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Vietnam Veterans of America
T H E V E T GA Z E T T E
NOV/DEC 2010
Vet Groups Lose at Supreme Court
** Pay attention to this issue 905’ers, it’s not going away. The VA either
through litigation or internal ‘overhaul’, will inevitably address this problem.
Currently the system is in shambles and must be fixed. Let’s hope Secretary
Shinseki within his goals to modernize the VA recognizes this situation. Stay
tuned !!
Two veterans groups lost in their effort to have the Supreme Court force bureaucrats in the
Department of Veterans Affairs move more swiftly in processing claims, as the Supreme Court announced
Monday they will not hear a case challenging lack of brevity from the government.
The Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Modern Warfare allege that the VA takes far too
long to process claims made by its members and for all veterans. They contend that officials can take
more than a year to respond to an initial claim and upwards of five years for the appeals process to wind its
way through a “Byzantine system of procedural hurdles.”
While the groups complain about the number of veterans who are denied claims or offered less
assistance than what they’re seeking, their suit only challenged the duration of the claims process.
“Veterans waiting for the VA to issue a decision have lost their homes to foreclosure, been forced to
declare bankruptcy, suffered through divorce, and had to endure declining mental and physical health due
at least in part to the VA’s delays,” lawyers for the groups wrote to the high court.
The groups wanted a ruling that would lead to a mandate forcing the VA to respond within 90 days
time for all initial claims and 180 days to resolve appeals.
Lower courts ruled against veterans taking issue with their use of average wait times as proof of harm.
“One can not have standing in federal court by asserting an injury to someone else.” wrote Judge Laurence
Silberman in a unanimous opinion of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Monday’s decision effectively upholds that ruling.
(Reprinted from: http:liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com….10/04/2010)
DID YOU KNOW . . . . . . . you can read our 905 newsletter, the Vet Gazette, from our
website??? Just go to www.vva905.org and then click on the link on the left side that will
take you to the newsletter. As can be readily seen, our website needs some work. If you
would like to be a part of the 905er’s who are our “team players”, then you are invited to
‘get aboard’ and become a contributor (and it’s not even painful) to our website. If you
have any questions, please contact the Vet Gazette editor, Sue Lynch. She can help!
PAGE
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
2
NOV/DEC 2010
A Message from the
Chapter 905 President . . .
905 Officers and Board Members
President—Warren Lindborg 219-688-9455
Vice-Pres.—Roger Gagna
219-331-3928
Secretary—Jim Atkinson
219-462-0395
Treasurer—Ed Krieser
219-201-3433
Sgt. At Arms—Mike Lieber
219-477-5410
Director—“Butch” Dennis
219-840-0348
Director—Lou Stanko:
219-771-5444
AVVA Representative (vacant)
000
Chaplin—Marty Glennon
219-759-2022
Chapter 905 meets the third Thursday
of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the
American Legion, Post 502 in South
Haven.
THE VET GAZETTE is published bi-monthly.
Please contact via e-mail: Sue Lynch at
[email protected] or mail/hand deliver to
2647 Vivian St., Portage, IN 46368-3626.
Phone 219-763-9935 or cell # 219-730-1297
Next deadline is December 10, 2010
Well folks we are about to wrap up
another successful year for our chapter.
I hope it was a good one for each and
every one of you. We had a good
summer with plenty of participation
from our members and lots of exposure
for the chapter. The PX did great, as usual. While the
attendance numbers were down at this year’s Porter
County Fair we had a good group of volunteers, passed out
a lot of good information and signed up a couple new
members in the process. For the times I wasn’t able to get
there, I was there in spirit and when I did get out I gave it
my best shot. I made it out on Wednesday for the veterans
service and was proud of our guys.
I want to thank everyone who showed up at Clancy’s to
meet my daughter Barb, who was here for a visit. We
originally thought there would be 20 to 25 people and
Lordy, Lordy, well over 40 showed up. It was great! We
got a lot of good ole visiting in that night. My daughter
was so glad to meet all the people I talk about and to see
how much of a brotherhood we have with our 905 family.
It was emotional once we got back home and talked.
Our membership continues to increase. Every time I go
to the mailbox there is a new name and application in
there.
Well here we are sliding into fall, and it won’t be long
until Mr. Nasty moves in. As we end another year with
905 I want to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving and a
Merry Christmas. I hope to see each and every one of you
at our annual 905 Family Christmas Dinner on December
16th at Post 502.
