WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (September 12, 2010) – The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) held its first Annual Disabled Veterans Event on September 11, 2010 at the Lion’s Club Pavilion, Jim Barnett Park, Winchester, Virginia  from 11AM to 3PM.  All proceeds will go to help veterans from the greater Winchester area obtain the accessible and affordable housing that truly allows them to live in their homes in the same way as all those without disabilities do.

The event had a family atmosphere where everyone enjoyed a grand ole fashion outdoor picnic with friends, veterans, of course, honored guests.  There was plenty of food, games for the kids, entertainment and so much more.  John S. Lewandowski, DVCH President & CEO, and Massanutten Military Academy conducted a very special ceremony at which family members who suffered terrible losses on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon in Washington DC, and a local Marine who is serving our country and received injuries in Iraq were honored.

The event included: Members of the “Rolling Thunder VA, Chapter 1”, an “All American Street Car Show”, and the Apple Capital Chorus, among others.  For the children there was an All Star Moon Walk & Slide and Face Painting.  Guests included: the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Valley Chapter #3572 Honor Guard, Winchester, Virginia; Miss Virginia USA 2010, Samantha Casey; Miss Apple Blossom 2010 and 1^st Runner-up for Miss Virginia 2010, Shannon Beam. At the event were veterans from the Martinsburg VA Medical Center, West Virginia; The Old Soldiers Home, Washington DC; and many local veterans.  We had three distinguished guests, Mr. Edward Christianson, who served in the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Alfred Mazzoli, who served on Saipan and Iwo Jima and a Marine who served in Vietnam and was injured and continue to serve for 23 years total, Mr. John Gutter.

As with every Event, there were many behind the scenes people who made it all possible and they are as follows:

The Boy Scout of Troop 45, Winchester, Virginia
Members & their wives from the Knights of Columbus, Chapter #3572
Miss Daphne Mize & her son DeRian
Sgt Jacob Ferguson, USMC, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Cpl Joshua Silva, USMC, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Mr. Bob Flynn – special thanks for all you accomplished
Jay Skidmore – for your generous time you gave
Mr. Al Silva – Our Chef for the Event
Sharleen A. Dass, Veterans Administration, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Tammy Robinson, Department of Social Security, Virginia
Winchester Fire & Rescue, Virginia

What was so extraordinary is how the vendors who we contacted responded and gave to support the September 11 event.  These organizations include:

Huhtamaki, Inc., (Chinet) NA, Kansas
Washington Redskins Organization, Virginia
Major League Baseball, New York
Awards for Anything Corporation, Virginia
Dietz & Watson Meats, Pennsylvania
Mr. Takeout Bags, Pennsylvania
WNA Products, Tennessee
Hatfield Meat Company, Pennsylvania
Fessers Foodservice Distributors, Pennsylvania
PlaqueMakers.com, Indiana
Hershey Creamery, Virginia
H & B Bakeries, Virginia

Bender Hammerling Group, New Jersey
Reckitt Benckiser/French’s Foods, New Jersey
Garber’s Ice Cream, Virginia
HP Hood Dairy, Virginia
Winchester Business Services, Virginia
Home Market Foods, Massachusetts
Dixie Beverage Company, Virginia
SegMark Corporation, Virginia
Winchester Printers, Virginia
Winchester Cold Storage, Virginia
Reddy Ice Plant, West Virginia
Valley Ice, Virginia

If there is a veteran who needs assistance on any matter that we can help with, please contact those DVCH officials in their respective areas:

WINCHESTER – John S. Lewandowski at  DVCH123@gmail.com or 540-877-1252.

FRONT ROYAL – Daphne R. Mize at  DRM.DVCH@gmail.com or 540-636-6380.

RICHMOND – Christopher L. Brown at  CBrownVET@gmail.com or 804-922-1314.

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (May 28, 2010) – The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing held our 1st Annual Northern Shenandoah Community event to honor and to thank our men and women in uniform. The event is to bring awareness of the challenges they face each and every day for protecting our neighborhoods and our community. The event was held at Shenandoah University’s School of Pharmacy, Winchester, Virginia. There will be many dignitaries on hand to “Meet & Greet” and great entertainment.

