By Mike Guilbault

The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaMarch 2012 Vol. LXII, #3

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

PVA News9

National Director’sReport

11

Washington Update

12

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 7

15th New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans

January was the 15th Anniversary of our

WSC held at Mount Sunapee each year. Even

though Mother Nature has not cooperated very

well with natural snowfall, as usual the superior

snowmaking and grooming crews at Mount

Sunapee had conditions in very good shape.

We weren’t able to do any snowmobiling or

cross country skiing due to the lack of natural

snow cover; however, there were still many

activities to keep participants busy throughout

the week. These included: kayaking, air rifle

shooting, Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, movie

nights, karaoke and the wonderful Colby

Sawyer College dinner party. Last month it was

mentioned we had 57 participants with over

130 volunteers. Our thanks to each and every

volunteer who makes this event possible, along

with our sponsors.

I was pleased to once again see many first time

participants and glad to see others returning for

another year of “Recreation through Sport”. I’m

always amazed to see the young snowboarders

out there on their prosthetic legs and shredding

the slopes. After a day of skiing, one first timer

had an amazing quote after thanking her

instructor and volunteers for giving her a “real

day”. She was so happy to have been able to

spend the day skiing with her husband and two

adorable daughters. Alexis had this to say: “My

grandfather, a WWII Purple Heart veteran, was

my pillar of strength and courage. I lost him 6

months after my first daughter was born,” she

said. “I never thought there was anyone like him

that enveloped his courage, heart, strength, love

and support until my family walked into this

room of AMAZING people. My grandfather

would have been proud of me this week, but he

would have been more proud of all of you!”

It is no surprise she and her entire family ended

up winning an award! She and her family were

an inspiration to all and as she accepted her

award, I don’t think there was a dry eye at the

closing banquet.

Blood Sweat and Tears Award winner Andres Burgos Ortiz at his first WSC.

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

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

Acting Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

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

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

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim 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, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

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

2

OUR

POPULAR

NINE MONTH

DRAWING

WILL BE HELD FROM

APRIL

TO

DECEMBER 2012

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

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

National Service Officer II, John StansburySecretary, Wendy Glidden

IN REMEMBRANCE

We deeply regret the passing of our Chapter Members:

and extend our heartfelt sympathyto family and friends.

Joseph M. Jerome

Miguel A. Sanchez

Howard Tesnow

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

by Craig C. Cascella

NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report

continued on page 10

Hello to our friends and

members. Many of you, like

me, are still stinging from

the New England Patriots Super Bowl

loss to the New York Giants (yet again).

Watching our favorite sports and teams

should be viewed as entertainment

and at times as an escape from reality

and the mundane of everyday life and

responsibilities. However, as a 19-year

season ticket holder for the Patriots and

counting, many of us take it hard and a

bit more personal than others do when

they lose or fail. With the start of the

baseball season approaching, perhaps

the Boston Red Sox will gradually let us

forget the Super Bowl loss (and the Red

Sox September 2011 collapse for that

matter) and move on to a better season

and of course, better weather.

On February 11-16, I attended PVA’s

Annual Mid-Winter BOD in Orlando,

FL. See a report regarding the meeting

in this newsletter.

On the 22nd, I attended a Chapter

sponsored pizza party at the West

Roxbury VAMC. As usual, there was

a great turnout. It is always a good

time to socialize with the in-patients,

volunteers, and the VA Staff, as well as

to listen to or address any concerns they

may have. After the West Roxbury visit,

I then traveled up north to Augusta,

Maine for an overnight stay as there was

a meeting scheduled for the next day in

Maine.

On the 23rd, I visited the Togus, ME

Veterans Benefits Department (VBD)

and the PVA Regional Office located on

the campus. PVA NSO John Stansbury,

BOD member Neal Williams, BOD

member and Togus Hospital Liaison

Dustin Soroka, and I met with Scott

Karczewski, Service Center Director,

Togus VAROC. We spoke in the

Director’s office about many different

subjects and topics. Some were related

to ongoing items and issues that may

affect veterans and the healthcare

and benefits they receive at the Togus

facility and within the VA system in

general. We then toured the different

VBD areas and met with many staff

members, while distributing pizza and

beverages. NEPVA representatives

simply wanted to say hello and thank

them for all the hard work they do in

assisting veterans with benefit claims

and their diligent work in ensuring

veterans receive any and all benefits

they may be entitled to. I can assure

you, these fine employees may not be

seen that often in the forefront by the

veteran, but they do work extremely

hard and in many cases “behind the

scenes” for our Chapter members

and veterans. We also visited the VA

Vocational Rehab Department in the

building, expressing similar comments

and thanks for all the

hard work they do to help

veterans go back to school,

get an education, and

hopefully seek and secure

employment opportunities.

