January 2020
FALLEN SOLDIER TRIBUTE Jim Wegener NONPROFIT IMPACT 22 to None Habitat for Humanity
Jerry Stutzman GATHER Veterans – 1
THANK YOU
Dear Friends and Family of Gather Veterans Magazine. It was a great Honor and Privilege for me to be part of your magazine. I was blown away that evening at the Elks Lodge, and couldn't think of much to say. Congratulations to your staff photographer, Karen Lueck, my dearest friends Jan and Gary, and of course, my lovely wife Deb, who all managed somehow to keep this a secret. Also, shout out to The American Legion Post 35. Most of all, I want to give thanks to those who are members of The Legion Riders; without them, this would not have been possible!! This group of dedicated folks gave me purpose and direction when I so desperately needed it. One hope I have is to bring awareness to those who may be looking for something to believe in and needed support. Join an organization of your choice, and do good things for our Veterans, their families, and our community. There are many options out there! Stories of Veterans who get discharged and then feel that they have lost that feeling of comradeship abounds! Just take that step! What made the event even better was that I got to share it with Coach Wooer, Starla Owens, the Veterans Affairs Group, and yes, even Bailee the Wonder Dog. Once again, thank you! Tom Whilden God Bless America
GATHER Veterans – 2
Wellness for Veterans Coupon Program Brought to you by a partnership between the Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs Office and the Senior Center Network.
Free program coupon books available to area veterans for health and wellness programs within the Senior Center Network. Coupons allow veterans to attend selected FREE activities in Traverse City, Kingsley and Interlochen. Coupon books are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Coupon book details: One coupon book per veteran. Books contain 20 coupons. Coupon books issued in 2020 expire on December 30, 2020. Coupons may only be used for the following programs throughout the network: Energetics, Strong Bones, Fit and Strong, Mindful Movement, Yoga, Chair Massage, Reflexology. Full program descriptions available on our website and in the People, Parks and Programs newsletter. Wellness options are subject to change at the discretion of the Senior Center Network.
How veterans can receive coupons:
Visit the Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network at 801 E. Front Street, Traverse City to pick up a coupon book. In order to receive a coupon book, participants must: Be a current Senior Center Member in Grand Traverse or Leelanau County. Present proof of veteran status in person to a staff member. Complete a Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs registration form.
Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network 801 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 231-922-4911, grandtraverse.org/scn Locations in: Fife Lake, Interlochen, Kingsley, Traverse City
GATHER Veterans – 3
January 2020
In association with
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Cover Photo by Karen S. Lueck at amomentcaptured.net
10
14
publisher’s Note
pg 05
Letter from the GTC VA Director
pg 06
Event Review
pg 08
Fallen Soldier Memorial
pg 10
habitat for humanity
pg 14
Colonel Demas T. Craw
pg 16
veteran PHotographer
pg 20
22 2 None
pg 24
Honoring Veteran of the Year
16
Jim Wegener
Veterans Build
New VA Clinic
Jerry Stutzman
20
Suicide Awareness
GATHER Veterans – 4
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
To those in uniform serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honor you today and everyday.
J
une 24th is such a special day for me. It is my wedding anniversary, but it is also my great-grandpa’s and great-grandma’s wedding anniversary. Charlie and Inez Goodman. I loved my great-grandma immensely. I can remember happily playing tiddlywinks with her and coloring beside her as a small child. My great-grandpa died in March of 1970. I was born in July of the same year. I only knew my greatgrandfather through stories and pictures. Unfortunately, many stories were lost over the years as the people closest to him have passed away. It is such a tragic thing when a life is lost, and those precious stories die with it. The absence of an archive of stories is why I am doing GATHER Veterans. My great-grandfather, grandfather, greatuncle, uncle, father, and both nephews have served our country, all during war-time. When I speak of the legacy of the men in my family, my heart swells with pride! However, it also aches to know the phenomenal and inspiring stories of these brave men. It is my hope, over the years to come, GATHER Veterans helps to inform and inspire our Veteran and active military community. And that we share the stories of these brave men and women who willing chose to serve our country. Your story matters! Even if you never saw war, or were drafted, that does NOT discount your service. Your willingness has made our country the country it is today. For many years, our military men and women have not received the recognition they deserve. I hope to be a source of that much-deserved recognition in recording as many legacies as we can to preserve the stories! GATHER Veterans Publisher GATHER Veterans – 5
