AMVETS Post 77 Works To Establish Veterans

January 2015
Call to Action: Volunteer & Help Our Veterans Today!
Volume 39 • No. 1
AMVETS Post 77 Works To Establish
Veterans Memorial Park
In January of 2014 the American Legion Post 9, AMVETS
Post 77 and VFW met to discuss the idea of new Veterans
Memorial Park in Chillicothe. The idea was well received and
group moved forward with design concepts and fundraising
plans.
The first order of business was to find suitable location.
Several properties were evaluated but in the end it was
a triangular lot donated by lifelong Chillicothe resident
Ruth McLaughlin that was chosen. Her late husband, Lee
McLaughlin, was a World War II veteran.
Fundraising kicked off November 10th, 2014 with a
press conference at the VFW Post in Chillicothe. U.S. Rep.
Aaron Schock (R-IL-18th) donated $5,000 to the project, and
Illinois State Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) pledged a $1,000
donation for the effort. Vietnam veteran and project leader
Tom Harms donated $10,000 along with his brothers. The
project is estimated to cost $250,000.
Jim Pesch of Peoria, a 30-year Marine Corps veteran
created a design that features a star as the shape. The memorial
itself is inclusive of all veterans. The committee also decided
to use on American-made materials, which increased the cost
but was determined worth it. Ground breaking is planned for
2015.
Donations are accepted via PayPal at www.cvmp.net. Bricks
are also being sold as a source of revenue which can be used to
remember or honor veterans. A 4x8 inch brick is $50 and an
8x8 inch brick is $100, forms are also available on the website.
AMVETS State Headquarters
2200 South 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Peoria, IL
Permit No. 174
IN THIS ISSUE
A
From the
Commander
Vice Commander
District 2
Dear AMVETS,
Commander Studebaker and fellow AMVETS;
Happy New Year everyone I hope you all
survived the holidays with your family and friends.
With it being a new year we just completed the last six month reporting
period that ended December 31st. I am happy to report that we hit 100
percent again for post reporting. I want to thank all of the posts for their
hard work and reporting their programs, also 2nd Vice Commander Rich
Shea Jr. and Nicole Edwards for their help.
One grant that is available from the service foundation is the four
hundred dollar post grant. This grant is available to all posts that have five
thousand dollars or less in cash, investments, or other liquid funds. The
post must have a post member attend two district meetings before you can
apply for the grant. The service foundation also asks that you apply for the
grant at least thirty days prior to the event or no more than ninety days
before the event you have planned. The grant can be used on services or
rehabilitation of veterans. These grants are available now until May 15th
of this year. You can go online to www.ILAMVETS.org and click on the
membership tab scroll down to grants and click on post grant. The form is
right there to fill out and send in. I encourage all post that are eligible to
apply for this grant.
Last month I traveled out to Washington D.C. for the fall National
Executive Committee meetings. While I was there I attended the
programs and membership roundtables. A couple of things that came out
of the programs roundtable was that on the national program awards they
eliminated Special Olympics and their was discussion about eliminating
some of the categories for reporting that are not used very much. The only
big thing out of the membership meeting was that next year all new annual
members will get a new plastic membership card to replace the one they
have now.
I want to thank post 169 in North Pekin for letting me speak at your
Pearl Harbor Day services. Thank you very much for the opportunity and
for the great service you put on to remember a day that will live in infamy.
Also this year, for the first time, I went up to Abraham Lincoln National
Cemetery and helped put wreaths on the graves from Wreaths Across
America. What a great time this is! They put wreaths on every one of the
graves up there. I hope next year I will be able to do it again.
Lastly we had to change the dates of the February SEC because of
a scheduling conflict with National AMVETS meetings. The Fourth
National District meeting was scheduled the same time as our SEC and
myself plus the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, NEC and
ALT NEC can’t be in two places at once. We moved the February Sec up
one week, to February 20, 21, and 22 at the President Abraham Lincoln
Hotel in Springfield.
As always if you would like me to come to one of your post functions
do not hesitate to give me a call or send an email. I would be more than
happy to visit and help your post out any way that I can.
The Posts of District ll have been active this past quarter. Post 91
had their color guard present the colors at high school sporting events and
participate in parades in surrounding communities. They also held there
annual turkey raffle.
Post 123 Commander DeBord is on the Veterans Park commission,
and they take part in ceremonies regularly. They help with the Toys-forToots campaign at Christmas, and participate in many local events.
Post 145 held their annual Stand Down that served 109 Veterans. The
post also helps with the Toys-for-Toots campaign.
Post 202’s color guard presents the colors at Larkin high school
sporting events. They also have coffee and cake for Veterans in the local
rest homes throughout the year. The weekend before Veterans Day they
sell White Clovers to be able to give Christmas gifts to the Veterans in the
homes.
Post 245 besides holding their annual picnic for hospitalized Veterans,
which number around 400, also holds a number of pizza and bingo parties
at James A Lovell VA hospital. Money raised is given to the Purple Heart
Memorial in Woodstock IL.
Post 269 is busy at Christmas time with their annual tree sales to
support their other actives throughout the year.
These are some of the activities that have gone on in District ll and by
all means not the only ones!
2
Yours in Service
Chris Studebaker
Department Commander
Respectfully,
Jim Mosby
District ll Commander
AMVETS GOODSTUFF PROGRAM
Donate your unwanted clothing
and household items to
AMVETS’ GoodStuff program!
Your donated items, in turn,
will be sold, with proceeds
benefitting our veterans.
