The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaDecember 2011 Vol. LXI, #12

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

CORD WORDWORDCORD

President’sReport

3

GovernmentRelations Report

4

Service Officer’sReport

5

Sports & Recreation

6

Banquet Photos8 & 9

PVA News10

InsideWhat’s

continued on page �

On a chilly fall evening, approximately

120 guests assembled at the Holiday

Inn in Mansfield, MA for the

NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 21st, 2011.

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

Balloons 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

2011 NEPVA Annual Banquetto 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; Acting Director of the Edith

Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital

Christine Croteau; VABHS Associate Director

of Nursing/Patient Services Cecilia McVey;

Associate Chief of Nursing-Brockton Annmarie

Fredericks; and Deputy Nurse Executive

Joan Clifford. Craig went on to introduce

the NEPVA officers and Board members

present, PVA Service Office staff, and NEPVA

staff. Following the welcome remarks and

introductions, everyone was served dinner.

After guests completed 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

Right: Medical staff from the VA Boston Healthcare System

pose for a group photo at the NEPVA

Annual Banquet.

Cord Word December 2011

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: info@nepva.org

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

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Debra FreedSecretary, Debra FreedTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter Farrington Wayne RossDustin SorokaJim 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

Sr. Benefits Advocate, 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 WallackWeb Master, Harley FreedmanWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, Richard FranoWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

STAFFCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design, Harley Freedman

2

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

9 MONTH DRAWING

NOVEMBER WINNERs

$50Paul R. McPheeHanover, MA

$25Sally E. QuinnConcord, NH

$25Ronald Ayre

Marshfield, MA

Cord Word

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December 2011

3

by Craig C. Cascella

NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report

continued on page 12

On October 21st, we held our

Annual Chapter Banquet, as

usual there was a very good

turnout (see associated article in this

issue). A great time seemed to be had

by all and we will pass along next year’s

date as soon as we can.

On the 26th, I visited the Brockton VA

LTC Unit. I had the opportunity to

chat with the residents, volunteers, and

the VA Staff, as well as to listen to or

address any concerns they may have.

On the 29th, I joined Chapter members

for a fun time horseback riding in

Brookfield, MA, at the Elm Hill Center

Stables. It was a chilly day and in fact

there was a winter storm in the forecast

that had arrived a little earlier than

predicted. I look forward to riding

again in the future, perhaps when the

warmer weather comes back around.

Thanks to Sports Director Brad

Carlson for organizing the event.

The Chapter will be sponsoring

Holiday parties at many of the local

VAMC’s in the area. The SCI Clinic

staff, Social Workers,

and other VA Staff

assist the Chapter in

arranging the dates

and supplies for the

parties. On behalf of

the Chapter, I hope

all of our members,

volunteers, and friends

had a wonderful

Thanksgiving

and have a Merry

Christmas.

I recently received an email notification

from the VA Boston Healthcare System

Director’s office, announcing that for

the second year in a row the VA Boston

Healthcare System has been selected

as one of The Boston Globe’s Top Places

to Work. The competition is tough;

however, for 2011 they ranked number

16 in the Large Employers category, a

most impressive showing. On behalf

of NEPVA, a sincere thank you for all

your hard work. Receiving a public

honor such as this is proof positive

of what we at NEPVA already know,

that VA BHS is a great place to work,

with an outstanding staff that cares

for America’s most deserving patients.

Once again, congratulations to the

entire VA BHS team.

PVA continues to make major progress

with site visit reports and staffing

guidelines. We continue to hold the VA

accountable when we know we need to

and work with them when we believe

we have the same goals and objectives.

PVA is tough but fair in all our dealings

with the VA. It is important for Medical

Services, Veterans

Benefits, and

Architecture to

work hard

and as a

team hold

the VA

accountable

for the issues

they get off

track on and also

support the VA on the things they

are doing well. It is important for our

membership to know that all of PVA’s

staff works hard to accomplish all the

key goals, mission, and objectives of the

organization. Please feel free to contact

me on any issue or concern you may

have.

