DAV Magazine articles from November 2006

DAV Magazine archives from November 2006

Chicago report: National Convention.
November 1, 2006... Top left, DAV members take advantage of Cyber Central to e-mail their Senators and Representatives and access the Membership system. Top right, delegates enjoy the fountain across from the Hilton Chicago Hotel, home the 85th National...

DAV: a personal connection.(from the NATIONAL COMMANDER)(Speech)
November 1, 2006... I am touched and deeply honored to be selected by my fellow disabled veterans as your National Commander in the coming year. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me. I will do my very best to serve you and carry on our mission of...

Pass the Commemorative Coin Act.(from the NATIONAL ADJUTANT)
November 1, 2006... We've seen it time and again: one chamber in Congress passes a bill with overwhelming support, yet it gets bogged down on the other side of Capitol Hill. Unfortunately, that's what has happened to legislation that would help raise valuable...

Rule changes hurt vets.(LOUD & CLEAR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... After reading the letter from Cheryl Monroe in your July/August DAV Magazine, I couldn't agree more with her comment that "Rules shouldn't change on the whims of the current administration." Retiring in 1994, I was given a 10 percent disability...

Lawyers not needed for vet claims.(LOUD & CLEAR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... Great article from National Adjutant Arthur Wilson in the July/August edition. Vets are often forced into getting a lawyer when the VA refuses to give them the benefit of the doubt regarding issues like date of injury/claim reported to the VA....

Lawyers could help veterans.(LOUD & CLEAR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... I do not agree with Adjutant Wilson's article in the July/August 2006 issue. The right to use an attorney should be a last resort and only used if the situation calls for legal force. Mr. Wilson mentioned the percentage of success between...

Legislative article inspires.(LOUD & CLEAR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the article by National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante in the July/August edition. The only thing that would have really added to the value of this article would be if it were permissible...

National Commander Barton urges VA budget overhaul.(Legislative Update)(Department of Veterans Affairs)
November 1, 2006... Calling the way veterans health care is funded a failure, National Commander Bradley S. Barton called on Congress to "join the DAV and the entire veterans' community in an open and frank discussion of the current VA appropriations process and...

Brad Barton pledges service with honor.(CHICAGO REPORT: NATIONAL CONVENTION)
November 1, 2006... Amid Chicago's towering skyscrapers, an enthusiastic crowd of thousands attending the 85th DAV National Convention unanimously elected Bradley S. Barton to the pinnacle of leadership as National Commander. "I am touched and deeply honored...

Veterans Day.
November 1, 2006... Today a new generation of Americans knows the hardships and horror of war, the loneliness and sacrifice of serving our country at home or abroad and the meaning of duty and honor. Those men and women and their families will join millions of...

Lump sum: buy-out or sell-out?(veterans' benefits)
November 1, 2006... Replacing monthly disability compensation payments with a one-time, lump sum payout, as some have suggested, might save the Department of Veterans Affairs money and reduce the claims backlog, but would it be good for veterans? That is the...

Future leaders, today's role models.(DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY)
November 1, 2006... When the youth scholarship program began in 2000, the DAV had high hopes that, in honoring one of our most fabled leaders, we'd establish a legacy of voluntary service for sick and disabled veterans and VA hospitals. We could not have...

Honoring the brave: Marine Sgt. Maj. Bradley A. Kasal.
November 1, 2006... On Nov. 14, 2004, Marines were fighting house-to-house in Fallujah, Iraq. First Sgt. Bradley A. Kasal, a Weapons Company first sergeant for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was assisting in the fight when intense gunfire...

Troops to teachers.
November 1, 2006... The motorcycle growls to a stop in the lane next to you waiting for the light to turn green. You glance left. The man straddling the bike is square-jawed, weathered-looking, and his short cropped black hair is streaked with grey. He isn't huge,...

Claim review helps disabled World War II veteran.(SERVICE)
November 1, 2006... Thomas W. Kressler, an 82-year-old veteran disabled in combat during World War II came to the DAV seeking assistance for hearing difficulties. Unfortunately, after a review of the claimed condition, it was determined Kressler was properly rated...

Information technology: getting more bang for the buck.(Disabled American Veterans invests in the net)
November 1, 2006... The DAV must keep pace with advances in information technology in order to maintain its preeminent position as an advocate for America's disabled veterans.--DAV Strategic Plan When the DAV leadership initiated the organization's Strategic...

Awards.(Chicago Report: National Convention)(Disabled American Veterans)
November 1, 2006... "I am humbled by those who have served this country. Thank you for your deep unwavering commitment to disabled veterans."--Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H, Mansfield Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2005 "In all...

