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The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaNovember 2012 Vol. LXII, #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 & Recreation
6
Manchester Support Group
8
Cover Letter Tipsfor Vets
11
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 8
Making their way through pouring
rain, approximately 120 guests
assembled at the Holiday Inn
in Mansfield, MA for the NEPVA Annual
Banquet on September 28, 2012. Upon their
arrival, members, friends and family, along with
VA staff gathered and mingled in the cocktail
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), awards, and dancing to
the music of DJ Corin Ashley.
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 and VISN I in
attendance. These included: VABHS Associate
Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie; VABHS Chief
of Staff Dr. Michael Charness; VISN 1 Deputy
Network Director Christine Croteau; VABHS
NEPVA Annual BanquetAssociate Director of Nursing/Patient Services
Cecilia McVey; Deputy Nurse Executive Joan
Clifford, and Chief, Voluntary Service Ralph
Marche. Craig went on to introduce the NEPVA
officers and Board members present, PVA
Service Office staff including Eastern Region
Director Joe Badzmierowski and National Ser-
vice Officer John Stansbury, and NEPVA staff.
Following the welcome remarks and introduc-
tions, 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
history, and accomplishments. Carrying on an
annual tradition, Craig then presented the Pierik
awards to two nurses. The award was founded
many years ago by retiring Chief of Nursing
Madeline Pierik, who donated a sum of money
to be used for recognition of outstanding SCI
NEPVA President Craig Cascella (left) presents the President’s Award to Ralph Marche, Chief, Voluntary Service, VA Boston Healthcare System for his many years of work in organizing special events for disabled veterans.
Cord Word November 2012
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, Dustin SorokaSecretary, VacantTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonMike GuilbaultPeter Moore Wayne RossJim WallackNeal Williams
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) 723-7467
Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
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, Craig CascellaWest 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, Neal Williams
STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman
2
NINE MONTH DRAwING
OCTOBER wINNERS
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
National Service Officer II, John StansburySecretary, Wendy Glidden
IN REMEMBRANCE
We deeply regret the passing of our Chapter Members:
and extend our heartfelt sympathyto family and friends.
Donald E. Dubuque
Alfred R. Martinez
$50Timothy Kelly
South Hadley, MA
$25Richard F. Boucher, Sr.
Ludlow, MA
$25william Stavrakos
Bay Shore, NY
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 3
By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President
President’s Report
As many of you here in New
England know, the change of
seasons and Fall foliage can
be extremely pretty and lovely to see.
Whether viewing the foliage near where
you may reside or for those who decide
to plan something - such as getting out
for a day, a weekend, or perhaps a small
road trip in one of New England’s six
states, we do reside in a terrific area that
offers much to do and see. As a friendly
reminder, with the change of seasons
and weather, many seasonal Chapter
programs will be offered that you may
be interested in participating in. Please
see our newsletter and web site for
updates on the many sporting and rec-
reational activities we will be offering or
contact our Chapter office.
As I briefly mentioned in last month’s
article, in mid-September I had the
pleasure of participating in the 5th An-
nual National Veterans Summer Sports
Clinic in San Diego, California. This
was my first time attending the event
and there were veterans, all with vary-
ing degrees of disabilities, from all over
the country in attendance. There were
a few NEPVA members, other veterans
from New England, and staff from the
VA Boston Healthcare System serving
as coaches and medical staff to assist
our group. Each day there were differ-
ent events to participate in. The week-
long events included surfing at La Jolla
Shores, kayaking at the Mission Bay
Yacht Club, cycling and rock-climbing
in Coronado, sailing at the San Diego
Marriott Marina, and rowing and
other track & field events at the United
States Olympic Training Center. Other
noteworthy items included a Veterans
Writing Class with Anthony Swof-
ford, author of Jarhead, and meeting
John Corbett and Bo Derek at both
an event I was participating in and
also at a block-party and dinner on the
USS Midway - with John and his band
performing a terrific music set. Much
thanks go to our coaches, volunteers,
the incredible number of community
and corporate sponsors (such as Veter-
ans Canteen Service and Fisher House
among others), and the VA San Diego
Healthcare System. Eligible veterans
may attend the event two times. I
found the experience very rewarding
on a number of levels - from trying
certain events for the first time since
my disability, to meeting new friends
and catching up with old friends. The
camaraderie among all the teams was
excellent, and I would encourage veter-
ans and Chapter members to look into
attending this great event in the future.
