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FROM THE DESK OF

COMMANDER WILL DAVIS

Once again, I had another full month of activities with my fellow veterans. I attended the Hall of Fame banquet and on the following day, the induction ceremony where Governor Kasich and Director of Veterans Service, Thomas Moe presented the veterans with their medallions. Congratulations to all! Thanks to all that made this event so successful. “Thank-You” for another outstanding year at the Golden Corral, in Grove City, served approximately 900 veterans and from the looks of the donations, all locations were well attended. I attended several district meetings and hopefully the DAV may gain a new chapter in District 2. Good luck with this endeavor.

As we have entered into the “season of giving”, and what is a better thing to give than our time, thanks to all the red kettle ringers (The Salvation Army). A big “Thank You” goes out to our own Leo Connelly, Jr. Chapter #2, Youngstown for his kettle ringing duties. This time of the year brings out the best of us. I heard this statement the other day, “I’ve got everything I want right here in front of me.” How many of us can say that? Let us all try to give a little more, so others may be able to say, “I’ve got everything I need”. Volunteer some of your time and make a connection with others that will last year-round.

On the legislative side, we must continue to sound the alarm regarding the call to scrap the 20 year retirement system, reduce retiree COLAs, freeze active duty pay, and cut the post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits for our veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Lt. Gen. Jack Klimp, USMC (Ret), stated, “We must not gut our nation’s defense nor balance the budget on the backs of those who answered the call to serve our great country in uniform and risked – and gave – so much. It’s a matter of budget priority, and doing right by those who earned our respect and deserve the benefits promised in exchange for their service.”

Our prayers and thoughts are with Mr. Barry Roberts and his wife JoAnn. JoAnn has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

During this season of giving, remember our military personnel, those serving here and those away from home, family and friends. DAV members know this feeling better than most of our fellow citizens. As DAV members, we need to show our service personnel and their families our respect and appreciation for making this land of free because of the brave. God bless American and keep our troops safe from harm. Please help honor those who never made it home. Wreaths across America will lay wreaths on December 10^th, 2011.

Your warm hats and cozy mittens come out of hibernation. We laugh, spread joy and give to others. We make it merry. (Caribou Coffee)

“One Team One Goal”

Will Davis, State Commander

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 (513) 475-6443

William Warren

Dayton HSC, (937) 268-6511

Kevin M. Reilly Ext. 2962

Wade Park HSC, (216) 791-3800

Walter Dryja Ext. 3395

Chillicothe HSC (740) 773-1141

Larry Queen Ext. 7916

Columbus Clinic, (614) 257-5487

Henry Snodgrass

Wade Park HSC, (216) 791-3800

Don Branford Ext. 4157

DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb. 26-29, 2012 C&A Midwinter Conference, Washington, DC

April 8, 2012 8^th District Meeting, Bellaire Chapter #117, Lunch at noon, Meeting at 1 p.m., Bellaire, Ohio.

April 14, 2012 DAV Commander Will Davis and DAVA Commander Denise Proffitt Testimonial Dinner, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

April 22, 2012 4^th District Meeting, Ottawa Chapter #76, 2 p.m., Ottawa, Ohio.

June 21-24, 2012 91^st Department Convention, Doubletree Columbus Worthington, 175 Hutchinson, Worthington, Ohio.

Aug. 4-7, 2012 National Convention, Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Oct. 12-14, 2012 Fall Conference, Doubletree Columbus Worthington, 175 Hutchinson Ave., Worthington, Ohio.

Feb. 24-27, 2013 C&A Midwinter Conference, Washington, DC

June 20-23, 2013 92^nd Department Convention, Doubletree Columbus Worthington, 175 Hutchinson Ave., Worthington, Ohio.

Aug. 10-13, 2013 National Convention, Hilton Orlando, Orlando, FL

Oct. 4-6, 2013 Fall Conference, Double Tree Columbus Worthington, 175 Hutchinson Ave., Worthington, Ohio.

NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT

Frank Williams

Thought for December: Sometimes instead of climbing over barriers, you’ve got to walk around them. Don’t know who said that, but as for me, I don’t think I will be jumping or climbing barriers for awhile.

Hertz to give free rentals to our military: Hertz is donating a portion of each rental profit toward a pool of free rentals to be distributed to service members. Their goal is to donate 40,000 free weekend rentals. Vouchers for the free rentals – good for a three-day weekend rental on a midsize car in North America – will be distributed through military organizations, starting in late January.

Scholarship for Vets, families: Veterans, their spouses and children have only until December 31, 2011 to apply for a $2,500 scholarship from the GOVETS Foundation. Online applications can be filled out at www.govetsfoundation.com. A 250 word essay is also required. Winners will be announced Jan. 6.

Super Committee Fails: The Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction’s inability to agree on how to reduce federal spending by $1.2 trillion over 10 years sets the stage for $600 billion in defense cuts over 10 years beginning January 2, 2013. Fortunately a few exemptions, such as military retirement, veterans benefits, social security, and Medicaid will not be cut. Recent committees working to overhaul our Retirement System have made it very clear, that any changes will not affect those of us who are already retired.

Contacting Members of the House and Senate: All of us know how important it is to stay in touch with our elected officials, to make them aware of our concerns on veteran’s earned rights and benefits, and to ask for their support on legislation affecting veterans. Since most of our representatives will be here in Ohio during their holiday recess, do your best to call their office in your district, and make appointments to talk with them personally, if possible. It has been well established that, except for a one-on-one visit, a personal letter carries more weight and stands a much better chance of getting your message across.

