to ensure veterans are getting the critical veterans before Congress but also must local services they need. Who wouldn’t find new voices to add to our mission. want to be a part of this great mission Let’s see how far we can go together of serving fellow veterans? by actively recruiting new members to The challenge becomes effectively DAV and ultimately strengthening our selling the value of DAV membership to voice. Make a plan and take action!

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 19 return to the mountain

Goal-setting at altitude

By Charity Edgar

AV National Commander Dave Riley believed his life “This event changes lives, and in my case, saves Dof adrenaline and adventure was over when he woke lives,” explained Riley. “I went through a period of a up in the hospital after losing all four of his limbs, but great depression, and the ability to challenge myself that all changed in the mountains in Snowmass, Colo. once again and enjoy life through adaptive sports was In 1997, the elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer invaluable.” contracted septic shock pneumococcus sepsis, This year’s clinic, co-hosted by DAV and the resulting in the amputation of his arms and legs Department of Veterans Affairs, brought together and removal of several internal organs. Through a more than 375 participants, 200 ski instructors and challenging physical and emotional journey, Riley 1,000 volunteers. went on to fulfill many of his goals: obtaining his “This event is truly a partnership between DAV and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science VA, but we could not do it alone. Each sponsor and and serving as an analyst at a successful tech company. volunteer plays an important role in bringing ‘miracles He continued to have the love and support of his wife to the mountain,’” said National Voluntary Services (turned caretaker) and their three children, but there Director John Kleindienst. “The participants who remained a void in his life. descend upon Aspen with their determination drive It wasn’t until Riley took part in the National Disabled and inspire everyone involved.” Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in 2010 that he discovered “The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports what was missing. At the clinic, the largest rehabilitative Clinic is a life-changing event,” said VA Secretary program of its kind in the world, Riley rediscovered skiing Dr. David J. Shulkin. “I am inspired by our veterans and other adaptive sports like sled hockey, fly fishing, and equally inspired by our staff, who coach and scuba diving, curling, kayaking and rock climbing. encourage them to dream beyond their imagination, A self-described adrenaline junkie, he was hooked. draw from their inner strength and use this clinic to This year, he returned for a seventh time. showcase their resilience and courage.”

20 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 Above left: Army veteran Jeff Glasser soars down the mountain on a mono-ski. The sport serves not only as physical rehabilitation for the former infantryman but also as an activity he, his wife and 5-year-old daughter can enjoy together. Above right: DAV ambassador and multiplatinum recording artist Jordin Sparks came to the clinic to honor the men and women who served. She joined participants in a game of sled hockey and supported veterans skiing and rock climbing. Opposite page: DAV National Commander Dave Riley, a quadruple amputee, returned to the clinic for a seventh time. His first experience in Snowmass in 2010 served as a catalyst for the former Coast Guard rescue swimmer to reclaim his active lifestyle.

VA Interim Deputy Secretary Scott Blackburn had set a long-term goal of becoming a clinic coach. attended this year’s clinic and even tested out a mono-ski. At the clinic’s 30th anniversary last year, Liesegang “It was amazing,” said Blackburn. “I was a little scared; arrived to Snowmass as an instructor. this was my first time skiing sitting down. But as we got “I wanted to give back,” explained Liesegang, a going, I could see that I could relax, and I loved it.” DAV life member. “This clinic has been a driving DAV ambassador and multiplatinum recording force behind my progress. Sometimes it is hard to see artist Jordin Sparks also came out to support veterans incremental improvements, but when you come up in Snowmass. She joined participants in various here you can make leaps and bounds from one year adaptive sporting activities, including a game of sled to the next.” hockey, getting a taste of the camaraderie and spirit of Liesegang, who refuses to let her injury define her, the event as well as the grit and determination of the encourages other ill or injured veterans to try out veterans participating. adaptive sports. For many veterans, the clinic is not only an “Here at Snowmass, there are people all around you introduction to these rehabilitative sports but also with various injuries at different stages of recovery,” an opportunity to chart progress in their recovery. explained Liesegang. “You’re going to find someone Navy veteran Dana Liesegang first attended the clinic who was in your shoes at one point. All you have to do in 1993 just a year after her medical discharge from is look around you, watch them and realize if they can the military. At the age of 19, Liesegang was sexually do that, you can, too.” assaulted and subsequently thrown off a 75-foot cliff, For first-time participants like Marine Corps sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury, spinal cord veteran Wade Spann, the clinic can also be a reminder injury and damaged internal organs. of the support network available throughout the “This event is my gauge for improvement. I work hard recovery process. every year and continue to set goals,” said Liesegang, who Spann, an Iraq War veteran, said he was in awe of the

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 21 by a vehicle when the driver ran a stop sign. In an instant, his dreams of an infantry career were over, and Glasser DAV life member Dana struggled to come to terms with what life Liesegang sets goals after a spinal cord injury would look like. each year at the Winter Though Glasser had taken up Sports Clinic, using the hand cycling, scuba diving and even event as a gauge for her rehabilitative progress. skydiving years after his injury, Last year, the Navy something was missing. His wife, Celia, veteran reached a major encouraged him to try the clinic, and milestone when she he finally attended in 2014. With one returned to Snowmass trip down the mountain on a bi-ski, as an instructor. Glasser found what was missing in his life. He quickly moved on to the more challenging mono-ski. “It was exactly what he was looking for,” said his wife, who also serves as his caretaker. “He wanted an adrenaline-charged sport, and with skiing, he found that.” vast number of people and resources required to make The clinic served as a catalyst for Glasser, and in the the event possible for him and other participants. three years since first ascending the mountains, he has “It was very humbling,” said Spann. “The volunteers continued to train and travel to other events to pursue came together with unique skills and a common goal of the sport. Skiing is more than just rehabilitation for ensuring veterans were taken care of and experienced Glasser; it has become a staple for his family, including growth and confidence building.” 5-year-old daughter Madeline. After Spann took off his uniform, he pushed his “I want to be the best as I can be on the slopes,” past behind him—including painful memories of the explained Glasser. “But it’s even more important for Marines he deployed with who did not return—and my family. It is something we can enjoy together. It also buried himself in work and school, a practice he thinks teaches my daughter about the service and sacrifice of is all too common for veterans. veterans.” “The past few years I became more idle and Glasser’s physician, Dr. Kevin White, who has trekked retrospective, and that in turn gave me the self- to Colorado for the past decade to serve on the clinic’s realization to re-evaluate my past and address issues medical team, received part of his training through the from service,” said Spann, who sustained shrapnel to the VA and decided to make serving veterans his career. He back of his head after his unarmored Humvee was struck said this is his way of giving back. by an improvised explosive device. “If you simply put “Oftentimes when my patients are initially injured, the past behind you and don’t address it in a therapeutic they don’t understand that they can still do everything manner, it compounds a lot of things in your life. You they wanted to do—and more,” said White. “This clinic can run from it, but it will catch up to you.” shows veterans that despite their injuries, they can still Spann, a DAV life member, said he looks forward to be active. They can ski, kayak and more. There’s no returning to the clinic. “It recharged my batteries; it was limitations.” a rewarding experience.” That sentiment is not lost on participants. Whether For thousands of veterans over the years, the clinic their first time or seventh, veterans leave the mountain has represented an opportunity to push limits and test with much more than when they arrived. abilities. “The clinic illustrates that regardless of illness or While Jeff Glasser was on recruiting duty shortly after injury, the only limits disabled veterans have are the graduating from boot camp, the Army veteran was struck ones we place on ourselves,” said Riley. n