On November 11th, I was fortunate

to be able to attend Veterans Day

ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall

Memorial in Washington D.C. As

usual, the ceremonies were fantastic

and I would recommend visiting

Washington D.C. and visiting the

many monuments or memorials where

Left: Ret. General Barry R. McCaffery & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at Vietnam Wall Veterans Day Ceremonies. Right: Minnesota PVA Chapter President Tom Fjerstad & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at the PVA Wreath laying at the Vietnam Wall Memorial.

Cord Word December 2011

www.nepva.org4

by Debra Freed

Government Relations Director

continued on page 12

With all the talk about

reducing the deficit,

it came as somewhat

of a surprise when it

was announced in mid-

October that Social

Security (SS) would see a

cost of living increase of

3.6%, the first increase

since 2009.

Government RelationsDid You Know . . . !

Well, winter certainly gave

us a good scare at the end

of October. The weather

has been decent since but be prepared.

Our webmaster, Thomas Dodd,

resigned towards the end of September

but NEPVA.

org remains up

and running

and even has

a new look.

NEPVA would

like to thank

Thomas for his

years of service

concerning the

Chapter website.

Thomas is still

involved with

NEPVA’s Celtics

basketball team,

which holds

practices at the

Brockton VA. Please check the website

for days and times.

With all the talk about reducing

the deficit, it came as somewhat of a

surprise when it was announced in mid-

October that Social Security (SS) would

see a cost of living increase of 3.6%,

the first increase since 2009. Those

receiving Social Security (SS), Social

Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

and Supplemental Security Income

(SSI) will get the increase. Those

receiving Veterans’ Compensation will

also see the increase. The increase will

take effect Jan 1, 2012.

The Chapter sent out an email to nearly

305 members asking if they would

want to get the newsletter via email. We

received a number of responses so far in

the positive that these members would

like to get the email version. November

was a bit late but hopefully this process

will be up and

running for the

December issue

and the January

one at the latest.

NEPVA would

like to reiterate

its commitment

to our members,

the veteran

population, and

the disabled

community. We

maintain a very

good relationship

with the offices of

the Associate Directors in the Boston

area, the VA Boston Director, Michael

Lawson, and to some extent even at the

VISN level. I had stopped by the 2nd

floor at West Roxbury last month to

drop off newsletters and have a quick

chat with Dr. MacKenzie about an issue

that I know affects just about all of us

– medications. The issue is that some

meds used to come in various colors so

they were easily recognizable. Because

of money, not just from the VA but the

pharmaceutical companies, most of the

meds now come in white. Many come

in various sizes still, but the problem is

remembering which pill is which. The

Pharmaceutical industry has tried to do

its best by making

medicines

different

shapes

and sizes.

However,

it is not

difficult

to forget

which one is

which. So, Dr. MacKenzie inquired

at the pharmacy. Any time you have a

question, any type of question about a

medication, do not hesitate to request

to speak to a pharmacist. I was told by

the West Roxbury pharmacy it really

is as simple as that. As the saying goes,

please don’t shoot the messenger, in this

case the pharmacist, because the VA

was able to get a better price on your

once yellow pantoprazol medication.

NEPVA does try to provide a diverse

sports program, activities that will get

people out and about. The Chapter is

working with two groups that are very

different but have the same objective.

Over the summer some members

participated in the Sail to Prevail

program out of Newport, RI. The

Chapter is sponsoring a sail boat for

their program. On October 29, Brad,

Mike G, Craig, and I took a horseback

riding lesson at the Elm Hill Center

in Brookfield, MA. I hadn’t been on a

horse in nearly 30 years. Unfortunately

for Honey the horse, I don’t weigh what

I did 30 years ago, but she was still very

good to me. NEPVA is considering

Cord Word

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December 2011

5continued on page 12

service Officer’s Report By Thomas Ricks,Senior National Service Officer, Newark, NJ

Home respiratory care is the

provision of home oxygen/

respiratory care services that

assist any eligible veterans with home

respiratory care (VHA Handbook

1173.13). The program involves

members of Medical Service, Pharmacy

Service, Prosthetic and Sensory

Aids Service (PSAS), Acquisition

and Materiel Management Service

(A&MMS), Nursing Service, Health

Administration Service and contractors

who comply with the Joint Commission

on Accreditation of Healthcare

Organizations (JCAHO) standards.

