CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA (July 12, 2010) The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was asked by the Southside Community Development and & Housing Corporation (SCD&HC) to assist them develop the “Rachel’s Way” community in Chesterfield, VA.  The community has 38 lots which they want to make available as a small veteran’s village.  The builder for the project will be R. L. Seely Homes, LLC of Woodford, Virginia.

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing prepared and is distributing a flyer at the VA hospital in Richmond on the new community.  The flyer is also being showcased on the DVCH  website.  A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed defining the responsibilities of each party involved in the implementation of the project.  See our website:  www.DVCHVets.org.

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (July 22, 2010) A CHALENG Meeting was held at the Fairfax Government Center Facilities, 12000 Government Center Parkway; Conference Rooms 9 and 10 by the Washington VA Medical Center representative.  The Outreach Coordinator for Health Care for Homeless, a Ms Garnet Nelson, LCSW,LCSW-C,  CHALENG 2010 conducted the meeting.  Mr. James Thur, Regional Director, Virginia Wounded Warriors Program, and Daphne R. Mize, the DVCH’s Executive Director, Veterans Outreach attended the meeting.  They reported that they were continuing to work on getting current statistics on the number of homeless veterans in our region.  The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless veterans or veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless veterans and their families through the assistance of VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community.

Are you a homeless Veteran? The VA has founded a National Call Center for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, that provides free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Call 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838) or Chat Live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Congressman Frank Wolf & Daphne R. Mize

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA (July 29, 2010) Congressman Frank Wolf, 10^th District for the State of Virginia held his semi-annual “Job Fair”, at the  Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Drive, Leesburg, VA.

As you know, the workforce in the Tenth District is very educated and experienced; however, we still have had many job losses over the last year and a half.  We would appreciate it if your organization could participate and provide information as jobs that are currently available.  We thought it might be of interest to you that the Commonwealth of Virginia has created a permanent fund to be known as the Small Business Jobs Grant Fund, to be managed and administered as a part of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

(left) Ann Potocnak, Veterans Representative for WolfInvestment Program.

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA (July 31, 2010) The groundbreaking ceremony for LTC Earl Gentile and his wife, Julie, went great although the traffic on I-64 and I-95 delayed the arrival of a number of dignitaries.  Fortunately, all were able to participate in the ceremony which started only about 15 minutes late.  This was such a special occasion with the presentation of the colors made by the Fort Eustis, Virginia Army Color Guard, the Langley AFB, Virginia Honor Guard and the Williamsburg Field Musick, Fifes & Drum Corp presentation of the National Anthem at the site of the construction of the Gentile’s new Specially Adapted home.  We are hopeful that the building permit for the new home will be approved over the next two weeks with the clearing of the lot and the pouring of the foundation to follow shortly thereafter.  The following are a selection of the photos of the groundbreaking which we hope you enjoy.

See all of you next month.  In the meantime I will bring you up to date on what the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing will be doing for our veterans.  God Speed to each of you.

Incredible Home Offer at “Rachel’s Way Community”, Chesterfield County, Virginia

R.L. Seely Homes, LLC has been selected by the Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation as a builder in the Rachel’s Way Community.  The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing has been asked to provide support in this effort building public awareness of Rachel’s way among disabled veterans as a development that welcomes people with disabilities.   (The DVCH will not be paid or granted special favors/considerations by any “for profit” organizations.)

R.L. Seely Homes will be building two stylish models in the new community that provide the character and warmth your family searches for in a new community.

Located conveniently off Routes 10 and 288 the charm of Rachel’s Way, just 15 minutes from the McGuire VA Hospital, is an attractive compliment to the modern yet old world appeal of R.L. Seely Homes models which range from 1,486 to 1627 sq. ft and can be purchased with additional features to further enhance the new home.  Pricing starts from $190,000.  Contact a R.L. Seely Homes representative today to plan your new home at Rachel’s Way.

