Vietnam Vet Gazette

Our Motto: Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.

Vietnam Veterans of AmericaChapter 862, Southwestern Pa.

www.vva862.org PO Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074

Board of Directors Second Wednesday

General Membership Third Wednesday

All meetings held atRochester VFW • 179 Virginia Ave • Rochester, PA 15074

MonthlyMeetings

7pm

Sep2020

Issue 204

AVVA member goes above and beyond to bring PTSD into viewI really don’t know Chapter 862’s Carl Curtis very well, except by his updates at meetings—they always revolve around helping veterans. Whether discussing fine details of accessing VA benefits, providing money from his own pockets, or physically helping someone move their belongings, he doesn’t hesitate to offer assistance.

The latest example of his commitment to veteran issues has overlapped with a cloaked issue in modern society: PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

According to https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ :PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD.

Although we may think of veterans first and foremost as candidates for PTSD, in fact, any age, gender, ethnicity, or occupation can be affected. As it turns out, most people affected with PTSD are non-military.

Enter Steve Meyers of Lees Summit, MissouriCurtis became aware of Steve Meyers through the internet. Meyers, an Army veteran, set up a website https://ptsd-walk.com/ and Facebook page @PTSD-Walk, and had begun a personal journey on foot in February to bring awareness

continued on page 2; pics on page 3

2 Sep 2020

1 Mikszan Kathleen Dan Kownacki Dom Lombardo 2 Dave Yessel 3 Sam Boorse Robert Frechione Richard Griser Al Horn Ken Melesky Walker Ronald Don Villella 5 Patricia Andrus Steve Bavaro Francis Brice Al Hancq Mark Johnson Jim McKinney Jim Trozzo 6 Gerald Beal Ken Caplinger Joseph Spanik 7 Walt Acheson John Cairns Dave Dacko Bart Farzati Rose Landsittel Charles T Smith Joe Suders 8 John Barnes Sr 9 John Boback 10 Regis Dolnack Jim Hodge 11 Alice Bilbo Wayne Freed Alvin Trautman 12 Roy Roper Ron Steiner 13 Cam Adamson Ray Dougherty Al G. Martin Sue Petrosky 14 Rudy Katrencik Al Murray 15 Kathleen Ashburn Charles Melnick Bobbie Morris

John Petrush 16 Tom Czerpak 17 Bud Gamble Jim Hodge Deanna Hupp Aaron Johnson Jr 18 Noreen Allinder Skip Haswell Ken McDaniel 19 Tom Moore John A. Smith Nick Vujaklya 20 Bill Muns 21 Wayne Torrance 22 Robert Grier 23 Jim Woods 24 John Buchignani Jerry Johnson 25 Woodrow Main 26 Kruel George Pat Kalish Wayne Kemp 28 Dennis Mozes Tom Wilcox 29 William Gandjos Dave Marchetti Carl Marchionda Larry Weyers Alex Wisbeth 30 Rich Gillin Jim Jamieson Walt Opat Lee Vega 31 Ray Fulmer

B I R T H D A Y S

October to PTSD in two ways: one, to speak openly about the affliction—Meyers is affected with PTSD— and encourage others to do so and seek help, and two, to publicly advocate for mental health services and resources for those affected with PTSD.

The hike is ambitious; it began in February in Missouri, was interrupted for several months by the Covid pandemic, and restarted August 15.

By the time it resumed, Curtis had contacted Meyers and decided to join him for the first 30 of the 45 days it would take before a second pause in Jacksonville, Florida (this late-summer 1,008-mile leg is really only the warm-up; come January, Meyers is committed to walking from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California.) Shoutout to AVVA Kitty Curtis who accompanied her husband and Meyers on the first seven miles on Day One, and on her birthday, no less!

AVVA and VVA 862 each chipped in $500 to help with expenses of food, lodging, and sweet tea, which is being guzzled by the gallon in heat indices exceeding 100 degrees.

In addition to veterans, the two are reaching out to groups of police officers, firefighters, EMS and healthcare personnel to let them know that if they are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, help is available.

Curtis and Meyers have encountered so many kind people who have offered encouragment, meals, donations to the cause, and they have also engaged in meaningful conversation with strangers who felt safe enough to share their personal experiences.

Several passersby have engaged the two after noticing the signs strapped to their backpacks. Some mentioned that they saw Curtis and Meyers on local evening news on television (here’s the most recent news story on them https://www.13wmaz.com/article/life/ptsd-walk/93-37b259dd-320e-4c40-9e60-a2e79c7f4906)

continued from page 1—bring[ing] PTSD into view

Lee Corfield has been busy doing his part from New Sewickley Twp. He contacts media outlets 2-3 days ahead of the guys, and that has yielded results. A story by a local Fox News even went national (Thanks, Lee)!

