Professional Documents
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F eb r uar y
January
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS AND DAV AUXILIARY
Breaking Ground
A Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Beginning of the
Public Tribute to Millions of Disabled American Veterans
2011 Mid-Winter Conference
Commanders and Adjutants Association • February 27 — March 2
We’ve made tremendous strides working
with lawmakers to improve the quality and
accessibility of veterans health care and toward
ensuring sufficient, timely and predictable
funding for the VA medical system.
We’ve also developed our own 21st Century
Claims Process to create a more efficient,
faster solution to helping veterans receive
the benefits they’ve earned.
Join National Commander Wallace E.
Tyson as he delivers the DAV’s Legislative
Presentation to Congress. The support and
direct action of Chapter and Department
leaders from across the country is critical to
supporting our agenda on the national level.
The Mid-Winter Conference at the Crystal
Gateway Marriot in Arlington, Virginia,
February 27 – March 2, is the place to be.
Tell our government to make veterans a
national priority, and do so face-to-face! 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Join us for Mid-Winter. Arlington, Virginia 22202
703-920-3230
Single/Double Room: $197.00
Cut-off date for reservations is February
4, 2011. Check-out time is 12 noon.
Rooms will not be available for check-in
until after 3 p.m. Reservations requested
beyond the cut-off date are subject to
availability. Rooms may still be available
after the cut-off date, but not necessarily
at the same rate. Please apply 10.25%
sales tax to room rate.
Agenda
Saturday, 2/26/11
Tuseday, 3/1/11
C&A Registration 12-4pm
National Service Foundation 9am-10am
Charitable Service Trust
Sunday, 2/27/11
Immediately following National Service Foundation Meeting
C&A Registration 8am-noon
National Commander’s Presentation 2:00pm
C&A Business Session 9am-noon
to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees
Legislative Workshop 1:30pm-4pm
National Commander’s Reception 6:30pm-8:30pm
Monday, 2/28/11
Wednesday, 3/2/11
Service Workshop 9am-10:30pm
DAV Board of Directors Meeting 9am-10am
IG/Adjutants Workshop 10:30am-12pm
DAV National Executive Committee Meeting
Membership Workshop 1pm-2pm
Immediately Following Board of Directors Meeting
Voluntary Services Workshop 2pm-3pm DAV MAGAZINE
Communications Workshop 3pm-4:30pm
WALLACE E. TYSON
f r o m t h e N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R
We have long sought ways to serve our fellow veterans more effectively, to
strengthen and broaden grassroots initiatives and to tell the DAV story to more
and more veterans, family members, and survivors.
JANAURY/FEBRUARY 2011 1
J anuary/February 2 01 1
CONTENTS
Thomas L. Wilborn
Auxiliary National Commander
Assistant National Director
17 Susan M. Henry discusses MAGAZINE • January/February 2011 of Communications
importance of leadership at all Contact Us: www.dav.org • Toll Free 877.426.2838 •
3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 Volume
levels. 53, Issue 1, DAV Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400) Editorial Rob Lewis
Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Marketing & Special Events
OH 45250-0301. Telephone (859) 441-7300 or toll free Manager
Disabled veterans attending (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly
24 Arkansas State University benefit bulletin by the Disabled American Veterans, a Con-
gressionally-chartered, nonprofit organization, P.O. Dan Clare
from tailored programs. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home
Assistant National Director
Page is www.dav.org. Available on recording for
the blind and those with physical handicaps that of Communications
Mobile Service Offices expand preclude reading printed material. The magazine is
34
mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are
Department, Chapter service paid subscribers. Nonmembers may subscribe for Joseph Chenelly
outreach. $15.00 per year. Periodical postage paid at office Assistant National Director
of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional
offices. Printed in U.S.A. Change of Address: When
of Communications
notifying a change of address, send former as well as
new address, including zip code, to: DAV Magazine,
DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cin-
James A. Chaney
cinnati, OH 45250-5550. POSTMASTER: Send address Production Manager
changes to DAV Magazine, DAV National Head-
quarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550.
Fast Forward on Claims
AR THUR H. WILSON
f r o m t h e N AT I O N A L A D J U TA N T
It is gratifying to see that the VA is moving ahead with its pilot programs
aimed at resolving disability claims faster and more professionally.
JANAURY/FEBRUARY 2011 3
Help Veterans Get the at what has been and is going on.
Credit They Deserve What does surprise me is that this
information has not gotten traction
Several veteran groups are implor- with the American public. It should
ing legislatures, governors, boards be headline news. Other than some
of regents, and presidents of uni- veterans, who really knows that
versities and colleges to do right by these horrors still exist and are al-
servicemembers and veterans when lowed to continue? Why haven’t any
it comes to obtaining university and legislators spoken out about these
college credits for having completed atrocities? Joe Demarco, Jay, NY
comparable, equivalent federal mili-
tary school and courses. Universities I have just finished reading the ar-
and colleges should ask prospective ticles on burn pits, and I am shocked
students for evidence of “Military that these men and women have to
Schools and Courses completed.” be turned away for treatment, or
The practice should be part of the given some excuse as to why their
application process. Military service illness is not military related. I am
members and veterans, by virtue of a Vietnam veteran, and I can see
completing an armed forces service money each month. So I thought it that these men and women are get-
school, are often American Council of appropriate to say thanks by mak- ting just as much jacked around as
Education eligible for credit at tech- ing a monthly contribution from this we Vietnam vets have been. I was
nical, associate, baccalaureate and point on to the DAV. I realize this is totally saddened by the fact that
masters levels, reducing the number not that much and it certainly does Tech. Sgt. Tim Wymore is suffering
of courses they need to graduate. not express the amount of gratitude as much as he is. So where and what
Charles Hyder, Lawrenceville, GA my wife and I hold in our hearts for is the VA doing to help this hero and
the help DAV provided us in getting all of the others? DAV Magazine
Years ago, DAV helped me to secure that monthly compensation check. I sure hit home again this time. I am
disability compensation check from said it back then and I will say it again saddened by the way they are being
VA after I left military service. I had now—thank you for the aid your orga- treated. I salute you, Tim Wymore
no idea I was entitled to anything nization furnished me and making it and everyone else. Dave Betti, Oak
as I refused a medical review for possible for me to buy a home for my View, CA
disability retirement when I left the family. Ed Seward, Rochester, NY
Army. They told me that if I did not Concurrent Receipt
stay on duty for two more months I Burn Pit Story Stirs Outrage Still an Issue
was waiving claim to any payment I
might be entitled to from the Army I just received your November/ I saw in the November/December
for injuries. I only wanted to leave December issue of DAV Magazine. edition of DAV Magazine the DAV’s
and leave immediately. This monthly After reading the stories about burn Legislative Agenda for 2011. I
check arrived at a time when I was pits, I am appalled but not surprised see that concurrent receipt is still
struggling to start a new life for my on there but what is being done?
