The Minnesota American Veterans News Volume 14Number 2 Spring, 2011Chartered by Act of Congress, July 23, 1947
Commander’s Column
Commander Kelly Nguyen
From Commander Kelly
I
hope all are doing well. I have been busy this last month. I went to the 4th National District meeting and National Commander Hotop’s Testimonial in Missouri. There we held a round table for programs and membership. It was very informative. It was said, “in order to ‘recruit’ new members, you need to have functions that include the families in the communities”. It is the younger veterans/servicemen/women that we need to target as new members in our posts. This is why it is important to have your functions geared more for the younger families. In your areas, you may want to think of how this can help your local post and what you can do to make it happen. It can be a simple dinner or you may get your community involved in a larger event. When you do have your planned events, try to have a membership booth of some sort set up with information on our American Veterans organization. I then went to our Nation’s Capitol for our NEC meeting. I witnessed testimony to the Senate panel for Veterans Affairs, given by our National Commander Jerry Hotop. We later presented Representative Phil Roe – Tennessee, with the AMVETS Silver Helmet, a prior-service military doctor, for his work as both a military healthcare practitioner and a legislator. As a critical majority member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Roe has introduced, cosponsored and voted to pass critical laws like the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, requiring Congress to appropriate funding to VA a year in advance, ensuring that budget battles do not impair the quality of care veterans receive. To help protect the sanctity of the final resting places of those who served, Roe also cosponsored the Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act, criminalizing the act of vandalizing veteran gravesites. It was a great ceremony to witness. Commonly referred to as “The Veterans’ Oscar”, the Silver Helmet is a unique replica of a WWII GI’s helmet. The first Silver Helmet was presented to Gen George C Marshall in 1954 at the AMVETS 10th Anniversary Dinner in recognition of his contributions as a soldier, statesman, and American. Today, the award recognizes excellence and outstanding accomplishment in the fields of Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and civil service. There were four more presented at the 57th anniversary of the Silver Helmet awards banquet. This year’s Silver helmet was part of AMVETS “LZ:DC”, a week in which the AMVETS family converged on Capitol Hill to advocate for American Heroes,
honor the sacrifices of those who have gone before, and recognize champions of veterans’ services. Since my return to Minnesota, I have been on the phone with several sites who are looking to charter a new post. I look forward to them coming on board. I am hoping it will be done by the time of our Department Convention in May. At the convention we will be addressed by Past National Sons Commander, Mike Mrzlak, on our Sons of AMVETS organiza- Kelly Nguyen tions. For those who do not know, the eligibility for membership Commander AMVETS in the Sons of AMVETS shall be limited to all male descendants, Department of Minnesota grandsons, adopted sons and stepsons, fathers, husbands, widowers, and brothers of members of AMVETS and the deceased members of AMVETS, or the personnel who died and would have been eligible for membership in the parent organization, and are at least eighteen (18) years of age and is not eligible for membership in the parent organization. This is not to include in-laws of any type. Continued on page 3
What’s Inside
State Officers/Post Meeting Locations..........Page 2 More from Your Commander........................Page 3 Membership Application................................Page 4 Officers Reports............................................. Page 5 Newly Elected Officers....................................Page 5 Taps..................................................................Page 6 Post Reports.....................................................Page 7 Veteran’s News & Updates.............................Page 9 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
State Officers
Department Commander Kelly Nguyen 648 Marie Avenue W. Mendota Hts., MN 55118 651-216-4200 kellymnguyen@comcast.net
Finance Officer/NEC Mike Cook 6175 132nd Way, Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-956-2211 cookkitt@aol.com
Dept. 1st Vice Cmdr Allen Elsbury 3328 Corliss Trail Rosemount, MN 55068 651-322-7489 aelsbury@frontiernet.net
Judge Advocate Ray Gerving 763-493-6570
Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Lawrence Dean 651-484-2837 Adjutant/Executive Director/ Finance Man Craig Maehling 1082 14th Avenue SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-331-2593
1-Year Trustee Allen Weyaus PO Box 647, Onamia, MN 56359-0647 320-630-2988 2-Year Trustee Ray Rangel 2220 Conway St., St Paul, MN 55119 651-698-7273
Chaplain Tammy Schroeder 19295 County Hwy 29 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (605)237-1397
3-Year Trustee Bill Naseth 1009 East Avenue Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-8230 daybreakwill@twincities.mn
Immediate PDC Mike Cook 6175 132nd Way Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-956-2211 cookkitt@aol.com
Service Officer Chuck Conroy 9285 Robert Trail South Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 651-455-6906 Public Relations Officer Roger Stelter 16451 Snake Trail Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-7901 rstelter@hughes.net Alternate NEC Dick Volkert 2400 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-454-4422
Hospital Service Foundation Position Open
Dept. White Clover Princess Jayme Conroy conro059@d.umn.edu Provost Marshall Greg Davis 304 2nd St SW, Hinckley, MN 55037 320-532-7731 greg.davis@state.mn.us
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 Bldg. 48-1 ADHC 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. East 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. 2
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 - - - Spring, 2011