Well I’ll sign off for now.
~ Walter ~
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Life Member Dionisio Trinidad, Jr. (Navy) - Marcelino Galvan (Army)
Martin F. Hession (Army) - Wallace D. Koeppen (Army) and
Tron L. Slager (Army)
PAGE 3
T HTHE
E V EVET
T GGAZETTE
AZETTE
NOV/DEC 2010
NOTES AND INFORMATION FROM THE OCTOBER 12,
2010 QUARTERLY MEETING AT THE ADAM
BENJAMIN, JR. VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC
(ABJ VA OPC) WITH JILL CARLEY, THE CLINIC’S DIRECTOR
Jim Lynch, Lou Stanko and Jim Atkinson (all 905er’s), Porter County’s Veterans
Service Officers attended the meeting representing Porter County veterans. The
meeting hosted and conducted by Director Carley, was very informative and dynamic. Initially she shared
with us specific information on veteran attendance at the clinic.
In August of 2010, there were 86,246 veteran visits to the ABJ clinic, up about 4000 more than August of
2009, about a 5% increase. Veterans attendance and assistance provided continues grow. The new clinic
(currently under construction) is scheduled to open next year about summer time, none too soon. These
quarterly meetings are attended by local (Lake and Porter county) veterans service officers. After some
discussion, it was requested that either Congressman Visclosky or his representative attend future meetings.
It is clear that many issues affecting veterans, need congressional actions, rather than just ‘local
conversation’.
During the meeting, there were several varying discussions about veterans care within the VA system,
including out-patient care and fee basis coverage. Also discussed was “national” VA health care, including
care of veterans when traveling ‘out-of-state’. Unfortunately, “inter-state” health care hasn’t been fully
achieved by the VA. Director Carley, who is very passionate about veterans care, listened very attentively,
while taking notes. She was adamant, that if there is a shortfall at any time regarding VA healthcare, she
wants to be notified immediately. With Director Carley at the meeting was Mark Weisenberger,
administrative officer/attorney at ABJ clinic. He also, is available to assist when necessary if problems arise.
Director Carley advised that the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago is still searching for a new
facility director, since the retirement of Mr. Jones in May. Doctor Brown, the Chief of Staff, is currently
acting director. Also, the Jesse Brown hospital is moving towards becoming a “certified” kidney transplant
facility.
Beginning ’now’, each veteran receiving health care at the ABJ clinic and Jesse Brown (as part of a
nationwide program) will be administered to by a “teamlet”. Each teamlet, will consist of a doctor, nurse,
technician and administrator. Mostly, health care will continue as it has and existing providers will carry on.
Each veteran may want to discuss this with their provider, to ensure full understanding.
Finally, soon (date unknown) the computer program, “myhealthevet” will allow veterans (patients) to
e-mail their provider, to discuss their care including asking questions. This will be a major step forward in
the VA’s ongoing growth and care of veterans. (See article on page 6)
If you have questions or issues regarding your health care, you can contact any of the service officers
(above) at 219/465-3587.
Please continue to keep the following 905 members in your
thoughts and prayers ………………..
Our dear 905 President Warren Lindborg who is undergoing
chemotherapy for lung cancer. You can call him on his cell phone at 219-688-9455, join him
for breakfast at Tate’s on most Thursdays and/or Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
 Dear Brother Terry Drag who is still battling lung cancer. Terry still tries to join us for breakfast at
Tate’s so why not come on down and say hi to him.
 Brother Al Krabbenhoeft who has multiple health issues.
PAGE 4
THE VET GAZETTE
NOV/DEC 2010
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Porter County Veterans Service Office
Apostle Paul in the scriptures says he is the
least of all the apostles because he persecuted
the church of God. Then, he had the
Damascus experience (Acts Chapter 9). I as a
Chaplain am not at all perfect, as we all are not, in the
transition to a more Christ-like nature through these
trials of life. So, I humbly thank you for praying for
the veterans and agreeing with me in our prayers.
