The Committee’s Newsletter for June, 2010

Last month, I was expressing how the temperature we all were feeling more like February than May and now our weather does a 360 on us, it’s been so hot that the it sometimes hard to breath, but as they say, just stay inside as they say the air quality isn’t healthy for you, what did they say to you 20 years ago with the air quality, grin and bear it and you’ll be fine.

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.