See associated photos
from the event in this is-
sue and on our web site.
On September 28th,
NEPVA held its 65th
Anniversary Annual
Banquet. We held the
banquet a little earlier
than usual this year,
due to a variety
of scheduling
issues, but I
was very happy
to see another
good turnout of
friends, VA staff
and management,
and of course many
Chapter members and other volunteers.
Please see an associated article in this
issue regarding the banquet.
In other local news, the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) has
awarded the following grants:
• $1,185,607forallowablecostsassoci-
ated with the operations and mainte-
nance of the Rhode Island Veterans
Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI.
This grant will fund the raising,
realignment, and cleaning of head-
stones and turf rehabilitation. This
grant will help the cemetery meet
National Cemetery Administration
Appearance Standards.
• $5,267,763totheStateofMassachu-
setts for Federal assistance toward the
cost to replace the fire alarm system
and make life safety renovations to
the dormitories at the Soldiers’ Home
in Chelsea, MA
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.
Cord Word November 2012
www.nepva.org4
By Debra FreedExecutive Director
Executive Director’s Report
continued on page 12
Some of you may know or have
learned that at the 2012 PVA
Convention, the PVA Board of
Directors chose to re-do the Model By-
laws. The primary effect was to remove
the term “Home Rule.” This basically
means all Chapters and PVA by-laws
will be uniform. What it means here in
New England, is that a member who
may be an employee cannot run, be
elected, or even nominated to the Board
of Directors if a position were open.
To make a long story short, I would
have won the position of Vice-President.
However, I have resigned the position as
Vice-President(VP)forthe2012/2013
fiscal year. Mr. Dustin Soroka, who
also ran for the position of VP was
nominated and approved by the BOD
attheSeptember27thBODmeeting.
I had asked to be promoted to Execu-
tive Director. The Board heard me and
responded with a raise as well. I wish
to take this opportunity to sincerely
thank the Chapter President as well as
the Board members for having faith in
me. I hope to continue to support the
Chapter, our members and the disabled
community as well as I have been, if not
better now and in the future.
During the week of October 8 through
14, NEPVA assisted in providing trans-
portation for those who were partici-
pating in the 2012 National Veterans
Creative Arts Festival beginning with
transportation to and from the airport.
The week would require back and forth
to the Quincy Marriott, the Quincy
ElksLodge943,andtheCutlerMajes-
Did You “Make Them Hear You?”tic Theater. Many thanks go to Steve
Robinson, a Chapter driver, who would
gofrom7ato10psomedays.
NEPVA was invited to attend the final
show held at the Cutler Majestic on
Sunday. There were a number of songs,
but one stands out for me, “Make Them
Hear You.” Its origination is from the
Theater Production of Ragtime. More
than likely, by the time you read this lo-
cal, state, and federal elections will have
taken place. Did you make them hear
you by voting?
Hopefully, each and every one of our
members was able to get out and vote.
It remains fact that no matter how you
voted, you made your local, state, and
federal legislators hear you! Even if
incumbents are re-elected, the climate
in Washington will not be the same.
Will it be better? I don’t know! Will it
be worse? I don’t know that either, but
I do know - the Chapter and PVA will
continue to work for better healthcare,
better travel experiences, and more
physicians and nurses. We will continue
to “make them hear you.”
Like many of you, I use the VA for all
my medical care. In recent visits as well
as on Facebook, I have heard a lot of
comments about why veterans entitled
to VA healthcare will not use it or if
they do use it, disparage it. Some people
stated they were “never going back to
the VA.”