A Letter From The GTC VA Director Welcome in 2020 with GATHER Veterans! On November 11, Veteran’s Day at the Traverse City Elks Lodge, GATHER Media LLC launched the first issue of GATHER Veterans. It featured the Veteran of the Year, Tom Whilden and Veteran Supporter of the Year, Tim Wooer, as well as Gold Star Mom Starla Owens. Thank you to GATHER Media for taking on this passion project and the community for embracing this new resource! Twenty-twenty promises to be an exciting year for veterans for various reasons! On January 1, the VA began adjudicating claims for Vietnam Blue Water Navy veterans that have Agent Orange-related illnesses. Veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 10%, caregivers, Purple Heart recipients, and POWS can shop at any military base commissary or exchange by showing a VA healthcare ID card. The belief is this will add over 3 million new shoppers to the DOD system. A vast number of veterans will test the MISSION ACT of 2019 that allowed for veterans to seek medical care outside of VA hospitals. Finally, the ability to educate veterans and their dependents about other new benefits and resources through this publication, made available free of charge to veterans and active military, by GATHER Media LLC. This issue features an article on the drug Mefloquine. Mefloquine is a synthetic antimalarial drug given to service members in the U.S. military for over two decades that could cause neuropsychiatric reactions. Information on this topic is too vast to include in this edition, so please check out GATHERgrandtraverse.com and click on the Veterans tab at the top for more information in the coming months. Remember, this magazine is about information for veterans, so if you know of a veteran, resource, or event that GATHER Veterans should feature, please email GATHER Media's Content Editor at pam@gathergrandtraverse.com. Semper Fi, Michael W. Roof
Grand Traverse County Dept. of Veteran Affairs 2650 Lafrainer Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 - (231) 995-6070 GATHER Veterans – 6
PUBLISHER/OWNER GATHER Media LLC P. O. Box 5352 Traverse City, MI 49696, (231) 492-0369
22 2 None DK5K Memorial Run See page 24
PRINTER DAVE MOORE VP Demand Creation Services (Village Press) EDITOR PAMELA MCCORMICK OVER AND FEATURE JERRY STUTZMAN C PHOTOGRAPHERS TC PHOTOS CONTRIBUTING MELISSA MOREY PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING MICHAEL ROOF WRITERS KIERSTIN GUNSBERG JJ GRIFFIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER
GATHER MEDIA STAFF
ADVERTISING advertising@ GATHERGrandTraverse.com SUBSCRIPTIONS VISIT GATHERGrandTraverse.com OR EMAIL subscriptions@ gathermediallc.com to subscribe. Subscription Rates: One Year, 6 issues, $14.99. Allow six weeks for first issue to be received. Note: Veterans and active duty will receive a free issue. Drop locations inside. Copyright @2020 GATHER Media LLC. All rights reserved. Individual works also copyrighted by their originators. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written permission. We do not assume any liability for errors or omissions. GATHER Media LLC does not necessarily endorse any of the attractions, products or services contained within. All content is the intellectual property of GATHER Media LLC.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Morey GATHER Veterans – 7
HONORING VETERAN OF THE YEAR
V E T E R A N S D AY
– by JJ Griffin –
GATHER Veterans – 8
“
I know of no other community that supports its veterans like this community,” stated Commander Charles “Chuck” Webb. His comments were part of his opening speech to the audience of veterans gathered at the Elks Lodge Veterans Day. All were gathered to celebrate the Veteran of the Year and the Veteran Supporter of the Year. While all had gathered with a celebratory spirit, a spirit of loss was present. The audience recognized a moment of silence in honor of Jim Wegener, the intended Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Jim had lost his life to an unexpected heart attack earlier in the week. This event would have been the 20th he both organized and lead. Replacement Master of Ceremonies was John Lefler, current President of the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. He read a quote that was present in Jim’s speech he had prepared for the evening in which Jim praised his fellow veterans for their efforts and service. Upon hearing Jim’s own words, the audience realized his spirit would continue to be a part of each of these gatherings moving forward into the future. True to the soldier’s spirit, the loss of their comrade was recognized. However, the celebration of the living soldiers meant to be recognized continued, precisely as Jim would have wanted it to be. This year’s Veteran Supporter of the Year award went to Coach Tim Wooer in recognition of his dedication to one veteran, Justin Hansen. Marine Sgt. Justin Hansen was only 26 when he was killed in action while pursuing a high value target on July 24th, 2012. This young man had come up through the ranks of Coach Wooer’s Kingsley Football program. He was shaped and molded by the lessons in character and dedication Coach Wooer teaches and lives himself. Coach Wooer and Justin formed an extraordinary bond. Upon entering the Marines, Justin made the request that should anything
Pictured Here Top left: Commander Charles "Chuck" Webb Bottom left: Vicki Hays & Coach Wooer Top rght: Tom Whilden, Veteran of the Year Bottom right: John Lefler, Master of Ceremonies happen to him; Coach Wooer would deliver his eulogy. “So, on a sweltering August afternoon, Tim stood before all who loved Justin and did just that in the gymnasium where he’d once mentored the fallen soldier.” Not only did Coach Wooer dedicate hours mentoring this young man, keep his promise to eulogize him. After Justin sacrificed his life for his country, Tim spoke at his funeral. He then went on to initiate a tradition that continues to keep Justin’s sacrifice front and center. Each year in the Patriot Game, Coach Wooer, Justin’s mom, Vicky Hays, and all those who participate remember this young man’s sacrifice. “The season following Justin’s death, Tim was coaching at West Senior High in Traverse City. This school was where his friendship budded with Justin, a football player turned hero, and inspired him to create the Patriot Game. Since 2012, the event is a yearly tradition. Bringing together West’s Titans, and their opposers, Central High’s Trojans, to a pre-game assembly to commemorate those who serve/served their nation.” Coach Wooer was a phenomenal choice to recognize as the Veteran Supporter of the Year and received