Commander Kelly’s Message, cont. The Sons of AMVETS runs under their own charter. This is another way to involve the families of your members. The Sons’ I have met have been committed to helping our veterans and their causes. It would be great to see as many Sons’ squadrons in this Department as there are Posts. The motto I have heard and seen when associated with the Sons’ is: “When you want it done, ask a Son”. I have seen what they are about while at these National functions and their accomplishments are quite impressive, both for our organization, as well as for our veterans’. We may have a Riders Commander from National, as well, at the May convention. For our AMVETS Riders’ family, it is open to all members in good standing of the AMVETS, AMVETS Auxiliary, and the Sons of AMVETS who are the registered owner of a motorcycle, or the spouse of a registered owner within the state of registration. You must provide proof before your membership application is approved, that you are legally permitted to operate a motorcycle in your respective state, a valid state motorcycle registration, and proof that you are insured according to the state laws. Those posts interested in starting a Riders Chapter should contact the Department office and there will also be information provided at the convention. For those Posts who have yet to introduce having a Ladies Auxiliary, please consider this, as well. To be eligible for the Ladies Auxiliary, the member must be related to a member of AMVETS, related to a deceased veteran who would be eligible for AMVETS, or a female veteran. The relationships are a wife (regardless of age), daughter (at least 18 years of age), mother (regardless of age), grandmother (regardless of age), sister(at least 18 years of age) or granddaughter (at least 18 years of age). The term “Mother” shall be construed so as to include any female guardian of such person or deceased veteran who has exercised or is exercising the care and responsibility for the rearing of such person or deceased veteran. The term “Daughter” in the case of a stepdaughter will include a person who was a dependent of an AMVET or deceased veteran prior to attaining 18 years of age. We held our SEC on Saturday, February 5th. We were honored with the presence of our PNC Ed Kemp from Iowa and 4th National District Commander Arnie Miller and his wife, Jan. We held my testimonial dinner later in the evening where they all honored me with a certificate from the 4th National District and their kind words. I was very humbled. During our February meeting, I was saddened to have our Finance Officer Tom Voge resign. Since PDC Mike Cook and I are on the signature card, I asked PDC Cook to take over for the interim, as a smooth transition with the banks, until our convention in May. He accepted and it was approved on our floor of the SEC. PDC Cook has been working with a solicitor to raise money for our Department. The intentions of this solicitor is to allow us to donate more money to our veterans causes and to allocate funds for our officers, Commander, 1st and 2nd Vice to attend all 4th National District and National meetings. It is something that has been discussed at our meetings throughout the last few years so that these officers Vol. 14, No. 2
can see the ‘bigger picture’. They need to see where our National organization is moving and keep up. We are very excited to announce that we submitted in a charter application for Post 26 in Brainerd. This post is rechartering after several years of being dormant. They are under new leadership, Commander Tammy Schroeder, who is also my Department Chaplain. I am very proud of her taking this on and the progress they have been doing with this transition. She has introduced more members than needed to achieve this revalidation of their charter. She is driven by a fire and I am sure we will all see great things from her in the coming years and the Post. We also received notice that three other areas in our Department have asked to charter. This is very exciting and I have asked our PDC Mike Cook to help with the mentoring, as I was the one who sent them the initial information when PDC Cook was commander. My Office Manager John Austin has been in recent contact with them to move forward. I asked PDC Cook to take on the mentorship with one, with my help of course, since they were interested with coming on board during his leadership year. One post is in Pelican Rapids, northwest of the Cities and another is in Alexandria, center of the state. Our goal for these new posts are to be chartered by our National Convention in August.
We have another post that wants to come back on board up in the White Fish area in the northeastern part of the state. This is quite exciting to have them back with us as a post. With this, I must admit, Minnesota is really shining as a viable state for our AMVETS and National sees this. At our May convention, we will judge all the Post winning Americanism contest winners for Flag Posters, Posters, and Essays. This year’s theme is “Why Is It Important to Vote?”. They were judged by our 2nd Vice and his committee. This is a scholarship program thru National. The winner of each category for the Department will receive a check from Department and their entry will be forwarded to National for their judging, done at the National Convention in St Louis, MO in August. Go to www.amvets.org hover over ‘Programs’ and click on ‘Americanism’ in the drop down box for more information on each of these contests. We revised our Department by-laws this year at the May convention. The last revision was May 2009, approved by National in July, 2009. Yours in AMVETS, Kelly Nguyen
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Preamble AMVETS Constitution We, the American veterans, who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II, fully realizing our responsibilities to our community, to our state, and to our nation, associate ourselves for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States; to safeguard the principles of freedom, liberty and justice for all; to promote the cause of peace and goodwill among nations; to maintain inviolate the freedom of our country; to preserve the fundamentals of democracy; to perpetuate the friendship and as‑ sociations of these veterans; and to dedicate ourselves to the cause of mutual assistance, this by the grace of God. Vol. 14, No. 2
Send check or money order to:
* A national minimum amount that may vary from state to state or from post to post. AMVETS Membership Department 20 W. 12th St., Rm. 302 St. Paul, MN 55155 651-293-1212 4
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Officer’s Reports 1st Vice Commander
National Executive Committee Report
s I have decided to run for Commander of the Department of Minnesota, I thought I should tell you a little bit about myself. I am a combat veteran. I served in the 101st Airborne Infantry in Vietnam I Corps from 1969-1970. Stateside, I was an enlisted aide to Lt. Gen John Northon, Combat Development Command at Fort Belfoir, VA and the Pentagon. I am Past Commander of Post 1, where I served this position for three years. At present, I am Judge Advocate for our Post. I have done the Chairs at Department for the last six years. At present, I am the Department 1st Vice Commander. I thank you for your support and your vote at our Department convention in May. On a personal note, I would like to share that I have been married 41 years. We married in between my tours in Vietnam. I have the support of my wife and my Post. I would like to see more involvement from other Posts than those that are always present and involved. I know there are good officers and members at the local Post level. I thank you for your support at our Department Convention. I look forward to the coming year and looking forward to working with each of you. One of the positions open is the Finance Officer. As I said, there are many good, qualified people at the local levels; please consider this and other positions in the Department.