National Officers 2006-2007.(Disabled American Veterans)
November 1, 2006... National Commander Bradley S. Barton, Tualatin, OR Senior Vice Commander Robert T. Reynolds, Alexandria, VA 1st Jr. Vice Commander Raymond E. Dempsey, Des Plaines, IL 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Bobby Barrera, Del...

Auxiliary National Officers 2006-2007.
November 1, 2006... National Commander Donna M. Tanner, Lynn, MA Sr. Vice Commander Kathryn A. Wiley, Soap Lake, WA 1st Jr. Vice Commander Sandra J. Dobmeier, Grand Forks, ND 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Kay Egan, Lehigh Acres, FL ...

Former NSO Martin T. Sofie dies.(national service officer)(Obituary)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Martin T. Sofie, a former DAV National Service Officer (NSO) died in Everett, Wash., on Aug. 18, 2006, the day of his 92nd birthday. "Martin Sofie was employed as an NSO assisting disabled veterans and their families for a decade," National...

Former NSO William Stralo dies.(Obituary)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... William E. Stralo, Sr., 71, a former DAV National Service Officer (NSO) died in California on June 13, 2006. "Bill was an exemplary National Service Officer who was dedicated to helping disabled veterans and their families," National...

NJ Veteran of the Year ...(New Jersey)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... National Commander Bradley S. Barton, right, joins Department of New Jersey Commander Joseph Harris to Present Past Department Commander Mary Bencivenga with the Department of New Jersey Veteran of the Year Award for 2005. The presentation was...

Auxiliary past National Commander Florence Valgardson dies.(Obituary)
November 1, 2006... Florence Marie Valgardson, 87, died Monday, July 24, 2006 in Provo, Utah. She served as Auxiliary National Commander for the 1978-79 membership year. She was a life member of DAV Auxiliary Unit 1 in Provo. During her 54 years as a...

Roy McCoy receives National Commander's Trophy.
November 1, 2006... Roy McCoy didn't come to golf easily, but once he got started, he never looked back. A life member of DAV Chapter 2, Texas, Roy continued to hone his golf skills, and through the years, his skill and love of the game grew, as did his...

The family that serves together.(Brianna Smith recieves certificate of appreciation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... James Smith, member of DAV Chapter 1, Portland, Ore, presents his granddaughter, Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Brianna Smith, Junior ROTC Oak Harbor High School, Widby Island, Wash., with her Junior ROTC Medal and DAV Certificate of...

Cornhusker volunteer.
November 1, 2006... Crystal Overgaard receives the DAV Auxiliary Junior Activities Award from Tom Marchese, Commander, DAV Chapter 2, Omaha, Neb., and Auxiliary Commander Joane McGlade. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

DAV discovers Rockwell's 'Homecoming Marine'.(Disabled American Veterans)(painting of Duane Parks )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... It's not every day you see your picture on the cover of a magazine, but Duane Parks is used to surprises. For Parks, a retired machine operator, maintenance man and milk company manager, it all started in 1942. While on leave after basic...

As individuals we sparkle, but together we shine.(from the AUXILIARY NATIONAL COMMANDER)(Disabled American Veterans)(Speech)
November 1, 2006... Thank you for placing your confidence in me and electing me to serve as National Commander of our great Auxiliary. This is a journey no one takes alone. Our lives are touched by the members we meet along the way. It is up to us to share with...

NSO Abnathey joins Service Headquarters staff.(National Service Officer Isaac J. Abnathey)
November 1, 2006... National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson, with the approval of National Commander Bradley S. Barton, appointed National Service Officer Isaac J. Abnathey as Associate National Service Director. "We offer Mr. Abnathey sincere congratulations and...

Court rule VA must pay for offshore exposure to Agent Orange.(Department of Veterans Affairs vs. Jonathan Haas)
November 1, 2006... Vietnam veterans who served in the waters off Vietnam can now claim disability benefits for diseases caused by exposure to Agent Orange, a federal appeals court has ruled. The Aug. 16 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims...

Some disabled retirees to receive back pay.
November 1, 2006... The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have worked out a compromise plan to pay about $500 million in back retirement pay to more than 100,000 military retirees who receive compensation for service-connected disabilities. "This is...

Forget them not ...(Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadet recieves appreciation certificate)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... John R. Cowan, Sr., Commander, DAV Chapter 142, Whitehall, Ohio, presents a Junior ROTC Medal and DAV Certificate of Appreciation to a JROTC cadet. Through JROTC participation, the Chapter collected more than $3,300 in its Forget Me Not drive...

