The Minnesota American Veterans News Volume 14Number 3 Fall, 2011Chartered by Act of Congress, July 23, 1947
Commander’s Column
T
hank you for electing me as your commander for this year. I look forward to working with all the posts. I have been in contact with my officers to help them along with their duties. I am taking a lot of phone calls. I have attended the UVLC meeting, which was very informative. I met with the representatives from the other veterans’ organizations. I plan on attending all of these meetings to gain the knowledge I need. I have met with various people and various posts. I was in the Mendota Days parade with the Mendota Honor Guard in July. On the 23rd of July, I attended the budget meeting for our year ahead. On Thursday, August 11, I swore in the officers at Post 5 in St. Paul. Post 5 is a very good post and we had a very informative meeting. They are very busy with fundraising and community activities. Prayers are requested for Leonard Yanez (Post 5), who is in hospice at the time of this writing. Due to family and other responsibilities, I was unable to attend the National Convention in Missouri. Mike Cook was elected 1st Vice Commander of the National 4th District. There were eight people for consideration for the Silver Helmet and Congressman John Klein of Minnesota was selected out of this elite eight as our AMVETS Silver Helmet recipient. Mike Cook has a lot of information and a lot of changes for the National By-Laws. We are going to get together so he can inform me of these changes. Much of this information was shared at the SEC meeting in Red Wing on Saturday, September 10. I want to know if there are any problems the posts might have. If there are, please call the department office or myself for assistance. If there is anything I can do for your post, I am more than willing to help. With Veterans’ Day right around the corner, please remember to fly your flags. If you are able, there is a Veterans’ Day ceremony in Inver Grove Heights at 9 a.m. at The Grove on Barbara Avenue. The MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, DAV, Purple Heart, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, Jewish War Vets, and the Ex-POWs will sponsor this ceremony. Please get your memberships into the office as soon as they come in. Also report all special programs and activities your post does to the department office. This will ensure that we will have all records up-to-date in our office and all information will be forwarded from our office to National, so that they will have it in their files. Once again, I would like to thank all of you for electing me as your commander for the ensuing year. I am looking forward to a successful year.
By Commander Allen Elsbury
Commanding Attention Left to Right: Kelly Nguyen, as outgoing state AMVETS Commander; National AMVETS Commander Jerry Hotop; incoming state AMVET Commander Allen Elsbury; Post 1 Charter Commander Dick Volkert
What’s Inside
State Officers/Post Meeting Locations..........Page 2 Out-going Commander’s Message................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 9-14 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 - - - Fall, 2011
Department Commander Allen Elsbury 3328 Corliss Trail Rosemount, MN 55068 651-322-7489 aelsbury@frontiernet.net Dept. 1st Vice Commander Rich Anderson 218-262-1318 Dept. 2nd Vice Commander Joe Mauricio 2027 Thom Drive Arden Hills, MN 55112 ph# 651-631-3312 santajoe55112@yahoo.com Adjutant Kelly Nguyen 648 Marie Avenue W. Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651-216-4200 kellymnguyen@comcast.net
State Officers
Finance Officer Mike Nelson 612-978-6368
NEC Mike Cook 6175 132nd Way Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-956-2211 cookkitt@aol.com
Finance Chair Nick Basarich 218-969-1909 Judge Advocate Mike Medina 651-978-0587 Service Officer Chuck Conroy 9285 Robert Trail South Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 651-455-6906
Alternate NEC Dick Volkert 2400 Dodd Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-454-4422
Public Relations Officer Roger Stelter 16451 Snake Trail Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-7901 rstelter@hughes.net
1-Year Trustee Ray Rangel 2220 Conway St. St Paul, MN 55119 651-698-7273 2-Year Trustee Bill Naseth 1009 East Avenue Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-8230
3-Year Trustee Kelly Nguyen 648 Marie Avenue W. Mendota Hts., MN 55118 651-216-4200 kellymnguyen@comcast.net Provost Marshall Suzanne Erkel 612-240-9495 Hospital Service Foundation Position Open Chaplain Dick Volkert 2400 Dodd Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-454-4422 Immediate PDC Kelly Nguyen
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. 3
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 - - - Fall, 2011
Out-Going Commander Kelly’s Report
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e have had a great year. Several areas within the state have become or are looking to become posts. It is exciting to know that we are reaching out and making a name for ourselves within the state. I hope for the continuance of our growth through the years. With new members come new ideas for different programs and with new programs comes more growth in numbers. Let us keep moving forward for our veterans. During the year I did a bit of traveling. I went to our National 4th District meeting in Wisconsin in the fall. National 4th Dist Commander Arnie Miller held a great meeting and the Department of Wisconsin was very hospitable. I would highly suggest to ALL members to attend the National 4th District meetings. The National 4th District is comprised of nine states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio. There is a wealth of information to be had at these meetings. I was in Tennessee in November for a leadership conference. We had instruction on many aspects of leadership and information, such as on the PTSD/Brain Trauma issue. The woman who spoke on PTSD/Brain Trauma works with the VA’s throughout the country. She was very informative on all aspects of PTSD and brain trauma. A lot of understanding came from this. She is a civilian; however, she suffered a severe head injury during a motorcycle accident. There was another speaker who talked on how to lead a meeting or how to address an audience. This taught us how to remain on track even with distractions from the audience and how to keep the meeting rolling with the information you are trying to relay. One of our favorite speakers was a 101-year young woman who had been a pilot since the early 1940s. Her nickname is Lady Bird.
Kelly Nguyen at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on the Fishing Opener.