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Many of our local community dignitaries at the event had taken their time to meet and greet members of the local community, such as Mayor’s from Winchester, Berryville, Front Royal, Stephen City, Middletown and also our local Police, Fire and Rescue Chief’s. We ask that you think about the sacrifices of our police, fire fighters, rescue personnel and all others in uniform as they all warrant our respect and gratitude for our safety. Mayor Elizabeth Minor proclaimed this day officially as “Remembering & Recognizing our Men and Women in Uniform Day”.

Want couldn’t have had the success that we had for this event without thanking our Keynote Speakers, James A. Thur, Northern Virginia Wounded Warrior’s Program and Christopher M. Price, Executive Director, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and our Special Guests, Chinah Helmandollar, Miss Virginia 2009 and Shannon Beam our very own Miss Apple Blossom 2010, and Ms Sherry Allen, Valley Health Wellness Services, whose father was a Prisioner of War in World War II. We also want to thank Brianna and Tyler Hudnall of the Life in the Word Church of Jesus Christ, Inc., Day Care for their outstanding tribute to our men and women in uniform, and to United States Marine Corps Recruiters, Mr. Jeffrey Hartman, Handley High School, and Mr. DeRian Mize, Front Royal, Virginia.

As in all great community events there are people behind the scenes that make all events such a success and they are merchants and vendors that help our event with donations and we want to thank them for making this event a great success:

Wal-Mart Superstore #3344, Winchester, Virginia 22603
Wal-Mart Superstore #1406, Winchester, Virginia 22601
Target Store #T-1234, Legge Blvd, Winchester, Virginia 22601
Flowers by Snelling, Winchester, Virginia
Smalt’s Flowers, Winchester, Virginia
Winchester Floral Shop, Winchester, Virginia
Martin’s Food Stores, Rivendell Court, Winchester, Virginia
Martin’s Food Store, Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, Virginia
Stroehmann Bread Company, Winchester, Virginia
Olive Garden Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Red Lobster, Winchester, Virginia
Perkins Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Popeye’s Chicken, Winchester, Virginia
Cracker Barrel, Old Country Store, Winchester, Virginia
Chinatown Kitchen Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Applebee’s Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Shoney’s Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Violino Restorante, Winchester Virginia
Venice Italian Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia
Golden Corral, Winchester, Virginia
Panera Bread, Winchester, Virginia
Heavenly Hams, Winchester, Virginia
Pizza Hut, Winchester, Virginia
Papa John’s Pizza, Winchester, Virginia
Anthony’s Pizza, Valley Ave, Winchester, Virginia
Domino’s Pizza, Wilson Boulevard, Winchester, VA
Coca Cola Beverage, Hagerstown, MD
B.J. Sagers, Inc., Winchester, Virginia
Hershey Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia
Garber’s Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia
Da Da’s Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia

As with all great events we have to have sponsor that contributed to help in the arrangements for our event and I want to especially thank the following for all their help in making this event so successful:

Grand Home Furnishing, Winchester, Virginia
R. L. Seely Homes, LLC, Woodford, Virginia
Dr. Melissa Seely-Morgan, DeKalb Medical – Hillandale Campus, Atlanta, GA
The George Washington Hotel, Winchester, Virginia
Apple Federal Credit Union, Fairfax, Virginia
Shenandoah Motors, Front Royal, Virginia
Winchester Printers, Winchester, Virginia
The Green-Men Landscape, Winchester, Virginia

A Special Thank You to the FAITH Network, Woodstock, Virginia
Ron, Melanie, Christie

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing can’t begin to thank the many volunteers that took their time to help us make this event such a success, we can’t begin to tell you all their names but they were there and did whatever was asked of them. Our gratitude to each and every one of them for a job well done.

Please see our WEBSITE: www.DVCHVets.org, to see all the photo’s of our event and we are having a special honor by the FAITH Network, that filmed the entire event and we will have a DVD available soon of the day of friendship and a express of gratitude to all of our Men and Women in Uniform.

We all at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing are working feverishly with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Eric Shinseki’s mandate given in 2009 to end homelessness among veterans and their families. We ask that you think about the veterans and their family’s for their sacrifices they made for our families for the safety or our Nation and our communities safety. (There are reports of over 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States).