nother National 4th District meeting has come and gone. Unlike the Fall NEC meeting this one was a few days longer. We had an opportunity to go to Capitol Hill and watch and listen to our National Commander speak to a joint session of congress on veteran’s issues. He spoke in regard to the VA Hospital’s programs for integrating our warriors back in to civilian life in general, and into family life in particular. National Commander Hotop also talked about the need to increase funding for Gulf War illness, the need for additional funding for VA Blind Rehabilitation Service’s and Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs). The congressional committee members were very attentive and promised to make the suggestions a top priority. The chairman of The Joint Senate and House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Congressman Dr. Phil Roe, was also the recipient of the Silver Helmet Award. The ceremony took place at the Cannon House Office Building. Upon giving the Award to Congressman Roe, National Commander Jerry Hotop stated "In a very short time on Capital Hill Congressman Roe has established himself as a knowledgeable and stalwart advocate for America's brave military men, women and our veterans." Programs Director Beryl Love reported that programs were continuing to increase throughout the six Districts, but there was a lot more work to be done. Beryl continued by saying that QUALITY PROGRAMS done at the Post, Department and District levels, "Are the vehicles that AMVETS use to increase the quality of life for all military men, women, and veterans.” Like we all know, even one program, or one hour of volunteerism, for our warriors and veterans is very important. We need to challenge ourselves to look for new ways to continue to develop new programs to help our military and veteran families. I encourage every AMVET in Minnesota to take another look at the AMVETS programs and pamphlets to see what programs might work in your community. Post commanders should get together with your 2nd vice and brainstorm for new ideas to get the AMVET name out in your communities, because new programs lead to new members. Phil Ledwell, Membership Director, took a different approach to signing up new members and especially to getting new young members. Phil’s message was to have Post and Department Commanders and 1st Vices go to college campuses to recruit new members. Phil also said to try to make it to as many “Stand Downs” as possible to let the veterans know who the AMVETS are and what makes us different from all the other veterans organizations. As we all know, as long as a war is fought abroad, a veteran is qualified to be in the VFW, if they have been in harms way, and the American Legion if you served during a military conflict. However, when the war is over and we are at peace, the only organization that will accept you is AMVETS because we accept anyone who has served honorably. One point that Phil hit very hard, was when officers in the organization stay in the same position year after year after year it sends the wrong message to the young and new members. It says to them, why should I be an active member of this organization if there is no chance of moving up the ladder. On a very sad note, the AMVETS organization has a heavy heart. As a result of a freak accident, our national Provost Marshal, Eugene Meyer, died in a house fire. He was a friend of mine and when I first started going to national NEC meetings and National Conventions he was always there to help. He helped me learn and understand the inner workings of AMVETS. I will miss him dearly.
By Allen Elsbury
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I
f you’ve lost your DD214 or other important service record page you might be missing and would like to retrieve a certified copy, this website will get the forms back to you much quicker than the 4-6 weeks it has routinely taken in the past.
By Mike Cook, NEC
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Officers Elected at the Department Convention Commander Allen Elsbury
Vol. 14, No. 2
1st Vice Rich Anderson
Judge Advocate Mike Medina
2nd Vice Joe Mauricio
Service Officer Chuck Conroy
Finance Officer Mike Nelson
Provost Marshall Suzanne Erkel
Finance Chair Nick Basarich
3-Year Trustee Kelly Nguyen 5
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Taps Post 1 Bruce Goers - 2-20-2011 Joseph Saunders - 10-31-2010 We must be grateful that by the service of these AVMETS in the Armed Forces of the United States
Post 4 - Edward Kohner - 3-6-2011 Post 5 Harry W. Gurrola - 1-12-2011 Leo Munos - 3-5-2011 Post 11 - Ross Jorgensen - 1-16-2011
of America, we are
Post 23
truly a free people
Richard K. Charlton - 1-10-2011
in a free land.
Frank Buckles Last Surviving WWI Veteran
F
rank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, passed away on February 27, 2011 at his West Virginia home. He was 110. Buckles enlisted in the Army on Aug. 14, 1917 at the age of 16. Buckles earned the rank of Corporal before he was discharged in 1920. Mr. Buckles was buried with full military honors on March 15th at Arlington National Cemetery. President Obama issued the following proclamation for March 15th, the day of Mr. Buckles interment: BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION; As a mark of respect for the memory of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, and in remembrance of the generation of American veterans of World War I, I hereby order…on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff.
Vol. 14, No. 2
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Post Reports Post 1
Commander Mark Kronholm:
P
ost 1 has been busy. In the last few months, we have increased our gaming operations to five sites. As of May 1, we will have six sites. It keeps us busy and we are able to donate more to the VA’s, Fisher House, Muskies Inc., youth athletic teams, scholarship programs at schools and many other areas in our community. On Super Bowl Sunday, we made our 28th annual trip to the VA Home in Minneapolis to bring snacks and goodies to eat in the cafeteria. We have enjoyed going out each year to share this day and visit with the residents. Our next trip out to the VA Home in Minneapolis will be the first weekend in May for the Fishing Opener. Our Post, along with the VFW 6690 and American Legion Post, that reside under one roof in Mendota, put this on. The DNR stocks a pool of fish for the residents to fish out of. Once they make a catch, it is immediately cleaned and fried. It is a great time for all. In past years, they have had the old Model A’s and Model T’s present for spectators to ride on and/or look at. With May coming up, we will be heading out to five local cemeteries to pay tribute to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our Post teams up once again, with the VFW and the American Legion in these ceremonies. At noon, we raise the flags throughout town and have a luncheon. Our Post helps the VFW each third Sunday with steak fries at the Post. It is a great steak that is grilled to your liking out back and brought to you at your table in the bar. It is served with a baked potato, salad, dinner roll, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and dessert. If you ever happen to be coming through Mendota on the third Sunday of any month, please stop in and enjoy a dinner. We continue to go to the Hastings VA Home, which we have been doing for the last 28 years, to call bingo on the third Tuesday of each month. The residents there enjoy the treats we bring and getting together to play bingo. We also call the bingo at the VAMC in Minneapolis. Until recently, we had been dealing blackjack for the patients there. I hope this finds you well. It was a pleasure seeing you at the Department Convention in May.
to honor our veterans and families, our youth, the needy and disabled through local programs. Lawful purpose expenditures for the months Aug-Dec 2010 enabled us to donate over $10,000 to these areas.
Post 26
Commander Tammy Schroeder:
T
he Roland A. Moore Amvets Post 26 had their first meeting October 7th, 2010. The meeting was a total success. After the meeting we served a pot of chili and we stayed and talked until we closed the Legion Club that night. The veterans of Brainerd area came together to become the AMVETS. We wanted our Post rechartered. At the November meeting we got a great Adjutant Tony Wasserbauer. Tony was an AMVET many years ago. He is a Past District Commander as well. Jim Koster became First Vice. Jim is the Post top recruiter for getting new members. We had MAL members and we needed 10 new members to get re-chartered. Our goal was to do it by December 2010. During the month of December the post had two meetings. We also had 13 new members and eight MAL members signed up. We had met our goal by December 16th, 2010. We could not have done this without the help of the Department Adjutant John Austin. Mr. Austin helped our post from day one. He was there for our Post 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He always returned phone calls in a timely manner. The Post looks forward to working with Mr. Austin in the coming year. The Post voted to change the meeting location and time. Starting in January 2011, we will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Brainerd VFW Post. At the January 2011 meeting we talked about the upcoming year. We talked about how to increase membership. One way was
to have all girls, 13 and younger, who are related to members of the Post to be the White Clover Princesses. They would ride in a pick-up in the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades. The parents would provide the tiaras and clothing. At the February meeting we talked more about the parades and our Post jackets. The members voted down matching pants, belts and ties. The new meeting is working out well. Most members are retired, so having a meeting in the daytime works out well.