I said it last month, I will say it again,
the VA system is not perfect, nor is
any other healthcare
system. No matter
how little or
how often you
use the VA,
you may end
up having at
least one bad
experience. How
do we keep that bad
experience from happening again or
to other people? The word complaint
comes to mind but most of the time it
has a negative connotation. How can
anyone fix the problems if you won’t
“make them hear you,” or at least file
a complaint. We can help the VA be
better by making telephone calls or
writing letters that explain the issues.
By expressing the reasons, we can work
towards making it better. Please utilize
your patient advocate and/or call the
Chapter office – make them hear you.
In an opposite direction, but no less
important, many good deeds go un-
recognized. For instance, I had waited
nearly two months for an MRI I needed
to be able to get hearing aids. The first
appointment had to be canceled because
the MRI machine was down. Because
the MRI required contrast, I had to
have blood tests, but blood work is only
goodfor30days.Iwouldhavetohave
it done again. I was told if I was at the
VA for another appointment, I could
check in with MRI and see if someone
may have canceled.
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 5
Service Officer’s Report
continued on page 12
By John StansburyNational Service Officer II, ME, NH, VT
Dis ‘n Dat
Travelers with disabilities: TSA launched “TSA Cares Toll Free
Helpline” for travelers with disabilities
and medical needs. Three ways to use
it are: Talk To TSA, a web-based tool
to contact an airport Customer Service
Managerdirectly;1-866-289-0673to
speak with the TSA Contact Center;
where travelers can ask questions, pro-
vide suggestions, and file complaints.
VA Clothing Allowance: VHA
Handbook1173.5(4)(i)statesthat
“Veterans rated as service connected
and determined to be eligible on a
continuing basis ….. are not required
to reapply. Their clothing allowance
is included in the automated payment
process …..” Unfortunately those who
may have been eligible for this auto-
matic payment (known as static) who
applied during FY2012 will not be paid
automatically. We have pointed out
this violation of VHA directive to the
proper process owners and have not
been fully briefed on whether this was
intended or merely a glitch in the new
software installed primarily to work
new dual clothing allowance claims. We
are awaiting a response/action to correct
this.
VARO Transition: The VA is putting
a lot of energy into ways to reduce the
average time to process claims, improve
quality, and to reduce the backlog.
The Veterans Benefit Administration
(VBA) has completed over a million
claims now for the third straight year.
As the VBA Regional Offices (VAROs)
evolve and leverage new technologies,
we will try to keep you informed. Select
VAROs have implemented various
changes and improved on them enough
for the VA Secretary to notify Congress
that they will apply these changes in
almost all of the VAROs early this FY.
The core change named VBMS (cur-
rently being tested at Providence RI) is
not ready to implement. This will move
VBA from a paper-based claims pro-
cess to an automated paperless process
internally. You can imagine if you used
VA’s ebenefits online your claim would
be already virtually paperless and fit
right into VBMS requirements. Your
VHA medical records are paperless. A
VBA employee was quoted stating that
a new system similar to turbo-tax is
being looked at; this would be “point
and click” and automate the full rating
process.
You may have already seen the Sim-
plified and Standardized rating no-
tification process (SSRN). Decision
processes are now being aided by
rules-based evaluation builders which
have improved quality and consistency.
If you see anything which you question,
please contact your NSO and discuss it
as soon as you can.
Please note that I continue to encour-
age you to work with your PVA NSO to
develop your claim together and submit
it through our service offices using the
Fully Developed Claim (FDC) process.
You can file FDC claims if you initially
submit all required information/support
needed to meet the elements of law and
grant benefits sought when all that is
required for the VARO is to review your
VHA medical records and/or bring you
in for a compensation examination.
These FDC claims are being com-
pletedin3monthsorless.Over23%
of claims completed at VARO Togus
Maine are FDC, which is the highest in
the nation. Some VAROs will imple-
ment segmented lanes described cur-
rently as “express”, “core”, and, “Special
operations.” Work and workers will be
organized into specialized lanes which
will improve the speed, accuracy and
consistency of decisions.