family as a civilian after eight years The pledge to support legislation
DAV Magazine welcomes let-
in the Army. The back payment that to remove the prohibition against
ters. However, due to the vol-
came with that first check was enough ume of mail, we are unable to
concurrent receipt of military retired
for a down payment on a home for acknowledge every letter. Letters pay and VA disability compensation
my family and the monthly com- are subject to editing for clarity, has been on the back burner long
pensation paid the house payments style, accuracy, space, and pro- enough. I retired in 1994, and be-
each month. I just finished paying priety. Letters involving individual came eligible to draw my retirement
off the last of the student loans for claims are referred to the DAV at age 60 in 2006. When will this
sending my three children through Service Department, DAV Maga- be corrected? Charles D. Lathem,
college and finally have a little extra zine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Carthage, MS
Ohio 45250-0301.
DAV MAGAZINE
4
By Jim Hall
DAV MAGAZINE
6
accountability at all levels. Of vital importance is that and ensure that injured and ill service members make a
quality control be built in at every step of the benefits seamless transition from military to civilian life.”
delivery process so veterans’ claims are decided cor- Among the report’s recommendations in this area:
rectly the first time. DoD and VA must continue to support the development
Another critical issue veterans face is ensuring that of a system that allows them to share electronic medical
VA receives sufficient, timely and predictable funding and military service records. This will require vigorous
for medical and health care services. Fortunately the oversight by Congress to ensure a seamless transition.
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency The critical issues report recommends particular
Act funded VA medical care this year even though Con- attention be paid to the needs of war veterans with a
gress failed to pass the Military Construction and Veter- variety of “invisible wounds” such as mild to moder-
ans Affairs Appropriations on time. As of this writing, ate traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress
Congress had not passed the 2011 VA appropriations disorder. Although great strides and advances have
because of political wrangling been made in the care for the
and legislative deadlock. As a physically wounded, both the
result, the larger VA system’s military and VA health care
budget has been temporarily systems must close gaps in the
funded at the previous year’s diagnosis, treatment and reha-
level. bilitation of less visible injuries.
To ensure that VA is not DAV also urges Congress to
further hampered in provid- authorize VA to provide a full
ing services and that advance range of medical, psychologi-
appropriations for fiscal year cal, financial and social support
2012 are provided for veterans services to family caregivers
medical care, Congress must of veterans, especially those
complete work on the overdue with brain and severe physical
spending bill as soon as prac- injuries.
ticable. Lawmakers also must In addition, the VA must
provide supplemental fund- continue to expand and enhance
ing in fiscal year 2011 and in treatment programs aimed
subsequent years to meet new at meeting the unique health
demands projected as a result needs of women veterans. The
of the caregivers legislation and number of women serving in
the new health care reform law. the military is at unprecedented levels, as is the rate at
The Administration, Congress and the Government which they enroll in VA health care after discharge.
Accountability Office must fully implement all provi- “While our government must ensure that programs
sions of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and are sufficiently funded and adapted to meet the needs of
Transparency Act to ensure sufficient, timely and pre- those who have served in the current wars, our nation
dictable funding for VA health care. The Administration must continue to meet the needs of earlier generations
and Congress also must provide adequate resources of war veterans,” Gorman said. “That is something the
for VA health care now and in the future so all eligible DAV has stressed and will continue to do so as we work
veterans would receive medical services without undue with the administration, Congress, DoD and VA to ad-
delays or restrictions. dress the critical issues facing disabled veterans and their
“Meeting the needs of new generations of war vet- families.”
erans and their families is a continuing challenge for The Independent Budget Critical Issues Report for
our government,” Gorman said. “The Department of Fiscal Year 2012 is available at www.independentbudget.
Defense (DoD) and VA must work together to sustain org, as will The Independent Budget when released in
effective care for all military beneficiaries and veterans February.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 7
Ground Broken
for Disabled Veterans Memorial
By Joseph R. Chenelly from the U.S. Botanic Garden to witness the first dirt
moved at the future site of the American Veterans Dis-
DAV MAGAZINE
8
Right, actor Gary Sinise,
the American Veterans
Disabled for Life Memo-
rial’s national spokes-
man, addresses hundreds
of disabled veterans
and active duty military
members on hand to wit-
ness the historic event.
Below, a military color
guard opens ground-
breaking ceremonies.