In February, I went to Missouri for the National 4th District meeting. Missouri is the National Commanders home state. We had a great meeting and Testimonial celebration for National Commander Hotop. I then Vol. 14, No. 3
Mendota Honor Guard — at one of the four cemeteries visited on Memorial Day
traveled to DC for the AMVETS LZ:DC in March. There, National Commander Jerry Hotop addressed the Veterans Committee on the Hill. He was well received and conveyed the concerns of the veterans of today. We then had a reception for Representative (TN) Phil Roe, who was our 2011 recipient of our AMVETS Silver Helmet. There was a banquet on the last night to celebrate all five recipients of the Silver Helmet award. The accolades that were mentioned for several brought tears to our eyes. Our Department was very fortunate to have National Commander Hotop in attendance at our Department Convention in May. We also had Past National Commander Ed Kemp and Past Sons of AMVETS Commander Mike Mrslak in attendance. Commander Hotop was appreciative of the invitation to our convention. PNSC Mrslak brought materials for our Department to start up Sons of AMVETS within Minnesota. With Memorial Day shortly after the convention, it was quite a busy time. Our local post put up over 300 crosses at the Fort Snelling Chapel Foundation in remembrance of those we have lost in the line of duty since 9/11. We also put up eight six-foot crosses around the perimeter of the parking lot to remember each of the eight major conflicts the U.S. has been in since its inception. On Sunday, families of several of those who we lost since 9/11 were in attendance at the service held for our fallen. After going with our Mendota Honor Guard to four cemeteries in the south metro area, I was invited to attend the Memorial Day service at the VA Home in Minneapolis. The Fort Snelling Rifle Squad was honored during this event. The Fort Snelling Rifle Squad is the ONLY ALL-volunteer rifle squad in the United States. Well deserved and well done. With the change of command and a new office manager, I have been kept busy in the office helping train in our new manager and help our new Commander Allen Elsbury transition into his Command. We are looking ahead to new beginnings and growing our AMVETS Department of Minnesota.
With a new year, dues are coming in to your membership chairs. Make sure you fill out the Dues Remittance Form. If you need help on filling this out, please call the Department office. If you have not yet done so as a post, make sure your Revalidation Forms are sent to the Department office. If you happen to have a fallen comrade, please submit the Deceased Member Form. Any changes to your membership, ie address, phone, email, please submit a change through the Department office. Please do not send anything directly to National. All changes need to be made through our office prior to being sent to National. All membership forms can be found on-line at www.amvets.org under Membership, then click on Membership Forms. Also, please make sure you go on-line to the National website (listed above) to submit your post’s special programs and activities! It runs on a six-month window. I am sure that each of you, and/or your post, has some sort of activities or visitation or something special that you do within the membership year. Please submit your special programs and activities to the Department office, if you do not have access to a computer. After our year, during the National Convention, our own Mike Cook was elected as the National 4th District 1st Vice Commander. Congratulations Mike! We support you in all you do. You have quite a proven track record with AMVETS. Mike also put in the name for the 2012 Silver Helmet award. The name of Rep John Klein (MN) was submitted. Rep Klein won and will receive the Silver Helmet in Washington DC at a reception in March. This reception and address to the Hill by our new National Commander Gary Fry, is open to all AMVETS members in good standing. The information for this will be on the AMVETS website under ‘Events’ soon. Try to attend this special week in DC. I thank each of you for making my year so memorable and one I will never forget. I will cherish my time spent with you and I am still quite humbled for being elected the first woman Commander for the Department of Minnesota. Thank you and God bless. 3
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 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. 3
AMVETS Membership Application
Yes, I want to join AMVETS! I certify that I meet the membership requirements— I am serving or have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces (Active, Guard or Reserve) after September 15, 1940. Membership Type:
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AMVETS Membership Department 20 W.Membership 12th St., Department Rm. 302 AMVETS 4647 ForbesMN Boulevard St. Paul, 55155 Lanham, MD 20706-4380 651-293-1212
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Officer’s Reports Legislative Report
2012 Membership Year
ndeavour being launched with a VA research payload of two new vaccines aboard, marked yet another milestone in VA’s longstanding collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The VA announced that special disaster assistance might be available to veterans with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans who have been affected by this summer’s tornadoes in the south. The PTSD Coach Smartphone application launched in April by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense has already helped more than 5000 users connect with mental health information and resources. The VA processed hundreds of applications for new family caregiver benefits in the first week. The applications can be processed by telephone through the caregiver support line (855260-3274), or in person at the medical center with a caregiver support coordinator, by mail, or online at www.caregiver. va.gov
Officers
By Lawrence Dean
E
PTSD Coach The PTSD Coach app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. Features include: ■Reliable information on PTSD and treatments that work ■Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms ■Convenient, easy-to-use skills to help you handle stress ■Direct links to support and help ■Always with you when you need it Free PTSD Coach download from: iTunes and now also on Android Market Together with professional medical treatment, PTSD Coach provides you dependable resources you can trust. If you have, or think you might have PTSD, this app is for you. Family and friends can also learn from this app. PTSD Coach was created by the VA's National Center for PTSD and the DoD's National Center for Telehealth and Technology. NOTE: PTSD is a serious mental health condition that often requires professional evaluation and treatment. PTSD Coach is not intended to replace needed professional care. The questionnaire used in PTSD Coach, the PTSD Checklist (PCL), is a reliable and valid self-report measure used across VA, DoD, and in the community, but it is not intended to replace professional evaluation. Contact us for more information or with comments: ncptsd@va.gov
Vol. 14, No. 3
From Left to Right: Commander Allen Elsbury (Post 1), 1st Vice Rich Anderson (Post 12), 2nd Vice Joe Mauricio (Post 5), Finance Officer Mike Nelson (Post 13), Provost Marshal Suzanne Erkel (Post 10), Judge Advocate Mike Medina (Post 5), Finance Man Nick Basarich (Post 12), 1-Year Trustee Ray Rangel (Post 5), 2-Year Trustee Bill Naseth (Post 19), 3-Year Trustee/Adjutant Kelly Nguyen (Post 1), Alternate NEC/Chaplain Dick Volkert (Post 1), NEC Mike Cook (Post 1).
National Executive Committee Report By Mike Cook
I
n March, we went to the NEC meeting in Washington, D.C. While there, we had the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill for National Commander Hotop’s testimony to the Joint Veterans Affairs Committee. He advocated for veterans’ benefits and the need for the VA to continue to work on their programs for integrating our returning soldiers back into civilian life. The chairman, Congressman Dr. Phil Roe (TN), was the recipient of the Silver Helmet Award. We went to the presentation and banquet for him at the Cannon House, located directly across the street from the steps of the Capitol. Rep Roe has established himself as a knowledgeable and stalwart advocate for America’s brave military men, women and veterans. Programs Director Beryl Love reported that programs were continuing to increase throughout the six districts, but there is still more work to be done. He suggested that the Commanders of each Post get together with their 2nd Vice Commanders to brainstorm for new ideas to help get the AMVET name out into your communities, because new programs lead to new members. Membership Director Phil Ledwell suggested that the Commanders go to their local college campuses to recruit new members. It is the young members of the military and young veterans that will keep our posts viable into the future. He also mentioned that when officers remain in the same offices at the post level year after year, it sends the wrong message to the young 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?” Let us keep the new blood running through our Post officer positions so we can move forward and allow our posts to thrive. On a very sad note, the AMVETS family has lost a great man. National Provost Marshall, Eugene Meyer died in a house fire. He was a great friend and had a generous heart.
