January 25, 2010 the President and the Executive Director, DVCH, arranged a meeting with Mr. Harry Siegel, President/CEO of HMS Technologies, Martinsburg, West Virginia. This was a partnership meeting to discuss various ways that our organizations can assist with the needs and the equitable management of programs that will enhance the veteran’s life. Issues from the funding of a Construction Revolving Fund and assist with groups of veterans organizations that are all working for the same goal, the veteran. HMS Technologies has been awarded and recognized as the “Department of Defense’s 1st Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) of the Year given to Mr. Siegel and HMS Technologies.

President, DVCH with Mr. Harry Siegel (right) who employs veterans of all categories

Most if not all of the employees of HMS Technologies are made up of veterans like Mr. Siegel himself, here are just some of the veterans that I was able to meet while I was

visiting Mr. Siegel this day, their names and service organization that they were affiliated with: (left to right)

Chris Geary, Army * Paul Andrews, Coast Guard * James Magnanelli, Jr., Army Chris Rush, Army * Matthew Schultz, Army * Michael Miller, Marine Corps Brandon Turner, Army * President/CEO Harry Siegel, Navy and the President of the DVCH, Army.

FEBRUARY 2010

FEBRUARY 23, 2010: The Committee staff listed below traveled to Washington DC to meet with Senator Mark R. Warner and members of his Staff from Housing & Veterans Affairs to introduce our Committee and bring issues that needed to be addressed to the Senator, below are the “After Action Report” of our trip;

Meeting with Senator Mark R. Warner’s Staff

459A Russell Senate Building

Washington DC 25010

WASHINGTON DC (February 23, 2010) The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing presented an overview of the functions, mission and activities of the Committee to members of the Senator’s Staff – Michelle Maiwurm, Senior Legislative Correspondent and Manica Noziglia, Legislative Correspondent and issues that affect veterans each and every day. Senator Warner was called into session that morning and was unable to attend our visit.

The following Committee members were in attendance at the meeting:

John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO

Dr. Richard (Dick) Seely Sr., President, R. L. Seely Homes, LLC

Daphne R. Mize, Executive Director, DVCH  Veterans Outreach

Daniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor, Village Bank, VA

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, Village Bank made the following comments to the staff members, and I quote: “At the meeting with Senator Warner’s staff, we stressed 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 2nd.
• 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.

MARCH 2010

South Hill, Virginia (March 20, 2010): The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing organized 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 who

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 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

It was a beautiful day and the people came to honor our veteran by showing their support. SGM Shepherd and his wife, Willa, were overcome and said: “This will be a day that we will always remember; words alone cannot be said on how we feel”. I informed SGM Shepherd that it was just a small way

of saying thank you for what he had done for our country. We are hoping to start the construction phase in April as soon as all the permits and paperwork are complete and permits are issued.

The following organizations from the South Hill area are recognized and thanked for their donations for the groundbreaking:

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” goes out 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 veteran affair is a total sign of respect for that veteran. The only true way that a veteran knows that he or she is truly home is when respect is shown to them by fellow veterans who served before, during or after them. So, I say to Sergeant Major Shepherd “Welcome Home”.

APRIL 2010

HENRICO, VIRGINIA (April 14, 2010): On this day Daniel S. Kern and Daphne R. Mize attended a conference aimed at bringing awareness of particular issues affecting our military and veterans. The “Creating Partnerships and Enhancing Accessible Housing Opportunities for our Military Men and Women!” conference covered the following:

• Patricia O’Bannon, Tuckahoe Delegate spoke about Henrico County and the benefits that it provides to active duty military as well as senior citizens.
• Steven Combs, Virginia Dept of Veteran Services announced that Vince Burgess was retiring that day after 35 years of service and would be replaced by Paul Galanti.
• Bryan Greene, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity with HUD gave attendees an update on some of the Fair Housing discrimination cases that HUD is currently investigating.
• Martha Mead, VA Dept of Veteran Services spoke about the New Wounded Warriors program. She mentioned that the HUD VASH program provides housing vouchers for homeless veterans but that not many vouchers left in Virginia, unfortunately.
• Anne Davis, Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) made a presentation on the Service Members Civil Relief Act which was very informative! There were a number of topics that Anne covered that I didn’t know about dealing with financial matters as they pertain to active duty military.
• Rick Corbett, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) spoke on our favorite subject – housing grants for disabled veterans. He expressed his appreciation to John Lewandowski and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing for the work that they are doing for veterans with disabilities.
• Cindi Moyer, Langley Air Force Base ended the presentations with comments about predatory lending practices that military personnel fall prey to. She stressed that financial literacy must be taught to more folks in high school so that they don’t make the same mistakes that many before them have made!

Mr. Rick Corbett, NSO, PVA – Roanoke, Virginia and Ms Daphne R. Mize, Virginia Employment Commission / Director, Veterans Outreach Program.