Study finds no 'syndrome' for ailing Gulf War vets.
November 1, 2006... Although veterans of the first Gulf War report significantly more symptoms of illness than soldiers of the same period who were not deployed, a new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) finds no set of symptoms that constitute a syndrome...

Creative veterans ...(National Veterans Creative Arts Festival)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... DAV member Michael Cruse, Sr., of Alma, Ark., stands aside his original porcelain china painting. Cruse, a disabled Vietnam War veteran, was among approximately 130 veterans who participated in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in...

Salute to Diamondback Leadership ...(Arizona Diamondbacks' Rich Dozer is awarded)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Then-National Third Junior Vice Commander Roberto "Bobby" Barrera, center, presents the National Commander's Award to Arizona Diamondbacks President Rich Dozer, left, during pre-game ceremonies July 23 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Phoenix...

DAV Executive Assistant Sandra Buchanan retires.(Disabled American Veterans)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Sandy Buchanan's phone rang off the hook all day on Thursday and Friday, the 12th and 13th of October. Well-wishers from throughout the DAV were calling to wish her a wonderful retirement, as the career of Executive Assistant to the National...

U.S. Navy D-Day monument.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... * The Naval Order of the United States is leading a campaign to erect a monument to commemorate the Navy's participation in the June 6, 1944, invasion of France during World War II. Although all other U.S. armed services and those of...

Chemical warfare experiments.(veterans to recieve benefits)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... * The Veterans Benefits Administration has released the first in a series of notification letters to Department of Defense-identified veterans who were exposed to chemical warfare and related agents as test subjects in military experiments....

Veterans warned about prescription scam.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... * The VA is telling veterans to be on the alert for telephone calls from someone claiming to be from the "VA pharmacy" who ask for personal information and a list of medications. "There have been some reports of veterans receiving such phone...

Injured soldiers "Go Navy" at Naval Academy game ...(football games)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Injured soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, their families and escorts arrive at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., for the season opening football game against the University of Massachusetts. The soldiers and their families...

Last hurrah for Pearl Harbor survivors.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors on Dec. 7 is the last official gathering by the organization as the generation who lived the day of infamy passes into history. "The youngest of the living Pearl Harbor survivors, those who were in...

DAV autograph cards a big hit in the NFL.(Disabled American Veterans)(National Football League)
November 1, 2006... DAV's NFL player autograph cards are the perfect product several teams are handing out to football fans this season. Dozens of NFL players are signing the cards for fans, who also get information about the DAV's service to disabled veterans and...

Legislated inadequacy.(LOUD & CLEAR)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... I am writing in reference to the heated debate about VA benefits and Social Security. One point is being overlooked in the discussion: all Congressmen, Senators and ex-Presidents get a federal retirement and Social Security retirement. They are...

Convention builds leaders.(LOUD & CLEAR)(85th National Convention of the Disabled American Veterans)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The 85th National Convention in Chicago was as we expected, filled with sharing information and how-to seminars. National makes it an obligation to keep us informed and encouraged members to provide feedback at the local level on changes and...

Chaplain's corner.(a prayer for soldiers)(Column)
November 1, 2006... Returning is one of the great words in the English language. I have just returned from a wonderful time with our DAV family gathered in the great city of Chicago to select new leadership for the coming year. We came together to revitalize the...

Last van rolls out ...(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... James Leneski, a VA volunteer, and his wife, Beverly Leneski, Ann Arbor VA Medical Center Chief of Voluntary and Chaplain Service, bid farewell as the last of the 127 new DAV Transportation Network vans prepares to depart DAV National...

Veterans salute Web site.
November 1, 2006... Cherie Reid, a member of DAV Auxiliary Unit 20 in Brick, N.J., proudly displays her Web site, "Kids Thank A Veteran" at www. kidsthankavet.com. Reid, a teacher in Howell, N.J., created the Web site to give children around the world the...

Essay contest winners.
November 1, 2006... Left, second place winner Erica Vernor, DAV Auxiliary Unit 57, Crestview, Fla., Americanism Chariman Merallyn McDonald, first place winner Britney Matherne, Unit Commander Frances Ferguson, and third place winner Vincent Gabriel. ...

Isotopes Game Enchantment.(disabled vetarans play a game of baseball)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Manuel Quintana, Commander of Chapter 15 in Albquerque, N.M., raises the first-pitch baseball into the air as he and other Department of New Mexico leaders are introduced prior to the July 29 Albuquerque Isotopes DAV Day at the Ballpark game....