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ROBERT BERTSCHY

Department Commander

This has been a very busy month for me. We had District Commander’s training plus an executive meeting in Columbus. I attended the National Convention in New Orleans, La.

There were a lot of good seminars held at the National Convention. If you have never attended one, consider making it one of your 2008 goals and plan to go to Las Vegas for the 2008 DAV National Convention. You will pick up a lot of knowledge there. DAV National Convention is a working convention to learn more about the DAV and our Mission, “Service to Veterans”.

There were 468 chapters from 46 states. There were 11 Past National Commanders for a total of 1,091 delegates.

There were some very good speakers also attending. To name a few, Edward “Ned” Powell Jr.; USO President & CEO, Victor Biggs; executive director of Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial Foundation, which he hopes to have completed by 2010. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson, Updated delegates about the good things going on at the VA.

Some of the attractions were the B-25 Panchito. Lt. Dan “Gary Sinise” and his band made an appearance, Lt. Dan was the Lieutenant in the movie “Forrest Gump”. This is the third time that he has appeared at the DAV national convention.

The seminars consisted of “Leadership”; hosted by Joe Violante, “Amputee” seminar, ”Membership” by Tony Baskerville. “Communications”, where you learn how to use media interviews as opportunities to inform, persuade & motivate your audience, also pointers on how to write and prepare a chapter newsletter.

National Legislative Director, Joe Violante and National Service Director, Randy Reese held a “Service & Legislative” Seminar with questions and answers with key staff members from the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees regarding all aspects of VA benefits and services.

Edward Hartman, National Director of Voluntary Services held a DAV & Auxiliary VAVS seminar. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Mia affairs updated DAV members on the status

of recovery mission initiative.

The one seminar that I always enjoy is the Inspector General seminar, with Robert Gushee, Inspector General assisted by Deputy Inspector General, Michael Walsh. Working together, they gave excellent pointers on the do’s and don’ts for members running a DAV Department or chapter.

As you may know, Harley Davidson pledged 1 million dollars to the DAV last year in Chicago. This year, General Electric pledged 1and ½ million over the next year and a half.

Remember, the Department Fall Conference will be held in Columbus October 19,20,21, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin. If your chapter can’t afford to send a delegate, Department may consider helping your chapter in sending 1 or 2 delegates. For more details, check with Department if your treasury is less than $ 5000.

Final Note: Financial reports are due no later than September 30. If you need more time, you must contact Department Headquarters.

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

Sept. 9, 2007 8^th District Meeting, Lunch at 1 p.m. and meeting to begin at 2 p.m., Barnesville Sr. Center, Barnesville, Ohio.

Sept. 9, 2007 4^th District Meeting, The Buddy Chapter #43, Meeting to begin at 2 p.m., Findlay, 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.

September 15, 2007 Forget-Me-Not, Van Wert Chapter #54, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Van Wert Wal-Mart and Sav-A-Lot, Van Wert, Ohio.

Sept. 16, 2007 5^th District Meeting, American Legion Post, Meeting to begin at 1 p.m., Norwalk.

Sept. 16, 2007 10^th District Meeting, meeting to begin at 1 p.m., Senior Center, 4656 W. Broad Street, Columbus.

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.

September 30, 2007 7^th District Meeting, Alliance Chapter #50, meeting to begin at 2 p.m., Auxiliary will provide lunch, Alliance.

October 14, 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.

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 27, 2007 1^st District Meeting, 1 p.m., St. Timothy’s Church, 8101 Beechmont Ave., meeting to begin at 1 p.m., Cincinnati.

November 3, 2007 2^nd 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

April 12, 2008 Testimonial Dinner Auxiliary Commander Dorothy clark, Holiday Inn Eastgate, Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Frank Williams, State Adjutant

Thought for September: Envy and fear are the only passions to which no pleasure is attached.

As most of you are aware, several small towns incurred severe storm and water damage, with many homes and businesses almost destroyed. I’m sure that our fellow disabled veterans are among those suffered losses. In keeping with our mandate of providing aid and assistance to Disabled American Veterans and their families, I would ask that any DAV Chapter having sufficient funds reach out to disabled veterans in Bucyrus/Findlay/Mansfield/Shelby & others and help them recover as they begin to rebuild their family structure. Any DAV Chapters wishing to assist fellow Disabled American Veterans in the flooded areas may send checks to Department of Ohio DAV, with a note that such checks be earmarked for our Disaster Relief Fund. We will then contact County Veteran’s Service Officers in affected areas to obtain names, addresses & pertinent details so we can send applications out to these fellow veterans.

