The Minnesota American Veterans News Volume 14Number 1 Winter, 2011Chartered by Act of Congress, July 23, 1947
Commander’s Column
Commander Kelly Nguyen
From Commander Kelly
O
ur SEC (State Executive Committee) is going to be held at Raymond T. Furlong Post 1 in Mendota at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 5. I am very excited about this meeting for a number of reasons. It is going to be held at my home post, first and foremost. I am also excited to have several dignitaries in attendance. Our Past National Commander (PNC) Ed Kemp, with his entourage, from Iowa will be there. Our National 4th District Commander Arnie Miller and Mike Pugliese from the MN Department of Veterans Affairs, will also be there. It is very nice to have our department be recognized in this way.
SEC in February
Plan to attend the SEC in February. I would like to show our guests what great membership and great posts we have throughout our state. We want every post to be 100% in the reporting of their programs. This does not mean ‘someone else’ is going to report what your post does—it is everyone’s responsibility. It would be great if it was in the hands of your 2nd Vice Commander, who is in charge of programs per our by-laws. If the Department office gets more than one copy of what is happening in your post, then so be it. It can all be worked out with our office manager and/or myself. I am sure that some of your posts held parades and/or ceremonies on Veterans Day. This is one program you can report, for sure.
National 4th District Meeting
I was fortunate to attend the National 4th District meeting for 4th District Commander Arnie Miller in Appleton, WI at the beginning of November. It was great to visit with several of our Past National Commanders (PNCs) over the weekend. Those in attendance included PNC Duane Miskulin, from last year, who was in attendance at our Department Convention in May, along with our Past 4th Dist Commander Don Barnes and our current 4th Dist Cmdr Arnie Miller. It was great to visit with PNC John Sisler, PNC Ed Kemp, and PNC Jim King. All of these Past National Commanders are from our National 4th District. For those who do not know, Minnesota is within the National 4th District, which is comprised of nine states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. The meeting was great and the weekend was well attended. Commander Miller had his testimonial weekend themed as a ‘tailgating’ weekend. In the midst of the weekend, of course, I had to wear my colors from Minnesota. Everyone who was there were Packer fans for the most part. I had my Vikings colors on. I
presented a plaque to Commander Miller, from the Department, that let him know how much Minnesota appreciates him and all he has done to help where he could throughout the last couple of years.
Life Membership Dues
As per the resolution that was passed on the floor at the National Convention in 2009, our Life Membership dues will be increasing to $200 by December 31, 2010. Currently, the Life Membership is only $180. If you are an annual member and would like to convert to a Life member, submit the difference in your dues to the department. Submit full dues if you have yet to pay or wish to become a member prior to December 15, 2010. This will ensure that your membership will be converted at National prior to the December 31 date, as it still needs to be processed through the Department office. If you belong to a post,
Kelly Nguyen Commander AMVETS Department of Minnesota
Continued on page 3
What’s Inside
State Officers/Post Meeting Locations..........Page 2 More from Your Commander........................Page 3 Officers Reports............................................. Page 4 Military Funeral Honors................................Page 5 Taps..................................................................Page 6 Post Reports.....................................................Page 7 Americanism Contests....................................Page 9 Veteran’s News & Updates...........................Page 12 Post Officers...................................................Page 15
“The future of our Armed Services and the future of this country will be integrally linked to how we treat our veterans.” - George Washington
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Department Commander Kelly Nguyen 648 Marie Avenue W. Mendota Hts., MN 55118 651-216-4200 kellymnguyen@comcast.net Dept. 1st Vice Cmdr Allen Elsbury 3328 Corliss Trail Rosemount, MN 55068 651-322-7489 aelsbury@frontiernet.net Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Joseph Mauricio 2027 Thom Drive Arden Hills, MN 55112 651-631-3312 santajoe55112@yahoo.com
State Officers
NEC/ Judge Advocate Mike Cook 6175 132nd Way, Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-956-2211 cookkitt@aol.com
1-Year Trustee Allen Weyaus PO Box 647, Onamia, MN 56359-0647 320-630-2988
Alternate NEC Dick Volkert 2400 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-454-4422
2-Year Trustee Ray Rangel 2220 Conway St., St Paul, MN 55119 651-698-7273
Provost Marshall Greg Davis 304 2nd St SW, Hinckley, MN 55037 320-532-7731 greg.davis@state.mn.us
3-Year Trustee Bill Naseth 1009 East Avenue Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-8230 daybreakwill@twincities.mn VAVS/VAVH John Austin 2268 7th Street West Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-698-3104 kcajnitsua@yahoo.com
Finance Man Craig Maehling 1082 14th Avenue SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-331-2593
Finance Officer Tom Voge PO Box 81, Nerstrand, MN 55053 scooterman43@hotmail.com
Service Officer Chuck Conroy 9285 Robert Trail South Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 651-455-6906
Dept. White Clover Princess Jayme Conroy conro059@d.umn.edu
Public Relations Officer Roger Stelter 16451 Snake Trail Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-7901 rstelter@hughes.net Hospital Service Foundation Dennis Reinhold 2565 Hwy 12, Woodville, WI 54028 715-698-2739 Chaplain Tammy Schroeder 19295 County Hwy 29 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (605)237-1397 Immediate PDC Mike Cook 6175 132nd Way Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-956-2211 cookkitt@aol.com
Post Meeting Locations Post 1 1323 Sibley Memorial Drive Mendota, MN 55150 651-688-7408 Last Weds at 7 p.m.
Post 10 Giant Valley A.L. #234 38 Minnehaha Ave S Mpls, MN 55406 2nd Sat at 2pm
Post 3 Ponemah, 56666 Saturday 7 p.m.
Post 11 VAMC St Cloud 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 3rd Tues at 10:30am
Post 4 302 E Sarnia Winona, MN 55987 1st Tues at 7pm Post 5 Wellstone Center “Neighborhood House” 179 Robie St E St Paul, MN 55107 2nd Thurs at 6:30pm Post 8 20 1st Ave NE Aitkin, MN 56431 2nd Tues at 7pm
Vol. 14, No. 1
Post 12 704 W 41st Street Hibbing, MN 55746 1st Tues at 5pm Post 13 233 S Olive St Waconia, MN 55387 3rd Tues at 8pm Post 19 218 W 4th St Redwing, MN 55066 4th Weds at 6:00pm
Post 23 135 W Oakdale St Owatonna, MN 55060 4th Mon at 7pm Post 24 1247 E Cty Rd B Maplewood, MN 55109 Thurs 7pm Post 26 Brainerd A.L. 708 Fort St Brainerd, MN 56401 1st Thursdays @ 11 a.m. Post 28 Carlton VFW 3rd Tues at 7pm Post 31 VFW Post 1642 113 Elm Ave W Waseca, MN 56093 Arranged as needed
Post 33 Servicemens Club 227 Chestnut St Virginia, MN 55792 Last Weds at 6:30pm Post 47 142 N Boradway Albert Lea, MN 56007 5th Mon at 7pm
Post 290 507 Pacific Ave Morris, MN 56267 1st Mon at 8pm Post 556 556 SW 12th St Forest Lake, MN 55025 As Needed
Post 53 777 Grand Avenue Onamia, MN 56359 2nd Mon at 6pm
Post 612 Frazee VFW 120 West Main Ave Frazee, MN 56544 1st Thurs at 7 pm
Post 101 Blackduck Public Library Blackduck, MN 56630 3rd Tuesdays
Post 2000 7510 Concord Blvd E Inver Grove Hts, MN 55076 1st Tuesdays
Post 151 448 S Munsterman Appleton, MN 56208 2nd Mon 7pm/winter 8pm/summer
If you would like to be added to this list, please send your information to: americanveteranamvets@ netzero.net 2
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
Commander Kelly’s Message, cont. have your membership chair fill out the necessary forms for you and submit the money to your post. Enclosed within this edition of the newspaper are the list of SEC meetings for the Department and the list of all the National meetings through next August. I encourage each and every member to be in attendance at these meetings. There is a wealth of information that you may use at your local post. I believe that having more knowledge and more communication between the posts, department and national, is the key to keeping our organization viable. It is very important to maintain a post with as much knowledge as possible.