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Taps Richard K. Charleton – Post 23, 1-11-2011 James Drache – Post 23, 4-23-2011 Alvin Busse – Post 24, 5-2011 Martin L Valencour Sr. – Post 1, 5- 2011 John Weiss – Post 33, 6-3-2011
We must be grateful that by the service of these AVMETS in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, we are truly a free people in a free land.
Vol. 14, No. 3
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Post Reports Post 1
By Commander Mark Kronholm
P
ost 1 is very busy. We currently have five gaming sites and soon, it will be six. They are located in Mendota, Bloomington, St Paul, Eagan and our newest will be in Hastings. These sites enable our post to donate to many causes. A few are the local elementary and high schools, the VAMC, VA Homes in Hastings and Minneapolis, Muskies Inc for the fishing opener held at the VA Home in Minneapolis, the Fisher Houses in Minneapolis, Operation Glass Slipper, UAA Youth Athletics Association, Paws with a Cause and much more. On Super Bowl Sunday, we joined our Ladies Auxiliary and went out with goodies and treats to the VA Home in Minneapolis. The residents there truly enjoy our company and especially our homemade treats. We hosted a hot dog and brat fundraiser with our Ladies Auxiliary on the second weekend of June with Von Hanson Meats in Eagan. The second weekend in July was Mendota Days. It was a great time. We had bands throughout the weekend. We worked together with the American Legion and the VFW Post in Mendota. The Legion manned the beer garden and the food booth on Friday evening and we took over on Saturday. Mendota Days Parade kicked off the event on Saturday. We had a new band playing on the Saturday evening slate. They were a Beatles cover band. We look forward to having a great year.
membership. Such events include our pork chop feed and barbeque chicken feed. We are active in the community programs with the American Legion and VFW, doing parades, donations and whatever we can to promote AMVETS. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Our post was in good spirits because the State Commander visited us for the first time in several years. We believe that if we can maintain good communication between the state and post everyone will benefit. It would also be nice to have a monthly report from the state commander as we have not had one in the previous years.
Post 19 Red Wing Post 19 Commander Janice Hinz with National Commander Jerry Hotop
Post 5
By Commander Ray Rangel
P
ost 5 served tacos on May 21 at the Wellstone Center after the parade. We wish to send “Get Well” wishes to Nick Cisneros, who underwent surgery. President Obama awarded two Korean Veterans with the Medal of Honor for their service in the Korean War in May. The Memorial Project is delayed until October due to a major snowfall and predicted flooding in May. The ground did not dry out and become workable until June. Mike Medina and Joe Mauricio attended a round table discussion on issues facing veterans in our community held by Congresswoman Betty McCollum. She will chair the Veterans Action Subcommittee in Washington, D.C. One program of interest that was discussed is the “Yellow Ribbon”. It is an outreach program available to all veterans and their families. It is geared to helping those in need with housing problems, health and psychological issues and veterans integration issues.
Post 13
By Commander Guy Streeter
A
s most of you know, membership is staying about the same. New members are hard to come by. We still try to hold post functions and fundraisers to help maintain and help create new Vol. 14, No. 3
Post 23
By Commander Tom Voge
T
he Owatonna AMVETS Post 23 has been active in our community over the past year. We have donated a POW Flag and a United States Flag to the new Owatonna Hospital. We also donated a flag to the city of Nerstrand to be flown at City Hall. A picture on the report shows Commander Voge presenting the flag to Mayor Joel Hochschild in March 2011. We held our annual hot dog and brat sale at CashWise in Owatonna in late September, as a fundraiser. Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of every month at the Owatonna VFW Club rooms. Please feel free to visit us at one of our meetings.
Post #101 By Russ Kunkel
B
lackduck Post #101 members were very busy this summer with a fund raiser. We made casket flag display boxes, in oak and in pine. We wanted to have them ready for the Blackduck Woodcarver’s Festival, which was held the last Saturday in July. It was a scramble to get them done, the weather was so hot and humid we couldn’t varnish them! We
were able to make arrangements with the Blackduck School to use the wood shop there, and that allowed us to finish them up just in the nick of time! We set up our booth with the display boxes. We also hung up a deer hide to draw attention to our hides’ project, which is our next fundraiser! We will collect deer hides at various drop boxes in the community, and then sell them to a buyer and use the money to fund our scholarships, and other programs. If you’re ever in the Blackduck area, look up an AMVET member!
Post 290
By Commander Robert Lubenow
I
started my year by going to the Dept Convention at Post 8 in Aitkin. There was a lot of information at the meeting. On Memorial Day, the AMVETS put out the Avenue of Flags along with the grave marker flags at the cemetery. Post 290 also participated in the program at the armory and the program at the cemetery, along with the Legion and VFW. On Flag Day, we joined again with the Legion and VFW for a flag program at the Morris city park. On Labor Day, we put up the Avenue of Flags at the Veterans Memorial. All veterans were welcome to come to the Vietnam Era Program. The AMVETS, VFW and Legion put on this event for all Vietnam Veterans. They were also honored with a certificate of appreciation. We held our membership dinner in September. There was a good turn out, with a program to follow. The National Turkey Federation had their banquet in October. This is held as a fundraiser for our AMVETS Post 290, as we receive part of the donation from this event. Congratulations to Tom Tomlin on winning the grand prize of the evening of $5,000. See Irv Krosch for tickets in 2011.
Post 556
By Commander Jerry Ewald
A
t our 2011 Convention we heard about some new rules and regulations. I am sure they all will bode well with all our membership. I would guess that each of our AMVETS posts has its difficulties in keeping our posts in good order and in top-notch condition. Membership is definitely of the greatest concern. Post 556 is holding its own in this respect, however, we are not growing. Nonetheless, we do manage to raise a few dollars throughout the year in order to donate to worthwhile causes. Of course, our veteran’s causes come first. We participated in honoring our veterans on Memorial Day, and again on the 4th of July during the Forest Lake Parade and other veteran’s programs. Due to other commitments, I could only be present on Saturday of our convention weekend. I know all department elected officers will do their best in the coming year. 7
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The cornerstone of AMVETS membership is the local post. Varying in size from 10 members to more than 2,000 in some cases, each AMVETS post conducts programs and activities related to the state and national organization’s goals and objectives. Membership, though, is not limited to joining the AMVETS post in your hometown. In fact, there may not be a post there or you may not live close to one. In such cases, an individual may elect to become a member-at-large. We also offer two membership categories—annual and life—each with its own dues structure. Our toll free number, 1877-726-8387, can be used for membership questions, applications or services.
