July/August 2006 ®® ®
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Celebrity volunteer and former Major League Umpire Larry Barnett shares a joke with retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Pintos, a participant, at the 2006 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colorado, near Aspen. An amputee carves the slopes at the 2006 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Nearly 350 severely Below, Army Sgt. Nicholaus Beintema fires disabled veterans participated in the upon a clay target at the firing range during event, which was cosponsored by the the 2006 National Disabled Veterans Winter Department of Veterans Affairs and Sports Clinic. Beintema, who lost his right leg Disabled American Veterans. after being struck by an Improvised Explosive Device in Northern Iraq, is still serving on active duty from Fort Carson, Colorado. Winter Sports Clinic From left, Bo Derek, Harold Petrie, National Commander Paul W. Jackson, and Rich Tucker, a sponsor from Baxter Healthcare, celebrate during closing ceremonies. The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is the largest rehabili- tative sporting event of its kind. f r o m t h e NATIONAL COMMANDER Wide World of Service Paul W. Jackson raveling and meeting new people are part of being Na- It was a momentous year for me, and for the DAV. It was Ttional Commander. Sometimes the traveling becomes a year in which we reached our goal of one million fully-paid international, with Past National Commanders visiting Ko- life members. The goal I set at the start of my term was a rea, Vietnam and the battlefields of Europe. My experience wonderful accomplishment for the DAV, and for each of you. included a visit to a battlefield in progress — in Iraq. My year saw the changing of the guard from the World War One of the few National Commanders to visit an active II and Korean veterans’ leadership to the Vietnam genera- theater of war, I was deeply impressed with the courage and tion, now the majority of DAV membership. spirit of the young men and women who are putting their In my travels, I have met thousands of our members lives on the line in a war against our enemies. I believe each across this nation, and spoken about the needs of disabled new generation is the Greatest Generation. I can report to veterans to concerned citizens and members of the Adminis- you first-hand that this generation serving in Iraq is among tration and Congress. I have seen pride in the faces of those the finest in a long line of Greatest Generations. who hear the story of the DAV, and I have seen their concern As my term as National Commander is about to end, I when I discuss the issues facing today’s disabled veterans. look back on a very active year of solid achievement, hard I remain confident that our citizens will strongly oppose fought victories and close shaves. I have been to NASCAR any legislative threats to the well-being of disabled veterans. races in which the DAV was prominently saluted and base- The people of America are with us — they have our backs. ball games where tributes are paid to disabled veterans for But they need timely knowledge. It falls to us to ensure that their courage and sacrifice. the American people know of the plans proposed by the Ad- The memories will always remain with me of those young ministration and our elected representatives in Washington service members fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. I visited to cut veterans health care, benefits and services. with men and women involved in a brutal war in Iraq. I sat It is incumbent on us, the members of the DAV, to inform with wounded soldiers and Marines at Walter Reed Army the American public and continue our legacy into the future. Medical Center and Bethesda National Naval Medical Cen- Membership in the DAV Commander’s Action Network is a ter, talking to them about their experiences, their fears and big first step toward ensuring that our benefits and health their hopes. I personally witnessed the price paid by young care remain intact. After all, these are the benefits provided men and women who had willingly sacrificed for our liberty by a nation of grateful citizens for our service and sacrifice. and were recuperating from their wounds. Our outstanding professional national legislative staff is I vividly remember a woman veteran who lost both legs the best, and they provide us with both support and timely in combat learning to walk again. Touchingly, she was be- information to protect our interests in Congress. They pro- ing assisted by another woman veteran, standing on her vide us with the tools we need to be actively involved in own single leg and prosthesis. It was a veteran helping a advocating for veterans’ rights, top quality health care and veteran in the truest sense — just what we do every day. I accurate, timely claims decisions. was struck by the symbolism of this touching moment of Our DAV is blessed to have intelligent and insightful lead- physical rehabilitation. If ever there was an experience that ership at every level to meet the challenges that we have lifted my spirits, it was watching these two young Americans faced this past year and in the future. building better lives for each other. (continued on page 42) DAV MAGAZINE Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans ® MAGAZINE • JULY/AUGUST 2006 ®® ® Paul W. Jackson National Commander Paul W. Jackson reflects on his year as DAV’s elected National Commander leader and the organization’s accomplishments and future challenges. 1 Arthur H. Wilson National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson notes allowing attorneys to charge for their National Adjutant & Publisher services will not improve the claims adjudication system, and might actually do Gary Weaver 3 more harm than good. National Director of Communications Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield has been selected David E. Autry Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for his lifetime of service to disabled 5 Deputy National Director veterans and their families. of Communications When an ex-POW’s widow needed help, the DAV helped her get survivor’s Arvel “Jim” Hall benefits and aid and attendance because of her illness. Assistant National Director 7 of Communications George H. Seal Awards honor DAV member Alfred Faticoni, Newington, Conn., Thomas L. Wilborn and Auxiliary member Joan Antonaccio, Islip, N.Y., for their extraordinary Assistant National Director 11 commitment to volunteering. of Communications Rob Lewis Nine DAV members have announced their candidacy for National Office Marketing & Special Events elections to be held at the 85th National Convention in Chicago Aug. 12-15. Manager 14 Vincent Senegar of Montgomery, Ala., takes first place in the Jesse Brown Dan Clare Senior Communications Specialist Memorial Youth Scholarship program which recognizes outstanding youngsters 21 who help brighten the lives of sick and disabled veterans. James A. Chaney Production Manager An important DAV milestone was realized on April 28, when Brian K. Thomas, of Gulf Port, Miss., became the one millionth fully-paid life member. 22 Volume 48, Issue 4, DAV Magazine (ISSN 0885- 6400) Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box Auxiliary National Commander Judy M. Steinhouse finds her term in office a 14031, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone truly unforgettable chapter in her life. 23 (859) 441-7300 or toll free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin Mary Burns Michael of San Antonio, Texas, has been selected as the by the Disabled American Veterans, a Congres- Outstanding Auxiliary Member of the Year. 24 sionally-chartered, non-profit organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith was awarded America’s highest military honor Home Page is http://www.dav.org. Available on for heroic deeds in the Iraq War that took his life but saved the lives of his recording for the blind and those with physical 27 soldiers. handicaps that preclude reading printed mate- rial. The magazine is mailed free to homes of Chapters and Departments add 127 new vans to the DAV’s nationwide DAV and Auxiliary members. Nonmembers may Transportation Network program. 30 subscribe for $15.00 per year. Periodical postage paid at office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed in U.S.A. Cover: Brimming with patriotism, “the Stars and Stripes Change of Address: When notifying a change forever,” fireworks explode over the Hollywood Bowl in the of address, send former as well as new address, including zip code, to: DAV Magazine, DAV Na- July Fourth Fireworks Spectaclar, in Los Angeles Hollywood tional Headquaters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinna- district. (AP photo). ti, OH 45250-5550. Email address: feedback@ davmail.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to: DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. Contact Us: www.dav.org • Toll Free 877.426.2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 DAV MAGAZINE f r o m t h e NATIONAL ADJUTANT Vets Shouldn’t Need to Hire Lawyers Arthur H. Wilson hat is this country coming to when some in Congress cases in which a claimant was represented by a veterans Wsay veterans might need to pay for legal assistance service organization. in filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs for The VA benefits delivery system was designed to be open, benefits they have earned as a result of their service and informal and helpful to veterans. The goal was to ensure that sacrifice for our nation? veterans receive the benefits a grateful nation has provided Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and for them rather than discourage or inhibit their claims with House of Representatives that would remove the prohibition government “red tape” or lengthy litigation.