ROBERT
BERTSCHY
Department Commander
The DAV mission is “SERVICE TO VETERANS.” What better way to raise money for service
to veterans than a Forget Me Not (FMN)
Drive. This past year, only 36 chapters in the Department of Ohio
participated in a FMN Drive. Ohio chapters, total of only 38 %, participated
in raising $11,850 through their FMN Drives last year for the Department
Hospital Fund. For 2007-2008, let’s see if we can raise the bar and improve on
the number of chapters participating, to at least 50 %, to serve more veterans
through our DAV FMN Drives.
Twenty percent of the money your chapter raises
goes to the Department. Your chapter’s 20% donation from your FMN Drive is
deposited into the Hospital Fund. This is sacred monies and may be used for
hospitalized veterans' activities such as: picnics, parties, bingo games, patient
canteen books and food at Ohio VA Medical Centers. The other 80%, your
chapter must spend the FMN funds on service to veterans and
their families. The success of your chapter FMN Drive may support local VA
Medical Center’s programs. Should you have any questions on how your FMN
funds can be used to serve veterans, please do not hesitate to contact
Department of Ohio before you make your donation.
We hear a lot of reasons as to why chapters do not
hold a FMN Drive. The main one is that our chapter members are getting too old.
You may want to re-think on how you did them in the past. You may want to
select only one location, for one day, and asking your volunteers to work
shorter hours. You could go to a local Wal-Mart or another chain store and ask
if you could hold one. Most Wal-Mart's will donate matching funds to your FMN
Drive. Get permission and set up tables at each exit. Please remember that
while in the public eye, you will be representing the DAV. Your FMN Drive
volunteers may provide service officer work for a disabled veteran
seeking answers on VA benefits, opportunities for chapter membership
recruiting, as well as, inviting old members of your chapter back to your
chapter meetings to be involved again in the success of your DAV chapter services
to veterans. You may want to make it
happen by partnering up with your auxiliary unit members.
You can order FMN supplies from DAV National such as
FMN canisters and posters. You should only use DAV FMN supplies. If you have
never held a FMN Drive, call Department for information on holding one.
The first step in organizing a FMN drive is to
choose a very responsible person to head up the entire effort—the kind of
person whose leadership, enthusiasm and willingness to work inspires others to
work hard.
Set the date of your drive well in advance. Give
yourself plenty of time to get any necessary city permits as well as permission
to do a Forget-Me-Not Drive. Prepare a
flyer listing your goals of your FMN Drive (service to veterans)
to hand-out to the public when asked why are you doing a FMN Drive?
The first time DAV members ever sold little, blue
FMN’s to the public was on Feb. 24, 1926. The first DAV FMN drive was being
held to raise funds to support DAV services and assistance desperately needed
by veterans disabled in WW 1.
The idea grew out of an image carried home from the
first World War in the memories of soldiers who had seen spring flowers growing
among the graves of comrades and allies killed in the fighting. A man could
respond to such a scene, with its promise of new life following the sacrifices
of so many. The poem, “In Flanders Field,” by Canadian Colonel John McCrae,
immortalized that image, capturing the hearts of people yearning for peace.
Thus, after WW1, the flower became the symbol for commemorating
those who had fallen in war. And many—including the fledgling DAV and its
Auxiliary—felt the best way to honor the dead was to assist those who came home
bearing the scars of war.
It’s no wonder the DAV adopted the Forgot-Me-Not.
This flower says, “Please, don’t forget me,” for those who had come home as
well as for those who had given their lives. And, it’s an appropriate symbol
because the disabled veteran has almost been forgotten… by the American public
and in the halls of government…far too many times.
For more than half a century, this small, blue
flower of remembrance has been the staple of Chapter-level Fund-raising to
support DAV assistance to local disabled veterans. The public responds well to
FMN drives because it believes in the DAV and knows our organization has
consistently been there to assist all disabled veterans and their families. The
American people trust you to spend every penny they donate in your drive wisely
for the good of disabled veterans who need the DAV’s help.
DAV Forget-Me-Not Drive is a
way of giving back for the service you may have received from DAV. Be proud you
belong to the DAV. Remember, our DAV Mission is Service! Have a successful
FMN Drive in providing service to our disabled veterans and their families.
Also, please wear your DAV service hats so everyone will know who you are
representing in providing service to veterans.
