******************************************************

Well, this month has been an extremely busy one and I am glad that we can be there to help so many, so I won’t keep you from this development of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing:

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 4 & 7, 2011) At this time of the year we all looking at what comes down who will come down the chimney in a few weeks, but there was another surprise that was in Winchester on these two dates and that was the United States Army Bands, that came to our community to help us say thank you to our veterans.

On December 4, 2011 at Armstrong Concert Hall on the campus of Shenandoah University in the heart of Winchester, we had also had a local Bluegrass group called Flint Hollow that provide performances for our audience and then the 29th Divisional Band, Clifton Forge, Virginia performed a selection of music that covered patriotic, holiday and ceremonial:

Winchester based Bluegrass group known as

“Flint Hollow”

a traditional bluegrass band based on the styling’s commonly heard in bluegrass music in the 1950′s. Their repertoire consists of songs from the vaults of Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, and original compositions written by Flint Hollow’s musicians. Flint Hollow strives for a balance between that “high-lonesome” sound and a contemporary bluegrass sound that result in a truly unique approach to all of the songs they offer

Mandolin & Vocals – Vince Diem

Rhythm Guitar & Vocals – Randy Collins

Banjo – Chris Athey

Bass Fiddle – Paul Clowes

Lead Guitar / Vocals – Brian Brewer

The 29th US Army Divisional Band, Clifton Forge, Virginia

Under the direction today by 1SG Fred Lewis

The 29th Division Band is a Virginia Army National Guard Unit that is currently located in Clifton Forge, VA. Our unit currently serves around 80 missions per year by utilizing one or more of many different groups. It is comprised of a rock band, concert band, jazz band, and small musical support teams. We are made up of 50+ members from all areas of the state and even have some members who are living outside of the state of Virginia.

The Band originated in Roanoke in 1922 as a section of the 116th Infantry Brigade’s Service Company. But in October 1943, it was inducted into federal service as part of the “Blue and Gray” 29th Division (so called because it included National Guard units from Maryland (Union Blue) and Virginia (Confederate Gray)).

2012 Miss Apple Blossom

We were also honored to have with us for the Event, Ms Kourtney Marie Ginn, 2012 Miss Apple Blossom, who was just two weeks earlier was crowned at her ceremony. She had enlightened the audience with her platform that she feels so strong about “Advocating for the Arts”.

We will be having and seeing Kourtney in some of our future Event.

Congratulation and Best wishes for your reign as

Massanutten Military Academy Color Guard

Cadet Lousia Stanwich, Randolph Academy

As we finished this Event we had to get it together as in 3 days we were at the Patsy Cline Theater and had our second concert this time we had “Flint Hollow, but they were second in line as we had the Band of the Nation’s Capital Ensemble. Oh, the weather on Sunday was great, but on Wednesday evening we had to have of course winter, rainy with snow, but even though it started a little later due to some of the musicians getting held up in traffic, but as they say the show went on

Here are our Masters of Ceremonies for the Events:

Mr. Robert J. Flynn

Mr. Lou Moschetto

 We were honored to have with us the “Band of the Nations Capital”, Washington, DC under the toolage of CWO Sheila Koltz

I found out after they returned that their Chief came down with severe bronchitis and was hoping to come, but of course that wasn’t to be and she had to scramble a replacement. I am happy to say the entire winter concert tour and will be here to perform in December 2012,

One of own talented groups in Winchester graced us with two performances for our audiences; they are musicians that have a unique talent of mastering the sounds of Earl Scruggs, Bill Stanley and others of that time frame. Their Bluegrass sound was excellent as you seen many in attendance just tapping their feet and just moving with the music.

Gentlemen, Thank you all for two great performances.

“Flint Hollow”

*****************************************************

Steve Markland & Ruben Cruz

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 17, 2011) There are many people that are having a real struggle in these economic times, and there are many that have no places to live or to have someone that cares about them and they are in homes that are always overcrowded and there are so many boys and girls that have just really have no other place to go.

Every year an organization of men here in the City of Winchester known as the Knights of Columbus have a very special time and the sharing lots of Love and Joy for all these boys and girl with their Annual “Veterans Children Event”. If you were to come by they would just say, come on in, and help us share in this wonderful day, that what it’s all about. You would see children making gingerbread houses with the gumdrops and

Willie Conley & Simon Krank

decorating it with icing, many getting it all over themselves and playing all types of games, you would be surprised that over in the corner of the room and to our amazement a group of children young and old were playing a game that most of us over 30 to 50 years ago played when we were children called “Charades”.

Many organizations in the area help out the Knights with collections of toys and our vendors donate a variety of goods and products so everyone shares in the splendor of this wonderful event. Here are just some of the many photos taken that day so all of you can see what the spirit is all about.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Our starting players for the Washington Mystics

***********************************************

Santa Helper’s

Well, it’s true what you hear on TV and all about the Santa’s Helpers that give to those who are in need, here is one for you here in Winchester:

From: Anonymous
Date: 12/12/2011 4:10:59 PM
To: DVCH123@GMAIL.COM
Subject: Disabled Vets

To: John Lewandowski,

I would like to thank you for the reference. The bill for the other person has been taken care of. If there are any others in this area, please forward me the information.

Thank you for your help in this matter, as I couldn’t have done it without your help. It is honors to help those who have serve/served in our Military Forces, especially in their time of need. Hopefully this will help to make their Christmas’s a little more special.

Sincerely,
Respect for Privacy

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 17, 2011) As you see on TV and hear about there are people that are called Christmas Elves or Santa’s Givers, or by another name as well, but they would pay off bills of a person’s that is less fortunate or they will provide them with a gift card so they can get food for their homes to have a wonderful Christmas, or maybe pay off a hospital bill.

It’s not hard to believe that goes on, well, I was very proud that I had a gentleman that called our organization and wanted to have a list of veterans with a little background about them and how many were in the family, as he wanted to be able to pay back their service to our country, but he wanted to remain anonymous.

So I did comply with his wishes and provided a list of 15 veteran’s families from the Winchester, Frederick County, Shenandoah County, he requested these areas and one day I received a call from him, that he close to our office and wanted to stop by our office he stopped by to meet and talk and just before he left he handed me a gift card and said you use this however you want to, so I bought items for the gift baskets so that we can help other families.

I gave the rest of the funds left on the card to a family where the mother had been suffering with cancer and couldn’t even buy her daughter a gift, will I am happy to say that now through this giving person they will have presents under the tree for her daughter and a great meal.
Many of our veterans thought it was a joke or a prank why would someone just give them a gift card to help them, and I said “Many people are very appreciative of what you did for our country and for them, keeping their families safe, they wanted to say “Thank you” in their own special way”.

To our Christmas Anonymous: You have made many of our families in the Northern Shenandoah Area have a smile on their face that otherwise would not have the Christmas for their families that they now have. You made so many people smile and I am only sorry that you didn’t hear or see their reaction, but the look on their face would have made your heart feel so warm. Your kindness and generosity for your fellow man is quite rewarding for you. From all of us at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and the family that you made so very happy, thank you and God Bless You.

***********************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 21, 2011): The Post Office has a saying, “We will deliver in rain, sleet or snow”, well they have a few others organizations that have that same philosophy and they are the members of the Knights of Columbus Chapter #3572 and Assembly #1883 and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing.

Santa’s Knights checking thing twice to see that all in right

But it was a very special day as you can see we prepared Christmas baskets for the veterans and homebound members of the Sacred Heart parish that are supported by our organizations. We had all types of items in there for them and an added surprise we were able to place a turkey & all the dressings that go with it for this holiday. Our organization came through just look at all of the items that we passed along to the veterans and homebound families. There were so many of our members that came out and made up the boxes and pack them and took their day to bring joy and happiness to our community. Here are some of the photos of preparation and delivery.

One of our veterans that Santa wanted to just say "Thank You"

This program is put on every year that we can just to tell all of our families from our homebound that we will come and make your holiday just a little brighter.  We also had the Knight do the same thing on Thanksgiving with turkeys.  They delievered 30 baskets on each of the holidays

Thanks to all of our Knights that are in and those that are not in the pictures as if it wasn’t for all your hard work and time that you do for homebound members of our area, would not had the Christmas that you help provide for them. God’s Bless All of You.

***************************************************

FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA (December 19, 2011) It was a very delightful day and that’s was not just the weather aspects, but the most important thing was accomplished as a group of organizations all wanted to have in mind one thing – Our Veterans – we wanted to start at task force called Northern Shenandoah Valley Region (NSVR) Coalition for the Homeless. All of the organizations that were in attendance work daily with veterans or homeless persons in the vet Northern Shenandoah Valley, and they will work with the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) to seek a grant in February from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Earlier this year January, the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing held our initial community meeting at the Winchester Medical Center Conference Center to see and to obtain backing from leaders of organization that were willing to help with the veteran’s issues, had a large turnout, but were not favorably consider as the receiptants of the grant that was presented by the Veterans Administration.

The organizations that are accepting this challenge, Northwestern Community Services, Front Royal, Virginia, Able Forces Inc, Front Royal, Virginia, Knights of Columbus, Winchester, Virginia, People Incorporated, Abingdon, Virginia, two representatives from the Wounded Warrior Program, Vietnam Veteran of America, John Franklin Morrison Jr., Memorial Chapter of Winchester, representative was unable to attend due to an injury, but will be there to support our task force with their organization working with incarcerated veterans.
Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH) an organization in Northern Virginia that has 30 years of experience in homeless issues and now they want to expand to encamps the veterans population in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, they sent three representatives.