•Find Your Local Posts• Membership Forms 1 Membership Application (PDF) 2 MEMBERSHIP Manual (PDF) 3 Department Revalidation form (PDF) 4 Post Revalidation form (PDF) 5 Department Quality form (PDF) 6 Post Quality form (PDF) 7 Adding new members online (PDF) 8 Deceased notification form (PDF) 9 Duplicate replacement card (PDF) 10 Dues and Remittance Form (PDF) 11 Gold Card (PDF) 12 Life membership transmittal form (PDF) 13 Members SOP (PDF) 14 Publications order form (PDF) 15 Special access SOP (PDF) 16 Membership Welcome (PDF) 17 Green For Green Hats Application (PDF) 18 Change of Address Form (PDF) 19 Post Roster Update Change of Member Data Form (PDF) 20 Transfer Form (PDF) 21 Individual/Post/Department Membership Awards Program (PDF) 22 Recruiting Tools Page
Contact us: Harry Neal Membership Director Phone: 301-683-4020 Email:hneal@amvets.org
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Minnesota AMVETS Home Posts Programs Membership Events Department Officers Commander - Allen Elsbury 1st Vice - Rich Anderson 2nd Vice - Joe Mauricio Adjutant - Kelly Nguyen Finance Officer - Mike Nelson Finance Chair - Nick Basarich Judge Advocate - Mike Medina Provost Marshall- Suzanne Erkel Service Officer - Chuck Conroy Public Relations - Roger Stelter NEC - Mike Cook Hospital Service Foundation - Open VAVS/VAVH Rep - Open 1-year Trustee - Ray Rangel 2-year Trustee - Bill Naseth 3-year Trustee - Kelly Nguyen
AMVETS National Website AMVETS National Events Department of Minnesota 20 West 12th Street, Room 302 St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 293-1212 Office Email
Who we are The Minnesota Department of The American Veterans Association (AMVETS) serves all veterans in the state of Minnesota. Our mission is to help veterans and their families to navigate the various local, state and federal programs available. We donate thousands of hours to our veteran homes and veteran hospitals and clinics. We are also involved with our local communities. Along with the AMVETS Auxiliary, and the Sons of AMVETS, we are a growing organization. We are just beginning our foray into the internet with this website. You are invited to visit us often, as we will be updating the site with information of interest to all Minnesota Veterans. Thank you for visiting. If you would like to contact us, please email us at Info@mn-amvets.org The Minnesota Department currently has 1,091 members. Our goal is 1,261. We need your help! We need to meet our goal. Please visit with any military/former military and tell them how good the AMVETS organization is! AMVETS is preparing a new membership directory. You will be receiving a postcard in the mail asking you to verify your information. Please make sure you do this! Thank you. Check out our Programs Page for important links to agencies and support organizations. We welcome our new officers that took their places as of July 1. We thank them for thier continued service to the Minnesota AMVETS
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MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs - 2011/2012 Newsletters
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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.
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Veterans News & Updates MIRECC C ENTERS
Coaching Into Care - Home
VA’s Telephone Service Helps Family Members Encourage Veterans to Seek Medical Care MIRECC Centers Home
a.m. – 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and online at http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/. As always, Veterans can reach immediate help at the veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 for veterans.
versational calls to women veterans,” said Patricia Hayes, chief consultant of the VA’s Women Veter>> Contact Us ans Health Strategic Health Care Group. “We want Site Search these Veterans and their caregivers to talk candidly about why they are not using VA, whether they are aware of the gender- specific services we offer, and what additional services they would like to see VA Coaching Into Care How Coaching Into Care Helps offer.” Coaching Into Care works with family members or Coaching Into Care offers Veterans their representatives making the calls are The and HRC friends who become aware of their Veteran’s postloved ones these services: WASHINGTON – The Department of Veteralso informing women veterans about the services deployment difficulties—and supports their efforts to Encouragement and information about ans Affairs (VA) has launched a telephone service, find help for the Veteran. VA offers and quickly connecting them with apgetting an evaluation and services Coaching into Care, to provide assistance to family "Coaching" with family members or departments if they are interested in trypropriate This is a national clinical service providing information friends to help motivate Veteran for members and friends trying to encourage their and vet-help to Veterans and the loved ones who are ing VA health care. Veterans who have complaints evaluation/consultation concerned about them. For other services please consult eran to seek health care for possible readjustment Referrals to services about for veterans theirconnected to a patient advocate who VAandare our resource page. family members and mental health issues. WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans helps resolve issues. VA has trained professionals Some will note that our program formerly “Those closest to veterans are often the first to visitors Affairs (VA) has embarked on a major initiative to in all aspects of women’s health, including general operated under the name Families at Ease. Coaching recognize when veterans are having difficulties,” reach out to primary womenmission: veterans in those order to solicit their primary care, osteoporosis management, heart disInto Care focuses on our helping said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. who care input about Veterans encourage them to seek help. on ways to enhance the health care services ease, mental health care, menopausal services and “Family members and friends may not know what VA provides to women Veterans. “We are taking a obesity-related issues, such as diabetes. Preventive to say to encourage their Veterans to seek much proactive approach to enhancing VA health care for screenings for breast and cervical cancer are also arneeded readjustment and health care. The Coaching women Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Af- eas in which VA excels. Soon, all VA facilities will into Care line will help them find the right words.” fairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are seeking the input of offer comprehensive primary care for women from To help Veterans address problems and sup- women Veterans so that VA can continue to provide a single provider. port Veterans in making decisions getting This website is about for educational purposes only. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory . high quality health care to the growing numbers of The Women Veterans Health Care program has care, the Coaching into Care offers The program VA has founded the Veteran's unCrisis Line to ensure Veterans in crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Veterans can call the Crisis Line number, 1-800-273-TALK women Veterans.” made significant changes in the last few years to (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Crisis Line; you can also visit their website for more information. limited, free coaching with family enhance the health care offered to elimembers or friends over a series gible women Veterans. This progress of telephone calls. The priority is includes: connecting Veterans with VA care •Adopting key policies to improve in their community through the access and enhance services for womfamily member’s help and encourContact the National MIRECC Education Group at mireccinfo@va.gov with questions about the MIRECC program or educational products. en Veterans; •Implementing compreagement. Callers receive professional coaching on Contact joe.huggins@va.gov with technical problems and errors on this web site. Representatives at VA’s Health Resource Center hensive primary care for women Veterans; solving specific logistical obstacles and encourag- (HRC) are placing calls to women Veterans nation•Conducting cutting-edge research on the effects ing sometimes reluctant Veterans to seek care while wide, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - 810 Vermont Avenue, NW - Washington, DC 20420 asking them to share their experiences with of military service on women’s lives; •Improving Reviewed/Updated Date: June 2, 2011 still respecting the Veteran’s right to make personal VA and suggest potential enhancements that will communication and outreach to women Veterans; decisions. further VA’s mission to provide the best care any- and Coaching into Care, launched in March 2011, where. •Providing mental health, homelessness and has had more than 