Much thanks to John,

Neal, and Dustin for their

help with organizing and

representing PVA and

NEPVA on the visit.

After the aforementioned

visit, Dustin and

I visited the

temporary

SCI Clinic

located near

the main

building

and VA police

headquarters.

The visit was

unannounced, but the SCI

team and staff welcomed us in and were

pleased to see us. I had yet to see the

temporary facility (a remodeling of the

past SCI Clinic and associated area is

under renovations) and had reservations

prior to the visit. SCI Physician Dr.

J.T. Staley was available and gave us

an impromptu tour of the temporary

facility and we chatted about various

items related to the temporary clinic,

the number of annual physicals and

veterans coming in for appointments,

and other related healthcare aspects.

After chatting with Dr. Staley and

seeing the temporary clinic firsthand,

my initial concerns were quickly

dispelled and the staff is doing a fine

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org4

by Debra Freed

Government Relations DirectorGovernment Relations

A Little Bit of Everything

February may seem like a short

month but there were a great

number of activities crammed

into that short month. The variety of

events going from raising money for the

BASS Trail to setting up appointments

to meet with Congress, to transporting

veterans to their medical appointments,

and teaching children that being dis-

abled does not mean the end of one’s

life.

Here are just a few things the Chapter

has done. The Chapter transportation

program is off to a slow start, but

a start never the less. NEPVA has

about five dedicated clients. Then

there’s getting ready for Advocacy &

Legislation later this month. NEPVA

was invited back to Togus VAMC for

Hospitalized Veterans’ week. I want to

thank Dustin Soroka, Mr. Jim Wood,

a great guide – very knowledgeable

about the grounds and the goings

on, Ms. Mysti Grass and finally Ms.

Lorna Hatch who said yes even though

NEPVA was a little late in the RSVP.

NEPVA was invited to participate in

Manchester VA’s Adaptability Fair. The

Adaptability Fair hosted by the SCI

Clinic and Voluntary Services went very

well. Ms. Theresa Ciulla worked her

magic and recruited Kelly Cossaboom

from VA Boston Voluntary Services,

Northeast Passage, Kristy Lacroix –

Wheelchair Escapes, Back in the Saddle

Equine Therapy Center or Bits ETC

with Pauline Meridian and her therapy

pony, Jack Tarr – Weekend Warrior

Program, the owner of Loudon Golf

and Country Club, and finally Laurie

Daly - The Yoga Lady. Each group

showcased their specialty. I would like

to extend a big NEPVA thank you to

all those who attended and a special

thanks to Walter & Pat Farrington for

providing the lunch, and Jim Wallack

for providing information about some

of our sports programs. Also our thanks

to Mr. Paul Redmond - SCI’s Social

Worker and last but by no means least

Ms. Theresa Ciulla, who arranged the

fair and her daughter Renee who helped

set up tables and took photos.

The Advocacy

and Legislative

Seminar,

usually held in

the beginning

of March is

being held

later this month.

The reason is to

assure that PVA and its

chapters will be visiting Washington

DC when members of Congress are

also scheduled to be there. Some of

the issues we will be discussing will

be: Transportation for Category 4

members; matching the age and

benefits for CHAMPVA’s children as

was done under Tri-Care and Medicare;

Protecting VA services; and the reasons

why Congress stripped the CLASS act

from the Healthcare Program. It will

be interesting to see what Congress will

do with not only the Administration’s

budget but the Independent Budget as

well.

continued on page 10

Exhibitors speak to visitors at the Adaptive Recreational and Sports Fair on February 16th at the Manchester VAMC.