Our mission that we will be challenged with is to facilitate a comprehensive program aimed at providing affordable and accessible housing choices for disabled veterans, throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. It is our duty and obligation to serve the veterans who served our country with pride and honor, but returned home with a debilitating injury and/or are disabled, with the current economy, their homes, utilities, any issues that they will face not to be homeless. Our vision for the future is to utilize available programs such as VA housing loans, federal and state grants, and other permanent financing tools to assist veterans in their efforts to realize a dream of obtaining a new, accessible home and becoming INDEPENDENT.

Our challenges will be many and hope successful, but we need the veteran to want us and to allow us to assist them, we want the community organizations to step up and provide us with Letters of Support and to state exactly what type of support that they are willing to do for our veterans that will come through the task force when we are successful in obtaining the grant. We will be seeking personnel to help us from the community and will let you know when this becomes available.

Department of Veteran Affairs Key Terms:

1. How does the Program define a “Veteran”?
A “Veteran” is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released there from under conditions other than dishonorable.

2. How is “Veteran family” defined?
Veteran family means a veteran who is a single person or a family in which the head of household, or the spouse of the head of household, is a veteran.

3. What does “very low-income Veteran family” mean?
Very low-income veteran family means a veteran family whose annual income, as determined in accordance with 24 CFR 5.609, does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for an area or community, as will be adjusted by VA based on family size and as may be adjusted and announced by VA in the Notice of Fund Availability based on residency within an area with unusually high or low construction costs, fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)), or family incomes. Unless VA announces otherwise in the Notice of Fund Availability, the median income for an area or community will be determined using the income limits most recently published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for programs under section 8 of the United
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f).

4. What does “occupying permanent housing” mean?
A very low-income veteran family will be considered to be occupying permanent housing if the very low-income veteran family:
(i) Is residing in permanent housing;
(ii) Is homeless and scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing within 90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for permanent housing; or
(iii) Has exited permanent housing within the previous 90 days to seek other housing that is responsive to the very low-income veteran family’s needs and preferences.

5. What is the definition of “permanent housing”?
“Permanent housing” means community-based housing without a designated length of stay.
Examples of permanent housing include, but are not limited to, a house or apartment with a month-to-month or annual lease term or home ownership.

6. What is a “NOFA”?
A “NOFA” is a Notice of Fund Availability, which is a document that VA will publish in the Federal Register to announce the availability of grant funds for the SSVF Program. The NOFA will describe the location of the grant applications; the date, time, and place for submitting completed applications; the estimated amount and type of funding available; and other information and requirements for the use of the grant funds.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

7. Who can receive supportive services under the Program?
To receive supportive services under this program, you must be:

A. A member of a Veteran family: A Veteran family is defined as a single person or a family in which the head of household or the spouse of the head of household is a Veteran.

B. Very low-income: Your household income does not exceed 50% of area median
income (as adjusted).

C. “Occupying Permanent Housing:” You either (i) are residing in permanent housing; (ii) are homeless and scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing within 90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for permanent housing; or, (iii) has exited permanent housing within the previous 90 days to seek other housing that is responsive to your needs and preferences.

8. Are Veterans who are single (not part of a family) eligible?
Yes. The definition of “Veteran family” used in the Program includes Veterans who are single and families in which the head of household, or the spouse of the head of household, is a Veteran.

9. What income limits apply to participants under the Program?
To receive supportive services, a Veteran family’s annual income cannot exceed 50% of the area median income.

10. Can Veterans with/without disabilities be served under a Program grant? Can Veterans that have/do not have mental health or substance abuse issues be served under a Program grant?
To receive supportive services, a person must (i) be a Veteran who is a single person, or part of a family in which the head of household or the spouse of the head of household is a Veteran; (ii) have less than 50% area median income; and (iii) fall within one of the three categories of “occupying permanent housing”. Disabilities, mental health or substance abuse issues do not uniquely qualify or disqualify someone from receiving supportive services under the Program.

11. Can families who have a head of household serving on active duty military be served by? the Program?
No, to be eligible for supportive services, the recipient must be a Veteran or a member of a family in which the head of household, or the spouse of the head of household, is a Veteran. A Veteran is someone who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released there from under conditions other than dishonorable.

12. If a Veteran gets divorced while family members are receiving supportive services, must those family members stop receiving supportive services?
No, if a Veteran becomes absent from the household while other members of the family are currently receiving supportive services; the family members can continue to receive supportive services for a grace period. The grace period time will be set by individual grantees and cannot exceed one year.

13. Please explain what category (2) of the “occupying permanent housing” definition means. What does “scheduled” mean?
Category 2 of the “occupying permanent housing” definition is homeless and scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing within 90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for permanent housing. To be “scheduled,” a plan must be in place for the Veteran family to move into permanent housing within 90 days. The plan does not necessarily mean that a lease must be in place, but the plan must be concrete enough that a grantee could certify that a plan is in place for the Veteran family to move into the permanent housing within
90 days.

14. Where would grantees expect to identify very low-income Veteran families residing in? permanent housing who are at-risk of homelessness?

To begin, you may want to look at experiences HUD grantees had implementing the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (“HPRP”). Other resources include housing courts; landlords; rental agencies; PHA waiting lists; churches and other places of worship; domestic violence agencies; boards of education (assistance in identifying children who have been absent from school); legal aid organizations; groups assisting people in foreclosure; energy assistance agencies; and, welfare offices among other places. There are two other areas that may also be important resources to identifying those at risk: (1) VA Medical Centers, and (2) Veterans Benefit Administration offices, which often work with Veterans who identify themselves as in distress and need additional support.

As you see above the challenges will be great and we will be required to assist wherever and whenever is needed, can we all count on you??????????

******************************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 27, 2011) Many time throughout the year I receive a call about where is a charity that I can send a donation to and I try to provide them with all the information that I could. Well, I heard on TV this morning that a website was developed for you to check and see who you want to donate to and what is there track record. Here is there website:

http://www.charitynavigator.org

Charity Navigator, America’s leading independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability and Transparency of America’s largest charities.

Hope this is a help to all that want to donate their hard earned funds to a charity to help others.

*************************************************

One final note to this large December Edition of the Newsletter, I as the Chairman was given a Christmas gift, look at what I am talking about:

Kevin Ball – The “Kevin Ball Band”

Welcome to the Kevin Ball Band web site.

KBB provides searing power blues & rock, fat 3 part harmonies and lyrical soulful guitar playing…

Blues fans all over the region are raving about this smokin’ hot trio!

Come to a live show to see for yourself!

We are proud to announce that we have taken on Disabled Veterans Housing Committee on Housing as an important cause that we will be focusing on in the coming year.

We are in talks currently about fund raising concert dates for 2012- stay tuned for the dates which should be up soon!

Click the link provided to learn more about this organization or to donate.

http://kevinballband.com/fr_medicinewind.cfm

************************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (December 28, 2011)With our economic situation in the world today, there are times that lots of people just want to give up as they are so frustrated that they can’t enough having enough food on their plate because the prices have soared and the dollar just doesn’t stretch that far anymore for their family. Here is a story that happened to one of our very own Committee member.

While shopping at the Martin’s store on Pleasant Valley here in Winchester, I was behind a woman who was obviously in distress because she only had so much to spend on her groceries. She told the cashier that she had to take out of her basket a small ham because she had run out of money.

I asked her if she had served in the military, and she replied no, but her husband, father, and two brothers had all served in the military. Her husband has passed away two months ago.

I handed the cashier a $10 gift card and told him to use all of it for her groceries. She began to cry and thanked me for my kindness. Our members knows what he had done for this lady was a great thing.

As you can see that a little kindness can stretch a mile for someone that really needs it, so let’s all see what we can do for our fellow brothers & sisters out there. I can remember that I was in that ladies shoes a few years back myself, so I know how she felt. God Bless us All.

*****************************************************************

I can say so much about what has happen this month and there are more things coming in the New Year, we are keeping our promise that we want to get every homeless veterans into housing and we are having more and more concerts for the community, so please stay tune to our website for what’s to come.

Happy New Years to All

we were starting, but the years are going by so fast that we would never believe that soon we will be saying “Happy New Years”.

****************************************************

US Navy “Country Currents”

MARTINSBURG VA MEDICAL CENTER (November 11, 2011): On this brisk fall day, we Americans take time to remember our men and women that have served our country; some have given the ultimate sacrifice. The members of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and the Father Robert O. Hickman Assembly #1883 planned a very special surprise for the veterans of Martinsburg VA Medical Center by arranging the appearance of the US Navy “Country Currents”, a Bluegrass ensemble of Navy personnel that travel and perform to bring awareness of our military.

(Left) Knights of Columbus Assembly’s Faithful Navigator Lou Moschetto and one of our veterans from the US Marine Corp Alfred Mazzoli, PGK, PFN, PDD, a reunion and maybe some swapping of stories of their times in the service.

This seven member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, Tenn., New York City, New Orleans and more. In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments. The band utilizes banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, fiddle, electric bass, upright bass, dobro, pedal steel guitar and drum set.All of our members and the veterans that attended were toe tapping to the rhythm of the music. It was one way to show them how much we appreciate what they have done.

