Blinded Veterans Helping Blinded Veterans

November-December 2017

Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

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Legislative Update .........................3 by Melanie Brunson

President’s Page ........................... 6 by Joe Parker

Remarks by the Executive Director ......................... 7 by Al Avina

BVA Honors Veterans Day ............ 8

Big Apple Hosts Blind Hockey ....11 by Bruce Porter

Around BVA ..................................14

Cover Photo: On November 11, 2017, people from all across the United States came to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in Veterans Day ceremonies. Marking the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I, veterans, their families, and several dignitaries, gathered to honor those who have served our country.

EDITORIAL STAFFInterim Editor: Melanie BrunsonStaff Writers: Melanie Brunson, Al Avina, Hallie

Smith Design, Pre-Press, and Printing: Lewis Direct

125 N. WEST STREET, 3rd FloorALEXANDRIA, VA 22314TELEPHONE: 800-669-7079 202-371-8880FAX: 202-371-8258WEBSITE: www.bva.orgE-MAIL: bva@bva.org

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Published bi-monthly by and for blinded veterans, and sent to all blinded veterans without charge. The Bulletin informs BVA members about their Association and the issues that affect blinded veterans.

VOLUME LXXII, No. 6November-December 2017

In ThIs Issue

Chaplain’s Corner ........................19 by Chaplain Jay McLeod

Auxiliary’s View ...........................20 by Edna Dixon

From the Field Staff ......................21 by Hallie Smith

In Remembrance ..........................22

Final Thought ................................24

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COLA’s are coming for Beneficiaries of Social Security and Veterans Disability Compensation

Earlier this month, the Social Security Administration released a statement announcing that beginning with checks for the month of January 2018, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a Cost of Living Adjustment of 2.0 percent. People who receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits will see this increase in checks issued after December 1, 2017. People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will see the increase beginning December 29, 2017. This change is due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Incidentally, there will be an accompanying change in the earnings limit for people who receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits. SSDI beneficiaries who are blind will be able to earn up to $1,970 per month without penalty for engaging in substantial gainful employment. This is an increase of $20 per month from the 2017 earnings limit. People with disabilities, other than blindness, will be able to earn $10 more per month without a negative impact on their benefits.

Additionally, legislation to provide a similar cost of living increase to those who receive Veterans Compensation

and Dependency Compensation, as well as those who receive a clothing allowance from the VA, cleared its last hurdle when the Senate approved the measure. Since the House had approved the bill earlier this year, it was sent on to the White House for the President’s signature. There is widespread, bipartisan support for this measure, which mandates that beneficiaries of the compensation programs noted above receive a cost of living adjustment identical to that given with Social Security beneficiaries, based upon the Consumer Price Index report. Veterans receiving disability benefits, surviving spouses and children who receive dependency compensation, and veterans who receive a clothing allowance can expect to see a 2.0 percent increase beginning with checks issued after December 1 of this year.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be impacted by it. I will also provide a link to the Social Security Administration’s press release for anyone wanting more information. Link to Press Release: https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/#/post/10-2017-1

Nationwide Class Action ChallengesHulu’s Discrimination Against Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals

A coalition of blind and visually impaired individuals and advocacy groups filed a nationwide class action against Hulu to end the video streaming

Legislative Updateby Melanie Brunson

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In addition, Hulu’s website and applications are not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals who use screen readers to navigate the internet.

The American Council of the Blind, Bay State Council of the Blind, and blind individuals brought this action to end Hulu’s discriminatory business practices. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), a national nonprofit legal center, and the Disability Law Center (DLC), Massachusetts’s Protection and Advocacy system, represent these individuals and organizations.

company’s ongoing exclusion of blind and visually impaired Americans. The lawsuit — filed on November 20, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts — challenges Hulu’s violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Hulu, one of the largest online-streaming services in the country, offers thousands of shows and movies, including award-winning original content, to most customers at the click of a mouse. However, the company fails to provide audio description — a separate audio track that blind and visually impaired people need in order to access the exclusively visual content of a show or movie — for any streaming videos.

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WWI Quick Facts

• The WWI Memorial Inventory Project is documenting over 1,000 memorials throughout the country.

• American sculptor Anna Ladd created realistic masks for facially disfigured WWI veterans.

