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DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS TRANSPORTATION NETWORK Northport, New York NEWSLETTER January 2012 Hi, Road Warriors: Good will was extended to veterans all over Long Island this holiday season thanks to the tireless efforts of our vo- lunteers. Our DAV Community Access Program was non- stop during December. Trips included Radio City Music Hall, American Legion Christmas Party, Fire Island Ligh- thouse, Christmas Concerts and Campari’s Italian Res- taurant, Northport. We transported many hospitalized veterans home to celebrate the holidays with family. Thank you to the following for their generous donations in support of our local veterans: DAV Chapter 19, Northport, John Ferrone, Commander 9-1-1 Veterans, Chris Delaney, President Jewish War Veterans Post 655, Syosset, Larry Sklar, Na- tional Deputy Homeless Veterans Korean War Veterans, Nassau County Chapter The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is scheduled to be at Calverton National Cemetery from June 14-21, 2012. There will be many opportunities in the planning of this event for DAVTN volunteers to become involved. And it is not too soon to get started. Donations of printed pro- grams, food and drink for volunteers, dedication wreaths, candles, borrowed tents, chairs, sound and lighting equipment and recruitment of guest speakers and musi- cians are needed. If you would like to help during this event please call Joe Kozlowski, 774-2146. The DAV Annual Salute to Hospitalized Veterans will take place on February 15 at Building 92 in the Atria. We will have entertainment and light refreshments will be served. The VFW Post 2307, Lynbrook, which is the location of the NYS DAV Annual Christmas Party, was the scene of a devastating fire on December 24. No one was injured but it caused extensive damage. The Post has vowed to rebuild and we wish them success with their project. DAVTN mourns of loss of Herman Saunders. Herman was the Chaplain of the Nassau-Suffolk Long Island Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He fought with the 99 th Infantry Division during World War II and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the American Legion Post 246, Baldwin. Herman was pre- deceased by his wife, Anna. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his children, William, Paul, Steve and Dawn and grandson Peter. Tina McCaffrey DAVTN was well represented at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery. Thanks to all of you who attended. Thank you to all our DAV volunteers who came up to the VA on Christmas morning to give out presents to our hospitalized veterans. The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall will be visiting Cal- verton National Cemetery June 14 -21, 2012. In order for this event to be successful we need to involve the veteran community, civic organizations, church organizations, student groups and the business community to volunteer their help. It is my hope that we can mobilize our DAV TN volunteers and DAV members across Long Island to become involved in this project. Whether you volunteer to solicit donations, be part of grounds security or to help construct the memorial when it arrives we need your in- put. Please contact the DAVTN office if you would like to volunteer for this event. I wish all of you and your families a Happy New Year. Dennis Krulder Calendar: January 1 New Year’s Day January 2 New Year’s Day observed, federal holiday, clinics closed, vans not running January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday observed, federal holiday, clinics closed, vans not running Stats for December: Veterans transported 2,305 Volunteer hours 5,230 Miles covered -56,107 Message from the HSC: December was a very busy month for DAVTN. Our volunteers participated in many holiday events across Long Island and provided transportation for our hospitalized and disabled veterans so they could attend Christmas parties and events.

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Page 1: DAV Newsletter January 2012

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

Northport, New York

NEWSLETTER January 2012

Hi, Road Warriors:

Good will was extended to veterans all over Long Island

this holiday season thanks to the tireless efforts of our vo-

lunteers. Our DAV Community Access Program was non-

stop during December. Trips included Radio City Music

Hall, American Legion Christmas Party, Fire Island Ligh-

thouse, Christmas Concerts and Campari’s Italian Res-

taurant, Northport. We transported many hospitalized

veterans home to celebrate the holidays with family.

Thank you to the following for their generous donations in

support of our local veterans:

DAV Chapter 19, Northport, John Ferrone, Commander

9-1-1 Veterans, Chris Delaney, President

Jewish War Veterans Post 655, Syosset, Larry Sklar, Na-

tional Deputy Homeless Veterans

Korean War Veterans, Nassau County Chapter

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is scheduled to be at

Calverton National Cemetery from June 14-21, 2012.

There will be many opportunities in the planning of this

event for DAVTN volunteers to become involved. And it

is not too soon to get started. Donations of printed pro-

grams, food and drink for volunteers, dedication wreaths,

candles, borrowed tents, chairs, sound and lighting

equipment and recruitment of guest speakers and musi-

cians are needed. If you would like to help during this

event please call Joe Kozlowski, 774-2146.

The DAV Annual Salute to Hospitalized Veterans will take

place on February 15 at Building 92 in the Atria. We will

have entertainment and light refreshments will be served.

The VFW Post 2307, Lynbrook, which is the location of

the NYS DAV Annual Christmas Party, was the scene of a

devastating fire on December 24. No one was injured but

it caused extensive damage. The Post has vowed to rebuild

and we wish them success with their project.