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As for the communication, my e-mail is kellymnguyen@comcast.net and the Department office e-mail is mnamvets@gmail.com We are starting to send our newsletters out to all members who have submitted an e-mail address to the department office. We are also looking to send an e-copy of our state newspaper. These will also appear on our state website as a link. If you have an e-mail address, please e-mail the department or myself, so that you may be on that e-mail group. This will also help in keeping our shipping/postage costs down, not to mention getting the information that comes to the office out to you a little quicker.
Good News! Now that the AMVETS have formed a partnership with Avis, you can save up to 25% off your next car rental while experiencing the comfort and reliability that come with renting from Avis. With 4,800 locations in over 140 countries, there's always an Avis nearby to help you with your car rental needs. To rent a car, visit Avis or call Avis toll free at 1-800-331-1212, and remember to use your AMVETS/Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number: B291003 to enjoy these special savings!
BUDGET Car Rental
The next several months until our department convention and the end of our term in office, I am hoping to visit each of the posts throughout our great state. I am looking forward to seeing your programs and events firsthand. In other words, if there is an event, other than just a meeting, I would like to attend to see how things are running and meet each and every one of you. If there are no events, then I will visit you on your meeting night.
Revalidation
There are still a couple of posts that have not yet revalidated. The forms have been sent to your posts several times. At this time, for those posts that have not revalidated, National has suspended your charter. There must be a priority in getting the revalidation into the department office. The office will forward it on to National. There is another way of revalidating your post and that is on-line. Go to www.amvets. org, under membership, click on ‘Members Access’. The commander will be able to get on-line with his information. When you get to the access page, click on ‘Post Revalidation’. You will need membership ID numbers from your post officers. It is very simple and only takes maybe three minutes of your time. Make sure you print three copies for each page. One for your Post records, two to send to the Department office who will then forward a copy on to National. For this, the Post Commander will need to sign each of the pages in the blank areas at the bottom of the printouts. If you also have a copy of your Post ReVol. 14, No. 1
Carolyn Taylor Assistant To Director Phone: 301-683-4021 Email: ctaylor@amvets.org Linda Hudson Member Dues Phone: 301-683-4023 lhudson@amvets.org • • • •
Eligibility and Dues Find Your Post Membership Forms Riders
Join Now
Post 26 is Back
Commander Visits
Phillip A. Ledwell Membership Director Phone: 301-683-4020 Email: Pledwell@amvets.org
JOIN AMVETS NOW!
Communication
Post 26 in Brainerd is coming back on board. They are working on getting their charter redone and we are looking forward to seeing them back with us! Under their new leadership and their excitement to get going again, I expect to see many great things coming out of this post.
Contact us:
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Wyndham Hotels validation Form filled out, please submit that with the on-line printouts, as well. It will contain a complete lists of your post officers, versus certain ones. If there is any issue in your post, please do not hesitate to contact me or the department office. We will do whatever we can to clarify any issues and/or get the answers to your questions. We will be able to rectify most issues in short order; however, there are always those questions and issues that might need a little more time to investigate. We want to make sure you are informed with the correct information from all levels of this organization. As I said before, without communication, we are not running as a whole unit. As they told us in school, no question is a dumb question. If you do not ask, you may never know the correct answer. We would also like to make sure the veterans and people in your community are not misinformed on anything we might be able to help them with, whether it be benefits from the VA or families’ needs or furthering education.
AMVETS.ORG
Look on the amvets website for all the benefits that you as members are entitled to. There are links to colleges throughout the country. AMVETS is partnered with Kaplan, DeVry and Phoenix Universities. There are benefits to get reduced prices on prescriptions and glasses and exams. Discounts are avail-
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Membership Access • Members SOP • Special access SOP • Adding new members online
able on car rentals from many car rental companies. Discounts are also available through Wyndam and Choice Hotels. Other stores, such as on-line shopping with Sears, Target, Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy and Overstock.com also offer veteran discounts. Discounts are often also available for cell phones and accessories, auto and life insurance, etc. Please take advantage of all of these partnerships! A complete list of the benefits is under Member Benefits on the National website. Please note, there are codes that correspond with the different benefits. These codes are listed on-line with the corresponding benefit. One more great thing about this organization that I would like to share is for those of you who are technology savvy, you can follow AMVETS on Facebook and Twitter! The American Veteran magazine is on-line, as well as blogs from our National Commander Jerry Hotop. You joined this great organization for any number of reasons. As you can see, there are many outstanding ways that the AMVETS can give back. Take advantage of these many, many opportunities and discounts. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! We will see you on February 5, 2011 at the SEC in Mendota at 2 p.m. Veterans for veterans!
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3
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Officer’s Reports 2nd Vice Commander
2nd Vice Allen Elsbury
A Note from the Chaplain by Tammy Schroeder
E
very AMVET is an important member of the Post. Every AMVET member who signs up a new member should introduce them to the AMVET Post. The new AMVET member should be provided a mentor until they are familiar with rules, regulations, and activities of the AMVETS Post. Each AMVET member has unique talents, skill sets and contributions to make to the Post. The AMVETS Post should use these attributes for the good of the AMVETS organization.
