DAV Magazine articles from January 2005

DAV Magazine archives from January 2005

A soaring success: DAV airshow season wraps up ...
January 1, 2005... Clockwise from top. Disabled veterans found a place to meet during the air show season; Larry Kelly, right, shows the lethal underside of his B-25 Panchito to a pilot from the Tuskegee Airmen; air show attendees wait in line for autographs at...

Promises are not enough.(FROM THE NATIONAL COMMANDER)
January 1, 2005... A record number of Americans turned out to vote on Election Day, the highest proportion of the voting-age population since 1968. Of the estimated 120 million votes cast, veterans and their families were well represented at the ballot box. ...

Don't ignore veterans in health care debate.(FROM THE NATIONAL ADJUTANT)
January 1, 2005... In the months ahead Congress and the Administration will be focusing on the nation's health care crisis, an issue voters in the most recent election put near the top of the list of things that concerned them the most. To be sure,...

Patients approve of VA care.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... * I am writing this about the Salem VAMC in Salem, Virginia. I am a volunteer at this facility and my job is to call all the veterans that were discharged from this VAMC. I work for the Patient Advocate, and when I call I tell them I am...

WW II Memorial forgets fallen warriors.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... * The Vietnam survivors that saw their buddies die in combat finally got the chance to run their hands across and feel their names etched in stone. They were given the opportunity to cry and, in a sense, feel a little less of the hurt that...

Chiropractic care not for everyone.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... * In reference to the article in the September/October issue of DAV Magazine on the availability of chiropractic care, I believe chiropractic care provides no benefits, is extremely expensive, and is little more than a license to steal. Some...

Some answers to a tough question.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... * I have some "solutions" to the problems that need addressing by Congress. If it is not practical to fund veterans' benefits, stop allowing our troops to be sent into harm's way. If funding is in short supply, cut the perks and retirement of...

'Thank you' DAV.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... * I'm writing this letter for no other reason than to simply say "Thank You." Not only would I like to thank the DAV for your continuous efforts in raising money to help out our nation's bravest, but also to thank the veterans themselves. This...

Maine launches operation: "I served".(Governor John Elias Baldacci makes veterans aware of their benefits)
January 1, 2005... On Veterans Day, Governor John Elias Baldacci of Maine launched Operation "I Served", an outreach effort to locate and make veterans in the state aware of benefits and services they are or may be eligible for. According to DAV Department...

108th Congress delays key veterans bills.(United States Congress. House. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, veterans' benefits bill)
January 1, 2005... In an atmosphere of intense partisanship and political grandstanding on largely symbolic issues, the 108th Congress put off critical legislation such as funding for the VA for the current fiscal year. While lawmakers did complete work on a...

VA funds trimmed in delayed spending bill.
January 1, 2005... The 108th Congress has sent the President a catch-all "omnibus appropriations" bill which provides a modest increase in funding for veterans health care. Included in the $388 billion measure that funds most of the federal government is it total...

DAV legislative goals.(Disabled American Veterans)
January 1, 2005... The new Congress faces a number of challenges, not the least of which is funding non-defense programs such as veterans health care and benefits, a task made more difficult by the cost of military operations in Iraq and the ballooning federal...

Secretary principal leaving VA.(United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Anthony J. Principi)
January 1, 2005... Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi has announced he is leaving the VA after nearly four years as head of the second largest federal agency. "Secretary Principi has served America's veterans with integrity and dignity," said...

Veterans benefits increased.
January 1, 2005... Monthly compensation payments to disabled veterans and survivors' benefits rose 2.7% in January under legislation signed by President Bush on Oct. 25. The annual cost of living increase in veterans benefits tinder Public Law 108-363...

DAV volunteer makes a difference.(appreciating Disabled American Veterans' John Ognie)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... A medical center director once praised John Ognie as one of his best employees. This came as a rather humorous surprise to John who was a volunteer at the center, not an employee. After nearly two decades of volunteering at VA medical...

It's not the time--it's that you are helping people ...(John Ognie receives Department of Colorado Volunteer of the Year award, volunteerism)
January 1, 2005... In 1987, John became a volunteer driver for the DAV Transportation Network, logging thousands of miles to transport sick and disabled veterans to and from VA facilities in Colorado for needed medical care. Other volunteer efforts include 16...

