Rollin’ Times from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America · Rollin’ Times from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America ... job of sharing his thoughts on the meaning of

1 Rollin’ Times 2016 Seasonal Edition

2016 Seasonal Edition

Rollin’ Times from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America

MPVA’s 13th Annual Salute to Veteran’s Gala took place on Veteran’s Day at the Suburban Collection Showplace with Keynote Speaker, Navy (Ret.) Captain

James Redford, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director

featured in the photo above.


www.michiganpva.org

Executive Director's Report 5Veterans’ News

President’s Report 3

9Government Relations & Advocacy

Sports & Recreation

1113

About this Issue:Please enjoy the last issue of the Rollin’ Times for 2016 with a look back at some of the outstanding accomplishments the Chapter has carried out.

Executive Director Jaclyn Kochis

[email protected]

[email protected]

jshae�[email protected]

Director of Government Relations & Advocacy

Michael Harris

Sports & Recreation DirectorScot Severn

[email protected]

Administrative AssistantBrenda Wheater

Veterans Service O�cerJoseph Shae�er

O�ce Maintenance Willie DeBerry

Financial O�cerLinda Highland

Legal AdvisorSteve Cohen

Certi�ed Public Accountants and Consultants

Jason F. Clausen, P.C.

Published by Michigan Paralyzed Veterans

of America

Inside this Issue

MPVA O�cers and Directors

VETERANS BENEFITS DEPARTMENTMcNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1233, Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: (313) 471-3996 or (800) 795-3608

Service O�cer Stephanie Strickland

Service O�ce Secretary Marilyn Kittrell National Field Director Rickey Grant

(202) 374-2032 Washington, D.C

Disclaimer:

MPVA Sta�

President....................... David Peck Vice President............... Bob VanceSecretary........................ Clark ShulerTreasurer........ Timothy Agajeenian

Director ........................... John Dusa

Director ........................... Ray Brown

Director ......................... Scot Severn

Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America

40550 Grand River AvenueNovi MI 48375(248) 476-9000 Fax (248) 476-9545Toll free: (800) 638-MPVA (6782)Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) is one of 34 member chapters of Washington, D.C.-based Paralyzed Veterans of America. A Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, MPVA has been assisting veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), in Michigan since 1961. MPVA programs include:

Veterans’ Benefits Wheelchair Sports and Recreation Spinal Cord Injury Research Equipment Donation Advocacy to eliminate architectural barriers and protect civil rights for persons with disabilities Referral Services for assistive devices, housing, employment and transportation Literature on a variety of topics including self-care, independent living, and disability rights. The Pump Guide: an online directory of gas stations throughout Michigan that will pump gas at the self-serve price for persons with disabilities. MPVA is a nonprofit organization and receives no federal funding. MPVA relies on grants, sponsorships, and private and corporate donations to support its programs.

The MPVA headquarters is in Novi, Michigan. Our service officers are based out of the McNamara Federal Building in Downtown Detroit.

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PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICAMICHIGAN CHAPTER

[email protected]

The Rollin’ Times is a publication of the Michigan Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. It is designed to inform the members of the PVA and other interested parties on veterans’ issues, legislation, legal decisions, medical technology and other matters deemed to be relevant to the disability community. The contents of this publication do not always reflect the views or policies of Michigan PVA, and no endorsement or approval is made or should be inferred with respect to products or services advertised herein. Consult an appropriate professional before making use of any product or service mentioned.

The Ad Agency Design & Art Production 734-678-7928


On November 14, 2016, the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) celebrated Veterans Day by hosting the 13th Annual

“Salute to Veterans” dinner at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.

The event was a great success as nearly 220 guests gathered to pay tribute to Michigan’s Veterans of the past and present. Guests included Keynote Speaker James Redford, Master of Ceremony WJBK FOX 2 Weatherman Rich Luterman, Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone, and a wide array of proudly decorated service men and women.

Most people see Veterans Day as a day off from work. At MPVA we see it as an opportunity to properly thank veterans for their service to their country. We see it as a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Our Keynote Speaker, James Redford, did a wonderful job of sharing his thoughts on the meaning of Veterans Day and what it means to take the oath of our country! His impressive background also truly inspired us.

Retired United States Navy Captain James Robert Redford was appointed interim director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency by Governor Rick Snyder on Feb. 19, 2016 and director on April 27, 2016.