Post 101
B
lack Duck members talked with the Blackduck Elementary students about the flag. We taught them the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’, explained flag etiquette, talked about the history of the flag, and did a question and answer time with them which was very interesting! We shared with three classes: first, second and third grade. The students made us some great thank you notes! Many of the students were intrigued by the fact that you fly the flag upside down if you are in trouble - they had all these little scenarios about when that might happen, and what if your ship was upside down! We gave each of them a parade flag, also. Pictured below: Members are (in order) Martin Bradseth, Russ Kunkel, Membership Director, Mike Burns, Service Officer, Bob Klug, Commander, and Al Metz, Sgt. at Arms. Post reports continued on next page
Post 12
Michael A. Pistilli:
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MVETS of Hibbing, Minnesota 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”. We continue Vol. 14, No. 2
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Post Reports Post 556
Commander Jerry Ewald:
W
e are not doing too well in the recruiting department and yet we remain active as far as Veterans concerns are involved. We joined with the VFW and AM-Legion in honoring Veterans causes. My Post has recently lost, to cancer, one of our members. He was a person to be proud of as a Veteran and as a comrade and a member of AMVETS. Once again we intend to hold pancake breakfasts in June, July and August to replenish our assets in order to donate to worthwhile causes like our Veterans. Hopefully we will be able to recruit from the ranks of Vets coming home from their tours in where ever they were. It’s time for it.
Post 612
Commander Matthew Riewer:
W
e have had an exciting first year since our chartering at the beginning of the year. We had four significant fund-raisers. On January 9th, we had a chili feed and silent auction at the Third Crossing Bar & Lounge following the
Eagle Lake Tumble Fishing Tournament. On May 31st we had the 2nd annual Drifter Memorial Day Ride, in which we honored local fallen soldiers such as SSG Josh Hanson, SSG Greg Riewer and all who have fallen defending our freedom. This event was the largest fundraiser for the year and we had 116 motorcycles take part in the event. On September 25th we held a Freedom Ride in conjunction with Frazee’s annual Fall Festival. We had a Motorcycle Rally with a free will offering for a meal following the event at the Frazee VFW Post 7702. Our final fundraiser for the year was a ticket raffle. We raffled off sporting goods and sold over 300 tickets. We are very pleased with the results and are planning for more raffles in the future. Our goals for 2010 were to raise money to allow us to become financially viable and able to make donations to the community and help veteran causes as much as we can. We have made small donations to the community, while looking forward to more contributions this year. We also hope to participate in some of the AMVETS programs this year. It will all depend on our efforts in gaining active members. We especially look forward to working with our Frazee youth to
make them aware of the AMVETS Americanism Program. We must help build pride in our community for all that Veterans have done for our country and our way of life. We have had a very successful 2010 in regards to fundraisers and will continue the above fundraisers and hopefully add to them as we continue to strengthen the financial status of the Post. As we move forward into 2011 we have many goals to help and support the Veterans of VFW Post 7702, the Post we call home. We have attended their meetings to hear their needs and concerns. We are working towards getting dress uniforms to aid the VFW members with military funerals, parades and events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Our main goal for the beginning of the year is recruiting and retention. For our main fundraiser event, the 3rd Annual Drifter Memorial Day Ride, we plan on having a membership drive during the registration for the ride. We plan on giving eligible Veterans a discount on the ride entry fee if they sign up as a member of our Post. Here’s to a healthy and successful year for all Posts.
MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs - 2010/2011 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. 2
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Post 23
Jim Steinbauer, of Post 23, created 24 cribbage boards that were donated to the Veterans Homes last December. Post 23 also donated a deck of cards for each cribbage board.
Check us out online www.mn-amvets.org
Post Highlight Minnesota AMVETS Home Programs Membership Events Department Officers Commander - Kelly Nguyen 1st Vice - Allen Elsbury 2nd Vice - Lawrence Dean ADJ/Office Mgr - John Austin Finance - Mike Cook Judge Advocate - Ray Gerving Provost Marshall- Greg Davis Service Officer - Chuck Conroy Public Relations - Roger Stelter NEC - Mike Cook Hospital Service Foundation - Dennis Reinhold Finance Committeeman Craig Maehling 1-year Trustee - Allen Weyaus 2-year Trustee - Ray Rangel 3-year Trustee - Bill Naseth AMVETS National Website AMVETS National Events Department of Minnesota 20 West 12th Street, Room 302 St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 293-1212 Office Email
AITKIN
ONAMIA
Post 8 American Legion Post #86 20 1st Ave Northeast Aitkin, MN 56431 (218) 549-3441
Post 53 Grand Casino 777 Grand Avenue Onamia, MN 56359 (320) 532-3855
ALBANY
OWATONNA
Post 20 Ranger Bar P.O. Box 660 Albany, MN 56307-0660 (320) 845-4848
Post 23 VFW Post 3723 135 Oakdale Street Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 334-3238 skip46@dmbroadband.com
ALBERT LEA Post 47 American Legion 142 North Broadway Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-5006 Appleton Post 151 448 South Munsterman Appleton, MN 56208 (320) 752-4200
RED WING Post 19 American Legion 218 West 4th Street Red Wing, MN 55066 (715) 792-6730 ST. CLOUD
Black Duck
Post 11 ADHC - VA Medical Center 4801 North 8th Street St. Cloud, MN 56303 (320) 253-8687
Post 101
ST. PAUL
BRAINERD Post 26 American Legion 708 Front Street Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-8354 CARLTON
Post 5 Baker Recreation Center 209 West Page Street St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 698-7273 Post 24 American Legion Post 474 72 East Ivy Avenue St. Paul, MN 55117 (651) 484-2837
Visit us online at www.mn-amvets.org On the State Level REMINDER: Minnesota’s disabled veterans are able to use public transportation throughout Minnesota at no charge.