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President’s Pageby Joe Parker

After the August convention, I spent a week in Alexandria, VA with the Headquarters

Staff. This allowed me to get a better understanding of the problems that are creating difficulties for the organization as well as the membership. We are making every effort to make adjustments to the staff and the way we do business, in order to stay within a realistic budget and provide services to the membership and other blinded veterans. I must ask you to give us, the BVA Board of Directors and the BVA Staff, some breathing room and to allow us to do the job you have elected us to accomplish. It is our goal to be as transparent as we can without jeopardizing any legal obligations, and to make sure we fulfill the mission of BVA. I will keep you informed of developments as they occur. Please look for these updates in future articles.

The month of October was especially good for BVA. Jhennicea Morrow, Director of BVA District 4, and I traveled to Palo Alto, Ca to participate in the opening of the new Blind Rehabilitation Center. I shared Center Stage with the National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, in the ribbon cutting ceremony. After a short speech, I presented the Chief of Blind Rehabilitation Services with a framed copy of the BVA Seal and a framed Parchment of the Description and Explanation of the Seal to be

displayed in a prominent place at the BRC.

After a luncheon on the enclosed garden patio, we were given a private tour of the facility. This is by far the best engineered and equipped rehabilitation center in the VA Health Care System. It has 34 beds, expanded training facilities, and facilities for family training. The entire second floor is dedicated to the rehabilitation of Blinded Veterans.

The first and third floors are for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&R) and Polytrauma Systems of Care Programs respectively. The entire facility encompasses 174,000 square feet and is designed for the administration of efficient, adaptive training and care of the patient’s medical needs.

Please don’t forget to acknowledge our fellow veterans and think of their well-being this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Remember, we are Blinded Veterans helping Blinded Veterans. This can be a simple “thank-you”, with a handshake, a hug, a simple nod, or a donation to the Blinded Veterans Association.

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Remarks by the Executive Directorby Al Avina

I’m writing to you today to explain how the changes mentioned in the letter we emailed to you in September will affect you, our members. Changes like these are always difficult. But it is our intention and desire to streamline and update our services so that your needs and the needs of fellow and future BVA members will be efficiently and effectively addressed.

The newly established Public Affairs office includes what was the Government Relations and Communications departments. Melanie Brunson, formerly the Director of Government Relations, now heads up the Public Affairs office as the Director. All the legislative updates will continue as before and The Bulletin will now be produced from within this department. We hope to have a part time communications specialist in place by December and this person will assume responsibility for editing The Bulletin. We look forward to introducing them to you in the January-February issue.

In the Administrative Department, we no longer have a receptionist to answer incoming phone calls. Members will need to either use the phone tree to navigate through the system or dial a three digit extension to speak with the appropriate staff person. We have included a list of these extensions at the end of this letter.

The membership staff have taken on all the merchandise responsibilities and can take your orders over the phone, via email, and within the next couple of months, via the members only section of the website.

We are in the process of recruiting a BVA Convention Coordinator to handle the logistics of that event and expect to

have an update on this position in the next issue of The Bulletin as well.

Finally, I wanted to let you know that we have unfortunately had to say an unplanned farewell to Chelsey Dumond. Chelsey resigned her position with BVA just before Thanksgiving to take a position with another nonprofit in the Washington D.C. area. This will be a loss to BVA, but please join me in wishing her all the best in this new endeavor. I want to thank Chelsey publicly for her service to BVA and our members.

Thank you, our members, for all you do as well, in support of BVA.

The list of staff extensions follows:

Name ExtensionAl Avina 304 Krissi Spence-Gilbert 323 Brigitte Jones 330 Lindsay Ruais 319 Kathy Ruais 317 Yvonne Preston 324 Rushil Rahman 325 Cecilia Montenegro 315 Ed Eckroth 322 Judy Eckroth 318 Susan McFetridge 302 Melanie Brunson 305 Bruce Porter 332 Claudia Belk 336

Resource CenterPatrick Johnson 333 Assia Khadri 335 Hallie Smith 337 Richard Lane 326

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BVA Honors Veterans Day

On November 11, 2017, people from all across the United States came to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in Veterans Day ceremonies. Marking the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I, veterans, their families, and several dignitaries, gathered to honor those who have served our country. All branches of service and eras were represented as the twenty-one gun salute sounded at the arrival of the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. The morning began early for