Combined Adjutant/ VAVS/VH Report by John Austin
Alternate NEC Report Submitted by Dick Volkert
I
n the absence of the National Executive Committee Man as Alternate, my duty is to attend the NEC and give my report as to the State of the State of the Department of Minnesota. My report would be similar to that of our NEC. However, I would take this opportunity to bring to the attention of our National Commander and the NEC persons throughout the country, my desire for the National organization and our 4th National District to put together a uniform public relations (PR) program that we at the Department of Minnesota could use for advertising American Veterans! We need PR in Minnesota. We are not well known in this state. Previous to being Alternate NEC, I have served as Department NEC for six years from 1982-1988. I served as Department Commander in 1988-1989 and again after the death of our Department Commander Fred LaFavre in 0405 when the SEC asked if I would take command for the remainder of his term. After that, I was elected Alternate NEC for the two year term, where I still serve. For our members who do not know what the responsibility of the office of the NEC is, every state in the U.S. that has an AMVETS Department has one National Executive Committee person. That person serves for a two year term. Also, the Alternate NEC person shall serve two years. Each are elected on opposite years at our annual Department Convention. The duty of these officers is to attend four SEC meetings per year and report to the National Commander on the State of the State each year. There is a meeting for the NEC at the National level each fall and again in the spring with two meetings at the National Convention…one prior to the opening of the convention with the outgoing commander and one at the end of the convention with the incoming commander. I ask all members of our State of Minnesota to please try to come to our SEC meetings and our Department Convention. Our next SEC is scheduled for Saturday, February 5 at Post 1 in Mendota at 2 p.m. Vol. 14, No. 1
B
y the time you read this the holidays may be over. Posts may be involved with activities from bell ringing to White Clovers. Skating nights can still go on – selling hot chocolate, donuts, cakes for ideas. As your Department Adjutant, one of my responsibilities is communications, which simply means informing the posts and sharing ideas if needed. I ask all of you to send in your Post Activity Reports or go on-line at AMVETS. ORG. and log-in your time and type of activiAdjutuant John Austin also serves as Office Manager ties. This is very important so I’m asking for your help in this – please get these reports in. I have no words to express how honored I feel because I am able to fellowship with some great veterans. I truly hope I can live up to your belief in me. Thank you for hiring me as your Department Office Manager. Commander Kelly, thank you for your continued assistance and don’t worry, I’m sure the ink will come out. Anyway, let’s finish 2010-2011 in AMVET style by remembering our comrades in harms way. Send cards, and/or letters, for any occasion, to the military Chaplains to be given out to those who need them the most – the one who gets no mail from home. Post 24 sends cases of cider as well as other items. Even golf balls are needed, DVD movies (remember to mark the case “DVDs inside”), powdered beverages are also welcomed, to mention just a few. So let’s get busy. Remember the VA Medical Centers with a donation to their activity programs; sign up your post for bingo nights or card games. Remember, volunteers age 16 and up are needed for all activities. Contact the Volunteers Office (612) 725-2050 at the Mpls VAMC or call (320) 252-1670 for St. Cloud VAMC. Also remember our Veterans’ Homes which are located in Silver Bay (218) 226-6300, Hastings (651) 438-8500, Fergus Falls (218) 736-0400, Luverne (507) 283-1100 and Mpls (612) 721-0600. Please give one a call and volunteer. Remember if you can’t give your time, please send a check. And last of all, we are in need of representatives at the following VA Homes: Fergus Falls, Luverne, and Hastings. Contact me at the office if interested (651-293-1212). I look forward to seeing you at the SEC’s and most importantly at our state convention. Until then, be healthy and stay well. Your Department Adj/VAVS/VH Rep, John R. Austin
4
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
4th District Report
Military Funeral Honors
Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3)
B
y law, as of January 1, 2000, Congress guaranteed Veterans’ Funeral Honors. All eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors signifying America’s gratitude for their honorable service. Upon request, two service members will fold and present the American flag to surviving family members, and a bugler will sound “Taps.” If a bugler is not available, a high-quality CD or digital bugle will be used. At least one member of the funeral detail will be from the deceased veteran’s parent military service. The other may be from the same service or another military service. Other authorized providers, such as members of a veteran’s organization, may be used to augment the military detail. No particular rank is specified in the law, but the services by tradition have ensured the person presenting the flag to the family is at least the grade of the deceased veteran.
4th National District Commander Arnie Miller holding the plaques from NEC Mike Cook and Commander Nguyen at his Tailgate Testimonial.
Once the family of an eligible veteran has requested Military Funeral Honors, Funeral Directors or those assisting the family can use the following directory to locate a military point of contact to help arrange for the funeral honors detail. The directory link is (www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd. mil). From the home page, click on the Funeral Director button and you will have the option of entering the military branch of the deceased veteran and the state. This provides the Points of Contact to arrange for a Military Funeral Honor. AMVETS posts/members desiring to be an “official” part of the (AP3) program must receive training by a military unit designated to provide the branch specific training. The protocol for establishing/requesting this training is to call the military facility closest to you and go through the Commander’s/HQ office. All base commanders have the responsibility, by law, to support the Military Funeral Honors program and to provide the training opportunities for those wanting to participate in the (AP3) program.
Above: NEC Mike Cook, National 4th District Commander Arnie Miller and Commander Nguyen. Commander Nguyen is wearing the jacket Commander Miller had presented last August at the National Convention for being number one in the District for Membership.
AMVETS Post Honor Guards are providing Military Funeral Honors, less the two active duty service members, at a tremendous pace. For the six-month reporting period that ended June 2007, twenty plus posts across all National Districts, 7,248 volunteers provided 34,645 hours conducting Military Funeral Honors. (These services are considered Military Funeral Honors by the majority of the families, but are not technically counted by the DoD as part of the AP3 program because they do not include at least two active duty troops and may not have been conducted specifically with the traditions for the decedents branch of service.)
Left: National 4th District Commander with his wife, Jan.
Vol. 14, No. 1
5
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Taps Eldon Johnson, Post 19 May 7, 2010 Lester Quintney, Post 31 We must be grateful that by the service of these AVMETS in the Armed Forces of the United States
July 16, 2010 Peter L. Matras, Post 2000 September 19, 2010 Marvin (Bud) Bartel, Post 612 August, 2010
of America, we are
Domingo Bernal, Post 5
truly a free people
September 3, 2010
in a free land.
 In Flanders Fields
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
 In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Vol. 14, No. 1
6
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
Post Reports Post #1
Post #12
ost 1 has been doing well these last few months. We are now at three sites for our bingo/pull tabs and we are looking at a fourth soon. We are donating most of our proceeds back to the veterans…the remainder go to community programs for our youth. On November 11, Veterans Day, we distributed our White Clovers. It was a great time, great weather and had a lot of volunteers throughout the day. In October, we held our 28th annual membership dinner. Our speaker was a USMC veteran, Jacob Lone Tree. He held everyone in awe with his oration of his experiences in Vietnam and his knowledge of our country’s military history. We were also honored to have Col. Rev. Dr. Kenneth Beale from the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation as our Chaplain for the evening. The food, catered by Pat & Bobbi Robinette, was superb. All the members in attendance enjoyed the whole evening. For the Holidays, we will be once again donating gifts to two families; one through Neighbors Inc and one through the Minnesota Military Families. We have done this program for many years and the families are very much appreciative. Our Ladies Auxiliary goes out and shops for each person in these families, wraps the packages and we deliver the boxes/totes to Neighbors Inc to give to these families in need. It is very gratifying to all involved to know we have helped a family that is unfortunate at this time of year to give their family a great Christmas. Along with the gifts, we also give each of the families a gift card from Cub Foods so they can have a holiday feast. It is an anonymous donation we sponsor, but through the workers and volunteers at Neighbors Inc, we receive the heartfelt “thank you’s” from these families. On Super Bowl Sunday, we will once again be at the Minneapolis VA Home to bring snacks and goodies to the residents there. They especially like the hot cocoa and hot apple cider we provide. It is always a great time to visit with each of the residents as they come in. They all enjoy a little time out with us and their friends there. In February, Post 1 will be hosting our SEC. There will be tacos available for $2 from noon to 5pm, so you can eat before or after our meeting. They are delicious and it is a ‘build your own’ fixings type taco. Hope to see you at the meeting!