In September 1984, Redford was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) student program by his brother, who was then a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Following

law school, Redford served five years on active duty and an additional 23 years in the Navy Reserves. His assignments included several Staff Judge Advocate tours and three commanding officer assignments.

In 2007, Redford was selected to serve as a judge of the Navy and Marine Corps trial judiciary, serving as Commanding Officer of the Navy Reserve Trial Judiciary. His last assignment was in 2009 as Legal and Legislative Affairs Counsel to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon.

In July 2012, Redford transferred to retired status at the rank of Captain (O-6).

Prior to his MVAA appointment, he served as the governor’s chief legal counsel, Kent County Circuit Court judge and assistant U.S. attorney in the Western District of Michigan.

He is married to Dianne Redford and has three children.

We are truly thankful for Mr. Redford, Mr. Luterman, all of those who volunteered to make the night possible, including the Color Guard of veterans who came from Milford American Legion Post 216, Huron Valley AMVETS Post 2006, and VFW Post 9914. The Bagpiper, Jim Lyon, and the singing of our Nations’ Anthem by, Karen Christon, was magnificent. In addition, we would like to thank Eric Agnott and Patty Soma for their volunteerism and superb work putting together the welcoming video that was played that evening, and now runs on our website: www.michiganpva.org.

Reflecting on Veterans Day 2016

By David Peck, President, MPVA

resident’s eport


The inspirational annual fundraiser is an opportunity to highlight the impact that MPVA programs have played in improving the quality of life for disabled veterans. Because of the support of the MPVA staff, MPVA Board of Directors, MPVA members, volunteers, and sponsors, this year’s dinner exceeded all expectations. Everyone contributions truly made a difference.

All the hard work and attention to detail made this year’s “Salute to Veterans” veterans dinner a huge success. To our sponsors, MPVA thanks you for your generosity in supporting the Veterans Day dinner. Given the tough economic times sponsors could render their regrets and quietly backed off. They did not, their support this year has been nothing short of magnificent.

On behalf of MPVA we thank the 620,000 Michigan Veterans for a job well done.

I would like to take a moment to especially thank the following groups and individuals for supporting our 13th Annual Salute to Veterans Gala:

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

Bill HelwigCamp LibertyDTE Energy

Eisenhower CenterFAV

The Googasian Firm, P.C.Gresham Driving Aids

Health Partners HomecareHVPC LLCIndian Trails

Littler Moceri

Morgan StanleyNuStep

Nyman TurkishOLSHA

Providence HospitalQuality Home Medical

Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Steve Cohen

Suburban Collection Showplace Transitions Remodeling

Walk the Line to SCI Recovery


Over eight years ago, when I came into the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) to interview for the Development

Director position, I sat in the Chapters’ lobby and looked over the newsletters and magazines on display. In that presentation of media, I noticed a bumper sticker with MPVA’s logo and the slogan “more than one way to stand tall.” At that time, I remember thinking that saying was absolutely brilliant and I pondered its potential uses in the Chapters’ marketing material.

Today, as I write this article and think about that slogan, I realize the meaning has taken on a much broader scope in my mind. “More than one way to stand tall” has come to symbolize our newbie Veteran Wheelchair Game participants, our skilled hunters, our wheelchair cyclists who compete with determination to beat their past records, and so many more who participate in our Sports and Recreation Program.

MPVA Sports and Recreation Program demonstrates the tenacity and talent that comes from perseverance. Those that participate exemplify ability and literally drop the “dis” from their label. If you need a little more proof, take a read through the rest of this column and check out what our Sports and Recreation champions are made of.

The winner of the Wheelchair Division sets a course record at this year’s MarathonThis year’s Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon took place on October 16th, 2016 and welcomed 43 hand-cyclists and wheelchair push rim racers to take on the 26.2 mile course that twists throughout Detroit and Canada. Once again the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, along with Fusion Medical, were

proud sponsors of the Disability Division of the race.

The MPVA had the opportunity once again to greet the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans who brought veterans from across the country to participate in this year’s marathon. These participants were also paired with bicycle escorts who were assigned one-to-one with each racer. The addition of the bicyclists seemed to be a hit with the participants who can sometime encounter problems with their race equipment ranging from flat tires or broken chains that can hinder their race time. Likewise, the bicycle escorts came across the finish line expressing their admiration and marvel over the tough feat that hand-cyclists and wheelers have accomplished.

