16
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA November 2013 Vol. LXIII, #11 A MEMBER CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA CHARTERED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES C ORD W ORD W ORD C ORD President’s Report 3 Executive Director’s Report 4 Service Officer’s Report 5 Sports & Recreation 8 PVA News 10 Washington Update 12 Inside What’s continued on page 6 O n a damp fall evening, approximately 130 guests assembled at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA for the NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 4, 2013. Upon their arrival, members, friends and family, along with VA staff gathered and mingled in the cock- tail lounge while meatballs, scallops wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushrooms were being passed around. This year’s banquet again featured a four course dinner with a choice of entrée (filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast, grilled salmon or a vegetarian meal), and awards. Music was provided for the evening by DJ Scott Arrington of Murray Hill talent. As in the past, the lounge area and banquet hall were beautifully decorated with balloons, and colorful centerpieces in an array of fall colors. Decorations, as always, were provided by Bal- loons over Boston. Keeping with tradition, ladies were again presented with a long stem red rose as they approached the banquet hall. Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone was seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed by salad. After salads were served, NEPVA President Craig Cascella came forward to the microphone to welcome everyone and introduce some honored guests. As in past years, NEPVA was honored to have several officials from the VA Boston Healthcare System in attendance as well as PVA Service Office staff (see a list of our special guests on page 6). Craig then introduced NEPVA officers, Board members and staff. Fol- lowing the welcome remarks and introductions, everyone was served dinner. After guests finished their entrees, the awards portion of the evening began and President Craig Cascella returned to the podium. He spoke briefly about New England PVA, its his- tory, and accomplishments. Following Craig’s introductory remarks, the awards ceremony began with recognition of Louise Milligan, who retired after 35 years of service to SCI veterans. Craig presented her with a plaque in appreciation for her many years of service. Carrying on an annual tradition, Craig then pre- sented the Pierik awards to two nurses. The award was founded many years ago by retiring Chief of Nurs- ing Madeline Pierik, who donated a sum of money to be used for recognition of 2013 NEPVA Annual Banquet Attending the NEPVA Banquet were: (l to r) VABHS Director Vincent Ng; VABHS Associate Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie; NEPVA President Craig Cascella; Chief of SCI, VISN I Dr. Sunil Sabharwal; Dr. Elsa Aguilera and her husband Albert Engelhart.

November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    4

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaNovember 2013 Vol. LXIII, #11

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD

President’sReport

3

Executive Director’s Report

4

Service Officer’sReport

5

Sports & Recreation8

PVA News10

Washington Update

12

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 6

On a damp fall evening, approximately

130 guests assembled at the Holiday

Inn in Mansfield, MA for the NEPVA

Annual Banquet on October 4, 2013. Upon

their arrival, members, friends and family, along

with VA staff gathered and mingled in the cock-

tail lounge while meatballs, scallops wrapped in

bacon and stuffed mushrooms were being passed

around. This year’s banquet again featured a

four course dinner with a choice of entrée (filet

mignon, stuffed chicken breast, grilled salmon

or a vegetarian meal), and awards. Music was

provided for the evening by DJ Scott Arrington

of Murray Hill talent.

As in the past, the lounge area and banquet hall

were beautifully decorated with balloons, and

colorful centerpieces in an array of fall colors.

Decorations, as always, were provided by Bal-

loons over Boston. Keeping with tradition, ladies

were again presented with a long stem red rose as

they approached the banquet hall.

Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone was

seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed

by salad. After salads were served, NEPVA

President Craig Cascella came forward to the

microphone to welcome everyone and introduce

some honored guests. As in past years, NEPVA

was honored to have several officials from the

VA Boston Healthcare System in attendance as

well as PVA Service Office staff (see a list of our

special guests on page 6). Craig then introduced

NEPVA officers, Board members and staff. Fol-

lowing the welcome remarks and introductions,

everyone was served dinner.