22 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 THE DAV FREEDOM AWARD

By Steven Wilson

isabled Army veteran Adam Greathouse was named Dthe 2017 DAV Freedom Award recipient at this year’s National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Greathouse, a West Virginia native, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and major damage to his lungs and other internal organs while deployed to Kosovo. “I had hoses in my left lung, my right lung was suffering other conditions at the time, they had chest “I’m just a regular guy who tubes in,” he said. “I lost the left one. My right lung has scar tissue, and at the time, I had an enlarged heart went through what he had from all of this, and all of my organs were trying to shut down.” to go through to survive. ... The mortality rate for injures like his is 98 percent. A flag was sent home to his mother’s house to be draped Now, after the winter over his coffin, and a warrant officer was dispatched to sports clinic, I just go escort his body home. Greathouse pulled through, however, and was every single day as hard eventually medically retired. He returned home to his parents’ house but was a shell of the person he once as I can and enjoy life.” was. Recovering from the TBI forced him to relearn —Adam Greathouse, Army veteran how to write and walk. He fell into a deep depression. “I just stayed in the room, as dark as possible; no Since then, Greathouse has also made it his personal music, no TV. I hardly ate,” said Greathouse. “I felt like mission to give back to fellow disabled veterans. I was a burden and just existing. That’s when I started “He would drive two hours to come here, even on days contemplating taking my own life.” when he wasn’t scheduled,” said Deborah Brammer, a At his lowest point, he found himself sleeping in his representative from the Huntington VA Medical Center truck in empty parking lots. It was after his mother’s in West Virginia. “He’s all over the medical center, continued encouragement to seek help that he finally helping veterans get to where they need to be, pushing relented and went to his local VA for assistance. wheelchairs, and he always has a smile on his face.” He eventually began recreational therapy and But despite his commitment, he insists he’s no hero. attended his first winter sports clinic in 2012. “I’m just a regular guy who went through what he had “We came here to the winter sports clinic in Snowmass to go through to survive, and I was in survival mode for and my life changed forever,” he said. “I took all the stuff a real long time,” he said. “Now, after the winter sports I’ve learned here, and I’ve taken it home and applied it to clinic, I just go every single day as hard as I can and my own recovery process.” enjoy life.” n

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 23 Continuing the FIGHT for CAREGIVERS

Yvonne Riley, wife and caregiver to National Commander Dave Riley, has been aiding her husband since he fell critically ill in 1997 and underwent surgery to remove his limbs—all without access to VA caregiver benefits or training. New legislation would expand that injury,” said Pat Dempsey, wife and caregiver of Raymond Dempsey, a DAV past national commander benefits to all eras who suffered a spinal cord injury while serving in the Air Force during Vietnam. “And no matter what, you By M. Todd Hunter still need quality care.” Dempsey also noted that the primary care physicians ne of DAV’s most prominent legislative priorities of older veterans are beginning to retire, which can Oreceived renewed life on Capitol Hill this spring with create gaps in care. She argued that family caregivers are the introduction of new legislation that would expand best at filling those voids, since they are often with their caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras if signed into law. veterans 24/7 and fully understand their needs. In March, Sens. Patty Murray and Susan Collins and Studies show caregivers improve veteran patients’ Rep. Jim Langevin introduced the Military and Veteran health, reduce hospital readmissions and delay or Caregiver Services Improvement Act in the 115th prevent institutionalization, all of which also decrease Congress through companion bills H.R. 1472 and S. 591 overall health care costs and improve quality of life for in the House and Senate, respectively. Reps. Elizabeth veterans. However, by serving in this role, caregivers Esty and Ryan Costello also introduced H.R. 1802—the often make personal sacrifices in terms of their own CARE for All Veterans Act. health and well-being, and many caregivers of severely Currently, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus disabled veterans are also aging, which diminishes their Health Services Act of 2010 extends caregiver support ability to continue in their role. services to family caregivers of veterans who were “I’m not getting any younger,” explained Dempsey, injured or became severely ill in military service on or “and sometimes I feel like I can’t be doing the heavy after Sept. 11, 2001. The newly proposed legislation lifting or any of the things that came easier 10 years ago.” would extend those same services—such as caregiver “It doesn’t get easier with age,” echoed Yvonne Riley, education and training, respite care, mental health the wife and caregiver of National Commander Dave services and a monthly stipend—to those injured Riley, a quadruple amputee. “And having those benefits before 9/11. and being able to have someone come in every once in a “Whether you have a spinal cord injury from while to help take care of our veterans would help these Vietnam or a spinal cord injury from Iraq, you still have families tremendously.”

24 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 “Whether you have a spinal cord injury from Vietnam or a spinal cord injury from Iraq, you still have that injury. And no matter what, you still need quality care.” —Pat Dempsey, wife and caregiver of Air Force veteran Raymond Dempsey, a DAV past national commander

A study from the National Alliance for Caregiving found the vast majority of disabled veterans’ caregivers reported increased stress or anxiety and sleep deprivation. The report also shows declines in there with no quality of life?” Dempsey asked. “Or is it caregivers’ healthy behaviors—such as exercising, better to have them at home where they have a better eating healthfully and keeping their own medical quality of life surrounded by loved ones and treated appointments. Over half of the caregivers in the study with dignity, at less cost?” had to cut back their own work hours, and almost half “Ultimately, when fully implemented, the newly stopped working altogether or took early retirement, proposed pieces of legislation would improve the resulting in financial hardship. lives of tens of thousands of veteran families and will Still, there are detractors of caregiver expansion save the federal government a significant amount of legislation who argue that enacting it would cost the resources that otherwise would need to be spent to government more money than the current program. provide institutional solutions to these veterans’ health But that argument is based in ideology rather than the challenges and health maintenance,” said National actual numbers. Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “These bills are both According to a VA report to Congress, the average beneficial to these families and provide taxpayer- yearly caregiver cost per veteran in the current program friendly options. We need our members to write their is $36,770, which is far less than the estimated $332,756 elected officials to urge co-sponsorship and support spent to care for a veteran in a VA nursing home, the of their passage.” n $88,571 spent to care for a veteran in a community nursing home, or the $45,085 it costs to house a veteran Learn More Online in a State Veterans Home. For more information on DAV’s efforts to extend “Is it better to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars caregiver support to veterans of all eras, visit to put a veteran in a nursing home where they’re sitting www.dav.org/caregiver.