The Department’s Disaster Relief Fund has been seriously depleted due to the ice storms a few years ago, and we have not asked for donations for many years. This would be a proper way for Chapters to meet their mandate of helping make better lives for Disabled American Veterans and their families.

Of course, expenditures of this type certainly qualify as service on line 14 of your annual financial statement. Department of Ohio DAV has strict guidelines regarding eligibility for disaster assistance as well as investigation & verification to prevent abuse. After all other sources of assistance (insurance, FEMA, State, County or local relief) have been exhausted, applications may be obtained from Department of Ohio for possible assistance.

National Headquarters has also set up a program for assisting Ohio Disabled Veterans who have suffered storm damages and a National Service Officer from Cleveland will be coming to the affected areas starting the first week of September. Public service announcements will be made as to where and when the NSO will be available. Proof of eligibility will be required including documentation of loss/insurance/other assistance received as well as copy of DD214 or other proof that applicant is a service connected disabled veteran.

Missing WW2 Sailor identified:

The Department of Defense announced that remains of a US Navy man, missing in action from WW2, have been identified & returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Fireman 3^rd Class Alfred Livingston, USN. He was buried Saturday August 18 in his hometown of Worthington, Indiana.

Three soldiers missing in action in Korea are identified:

Sgt Don Trent of Crab Orchard, W Va; Cpl Robert Imrie of Randolph, MA; & Cpl Samuel Wirrick of Lancaster, PA remains were returned to their families and all three will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

A Marine missing in action from Vietnam War identified:

Remains of Cpl Jim E. Moshier, USMC have been identified and his family buried him last month in his hometown of Bakersfield, California.

The New Homestead Exemption, proposed by Governor Ted Strickland and enacted by the Ohio General Assembly will lower residential property tax bills for all seniors & qualifying individuals by an average of $400 each year. The new Homestead Exemption is open to any Ohio homeowner who lives in their home and that home is their primary residence, providing:

You are at least 65 years old or will reach 65 during the current year; or

You are certified totally & permanently disabled as of Jan 1^st of current year, regardless of age; or

is the surviving spouse of qualified homeowner & who was at least 59 years old on the date of spouse’s death. Eligible homeowners must apply for this new Homestead Exemption with their County Auditor. Applications must be received by Oct 1, 2007. The form is available from all County Auditors, or online at: tax.ohio.gov (click on Homestead Exemption) or by calling 1-800-282-1780(Ohio Dept of Taxation).

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!

SALUTING THE FLAG

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

'The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service,' Senator Inhofe said. 'Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. 'Unfortunately, current U.S. Law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not. 'I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.

'This Bill was passed July 25, 2007. Let your veteran friends know about the Passage of this Bill.

DEPARTMENT RECRUITING/MEMBERSHIP AWARDS 2007-2008

Joseph Johnston, Membership Chairman

I am pleased to announce the following membership awards program for the current year. There are a few changes so read the following currently. A person may only receive a single award this year excluding plaques, trophies and certificates. The award received when multiple awards are earned will be the highest award earned. For example, if a member recruited 35 new members and was the top recruiter in his District, he/se would receive only the $100 check and the corresponding plaque for the award. The awards are as follows:

3-9 members recruited earns a DAV Baseball cap.
10-29 members recruited earns a DAV Polo Shirt.
30 or more members recruited earns a $50 Gift Card from your choice of the following: (Wal-Mart, Kroger, Lowes, Home Depot).

Top recruiter in each District earns a $100 check.
Top recruiter in each Division earns $150 check.
District Commanders who meet or exceed their District Goals will receive a DAV jacket.

Trophies, plaques and certificate will be

Awarded in the same manner as they were in 2006-2007.

We are looking forward to a great year for membership recruiting in the Department of Ohio. Thank you all in advance for your devotion to our honored DAV organization.

FROM THE AUXILIARY COMMANDER AND ADJUTANT

The Auxiliary will be holding their annual auction at the upcoming State Fall Conference. We would appreciate any donations that members of the DAV and DAVA would like to contribute. This is our major fundraiser for the year, and we appreciate any and all donations.

S/Dorothy Clark, Commander

S/Joyce Hutchinson, Adjutant

1^st JR. VICE COMMANDER HOWARD BRANDT

The 86^th National Convention was a very good learning experience and on information to use on all the new and good things for the DAV/ DAVA to keep up to date.

One nice thing was this lady from Manti, Utah who was painting portraits of our fallen troops from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. She is paying for canvas and paints and brushes and the big picture frame’s and mailing it to Mothers, Fathers, and Wives from her own pocket. Her name is Kaziah Handock (The Goal Woman), PO Box 153, Manti, Utah 84642.

If all the Chapter members would give $5.00 to help her with some of her expenses it would be nice. Send the checks to Adjutant Williams.

Don’t forget to send a Thank You card to General Electric for their generous donation of $1,500,000 and also Ford Motor Company for all the vans they have given the DAV over the years.

HARLEY’S HEROES HELPING VETERANS

Ashley Phillips, Gazette Staff Writer

This weekend the Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office rolled into the Harley-Davidson office to assist veterans with their government benefits.

Many veterans do not know how to receive their entitled benefits and some are just playing the waiting game on when they will get their benefits.

The tour, which is called “Harley’s Heroes,” sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, will be making more than 150 stops across the country to Harley-Davidson dealerships.

“The biggest problem that veterans face is getting enrolled in their benefit plans and actually being able to use their benefits,” said David Medert, 55, a military intelligence veteran. “They are having issues with the Veterans Affairs services and other agencies as well.”

The mission of the tour was made possible with the help of a $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation.

The Harley-Davidson foundation wants to provide benefits for all veterans and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.

Right now it is averaging 10 to 12 months for a veteran to receive any type of benefits.

Every year the Disabled Veterans Mobile Service Office goes to the U.S. Capitol for the Independent budget review process.

“Our mission is to help veterans understand their benefits,” said Charles Lambert, 47, an Army veteran.

Veterans who have just come home will have access to assistance and help in processing necessary claim forms to get their benefits.

Injuries suffered during military service sometimes can take years to manifest or go years before being diagnosed.

Many veterans have injuries that go untreated or uncompensated because they do not understand how to go about getting their benefits and how to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

DAV is providing free services to help out our fellow veterans.

TRANSITION SERVICE OFFICER PROGRAM

Leslie James, National Service Officer

For those of you who were not able to attend the National Convention in New Orleans, General Electric donated $1.5 million dollars dedicated to the DAV Transition Service Officer Program. This program has been in existence for several years and it offers free benefits, counseling and claim filing assistance to troops about to transition into civilian life. It allows Transition Service Officers (TSO) to conduct or participate in pre-discharge transition assistance briefings, review service medical records, and confer with Rating Specialists, physicians, and other participants in the discharge process. The program also allows Transition Service Officers to assist service members in the development of evidence, completion of required applications, and prosecution of claims for benefits administered under federal, state and local laws. The DAV has twenty-one TSO offices throughout the country to provide this service free of charge to our fellow service members and future veterans.

While we do not have a TSO in Ohio, Charles (Chuck) Lambert has been providing this service at Wright-Patterson, AFB for the last couple of years. Since January 2007, Chuck has conducted sixty-six interviews with service members at Wright-Patterson. In addition, Chuck schedules interviews at his office in Cincinnati for those members he cannot interview at the base. He has filed over one hundred claims this year for these individuals. He is doing an excellent job and will continue to provide the quality service expected of a National Service Officer.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at your convenience.

Leslie A. James

National Service Officer

2007 FALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Friday, October 19, 2007

9:00 a.m. Constitution Committee

10:00 a.m. Membership Committee

11:00 a.m. Department Service Program Committee

12 noon Lunch on own

1:00 p.m. Joint Opening Session

1:15 – 2:00 p.m. VAMC Wade Park – Brecksville Info Seminar

Bill Montague, Director

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. VAVS Volunteering/Transportation/Security Tony Stevens

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. County Veterans Service Office Seminar –

Franklin County Veterans Service Director

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Auxiliary Committee

7:00 p.m. District Commander’s Meeting

7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting

8:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting

Saturday, October 20, 2007

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. National Convention/Slides/Pictures – Will Davis & Martha Tepker

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.Department Membership Program – Sr. Vice Commander Joseph Johnston

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.Employer Awards – Gary Smaltz

11:00 – 12:00 n National Service Officer Seminar – Leslie James

12 noon Lunch on own

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Chapter Officer Workshop – Frank Williams

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Homeless Veterans Seminar – Herb Davis/Jon Nagel

3:00 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. POW/MIA Presentation – Rob Seelbach

4:15 p.m. Chaplain’s Corner – Jim Keller

6:00 p.m. Commander’s Reception

7:00 p.m. DAVA Auction

9:00 p.m. Bingo (Proceeds to Department Hospital Fund)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

9:30 a.m. Committee Reports

Unfinished Business

Retrieve Colors

Dismissal

Information Bulletin

IMPORTANT NUMBERS