he post remains involved in the community sponsoring and donating to local programs and events as well as increasing membership. Our goal is to help the community as much as possible along with remembering our veterans. Our “Operation Boo Boo Bear” program was a huge success for family members of deployed soldiers from our local community. The smiles on children’s faces when they were handed a ‘Boo Boo Bear’ were priceless. We continue to honor our veterans and families, our youth, the needy and disabled through local programs. Lawful purpose expenditures for the months August 1-December 31, 2009 amounted to almost $20,000. Lawful purpose expenditures for the months AprilJuly 2010 enabled us to make donations that include youth sports and school programs, local deployed military unit, Honor Guard, Amvets and VFW Veterans programs, veteran’s funerals, scholarships and assistance for persons of all ages that are stricken with a rare or terminally ill disease. Our local youth programs and events spread from one end of the Iron Range to the other, assisting athletic programs, scholarship programs, health and safety, and patriotic programs and events at all grade levels. We encourage our youth to help out by volunteering. On Friday, September 17, 2010 a dinner was held to “Welcome Home” our local troops deployed last year in June.
Submitted by Mark Kronholm
P
Submitted by Raymond Pierce
T
Post #13
Submitted by Commander Guy Streater & Mike Nelson
O
ur post meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 8pm. We offer the assistance from AMVETS to the community wherever possible. We continue to have a couple of fund raising events each year. Membership remains about the same. New members are hard to recruit. All of us just need to keep trying and push for new members, as well as renewals. We are involved with both the Legion and the VFW to enable us to stay more in touch with joint functions in the community. We are participants in local parades, and the community knows who the AMVETS are! Everyone works well together “For God and Country”.
Post #5
For membership or program forms, go to www.amvets.org. Don’t forget to submit your programs to Department each month. Let us know what the program was, how many people, hours, cost, and donations made. I know most posts donate to the VA’s and to their communities. Blow your own horn! We want to know what you have been up to! To see the types of programs AMVETS National has already, go to www.amvets.org and click on Programs. They have material for planning your programs and events. Lots of useful tools. Hope to hear from you soon!
Vol. 14, No. 1
7
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Post Reports Post # 31
Post #556
Post #612
A
omrades, this past September once again was the time for our SEC meeting. I am glad that it did not interfere with 9/11 observances of that infamous date. We hope everything is going well in your AMVETS posts and that your membership continues to be effective in its support for veterans and whomever. We have been holding pancake breakfasts here at the VFW club on the first Sundays of June, July and August of this year. The money raised has been used wisely toward veterans concerns, VA Hospitals, cancer research, training and gifting of special dogs to those in need of these wonderful helpers. We also serve free coffee to anyone who would like it in our club rooms. Our numbers are small but along with the VFW we do manage to keep up with veterans causes. In the long run, this is what all Veterans organizations do!
e are a new post in Frazee. We have been doing a lot of fundraising events so we can give back to the community. Some of these events included a chili feed in January; a bike run in April and we are having another one in May on Memorial Day. A remembrance event for Patriot’s Day, on September 11, was planned. We had the houses of worship ring their bells five times. Each toll of the bell represents each of the devastating events of the day in 2001. The first is for the plane that hit the first of the Towers in New York City. The second toll is for the second tower being hit. The third is for the attack on the Pentagon, the fourth is for the plane that went down in PA and the fifth for ALL lives lost to the acts of terrorism.
Submitted by Commander Roger W. Stelter
Submitted by Commander Jerry Ewald
donation was made to support the Waseca County Free Fair again this year. A donation was also made to the Waseca Memorial Association for armed services flags for the Woodville Cemetery. The post maintains a solid financial base, thanks in part to the watchful eye of the Finance Officer Lyle Cromer. Lyle also continues to assist with military funeral honors in the community. AMVETS newspapers are now made available at the Waseca County Library and over 50 copies have been picked up by patrons. This appears to be an effective outreach for the Post. Post 31 has decided to meet on an as needed basis to conduct Post business. Commander Stelter is frequently occupied in his spare time with efforts to keep the AMVETS newspaper published.
C
Submitted by Tammy Schroeder
W
Visit us online at www.mn-amvets.org MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs - 2010 Newsletters
R
ead the MN Department of Veterans Affairs newsletter for current information concerning veterans and veterans issues. You can sign up to get notified when the MDVA Newsletter is published on-line and other topics such as:
• Minnesota Legislative Issues - Newsletters containing information on legislative issues related to Minnesota Veterans. • Events - Newsletters containing information on events for Minnesota Veterans. • MDVA Newsletter - A monthly newsletter from the MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs about veteran issues. • Flag at Half-Staff - Notification when the flags at the Minnesota Capitol are lowered to half-staff. • News Flash - Press releases and other news items related to Minnesota veterans.
Go to
www.mdva.state.mn.us/newsletter.htm
to sign up Vol. 14, No. 1
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
AMVETS National Americanism
Flag Drawing Contest Rules Information can also be found online at www.amvets.org under Programs: Americanism
Who can participate?
All students in kindergarten and 1st grade who attend public, private, parochial schools, are home schooled or are members of a youth group/Sunday school are eligible to enter.
Theme:
The theme is the American Flag with 50 white stars against a field of blue, 13 stripes - 6 white and 7 red.
Contest rules:
• All students must address the theme. • Entries must be free-hand drawings, using pen, pencil, crayon, paint or any combination of these media. • A straight edge may be used to aid in drawing a straight line. • Gluing stars or other materials to the surface is not permitted. • Use of stencils or tracing is not permitted. • Entries must be 9” x 12” using construction paper or poster board. • All national entries must be postmarked by July 1. Local Post deadlines may vary. Entries to Department office deadline is April 30, 2011.
Criteria for judging of drawings:
* Artistic ability * Adherence to the theme * Accuracy of drawing National Awards - VISA Gift Cards Kindergarten: 1st - $75 2nd - $50 3rd - $25 1st Grade: 1st - $75 2nd - $50 3rd - $25 Co-sponsored by AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Vol. 14, No. 1
Entry Form Applications and flag drawings should be returned to your local AMVETS Post or State Department. Please print legibly or type.
Student Information:
National Americanism Flag Drawing Contest in the ______ grade category. Name: _________________________________________ Birth Date ___/___/___ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-_____________ Name of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________ Name of School __________________________________ School Address: _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-____________ Teacher’s Name __________________________________ The following section must be completed and signed by the Department Americanism Officer or Executive Director. Flag drawing entries must be submitted to the designated Department official. Only 1st place Department entries can be submitted to National Headquarters.
A letter from the appropriate Post Official must state: The attached 1st Place Flag Drawing is submitted for entry by: AMVETS/Ladies Auxiliary - Department/Post ______________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-__________ _______________________________ Signature Department Americanism Chairman _____________Date 9
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
AMVETS National Americanism
Poster Contest Rules
Information can also be found online at www.amvets.org under Programs: Americanism
Who can participate?
All students in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades who attend public, private, parochial schools, are home schooled or are members of a youth group/Sunday school are eligible to enter.
Annual Themes:
2010-2011 Why is it Important to Vote?