Bottom, National Com-
mander Wallace E. Tyson
stated “We are grateful
for all the support shown
by so many over the
years.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 9
our families and friends know about the courage and include the sale of commemorative coins. They are no
selflessness we saw. It will be a spot on which we can longer available through the United States Mint, but
reflect upon the brothers and sisters we loved, the con- the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation and
tributions made on behalf of our fellow Americans.” DAV still have a limited supply available online. For a
The memorial’s official spokesman Gary Sinise said virtual tour of the planned American Veterans Disabled
the tribute is long overdue. Sinise, star of TV’s “CSI: for Life Memorial and information on purchasing coins,
NY,” may be best known in the veterans community for visit www.avdlm.org or www.dav.org.
his role in the box office blockbuster “Forrest Gump,” “We are grateful for all the support shown by so many
in which his character, Lt. Dan Taylor, loses both legs in over the years,” said National Commander Wallace E.
Vietnam. Tyson. “DAV Departments, Chapters and individual
“We have many monuments and memorials to members have given so generously in this long, hard-
honor our fallen warriors from various wars, but there fought push to make the memorial a reality. Now, we
is nothing that has been done to pay tribute to disabled are almost there.”
veterans,” he said. “They have to live the rest of their
lives with the scars of the battle. [Building the memorial]
is the least we can do.”
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said
the memorial “will stand as an enduring tribute to the
towering courage, selfless sacrifice and steadfast loyalty
of all our disabled veterans.”
The Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation
board members include DAV Past DAV National Com-
manders Gene A. Murphy and Dennis A. Joyner; Diane
Musselmann, widow of Past National Commander and
Board member Kenneth Musselmann; Gordon Mans-
field, former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
Allen Kent, Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. DAV members attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
The foundation still needs to raise $3.2 million to
complete construction. Additional fundraising efforts
10 DAV MAGAZINE
VA Extends Efforts:
Get Claims Decided Right the First Time
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 11
DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY
JOSEPH A. VIOLANTE
f r o m t h e N AT I O N A L L E G I S L AT I V E D I R E C T O R
12 DAV MAGAZINE
12
Turning Up the Heat
for Veterans ...
Two plumbing heating and
cooling organizations ran
campaigns in the fall to
raise funds for DAV Na-
tional Service Programs.
Top,Wesley Holm, owner of
Thompson Plumbing, Heat-
ing and Cooling on far right
next to Barry Jesinoski,
DAV Director of Human
Resources with Thompson
Leadership Team and
Veterans holding the 2010
check for $30,240. Thomp-
son is headquartered in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bottom,Kenny Bell (far left)
and Jerry Bell (center),
owners of Bell Brothers
Heating & Air Condition-
ing, present a check of
$32,900 to Stephen Garrett
(far right), DAV National
Service Officer. Bell Broth-
ers is headquartered in
Sacramento, Calif.
DAV Soars
in 2010
The DAV Flight Team wrapped
up the 2010 airshow season
with a four-show swing through
Florida. This season saw the DAV
display, supported by the B-25
bombers Panchito and Special
Delivery, making stops at 23
airshows across the country.
The attendance at these shows
was nearly 3.5 million and the
DAV was able to directly reach
hundreds of thousands of at-
tendees to spread our message
of service to disabled veterans
and their families.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Fisher House
Foundation
Vice President
for Community
Relations and
Media Affairs
Cindy Campbell,
gets a tour of
the new Wash-
ington, D.C., VA
medical center
facility from site
superintendent
Jerry Silk.
DAV MAGAZINE
14
Air Force Base. Another to be “In addition to the structures,
opened in February at the Washing- Fisher House volunteers provide
ton, D.C., VA medical center will be meals and snacks for residents,
the 55th in the nation. help with housekeeping chores,
“Fisher houses were established to organize drives for products, and
be homes away from home for sick offer babysitting service and play
and disabled veterans and their fami- with the children to give parents a
lies,” said Fisher House Foundation break,” said Gorman. “Volunteers
Community Relations and Media Af- also garden around the houses and
fairs Vice President Cindy Campbell. plant seasonal flowers and shrubs.”
“When a veteran needs long-term Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher es-
medical treatment and rehabilita- tablished the Fisher House program
tion, the homes provide temporary in 1990 to fulfill the needs of veter-
residences that are professionally ans for temporary lodging facilities
decorated and equipped with com- for families at major military and
mon areas as well as private suites.” VA medical centers. The first Fisher
The houses are 5,000 to 16,000 House opened its doors at Bethesda
square feet with as many as 21 National Naval Medical Center in
suites,” she said. “The house at the 1991 and became the model for the
Washington, D.C., VA medical cen- network. Many more are planned,
ter will have 20 suites for resident mostly at VA medical centers.
veterans.” “Fisher House takes away all the
“Fisher Houses are built and do-
nated to the military or VA facility
to ensure that veterans are not bur-
dened with unnecessary expenses
when receiving care far from home,”
Gorman said. “They provide the
comfort of having family nearby as
veterans recover and rehabilitate.”
During a tour of the Washington,
D.C., VA medical center Fisher
House under construction, Camp- anxiety and the economic stress of Artist concept of Fisher House
at the Washington, D.C., VA
bell noted that each 20-suite home your health care,” said McCain. medical center.
will serve an estimated 1,000 families “Your family is there to take care of
a year. “They are built to last,” she you, and they have your care in their
said. “This Fisher House will serve highest interests.”
veterans who haven’t been born yet.” “I want everybody to know how
“The homes create an instant good Fisher House is,” he said. “Vet-
community for its residents,” said erans go to them from everywhere. I
Campbell. “The residents are united wish everyone has the chance to use
by their common mission supporting Fisher House if they need to. It adds
a sick or disabled loved one, but the so much to your care. Fisher House
homes also provide each individual makes you feel like a human being
with a secure and private refuge after and that you and your family matter.
a long day at the hospital.” It means everything to me.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 15
Deep brain
stimulation is a
treatment often
recommended for
patients who no
longerRecord Breaking
respond
(Continued from page 15)
well to Parkinson’s
medication alone.