BVA National president Joe Parker and his wife Maureen, as they attended the Veterans’ Day breakfast held this year at the Chamber of Commerce, prior to the ceremonies.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorating the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War, the Vice President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The colors were carried into the amphitheater by a procession led by this year’s host

BVA Mid-Atlantic Regional Group Officers Doris Jones (right) and Michaun Harrison (left) prepare to lay the BVA wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder with BVA National President Joe Parker (center)

organization, the Korean War Veterans. BVA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Group officers Doris Jones and Michaun Harrison participated in the Procession of Colors on behalf of BVA. Also in attendance was BVA Executive Director Al Avina, National Field Service Officer Claudia Belk, Communication staff member, Rushil Rahman, and Chelsey Dumond.

BVA National President Joe Parker was seated center stage as Chaplain Michael McCoy, Director of VA Chaplain Service led the opening prayer. The National President of the Korean War Veterans Association of the USA led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed all those in attendance.

Prior to introducing Vice President Pence, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, David J. Shulkin, spoke about the recent accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the work that is still to come to honor our veterans and meet their needs in the future. Vice President Mike Pence used his first Veterans Day address to call on all Americans to take the time to thank a veteran. He shared the story of a Medal of Honor winner who went above and beyond to save his fellow soldiers. In the midst of battle he provided cover fire so those with him could escape, and

BVA Mid-Atlantic Regional Group Officers Doris Jones and Michaun Harrison along with BVA National President, Joe Parker, proceed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay the wreath

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even though it meant he may sacrifice himself he called an air strike on his own position to make sure others could get out safely.

The story of this Medal of Honor recipient is just one example of what our veterans have endured and it is their courage and self-sacrifice that we honor each Veterans Day. Following the ceremony, representatives from each of the member and associate member organizations of the Veterans Day National Committee laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. BVA National President Joe Parker flanked by Michaun Harrison on his right and Doris Jones on his left, laid a wreath, on behalf of BVA, in honor of our nations veterans.

WWI Quick Facts

• Did you know that the iconic Uncle Sam poster was created for WWI recruitment?

• Disqualified from WWI service for poor eyesight, Harry Truman memorized the eye chart.

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Big Apple Hosts Blind Hockeyby Bruce Porter

It was a bright sunny day as BVA’s blind hockey teams gathered in New York City to help kick off the New York team and play in a historic match. As the Program Director, I was honored to lead a group of 15 blinded veterans, and other visually impaired athletes from Hartford, CT, Pittsburgh, PA, Washington, DC and New York to the center of the Big Apple. The group came to show the world our new sport of Blind Hockey and further the parasport destined to headline the Paralympic Games.

The Hartford Braillers rode the train down from Connecticut. BVA helped start this hockey team with a Try Blind Hockey event last January. Since this was the first blind hockey team, it is appropriate that they will be hosting the 1st Annual New Year’s Cup in January 2018.

BVA Program Director Bruce Porter prepares to drop the puck at center ice as the Hartford Braillers took on the Washington Elite in Central Park, NYC

Blinded veterans, Lawrence Harrison and Jackes Belony, traveled five hours from the BVA headquarters to NYC for the event. Both athletes started ice skating and playing hockey as part of the sports program made possible by the Adaptive Sports grant that BVA received from the VA.

The next day, the first stop was the Wollman Rink, an outdoor ice surface in the middle of Central Park. The athletes were greeted by an usher at the gate and shown a special area in which to prepare. Central Park was abuzz as BVA’s teams of blind hockey players began to put on their hockey gear. The equipment was supplied through BVA’s partnership with Leveling the Playing Field. This partnership allows BVA to provide free hockey equipment to hundreds of visually impaired athletes across the country.

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BVA member Jackes Belony prepares to take on the Hartford Braillers in Central Park, NYC

At noon, some of the top blind hockey players in America took to the ice for warm up and drills. Since it was an outdoor surface, the puck moved a bit more slowly than they expected, but the players adapted well. And Lawrence Harrison and Jackes Belony, who learned how to skate at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice Rink, felt right at home.