Contest rules:
• All students must address the theme. • All entries must be free-hand drawings, using pens, pencils, crayons, paint or any combination of these materials. A straight edge may be used as an aid to draw a straight line. • Gluing pictures or other materials to the surface of the drawing is not permitted. • The student’s description of the poster must be written on the back of the poster in50 words or less. Descriptions that are firmly attached to the back of the poster will also be accepted. • Entries must be 9” x 12” using construction paper or poster board. • All national entries must be postmarked by July 1. Local Post deadlines may vary. Entries to Department office deadline is April 30, 2011.
Criteria for judging of posters:
* Artistic Ability * Adherence to Theme * Neatness National Awards - VISA Gift Cards 2nd Grade: 1st - $100 2nd - $75 3rd - $50 3rd Grade: 1st - $100 2nd - $75 3rd - $50 4th Grade: 1st - $125 2nd - $100 3rd - $75 5th Grade: 1st - $150 2nd - $125 3rd - $100 Co-sponsored by AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Vol. 14, No. 1
Entry Form Applications and posters should be returned to your local AMVETS Post or State Department. Please print legibly or type.
Student Information:
National Americanism Poster Contest in the ______ grade category. Name: _________________________________________ Birth Date ___/___/___ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-_____________ Name of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________ Name of School __________________________________ School Address: _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-____________ Teacher’s Name __________________________________ The following section must be completed and signed by the Department Americanism Officer or Executive Director. Poster entries must be submitted to the designated Department official. Only 1st place Department entries can be submitted to National Headquarters.
A letter from the appropriate Post Official must state: The attached 1st Place Poster is submitted for entry by: AMVETS/Ladies Auxiliary - Department/Post ______________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-__________ _______________________________ Signature Department Americanism Chairman _____________Date 10
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
AMVETS National Americanism
Essay Contest Rules
Information can also be found online at www.amvets.org under Programs: Americanism
Who can participate?
All students in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades who attend public, private, parochial schools, are home schooled or are members of a youth group/Sunday school are eligible to enter.
Annual Themes:
2010-2011 Why is it Important to Vote?
Contest rules:
• All students must address the theme. • All essays may be written in ink, typed or produced on a computer. • 6th Grade students should submit essays of 200 words or less. • 7th and 8th Grade students should submit essays of 300 words or less. • 9th and 10th Grade students should submit essays of 400 words or less. • 11th and 12th Grade students should submit essays of 500 words or less. • All national entries must be postmarked by July 1. Local Post deadlines may vary. Entries to Department office deadline is April 30, 2011.
Criteria for judging of essays: * Originality * Adherence to theme * Literary composition
National Awards - VISA Gift Cards 6th Grade: 1st - $125 2nd - $100 3rd - $75 7th Grade: 1st - $150 2nd - $125 3rd - $100 8th Grade: 1st - $150 2nd - $125 3rd - $100 10th Grade: 1st - $375 2nd - $250 3rd - $150 11th Grade: 1st - $500 2nd - $375 3rd - $250 12th Grade: 1st - $500 2nd - $375 3rd - $250 All 9th Grade Department 1st place winners receive an all-expense paid trip to the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for a long weekend of youth oriented activities. Dynamic speakers and sightseeing are highlights of a trip that is sure to be long remembered. Co-sponsored by AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Vol. 14, No. 1
Entry Form Applications and essays should be returned to your local AMVETS Post or State Department. Please print legibly or type.
Student Information:
National Americanism Essay Contest in the ______ grade category. Name: _________________________________________ Birth Date ___/___/___ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-_____________ Name of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________ Name of School __________________________________ School Address: _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-____________ Teacher’s Name __________________________________ The following section must be completed and signed by the Department Americanism Officer or Executive Director. Essay entries must be submitted to the designated Department official. Only 1st place Department entries can be submitted to National Headquarters.
A letter from the appropriate Post Official must state: The attached 1st Place Essay is submitted for entry by: AMVETS/Ladies Auxiliary - Department/Post ______________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Telephone #: (_______)_______-__________ _______________________________ Signature Department Americanism Chairman _____________Date 11
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Veterans News & Updates Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service Sign Memorandum of Understanding WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2010) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will help both agencies improve the health status of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans. The IHS-VA MOU outlines a new plan for enhanced coordination, collaboration, and resource-sharing that will draw on the strengths and expertise of the two agencies. “This memorandum of understanding is a renewal of the important partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. It represents VA’s commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans through associations with the Indian Health Service and tribal facilities throughout the nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The partnership further expands VA’s capability to serve those Veterans within their communities and provides increased access for Veterans in extremely rural areas.” The MOU will facilitate greater innovation at the local level between IHS, tribal, urban and VA programs. While recognizing the importance of a coordinated effort on a national scope, the MOU also emphasizes the necessity and importance of tribal consultation for local adaptation. This will be accomplished by increasing available services, improving the delivery of care by sharing programs, developing new models of care using the latest technologies, providing culturally competent care for beneficiaries, and increasing the quality of care though training and workforce development. “This MOU between the IHS and VA provides a firm foundation for collaboration to meet the needs of the AI/AN Veterans who have served our nation,” said Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, IHS director. “It is an important step forward in our work to better serve all American Indian and Alaska Native people.” In addition, this agreement will address joint emergency, disaster, and pandemic preparedness and response planning. Implementation Work Groups will be established to address each of the main goals outlined in the MOU. An annual progress report will be produced by the VA and the IHS. The VA and the IHS are now organizing workgroups to make progress on implementing elements in the MOU as soon as possible to benefit veterans. Vol. 14, No. 1
The MOU expands the partnership initially established through a previous MOU in 2003 that improved communication between the agencies and tribal governments, and developed strategies for sharing information, services, and information technology.
VA Pilots Expedite Payments to Disabled Veterans WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2010) VA has launched two pilot programs to test new procedures that will speed the payment of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation benefits to Veterans with disabilities connected to their military service. These new programs are part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki’s effort to “break the back” of the disability claims backlog. “A fundamental goal in the transformation of VA’s claims processing is to make sure that Veterans receive in a timely manner the benefits they earned through their service to our Nation,” Shinseki said. “VA’s ambitious tests of numerous innovations reflect our commitment to constantly improving how we meet our mission of responsiveness to Veterans, their families and survivors.” The “Quick Pay” Disability Program at the St. Petersburg, Fla., Regional Office and the “Express Lane” Pilot, based at the Seattle, Wash., Regional Office, are among a number of new initiatives using reengineered and streamlined claims processes to provide Veterans with faster claims decisions and benefit payments. Secretary Shinseki established as one of VA’s highest priority goals the elimination of the disability claims backlog by 2015, so that all Veterans receive a quality decision on their claim in no more than 125 days. The “Quick Pay” Disability initiative is designed to speed disability compensation to Veterans who provide sufficient evidence at the time of claim submission to decide all or part of their claim. Since program launch, “Quick Pay” has paid more than $2 million in benefits to 1,656 Florida Veterans. These payments averaged $1,236 monthly and were made three months faster than the department’s 125-day goal. Under the “Express Lane” Pilot program based in the Seattle Regional Office, staff members are realigned to address disability claims based on claim complexity. Like a supermarket check-out “express lane,” small employee teams focus on rapidly processing numerous less complex claims that typically involve only one disability, thus freeing their co-workers to process the more complex and multiple-disability claims that demand the greatest level of unilateral effort. The “Express Lane” Pilot, while managed from Seattle, is also being tested at three additional
VA regional offices: Nashville, Tenn.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Muskogee, Okla. The St. Petersburg and Seattle pilots are among more than three dozen VA initiatives exploring optimal ways to organize and deliver benefits and improve service to veterans.