the beautifully carved eagle award with grace and humility. His spirit was not one of pride, but one of humility and deflection. Veteran of the Year, the Piéce De Résistance of the night, was awarded to Tom Whilden. The audience enjoyed a laugh as the Master of Ceremonies, John Lefler, shared how a cover story was concocted to get photos of Tom for the inaugural issue of GATHER Veterans magazine. He believed that his friend from the American Legion Riders, Jan Hilewski, was being featured in a woman’s magazine. So they were taking pictures of various American Legion Riders members as well as Tom. Much to his surprise, the hero of that story ended up being him! When handed the new magazine, he was shocked to see himself positioned squarely on the front cover. Tom spends a great deal of time giving to the veteran community. He serves on the Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer-based organization of veterans who, among other acts of honor, unite to hold American flags while attending military funerals. He is the director of the American Legion Riders Post 35, volunteers by taking part in fundraisers for current military families and coordinating visits to local nursing homes visiting former servicemen and women. Tom is also passionate about spearheading change in areas that affect veterans, including homelessness, increased risk of suicide, and veteran health needs. Tom has a deep desire to do good every day for all people, but dearest to his heart is his brothers and sisters in arms. Congratulations, Tom, on being voted Veteran of the Year, you certainly deserve this honor although you would undoubtedly shake off the compliment and keep doing good. GATHER Veterans – 9
GATHER Veterans – 10
FALLEN SOLDIER MEMORIAL Jim Wegener – by Michael Roof –
While standing in the draft line, the recruiter ordered everyone to count off one through four. Jim happened to be a four. The recruiter then said, "All fours step forward; you are now a U.S. Marine!" A guy overheard Jim say he didn't want to be a marine, so the two quickly switched places. This fateful day is the day Jim became an Army soldier. Jim served his country faithfully and was grateful the day came to return home. In 1968, Jim flew back home from Vietnam wearing his uniform. Although he was proud to have served in Vietnam, he felt somewhat uncomfortable while walking through the airports. He had heard what people back in America thought of those serving in the war. In 1986, Jim had been with his girlfriend Susan (now wife) for about four years when he asked her if she would like to see the movie Platoon. Susan was pleasantly surprised as Jim did not care much for movies. Since she loved going to the theater, she eagerly agreed. Fifteen minutes into the film, Jim leaned over and whispered, "I was there." Susan asked, "Did it rain like that over there?" After that, Jim did not talk to her for two weeks. Jim helped start the Traverse City Vietnam Veterans Chapter#211 with Larry Butcher, Bill Cedar, John Lebrun, and Bill Swartout. Jim felt it was essential to get other Vietnam veterans together. The chapter organized parades
and picnics, where fellow Vietnam veterans would come from all over the United States to Traverse City. The events helped others feel good about their service. Jim would also dress as Santa Claus, and the chapter would pass out gifts to needy families. Jim was a founding member of the Grand Traverse Veterans Coalition. The GTC Coalition would grow to become the central hub for veteran organizations for the area. Jim served as a board member for the Grand Traverse County Department of Veterans Affairs. He was also a committee member for over 20 years. He stepped down in 2018 after serving his final term as Chairman. He found great reward and healing in showing appreciation to his fellow veterans. He was responsible for putting together and facilitating the Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Traverse City and Elks Lodge #323 for over 20 years. Being a former TCAPS bus driver, Jim felt it of great importance to hold a Veteran's Day ceremony at the bus garage to honor all veterans there. He did this for 15 years. A breakfast buffet was available and paid for by Jim personally. He was a man marked by generocity and care of others. Continued....
GATHER Veterans – 11
Jim was a desirable person to have on your side. He was fiercely loyal to everyone he loved and would give the shirt off his back should the need arise. Jim was a veteran's best friend. He wanted to make sure that all veterans felt appreciated for their service and sacrifice. Jim never wanted to travel to Washington, D.C., but after some persuasive conversations, his wife got him to go in 2010. He visited the monuments but struggled at the Vietnam Memorial. He found the names of those he served with and was moved emotionally at the memories that flooded. Jim passed away on November 8, 2019. He had planned this year's Veterans Day ceremony at the Elk's Lodge. Jim kept a binder that held the ceremony agendas for all his Veterans Day events. This event was to be his last year as Master of Ceremonies. Jim planned on handing off the baton of responsibility to someone else to run the next leg. Within the binder was this farewell, "As I get a bit older each year, I have begun to appreciate the freedoms that I have. We live in the greatest country in the world, due in part to the efforts of our armed forces who often put themselves in harm's way to protect our rights, freedoms, and our people. I just wanted to personally say to each of you that served that I really appreciate what you did to protect us all. God Bless You, and God Bless America." Those words define the character of Jim Wegener. Soldier servant. Grateful and giving. We salute you, Jim, and God Bless you!
GATHER Veterans – 12
Department of Defense Expanding Access to Military Commissaries, Exchanges and Recreation Facilities More veterans and caregivers to have eligibility.