Parkinson’s Treatment
their quality of life,” said Adjutant Wilson.
The study involved 299 randomly selected patients
with advanced Parkinson’s disease to undergo deep
DAV MAGAZINE
16
Leadership is Important at All Levels
SUSAN M. HENRY
f r o m t h e A U X I L I A R Y N AT I O N A L C O M M A N D E R
JANAURY/FEBRUARY 2011 17
Achilles Freedom Team
Wraps Up 2010 Season
The Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans
enjoyed a race season of unprecedented success
thanks in part to the financial support of the DAV’s
Charitable Service Trust. The mission of the team
is to provide racing opportunities and athletic
equipment to newly injured veterans. Over the past
year, nearly 300 veterans raced or trained with
Achilles and the team participated in races across
the country, including the New York, Boston and
Marine Corps Marathons. Adding to an unprec-
edented year of success was a special visit from
Britain’s Prince Harry, above, who brought two
injured British soldiers to take part in the Achilles
Hope and Possibility five-mile race in New York.
DAV MAGAZINE
18
Testimonial Dinner for Commander Wallace E. Tyson
Testimonial Dinner 23. Make your check payable to night for a double or a single. Valet
for Auxiliary Commander DAVA Department of Tennessee parking is $10 per day. The cut-off
Testimonial Dinner and mail to date for room reservations is March
Susan Henry Ruth Henry, 4465 Tracy Lynn Dr., 17.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 19
20
DAV MAGAZINE
PHOTO: OUTPOST RESTREPO
Dispatches from Afghanistan’s
Valleyof Death
By Rob Lewis
Photographer Tim Hetherington shares his experiences from Outpost Restrepo
I
n 2007, the war in Afghanistan ran a distant second to Iraq in competition for the attention of the American
public, even though a fierce battle was raging against a resurgent Taliban and an increasingly powerful al
Qaeda.
That same year, author Sebastian Junger (The Perfect Storm) and acclaimed photographer Tim Hetherington
dug in with the soldiers of Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne in the Korengal Valley, a stark, craggy basin of
Kunar Province often referred to as the deadliest place on Earth.
Perhaps “dug in” isn’t the right term. The company leaders made a bold decision to go farther into the “Valley
of Death” than soldiers on previous rotations. This meant Battle Company soldiers engaged in an average of four
to five firefights a day for nearly 14 months.
One of Battle Company’s first losses was its spirited medic, Pfc. Juan Restrepo. To honor their fallen comrade,
the soldiers named their new home Outpost Restrepo. The glorified bunker served as a home and a thin line of
defense for the soldiers, who formed a close bond under hellish conditions.
The assignment at Restrepo turned out to be a wealth of inspiration for the two civilians. The assignment
was originally for a Vanity Fair article on soldiers fighting in the Korengal. Junger interviewed the soldiers and
handled the written word while Hetherington captured dozens of rich and
expressive photographs.
Hetherington also used his keen eye to capture hours of video footage
which was combined with post-deployment interviews of Battle Company
soldiers to create the documentary film “Restrepo.” The award-winning
documentary premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and went on to
earn high praise from critics for its unblinking soldier’s eye view of relentless
combat.
“Restrepo” received a nationwide theatrical release last year and is available
on DVD. For more information, visit http://restrepothemovie.com/.
Tim Hetherington Next came Junger’s book, War, a visceral and thoughtful meditation on life
and death at Restrepo as well as the very nature of man and battle. The book
was met with critical acclaim and still holds a spot on various bestseller lists.
And now comes the release of Infidel, an exquisite bound collection of Hetherington’s camera work in the
Korengal Valley. Infidel captures life for the often weary Battle Company soldiers with an almost surreal intimacy.
The book is now available for sale at stores and through online booksellers.
Hetherington recently sat down with DAV Magazine to talk about Infidel and the life-changing experience at
Outpost Restrepo.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 21
DAV: Your time in the Korengal Valley was longer and This was my first time with American soldiers, and I
more intense than many embeds. Were you prepared was really impressed by them. They were a disciplined
for this experience by past assignments, or was this and tough bunch, but being up at Outpost Restrepo
something completely different? with them was also fun because they all had a great sense
of humor. When I did need to leave the Korengal, I’d
Tim Hetherington: I’ve covered conflicts for over ten always end up missing being there and was constantly
plus years and have been in some pretty demanding situ- wondering what was going on. Also, as a European,
ations, but every war has a different dynamic, so it’s hard I’d had East and West Coast experience of the U.S., but
to make comparisons about this one being more or less. within the platoon there were people from all places and
What was certainly different was the amount of time backgrounds, so I was keen to learn a lot more about
I spent with the guys, about five months in total, all of the U.S.
it in the Korengal Valley during their deployment. Get- I guess one of the main things, is that I really expected
ting to know them, being accepted into the group and to be much more heavily controlled by the military in
sharing experiences with them was a profound experi- terms of the work I was making. In fact, we weren’t
ence and one which I will carry for the rest of my life. censored at all, and that was important because we’ve
That was certainly different. I mean, I was once embed- managed to make a work that is honest to us and to the
ded with a rebel army in Liberia but did not manage to soldiers. It’s a warts-and-all view of things out there
share as much as I did with the men of second platoon. — the good and the bad — but it’s also done with a lot
I definitely didn’t expect the experience to be as ki- of affection. And that really resonates for the civilians
netic as it was. Remember that my colleague Sebastian back home who don’t really understand the experience
Junger and I went there in 2007 when the world was of what it’s like to be a soldier but who don’t want to be
firmly focused on Iraq. I thought I was going on a quiet fed military propaganda.
assignment for Vanity Fair, and I expected there would
be a lot of walking in the mountains, meeting elders and DAV: How do you think being British colors your
drinking cups of tea and occasionally getting shot at. perspective of the American soldier? Did this change
Nothing prepared me for the reality that the war in after your experiences at Restrepo?