TO ALL OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN VETERANS HOSPITALS: This day is set aside each year to honor and remember all of our brothers & Sisters in arms that have gone before us; it’s a great sense of humility that the members of the Knights of Columbus and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing, came to Martinsburg VA Medical Center to say “Thank you veteran”

********************************************

DAYTON, VIRGINIA (November 19, 2011) This time of the year for a good majority of us start thinking about having our relatives and friends over to our home to celebrate to start off the countdown to Christmas with Thanksgiving Day, and with shops opening at midnight for those early bird shoppers for Black Friday.

We also look at the ones that can’t get out and do the necessary preparations for this day, but the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and the Father Robert O. Hickman Assembly #1883 of the Knights of Columbus were on the road traveling to a vendor, Cargill’s Turkey Products to pick up turkey’s that were being donated to our veterans and community residents that are presently on extreme hard times with our economy that they can’t afford to feed their family the necessities of the Season.

Two members of the Knights of Columbus Chapter #3752, Mr. Robert Flynn and Willie Connolly (In the photo)made the trip and were presently surprised when they arrived and were greeted by Angie Polk, Chair, Cargill’s Donations, being on hand to help us get through the plant and pick up their donation for the veterans.

Cargill Turkey Products as busy as their Season comes and with the entire request that are submitted to them for donation, we feel

pride and humility for them selecting our needs this year. Many of the Cargill

workers are veterans and it’s was a small way for them to say “Thank you veteran, for all you did for us and our country”.

Cargill Turkey Products, from all the veterans and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and the Father Robert O. Hickman Assembly #1883, Knights of Columbus, Winchester, Virginia our appreciation and gratitude for making this Thanksgiving for many that need you and your workers support.

We also would like to express our thanks to two of our local vendors as when they found out that we were going to pick up the turkey’s in Dayton, Virginia a local vendor came to our assistance and donated a refrigerated truck to make the trip a lot better

for all the turkey’s and of course our people. That company was Gore’s Processing Plant, Edinburg, Virginia. Mr. Joe Gore, President, thank you for your assistance.

Also to our friends Brian K. Beazer, & Michelle Gordon and the Staff at Winchester Cold Storage for storing the turkey’s for all of us in the community.

***********************************************************

(Left) One of our chef’s makes sure the sauce is just right

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (November 27, 2011) Every year at this time we always think about grandma’s house and the smell of the apple pie in the oven or sitting down to a plate of SPAGHETTI, yes I said it right. The Knights of Columbus Council #3572 had their Spaghetti Dinner, at James Wood High School and it was a tremendous success.

There were many who thought, wow spaghetti two days after Thanksgiving, its turkey season, well I guess the word got out that there was no turkey at this meal. Many of the Knights made deliveries to our community home bound parishioners and to many of our veteran families in the community.

(Right) Our young man is hard at work tossing the pasta, maybe he’s our next chef.

Bob Flynn, Director, Veterans Outreach for the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and also a member of the Knights of Columbus told me the other day, while delivering turkeys that were obtain this year for our veterans and community, he was making a delivery to a veterans home and he was just ready to leave, a young member of the family came up and gave him a great big hug. Bob, felt an enormous feeling throughout himself as he said silently, “Thanksgiving too many of our families is survival, and I feel this sense of being blessed to bring this gift to them”.

I am leaving you with some of the highlights that made this day with all of you, and the many Knights that took their weekend to make our community/veterans event such a success:

]]> http://dvchvets.org/newsletters/committee%e2%80%99s-newsletter-for-november-2011/feed/ 0 http://dvchvets.org/newsletters/committee%e2%80%99s-newsletter-for-october-2011/ http://dvchvets.org/newsletters/committee%e2%80%99s-newsletter-for-october-2011/#comments Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:54:02 +0000 admin http://dvchvets.org/?p=1818 Here we go, the weather is totally changing like from day to day, I can’t remember ever having a snowfall in October and we had 5 inches here in Winchester, Virginia. Wherever you are in this great nation, I hope that you remain safe and watch the roads on days like today.

MIDDLETOWN, VIRGINIA (October 4, 2011) One of the many things that make this job so good is to hear where local community organizations, colleges, or just the veterans themselves for what their hard work and the College provides, just as I hear and been told that schooling is hard work.

Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) received word that they had been recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School for 2012. This designation is the result of research into the policies of 8,000 postsecondary institutions by G.I. Jobs. The magazine focuses on helping military troops in their transition to civilian life. To be designated, a school must make the top 20 percent of schools that have taken additional action to help returning veterans.

At LFCC, we consider helping veterans and their dependents achieve their educational goals to be an important service,” stated Tina Anderson, Military/Veterans’ Coordinator at LFCC. “We are committed to ensuring that they receive the support towhich they are entitled.” In talking with Ms Anderson today, I found out that she has a phrase she came across and it really sums up the whole concept, see what you think,

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

For more information about LFCC’s program for veterans and their families, contact Tina Anderson at (540) 868-7107 or tanderson@lfcc.edu

Tina Anderson (left) and LFCC President Cheryl Thompson-Stacy display the Certificate they were given from G. I. Jobs Magazine. (Photo by Scott Mason, Winchester Star)

What also make this a special event were two female veterans that attend the Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) Veterans program that is provided and their thought on what this program means to them and what they feel about attending the College.

Melanie Thornberg was in the Coast Guard for nine years when she decided to go wanted to go back to school.

“I went from someone telling me what to wear and what to eat to being on my own,” she said. “You don’t even know what to wear on the first day of being a civilian.”

Lord Fairfax Community College made the transition easier, according to the 33-year-old mother of three. The college offered her the help of a veterans representative to connect her to services, and disability accommodations, which included ways to complete classes at home and provided injury-sensitive desks and chairs. “Not too many places recognize and appreciate vets,” she said. “But LFCC does.” Thornberg is not the only one to recognize LFCC’s veteran services.

Military veterans Tina Daniels (left) and Melanie Thornberg talk about how Lord Fairfax Community College has helped them. (Photo by Scott Mason, Winchester Star)

Tina Daniels, 47, was in the Navy for three years when she arrived at LFCC. Her story is similar to Thornberg’s. She, too, received disability accommodations for her post traumatic stress disorder, including extra time on tests, along with counseling and help from staff.

“Professors really do work with you on your disabilities,” she said. “Despite the fact that I have a disability, I’m still able to go to school.”

To be designated, a school must make the top 20 percent of schools that have taken additional action to help returning veterans. “It’s about how to get military experience translated into college credit,” said Tina Anderson, assistant registrar and the LFCC vet rep.

LFCC offers scholarships and tuition discounts to military students and veterans and in-state tuition without residency requirements for military students and dependants. The school also allows military students who are called to active service return without penalty and offers financial assistance to military spouses.

LFCC also provides support and social services to its vets, including counselors to help with career placement, a group to plan campus and social networking events for veterans, and a veteran-specific page on its website. LFCC is one of 1,900 colleges and universities that belong to the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium – a group of military-friendly institutions with flexible policies that allow mobile service members and their families to complete degrees rather than just accumulate course credit.

We at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing say that congratulations go to both groups, first Lord Fairfax Community College for being the receiptants of the recognition by the G. I. Jobs magazine, and for our veterans attending school that they feel so secure with their medical issues that the College provides for all their needs while attending classes and provide whatever assistance the veterans need in their courses. Congratulations and job well done for all involved.

**************************************************

Portsmouth-based soldier dies in Iraq

Staff Sgt. James R. Leep died on Oct. 17

BABIL PROVINCE, IRAQ (WAVY) - The National Guard confirmed Tuesday that Staff Sgt. James R. Leep died of non-combat related injuries in Babil Province, Iraq on October 17. Leep, 44, was based in Portsmouth with the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team. Leep served as a combat engineer and construction equipment supervisor. He was re-assigned to Troop A as a truck commander for the unit’s convoy security mission. Lepp was also the commander of a convoy escort team. “It is very sad that this has happened and difficult to think of the appropriate words to say

that would relieve the pain and suffering hat his family feels,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “Soldier and family care are very important, and we intend to do everything we can to support his family and the men and women that deployed with him. We ask that his community and the rest of Virginia keep his family in their prayers in their time of grief”. Leep of Davenport, Virginia is survived by his wife and two adult children’s; He joined the National Guard in April 1986.

Leep first joined the National Guard in April 1986 and served on active duty from December 1987 to August 1995 as a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic, the Virginia National Guard news release said. He rejoined in January 1996 and worked as a combat engineer and construction equipment supervisor. He worked full time as surface maintenance repairer technician for the Virginia National Guard at field maintenance shop #14 in Richland’s.

His previous deployments include Bosnia from September 2001 to April 2002, Iraq from December 2003 to March 2005, the southwest U.S. border security mission from June to August 2006, and Afghanistan from November 2008 to January 2010. More than 825 soldiers from across Virginia were deployed to Iraq this summer as Task Force 183 under the command of the Portsmouth-based 2nd Squadron, 183rd Calvary Regiment. They are conducting convoy security and base defense operations. After training at Camp Atterbury for almost two months, the unit arrived in Iraq at the end of July.

The Portsmouth squadron, which includes units from Norfolk, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, will be joined by two companies of soldiers from Fredericksburg and a third from

Christiansburg. This was the single largest Virginia Army National Guard unit mobilization since Sept. 11, 2001.

*********************************************

The reporting of our brave men and women that serves our great nation each and every day and to hear that one of them has fallen in our latest conflict, I feel that we at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing are honoring them with their story and we salute them and want their families to know that we care and offer our condolences to them.

See you next month.