The Department of Defense is proud to expand commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation program retail eligibility to:
Facilities like these will be open to the newly eligible patrons starting Jan. 1, 2020:
• Purple Heart recipients
• Military service exchanges
• Former prisoners of war
• Golf courses
• All veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Bowling centers
• Individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
• Recreational lodging
• Commissaries*
The DoD, VA and the Department of Homeland Security are collaborating to implement the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 for those who will be eligible for this benefit on Jan. 1, 2020.
• RV campgrounds • Movie theaters • And more!
*DoD is required to charge a small fee to new users who are eligible solely under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, to cover any increase in costs to the U.S. Treasury for processing commercial credit and debit cards.
GATHER Veterans – 13
HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
HABITAT HOMES
T
– by Holly Monteith –
hey say “home of the free because of the brave”, but what happens when the brave who’ve served so valiantly come back to find no home for their family or themselves? There are over 20 million Veterans in the United States, and among them, more than 40,000 are homeless. For a time, my husband Kyle, and our family were a part of those statistics. Together, we’re the most recent Veteran Partner Family that Habitat of Humanity of Grand Traverse Region has blessed with the opportunity to build and buy an affordable home. Without the program, our family would currently be homeless. A few years back, Kyle, who served nine years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, was working full time. So was I. Together, we were providing the best life we could for our two beautiful boys. We were renting a home in Lake Ann, MI, when the owners decided to sell the house. We tried several different times with different banks to qualify for a mortgage to purchase the home we’d been living in but to no avail. Low-income housing options didn’t pan out for us. Finally, my brother offered to let us move into the unfinished basement of the home he was renting.
Grateful for the helping hand, Kyle used the time in our temporary dwelling to reach out to Habitat for Humanity. He wanted to see if they could point us in the right direction. His email started our journey with Habitat for Humanity. The staff walked us through the steps of repairing our credit and cleaning up our debt, all while being reminded by the crew at HFH to remain hopeful. Our stay with my brother stretched into six months but on June 13th, 2018 we found out we were accepted to the Habitat homeowners program. We were ecstatic for the opportunity to build our forever home. When Habitat for Humanity partners with a family, they don’t just hand all the goodies to you. We had to work for everything HFH was willing to give us. This included Kyle and I each completing 275 sweat equity hours on
GATHER Veterans – 14
ww By April of 2019, our house was near completion. Upon acceptance for an affordable mortgage through Habitat’s partnership with the USDA, we began applying for grants and down payment assistance through other government services. With yet another move to temporary housing under our belts, we closed on our new home on July 12th of 2019. I still have moments where I can’t believe that this is all real. Kyle and I tend to wait for that proverbial shoe to drop, or for something else to happen. For now, we are learning to live independently again and how to be a family after being essentially homeless for two years.
top of attending homeowner workshops and meetings for financial counseling. We quickly started working down these sweat equity hours and on July 3rd, 2018, we were presented with Maple City as the location of our forever home. The next few months were spent toiling away at our sweat equity requirements and attending financial meetings. It seemed like we were digging ourselves out of this financial hole. Even when we had to make another move to our friend’s home before our new home became available. Three months later, we had our groundbreaking ceremony in Maple City, who embraced us into their community without missing a beat. While we waited on permits, the local Lions Club graciously allowed us and Habitat to start fabricating the walls of our home in their parking lot. We worked on building our house all winter into spring, and slowly things began taking shape. We met many great people along the way. From the seasoned core crew that works with Habitat daily to those that volunteer as a home constructed. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to help.
I wouldn’t say our journey with Habitat was easy. All the high points we had experienced came with a lot of lows. We were stressed to the max, frustrated beyond belief, and doubtful that things would work out. Through it all, Habitat never left our side. They worked as hard behind the scenes as they worked helping us build our home, and made sure to communicate consistently along the way. They genuinely cared about us and our kids. It meant something to them that Kyle was a veteran. They cared he was reaching out for help, and they cared that our situation was not in any way ideal. We are so grateful that Habitat made it possible for us to “build” our future, not only for us but for our kids as well. I want other veterans, and their families, to know there is help out there. My husband once said that he was perfectly fine with living in a tent. After all, he did this many times in his nine years of service. But he wasn’t satisfied with his family living in those circumstances. Improvise, adapt, and overcome was drilled into his head. When that failed, he wrote that email to Habitat. He figured it wouldn’t amount to anything. Yet, it was the answer our family needed. We never have to worry about where we’re going to go next or how long we’ll be welcome there. Habitat is working to make the affordable housing market a real thing, and they are trying to help as many veteran families as they can while doing it. Let’s work together to make this the land of the free and home of the brave!
For More Information on the Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build Program, visit habitatgtr.org.
GATHER Veterans – 15
COLONEL DEMAS T. CRAW VA Clinic
– by Kierstin Gunsberg –
Barbara Bates
It was early spring 1900 when Clara and Mark Craw first met eyes with their new baby boy and named him Demas, but it was his comrades and friends in the military years later who, playing off his birth name, took to calling him Nick as in Nicodemus. The fresh moniker means “victory of the people” and was fitting for the young man with wispy brows and a dimpled chin, who’d dropped out of TC Central High to join the U.S. army just a week after his eighteenth birthday. It didn’t take long for Craw to climb the ranks, and by the time that World War I had ended, only seven months after his enlistment, he’d been promoted to Private First Class.
last of many medals earned throughout his 42 years.