155 Indiana—Rm. 103
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219/465-3587—office
219/465-3345—fax
[email protected]—email
Jim Lynch—Veterans Service Officer*
Louis Stanko—Veterans Service Officer*
Jim Atkinson—Veterans Service Officer*
Peg Lieber—Officer Manager / Intake Officer
Recently, I went to my 40th year Army reunion of
Ripcord 2nd/506 Infantry gathering in Ft. Worth,
(* = VA Accredited Veterans Service Representative)
Our entire staff is IDVA Certified /Accredited
Texas and had an opportunity to talk to many, many
veterans. On Thursday and Friday I sat next to an Iraq
“Contact us for your veteran needs”
war veteran who went through two tours in Iraq and is
only 23 years old. His name is Garrett and he has
“COME SEE US”
served in the Army since he was 17 years
old. Garrett’s parents are both teachers. He was very
Like many of you, I’m a relative newcomer to
thankful for all of our prayers. (Next year's banquet
the
VA system. It’s only been nine years since I
will be in Indianapolis from Oct 6-10. I will give
finally added “veteran and Vietnam” to my
more details later or at our weekly breakfast.)
vocabulary. When I got home from ‘Nam, it was
over. I put it away and didn’t think of it again for
Jesus said to be in the world, but not of
thirty-four years. Now, it’s different! Like many
it. Through our example and faith in Jesus Christ, we (or most) of us, my health has deteriorated and I
will change the world. We should try to be like
now go to the VA and my family doctor regularly.
Christ, not force anyone to believe. It's a heart-issue,
Sadly, there are way too many of our brothers
who even after all these years, still “don’t know”.
which makes us different from others. Always
How many of us know today or have recently met
remember to thank Jesus for what he's done for us.
Please continue to pray for the troops on the front line. a ’Nam vet, who simply isn’t aware of their
potential benefits and their entitlements. Often it
affects their families as well. Let’s all make the
Yours in Christ Jesus,
effort to talk with these folks and when it’s
applicable, have them “come see us”……….
Chaplain Marty
Jim L, Porter Co. VSO
Portage Ace Hardware
& Rental Place
5979 Central Avenue
Portage, IN 46368
Al Bumbales, Owner
219-762-7107
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
PAGE 5
Support our Troops
5,752 (deaths) in the
war on terrorism
4,425 in Iraq and
1,327 in Afghanistan.
Please continue to keep
NOV/DEC 2010
VA EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
ADAM BENJAMIN JR VA CLINIC, CROWN
POINT
1-800-644-1243
WESTSIDE VA HOSPITAL, CHICAGO
1-888-878-6888
our troops, and their
families, in your
daily prayers.
HINES VA HOSPITAL, CHICAGO
1-708-202-8387
P AG E 6
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
NOV/DEC 2010
Veterans Relationship Management
The Department of Veterans Affairs in launching a multi-year initiative called
Veterans Relationship Management (VRM) that will greatly improve Veterans’
access to health care and benefits information. “VRM will transform Veterans’
interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century technologies,” said Secretary
Eric K. Shinseki. “Veterans will have a better experience when they contact VA for
assistance and our employees will be able to quickly convey accurate up to date
information through call centers and the internet.” Ultimately, Veterans will find
enhanced self-service capabilities and VA employees will have the best tools to serve Veterans, their
families and survivors better. By the end of 2010, VRM will deliver improved telephone services to enable
Veterans to reach a call center agent faster. Recording and review of calls will ensure the quality of services
provided to Veterans. To help guarantee success, VRM enhancements will be rolled out in six-month
increments. An important component of VRM is the Internet site which puts the Veteran in the driver’s seat
for information. VA collaborated with the Department of Defense to provide a single sign-on capability for
both service members and Veterans. Single sign-on will quickly establish an individual’s identity and allow
that person to complete transactions without having to re-enter information. Self-service access through the
Internet site www.ebenefits.va.gov is already available in some benefit areas including military personnel
records, VA home loan eligibility certificates, and status information on compensation and pension claims.
VRM is just one of the many initiatives VA is launching to help Veterans get timely access to health care
and benefits. VA provides tax-free compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational
rehabilitation, employment and insurance benefits to eligible Veterans, their families and survivors through
57 VA Regional Offices. Disability compensation is paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of – or
made worse by – injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active military, naval or air service.
Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans with limited income and who are permanently and totally
disabled or age 65 or older.
