JOSEPH JOHNSTON

Department Commander

I am reflecting on the historic inaugural ceremonies that have just occurred this month and the general reports from the media that three out of four people are hopeful for the future at this point. We are in a recession—unemployment of our friends and neighbors has not been higher since 1945 when our military were returning victorious from the Second World War. That was a time of change and opportunity for our country as well; and how we surpassed those tribulations is a reflection on our national character. I am constantly reminded in one way or the other of what it means for us to live in America. The other day for example, I saw the Jackson Chapter van transporting veterans back home from a trip to the Cincinnati VAMC. I waved at them as we passed on the highway and they smiled and waved back. I reflected that we were “taking care of our own”. That trip was probably two hours one way for the driver but our DAV volunteers are always ready to step up to the task and “not leave our wounded behind.” All of us can find ways to support our membership, their families and orphans. Sometimes it is only a prayer but we all know the power of prayer and what it can deliver. I encourage all of you to step forward and find new ways of reaching out to our veterans, especially in these troubled times. Sometimes even a kind word can make a difference in someone’s life.

In that regard, I want to remember a couple of folks this month. John Cowan, the 10^th District Commander, just had to resign his position as a result of health issues. I know that was an extremely difficult moment for John, because he is totally dedicated to the DAV. He is always exuberant about his duties and always ready to help in any way that he can. John, Semper Fi! to you and hope you regain wellness very soon. Also, Executive Committeewoman, Martha Tepker has had a very difficult time of recuperating from her foot surgery and had some setbacks. For someone who is as active in the DAV as Martha, this is really trying for her. Martha, we also wish you well and a quick return to full healing. Let us keep both of these true and tried servants of the DAV in our hearts and prayers.

As I am sure all of you have heard, Senator George Voinovich has announced that he will not run again for the Senate at the end of his present term. We have a duty to ensure that his elected replacement will meet the needs of Ohio Veterans. As such, as each candidate announces their willingness to run, I will be sending them a letter to ascertain their support for veterans’ issues before the country. If there are responses to those letters we will publish them in this newsletter for your use and information. We need to ensure that the Senator that we elect will serve the interests of veterans in our country and state.

You will also note that this years preliminary schedule for the mobile service vans is included in this newsletter, a very real means of success to this program is our Chapter involvement. I encourage you to make your requests known as soon as possible and to fully support this program as an outreach to our members and potential new members in Ohio. We have a whole new generation of disabled veterans from the ongoing conflicts who need our help and, quite frankly, we need their help in this declining membership era to restore our ranks for service to the DAV. We have hundreds of thousands of newly injured war veterans now eligible for membership that require our outreach.

God Bless you all and your families in these challenging times.

Joe Johnston, 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,

Sheila Clements (513) 475-6443

Jeffrey Riley (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

Larry Queen 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

February 22-25, 2009 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA

March 22, 2009 Fourth District Meeting, Montfaucon Chapter #27, 2802 Airport Highway, Toledo, Ohio at 2 p.m.

March 22, 2009 Third District Meeting, Allen County Chapter #19, 130 W. Elm St., Lima, Ohio at 2 p.m.

March 28, 2009 Auxiliary Commander Kathie Johnson’s Testimonial Dinner, Eagles, Wapakoneta, Ohio.

April 11, 2009 First District Meeting, Harold J. Hursh Chapter #131, 4620 Trenton-Franklin Rd., Middletown, lunch beginning at 12 noon, meeting to begin at 1 p.m.

April 13, 2009 Fifth District Meeting, VFW Post 3493, 853 Ashland Rd., Mansfield, Ohio at 1 p.m.