M
Call
612-467-1991
or visit va.gov/ healtheligibility/ application/ IDCard.asp
innesota’s disabled veterans are now able to use public transportation throughout Minnesota at no charge. The transit benefit went into effect July 1, 2009. Disabled veterans need to show an identification card to bus operators of any fixed-route service in the state, including Metro Transit and suburban transit providers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, as well as regular-route services in Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and Mankato. Mn/DOT oversees and funds transit service outside of the Twin Cities metro area. “The transit providers in Greater Minnesota are an important part of our multi-modal transportation system,” said Commissioner Tom Sorel. “I appreciate that the fixed-route transit providers are acknowledging the contributions of our disabled veterans by offering them free service.” In the Twin Cities area, this benefit is also available on the Hiawatha light-rail line and on the Northstar commuter rail line, which will begin operations late this year between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis. There are approximately 50,000 disabled veterans in Minnesota. The free ride benefit also extends to a personal care attendant who may be assisting a disabled veteran as they travel. To qualify for the free rides, disabled veterans must show a veterans identification card issued by a VA Medical Center with the words “Service Connected” or the initials “SC” below the photo. The cards are available at the VA medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud. Call 612-467-1991 or visit va.gov/healtheligibility/application/IDContinued on the next page Card.asp for more information.
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!
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
On the State Level, cont.
Veterans News & Updates - On the F
Governor Dayton Announces retired Major General Larry Shellito to Lead the Department of Veterans Affairs
New Tricare Program Offers Coverage for Young Adults Under 26
Respected former Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard to direct agency serving veterans and their families St. Paul, MN —Governor Mark Dayton today announced the appointment of retired Major General Larry Shellito, who recently retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, to lead the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Major General Shellito is widely regarded as a strong and dynamic leader who is respected for his dedication to our nation’s service men and women. During his seven years at the helm of the Minnesota National Guard, Major General Shellito helped build a national reputation for the Guard, which is the nation’s fifth largest National Guard formation with more than 14,000 members, operating 63 facilities across Minnesota. He was instrumental in establishing the “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program” – a project on which he worked cooperatively and closely with then-United States Senator Dayton. "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" is a nationally-recognized program to reintegrate National Guard and Reserve military service members following deployments. As Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Major General Shellito’s years of experience and leadership will ensure this critical agency is both innovative and responsive to the needs of our veterans and their families. The Department is charged with assisting the state’s 381,000 veterans and their dependents. “I am delighted to appoint General Larry Shellito to head the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Governor Dayton said. “While a US Senator and a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I worked closely with General Shellito on many projects, including my picnics for the families of Minnesota National Guard Members heroically serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and obtaining the first Congressional funding for the Guard’s pioneering ‘Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’ program.” “I know General Shellito has a deep personal commitment to improving the quality of services for all Minnesota veterans and to increasing access to them. I look forward to working closely with him during the next four years to better serving the Minnesotans, who have served our country so well.” “I am honored to be a part of a proud Minnesota tradition of service to our veterans and their families at the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Major General Shellito. “I’ve worked with Governor Dayton for many years, and know firsthand his commitment and dedication to our veterans and their families through his tireless efforts to help establish the ‘Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’ program. Together, we will ensure that our veterans are both well-cared for and honored for their service.” Major General Shellito began his military career in 1968 when he enlisted in the United States Army, where his active duty service included time in Vietnam. In 1973, he enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he served for 37 years until his retirement in 2010. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star among many others. Before accepting the post of Adjutant General, Shellito served as President of Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minnesota. Major General Shellito holds degrees from Moorhead State University and University of Minnesota, and is a graduate of the Army War College. He and his wife, Evonne, currently reside in Woodbury, MN. They have two adult daughters and three grandchildren. Vol. 14, No. 2
D
oD announced today the Tricare Young Adult (TYA) program is now open for enrollment with coverage beginning May 1, 2011. Military dependents under 26, unmarried, and not eligible for their own employer-sponsored health care coverage may be qualified to purchase TYA, which offers Tricare Standard coverage, for monthly premiums of $186, as long as their sponsor is still eligible for Tricare. Those eligible for TYA who have been saving receipts since Jan. 1, 2011, in anticipation of the new program, can also pay all premiums back to January to purchase coverage retroactively. Beneficiaries can find out where to send their form and payment by filling out the simple profile at http://www.tricare.mil to get information tailored to their specific location. Once the initial three-month fee is made, monthly premiums must be paid in advance through automated electronic payment. When the application is processed, Tricare coverage will begin the first day of the following month. However, since TYA was “fast-tracked” to begin enrollment as soon as systems changes, forms, premiums and other rules governing the program were approved and in place, a short term waiver will allow coverage back to May 1, 2011, as long as enrollment forms and payment are received (not postmarked) by the regional contractor prior to May 31, 2011. After getting a welcome letter and enrollment card, dependents and their sponsor should visit uniformed services identification (ID) card issuing facility to obtain a dependent ID card. This card will identify eligibility for health care, prescriptions and access to military installations for the dependent. Nearby ID card facilities can be found through a link at http://www. tricare.mil/tya . A Prime benefit will be available later this year. To get e-alerts on TYA and other Tricare news, sign up at http://www.tricare.mil/subscriptions .
New VA Support Line Provides Important Assistance to Caregivers Benefits and Support Information a Phone Call Away
WASHINGTON (Feb. 8, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of Veterans of all eras. “The families and loved ones who care for severely injured Veterans deserve the highest level of support,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “At VA, we consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and rehabilitate our nation’s heroes.” The National Caregiver Support Line -- 1-855-260-3274 -- will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information. The line unofficially started Feb. 1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134 referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls from caregivers themselves. “VA has been providing support for the caregivers of Veterans for more than seven decades,” Shinseki added. “We already have more than two dozen successful programs, policies and services that support the caregivers of Veterans of all ages.” The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are Veterans.
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Federal Level The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time. Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line. Local caregiver support coordinators are available to assist Veterans and their caregivers to understand and apply for VA’s many caregiver benefits. VA also features a Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov <http://www.caregiver.va.gov/>, with general information on other caregiver support programs available through VA and the community. Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of Veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving. For an opportunity to get to know a few of today’s remarkable caregivers of Veterans, go to h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r / veteranshealthadmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE.