VA Launching New Personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is piloting new, personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks. The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled Veterans with the most relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility. In essence, each handbook will be written for the individual Veteran. “These handbooks will give Veterans everything they need to know and leave out everything that doesn’t apply to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Our Veterans will now have a comprehensive, easy to understand roadmap to the medical benefits they earned with their service.” In addition to highlighting each Veteran’s specific health benefits, the handbook also provides contact information for the Veteran’s preferred local facility, ways to schedule personal appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran’s responsibilities, such as copayments when applicable. “Enhancing access isn’t just about expanding the kinds of services VA provides. It also includes making sure we do everything we can to ensure Veterans have a clear understanding of the benefits available to them so they can make full use of the services they have earned,” Shinseki said. The new handbooks will initially be available only to certain Veterans in Cleveland and Washington, D.C., areas. Following the pilot phase, full implementation is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2011 for across the county.
VA Taking Life-Saving Campaign to the Streets WASHINGTON (Oct. 19. 2010)- Nearly 1,200 life-saving advertisements have gone up on city buses, bus shelters, rail and subway stations across the Nation displaying a message of hope for those who have served their country and may be facing an emotional crisis. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is advertising its Suicide Prevention Hotline through Jan. 9, 2011. “I know of one Veteran who saw these signs on a bus shelter, called the hotline, and came to VA 12
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
Veterans News & Updates, cont. for help that same day,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “That Veteran had been walking out to the desert to take his own life. There are thousands of other Veterans like him who are still with us today as a direct result of the hotline. It’s important that we get the word out to everyone who put their lives on the line in defense of this Nation.” Since its inception in July 2007, VA’s Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), has saved more than 10,000 Veterans and provided counseling for more than 180,000 Veterans and their loved ones at home and overseas. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained mental health professionals prepared to deal with immediate crises. The hotline also offers an anonymous online chat feature available at www.suicidepreventionhotline.org <http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org> . (Look for the chat feature in the upper right hand box.) While implemented for Veterans, any person who calls the hotline and needs help will receive it. VA has marketed the hotline through mass transit campaigns since summer of 2008, increasing the number of calls and lives saved with each city the campaign has reached. VA is partnering with Blue Line Media (www.BlueLineMedia.com) for the campaign, a transit advertising <http://www.bluelinemedia.com/transit-advertising-media_4.html> company that specializes in helping business and government tell their stories through transit advertising media, such as buses, bus shelters, benches, subways, trains, airports, billboards and more.
VA Tops $1B Mark in Recovery Act Distributions: Upgrades Include Energy Projects, Medical Facility Upgrades, and Cemetery Improvements WASHINGTON (Oct. 15, 2010)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has distributed more than $1 billion in funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, agency officials have announced. Recovery Act funding is being used to modernize and replace existing VA medical facilities, make improvements at national cemeteries and award Vol. 14, No. 1
grants to states for Veterans homes. “America’s Veterans are getting more modern, efficient and greener facilities that are better suited to provide them the comprehensive care and service they have earned,” VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. “These upgrades are possible through Recovery Act funds that are not only revitalizing VA’s extensive infrastructure, but also moving needed money into the economy,” he said. The funding is part of President Obama’s economic recovery plan to improve services to America’s Veterans. VA committed its total Recovery Act funds of $1.8 billion by July. To help Veterans access their care, Recovery Act projects at VA medical facilities are adding or improving more than 26,000 parking spaces. VA is also upgrading nearly 14,000 inpatient bed spaces and 16 pharmacy renovation projects will help Veterans get medicines quicker and more efficiently. More than 14,400 clinical improvement projects, some with multiple exam rooms, are being undertaken. Physical improvements to VA medical facilities include investments in energy efficiency projects; almost $400 million overall is targeted for energy projects and some $90 million for renewable energy studies and projects. VA is installing solar photovoltaic systems at facilities in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Dublin, Ga.; Calverton, N.Y.; and San Joaquin and Riverside, Calif. The department is erecting a wind turbine in Bourne, Mass., and constructing a geothermal system at its medical center in St. Cloud, Minn. Additionally, VA is building renewably fueled cogeneration systems at five medical facilities: Togus, Maine; White River Junction, Vt.; Chillicothe, Ohio; Loma Linda, Calif.; and Canandaigua, N.Y. It is also installing metering systems at all VA-owned facilities to monitor energy utilities, including electricity, water, chilled water, steam and natural gas consumption. VA is investing $197 million in energy and water infrastructure improvements. Its facilities across the country are upgrading properties and structures to reduce energy consumption and water usage and better manage related costs. Throughout VA’s system of 131 national cemeteries, 392 improvement projects are underway using $50 million in Recovery Act funding. VA is restoring and preserving 47 historic monuments and memorials, becoming more energy efficient by investing in renewable energy sources (solar and wind), implementing nine energy conservation projects, and improving access and visitor safety with 44 road, paving and grounds improvement projects.
Funds are also being used to raise, realign and clean approximately 200,000 headstones and markers, repair sunken graves, and renovate turf at 24 VA national cemeteries. VA Recovery Act grants totaling $150 million are also assisting states to construct, improve, or acquire nursing home, domiciliary or adult day health care facilities.
VA Testing Quicker Ways to Access Medical Records WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to significantly reduce the average time needed to obtain health-care records from private physicians with the help of a private contractor and the Internet to speed claims decisions. “Innovations that will speed, simplify or improve our services to Veterans are receiving rigorous tests at VA,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are committed to harnessing the best technology and the brightest minds in the government and private sector to ensure Veterans receive the benefits they have earned.” One innovation is using a private contractor to assist VA in collecting health-care records. When private medical records support a Veteran’s application for benefits, a contractor will quickly retrieve the records from the health-care provider, scan them into a digital format and send the material to VA through a secure transmission. This pilot project hopes to validate initial estimates that a specialized contract can yield records required to process Veterans’ disability compensation claims in seven to 10 days instead of VA’s average 40 days. In addition, the additional contract frees VA staff to focus on core duties to process claims more quickly. Exploring economical contract support for time savings is one of more than three dozen initiatives supporting VA’s claims transformation plan, which aims to ensure that by 2015, Veterans’ claims are decided within 125 days. VA officials emphasize that in all cases Veterans must sign documents approving the release of their medical records to the department from private health-care providers. The test is expected to involve about 60,000 records requests among regional benefits offices in Phoenix; New York City; St. Louis; Portland, Ore.; Chicago; Anchorage, Alaska; Indianapolis, and Jackson, Miss. At the conclusion of the test, VA officials will decide whether to cancel, modify, or expand any changes in procedures nationwide.