F Creer Sort 27 Comparison o aerage annual costs per eteran based on type o caregier support

71 770 0

A Caregier Program State eterans ome Community Nursing ome A Nursing ome Source VA report to Congress

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 25 COMMENTARY From the AUXILIARY NATIONAL COMMANDER FRANCES J. COSTA

Our mutually supporting cause

ello, friends! It’s already been a very wonderful to see 150- plus first time busy 2017 for the DAV Auxiliary attendees. However, the glow on the and DAV. Kicking off the annual faces of the many caregivers who Hmid-winter conference alongside many accompany veterans to this event, and of you, I told our lawmakers in very plain witness what these heroes accomplish, language that we expect them to pass is priceless as well. I know what it means legislation to equalize comprehensive to feel that swell of pride when the caregiver benefits for veterans of all eras. veterans in our lives overcome obstacles Many members of our Auxiliary cared for they didn’t believe they could surmount. the ill or injured veteran These important in their lives for several I told our events remind me just decades before the how fortunate we are events of 9/11. But lawmakers to be a part of an unfortunately—as many in very plain organization whose of us can attest—only language that members make our caregivers for post- work so impactful on 9/11 veterans receive we expect them a national scale. I find it this critical support to pass legislation such a privilege to work from our government. to equalize with such dedicated Along with several men and women who members of our comprehensive are passionate about Auxiliary who have caregiver benefits ensuring the promises years of experience for veterans of made by our nation to with this issue, I shared its veterans and their our stories with elected all eras families are fulfilled. leaders in the hope We need you to have they will do the right thing by approving the passion in your heart to mentor and caregiver support for all generations of educate newer members to carry on the disabled veterans. traditions and mission of the Disabled Soon after the conference, it was my American Veterans and its Auxiliary. distinct honor and pleasure to once DAV National Commander Dave Riley again attend the National Disabled and I stay in close contact and agree Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. This life- that both organizations should continue changing event is transformative for both their mutual support of each other disabled veterans and their caregivers. toward the same goals. And as summer It’s an absolute inspiration to see the look approaches, I continue to look forward to of sheer joy on an injured veteran’s face working with each of you as we advance when he or she descends down the our cause on behalf of the men and mountain for the first time. It was women who served and their families.

26 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 TICKETS FOR TROOS

DAV and Vet Tix team up to deliver event tickets to veterans

hrough a new partnership, DAV and national and DAV provide incredible community resources Tnonprofit Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) are for veterans and their families along with unique working together to provide free event tickets to current opportunities to heal hidden wounds. Our new military, veterans and family members of those killed partnership will allow Vet Tix to serve even more in action—allowing them to attend sporting events, disabled veterans and continue the great impact we concerts, performing arts and family activities. have in the military community.” Vet Tix was founded when CEO and disabled Navy Vet Tix and DAV are also working closely with ticket veteran Mike Focareto was at the 2007 Super Bowl and donors to help find more accessible seating to support realized the military color guard members were not attendance by disabled veterans and to ensure that Vet provided with seats at the game. Focareto noticed a Tixers can be seated with their families while at events. handful of empty seats around him and found a creative DAV life member Laurie Wood, a Navy veteran who way to fill those seats with deserving members of the sustained a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair for military community. Today, Vet Tix has distributed mobility, was able to take her 12-year-old son Gavin to more than 2.8 million free event tickets to more than his first professional basketball game this year, thanks 500,000 verified “Vet Tixers.” to Vet Tix. “This is a fantastic way to get our military members “We wouldn’t have been able to go without them,” and veterans out in the community, to let them know said Wood. “It means so much to me to be able to create they are appreciated and to get them some down time,” those memories together. We had so much fun!” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Vet Tix is really In addition to the new partnership, DAV Charitable doing a great service to veterans by helping keep them Service Trust recently provided a significant grant to engaged, and we’re proud to be working alongside them.” Vet Tix to deliver even more event tickets to deserving Butch Hogan, Chief Technical Officer at Vet Tix, is a veterans and their families. This is the second grant DAV member and disabled Army veteran. Vet Tix has received from the DAV Charitable Service “Being a DAV member, I understand the importance Trust. The funding will provide tickets to the military of having support during the transition from the community that focus on sporting events, concerts, military to civilian life,” said Butch Hogan. “Vet Tix educational activities, science centers, museums and performing arts events—further expanding the reach Navy veteran within the military community and ensuring that all and DAV interests of military members are represented. n member Laurie Wood and son Learn More Online Gavin enjoy To become a Vet Tixer and to begin requesting their first NBA game together tickets for just a small delivery fee, visit VetTix.org/ in Washington, DAV to create a free account. Once your military D.C., courtesy service is verified, you can view hundreds of of Vet Tix. upcoming events around the nation.

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By Steven Wilson

n November 1950, Army Sgt. James Sharp went “ W e need DAV’s help in Imissing east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Not named on any prisoner of war (POW) lists and convincing Congress that with no account for his whereabouts, he was reported an additional $20 million missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950, and later, after prolonged lack of evidence, was declared deceased on in operational funds for Feb. 17, 1954. [fiscal year] 17 is quickly In October 1954, during what was known as Operation Glory, the U.S. Army Graves Registration made available. Time is Service recovered American remains from the Korean running out for Vietnam Demilitarized Zone. Sharp’s remains were not among them, and he was declared unrecoverable. War families and veterans But in 2011, information from two Korean witnesses seeking answers.” led a recovery team from the Defense POW/MIA —Ann Mills-Griffiths, Chairwoman and CEO, Accounting Agency (DPAA) to the remains of at least National League of POW/MIA Families seven individuals along the eastern bank of the Chosin Reservoir. DNA analysis has now positively identified Sharp as one of the seven individuals, and his remains “We have just received word that the joint field will finally be interred with the honor he deserves. activity (JFA) scheduled for early 2017 in Cambodia Despite numerous successful recoveries, a lack of has been canceled due to a lack of funding,” Darcangelo funding threatens to disrupt further missions, casting a said. “This was the only JFA scheduled for Cambodia shadow on the hope of many survivors who—decades during 2017, and the cancellation came about in spite of later—still await closure after the loss of their loved one. a continuing resolution and assurances there would be “Funding for [fiscal year] 2017 operations is no negative impact, and funds were adequate.” uncertain,” said Vincent Darcangelo, DAV interim According to DPAA’s website, the U.S. has worked POW/MIA Committee chairperson. “Currently, the with nations like Cambodia for more than two decades planned operation budget is $20 million underfunded.” to continue recovery missions to account for Americans Darcangelo said Congress has mandated that DPAA still missing from past conflicts. Unfortunately, the account for and identify at least 200 sets of remains per organization has had to cancel 19 recovery and 17 year. However, the funding for this year’s budget will be investigative missions, which reduced planned field inadequate to complete the DPAA’s 2017 operations. operations by 40 percent.