After warming up, the teams were divided with the NY athletes playing with the Hartford Braillers and the Pittsburgh athletes playing on the Washington Elite team.

Then history was made as a blind hockey puck was dropped for the first time in Central Park. A brisk game ensued with both sides working the puck up and down the rink, passing and taking shots at the goal. After 20 minutes, the score was 0-0 and it was time for a break.

After another 20 minutes, the teams returned to the ice. The play was faster paced as the players adjusted to the

ice conditions. The action was intense as both teams tried to capitalize on their chances to score. In the end, the Braillers came out on top 3-0.

There were probably over 10,000 people who saw this historic match at the Wollman Rink — 10,000 people who have a new appreciation of what visually impaired people can do. Without the support of the Wollman Rink, USA Hockey and BVA’s partnership with US Figure Skating’s Learn to Skate Program, this moment would not have occurred.

After I blew my whistle bringing an end to the game, I yelled to the athletes, “We did it! Central Park! Remember this moment and hold it close to your heart. Remember for all time that it was you who made this journey to further your Parasport of Blind Hockey, play an epic game in the center of the Big Apple and start the NYC blind hockey team!”

To commemorate this achievement, the players gathered for a group photo.

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BVA member and Hartford Bailler Jim Sadecki tracks the puck during the event at Central Park, NYC

The next stop was Queens, where the group met with NY Islanders player Steve Webb. There they kicked off the Try Blind Hockey NYC event. You could feel the excitement in the air as people from across the East Coast came to see the new blind hockey team from New York, the Metro NY Hockey Club, get started. And the players knew that their efforts would be appreciated by visually impaired athletes for years to come.

The next morning the BVA group gathered at Rockefeller Center. As one player said, “Skating at Rockefeller Center is one of my lifelong bucket list items.” There the group skated and posted live videos.

The next stop for the BVA blind hockey stars was Lake Placid, NY on November 23-26 where there was an ice skating and blind hockey clinic, as well as Try Blind Bobsled and Try Blind Luge

events. This certainly tested the boundaries of future Paralympic sports.

The Annual BVA Blind Hockey Weekend will be held at Kettler Capitals Iceplex February 2-4. The event headlines with a Try Blind Hockey event that Saturday at 7:30pm followed by a historic matchup of USA vs. Canada featuring top players from across North America.

All of the hockey equipment, time on the ice, coaching and opportunities to learn to skate and play blind hockey are provided to the visually impaired veterans through an Adaptive Sports Grant from the VA and funds raised by BVA.

We hope to build ten strong teams in the coming year as we continue to train visually impaired veterans nationwide and continue to make history.

Blind rehab staff hold up signs promoting awareness of the white cane outside the VA Medical Center

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White Cane DayAround BVA

On October 12th, 2017, members of the BVA Mid-Atlantic Group along with BVA headquarters staff, and staff of the DC VA Medical Center held a walk and set up a tabletop display to celebrate White Cane Day, which is traditionally observed on October 15th of each year.

Attendees gathered in the lobby of the Medical Center, each taking up a sign reading, “Stop for pedestrians who are blind. It is the law!” The regional group members and BVA Headquarters staff were joined by the Acting Medical Center Director, Larry Connell. Sign in hand, the Medical Center Director led the way as blind veterans, rehab staff, and volunteers walked around the Medical Center property.

Additionally, BVA had National Veterans Service Officers available immediately following the walk to assist their fellow blinded Veterans with any questions regarding VA benefits and claims. A table display was set up in the lobby of the medical center where visitors could learn about BVA, as well as what

Around BVAit means to be a blind or visually impaired veteran.

The Blinded Veterans Association of North Carolina, in conjunction with the local Visual Impairment Support Team (VIST), the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Service (BROS) and the Recreational Therapy outpatient group, set up an exhibit displaying information about the services available to Blind and Visually

BVA Medical Center Director Larry Connell stops traffic left as blinded veterans are escorted across the street.

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Impaired Veterans residing in the greater Raleigh-Durham area.

The display was set up in the Durham VA medical hospital main entrance. North Carolina Regional Group President Lee Davis and BVA District 3 Director Vernon Richmond were onsite to answer questions about BVA, vision impairment and the significance of the symbolism of the white cane.