The primary methods for providing

oxygen therapy in the home are

compressed gas, oxygen concentrators

and liquid oxygen. The prescribing

physician determines the amount

based on the flow rate desired by the

daily period of usage and the veteran’s

physical condition and daily activities.

All veterans on the home oxygen

program will be reevaluated and the

need for oxygen therapy documented

every 6 months for the first year. The

need for continuing oxygen will be

documented at least annually.

Veterans on ventilators for continuous

mechanical ventilation will be

furnished with equipment when

prescribed only after the veteran has

been evaluated by the VA Respiratory

Therapy Service. A veteran that is

totally dependent on a ventilator for

continuous mechanical ventilation will

also be furnished with a spare ventilator

with accessories. Family and care takers

will be trained on the function and use

of the ventilator and accessories prior to

discharging the veteran. All ventilators

are furnished in accordance with VA

policies and procedures.

An Intermediate Positive Pressure

Breathing Machine (IPPB) is furnished

when prescribed by a physician

specializing in pulmonary disease.

The machine is used to deliver air

under pressure into the patient’s lungs

for periods of time for veterans with

acute pulmonary edema and chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease.

Specially designed rocking beds are

used when prescribed by a physician

specializing in pulmonary medicine to

control respiration of the patient.

The Prescribing Clinician is responsible

for determining the need for home

respiratory care based on the veteran’s

prognosis, medical history, results of

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s) or pulse

according to the guidelines for home

oxygen in the VHA Clinical Practice

Guideline for Asthma, sleep study, or

ventilator settings. The prescription or

consult includes general information

like home oxygen, method of delivery,

liter flow, airway pressure, mask type

and settings. Reevaluating the patient

to ensure the continued need for

intervention is accomplished from 4

weeks to 3 months depending on the

reason for the intervention.

A reevaluation is also provided for

veterans requiring long term oxygen

and mechanical ventilation annually;

the clinician will notify Prosthetics

of the continued need or the need

to discontinue intervention. There

is a Fee-Basis program if authorized

in accordance with VA acquisition

regulation 801.670-3. Medical, Dental

and ancillary services are available for

eligible veterans who are unable to

report to the VA Medical Center for

evaluation of continued need or initial

need for home respiratory care.

The Prosthetic Service is responsible

for administering the program.

Eligibility is determined for a veteran

by working with a home oxygen

therapy physician to identify oxygen

therapy requirements. This can include

concentrators, tanks, regulators,

cannulas, masks, tubing, Continuous

Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) devices,

ventilators and other respiratory care

equipment. The designated contracting

officer or Contracting Officer’s

Technical Representative (COTR)

arranges for the home respiratory

care contract. The (COTR) will also

ensure contractor compliance and

Joint Commission on Accreditation of

Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

standards on a quarterly basis

through site visits, receipt and review

of all required documentation and

performance improvement activities,

veteran satisfaction surveys and veteran

interactions. Random home visits

provide quality assurance from 10%

of home visits to veterans on home

respiratory care on a yearly basis. Visits

THE HOME RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM

Cord Word December 2011

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sports & Recreation Fall Sports ReportBy Brad Carlson, Sports Director &Mike Guilbault, Assistant Sports Director

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope

everyone had a great Thanksgiving,

and didn’t gain too much weight.

There’s a lot to be discussed in this

article, and I will try to make it brief.

On the 29th of October, at Elm Hill

Center Stables in Brookfield, we held a

disabled horseback riding clinic. Despite

the impending snow, we did have four

people attend. For those who missed it -

- you missed out on a great day! Thanks

go out to Mike Guilbault, Debra Freed,

and Craig Cascella for attending this

clinic. A great buffet was provided by E.

B. Flatts restaurant in Brookfield, which

warmed everyone up on a chilly day!

We will be holding another horseback

riding clinic (in warmer weather)

sometime in the spring of 2012.

Please keep a lookout for upcoming

information on this clinic. Hopefully,

we can get more attendees. Elm Hill

Center Stables also offers feeding and

brushing the variety of animals on the

farm, along with helping out in their

gardens for those of you who cannot or

are not interested in riding a horse. It’s

a great day out for all! A special “thank

you” to Bonnie Keefe-Layden, Liz

Flaherty and the staff and volunteers at

Elm Hill Center Stables for a wonderful

day.