28 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 DAV is faithfully continuing its efforts to work with funding to sustain expanding the pace and scope of these DPAA and other veterans groups to fully account for field operations has not been made available. We need the 82,608 service members still missing from past DAV’s help in convincing Congress that an additional conflicts and to advocate for former POWs. $20 million in operational funds for [fiscal year] 17 is At the 2015 DAV National Convention in Denver, quickly made available. Time is running out for Vietnam assembled members unanimously voted to pass a War families and veterans seeking answers.” resolution urging Congress to enact legislation that In 2016, DPAA accounted for and identified 91 would increase recognized presumptive illnesses for World War II service members, 91 Korean War service former POWs and expand eligibility for Dependency members and 17 Vietnam War service members. So and Indemnity Compensation to surviving spouses of far in 2017, remains of 13 service members have been totally disabled former POWs. recovered and identified. But this legislation, among other POW/MIA–centric “One of the sacred bonds of trust between our issues, remains unsupported. country and its service members is that we do not “I continue to be impressed and grateful for all leave anyone behind,” said National Commander that DAV does for our veterans, current and past, Dave Riley. “I would hate to see money be the obstacle returned and—as is the case for those we represent— preventing closure for these families or for the support our unreturned veterans who are being seriously former POWs and spouses have earned. We’ll continue underserved,” said Ann Mills-Griffiths, Chairwoman and working with DPAA in the hope that our government CEO of the National League of POW/MIA Families. “We will support these efforts until every missing American are deeply concerned and disappointed that necessary has been accounted for.” n

Welcome to DAV’s newest Member Benefits Partner!

24th Annual DAV is excited to announce our newest Member National Disabled Veterans Benefit Partner, Government Vacation Rewards (GVR)! Through this partnership, DAV members can now access great discounts on TEE TOURNAMENT September 11th -15th 2017 cruises, flights and hotels. And when Iowa City, Iowa Area you book your travel through GVR, they’ll donate back to DAV, helping to keep the promise to more ill and injured veterans.

A tournament for Vetarans More info on being a To learn more about this offer and see a full with visual impairments participant or volunteer list of Member Benefit Partners, please visit: and other disabilities. WWW.TEE.VA.GOV dav.org/membership/membership-benefits.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 29 GIVING Help BACK America’s Grateful for all DAV has done for him, heroes Phil and Marjory Mathis, of Moberly, veteran names DAV Mo., volunteer at the Truman Memorial Leave a legacy gift to DAV in estate plans VA Medical Center. We would love the opportunity to thank you and to welcome hil and Marjory Mathis have so many meaningful things to say about you to the DAV Guardian Society PDAV and why they give back. now for remembering America’s Their DAV story begins in a VA hospital, back in 1970, soon after Phil disabled veterans. left the Air Force after eight years of service, including in Korea. He was recovering from surgery, the first of five he would eventually need for a By leaving DAV in you will or service-connected injury, when a visitor walked in. estate plan, you will become a “A very compassionate DAV national service officer wanted to see how member of the DAV Guardian I was and if I was being given what I deserved,” Phil said. “I wasn't even a Society and have the satisfaction DAV member, and he said, ‘That’s OK. I’ll help you in any way I can.’” of knowing that you are standing In a note to our Gift Planning Office, Phil later wrote, “DAV has beside special men and women given me their all, so I plan on giving them mine.” He and Marjory had like Phil and Marjory Mathis by included DAV in their estate plans. “You have been a real important part ensuring DAV continues to be of my well-being for decades and have never failed me.” here to meet the ever-growing Phil explains that he kept working until 1996, despite his injury needs of the ill and injured worsening over time. “Finally, after the fifth surgery, my VA doctor veterans we serve. told me I’d be in a wheelchair soon if I didn’t stop working. I called As a member, you will also receive: upon DAV once again, and they were able to increase my disability • A distinctive lapel pin. to the point that I could leave my job.” • A personalized Certificate Out of gratitude, Phil and Marjory began to make generous gifts to of Appreciation. DAV and also informed us of their bequest plans. Marjory, a former • A window decal. school teacher, said, “We hope this is a small repayment for all that • Recognition in the DAV DAV has done for us. We wouldn’t have had this wonderful life if it Guardian Society Newsletter. weren’t for you. We believe in paying it forward.” (unless anonymity is preferred) Phil and Marjory have volunteered at their local VA hospital several days a week for years, and they’re always on the lookout for vets who TO LEARN MORE aren’t getting the benefits they have earned. • Call Stephanie Vorhees at “I put them in my own car,” Phil said, “to make sure they go see a 800-216-9802, ext. 1. DAV national service officer.” DAV extended its gratitude to Phil and Marjory years ago through the • Email [email protected]. Guardian Society, our appreciation to those who inform us of their estate • Return the attached postcard. gift plans. Our friendship with them has deepened over the last year, first when they visited our headquarters and then when they attended the national convention. “We had such a good time,” they said. “We hope to come back every year!” n