TO OUR BROTHER’s & SISTER’s IN ARMS: If no one has ever mentioned to you how proud, honored and how much we appreciated what you did for us and our families, I say it to you now, as one veteran to another. “Thank you from me and my family from the bottom of our hearts”, you were there when we needed you and many people just didn’t feel that you did anything, well that is so very wrong. You gave and now people have let you down and you are where you are, maybe you prefer it to be that way, but I want you to just feel that I don’t like to see anyone out on the streets, in fields, under underpasses by the highway, but I am only one person, but I will be there to help you if I can, so please, just use my website and I will answer you and see where I can help, and I promise that I will do what I can, as I have helped over 240 veterans so far, and I will continue to as long as I have breath in my body. Let me hear from you, fill in my form on the web or get someone to do it for you, and I will respond………….God Bless You.

***********************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (September 11, 2011) As you neared Route 50 East you would hear the roar of the engines of the riders that were getting ready to do a 150 mile trip called “Ride a Mile for Able Forces”, the event was sponsored and arranged by Skip Rogers and his lovely wife, Kathy at Grove’s Harley Davidson, Winchester, Virginia.

The day started off with the Massanutten Military Academy Color Guard and the Frederick County Fireman presenting the Colors to start of the program, then the Invocation from the Chaplain, all were then asked to observe a moment of silence to remember all those brave men and women who had perished in the most horrific and tragic day in September 2001, we were treated as a way that we all express ourselves, we heard a rendition of our most special song perform , the National Anthem delivered by a Professor of Music from the Shenandoah University Conservatory, registration of the drivers for the ride started at 9AM and from what you can see in the photo’s the Able Forces Motorcycle was being signed by all the riders for this Event, say “Yes we Care and are proud to be an American”.

The cyclist departed at 11AM there was very special moment that took place along the ride and that all of the motorcycles wanted to pay their respects to our hospitalized veterans, so they decided to do a ride thru the Martinsburg VA Medical Center with as many veterans the that could were treated by this salute from the riders, that was a extremely moving feeling of pride for all that where there to experience this moment.

Our good friend, Sam Tate (Poet Laureate/Songwriter) from Nashville, TN Sam is a true friend to all veterans and he brought just a few of his friends, Trent Hasty, Tom Miserendino, Phoenix Drive.

What would a promotional Guts & Glory Event be without the celebrity hostess herself?

Miss Guts & Glory: Michelle Murray.

Michelle performs an acoustic version of her original song dedicated to Indy Car Driver and now team owner Sam Schmidt during a live rehearsal at Music City Bar & Grill in Nashville. The song is titled “It’s Not If But When” (Sam’s Song) Michelle is a spokesperson for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation

************************************************************

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: I am sorry that the DVCH Committee Newsletter wasn’t publish onto the website last month, because I have been recuperating from major surgery on my left leg in the later part of July and I some complications of an infection which it has taken me awhile to get back to where I can function more on a daily basis, so I apology to all for that had looked forward to reading the newsletter and I will be continuing again with the DVCH’s information to you as the month ends.

********************************************************

Our Fallen Hero’s Memorial

Specialist Douglas J. Green Killed In Afghanistan

(Aug. 29, 2011) – Friends and family are calling Potomac Falls High School grad Doug Green an American Hero after the Department of Defense said he was killed Sunday in Afghanistan when his unit came under attack.

Spc. Douglas J. Green, 23, of Sterling, died Aug. 28 in Kandahar province of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

A memorial page on Facebook has been set up for Green and tributes are pouring in from Loudoun and afar as people remember the young man with a great smile, amazing sense of humor and a love of his country that led him into the military.

Green’s grandfather on Facebook, Jay Chabrow: “While I’m totally devastated you were taken from us at such an early age, I couldn’t be prouder. You are truly my hero.”

Another person wrote: “Clearly, you cared about every person you knew and that speaks volume. Thank you so much for your service, you are an American hero. You will forever be missed.

Posted by Dan Sousa

We here at the Committee are joining our organization to partner with a fraternal organization of the community, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #1883 of Winchester, Virginia. The four principals of the order included those of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The 4th Degree of the organization called “Patriotism” where they provided assistance with many aspects of patriotism to include the veterans in the Northern Shenandoah Valley Region. Our Chairman of the Board is a 4th Degree Knight and feels that this partnership will be beneficial our community for our veterans.

*****************************************************

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA: [July 4, 2011] Today is the celebration of our countries birth that our veterans in the hospitals do not have activities or special activities that are going to let them help others celebrate our countries birthday, but there will be many veterans that are in local VA Medical Center have a rough time on days like these as there are no clinic, stores or other areas within the Medical Center that they would normally have access to ondaily operations, and through no fault of many of our veterans they have no one that comes to visit them, whether through families are too far away, or in most cases no family are coming to see them on this holiday.

This July 4th, the members of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter #3572, & 4th Degree Assembly #1883, Winchester Virginia and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing went to the Martinsburg VA Medical Center after a request had prior approval from the Center to have what was called “Operation Barbecue”. The organizations provided an ole fashion barbecue to include this menu which was distributed through the areas of the hospital by the Nursing Staff, so each veteran made their own choices.

We are members of the Knights of Columbus and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing both organizations from Winchester, Virginia want to just say, “Thank you for what you have given for your country”.

The Nursing Home Pavilion provided the area to where everyone was setting up for the barbecue and to feed anyone that was there at the VA that day. We are proud to say that our last count was that we feed over 500 people. There was no charge for anyone; we invited the veterans, their families, friends that were

there to see them, Nursing Staff of the hospital, anyone on duty that day. Here are just some of the comments that we overheard: “that the food was great and the servers are really good” – “I’m really having a ball!” – “what a great event – thanks from me and my family” “the Boy Scouts are doing a great job getting food to all the patients” “A fantastic event – loved everything”, “Miss West Virginia Teen USA 2011made me feel special”

We also made arrangements with groups that could provide our event with entertainment to our veterans throughout the day, we even received permission to go into the different hospital wards and provided musical songs to those that were in bed and couldn’t come to us. We would love to thank the following people:

The Sweet Adeline’s Quartet Apple Capital Chorus Quartet Kevin & Lucille Ball, “Medicine Wind”

Miss West Virginia Teen USA 2011, Susan King, travelled all the way from Fairmont, West Virginia to be there for our veterans. They loved her for coming and having photo’s that she autographed.

Due to privacy of our Veterans, I will not display any photo of them prior to getting their authorization, so please forgive us.

Special thanks for a job well done to the brothers and their friends and family members of the Knights of Columbus Council #3572 and the Boy Scout Troop that gave their day to provide this event for our veterans.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation and recognition that event such as these cannot go on without the cooperation of many organizations:

Boy Scout Troop 45, Black Bear Distribution, Delanco, NJ, Hatfield Quality Meats, Hatfield, PA, Schenck’s Foods, Winchester, Virginia, SegMark Distribution, Roanoke, Virginia, Dixie Beverage Company, Winchester, Virginia, Winchester Cold Storage, Gore’s Meats Products, Edinburg, Virginia, Garber’s Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia, Hershey Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia, Bimbo Bakeries (Stroehmann), Kernstown, Virginia, Bender Hammerling Group, New Jersey, Wal-Mart’s Stores – [S. Pleasant Valley and Route 50].

A special thank you:

Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Winchester, Virginia provided our Committee with a cargo van to pick up all the food materials for the Event.

Gore Meat

***************************************************

We at Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing are happy to report to our readers that there were NO causalities reported from Iraqi/Afghanistan for our servicemen and women from our Northern Shenandoah Valley Community.

Well, the Committee Newsletter will have a new chief editor as all things come to an end; I am stepping out of the role of an active participant of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing to a behind the scenes, but still having my foot into the pulse of the operation. Our DVCH Case Manager will be assuming this role and I know that she will do a great job of keeping each off you informed on our activities and events, so Rex the torch has been passed and looking forward to your first newsletter in July.

*********************************************

US Air Force Drill Team pays tribute to servicemembers for Memorial Dayby Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes, Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

6/1/2011 – Air Force District of Washington — Gen. George Washington once said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars treated and appreciated by their country.”

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team paid homage to all veterans May 27 during a performance at the Historic Jordan Springs, Va., Event and Cultural Centre, for a Memorial Day event, titled “Remembering and Recognizing our Men and Women in Uniform.”

The event was hosted to give honor and dignity to all veterans in the Northern Shenandoah area, said Event Founder John S. Lewandowski, who is CEO of Virginia’s Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing. It was the first performance in over 100 years on the centre’s South Lawn due to renovations.

“It honored the men and women who came before me. They worked hard and set precedence for us, and it is a great experience to carry on a tradition of honor that they started,” said Senior Airman Hunter Overton, member of the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team.

This performance was memorable for new USAF Drill Team Commander Capt. Justin Hochstein, as well. It was his first time performing with the 16 Airmen team.

“It was a very special experience to perform on Memorial Day weekend for veterans from various services,” said Captain Hochstein. “They were grateful to have us there, and it was an honor to perform for them. I’m excited to be on the Drill Team and am looking forward to opportunities such as this in the future, to pay tribute for our entire nation’s service members.”

“I feel twice as honored to have them,” said Mr. Lewandowski. “The Drill Team gives these people the opportunity to see the elite of our government, and of the U.S. Air Force. What they [members of the USAF Drill Team] want to do is perform and pay back as a tribute to the veterans, and represent the U.S. Air Force.”