Membership in the DAV: The more members we sign up the more strength we have at the polls when elections are held! And, even though we are third in total membership – American Legion is first, with VFW second – the DAV does more VA claims service than all the others combined. We provide claims assistance throughout the VA claims process up to and including the Board of Appeals – all at no cost to veterans. So, I am again asking that you join me in our quest to recruit at least one new member each month. I will do my best to assist you any way that I can, so feel free to call me for guidance. Again, don’t forget to sign up eligible relatives for membership in the DAV Auxiliary. Ask your Chapter Membership Chairman if you can help with his/her Membership Program. We must work together to meet our membership goals in each Chapter.

The DAV is a living reminder of the selfless acts and determination of every veteran who has served our country, but the need for our individual involvement is critical. Reach out to our fellow Chapter member who missed the last few Chapter meetings, or has been away for awhile. Call or go visit with them to see if there is a valid reason for their absence. Volunteer to pick them up and bring them to your next meeting. We all need them, and we need each other.

Update on my Medical Condition: Even though I have encountered a few complications, since my total knee replacement surgery, I am now doing well with the extensive physical therapy part of the recovery process. I am looking forward to being back in my office at Department Headquarters very soon, even though I will be on a “part-time” basis for awhile, as my physical rehabilitation will continue for some time. Thanks to everyone for the great cards and letters. All are appreciated very, very much.

As always, keep our troops currently in Afghanistan in your prayers as they fight for Freedom in that remote and savage land. May God Bless the Disabled American Veterans, and may he continue to bless America, the land of the free because of the brave.

FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILLIAM CAINE

Larry Long, long time Assistant Officer of the Day, sends greetings to all of the DAV membership. For many years he performed guard duty at the main doors of the Department Conventions and Fall Meetings even after he became confined to a wheelchair. Larry has left his home in London, Ohio, and entered the Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home this year.

Larry reports that he is being treated very well at Sandusky and enjoys the many new friends he has made. On Veterans Day he forwent their steak luncheon to join Chapters 116, 108 and 72 on their train trip on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. He joined the 72 veteran group from DAV Chapters, the Sandusky OVH and the Cleveland VA Transition House to travel from Independence to Akron, Ohio. Larry along with his home mates enjoyed the catered luncheon served train side which was provided by the Department of Ohio and Chapter #116 DAV and DAVA #116.

Larry told his fellow veterans he’ll always be a member of the Ohio DAV no matter where he makes his home. He is looking forward to seeing old friends at the Department Cookie Party scheduled at the Sandusky OVH on December 4, 2011. You may send Christmas cards to Larry at Ohio Veterans Home, 3416 Columbus Ave.#266-C, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

FROM HOSPITAL CHAIRMAN RAYMOND HUTCHINSON

During the time from the State Convention and until now, I have toured the following hospitals along with the DAV and DAVA State Commanders and the DAV and DAVA State Adjutants. Southern Ohio Veterans Home, Cincinnati VAMC, Ft. Thomas Living Care Center, Columbus Clinic and Chillicothe. In the spring we will finish up the tours by visiting Dayton, Wade Park and the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. Each year as we do these tours we always learn something new about each facility. Many of them are being remodeled and all do great things for our veterans. As we tour these facilities, we stop and talk to the veterans and all have something good to say about the hospital they are at. Think about being a volunteer at your local VAMC or State Home. You will be rewarded and the veterans look forward to seeing a friendly face and have someone to talk to.

On December 4, 2011 the DAV of Ohio will be sponsoring a pizza party/bingo at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. All are invited to come and participate if you wish. This is just another way that the Department shows how we care for the veterans.

The residents of the OVH look forward to our Department coming to the home and sponsoring this function each year.

s/Raymond H. Hutchinson, Hospital Chairman

COLA FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND SURVIVORS GETS FINAL CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL

As a result of the House’s unanimous approval of S. 894, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011, disabled veterans will get a 3.6% COLA increase in their disability compensation, the first increase since December 2008. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Patty Murray (WA), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said that, “…in this difficult economy, our veterans deserve a boost in their benefits to help make ends meet.” House Chairman Jeff Miller (FL) said that, “Due to low inflation the past two years, our veterans have not received an increase. This additional income will help make ends meet in the coming year.”

President Obama signed the bill on November 9, 2011.

A NOTE FROM WILL DAVIS, VIETNAM VETERAN

I felt right at home and I felt overwhelmed as I walked into the National Museum of the Marine Corps. But I guess any Marine or corpsman might expect that intense, if strange, mix of feelings.

The power of this place hits you right away. It’s all around and over your head. Everything’s so impressive. The displays took me right back to my time in uniform; they’re so realistic, capturing every phase of Marine training and history.

I felt a forceful connection to the past, all the way back to 1775. And I was so glad to learn about the Museum’s plan to honor those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Like other Vietnam vets, I worry about these younger men and women. I think every Marine wants to make sure they get every bit to the respect they earned.

This unique place lives up to its reputation as a “home for every Marine,” and that includes the sailors who served at our sides.

And it’s an asset for America that does more than preserve the great heritage of our Marines. While it’s a museum of history, it also keeps the values of the Corps alive in our hearts.

That’s important to everybody – to those who served, to those thinking of signing up, and everyone who’s grateful for what the Marines have always faithfully give to America.

Everybody should support this Museum! Everybody!

Semper Fi!

Will Davis

P.S. Let’s make sure Americans remember our Marines…always! That’s what this Museum is all about!

Information Bulletin

IMPORTANT NUMBERS