Two of the top hand-cyclists in the United States, Tom Davis & Alfredo De Los Santos, crossed the finish line first in 1:08:39, three minutes and seven seconds faster than the Marathon record. Both are veterans of the

xecutive irector’s eport

More than one way to stand tall


United States Army. Davis sustained his injury in Iraq while De Los Santos’ injury occurred in Afghanistan. They were followed by Alex Hyndman with a time of 1:15:29. Andrew Barnhart was the first wheelchair racer to reach the finish line with a time of 3:17:49.

Michael Harris, MPVA Government Relations Director, who served on the Board of the Detroit Free Press Marathon stated “I am always impressed by the athletes that participate in this race. Each year, I witness the work that goes into the race from both planning for the event and for the dedication and commitment that the athletes go through to complete the marathon. There are only 50 spots available for the wheelchair division so if you want to guarantee participation in the 2017 Marathon than I would recommend that you register as soon as possible!”

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America would like to congratulate each and every person who competed in this year’s Marathon. We look forward to next year’s event and supporting the 2017 Disability Division.

Scot Severn wins silver medal in 2016 ParalympicsScot Severn, MPVA Sports Director, brought home a silver medal in shot put from this years’ Paralymic Games in Brazil.

Scot, who took home a bronze medal from the 2012 games, earned his silver medal with an 8.41-meter toss

on the last of his six throws. Although we could not be more proud of Scot, he felt disappointed with coming in second place, as discussed via his interview with MLIVE upon his return from the games:

“Everything happened in the fairy tale except the ending,” Severn said. “I guess silver is nothing to be ashamed of, but three centimeters is a little tough to swallow right now.”

Severn was serving with the U.S. Army Reserves at Northern Michigan’s Camp Grayling military base on August 14, 1989, when he was struck by lightning.

The direct strike threw him 40 feet and resulted in both internal and external injures, leaving him an incomplete quadriplegic who uses a wheelchair for daily activities.

Following the lightning strike, Severn took a 14-year hiatus from sports before finding a passion for wheelchair rugby and, later, for track and field.

“I still play sometimes,” he said. “I guess I was good at a few things.”


Severn said he tried going for the Paralympics in wheelchair rugby years ago, but didn’t quite make it, and made the switch to field throwing.

“It was one of those cases where the sport chose me,” he said. “I chose rugby but field chose me, and it turns out that’s what I was best at and sometimes that’s what you have to take if you want to take it to a higher level.”

Throwing close to his own personal best [at the Games], the athlete said the results give him something to shoot for in 2020.

“I mean silver is silver,” Severn said. “I’ll get them another time.”

You sure will, Scot! Congratulations on your win! We are all very delighted!



By: Joe Shaeffer, Veterans Service Officer

eterans' ews

In this issue, I wanted to take some time to explain the VA guidelines for the claims process along with the “average” claim length. I find that this

information is helpful to explain to veterans as each case differs. You may hear from a veteran-friend that their case only took six months, however, that does not mean that is how long yours will take. There are a variety of factors that come into play for the claims process and the next few paragraphs may clarify why.

To begin your claims process with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, we encourage you to contact my direct line at: (248) 974-5788 or at (800) 638-6782. When you contact us, it is extremely helpful to have your DD-14 or any services medical records readily available as it will immensely help to properly start your claim.

There are eight distinct steps that most claims for disability compensation follow. These phases may vary in time depending on the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence that must be gathered to support the claims, and the type of evidence. Your Service Officer will guide you in identifying the evidence needed to help minimize processing time. The eight steps of claims processing are as follows:

Step 1. Claim Received

Your claim has been received by our office and submitted to the VA. Although the MPVA strongly encourages you to file through our Service Office, you can opt to apply online. If you applied online with VONAPP Direct Connect, you should see receipt in your list of Open Claims within one hour. If you applied through the U.S. mail, please allow mailing time plus one week for us to process and record receipt of your claim.

Step 2. Under Review

Your claim is being reviewed to determine if additional evidence is needed. If we do not need any additional

information, your claim will move directly to the Preparation for Decision phase.

Step 3. Gathering of Evidence

The Veterans Service Officer will request evidence from the required sources. Requests for evidence may be made of you, a medical professional, a government agency, or another authority. It is common for claims to return to this phase, should additional evidence be required.