In addition to the Air Force Drill Team, this year’s ceremony included presentations from a Barber Shop Chorus and a Marine Detachment from Winchester, Va., Special guest Marine Sgt. Robert M. Moorehead attended to represent his friend and fellow Marine, Sgt. Sean Callahan, who died in combat April 23, 2011, in Iraq.

Along with Sgt. Callahan, they also honored Cpl. William Buckles, the last U.S. World War I survivor who passed away at 110 years of age February 27, and William W. Bone, a World War II veteran, were recognized with letters from Virginia’s Governor Bob F. McDonnell.

********************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA [June 22, 2011]: Dr. Jason Malcy, Homeless Veterans Coordinator with the Department of Veterans Affairs had spoken with Mr. Ethier and was referred to Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) by Dr. Malcy. The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was asked to evaluate a new program called, “Developing a Training Center for Homeless Vets at the Land Celebration, Gore Va., an organization Engineers Without Borders, International, Executive Director, Richard Ethier from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. A fact finding meeting was set for the Frederick County Administrative Office, Executive Board Room at 10:30AM this date.

Mr. Ethier was introduced by the Chairman of the Board for DVCH and in attendance were both federal and state representatives from the areas of veterans with the concerns of the homeless veteran and their families.

Some of the key areas that were discussed and brought to those in attendance as where and how will this program benefit:

• getting our homeless veterans off the street in housing;
• training for a job;
• maintaining self sufficiency after the program.

Interesting points were brought up during the meeting and together many appear to fit into a very viable project.

• As noted in my brief EWBI is willing to donate 3.4 KW of solar photovoltaic panels (21) and a six station solar training outdoor center, a contribution worth approximately $50,000 in order to get the training center off the ground.
• The Land Celebration facilities are being upgraded and completion of upgrades should be no later than Aug 1, 2011.
• Matching funds of approximately $30,000 to $40,000 are needed for solar hot water collectors, a small wind generator, an inverter and building are being solicited by EWBI for the site.
• Provisions in both the new GI Bill and also Dept of Labor (disabled veterans) include funds for veterans training and are a probable source of matching funds for the training center.
• The VA is a probable source for a mobile first aid station for the center which can be hauled on-site as needed.

Primary problem appears to be guaranteeing the trainees a job after completion of training. Solutions to this problem appear to be:

• Including trainees into the Winchester, Va high density cottage sustainable project as an integral part of building team.
• Upgrading federal and State parks that have housing and eating facilities and are a user of electricity with photovoltaic systems that feed back into the electrical grid and are designed so that net costs of electricity during the year will be approximately zero. (Contractors can be solicited that sell solar systems and are willing to be repaid over time from savings from cost of electricity.) Veteran trainees will be installers of these solar systems.

Some of the concerns from others in attendance are:

* This does not house homeless veterans and/or their families.

* This is not a latch key project.

* Project is dependent on DVCH fund raising.

* Project is dependent on DVCH bringing in other Agencies.

* Veteran knowledge obtained by participation will not secure employment as required by Virginia building code.

I, too, was somewhat disappointed with the presentation yesterday that did not address a number of legitimate concerns, in my opinion:

• We have no idea what the anticipated need is;
• How many Veterans would even be interested and/or willing to participate and complete the program;
• How many would be ready to uproot from their known support network in this area to move all around the country to various National Park sites, and most importantly;
• How any of this will be funded.

One of the many issues of MAJOR concern was once the veteran received this training where would he be able to concentrate on a certification through a recognized College or program, so the following persons were contacted and have offered the following information:

In discussions of renewable energy employment training yesterday, (everyone needs to know about this great program!) I wish to share this program: Shenandoah Valley Green Energy Partnership offering scholarships on Green Energy classes and certifications.

Click http://svenergypartnership.com/index.php. These classes are offered at Lord Fairfax Community College through the Workforce Solutions Training.

http://www.lfccworkforce.com/#921

Another point of view to this project;

I think that the meeting summary you circulated captured the discussion very well. My primary concerns are listed below.

• What is the current actual availability of positions requiring this type of certification in Virginia and in the mid Atlantic region?
• What is the future demand for people with this certification in Virginia and in the mid Atlantic region?
• Do any contractors have contracts with the Dept. of Interior to install sustainable energy in national parks? Is there federal funding for such installations?
• Are there other similar training programs available?
• Would this be beneficial for a homeless veteran who did not already have some skills in construction or in engineering?
• What would the operating cost be for each class?

This program that Mr. Ethier has presented to the DVCH, there will be researched and explored to make sure that we at the DVCH are benefiting our veterans to the fullest. We will check with other organization that deal with veterans job, GI Bill issues for the veterans that have showed their interest and medical, transportation, and permanent housing after their training, so you can see we have a lot of concerns, and issues that are going to be worked on by the DVCH before we make a conclusion to the project.

*******************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (June 30, 2011): We at the DVCH have started a new area on the monthly Newsletter where we will post for you information on our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman, National Guard any military person from the Northern Shenandoah Valley area that have been killed in action:

Capt. MICHAEL W. NEWTON, 30, DIED JUNE 11, IN FARYAB PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN. Capt. NEWTON IS FROM NEWPORT NEWS VIRGINIA.

SPC. LEVI E. NUNCIO, 24, K I.A., DIED JUNE 22nd, KUNAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN. SPC NUNCIO IS FROM HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA.

We offer this prayer for those who have fallen in battle

All Powerful God, We honor today those men and women— Our sons and daughters, Husbands and wives, Fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers— Who have laid down their life for their country.

Whether weary or emboldened, quiet or defiant, Vulnerable or ready when You called them home, Their sacrifice is too humbling for words except these uttered in prayer. Loving Lord, bless them forever in Your eternal peace.

****************************************

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing is in the process of re-evaluation and alignment due to our new commitment and challenge from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with the program “Supportive Services for Homeless Veterans and their families”, and you will be hearing about classes and meetings, conferences or just telephone conferences on talking with many agencies, personnel and setting up a new functional Board of Directors for the upcoming endeavors with the Committee, so look for all the changes that we will need to make for our expansion.

****************************************

Summit on Suicide Prevention

Harrisonburg – May 24, 2011

Two members of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) Rex A. Ingram, DVCH Case Manager and Daphne R. Mize, Executive Director, Veterans Outreach attended the Suicide Prevention Summit, hosted by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, Virginia Department of Veterans Services in Harrisonburg, Virginia on May 24, 2011.  The all day event provided informational lectures, visual presentations, and breakout work sessions to increase awareness and understanding of suicide, its prevalence, and the risk factor for specific populations, and acquire tools for prevention, assessment and intervention.

• Understanding the full scope of the problem in our region
• Getting information on available resources
• Learning QPR – Questions, Persuade and Refer:: Three simple steps to help save a life from suicide

Currently in the US there are over 32,000 suicides annually.  It has been estimated that for every suicide there are a least six survivors.

One such family member shared his family’s story of survival after one of his son’s committed suicide.  The struggles and trials, and blame they placed on themselves, finally working with and through the ordeal with good mental health counseling, and support groups can now celebrate the times of their son’s life.

Veteran Representative Presenters provided valuable information on returning military members returning from Iraq, and Afghanistan.  There is evidence that many military personnel are highly reluctant to ask for help when they are depressed because they do not want to be seen as weak.  Often times, this silent depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if left untreated this depression is the number one cause for suicide, so those who are depressed and do not seek help are at great risk.

Everyone can assist individuals at risk for suicide, including social workers, counselors, psychologist, teachers, guidance counselors, clergy, pastoral care, nurses, paramedics, medical assistants, law enforcement officials, youth leaders, student services staff, family survivors and community members.

Nicole Rada, a project specialist with Partnership for People with Disabilities, said the event was developed after several agencies for suicide prevention, such as the Department of Behavioral Health, began work with other organizations to plan initiatives to prevent suicide.

The groups decided to hold the summits to educate attendees on suicide prevention and support local activities, she said. Events were planned in cities in five regions of Virginia to ensure citizens in each area would have a chance to attend.

“People attending can learn about how suicide is impacting their community, resources available to them to address suicide and how to work with fellow community members to assess their region’s suicide prevention needs and create action plans,” Rada said.

“There will be a variety of presentations at the summits that will cover topics such as suicide data in the region, prevention education, the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, and the needs of veterans and the services available to them.”

(2011, The Suffolk News-Herald)

***********************************************

Memorial Day Ceremony

at

Massanutten Military Academy

05/26/2011     Woodstock, VA.

It is always an honor to participate in any event with our local Military Academy’s.  Time honored traditions, high standards of learning and military discipline shines in the faces of children – our countries future.  Regardless of future studies or occupations, one feels secure in accomplishments already made by cadets as they march into the Massanutten Academy’s Auditorium.  Participating requested distinguished presenters were our own John S. Lewandowski, US Army Retired, Founder of Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing and Col. Ray Powell, US Army Retired.  As Mr. Lewandowski was unable to attend in person, Rex Ingram presented in reading his letter of Memorial Day special significance.

Cadets, family members, staff and community attendees heard from John S. Lewandowski,   “……..When I was growing up it was custom in my home town on Memorial Day that the National Anthem was played over the loud speaker system, as I looked around the room some of the veterans in attendance started to cry as they remembered all of their fallen comrades, the ones that served with them, and the ones that did not.  I thought about how many of the veterans brothers and sisters had made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all enjoy the freedom this country offers.  One veteran that I was sitting by said, “that America will only be the land of the free so long as it is home of the brave”.  So many of the speakers that day spoke with so much pride about America that it was hard not to think about all the people who have no idea what this holiday is really about”.