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report By John V. Mullally, Senior Benefit Advocate

Most veterans are aware

of an Annual Clothing

Allowance. It is a lump-sum

payment made once annually and is

generally paid on or about September

1st and the rate is $716.00.

It is paid to compensate veterans

with a service connected disability

that requires use of medications or

prosthetics that can damage or wear

out said veterans’ clothing. Effective for

2012, there has been a change relating

to the disbursement of the annual

clothing allowance.

The amendment provides for an annual

clothing allowance for each qualifying

prosthetic or orthopedic appliance

worn or used by a veteran for a service-

connected disability or disabilities

that wears out or tears a single article

of the veteran’s clothing and for each

physician-prescribed medication used

by a veteran for a skin condition that

is due to a service-connected disability

that affects a single outer garment.

The amendment also provides two

annual clothing allowances if a veteran

wears or uses more than one qualifying

prosthetic or orthopedic appliance,

physician-prescribed medication

for more than one skin condition,

or an appliance and a medication

for a service-connected disability or

disabilities and the appliance(s) or

medication(s) together cause a single

article of clothing to wear out faster

than if affected by a single appliance or

medication.

The following are just some examples of

appliances and medications for which

veterans can be awarded for the annual

clothing allowance.

• ArtificialLimbs

• Rigidspinal,cervical,or

extremity braces

• KneeBraces

• Wheelchairs

• Crutches

• IleostomyorColostomyAppliances

• CoalTar-containing

topical medications

• SalicylicAcidorSulfurcontaining

shampoos or topical medications

• CastellaniPaint

Note: Temporary issuance of orthotic

appliances does not qualify for this

benefit. All prosthetic devices and/or

topical medications must be prescribed

to the veteran by a physician.

The application to apply for the annual

clothing allowance is VA form 10-8678

(Application for Annual Clothing

Allowance). Currently, the VA is

working on modifying this form so that

the veteran applying may indicate they

are applying for more than one clothing

allowance. Until the changes to the

form are made, veterans may attach a

statement to the application explaining

they are applying for multiple clothing

allowances. Also, the period is August 1

of any given year through July 31 of the

following year. So if you submit your

application after July 31, 2012 you will

not receive payment until August 2013.

Once the veteran has applied for the

annual clothing allowance benefit, they

may be classified as static or non-static.

Non-static classification means that the

veteran will be evaluated annually to

determine if the orthotic appliance is

still needed, and as such, if the veteran

is still eligible to receive the annual

clothing allowance benefit. Static

classification means that the condition

requires permanent use of an orthotic

appliance or medication for the rest of

the veteran’s life, and therefore they will

receive the annual clothing allowance

benefit automatically.

This amendment to the annual clothing

allowance was effective on December

16, 2011, and applies to all Applications

for Annual Clothing Allowance

received on or after that date.

If you have any questions about the

amendment to the Annual Clothing

Allowance, or need assistance in

applying for this benefit, please contact

your local PVA Service Officer for

Assistance.

Annual Clothing Allowance Change

Career Help Is AvailablePVA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Ken Lipton can assist veterans in getting back to work, school or training. He can meet the veteran at their home, apt. or another VAMC. He also can assist the veteran’s family including the spouse, dependent or care giver with their vocational goals.For further assistance contact:Ken Lipton, M.A.,CRCVocational Rehabilitation CounselorParalyzed Veterans of America1400 VFW Parkway, Room AG 60West Roxbury, MA 02132kenl@pva.orgOffice: 857-203-6091, Fax: 857-203-5797

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org6

Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director

While the smell of spring is in

the air, what happened to the

snow? For starters, our sixth annual

Billiard Tournament will be held April

28th and 29th at Breakaway Billiards,

Sterling St., Clinton, MA. As always,

volunteers are needed. This is not

a national tournament, and is open

to all able bodied as well as disabled

participants. The format is going to

be Scotch Doubles (rotating shots).

Registration forms will be available

at the office, and at many locations

throughout New England. You can

also sign up the day of the tournament

from 8 to 10 a.m. There are many

surprises, including Saturday night.

New England’s famous Bucky Sheehan

will be the DJ on Saturday night from

8 until 12 p.m. This is free of charge

to all. Registration fee is $60.00 per

two player team. The tournament this

year has been approved as an APA

(American Pool Players Association)

certified event. Therefore, there will

be many more players than usual.

