JOSEPH
JOHNSTON
Department
Commander
I am encouraged
by the DAV National Convention to preserve benefits for veterans and to obtain
assured funding for the VA system. Both
Senators Obama and McCain spoke to the assembled convention to present their
positions with regard to Veterans. I
encourage each member of the Department of Ohio to vote for the candidate of
your choice in the forthcoming National election which is predicted to have
high voter turnout. Remember—every vote
counts and veterans vote. I also
encourage each of you to view the DAV website at www.dav.org to determine how your Senators and Representatives
have voted on veterans issues over the past and to determine whether they are
worthy of your continued support or not.
In any event, make sure your vote is cast in the forthcoming elections.
I am also
privileged to recognize Past Department Commander, Sam Lanza in this newsletter
as the newest DAV representative who will be inducted into the Ohio Veterans
Hall of Fame this year. Sam served as
the Department Commander in 1997-1998 and has continued to support the
Department through his service through the present time. Sam has served his own Chapter, Trumbull
County #11 for over fifty years as Chapter Adjutant. As a Marine, Sam served his Country with
patriotism, valor and fidelity. I know
that you will all join me in congratulating our newest Hall of Fame member and
giving him a hearty “Semper Fi!”
I want to take a
moment to clarify some issues regarding the operations of Bar/Lounge operations
in our Department. First and foremost,
the opportunity of a chapter to run a Bar/Lounge is a privilege, not a
right. In the event that the Bar/Lounge
is not self supportive then consideration should be given to closing that
operation. The National constitution and
bylaws expressly forbid the operational funds of a chapter from subsidizing a
Bar/Lounge operation. Secondly, the DAV
does not have nor does it recognize the ability of the Chapter to have
associate or other types of non-DAV members.
This is also not allowed in the National bylaws. If your chapter is doing this it should
discontinue the practice immediately. I
assure you that I will not hesitate to suspend any chapter with the concurrence
of the National Commander that I find in violation of these regulatory
standards. It also is important to state
that the chapters must be in full compliance with State regulatory standards
and liquor laws regarding such operations.
Also several
questions have recently arisen regarding support of community service
organizations by the DAV and its chapters.
There are two basic regulatory standards in the DAV National
constitution and bylaws. First,
Forget-Me-Not drives funds must be expressly expended on the programs that
support Disabled Veterans (like hospital programs, service programs, nursing
programs for example). Secondly,
operational funds of the DAV chapter must be expended on programs that support
Disabled Veterans, and related units (DAVA and Trench Rats) or the families of
Disabled Veterans. So, as an example, it
is permissible to establish a scholarship fund for Disabled Veterans or their
family members, but a donation to a general scholarship fund at a local high
school is not authorized unless it specifies that the scholarship must go to a
Disabled Veteran family member. Likewise,
general donations to other community service organizations like the Boy Scouts
or Girl Scouts are not authorized unless there is a direct and compelling
benefit to Disabled Veterans. While
these type of organizations are of value in the community they are beyond the
mission of the DAV and its bylaws. The
DAVA has its own National, State and local bylaws and I would encourage
questions regarding its proper charitable donations to be raised with the DAVA
chain of command, Kathie Johnson or her adjutant, Joyce Hutchinson.
God Bless you all
and hope your summer has been cheerful and fruitful.
Joe Johnston
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
September 11-14, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Adams County Chapter #71, Old
Timer’s, Peebles, Ohio.
September 12-13, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Willie Marcum Chapter #72,
Buehler’s Market, Rt. 18 & River Styx, Medina, Ohio.
September 14, 2008 5th District Meeting, Huron
County Chapter #62, American Legion Post 41, St. Rt. 61, Norwalk at 1 p.m. with
lunch to follow.
September 14, 2008 10th District Meeting, Senior
Center, Lincoln Village Shopping Center, West Broad Street, Columbus, meeting
at 1 p.m. with lunch to follow.
September 21, 2008 4th District Meeting, Defiance
Chapter #36 at 2 p.m., Defiance, Ohio.
September 27, 2008 9th District Meeting, Victory
Chapter #134, Wheelersburg, Ohio, lunch will be at 12 noon and meeting will
follow.
October 5, 2008 6th District Meeting,
Trumbull County Chapter #11, Warren, Ohio at 2 p.m.
October 2-4, 2008 DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference,
Eastgate Holiday Inn, Cincinnati, Ohio.
October 10-12, 2008 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne
Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.
October 19, 2008 7th District Meeting,
Alliance Chapter #50 at 2 p.m., Alliance, Ohio.
October 25, 2008 1st District Meeting,
Harold J. Hursh Chapter #131, lunch at 12 noon, meeting to begin at 1 p.m.,
Middletown, Ohio.
October 26, 2008 8th District Meeting,
Clint Kramer Chapter #12, Zanesville, Ohio, luncheon will be at 1 p.m. and the
meeting will begin at 2 p.m.
November 1, 2008 2nd District Meeting, Dayton
VAMC, Building 305, lunch will begin at noon and meeting will begin at 1 p.m.,
Dayton.
November 7, 2008 Induction for the Veterans Hall of
Fame, Veterans Memorial, public reception at 2 p.m. and induction ceremony to
begin at 3 p.m.
November 17, 2008 Golden Coral Military Appreciation Night
November 21-22, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Youngstown Chapter #2,
Wal-Mart, Austintown, Ohio.
February 22-25, 2009 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal Gateway
Marriott, Arlington, VA
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 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.
ROWLAND SEYMOUR OF DAV UNION
COUNTY #55 HONORED BY CITY OR MARYSVILLE
The City Council of Marysville,
Ohio recognized Rowland Seymour, Adjutant of Disabled American Veterans Chapter
#55 and WWI veteran, for his community service by dedicating a ball field in
his name. The Eljer ball field “A” was
renamed the Rowland Seymour Field on August 2, 2008. Rowland Seymour has long been an active
member of the Village and now City of Marysville community. The Eljer Park and Ball Fields were planned,
built and opened as one of the projects completed by the first mayor of the
City of Marysville, Rowland Seymour. As
a past mayor, city councilman and DAV member, Rowland continues
to be active in the community as the Treasurer of the Union County Veterans Memorial Committee and a sitting commissioner for the Union
County Veteran’s Commission.
NOTE FROM THE DAV AUXILIARY STATE
ADJUTANT
It has been brought to my
attention that several DAV District Commanders have expressed an interest in
receiving the Auxiliary monthly bulletin.
If any DAV District Commander wishes to receive the bulletin, please
send me your name and correct mailing address:
Joyce
Hutchinson, Adjutant
7134
Highland Trails East
Hillsboro,
Ohio 45133
A NOTE FROM THE DAV AUXILIARY
Once again it is time for our
Annual State Conference. The Auxiliary
will be holding their annual auction again this year and would appreciate any
donations that we could auction off. No
clothing please. All donations will be
greatly appreciated.
Kathie
Johnson, Commander
Joyce
Hutchinson, Adjutant
11th District NEC Meeting
National Executive Committee Member Frank Williams with
Department Commander Joseph Johnston conducted the 11th Dist. NEC
Meeting August 8, 2008 at the DAV/DAVA 87th National Convention in
Bally’s Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. The 11th Dist. meets a day earlier
than the regular convention and is comprised of Ohio delegates (chapter
members) to the National Convention with the intended purpose of assigning
delegates to National Committees. In addition, there are veteran and procedural
issues discussed. We also heard from
those seeking election to higher office at the national level. Chapter members assigned to National
Committees from Ohio and demonstrating their commitment to veteran were:
Finance
Primary
- Joseph Johnston (63)
Alternate - David Farrell (74)
Credentials
Primary
- Dave Uetterling (36)
Alternate
- Martha Tepker (15)
Membership/Resolution
Primary
- Howard Brandt (71)
Alternate
- Donald Scheerer (100)
Legislation/Veterans
Rights
Primary
- Jack Burlingame (39)
Alternate
- James Fortune (140)
Constitution/Bylaws
Primary
- Robert Bertschy (47)
Alternate
- Tim Tepker (15)
Employment
Primary
- Joseph Lenhart (73)
Alternate - Leroy Harrison
(01)
Hospital/VAVS
Primary
- Raymond Hutchinson (63)
Alternate
- Will Davis (03)
Nomination
Primary
- David May (50)
Alternate
- Cedric Carr (125)
FREE (AN INDEPENDENCE DAY POEM)
By: Rachael Harnichar, 12
Newton Falls, Ohio
Think
back to the years in the past
When
one day we became free at last.
Remember
all of our loved ones who gave their lives,
So
that our country could be filled with honor and pride.
We
may not realize how very important it was
That
we fought for our country because…
Look
at us now, don’t you see how lucky we are?
But
we are not the ones who have brought us this far.
For
it is those whose names that are listed in stone
And
even those who have returned safely home.
That
gave us such a beautiful gift
And
it’s their souls that God will lift.
Now
we celebrate all that they have done for us,
We
should be gracious and proud.
And
if we happen to encounter one of these men, our heads we should bow.
So
we should be so very thankful
For
all that they have done
And
for all the things that they have won.
Just
think of where we would be
If
these heroic people hadn’t set us “Free”.
The Bugle Award
During the DAV/DAVA 87th National Convention
in Las Vegas, NV, National Commander Robert T. Reynolds, on Aug 9, recognized
Ron Regan of Cleveland, OH for his exceptional reporting on the unethical
practices in fund raising supposedly on behalf of veterans. Mr. Regan cited how
87 cents of every dollar received in donations to one organization went into
the organizers’ pockets. The organization
calling themselves “Disabled Veterans’ Association”, operated in Parma, Ohio
and is currently under investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Commander Reynolds said, “Ron Regan has for years been a guardian of truth by
telling his stories of the hardships facing disabled veterans and the public
policy issues that affect them.” Mr. Regan received the annual Bugle Award in
tribute to his support for our nation’s veterans.
NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT
Thought for September: A man walked into one of the several offices
in the big government building and asked “Is this the Headquarters for the War
on Poverty?” “Yes, it is,” answered one
of the young bureaucrats. “Good,” said
the man, “I’ve come in to surrender.”
Mike Hackworth, of Columbus Chapter #3,
signed up a New DAV Member. Keep up the
good work Mike. And, while at our
National Convention, I signed up a new DAV Member for the State of Arizona.
The VA recently announced that, effective
immediately, VA will now process claims received on its online application
website (VONAPP) at: www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm
For more information on VA benefits, go
to VA’s website at: www.va.gov
or call 1-800-827-1000
A few people are a bit confused about the
Tax Stimulus Rebate Checks that were announced earlier this year, wrongly
thinking that two checks could be obtained if they were disabled. Please realize that, regardless of your
situation, you cannot be entitled to receive more than one Tax Stimulus Check!
Apparently the confusion arose because of
TV or newspaper announcements, that may not have been completely specific,
regarding individuals who did not receive sufficient taxable income that would
require them to file a tax return with the IRS.
Of course, since disabled veterans, with no other income except their VA
or Social Security disability payments, are not normally required to file a tax
return. Therefore, a special tax return
has to be filed in order for such disabled veteran before IRS can issue the Tax
Stimulus Check. Further, this special
tax return can be filed up to October 15, 2008.
But, let me say again: YOU CAN
ONLY RECEIVE ONE TAX STIMULUS CHECK! If
you have already received your Tax Stimulus Check you are not entitled to, nor
will you receive another!
PATRIOTISM: This subject has arisen among many Americans
during the past several months and, has become a factor among candidates for
President as well as for Congress and the Senate. As an officer of the DAV we cannot endorse or
condemn any political candidate.
However, we can offer our own opinions involving Patriotism and love of
our country.
I believe that Patriotism means more than
saluting or holding your hand over your heart while reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance or listening to the National Anthem.
It means more than pulling a lever in a voting booth every 2 to 4
years. Patriotism is a love and a duty…a
love of country and our fellow countryman expressed in good citizenship. Patriotism and the citizenship it requires
should motivate the conduct of public officials, but it also thrives in the
community spaces where government is absent such as family gatherings,
churches, synagogues. museums, symphonies, Little Leagues, Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, Salvation Army or the DAV and the VFW.
These are the habits and institutions that must be the preservers of
democracy…they are the ways we come together as one country; indivisible, with
freedom and justice for all. They are
the true, responsible exercise of freedom and are indispensable to the proper
functioning of our democracy. Patriotism
is countless acts of love, kindness & courage that have no witness or
publicity and are especially commendable because they are unrecorded.
The true patriot must not just accept,
but in his or her own way protect the ideals that gave birth to our Country; to
stand against injustice and for the rights of all not just one’s own
interests. The patriot honors the
duties, loyalties, inspirations & the habits of mind that bind us together
as Americans. We are the heirs and
caretakers of freedom – a blessing preserved with the blood of heroes down
through the ages. One cannot go to
Arlington Cemetery and see the names, grave upon grave, row upon row, without
being deeply moved by the supreme sacrifice made by our young military men and
women. And those of us who live in this
time, who are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, must do our smaller and
less dangerous part to protect what they gave everything to defend, lest we
lose our own love of liberty. Patriotism
is another way of saying that service to a cause is greater than self-service.
I would like to invite everyone to come
and visit with your fellow Disabled Veterans at our upcoming Fall Conference
scheduled for October 10, 11 and 12. I
look forward to sharing our patriotism and comradeship as well as exchanging
our thoughts and ideas for helping make better lives for Disabled American
Veterans and their families.
And, as always, keep our troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan in your thoughts and your prayers as they fight, like we have
fought, to keep America free. Never
shall we forget that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
National
POW/MIA Recognition Day
National
POW/MIA Recognition Day is traditionally observed on the third Friday of
September. This year, the day will be commemorated on Sept. 19, 2008. The theme
for 2008 commemorates the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. POW/MIA
Recognition Day posters can be ordered at the following website http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/Posterform.htm or
by calling 703-699-1131. For more information, visit the Defense
Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office website. By law, the black
POW/MIA flag can be flown over federal facilities and cemeteries, post
offices and military installations on that day.
NATIONAL OFFICERS 2008-2009
The following were elected as
the National Officers for the 2008-2009 year:
National Commander Raymond Dempsey of Illinois, Sr. Vice Commander
Roberto Barrera of Texas, 1st Jr. Vice Commander Wallace E. Tyson of
North Carolina, 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Donald L. Samuels of
Tennessee, 3rd Jr. Vice Commander Larry A. Polzin of California, 4th
Jr. Vice Commander Mary J. Bencivenga of New Jersey, National Judge Advocate
Michael E. Dobmeier of North Dakota, National Chaplain Dr. Charles W. Edwards,
Jr. of Texas and Past National Commander Robert T. Reynolds of Virginia.