Cadets performed roll call in rememberance of Shenandoah County soldiers perished in combat, protecting our country and our freedoms.  Roll call was performed with a Cadets standing for every soldier from WWI till present.  A truly sobering and heartfelt display honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families of Shenandoah County left behind.

“It was truly an honor to present Mr. Lewandowski’s penned thoughts and feelings”, said Rex Ingram.  “He could not be here himself due to military service medical issues”, but he was there in spirit as were all those who served, permeating the walls of history.

“Memorial Day, or as originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside for remembrance of those who have died in our nations service.  Memorial Day was first proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, in his General Order number 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868; when flowers were placed on graves of Union and Confederate soldiers…..

Since the Civil War more than 1.1 million veterans, both men and women have lost their lives in service to America”, as Mr. Lewandowski reminds us.

********************************************

This is the month that we hold our Event called “Remembering & Recognizing our Men and Women in Uniform”, since this is such a large Event and this year we have a very special presentation for our fallen brothers and sisters.  So I have elected to have a separate Newsletter just for the Event, so that will be released in two days, look for it, you will see all that we accomplish for the veterans in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

*********************************************

PERSONAL FAREWELL TO YOU

When I started this organization in June 2008, I had all the dreams and aspiration of taking DVCH to new heights and creating a very special place where veterans could call and get information on Specially Adapted Housing issues and be advised by referrals to our “One Stop Shop” program. as most of us we have our goals and expectations for reaching the new heights, as well as I did, so I started this trek into making a change for the veterans in the State of Virginia. I developed friendships and professional relationship with many contractors, financial institutions, counselors for credit issues, Real Estate Agents and anyone from the Department of Veterans Affairs that would listen to what I wanted to develop.

After this I had to then get the confidence of the veterans. I feel that I have accomplished a lot as the attendance at our Events has increased greatly. Well, I have to sadly say that I am stepping down as the President, an active participation with the DVCH. I am remaining as the Chief Executive Officer, but in a background capacity with a functional Board of Director’s.  Until we have an election of the new President (whoever that shall be) we are asking Daphne R. Mize to act as Interim President.

I want to tell each and every one of you that I have enjoyed the friendships and relations with people from all walks of life and I am sadden to step back, but with the medical issues of my wife and I, we had to make this decision. I pondered over this for a great number of nights before I made it known that I was stepping down. The DVCH will prosper with the leadership we have established through the members that are on the Committee, Board of Director’s and volunteers.

I salute each and every veteran that I have met and I want you to know how much you mean to me and the members of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing. God Bless each of you.

Warmest regards,

John S. Lewandowski
Chief Executive Officer
Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing

We are having our preparations for our Event which will be held on May 27, 2011 at the Historic Jordan Springs, Jordan Springs, VA to honor all of our veterans in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and remember also those who have given so much for our country by paying the ultimate sacrifice.  That story will be in next month’s Newsletter, but for your own story come and join us at the Event.

Northern Shenandoah Valley Region

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (APRIL 30, 2011) This year’s Apple Blossom Festival Event for Winchester, Virginia had a strange twist and that is we were in the “Grand Feature Parade”, on Saturday April 30, 2011.  The Committee was asked by Mario Ordonez of WINC-FM to have a few of our Committee members and veterans ride the float and I would like for you to hear what this meant to our Committee members.

The Apple Blossom Parade

“Timeless”

By: Rex Ingram

In the business of “helping people”, the phone rings and your off to help someone or someone has made a call to support (help) you – there is not a lot of anything in-between …………… regardless, your pleased with anything that can be done “to help”.  Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) received such call – exposure and participation from Mario Ordonez, Marketing /Promotions, Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC, we were asked to ride on a float in the Apple Blossom Parade, Winchester, VA. Titled – “Honor and Courage”, for us to be rider’s of non-profits groups for Veteran’s making a difference in our communities – Thank you, Mario!

I am embarrassed, some what to say, I have never been to the Apple Blossom Festival (a six day festival) or parade, yet I now live in the Shenandoah Valley.   This was my first.  I arrived a few hours early, making sure I was where I was supposed to be and giving me a chance to “take it all in”.  How delightful and full of amazement for me!  I talked with hundreds of people – all of whom were delighted to be there – the traffic, the asking of directions, the uncertainty, the speculation – the all walks of life coming together in celebration and good cheer!

I found a lamp pole on the corner with a great view, sat there and watched as bands, participates, families, bicycles, groups of spectators’ passed.  Our National guard directing traffic, people on golf carts directed activities and our local and State police assisting where ever they could – “yes, I thought to myself – this is America! …… this is truly our American life in celebration – Freedom, coming together, “God Bless America!”

I bowed my head in prayer of Thanksgiving, for all the problems facing our government, our families, individuals, we are blessed.  A city in celebration, open to everyone.   The parade route, right across the land that held Fort Loudoun, designed and began construction by Colonel George Washington – our countries first President.

DVCH shared the float with Able Forces, Inc. who address the critical employment and training needs of our combat injured veterans of OEF/OIF and all disabled veterans.  Two non-profit Veteran missions on one float …. Camaraderie on the float named “Honor and Courage” – Yes, how thankful for our Veterans, their courage and their selflessness for our freedom.  Yes, our Warriors of today, yesterday and yesteryear – reflective in our freedom, our land, our buildings, our history and our future.  May they never go without the basic needs of shelter, employment, food, clothing and the ability to provide for their own families.

Here is another person’s expression of what it meant to him:

Of course we did DVCH PROUD, PROUDER, AND PROUDEST!!!!!!!!!!!!  Rex and I would or could do nothing less.  Could we Rex?  As Rex said, it really was a blast, with a big KaBOOOOOM!  Most of the spectators would point and smile, thumbs up, salute or maybe smile and mean it on an individual level.  You could tell because they would look at each of us on that side of the float.  We also got standing, some sitting, and round of applause from a lot of different spots along the parade.  However I did notice that some spectators noticed who we were and who we represented and would turn their heads aside until we passed.  I can guess what they were thinking but I won’t voice it.  It would be negative to all of the joy that was felt by all.  Any way thanks to all that allowed me to ride and be a part of something bigger than myself.  I was a beautiful day☺☺☺

John A. Stevens

Well as you can see that the Apple Blossom Parade had a big influence on our Committee and especially what it meant to them personally.

Greater Richmond Area

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA (April 20, 2011): Our Committee is helping a veterans’ mother to sell her home. Her son is a veteran and his disabled father passed away and the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing is helping this family to sell their beautiful ADA compliant accessible home.

This home has the following features:  4 bedroom 3.5 baths a living room, family room with gas fireplace that flows into dining area.

There are 2 large master bedrooms 1 is 24×24 with French doors and a master bath with double vanity 60 inch glass door jetted shower w grab bars on seat and shower w ceramic tile floors.

The 2nd master has French doors and huge walk in closet 36in doors the master bath has stackable w/d pedestal sink claw tub with champagne whirlpool massage and a 36in showers w/ramp access off 2nd master.

The kitchen has double dishwasher, smooth top double oven, custom glass cabinets, updated fixtures, new windows & siding.

The library has bookshelves leads out to the concrete patio/carport.

Sits on +/-1 acre!  Only $319,000

Contact the following individual an you can send your interest to CBrownVET@gmail.com or angeladreamhomes@gmail.com

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

See you next month. God Bless

Northern Shenandoah Valley Region

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (March 21, 2011): This evening the President/CEO of the Committee was invited to speak to the joint membership of the Winchester & Frederick County Democratic Committee on the new initiative that the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing has accepted the challenge on and that is

“HOMELESSNESS IN NORTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEY”

DVCH President/CEO John S. Lewandowski

The Mission of the Democratic Committee: The Winchester Democratic works with Frederick County Democrats, the 10th Congressional District and the Virginia Democratic Committee to establish plans and time lines for the campaigns of Democratic nominees to elected office in Virginia at the local, district and state level.

Through fundraising committee the Committee leads and manages WDC-sponsored events (fundraising, picnics, etc.) to achieve the goals of raising funds for candidates and other WDC activities/initiatives, i.e., annual scholarships, and donations. In these activities, the committee can partner with Winchester community organizations thatshare WDC values. The WDC support bipartisan voter registration and getting out the vote.

Members of the Democratic Committee

The Communications Committee works to coordinate information and publicity concerning WDC, district, statewide and national initiatives and programs. They facilitate the preparation and production of all contacts with the public and media on a local level. They prepare and publish a newsletter and develop and maintain the Website and Facebook page.

The WDC canvasses and solicits nominations for candidates from each of the 4 voting wards within Winchester, setting criteria for selections and actively work with candidates throughout the campaign process.

Mr. John Conrad

The Outreach Committee develops and maintains call lists, and other contacts to establish and maintain a positive presence within Winchester’s diverse community..

After the meeting, I felt that the members of the Democratic Committee had an understanding of all the trials and tribulation that veterans are going through each and every day. The new initiative on the homeless veterans was also presented; here are the abstracts from their website that I saw:

Bridge-To-Vets “Imagine how much we could do for veterans and their families–$1.00 at a time–if every bridge group and social group in our area would contribute $1.00 per person, per meeting to help our veterans and their families.