Improvements reward volunteers of all ages.(Disabled American Veterans improves Volunteer Recognition Program)
January 1, 2005... It is close to impossible to describe the value of the DAV's dedicated corps of volunteers. After all, you can't quantify the millions of miles driven by Transportation Network drivers or easily sum up the kind words, tireless dedication. and...

Montford Point Marines.(African American soldiers' services and sacrifices)
January 1, 2005... They are aging and their numbers are dwindling, but 60 years ago they were among the elite U.S. Marine Corps. Few and proud, they were the first African-Americans to be permitted in the U.S. Marine Corps since shortly after the Revolutionary...

Agent Orange: legacy of disability.(Veterans' health aspects of exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam War)
January 1, 2005... Soldiers who served in Vietnam tell of the red liquid dripping from jungle leaves they brushed by while on patrol. Sometimes their uniforms would be soaked with the stuff. Today, the reddish-brown liquid known as Agent Orange used to defoliate...

Eddie Brooks receives National Commander's Trophy.(Arlis James Edward Brooks wins National Amputee Golf Association's title)
January 1, 2005... Arlis James Edward (Eddie) Brooks is a competitor. He thrives on the challenges competition affords hint ill a variety of sports and activities, and golf is one of his favorite challenges. Eddie's enthusiastic pursuit of golf recently...

High flying highlights: Panchito and the DAV.
January 1, 2005... Panchito's new nose-gunner appears ready to go. Above, Panchito's crew signs autographs for airshow fans. Left, children check out the underside of Panchito during the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at NAS Pensacola, Fla. Panchito...

2005 directory of DAV national service offices.(Disabled American Veterans)(Directory)
January 1, 2005... Alabama Disabled American Veterans VA Regional Office 345 Perry Hill Road, Room 1-116 Montgomery, AL 36109 (334) 213-3365 Arizona Disabled American Veterans VA Regional Office 3333 N. Central Ave.,...

Golden age games ...(ACTION ACROSS AMERICA)
January 1, 2005... (From left to right) Michael Silverstein, Jackie Richardson, William Jackson, and Jimmie Lynch participated in the 18th National Veterans Golden Age Games recently. With events like bowling. table tennis, swimming and bowling, the games are...

A big help ...(ACTION ACROSS AMERICA)
January 1, 2005... Left, DAV members of the Southern Arizona district donated more than $10,400 to purchase a tram for veterans to use at the Tucson VA Medical Center. On hand at the donation ceremony are, from left, Jim Fradicks, Walter Lee, District Commander...

Remembering those who served ...(ACTION ACROSS AMERICA)
January 1, 2005... Below, local veterans' organizations representatives attend the Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony recently at Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum in Middletown, Ohio. The memorial is dedicated to all veterans who have served since the American...

Butt barbecue ...(ACTION ACROSS AMERICA)
January 1, 2005... Members of DAV Chapter and Auxiliary Unit 70 in Waycross Georgia, at their annual Boston Butt BBQ in March. Members sold more than 200 of the 8 pound pork sections, which were cooked by a local fire chief. (From left to right) David Hendrix,...

Recognizing service ...(Commander Elmer Bammes receives Chapter Appreciation Plaque)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Kansas State Senior Vice Commander Charley Stevens presents past-Chapter 28 Commander Elmer Bammes with a Chapter Appreciation Plaque. Bammes was recognized for nearly 15 years of service to DAV in Manhattan, Kansas.

A new age Trolley ...(Disabed American Veterans donates six-passenger shuttle to Veterans Affairs Medical Center)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Veterans who visit the San Francisco VA Medical Center can now ride in style. Chapter 144, San Francisco, Calif., donated a six-passenger shuttle to the facility. Member George Copulous, a volunteer of more than 16 years, shuttles brothers...

A great-great honor ...(Liz Johnson receives Southern Idaho Jefferson Award )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Great-great grandmother and DAV and Auxiliary member of two decades, Liz Johnson, was recognized as the 2004 Southern Idaho Jefferson Award recipient. During 2003, Johnson, 79, was part of honor guard ceremonies for 40 military funerals. She is...

Community service recognized ...(commander Tom Patton receives Community Service Award )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Above, Commander Tom Patton of Chapter 109. Titusville, Fla., won the city's 2004 Community Service Award on Flag Day. The award is designed to honor an individual personifying the concept of unity and community service spirit.