After guests finished their entrees, the awards

portion of the evening began and President

Craig Cascella returned to the podium. He

spoke briefly about New England PVA, its his-

tory, and accomplishments. Following Craig’s

introductory remarks, the awards ceremony

began with recognition of Louise Milligan, who

retired after 35 years of service to SCI veterans.

Craig presented her with a

plaque in appreciation for

her many years of service.

Carrying on an annual

tradition, Craig then pre-

sented the Pierik awards to

two nurses. The award was

founded many years ago

by retiring Chief of Nurs-

ing Madeline Pierik, who

donated a sum of money to

be used for recognition of

2013 NEPVA Annual Banquet

Attending the NEPVA Banquet were: (l to r)

VABHS Director Vincent Ng; VABHS Associate

Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie; NEPVA

President Craig Cascella; Chief of SCI, VISN I Dr.

Sunil Sabharwal; Dr. Elsa Aguilera and her husband

Albert Engelhart.

Page 2: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected]

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Wayne RossSecretary, Peter MooreTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonMike GuilbaultDustin Soroka Jim WallackNeal Williams

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Mike GuilbaultWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Dustin Soroka

STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman

2

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

Fax: (617) 723-7467Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski

Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911

Senior National Service Officer, John Stansbury

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEBROCKTON VAMC

940 BELMONT ST., BLDG. 3 ROOM 207BROCKTON, MA 02301

TEL: (774) 826-2219FAX: (774) 826-3167

National Service Officer II, Heather Cherniack

$50Thomas Bird

Oregon City, OR

$25Wayne RossScituate, MA

$25Timothy Kelly

South Hadley, MA

OurNine Month Drawing– October Winners –

Page 3: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President

President’s Report

IN REMEMBRANCE

We deeply regret the passing of our Chapter Members & Friends:

and extend our heartfelt sympathyto family and friends.

Bruce W. Bohnwagner

Wendy Glidden,PVA Secretary III

Kevin J. Walsh

…of the 33 PVA Chapters, NEPVA

is the largest donor towards

spinal cord injury and disease

research being conducted at the

(Yale) research facility.

Hello members and friends.

I hope all of you had a very

enjoyable summer and as the

weather is now changing, I hope all of

you have an enjoyable Fall & Winter

as well. While I could absolutely live

in a summer-like climate year round,

some of our members love the winter,

and especially many of the sports and

recreation programs the Chapter offers.

Please browse our newsletter and web

site for upcoming activities you may

want to consider participating in.

By the time you receive this issue of our

newsletter, Chapter members & I will

have visited the Yale Center for Neu-

roscience and Regeneration Research,

located on the campus of the West

Haven, CT VAMC. It is the 25th anni-

versary for the Center for Neuroscience

and Regeneration Research and proudly

a Collaboration of the Paralyzed Veter-

ans of America with Yale University. As

you may know, of the 33 PVA Chapters,

NEPVA is the largest donor towards

spinal cord injury and disease research

being conducted at the research facility.

There is a great deal for veterans that

travel by rail, as the Amtrak Downeas-

ter is saluting our Troops and Veterans

with $11 Fares. The Northern New

England Passenger Rail Authority

(NNEPRA), today announced that

starting on Veterans Day, Monday,

November 11th, the Amtrak Downeas-

ter will begin offering $11 one-way fares

to active duty military personnel and

veterans

on the

11th day

of each

month.

This

offer is

valid for

active

duty mil-

itary per-

sonnel and veterans only. Reservations

must be made three (3) days in advance

of travel. Please reference promotion

code v159 when making the required

reservation. In addition, active duty

U.S. military personnel, their spouses

and their dependents are eligible for a

10 percent discount off most Amtrak

rail fares. Amtrak offers other discounts

that can be found at Amtrak.com.

“We are dedicated to making a dif-

ference for our active duty military

and veterans, and hope that this dis-

count will make a well-deserved trip

on the Downeaster a reality”, said

Natalie Bogart, Marketing Director of

NNEPRA.