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Informational Letter on the Hastings, MN VA Home Investigation from Gilbert Acevedo; Deputy Commissioner Veterans Health Care, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
• Replaced the medical director and added a full-time nurse practitioner, allowing contract physicians to spend more time with each Resident. • Developed a clinic nurse position, allowing increased and easier access to physicians and nurse practitioners. • Emphasized communication techniques in staff training. • Conducted refresh training for all staff on addiction, chemical dependency and mental health disorders. • Began implementing a “person-centered care” model. As a result, any changes in medications or care are discussed with the Resident prior to implementation. • Hired a new physician and separated the role of attending physician and medical director. This allowed the attending physician to focus on Resident care and reduce overall caseloads for each provider. • Reviewed staffing levels to ensure immediate and full access to care for Residents. • Improved access to the Bill of Rights and Home policies for all Residents. In September 2010, the USDVA accepted our Corrective Action Plan and sent the Hastings Veterans Home a letter of full compliance. This letter means that the Home is certified and will continue to receive its Per Diem from the USDVA. In October 2010, following the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan, the Home received a letter from Senator Franken that included a memo from the USDVA substantiating retaliation. The Hastings Veterans Home and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs was not aware of and did not receive a copy of this memo from the USDVA, or the results of that investigation, until it was forwarded from Senator Franken. At this time we took immediate additional action by launching our own internal investigation and placing the director of nursing, administrator and his assistant on administrative leave. The investigation is currently on-going and we hope to have it completed in the near future. To uphold the integrity of the investigation process, we are not able to discuss any specifics until it is complete. However, I want to assure you that our top priority remains providing quality care for our nation’s heroes. We take pride in ensuring our Veterans and staff are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. It’s important to remember that this is not just a facility; this is home to our Veterans. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, we are taking action to improve the quality of care at the Home. Here are just a few examples: Vol. 14, No. 1
• All staff will complete mandatory special training on Resident rights, the Vulnerable Adult Act and specific facility policies; three mandatory training sessions are scheduled this month. • The Home is rewriting and updating its grievance policy; the new policy will be shared with Residents within 30 days, and staff will receive appropriate training immediately. • Self-administration of medications has been implemented, and a majority of Residents are pleased with the practice. • Discharge planning begins on the day of admission and is reviewed at the Residents’ care conferences; Residents are encouraged to attend their care conferences and participate in developing their discharge plan with the care team. • Residents are encouraged to participate in vocational rehabilitation and work therapy programs. Additionally, the Home’s focus on “person-centered care” has greatly increased the number of successful discharges. A Person-Centered Care Committee has been established and will meet weekly to identify areas of improvement and discuss implementation techniques. Goals of the committee include I-Centered Care Plans and fostering independence and communication between staff and Residents to assist them in meeting short and long-term goals. Thank you for your continued support. Again, the Department takes these findings very seriously and is working to quickly address and resolve them. As I mentioned earlier, we have zero tolerance for any behaviors and actions relating to retaliation. We remain committed to providing quality care and respect for Residents, Veterans and staff at all five of our State Veterans Homes. Gilbert Acevedo Deputy Commissioner Veterans Health Care Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
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Dear Valued Stakeholders, Over the last several days you may have seen media coverage of alleged retaliation at the Hastings Veterans Home. Some of this coverage has been inaccurate, and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with correct and up-to-date information. I want to assure you that the Minnesota Veterans Homes have zero tolerance for any behavior involving retaliation. We take all offenses of this nature very seriously and remain committed to providing the highest care possible for Minnesota Veterans. Upon learning of this issue, we have taken immediate action and launched our own internal investigation. In addition to making temporary staffing changes during this interim period, we have implemented a comprehensive Corrective Action Plan and are working closely with our Residents and staff to create an atmosphere of open dialogue and feedback. Our focus remains on improving operations and making the Hastings Veterans Home a place of honor for this nation’s heroes. To clear up some of the inaccuracies circulating, I have included a detailed timeline below, as well as examples of how we are addressing any issues related to care. This issue began when a non-Resident sent a letter to US Senator Al Franken, alleging several concerns at the Hastings Veterans Home. Senator Franken asked the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) to look into the allegations. In July 2010, the USDVA responded by conducting a survey where they interviewed staff and Residents at the Home. When it was complete, the Home received a copy of the survey. Although it showed that the survey team interviewed Residents and staff about the concern of retaliation, the survey did not substantiate any of those allegations. To address other findings in the survey, the Home responded with a Corrective Action Plan. Below are just a few examples of the changes we implemented at that time:
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Winter, 2011
Post Officers POST 1 COMMANDER Mark Kronholm 2184 Schoolmaster Dr. Chaska, MN 55318 612-708-1910 POST 1 ADJUTANT Kelly Nguyen 648 Marie Ave. Mendota Hts., MN 55118 651-406-8152 kellymnguyen@comcast.net POST 4 Commander David Graves 416 Steuben Street Winona, Mn 55987 507-454-1613 POST 4 ADJUTANT David Brand 320 1st Ave N Lewiston, MN 55952 507-523-2424 POST 5 Commander Raymond J. Rangel 2220 Conway Street Saint Paul, MN 55119 651-698-7273 POST 5 ADJUTANT Michael Medina 1618 Hague Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104 651-645-0587 POST 8 Commander John Washtock 43656 287th Lane Aitkin, MN 56431 218-927-6830 POST 8 ADJUTANT Lloyd Gerard 31142 380th St Aitkin, MN 56431 218-549‑3441 POST 10 COMMANDER Craig Maehling 1082 14th Ave SE Mpls, MN 55414 612-331-2593 Vol. 14, No. 1
POST 10 ADJUTANT Archie Webb 4285 Lindsey Lane Minnetonka, MN 55345 952-412-8044 amanatmn@comcast.net POST 11 COMMANDER Don Gilbert 24870 22nd Avenue St. Augusta, MN 56301 612-272-1557 POST 11 ADJUTANT Philip Landwehr 56 - 33rd Ave S #243 St Cloud, MN 56301320-253‑0703
POST 20 COMMANDER Eugene Koopmeiners 15722 390th Street Avon, MN 56310 320-746-7676
POST 26 ADJUTANT Tony Wasserbauer 1009 Third Street SW Crosby, MN 56441-1128 218-838-2659 tonydavmn22@centurylink.net
POST 53 COMMANDER Kenneth Weyaus 16004 Migizi Dr. Onamia, MN. 56359 320-532‑3632
POST 20 ADJUTANT T. Joseph Schwab 335 Golfview Drive Albany, MN 56307 320-845‑4848
POST 28 COMMANDER William J. Warren, Jr. 3678 Carlton Street Barnum, MN 55707 218-389-6014
POST 53 ADJUTANT Diane Nickaboine 19100 452nd Street Onamia, MN 56359
POST 21 COMMANDER Eugene Fohs 1233 Richard Ave. Det. Lakes, MN 56501 218-847‑4144
POST 28 ADJUTANT Gary Aho P.O. Box 35 Wrenshall, MN 55759 218-384-4587