In closing I encourage veterans to
have your PVA NSO review and explore
all DOD related benefits to see if you
are eligible and to assist you to apply
and secure those benefits. Every day I
meet veterans who do not understand
benefits such as Combat Related Special
Compensation (CRSC) and Traumatic
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insur-
ance (TSGLI). Every day I meet some
who relate stories of how lucky they
were to be somewhere and overhear
a conversation which gave them the
idea to contact their NSO and explore
eligibility for benefits and sadly, some
who relate if they only knew then ……
I encourage dialog about benefits and
especially about exercising our right to
vote. November is your chance to have
your say. I remember a story of a man
who was on a remote beach and spotted
another man in the distance throwing
a starfish into the ocean. As he ap-
Cord Word November 2012
www.nepva.org
continued on page 7
6
Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director
Sports ReportBy Brad Carlson
Whoa! We had horses and
lots of guns last month. It
was a very busy September
from horseback riding to gun ranges.
Let’s start with the great people at the
Bellingham Police Range. On Septem-
ber 15th we all converged together at
the Range and shot everything in sight
that was put out by the great volunteers
in Bellingham. On top of using some of
the best weapons around, they put out
a fantastic lunch which included steak
tips that were so good they will not
even give out the recipe! So a big thank
you to Bellingham for all of their hard
work!
Next on the list was our shooting day
at the Shawme Rod and Gun Cub in
Sandwich, MA on September 22nd.
Onceagain,tonsofvolunteers(37to
be exact), plenty of weapons to try out,
a great lunch and a fun day was had
by everyone. Of course Joanie Lynch
brought everyone from the Brockton,
VA and a lot of shooting was done by
all. Our thanks go out to Shawme for
all of their hospitality and we can’t wait
until next year!
Let’s keep rolling since we are talking
about shooting. On October 5th, once
again we were lucky enough to shoot at
the Bass River Rod and Gun Club in
Yarmouthport, MA. It kind of sounds
repetitive, however, it was another great
day with a lot of shooting, another great
lunch and lots of volunteers. Unfor-
tunately, the bus from Brockton had
a slight mishap with an air bag and
had to leave early. However everyone
still had fun. One final shooting event
isscheduledforOctober17thatthe
Monument Beach Sportsman’s Club in
Bourne, MA. I look forward to report-
ingontheOctober17theventinthe
next Cord Word.
Now with all that shooting done, I
forgot about horseback riding. On
September30thweallputonthe
cowboy boots (not really) and went
horseback riding again at The Elm Hill
Stables in Brookfield, MA. The weather
cooperated this year and everyone had
a great ride on
our favorite
horse named
“HONEY”. We
were treated
to lunch at EB
Flatts Restau-
rant after rid-
ing, sponsored
by NEPVA. A big thank you goes to Liz
Flaherty and all of the staff and volun-
teers at the Elm Hill Stables for another
great day. We will have another riding
clinic in the spring.
Just a reminder, we are still having our
hunting trip in Up-State New York
in January. This free trip is sponsored
by The Safari Club International of
Connecticut. There are only two spots
remaining for this trip. Please keep in
mind it is free to participants but not to
the Safari Club! If you do sign up and
circumstances change, please notify the
office ASAP or future participation may
be prohibited.
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 7
Military Appreciation DayBy Wayne Ross
Porter and Chester Institute hosted their first Mil-
itary Appreciation Day on Saturday, September
22nd at the campus in Canton, MA. The school
had many strong ties to the armed forces and thought
it would be a nice way to honor all veterans and thank
them for their service. The event was scheduled from
10-3andwhatagreatjobonthepartoftheorganizers.