The Northern New

England Passenger

Rail Authority

(NNEPRA)

is a public

transporta-

tion author-

ity created

in 1995 by the

Maine State Leg-

islature to develop and

provide passenger rail service between

Maine and

Boston and points

within Maine.

NNEPRA’S mis-

sion is to develop

and manage a

quality passenger

rail system that

meets the trans-

portation needs

of our customers,

delivers value, and enhances economic

development within the region we serve.

In other local news, the Department

of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded

a final grant totaling $419,557 to the

State of Maine. The grant is for Federal

assistance toward the cost of renovating

the heating/ventilation/air conditioning

system, rooms, and windows at the State

Veterans Home in Scarborough, Maine.

As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s

web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web

site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web

site (www.va.gov) for up to date and

recent news. If you have any questions,

comments, or concerns please contact

our office or your local NSO.

Page 4: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org4

By Debra FreedExecutive Director

Executive Director’s Report

continued on page 10

There has been a lot going on.

While the weather is chang-

ing and the holidays will soon

be upon us, some things remain con-

stant. Before I go on, we are all aware

that several PVA members have passed

away in recent months. No one is more

important to us than any other. In the

past two weeks, PVA unexpectedly lost

Wendy Glidden, a dedicated secretary

at the Togus PVA Service Office, and

Bruce “Skip” Bohnwagner, a long time

Chapter member, American Wheelchair

Bowling member, and friend. Ms. Glid-

den was diagnosed with lung cancer a

little more than two months ago, but

became ill and passed unexpectedly.

Another constant is fundraising, which

is ongoing. While our members are

all aware-- or should be aware by now,

the Chapter does not receive any local,

state, or federal money. While our

Chapter works well with the VA system

throughout New England, we do not

receive any funding from the VA.

So, how do we raise funding for our

operations? We have a professional

telemarketer. What people don’t under-

stand is even though it seems they are

getting the lion’s share, they are also

doing all the work, have all the respon-

sibility, and all of the expenses that go

with this type of program. It is one of

the most efficient and important forms

of donations we receive.

Our other fundraising programs include

what some of our sports programs do.

The Bass Trail, for example, solicits

donations from various sports/fishing

venues. The Billiards Program also

solicits contributions from various busi-

nesses, and the venue hosting the event

donates the table time for the entire

tournament.

Most of the fundraising work is done

by the Board of Directors, myself, and

those who participate in the various

sports programs. In addition, it is not

unheard of to hear from a member who

offers to either volunteer or provide

information on a potential funding

opportunity, which is vital to our orga-

nization.

It is my pleasure and

honor to con-

gratulate our

member, Mr.

Joe Stalaboin

for working

with his com-

pany, DePuy

Synthes, a Johnson

& Johnson Company, to

create the first (and hopefully annual)

Harvest Car Show to Benefit New Eng-

land Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Joe and I have been working on this for

over 6 months. He wanted us to be the

first recipients of their fundraiser which

was co-sponsored by the Johnson &

Johnson Companies Veterans Leader-

ship Council and the Alliance for Dis-

ability Leadership. Held on Saturday,

October 12 in Raynham, MA, the car

show had 104 car entries, including

classics from the 50’s to the 80’s and

antiques as old as 1910. Seven vendors

set up booths, alongside our NEPVA

table that sold some of the gear we are

currently advertising on our chapter

website. Two car dealerships – Route

How We Make A Difference: One Volunteer at a Time

Left: Wayne Ross poses in front of a 1910 Oakland Model 24 Roadster at the Harvest Car Show to Benefit New England PVA. Right: Attending the Harvest Car Show were: (l to r) Judy Goldstein, Wayne Ross, Debra Freed and Car Show organizer Joe Stalaboin, who is also an NEPVA member.

Page 5: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report

continued on page 10

VA Burial and Survivor Benefits

There are many survivor and burial benefits available

for veterans and dependents. The benefits range

from providing military funeral honors, gravesite

headstone or marker’s, obtaining gravesites in national cem-

eteries with available space, opening, and closing of graves

and perpetual care, to name a few. Compensation may be

available to veterans’ widows, and dependents.