Of course, our Bass Trail finished with

a bang with the PVA National Bass

Trail held at Lake Winnipesaukee

in September at Camp Robindel in

Moultonborough, NH. The weather

cooperated, and a great time was had

by all. The Bass Trail will continue

as usual in the spring. Keep watching

for updated information on the dates.

Thanks again to Tiny and his crew

for the great job and hard work that

they do to make sure these events go

off without a hitch. Thanks also to the

Nam Knights for volunteering every

year during these events.

We concluded our three Shooting

Events for the year on October 7th at

the Bass River Rod and Gun Club in

Yarmouthport, MA. Also, on Friday,

September 23rd, NEPVA members were

invited to the Shawme Fish & Game

Club for a day of shooting in Sandwich,

MA. We were allowed to shoot a variety

of weapons at

these shooting

events,

including

M1

Garand,

M1 Carbine,

AR 15 A2

and A4 models.

Many thanks to

Dick Hurley who helped organize both

shoots along with his team of volunteers

and sponsors who made these events

possible. On Saturday, September 24th,

we also had our annual shoot with the

Bellingham Police Department. This

event, started by our late, great friend

Mickey Emery will continue annually

thanks to Dennis Auger, Liz Emery

and the BPD. Our thanks go to the

Vietnam Veterans Association and all

the volunteers who helped out at the

BPD range, and the cooks who fed us

so well.

Earlier in the spring, we had the Mickey

Emery Air Rifle Shoot, a competitive

shooting event at the Brockton VAMC

which will be held annually. It’s a great

practice event for those who shoot air

Left: Debra Freed rides at Elm Hill Center Stables. Right:Brad Carlson prepares to mount his horse.

Cord Word

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December 2011

7

Northeast Passage with members of the USA Sled Hockey Team in partnership with VA Boston Healthcare System are pleased to announce:

2011-2012 SLED HOCKEY CLINICSA seated version of hockey open to anyone with difficulty stand-up skating. Come and try it out!!

WHERE: DATES & TIME:Nobles School Rink 9:30 am-12 pm10 Campus Drive Dedham, MA 02026 (Clinics are free to those who register)

December 4January 22February 5 & 19

To register, please contact:Tom Carr, CTRS/LNortheast PassageUniversity New Hampshire603-862-0070thomas.carr@unh.eduorKelly Cossaboom, CTRSVA Boston Healthcare System774-826-1955kelly.cossaboom@va.gov

rifles at the Veterans Games and a fun

time for anyone who’d just like to try it

out. Just a note -- every Tuesday at the

Brockton VA, there is practice in the

Building 23 Gym at 1:00 P.M. for all

interested. Contact Joanie Lynch (774-

826-1976) if you are interested in the air

rifle events.

Kayaking continues every Wednesday

evening at the Brockton VA from 5 to

7 P.M. This is located in Building 23

at the pool. Contact Kelly Cossaboom

(774-826-1955) for more information.

When the weather gets warmer we will

move this to various outside locations.

We will be contacting all individuals

who participated in the Wheelchair

Football Clinic in the past to organize

a team. Expect a phone call soon, as we

try to finalize getting together a team

that will travel for wheelchair football.

(Growing pains -- as we try to establish

a new sport in New England)

The Summer Sports Clinic was a great

success again this year. This is held

every year at Mount Sunapee State Park

-- this includes hand cycling, kayaking,

water skiing, live fishing, air rifle

shooting and a bi-athalon.

The Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled

Veterans will be held at Mount Sunapee

again January 9-13, 2012. The deadline

for signing up was December 1st. If

you plan to attend, NEPVA members

should contact the chapter office

before the clinic for possible financial

assistance.

The National Veterans Wheelchair

Games will be held in Richmond, VA,

from June 25 - 30, 2012. If you have

never attended these games, check the

NEPVA website for information on

applications for this event.

Don’t forget, hand cycling will continue

sometime in the spring. Watch for

upcoming news on our clinics held

weekly on Monday evenings at the

Brockton VA. We hope to expand on

our program next year.

There’s so much to do, please get

out there and participate. As always,

contact the NEPVA Office for more

information on any event.