R.L. Seely Homes at 540-379-3220 or SeelyRLS@hotmail.comR. L. Seely Homes, Virginia Class “A” License, Bld. Tech Approved Department of Veterans Affairs, Special Adapted Home Builder #4177

This past month the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was involved in the following:

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

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA (June 11, 2010) President of the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing made a courtesy visit to the Director, VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Director Ann R. Brown, on June 11, 2010 to ascertain the cooperation of the Director on issues dealing with allowing the Disabled Veterans Committee to attend and participate in event that are at the Medical Center so that the veterans can be aware of the programs and items that our Committee can help them with.  Director Brown asked about our veterans if they have any issues with the medical facility that she could address and correct as needed.  The Director stated she is glad that we had this opportunity to meet and listen to the programs that we have available to our veterans in our community.  Our meeting lasted 30 minutes and we both will be looking forward to our next meeting possible in October of this year.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 26, 2010) Each and everyone has a time in their lives where they attend a function and let everyone see what you have become with yourself, and they called these special event, “CLASS REUNION” well, Director, Associate Members, Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Seely Sr, attended his fiftieth (50th) class reunion of Pleasantville High School of Armonk, New York.  50 years ago he attended a classroom similar to the one that our students today still go into and with the passing of time and a slight change in their appearance, you get to see all the guys and gals that you went to the sock hops with and hanged out with at the corner, or just went to a movie with and boy then you see how far you have come and say those were the days.  Here is Dick, when he entered the military and then one of him today with his bride at the reunion.

STAUNTON, VIRGINIA (June 30, 2010) COL (Ret) Francis M. (Frank) Williams was recently awarded a substantial grant from the Paralyzed Veterans of America which is assisting this courageous career officer to make his existing home more accessible.  The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) was able to bring the grant opportunity to the attention of Mr. Williams, help him apply for funding and then to meet the requirements of the grant.  Making the home more accessible has been key for Mr. Williams and his family as he is disabled with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  Mr. Williams was referred to the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) by Rick Corbett, Senior NSO, Roanoke PVA office who was asked by the veteran to identify organizations that could assist him to remodel his home.

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

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

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

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

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

Well, that’s our Newsletter for this month, we are hoping to have more to report to you, but we are working on many different areas and when they all come together then we will have a large Newsletter to send to you.  God Bless all of you.

This past month the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was involved in the following:

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA (May 13, 2010) Sixteen Richmond leaders met at the East District Family Resource Center (EDFRC) to discuss how best to develop and begin implementing a wellness program targeting all 30,000+ residents of Richmond’s East District.  Many veterans, including disabled veterans, reside in the East District so the DVCH has agreed to become a partner in this important wellness campaign.  The campaign is being lead by Councilwomen Cynthia Newbille.

East District Family Resource Center & Hepatitis Foundation International

The Partners in Liver Wellness Richmond Campaign Launch

CEO Thelma King Thiel, from the Hepatitis International Foundation

Among those attending the planning meeting were: Hepatitis Foundation International CEO Thelma Thiel, Virginia Delegate Deloris McQuinn, Senator Jim Webb’s State Director Conway Haskins, Congressman Bobby Scott Legislative Assistant Nkechi Winkler and Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Seely who represented the DVCH.

Key points agree on at the meeting included the following:

• This is a most appropriate time to be discussing expanded wellness programs in Richmond given the passage of the national health care bill.
• Although adults and children in the East District face large health and social challenges meeting attendees feel there are very substantial resources available to help meet these needs.
• We need to have a prevention education wellness program that targets all 30,000+ residents living in the East District.
• Liver Wellness should be the first and a major component of an overall wellness program for Richmond’s 7^th District.
• Many organizations are doing an excellent job responding to the needs of their clients.  However, most organizations in the 7^th District do not have adequate information about the services other groups are providing to clients.  If, in the future, organizations will be able to implement a uniform health program and also have knowledge of what each other is doing, better more effective services could be given to those in need.
• We need to focus on young children as so many are abusing alcohol and drugs at an early age.
• A group that should be targeted is those living in public housing.
• A new comprehensive wellness initiative must take advantage of programs already in place.
• Health care personnel need to have an entire “tool kit” if materials on liver wellness, heart disease, and other illnesses so they can be effective in dealing with clients, family, neighbors, friends, business colleagues, etc.
• It is important to identify district stakeholders, get them together and develop a comprehensive wellness plan.  “Sew all of the pieces of cloth together to make a quilt”.
• We could carry out the liver wellness training over the short term while we develop the overall District 7 wellness plan.

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

aniel S. Kern, Financial Management Advisor, Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) was the “lead off” speaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Virginia 2009, Daphne R. Mize, Shannon Beam, John S. Lewandowski

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

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

Retiring Fire & Rescue Chief Frank Wright

Much of the success of the event is due to our presenters and we want to thank them so much for their involvement in the program:  Keynote Speakers, James A. Thur, Northern Virginia Wounded Warrior’s Program and Christopher M. Price, Executive Director, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and our Special Guests, Chinah Helmandollar, Miss Virginia 2009 and Shannon Beam our very own Miss Apple Blossom 2010, and Ms Sherry Allen, Valley Health Wellness Services, whose father was a Prisioner of War in World War II.  We also want to thank Brianna and Tyler Hudnall of the Life in the Word Church of Jesus Christ, Inc., Day Care for their outstanding tribute to our men and women in uniform, and to United States Marine Corps Recruiters, Mr. Jeffrey Hartman, Handley High School, and Mr. DeRian Mize, Front Royal, Virginia.