He re-enlisted only a few months later and despite an eye injury, joined the Air Force. It was there, on assignment in bustling New York that the young man from the quiet outskirts of Traverse City found himself smitten with Mary Victoria Wesson, whose father was president of Smith & Wesson Firearms Company. The pair married and welcomed their baby boy, Nicholas in 1931. Later that decade, another world war broke out, and in the autumn of 1942, Craw was sent to the shores of Morocco to negotiate a ceasefire with French forces. On approach, Craw received fatal injuries, but the mission ultimately resulted in the surrender of French troops. For his role and bravery in disarming the enemy, Craw posthumously received a Medal of Honor on March 4, 1943 - the
Only a couple of years after naming the clinic, an announcement made declared plans to construct a new building south of Chum’s Corners. This building would replace the existing clinic at Racquet Club Drive as well as the Grand Traverse VA Clinic off Munson Avenue. The two offices provide different health services. The new location will combine them, something Dr. Barbara Bates, the Medical Center Director at Aleda E. Lutz VA in Saginaw believes will be one of the many streamlined benefits of this new facility.
Whether he was answering to Demas, Nick, or Nicodemus, the Colonel was most certainly victorious in life, in death and of the people he fought to protect, which is why in January of 2016 Congress named Traverse City’s VA clinic after him.
Those visiting for appointments will be greeted with a covered drop-off area to protect against Traverse City’s fickle weather, a modern interior, and a smoother flow
GATHER Veterans – 16
for out-patient primary and mental health care. Social work programs will also be available to provide support with substance issues and housing crises. Something some VA clinic patients may not realize they have access to and is simplifying healthcare for northern Michigan Veterans is the convenience of virtual visits with their provider. Veterans will be able to come right into the new clinic and ask for an enrollment packet even if they still need to enroll at the VA. Slated to welcome Veterans in February of 2020, Dr. Bates and all those involved with the project feel it’s been a long time coming. They found the most time-consuming hurdle was working with the government to lease the property because there’s a lot of steps in that process. But they say there were “many triumphs throughout.” And those triumphs, it seems, were worth the years of red tape, planning, and hard work that will soften the frustrations and fears surrounding healthcare for those people who have served in the military. The Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic will hold a Dedication and Naming Ceremony on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 1:00 PM at the new location, 701 U.S. 31 South in Traverse City. The public is encouraged to join. If you’d like to contribute to Veteran Programs like the VA clinic, please contact Voluntary Service at 989-497-2500 Extension 13360.
GATHER Veterans – 17
THE HONOR GUARD by Michael Roof I sat down with Larry Lelito, the self-proclaimed promoter of the Honor Guard, to get more details regarding the Honor Guard. Larry first got involved when the spouse of a World War II veteran and mother to three veteran sons needed help. She wanted to bury two of her sons, but one had a bad discharge. The mother did not have the funds for burial, and other honor guards would not conduct services due to one son having a tainted discharge. Larry took it upon himself to get donations and make sure that these veterans had the proper burial. “They served their country, and they deserved to buried with respect,” states Lelito. The Honor guard is made up of 27 members from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2780, American Legion Post #35, and Military Order of the Purple Heart Post #609. The Honor Guard provides services for the following: • Military Funerals (Chaplin, Riffle Squad, Bugler, Flag Presentation) • Flag Ceremonies • Dedications • Posting of Colors • Flag Retirement Ceremonies • Visits of Veterans in Assisted Living Homes • Educational School Visits to teach about the American Flag and other subjects. Most members of the Honor Guard are over 70 years of age, and all volunteer their time. Reimbursement for their mileage by the VFW Honor Guard fund is available, but most do not request it. Larry states, “Doing this is pretty therapeutic for many of us involved.” Over the last year and a half, the Honor Guard has provided services to over 300 Military Funerals. An Army chaplain told Larry that this Honor Guard is the busiest one in the state. Volunteers drive their cars to the funeral home or cemetery, and it could be a struggle to find ten extra parking spots.
The Honor Guard is now seeking the community’s help in purchasing a new, safe, reliable 15 passenger, all-wheeldrive van. Having a single vehicle for our Honor Guard members to arrive at events will reduce traffic congestion at funeral services. It will also allow them to park closer so senior Honor Guard members will not have to walk too far, especially in icy and slippery conditions. Due to the services the Honor Guard provides, many of the funeral homes in Traverse City have given designated parking for the new van. Reynolds-Jonkhoff has agreed to pay for fuel and maintenance costs for the van. The Honor Guard needs to raise $51,000 for the new van by March 2020. For more information, v i s i t w w w. v f w p o s t 2 7 8 0 . o r g / h o n o r - g u a rd .
