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The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaDecember 2011 Vol. LXI, #12
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD
President’sReport
3
GovernmentRelations Report
4
Service Officer’sReport
5
Sports & Recreation
6
Banquet Photos8 & 9
PVA News10
InsideWhat’s
continued on page �
On a chilly fall evening, approximately
120 guests assembled at the Holiday
Inn in Mansfield, MA for the
NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 21st, 2011.
Upon their arrival, members, friends and family,
along with VA staff gathered and mingled in
the cocktail lounge while meatballs, scallops
wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushrooms were
being passed around. This year’s banquet again
featured a four course dinner with a choice of
entrée (filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast,
grilled salmon or a vegetarian meal), awards, and
dancing to the music of DJ Corin Ashley.
As in the past, the lounge area and banquet
hall were beautifully decorated with balloons,
and colorful centerpieces in an array of fall
colors. Decorations, as always, were provided by
Balloons over Boston.
Keeping with tradition,
ladies were again
presented with a long
stem red rose as they
approached the banquet
hall.
Upon entering the
banquet hall, everyone
was seated and enjoyed
their fresh fruit cup
followed by salad. After
salads were served, NEPVA President Craig
Cascella came forward to the microphone to
welcome everyone and introduce some honored
guests. As in past years, NEPVA was honored
2011 NEPVA Annual Banquetto have several officials from the VA Boston
Healthcare System and VISN I in attendance.
These included: VABHS Associate Director Dr.
Susan MacKenzie; VABHS Chief of Staff Dr.
Michael Charness; Acting Director of the Edith
Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Christine Croteau; VABHS Associate Director
of Nursing/Patient Services Cecilia McVey;
Associate Chief of Nursing-Brockton Annmarie
Fredericks; and Deputy Nurse Executive
Joan Clifford. Craig went on to introduce
the NEPVA officers and Board members
present, PVA Service Office staff, and NEPVA
staff. Following the welcome remarks and
introductions, everyone was served dinner.
After guests completed their entrees, the awards
portion of the evening began and President
Craig Cascella returned to the podium. He
spoke briefly about New England PVA, its
history, and accomplishments. Carrying on
an annual tradition, Craig then presented the
Right: Medical staff from the VA Boston Healthcare System
pose for a group photo at the NEPVA
Annual Banquet.
Cord Word December 2011
www.nepva.org
PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA
NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081
TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Debra FreedSecretary, Debra FreedTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter Farrington Wayne RossDustin SorokaJim WallackNeal Williams
NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C
BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607
Fax: (617) 723-7467
Sr. Benefits Advocate, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081
Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.
PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWeb Master, Harley FreedmanWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein
Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, Richard FranoWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams
STAFFCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design, Harley Freedman
2
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER
BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330
Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont
TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911
National Service Officer II, John StansburySecretary, Wendy Glidden
9 MONTH DRAWING
NOVEMBER WINNERs
$50Paul R. McPheeHanover, MA
$25Sally E. QuinnConcord, NH
$25Ronald Ayre
Marshfield, MA
Cord Word
www.nepva.org
December 2011
3
by Craig C. Cascella
NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report
continued on page 12
On October 21st, we held our
Annual Chapter Banquet, as
usual there was a very good
turnout (see associated article in this
issue). A great time seemed to be had
by all and we will pass along next year’s
date as soon as we can.
On the 26th, I visited the Brockton VA
LTC Unit. I had the opportunity to
chat with the residents, volunteers, and
the VA Staff, as well as to listen to or
address any concerns they may have.
On the 29th, I joined Chapter members
for a fun time horseback riding in
Brookfield, MA, at the Elm Hill Center
Stables. It was a chilly day and in fact
there was a winter storm in the forecast
that had arrived a little earlier than
predicted. I look forward to riding
again in the future, perhaps when the
warmer weather comes back around.
Thanks to Sports Director Brad
Carlson for organizing the event.