650 calls with family members Women veterans are one of the fastest growing other services designed to meet the unique needs of or friends of greater than 175 veterans to encourage segments of the veteran population. Of the 22.7 mil- women Veterans them to seek care. This phone line is connected to lion living veterans, more than 1.8 million are womFor more information about VA programs and VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, Caregiver Support Line, en. They comprise nearly 8 percent of the total vet- services for women Veterans, please visit: www. and the National Call Center for Homeless Veter- eran population and 6 percent of all veterans who va.gov/womenvet and www.publichealth.va.gov/ ans. This way, if the caller or Veteran is in an im- use VA health care services. VA estimates by 2020 womenshealth. mediate crisis, or has concerns regarding caregiving women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the for a disabled Veteran, or seeking assistance regard- Veteran population and 9.5 percent of VA patients. ing homelessness, there is no wrong number for The HRC, which started placing calls on June 1, families to call. is contacting women veterans who have enrolled, Callers can reach VA’s Coaching into Care pro- but have not begun using VA services. “Through gram at the toll-free number 1-888-823-7458, 8 this contact center, we are placing friendly, conCoaching Into Care
>> Signs of Difficulty
VA Creates Women Veterans Call Center Major Outreach Effort Launched
VA to implement employee ideas to transform claims services
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By Gary Hicks
W
hen VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki asked employees to help improve the claims process by submitting their ideas, they responded with more than 3,000 submissions aimed at transforming the claims process and ultimately better serving veterans. “I commend the innovative employees who submitted these creative ideas,” said Shinseki. “The men and women of VA and
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Veterans News & Updates the veterans service organizations who understand the challenges in our claims processing system have stepped up to deliver tangible results for our nation’s veterans. ”Shinseki called for the competition following President Obama’s announcement last August at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention: “We’re going to fund the best ideas and put them into action, all with a simple mission: cut those backlogs, slash those wait times, deliver your benefits sooner,” the President said. A four-judge panel consisting of former VA Under Secretary for Benefits Adm. Patrick W. Dunne; Craigslist founder Craig Newmark; Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Peter Levin; and Deputy National Service Director for Disabled American Veterans Garry Augustine was appointed to pick the best of the best. Ten Innovation Initiative winners were selected by the judges. Here’s a look at the winning submissions. • Employees of the Phoenix VA Regional Office submitted an initiative to work simple claims first. There are several types of disability claims that are fairly straightforward in the adjudicative requirements, such as hearing loss and tinnitus, and once claimed should automatically establish eligibility for service-connected benefits. These benefits can be compensable or non-compensable, but in either case would establish eligibility for medical treatment for veterans through VA medical centers. By isolating specific types of claims, VA can work toward automating these claims and adjudicating them much quicker, in turn providing better service. • Employees of the VA Records Management Center in St. Louis suggested providing regional offices with digital images of claims-related records held in VA’s centralized storage facility as well as those records located at the VA Liaison Office at the National Personnel Records Center. These records, which are required to process claims, would be immediately available to the Veterans Benefits Administration’s 57 regional offices and centers—eliminating the wait for transfer and shipping of paper copies. • Rating Veterans Service Representative Jeff Myers of the San Diego VA Regional Office submitted the idea to develop an “SMC Calculator”—a computer application to calculate entitlement to additional benefits payable to veterans with the most serious injuries. SMC, or Special Monthly Compensation, is a special allowance for certain severe disabilities that’s paid in addition to the basic rate. The application will allow difficult cases to be rated faster with increased accuracy and consistency. The current process is manual and involves lengthy and multiple regulations as well as reviews and signatures to move forward. • Pre-Determination Team Coach Maria Barajas of the San Diego VA Regional Office submitted the idea to customize the Modern Award Processing–Development (MAP-D) database Vol. 14, No. 3
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to facilitate communication between call center agents, veteran’s service representatives and veterans. MAP-D contains records for claims cases and was developed to reduce the amount of manual data entry required and potential input errors. VA Central Office and the St. Paul (Minn.) Pension Management Center submitted an idea to implement rules-based processing for VA pension programs and other benefits. Andrew Graf’s idea would streamline the processing of dependency compensation and pension benefits through the implementation of a rulesbased system modeled after technology used to develop tax software programs. His idea lays the foundation for further implementation of rules-based technology to be applied to compensation claims for increased evaluations and has the potential to allow for claims to be completed outside the current people-centric system. Veterans Service Representative Ben Rogers, of the Hartford (Conn.) VA Regional Office, suggested creating an interactive chat application that would allow veterans to engage in an online dialogue with VA employees about disability compensation benefits. The Veterans Interactive Online Assistant, or VIOLA, would help to: inform veterans during the application process about what is needed to process their claim; reduce the number of days it takes to complete a claim by empowering veterans to have an active role in providing VA the exact information needed to process their claim more efficiently; increase transparency between VA and veterans by giving veterans a personal and tailored approach to the claims process; and provide veterans with general information on VA benefits and services. Employees of the Albuquerque (N.M.) VA Regional Office submit- ted an idea to revise the front-end claims development process to include a specialized interview with the veteran by phone or in person, a letter summarizing the interview, and an informational DVD. This approach is aimed at increasing veterans’ understanding of the claims process, resulting in better service and improved timeliness. The initiative differs from telephone development currently used by some VA regional offices in that it mandates a philosophical change of development procedures where public contact is initiated by VA and is consistent at all offices. Employees of the Atlanta VA Regional Office submitted an idea called Rapid Evaluation of Veterans’ Claims. In this scenario, veterans may choose to have their claims for increased evaluations of service-connected conditions rated based solely on the information the veterans provide in addition to any electronic records from VA medical centers. In effect, the veterans waive the VA examination process because they understand the information needed to be granted the benefit they seek and have
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submitted that information. The Atlanta VARO will process REV claims within 30 days of receipt, thereby providing more timely service to veterans. Assistant Veterans Service Center Manager Jack Hudson of the Pitts- burgh VA Regional Office submitted the idea to lessen the need for VA medical examinations by providing veterans with standardized medical questionnaires to be completed by their private physicians. Veterans could use these medical questionnaires as an alternative to waiting to get a full assessment from a VA physician before their claims move forward. The idea would also allow more time for VA doctors to treat patients. In western Pennsylvania, VA performs about 7,000 exams for disability claims annually. Veterans Service Representative Todd Bonn of the Togus (Maine) VA Regional Office suggested aligning employee performance standards with VA goals. Specifically, when veteran’s service representatives and rating veterans service representatives are working toward making their production- based performance standards, their actions will reduce claims processing times and the claims backlog.
VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure
WASHINGTON – Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange. An updated list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships confirmed to have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore, has been posted at http://www. publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/ to assist Vietnam Veterans in determining potential eligibility for compensation benefits. “Posting of the ships list is an important recognition of the sacrifices U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veterans made for this Nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It provides an easier path for Veterans who served in Vietnam to get the benefits and services they are entitled to under the law.” VA presumes herbicide exposure for any Veteran with duty or visitation within the country of Vietnam 10
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Veterans News & Updates or on its inland waterways during the Vietnam era. Comprehensive information about the 14 recognized illnesses under VA’s “presumption” rule for Agent Orange is also located on the webpage. In practical terms, Veterans with qualifying Vietnam service who develop a disease associated with Agent Orange exposure need not prove a medical link between their illnesses and their military service. This presumption simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits. For questions about Agent Orange and the online list of ships, Veterans may call VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3. When a claim is filed by a Veteran, surviving spouse or child, VA will determine whether the Veteran qualifies for the presumption of exposure based on official records of the ship’s operations. Ships will be regularly added to the list based on information confirmed in these official records. Even if a Veteran is not filing a claim, a Veteran may conduct his or her own research and submit scanned documentary evidence such as deck logs, ship histories, and cruise book entries via email to 211_AOSHIPS.VBACO@va.gov. Service on board ships anchored in an open water harbor, such as Da Nang Harbor, or on ships on other open waters around Vietnam during the war, is not considered sufficient for the presumption of Agent Orange exposure. For Veterans interested in obtaining deck logs, contact the National Archives at College Park, Md., at http://www.archives.gov/dcmetro/college-park/researcher-info.html. The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three conditions added to the list of Agent Orange presumptives last year (Parkinson’s disease, hairy cell and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and ischemic heart disease). This website makes it easy to electronically file a claim and allows Veterans and their physicians to upload evidence supporting the claim. It also permits online viewing of claim status. Veterans claiming other conditions may file online at VA’s My-eBenefits web site at: https://www. ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming their identity), and use a growing number of online services. Servicemembers may enroll in My-eBenefits using their Common Access Card at any time during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings. Veterans may also enroll through their myPay or MyHealtheVet accounts, by visiting their local VA regional office or Veteran Service Organization, or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
Vol. 14, No. 3
Over $2.2 Billion in Retroactive Agent Orange Benefits Paid to 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and Survivors for Presumptive Conditions
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that more than $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits has already been paid to approximately 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and their survivors who filed claims related to one of three new Agent Orange presumptive conditions. On August 31, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amended its regulations to add ischemic heart disease, hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson’s disease to the list of diseases presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange. “As the President said to the American Legion yesterday, VA is committed to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the care and benefits they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “I encourage all potentially eligible Veterans to apply as soon as possible to preserve the most favorable effective date for payments.” For new claims, VA may authorize up to one year of retroactive benefits if a Veteran can show that he or she has experienced one of those conditions since the date of the regulatory change. VA has reviewed, and continues to review, thousands of previously filed claims that may qualify for retroactive benefits under a long-standing court order of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Nehmer vs. U.S. Veterans Administration. “VA encourages survivors of Veterans whose death may be due to one of the three diseases to file a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. Secretary Shinseki’s decision to add these conditions to the list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions was based on a study by the Institute of Medicine, which indicated a positive association between exposure to certain herbicides and the subsequent development of one or more of the three conditions. Potentially eligible Veterans include those who were exposed based on duty or visitation in Vietnam or on its inland waterways between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; exposed along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971; or exposed due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases within and outside of the United States. The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three new presumptive conditions.
The website makes it easy to electronically file a claim and allows Veterans and their physicians to upload evidence supporting the claim. It also permits online viewing of claim status. Beyond the three new presumptive disabilities, Veterans may file online at VA’s My-eBenefits web site at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming their identity), and use a growing number of online services. Servicemembers may enroll in My-eBenefits by using their Common Access Card at anytime during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings. Veterans may also enroll through their myPay or MyHealtheVet accounts by visiting their local VA regional office or Veteran Service Organization, or by calling 1-800-827-1000. For more information about Agent Orange presumptives and disability compensation, go to http:// www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/. For questions about Agent Orange, Veterans may call VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3.