This article will cover varieties of common programs and VA

applications to complete for VA burial and survivor benefits.

Each benefit requires different eligibility requirements con-

sidered and weighed by the Department of Veterans Affairs

(DVA). For example, the DVA verifies veterans’ dates of mili-

tary service, character of discharges, valid life insurance poli-

cies, causes of death, or any contributing factors to a veteran’s

early demise.

The Department of Defense (DOD) provides military

honors for veterans in commemorating those who served

our great nation. Public Law 106-65 mandates that veterans

who qualify receive military funeral honor ceremonies that

include presenting and folding the U.S. flag and the playing

of Taps. Contact your local funeral home to arrange military

funeral honors.

U.S. flags are offered to drape veterans’ caskets or to accom-

pany urns for eligible veterans discharged from military

service under conditions other than dishonorable. Funeral

directors and VA Regional Offices along with local post

offices can provide burial flags. Funeral directors can help

in obtaining burial flags. Generally, flags are offered to a

next-of-kin as keepsakes, after its use during funeral services.

When there is no next-of-kin, the VA will furnish flags to

friends making requests for them. Requests can be made by

applying for flags by completing VA Form 27-2008 (Applica-

tion for United States Flag for Burial Purposes).

Government headstones or markers are provided for

unmarked graves of any deceased eligible veteran in cemeter-

ies worldwide no matter the date of death and at no cost to

applicants. The request for this task is performed by complet-

ing VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government

Headstone or Market).

Eligible veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990,

and whose graves are marked with privately purchased head-

stones can qualify for headstones or markers in supplement-

ing graves. A medallion can be affixed to privately purchased

headstones by completing VA Form 40-1330M (Claim for

Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery).

Presidential Memorial Certificates can be requested for

veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions.

These certificates are engraved paper certificates signed by

the current president of the United States honoring deceased

veterans. This request can be made by completing VA Form

40-0247 (Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form).

Burial Allowances are reimbursements (Partial) of eligible vet-

erans’ funeral and burial expenses. When causes of deaths are

not related to military service, reimbursements are labeled as

two separate payments:

1. Funeral and burial expense allowance

2. Internment or plot allowances.

Non-Service-Related Deaths – Deaths on or after October

1, 2011. The VA will pay maximum $700 toward funeral and

burial expenses (If veterans are hospitalized in a VA hospital

at time of death), or $300 toward funeral and burial expenses

(Veterans not hospitalized by the VA at time of death). $700

plot-internment allowances are offered for veterans not buried

in national cemeteries.

Service-Related Deaths – The VA will pay maximum

$2,000 for funeral and burial expenses for deaths occurring

on or after September 11, 2011.

Family members can apply for these benefits by completing

VA Form 21-530 (Application for Burial Benefits). Ensure to

attach copies of military discharge papers, death certificates,

burial and funeral receipts. The receipts should show that

funeral bills are paid in full.

By Michael J. KruseSenior National Service Officer, Buffalo, NY

Page 6: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org

banquetcontinued from page 1

6

outstanding SCI nurses from the West

Roxbury VA SCI unit and the Brockton

VA Long Term Care unit. This year’s

winners were: Jennifer Leonard, LPN

from the VABHS Brockton Campus

and Alicia Sullivan, RN from the

VABHS West Roxbury Campus. In

presenting the Pierik awards, Craig read

statements from each facility as to why

each recipient was deserving of this

award. The two recipients were awarded

silver bowls with the engraving, “For

Outstanding Care and Devotion To

SCI Patients.”

Following the awards presentations,

chocolate cake and coffee were served.

As the early birds departed, the dance

music got going and out on the dance

floor, Mike Guilbault showed everyone

his expertise in wheelchair dancing.

Surrounded by dancers, Mike became

the center of attention as he balanced

on his back wheels alone and demon-

strated the true meaning of rock and

roll.