If you know a veteran that is homeless or has needs please contact us at 540-877-1252 or send an email to DVCH123@gmail.com. You can see all the services that the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing offers can be seen on our website.

New Accessible Home”

657 Red Level Lane, South Hill, Virginia

Saturday – March 20, 2010 at 11 AM

SOUTH HILL, VIRGINIA (March 21, 2010) – The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing provided a “Groundbreaking Ceremony” to celebrate the beginning of construction of the new accessible home for former U.S. Army Sergeant Major (SGM) Andrew Shepherd of South Hill, Virginia .  The 11:00 am ceremony took place at the site of the new home which will be located at 657 Red Level Lane, South Hill, Virginia 23970.  SGM Shepherd, a highly decorated soldier had

served three (3) tours with distinction in the Vietnam War, is now a 100% disabled veteran.  SGM Shepherd is looking forward very much to moving into his new Specially Adapted Home that has been designed to meet his medical needs.

The Disabled Veteran’s Committee on Housing assisted SGM Shepherd with successfully planning all phases of the new home construction process: house design, financing, lot selection, application for and approval of VA and other grants, construction, etc.  All of these steps were accomplished under the DVCH “One-Stop-Shop” new home case management approach.

The following dignitaries were in attendance to congratulate and extended best wishes to SGM Andrew & Mrs. Shepherd:

State Senator Frank Ruff for Governor Bob McDonnell

State Delegate Tommy Wright

Ms Verna J. (Tina) Graham, Senator Jim Webb’s Danville, VA Office

Mr. Joe Topham, Congressman Perriello’s Farmville, VA Office

Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7166, South Hill, VA

American Legion Post 79, South Hill, VA

Mr. Edward Pennington, Lunenburg County, Board of Supervisors

We at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing conducted this groundbreaking event on March 20 to honor SGM Shepherd, to thank him in a small way for his distinguished service to America and to celebrate the beginning of this exciting new home construction project.

For SGM Shepherd and other disabled veterans having a new accessible and affordable home is a dream comes true.  Unlike most Americans, our disabled veterans – who have given so much to keep America free – can not move around their homes freely, go from one room to another, and use the kitchen and bathroom.  The things they once did are for so many out of reach because of the injuries they sustained serving our country. For many disabled veterans isolation and limited access in their homes ignites a sense of hopelessness and despair.  Many feel forgotten, useless to themselves and their families.  The DVCH has and is assisting many disabled veterans to dramatically improve the quality of life in their homes.

The following organizations from the South Hill, Virginia area are recognized for their support and donation for this event for SGM Shepherd and the attendees:

Wal-Mart Superstore, South Hill, VA

Gavin’s Flowers & Gifts Shop, South Hill, VA

Bojangle’s Famous Chicken, South Hill, VA

Kentucky Fried Chicken, South Hill, VA

Food Lion Store, E Atlantic Street, South Hill, VA

Food Lion Store, W. Atlantic Street, South Hill, VA

Domino’s Pizza, South Hill, VA

A special “Thank You” to the members of the South Hill LaCrosse VFW Post 7166 and the American Legion Post 79, South Hill, VA 23970-2609. The Color Guard and Honor Guard for any veterans affair is a total sign of respect for the veteran. The only true way that a veteran knows that he/she is truly home is when respects is shown to them by fellow veterans that has served before them or maybe even with them, so I say to Sergeant Major Shepherd “Welcome Home”.

The Committee’s visit to Senator Mark R. Warner’s Office on February 23, 2010

(left to right) Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Seely, Sr. Executive Director, DVCH, Michelle Maiwrum, Senior Legal Correspondent, Senator Mark Warner’s staff, Daniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor, DVCH, Manica Noziglia, Legal Correspondent, Senator Mark Warner’s Staff and Daphne R. Mize, Director, Veterans Outreach Coordinator/VEC Veterans Outreach (center) John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO, DVCH

The following members of the Committee were in attendance at the meeting:

John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO

Dr. Richard (Dick) Seely Sr., Executive Director

Daphne R. Mize, Director Veterans Outreach

Daniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor

The issue that was discussed with Committee staff that should be brought to Senator Warner’s attention was:  there are more and more veterans in need of assistance, in areas of fair employment, housing and health care.