Budweiser is the main sponsor of this

event. There will be many raffle prizes,

and 50/50 raffles. The Budweiser Girls

will be stopping by also. Anywhere you

see a poster for this event, applications

will be available. Sign up early!

Reminder for NEPVA funded team

members -- the cut-off date for

applications for the National Veterans

Wheelchair Games is March 15, 2012.

NO EXCEPTIONS. NEPVA will not

pay for your room if your application

is not received in the NEPVA office by

this date. If you register late, you are

on your own to get your application

to PVA in

Washington.

The final

deadline

for PVA to

receive your

application is

April 15th.

Keep

checking

the website for many upcoming events!

These include deep sea fishing trip,

horseback riding, etc.

I have not forgotten football players

about football. You will hear from me

directly, after the Veterans Games.

In closing -- get out there and

participate!

Scenes From the Winter Sports Clinic

Phot

os b

y H

ilary

Col

e an

d R

andi

Woo

drow

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 7

continued from page 1Winter Sports

Here is a rundown of all the awards and winners.

Rookie of the Year-Shaun Delfino

Most Improved- Ed Troust

Best Instructor- Team Snowboard

Blood Sweat and Tears- Andres Burgos Ortiz

Give Me a Chance

I’ll Make Ya Proud- Corneen Family (Alexis)

Human Snowplow- Dave Santimore

Most Dangerous- Dr. Orlando

Support- Shauna Morris

Top Gun- Christy Gardner

Mickey Emery Award- Eugene Ditto

Ken Medeiros

Phoenix Award- Dustin Soroka

Tony Santilli

Founders Award- Sandy Trombetta

Team Award-Team NEHSA.

Many of the instructors have been with

NEHSA since our 1st clinic in 1998 and

they’ve always been great partners and

veteran supporters.

I can’t put into words how valuable

these events are in helping the healing

process. One gets so much from

attending—confidence, self esteem,

peer support and the great camaraderie

of spending time with fellow veterans

and all those who volunteer and show

an amazing respect and appreciation for

the vets. I would like to encourage all

who attended to continue challenging

themselves all year as they’ve done here.

I can say that this event has made a

giant impact on my life. I have attended

every one for 15 years and remember 11

skiers at our first ski clinic. I continued

to ski all winter and have been hooked

ever since. The great folks at NEHSA

even have helped me progress to ski

a monoski independently. They’ve

become my ski family.

I can only suggest that others get out

and try it. I don’t care what disability

you may have, NEHSA always can find

a way to enable you to hit the slopes.

The effort and ingenious ways they

have to adapt to each individual is

amazing. If you have any doubts, call

Tom Kersey at NEHSA and speak with

him. I’d bet he can assure you of a safe

and fun experience you will truly enjoy.

The only limitations you have are those

you place upon yourself. Check out

nehsa.org for a great video and contact

info along with other programs they

offer.

I know some have an issue with the

cold. If that’s the case, check into

some of the summer programs. All of

the benefits still exist in the warmer

weather with different challenges like

kayaking, hand cycling, fly fishing and

water skiing to name just a few. To

quote my good friend and WSC Co-

Founder Ralph Marche “Get out and

live life”. I look forward to seeing all the

participants again and hope to add new

faces next time.

WINTER SPORTS CLINIC SPONSORS

Double Diamond SponsorsDepartment of Veterans Affairs VISN 1

Help Hospitalized VeteransDiamond Sponsors

VA Boston Healthcare SystemMount Sunapee Resort

New England Handicapped Sports AssociationBVARI

Columbia Sportswear Co.Atomic Ski Co.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care FoundationRay and Maria State Foundation

Blue SponsorsWhite River Junction VAMC

Boston Artificial LimbKevin Fitzpatrick and Friends Golf Tournament

New England PVASodexo Services

Veterans Canteen ServicesRide-Away

DAV Westcott Houghton Chapter 56United Prosthetics, Inc.