Those in attendance had a fun time and learned something also. They enjoyed cupcakes popcorn and drinks. BVA members shared information about the services offered with anyone who was willing to listen.

White Cane Day became a national observance in 1964. The mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities, to celebrate the capabilities and accomplishments of blind people in

a sighted world and to honor the many contributions made by people who are blind and visually impaired.

Operation Peer SupportLeads by Example

BVA’s Operation Peer Support Committee is happy to announce the participants for the 2017 Fall Deer Hunt. All of these veterans are blind and we are excited as we have been working with a new scope that will allow more flexibility for the veteran hunt. Heroes New Hope Foundation has organized an all-inclusive deer hunting trip for blinded veterans during the last week of November.

This event will host 4 blinded veterans who will receive travel, lodging, license fees, tags, and meals. All attendees will have a professional guide to assist them in all aspects of this event. Participants this year include: Don Bickham member

BVA Mid-Atlantic Regional Group Members, Blind Rehab Staff, and the Walter E. Reed VA Medical Center Director pictured kneeling center all pose for a group shot after the white cane awareness walk

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in Florida; Dale Smith of New Mexico, Eric Marts from Minnesota, and Brian Harris attending from Illinois.

Throughout the year, Operation Peer Support works to support our blind and visually impaired veterans to attend various events. At the 72nd National Convention the program hosted its largest convention group yet with 13 blinded veterans new to the organization and convention. OPS also provided $3,000 in financial support to those members affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria which was the contribution that launched the BVA headquarters Hurricane Relief initiative.

British and U.S. Blinded Veterans Unite at White Cane Day

Six blinded American veterans and six British blinded comrades shared rehabilitation experiences that tell the story of their personal adjustment to blindness at the 13th Annual Major Charles Robert Soltes Memorial Golf Tournament in Irvine, California, which was the centerpiece of a week of events from Sunday, October 8th through Saturday, October 14th, 2017. The Project Gemini group of veterans also participated in the first international White Cane Day event on Friday, October 13 with local blinded veterans, rehabilitation staff from the blind rehabilitation center, and many of the Long Beach VA Medical Center staff including the director. The director of the Major Charles R Soltes Jr. OD Blind Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Paul Koons, arranged a terrific opening White Cane Day ceremony in the auditorium. The approximately 150 participants included

veterans, medical center staff, and other invited guests.

The program included a presentation recognizing the fact that it was on October 13th, 2004, when Major Soltes became the first U.S. Army optometrist-soldier killed in action while serving on active duty in Iraq. This was followed by a moment of silence in honor of his sacrifice for our nation.

The president of Blind Veterans UK also made remarks during which he told those assembled that on March 24 of this year, Project Gemini was recognized in the UK with the “Soldiering on Award for 2017” in the International Category. This award, presented in London, acknowledges the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country. It also recognizes individuals and groups who successfully work together with the Armed Forces international community in the United Kingdom with special programs.

At the conclusion of the program, all of the participants marched throughout

Comrades from the US and UK gather at the 13th Annual Major Charles Robert Soltes Memorial Golf Tournament.

Cane Day event as they continued with events at the International Rowing Training Center.

During the Friday morning rowing event, a local television station interviewed Tom Zampieri and one of the Blind Veterans UK members Darren Blanks and discussed the importance of the annual exchanges with Project Gemini. The segment ran on the early evening ABC news affiliate station, and helped raise awareness about BVA programs.

The BVA veterans who took part in this year’s events include; Corporal Steve Baskis, Army First Sergeant Dan Wallace, Sgt. Monaca Gilmore, Navy Petty Officer Scott Scieszinski, Lieutenant Brian “Ski” Donarski, Corporal Nate Harrison, Army Ranger Joe Amerling (Ret) volunteer, all of whom are Gulf War I or Gulf War II era veterans. Maj Thomas Zampieri (Ret.) is a BVA board member. The UK Participants included: Colin Williamson, president of Blind Veterans UK; Army Corporal John Robinson, Lance Corporal Mark Heaume, Trooper Darren Blanks, Corporal Christopher Strudwick, Corporal Kelly Ganfield, BVUK Sports and Recreation Manager Louise Timms.