Afghanistan was slipping out of control, and by the end
of October 2007, about a fifth of all fighting across the
entire country was taking place in that six-mile-long
valley.
DAV: What was it like to be an artist in the midst of
warriors? Did you find yourself or your perception of
the American military changing?
DAV MAGAZINE
22
Hetherington: I spent eight years living away from the of significance and meaning to their lives. It’s no wonder
U.K. and haven’t been embedded with British troops, they come home and actually miss being “out there,” a
so I can’t make a military comparison. However, I think fact that most civilians can’t get their heads around.
Brits are culturally more cynical that Americans; it’s in
our genes to be pessimistic. Think of all that bad weather DAV: Describe what it is like to view war through a
and the fact that Britain has already fought wars in Af- lens. How is it different than, say, a sniper who also
ghanistan. So I’d have these conversations with Sebastian sees much of combat through a lens?
about whether the U.S. was going to succeed building a
road through the valley as they had planned. Sebastian Hetherington: I’ve never been a sniper or carried a
was the optimistic American saying that they’d succeed, weapon in war, so it’s hard for me to make a comparison.
and I was the pessimistic Brit saying that it wouldn’t work. What I do know is that I would put myself in very dan-
But as for the soldiers themselves, I liked them from gerous situations when filming or photographing. It’s like
the start and found a common bond. Sometimes I think I have an “off” switch in my head that I hit when I have
being a Brit actually helped because I was not part of to go and do something that is dangerous which leaves
their society but at the same time a bit of an object of me able to focus on the job I’ve got to do. In some ways,
curiosity... I mean they all used to [give me a hard time], I imagine it’s a bit like soldiers who are trained to stand
and I’d throw it back at them for being Yanks, which all up in a firefight and shoot back. They put themselves at
made us laugh. risk but are so focused on the job that they can overcome
their fear. I remember one time in the Korengal when Tad
DAV: How much are journalists accepted by the mili- Donoho was firing a [grenade launcher] from his knees
tary in Afghanistan? At Restrepo? Is it different there as we were being attacked by insurgents. I was about a
than at other parts of the combat theater because of foot or so from him also on my knees and filming him.
the intensity and the intimacy of that small firebase? Later he asked me if I had seen the tracers pass between our
heads. I hadn’t, but I later returned to the spot where we’d
Hetherington: It’s hard for me to make sweeping gen- been and saw the trees were completely chewed up. I hadn’t
eralizations, but on the whole I think the U.S. military noticed it at all because I’d been so consumed with what I
understands that journalism is important and that trying was filming. I felt pretty shaken up thinking about it.
to censor journalism is really something that we expect
from places like China or Iran. The soldiers get this too, DAV: Tell us one story that best sums up the experi-
and often on Facebook I read postings by soldiers say- ence of being there in that firebase with those soldiers.
ing that they were fighting to support democratic ideals
like freedom of speech. You know, one of the really Hetherington: There are so many that it’s hard for me
amazing things about the guys out there is that they to pinpoint something that could be representative. I
also understood that they were fighting for people who was on the same combat operation where Sal Giunta
opposed the war, and they accepted that. Their tolerance earned the Medal of Honor (he’s the first living recipient
is something society at home would do well to emulate. since Vietnam) for stopping insurgents from dragging
Perhaps this was because all that was important was away his friend Joshua Brennan during a close quarter
being a good soldier and making sure that you didn’t ambush. Sal represents the best of Battle Company —
get anyone else, or yourself, killed. I think that being tough and humble. He’s quick to remind people that
in so much combat in a remote outpost like Outpost other soldiers, including all the guys in First Platoon,
Restrepo did have some kind of positive effect on them. were also part of that action. Like I’ve been saying, it’s
I mean, the group bond was incredibly strong. As one a big family.
soldier said, “There are guys in the platoon that outright
hate each other, but they would all die for each other.” “Restrepo” is available on DVD. Sebastian Junger’s
So he’s talking about a brotherhood rather than a friend- War and Tim Hetherington’s Infidel are available from
ship that is particularly profound and which adds a lot bookstores and online retailers.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 23
Becky Keith, associate professor
of physical therapy at Arkansas
State University and Beck
PRIDE Center physical therapy
coordinator, conducts physical
rehabilitation with disabled
veterans Dustin Stinson and
Shannon Doyle Reed.
DAV MAGAZINE
24
for vets in 2010. Areas ranked to de- learning to enter voluntarily into an
termine the best for vets rating were agreement with VA to fund tuition
financial assistance, academic flex- and fee expenses that exceed the The DAV Charitable Service
ibility, campus culture and support highest public in-state undergradu-
services. The university netted five ate tuition rate. The institution can Trust awarded the center
out of five stars for support services. contribute a specified dollar amount a $37,500 grant in 2008
The Beck PRIDE Center was of those expenses and VA will match
founded in October 2007. It is a the same amount as the institution to provide specialized
non-profit program housed in the not to exceed 50 percent of the rehabilitation services,
College of Nursing and Health difference. This adds even greater
Professions. The program, designed financial aid opportunities for veter- mental health counseling,
to supplement VA and other federal ans attending the university.
educational support and
and state programs, is a one-stop Services include but are not limited
shop for veterans to have their needs to counseling veterans on their edu- additional support services
assessed and provides resources cation benefits, as well as GED refer-
and referrals to meet those needs. ral; college enrollment, financial aid for veterans injured in
The services are provided free to and scholarships; advising, planning military service.