Nasal Insulin Spray Shows Promise In Treatment of Alzheimer’s WASHINGTON (September 13, 2011) - A small pilot study led by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researcher found that a nasal insulin spray improved memory, thinking skills, and functional ability in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, there are no effective treatments to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s. “This research builds on several years of preliminary work by an innovative group of VA investigators and their colleagues, and we are gratified to see the progress that is being made on behalf of Veterans and all Americans who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert Petzel. A VA team with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System led the trial, which was sponsored in large part by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The new findings appear in the Sept. 12 Archives of Neurology. Previous studies found that low brain levels of insulin-the main hormone that turns sugar in the bloodstream into energy for cells-could contribute to Alzheimer’s. Based on these findings, VA’s Dr. Suzanne Craft has led efforts to test the benefits of restoring normal insulin function in the brain. The new study tested a nasal spray that delivers insulin quickly and directly to the brain, with no harmful side effects, such as increased insulin levels 11
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011
Veterans News & Updates throughout the whole body. The trial included 104 adults with either amnestic mild cognitive impairment-in which people have memory loss that may progress to Alzheimer’s-or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The study volunteers received 20 international units (IU) of insulin, 40 IU of insulin, or a saline placebo, which were all given through a nasal delivery device for four months. Memory, cognition and functional ability were measured before and after treatment. Some participants also received spinal taps to test cerebrospinal fluid as well as brain scans before and after treatment. Treatment with 20 IU of intranasal insulin improved memory, and both doses of insulin preserved general cognition and functional ability. These results warrant larger trials of insulin nasal-spray therapy to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease or slow its progression. VA Chief Research and Development Officer Dr. Joel Kupersmith stated, “VA researchers are exploring a number of possible approaches to help prevent or effectively treat this devastating disease, and these are among the most promising results to date. We are proud to partner with NIH in supporting this vital work.”
VA Streamlines Online Applications for Health Benefits Renewal
Automated 10-10EZR Form Simplifies Updates WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has automated its online Health Benefits Renewal (10-10EZR) form as part of its ongoing effort to streamline access to benefits. “This action dramatically reduces the time it will take for enrolled Veterans to submit updates to their demographic information and further reduces access barriers to needed care for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. Previously, Veterans filling out the online 1010EZR were required to print a copy, sign it and send it to their local medical center before updates to their personal, insurance or financial information could occur. Veterans may now submit these updates online.
For additional information, go to www.va.gov/ healtheligibility or call VA’s toll-free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The online form is available at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ Form/1010ezr.pdf.
Retroactive Traumatic Injury Benefits No Longer Just For OEF/OIF Injuries TSGLI Payments Will Be Made for Qualifying Injuries
WASHINGTON (September 16, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to Servicemembers who suffered qualifying injuries during the period Oct. 7, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred. “Now all of our nation’s Servicemembers who suffered severe traumatic injuries while serving their country can receive the same traumatic injury benefits, regardless of where their injury occurred,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We at VA appreciate the efforts of Congress and the President to improve benefits for our troops.” Effective Oct. 1, the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Traumatic Injury Protection benefit, known as TSGLI, will be payable for all qualifying injuries incurred during this period. This retroactive benefit is payable whether or not the Servicemember had SGLI coverage at the time of the injury. The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2010, passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in October of 2010, removes the requirement that injuries during this period be incurred in Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). This is welcome news for the many Servicemembers who suffered serious traumatic injuries while serving stateside or in other areas outside of OEF/OIF during this time period, but until now have not been eligible for TSGLI. TSGLI provides a payment ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to Servicemembers sustaining certain severe traumatic injuries resulting in a range of losses, including amputations; limb salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, hearing or speech; facial recon-
struction; 15-day continuous hospitalization; coma; and loss of activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury or other traumatic injuries. National Guard and Reserve members who were injured during the retroactive period and suffered a qualifying loss are also eligible for a TSGLI payment, even if the cause was not related to military service, such as a civilian automobile accident or severe injury which occurred while working around their home. National Guard and Reserve members make up more than 40 percent of the total force which has been deployed since 9-11. Those who are no longer in the National Guard or Reserves can also apply as long as their injury occurred while they were in service. “I am extremely pleased that these total force warriors who defend our freedoms are getting the recognition and benefits they have rightfully earned in service to our nation,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. VA is working with the Department of Defense to publicize this change in the TSGLI law. Additionally, all of the branches of service are identifying any claims previously denied because the injury was not incurred in OEF/OIF and reaching out to those individuals. Although applications are currently being accepted by branch of service TSGLI offices, benefits will not be paid until Oct. 1, 2011, the effective date of the law. For more information or to apply for a TSGLI payment, Servicemembers and Veterans should go to=20 http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/ TSGLI.htm or contact their branch of service TSGLI Office (contact information available at above link).
VA Explains Upcoming Changes to GI Bill
Encourages Veterans to Visit VA Website to Learn More WASHINGTON (August 4, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform Veterans of recent changes made by Congress to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in 2011. Search All VA Search All Web VA Pages Web
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VERY RARE & Unusual WWII Photographs
General Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, said “The Post 9/11 GI Bill is incredibly important because it Isn’t it amazing how a film could last so long in a camera without disintegrating? reduces the financial burdens of higher education so that VetFantastic photos taken 69 years ago. Some of you will have to go to a museum to see what a Brownie box camera looked like? erans have an opportunity to achieve their education goals. VA believes it is important for Veterans to be aware of changPHOTOS STORED IN AN OLD BROWNIE CAMERA es to the GI Bill this year and learn more about how these Thought you might find these photos very interesting; what quality from 1941. These Pearl Harbor photos changes may affect them.” were found in an old Brownie stored in a foot locker and just recently taken to be developed. They are “It’s hard to believe how far we have all come with the from a Sailor who was on the USS Quapaw ATF-110. Post-9/11 GI Bill the past two years,” stated General HickPEARL HARBOR ey. “Today, more than 537,000 students have received over December 7th, 1941 $11.5 billion in GI Bill benefits to help them take charge of their future.” Upcoming changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill effective August 1, 2011 include paying the actual net cost of all public in-state tuition and fees, rather than basing payments upon the The A6M2-N float plane highest in-state tuition and fee rates for every state; capping version of the Zero private and foreign tuition at $17,500 per academic year; and did extremely well, ending payments during certain school breaks, to preserve suffering only a small Japanese Kawanishi H8K seaplane HARVS on the way in shot by a P-47. Veterans’ entitlement for future academic semesters. Also, loss in its legendary after strafing. Kwajalein Rare shot. maneuverability. certain students attending private schools in select states can Top speed was not now continue to receive benefits at the same rate payable duraffected, however, the ing the previous academic year. aircraft’s relatively Beginning October 1, 2011, eligible individuals will be light armament was a detriment. able to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for programs such as noncollege degrees, on-the-job training, and correspondence courses, and they will be eligible to receive a portion of the national monthly housing allowance rate Iwhen enrolled only Home About Help Contact Facility Locator Feature List am a ... in distance learning courses. Snow on VA is implementing the latest round of changes to the Post deck. USS Login Register Philippine Sea 9/11 GI Bill and has already begun processing fall 2011 enDeck crew climbing up to get the North Pacific apply for view my access my browse benefits rollment certifications. Outreach by VA has helped to increase pilot out. He did. That’s a fuel tank BENEFITS STATUS DOCUMENTS LINKS search 1945 his foot is on. Empty? participation by colleges and universities in the Yellow RibRegister use all of the out-of-pocket available features bon program, which now helpstostudents avoid costsof eBenefits! that may exceed the benefit. Today, more than 2,600 schools Bougainville. Most Popular are participating in the Yellow Ribbon program. Features “VA is committed to ensuring Veterans have the informaLogin or register for a Premium tion and tools they need to succeed,” General Hickey conAccount to access these features. cluded. Apply for Veterans Benefits Guam Online (VONAPP) Complete information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill is availAppeal Status able at: www.gibill.va.gov. VA’s education information Download VA Letters Welcome the New eBenefits phone number is:to1-888-GIBILL-1. For ongoing benefit inView All Features We took your comments and suggestions to heart and have worked formation, Veterans and Servicemembers can log into the VA Learn More hard to improve the ways you discover, access, and manage your Marines eBenefits website: www.eBenefits.va.gov. To ask a question Veteran Benefits online. disembark in a secure e-mail, use the “Ask a Question” tab at: https:// LST at DeptVetAffairs www.gibill2.va.gov/cgi-bin/vba.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php. Tinian I am a ...