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (April 16, 2010): This afternoon the President of Access Independence held a ceremony in the AI conference room with members of the community. The occasion was the presentation of the “BARRIER BREAKERS AWARDS” given to individuals, organization, business etc, which have distinguished themselves in breaking barriers for persons with disabilities. On April 16 President/CEO of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing, John Lewandowski, and Ms. Daphne R. Mize, Virginia Employment Commission’s Veterans Outreach Coordinator and also the DVCH’s Director, Veterans Outreach were given this prestigious award. In attendance to read the Award Proclamation was the Mayor of Winchester, Elizabeth Minor. Other at the meeting included: WINC-FM Radio Host, Barry Lee, Mr. Erwin, Developer as well as many of the clients that Access Independence helps each and every day.

Ms Mize, Mr. Donald Price, President, Access Independence John S. Lewandowski, Mr. Price and Mayor Elizabeth Minor

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (April 23, 2010): On Friday, April 23, 2010 the Hepatitis Foundation International hosted the official launch of its new Partners in Liver Wellness initiative in Atlanta, GA. Over 30 corporate and community leaders from Atlanta and the surrounding areas were in attendance to learn about this new program. The mission of Partners in Liver Wellness is to promote liver wellness, healthy lifestyles and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases that affect the liver’s health including obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, hepatitis, HIV and substance abuse. This is a national initiative to help employers promote health to their employees and to train healthcare providers, educators, corporate and community leaders and government officials to help fill the enormous knowledge gap in liver health education, to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by empowering everyone to understand the importance of the liver in maintaining healthier, more productive lives.

Former NFL Coach – Dan Reeves and CEO Thelma Thiel

Former NFL Coach Dan Reeves, co-chair of this initiative, shared his thoughts on why understanding the importance of the liver was important to his players:

“Listening to a presentation on the importance of the liver had the greatest impact on my teams motivating them to take care of themselves and avoid the pitfalls of participating in liver damaging behaviors. We need to reach out to our community leaders to help our children, families and employees take responsibility for their own healthcare and adopt healthier lifestyles”

Over the next several months, HFI will be conducting a series of stakeholders meetings to bring these importance awareness messages to communities across the nation. If you would like to learn more about how your company or organization can get involved, call Thelma King Thiel at 1-800-891-0707.

MAY 2010

PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA (May 21, 2010) The event on Friday marked the 2nd quarterly “Feed a Stranger” event at the McNair-Trueheart VFW Post 622 in Petersburg, VA. Commander George Friday led the event and Rosa Hopkins was the Mistress of Ceremonies. A delicious lunch was served by the wives of the Commander and the comrades.

There were 6 speakers and a raffle of door prizes. The speakers for the event were:

Daniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor, was the “lead off” speaker and commented about the DVCH and what we are trying to do for disabled veterans in Virginia.

Suzy Lias, Mutual Insurance of Omaha, spoke about Long Term Care.

Attorney Franklin Hall spoke about the “Aid & Attendance” VA benefit.

Bill Humphreys of Crater Community Hospice made remarks on hospice services available to veterans in the area.

Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Seely, President R. L. Seely Homes, LLC talked about the firm’s assistance to disabled veterans who want and need to obtain accessible housing.

Dr. Robert Buncer, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. Richmond, VA spoke about VA mental health programs.

The event was well attended and was a great way of sharing information within the veteran population in Virginia. The next event will be held in August.

Miss Virginia 2009, Daphne R. Mize, Shannon Beam

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (May 27, 2010) The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing held its 1st Annual Northern Shenandoah Community event to honor and to thank our men and women in uniform. The event goal is to bring awareness to all of the challenges men and women in uniform face each and every day to protect our neighborhoods and our community. The event was held at Shenandoah University’s School of Pharmacy, Winchester, Virginia. There were many dignitaries on hand to “Meet & Greet” and great entertainment.

Dignitaries included: the Mayor’s from Winchester, Berryville, Front Royal, Stephen City, Middletown and also our local Police, Fire and Rescue Chiefs. We ask that you think about the sacrifices of our police, fire fighters, rescue personnel and all others in uniform. They certainly deserve our highest respect and gratitude for ensuring our safety. Mayor Elizabeth Minor officially proclaimed this day as “Remembering & Recognizing our Men and Women in Uniform Day”.

Much of the success of the event is due to our presenters and we want to thank them so much for their involvement in the program: 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.

Retiring Fire & Rescue Chief Frank Wright

As in all great community events there are companies whose contribution made the event the success it was. Our sincere thanks go out to each and every one of the following for their donations;

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 had to have sponsors. 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

John S. Lewandowski

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing wants to sincerely thank the many volunteers who took time to help us make this event such a success. We can’t begin to tell you all their names but they did whatever was asked of them. Our gratitude to each of them for a job well done.

JUNE 2010

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA (June 10, 2010) Veterans at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center attended the “Mental Health Awareness” event at which they met with organizations whose mission is to provide needed services to our military personnel. Christopher L. Brown, Director, of the Greater Richmond Area of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) arranged DVCH participation on June 10 with McGuire Medical Center personnel. We manned a table at which three DVCH staff handed out brochures and provided veterans with information on the services the DVCH offers to veterans at NO COST.

