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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

July 6-7-8, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Wal-Mart, Bucyrus, Ohio.

July 14, 2007 Forget-Me-Not Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Bucyrus, Ohio.

July 14, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Dovel Myers Chapter #143, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., K-Mart, Coshocton Ave., Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

July 14, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Dovel Myers Chapter #143, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Kroger #820, 855 Coshocton Ave., Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

July 14, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Dovel Myers Chapter #143, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Neff’s Grocery, Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

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.

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 9^th District Meeting, Peerless Chapter #10, Portsmouth, Ohio, Dinner at noon, meeting to begin at 1 p.m.

October 13, 2007 2^nd District Meeting,

Additional Information as Date approaches.

October 19-21, 2007 Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio

October 21, 2007 6^th 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.

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.

DAV AUXILIARY

Congratulations from the DAVA to all the newly elected and appointed officers for the DAV Department of Ohio. The Auxiliary will enjoy working with each and every one of you and we wish you a wonderful year.

Thanks to all the DAV and DAVA members who bought tickets for the Auxiliary’s 50/50 drawing at the State Convention. We made $822.00 and the winner of $411.00 was PDC Paul Snider.

Dorothy Clark, Commander

Joyce Hutchinson, Adjutant

DAVA State Department of Ohio

HOSPITAL CHAIRPERSON NEWS

Raymond Hutchinson, Hospital Chairman

Another year is beginning and I am looking forward to visiting all the VAMC’s and State Homes with the new DAV and DAVA Commanders and Adjutants, along with the facility representatives. During the 2006-2007 year we visited all of the hospitals, state homes, along with the Ft. Thomas Nursing Home and the Columbus Clinic with the then current DAV and DAVA Commanders, Adjutants and Representatives. I am looking forward to serving again as State Hospital Chairperson for this coming year.

I am sorry to report the death of Joe Serraino, who was a loyal deputy representative at the Ohio Veterans Homes, Sandusky. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Donny. Joe served many years as a Deputy Representative and will be missed.

Also, we will have a new Deputy Representative at the Ohio Veterans Home on the near future. We look forward to welcoming him as Deputy Representative.

I hope that many of you attended my VAVS Committee meeting at the State Convention. At this VAVS Meeting you heard what our VAVS Program has done for the hospitals during the past year.

We appreciate all the donations that Chapters and individuals make to the State Hospital Program. They help us continue to do work for the veterans. We have a great bunch of representatives and deputies at all the hospitals and State Homes and the Columbus Clinic and they do their very best to put on programs for our hospitalized veterans. Some of the programs they do are bingos, picnics, horse races, spaghetti dinners, pizza parties and social time. All of these activities are thoroughly enjoyed by the patients and residents.

Consider being a volunteer. It can be very rewarding.

Raymond H. Hutchinson, Hospital Chairperson

AT&T WIRELESS STORES TO SERVE AS CELL PHONE RECYCLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR PROGRAM THAT CONNECTS MILITARY FAMILIES

AT&T Support for Nonprofit Group “Cell Phones for Soldiers” to Help Drive Used Cell Phone Donations; Funds From Recycling Used to Buy Phone Cards for the Troops.

Recycling Program Launches in NYC for Memorial Day and Rolls Out Nationwide by July 4^th.

SAN ANTONIO, MAY 24, 2007 – AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) announced today that all AT&T owned wireless store locations nationwide will become wireless phone recycling drop-off sites for a charitable program that benefits U.S. military families. The new recycling program, which was started by two teenagers, was announced just days before Memorial Day and will be available in all company owned stores across the U.S. by Independence Day.

Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com) was established by two Norwell, Mass., teenagers to help buy prepaid phone cards for U.S. military members who are serving overseas. The teens, Brittany Bergqueist, 16, and Robbie Bergquist, 15, created a nonprofit organization that collects and recycles used wireless phones. With proceeds form the recycling, the organization then purchases prepaid phone cards for military families.

Since the Bergquists founded the program in April 2004, they have raised more than $1 million and have sent more than 75,000 phone cards to troops overseas. Money raised also helps fund free phone calls for military families in the United States so they can call their loved ones who are stationed abroad.

AT&T is launching the new recycling program in the weeks following Memorial Day at AT&T owned wireless store locations throughout the Northeast, including Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. By Independence Day, the company will have activated the donation program in all AT&T owned wireless stores nationwide. This program will reach approximately 1,800 stores in more than 1,100 cities across the U.S.