30 NEWS for VETERANS Secretary proposes expansion of mental health services to veterans with other-than-honorable discharges n Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin testified at a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing in March that, this summer, he aims to expand urgent mental health care services to veterans separated from the military under other- than-honorable conditions as an immediate first step in addressing veteran suicide. Service members separated from the military with other-than-honorable administrative discharges have historically been denied mental health care and other benefits within the department. “The president and I have made it clear that suicide prevention is one of our top priorities,” Shulkin DAV Resolution 226 supports a more liberal review testified. “We know the rate of death by suicide among of other-than-honorable discharges for purposes of veterans who do not use VA care is increasing at a receiving VA benefits and health care services in cases greater rate than veterans who use VA care. This is a of former service members whose post-traumatic stress, national emergency that requires bold action. We must traumatic brain injury, military sexual assault or other and we will do all that we can to help former service trauma contributed to their administrative discharges members who may be at risk. When we say even one characterized as other than honorable. veteran suicide is one too many, we mean it.” “There are many veterans who were discharged based This is the first time a VA secretary has implemented on behaviors stemming from untreated mental health an initiative specifically focused on expanding access issues,” said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive to assist former other-than-honorable service members Director Garry Augustine. “They deserve the same care who are in mental health distress and may be at risk for as honorably discharged veterans.” suicide or other adverse behaviors. Many advocates in More than 500,000 former service members are favor of this initiative have long urged the VA to allow estimated to have other-than-honorable discharges. As these former service members treatment, arguing that part of the proposal, former service members separated what caused these service members to be discharged under these conditions would be able to seek mental unfavorably could likely involve mental health issues health treatment at a VA emergency department or Vet caused by their service. Center or could contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Choice Program expanded Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine (second row, second from left) and other VSO leaders in the Washington, D.C., area look on as President Donald Trump signs into law the Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act. The bill extends services for veterans to access medical care through community providers outside the VA system. The original Choice Program was set to expire in August, which could have caused disruptions in care for veterans without the newly authorized extension.

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 National Convention Hilton New Orleans, Riverside JULY 29 – AUGUST 1

his year, the DAV national convention returns to the Big Easy. A city Tknown for its vibrant nightlife and culturally diverse history, New Orleans is truly like no place you’ve ever been. New Orleans offers something of interest for everyone—family-friendly attractions, spectacular architecture, the sounds of jazz and zydeco music filling the air, and the extravagant, colorful fanfare of Bourbon Street. After spending time working alongside fellow veterans to help shape DAV’s future, you can experience a multitude of one-of-a-kind experiences in the city. New Orleans cuisine, largely influenced by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Creole, Cajun and French flavors, is widely held as some of the best in have been invited to perform yet the country. You can experience beautiful historic sites and museums again during Fun Night. throughout the French Quarter and Garden District, check off a ride on the streetcars from your bucket list or take the kids to see the Louisiana black bear lounging in his own personal bathtub at the Audubon Zoo. With seemingly endless shopping, dining and recreational activities, New A Orleans has attractions for all to enjoy. DAV’s national convention is an opportunity to advocate for ill and The Transportation Security injured veterans, to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow DAV members and Administration (TSA) can facilitate to take ownership of this organization and its yearly agenda. However, it the screening of injured or wounded also allows for a hearty dose of fun in this premier vacation destination. veterans. After making flight This year, as you make plans, please note that the convention reservations, veterans (or their care will return to the traditional Saturday-through-Tuesday schedule. coordinators) should contact a TSA Additionally, mark your calendars as Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Cares representative by calling toll- have been invited to play Sunday night. free 855-787-2227 weekdays from Our special room rate is $130 per single or double. Reservations can 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends be made online at aws.passkey.com/e/15933734 or by calling 800-Hiltons and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (800-445-8667) or 504-561-0500. If making reservations by phone, be Eastern time. A representative will sure to say that you are reserving under the Disabled American Veterans either provide screening information room block. DAV members and guests will also receive a discounted daily relevant to the veteran’s disability, self-parking rate of $15. n or the veteran may be referred to experts at TSA to help them through Learn More Online the screening process. Visit dav.org/events/2017-national-convention for more information.

32 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 REFLECTIONS From the NATIONAL CHAPLAIN MICHAEL P. DOVER

Dead ends

reetings, everyone. Have you ever from additional pain in the future. Leaving encountered a dead end while a dead-end job could be the catalyst to driving your car? Your journey finding a more fulfilling career. Gwas all mapped out, every turn and stop And what if dead ends could save your carefully calculated, and yet you only life? What if dead ends are imperative in got so far in your trip before you found developing a relationship with the the road you planned to take was Creator? What if a dead end meant closed. Just like that, taking a more productive your trip came to a What if dead ends path? My faith teaches stop, forcing you to me that no matter how find an alternate path. could save your good the intentions of No matter how upset life? ... What if a religious leaders, a you were that the road dead end meant man-made path to our was closed, it didn’t Creator will never reach change the fact that if taking a more its destination. you didn’t choose productive path? DAV service officers, another route, your members and Auxiliary journey was over. At that point you had members transform lives and have to take the detour, which most likely a positive impact—through the added time and frustration to your trip. free services our organization offers— No doubt most of us generally see in assisting veterans and their families in dead ends as negative. For instance, you overcoming frustration, discouragement may dead end in your pay scale at work. and VA paperwork dead ends. Not only You put in countless hours and full do they help veterans gain access to efforts, but you simply reach the top in their earned care and benefits, but they your department with no more room to also show them an alternative path to grow professionally. Maybe it’s a subject going it alone—through the DAV family. in school that, despite the hours you DAV and DAV Auxiliary members, dedicate to studying or the dollars you volunteers and service officers are pour into a private tutor, you just can’t truly the first-line defenders in the seem to pass. Often, we find dead ends communities where they live, and their in our personal relationships, and we impact is immeasurable. To all those who struggle to let go and move on. continue to do good works through DAV, Dead ends are inevitable in life, but thank you for your dedication in helping they don’t have to be a bad thing. Exiting others overcome dead ends. a dead-end relationship could save you In His Service for You.

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Tennessee veterans take honor flight... The Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era veterans to Washington, D.C., many of whom are DAV members, twice a year as a way to say “thank you” for all the sacrifices they’ve made to the country. The no-cost visit allows veterans to spend the day visiting various memorials across the nation’s capital.

Certified to assist... DAV National 4th Junior Vice Commander Andy Marshall (center) congratulates DAV Chapter 133 chapter service officers after their completion of DAV Department of Florida Service Officer School in Lake Mary, Fla. Chapter 133 has the most chapter service officers in the state of Florida with a total of 19. The Department of Florida boasts a total of 185 certified chapters service officers.

All-Americans... Members of the USA Warriors Sled Hockey Team competed at an international sled hockey tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., in February. The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program has received numerous grants from the DAV Charitable Service Trust as part of its mission to provide adaptive sports rehabilitation opportunities to service-disabled veterans.