“That’s the idea that Linda Kelley has come up with to simply, painlessly help assist our military men and women and their families when they are in need. Her organization, Bridge-To-Vets, a locally-based group, uses this money as an emergency fund for vets in our area who find themselves in financial trouble through no fault of their own. She finds these vets in need through word of mouth, the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing, and…

Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing At the WDC Bi-monthly meeting on Monday, March 21st, we were privileged to hear a presentation

by John S. Lewandowski, president of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH). This non-profit organization attempts to assure that disabled veterans are able to obtain the highest quality housing that meets their accessibility and mobility needs. Their goal is to have “no homeless vets in the area by the year 2015.” Mr. Lewandowski explained that although there are funds available through various agencies to aid disabled veterans, it

is often difficult for the veterans to maneuver through the maze of bureaucratic red tape to locate this help. The DVCH guides the disabled veteran through the process providing a comprehensive “One Stop Shop …

Ms Jessica Carper & Mr. John Morrison

Our thanks and appreciation go out to the Winchester & Frederick County Democratic Committee and all their hard work they do in the community. We asked them for their assistance with our program through either working with our Committee to end the homelessness or through donations to help our veterans in their needs to survive.

Thank you MaryDale Jackson, Chair for inviting us to your meeting.

DVCH President/CEO John S. Lewandowski Members of the Democratic Committee’s

Mr. John Conrad Ms Jessica Carper & Mr. John Morrison

*******************************************

Walter Reed Army Medical Center (March 25, 2011):

I, Rex A. Ingram a member of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) attended the de-briefing and tour of the Military Advanced Training Center (MATC), Walter Reed Army Medical Center arranged by Congressman Frank Wolf’s Office, Herndon, Virginia through Mrs. Karen Theobald Conlin, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). In providing service to our veterans, it is imperative that we take every advantage of learning all that is possible as “knowledge is power” and veteran empowerment is our ultimate goal.

Walter Reed Center presently located at 6900 Georgia Avenue NW is moving to the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, will move begins this summer in various stages Named after, Major Walter Reed, an Army physician credited with the breakthrough in medical science that yellow fever is transmitted from a particular mosquito species. Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C. opened on May 1, 1909, seven years after his death.

The MATC at Walter Reed is absolutely amazing to see, in care for patients with amputation and functional limb loss. Our men and women are getting the very best rehabilitation programs through a combination of state of the art physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports programs, virtual reality systems and sophisticated prosthetic components.

A vehicle simulator serves to train to regain full independence. An automotive engine repair area to work on fine motor skills and dexterity.

Impressive is the two story rock climbing wall with climbing ropes and rappelling to work on overhead skills and build confidence. There is a track around the circumference of a very large room, thus no restrictions as to how far you can walk or run. Cardiovascular equipment is used; bicycles, treadmills, elliptical trainers, multi- axis virtual reality platform for training balance and coordination. Uneven terrain features sand, gravel, cobblestone for advanced ambulation skills. There are weapons simulators and equipment to train for military specific tasks.

The need for this facility was magnified by a shift in the culture from immediately discharging these patients and placing them under the care of the Veterans Health Administration to caring for them with the goal of returning as many as desire to full military duty.

There is a state of the art simulation room; semi cycle walls with the floor appearing to be the top of a ball. The terrain moves on the walls and the floor tilting, turning, and bouncing – all in combination to movements of the user, simulating numerous activities such as snowboarding and skiing.

Goals of the MATC:

• To apply a multidisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of service members who sustain catastrophic injury resulting in major limb loss, limb salvage procedures, residual function loss, or severe burns.
• To maximize an individual’s ability to negotiate real and simulated challenging physical environments.
• To maximize and individual’s capacity to perform in chosen fields, as a productive member of society in either military or civilian capacity.
• To pursue collaborative research endeavors with VHA for improved overall care.  To motivate patients and staff to constantly seek higher standards and expectations.
• Touring and listening, I was in awe and reviewing our military’s history, progress and to quote the Army’s 80th Division, “Always moving forward”.

*******************************************

WINCHESTER & FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA (March 28, 2011): I have just received the following information concerning the new Law that will be signed by Governor Bob McDonnell very soon with the legislation that was passed by the people of the State of Virginia in the November 2010 ballot to exempt 100% Permanent & Totally disabled veterans from the Real Estate tax.

Now there are certain guidelines that are to be following and they are listed below:

FREDERICK COUNTY VETERANS

APPLICATION FOR REAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR VETERANS WITH 100% SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY

Pursuant to Article X, Section 6-A of the Constitution of Virginia, the General Assembly exempted from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any Veteran who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his/her primary place of residence.

The Surviving Spouse of a Veteran eligible for the exemption set forth in this Article shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the Veteran occurred on or after January 1, 2011, the Surviving Spouse does not remarry, and the Surviving Spouse continues to occupy the real property as his/her primary place of residence.

The Veteran or Surviving Spouse claiming the exemption under this Article shall file with the Commissioner of the Revenue an Application, including Certification:

(a) setting forth the name of the disabled Veteran and the name of the Spouse (if any) also occupying the real property,

(b) indicating whether the real property is jointly owned by the husband and wife, (c) certifying that the real property is occupied as the primary residence by either

the Veteran or Surviving Spouse (if applicable), and (d) certifying that the Surviving Spouse (if applicable) has not remarried.

The Veteran or Surviving Spouse shall also provide documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor indicating that the Veteran has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. The Veteran shall only be required to re-file the required information if the Veteran’s primary residence changes. If a Surviving Spouse of a Veteran is applying for the exemption, the Surviving Spouse shall also provide documentation that the Veteran’s death occurred on or after January 1, 2011.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Disability of Veteran must be 100% service-connected AND permanent AND total.
• Residence must be Veteran’s primary residence (proof, such as resident State tax return, may be requested).
• Spouse (if applicable) must also be identified. • Deceased Veteran (if applicable) must have died on or after January 1, 2011.
• Surviving Spouse (if applicable) must not be remarried. • Surviving Spouse (if applicable) must continue to reside in primary residence.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

• Certification of disability being: (a) 100% service-connected, AND (b) permanent, AND (c) total.
• (If applicable) Copy of Veteran’s death certificate showing death occurred on or after January 1, 2011.

Reapply ONLY if primary residence changes

WINCHESTER RESIDENT VETERANS

Pursuant to Article X, Section 6-A of the Constitution of Virginia, the General Assembly exempted from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any veteran who has been rated by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a 100%.

service-connected permanent and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his principal place of residence. The tax exemption is for the home (principal residence) and up to one acre.

The surviving spouse of a veteran eligible for the exemption set forth in this article shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the veteran occurs on or after January 1, 2011, the surviving spouse does not remarry, and the surviving spouse continues to occupy the real property as his principal place of residence.

The veteran or surviving spouse claiming the exemption under this article shall file with the commissioner of the revenue an affidavit or written statement (i) setting forth the name of the disabled veteran and the name of the spouse, if any, also occupying the real property, (ii) indicating whether the real property is jointly owned by a husband and wife, and (iii) certifying that the real property is occupied as the veteran’s principal place of residence. The veteran shall also provide documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency indicating that the veteran has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. The veteran shall be required to re-file the information required by this section only if the veteran’s principal place of residence changes. In the event of a surviving spouse of a veteran claiming the exemption, the surviving spouse shall also provide documentation that the veteran’s death occurred on or after January 1, 2011

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Disability of Veteran must be 100% service-connected AND permanent AND total.
• 100% overall disabled, permanent and total. • Residence must be Veteran’s primary residence (proof, such as resident State tax return, may be requested). • Spouse (if applicable) must also be identified. • Deceased Veteran (if applicable) must have passed away on or after January 1,2011.
• Surviving Spouse (if applicable) must not be remarried. • Surviving Spouse (if applicable) must continue to reside in primary residence.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

• Certification of disability 100% service-connected. Must have “overall or combined disability rating”.
• The presentation of the original VA letter as proof; NO PHOTOCOPIES.
• (If applicable) Copy of Veteran’s death certificate showing death occurred on or after January 1, 2011.

Although you will not need to submit a full application each year, our office will request certain information on an annual basis to verify your continued eligibility for exemption. Your certification of service-connected disability will remain on file in our office.

If you have questions or need help completing the form, please contact us by phone, and visit the Assessor’s Office at City Hall, or request that an office staff member visit your home. We thank you for your service to our country and are pleased to offer this exemption here in the City of Winchester and look forward to serving you.

I have spoken with both Commissioner of Revenue from Winchester & Frederick County and they will be sending out the applications that needs to be filed, you must and I can’t express this too much, you can’t think that because you are 100% rated veteran that it’s AUTOMATIC, you have to fill out an application and specific information is required, if you don’t you will get a bill

For our veterans that are 100% but do not meet the requirements under the new law, I am advising you that there is still relief from this under the Disability Income relief through both the Winchester City and Frederick County.

If you have any questions, these officials have expressed to me that they will come and meet with a group to explain and help with the application process if need to be, if you feel that it’s necessary please contact me via email and I will pass the information to them.

*******************************************

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (Mar 28, 2011): A few months ago, the DVCH received a donation of some seafood fillets for our veterans from a company out of Massachusetts named, VIKING Seafood to provide them for our veterans at Fish Fry’s each month. It was through no fault of anyone but I had a detached retina and it required surgery and it was delayed until February and March fish fry that is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Valley Council #3572 of Winchester, Virginia.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

The Knights of Columbus have a fish fry every 1st Friday of the month for the people of our community at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church facility and average around 250 people per fish fry. I approached them and asked if I was to provide the fish for the fry can I have it advertised that the fish was donated by the Viking Company to our veterans as a way of saying thank you for what they and others like them did in the service for our country. They agreed and we had two months that a special fish fry was to say thank you to our veterans: As we always do, as to not put our veterans in the spotlight, we have been asked not to show their pictures, we hope that you respect their wishes.