In addition, AT&T is donating more than 30,000 prepaid phone cards – valued at more than $270,000 – to the nonprofit organization to help connect more U.S. military families. AT&T is also providing the nonprofit with a new volume discount for purchasing additional phone cards. These new efforts and donations that support Cell Phones for Soldiers build on the company’s additional, ongoing activities to provide more than 50,000 free prepaid phone cards – valued at over $450,000 – to U.S. military members stationed overseas throughout 2007.

“AT&T has an 85-year tradition of supporting military members, veterans and their families, and this project further extends that commitment – when so many military families are separated during this time of conflict,” said Stan Sigman, AT&T’s President and CEO, Wireless. “AT&T is glad to do its part to help keep these families connected.”

For more than 85 years, AT&T has remained dedicated to supporting active military personnel, their families and veterans through charitable contributions, sponsorships, the hiring of military veterans and by maintaining policies that support reservists when they are called to duty. Since 2000, AT&T has donated nearly $8 million in free prepaid phone cards to military members and has provided nearly $6 million in grants supporting military members and related nonprofit organizations. The company has also built 70 calling centers for military members stationed in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, to help keep them in touch with their families.

NEW OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008

Robert Bertschy of East Liverpool was unanimously elected State Commander of the more than 48-thousand member Ohio Disabled American Veterans at the Organization’s 86^th Annual State Convention, June 8-9-10, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio.

Robert has been a life member of the DAV John W. Covert Chapter #47 since 1948 (60 years) and has held numerous offices at the Chapter level as well as the Department level.

Officers elected to serve with Commander Robert Bertschy were Joseph Johnston of Williamsburg, Sr. Vice Commander; Howard Brandt of Peebles, 1^st Jr. Vice Commander; David Farrell of Coshocton, 2^nd Jr. Vice Commander; Executive Committee Will Davis of Columbus, David May of Canton, Donald Scheerer of Bucyrus and Martha Tepker of Hamilton. James Britton of Stewart was elected to the Finance Committee, 5-year term. Frank Williams of S. Vienna was appointed as State Adjutant/Treasurer.

Appointments by Commander Bertschy approved by the Executive Committee were James Keller of Jackson, Chaplain; Donald Branford of Geneva, Assistant Chaplain; Raymond Hutchinson of Hillsboro, Hospital Chairman; Joseph Lenhart of Wapakoneta, Judge Advocate; Verne Nygaard of Avon Lake, Department Inspector; William Moseley of Greenville, Assistant Department Inspector; Leslie James of Cleveland, Director of Service; Glen Hale of Wilkesville, Officer of the Day; Larry Long of London, Assistant Officer of the Day; Calvin Millhouse of Akron, Sergeant-At-Arms; James Leach of Barberton, Chief of Staff; Frank Williams of S. Vienna, Legislative Director; Gary Smaltz of Lynchburg, Employment Chairman; and Robert Seelbach of Barberton, POW/MIA Chairman.

Chairman of the Constitution Committee; Russel Tubbs of Parma, David May of Canton; Reynolds Roberts of Bethel and Joseph Lenhart of Wapakoneta will serve as members of the Constitution Committee.

Membership Committee appointments were Joseph Johnston of Williamsburg, Chairman; John Cowan of Reynoldsburg, Michael Moulton of Van Wert and Howard Brandt of Peebles.

Audit Committee members appointed were Thomas Keller of Cincinnati, David Farrell of Coshocton and David Uetterling of Defiance.

Banquet Committee members appointed by Commander Bertschy were David Farrell of Coshocton, David May of Alliance, Martha Tepker of Hamilton, Will Davis of Columbus and Donald Scheerer of Bucyrus.

Commander Bertschy appointed a new Committee called the Auxiliary Committee consisting of Martha Tepker of Hamilton, Will Davis of Columbus and Donald Scheerer of Bucyrus.

District Commanders appointed and approved were Don Werner of Wesley F. Burt Chapter #120, District 1; James Fortune of Vandalia Chapter #140, District 2; John Downey of Auglaize County Chapter #73, District 3; William Johns of The Buddy Chapter #43, District 4; Gerald Huffman of Huron County Chapter #62, District 5; Michael Stith of Summit County Chapter #35, District 6; Richard L. Short of Salem Chapter #122, District 7; Randy Wolfe of Barnesville Chapter #121, District 8; John Burgess of Peerless Chapter #10, District 9; and John Cowan of Whitehall Chapter #142, District 10.