wounded veterans, including those and tutoring; disability accommoda-
with traumatic brain injury (TBI) tions; a veteran work study program;
and post-traumatic stress disorder student-soldier networking and Staff Sgt. Dustin Stinson (in
(PTSD). advocacy; and mentoring. uniform), with fellow combat-
wounded veteran Shannon
The university also recently Among other opportunities avail- Doyle Reed, right, and other
became a participant in the Yellow able is the Governor Mike Beebe veterans undergo orientation
Ribbon Program, created by the Veterans Scholarship Fund. Scholar- on accommodation services
for veterans with hearing
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational ships are awarded through the Sigma disabilities. Stinson and Reed
Assistance Act of 2008. The pro- Pi Educational Foundation. They were injured while serving in
the 875TH Arkansas National
gram allows institutions of higher are designed to fund post-secondary Guard Combat Engineer
Battalion in Iraq.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 25
financial assistance for wounded “When a veteran signs up for Dustin Stinson.
and disabled veterans participating the program, we take on the whole Stinson is a staff sergeant in the
in the Beck PRIDE program. family because families, spouses and Arkansas Army National 875th
Beyond education assistance, children often need assistance, too,” Combat Engineer Battalion. He suf-
the center provides personal reha- Tonymon said. fers a hearing loss, TBI and PTSD as
bilitation services such as physical Assistance for family members a result of a roadside bomb in Iraq.
therapy, nutrition counseling and can include child care, housing and “The center is awesome,” Stinson
other health related services; men- individual and family counseling said. “When I first came to the cen-
tal health services, which include in an effort to help the veteran and ter, I had problems with depression
resources for individual, family and family succeed. and anger. I wasn’t sure I could do
group counseling, substance abuse But it’s not all about educating the this, but Ms. Tonymon put me on
treatment resources, and other veteran. The institution also benefits the right path to the resources I
information and seminars; informa- from the veteran experience. needed to succeed.”
tion about community services, vet- “It’s so rewarding to provide vet- Stinson finished a telecommu-
erans’ benefits, employment, finance erans with education opportunities nications program last year and is
services and more; and small busi- and see them pursue their passion currently in his freshman year at the
ness development services covering and work to achieve it,” Tonymon university working toward a major
a variety of veteran-entrepreneur said. “I am most impressed by the in computer information technology.
education and training courses such character and drive wounded veter- “The atmosphere here at the
as business development, financing ans have as they transition from the center is very comfortable,” Stinson
and operations guidance. military to realize their post-combat said. “You are around other veterans
“It behooves institutions of career dreams. As educators, we face and everything is geared to help
higher education to address the a challenge, too. We need to under- you succeed. At first, I didn’t think
needs of returning veterans and stand military culture and how to I would have the money to go to
their dependents,” Beck PRIDE get the most out of the rich experi- college, but they showed me how
Center Director Susan Tonymon ence veterans bring to the education to find the resources to afford it and
said. “Veterans have earned benefits environment.” provided the assistance to get the
to pursue higher education, and we Since opening the center has pro- paperwork to the right people.
need to deliver on it. That’s what we vided opportunities and assistance “I’m hoping to stay out of fac-
are trying to do.” for nearly 200 disabled veterans, like tory work and build a productive
career in an atmosphere that is PTSD
friendly, and the center is helping me
to get there.”
Helping the veterans “get there”
and achieve their education, career
and life goals is what Beck PRIDE
is all about.
For more information about the
Beck PRIDE Center at Arkansas
State University visit their Web site at
www2.astate.edu/cpi/beckpride.
DAV MAGAZINE
26
DR. CHARLES W. EDWARDS, JR.
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
f r o m t h e N AT I O N A L C H A P L A I N
I woke up early today excited about all the many things I would do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have many responsibilities to fulfill today. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting
watered free.
Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money in my pocket or I can be glad that my finances
encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am still alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel
grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new
relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today stretches ahead of me waiting to be shaped, and here I am the sculptor who gets to do the
shaping.
What today and 2011 will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day and year I will have.
I extend to all of you God’s blessings for this another year, 2011.
JANAURY/FEBRUARY 2011 27
A Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter lands at a lot adjacent to the Golden Corral in
Georgetown, Ky. The helicopter became one of several static military displays and part of an evening of
special events honoring veterans on Military Appreciation Monday.
DAV MAGAZINE
28
settling in to assist outreach and fundraising efforts in
Fayetteville, N.C. As Department Adjutant, the Com-
mander said he knows firsthand how important Military
Appreciation Monday is for local DAV Chapters.
“You see more ‘free’ offers going out to veterans this
time of year, which is great, but no one comes close to
the impact Golden Corral has on the community as a
whole,” he said. “And it’s not just a free meal or fund-
raising. There’s outreach going on. People are learning
about their benefits and making friends. They’re getting
a ‘thanks’ for their service and sacrifices and feeling like
they’re a part of it all again.”
Commander Tyson said the event serves as a
springboard for benefiting Chapters and Departments
throughout the year.
“When the economy suffers, disabled veterans are
disproportionately impacted by unemployment. The
needs rise as the funds dry up,” he said. “Golden Corral
has stayed on course. They’ve been a steadfast partner
for 10 years now. And they’ve made the event bigger
every year. They’ve built a loyal following with veterans
and military members through this event. Their food is
fantastic, but it’s a place we can go where we feel ap-
preciated and know that people at every level value our
service.”
In addition to a free dinner, attendees at the George-
town, Ky., Military Appreciation Monday are treated
to a full agenda. A Blackhawk helicopter lands in an
adjacent lot, the Kentucky Air
National Guard assem-
bles a mini-replica C-130
Hercules Aircraft, a pa-
triotic singer performs,
speakers thank attendees
and raffles and other fun-
draising activities raise
money for the DAV.
(Continued on page 33)
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 29
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 31
31
David Alexander and Pauline, his wife of
more than 58 years, stroll through their
new assisted living facility residence. The
Alexanders suffer from Alzheimer’s disease
and were assisted by the DAV.