*******************************************

STEPHENS CITY, VIRGINIA (March 23, 2011) As a disabled veteran with service-connected knees there are issues that interfere with my ability to go up and down stairs without severe pain and crunching sounds. I thought all the efforts to acquire a chairlift for my two-story home had failed; John S. Lewandowski President/CEO of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing reached out to Tim Blaney for help. Tim, Owner & Operator of Specialized Mobility and Contracting, LLC, Stephens City, Virginia was able to make some calls to an organization Help with Housing, a non-profit organization that provides low-income households with repairs to homes as well as provide chairlifts to people with mobility issues.

Tim was able to locate a chairlift from a very nice family, who no longer needed one. He made arrangements with the family and drove to Silver Spring, Maryland where the family helped him to secure batteries. He then was able to further inspect and remove the chairlift. Just last week, Tim and a co- worker, Steve dedicated five (5) hours installing the chairlift into my home. Not only did they install the lift, but they also cut and reinstalled an oak hand-rail to the other side of my stairway for others. He then noticed that my half –railing at the bottom of the stairs was loose.

Tim and his co-worker took the extra time to insert a longer screw to secure the half railing. He was very meticulous in his work, always making sure that the chairlift was at the right height and functional for me. He made sure that I understood how to operate and keep it working properly. Tim called me the next day to check to make sure I was satisfied with all the adjustments and to make sure everything was working properly.

I am blessed to have such caring people working hard to make sure that a fellow veteran has as much independence and mobility as possible. It has been one of the greatest joys in my life. The pain in my leg has decreased knee joint irritation which allows occurred with climbing the stairs. The chairlift makes it easier for me to get my laundry downstairs. I was really worried and wondering how I was going to assist my daughter who will require additional surgery in the near future on her feet from a birth defect; she will definitely benefit from this chairlift as she will be on crutches for about two months. It was through these hard working and caring individuals and organizations that I can enjoy my chairlift. I am extremely grateful for all their efforts.

A very grateful veteran who doesn’t have to climb these stairs again with my braces.

WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIA (MARCH 30, 2011): As a part of our continuing education to make sure that we are up to date on information that the Committee needs to keep our veterans informed with all the most current information, our Rex A. Ingram, DVCH’s Case Manager attending the following training and here are her own words about the training:

Customer Service Workshop

We are all customers any time we communicate to one another; your selling what you’re saying, be it every day household communication with your spouse, children or at work with co-workers and business customers.

People Inc. held a Customer Service Workshop in Woodstock, VA., on March 30th at the Shenandoah County Government Center, with approximately forty persons in attendance. It is free! People Inc. provides a wide range of services in our community; quality low income housing through financial services in assisting start up business, “Building Futures, Realizing Dreams”. An excellent service and complimentary to Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing, services to its veteran population.

Great service comes from the heart – learning the four key principles in a fun atmosphere is highly recommended for everyone.

Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but for greatness, because greatness is determined by SERVICE.

–Martin Luther King, Jr.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but habit. –Aristotle

A habit of excellence is what we all strive to do! As a refresher or first time training, this two hour class is totally a winner – rated five stars!

Sign up for email alerts on the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing’s website – www.DVCHVets.org, and we will let you know when the next class will be held. You do not want to miss this!

Northern Shenandoah Valley Region

JORDAN SPRINGS, VIRGINIA: Today was a special day; the Historic Jordan Springs organization was hosting a “Pub Night” for the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing to help our veterans in the community.  A little history on Jordan Springs the organization is:

Our history goes back to the early 1600s, when the Catawba Indians discovered two mineral springs, the White Sulphur Spring and the Calibeate Spring, which flow from the grotto at the base of a nearby cliff-like hill called Devil’s Backbone. The Indians used the area as a meeting place for almost a century and a half, at which point the mineral springs were discovered by settlers. The property was later made into a resort centering on the therapeutic and healing medicinal powers of the springs. Since 1832, three separate hotels have stood on the property; the brick portion of the current building was built in 1893 by Edwin Clarendon Jordan, Jr.

The night was filled with food and beverage and live entertainment from a local group called “Medicine Mind”, they played music from all genres that made you feeling like you were back reliving the times of the music.

Also we welcomed our good friend, Shannon N. Beam who came by; she really rocked the house when she provided an acappella version of Miss Ella James version of “At Last”.  On another note I asked Shannon if she would like to become part of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing Staff.  Shannon agreed to become the Event Consultant Director.  Welcome her aboard and know she will be a truly great asset to our Committee.  We also surprised her with a birthday cake from all those that were present as her birthday was coming up soon.

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA: Many of our veterans that we have contacted & associated with at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing are in a wheelchair as they are either a paraplegic or quadriplegics and it’s very hard on them and their caregivers when they have to be transferred from their chair in some cases to be transported to their doctors or even to go out to see friends.  One of the many benefits about my job is to see that veterans are taken care of not just helping in getting grants for our 100% service-connected veteran to assist in the building a new Specially Adapted Home (SAH), but in when they are in their home we want them to be warm or in a case of this veteran their garage.  Many builders in the Virginia area do not finish off garages with insulations in the ceilings and the walls and the garage doors.  This becomes extremely drafty and off course cold like a freezer in the winter and hot like a sauna room in the summer.

Well I have great news for our veteran’s that is Stephen Crouch, Builder’s Marketing Manager, Johns Manville Insulation Company of Denver, Colorado he heard of this and stepped up to donated twenty-five (25) bags of their top of the line ClimatePro insulation which can insulate to a -45 degrees in the winter, so it will keep it warm in the veterans garage during the cold winters and cool in the hot summers. As you can see our worker is really geared up just like his assistant and when they have finished you can see the finally product.

According to Nick Montanarellia, Regional Sales Manager, Johns Manville in Maryland that it won’t be too much longer for the garage door kit so we can finish off this veterans garage, he has stated that they are working on a debut of a new product line.  Thank you our friends at Johns Manville for all their assistance on this project.

WWI Veteran Buckles dies at 110

He was last surviving American WWI veteran

CHARLES TOWN - Frank Woodruff Buckles, renowned locally and across the nation as the last surviving American World War I veteran, passed away Sunday at the age of 110, family spokesman David DeJonge confirmed to The Journal late Sunday night.

Buckles passed away of natural causes around 12:30 a.m. Details for services will be announced later this week, and DeJonge said there is a possibility that Buckles will lie in state, depending on government arrangements.

“We would just like to see the United States honor Mr. Buckles in the best way possible to demonstrate to the entire world true American patriotism,” he said.

Buckles enlisted on Aug. 14, 1917, when he was 16 years old, after fibbing about his age to an Army recruiter.

He served two years overseas during WWI, in England and France. He worked as an ambulance driver, and after Armistice Day he was assigned to a prisoner-of-war escort company to help return prisoners back to Germany.

Buckles returned to the United States in 1920 as a corporal.

Years later, he was captured as a prisoner of war at the beginning of World War II, when he was working as a civilian for a shipping company in the Philippines. He spent more than three years in Japanese prison camps in Santo Tomas and Los Banos, and this past Wednesday marked 66 years since Buckles’ rescue.

After recovering and returning to the U.S., he met and married his wife, Audrey, in California. They lived in San Francisco for a few years, before they bought Gap View Farm near Charles Town in January 1954 and had their daughter in 1955.

The veteran was recognized many times during his long life. One of his most significant awards came from former French President Jacques Chirac in 1999 at the French Embassy in Washington, when Buckles received the French Legion of Honor pin and spoke to Chirac in French.

Buckles met with President George W. Bush and top Pentagon officials in March 2008, and he received the Distinguished West Virginian Award from then-Gov. Joe Manchin in August 2007.

He is survived by his daughter, Susannah Buckles Flanagan, and her husband.

His family asks that donations be made to the National World War One Legacy Project to honor Buckles and the 4,734,991 Americans that he served with during WWI.

The project is managed by the nonprofit Survivor Quest and will educate students about Buckles and WWI through a documentary, a bronze statue and a traveling educational exhibition.

Details can be found at www.frankbuckles.org.

Our Greater Richmond Area

As of the release of this Newsletter to be posted onto our website, there were projects that are in what we call working progress and I feel that I didn’t want to release any information on them until I have a completed project.  I hope that you can allow me to complete them and I will report to you at my earliest convenience.

Christopher L. Brown DVCH Director Richmond

We hope that you can find items that we write about or may know someone that can use a helping hand, remember our veterans gave a helping hand and now they can use one, so if you see a veteran or known a veteran that needs some assistance please don’t hesitate to contact one of the members of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing or help them the best that you can, here are the numbers of the members of the areas in Virginia covered by the Committee.

It’s now up to you, here are the numbers that I stated that you can contact:

John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO at 540-877-1252, or at

DVCH123@gmail.com

or

Christopher L. Brown, Director, Greater Richmond at 804-922-1314, or at

CBrownVet@gmail.com

or

Daphne R. Mize, Executive Director, Veterans Outreach at 540-636-6380 or at

DRM.DVCH@gmail.com

God Bless and Be Safe till next month.