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

Wal-Mart Superstore #3344, Winchester, Virginia 22603

Wal-Mart Superstore #1406, Winchester, Virginia 22601

Target Store #T-1234, Legge Blvd, Winchester, Virginia 22601

Flowers by Snelling, Winchester, Virginia

Smalt’s Flowers, Winchester, Virginia

Winchester Floral Shop, Winchester, Virginia

Martin’s Food Stores, Rivendell Court, Winchester, Virginia

Martin’s Food Store, Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, Virginia

Stroehmann Bread Company, Winchester, Virginia

Olive Garden Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Red Lobster, Winchester, Virginia

Perkins Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Popeye’s Chicken, Winchester, Virginia

Cracker Barrel, Old Country Store, Winchester, Virginia

Chinatown Kitchen Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Applebee’s Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Shoney’s Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Violino Restorante, Winchester Virginia

Venice Italian Restaurant, Winchester, Virginia

Golden Corral, Winchester, Virginia

Panera Bread, Winchester, Virginia

Heavenly Hams, Winchester, Virginia

Pizza Hut, Winchester, Virginia

Papa John’s Pizza, Winchester, Virginia

Anthony’s Pizza, Valley Ave, Winchester, Virginia

Domino’s Pizza, Wilson Boulevard, Winchester, VA

Coca Cola Beverage, Hagerstown, MD

B.J. Sagers, Inc., Winchester, Virginia

Hershey Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia

Garber’s Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia

Da Da’s Ice Cream, Winchester, Virginia

As with all great events we had to have sponsors.  I want to especially thank the following for all their help in making this event so successful:

Grand Home Furnishing, Winchester, Virginia

R. L. Seely Homes, LLC, Woodford, Virginia

Dr. Melissa Seely-Morgan, DeKalb Medical – Hillandale Campus, Atlanta, GA

The George Washington Hotel, Winchester, Virginia

Apple Federal Credit Union, Fairfax, Virginia

Shenandoah Motors, Front Royal, Virginia

Winchester Printers, Winchester, Virginia

The Green-Men Landscape, Winchester, Virginia

A Special Thank You to the FAITH Network, Woodstock, Virginia

Ron, Melanie, Christie

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing held a day of tribute May 27th for our men and women in uniform at Shenandoah University’s Winchester Medical Center Campus.  The day honored local veterans, active duty military, police officers, and firefighters. Organized by the DVCH’s President, John S. Lewandowski and Veterans Outreach Director, Daphne R. Mize, the first annual event was recognized by the Mayor of Winchester as an official day of honoring servicemen and women. Mize explained that the purpose of the event, scheduled right before the Memorial Day weekend, was to “applaud them and salute them”.

We want to let them know we do care.” Lewandowski empathized that the program was to bring awareness to the community. After earlier stating, “Most don’t understand what people go through every day to make sure that each and every one of us is safe.”

At the event groups such as Troops to Teachers, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and other various clinics and services for veterans were present. Live

The Vet Center’s purpose is to serve veterans in rural areas who have a lack of transportation are incapacitated.

The Center helps veterans by giving them access to a mini health and counseling clinic all located within the bus. Vet Center buses are scattered throughout the fifty states and have helped in emergencies such as the Fort Hood massacre in Texas.

There that day were men and women who shared their miraculous stories about their loved ones’ service. One of which was a story told by the Outreach Coordinator for the Valley Health Wellness Service, Sherry Allen about her father’s military service in War World II straight from his own manuscript written in the Philippines.

John Lewandowski (right) presents Daphe Mize roses for her work in putting together the program to recognize and honor men and women in uniform.

Congressman Wolf’s Constituent Services Staff Assistant, Ann Potocnak, shared her father’s story as a firefighter who was run over by his own fire truck after a car hit the truck causing him to be knocked out of the open cab. The incident would end up crushing his lower legs.  Amazingly, he would recover and serve 15 more years as a firefighter in Arlington County, VA.

Recognized that day was retiring Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Wright who was awarded a Certification of Excellence to the Winchester Community.  Caught off guard by his award, Wright would state, “It has been a pleasure for me to serve this community. I couldn’t ask for a better life.”