Left: Sharp shooter Rose Cahill takes aim with an AR-15 urban assault rifle at the Shawme Fish and Game Club. Right: Recreation Therapist Joan Lynch and a Shawme Club volunteer look on as Prince Blue takes aim.

Cord Word December 2011

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continued from page 1banquet

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 nurses, from the West Roxbury VA SCI unit

and the Brockton VA Long Term Care unit. This year’s winners were: Marybeth

Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus and Tamie Reynolds from

VABHS-Brockton Campus. The two recipients were awarded silver bowls with the

engraving, “For Outstanding Care and Devotion To SCI Patients.” Two additional

awards of recognition were presented to Bass Trail Director Tiny LaFontaine and

Bob “Soupy” Campbell for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non

Member Category as part of the Dwain Taylor Award for Volunteer Service. Both

PVA certificates of award were accepted by Bob Campbell, since Tiny was unable

to attend the banquet.

Following the awards presentations, chocolate cake and coffee were served. As the

early birds departed, the dance music got going and the serious wheelchair dancers

came to the floor. Once again, dedicated VA staff members 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.

PIERIK AWARDS

Bob “Soupy” Campbell received an award for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non Member Category.

Tamie Reynolds from VABHS-Brockton Campus and Marybeth Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus received the Madeline Pierik award for outstanding nursing care of SCI patients.

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December 2011

9

see more photos at www.nepva.org/banquet.html

and click on the banquet photos link

Ban

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Cord Word December 2011

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PVA News

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Vantage Mobility International

(VMI), a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of wheelchair accessible full-size and minivan conversions, have joined with VMI’s Select Dealer Network to develop the Operation Independence campaign. This national program in support of Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign is designed to help U.S. veterans learn how to fast-track the purchase of a mobility minivan with the support of Federal Grant 21-4502.

“We’ve found that a number of important government benefits, like the 21-4502 program, which provides a grant toward the purchase of a mobility vehicle of their choice, are underutilized by eligible veterans,” said Al Kovach, national senior vice president of Paralyzed Veterans and a former Navy SEAL. “This partnership with VMI’s Operation Independence is so important, too, as it supports Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign, which enables veterans with catastrophic disabilities to secure care, benefits and jobs and rebuild their lives. Together, we can leverage our efforts to improve mobility for disabled veterans by connecting them with the vehicles that fit their needs and ultimately help them achieve the independence and dignity they deserve.”

Operation Independence is a national program developed by VMI and the VMI Select Dealer Network and is

supported by Paralyzed Veterans. A portion of the program will educate veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, which is available to U.S. veterans with disabilities and was recently increased from $11,500 to $18,900. In addition to the grant, VMI is offering an additional $1,000 coupon that can be used as cashback from the manufacturer or applied toward a down payment for veterans that qualify for the 21-4502 grant and who have not previously taken advantage of the 21-4502 Auto Allowance Grant. The VMI $1,000 offer ends Nov. 11, 2012.

VMI will also be donating $1 to Paralyzed Veterans for every Facebook “Like” on the VMI (Vantage Mobility International) fan page (up to $10,000).

“U.S. veterans make so many sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “We’re indebted for their service and believe our disabled vets should have easier access to mobility vehicles. That’s why we teamed up with Paralyzed Veterans and the VMI Select Dealer Network to establish

Operation Independence. Through this national program, we’ll help raise awareness of the federal grant money that is available to our vets to help them

purchase a new mobility vehicle. We’ll also explain how the national VMI Select Dealer Network can fast-track their purchase of a quality mobility van and provide important vehicle maintenance after the sale.”

The VMI Select Dealer Network, which is a national group of retail mobility vehicle stores, will support Operation Independence by working with disabled veterans and local Department of Veteran Affairs offices and other federal government institutions to help expedite the purchase, build and delivery of a mobility-based vehicle.

For more information about Operation Independence and how U.S. veterans will be supported through the VMI Select Dealer Network, visit the Operation Independence website (www.vantagemobility.com/promotions/operation-independence-for-veterans.aspx).

Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vantage Mobility International Launch Operation Independence CampaignProgram to help veterans learn how to purchase mobility minivans

”

“ Together, we can leverage

our efforts to improve

mobility for disabled

veterans by connecting

them with the vehicles

that fit their needs and

ultimately help them

achieve the independence

and dignity they deserve.Al Kovach, national senior vice president of Paralyzed Veterans

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December 2011

11

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

Visit frankwebb.com for all locations & directions.

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 | mccoygroup@comcast.net

freedom.freedom.

It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal —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

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continued from page 3

Gov. Relations

Gov. Relations Reportcontinued from page 4 continued from page 5

Service Officer’s Report

may also be conducted by clinicians and

prosthetic representatives.

Please contact the nearest PVA National

Service Officer in your area or the PVA

Veterans Benefits Department at (800)

424-8200 if you have any questions

regarding the Home Respiratory Care

Program.

Veterans Day ceremonies are held. After the ceremony, I then visited the PVA

National office where a small gala with staff and the many friends of PVA was

held.

President Woodrow Wilson first established Veterans Day on November 11th,

1919. Originally “Armistice Day,” it honored members of the Armed Forces who

sacrificed their lives in the service and protection of the United States. On May

13th, 1938, President Calvin Coolidge made November 11th a legal holiday that

would honor these sacrifices perennially. Nearly twenty years later, in recognition

of both living and fallen service-members, this holiday was dedicated as Veterans

Day. Since then, Veterans Day has become an event by which all Americans

express their gratitude to the men and women who have relinquished their hopes,

dreams, and futures.

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.

continued from page 3President’s Report

FREE TO MEMBER

Quickie Power WheelchairFor average size personAvailable in Dracut, MA

Call NEPVA

Shower/commode ChairWheelchair Cushions

All available in Mansfield, MA

Call NEPVA

Lift ChairRecliner that lifts you up

Available in New Britain, CT

Call NEPVA

Hospital BedManual Wheelchair

2 years old

Available in Dedham, MA

Call NEPVA

WantedTrack Only

for Sterling Chair Lift

Minivator 2000

Call NEPVA

Ramp Needed for electric wheelchair

to load on pick-up truck

Call NEPVA

Wanted to BuyQuadriplegic wants to buy

Handicapped Van2000 or newer

Call: 781-749-0606

doing it again when the weather is

warmer. Would you be game?

Now that the holiday season is

really upon us, NEPVA’s pizza

parties, like the one held at West

Roxbury on October 19th, will stop

and start up again in January. As

Brockton was next in line, NEPVA

hosted a Thanksgiving lunch at the

Brockton VA on November 16th.

The Christmas holiday parties will be

Dec 13th at West Roxbury and Dec

15th at Brockton. The Northampton

SCI Clinic is hosting their holiday

luncheon on December 8th. Please let

Richard McNeil know if you are going

to be around. Manchester and West

Haven usually have a great Christmas

party as well, so be sure and check

with the clinic for dates and times.

Patients and staff enjoyed the NEPVA Pizza Lunch held on October 19th at the West Roxbury VAMC.

Cord Word

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December 2011

13

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.

NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations

Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No Longer

Needed to

New Eng-

land PVA.

NEPVA is currently

accepting vehicle

donations from

Massachusetts,

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

Call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate

FOR sALEQuickie G424 Power Wheelchair

Includes good battery and chargerWorks well. In Warwick, RI.Asking $500.00 or best offer

Invacare Micro Air 65Hospital Bed with Air Mattress

In Warwick, RI.Asking $2400.00 or best offer

Call the NEPVA office for seller information.

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December 2011

15

Cars have progressed from here...

...how about your hand controls?DARIOS lets you drive with both hands on the wheel.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. The steering wheel can still be tilted and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.

DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car:- At low speed the acceleration is smooth and progressive- At high speed the acceleration is responsive and dynamic.

Users’ comments: “It’s amazing how precise it is!”“It’s 100 times better than any accelerator I’ve used in 30 years!”

“. . . the system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”

Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed

DARIOS is VA accepted.

KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

www.kempf-usa.comCall for a free demo-DVD and brochure1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738)

Free at-home pick-up and

delivery nationwide

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: info@nepva.org

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

New England PVA Officers and Board Members would like to wish our

members, their families and friends a very Merry

Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

To all SCI/D staff and support staff throughout VISN-I, wishing you a Very Happy Holiday season.