DAVTN mourns of loss of Herman Saunders. Herman was

the Chaplain of the Nassau-Suffolk Long Island Chapter

of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He fought with the

99th

Infantry Division during World War II and was taken

prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of

the American Legion Post 246, Baldwin. Herman was pre-

deceased by his wife, Anna. Our sincere sympathy goes

out to his children, William, Paul, Steve and Dawn and

grandson Peter.

Tina McCaffrey

DAVTN was well represented at the Wreaths Across

America Ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery.

Thanks to all of you who attended.

Thank you to all our DAV volunteers who came up to the

VA on Christmas morning to give out presents to our

hospitalized veterans.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall will be visiting Cal-

verton National Cemetery June 14 -21, 2012. In order for

this event to be successful we need to involve the veteran

community, civic organizations, church organizations,

student groups and the business community to volunteer

their help. It is my hope that we can mobilize our DAV

TN volunteers and DAV members across Long Island to

become involved in this project. Whether you volunteer

to solicit donations, be part of grounds security or to help

construct the memorial when it arrives we need your in-

put. Please contact the DAVTN office if you would like to

volunteer for this event.

I wish all of you and your families a Happy New Year.

Dennis Krulder

Calendar:

January 1 – New Year’s Day

January 2 – New Year’s Day observed, federal holiday,

clinics closed, vans not running

January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday observed,

federal holiday, clinics closed, vans not running

Stats for December:

Veterans transported – 2,305

Volunteer hours –5,230

Miles covered -56,107

Message from the HSC: December

was a very busy month for DAVTN.

Our volunteers participated in

many holiday events across Long

Island and provided transportation

for our hospitalized and disabled

veterans so they could attend

Christmas parties and events.

Page 2: DAV Newsletter January 2012

DAV Department of New York Christmas Party

American Ex-POW / DAV TN Christmas Party

The American Ex-POWs Nassau-Suffolk Long Island Chapter and DAV TN held their annual Christmas Party at the Northport Yacht

Club on December 3.

Disabled American Veterans Department of New York held their annual Christmas Party on December 17 at the VFW Post 2307, Lynbrook. A delicious buffet was served and there was dancing to the music of a live band. Frank Cassella, State Commander (l) addressed the membership and thanked them all for their work and dedication. NYS Past Commander Deane Springstead was in attendance as well as members of the American Ex-Prisoners of War

Key Chapter and the VFW.

Page 3: DAV Newsletter January 2012

DAVCAP

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

A Jazz concert was held in Building 5 for the inpatients and nursing home residents at VAMC Northport. The

Friends of Jazz band performed for the veterans. DAVTN volunteer drivers Harry Stearns, Charlie Ott and John Ferrone transported the residents from the nursing home to the concert with the help of DAV TN Volunteers

Tina McCaffrey, Peter Serenita and Joe Kozlowski.

Jazz Concert

On December 14 CLC residents from Northport VAMC went to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City in New York as guests of DAV TN. DAV TN drivers Ron Poserina, Charlie Ott, Herb Lessmann,

Harry Stearns, Ed Bolitho and Craig Kess-ler did a “spectacular” job of maneuvering through Manhattan traffic and escorting

our veterans into the theater.

Page 4: DAV Newsletter January 2012

American Legion Christmas Party

Christmas Concert

Residents from the various CLC’s at the Northport VAMC were the guests of honor at a holiday party at the Ameri-can Legion Post 1006, Brentwood. The Air Force JROTC NY-773 Fighting Falcons from Brentwood High School

hosted the party. There were refreshments and gifts for our veterans. The JROTC also demonstrated their skills as a drill team. The DAV TN provided transportation and volunteers.

DAVCAP

Dinner at Campari’s Italian Restaurant

A Christmas concert was held in Building 5 for the patients at VAMC Northport. DAVTN volunteer drivers Ron Poserina and Craig Kessler transported wheelchair bound patients from the

nursing home to the concert.

Residents from CLC 3 &4 were treated to dinner at Campari’s Italian Restaurant, Northport Village on December 20. DAVTN transported the residents to the restaurant. After dinner they went to the Huntington Arts Center for an art lesson, refresh-

ments and a visit from Santa. They were accompanied by Judy Ingrassia, Chief of Nursing, nursing staff and DAV TN

volunteers.

Page 5: DAV Newsletter January 2012

Wreaths Across America

Remembering Pearl Harbor On December 8 the Fleet Reserve conducted their annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony while crossing

Long Island Sound. DAVTN volunteer driver Harry Stearns transported veterans to the ceremony and was given the honor of tossing the wreath onto the waters in a solemn salute to those who lost their lives on that day.

A Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony was con-ducted at Calverton National Cemetery on December 10. Ca-dets from the Civil Air Patrol Squads 5, 7 and 10 participated in the ceremony. Suffolk Cadet Squadron 7 color guard pre-sented the colors. The Patriot Guard Riders and members of Webelos scouts also participated. DAV TN volunteers were in attendance along with members of the support committee. Volunteers placed 1000 wreaths at Calverton as part of the

National Wreaths Across America Remembrance.

DAVTN volunteer drivers Gary Vanderbrink, Jim Whitehead, Dennis Small, Wayne Mortak

and Ron Poserina.

Mike Picerno, Dave Higgins, Vietnam Veterans of America and Dennis Krulder, Disabled American

Veterans

Michael Picerno, Director, Calverton National Cemetery, Dennis Krulder, President of the Calverton National Ceme-tery Support Committee Executive Board, Dennis Small,

Ron Poserina and Congressman Tim Bishop

Page 6: DAV Newsletter January 2012

OIF/OEF Christmas Party

Gold Star/Blue Star Mothers Christmas Tree Trimming and Holiday Party

On December 3 the Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers held their tree trimming party in the Pavillion at Northport VAMC. (below left). Mi-chele McNaughton, President, Suffolk Chapter, Gold Star Mothers

and Cyndi Ventura, President, Long Island Chapter, Blue Star Moth-ers were in attendance (r). Dennis Krulder, HSC DAVTN, Rich Kit-

son, Chief of Voluntary Service, Philip Moscitta, Director of the Northport VA and Chris Delaney, President, 9-1-1 Veterans joined in

the festivities (below right).

On December 10 the OIF/OEF/OND Clinic held their annual Christmas Party for returning

veterans. Veterans and their families gathered in the auditorium in Building 5 where they enjoyed a delicious buffet. Larry Sklar, Jewish War Vets Post 655 made a very generous donation of presents

for the OIF/OEF veterans and their children as well as gift cards for veterans in need.

Santa’s helpers from the OIF/OEF clinic with Rich Kitson, President, VVA Chapter 11 and Joe Ingino, Director VVA Chapter 82.

Vanessa Brown, Director OIF/OEF/OND Clinic, Rich Kitson and Larry Sklar, Jewish

War Veterans Post 655.

Page 7: DAV Newsletter January 2012

DAV Christmas Morning at VAMC

Christmas at Fire Island Lighthouse

There were smiles on everyone’s faces on Christmas morning when Santa and his helpers Joe Kozlowski, Ed Bolitho, John Ferrone and Sal Tornatore from DAV vi-sited VAMC Northport to give out gifts to the patients. No one ever suspected that Santa was actually DAV

volunteer driver Jack Reilly!

The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society had their annual arrival of Santa by helicopter this year. For-mer lighthouse keeper Gottfried Mahler and his wife, Marilyn were invited and very much wanted to be there but since they are wheelchair bound they had difficulty arranging the trip. DAVTN was contacted to see if we

could help. DAV TN Volunteer driver Craig Kessler transported Gottfried and his wife to Fire Island so they could participate in the festivities. Their son, Gottfried Mahler, Jr. accompanied them. Gottfried Mahler, Sr. and

his family was the last lighthouse keeper to live in the Lighthouse, which was then taken over by the Coast Guard. Mr. Mahler is a veteran and a former volunteer at the Northport VA.

Craig Kessler, Gottfried and Marilyn inside the Fire

Island lighthouse. (l) Gottfried Mahler, Jr. (r)

recalled his days living at the lighthouse. A photo of him as a little boy eating watermelon is part of a

display on the wall behind him. (far right)

Page 8: DAV Newsletter January 2012

DAV Chapter 19 Makes a Donation

9-1-1 Veterans / U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club Donate to Veterans

DAV Chapter 19 Northport made a donation last month to DAV VAVS Christmas Program (see above feature

DAV Christmas Morning at VAMC). Sal Tornatore presented the check to DAV VAVS Chair-

man, Department of New York, Dennis Krulder.

Korean War Vets Donate

The 9-1-1 Veterans and the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club donated turkeys, pies and everything necessary for complete holiday dinners for Long Island veterans and their families. Boxes of food were distributed from the NBTY warehouse in

Bohemia. DAVTN volunteer drivers Ron Poserina, Jim O’Brien and Charlie Trabold delivered the food to military fam-

ilies at Westhampton Air Base.

Korean War Vets Nassau County Chapter made a donation to Voluntary Services last month. Members of the Chapter presented the check to Richard Kitson, Chief of Voluntary.

Joe Kozlowski, Ron Poserina and Jim O’Brien with officers at the Air Base.

Harry Stearns, the Singing Santa

DAVTN volunteer driver Harry Stearns waited his turn to perform at the Star-light Karaoke in the Empire Casino. He

sang Holly Jolly Christmas and was a big hit with the crowd.