Powerhouse GymGreen Sponsors

Best Western Sunapee Lake LodgeEnterprise Rent A Car

Massachusetts Elks AssociationLake Sunapee Snowmobile Club

Royal Arcanum Grand Council of MAThermacare

Colby-Sawyer CollegeAlpha-Agassiz CL. NO. 1 R.A.

New England OrganicsEZ-Access

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 818The Bowlers to Veterans Link

Photos page 6, clockwise from top left: Pete Connell, Vietnam Veteran who’s been instructing since we started the WSC. Greg Marche instructing Mark Parker. Alexis Courneen (Give Me a Chance I’ ll Make Ya Proud award) with instructor Sandy Trombetta. Top Gun Award winner Christy Gardner who is also on the US Sled Hockey Team and hoping to go to the Paralympics. Ellen Corindia shares her big smile. Iraq Marine vet Andrew Dallas Rosacker with instructors Greg Marche and Lee Morris.

page 7: Andre Burgos Ortiz (Blood Sweat and Tears)with Ray Luscinski carve a turn.

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org8

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical ConditionsIn December 2011, the Transportation Security

Administration launched TSA Cares, a new helpline

number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and

medical conditions. TSA Cares will serve as an additional,

dedicated resource specifically for passengers with

disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or

their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening

process prior to flying.

Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-

2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening

policies, procedures and what to expect at the security

checkpoint. The hours of operation for the TSA Cares

helpline are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST,

excluding federal holidays. Travelers who are deaf or hard of

hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can

e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

All travelers can contact TSA using Talk To TSA, a web-

based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport

Customer Service Manager directly, and the TSA Contact

Center, 1-866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov,

where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and

file complaints.

How It Works• WhenapassengerwithadisabilityormedicalconditioncallsTSACares,

a representative will provide assistance, either with information about

screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical

condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA.

• TSArecommendsthatpassengerscallapproximately72hoursaheadof

travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint

support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport

when necessary.

• Everypersonanditemmustbescreenedbeforeenteringthesecurearea

of an airport and the manner in which the screening is conducted will

depend on the passenger’s abilities and any specific equipment brought

to the security checkpoint.

• AlltravelersmayasktospeaktoaTSAsupervisorifquestionsabout

screening procedures arise while at the security checkpoint.

US House of RepresentativesWounded Warrior Fellowship ProgramVacancy Announcement

Job Title: Veterans Case Worker

Office Location: Northeast, MA- Peabody office of Congressman Tierney

Date Needed: Immediately

Job Summary:

The position is for a caseworker to work in the Congressional Office to

facilitate and coordinate responses to a wide range of requests received

from veterans. District caseworkers also help constituents interact

with administrative and government agencies by acting as facilitators,

ombudsmen and, in some cases, advocates.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent for this position will serve as a facilitator between

constituents and federal, state, and local agencies as necessary as a

representative of the Congressman. The caseworker will be required to

communicate clearly with constituents about what can and cannot be

done on their behalf. The caseworker will be required to learn the laws,

regulations and intricacies affecting a constituent’s case as well as the

procedures and structure of the Congressman’s office regarding casework

and employee obligations, as outlined in the Office Handbook and the

House of Representative’s Ethics Manual. Additionally, the employee will

be responsible to perform other duties as assigned by the Congressman,

Chief of Staff, District Director and other staff members.

Requirements: This program is limited to veterans who have served

on active duty since September 11, 2001, have a minimum 30% service

connected disability rating from the VA and less than 20 years of service.

High school degree required, some college courses preferred but not

required. Professional education through the U.S. military is highly

encouraged. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Recent

experience with and understanding of the U.S. Military and Department

of Veterans’ Affairs structure, procedures, and policies. Service-oriented,

positive attitude, and strong teamwork ability.”

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Starting salary-mid 40’s

Contact: Interested veterans may go to www.cao.house.gov to learn

more about the program and may submit their resumes, a DD214 and a

letter from the VA indicating that they have a 30% or greater rating to

housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov. Do not send resumes directly to

the Congressional office.

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9

PVA NEWS

Groups Urge $68 Billion for Veterans

Health Care and Benefits in 2013

Independent Budget Report

Four of the nation’s leading veterans

service organizations are urging the

Administration and Congress to

invest $68 billion to sufficiently meet

veterans health-care and benefits

needs. As stated in President Obama’s

budget proposal released yesterday,

the Administration has proposed $64

billion in discretionary spending for

the Department of Veterans Affairs for

fiscal year 2013. The budget proposal

now goes to Congress for consideration.