The Chapter will be sponsoring
Holiday parties at many of the local
VAMC’s in the area. The SCI Clinic
staff, Social Workers,
and other VA Staff
assist the Chapter in
arranging the dates
and supplies for the
parties. On behalf of
the Chapter, I hope
all of our members,
volunteers, and friends
had a wonderful
Thanksgiving
and have a Merry
Christmas.
I recently received an email notification
from the VA Boston Healthcare System
Director’s office, announcing that for
the second year in a row the VA Boston
Healthcare System has been selected
as one of The Boston Globe’s Top Places
to Work. The competition is tough;
however, for 2011 they ranked number
16 in the Large Employers category, a
most impressive showing. On behalf
of NEPVA, a sincere thank you for all
your hard work. Receiving a public
honor such as this is proof positive
of what we at NEPVA already know,
that VA BHS is a great place to work,
with an outstanding staff that cares
for America’s most deserving patients.
Once again, congratulations to the
entire VA BHS team.
PVA continues to make major progress
with site visit reports and staffing
guidelines. We continue to hold the VA
accountable when we know we need to
and work with them when we believe
we have the same goals and objectives.
PVA is tough but fair in all our dealings
with the VA. It is important for Medical
Services, Veterans
Benefits, and
Architecture to
work hard
and as a
team hold
the VA
accountable
for the issues
they get off
track on and also
support the VA on the things they
are doing well. It is important for our
membership to know that all of PVA’s
staff works hard to accomplish all the
key goals, mission, and objectives of the
organization. Please feel free to contact
me on any issue or concern you may
have.
On November 11th, I was fortunate
to be able to attend Veterans Day
ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall
Memorial in Washington D.C. As
usual, the ceremonies were fantastic
and I would recommend visiting
Washington D.C. and visiting the
many monuments or memorials where
Left: Ret. General Barry R. McCaffery & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at Vietnam Wall Veterans Day Ceremonies. Right: Minnesota PVA Chapter President Tom Fjerstad & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at the PVA Wreath laying at the Vietnam Wall Memorial.
Cord Word December 2011
www.nepva.org4
by Debra Freed
Government Relations Director
continued on page 12
With all the talk about
reducing the deficit,
it came as somewhat
of a surprise when it
was announced in mid-
October that Social
Security (SS) would see a
cost of living increase of
3.6%, the first increase
since 2009.
Government RelationsDid You Know . . . !
Well, winter certainly gave
us a good scare at the end
of October. The weather
has been decent since but be prepared.
Our webmaster, Thomas Dodd,
resigned towards the end of September
but NEPVA.
org remains up
and running
and even has
a new look.
NEPVA would
like to thank
Thomas for his
years of service
concerning the
Chapter website.
Thomas is still
involved with
NEPVA’s Celtics
basketball team,
which holds
practices at the
Brockton VA. Please check the website
for days and times.
With all the talk about reducing
the deficit, it came as somewhat of a
surprise when it was announced in mid-
October that Social Security (SS) would
see a cost of living increase of 3.6%,
the first increase since 2009. Those
receiving Social Security (SS), Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
and Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) will get the increase. Those
receiving Veterans’ Compensation will
also see the increase. The increase will
take effect Jan 1, 2012.
The Chapter sent out an email to nearly
305 members asking if they would
want to get the newsletter via email. We
received a number of responses so far in
the positive that these members would
like to get the email version. November
was a bit late but hopefully this process
will be up and
running for the
December issue
and the January
one at the latest.
NEPVA would
like to reiterate
its commitment
to our members,
the veteran
population, and
the disabled
community. We
maintain a very
good relationship
with the offices of
the Associate Directors in the Boston
area, the VA Boston Director, Michael
Lawson, and to some extent even at the
VISN level. I had stopped by the 2nd
floor at West Roxbury last month to
drop off newsletters and have a quick
chat with Dr. MacKenzie about an issue
that I know affects just about all of us
– medications. The issue is that some
meds used to come in various colors so
they were easily recognizable. Because
of money, not just from the VA but the
pharmaceutical companies, most of the
meds now come in white. Many come
in various sizes still, but the problem is
remembering which pill is which. The
Pharmaceutical industry has tried to do
its best by making
medicines
different
shapes
and sizes.