DAV MAGAZINE
32
Golden Corral
(Continued from page 29)
In a three-hour period, some 529 veterans were
served, and from Sept. 27 to when the doors closed the
night of Nov. 15, the location raised $11,777 for local
DAV service initiatives. Both the number of participat-
ing veterans and the amount of money raised reflected a
steady increase from previous years.
According to Ray Wolf, General Manager of the loca-
tion in Georgetown, the event is the highlight of the year
for his staff members. In three hours, they serve more
meals than in any other single day of the year except
Department of Oklahoma Commander Paul Parham
Mother’s Day. presents a Navy cap to Brent Nash, operating partner
“It’s an extreme volume. It takes a lot of work. But we of the Warr Acres Golden Corral in Oklahoma City.
The Department raised more than $121,000 at
don’t cut any corners. We know we have some very spe- Golden Corral restaurants this year alone.
cial guests and we go all out,” said Wolf. “Our people are
wearing patriotic hats and attire. The staff is happy to give invited to the restaurant’s Christmas party,” Sparks said.
something back. They know many of our customers by “Each year we’re kicking out bigger and better ideas for
name, but they especially know who their veterans are.” the event and doing more in our community. The team
“We’re true partners. We work together on every- at Golden Corral believes in what we’re doing and we
thing. We’re treated like family. Our members are even couldn’t do it without them.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 33
Razorbacks Set
to Roll ...
Department of Ar-
kansas Commander
John Donovan,
second from left, De-
partment Treasurer
Robert Ellis, left, and
Department Adjutant
James Parker, right,
accept the donation
of a Mobile Service
Office from Little
Rock National Service
Office Supervisor
Paulino Acosta.
DAV MAGAZINE
34
USS CADMUS (AR-14)-May 12-15, 2011, USS SEMINOLE (AKA/LKA-104)-April 27-
Savannah, Georgia, Contact: Robert Baschmann, 30, 2011, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Contact: Nick Haas,
Reunions - Because of increasing Telephone: (716) 655-5415, Email: mcaanreunion@
yahoo.com.
Telephone: (918) 398-9600, Email: chicksandcows@
windstream.com.
number of requests and the space limi- USS CAMBRIA (APA-36)-April 14-17, 2011, USS SOLEY (DD-707)-May 12-16, 2011, Nashville,
Pensacola, Florida, Contact: Andrew Henry, Jr., Tennessee, Contact: Harland H. Hamm, Telephone:
tations of our magazine, we must limit Telephone: (703) 660-8602, Email: usscambria@ (701) 540-1178, Email: lthamm@yahoo.com, Web
gmail.com. site: www.usssoley.org.
publications of unit reunions to one USS CARPENTER (DD-825)-April 28-May 2, 2011, USS STEINAKER (DD/DDR-863)-April 28-May 1,
Warwick, Rhode Island, Contact: Joel Weinbaum, 2011, Jacksonville, Florida, Contact: Russell Noble,
time only. Send such notices at least six Telephone: (256) 351-8552, Email: smokycolors@ Telephone: (231) 944-2148, Email: olnoble@att.net,
yahoo.com. Web site: www.usssteinakerreunion.com.
months in advance to: Reunions, DAV USS DUNCAN (DDR-874)-May 1-5, 2011, Las USS TARAWA (CV/CVA/CVS-40)-April 28-May 1,
Vegas, Nevada, Contact: David M. Walrod, Sr., 2011, Baltimore, Maryland, Contact: Cliff Gardner,
Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Telephone: (513) 523-8880, Email: david_walrod@ Telephone: (401) 539-1149.
hotmail.com, Web site: www.ussduncan.org or www. USS YELLOWSTONE (AD-27)-May 18-22, 2011,
OH 45250-0301. Thank you...the Edi- MilitaryReunionPlanners.com/Duncan. South Portland, Maine, Contact: Paul W. Bowen,
USS GEN. H. W. BUTNER (AP/TAP-113)-May 12- Telephone: (352) 854-1387, Email: bowp@att.net.
tors. 16, 2011, Norfolk, Virginia, Contact: James M. Jack,
Telephone: (757) 488-2858, Email: jsailorjack@aol.com.
USS GENERAL W. A. MANN REUNION ASSN.-
April 28-30, 2011, Mobile, Alabama, Contact: Walter
Baker, Telephone: (850) 934-1671, Email: resjoy@
cox.net. AIR FORCE
USS MARIAS (AO-57)-May 12-15, 2011, 494TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) REUNION
ARMY Savannah, Georgia, Contact: Gillette Todd,
2ND INFANTRY REGIMENT-May 12-15, 2011, WWII – 7TH ARMY AIR FORCE-April 28-May 2,
Telephone: (815) 238-8369, Email: mcaanreunion@ 2011, Northbrook, Illinois, Contact: Marshall L.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Contact: Juan Santiago, yahoo.com.
Telephone: (321) 259-7494, Email: decoy64to70@ Keller, Telephone: (248) 626-3684.
USS PAWCATUCK (AO-108)-May 9-12, 2011, 601ST, 615TH AIRCRAFT CONTROL & WARNING
aol.com. Chattanooga, Tennessee, Contact: David Willis,
6TH & 7TH BATTALIONS, 15TH ARTILLERY, SQUADRON (GERMANY) — May 1-6, 2011, Biloxi,
Telephone: (623) 214-9835, Email: dwshs53@aol. Mississippi, Contact: Francis Gosselin, Telephone:
VIETNAM 1967-1971-May 12-15, 2011, Branson, com.
Missouri, Contact: John Caldwell, Telephone: (703) (352) 588-9295, Email: fgosselin@tampabay.rr.com.