POST 23 COMMANDER Tom Voge P.O. Box 81 Nerstrand, MN 55053 507-334-3238 skip46@dmbroadband.com
POST 31 COMMANDER Roger Stelter 16451 Snake Trail Road Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-7901 rstelter@hughes.net
POST 23 ADJUTANT Evelyn Hershberger 422 E Vine Owatonna, MN 55060 507-451-6091
POST 31 ADJUTANT Lyle Cromer 219 7th Ave. NE Waseca, MN 56093 507-833-7722
POST 13 COMMANDER Guy Streater 217 1/2 E Lake St Waconia, MN 55387 952-442-5002
POST 24 COMMANDER Al Busse 956 Cook Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55106 651-276-3899
POST 33 COMMANDER George Howard 1033 6th Avenue N., #6 Virginia, MN 55792 218-741-6474
POST 13 ADJUTANT Walter Schmakel 348 W. 4th St. Waconia, MN. 55387 953-442‑4272
POST 24 ADJUTANT Lawrence Dean 3385B Vadnais Lane, Vadnais Hts, MN 55127 651-484‑2837
POST 19 COMMANDER Janice Hinz 29676 Flower Valley Rd. Red Wing, MN 55066 651-338-2970
POST 26 COMMANDER Tammy Schroeder 19295 County HWY. 29 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 605-237-1397 normcharlie20@hotmail.com
POST 12 COMMANDER William Cogger 704 W 41st Street Hibbing, MN 55746 218-749-5187 amvets12@mchsi.com POST 12 ADJUTANT Dick Mattson 715 E. 39th Hibbing, MN. 55746 218-262‑1523
POST 19 ADJUTANT Joyce Maldondo N. 4003 U.S. Hwy. 63 Ellsworth, WI 54011 715-792-5407
POST 33 ADJUTANT Mike Holter 227 Hampshire Rd Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750 218-225-3377 POST 47 COMMANDER Ruth Perry 121 Fenton Road Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2245 lshaunce@smig.net POST 47 ADJUTANT Les Shaunce 528 Alice Ave. Albert Lea, MN. 56007 507-373‑0134
Post 101 Commander Bob Klug 21650 Blackduck Lake Rd Blackduck, MN 56630 218-835-4512 Post 101 Russ Kunkel 16563 N Blackduck Lake Rd NE Hines, MN 56647 218-835-4135 rnkunkel@paulbunyan.net POST 151 COMMANDER Gary Running 385 210th Avenue Appleton, MN 56208 320-289-1240 gmrunning@fedteldirect.net POST 151 ADJUTANT Dennis Kohlman 350 Rooney Ave W Appleton, MN 56208 320-289-3284 dennis.kohlman@mn.nab.army.mil Post 290 Commander Bob Lubenow 1375 90th St SW Appleton, MN 320-793-6773 POST 290 ADJUTANT Erv Krosch 509 E. 9th Street Morris, MN 56267 320-589-2916
POST 556 ADJUTANT Keith Hegstrom 56 N.W. 4th St. Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-464‑2497 Post 612 Commander Matthew Riewer 202 Willow Ave Frazee, MN 56544 218-334-2181 mriewer@yahoo.com Post 612 Adjutant Harriet Stech 33723 Peace River Ranch Rd Frazee, MN 56544 218-849-8882 harrietperez@hotmail.com POST 2000 COMMANDER Richard B. Salsbury 2205 Congress St S St Paul, MN 55075 651-451-1629 Post 2000 Adjutant Dale G. Larson 3256 70th St E Inver Grove Hts, MN 55076 651-455-6558 __________________ Additions or corrections to : kellymnguyen@ comcast.net AMVETS Dept. MN MN AMVETS News, Room 302 Veterans Service Building, 20 West 12th St., St. Paul, MN 55155
POST 556 COMMANDER Gerry Ewald 13735 Norellus Lane, Lindstrom, MN 55045 612-257‑5791 15
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The History of American Veterans T
ruly AMVETS was born in the midst of war, for it was in August 1943, with victory still two years away, that a new organization, later to be known as the American Veterans of World War II, had its beginning. Overseas, the tide of battle was turning. The Allies had swept through North Africa and Sicily. In the Pacific, fighting raged in New Guinea. Thousands of Americans had made the supreme sacrifice. Hundreds of others were being mustered out of uniform with battle wounds and medical discharges. These men who fought in history’s greatest war found it natural to seek each other’s company. They were united by similar experiences ... in jungles, in the Arctic, in deserts, on mountains, at sea and in the skies. Thus, out of such comradeship, AMVETS came to be formed in Washington, D.C., two independent veterans clubs, one on the campus of George Washington University, the other of veterans employed by the government, joined together to sponsor a servicemen’s party. By September 1944, other such veterans’ clubs organized throughout America—in California, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas.
afford.” President Truman also commented, “Were I a veteran of this war, I would prefer to have a veteran of World War II looking after my affairs, than a veteran of some other war.”
On November 11, 1944, a Veterans Day article entitled “12,000,000 in Search of a Leader” appeared in Collier’s. This story, written by Walter Davenport, introduced the clubs and outlined their three mutual aims: to promote world peace, to preserve the American way of life and to help the veteran help himself. In December, 18 leaders representing these nine groups met in Kansas City, Mo. There, a national organization was formed and on December 9, 1944, the name “American Veterans of World War II” was chosen. The word AMVETS, coined by newspaper headline writers, soon became the official name. The white clover, a flower that thrives in freedom throughout the world and is symbolic of the struggle during World War II, became the adopted flower of AMVETS.
For nearly 10 years, AMVETS did not accept into membership servicemen and women who served after May 7, 1975. On May 31, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Public Law 98-304, which amended AMVETS’ congressional charter to open membership to those who served honorably and actively after May 7, 1975. AMVETS is now the only congressionally chartered veterans’ service organization that recognizes the sacrifices of these veterans and service persons by extending membership eligibility to them.
In October 1945, two months after the end of World War II, the first national convention was convened in Chicago. In 1946, AMVETS petitioned Congress for a federal charter. AMVETS, having displayed dignity and a sound approach to national problems, won the deep respect of Congress and on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the AMVETS charter. The words of the Senate Judiciary Committee echoed throughout the land: “The veterans of World War II are entitled to their own organization” and AMVETS being “organized along sound lines and for worthy purposes ... having demonstrated its strength and stability is entitled to the standing and dignity which a national charter will
When the war broke out in Korea and again in Vietnam, AMVETS requested Congress to amend the charter so that those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces would be eligible for membership. On September 14, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill redefining the eligibility dates for AMVET membership, stating “Any person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or any American citizen, as an American citizen, who served in the armed forces of an allied nation of the United States at anytime after September 15, 1940, and on or before the date of cessation of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States, is eligible for regular membership in AMVETS, provided such service when terminated by discharge or release from active duty be by honorable discharge or separation.” On May 7, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Proclamation 4373, terminating the Vietnam era and announcing the cessation of hostilities. Effective May 8, 1975, the armed forces became a peacetime service.
At the 46th and 47th national conventions, the contributions made by the National Guard and Reserve forces were recognized and membership eligibility was extended to include all ready reserves. Membership in AMVETS is now open to any person who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or who has served actively and honorably at anytime after Sept. 15, 1940, including all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are now serving or have been honorably discharged since that date. At the 49th National Convention in 1993, the eligibility of merchant marines who served this country in time of war was addressed and approved. Merchant marines who are considered veterans and eligible for VA benefits (and have received a DD-214 from either the Navy or the Coast Guard) are eligible for AMVET membership.