However,
it is not
difficult
to forget
which one is
which. So, Dr. MacKenzie inquired
at the pharmacy. Any time you have a
question, any type of question about a
medication, do not hesitate to request
to speak to a pharmacist. I was told by
the West Roxbury pharmacy it really
is as simple as that. As the saying goes,
please don’t shoot the messenger, in this
case the pharmacist, because the VA
was able to get a better price on your
once yellow pantoprazol medication.
NEPVA does try to provide a diverse
sports program, activities that will get
people out and about. The Chapter is
working with two groups that are very
different but have the same objective.
Over the summer some members
participated in the Sail to Prevail
program out of Newport, RI. The
Chapter is sponsoring a sail boat for
their program. On October 29, Brad,
Mike G, Craig, and I took a horseback
riding lesson at the Elm Hill Center
in Brookfield, MA. I hadn’t been on a
horse in nearly 30 years. Unfortunately
for Honey the horse, I don’t weigh what
I did 30 years ago, but she was still very
good to me. NEPVA is considering
Cord Word
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December 2011
5continued on page 12
service Officer’s Report By Thomas Ricks,Senior National Service Officer, Newark, NJ
Home respiratory care is the
provision of home oxygen/
respiratory care services that
assist any eligible veterans with home
respiratory care (VHA Handbook
1173.13). The program involves
members of Medical Service, Pharmacy
Service, Prosthetic and Sensory
Aids Service (PSAS), Acquisition
and Materiel Management Service
(A&MMS), Nursing Service, Health
Administration Service and contractors
who comply with the Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO) standards.
The primary methods for providing
oxygen therapy in the home are
compressed gas, oxygen concentrators
and liquid oxygen. The prescribing
physician determines the amount
based on the flow rate desired by the
daily period of usage and the veteran’s
physical condition and daily activities.
All veterans on the home oxygen
program will be reevaluated and the
need for oxygen therapy documented
every 6 months for the first year. The
need for continuing oxygen will be
documented at least annually.
Veterans on ventilators for continuous
mechanical ventilation will be
furnished with equipment when
prescribed only after the veteran has
been evaluated by the VA Respiratory
Therapy Service. A veteran that is
totally dependent on a ventilator for
continuous mechanical ventilation will
also be furnished with a spare ventilator
with accessories. Family and care takers
will be trained on the function and use
of the ventilator and accessories prior to
discharging the veteran. All ventilators
are furnished in accordance with VA
policies and procedures.
An Intermediate Positive Pressure
Breathing Machine (IPPB) is furnished
when prescribed by a physician
specializing in pulmonary disease.
The machine is used to deliver air
under pressure into the patient’s lungs
for periods of time for veterans with
acute pulmonary edema and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease.
Specially designed rocking beds are
used when prescribed by a physician
specializing in pulmonary medicine to
control respiration of the patient.
The Prescribing Clinician is responsible
for determining the need for home
respiratory care based on the veteran’s
prognosis, medical history, results of
Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s) or pulse
according to the guidelines for home
oxygen in the VHA Clinical Practice
Guideline for Asthma, sleep study, or
ventilator settings. The prescription or
consult includes general information
like home oxygen, method of delivery,
liter flow, airway pressure, mask type
and settings. Reevaluating the patient
to ensure the continued need for
intervention is accomplished from 4
weeks to 3 months depending on the
reason for the intervention.
A reevaluation is also provided for
veterans requiring long term oxygen
and mechanical ventilation annually;
the clinician will notify Prosthetics
of the continued need or the need
to discontinue intervention. There
is a Fee-Basis program if authorized
in accordance with VA acquisition
regulation 801.670-3. Medical, Dental
and ancillary services are available for
eligible veterans who are unable to
report to the VA Medical Center for
evaluation of continued need or initial
need for home respiratory care.