Step 4. Review of Evidence

We have received all needed evidence. If, upon review, it is determined that more evidence is required, the claim will be sent back to the Gathering of Evidence phase.

Step 5. Preparation for Decision

The Veterans Service Officer has recommended a decision, and is preparing required documents detailing that decision. If more evidence is required, the claim will be sent back in the process for more information or evidence.

Step 6. Pending Decision Approval

The recommended decision is reviewed, and a final award approval is made. If it is determined that more evidence or information is required, the claim will be sent back in the process for more information or evidence.

Step7. Preparation for Notification

Your entire claim decision packet is prepared for mailing.

Step 8. Complete

The VA has sent a decision packet to you by U.S. mail. The packet includes details of the decision or award. Please allow standard mailing time for your packet to arrive before contacting a VA call center.

Claims Processing Explained


How Long Will This Process Take?

The length of time it takes to complete a claim depends on several factors, such as the type of claim filed, complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim.

Rest assured that the Paralyzed Veterans or America’s Service Office trains very hard to ensure that we are efficient in processing the claims submitted to us. We want to ensure that our service men and women receive all the benefits that are entitled to them. Should you

want to track the status of your claim remotely, you can registering for eBenefits online at: www.ebenefits.va.gov. You can also visit the VA’s ASPIRE web site, http://benefits.va.gov/benefits , where you can find the average processing days for the regional office that is working on your claim.

M I CH IGAN WINTER WONDERLAND


overnment elations & dvocacyBy: Mike Harris

A professor from the Wayne State University (WSU) School of Law recently contacted Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America

(MPVA) to see if we were interested in assisting his students in challenging Detroit supermarkets not in compliance with federal accessibility guidelines.

Supermarkets throughout Detroit have installed cart corrals with “flag” gates (locked gates). These cart corrals are designed to prevent shopping carts from leaving the area adjacent to the store, but flag gates block access for many people using wheelchairs from independently accessing the facility.

This issue has been a thorn in my side since I started working for MPVA in 1996. For years, we tried to get the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for the City of Detroit to intervene on our behalf but were not successful in doing so. Detroit’s lackadaisical attitude towards this problem of inaccessibility has been a disappointment since shopping cart corrals were only found in Detroit. It was for that reason that MPVA was happy to work with WSU on this issue.

In November of 2016 we investigated several locations throughout Detroit and came to the conclusion that all the supermarkets violated Title III of the ADA because the flag gates at the security bollards did not provide a minimum clearance of 32 inches, and the only accessible entrance through the security bollards was through a locked gate. It is important to note that at each location I was forced to wait for considerable amount of time in front of the shopping cart corrals and was never noticed by an employee. The problem that most wheelchair users encounter is that employees are often too occupied to notice if someone using a wheelchair needs admittance.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations. The term “public accommodations” covers a wide array of facilities and services, whether owned privately or publicly. Place of public accommodation, such as supermarkets, are mandated by federal law to remove physical barriers so that persons with disabilities can access the same goods and services as non-disabled individuals. By not allowing wheelchair users to independently access the supermarket they are not meeting the requirements of the ADA.

Most shopping cart corrals are spaced approximately 21 inches apart to prevent the passage of the typical shopping cart, which is usually 22 inches across at its widest point. The narrowest allowable passage space allowed under the ADA is 32 inches. The ADA regulations state that “any device used to prevent the removal of shopping carts from store premises shall not prevent access or egress of people in wheelchairs.” (Accessibility Guidelines 7.4)

The next steps going forward will be to notify each supermarket in violation of the ADA by letter that they have to respond to our complaint within two weeks what they plan on doing to address the issues identified. If we do not hear back from them in the time specified then MPVA will file a complaint with the Department of Justice to get them to intervene on our behalf and/or file a complaint in federal court.

With that being said, I am hopeful that a meeting between the supermarkets in question and MPVA can occur as soon as possible so we can get a dialog started on what actions need to be taken to correct violations. MPVA believes it is not asking too much to address the accessibility violations identified in the letter so wheelchair user can independently enter/exit

MPVA Partners with Wayne State University


the supermarkets without having to encounter any architectural barriers.

In 1996, MPVA proved in their lawsuit against Save-A-Lot supermarket that there is a way to provide a “win-win” situation for everyone involved. Management at Save-A-Lot came up with a design that accomplished both objectives: a shopping cart corral in the front entrance of the store which would prevent theft and an entrance that allowed customers using wheelchairs to have free access into the facility without having to encounter barriers.