USS PORTSMOUTH (CL-102) 1945-1949-April FIREBASE AIRBORNE ASHAU VALLEY 1969,
922-6324, Email: john6361@gmail.com. 28-May 2, 2011, Herndon, Virginia, Contact:
73RD TANK BATTALION AND 73RD ARMOR 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION, 2/319, 2/11
Walt Hohner, Telephone: (732) 463-1745, Email: FIELD ARTILLERY, 2-501-1506-3-187
DIVISION-May 11-15, 2011, Pigeon Forge, WPHohner@aol.com.
Tennessee, Contact: Curtis Banker, Telephone: (518) INFANTRY AND OTHERS-May 13-14, 2011,
USS PURDY (DD-734)-April 13-17, 2011, Branson, Missouri, Contact: Dean Seematter,
643-2302, Email: dmbanker-curtis@northnet.org. Chattanooga, Tennessee, Contact: Larry DiPasquale,
815TH ENGINEER BATTALION Telephone: (785) 292-4922, Email: J.Herman33@
Telephone: (610) 433-4787, Email: chiefdi@juno.com. att.net.
(CONSTRUCTION)-May 12-13, 2011, Ft. Leonard
Wood, Missouri, Contact: Larry Saul, Telephone:
(706) 201-6001, Email: 815thEngr@gmail.com.
8605TH AAU; 5TH ASA FS; DET 5, 2ND SIG SVC
BN-April 7-10, 2011, Jacksonville, Florida, Contact:
Dick Dixon, Telephone: (601) 485-7567.
86TH CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION ASSN.-
May 4-8, 2011, Nashville, Tennessee, Contact:
George Murray, Telephone: (256) 820-4415.
ANZIO BEACHHEAD VETERANS OF 1944 -
WWII-April 27-30, 2011, Branson, Missouri,
Contact: Clyde E. Easter, Telephone: (276) 728-
7293.
ARMY COUNTER INTELLIGENCE CORPS
VETERANS, INC.-May 15-19, 2011, New Orleans,
Louisiana, Contact: Dick Snyder, Telephone: (813)
634-4489, Email: rsnyder63@tampabay.rr.com.
MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER, 11TH AIRBORNE
DIVISION ASSN. AND FORMER MEMBERS OF
THE 11TH AIR ASSAULT DIVISION AND THE
187TH ARCT-February 27-March 2, 2011, Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina, Contact: Herbert Shapiro,
Telephone: (410) 827-6410, Email: HLSHAP@
atlanticbb.net.
MARINES
FOXTROT 2/1 NUI LOC SON, JAN-APR
1967-April 21-23, 2011, Virginia Beach, Virginia,
Contact: Mike Snyder, Telephone: (757) 652-7303,
Email: skcs1989@yahoo.com.
MARINE AMMUNITION COMPANY-May 11-13,
2011, Quantico, Virginia, Contact: Tom Crotty,
Telephone: (513) 451-4694, Email: tomandcar@
fuse.net.
New Arrival …
Chapter 22 recently received a U.S. Army M56 Scorpion tank which
NAVY is displayed outside the Chapter home in Belleville, N.J. The Pica-
USS AMPHION (AR-13)-May 12-15, 2011,
Savannah, Georgia, Contact: Todd Gillette, tinny Arsenal, near Dover, N.J., donated the non-operational tank
Telephone: (815) 238-8369, Email: mcaanreunion@ to Chapter 22 following efforts by Chapter members to obtain a
yahoo.com.
USS ARCADIA (AD-33)-May 12-15, 2011,
vehicle to display at the Chapter. This M56 Scorpion was an unar-
Savannah, Georgia, Contact: Todd Gillette, mored self-propelled anti-tank gun deployed with the 173d Airborne
Telephone: (815) 238-8369, Email: mcaanreunion@ Brigade during the Vietnam War.
yahoo.com.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 35
lege and graduated from George Washington University
Former Service Director Reached and the DAV’s National Service Officers’ training course
Out to Vietnam Veterans at The American University in Washington, D.C. He
was appointed National Service Director in 1970, and
n John J. Keller, who served as National Service Direc- was charged with recruiting and training Vietnam War
tor from 1970 to 1976, passed away Nov. 5. He veterans to join DAV’s professional staff.
was 88 years old. He retired from DAV in 1976.
A World War II veteran, Keller was stationed “One of DAV’s most impressive out-
at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack reach initiatives under Keller’s leadership
and served in several campaigns throughout was the Field Service Unit program,”
the Pacific. He was medically discharged after Adjutant Wilson said. “Those offices
incurring a severe back injury and contracting on wheels enabled our NSOs to take
malaria during military service. their services to veterans in the suburbs
“John Keller was among the National and rural areas of America, often distant
Organization’s top leaders at a critical period from DAV’s National Service Offices.
in our history,” National Adjutant Arthur H. It is forward thinking and direct action
Wilson said. “He was instrumental in extend- Keller such as that which has made the DAV
ing DAV’s outreach to the nation’s veterans, especially the nation’s premier veterans service organization.
those returning from the Vietnam War, who now make The veterans and their families and survivors we serve
up the bulk of our membership.” owe much to the leadership and compassionate service
Keller joined the DAV in November 1945 and served that John Keller provided on a daily basis. He will be
as the National Service Office Supervisor in Wilkes- sorely missed, but his legacy of service and outreach to
Barre, Pa., from 1947 to 1964. He attended Wilkes Col- veterans lives on.”
Yes Santa, There is a Virginia … Leaders of the DAV Combining Chapters Thrift Stores in Hampton Roads,
Va., present a $25,000 donation to officials of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. It was one of three
donations made last fall by the 13 Chapters that operate thrift stores in the six-city area. In all, donations
totaling $85,000 were made to food banks and the Hampton VA medical center.
DAV MAGAZINE
36
Steven Girdler
Machine Mechanic
Beth Lambert
Mail Center
Gift Processing
Specialist