The Prosthetic Service is responsible
for administering the program.
Eligibility is determined for a veteran
by working with a home oxygen
therapy physician to identify oxygen
therapy requirements. This can include
concentrators, tanks, regulators,
cannulas, masks, tubing, Continuous
Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) devices,
ventilators and other respiratory care
equipment. The designated contracting
officer or Contracting Officer’s
Technical Representative (COTR)
arranges for the home respiratory
care contract. The (COTR) will also
ensure contractor compliance and
Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
standards on a quarterly basis
through site visits, receipt and review
of all required documentation and
performance improvement activities,
veteran satisfaction surveys and veteran
interactions. Random home visits
provide quality assurance from 10%
of home visits to veterans on home
respiratory care on a yearly basis. Visits
THE HOME RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM
Cord Word December 2011
www.nepva.org6
sports & Recreation Fall Sports ReportBy Brad Carlson, Sports Director &Mike Guilbault, Assistant Sports Director
Happy Holidays everyone! I hope
everyone had a great Thanksgiving,
and didn’t gain too much weight.
There’s a lot to be discussed in this
article, and I will try to make it brief.
On the 29th of October, at Elm Hill
Center Stables in Brookfield, we held a
disabled horseback riding clinic. Despite
the impending snow, we did have four
people attend. For those who missed it -
- you missed out on a great day! Thanks
go out to Mike Guilbault, Debra Freed,
and Craig Cascella for attending this
clinic. A great buffet was provided by E.
B. Flatts restaurant in Brookfield, which
warmed everyone up on a chilly day!
We will be holding another horseback
riding clinic (in warmer weather)
sometime in the spring of 2012.
Please keep a lookout for upcoming
information on this clinic. Hopefully,
we can get more attendees. Elm Hill
Center Stables also offers feeding and
brushing the variety of animals on the
farm, along with helping out in their
gardens for those of you who cannot or
are not interested in riding a horse. It’s
a great day out for all! A special “thank
you” to Bonnie Keefe-Layden, Liz
Flaherty and the staff and volunteers at
Elm Hill Center Stables for a wonderful
day.
Of course, our Bass Trail finished with
a bang with the PVA National Bass
Trail held at Lake Winnipesaukee
in September at Camp Robindel in
Moultonborough, NH. The weather
cooperated, and a great time was had
by all. The Bass Trail will continue
as usual in the spring. Keep watching
for updated information on the dates.
Thanks again to Tiny and his crew
for the great job and hard work that
they do to make sure these events go
off without a hitch. Thanks also to the
Nam Knights for volunteering every
year during these events.
We concluded our three Shooting
Events for the year on October 7th at
the Bass River Rod and Gun Club in
Yarmouthport, MA. Also, on Friday,
September 23rd, NEPVA members were
invited to the Shawme Fish & Game
Club for a day of shooting in Sandwich,
MA. We were allowed to shoot a variety
of weapons at
these shooting
events,
including
M1
Garand,
M1 Carbine,
AR 15 A2
and A4 models.
Many thanks to
Dick Hurley who helped organize both
shoots along with his team of volunteers
and sponsors who made these events
possible. On Saturday, September 24th,
we also had our annual shoot with the
Bellingham Police Department. This
event, started by our late, great friend
Mickey Emery will continue annually
thanks to Dennis Auger, Liz Emery
and the BPD. Our thanks go to the
Vietnam Veterans Association and all
the volunteers who helped out at the
BPD range, and the cooks who fed us
so well.
Earlier in the spring, we had the Mickey
Emery Air Rifle Shoot, a competitive
shooting event at the Brockton VAMC
which will be held annually. It’s a great
practice event for those who shoot air
Left: Debra Freed rides at Elm Hill Center Stables. Right:Brad Carlson prepares to mount his horse.
Cord Word
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December 2011
7
Northeast Passage with members of the USA Sled Hockey Team in partnership with VA Boston Healthcare System are pleased to announce:
2011-2012 SLED HOCKEY CLINICSA seated version of hockey open to anyone with difficulty stand-up skating. Come and try it out!!