The DVCH personnel participating in the day’s activities were: Chris Brown, Director, DVCH Greater Richmond Area, and Associate Members (DVCH Associates were not paid or granted special favors/considerations by the DVCH for their appearance) Dr. Richard (Dick) Seely Sr, President of R. L. Seely Homes, LLC, Woodford, Virginia and Daniel S. Kern, Village Bank Mortgage, Richmond, Virginia

(Left to Right) Daniel S. Kern, Village Bank Mortgage, Christopher L. Brown, Director, Greater Richmond Area.

There were an estimated 500 attendees at the event and over 25 different organizations were represented that offered a wide range of services to our veterans who live in the greater Richmond area and/or are being treated at the McGuire VA Hospital.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA (June 11, 2010) President of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing made a courtesy visit to the Director, VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Director Ann R. Brown, on June 11, 2010 to ascertain the cooperation of the Director on issues dealing with allowing the Disabled Veterans Committee to attend and participate in event that are at the Medical Center so that the veterans can be aware of the programs and items that our Committee can help them with.

Director Ann R. Brown

Director Brown asked about our veterans if they have any issues with the medical facility that she could address and correct as needed. The Director stated she is glad that we had this opportunity to meet and listen to the programs that we have available to our veterans in our community. Our meeting lasted 30 minutes and we both will be looking forward to our next meeting possible in October of this year.

Dick Seely at 22

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 26, 2010) Each and everyone has a time in their lives where they attend a function and let everyone see what you have become with yourself, and they called these special event, “CLASS REUNION” well, Director, Associate Members, Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Seely Sr, attended his fiftieth (50th) class reunion of Pleasantville High School of Armonk, New York.

Dick & his bride, Suzanne at 50th reunion – June 2010

50 years ago he attended a classroom similar to the one that our students today still go into and with the passing of time and a slight change in their appearance, you get to see all the guys and gals that you went to the sock hops with and hanged out with at the corner, or just went to a movie with and boy then you see how far you have come and say those were the days. Here is Dick, when he entered the military and then one of him today with his bride at the reunion.

STAUNTON, VIRGINIA (June 30, 2010) COL (Ret) Francis M. (Frank) Williams

was recently awarded a substantial grant from the Paralyzed Veterans of America which is assisting this courageous career officer to make his existing home more accessible. The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) was able to bring the grant opportunity to the attention of Mr. Williams, help him apply for funding and then to meet the requirements of the grant. Making the home more accessible has been key for Mr. Williams and his family as he is disabled with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Mr. Williams was referred to the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) by Rick Corbett, Senior NSO, Roanoke PVA office who was asked by the veteran to identify organizations that could assist him to remodel his home.

In the photo you see that Frank Williams is out on the patio with his grandson

Effective this date all involved in the project are proud to report that the renovation has been completed and Mr. Williams is feeling that his home is now completely ready for him. The DVCH was committed to accomplishing the renovation as quickly as possible. His wife Carol and daughter are his primary caregivers, but all other members of the Williams family make sure that his needs are met when they can assist. They are truly wonderful support team giving Mr. Williams so much love and understanding which make his life easier. He has always been a proud person with a sense of pride.

I am sorry to have to tell you, but Frank passed away just a little over 2 weeks after the completion of the addition onto his home, we will miss him, he was really a great husband, father and a great friend that we will miss. We salute you, FRANK

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing is a 501(c) (3) organization that assists veterans identifies qualified and approved builders within the Department of Veterans Affairs system. After reviewing the list of candidate companies the veteran selects his or her builder. In the case of William’s family, they decided on R. L. Seely Homes, LLC of Woodford, Virginia, and (VA Approved Builder #4177).

Contact: John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO, DVCH, 540-877-1252

Miss April Blossom 2010, Shannon E. Beam

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA (June 27, 2010) This was the night that presented itself to the audience there was a close race going on, and our own Miss April Blossom 2010, Shannon E. Beam was in the finals, she had already won on Thursday Night Preliminaries, the “Swimsuit Contest” and on Friday Night Preliminaries she was the “Talent Winner”, and as the night grow on the tension could be cut with a knife.

Shannon has always given the very best of herself in everything the she has accomplish this year, with the Apple Blossom Award, spreading our news of her platform and attending many functions through the State of Virginia and now she is here to compete in the Miss Virginia 2010. Well, the time has finally come and all are on the edge of their seats in the audience and the contestants are starting to get really nervous, and then the announcer start, and here it is down to Shannon Beam and Caitlin Uze. Shannon was announced as this year’s “1st Runner Up” but as in all contests, if for any reason the current Miss Virginia cannot meet her obligations as Miss Virginia for any reason then Shannon will assume

the reign of the “Miss Virginia” title. Congratulations Shannon, you are a winner in our eyes and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing wanted to let you know.

Read the rest here – 2010 DVCH – ANNUAL Year in Review