Meyers and Curtis often declare that even if only one person along the journey is helped, then their discomfort and aches and pains are still worth it. From the stories they have shared on Facebook, it is clear they have succeeded. Thank you, gentlemen. –Susan Fudurich, Editor(The October newsletter will feature a first-hand account from Carl Curtis and additional information about PTSD.)

3Sep 2020

1,008 Miles in 45 Days

Start: Franklin, KYFinish: Jacksonville, FL

East-West Transit (Jacksonville to San Diego) begins January 2021

Sep 28

Sep 13Day 30Hazlehurst650.8 mi

Aug 15

862’s Carl Curtis is accompanying Steve Meyers 650 miles of the journey to Jacksonville, Florida(I have a feeling they will meet again some day...)

Steve Meyerssteve@ptsd-walk.com

#ptsdwalk @PTSD-Walk

www.ptsd-walk.com(to donate, visit the website above)

Kitty

Cur

tis—

all b

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ess

4 Sep 2020

Until They All Come Home

1 5 8 6

Americans Missing and Otherwise Unaccounted-for From the Vietnam War

https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/

Fundraising In Progress For New Memorial Honoring Those From Beirut And Beyond

Artist’s rendering of the center panel, front and back views

Aided with financial support and mentoring from the Chapter, SMSgt. Jessica Davis is chairing the campaign for Beaver County’s newest memorial. Checks may be made payable to:

VVA Chapter 862 memo line: Beirut and Beyond Memorial

Mail to: VVA Chapter 862PO Box 26Rochester, PA 15074

POW/MIA Report September 2020Filed in memory of our late POW/MIA chair Philip Morris.

By the numbers: 81,000 total remain Missing In Action since the start of World War Two 75% of MIA’s were lost in the Indo-Pacific region with 41,000+ presumed lost at sea 1,586 MIA’s still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War

+

1,060 Vietnam War MIA’s have been accounted for including 44 from Pennsylvania 3 Vietnam War MIA’s still missing from Beaver Co. PA:

MM2 James Francis Tritt, Monaca PA, Missing since 7-7-67PFC John Leroy Straley, Beaver Falls PA, Missing since 1-18-64Commander Doyle Wilmer Lynn, Aliquippa PA, Missing since 5-27-65

47 MIA’s accounted for by Defense POW MIA Accounting Agency since 1-1-20

Covid-19 has slowed or postponed work at various dig sites and is expected to resume as soon as possible.

5Sep 2020

(L-R) Larry Googins, Keith Black, Bob Gwin (event Chair), Bill Russo

Chapter 862’s Rudy Zetz and Voices entertains at the gathering

No better place to be on September 5!

Support Our Troops Rally

The 19th Annual Support Our Troops Rally held on Saturday, September 5, at the Gazebo in Irvine Park in Beaver was resounding success.

Credit for organizing the program again goes to AVVA Life Member Bob Gwin. Due to the restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic, Bob decided to combine the Support Our Troops Rally, the Remember 911 Rally and Support Our First Responders into one event to recognize those who keep us safe and secure.

continued on page 6

6 Sep 2020

The Rally began at 1:00 PM with an invocation by Chaplain Don Villella and the National Anthem sung by “Voices.” We had a beautiful sunny day with mild temperatures and no rain. Despite the requirement to wear masks and maintain social distancing, there was a very large turnout of veterans, families, and local residents.

As had been in the past, the entire afternoon program was free. Beaver Supermarket provided food items and soft drinks, and several other individuals and organizations contributed to the event. Entertainment from the musical group “Voices” and Rudy Zetz was excellent, with popular music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and patriotic selections.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the event and helped make this year’s event so memorable. Our VVA and AVVA chapters again followed the founding principle of the Vietnam Veterans of America that “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another.”

Larry Googins, President

In Memoriam

Dan Erzen (age 73)August 11, 2020

Beaver, Pa.

Jerry Baylor (age 73)August 27, 2020Leechburg, Pa.

YOUR VOTEYOUR NATION

continued from page 5

Where… can I get a voter registration form, mail-in or absentee ballot application?✓ VotesPA.com: Complete and submit your regis-

tration form or mail-in/absentee ballot applica-tion online OR download, print, and mail forms to County Elections O�ce. If completing online, you must have a PA driver’s license or PennDot ID.

✓ Beaver County Elections O�ce: Call, visit, or mail request for registration form and mail-in/ab-sentee ballot application to: Elections O�ce, 810 Third St, Beaver, PA 15009. Phone: 724-770-4440

What… ways can I vote?✓ By Mail: All registered voters are eligible to apply

for a mailin or absentee ballot. Instructions on how to apply for and submit your mail-in or absentee ballot are available at VotesPA.com or by calling the Elections O�ce or League of Women Voters. After your application is approved, a ballot will be mailed to you.