WHERE: DATES & TIME:Nobles School Rink 9:30 am-12 pm10 Campus Drive Dedham, MA 02026 (Clinics are free to those who register)
December 4January 22February 5 & 19
To register, please contact:Tom Carr, CTRS/LNortheast PassageUniversity New [email protected] Cossaboom, CTRSVA Boston Healthcare [email protected]
rifles at the Veterans Games and a fun
time for anyone who’d just like to try it
out. Just a note -- every Tuesday at the
Brockton VA, there is practice in the
Building 23 Gym at 1:00 P.M. for all
interested. Contact Joanie Lynch (774-
826-1976) if you are interested in the air
rifle events.
Kayaking continues every Wednesday
evening at the Brockton VA from 5 to
7 P.M. This is located in Building 23
at the pool. Contact Kelly Cossaboom
(774-826-1955) for more information.
When the weather gets warmer we will
move this to various outside locations.
We will be contacting all individuals
who participated in the Wheelchair
Football Clinic in the past to organize
a team. Expect a phone call soon, as we
try to finalize getting together a team
that will travel for wheelchair football.
(Growing pains -- as we try to establish
a new sport in New England)
The Summer Sports Clinic was a great
success again this year. This is held
every year at Mount Sunapee State Park
-- this includes hand cycling, kayaking,
water skiing, live fishing, air rifle
shooting and a bi-athalon.
The Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled
Veterans will be held at Mount Sunapee
again January 9-13, 2012. The deadline
for signing up was December 1st. If
you plan to attend, NEPVA members
should contact the chapter office
before the clinic for possible financial
assistance.
The National Veterans Wheelchair
Games will be held in Richmond, VA,
from June 25 - 30, 2012. If you have
never attended these games, check the
NEPVA website for information on
applications for this event.
Don’t forget, hand cycling will continue
sometime in the spring. Watch for
upcoming news on our clinics held
weekly on Monday evenings at the
Brockton VA. We hope to expand on
our program next year.
There’s so much to do, please get
out there and participate. As always,
contact the NEPVA Office for more
information on any event.
Left: Sharp shooter Rose Cahill takes aim with an AR-15 urban assault rifle at the Shawme Fish and Game Club. Right: Recreation Therapist Joan Lynch and a Shawme Club volunteer look on as Prince Blue takes aim.
Cord Word December 2011
www.nepva.org8
continued from page 1banquet
Pierik awards to two nurses. The award was founded many years ago by retiring
Chief of Nursing Madeline Pierik, who donated a sum of money to be used for
recognition of outstanding SCI nurses, from the West Roxbury VA SCI unit
and the Brockton VA Long Term Care unit. This year’s winners were: Marybeth
Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus and Tamie Reynolds from
VABHS-Brockton Campus. The two recipients were awarded silver bowls with the
engraving, “For Outstanding Care and Devotion To SCI Patients.” Two additional
awards of recognition were presented to Bass Trail Director Tiny LaFontaine and
Bob “Soupy” Campbell for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non
Member Category as part of the Dwain Taylor Award for Volunteer Service. Both
PVA certificates of award were accepted by Bob Campbell, since Tiny was unable
to attend the banquet.
Following the awards presentations, chocolate cake and coffee were served. As the
early birds departed, the dance music got going and the serious wheelchair dancers
came to the floor. Once again, dedicated VA staff members made sure that the
patients enjoyed their night out.
We hope to see everyone, and some new faces as well, at next year’s banquet. Check
future issues of Cord Word for the date.
PIERIK AWARDS
Bob “Soupy” Campbell received an award for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non Member Category.
Tamie Reynolds from VABHS-Brockton Campus and Marybeth Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus received the Madeline Pierik award for outstanding nursing care of SCI patients.