Once again, dedicated VA staff mem-

bers made sure that the patients enjoyed

their night out.

We hope to see everyone, and

some new faces as well, at

next year’s banquet. Check

future issues of Cord Word for

the date.

NEPVA wishes to thank our special guests

for joining us at the NEPVA Banquet.

Mr. Vincent Ng

Director, VA Boston Healthcare System

Dr. Michael Charness

Chief of Staff, VA Boston Healthcare System

Dr. Susan MacKenzie

Associate Director, VA Boston Healthcare System

Dr. Sunil Sabharwal

Chief of SCI & SCI Care Line VISN-1

Sandra Sousa

Associate Director, VA Boston Healthcare System

Ms. Cecilia McVey

Chief of Nursing Service, VA Boston Healthcare System

Joan Clifford

Associate Chief of Nursing, VA Boston Healthcare

System

Ralph Marche - Chief Voluntary Service

Ms. Leslie Pierson

Health System Specialist to the Chief of Staff Provi-

dence VAMC

Joe Badzmierowski

PVA Eastern Region Director

Heather Cherniak

PVA National Service Officer II

Ann Marie Wallace

Secretary PVA Regional Office Boston

Ms. Bonnie Russell

Nurse Manager, SCI Unit A-2 West Roxbury VAMC

Ron Martin

Nurse Manager, SCI LTC Unit Bldg. 8 Brockton VAMC

The Pierik Awards for outstand-ing SCI nursing care were presented to (top) Jennifer Leonard, LPN of the VABHS Brockton Campus; and (bottom) Alicia Sullivan, RN of the VABHS West Roxbury Campus.

Dr. Sunil Sabharwal congratulates Louise Milligan after she received an award of appreciation for her 35 years of service to SCI veterans.

PIERIK AWARDS

Page 7: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 7

Phot

os: H

arle

y Fr

eedm

an

See all the banquet photos at www.nepva.org

Page 8: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org8

By Brad Carlson Sports Director

Sports & Recreation

For those of you familiar with

those words, you must have

attended one of many shoot-

ing events over the past few months.

Unfortunately they are finished for the

year. It seems to me that each year each

club works harder and harder to make

their event better than it was the year

before. The volunteers at all of these

shoots are top notch. They cannot

do enough to make sure you have an

enjoyable day at their club. Whether

you like to try out some real cool older

weapons or some high power scoped

rifles for long range shooting, they have

them. Do you like to shoot at targets

that blow up and really let you and

everyone know that you’re a good shot?

Then you’re at the right place. How

about just shooting at an array of dif-

ferent targets from beer cans to water-

melons; that’s right, you are at the right

place. I guess the bottom line is each

one of these clubs had something for

everyone including a lot of knowledge

from the range staff. If you happened to

miss out this year, don’t worry because

we will do it all over again next year.

I have to give a big shout out and thank

you to Mr. Dick Hurley for all of his

hard work at these events and especially

for keeping everyone safe out there on

the firing line. A special “Thank You”

to the following clubs for a great few

months: Bellingham Police Dept.,

Seekonk Rod and Gun Club, Shawmee

Gun Club, Monument Sportsmanship

Club, and Bass River Rod and Gun

Club. We will see you next year!

In next

month’s arti-

cle, I will men-

tion all of the

winter events

coming up,

which there

are plenty of.

Since some

of the information is not complete at

this time, please look forward to next

month’s article and take note of the

dates.

Don’t forget about The New England

Winter Sports Clinic which is held

every year at Mount Sunapee. As you

know this is the premier event during

the winter and you don’t want to miss

out on this one! The registration dead-

line is December 1st and I recommend

getting it in sooner as this is a sell out

every year (see the Chapter web site for

more information).

Last on the list- I have heard that there

is an interest out there to put Power

Soccer into our programs and I would

love to get more feedback from every-

one interested. We are DEFINITELY

going to form our first ever Football

team early next year. Everyone inter-

ested should contact me. For both of

these new sports please send an e-mail

directly to me (becarlson66@hotmail.

com). Your input is crucial for these

sports to take place.