34 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 CHAPTER & DEPARTMENT

Mentoring future leaders... Vietnam veteran and DAV Past National Commander Jim Sursely (top center) spoke to a group of high school kids at New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna, Fla. Sursely spoke to approximately 250 teenagers about his experiences in Vietnam and how he adapted to life after having both legs and his left arm amputated. New Smyrna Beach High School history teacher and Army veteran Ruth Myers (top right) said Sursely’s presentation was an encouragement to many of the students from the school. “So many of these kids are in bad situations and can’t see their way out,” said Myers. “Jim came and encouraged them by sharing his story and showing them how he’s accomplished so much, despite his disabilities. They were really surprised at how much he could do with only one limb, and he inspired them to make up their minds to never give up.”

Disabled Army veteran wins seat in Congress... DAV member Frank Plescia renders a salute alongside U.S. Army veteran and DAV life member from Chapter 133 in Florida Brian Mast. Mast recently won the Congressional race for Florida, District 18. Mast spent 12 years in the Army as a bomb disposal expert before being injured in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb in 2010. He lost both legs, part of his forearm and his left index finger in the blast. He was recognized as the DAV Department of Florida’s Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year in 2016.

Comfort and a thank-you for veterans... DAV Chapter 28 in Minnesota has partnered with the Ability Building Center (ABC) to produce a common comfort item for veterans in area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Chapter Commander Rich Daly (left) selected ABC to produce pillowcases for the veterans for each branch of the military. They plan on distributing the pillowcases along with thank-you notes to veterans in these facilities. ABC has produced 467 pillowcases for the project so far.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 35 ASSOCIATION OF AVIATION ORDNANCEMEN Ph: 814-224-5063, Email: [email protected], REUNIONS July 26–30, Reno, NV, Contact: J. J. Lamaitre, Web: usshornetassn.com. Email: [email protected]. USS INCHON (LPH/MCS-12) Oct. 15-19, BRAVO BATTERY, 1ST BATTALION, 12TH MARINE Myrtle Beach, SC, Contact: David F. Fix, ARMY ASSOCIATION Sept. 11–14, Pensacola Beach, FL, Ph: 717-203-4152, Email: [email protected]. Contact: Mike Beckdolt, Ph: 425-417-1239, 1ST BATTALION, 40TH ARTILLERY AND RADAR USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) Aug. 23–27, Buffalo, NY, Email: [email protected]. DETACHMENT June 11–14, Pigeon Forge, TN, Contact: Richard A. White, Ph: 828-648-7379, DELTA CO. 1/7 VIETNAM MARINES (65–70) Sept. Contact: James Bishop, Ph: 209-952-0535, Email: [email protected]. 21–23, Arlington, VA, Contact: Zachary Forester, Email: [email protected]. USS JOHN R. PIERCE (DD-753) Oct. 2-7, Buffalo, NY, Ph: 505-514-8499, Email: [email protected], 1ST BATTALION, 77TH ARMOR REGIMENT Contact: Richard Brennan, Ph: 716-568-9316, Web: www.deltacompanyvietnammarines.com May 31–June 4, Columbus, GA, Contact: Bob Basner, Email: [email protected]. FORGOTTEN HERO’S EASTERN RECRUTING REGION P.O. Box 38, Birch Run, MI 48415, Web: steeltigers.org. USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) Aug. 23–27, New Orleans, Aug. 17–19, Parris Island, SC, Contact: Larry Risvold, 1ST MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION LA, Contact: Anthony Tabor, Ph: 504-358-3072, Ph: 803-760-4575, Email: [email protected]. (ARS), VIETNAM June 1–3, Chattanooga, TN, Email: [email protected], Web: ussmansfield.com. THIRD BATTALION, FOURTH MARINES Contact: Don Skinner, Ph: 503-648-6059, USS MONTRAIL (APA-213) Sept. 21–24, Branson, MO, ASSOCIATION Aug. 16–20, Lisle/Naperville, IL, Email: [email protected]. Contact: Don DiCoio, Ph: 973-725-1974, Contact: Travis Fryzowicz, Ph: 732-251-5518, 2ND BATTALION 94TH FIELD ARTILLERY Sept. 3–7, Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. Colorado Springs, CO, Contact: Felton Dunnehoo, USS NECHES (AO-47) Sept. 6–10, Jacksonville, FL, Ph: 337-513-8320, Email: [email protected]. Contact: Johnny Hanlon, Ph: 918-760-7371, 3RD BATTALION, 8TH INFANTRY (A BATTALION NAVY Email: [email protected]. OF THE 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION) VIETNAM USS OAK HILL (LSD-7) Sept. 28–Oct. 1, Rapid City, SD, Sept. 7–10, Arlington, VA, Contact: Steve Edmunds, ASR/ARS ASSOCIATION Oct. 16-21, Baton Rouge, LA, Contact: Raylah Holm, Ph: 509-607-9021, Ph: 949-294-6981. Contact: Mary Neal, Ph: 502-477-0876, Email: [email protected], Web: ussoakhilllsd7.myevent.com. 4TH BATTALION 9TH INFANTRY REGIMENT (MANCHUS) Email: [email protected]. USS PERKINS (DD-26/DD-377/DDR-877) Aug. 17–19, Sept. 13–16, San Antonio, TX, Contact: Bob Lannon, ASSOCIATION OF AVIATION ORDNANCEMEN Grapevine, TX, Contact: Billy/Sue Orr, Ph: 903-583-7641, Ph: 317-745-4287, Email: [email protected]. July 26–30, Reno, NV, Contact: J. J. Lamaitre, Email: [email protected]. 11TH ABN DIV & 187TH ALL ERA’S & 11TH AIR Email: [email protected]. USS PIEDMONT (AD-17) Oct. 3-7, San Diego, CA, ASSAULT Sept. 18–22, Colorado Springs, CO, ASSOCIATION OF NAVY HOSPITAL CORPSMEN Contact: Kent Thomas, Ph: 913-381-8334, Contact: Joe Doshier, Ph: 479-631-1295. Sept. 20–24, Norfolk, VA, Contact: Chuck Kraut, Email: [email protected]. 19TH COMBAT ENGINEER BATTALION ASSOCIATION Ph: 817-229-5194, Email: [email protected]. USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD-31) Sept. 19–23, VIETNAM AND ATTACHED UNITS Sept. 7–9, ESCORT CARRIER SAILORS & AIRMEN ASSN. (ECSAA) Washington, DC, Contact: Mr. Debs L. Day, St. Roberts, MO, Contact: Tom Ebrite, Ph: 765-286-4906, Sept. 24–28, San Antonio, TX, Contact: Sue Foley, Ph: 205-915-2552; Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected], Web: 19engrvn.org. Ph: 313-758-9318, Email: [email protected], USS RANGER (CVA/CV-61) (ALL FORMER CREW 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSN. Oct. 2–8, Web: ecsaa.org. MEMBERS, SQUADRONS, MARINE DETACHMENT Oklahoma City, OK, Contact: Sarah Krause, HELICOPTER COMBAT SUPPORT SQUADRON 7 (HC-7) OR T.A.D’S) Sept. 20–23, Warwick, RI, Ph: 215-248-2572, Email: [email protected], July 26–28, Oshkosh, WI, Contact: Mike or Eric, Contact: George Meoli, Ph: 203-453-4279, Web: www.25thida.org. Ph: 414-397-9840, Email: [email protected], Email: [email protected]. 