Cord Word
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December 2011
9
see more photos at www.nepva.org/banquet.html
and click on the banquet photos link
Ban
quet
pho
tos:
Har
ley
Free
dman
Cord Word December 2011
www.nepva.org10
PVA News
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Vantage Mobility International
(VMI), a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of wheelchair accessible full-size and minivan conversions, have joined with VMI’s Select Dealer Network to develop the Operation Independence campaign. This national program in support of Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign is designed to help U.S. veterans learn how to fast-track the purchase of a mobility minivan with the support of Federal Grant 21-4502.
“We’ve found that a number of important government benefits, like the 21-4502 program, which provides a grant toward the purchase of a mobility vehicle of their choice, are underutilized by eligible veterans,” said Al Kovach, national senior vice president of Paralyzed Veterans and a former Navy SEAL. “This partnership with VMI’s Operation Independence is so important, too, as it supports Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign, which enables veterans with catastrophic disabilities to secure care, benefits and jobs and rebuild their lives. Together, we can leverage our efforts to improve mobility for disabled veterans by connecting them with the vehicles that fit their needs and ultimately help them achieve the independence and dignity they deserve.”
Operation Independence is a national program developed by VMI and the VMI Select Dealer Network and is
supported by Paralyzed Veterans. A portion of the program will educate veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, which is available to U.S. veterans with disabilities and was recently increased from $11,500 to $18,900. In addition to the grant, VMI is offering an additional $1,000 coupon that can be used as cashback from the manufacturer or applied toward a down payment for veterans that qualify for the 21-4502 grant and who have not previously taken advantage of the 21-4502 Auto Allowance Grant. The VMI $1,000 offer ends Nov. 11, 2012.
VMI will also be donating $1 to Paralyzed Veterans for every Facebook “Like” on the VMI (Vantage Mobility International) fan page (up to $10,000).
“U.S. veterans make so many sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “We’re indebted for their service and believe our disabled vets should have easier access to mobility vehicles. That’s why we teamed up with Paralyzed Veterans and the VMI Select Dealer Network to establish
Operation Independence. Through this national program, we’ll help raise awareness of the federal grant money that is available to our vets to help them
purchase a new mobility vehicle. We’ll also explain how the national VMI Select Dealer Network can fast-track their purchase of a quality mobility van and provide important vehicle maintenance after the sale.”
The VMI Select Dealer Network, which is a national group of retail mobility vehicle stores, will support Operation Independence by working with disabled veterans and local Department of Veteran Affairs offices and other federal government institutions to help expedite the purchase, build and delivery of a mobility-based vehicle.
For more information about Operation Independence and how U.S. veterans will be supported through the VMI Select Dealer Network, visit the Operation Independence website (www.vantagemobility.com/promotions/operation-independence-for-veterans.aspx).
Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vantage Mobility International Launch Operation Independence CampaignProgram to help veterans learn how to purchase mobility minivans
”
“ Together, we can leverage
our efforts to improve
mobility for disabled
veterans by connecting
them with the vehicles
that fit their needs and
ultimately help them
achieve the independence
and dignity they deserve.Al Kovach, national senior vice president of Paralyzed Veterans
Cord Word
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December 2011
11
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Methuen, MA 98 Lindbergh Avenue 781-325-7140Exit 47 off Route 93, right onto Mystic Street.
Visit frankwebb.com for all locations & directions.
Frank Webb’s Bath CentersPageStop 4 “Freedom”Showroom: Methuen ShowroomPublication: Paralyzed Veterans of America NewsletterSize: Half Page Horiz (7.5” x 4.125”)Created: 11/7/08 Jim McCoy | 508-478-5322 | [email protected]
freedom.freedom.
It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal —Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.
• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians
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continued from page 3
Gov. Relations
Gov. Relations Reportcontinued from page 4 continued from page 5
Service Officer’s Report
may also be conducted by clinicians and
prosthetic representatives.
Please contact the nearest PVA National
Service Officer in your area or the PVA
Veterans Benefits Department at (800)
424-8200 if you have any questions
regarding the Home Respiratory Care
Program.