IMPORTANT
NUMBERS
Nat’l. Hdqrs., DAV (877) 426-2838
NSO Office, Cleveland (216)
522-3507
NSO Office, Cincinnati (513)
684-2676
Washington Office, DAV (202)
554-3501
Cincinnati HSC,
Sheila Clements (513) 475-6443
Dayton HSC, (937)
268-6511
Gene McCorkle Ext. 2962
Wade Park HSC, (216)
791-3800
Walter Dryja Ext.
3395
Chillicothe HSC (740)
773-1141
James Keller Ext. 7916
Columbus Clinic, (614)
257-5487
Michael
Hackworth
Brecksville HSC, (440)
526-3030
Don Branford Ext. 7353
Warren Clinic (330)
392-0311
Youngstown Clinic (330)
70-9200
Ext.
105
Veterans Administration 1-800-827-1000
DATES TO REMEMBER
August 2-3-4, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Madison County Chapter #93, London area.
August 3-4, 1007 Forget-Me-Not,
Darke County Chapter #57, Various locations in Darke County.
August 8, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Galion, Ohio.
August 9-10, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Madison County Chapter #93, Truck Stop.
August 10-11, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Darke County Chapter #57, various locations in Greenville, Ohio
August 10-11-12, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Salem Chapter #122, various location in Salem, Ohio.
August 11, 2007 Forget-Me-Not,
Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Crestline, Ohio.
August 11-14, 2007 DAV
National Convention,
Hilton New Orleans Riverside,
New Orleans, LA
August 16-17, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Madison County Chapter
#93, West Jefferson & Mt. Sterling, Ohio.
August 25, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Auglaize County
Chapter #73, Wapakoneta sites.
August 27, 2007 Mobile Service Office, Barnesville
Chapter #121, VFW Post 7292, 129 S. Chestnut St., Barnesville, Ohio 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.
August 28, 2007 Mobile Service Office, Conrath-Bean
Chapter #37, 355 E. State St., Athens, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 29, 2007 Mobile Service Officer, Jackson
County Chapter #45, 170 Pearl Street, Jackson, Ohio, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 30, 2007 Mobile Service Office, Adams County
Chapter #71, American Legion Post 594, 122 North Main Street, Peebles, Ohio, 10
a.m. to 6 p.m.
Aug. 31 – Sept. 1, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20,
Wal-Mart in Avon; Giant Eagle in Avon Lake; Giant Eagle in Amherst, Drug Mart
in Amherst, Ohio.
Sept. 10-16, 2007 Forget-Me-Not Drive, The Buddy Chapter
#43, Various locations in Findlay, Ohio
Sept. 13-16, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Adams County Chapter
#71, Old Timers Day, Peebles.
Sept. 28-29-30, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Barnesville Chapter #121,
Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Barnesville.
September 29, 2007 9th District Meeting, Peerless
Chapter #10, Portsmouth, Ohio, Dinner at noon, meeting to begin at 1 p.m.
October 19-21, 2007 Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza,
Dublin, Ohio
October 20, 2007 Ohio Women Veterans Conference,
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio
October 28, 2007 6th District Meeting, VFW
Firestone Post 3383, 690 W. Waterloo Road, Akron. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. and meeting will start at 2
p.m.
November 3, 2007 2nd District Meeting,
12 noon, Dayton VAMC, Building 305, Dayton, Ohio.
Multi-purpose Room, lunch provided, Joint DAV and DAVA District Meeting.
March 2-5, 2008 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal
Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA
June 5-8, 2008 DAV Department Convention, The
Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio
August 9-12, 2008 DAV National Convention,
Bally’s Hotel, Las Vegas.
October 10-12, 2008 DAV Department Fall Conference, The
Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
June 4-7, 2009 DAV Department Convention,
The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
October 9-11, 2009 DAV Department Fall Conference, The
Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
June 10-13, 2010 DAV Department Convention,
The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
October 8-10, 2010 DAV Department Fall Conference, The
Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
NOTES FROM
YOUR STATE ADJUTANT
Thought for August: It is much easier to be critical than to be
correct.
A just concluded 18 month
study by the Institute for Defense Analysis reports that where you live and who
helps with your claim make a difference.
Ohio averaged $7,556 annual disability with New Mexico highest at
$12,395. Also, Veterans who receive
assistance in filing their claims from National Service Officers such as DAV
receive annual awards on average of $11,162 compared to $4,728 for those who
“go it alone”.
A separate review of the VA
system for handling disability claims is also underway to determine how to cut
through bureaucratic delays, confusing paperwork and long appeals process, with
the thought of reducing the claims backlog and “streamline” the system. Our legislators in DC have recognized the
need for hiring additional full time employees for VA Compensation and Pension
Services and has added monies in the FY 2008 federal budget to fund this
hiring.