Supermarkets throughout Detroit now have an opportunity to make structural changes that will have a far-reaching impact and better ensure that all of its customers have a pleasant shopping experience. Having wheelchair users wait outside until an employee opens the locked gate is not an acceptable option.

Throughout the years, MPVA has worked closely with public and private entities statewide to make positive changes resulting in equal access and participation by people with disabilities. The law cannot act on its own. Partnerships we form with area businesses and organizations can bring the ADA to life, enabling people with disabilities to independently access facilities in and around their communities without encountering architectural and attitudinal barriers.

Such cooperative efforts have created the accurate perception that ADA implementation need not be an adversarial activity, but can be accomplished through partnerships and direct communication among those having a stake in compliance.


By: Ray Brown

ecreationports &

Each November 15th marks the beginning of whitetail deer hunting in Michigan. Hunters toss and turn the night before, many with sheer

excitement and anticipation of a successful hunt. Their minds are racing trying to ensure their hunting gear is ready and that nothing has been overlooked. The firearm has been sighted in, scouting and baiting are completed, and the “honey hole” has good signs. Clear pictures from game trail cameras prove this is going to be the year. All that is left is to hit the woods, harvest a deer, and head to the Buck Pole.

There are Buck Poles all across Michigan. Ray C’s Harley Davidson of Lapeer hosts one of the greatest county-wide Buck Poles ever. This year marked the 12th annual with proceeds going to Wheelin’ Team 457.

Wheelin’ Team 457 is a 501(c)3, non-profit, public charity and has been partnering with the staff and volunteers at Ray C’s for all 12 years. The funds that are raised helps to ensure disabled hunters get their time in the woods. Much of the specialized equipment that the team owns has also been due to this combined effort.

This marked the second year we have had to call on the Young Marines to direct the huge job of where to park the 1,000-plus vehicles that came out to see the Buck Pole. The later the day gets, the more people pour in. This has become like a tradition among hunters, friends and family. Prizes range from first deer in, oldest hunter, first lady, largest buck, runner up, youngest hunter, peoples’ choice, and of course, door prizes. Local businesses and venders seem happy to assist the cause.

Prizes are awarded at 8 PM. Along with awards, many of the news and media are on hand to interview and cover this event. The Buck Pole itself is huge and can hold 60 deer. It is solid steel and was donated to the Team by Bristol Steel. I have heard if we would’ve had to purchase it would cost close to $9,000. I have seen it moved and it takes heavy equipment to inch it along to its destination.

On top of the pole, is a huge area that I sit on and I do this usually a few days prior to November 15th. There are two reasons for this. One, is to raise awareness for the disabled and to promote the Buck Pole. Two, Wheelin’ Team 457 sets up a raffle months in advance to help fund the team. My goal is to get the members to turn in their ticket sales and I try to raise $1,000 by sitting atop the Pole. It is a site many have come to look forward to, and some even contribute money to keep me up there.

We have learned many things when it comes to running this event. This year was extremely warm and many hunters rushed their harvest to the processors. We were prepared for the heat by having a refrigerated truck on hand.

In all, the 39 deer were not harmed by the warm opener. So, I would say that is a success! Thank you to the sponsors who adorned our outstanding t-shirts that we change each year! I know that I am proud to say that MPVA was on that shirt and we are looking forward to next year!

Buck Pole 2016


www.theadagency.us


2016 SALUTE

TO VETERANS

GALA


MICHIGAN PARALYZEDVETERANS OF AMERICAA Member Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America40550 Grand River AvenueNovi, MI 48375

Change Service RequestedDATED MATERIAL — PLEASE EXPEDITE!2016 Seasonal Edition

! Martin Luther King Day Office closed January 16th in observation of holiday

! Membership Meeting Thursday, February 16th *Stay tuned as details will follow!*

! Presidents Day Office closed February 20, 2017 in observation of holiday

! MPVA Holiday Party (Rescheduled Date) Saturday, January 14 Bakers of Milford 2025 S. Milford Road Milford, MI 48381 11:00 AM-3:00 PM RSVP by calling: (800) 638-6782.

Valuable Dates for 2017

Documents

Rollin’ Times from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America · Rollin’ Times from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America ... job of sharing his thoughts on the meaning of