Have a great Thanksgiving and remem-

ber that there is plenty to do so get out

there and do it!

“ALL CLEAR ON THE FIRING LINE”

2014 Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled VeteransThe VA New England Healthcare System invites you to participate in the 2014 Winter Sports Clinic at Mount Sunapee January 13th through the 17th, 2014. This event promotes rehabilitation by instructing physically chal-lenged veterans in adaptive Alpine skiing and will provide an introduction to other adaptive activities and sports.

Applications and additional information are available at the website: www.nehsa.org or by calling the NEPVA office.

Veterans can apply to participate by completing all elements of the registra-tion packet. Only fully complete applications received by December 1, 2013 will be accepted. Mail your complete application to:

Ralph Marche (135)VA Boston Healthcare System150 S. Huntington Ave.

Boston, MA 02130

Page 9: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9

With dozens of fabulous high-quality brands, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the

showrooms of the F.W. Webb Company, the largest plumbing supplier in the Northeast. This means more products, expertise and

value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.

A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved ones to live comfortably. Our Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held

showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.

Selection. Knowledge. We’re here to help.

Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!

Visit frankwebb.com for design and product ideas, and directions to over 30 showrooms.

Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive.

Methuen, MA 98 Lindbergh Avenue • 781-325-7140Exit 47 off Route 93, right onto Mystic Street.

WEBB_PVAnewz_1_13.indd 1 1/11/13 4:54:10 PM

33 Manning Road Billerica, MA 01821 Phone:800-886-9247

Call 800-886-9247 www.NewEnglandWheels.com

New England Wheels has been serving the mobility needs of the Northeast for over 30 years. We salute your service, and are proud to serve you with the best of accessible vans and mobility services.

Page 10: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org10

PVA NEWS

continued from page 4

Executive Director’s Report

44 Hyundai of Raynham and Mas-

tria Motor Group of Raynham made

generous donations to NEPVA. Other

sponsors included: Alan M. Walker

Insurance of Taunton, Metro Ford

of Raynham, Walmart ((Raynham),

Lowes (Raynham) and CruisinBruce.

com.

Many thanks go to Joe and his col-

leagues; also, to Dave Anderson and

his Air Force Junior ROTC group from

Taunton High School. They really

were a huge help. Before I forget, many

thanks need to go to our Admin Assis-

tant Judy Goldstein and our new Vice

President Wayne Ross for coming out

and supporting the event. While fortu-

nately it didn’t rain, it was very breezy

and got a bit chilly when the cloud

cover arrived.

Dependency and Indemnity Compen-

sation (DIC) is a paid benefit to any

eligible survivor of military veterans,

and active duty service members who

lost their lives in the line of duty. This

benefit entails completing VA Form

21-534 (Application for Dependency

and Indemnity Compensation, Death

Pension, and Accrued Benefits by a Sur-

viving Spouse or Child).

Gravesites located in VA National Cem-

eteries cannot be reserved in advance.

Veterans should always advise family

members of their wishes for burials and

where discharge papers are located.

Veterans discharge papers prove impor-

tant in establishing eligibility to these

important benefits.

Families can contact funeral homes to

assist them in making burial arrange-

ments at national cemeteries. Veterans

may make pre-need arrangements with

funeral homes. Veterans and family

members who require further assistance

with these benefits should contact a

local Paralyzed Veterans of America

National Service Officer.

continued from page 5Service Officer’s Report

The numbers are not all in quite yet

and it was never discussed what the

financial goal was, but we do know that

thanks to Joe, the many outstanding

volunteers and especially all the dif-

ferent car entrants, the Chapter will

receive over $4000.00!

In other news, by the time this comes

out, I will have gone on vacation and

returned to attend the 25th Anni-

versary of the Yale University Center

for Neuroscience and Regeneration

Research based at the West Haven VA

and supported by PVA. I look forward

to reporting on this in my next article.