This year’s Project Gemini exchanges are also recognizing the joint historical significance of the WWI centennial and its impact on the beginnings of war blind rehabilitation programs in America in April 1917. The first Army General Hospital designated as a blind training center opened in November 1917. Known as Evergreen Hospital, and located outside Baltimore, its staff provided training for blinded and visually impaired service members until

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the medical center with flags, balloons, and signs commemorating national White Cane Day. Following the thirty-minute walk all the veterans were invited to barbeque, and some afternoon entertainment.

The goal of each Project Gemini exchange that has taken place during the past seven years is similar. We all learn from one another and share

our experiences in the areas of blind rehabilitation, adaptive technology, recreational sports, and vision research.

The Project Gemini participants spent five days before the White Cane Event beginning with the golf event on Monday. On Tuesday, they visited the famous Gary Sinise Foundation in LA, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and were hosted for dinner at American Legion Post #43. Wednesday was spent on the water as participants went sailing in Newport Beach with California Inclusive Sailing. Thursday kicked off with a tour of the Maj. Charles R. Soltes Jr. OD VA Blind Rehabilitation Center, followed by an afternoon of blind archery, and a visit to Port Long Beach Police Command Center. Friday sent participants back to the water in the morning before the White

Members of BVA Project Gemini gather to celebrate White Cane Day, October 13, 2017.

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it closed in 1920. The Red Cross then operated it until 1922.

There are 5,000 men and women in the U.S. who have been affected by penetrating eye injuries, with an estimated 35,000 wounded in the VA system with suspected TBI vision system impairments. The goal of Project Gemini is to develop public awareness throughout the United States and Britain regarding vision loss resulting from trauma, and the recovery process. BVA was organized March 28, 1945. Its motto is “blinded veterans helping blinded veterans.” The organization connects veterans and their families to each other (www.bva.org). Blind Veterans UK was founded in March, 1915 as a non-profit charity whose purpose was to perform rehabilitation training and support soldiers blinded in the First World War. The organization has continued for 102 years, and gone on to support more than 35,000 blind veterans and their families, including those involved in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.blindveterans.org.uk

BVA Spouses Attend the Military Caregiver Journey, Hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation

On November 13, 2017, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, invited caregivers to participate in a critical conversation to define the military and veteran caregiver journey and the roles each of us play in supporting their journey towards empowerment. BVA and Operation Peer Support sponsored two caregivers to attend the event and share their stories, which also saw former First Lady Bush as the Keynote Speaker.

Lindsey Smith wife of Sergeant First Class (RET) Dale Smith got married on September 10, 2001. Earlier that year, Dale joined the U.S. Army to become an Infantryman. Dale served 3 tours overseas in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In July of 2011, Dale was severely wounded in combat when he was shot in the head by an enemy sniper. Due to his injury, he suffered complete blindness to both eyes, a severe traumatic brain injury, and a stroke. Over the last 6 years, Lindsey has cared for Dale and their three children, Cadence (11), Sage (7), and Dallin (4) as they have worked to regain their life and overcome the challenges of his injury.

Jessica Harrison wife of USMC Corporal Nate Harrison have been married for 15 years. They have 3 boys, Payton (12), Corwin (9) and Truman (5). They live in Kansas City, MO, where Nate is a Police Officer. In December of 2015, Nate got into a Motorcycle accident that left him with life threatening injuries. Jessica never gave up even though she was told that Nate had less than a 1% chance of survival. Nate was in a coma for 5 weeks but, God gave the family a miracle and he woke up January 14th. She has been his caretaker since the day of his accident were Nate had lost his right leg, had a TBI, and was left blind.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans.

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As we enter the holiday season, we must remember the true meaning of

the holidays. For many veterans, the holiday season is hard to get through. I remember being like those veterans with my thoughts going back to hard memories of what my life used to be and of the vision I used to have. Well I am here to tell you that these thoughts are not where you or I need to be focused during this time of year.

On the Thanksgiving holiday, many people have a meal that reminds us of the early settlers, the Native Americans and their harvest. This has come to be known as the first Thanksgiving. Although times were hard, these people used this meal to be thankful for all of the things for which they had been blessed. Throughout the centuries, this tradition has carried on. Thanksgiving

has become a time to follow the settler’s example and appreciate the things in our lives that we have accomplished…no matter what we have been through.