Long overdue ...(ACTION ACROSS AMERICA)
January 1, 2005... Left, Congressman Jeb Hensarling presents Hollis Beeman with medals he previously earned, but had not received for his service in World War II. Hollis' wife Mary looks on. Friends, fellow DAV members, and community leaders attended the ceremony...

Membership: the Foundation of the Auxiliary.(Disabled American Veterans's membership plans)
January 1, 2005... As we enter the new year, Auxiliary membership is our most important priority. Luckily, it is also a Priority we can most readily influence. Each of us can make a tremendous difference in membership by recruiting just one new Auxiliary...

Testimonial dinner for National Commander Sursely is February 26.(Disabled American Veterans' James E. Sursely)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... DAV National Commander James E. Sursely will be honored at a testimonial dinner on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Hotel in Almonte Springs. Fla. The event begins with a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by...

Testimonial dinner for Auxiliary Commander Tidwell is March 26.(Gertrude E. Tidwell)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Auxiliary National Commander Gertrude E. Tidwell will be honored at a testimonial dinner Saturday, March 26, at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $40 per person and provides...

Auxiliary service fund donors.(Disabled American Veterans)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The following donated $100 or more to the DAV Auxiliary Service Fund: National Order of Alley Cats; DAVA State Departments of Arizona., District of Columbia, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia; DAVA Unit 2,...

Military Appreciation Monday a huge success.(Golden Corral Restaurants partnered Disabled American Veterans at its annual event)
January 1, 2005... Golden Corral Restaurants and the DAV partnered for their best ever Military Appreciation Monday Nov. 15, 2004. More than $363,000 was donated to the DAV by generous Golden Corral patrons during the annual event. The 2004 donations...

GIs of the Gridiron.(New Voyage Communications produces a documentary movie on veterans of war)
January 1, 2005... Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Art Donovan says Guar is nothing like the battles of the National Football League. The World War II veteran of Saipan, Guam, Tinian, the Philippines, and Okinawa has seen both first-hand as a private first class...

Gives a leg up to disabled veterans.(Charitable Service Trust donates finances medical facilities serving veterans)
January 1, 2005... They don't gallop with the wind, but some disabled veterans living at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Fla., are Getting their therapy on horseback under a revolutionary program offered at Quantum Leap Farm. The program has been...

Lifting the curse ...(Baseball Umpire Jerry Lane visits Veterans Affairs Healthcare facilities )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Major League Baseball Umpire Jerry Lane visits with Bill Acres, a Boston Redsox fan, on Veterans Day. During his trip to the Boston Area, Lane visited VA Healthcare facilities in Roxbury and Brockton, Mass. With the Curse of the Bambino safely...

A good call.(Retired Major League Baseball Umpire Larry Barnett visits Veterans Affairs Medical Center )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Retired Major League Baseball Umpire Larry Barnett Chats with Dorothy Akers, a patient at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. Barnett donated a signature Jacket to a fan at the center and met with many sick and Disabled veterans. Since...

In our nation's capital: Fran O'Brien's recognized by National Commander Sursely.(free Friday night dinner for injured troops from Fran O'Brien's stadium steakhouse )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... For more than a year,. Fran O'Brien's stadium steakhouse in Washington, D.C., has hosted a tree Friday night dinner for injured troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland. The free...

Vets give high marks for VA health care.(veterans satisfied with medica care services from Department of Veterans Affairs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... * For the fifth year in a row, the independent American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) found veterans are happier than most Americans with the health care they receive. "It comes as no surprise to me that veterans rate their health...

VA issues new ID cards.(Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Identity Card)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... * The Department of Veterans Affairs has designed a new identity card for veterans that will safeguard confidential information. The card, formally known as the Veterans Identity Card, will have the veteran's photo on the front and identify...

Bo Derek again chairs rehab events.(Department of Veterans Affairs' National Rehabilitation Special Events)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... * Actress Bo Derek will serve once again as honorary chair of the VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events. In this rote since 2001, Derek has improved public awareness of veterans' issues, encouraged participation in the events and...

Mid-Winter Conference features Commander Sursely's legislative presentation.(James E. Sursely to give presentation at Disabled American Veterans' conference)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... * National Commander James E. Sursely will deliver the DAV's Legislative Presentation to a joint session of the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees during the 2005 Mid-Winter Conference, March 6-9 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in...

Price of freedom: American History Museum exhibit opens.(Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History)
January 1, 2005... On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2004, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History opened a permanent new exhibition titled "The Price of Freedom." This display covers the history of the U.S. military from the Colonial era to the present,...