Page 9: DAV Newsletter January 2012

American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Gift Shop

This holiday season the American Legion Auxiliary Post 44 Malverne and Cathedral Post 1087, W. Hempstead ran a gift shop in Building 5 as they do every year. Brand new donated items are on display for the patients to select as gifts for family and friends. The Legion then wraps and

sends the items for the patients free of charge.

DAVTN Drivers Party

Gift Shop Chairwomen Jean Klopfer and Agnes Murtha with Richard Kitson, Chief of Voluntary

DAVTN volunteers gathered for a Christmas party on December 23 in

Building 9. The whole DAV team, drivers, call center volunteers, service officers and chapter members were there to wish one another a happy holiday season and cele-

brate another successful year.

Blinded Veterans Association Holiday Party

The Blinded Veterans Association held their holiday party on December 20 in Building 5. The group

was joined by Ed Richards, VIST Coordinator, Rich Kitson, Chief of Voluntary, John Sperandeo, Chief Social Work Service, Sal Thomas and Joe Sledge, Public Affairs. Dennis O’Connell, President of the New York Regional Group, of the Blinded Veterans Association presented a donation to Voluntary Ser-

vices.

Page 10: DAV Newsletter January 2012

Recording Artist Joan Jett Visits Northport VAMC

DAV Bulletin Board

Massapequa High School Chorus Performs for Veterans

The Sunshine Boys at the Engeman Theater

The Engeman Theater, 250 Main Street, Northport presents

their production of The Sunshine Boys from February 2 to

March 25. When purchasing tickets please remember to

mention the promotional code DAVT and you will receive a

discount. This discount is good for Tuesday through Thurs-

day night and Saturday and Sunday Matinee peformances.

The Theater will also donate a portion of the proceeds to the

DAV Transportation Network. Call 631-21-2900 or go to

engemantheater.com.

The Massapequa High School Chorus performed in the Atria for the veterans at the nursing home. They were invited to the VA by Morris Miller, President, VAVS. The Chorus is under the direction of Mrs. Dempsey.

Rock singer Joan Jett arrived at VAMC Northport on December 29 to visit with hospitalized veterans during the holidays. She toured the wards and graciously signed autographs and chatted with the fans.

Page 11: DAV Newsletter January 2012

Maintain an Even, Measured Pace

One of the most frequent factors behind collisions is the "jackrabbit" driver. He's the guy who's constantly changing speeds, changing lanes, tailgating, and otherwise not fitting into traffic. Other often-interrelated causes of traffic collisions are "disparate" vehicle speeds (when one driver is driving much faster than others), impatience, and frequent lane changes. If you observe traffic way out in front of you, you can visualize what the "flow" of traffic is, as a whole. Visualize traffic as a single, giant organism, like a river. There will be vehicles within the overall picture (or flow) that are traveling faster, and some slower, but you can see what the overall pace of traffic is. You may be surprised to know that the actual pace of traffic is not that much faster than the speed limit. One of the principles engineers use when setting a speed limit is to consider what speed a normal, reasonable driver actually drives on that particular stretch. Try to match your speed to the overall flow (without exceeding the speed limit by more than a few miles per hour). That said, you must be willing to accept the fact that traveling faster than a posted limit puts you at risk for a citation. But usually, if you are within just a few miles per hour of a speed limit, officers will not bother you, with some obvious exceptions like school zones and construction areas where a posted limit is viewed as an absolute. Practice my "tortoise" style of driving! Pick your lane, and stay in it. Bopping and weaving from one lane to another, trying to pass every car on the road doesn't gain you much, and every single lane change you make increases your risk of collision. As I commute each day, I know which lane is the best for travel under normal circumstances. This may be the lane that I know becomes my exit ramp 5 miles up the road, or it may simply be the lane that flows better most of the time. Often, I choose on the basis of safety. On my motorcycle, for example, I ride in the far right lane (at a slower speed) or in the "car pool lane" for its faster flow, and the "escape" path afforded by the left (or right) shoulder. (In my state, it is legal for motorcycles to use the car pool lanes). Relax, resist the urge to make frequent lane changes, use the two-second rule, and stay alert to the dangers posed by the jack rabbits around you! If someone needs to merge into the lane, back off a bit and let them in smoothly. In doing this, you are not only maintaining the flow, but you also set an example that others will follow. When you refuse to allow another driver to merge, the person behind you does the same thing. When you act courteously, the driver behind you ALSO will, and that helps keep traffic moving. I've seen repeatedly how discourtesy causes many of the bottlenecks that gridlock traffic every day. Practice my "tortoise" style of driving, and, nine times out of ten, you will arrive at your destination just as quickly as the "jackrabbit." You will also not be nearly as stressed by the trip, whether it is a commute to work on Monday a.m., or a road trip to Shangri-La!

From the Desk of the Assistant HSC

..........Joseph R. Kozlowski