Veterans Day ceremonies are held. After the ceremony, I then visited the PVA
National office where a small gala with staff and the many friends of PVA was
held.
President Woodrow Wilson first established Veterans Day on November 11th,
1919. Originally “Armistice Day,” it honored members of the Armed Forces who
sacrificed their lives in the service and protection of the United States. On May
13th, 1938, President Calvin Coolidge made November 11th a legal holiday that
would honor these sacrifices perennially. Nearly twenty years later, in recognition
of both living and fallen service-members, this holiday was dedicated as Veterans
Day. Since then, Veterans Day has become an event by which all Americans
express their gratitude to the men and women who have relinquished their hopes,
dreams, and futures.
As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web site
(www.pva.org), and the VA’s web site (www.va.gov) for up to date and recent news.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact our office or your
local NSO.
continued from page 3President’s Report
FREE TO MEMBER
Quickie Power WheelchairFor average size personAvailable in Dracut, MA
Call NEPVA
Shower/commode ChairWheelchair Cushions
All available in Mansfield, MA
Call NEPVA
Lift ChairRecliner that lifts you up
Available in New Britain, CT
Call NEPVA
Hospital BedManual Wheelchair
2 years old
Available in Dedham, MA
Call NEPVA
WantedTrack Only
for Sterling Chair Lift
Minivator 2000
Call NEPVA
Ramp Needed for electric wheelchair
to load on pick-up truck
Call NEPVA
Wanted to BuyQuadriplegic wants to buy
Handicapped Van2000 or newer
Call: 781-749-0606
doing it again when the weather is
warmer. Would you be game?
Now that the holiday season is
really upon us, NEPVA’s pizza
parties, like the one held at West
Roxbury on October 19th, will stop
and start up again in January. As
Brockton was next in line, NEPVA
hosted a Thanksgiving lunch at the
Brockton VA on November 16th.
The Christmas holiday parties will be
Dec 13th at West Roxbury and Dec
15th at Brockton. The Northampton
SCI Clinic is hosting their holiday
luncheon on December 8th. Please let
Richard McNeil know if you are going
to be around. Manchester and West
Haven usually have a great Christmas
party as well, so be sure and check
with the clinic for dates and times.
Patients and staff enjoyed the NEPVA Pizza Lunch held on October 19th at the West Roxbury VAMC.
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December 2011
13
15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3
www.advancedwheels.com
MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-
-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-
-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-
-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-
ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-
-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-
-Honda Odyssey-
“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”
-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-
-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-
-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan
-VA Assistance Support-
-24/7 Roadside Assistance-
PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.
NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations
Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No Longer
Needed to
New Eng-
land PVA.
NEPVA is currently
accepting vehicle
donations from
Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and
New Hampshire. For
further information, call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866) 244-
8464, or visit the NEPVA website: www.nepva.org
Call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate
FOR sALEQuickie G424 Power Wheelchair
Includes good battery and chargerWorks well. In Warwick, RI.Asking $500.00 or best offer
Invacare Micro Air 65Hospital Bed with Air Mattress
In Warwick, RI.Asking $2400.00 or best offer
Call the NEPVA office for seller information.
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December 2011
15
Cars have progressed from here...
...how about your hand controls?DARIOS lets you drive with both hands on the wheel.Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.
Your knee area remains free of metal parts. The steering wheel can still be tilted and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.
DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car:- At low speed the acceleration is smooth and progressive- At high speed the acceleration is responsive and dynamic.
Users’ comments: “It’s amazing how precise it is!”“It’s 100 times better than any accelerator I’ve used in 30 years!”
“. . . the system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”
Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed
DARIOS is VA accepted.
KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
www.kempf-usa.comCall for a free demo-DVD and brochure1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738)
Free at-home pick-up and
delivery nationwide
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Leominster, MA
Permit No. 17
New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081
tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
New England PVA Officers and Board Members would like to wish our
members, their families and friends a very Merry
Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
To all SCI/D staff and support staff throughout VISN-I, wishing you a Very Happy Holiday season.