One of the keys to life.(Chaplain's Corner, )(being thankful to the God)(Column)
January 1, 2005... "What in the world am I doing here?" "How did I get to this place and situation in my life anyway?" "How did this happen to me anyhow?" Questions like these plague our minds from time to time. Life seems to have a way of happening to us...

Caring for troops and vets ...
January 1, 2005... E.J. Fanning (left), John Wafers (center), and Allen Barnes, Commander of Chapter 96 in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, prepare packages for veterans and families of active duty service-members. Waters, who coordinates the chapter's "Support Our...

Studies find Gulf War illnesses linked to toxins.(Department of Veterans Affairs' Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness' report on veterans illnesses)
January 1, 2005... The mysterious illnesses suffered by Gulf War veterans appear to be linked to exposure to toxins, including nerve gas, according to a report published by the VA's Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness. The report released in...

The face of courage.(courage of wounded military personnel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center visited by Commander Sursely)
January 1, 2005... Courage is a common trait among soldiers on the battlefield. For whatever reasons they, without question, take the steps that could lead to daunting disability or death. For those who survive, the cost can be great. At Walter Reed Army Medical...

World War II memorial a wonderful tribute.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I appreciate the coverage of the WWII Memorial dedication in the DAV Magazine. I am in a wheelchair, but I felt like going and I did. What a surprise was in store for me. Fort Belvoir housing had an apartment for me and my family to stay in....

Whatever happened to military discipline?(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I found it very disturbing that Army Reserve personnel in Iraq refused to drive their vehicles because it was too dangerous for them. What do they think they signed up for? Part of their contract is to obey orders regardless of the risk. What...

Cartoons & realities.(Loud & Clear)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Having just finished reading "Comic Strip Calls Attention to Plight of Disabled Veterans" in the November/ December issue of DAV Magazine, I would like for you to know that I do not share your praise of the Doonesbury comic strip or Garry...

Reunions.
January 1, 2005... Because of increasing numbers of requests and the space limitations of our magazine we must limit publication of unit reunions to one time only. Send such notices at least six months in advance to: Reunions, DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301,...

Inquiries.
January 1, 2005... This column is for inquiries submitted to DAV members and other interested persons attempting to locate persons to substantiate a claim for service-connected injuries. Your request will be processed through various means in an effort to find...

Millions of miles ...(DAV Transportation Coordinator Sal Uccello to to deliver 12-passenger Ford van for VA Medical Center)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Sal Uccello, DAV Transportation Coordinator at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., prepares to deliver a new 12-passenger Ford van to help serve Martin County's 25,000 veterans. The DA V has logged nearly two million miles...

World War one interest.(Western Front Association's services in United States)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Founded in 1980, The Western Front Association brings together amateur and professional historians who want to study and try to understand the Great War. The United States Branch members meet several times a year at various museums and...

Governor says thanks ...(Bob Tuff issues proclamation recognizing Golden Corral Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Ohio Governor Bob Tuff issued a proclamation recognizing Golden Corral restaurants for the Military Appreciation Monday Activities held on Nov. 15. Nearly 500 restaurants nationwide donated approximately 250, 000 free dinners to veterans. From...

Boeing employees support DAV ...
January 1, 2005... (From left to right) Mary Choate-Patterson, Past DAV Auxiliary State Department of Kansas Commander, Janice Edgemon, Jill Childers, Harla Hawkins, Susana Flores and Georgia Sack, all Boeing employees, with the American Flag quilt they created....

Overcoming obstacles ...
January 1, 2005... DAV member Urban Miyares and his wife, JoAnn (far left), stand with family and friends on the racing sailboat CHALLENGED AMERICA. Miyares, who is legally blind, led the Veterans Day Parade of Boats on San Diego Bay. (photo by Gregory Scott)

Veterans congratulate champion ...(Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Jason Reed)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... New Jersey State Adjutant Charles Carroll and State Commander Mary Bencivenga congratulate Gold Medalist Swimmer Jason Reed in recognition of his victory at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Face to face on Capitol Hill: DAV mid-winter conference 2005.(Disabled American Veterans)
January 1, 2005... As we move into an uncertain future, veterans programs remain an all-too-common target of congressional budget cuts. With substandard funding for VA health care increasing more with each passing year, veterans must clearly say that enough is...