Til next time………………..May Good Health Be With All Of You ~
The Other Ol’ Marine, Lou ~
SOUTHLAKE LIFT TRUCK
We specialize in Fork Lifts Allied Material Handling Products
Sales - New & Used - Rentals - Repairs - Parts
located at 3601 Arizona St. in Lake Station Phone
(219) 962-4695
Phone (219) 962-4695 Fax (219) 962-6137
Owner: Don Glorioso
905 LAPEL PINS AVAILABLE
VVA 905 pins available. Each member receives
one pin free. The pins were custom
made for our chapter by Honors.
Additional pins are $4.00 each and
are
available at our chapter monthly
meetings
PAGE 7
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
N O V / D E C 2010
Haircuts by:
Shelly R. Gilliana
200 E. 10th St.
Hobart, IN 46342
LIL’ SAVER
FOOD STORE
Thank You Veterans!
Rt. 6 & McCool Rd.
South Haven, Indiana
(219) 763-2549
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 905
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Mail to: Vietnam Veterans of America, P.O. Box 1104, Portage, IN 46368
Name: ________________________
Address: ______________________
City: _________________________
Zip: _______________ Country: ____________
Date of Birth: _____________ Sex: M/F
Home Phone: (___)_________________
Work Phone: (___)__________________
E-mail address: _____________________
Chapter # 905 - Sponsor’s Name: _____________
I am not a Vietnam veteran, but I want to help Vietnam Vets and their families. Please accept my donation:
_____ $20
_____ $50
_____ Other $ _____ or;
_____ $20 to become a member of AVVA (Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America)
Eligibility: Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. military (for other than training
purposes) between February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 (in-country Vietnam), or between August 5, 1964 and
May 7, 1975 (for Vietnam-era veterans). Return this application, along with a copy of your DD214 to Chapter 905
(address above.)
Term: _____ 1 year - $20.00
_____ 3 years - $50.00
Payment Option: _____ Check _____ Money Order
_____ “Life Time Membership” $250 (age 49 and under)
$225 (ages 50-55)
$200 (ages 56-60)
$175 (ages 61-65)
$150 (age 66 and over)
VVA is a non-profit veterans service organization.
Programs and services are funded by member dues and public donations.
PAGE 8
THE VET GAZETTE
NEWS FROM THE 905 PX
Well we had a good year and a lot of fun taking the
PX to different places this year. A big thank you to
everyone who helped with the PX at the events we
participated in. When everyone volunteers just a few
hours here and there it really helps spread the work
load and it means a lot. Again, to those of you who
support our PX thank you !!
As you know we try to keep items in the PX that
Veterans want to see and wear, especially when they
attend special events and participate in things we do
all the time during the summer months. We veterans
are proud of who we are and who we belong to and
we do this by displaying pins, patches etc. on our jackets and vests whenever possible. So, like I have said
in the past, if you want something in the PX let us
know and we will try to get it in, just let Dave Meredith
or me know what it is and we will do our very best to
get it ordered.
Butch
The State Council has started to put the
Region V Conference together. We have asked
our newest Chapter in South Bend to host this
event next year. Please mark this date on your
calendar for the second weekend in June 2011 this
will be a good one to attend. This Conference will
be a very important event because this is where
we discuss all of the important things that happen
at the National level that we would like see get
done for us at the Chapter level and who will run
for these positions that will affect us for the next
four years and that is very important to a whole lot
of us, so give it some thought and plan on being
there in June, OK. For those of you that were in
Kokomo as you know we were very busy at our
table helping Veterans with some problems they
have, you may want to come next year and
REDKEN
NOV/DEC 2010
PAUL MITCHELL
MATRIX
HAIR EXPRESS
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
3291 Willowcreek Rd.
Willowcreek Plaza
Portage
Mon-Fri 9-8
Sat 8-4
763-7004
lend a hand at the table, it makes you think
about issues a lot differently. Keep in mind the
November State Council meeting on the 20th,
that is a bring a dish to meeting for a great
meal for our Thanksgiving get together try to
attend an get involved in your State Council
and see what is going on in the State and see
how you can help. It takes all of us to work together to help Veterans that need help, and it’s
up to us to get this done. One more thing before I close and that is the Household Goods
Program, a program that helps all of us in the
State, so when you get that card pass it on to
someone that doesn’t know about this program. So until the next time remember,
“Together Then, Together Again “..Butch
PAGE 9
THE VET GAZETTE
NOV/DEC 2010
Clancy’s Irish Pub
Our condolences to the family of 905
Brother, Mr. Larry Rouch. Larry passed away on
August 28th of this year. Larry was also a Life
Member of VFW Post 988 in Valparaiso and past
Commander of American Legion Post 301 in Kouts.