Specifically, among other items discussed were as following:

Creation of a Revolving Construction Fund

Changes needed to be made by Congress to HUD policies and grant programs

Homeless Veterans and Housing proposals

Invitation for the Senator to attend meet & greet meetings with our veterans

Special Adapted Housing (SAH) versus Non-SAH statistics

HUD-VASH Vouchers and their need

Agenda Item #1:         Daphne Mize presented an overview of the present circumstances of the veterans in need of employment, training and housing particularly homeless veterans living in the Northern Shenandoah Valley region.  Ms. Mize was advised that the Senator’s office would work with her and the Virginia Employment Commission to assist in obtaining answers that she desired for the HUD-VASH Vouchers for the Shenandoah Valley Region.

Agenda Item #2:         John Lewandowski explained why HUD policies with regard to the HOME program are biased against disabled veterans in two respects: Not allowing disabled veterans to reduce their income because of medical, caretaker and other unique expenses they have makes it virtually impossible for veterans like John Spencer to qualify for HUD down payment and closing cost grants.  More specifically, when a disabled veteran receives VA compensation for their service connected injury/illness and receive Social Security – the total of the revenue streams amount to more than the permitted income level under the HUD grant guidelines. In the end, disabled veterans are prevented from receiving down payment and closing costs grants causing very worthy disabled veteran housing projects never to be completed.  John also explain by the HUD “reconstruction” provision in no way helps a disabled veteran build a new home on a site different than where his or her presently lives.

Daniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor, DVCH made the following comments to the staff members, and I quote:  “We need to stress the importance of the HUD Median income waiver when it pertains to down payment grants that disabled veterans could be eligible for. Although the VA home loan does allow a veteran to finance 100% of the sales price of a home, it does not help the veteran if home prices in his/her particular area are higher than what they can afford. The ability to get a waiver on the median income restrictions (assuming that the veteran is slightly over the income limits) and tap into a HUD grant would make a huge difference for our veterans who are seeking a better quality of life”.

Agenda Item #3: Our President asked and the Senator’s staff indicated that Mark Warner will make himself available to come to the Northern Shenandoah Region for “Meet and Greets” with our veterans so he can find out firsthand what the veterans specific situations are, and to discuss ways he can help.

Agenda Item #4: The Committee ask the Senator’s help in obtaining earmark funding to assist with constructing transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans.  With this funding there would be no need to seek down payment and closing cost assistance.  The Committee asked help in obtaining a second earmark so a “Revolving Construction Fund” for disabled veterans could be created.

SUMMATION OF OUR VISIT

The Senator’s staff listened to our concerns and requests and agreed/committed to the following:

• That Senator Warner’s scheduler will provide us with the times the Senator Warner would be able to appear in our region so we could setup a “Meet and Greet” for him with our veterans.

• The Committee can and should submit an earmark to Senator Warner before the deadline of March 2^nd.

• That Senator Warner office would address our concerns with Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) concerning the unfairness of the present down payment and closing cost provisions of the law.

• The Senator’s staff agreed to would provide a contact in HUD to Ms. Mize to answer any and all question on how we can get more vouchers in the Northern Shenandoah Region.

• The staff members also stated that Ms. Mize’s report on the present circumstances on veteran employment and homeless situation in the Northern Shenandoah region would be reviewed and they would make recommendations on their findings to our Committee.

• The Senator’s staff asks us the Committee to provide the Senator a comparison of the percentage of 100% disabled veterans who qualify for grants under the Specially Adapted Housing grant program and those who do not but are 100% by the Veterans Administration Rating Board.

• They also stated that they would like us to contact them at any time when there are issues we feel Senator can assist with.
  • The Senator’s staff also asked that we enlighten them on the current rate of our veterans’ funding and what we recommend the COLA increase to be in the coming years.

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing’s visit with the Senator’s Warner’s Staff was extremely productive and rewarding.  I feel his staff now has a greater understanding of the work of our Committee and the needs we have which the Senator and his staff can help us with.