SCRA Provides Special Options for Servicemembers What is the SCRA?
T
he SCRA, which allows active military members to suspend or postpone some civil financial obligations, was signed into law on December 19, 2003, amending the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940. Designed to assist and protect important rights of active duty military members and reservists who are in active federal service, the SSCRA had not included members of the National Guard. Already previously eligible for Freddie Mac relief options, National Guard members called to active state duty in response to a national emergency declared by the president of the United States are now recognized under the SCRA.
Extended Protection Now Available
To help service personnel facing financial problems avoid foreclosure: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 extended the period of time that a 6 percent interest rate cap can be applied to eligible mortgages to include a servicemember’s period of active duty and one year after release from active duty. Freddie Mac strongly supports servicemembers by providing them with important protections under Freddie Mac’s own foreclosure prevention policies. One of those requirements is that they must not initiate or resume foreclosure for at least nine months after a servicemember is released from active duty when the servicemem-
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ber is released from active duty on or before December 31, 2011.
VA Announces Budget Request for 2012
Shinseki Pledges to Continue to be “Good Steward” of Resources WASHINGTON (Feb. 14, 2011) - In announcing the proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the next fiscal year, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki emphasized “making every dollar” count in the $132 billion budget proposal for VA. “We will continue to wisely use the funds that Congress appropriates for us to further improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families through the efficiency of our operations,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki “In the current constrained fiscal environment, every dollar counts,” Shinseki added. “We have put into place management systems and initiatives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and to eliminate waste.” The budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 must be approved by Congress before taking effect.
Among the department’s operational improvements is a provision that calls for VA to implement Medicare’s standard payment rates, a measure that will free $315 million for other health care needs.
Benefits
The proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes more than $70 billion in “mandatory” benefits programs, a category consisting mostly of VA disability compensation and pension payments. Shinseki reaffirmed his commitment to “break the back of the backlog” of claims from Veterans for disability compensation and pensions. VA’s goal is to provide Veterans with decisions on their claims within 125 days at a 98 percent accuracy rate by 2015. Various initiatives support continued redesign of VA’s business processes and development of a paperless claims system to improve the efficiency of VA’s handling of applications for compensation and pensions. Among the major projects is one to provide Veterans with streamlined forms to present to non-VA physicians who are evaluating Veterans for disability benefits, while another new program allows online application for claims related to exposure to Agent Orange.
Homelessness Prevention
The budget request seeks nearly $51 billion for medical care. It would provide care to more than 6.2 million patients, including nearly 540,000 Veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The budget request also includes almost $1 billion for a contingency fund and $1.2 billion of operational improvements to manage the appropriated funds in a fiscally responsible manner.
The funding request includes nearly $940 million for specific programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans and their families. This funding is a 17 percent increase over the current budget of nearly $800 million. “Homelessness is both a housing and a health care issue,” Shinseki said. “Our 2012 budget plan supports a comprehensive approach to eliminating Veterans’ homelessness by making key investments in homeless and mental health programs.”
Major health care provisions include:
Education and Training
Health Care
• • • •
$6.2 billion for mental health programs, including $68 million directly for suicide prevention; $344 million to activate newly constructed medical facilities; $208 million to implement new benefits for Veterans’ caregivers; Nearly $509 million for research; and
Shinseki noted the department has created “a portfolio of initiatives” to improve the quality of VA care while making it easier for patients to access services. Primary care providers will put more emphasis upon disease prevention and healthy living. New technology - securing e-mails, social networking and telehealth - will be harnessed to meet the evolving needs of patients. For example, in 2010, a daily average of more than 31,000 patients took advantage of VA’s telehome health care. The budget proposal will allow more than 50,000 people daily to use this innovative, at-home care.
The requested budget for “mandatory” benefits programs includes nearly $11.5 billion for VA education, training, vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, including educational benefit programs VA administers for the Department of Defense. Approximately 925,000 people will receive benefits under these programs. Nearly threequarters of the funds will go to recipients of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. The budget proposal continues development of an automated Post-9/11 GI Bill claims processing system that will speed tuition and housing payments to eligible Veterans.
Information Technology
VA will seek nearly $3.2 billion for the new fiscal year to operate and maintain its information technology (IT). “IT is the key to bringing VA into the 21st century,” Shinseki said. “It allows for the efficient delivery of health care and benefits.” 11
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
Veterans News & Updates - On the Federal Level A recent independent study found that VA invested $4 billion in medical IT from 1997 to 2007, which generated $7 billion in savings, mostly from the elimination of duplicate medical tests and the reduction of medical errors. VA has a major role in the development of the “virtual lifetime electronic record” as part of an inter-agency federal initiative to provide complete and portable electronic health records for service members, Veterans, other family members and, eventually, all Americans. Through a disciplined approach to IT projects, VA transformed its software development processes, meeting product delivery schedules over 80 percent of the time. VA is consolidating its IT requirements into 15 major contracts, which will lower costs and increase oversight and accountability. Seven of the 15 contracts are set-aside for Veteran-owned businesses, and four of those seven are reserved for small businesses owned by service-disabled Veterans.
Construction
Nearly $590 million in major construction is included within next year’s budget request. “This reflects the department’s continued commitment to provide quality health care and benefits through improving its facilities to be modern, safe and secure for Veterans,” Shinseki said. The funding proposal provides for the continuation of seven ongoing construction projects at health care facilities - New Orleans; Denver; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis; Palo Alto, Calif.; Bay Pines, Fla., and Seattle - plus new projects in Reno, Nev.; Los Angeles and San Francisco. Also in the budget request is $550 million for minor construction for such purposes as seismic corrections, improvements for patient safety, and enhancements for access and patient privacy. Additionally, the spending proposal includes funds for a gravesite expansion project at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.
National Cemeteries
VA is seeking more than $250 million next year for the operation and maintenance of its 131 national cemeteries. The department expects to inter about 115,000 people next year at its national cemeteries. Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population is within 75 miles of a VA-run national cemetery or a state-run Veterans cemetery. For the fourth consecutive time in 10 years, VA’s system of national cemeteries has bested the nation’s top corporations and other federal agencies in a prestigious, independent survey of customer satisfaction. The fiscal year 2012 budget plan
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includes $46 million to fund creation and improvement of state Veterans cemeteries and tribal government Veterans cemeteries. Further information about VA’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2012 is available on the Internet at www.va.gov/budget/products.asp.