The Vet Center bus provides medical treatment and counseling services to veterans in rural areas.

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was established in 2008 by John S. Lewandowski a disabled veteran himself. The organization’s purpose is to provide affordable and accessible housing for disabled veterans throughout

Virginia and the surrounding states.  The DVCH has teamed up with R.L. Seely Homes to build homes for disabled veterans.

brandon@sherandotimes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Remembering & Recognizing our Men and Women in Uniform”

May 27, 2010 – 11:00AM to 2:30PM

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (April 26, 2010) – The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing is having our 1^st Annual Northern Shenandoah Community event to honor and to thank our men and women in uniform.  The event is to bring awareness of the challenges they face each and every day for protecting our neighborhoods and our community. The event will be held at Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.  There will be many dignitaries on hand to “Meet & Greet” and local entertainment.

Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing: The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) provides a comprehensive program aimed at providing affordable and accessible housing for disabled veterans throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic States, our services are FREE to our veterans…  This is an extremely important initiative as there are so many disabled veterans who qualify for VA housing and other grants, can also obtain permanent financing, among other things, but are not building new accessible homes.  The DVCH we can assist veterans in their efforts to realize a dream of obtaining a new accessible home and becoming INDEPENDENT.

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing continues to refine and improved the organization’s veteran outreach and other programs.  We feel 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 are 100% disabled service-connected.  One can imagine what these veterans suffer each and every day.  The DVCH is dedicated to improving the quality of their lives by helping them build or remodel their home so it meets their medical needs.

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

We ask that you think about the sacrifices of our police, fire fighters, rescue personnel and all others in uniform as they all warrant our respect and gratitude for our safety.

You can send your donation to help our men and women in uniform event to:

Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing,

1^st Annual Northern Shenandoah Community Event

147 Duwamish Trail

Winchester, Virginia 22602-1316

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

Washington (CNN) — The last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, former Cpl. Frank Buckles, turns 109 on Monday and is still hoping for a national memorial in Washington for his comrades.

Buckles is expected to deliver remarks during a quiet celebration Monday afternoon at his home in Charles Town, West Virginia.

But the old “Doughboy” — as World War I American infantry troops were called — has already been outspoken in recent years, urging congressional lawmakers to give federal recognition and a facelift to a run-down District of Columbia memorial in an overgrown, wooded area along the National Mall.

In December, at 108, Buckles testified on Capitol Hill as lawmakers considered whether to fund renovation and give the site “national” monument status. But rival legislation seeks the “national” designation for a 1920s-era memorial located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Congress has not yet decided on the legislation.
In 2008, the old soldier came to Washington and visited that 1930s-vintage District memorial. In his wheelchair, helped along by a military aide, he slowly crossed the cracks in the flagstone walkway, and saw the cracks in the marble gazebo.
Still sharp at only 107, he noted during that visit that the names engraved along the gazebo’s marble walls are only of those who hailed from District of Columbia.

Buckles that day also met with then-President George W. Bush at the White House and Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon.
Later in 2008, Buckles was the guest of honor at Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. He said he considers it his duty to represent his fellow soldiers.

“I have to,” he told CNN, “because I’m the last living member of Americans,” who fought in what was called The Great War.

As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Buckles was an ambulance driver for U.S. forces in Europe, and once met commanding Gen. John Pershing, near whose grave the more recent Veterans Day ceremony was held.

Buckles was warmly greeted with standing applause by those in uniform and others who had gathered for the commemoration, but he said he did not think the fuss was about him.

“I can see what they’re honoring: The veterans of World War I.”

“Time has passed very quickly to me,” he told CNN after a wreath-laying, “I’ve had a lot of activity in the last 90 years.”

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

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

• Patricia O’Bannon, Tuckahoe Delegate spoke about Henrico County and the benefits that it provides to active duty military as well as senior citizens.

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

A large turnout of personnel interested in knowing about changes that could affect them or others that they know.

Ms Mize, Mr. Donald Price, President, Access Independence - Mayor Elizabeth Minor

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

John S. Lewandowski, Mr. Price and Mayor Elizabeth Minor

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

Former NFL Coach – Dan Reeves and CEO Thelma Thiel

Former NFL Coach Dan Reeves, co-chair of this initiative, shared his thoughts on why.understanding the importance of the liver was important to his players: “Listening to a presentation on the importance of the liver had the greatest impact on my teams motivating them to take care of themselves and avoid the pitfalls of participating in liver damaging behaviors. We need to reach out to our community leaders to help our children, families and employees take responsibility for their own healthcare and adopt healthier lifestyles”

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