27TH INFANTRY REGIMENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Web: HC7Seadevils.org. USS RENDOVA (CVE-114) Sept. 24–28, San Antonio, TX, Aug. 20–27, Seattle, WA, Contact: Mac Fletcher, MCB-3 VETERANS REUNION ASSOC. Oct. 19-21, Contact: Sue Foley, Ph: 313-758-9318, Ph: 425-281-1929, Email: [email protected]. Gulfport, MS, Contact: Harold “Doc” Schrage, Email: [email protected]. 50TH COMPANY INFANTRY OC2469 Oct. 18–20, Ph: 818-681-7852, Email: [email protected]. USS SARATOGA Sept. 27–30, Saratoga Springs, NY, Columbus, GA, Contact: David Eberhardt, MCB-7-NMCB-7 27TH REUNION Sept. 14–17, Contact: Ed McCready, Ph: 804-589-1170, Ph: 205-620-9290, Email: [email protected]. Newburgh, NY, Contact: Denny Blaisdell, Email: [email protected], 101ST AIRBORNE VIETNAM VETERANS ANNUAL Ph: 419-867-9371, Email: [email protected]. Web: www.uss-saratoga.com. REUNION Aug. 2–6, Colorado Springs, CO, PATROL SQUADRON SIX (VP-6) Sept. 27-Oct. 1, USS THE SULLIVANS (DD-537/DDG-68) Sept. 20–24, Contact: Ed Barbour, Ph: 804-745-4065, New Orleans, LA, Contact: Jim Lamers, Ph: 703-727-7944, Buffalo, NY, Contact: Hal Burke, Ph: 708-387-7779. Web: 101namvet.com. Email: [email protected], Web: www.patronsix.com. USS TUTUILA (ARG-4) Sept. 27–30, Providence, RI, 196TH LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE ASSN. July 26–30, OPTICALMAN AND INSTRUMENTMAN ASSN. Contact: Charlie Estelle, Ph: 201-262-0753, Louisville, KY, Contact: Warren Neill, Ph: 317-984-3853, Sept. 13–17, Hannibal, MO, Contact: John Bryan, Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected], Web: 196th.org. Ph: 706-339-5905, Email: [email protected]. USS WARRINGTON (DD-843) Oct. 11-15, Portland, ME, 335TH RADIO RESEARCH COMPANY Sept. 20–24, USS ABNAKI (ATF-96) Sept. 6–10, Linthicum, MD, Contact: Stan Prager, Ph: 916-791-6700, New Orleans, LA, Contact: Jim Mossman, Contact: Jackie Vaughan, Ph: 410-414-5182, Email: [email protected]. Ph: 513-779-7145, Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. USS WINDHAM BAY (CVE-92) Sept. 6–9, Portland, OR, 864TH ENGINEER BATTALION (PACEMAKERS AND USS BOSTON (CA-69/CAG-1/SSN-703) July 20–23, Contact: M. W. Steward, Ph: 210-495-4845, ALL MEMBERS OF ATTACHED UNITS) Oct. 18–22, Newport News, VA, Contact: Barry L. Probst, Email: [email protected], Web: sites.google.com/ Seattle, WA, Contact: Ralph Willing, Ph: 860-977-9937, Ph: 508-580-3808, Web: ussboston.org. site/windhambay. Email: [email protected]. USS BREMERTON (CA-130/SSN-698) Sept. 24–29, USS WILHOITE (DE/DER-397) Oct. 2-5, Dayton, OH, C CO 2/501ST INFANTRY 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION Portland, OR, Contact: N. Polanowski, Ph: 585-365-2316, Contact: Elisabeth Kimball, Ph: 479-280-2776, Oct. 1–5, New Orleans, LA, Contact: Armando Galindo, Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected], Ph: 562-536-6328, Email: [email protected]. USS CANBERRA (CA-70/CAG-2) Oct. 11-15, Web: www.usswilhoite.org. NATIONAL TIMBERWOLF PUPS REUNION Harrisburg, PA, Contact: Ken Minick, Ph: 740-423-8976, Sept. 6–11, Reno, NV, Contact: Andrew Lane, Email: [email protected], www.usscanberra.com. AIR FORCE Ph: 973-896-3521, Email: [email protected], USS CHARLES P. CECIL (DD/DDR-835) Oct. 1-7, Web: timberwolf104inf.org. Rapid City, SD, Contact: Greg Wells, Ph: 405-365-1926, AC-119 GUNSHIP REUNION XVIII Sept. 28-Oct. 1, US ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND JAPAN ASSN. Email: [email protected]. Dayton, OH, Contact: Ron Julian, Email: ac.119.2017@ Sept. 10–17, Alaska Cruise, Contact: Donald True, USS DIXIE (AD-14) Oct. 3-7, San Diego, CA, gmail.com; Web: www.ac-119gunships.com. Ph: 520-732-0836, Email: [email protected]. Contact: Ken Robinson, Ph: 520-825-5613, 12TH TFW, 389 TFS & 480 TFS, 555TH TFS, 12TH FEW/ US ARMY VIETNAM—DUSTERS, QUADS, Email: [email protected]. SFW April 4-7, Tucson, AZ, Contact: E. J. Sherwood, Ph: SEARCHLIGHTS, VULCANS AND HAWKS USS FOX (DLG/CG-33) Oct. 5-7, San Antonio, TX, 480-396-4681, Email: [email protected]. May 30–June 4, Albuquerque, NM, Contact: Bruce Contact: Michael Hare, Ph: 419-310-2958, RAF BURTONWOOD ASSOCIATION Sept. 19–23, Geiger, Ph: 914-576-1050, Email: [email protected], Email: [email protected], Kenner, LA, Contact: Jim Bentley, Ph: 813-689-0199, Web: ndqsa.com. Web: www.ussfox.org. Email: [email protected]. VS-22 CHECKMATES Sept. 22–23, Jacksonville, FL, USS FRANK KNOX (DDR-742) Sept. 13–16, Chicago, IL, RED HORSE REUNION July 20–22, Wichita Falls, TX, Contact: John F. Kall, Ph: 904-923-5257, Contact: Vaughan Kruger, Ph: 206-466-6094, Contact: Joe Sandoval, Ph: 720-270-3911, Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. USS HOLDER (DD/DDE-819/DE-401) Sept. 27-Oct. 1, WOMEN IN THE AIR FORCE (WAF) REUNION MARINES Ft. Myers, FL, Contact: James deBarrios, Aug. 22–28, Colorado Springs, CO, Contact: Carrie L. Ph: 831-458-9062, Email: [email protected], Barnhill, Ph: 719-291-8300. 1ST BATTALION 1ST MARINES VIETNAM Aug. 23–27, Web: www.ussholder.com. Minneapolis, MN, Contact: Sam Verdeja, Ph: 952-303-1534, USS HOLLISTER (DD-788) Sept. 20–24, Rapid City, SD, COAST GUARD Email: [email protected]. Contact: Brad Moomey, Ph: 308-762-3107, 5TH COMMUNICATIONS BATTALION Aug. 16–18, Email: [email protected]; Web: usshollister.org. 5TH ANNUAL ALL US COAST GUARD REUNION Piercy, CA, Contact: Brian “Sparky” Ferrel, USS HORNET (CV-8, CV, CVA, CVS-12) Sept. 13–17, June 10, Minneapolis, MN, Contact: Chris Kalogerson, Ph: 707-497-9663, Email: [email protected]. Kansas City, MO, Contact: Sandy Burket, Ph: 952-935-9065, Email: [email protected].