A Veteran Returns …

In celebration of Military Appreciation Night, during the month of November, Golden Corral Restaurants all across the nation provides a special night to those who served in the military. On this night, veterans receive a free meal as thanks for their sacrifice. From World War ll, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, the present War on Terror, and all the conflicts in between, veterans have demonstrated their commitment to the protection and security of this nation during peacetime and war.

It is not uncommon to sit next to a veteran that served in-country on foreign land, the same ship, or in the same unit, during the period you were in the military. However, many just enjoyed sharing stories with fellow veterans and welcoming new veterans as members into the fraternity. Recounting the comical, the tragic, and the pride of service they experienced, many felt at ease talking to someone who shared their experiences and easily understood their military jargon.

With Vietnam veterans now representing the largest group of wartime veterans, there was plenty of discussion on that war and military service, during the dinner. I was seating with Lt. John Erby, a Vietnam veteran and Lifetime DAV member, when Robert A. Bell, a Vietnam veteran came by our table. He spoke about the great sentiment Golden Corral displays for veterans by having this dinner. During our conversation, Mr. Bell informed us he was going back to visit the country of Vietnam, of course, Lt. Erby and I were curious why, but also wondered why now.

Robert, a U.S. Marine and wounded Vietnam veteran (Aug-65’ Jan-66’), not unlike many Vietnam veterans, returned home to a less than grateful nation for his sacrifice. This pain, confusion and rejection over their part in the war left Robert and other veterans with an emotional trauma some are yet coping with. Because he was unable to handle the ordeals of war, so too did his wife and family pay their cost to the war effort, because he pushed them away and eventually lost everything and ended up alone.

Nevertheless, Robert had a life altering experience and is now a changed person. He adopted a Christian life style, which provided him the opportunity to forgive himself and others of any and all perceived wrongs from the past. He says it feels good not having those burdens weighing him down anymore, and credits the Cincinnati VAMC for assisting him to live without PTSD.

The new Mr. Bell, by chance had a Vietnamese man in his neighbor working on his vehicle, the man noticed Robert’s Vietnam pin and ask if he served in that war. The answer of course was yes, he thanked Robert for his service and after a period, they soon became friends. Mr. Phu was going back to visit family and asked Robert if he would like to join him for a trip back to Vietnam. Robert declined the invitation many times; however, he had read VFW and DAV magazines articles of other veterans returning to wartime battlefields, and finally decided to make the trip.

Mr. Phu provided Robert with addresses and photos of his family in Vietnam, including a photo of his niece, Tri. Robert said he never knew going to Vietnam would bring, “…more closure than I could have expected,” and wish he had made the trip many years before.” The calming effect of going back to Vietnam appears to relieve the ghost of the past for many veterans.

Robert had corresponded with Tri, Mr. Phu’s niece, between August 06’ and January 07’ and a strong connection developed between them. When he stepped off the plane in Saigon (Ho Chi Min city) that January, he saw and knew he was meeting his future wife.

Robert said the country is very poor, and the remnants of the war still exist with broken military equipment on the countryside and damaged buildings never repaired. Nevertheless, he felt and witness the beauty and calm of the country. His newfound faith continues to nurture his personal and emotional growth, and he wants other Vietnam veterans to know that change is possible and peace is available.

Without Fear or Favor, Simper Fi.

Herman W. Morton, PDC

Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

On November 18, 1988, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) was established under Article I of the Constitution of the United States. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of final decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, an entity within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Court provides veterans an impartial judicial forum for review of administrative decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals that are adverse to the veteran-appellant's claim of entitlement to benefits for service-connected disabilities, survivor benefits and other benefits such as education payments and waiver of indebtedness. In furtherance of its mission, the Court also seeks to help ensure that all veterans have equal access to the Court and to promote public trust and confidence in the Court.

Prior to the creation of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, once a claimant received a decision and filed a timely notice of disagreement and perfected the appeal, the Board of Veterans Appeals was the last decision-making body affordable to veterans and their dependents.

In order for a veteran or claimant to appeal a decision to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, they must receive a decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals. To file an appeal at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, you must:

1. File a written Notice of Appeal with the Clerk of the Court.
2. Pay the filing fee or file a declaration of your inability to pay the filing fee.
The fee for filing an appeal is $50. Enclose a check or money order payable to "U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims" with your Notice of Appeal. If you cannot afford this fee, you must complete a Declaration of Financial Hardship.