This was a family style event with free food and drinks,
games, fun activities and even a bouncy house for the
kids. There were a few antique and classic cars from
a local car club, representatives from some military
branches, Police, Fire, EMT’s and students from the
school. Several members of the Massachusetts National
Guard, of which all had served in Iraq or Afghanistan,
presented a positive outlook on life while deployed. Live
entertainment was provided by the accomplished rock
band Mad Mike and the Shakedowns. Every veteran
was given a really cool challenge coin with the arms
from each military branch surrounding “Thank You”
on one side and the schools logo and Military Apprecia-
tion Day on the other. A welcoming announcement by
campus director Tom Ryan, the National Anthem and
a few kind words spoken by a local politician Bob Burr,
and a marching bag piper were noteworthy. Unfortu-
nately there were not a lot of veterans and for such a
dynamic day that is something that shouldn’t happen
again. We all need to spread the word and encourage
our fellow veterans to attend next year.
2013 winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans
The VA New England Healthcare System invites you
toparticipateinthe2013WinterSportsClinicat
Mount Sunapee January 14th through the 18th,
2013.Thiseventpromotesrehabilitationbyinstructingphysi-
cally challenged 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 registration packet. Only fully complete applications
received by December 1, 2012
will be accepted. Mail your
complete application to:
RalphMarche(135)
VA Boston Healthcare System
150 S. Huntington Ave.
Boston,MA02130
(from left to right) Sgt. Justin Litchfield, Sgt. Michael Guest, Bob Burr, Tom Ryan, Wayne Ross, Sgt. Erin Campbell and Anthony “Red” Michael.
Don’t forget about the New England Winter Sports Clinic for
DisabledVeteranstobeheldJanuary14-18,2013.Informa-
tion and registration forms are available through the NEPVA
website: www.nepva.org or call the NEPVA office or Ralph
Marche. The application deadline is December 1, 2012.
NEPVA members only should notify the NEPVA office prior
to the event if you wish to receive funding for the Winter
Sports Clinic.
The NEPVA Billiard
Tournament will
be held at the end
of April in Clinton,
MA once again; we
are just waiting on a
date. A lot of work
goes into all of these
events, so please get
out there and enjoy
them!
Cord Word November 2012
www.nepva.org8
Ban
quet
pho
tos:
Har
ley
Free
dman
continued from page 1
Banquet
nurses from the West Roxbury VA SCI
unit and the Brockton VA Long Term
Care unit. This year’s winners were:
Michaela Tinory, RN from the VABHS
West Roxbury Campus and Wamsutta
“Faith” Lauture, NA from the VABHS
Brockton Campus. In presenting the
Pierik awards, Craig read statements
from each facility as to why each recipi-
ent was deserving of this award. Craig
also gave his personal endorsement
of Michaela Tinory, as he recounted
his experience as a patient under her
excellent care. The two recipients were
awarded silver bowls with the
engraving, “For Outstanding
Care and Devotion To SCI
Patients.”
The final award of the
evening was the President’s
Award which was presented
to Ralph Marche, Chief,
Voluntary Service, VA
Boston Healthcare System. Ralph was
presented with a plaque bearing the
NEPVA logo and the inscription, “For
Your Dedication and Commitment To
SCI/D Veterans.” Craig had high praise
for Ralph Marche for his many years
of work in organizing special events
for disabled veterans, most notably, the
annual New England Winter Sports
Clinic for Disabled Veterans.
Following the awards presentations,
chocolate cake and coffee were served.
As the early birds departed, the dance
music got going and the serious wheel-
chair dancers came to the floor. 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. Michaela Tinory, RN from the VABHS West Roxbury Campus
Wamsutta “Faith” Lauture, NA from the VABHS Brockton Campus.
PIERIK AwARDS
Above left: Special guests included: (seated from l. to r.) VABHS Associate Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie; NEPVA President Craig Cascella; As-sociate Director of Nursing/Patient Services Cecilia McVey; (standing from l. to r.) PVA National Service Officer John Stansbury; Mrs. Marche; Chief, Voluntary Service Ralph Marche; VABHS Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Charness; PVA Eastern Region Director Joe Badzmierowski; Deputy Nurse Executive Joan Clifford; VISN 1 Deputy Network Director Christine Croteau.