The recommendation to invest

$68 billion in veterans health-care

and benefits is contained in The

Independent Budget (IB) at www.

independentbudget.org - an annual

comprehensive budget and policy

document, by veterans for veterans. In

its 26th year, the IB is coauthored by

AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans

(DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America

(Paralyzed Veterans), and Veterans of

Foreign Wars (VFW).

The organizations were pleased to see

that the Administration has proposed

increased funding for the operations of

the Veterans Benefits Administration.

They were also pleased to see funding

addressing the areas of veterans’

unemployment, homeless veterans,

mental health and women veterans.

However, the groups have concerns

about the continued revision of medical

care collections, and the significant

reduction in the area of major

construction necessary to maintain the

infrastructure to maintain a quality VA

healthcare system.

The Independent Budget recommends

$57.2 billion for health care, $611

million for medical and prosthetic

research, $2.1 billion for benefits

processing and $3.8 billion for major

and minor construction.

“With significant numbers of men and

women home from Iraq and returning

from Afghanistan, all transitioning

to civilian life, it is more important

than ever that this Congress and

Administration honor our sacred

covenant to care for our 1 percent of

Americans who have shouldered 100

percent of the burden of our national

defense,” said AMVETS National

Commander Gary L. Fry. “AMVETS

urges full implementation of The

Independent Budget recommendations

to ensure delivery of promised benefits

and services to our American heroes

and their families.”

“Our government has a moral

obligation to provide the necessary

resources and put in place policies that

will ensure timely, accurate decisions

on disability compensation claims

and guarantee prompt access to a full

range of top-quality health care for our

nation’s veterans,” said DAV National

Commander Donald L. Samuels. “The

policy and funding recommendations in

The Independent Budget are based on

a comprehensive, needs-based analysis

of what it will take to fulfill our nation’s

obligation to the men and women

who have served and sacrificed for our

country and our principles.”

As our nation faces a volatile economic

recovery, the IB recommends that

Congress appropriate sufficient funding

to address the full scope of medical care

and benefits delivery.

“The best way for the Administration

and Congress to honor the service

and sacrifice of all veterans and their

families is to fully implement the

recommendations of The Independent

Budget,” said Bill Lawson, National

President of Paralyzed Veterans. “With

access to quality VA health care and

benefits, our seriously injured veterans

have a fighting chance to rebuild their

lives, and a real hope of successfully

meeting the challenges of finding a

good job in a tough economy. The

Independent Budget is all about

empowering these brave men and

women with what they’ve earned and

they need to get back into life.”

For the past 26 years, The Independent

Budget has been a blueprint for the

resource requirements for VA. It

has served as a voice of advocacy for

America’s veterans by providing the

White House and Congress with a

roadmap for funding the Department

Veterans Groups Pleased with President’s FY 2013 Budget But Note Deficiencies

continued on page 10

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org10

continued from page 4

continued from page 9 FREE TO MEMBER

Power WheelchairQuest Everest & Jennings

Controls/Charger Seat dimensions 18 x 17”

Call 508-759-4737

Manual Quickie WheelchairSeat dimensions: 17 ½ x 18 ½”

Call 508-759-4737

Quickie Manual WheelchairWith 18” Cushion

Shower BenchWheelchair Cushion

Available in Mansfield, MACall NEPVA

Invacare Pronto M-71 Power Wheelchair

Excellent Condition; for medium size person

Pick up in Woonsocket, RICall NEPVA

of Veterans Affairs. At no time in our history has the need of the returning veteran

been so great, the service of VA so critical and the recommendations of the IB so

relevant as they are today.

“A nation that creates veterans has a sacred responsibility to care for them when

they return home wounded, ill and injured,” said Richard L. DeNoyer, national

commander of the 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its

Auxiliaries. “We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress in

the coming days and months to ensure America keeps that promise.”