Congressman Zack Space,
working with Senator Sherrod Brown, has held local hearings in Ohio gathering
info to help determine how veterans can be better served. Our State Commander Bob Bertschy, along with
myself and Executive Committeeman Dave May, presented testimony at two such
hearings. Even Senator Voinovich held a
“roundtable” at Wade Park VA Medical Center on July 16th,
concentrating on reducing the claims backlog at the VA Regional Office there in
Cleveland.
To assist veterans and
providers, the VA created a webpage containing links to Fact Sheets that
provide basic information on each VA benefit program:
http://www/vba.va.gov/benefit
facts/index.htm
As always, pray for our
troops who are in harms way. God bless
America and may he continue to bless the Disabled American Veterans. Never forget that…FREEDOM IS NOT FREE…it is
bought and paid for by our Veterans like YOU and ME!
THANK YOU
NOTE
Douglas Lay
On
behalf of my family, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the many
cards and emails from our friends in DAV following the death of our mother
Miriam Lay on July 9th. As
we loose our family and loved ones to a greater glory, we that remain can take
comfort in the support we have amongst our DAV family. Your thoughts and prayers sustained the Lay
family during this difficult time and for that we are eternally grateful.
Personally,
and although I miss being involved with many of you on a continual basis, I am
still with each of you as we move forward to provide service and comfort to
fellow veterans and their families. The
DAV family is something each of us can take much pride in as we accomplish
these lofty and essential goals knowing that the DAV family is always available
for support.
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers – they
were wonderful. May God Bless each of you for your
continued service to America.
DAV ALLIANCE CHAPTER 50 BINGO DONATION
On July 10, 2007 DAV
Alliance Chapter #50 Commander Vic Dossi presented a Bingo Donation to Ellen
Papdimoulis, coordinator for Cleveland VA Medical Center VIST Program, for
blind veterans in the amount of $500 to support blind veterans support group
activities.
Veterans Groups Call for Health Care Budget Reform
WASHINGTON, July
25—The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and a coalition of eight other national
veterans organizations have called on Congress to approve legislation that
would replace the current discretionary funding mechanism that puts patients at
risk and makes it impossible for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to
operate effectively.
With the anticipated release later
today of recommendations from the President’s Commission on Care for America’s
Returning Wounded Warriors, this issue has taken on even greater significance.
An adequate, reliable and timely funding stream for the VA is vital to ensure
high-quality services for those men and women returning from the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, as well as for veterans from previous eras.
In testimony before
the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today, the Partnership for Veterans
Health Care Budget Reform said Congress has “an opportunity to create an
enduring legacy of commitment to the long-term viability of the health care
system dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our nation’s veterans.”
The wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan are producing a new generation of wounded, sick and disabled
veterans, and some severe types of poly-trauma injuries never seen before in
warfare. Those young Americans wounded in Central Asia today with brain injury,
limb loss or blindness will need the VA health care system for the remainder of
their lives. “The goal of the Partnership is to see a long-term solution formed
for funding VA health care to guarantee these veterans will have a dependable
system for the foreseeable future, not simply next year,” said DAV National
Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante, who testified on behalf of the
Partnership. “Reformation of the whole funding system is essential so federal
funds can be secured on a timely basis, allowing VA to manage the delivery of
care and to plan effectively to meet known and predictable needs. In our
judgment a change is warranted and long overdue.”
For more than a
decade the Partnership has urged Congress to reform the basic discretionary appropriations
system of funding VA health care. “The VA health care system must be protected
for millions of veterans who depend on it now as their only health care resource and will do so for many decades,”
Violante told the Committee.
“While we have waited
a long time for today’s hearing, the Partnership acknowledges and applauds the
support of this Committee and your Appropriations Committee colleagues who have
increased VA discretionary health care funding over the past several budget
cycles, and in particular this year’s prospective increase of $6 billion in
additional health care funding,” Violante said. “Nevertheless, I hope to make
clear to the Committee why funding problems persist and how Congress can solve
this issue by enacting a reform that results in sufficiency, predictability and
timeliness of VA health care funding.”
The Partnership for Veterans Health
Care Budget Reform includes The American Legion, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans
Association, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans of the USA,
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A, Paralyzed Veterans of America,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Vietnam Veterans of America.
The 1.3
million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in
1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s
disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives
for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. For more information,
visit the organization’s Web site www.dav.org.