36 DAV MAGAZINE MAY | JUNE 2017 March 1969–Feb. 1970. Contact Robert (Moon) Mullins AC-119 gunships used from 1967 to 1972 in Southeast ALL SERVICES at 304-732-7172. Asia, aircrew, ground crew, support personnel, friends • Searching for Kenney Davis aka Big Kenney from and families of anyone whose bacon we saved. 33RD ANNUAL NEBRASKA VIETNAM VETERANS Contact James L. Dunn, 1570 W. Webb Road, REUNION Aug. 10–13, Lincoln, NE, Talladego-Tuscaloosa, AL area. We were stationed DeWitt, MI 48820-8333, Ph: 517-669-9216, Contact: Leroy Schoen, Ph: 402-435-0454, together at 32nd Signal Battalion Bravo Company, Email: [email protected], Web: vetsreunion.com. 5th Corp EURSAR Horst Germany. He was Specialist Email: [email protected]. 5/E-5. He was Captain David-the Commander’s • Searching for anyone serving with me at Parris Island driver, Frankfurt, Germany. Contact Martha Roberts, in 1952 Boot Camp Platoon 421 from April 15th to INQUIRIES 306 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37041, Aug. 1952. Would love to hear from you. Contact H. Stephenson, 884 Smithonia Road, Winterville, GA 30683, • Searching for UDT 11, 1967 Vietnam. Contact Alan Cox, Ph: 931-551-0934. Ph: 706-742-8513. 690 N. Hawkins Road, Luther, MI 49656, Ph: • Searching for members of India Co 3rd Bn 9th Marines • Searching for anyone who served at the Presidio of 231-846-0346, Email: [email protected]. in late 1956 who can confirm injury to my left leg while California 1975-1977 with Delta Company, 864th • Searching for anyone who was on Firebase Airborne on recon with Company Gunny, when bamboo spike Engineers’ who may have known my father, Sgt. Vietnam 1969 2/501 INF, 2/319 & 2/11 Artillery broke off in my calf above combat boot. Taken to Army Robert Person. Contact Shane Person at Contact Jim Miller at 708-205-0548, hospital on Okinawa. Returned to join company on 20 [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. mile March back to Garrison. Contact Major Charles W. • Searching for anyone who served with the Hq & Hq Co, • Searching for anyone who served with me in NRMCB Carroll, USMC (Ret.), Email: [email protected]. 23rd Infantry, 2 ID during 1954. Contact V. Tarbassian, 26 detachment 0526 assigned to Naval Reserve Center, • Searching for Ronnie Davis who served with me in the 8 Capri Drive, Framingham, MA 01701-7759, Southfield, MI, but drilling mostly at NAF Detroit from 101st Airborne Div. 2/502 Infantry in Vietnam 1967–68. 508-877-4643. 1978–1980. Contact Paul W. Conlin II, HMC (SW) Last known address New Bern, NC. Contact Melvin USN Retired, P.O. Box 1606, Decatur, IL 62525, Jameson, Ph: 903-740-3424, Email: [email protected]. Ph: 217-620-5935. • Searching for those passengers on MAC Flight Seaboard • Searching for all Brothers in Arms who served with World Airlines Flight 253A forced down on Soviet 3/5 Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division, RVN 1965–1973 for Territory, Email: [email protected]. squadron reunion July 26–30, 2017 in Columbus, GA. • Searching for Peter or Joe Kuljis who served on REUNION NEWS Contact Al Cavasin at 517-524-6228, Saipan Island 1945-46 in the Navy Security A7-28. We welcome submissions from Email: alcavasin@frontiernet. Contact Paul Flynn at 617-846-5230. • Searching for anyone that served with the 138th ASA • Searching for anyone who served with me in the 1st our readers for reunions and Radio Research, Da Nang, Sept. 1967–Sept. 1968. Combat Service Group, 1st Marine Division, Masan, inquiries. Please mail them to Contact Larry Matson, 1025 SE Washington, Chehalis, Korea 1951-1952. Contact C. K. Ken Shelton at WA 98532, Ph: 360-748-6057. 850-456-6787. DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria • Searching for anyone who served with me at Luke Air • Searching for anyone who served with me during Jan. Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, Force Base, AZ in 1965–66 and/or at Tan-Son-Nhut Air 1968–Jan. 1970. I was in the US Army, 35th Service Base, Vietnam 1966–1967 with Det. 1, 45th Tac. Recon. Support Battalion stationed at Coffey Barrick, or submit them via email to Sqd. Contact Charlie R. Campbell, 96 Pine Crest Road, Ludwigsburg, Germany and Reese Barrick at Augsburg, [email protected]. Fincastle, VA 24090. Germany. Contact Richard I. Richmond, 6317 Read Street, • Searching for anyone who served with me in the 101st Omaha, NE 68152, Ph: 531-329-1296 or 402-201-8762. Airborne Division 801st Mt. Battalion at Camp Eagle from • Searching for former members associated with the

Donate Your Car Today NATIONAL I

This November, honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much.

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