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 9
Cord Word November 2012
www.nepva.org10
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Frank Webb’s Bath CentersPageStop 4 “Freedom”Showroom: Methuen ShowroomPublication: Paralyzed Veterans of America NewsletterSize: Half Page Horiz (7.5” x 4.125”)Created: 11/7/08 Jim McCoy | 508-478-5322 | [email protected]
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MANCHESTER VA SCI-D VETERANS SCI Support Group Submitted by Paul Redmond, MA, MSW, LCSW
At our next meeting in November the presenter will
be Marilyn Stevenson, Regional Librarian from the
NH State Library. She believes that reading is one
pleasure no one has to lose because of failing vision. If you
or someone you know is unable to read regular print, even
with eyeglasses, come hear about the Talking Book pro-
gram. The library offers novels, nonfiction, magazines and
other recreational reading materials free of charge through
the mail. All services including the special equipment
needed to play the books and magazines are provided at no
charge. Eligible readers may also download digital books
and magazines through the BARD web site. By enrolling in
the talking book program, you may enjoy recorded versions
of books found in most local libraries. Choose from best-
sellers, classics, mysteries, westerns,
romances, poetry, histories, and
biographies. Anyone unable to read
regular printed materials because
of a visual impairment or a physical
handicap, even if the condition is
temporary, is eligible for the free talk-
ing book program.
If you wish to look up information on their website on
Talking Book Services please visit at: www.nh.gov/nhsl/
talking
Thursday,November15,12n-1:30pm
Presentation will start on 11-15-12@NOON
PLEASECALLTOREGISTERbyTuesday11-13-12
(early registration and a return call if you need to cancel ap-
preciated!)603-624-4366Ext:6434
Location: Manchester VAMC, basement level
Directions from Main Entrance: Elevator down to “B” level,
LEFT, next RIGHT, down hall, next LEFT at PT/OT
check-in area.
NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations
Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No
Longer Needed to New England PVA. NEPVA is
currently accepting vehicle donations from Mas-
sachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. For further
information, call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866) 244-
8464, or visit the NEPVA website: www.nepva.org
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 11
COVER LETTER TIPS FOR VETERANS
Too often a job seeker
may spend the majority
of their time and effort
into creating a strong resume but
fall short when they must draft
an equally compelling cover let-
ter. A cover letter works together
with a resume to get you an
interview. It can be considered
just as important since it can be the only thing that convinces
an employer to look at your resume.
Outline for a Cover letter:
Heading
Your name and address should be front and center of the
cover letter. Underneath and to the left should be the date,
followed by a space and then the employer’s name, position
and address of the organization.
Salutation
If you know the name of the employer, address your cover
letter to them with the correct title (Mr., Ms., Dr.). If you
do not have a name or title, go with “Dear Hiring Manager”
rather than the overused “To Whom it may concern”
Opening Paragraph
Be assertive and try to catch the employer’s attention. Make
it one or two sentences. You will have the Body of the cover
letter to stress your selling points. “I believe I have the
background that would make me a strong candidate for the
General Manager’s position with Uniflow”
Body
The body is usually one or two paragraphs long and is your
sales pitch, as you want to emphasize what you can do for the
employer and how your skills qualify you for the position. Be
creative and do not repeat what is in your resume. You want
to emphasize your accomplishments and achievements, rather
than just reiterating your previous job duties. If your work
history is limited or you have not had a job recently, use these
paragraphs to stress the personal qualities and experiences
that you have that the employer has indicated they want (ie
reliable, knowledgeable, grace under pressure).
Closing Paragraph
Express again your interest in the position and then tell them
how you will contact them to confirm they received your
resume, stating your hope that the two of you can set up an
actual face to face meeting.
Close
End with “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully Yours,” and then print
your name. Don’t forget to sign it!
Points to keep in mind• Thecoverlettershouldnotexceedonepage.Employers
must read a lot of cover letters and resumes for one posi-
tion, so they won’t have a lot of time to go through each
letter.