FOR SALE2007 Dodge Caravan

Handicap transport van

Excellent condition, 18 K miles

Asking $21,000

Call: 508-272-1551

We all know there will be cuts but how much, where, when, and how will it

affect YOU!

Also during February, the Community Outreach program provided a couple

of schools and their students with information and demonstrations of what it is

like to live, work, play, and socialize from a wheelchair. The point being made

is there remains very little difference between those not disabled and those who

use wheelchairs, they just live life differently. Many thanks go out to Mike

Guilbault and the fellows he recruits to take this message to our schools.

On a different, but no less important note, I would like to mention one of the

Chapter’s fundraising endeavors. Because NEPVA does not receive local, state,

or federal money and grants are a catch as catch can endeavor, NEPVA employs

other avenues to raise money for its programs and services. On behalf of the

Chapter, I am taking this opportunity to thank a small, self-less, dedicated

group of volunteers who do more than give up their daily lives on a regular

basis for this program, but recently gave up whole weekends to raise money

for the NEPVA BASS Trail. These are members of the Nam Knights of New

Hampshire, the American BASS Anglers Association and of course a couple

NEPVA members. For the two weekends and after expenses, they raised

nearly $4,800. A special thank you goes to the managers of the Sportsmen

shows that allow NEPVA to fundraise.

I believe NEPVA is the only group

allowed to fundraise at these events.

Please remember to thank the dedicated

volunteers and the boat owners without

whose boats, there would not be an

NEPVA Bass Trail.

Gov. Relations

2013 Budget

job in delivering excellent healthcare

for our members and veterans.

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

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

continued on page 13

On February 11–16, I attended

PVA’s Annual Mid-Winter

Board Meeting in Orlando,

Florida. After boarding the completely

full flight in cold and snowy Rhode

Island, the Captain gave details of the

length of flight and other notations

such as the weather in Orlando. Not to

rub it in but the weather varied from

68 degrees upon arrival, to a chillier

following day in the 50’s and thankfully

staying in the 80’s the last few days of

the meeting. An extra day was added to

the meeting for the National Directors

and PVA Executive Committee only

and we were in Executive Session that

entire extra day, going over many topics

and business resolutions

PVA conducts many different forms of

business during this particular meeting,

such as discussion of past, recent, and

future activities as well as PVA policies

and procedures. Many of PVA’s staff

attend the meeting however, staff

remaining in the Washington D.C.

office convey their reports and answer

questions via video teleconferencing.

The PVA Board of Directors are able

to ask questions that are relative to

veterans, current and future programs,

and many other important issues

affecting PVA members and the

disabled community. Some highlights

of the meeting are:

Keynote Speaker at the MW BOD

Meeting was John R. Gingrich,

Chief of Staff, Veterans Affairs. A

very motivated and veteran-friendly

individual who not only spoke, but

also answered many questions posed by

various PVA National Board Members.

There was a very good presentation

on Roberts Rules of Order and

parliamentary procedures given by

PVA Parliamentarian Tom Wheaton

and Minnesota Chapter President and

Professional Parliamentarian Tom

Fjerstad. Having an understanding

of Roberts Rules of Order and

parliamentary procedures is necessary

for not only PVA meetings, but also

for Chapter Board meetings. PVA

distributed a book to all National

Directors, which had a condensed

version of the most common items

that generally arise at various business

meetings. Following these guidelines

and procedures ensures that all

Chapter designated representatives at

PVA meetings (and Chapter Board

meetings) have a chance to speak, as

well as affording that fairness and

proper procedures are followed.

National Director’s Report by Craig C. Cascella

National Director

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

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

expertise and value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.

Home to dozens of quality brands including...

Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive. A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved

ones to live comfortably. Our new Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create

a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.

Stop by today and declare your independence.

Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!

It’sabout

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.

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org12

continued from page 3

continued on page next page

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.

Washington Update Produced by PVA

Government Relations Department

See www.nepva.org for more

On December 15, the House

VA Subcommittee on Economic

Opportunity held an oversight hearing

to learn about the VA’s implementation

of the recently enacted “VOW to Hire

Heroes Act of 2011.” Representatives

from the VA and the Department of

Labor (DOL) were invited to testify

for this hearing. The “VOW to Hire

Heroes Act of 2011” was signed into law

in November.