✓ In-Person: At your polling place on Election Day -- Nov. 3, between 7 am - 8 pm.

How… do I complete my mail-in/absentee ballot?

1. Mark your ballot, following the instructions.2. Place your ballot in the secrecy envelope and seal

it. Put the secrecy envelope into the o�cial envelope. Sign the declaration on the back of the o�cial envelope.

3. Return your ballot to arrive at the County Election O�ce no later than 8 pm Nov. 3rd. Postmarks do not count.

What… do I need to vote in person on Election Day?

Bring your voter registration card or another valid ID. If poll workers say you are not on the voters’ list, request and complete a Provisional Ballot

We are non-partisan organizations, neither supporting nor opposing any candidate

or political party.

810 Third St

Beaver PA 15009

(724) 770-4440

7Sep 2020

Legislative update September 2020Bart Farzati, Government Affairs

The House and Senate Armed Services committees will soon meet to reconcile legislative differences in the House (H.R. 6395) and Senate (S.4049) version of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) recently passed in both chambers. Act now to let them know you want them to retain the bipartisan Harder/Tester amendment that would add three diseases, bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism as service-connected conditions. (VVA web weekly 28 Aug )

Eligibility for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance For Family Caregivers is expanding in October to include eligibility for line of duty injured veterans with service before May 7, 1975. Vietnam Veterans will be eligible to apply after the launch date to be announced in mid-September. Caregivers of veterans, usually family members or friends, who served during the Vietnam War and earlier will be eligible for a monthly payment provided by the VA. For the latest info see https://www.caregiver.va.gov

The VA is currently experiencing delays in filling prescriptions delivered by the Post Office. More than 80% of VA prescriptions are delivered by mail. Please stay ahead of this one. It takes the VA from 10-14 days to fill and deliver prescriptions. Check your prescriptions and take action early if you have doubts about your delivery. The House Veterans Affairs Committee has asked the postmaster to report on a fix for the problem.

On 10 September at 10 am the House Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 and the committee’s 14 additions to the bill package that will make up the House Companion to S.785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. These bills and three by Congressman Lamb, Vice Chair off the committee will hopefully result in major improvement for veterans seeking mental health and suicide prevention services from the VA. The suicide problem persists and must be addressed.

Military retirees, their family members and certain other authorized card holders will be getting a new ID card. The card will be similar to the active duty CAC (common access card) without the computer chip. There is no need to start the process now; this will take place when your current card expires. For those with an indefinite card expect further guidance.

Chapter 240’s dyamic duo, Fred and Mary Britton (Presidents of VVA and AVVA, respectively—Sumner Co., Tennessee) accompanied Carl Curtis and Steve Meyers the first 3.5 miles on Day One (see story on page 1)

VVA and AVVA camaraderie in Tennessee

August 2 Jim Boots, 75, of North Sewickley Twp. He served as an Army medic during the Vietnam War andearned Silver and Bronze stars, and well as a Purple Heart medal. Boots regularly attended VVA and DAV meetings and was well-liked by all. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, a son and duaghter, and four grandchildren.

August 21 Jason Hughes, 39, West Mifflin, served in the Marine Corps as a Mental Health Therapist during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Honor Guard ServicesKathy Miller

8 Sep 2020

Jason Hughes, 39, 1981-2020, of West Miflin, served in the Marine Corps as a Mental Health Therapist during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received military honors form VVA 862 on August 21, 2020. Services were conducted at McConnell Funeral Home in Hookstown.

You may honor Veterans of the armed services, loved ones and friends (either living or deceased) with an “In Memory Of” brick. You may also want to honor your American Legion post, your VFW post or any other Veterans Service Organizations. Orders are accepted year round, with placement every spring and fall. Engraving is donated by Rome Monument.

Mail completed form with check to: VVA Chapter 862, P.O. Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074

Memorial Walkway Bricks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Beaver, Pa.

Brick Walkway Order Form Please PRINT LEGIBLY in BLUE or BLACK inkDonor Name: _____________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________contact telephone number: __________________________________________

2 Sizes Available (check one) Checks payable to: VVA Chapter 862

8"x4" 3 lines, 13 characters*

8"x8" 6 lines, 13 characters*

* includes punctuation and spaces

$75

$200

Our Chapter sends a single red rose and vase to the funeral home for every military veteran, or family member of a member of our chapter, who passes away. Chaplain Don Villella scans the newspapers daily and orders the roses sent to the appropriate funeral home in honor of the deceased veteran(s) or family member.