• Don’trepeatyourresumewordforword.Acoverletter
allows you to address certain points in your resume, and
expand on the most pertinent details.
• Spellcheckandproofreadcarefully,andtrytohave
another person read it over before sending it out. Using an
automated spell check is helpful but can’t pick up all pos-
sible mistakes.
• Customizeyourcoverletterforeachemployerandeach
position. Don’t write one general cover letter and mass
mail to all the employers you are interested in. The more
specific you are about your qualifications for a particular
position, the greater the odds that you will be invited to an
interview.
For more information please contact:
Ken Lipton M.A., C.R.C.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Paralyzed Veterans of America
P.857-203-6091 F.857-203-5797
[email protected] www.pva.org
www.operationpave.org
Cord Word November 2012
www.nepva.org12
continued from page 4
Exec. Director
15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3
www.advancedwheels.com
MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-
-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-
-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-
-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-
ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-
-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-
-Honda Odyssey-
“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”
-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-
-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-
-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan
-VA Assistance Support-
-24/7 Roadside Assistance-
PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.
continued from page 5Service Officer’s Report
A huge thank you needs to go to the
MRI staff at the JPVA and especially
Deborah L. It matters not whether
Deborah has known someone for years,
or if they are a brand new patient, the
care is always phenomenal.
It is not just VA employees who go out
of their way to help veterans. It takes a
lot of work, a lot of people, and yes, in
many cases, a lot of money to put on an
event such as the Creative Arts Festival.
To use an example closer to home, if it
were not for the Nam Knights of MA
and NH, there would be no BASS Trail.
Many of them have been with the pro-
gramsinceitsinception13years.For
my part, I want to apologize to anyone
and everyone for forgetting to say thank
you. It remains true, without volunteers,
there are way too many events, whether
sports-related or art-related, veterans
would not be able to participate in.
If someone has done something good
for you, then please remember to thank
that person. Depending on the issue,
send a note to their superiors. If some-
one has done something to offend you,
or as I said, gave you a “bad experi-
ence,” don’t let it fester, don’t tar other
people with the same feathers, but re-
port it in an appropriate manner. Make
them hear you but do it with respect
and courtesy.
As the holidays fast approach, remem-
ber those who have passed on. Remem-
ber it is important to “make them hear
you” when things go wrong but just
as important to “make them hear you
when things go right.” Happy Thanks-
giving!
proached the man he realized that there
were too many starfish washed up on
the beach to count and he stated to the
other man, “There are too many here
for you to make a possible difference.”
The man bent over, picked up a starfish
and tossed it back into the ocean and
responded, “I just made a difference to
that one.” I guess my thought here is to
go out and vote no matter what the pos-
sible rhetoric is about the outcome. You
can make a difference!
2 Pride ScootersOne 3 years old-needs a new seat
Second scooter is for a larger personBoth in good working order
Chair lift for straight flight of stairs
Needs batteries
Hospital bed with trapeze attached
Also additional detached trapeze
Above items available for pick up inDorchester, MA. Call NEPVA.
FREE TO MEMBER
November 2012Cord 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
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) held its National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest for a
ninth straight year. The contest provides school-age children the opportunity to creatively express their gratitude for
America’sveterans.Hereisoneofourfavoritesdoneby3rdgraderEliseTisler.
Cord Word November 2012
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)
November 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 15
Update your hand controls!
...drive with both hands on the wheel
It’s so comfortable!
Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.
Your knee area remains free of metal parts. You maintain all adjustments of your steering column and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.
DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car.
DARIOS uses 2 sensors inside the steering wheel to be compliant with car manufacturers’ safety standards. It sends the information from the ring to its main controller under the dashboard using digital signals to be immune to electro-magnetic noise.
Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find comments from users accross the country or to request a quotation.
Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.
DARIOS let’s you drive with both hands on the wheel
DARIOS is VA accepted.
KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
Users’ comments: “I feel like I’m in control of my vehicle again!”“The system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”
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
Poster by
2nd grader
Carmen Duet