You must mail your Notice of Appeal and filing fee or Declaration of Financial Hardship to:

Clerk of the Court
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20004-2950

Or fax your Notice of Appeal to:

(202) 501-5848

We encourage anyone who wants to appeal a decision to the Court to initiate the appeal on their own to ensure it is filed within the one hundred twenty day period.

If a claimant wants the Disabled American Veterans to represent them at the Court they need to contact this office. It is important to understand that this office does not make the decision to represent someone before the Court. We provide Our Judicial Appeals Office in Washington a copy of the Board of Veterans Appeals decision and any other necessary material and they will make the decision if the DAV will represent a claimant before the Court. The claimant will receive written notification from them informing them if we will represent them and provide them with any paperwork required to assist them through the process.

It is also important to understand that the Court does not accept any new evidence or oral testimony. They will only review the Board of Veterans Appeals decision and make sure the appropriate laws and regulations were applied correctly. Just like the Board of Veterans Appeals on of three things will happen when the Court makes a decision. They will grant the appeal, deny the appeal, or remand it back to the Board of Veterans Appeals for further development.

Throughout its short history the Court has had a major impact on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their decisions have changed the way the VA conducts is business, to include, making the VA assist claimants with their claims, informing them of the laws and regulations required to obtain the benefit they are seeking, and providing them with a reason and basis for all of their decisions.

Recently, in Hartness v. Nicholson, the Court held that a wartime veteran could be awarded Special Monthly Pension (SMP) at the housebound rate if, in addition to being at least 65 years old, he or she possesses a minimum disability rating of 60 percent or is permanently housebound as defined under 38 U.S.C. § 1502(c). Essentially, what this means that any wartime veteran who is sixty-five years or older; meets the income requirements for Non-service-connected pension; and who has at least one disability, whether service-connected or non-service-connected rated at sixty percent or more, will be entitled to receive Special Monthly Pension at the housebound rate. Currently, the annual income limit for a single veteran at the housebound rate is $13,356.00. So, if a veteran has no income they would be entitled to receive $1,113.00 a month in Special Monthly Pension.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact this office at your convenience.

Leslie A. James

National Service Officer

NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT

A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing!

VA SECRETARY AGREES TO DO STUDY FOR NEW VA MEDICAL CENTER

18^th Ohio District Congressman Zack Space has succeeded in getting VA Secretary Nicholson to agree to conduct a study for bringing a VA Medical Center to Southeastern Ohio. “Veterans living in rural areas face significant barriers to the VA services they deserve, “ Space said. “We have a moral obligation to provide our veterans with the care and support they have earned through unselfish sacrifice to our country. The distance many have to travel to obtain care at a VA facility is often prohibitive and many go without”.

OHIO BENEFIT BANK

A new service offering free counselor-assisted help for low & moderate income veterans & families has been set up. Headquartered in Columbus at 77 S. High St, 30^th Floor, 43215, with field offices located in Food Bank locations in many of Ohio’s 88 counties, they also work with Veterans Service Officers. Assistance is provided in obtaining earned income tax credits; child care subsidies; food stamps; home energy assistance and more. More information may be obtained at: www.benefitbank.com or email

Ralph.Gildenhaus@governor.ohio.gov or call 1-614-466-3398

THE TRUTH ABOUT GUANTANAMO

Two reporters, one from New York Times & another from Wall Street Journal, write: “News media is eager to write about the “Horrors of Guantanamo” and falsely portray the facility as an affront to our Constitution & international law. In reality this detention center is far different from how so many describe. The professionalism of their staff, the humanity of its facilities and the fair and open nature of the military commissions charged with trying war criminals has been ignored or forgotten. By keeping terrorists out of America, Guantanamo protects our physical safety. By keeping terrorists out of the justice system, it also protects our freedom.”

HARLEY DAVIDSON WORKING WITH DAV MOBILE SERVICE OFFICE

As many of you know, Harley Davidson donated $1 million dollars to DAV at the National Convention in Chicago. Through this donation, DAV is traveling across the US with their Mobile Service Vans, stopping at various Harley-Davidson Dealerships, to assist veterans with their benefits and to discuss different options & programs with them. A special event for veterans in the Chillicothe area is scheduled for August 3^rd & 4^th at the Harley Davidson Dealership, 818 Eastern Ave, Chillicothe, Ohio. For detailed information you

may contact David Medert (retired US Navy) at: 740-773-8826 or email him

at: dmedert@littercorp.com

I sincerely hope that everyone will have a safe and happy 4^th of July. Stay cool and be careful with your fireworks.

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!

Information Bulletin

IMPORTANT NUMBERS