VA Expands Outreach to American Indians, Hawaiians, Alaska Natives New Office to Serve as Advocates for Tribal Veterans
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the creation of a new Office of Tribal Government Relations to ensure the more than 200,000 Veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives, Hawaiian Natives or are part of the Alaska Native Corporations receive the VA benefits they have earned. “There is a long, distinguished tradition of military service among tribal peoples,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is committed to providing these Veterans with the full range of VA programs, as befits their service to our nation.” About 200,000 Veterans are represented by the 800 tribal governments officially recognized by the United States. Although VA has long provided benefits to Veterans in tribal lands, the new office will further strengthen and expand that relationship. Stephanie Elaine Birdwell, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma, has been selected as the office’s first director. A former social worker, she has spent nearly 15 years working on tribal issues with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and, most recently, the Bureau of Indian Education. She will oversee a six-person office responsible for “establishing, maintaining and coordinating a nation-to-nation, federal-tribal relationship,” according to a VA briefing. The office has a charter that officially extends to Veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Alaska Native Corporations.
cide prevention resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). “As more Veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, the critical need for mental health care is rising,” said Sonja V. Batten, assistant deputy chief patient care services officer for mental health. “VA is increasing its efforts to reach out to Veterans in need and their families, to inform them about available services and programs.” The new television spot encourages Veterans in crisis to call the crisis hotline number at 1-800-273TALK (8255) and then push 1 on their telephone keypad to reach a trained VA mental health professional who can assist the Veteran 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Suicide is preventable,” said Batten. “Every Veteran suicide is tragic and regardless of the numbers or rates, one Veteran suicide is too many. We feel the responsibility to continue to spread the word throughout the nation that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.” So far, more than 379,000 people have called the hotline, and more than 200,000 of these callers have identified themselves as Veterans, family members or friends of Veterans. The hotline has led to more than 13,000 rescues of actively suicidal Veterans. The hotline also operates an online Veterans Chat program, which provides Veterans, their families and friends with the ability to communicate anonymously online in real-time with a trained VA mental health professional. Veterans Chat can be accessed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s web page at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx. Through the hotline and Veterans Chat, VA can connect Veterans and their families with important services, including suicide prevention coordinators, as well as general inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. The hotline, which is part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, was started in 2007 as a partnership between VA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The PSA can be viewed at http://www.youtube. com/user/VeteransHealthAdmin#p/u/1/PPL7CAHixQE.
VA Publishes Final Regulation to Aid VA Launches New PSA on Veterans Exposed to Suicide Prevention Agent Orange in Korea Will Provide Easier Path for Veterans Confidential Crisis Line Provides 24/7 Access to Help
WASHINGTON (March 15, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to Veterans in crisis and their families in a new public service announcement to raise awareness about sui-
to Health Care and Benefits
WASHINGTON - Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea will have an easier path to access quality health care and benefits under a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) final regulation that will expand the 12
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
On the Federal Level, cont. dates when illnesses caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be related to Agent Orange. “VA’s primary mission is to be an advocate for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki “With this new regulation VA has cleared a path for more Veterans who served in the demilitarized zone in Korea to receive access to our quality health care and disability benefits for exposure to Agent Orange.” Under the final regulation published today in the Federal Register, VA will presume herbicide exposure for any Veteran who served between April 1, 1968, and Aug. 31, 1971, in a unit determined by VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to have operated in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in which herbicides were applied. Previously, VA recognized that Agent Orange exposure could only be conceded to Veterans who served in certain units along the Korean DMZ between April 1968 and July 1969. In practical terms, eligible Veterans who have specific illnesses VA presumes to be associated with herbicide exposure do not have to prove an association between their illness and their military service. This “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits and ensures that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Click on these links to learn about Veterans’ diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp> at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp and birth defects in children of Vietnam-era Veterans <http://www.publichealth. va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/agentorange/ birth_defects.asp> at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/birth_defects.asp. VA encourages Veterans with covered service in Korea who have medical conditions that may be related to Agent Orange to submit their applications for access to VA health care and compensation as soon as possible so the agency can begin processing their claims. Individuals can go to website http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm <http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm> to get a more complete understanding of how to file a claim for presumptive conditions related to herbicide exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by VA to make a decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits. Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services for Veterans exposed to the chemical is available at www.publichealth. va.gov/exposures/agentorange <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/agentorange/> . Vol. 14, No. 2
gram while the remaining 43 percent were unsheltered. Veterans represent approximately 12 percent of all homeless persons counted nationwide during the 2009 ‘point-in-time snapshot.’
The regulation is available on the Office of the Federal Register website at http://www.ofr.gov/.
VA & HUD Issue FirstEver Report on Homeless Veteran
•
During a 12-month period in 2009, an estimated 136,000 Veterans-or about 1 in every 168 Veterans-spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program. The vast majority of sheltered homeless Veterans (96 percent) experienced homelessness alone while a much smaller share (four percent) was part of a family. Sheltered homeless Veterans are most often individual white men between the ages of 31 and 50 and living with a disability.
•
Low-income Veterans are twice as likely to become homeless compared to all low-income adults. HUD and VA also examined the likelihood of becoming homeless among American Veterans with particular demographic characteristics. In 2009, twice as many poor Hispanic Veterans used a shelter at some point during the year compared with poor non-Hispanic Veterans. African American Veterans in poverty had similar rates of homelessness.
•
Most Veterans who used emergency shelter stayed for only brief periods. One-third stayed in shelter for less than one week; 61 percent used a shelter for less than one month; and 84% stayed for less than three months. The report also concluded that Veterans remained in shelters longer than did non-Veterans. In 2009, the median length of stay for Veterans who were alone was 21 days in an emergency shelter and 117 days in transitional housing. By contrast, non-veteran individuals stayed in an emergency shelter for 17 days and 106 days in transitional housing.
•
Nearly half of homeless Veterans were located in California, Texas, New York and Florida while only 28 percent of all Veterans were located in those same four States.
•
The report studied the path homeless Veterans take into the shelter system and found most Veterans come from another homeless location and few entered the shelter system from their own housing or from housing provided by family or friends.