During this holiday season, remember that it is not about trees, lights or presents. It is a time to appreciate the good things in our lives. I urge you to encourage yourself and someone else to be thankful for the things that you have. It is through our thoughts that our futures are shaped. So remember that, although we have been through difficult times, we have a choice of who we are and who we become.

Though the holiday season is a hard time for so many veterans, I encourage you to celebrate the true meaning of this time of year and fill it with happiness for the things for which you have been blessed.

Chaplain’s Cornerby Chaplain Jay McLeod

WWI Quick Facts

• Despite being shot and blinded in one eye, a pigeon delivered a message that saved 200 US soldiers.

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It seems that all the BVAA groups have been so busy this fall season that I have not

received any news for this bulletin. My inspiration has been to do an overview of the National BVAA Officers — starting with our President, Sandy Krasnodemski and I will use the words she used to describe herself. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI where I lived with my Mom, Dad, sister and brother. I attended the University of Detroit and was a supervisor at Blue Cross for 7 years.

I met my husband, Richard, through a mutual friend. She gave me his address, and we corresponded throughout Rich’s Viet Nam tour. We were married the next year, and will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2018.

We have three wonderful sons and 4 terrific grandchildren. They have all been very helpful with Rich’s situation. We are truly blessed. We are a Catholic family, and I have enjoyed sharing my faith with children for more than

40 years as a religious education teacher. I am also very active in my church.

In 1991 I began volunteering at a nearby pregnancy center. As the director, there are many activities such as education, material assistance, fundraising, speaking engagements, and counseling that I oversee.

I joined the BVA Auxiliary in 2002. It has been a great experience belonging to a group which assists and supports the blinded veterans. As National Auxiliary President, I find that the convention has been an opportunity to provide support to our Auxiliary members by encour-aging involvement in programs and speakers that present information for caregivers. The National BVAA board members have each been an integral part in the working of the Auxiliary, and I thank them for their dedication.

Let us join our hearts and minds in prayer for each other and for our country and its leaders. As individuals we are but a very small part of the whole but if we are joined together we can be a mighty force.

Auxiliary’s Viewby Edna Dixon

WWI Quick Facts

• 73,000 US WWI vets were painfully disabled for life (including blindness and TB) after being gassed.

Decision Ready Claims

The VA has made a new option available to some veterans who want to file claims for increased disability ratings. Veterans who take advantage of this option, known as Decision Ready Claims (DRC), are guaranteed decisions within thirty days of filing. These claims go through quickly once submitted, but they require a little extra work upfront.

Not all claims can be filed as DRC. While the VA may expand the program in the future, it can currently only be used for rating increases. Veterans must go through a recognized Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to submit a claim in this program. The main difference between DRC and regular claims is that the DRC process allows veterans to have medical exams before submitting their claim, and those exams can be conducted by a private doctor or a doctor at a VA medical center.

The first step in filing a claim under DRC is to make sure that your VSO has an active power of attorney (POA). The VSO will file a form called intent to file, which both establishes the effective date of the increase and makes it possible for the VSO to request a medical exam for you with the VA.

Depending on what condition you are increasing and who you see for medical care, your VSO may send you a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to give to your doctor. Most DBQs are available to the public and can be filled out by a private doctor, but a few,

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including hearing loss and TBI, are only done by VA doctors or VA contractors.

If you want an increase for a condition which doesn’t have a public DBQ, or if you get all of your medical care through the VA, your VSO will request an exam for you. This exam will be done at a VA Medical Center or by a VA contractor. If you take a DBQ to a private doctor, you need to send a copy to your VSO, but if it is done at the VA or a VA contractor, the doctor’s office will upload it directly into the system.

The next step is the actual form to apply for an increase in compensation, VA 21-526EZ. Your VSO representative may be able to partially fill this out for you, but you will have to sign it yourself and get it back to them. Once the VSO receives your signed form back, he or she will upload it into the system along with any supporting medical documentation, and the process of filing your claim is complete. You will get a decision from the VA within a month.

There are a few exclusions to the DRC program. For instance, pregnant veterans, incarcerated veterans, and veterans who are already waiting for a decision on a pending claim cannot use the DRC Program. For a full list of exclusions and answers to other frequently asked questions, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/drc.asp

From the Field Staff by Hallie Smith

22

In Remembrance

The Blinded Veterans Association deeply regrets the passing of thefollowing blinded veterans.