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Outside Bastogne
U.S. munitions ship goes up during the invasion of Sicily. German 280mm K5 firing
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Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 2011 we can restore our homeless Veterans and their families to the lives of dignity they've earned," Shinseki added. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs This fiscal year, VA expects has announced that the Bronze Star Marker Program to spend $3.4 billion to prowill be extended. The MDVA offers Bronze Star vide health care to homeGrave Markers to mark the gravesite of any veteran less Veterans and $800 milburied in the state, where permitted. lion in specialized homeless Last fall the Department announced the program programs. The latest studies would be discontinued based on budget and availabil- say more than 75,000 Veterity of the new medallion through the United States ans are homeless on a typiDepartment of Veterans Affairs. However, based on cal night, and about 135,000 feedback from County Veterans Service Officers and spend at least one night a the community, MDVA is extending the program. year in a homeless shelter. For more information visit: http://www.mdva.state. VA is encouraging fammn.us/BronzeStarGraveMarkers.htm ily, friends and citizens in the community to "Make the Call" and help prevent and end homelessness among Veterans. Since March 2010, VA has offered a toll-free Extra Social Security benefit may be available telephone number, staffed for individuals who served on active duty from Janu- around the clock by trained ary 1957 to December 31, 2001.You may qualify for professionals, to help homea higher Social Security payment for your military less Veterans, their families service. Visit the Social Security website at: http:// and at-risk people. The numwww.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm to find out more ber is 877-4AID-VET (or information on how to possibly increase your Social 877-424-3838). Security benefit. Recently, VA has transformed its efforts in the fight against homelessness. It is changing from a program focus upon temporary, shelterva.gov. Broadcast organizations interested in obtainbased services, to prevention, employment, permanent housing, and help to fami- ing a broadcast- quality version of the PSA should contact VA's Office of Public Affairs (ph: 202-461lies and Veterans at risk of becoming homeless. According to the Military Officers Association of 7600). America, the inflation rate rose 0.3% in August. This The number of women using VA has doubled may result in an increase in Social Security, Survivor in the past decade, and that increase is expected to Benefit Plan and Veterans Disability Compensation continue into the next decade. More than half of the and Pension increase of up to 3.7%. This could mean women using VA health care have a service-conthe first rate increase in two years. nected disability. These range from combat PTSD
Bronze Star Marker Program Extension
Special Extra Earning for Military Service
Vets Compensation and Pension Rates May Increase
“Make the Call" Events Scheduled for 28 Communities across the Nation
As part of its drive to end homelessness among Veterans by 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched a nation-wide outreach initiative, "Make the Call," to spread the message about its special programs to help homeless Veterans and their families to 28 communities across the nation in October. "Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. Shinseki noted that 28 communities - from Atlanta to Hawaii - hosted special programs this fall highlighting local services for homeless Veterans, their families and those at risk of becoming homeless. "Working with our partners in state and local government, the non-profit and the private sectors,
Vol. 14, No. 3
Nationwide Release Encourages Public to Join VA Culture Change
The Department of Veterans Affairs is taking its internal culture-change message to the public with a new video about the vital role women play in the military and the importance of providing women Veterans with high quality health care. VA's Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group recently completed a 60-second public service announcement (PSA) that challenges viewers to rethink pre-conceived notions about women Veterans. This dynamic video features images of women in service to our country: they drive supply trucks, participate in reconnaissance missions, walk safety patrols, and operate helicopter machine guns. When these brave women complete their service and become Veterans, we want them to know that VA is there to meet their health care needs," said Dr. Patricia Hayes, Chief Consultant of the VA's Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group. "At the same time, we want the public to recognize the contributions of women Veterans and the benefits they have earned through their service to the Nation." The PSA is available for viewing on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_ profilepage&v=BOP5DCgjxPE and http://www.
to missing limbs. The PSA gives a sampling of the service-connected disabilities women Veterans must cope with on a daily basis. The PSA was developed for nationwide release from a new employee orientation video-available at http://www.womenshealth.va.gov-created as part of VA's ongoing efforts to change its culture to be more understanding and accommodating of women Veterans and honor the important service they have given our country. "VA's goal is to provide the highest quality care for every Veteran, regardless of gender. Part of this initiative has been educating staff so they understand and appreciate that it is their job to make sure women Veterans receive the best care anywhere," said Hayes. In addition to new employee orientation, VA is spreading its culture-of-change message to current employees through posters, conferences, and e-mail messaging. VA health care providers are all given the opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking miniresidency program in Women's Health for Veterans. This program has already educated more than 1,100 VA providers on the latest knowledge in gender-specific health care.ď‚Ť 14
Minnesota American Veterans News - - - Fall, 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. 3
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
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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.