Several members of Chapter 905 attended the
visitation at Moeller Funeral Home in Valparaiso.
Psssssst! Did you happen
to move and forget to give
us your new address? Or
did you change internet
providers and fail to pass on the info? Or
did you get a new cell phone number? All
of these things are important if you want
us to keep sending this newsletter and
communicating to you about chapter
events. Thanks for your cooperation:)
Owners: Brendan and Michelle Clancy
2542 Portage Mall - Portage, IN 46368
219-764-4995
CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to all of our friends
at the ‘new’ Jansen’s
Fruit Market located just east
of the original market. Stop by and check them out.
Also, a very big “THANK YOU” to Jack Fugye and his staff
for donating all of the corn on the cob for our annual 905
picnic, it was the best, as usual.
JANSEN’S
MICHIGAN FRUIT MARKET
Often Copied - Never Equaled
Phone (219) 940-9148 ~ FAX (219) 762-2988
Visit us at our new store just east of the original store
on Hwy. 6 in Hobart, Indiana
Jansen’s, for all your holiday needs
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
PAGE 10
NOV/DEC 2010
AVVA National to Work on Agent Orange Transgender Issues
AVVA Executive Board 2010 - 2013
Newly elected AVVA President, Nancy Switzer, will be focusing her
energy on the daunting task of developing a three year strategic plan that
will include the transgender effects of Agent Orange and the rapid loss of
our veterans.
President Switzer wants to educate and assist states in organizing and
hosting Town Hall meetings. “Let’s get this issue of transgender effects of
Agent Orange out into the public. These dioxins have affected our
spouses, children and now our grandchildren. It is my goal to have AVVA
Sharon Hobbs, Secretary;
be the point organization for this problem.”
Nancy Switzer, President
On the issue of rapid loss of our veteran population Switzer says she
Frances Cartier, Vice President
and Bill Williams, Treasurer.
feels families need preparation, education and knowledge of the benefit
due them after the passing of a spouse. “We will be exploring ways on
how to get this message out to the survivors of veterans.”
Switzer went on the say that VVA is the reason AVVA exists. It is our goal to work closely with them
and continue to support and promote their endeavors.
*** This information was taken from the AVVA National Enewsletter Aug/Sept 2010 edition. If you wish
to subscribe to this e-newsletter you can do so by sending a message to [email protected]
You can also contact our AVVA State President, Sandy Postawa at [email protected]
PAGE 11
T H E V E T G AZ E T T E
NOV/DEC 2010
INFORMATION FROM CONGRESSMAN BOB FILNER, CHAIRMAN
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
On Congressman Filner’s website (http://veterans.house.gov/), he advises
that if you’re looking for information on veterans’ benefits, you’ll find
numerous helpful links in the “Veterans Benefits” section.
In an effort to dispel bad information and rumors, he offers the following:

NEWS ALERT: Inaccurate information regarding disability payments for veterans has
been circulated on the internet.

RUMOR: There is a bill on President Obama’s desk that would nearly double the basic
pay rate for service-connected disabled veterans.

FACT: President Obama signed H.R. 4667, The Veterans Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010, which would provide an increase in
the rates of compensation for veterans with a service-connected disability,
based on an October 15 computation of the Consumer Price Index. Data
accumulated to date indicates that it is unlikely the CPI will increase by an amount
necessary to increase the COLA for veterans, although the final calculation will be
announced mid-October.
So, consistent with what we’ve been hearing, it’s highly likely that there will be no cost of
living increase for 2011. Sorry 905er’s!
To Attend ………Annual Chapter 905 Family Christmas Dinner
When: Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. cocktails - Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post 502
Music by Mark Herrera
Dinner will be prepared and served by American Legion 502 Auxiliary
We’re on the web
www.vva905.org
THE VET GAZETTE
PAGE 12
NOV/DEC 2010
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 905—Porter County
P.O. Box 1104
Portage, Indiana 46368
We Are A Not For Profit Organization
Visit Chapter 905
on our Web Site at:
www.vva905.org
The 905 Year in review
NEW 905 OFFICERS
905 905 Annual Family Picnic
4th of July Parade in Portage
Folding the flag at school
Walter’s Party with his daughter Barbara