“I can’t stress enough that the proper

implementation of this law is extremely

critical, and as such I want to put both

agencies on notice that this will be

this Subcommittee’s top priority in the

next session of Congress,” stated Rep.

Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Chairman

of the Subcommittee on Economic

Opportunity. “We need to identify any

obstacles now so that our veterans can

take full advantage of this jobs law.”

One major provision of the legislation

is the temporary extension of

Montgomery GI Bill benefits to eligible

veterans to receive up to one year

of training at a community college

or technical school for in-demand

occupations. Eligible veterans would

have to be between the age of 35 and

60, be unemployed, and not have

eligibility for other VA education

programs.

The legislation also includes measures

to increase accountability for the

agencies programs that are intended

to help the unemployed veteran. As

an example, the legislation requires

the Department of Labor to track

what happens to veterans who receive

counseling, training and placement.

Additionally, DOL must show many

eligible veterans find jobs within 90

days of completing the program, their

median salary, and what percentage of

training graduates are able to obtain the

credentials needed to work in the skill

they just learned.

Additionally, the legislation provides

tax credits to employers who hire

veterans. This was a major initiative of

the Administration. The legislation also

makes participation in the Transition

Assistance Program, managed by DOL,

mandatory for all servicemembers.

Chairman Stutzman indicated that

House VA Subcommittee Reviews Implementation of “VOW to Hire Heroes Act”

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 13

continued from page 11National Director

implementation of this law will be

the top priority of the Subcommittee.

Proper implementation of this law

will help Congress attain the goal

of reducing unemployment among

veterans to levels below the national

unemployment rate.

NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations

Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No Longer Needed to New England PVA.

NEPVA is currently accepting vehicle dona-tions 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

As many of you know, economic times are difficult for many in this country,

including many non-profit organizations. While I mentioned in our Chapter’s

Annual Report NEPVA had another successful past Fiscal Year, PVA

and NEPVA are not exempt from this concern and need to be as fiscally

responsible and prudent as possible while serving our membership. Due to

this fact, the PVA Chapter grant has been reduced, and PVA Chapters will

now be responsible to pay in full the salaries of their Executive Directors and

Government Relations Directors (if Chapters have said salaried positions).

Related to other budgetary matters, the PVA BOD unanimously voted to

disband the PVA Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund (ORHF). The Fund had

been incurring increasing costs associated with the program and had limited

usage by PVA members.

Aside from revenue and/or budget shortfalls, in an effort to expand the scope

of PVA’s fundraising efforts, the PVA BOD asked the PVA Executive Director

to examine the feasibility of National starting an in-house telemarketing

program and report its findings to the PVA BOD at the 2012 Annual

Convention.

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

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

-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA

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

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

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

www.Ride-Away.com

Cord Word March 2012

www.nepva.org14

MobilityAdaptive

Equipment

VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER

SERVICE

LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE

LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!

Welcome To

Free Veterans Maintenance Program*

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

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

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

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

*Please call for details and qualifi cations

1-800-311-2849

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

LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for

more information)

March 2012Cord Word

www.nepva.org 15

Update your hand controls!

...drive with both hands on the wheel

It’s so comfortable!

Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.

Your knee area remains free of metal parts. You maintain all adjustments of your steering column and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.

DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car.

DARIOS uses 2 sensors inside the steering wheel to be compliant with car manufacturers’ safety standards. It sends the information from the ring to its main controller under the dashboard using digital signals to be immune to electro-magnetic noise.

Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find comments from users accross the country or to request a quotation.

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

DARIOS let’s you drive with both hands on the wheel

DARIOS is VA accepted.

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

Users’ comments: “I feel like I’m in control of my vehicle again!”“The system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

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

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

Email: info@nepva.org

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

Make a Donation Today!

100% of your

tax deductible donation

goes to Chapter programs.

Mail your check payable to:

NEPVA

1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

2012 NEPVA Bass Trail Schedule

May 26 Maine, Location TBA

June 9 Charles River, Boston

July 21 Lake Champlain-Fort Ticondaroga Ramp, Vermont

Sept. 8-9 PVA National Bass Tournament, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Sept. 15-16 NEPVA Bass Tournament, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH and TOC