In addition, I will attend the Women

Veterans Appreciation on November

7th and the Veterans Day Ceremony at

the State House on November 11th.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) has secured over $1 billion in new

and current benefits claims for veterans and their survivors during fiscal year 2013. The

$1 billion consists of compensation, pension and survivor payments paid to Paralyzed

Veterans’ clients.“What’s remarkable about this achievement is not simply the $1 bil-

lion milestone. What’s amazing is we hit this target with far fewer field staff working on very

complex claims, and doing so with a high level of accuracy,” said Sherman Gillums, associate

executive director of Veterans Benefits at Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Because Paralyzed

Veterans specializes in assisting and developing claims for the most severely disabled veterans,

our work requires a very high level of detail, competence in interpreting medical evidence and

more extensive knowledge of complex regulations than needed for typical claims.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America provides free, comprehensive benefits assistance and advocacy

to all veterans and their families through its National Service Officers who are located across

the country. Services range from bedside visits, to guidance in the VA claims process, to legal

representation for appealing denied claims.

“While the money is an obvious quantitative measure to be celebrated, it’s really the impact

measure—how it has changed lives—that

matters most. In addition to improving quality

of life for our nation’s heroes, the immeasur-

able net effect is reduced uncertainty in the

lives of veterans who have suffered cata-

strophic injury and those who care for them.

This, beyond the money, is the best evidence

of Paralyzed Veterans of America’s value to

society,” added Gillums.

Page 11: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

© 2012 SleepSafe Beds

FirstAdjustableBed.com | 866.852.2337

Designed, Built and Approved for our Heros.

ASSURED

COMFORTVeteran Edition

®

Peggy TownsendTRG Townsend Rep Group

Cell: 210-867-6562Fax: [email protected]

1965 Post Road #307New Braunfels, TX 78130

OUR MISSION

To design and build the ultimate adjustable beds

for medical, home care and wellness needs.

OUR PROMISE

To deliver outstanding products and excellent service.

To consistently provide caring customer service.

To provide ongoing, challenged and

tested product development.

To serve our customers with

honesty, integrity and credibility.

Get exactly what you want with anAssured Comfort Adjustable Bed.

The ultimate adjustable bed is MADE in Virginia

and features a remote controlled, whisperquiet, electric motor, strong aluminum

frame supporting our premiummemory foam mattress.

Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen and Split King.

CONTACT – John Liston 401-480-8229

Page 12: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org12

Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department

The Department of Veterans

Affairs (VA) currently provides

caregiver support services

to all veterans and their caregivers

through the Program of General Sup-

port Services as required by Public Law

111-163, “The Caregivers and Veterans

Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.”

Under this law, the VA is also required

to provide additional caregiver support

services to veterans with a service-

connected injury that was incurred

after September 11, 2001, through the

Program of Comprehensive Assistance

for Family Caregivers. The VA recently

provided Congress with a report evalu-

ating the feasibility of expanding this

program based on the current status of

VA caregiver support services.

Veterans and caregivers eligible to

receive services through the Program

of Comprehensive Assistance for

Family Caregivers have access to ben-

efits that include health care coverage

through the VA’s Civilian Health and

Medical Program of Veterans Affairs

(CHAMPVA), a monthly stipend based

on the care provided, and payment

for travel and lodging when partici-

pating in medical appointments with

a veteran. As the law only provides

these benefits to service-connected,

severely disabled veterans injured after

September 11, 2001 (9/11), veterans

who would otherwise be eligible for

the program but injured prior to 9/11,

do not have access to the same support

services.

PVA has testified before Congress

that the majority of PVA members are

excluded from these VA caregiver ben-

efits because of the arbitrary selection

of the September 11, 2001 date. Addi-

tionally, the law does not provide these

comprehensive caregiver services to vet-

erans with serious illnesses or diseases,

even if they are service-connected, such

as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the

report evaluating the feasibility of the

comprehensive caregiver program, VA

recognizes this fact, and states that,

“Expansion of the Program of Compre-

hensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

would remedy the inequity created by

the current statutory requirements, and

would further recognize the sacrifice of

our veterans from all eras and the needs

of their family caregivers.”