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GATHER Veterans – 18
VA FACILITIES IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN Connect With Us At: www.saginaw.va.gov - www.facebook.com/VASaginaw www.va.gov
Alpena 180 N. State Avenue 989-356-8720
Grayling 1680 Hartwick Dr 989-344-2002
Bad Axe 1142 S. Van Dyke Rd, suite 100 989-497-2500 ext 15602 Cadillac 1909 N. Mitchell Street 231-775-4401 ext 11410
Oscoda 5671 Skeel Ave, sute 4 989-747-0026 Ext 11411 Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center 1500 Weiss Street Saginaw, MI 800-406-5143
Cheboygan County (Mackinaw) 14540 Mackinaw Highway 231-436-5176
VA Mental Health Clinics Grand Traverse VA Clinic Physical Therapy and Mental Health 880 Munson 800-406-5143 Ext 13653
Clare 11775 N. Isabella Rd 989-386-8113 Ex 13530
Vet Center 3766 N. US 31 South Traverse City 231-935-0051
Gaylord 806 S. Otsego 989-732-7525 Ext 13520
Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI VA Healthcare Annex 4241 Barnard Road, Saginaw, MI - (800) 406-5143
We invite you to sign-up for our periodic e-mail & website updates by visiting ourwebpage and subscribing with
GATHER Veterans – 19
your e-mail!
VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER JERRY STUTZMAN Jerry Stutzman of TC Photos joins the GATHER Veterans team as a staff photographer. – by JJ Griffin–
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f there were a specific year to begin a coming of age tale, 1963 would be that year. As an 18-year-old in Akron, Ohio Jerry entered into young adulthood at a tumultuous time in US History. As the country was making decisions on how it would move forward in the politics of race and war, Jerry was deciding how he would move forward into adulthood. Jerry dreamed of going to college and traveling the world; he didn’t know how he would turn that dream into a reality. Shortly after graduation, he visited the local Navy recruiting office, knowing he could receive a draft notice at any time and wanting to get an idea of the process. Jerry figured the Navy would allow him to serve his country with pride and travel the world, plus with the education incentive, he could attend college. Two weeks after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jerry received his draft notice. As soon as he received it, he immediately went and enlisted. In February 1964, Jerry entered the Navy. He had no idea of where he was going or where this journey would take him. It was the beginning of something that would mold him into the man he is today. Jerry went to San Diego, California for 12 weeks of basic training and received the assignment to a Navy electronics school in Treasure Island, California. The Navy asked him where he wanted to go after completing school, but Jerry knew that he didn’t have much choice in the matter. He received orders to the USS Boyd DD-544, a WWII destroyer operating off the coast of Vietnam. As an electronics technician for the Navy, he was responsible for maintaining and repairing radio communications on the ship. However, as with every seaman, he was first assigned to kitchen duty. He enjoyed his time in the kitchen but was eager to begin the work that he studied so diligently in electronics school. Even though he had to be available 24 hours a day, he did so with pride because he knew just how critical radio communication was to the operation. After two years of being out to sea, Jerry returned to San Diego, where he met his beautiful wife, Kathy, in March 1966. They were married a year later. He headed back overseas, where he operated up and down the Asia Pacific coast. His ship provided gun support to the troops, protected aircraft carriers, and conducted rescue missions for pilots whose planes had crashed into the Pacific. Jerry traveled the world; from the ports of Japan to Australia.
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By the end of January 1968, 3 years and 11.5 months, Jerry completed his service to the United States Navy. Jerry left home a young man with dreams of traveling the world and learning a skill. He returned, a matured young man who had gone to war and traveled the world during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history. The world had changed within those four years, and Jerry had to figure out his place in it. Kathy, in her last year of college, and Jerry working part-time at a printing company, along with attending Pasadena City College, needed support. They decided to move back to Ohio to be closer to his parents. Although Jerry was eager to be back home, adjusting to civilian life is not so easy. “Getting used to all the changes. Things change while you’re gone, and you try to figure out how and why around those changes, which is difficult”. Jerry explains some of the challenges were adjusting to being back home. He worked for various computer companies as a technician to Sr. Technician to a technical manager. He and Kathy had two sons and moved from Akron to Detroit, Michigan. In 1994 he was recruited to make electronic sales where he continued to travel for over 17 years and estimates that he has traveled approximately 3 million miles in his life. In 2004, Jerry was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had emergency surgery to have it removed. The hormone treatments he was on for ten years required that he be in a cooler environment. Jerry retired from the job he loved and GATHER Veterans – 21
moved with Kathy to Traverse City in 2012. They didn’t know a single soul in Traverse City. By 2017 when their children threw them a 50th wedding anniversary party, they were surrounded by more than 100 friends. Jerry always had an excellent eye for beauty and detail. He enjoyed photography, which he picked up from his dad, who also traveled quite often. Jerry saw it as a hobby, something in which to dabble. Little did he know the dabbling would bring him to where he is today. As a retiree, Jerry was doing more and more photography, but he still saw it merely as a hobby. By chance, while at a winery, he showed a friend, who is a graphic artist, his photographs. The friend was so impressed with his work; he suggested that he should sell them. Jerry’s hobby of taking pictures turned into a second career as a photographer and currently sells his work in 6 locations. His various travels developed his love for landscape photography. He continues to travel with his wife, Kathy, and photograph the many places they encounter.
GATHER Veterans is thrilled to have Jerry part of our team! It's an honor.