April 18, 2009 Testimonial Dinner Commander Joseph Johnston, Holiday Inn Eastgate, Cincinnati, Ohio

June 25-28, 2009 DAV Department Convention,

The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

August 1, 2009 Forget-Me-Not, John W. Covert Chapter #47, East Liverpool, Ohio

August 22-25, 2009 DAV National Convention, Sheraton Hotel Denver, Denver, Colorado

Sept. 24 – 26, 2009 DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference, Drawbridge Inn, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

October 9-11, 2009 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2010 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA

June 24-27, 2010 DAV Department Convention,

The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

July 31 – Aug. 3, 2010 DAV National Convention, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia

October 8-10, 2010 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

TESTIMONIAL DINNER FOR AUXILIARY COMMANDER KATIE JOHNSON

You’re invited to

Commander Kathie Johnson’s Testimonial

Eagle’s Club

(Parking on street or in back of building—directions on back of form)

25 E. Auglaize Street

Wapakoneta, OH 45895

$30.00 per person

March 28, 2009

Cocktails at 5:00 PM

Dinner served at 6:00 PM

Reservations due by February 28, 2009

A block of hotel rooms have been reserved at the

Holiday Inn Express, 1008 Lunar Drive, Wapakoneta, OH

For group rate of $70.00, please mention DAV and

make your reservations (419-738-2050) by March 9, 2009

Name: ___________________________

# of reservations ________

Dinner Selection:

Chicken #_____ Swiss Steak #_____

Please make checks payable to DAVA Unit 73

& return to Judy Lenhart, 14982 Cemetery Rd., Wapakoneta, OH 45895

INFORMATION

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you -- and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also,
Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm

Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M10 for spouses and children http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and,
http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html

Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337

Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/

Public Health/SARS http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html

Title 38
Index
Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl

Title 38
Part 3 Adjudication
Subpart Aa"Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38
Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also A 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38
PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
target=_blank>
ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38

Title 38
A 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the
individual. PART 4a"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart Aa"General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1.96.11&idno=38

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook a" Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veteransa(tm) Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

FROM THE HOSPITAL CHAIRPERSON

We have begun our tours of the VA Facilities and State Homes. In September we toured the Chillicothe VAMC, in October we toured the Southern Ohio Veterans Home and in November we toured the Dayton VAMC. These facilities were toured by the DAV and DAVA State Commanders, DAV and DAVA State Adjutants, myself and the Representative for the facility.

Beginning in February and during the months of March and April we will be touring Cincinnati VA, The Columbus Clinic, Brecksville and Wade Park and the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. While visiting all of these facilities we visit with the patients and residents, along with the Directors of each facility. This is where we bring our concerns regarding the Hospital or State Home.

The DAV Department Hospital program also put on a Pizza Party and bingo at the Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home the first Sunday in December and I want to thank all the Chapters that helped work and made donations to this program.

Four times a year, the Department also puts on dinners at the Southern Ohio Veterans Home and also a few ice cream socials. Each Representative does different programs in each of the facilities. These include bingos, picnics visits and other functions.

In March each VA facility and State Home will be receiving something off of their current wish list. These are just some of the things that are done with your donations.

I want to thank Charles Clements, VAVS Representative at the Cincinnati VAMC for all of his hard work and dedication during the time that he was the Cincinnati VAMC representative. Charlie has sent me his resignation for this position due to health reasons. I want to wish Charlie the best in whatever the future holds for him.

Let us continue to think about volunteering. Hopefully many of you are volunteering at your local VA or State Home facility.

Raymond H. Hutchinson, Hospital Chairperson

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Just a few lines to say thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate everyone. All you folks have been good to me and I want you to know I love all of you. I miss my job, but there is nothing I can do about it. My surgery will be about noon on February 2, 2009 and I ask that you all pray for me that day. I hope to get this over with. I pray for every person I am associated with in the DAV. I hope to see some of you at the District Meeting in April. If you would care to come and visit me when I have my surgery, you can come to Grant Medical Center, they are going to keep me overnight. Well that’s about it. May God Bless everyone.

James Keller, Chaplain

DAILY THINGS

Thank you, Lord, for daily things.

Which mean so much to me.

For the majesty of morning sun,

And moonlight on the sea.

Thank you for a job to do,

For a home filled with love,

And thanks for the trails too,

And faith in things above.

Thank you, Lord, for daily prayer,

And friends who come to call,

For the budding rose of springtime,

And the golden leaves of fall.