VA further reports that while it is fea-

sible for the Veterans Health Admin-

istration to expand the eligibility for

the comprehensive caregiver program,

at this time it cannot recommend such

an expansion without the guarantee

of more resources to provide services

to the newly enrolled veterans. The

VA projects that the cost of expanding

eligibility for the Program of Compre-

hensive Assistance for Family Caregiv-

ers would be substantially greater than

the current program with eligibility

constraints. The VA concludes that it

would need more resources from Con-

gress to make certain that an expansion

would not jeopardize its overall health

care resources.

It is the position of PVA that no reason-

able justification can be provided as to

why pre-9/11 veterans with a service-

connected injury or illness should

be excluded from the comprehensive

caregiver program. This issue is a top

priority for PVA. Legislation staff will

continue to work with Congress and

VA to determine the resources needed

to expand the Program of Comprehen-

sive Assistance for Family Caregivers to

eligible veterans of all eras. Expanding

eligibility for this program will ensure

that all service-connected, catastrophi-

cally disabled veterans receive adequate

caregiver support services.

VA Evaluates Expansion of Eligibility for Family Caregiver Assistance

Expansion of the Program

of Comprehensive Assis-

tance for Family Caregiv-

ers would remedy the

inequity created by the

current statutory require-

ments, and would further

recognize the sacrifice of

our veterans from all eras

and the needs of their

family caregivers.

Page 13: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 13

“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”

Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.

-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA

It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal — Superior Support! Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.

• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians

888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)

www.Ride-Away.com

Uro Bag® System Reusable urinary leg bag w/ T-Valve release port Unisex 2-Pocket leg bag holder undergarment

No Uncomfortable Leg Straps! • No constriction of circulation to lower leg. • No painful skin ulcers or red marks around leg • Holds leg bag securely on leg without leg straps. • Used with ALL catheters (including nephrostomy)

Which One Would You Choose?

Uro Bag System Leg Straps Adult Diaper

Package Contains: 1 – Reusable rubber (22 oz.) leg bag (Made in USA) 1 – Tubing w/connector (Made in USA) 1 - Unisex leg bag holder (S thru 3X) – (Made in India)

“The comfort and support I achieve with Uro Bag System is perfect for my

active lifestyle.” - David Wagner Gold & Silver Medalist – Quad Tennis

Uro Bag System is currently available at selected VA Hospitals and Clinics. If your VA location is not offering the URO BAG SYSTEM, please have them contact Uro Concepts Inc.

(830) 997-8025 - [email protected]. www.uroconcepts.com Patented product of Uro Concepts Inc.

Medicare Approved HCPCS #A5112

DAPA Listed

Page 14: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Cord Word November 2013

www.nepva.org14

MobilityAdaptive

Equipment

VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER

SERVICE

LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE

LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!

Welcome To

Free Veterans Maintenance Program*

We work with the VA for you. New van upgrades every 2 years saving

you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket.

-VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS-

www.amemobility.com1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771

*Please call for details and qualifi cations

1-800-311-2849

If you can’t come to uswe’ll come to you

LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for

more information)

Page 15: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

November 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 15

Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.

Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.

DARIOS is VA accepted.KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.

Digital Accelerator Ringoptimized for speed

Page 16: November - New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

Make a Donation Today!

100% of your

tax deductible donation

goes to Chapter programs.

Mail your check payable to:

NEPVA

1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

2014 Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled VeteransMount Sunapee January 13th through the 17th, 2014

Applications and additional information are available at the website: www.nehsa.org or by calling the NEPVA office. Completed applications received by December 1, 2013 will be accepted. Mail your complete application to:

Ralph Marche (135)VA Boston Healthcare System150 S. Huntington Ave.

Boston, MA 02130