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Jerry Stutzman TC Photos TC-photos@charter.net
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22 2 NONE
Stomping Out Suicide Boots on the Ground – by Kierstin Gunsberg –
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ctober 22, 2016, a ragtag group of veterans hiked approximately 22 miles together, rediscovering some of the camaraderies they may have lost after leaving the armed forces. The number 22 is significant—it’s the average number of veterans who commit suicide daily in America. This statistic is the driving force behind 22 2 None, a northern Michigan nonprofit dedicated to reducing that number to zero. 22 2 None, founded by Marine Corps veterans Dave Wenkel and Ben Gunderson, began with annual hikes as a way to promote awareness of the extremely high veteran suicide rate. However, their original vision has broadened. Vice President Ray McDaniel calls this expanded vision “boots on the ground,” actively combating the statistic by helping veterans with whatever practical needs they may have. “We’ve done everything: from buying a car to making mortgage payments and back tax payments. We’ve filled propane tanks and fuel oil tanks. We’ve given Christmas presents, provided meals, and car repairs. Anything and everything that could be a stressor and has the potential to push someone over the edge. Like,
‘This is the last straw, I can’t take it anymore, my family would be better off if I wasn’t here,’” McDaniel says. “That’s untrue. We need you here; they need you here.” The majority of 22 2 None’s funding comes from donations, about 80% of which are private. “Most of our donations come from civilians who have veterans and their families,” McDaniel says. “Or from people who just have giant hearts.” The other 20% are commercial donations from businesses sponsoring the organization’s annual DK5K tough run. This run is a memorial for Drew Kostic, a Marine Corps veteran who lived in Traverse City and went to Northwestern Michigan College. Tragically, Drew took his own life in December 2016. The next annual DK5K will take place August 15, 2020. “There’s a message to the run,” McDaniel says. “The obstacles on the course are like obstacles in life. Try your best to get over them, but if you can’t there’s someone there to help you.” This message of available help is an important one for the veteran community because, as McDaniel—himself a Marine Corps veteran—says, “We veterans are very proud. We’re not going to ask for help very often.”
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He also says that 22 2 None is uniquely poised to help veterans because it does not have to navigate the red tape of state and federal organizations. To qualify for assistance, veterans need only fill out a one-page application and have proof of their service. The five men and women who comprise 22 2 None’s board are all veterans themselves. McDaniel says when there’s an urgent need, they can quickly confer and get help to the veteran within a few hours. 22 2 None’s two most significant needs going into 2020 are money—because so many of the requests they get require cash to solve—and housing. There’s a big-picture vision, McDaniel says, of eventually creating a tiny home community for veterans. This transitional housing will include a staffed office to get them plugged into other resources, like financial aid and the VA. “This will be a place to land for those coming out of the service and into civilian life,” McDaniel says. The vision also includes those who have fallen on tough times. The impact of having basic needs taken care of can be far-reaching and might pull veterans back from the edge of becoming part of the frightening suicide statistics. “We offer hope,” McDaniel says. “If we can give you a win, maybe you can feel it’s possible to keep winning.” For more info on 22 2 None visit: 222none.org.
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VETERAN BENEFITS
VA Healthcare/Dental
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hen you enlisted, you may have thought that every veteran gets free healthcare for life. Unfortunately, that is not true. VA Healthcare eligibility is dependent upon your length of service, your VA disability rating, and your income. It is not insurance, and we veterans are not free to go to any doctor’s office or hospital. Am I eligible for VA Health Care benefits?
You might be able to get VA healthcare benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not get a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 15, 1982, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for the active duty you were assigned. If you received a discharge for a disability that caused or was made worse by your active duty service, or if you were released for a hardship or, served before September 7, 1980. When you apply for VA healthcare, you will be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. The priority groups affect how much (if anything) you will have to pay toward the cost of your care. For more detailed information on priority grouping, go to www.va.gov/health-care/elgibility/priority-groups. If you do not have a VA disability rating or received a discharge within the last five years, then your eligibility is dependent upon your annual income. For a primary point of reference, a single veteran income threshold is approximately $33,632 for cost-free healthcare. Veterans are not generally eligible for dental care through the VA unless they met specific qualifications. • Former prisoner of war • A service-connected disability rating of 100% • Unemployable paid at 100% disability rate. • Service-connected dental condition If you don’t qualify under the above situations, you may be able to buy dental insurance at a reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). For more information, go to www.va.gov/healthcarebenefits/vadip. You can apply for any of these benefits by visiting your local county Department of Veterans Affairs.