•
Sheltered homeless Veterans are far more likely to be alone rather than part of a family household; 96 percent of Veterans are individuals compared to 63 percent in the overall homeless population.
Assessment Key to Preventing and Ending Homelessness
WASHINGTON - For the first time, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development today published the most authoritative analysis of the extent and nature of homelessness among Veterans. According to HUD and VA’s assessment, nearly 76,000 Veterans were homeless on a given night in 2009 while roughly 136,000 Veterans spent at least one night in a shelter during that year. This unprecedented assessment is based on an annual report HUD provides to Congress and explores in greater depth the demographics of Veterans who are homeless, how the number of Veterans compare to others who are homeless, and how Veterans access and use the nation’s homeless response system. HUD’s report, Veteran Homelessness: A Supplement to the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress <http://www.hudhre.info/documents/200 9AHARVeteransReport.pdf> , examines the data in the department’s annual report to Congress in-depth. “With our federal, state and community partners working together, more Veterans are moving into safe housing,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “But we’re not done yet. Providing assistance in mental health, substance abuse treatment, education and employment goes hand-in-hand with preventive steps and permanent supportive housing. We continue to work towards our goal of finding every Veteran safe housing and access to needed services.” Last June, President Obama announced the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness, including a focus on homeless Veterans. The report, Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, puts the country on a path to end Veterans and chronic homelessness by 2015; and to ending homelessness among children, family, and youth by 2020. Read more about the Administration’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness in America <http://www. usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoorsOverview.pdf> .
Key Findings of Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness: •
More than 3,000 cities and counties reported 75,609 homeless Veterans on a single night in January of 2009; 57 percent were staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing pro-
For more information on VA’s efforts to end homelessness among Veterans, visit VA’s Web page at www.va.gov/homelessness.
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 2011
On the Federal Level, cont. VA Honors Military Women of Past, Present
Riverside National Cemetery. She flew 425 combat missions and took part in 11 major campaigns, including the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in Korea. One of the most decorated women in American military history, she was VA Celebrates Women's History Month awarded 19 medals. For more information about VA programs and services for women VetWASHINGTON (March 7, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs erans, please visit: www.va.gov/womenvet <http://www1.va.gov/womjoins with the nation to observe Women's History Month in March by recenvet/> and www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth. ognizing and honoring women Veterans. "Duty. Honor. Pride. These words reflect the spirit of generations of American women who have sought to defend the rights and freedom of others," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The history of women in the armed forces began more than 220 years ago with women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the New Agreements Recently Reached to Ease Transition present day. VA is honored to serve these women who have contributed so For Active-Duty Military much to our Nation." Women Veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran WASHINGTON (March 11, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Afpopulation. Of the 22.7 million living Veterans, more than 1.8 million are fairs (VA) is making a concerted effort this Spring to reach out to student women. They comprise nearly 8 percent of the total Veteran population and Veterans at eight VetSuccess on Campus sites to make them aware that 6 percent of all Veterans who use VA health care services. VA counselors are standing by to help ease their transition from activeVA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran duty military to college life. population by 2020 and 9.5 percent of VA patients. “Veteran-students transitioning from active duty service to civilian In recent years, VA has undertaken a number of initiatives to create educational pursuits face unique challenges entering the college setting,” or enhance services for women Veterans, including the implementation said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The VetSuccess on of comprehensive primary care throughout the nation; staffing every VA Campus program continues this Administration’s commitment and remedical center with a women veterans program manager and regional of- sponsibility to meet the needs of Veterans and their families through effices with a designated woman Veterans coordinator; supporting a multifac- fective peer-to-peer counseling and other services.” eted research program on women's health; improving communication and Under the VetSuccess on Campus program, a full-time, experienced outreach to women Veterans; and continuing the operation of offices like Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a part-time Vet Center Outreachthe Center for Women Veterans and the Women Veterans Health Strategic Coordinator are assigned at each campus to provide VA benefits outreach, Healthcare Care Group. support, and assistance to ensure their health, educational, and benefit "During this observance of Women's History Month, let's remember the needs are met. special contributions of the ever-increasing number of women serving in To make Veteran-students aware of the VetSuccess on Campus prothe armed forces," said Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary for pub- gram at each of the eight sites, VA will conduct outreach activities through lic and intergovernmental affairs. She noted that women currently make direct emails, posters, social media posts, articles in campus newspapers, up more than 14 percent of the active-duty military and 18 percent of the campus website links, and outreach events at the student commons. Guard and Reserves. The VetSuccess on Campus program began in June 2009 as a pilot VA has 43 women's memorials and monuments at its National Cemeter- project at the University of South Florida. In September 2009, the proies across the country. Additionally, several notable women are buried in gram was expanded to two additional universities, Cleveland State UniVA National Cemeteries, including Chief Specialist Evelyn B. (Ulrich) Ein- versity and San Diego State University. feldt, a Navy World War II Veteran who was one of the 67 Navy "WAVES" A fourth pilot was started at the Community College of Rhode Island involved in Operation Magic. She assisted with the assembly of BOMBE in December 2010. Agreements have recently been reached between VA (Enigma), a machine to decode German and Japanese transmissions. She and Arizona State University, Texas A&M Central Texas, Rhode Island was laid to rest at the Fort Sill National Cemetery on April 6, 2006. College, and Salt Lake Community College. Lillian Kinkela Keil, an Air Force flight nurse pioneer, is buried at the “The President’s 2012 budget submission requests funding to support-
VA Reaching Out to Veterans on Campus Through VetSuccess
A Great Thank You for a Job Well Done by Our Men and Women in Uniform! Usama bin Laden: Killed May 1, 2011 Vol. 14, No. 2
expansion of the program beyond the eight existing sites to nine more campuses,” said Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Director Ruth Fanning. “This continued expansion will help to ensure the coordinated delivery of VA benefits and services to those who honorably served this Nation.”
Matetich Insurance Agency is proud to support the Department of Minnesota
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Spring, 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. 2
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 33856 St. Hwy. 87 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
The Minnesota American Veterans News Room 302, Veterans Service Building 20 West 12th Street St. Paul, MN 55155 www.mn-amvets.org
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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.