Cape Cod & the Islands R.G. John F. Connell

Florida R.G. June Brygider Albert Colello Leo C. Bene Arnold L. Pring Doris D. Lombardi Robert H. Heaton Rufus Morris Stanley Monaco Woodrow Goff Francis J. Lussier Dorothy J. Chapman Fredrick A. Newton Leon Fagan Mario Rondon Charles Kromer Richard A. Buck Jack E. Byrd Vernon J. Koffman

Gem State R.G. Jewel C. Schupp

Kentuckiana R.G. Leon M. Ginsburg

Michigan R.G. Raymond E. Scott Martin J. Janas

Mid-Atlantic R.G. Paul Karch Charles E. Edwards Willard Sitler

Mississippi R.G. James H. Goodman

New Jersey R.G. George Dubarry Joseph Fabian

New Mexico R.G. Gary L. Ferrell John M. House Gary A. McMillen Christopher Silleroy Donald L. Strong

Pennsylvania R.G. Richard D. Pillow

RI/S.E. Mass. R.G. George E. Gillick

South Carolina R.G. Samuel J. Murry Willie R. Plummer Richard Soper

Utah R.G. John E. Barrett

Washington R.G. Herbert F. Satterlee

Wisconsin R.G. Terry L. McCloud Thomas Goodrich Donald Kienast

23

BVA NAtioNAl officers

President – JOE PARKER, Pisgah Forest, NCVice President – PAUL MIMMS, Kansas City, MOSecretary – JOSEPH MCNEIL, Columbus, GATreasurer – DANIEL WALLACE, Cape Coral, FLDirector District 1 – DENNIS O’CONNELL, Long Beach, NYDirector District 2 – DAVID FOX, Kettering, OHDirector District 3 – VERNON RICHMOND, Haw River, NCDirector District 4 – JHENNICEA MORROW, Gilbert, AZDirector District 5 – PAUL KAMINSKY, Middleburg, FLDirector District 6 – DR. THOMAS ZAMPIERI, Pearland, TXImmediate Past President – DALE STAMPER, Hayden, IDNational Chaplain – JAY L. MCLEOD, Hampton, VASergeant-At-Arms – MONACA GILMORE, Rocky Mount, NCHonorary Board Member – JOE BURNS, New Orleans, LAHonorary Board Member – DR. DONALD GAGLIANO, National Harbor, MD

BVA field serVice resource ceNter stAff

PATRICK JOHNSON ASSIA KHADRI RICHARD LANE HALLIE SMITH

BVA AuxiliAry NAtioNAl officers

President – SANDY KRASNODEMSKI, Allen Park, MIVice President – PAM HOGAN, Canyon Country, CASecretary – BENJAMIN HOLMES, Midland, GATreasurer – CARL HYTINEN, Seekonk, MAReporter – EDNA KIRKSEY-DIXON, Bay Minette, AL

NAtioNAl office stAff

Executive Director – AL AVINA Administrative Director – BRIGITTE JONESNational Field Service Director – EDWARD ECKROTHNational Veterans Care Review Specialist – WADE DAVISChief Financial Officer – KATHY RUAISDirector of Public Affairs – MELANIE BRUNSONSenior National Field Service Officer/Acting Director of Field Service – CLAUDIA BELKMembership Coordinator – CECILIA MONTENEGROHuman Resources Specialist – KRISSI SPENCE-GILBERT

Please Return To:

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION125 N. West Street, 3rd FloorAlexandria, VA 22314

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Handle as FIRST-CLASS MAILDomestic Mail Manual Sec. 703.5.1-2

FREE MATTER FORTHE BLIND ORHANDICAPPED

Final ThoughtBVA would like to remind you this

holiday season to thank a veteran. We are reminded of their service during Veterans Day each year but it is important to remember their service and sacrifice all year round.

This year BVA members have gone above and beyond to uphold the mission of the organization, blinded veterans helping blinded veterans. In true form when thousands of members were affected by hurricanes the BVA community came together to support them, providing support, financial assistance, and hundreds of white canes.

We thank all of those who have shown their support for BVA and our nation’s veterans throughout this past year and those who will continue to support us in the future.