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at these GATHER Upcoming Chapter TM
Old Mission
Meetings
12/11/19 - 2nd Wednesday
Marine Corps League 2033 Honor Highway, Interlochen 6pm
2/25/20 - 4th Tuesday American Legion #35 1231 Hastings St, Travese City 6pm
12/16/19 - 3rd Monday VFW Cherryland Post 2780 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City 7pm
12/19/19 - 3rd Thursday Disable American Veteran American Military League, 2423 Sybrandt Rd, Traverse City 1pm
12/24/19 - 4th Tuesday
American Legion #35 1231 Hastings St, Travese City 6pm
01/08/20 - 2nd Wednesday Marine Corps League 2033 Honor Highway, Interlochen 6pm
01/16/20 - 3rd Thursday Disable American Veteran American Military League, 2423 Sybrandt Rd, Traverse City 1pm
Parkinsons Support Groups 4th Wednesday - Monthly
Traverse Senior Center 801 East Front St, Traverse City (231) 947-7389 Facilitator: Hettie Molvang 10am-11:30am
1st Tuesday - Monthly
Foster Family Health Center Rm A&B. Former MCHC 550 Munson Avenue, Traverse City (231) 947-7389 Facilitator: Hettie Molvang 6pm-8pm
3rd Thursday - Monthly
VFW Cherryland Post 2780 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City 7pm
Trinity Lutheran Church 995 James St, Frankfort (231) 882-4865 Facilitator: Janet and Fred Hough 2pm
01/28/20 - 4th Tuesday
3rd Thursday - Monthly
02/12/20 - 2nd Wednesday
Governmental Center Suttons Bay/ Leelanau Facilitator: Hettie Molvang 2pm-3:30pm
01/20/20 - 3rd Monday
American Legion #35 1231 Hastings St, Travese City 6pm
Marine Corps League 2033 Honor Highway, Interlochen 6pm
2/17/20 - 3rd Monday VFW Cherryland Post 2780 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City 7pm
2/20/20 - 3rd Thursday Disable American Veteran American Military League, 2423 Sybrandt Rd, Traverse City 1pm
Veteran, nine-year Navy Corpsman Kyle Monteith and his family moved into their Maple City Habitat home in July 2019.
AA Meeting Schedule Find a Meeting Near You http://district11-aa.org/meetings. html
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Veterans Build Program We offer programs that improve the lives of local veterans. Learn more about affordable housing & home repair services.
habitatgtr.org 231-941-4663
Helping You Live A Healthy, Inspired And Joyful Life As a cabinet maker my work requires physical strength…One day while installing a cabinet I felt a pop in my shoulder…and a sinking feeling that I hurt myself pretty bad. Surgery wasn’t an option being self employed. My wife suggested I go see Dr Chris…I made an appointment as a last resort. After years of pain and restrictive movement in my arm, it took only one session with Dr Chris to realize I would not only have movement without pain, but strength back into my arm. Dennis, Traverse City, MI
Dr. Chris Moran 3639 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 946-4325
www.wholehealthtc.com GATHER Veterans – 2 8
Benefits Update
Mefloquine Side Effects
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ot all nightmares among veterans are the result of PTSD. Chronic nightmares, as well as anxiety and insomnia, may be the result of a disease called quinism, caused by poisoning by Mefloquine and related antimalarial drugs.Mefloquine was developed during the Vietnam War by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. It was approved for usage by the FDA in the late 1980s under the name Lariam and recommended for U.S. military usage. The original drug label stated neuropsychiatric reactions could be possible with usage. In 2013, a mandated label change by the FDA included a black box warning that said side effects could persist long after discounting usage. Side effects include anxiety, depression, restlessness, confusion, terrifying nightmares, irritability, anger, moodiness, insomnia, and concentration problems. The use of Mefloquine during U.S. Military operations in Somalia in 1992 was common practice. Service members report that they received Mefloquine under observed administration. "Rob" serving in the Marine Corps in Somalia 1992 through 1993 stated, “My corpsman told me and my fellow marines not to take the drug... it has bad side effects!” Rob took the drug for two weeks and suffers side effects to this day. After using the medicine and suffering from a mental breakdown, he was directed to get back into the firefight. “Nobody cleared me as safe to resume back normal operations. I felt like I had a fog over my brain.” While Mefloquine usage was widespread in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2003, the FDA requires all Mefloquine prescriptions to be accompanied
by a patient medication guide. The drug label includes the warning to seek medical attention if signs of serious mental problems develop. A vast number of service members claim they did not receive these warnings. In 2013, another label change clarified that neurologic and psychiatric effects from Mefloquine could “persist after Mefloquine usage has ceased. Estimates are over 100,000 service members were exposed to Mefloquine. In 2004, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) issued an information letter (IL 10-2004-007) to its clinicians warning of the possibility of long-term effects from Mefloquine. However, this letter was allowed to lapse and is now unavailable. In 2013, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, acknowledged many military service members had received Mefloquine without proper medical information. He insisted the VA must develop a procedure to adjudicate such claims, even in the absence of proof of prescribing. The VA recognizes the service connection for these conditions, but needs a medical opinion to be successful. Enter Dr. Remington Nevin. A former U.S. Army Major and Preventative Medicine Officer with extensive travel medicine and policy experience. Dr. Nevin was the first to publish a clinical description of quinism, the permanent disorder of brain and brainstem dysfunction caused by the use of Mefloquine and related quinoline drugs. Dr. Nevin has assisted many veterans by reviewing their military medical records and civilian medical records to help form a medical opinion. Go to GATHERgrandtraverse.com and click on the Veterans tab at the top to find out more information about Mefloquine. (Enter your email to receive future updates.) If you believe you were affected by this drug, please contact the Grand Traverse County Dept. of Veterans Affairs for more information or for assistance in filing a claim.
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