In August, red roses were sent in memory of 6 Vietnam Era veterans, and 1 for an AVVA family member. Condolences were posted on respective funeral home websites in memory of 4 Vietnam Era veterans.

Red Rose Honors

Covid may have kept us from in-person visits with our Veterans in nursing homes, but we were not prohibited from dropping off gifts to let them know we’re thinking of them. With the backing of AVVA and VVA Chapter 862, Rita Swesey put together 34 beautiful gift bags for Veterans at Sunnyview Nursing Home (Thanks, Rita for making the stickers with AVVA/VVA information and our logos!) that I shuttled there on September 4. The workers were appreciative of our efforts, and I know the bags will bring joy and a smile to the hearts of our Veterans there. Looking forward to 2021 in the hopes of planning a real visit. Be safe, Bobbie Morris

9Sep 2020

Vietnam Veterans of America Membership is open to any Veteran who served anywhere during the Vietnam War era. You must submit a copy of your DD-214 with this application. Life Membership $50.00

Vietnam Veterans of AmericaMEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONName:

Address:

Phone:___________________Birthday____/____/____

I served in the US military (for other than training purposes) between 8/5/1964 & 5/7/1975ORI served in the US military in Vietnam between 2/28/1961 & 5/7/1975

AVVA Membership $20.00 per Year

Mail completed form, copy of DD-214 and check to:VVA Chapter 862P.O. Box 26Rochester, PA 15074

check payable to VVA Chapter 862

VVA Chapter 862 Officers & Directors(All 724 Area Codes unless noted)

OfficersPresident– Larry Googins ............................869-7090Exec VP– Corkey Romeo ..............................774-47111st VP– Ron Heitzenrater ............................452-74832nd VP– Gary Shaffer ..................................643-8941Secretary– Michelle Wilcox .........................847-3463Treasurer– Jake Barsottini ...........................601-7293

AVVA Chapter 862Officers

President– Keith Black ................................513-3177VP– Bobbie Morris ......................................... 643-5725Secretary– Amy Thompson .........................111-1111Treasurer– Rita Swesey ...............................775-7529

DirectorsCarl Curtis ....................................................869-0294Susan Smith .................................................728-6741Barbara Googins ..........................................869-7090

Parliamentarian ............................................462-3717Chaplain Barb Googins .................................869-7090Membership Susan Smith .............................728-6741

Ron Ippolito (3)Ray Litzinger (3)Rich Tindell (3)

Directors

Chapter 862 DelegatesJake BarsottiniLee CorfieldLarry GooginsSkip HaskellRon HeitzenraterPete Herman

Rich KamzelskiDick PeggRich RaichRay RappCorkey RomeoBill Russo

Gary ShafferJohn SzatkiewiczDave WalkerBob WeismantleMichelle Wilcox

Lee Corfield (2) Rich Kamzelski (2)Bill Russo (2)

Bob Horner (1)Al Martin (1)Don Villella (1)

Become an advocate for Vietnam Veterans. Join Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA)

Honor Guard & Color GuardCommander– Bob Weismantle .................. 869-4942Assistant Commander– Lee Corfield.......... 775-3027Assistant Commander– Ray Litzinger

Committees & ChairpersonStanding Committees

Agent Orange/Dioxin– Mike Coligure .. 412-613-1810Community Services– Rich KamzelskiFinance– Corkey Romeo ............................. 774-4711Government Affairs– Bart Farzati .............. 777-2193Membership Affairs– Gary Shaffer ............ 643-8941Minority Affairs– Linwood AlfordPOW/MIA– Bart Farzati.............................. 777-2193PTSD & Substance Abuse– Michelle Wilcox ...847-3463Public Affairs– Dick PeggVeterans Benefits– Kathy Nairn (Advisor) .. 770-4450Veterans Health Care– Carl Curtis .............. 869-0294Veterans in the Justice System– Ken PingatoreWomen Veterans– Michelle Wilcox ........... 847-3463

Special CommitteesElection– Lon Hogue .................................. 846-8857Gold Star Families– Michelle Wilcox .......... 847-3463Highway Cleanup– Charles RayHomeless Veterans– Bill PorupskyHospitalized Veterans– Michelle Wilcox .... 847-3463Newsletter– Susan Fudurich .. news862@yahoo.comExchange Store– Ross PrinkeyScholarship– Lon Hogue ............................. 846-8857Veterans Assistance– Carl Curtis ................ 869-0294Veterans Memorial– Rich Tindell ............... 336-5457Memorial Bricks– Ron Heitzenrater ........... 452-7483Website– Lee Corfield ................................ 775-3027