Thank you, Lord, for April rain,

When rainbows fill the sky,

And for the pride inside my heart,

When Old Glory passes by.

We praise you, Lord, for eves that see,

When snow begins to fall.

Thank you, Lord, for daily things,

Which bless us one and all.

MOBILE SERVICE OFFICE

The annual Mobile Service Office (MSO) is coming to Ohio and will be available for Chapter visits during June 13-28, 2009 and November 7-22, 2009. Requests should be submitted to Mr. Leslie James, NSO, 1240 E. Ninth St., Rm. 1015, Cleveland, Ohio 44199-2002 as soon as possible. Chapter participation is greatly endorsed and appreciated and continues to make the Mobile Service Office a success.

NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT

Thought for February: “If we ever forget that we’re one Nation, under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.” Ronald Reagan.

Retired Army General Eric Shinseki, nominated for VA Secretary by now President Obama, states “I intend to be a forceful advocate for veterans”. General Shinseki, a disabled veterans himself, pledged to restore the trust of veterans and their families in the VA System. He said it is easy to see why some veterans are frustrated with a bureaucracy that is slow and error-prone. “I will think of veterans as clients and VA as a business that could lose clients if it doesn’t provide decent service. Asking them to take a number or to put up with records that are lost, or even worse, destroyed, is not what I would accept. I do not understand why 6 months is what we live with for the average processing time of veterans’ claims. We need to do something about this.” Expectations for Shinseki are high as he leads an urgent and critical fight to improve support for America’s veterans.

As the Iraq conflict begins to wind down and, Obama commences plan to withdraw US Forces within 6 months as promised in his campaign, the war in Afghanistan heats up. Last week NATO & Afghan Troops killed 22 militants in air strikes & ground battles near the Pakistan border. And, in southern Afghanistan US coalition troops killed 6 Taliban fighters during a raid on militants blamed for using roadside bombs.

The Executive Order signed by President Obama to shut down Guantanamo Detention Center within a year may be complicated by a former prisoner there who was released to Saudi Arabia. The former prisoner, Said Ali al-Shihri, released in 2007 and passed through a Saudi Rehabilitation Program for former jihadists, resurfaced with Al Qaeda as the Deputy Leader in Yemen. He was involved is the deadly bombing of the US Embassy in Sana, Yemen’s Capital, in September 2008. His status with the Al Qaeda was announced on the internet by the militant group and confirmed by a US counterterrorism Official.

Chapter Financial Statements & Officer Reports:

It is my sad duty to report that numerous Chapters are delinquent in filing their Annual Financial Statement covering the period July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Chapter Financial Statements are due in Department Headquarters No later than September 30^th!!!!

I ask all Chapter Members to inquire of their Chapter Commander or Adjutant if they have sent in their Financial Statement for the period stated above. Failure to file Chapter Financial Statement is grounds for suspension and eventual revocation of your Charter.

Additionally, any time there is a change in Chapter Officers a new Officer Report must be filed with Department of Ohio and National Headquarters. Failure to file Officer Reports as required is also grounds for suspension and eventual revocation of your Charter.

Any questions on these matters, call me at 1-614-221-3582.

VETERAN WEB LINKS UPDATE: I am providing the following web-sites with information on Veterans Benefits and how to file/ask for them. Many sites explain how to obtain books, military and medical records, etcetera: CARES Commission: www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ Center for Women Vets www.va.gov/womenvet/ Center for Minority Veterans www.ga.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ clarification on changes in VA Health Care for Gulf War Veterans www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html/

Compensation Rates: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.html Establishing Combat

Veteran Eligibility: www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

Forms and Records Request: www.va.gov/vaforms/ Veterans Legal Benefit info http://valaw.org

VA National Hepatitis C Program www.hepatitis.va.gov/ VA Benefits Main Page www.vba.va.gov/

Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft - - Today it is called Golf!

As always, keep our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in your thoughts and prayers as they fight, like we have fought, to keep America free. Never shall we forget that Freedom is not Free!!

Information Bulletin

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT

Chapter Financial Statements & Officer Reports: