April/May 2014

President’s Column

3

Vice-Presidents Column

4

Executive Director’s Column

5

NSO Corner Washington Update

6 8-11

PVA Awareness Month Scholarship Program

12 14

Salute to Armed Forces Events

15 16

Classifieds Birthdays

17 18

Inside this issue:

Volume XXX VII Issue 4

NORTHWEST OUTPOST

Our Mission The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a congressionally chartered veterans service organi-zation founded in 1946, has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members-veterans of the armed forces who have ex-perienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. PVA will use that expertise to be the leading advocate for:

Quality health care for our members,

Research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction,

Benefits available as a result of our members’ military service,

Civil rights and opportunities which maximize the independence of our members. To enable PVA to continue to honor this commitment, we must recruit and retain members who have the experience, energy, dedication, and passion necessary to manage the or-ganization and ensure adequate resources to sustain the programs essential for PVA to achieve its mission. The Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) a member chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America accomplishes it’s mission by coordinated efforts through programs that:

Provide opportunities for health promotion, recreation, employment, sports and rec-reation, service and camaraderie for paralyzed veterans;

Elevate society’s information level about the attitudinal, physical and legal barriers that confront persons with disabilities in order to influence the removal of those barri-ers;

Advocate for and monitor the delivery of high quality and appropriate health care benefits and service;

Cooperate with and seek the support of other groups and individuals that share NWPVA’s objective;

Educate the public with the current and ongoing needs and current and past contri-butions of America’s veterans.

National Service Officers

Michael Killen

Duane G. Hughes

Henry M. Jackson Federal Bldg.

915 Second Avenue

Room 1054

Seattle, WA 98174

206-220-6175

800-795-3576

206-768-5415 (VA Hospital)

206-220-6136 (Fax)

Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America 616 SW 152nd Street, Suite B

Burien, WA 98166

206-241-1843

1-800-336-9782

Fax: 206-433-0749

E-mail: pvachnw@mindspring.com

Web site: www.nwpva.org

NWPVA Officers

President –R. Patrick Carpenter

Vice-President-Thomas Bungert

Secretary-Gary Lieberg

Treasurer-Aaron Hastings

Past President & National Director-Michael Partridge

NWPVA

Board of Directors Duane Osborn Joe Sapienza

Ernie Butler Sean Halsted

Tom Knoppi David Zurfluh

NWPVA Appointees Sports Director-Tom Knoppi

Shooting Sports Director-

Mike Davis

Membership Director & Seattle VAVS-Tom Bungert

Outpost Editor-Lisa Lawrence

Legislative Director-Mike Partridge

Seattle VA Hospital Liaison-

R. Patrick Carpenter

Staff

Executive Director-Brent King

Office Manager-Lisa Lawrence

President’s Column Page 3

R. Patrick Carpenter

W ASHINGTON VETER-ANS HOME/BLDG 9

tour in Retsil, WA. The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) where greeted by staff at the Washington Veterans Home. At 3:00pm VAAC toured the WA Vet-

erans Nursing facility. I was impressed how clean the hallways, carpets, floors and the rooms were. The rooms we saw all had a warm touch, with some of the residents belongings giving an ‘’at home feeling.” They were proud of the fact that their custodial crew did such a great job. On every tour conducted, they

Washington Veterans Home Tour receive comments on how the facility had a “fresh air scent 24-7.” From 4:00pm to 5:15pm we toured building #9, The Homeless Veterans Program, established by Ray Switzer and others. At first there was a bit of con-troversy from the community and media when it started up 6 years ago. The program has strict na-tional background checks, keeping those away who might be a threat to the residents, staff and the com-munity. It’s only a temporary stay for the veterans. The program first treats the vet for any medical is-sues. Workforce comes in to help with resumes, job re-training, and possible employment placement. The longest a veteran stayed was approximately eight months.

W ASHINGTON, DC—April marks Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month and the 68th an-niversary of the founding of the veterans service organization. Throughout the month of April,

Paralyzed Veterans and its 34 chapters across the country will be highlighting the challenges facing veterans with spinal cord injury/dysfunction and educating the public about the programs, services and support Para-lyzed Veterans provides to injured veterans and their families. “This April, during Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month, we’re encouraging the public to learn about the challenges paralyzed veterans face and to give back and support these veterans by volunteer-ing, hiring a veteran if you’re a business owner or by making a donation to support our programs and ser-vices, which are provided free to veterans,” said paralyzed U.S. Army veteran Bill Lawson, national presi-dent of Paralyzed Veterans. For the third year in a row, Lawson will be traveling around the country to raise awareness about health care, benefits and jobs for veterans. He will be stopping in New York City; Dallas; Fort Myers, FL; Washington, DC; and Chicago to speak with local veterans and community leaders about these issues. Paralyzed Veterans chapters across the country will be holding local awareness events throughout the month of April. To locate a chapter event in your city, please visit www.pva.org/pam.

Paralyzed Veterans of America and its 34 chapters:

Advocate for quality VA health care and veterans benefits. Work to make America more accessible for all people with disabilities. Empower veterans with the tools and support they need to secure good careers. Invest in research to find new treatments and a cure for paralysis. Promote and provide rehabilitative wheelchair sports and recreational activities. Deliver its services to all veterans and their families free of charge, thanks to the generous support

and donations of the American people.

April is Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month

Page 4

T he Association of Washington Generals (AWG) began a project to remember the Sv.

Nikolai's journey to the Northwest in 1808 and the story of that voyage from Sitka, Alaska to Fort Ross, California that became shipwrecked off the Washing-ton Coast near La Push. The property near the Hoh River and on the Upper Hoh Road entrance to the Olympic National Park was gifted to AWG to build the monument. AWG had to find a non-profit to accept the deed once the monument was completed. NWPVA was contacted by AWG through Skip Dreps who is working on the Sv. Nikolai monument's final steps before dedication this Spring (May/June). A presentation was made to the Board and they ac-cepted the deed to an accessible public monument that will be recognized as a part of Washington State Historical Society's places of interest. Here is the brief story of the Sv. Nikolai and its crew. A full description of the story is told in all-weather metal plates within the monument's struc-ture. In an effort to commemorate the bicentennial of the wreck of the Sv. Nikolai, a political, economic and socially significant historical event in the Pacific Northwest, a dedicated team of enthusiasts led by the Association of Washington Generals has worked to construct an interpretive monument in the Upper Hoh Valley. Following the vessel wrecking north of LaPush, the Russian American Company's crew strug-gled to stay alive in the wilds of the Olympic Penin-sula. They survived engagements with the Quileute Tribe's warriors, who were protecting their village from outsiders, only to find that crossing the Hoh River in winter would be impossible. Efforts to gain passage across the river with members of the Hoh Tribe re-sulted in the women of the party being captured on one side of the river, the men stranded on the other. The captain, whose wife was one of those now sepa-rated by the river and in the custody of the Hoh Tribe's warriors, was unable to think beyond the chal-lenges this separation presented. Timofei Tarakanov would become the default leader of the crew as they traversed into the Upper Hoh Valley, build a barracks and survive the winter of 1808/1809. The wreck, sur-vival of the crew, and their interactions and subse-quent captivity with local Native American tribes had international implications on the development of the Pacific Northwest. The story of their survival and repa-triation is a testament to the courage of the crew and

Sv. Nikolai Monument Project how trade was first established in the Pacific North-west. The monument consists of an interpretive Russian Blockhouse building highlighting the role that seven nations played in the Nikolai story: Russia, Alutiiq, Makah, Quileute, Hoh, Hawaii, and America. Utilizing durable all weather metal panels, the monu-ment’s interpretative role will be to explain how inter-national trade molded the Pacific Northwest and con-tinues to do so today. Noted historian and Professor Emeritus Ken Owens has volunteered to assist in the development and editing of the interpretive signage as well as author and newspaper editor Chris Cook. The monument is almost complete. The ce-dar built structure is similar to those constructed by the Russian American Company at Sitka, Alaska and Ft. Ross, California in the 1800s. The monument is the result of the collaboration with tribal govern-ments, Russian Consul General, as well as with a Ha-waiian heritage organization to ensure proper in-volvement of those cultures in this effort. Members of the Association of Washington Generals have made commitments to provide the donated labor and equipment for this project. Project funding has been completed as a result of a direct grant from Washing-ton State. The monument will become a tourism stop point along a roadway that sees approximately 200,000 visitors every year traveling to the Olympic National Park's Hoh River Visitor Center. Property for the monument’s location was donated by a local, homesteading family in the Hoh River Valley as the location. The project will highlight not only the role of international trade in the Pacific Northwest, but also the ability of diverse cultural groups to explain a his-toric event in an interrelated context.

Russian Blockhouse Building.

Page 5 Executive Director’s Column

Brent King

W hen I was 25 years old I received a call

from Jack Michaels to see if I would be interested in taking a trip to Washington DC to see what else the Paralyzed Veterans of America does for Veterans. My first two

years of introduction to the PVA was getting use to my new way of life, figuring out my benefits and getting a moral boost from the Veterans Winter Sports Clinic and the Veterans Wheelchair Games. Jack wanted to show me the importance of the advocacy work that the PVA aggressively strives to achieve. Without the benefits that sustain our families and keeps us healthy the sports and other activities are meaning-less. That first trip I traveled with Jack Michaels and Kelly Toomey, one of our last WWII Veterans. Kelly told me that when he was first injured he would be approached by people telling him he should be ashamed of himself. People using wheelchairs were expected to stay inside their home and exist. We really do owe more than we can ever repay to the Vet-erans that built the base of disabled rights. We have come so far, but there is still more to do. Jack was injured in 1970, the year I was born. He and Kelly had a good chuckle about that fact. Jack took me to the Vietnam Memorial wall and showed me the name of his Lieutenant co-pilot that did not survive the crash when their helicopter tail rotor was shot off. It was a heavy emotional moment for Jack. The story he told gave a deeper meaning of the wall for me. Jack told me his T1 injury was probably not helped much by the jungle intruder strap under his arm pits hoisting him up into the rescue helicopter. Jack recalled a Catholic Priest reading him his last rights twice and he wasn’t even Catholic yet. Jack survived his injury and became very ac-tive in the PVA. His highest position was National PVA President. Jack started the Northwest Chapter Para-lyzed Veterans of America in 1977. He and the Board of Directors rolled up their sleeves and started mak-ing their surroundings accessible. Jack was the Ex-ecutive Director for the NWPVA chapter for 26 years. Ernie Butler was hired as the second Executive Direc-tor and was creative in getting fund raisers imple-mented for the chapter along with keeping our pres-

ence in the area well known. I am the third Executive Director and I will strive to keep the chapter moving in a positive direc-tion. We welcome PVA members with open arms to come volunteer to help our fellow Veterans. There is always something we can do to help our members as a whole or help a Veteran in a bind. I have traveled to Washington DC 15 years now to present our points papers to our current 10 Representatives and two Senators. We do make meaningful connections by making our presence known each year. Some actions we receive are direct and immediate, while others take time and repetitive reminding. The squeaky wheel eventually gets the grease! All of our teams have been two to four of our members each year. We make great teams that be-come familiar with the current issues and present them in order of importance and try to make the is-sues with an example of how it has impacted one of our lives or a fellow member’s life. Over the years I have traveled with Jack Michaels, Kelly Toomey, Duane Osborn, Chuck Karczewski, Gary Pearson, Skip Dreps, Ernie Butler, Patrick Farrell, David Zurfluh, Michael Partridge, Tho-mas Bungert and Gary Lieberg. We have seen many politicians and staffers. The weather has been blow-ing snow that closed Capitol Hill to sunny days of cherry blossoms blooming! This is and always will be one of the chapter’s most important events to con-tribute to each year. It has been frustrating at times, but we have seen too many positive rewards to quit this important work.

Lobbying for Our Members

From left: Gary Lieberg, David Zurfluh, Thomas Bungert, Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, & Brent King.

NSO Corner Page 6

S ome Veterans with trau-matic brain injury (TBI)

who are diagnosed with any of five other ailments will have an easier path to receive additional disabil-ity pay under new regulations de-veloped by the Department of Vet-erans Affairs. The new regulation im-pacts some Veterans living with TBI who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of demen-tia, depression, unprovoked sei-zures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

“We decide Veterans’ dis-ability claims based on the best science available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shin-seki. “As scientific knowledge ad-vances, VA will expand its pro-grams to ensure Veterans receive

the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.”

This regulation stems from a report of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding the association between TBI and the five diagnos-able illnesses. The IOM report, Gulf War and Health, Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Trau-matic Brain Injury, found “sufficient evidence” to link mod-erate or severe levels of TBI with the five ailments.

The new regulations say that if certain Veterans with ser-vice-connected TBI also have one of the five illnesses, then the sec-ond illness will also be considered as service connected for the cal-culation of VA disability compen-sation.

Eligibility for expanded benefits will depend upon the se-verity of the TBI and the time be-

tween the injury causing the TBI and the onset of the second ill-ness. However, Veterans can still file a claim to establish direct ser-vice-connection for these ailments even if they do not meet the time and severity standards in the new regulation. Service members who are within 180 days of discharge may also file a pre-discharge claim for TBI online through the VA-DoD eBenefits portal at: www.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits.

Information about VA and DoD programs for brain injury and related research is available at: www.dvbic.org.

Information about VA's programs for Gulf War Veterans is available at: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/hazardous_exposures.asp.

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury-Adds Five Illnesses Related to Service-Connected TBI By: Duane Hughes

Dear PVA, After 35 years working on behalf of PVA members, all veterans and people with disabilities I am beginning a new chapter in my life - retirement. My time at PVA has been a most rewarding adventure and I leave with a great sense of accomplishment knowing that my efforts and those with whom I have worked have helped improve, in one way or another, the lives of innumerable veterans and people with disabilities. Thank you all for your friendship, guidance and assistance. I leave behind a very capable Government Relations staff that will move our efforts for-ward. I know they will continue to be of great value to PVA and feel free to call upon them should you have any questions or concerns. Wishing you all the very best, Doug Vollmer

Page 7

Washington Update Page 8

P aralyzed Veterans of Amer-ica (PVA) conducted its an-

nual Advocacy and Legislation Training Seminar the week of March 10th. Approximately 70 representatives from PVA chap-ters across the country attended to learn about current and future issues facing both disabled veter-ans as well as other members of the disabled community. The highlight of the week was the presentation of PVA’s annual testi-mony by National President Bill Lawson to a joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The week also included opportunities for our members to meet with both their senators and representatives, as well as congressional staff. The four day conference provided opportunities to hear from PVA staff and members of federal agencies and independent organi-zations about issues important to attendees. Advocacy topics ranged from airline access issues and long term services for those with disabilities to discussions about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(CRPD). Legislative issues in-cluded updates on changes to the VA prosthetics process as well as current legislation being consid-ered on veteran’s issues. Atten-dees also had an opportunity to interact with a congressional panel of staff members represent-ing the House and Senate Com-mittees on Veterans’ Affairs. Lastly, the training portion of the seminar wrapped up with presen-tations from PVA’s Architecture, Medical Services and Communica-tions Departments. In conjunction with the seminar, on March 12, PVA National Presi-dent Bill Lawson presented PVA’s Annual Testimony to a joint ses-sion of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. President Lawson highlighted sev-eral concerns facing veterans, in particular, those with catastrophic disabilities. These included Con-gresses’ failure to once again pass a budget that funded the Department of Veterans Affairs and that veterans would have been even more severely im-pacted had veterans’ health care not had advance appropriations which shielded the VA health care system from partisan wrangling

and political gridlock. President Lawson went on to praise efforts by House Committee Chairman Miller and Senate Committee Chairman Sanders to expand ad-vance appropriations to all VA pro-grams. President Lawson also addressed ongoing problems with VA’s prosthetics programs that are hampering the VA ability to quickly deliver much-needed devices that are critically needed by disabled veterans. Fi-nally, he emphasized the need for Congress to expand the Compre-hensive Caregiver Assistance pro-gram to all veterans. Currently the program is only for post-9/11 veterans. Following the Annual Testimony, attendees spread out across Capi-tol Hill for meetings with their indi-vidual Senators and Representa-tives as well as staff. During these meetings, attendees were able to address many of the is-sues that had been presented during the previous seminar days. Overall, it was a very successful and informative week. President Lawson’s full written statement from the joint hearing can be found at www.pva.org.

PVA Conducts Annual Advocacy-Legislation Seminar

Page 9

O n March 4, the Admini-stration released its

fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget re-quest for all federal agencies, to include the Department of Veter-ans Affairs (VA). The request in-cluded funding recommendations for all VA programs as well as a revised estimate for needed fund-ing for veterans’ health care pro-grams for FY 2015 and advance appropriations recommendations for veterans’ health care pro-grams for FY 2016. The Administration’s overall dis-cretionary budget request for FY 2015 is $68.2 billion (including $3.1 billion for medical care col-lections). This recommendation is approximately $4.8 billion less than the overall recommendation from The Independent Budget (IB) for FY 2015—co-authored by AM-VETS, Disabled American Veter-ans, Paralyzed Veterans of Amer-ica (PVA), and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

For medical care, the Administra-tion recommends revised esti-mate of $59.1 billion for FY 2015, approximately $2.0 billion less than the IB recommendation of $61.1 billion. Additionally, the Administration recommends $62.0 billion for advance appro-priations for VA health care for FY 2016, approximately $500 million less than the recommendation of the IB ($62.5 billion). While we believe the advance appropria-tions estimate for FY 2016 is rea-sonably good, we continue to have serious concerns about the inade-quacy of the appropriated levels for FY 2015. The greatest concern that the IB co-authors expressed with regards to the Administration’s request is the severe underfunding of Major and Minor Construction as well as non-recurring maintenance (NRM). The Administration pro-poses $562 million for Major Con-struction, nearly $2.2 billion less than the IB recommendation.

Similarly, the Administration rec-ommends a cut in Minor Construc-tion to $495 million, approxi-mately $336 million less than the IB. While we appreciate the mod-est increases proposed for health care services, we have concerns that the serious lack of commit-ment to infrastructure funding to support the system will undermine the VA’s ability to deliver those services. To read more about the recommendations of The Inde-pendent Budget, go to www.independentbudget.org. Subsequent to the release of the Administration’s budget request, the House and Senate Commit-tees on Veterans’ Affairs con-ducted hearings to review the de-tailed budget request submitted by the Administration. PVA sub-mitted comments for the record on the VA’s budget proposal that reflects the concerns listed above. In order to read PVA’s full written statement submitted for the re-cord on the FY 2015 VA budget, go to www.pva.org.

Administration Releases FY 2015 Budget

T he Congressional Pro-gressive Caucus (CPC)

announced its own version of a FY 2015 budget on March 12 in ad-vance of a budget soon to be of-fered by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), Chairman of the House

Committee on the Budget and following the release of the Ad-ministration's budget request on March 4. Titled the "Better Off Budget", the document outlines proposals for improvements to job creation programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), adoption of a better inflation ad-

justment formula for federal and military retirees as well as veter-ans’ pension and compensation recipients and for modernizing Social Security payroll contribu-tions to stabilize the trust fund for seventy five years. The CPC also endorsed the recommendations

(Continued on page 10)

House Progressive Caucus Endorses Advance Appropriations

Page 10 Page10

Major Omnibus Legislation-S. 1982-Tabled in the Senate

O n February 27, the Sen-ate voted to table S.

1982, the “Comprehensive Veter-ans Health and Benefits and Mili-tary Pay Restoration Act of 2014.” The measure was tabled when a point of order raised against the legislation for exceeding man-dated budget caps was sustained. The legislation was tabled on a virtual party line vote with only Republican Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Dean Heller (R-NV) vot-ing to move the legislation for-ward. PVA, along with our counterparts in the veterans’ service organiza-tion community have made S. 1982 a high priority for this ses-sion of Congress. This compre-hensive bill would create, expand, advance, and extend a wide array of VA health care and benefits services and programs that are important to PVA and its mem-bers. Specifically, this legislation provides for the expansion of the Comprehensive Caregiver Assis-tance Program to veterans of all eras (not just those injured after September 11, 2001). This change represents one of the sin-gle biggest priorities for PVA.

The legislation also addresses another high priority for PVA. Spe-cifically, the bill provides advance appropriations authority for VA’s mandatory funding accounts (compensation and pension, edu-cation benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation, etc.) to ensure that in the event of a fu-ture government shutdown, veter-ans’ benefits payments would not be delayed or put in jeopardy. The need for this change was revealed during the partial government shutdown that occurred in Octo-ber 2013. The legislation opens the VA health care system up to any vet-eran who wishes to enroll for care instead of entering into a health care exchange under the provi-sions of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, it sets up a mecha-nism to expand access to dental care for all veterans. Opposition to the legislation gen-erally was based on only a few major concerns. First, opponents argue that the legislation expands too many programs (caregivers, Priority Group 8, dental care) with-out having sufficient and appropri-ate resources to meet projected

new demand. Specifically, Repub-licans objected to the fact that the legislation is paid for with money that presumably would be used for Overseas Contingency Opera-tions. This argument is amplified by the fact that this funding source would presumably dry up once combat operations in Af-ghanistan cease. Additionally, opponents of the legislation at-tempted to add provisions regard-ing sanctions on Iran that virtually guaranteed that the legislation would fail. PVA continues to work with other VSO’s to build support for S. 1982. It is expected that the leg-islation will be brought back to the Senate floor for consideration later this year.

of The Independent Budget calling for advance funding of all discre-tionary VA programs "to make sure benefits and health care get to our veterans even when Con-gress can’t reach agreement on funding."

(Continued from page 9) The CPC is a predominantly House-based caucus of 75 members that focuses on issues related to economic justice, protection of civil rights and civil liberties, global peace and security and ad-vancement of environmental pro-

tection and energy independence. It is chaired by U.S. Representa-tives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN).

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., stands

in defeat after a divided Senate

derailed S.1982.

Page 10 Page11

O n February 27, the House Veterans’ Affairs

Subcommittee on Economic Op-portunity held an oversight hear-ing to review the current perform-ance of the VA Vocational Reha-bilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program. The Subcommittee ref-erenced the recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report “VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: Further Perform-ance and Workload Management Improvements Are Needed” (GAO-14-61) as the basis for the hear-ing. Chairman Bill Flores (R-TX) emphasized that the GAO report highlighted some issues that will require attention and continued Congressional oversight. PVA submitted a statement for the record for this hearing. Most vet-erans’ service organizations have limited knowledge of the VR&E program. The members of PVA, veterans with spinal cord injury or disorder, tend to be higher volume users of VR&E services, particu-larly through the Independent Liv-ing (IL) Program. Currently, to be eligible for VR&E a veteran must have been dis-charged under circumstances other than dishonorable and have a disability rating of 20 percent or more that was incurred in, or ag-gravated by their service. The eli-gibility period to receive VR&E ser-vices is within a 12-year period beginning on either: (1) the date of separation from military ser-vice, or (2) the date the veteran

receives a disability rating from the VA. VR&E provides for 48 months of entitlement to partici-pate in the program. PVA, along with the co-authors of The Inde-pendent Budget, believes that the 12-year eligibility period does not provide the necessary benefit of rehabilitation that will be needed as a veteran ages and continues to stay in the workforce. PVA’s statement also reiterated another issue that we have advo-cated for many years. The VA’s IL Program is intended to facilitate the provision of services, training, or equipment to veterans with se-vere disabilities. The IL Program was established by Congress in 1980. Although the program has proven to benefit disabled veter-ans during their rehabilitation, existing legislation continues to limit, or cap the yearly enrollment to 2,700 veterans per year. PVA’s believes that Congress should remove the cap of 2,700 per year. Along with the removal of the cap, vocational rehabilitation counsel-ors should be trained and encour-aged to recommend the IL Pro-gram when it could benefit a vet-eran’s rehabilitation. Currently they are reluctant to suggest the IL Program since it may not be available to assist the veterans’ rehabilitation. New VR&E Program Director Jack Kammerer testified on behalf of the VA. Unfortunately, the fact that VR&E has had three directors (2 directors and 1 acting director for 12 months) in the last 5 years makes a statement about the in-

consistency of overseeing and enforcing policies of this program. It also calls into question the true level of commitment by VA to the services provided by VR&E. Mr. Kammerer indicated that he is working toward the recommenda-tions of the GAO report including analyzing the workloads of re-gional offices. Chairman Flores stated that he is looking forward to working with the new director to ensure the VR&E program is providing the assistance to disabled veterans that they deserve. Meanwhile, PVA will continue working with VR&E to ensure the assistance provided by it is truly what the dis-abled veterans, particularly se-verely disabled veterans, need. To read PVA’s full statement that was submitted for the record, go to www.pva.org.

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Reviews VR&E Program

PVA Awareness Month Page 12

Wednesday, April 16th

Pizza Party SCI Ward Day Room

5:00 PM VAPSHCS

Saturday, April 26th Kenmore “Fun Day” Shoot

10:00 AM Kenmore Gun Range 1031 228th St. SW Bothell, WA 98021

Salute to Armed Forces Safeco Field

6:10 PM Texas Rangers

VS. Seattle Mariners

Local Girls Make Good By: Thomas Bungert

I n the beginning, Alina and Lilia Prots looked over the

rules and regulations numerous times concerning the National PVA poster competition. They replied by saying “we cannot enter the competition as we have no one to take us to Washington if we win.” My wife Beverley replied "don't worry we'll figure something out." I was completely surprised they had chosen to do the poster on me. Their father is also a fellow Navy veteran. This was supposed to be a summer project which turned into a full scale operation by Alina and Lilia. Both of them would spend countless hours on our swing in front of the house planning on their strategy. I would come out and see them with a stack of scrap paper writing down all their ideas. There was so much hard work put into this I thought they were going to write a book.

After the posters were sent off to National PVA, Alina came over asking when they would find out the results. One day, Alina came over pounding on the door screaming "I won", we looked at her and said "what did you win"? She said "I won the poster competition," and gave Beverley a phone number to call to get the details. As it turned out Alina Prots won the grand prize which included a trip to Washing-ton DC on Veterans day, and later we found out Lilia was runner-up in the 2nd grade division. On Feb-ruary 13, 2014, I was truly privi-lege to attend the Tacoma School Board meeting where they gave honor to Alina and Lilia Prots for their achievements in the National PVA poster competition. Long-standing Board Director Joe Sapi-enza presented Lilia with a plaque and t-shirt from National PVA. He also presented Kate Frazier, prin-ciple of Lister elementary two

plaques and two certificates in recognition of Alina and Lilia Prots achievements. Never has there been a grand prize winner and a runner-up from the same school, putting Lister elementary on the map. It was an honor to witness both children get recognized for their accomplishments by the Ta-coma school district. The School Board had many wonderful things to say about both girls. 

NWPVA Events

Tacoma School Board celebrates Alina & Lilia Prots accomplishments in the

National PVA poster competition.

Page 13

Scholarship Program Page 14

PVA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Purpose The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) primary goal has been to assist its members and their families in improving the quality of their lives. This goal has been addressed through a variety of activities, including the establishment of the Educational Scholarship Program. This program assists PVA members and their immediate family members by providing scholarship funds to help with a post-secondary education. PVA will award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to full-time students and $500 to part-time students for an academic year.

Eligibility Applicant must be either a PVA member, the spouse of a PVA member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the member for principal support. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States. Applicant must be accepted and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an accredited US college or university. Previous award recipients may apply.

Submission Process Individuals who wish to apply for the scholarship program can download the application at www.pva.org or re-quest an application be mailed to them via telephone (800) 424-8200 Ext. 776, or via e-mail christih@pva.org. Completed applications MUST be returned to PVA NO LATER THAN June 17, 2014. Late applications will not be accepted, no exceptions. In addition, any incomplete applications will not be considered. For more details, please visit www.pva.org

Sports Page 15

16th Chapter Membership/BOD Meeting 12 Noon Chapter Office SCI Ward Pizza Party 5:00 PM-VAPSHCS 20th Easter 26th Kenmore “FUN DAY” Shoot-10:00 AM 1031 228th St. SW, Bothell, WA Salute to Armed Forces-6:10 PM Safeco Field

11th Mother’s Day 17th Armed Forces Day 21st Chapter Membership/BOD Meeting 12 Noon Chapter Office SCI Ward Pizza Party 5:00 PM-VAPSHCS 26th Memorial Day

May

Events Calendar Page 16

April

D ear members, all of us have lost someone close to us in our lives, in February PVA lost a Na-tional Vice President named David Fowler from Katy, Texas. Vice President Fowler was a man

who was severely limited in his physical abilities, but maximized every ability he had and achieved more than most able bodied persons could in a lifetime. I first met Dave and his wife at the Winter Sports Clinic 8 or nine years ago by a chance meeting in the hotel lobby that had me curious to why a high level quad like him who always had a big smile on his face could be so damn happy. I soon learned it boiled down to attitude and making the most of what you have, two qualities Dave made the most of! That chance meeting led to a deep friendship and him helping become a better chapter president. Later we would bounce ideas off each other on how we could help PVA and whether we should step up and take on stronger roles in PVA. Years later we would both become fortunate enough to become National Vice Presidents and Dave would become someone I could have serious conversations with and he would do the same with me. Dave was someone who truly made my life and many people within PVA and outside of PVA better. Dave was probably the best colleague I ever worked with, but more than that he treated me like brother. I will carry Dave’s spirit with me till my last breath, may god bless and show his grace to the soul of David Fowler, his wife, family and friends.

The Loss of a Great Man By: David Zurfluh

FREE

The Chapter accepts donations of used dura-ble medical equipment

and distributes it to peo-ple in need. If you have

equipment to donate, please call the Chapter office at 206-241-1843. If you know someone who needs

equipment please call to see what items we have available.

Free Items Available Now:

manual wheelchairs

Walkers

Classifieds Page 17

A re you signed up to help the Northwest Chapter

Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) on Goodsearch? If yes Thank You! If not consider signing up today. It’s easy, free and every time you search money goes to the chap-ter! Follow the instructions, there are many ways to help the chapter. Con-sider signing up today! We currently have 29 people helping now, lets make it grow!

May April M. Richardson…….2nd Patrick McElrath….3rd Robert White……….3rd Mark Derr…………...4th Sharon Stepp……...4th Wallace Carlson…..5th John Miller…………..5th William English…….7th Douglas Keil………...7th Jay Mills……………….7th Ronald Zumwalt…..7th Francis Entrup……..8th John Woods…………8th Joseph Barnes……..9th Steven Hathon……..9th Dominick Kieffer..10th R. Hendrickson…..11th Casey Pooler……...11th William Travis…….11th Michael Belfield…12th Anisa Lawrence….12th Wayne Pervier……12th Steven Stiens…….13th D. Struchen……….14th

William McIntyre…17th Suzan Carpenter...18th Carl Casey………….18th Mike O’Neill………..18th Steven Tucker…….18th Mary Degg………….19th Stephen Pratt……..19th Robert Pressley…..21st David Papella……..21st B. Skramstad……...21st Jeanne Farrell…….23rd David Zurfluh……..23rd L. Mallebranche….24th Ronald Young……..24th Theodore Fossos..25th Douglas Harsh……25th Kelly Ameson……..29th Leon Eby…………….29th Joseph Borsky…….30th Bryan Dornon……..30th Duane Osborn…….30th Clyde Lentz………...31st

William Ethridge…...15th James Greene………15th Ray Hendrickson…..15th John Lee………………15th Lynn Peterson……...15th Richard Schroeder..15th Daniel Underwood..15th Daniel Crim…………..16th William Goss………...16th Clayton Thornburg..16th Francis Rawson…….17th Jennifer Roney……..17th Stanford Lawson…..18th Jeffery Sparks………20th David Frymire………22nd Finian O’Reilly……..22nd Robert Russell……..22nd Richard Dube……….23rd Michael Green……...26th Mark Zemeck……….26th David Meek………….27th John Bailey…………..28th Jeanette Moen……..30th

C. “Ivar” Anderson…..1st Brad Shepherd………..1st Charles Spencer……..1st Richard Edlund………2nd Vaughn Axling………...3rd Mark Hale……………...3rd Toai Nolan……………...3rd Timothy Weber……….3rd Anthony King………….4th Jeremy Daniels……….5th Gregory Heimann……5th Alex Schied…………….6th Matthew West………..7th Mark Crim……………...8th Anthony Hadlett……...8th Robert Cockrell…….11th Dale Decker………...14th Stephen Alonge…….15th Thomas Knoppi…….15th Michael Merrill……..15th Jerome Mischel…….16th Brandon Powell…….16th Robert Rupp…………16th

Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!

Birthdays Page 18

Considering a new car, throwing in the towel on an old motorcycle that won't run or looking to get rid of an ATV? In all situations, Paralyzed Veterans of America's Wheels Helping Warriors Vehicle Dona-tion program is a perfect outlet for your generosity. It's easy to donate. Be sure your title is on hand, fill out the online form at www.wheelshelpingwarriors.org or call (855) 744-0782. We will schedule the pickup free of charge and donors receive a tax deduction for the donation.

866-626-VANS (8267) 1615 160th Ave. E Sumner, WA 98390 / 5805 West Thorpe Road Spokane, WA 99224

Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America

616 SW 152nd Street , Sui te B Burien, Washington 98166

206-241-1843 1-800-336-9782

Address Service Requested

Non-Profi t Organizat ion

U.S Postage Paid Seahurst , WA 98062

Permit #75

Northwest Outpost