For More Information, or to schedule a pickup, visit www.ILAMVETS.org
www.ILAMVETS.org
January 2015
Programs
Director
2nd Vice
for Programs
Dear AMVETS,
Dear AMVETS,
Welcome to 2015! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and are
looking forward to another year in AMVETS Service.
We are soon to reach 100 % Programs Reporting by our posts. As I am
writing this article, we are currently at 97% reporting and I expect to reach
100% by the end of the day tomorrow. Congratulations!
Although reaching 100% Reporting is something we have a tradition of, it
does not seem to come easy. This last reporting period has been very stressful on
Commander Studebaker and 2nd Vice for Programs, Richard Shea Jr., who have
been diligently calling unreported posts for the last three weeks. I would like to
thank them both for the effort they have given to make sure we get there.
I would also like to ask you to think about what you have done as an
AMVET this year, either by yourself or with your post. I know that you all have
some sort of activity in mind right now, whether it be visiting a shut in or a sick
veteran, helping with a dinner at your post or selling raffle tickets to raise money
for a cause that your post is supporting. AMVETS really needs you to report on
these types of activities. If you have trouble with the online reporting, I can be
reached at the office anytime to help walk you through the website or I can get
the information from you and report it myself. It really helps to call right after
leaving an event while it is fresh on your mind and it is a good habit to get into .
There are quite a few upcoming dates to keep in mind. Our February SEC
will be at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on February
20-22nd. Please start reserving your rooms as soon as possible. Remember, if you
are currently serving as a State Elected or Appointed Officer, you must submit
a report to me no later than February 6th to receive the usual mileage and per
diem. Please call me with any questions or email the report to Nicole@ilamvets.
org. Please also remember that the Headquarters must receive a notice 5 days in
advance before the SEC meeting that you are coming. If you fail to contact us
prior to the 16th, your room will be cancelled.
The 2015 Spring NEC/Silver Helmet is scheduled for March 4-8, 2015.
The cut-off date is Monday, February 9, 2015 to make your reservations at the
AMVET rate of 117.00 per night.
Scholarships applications have begun to trickle in. If you have students that
you think should be applying, the post mark date is on or before March 1, 2015.
Honors and Awards submissions are due on April on or before April 1,
2014. I know that the Honors and Awards for last year did not go well and that
is entirely my fault. I apologize for mix ups and awards that were not presented.
One thing that will be changing for some of the people making submissions this
is that no calls will be accepted to nominate a candidate and entries will have to
be submitted on an official award form. Entry forms are found at http://www.
ilamvets.org/mem_manuals.cfm. They will be accepted three ways. Via email at
[email protected], fax at 217-528-4713 or by mail to AMVETS Dept. of IL
State HQ , Attn. Honors and Awards, 2200 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
62703.
Thank you for your hard work and all that you do.
Well it’s the start of a new year. I hope
everyone had a great holiday season! This last year
went by fast. I thought this would be a good time to reflect back on all the
programs that our posts throughout the state contribute to.
January 2015
• From all those that have helped with the Honor Flights – raising
money to their homecomings.
• The many parades and memorials we have participated in.
• Homecomings for our service members that are still serving.
• Placing flags and/or wreaths on the graves of our fallen.
• Visiting our veterans while they are sick, hospitalized or in veteran
homes.
• Helping our youth have an understanding of our country by talking
at schools, working with scouts or helping with R.O.T.C.
There are many more programs that we have done and continue to
do. One of the most important contributions we make is in community
service and these types of activities are what bring attention to our local
public about who we are and what we do. In the coming year our programs
should reflect the mission and values of AMVETS. If you include your
community you may reach those veterans that are wondering why they
should join your post. The AMVETS motto of “We fought together now
let’s work together” has never been more true, I look forward to seeing you
and your post in the coming year.
In AMVETS,
Nicole Edwards
Programs Director
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Shea Jr.
2nd Vice Commander of Programs
IT’S EASY TO
JOIN AMVETS
Visit Us ONLINE at
www.ILAMVETS.org
CALL Us at
217-528-4713
Contact Us by E-MAIL
[email protected]
www.ILAMVETS.org
3
Amvets Insurance Program
a service of
Here Comes
the Parade
Tips for Homeowners’
Homeowners’ insurance isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. In fact, most mortgage companies won’t make a loan or finance a
real estate transaction unless the buyer provides proof of coverage for the full or fair value of the property.
Homeowners’ insurance can be very expensive. Those that live in high-risk areas such as close to major waterways,
known earthquake fault lines or other high claims/crime areas will pay the most for coverage. In fact, those in high-risk
areas are often forced to pay annual premiums in the many thousands of dollars. But even homeowners in relatively
sedate, suburban neighborhoods (with property values around the national average of $210,000) could pay between
$500 and $1,000 a year for a basic policy.
The good news is that although you can’t (and shouldn’t) avoid purchasing homeowners’ insurance, there are ways to
minimize the cost. Here are just a few ways to make sure you get the right coverage and consequent compensation for
your home:
1.) Raise Your Deductible: Like health insurance or car insurance, the higher the deductible the homeowner chooses,
the lower the annual premiums. However, the problem with selecting a high deductible is that smaller claims/
problems such as broken windows or damaged sheetrock from a leaky pipe, which typically will cost only a few
hundred dollars to fix, will most likely be absorbed by the homeowner.
2.) Look for Multiple Policy Discounts: Many insurance companies give a discount of 10% or more to their customers
that maintain other insurance contracts under the same roof (such as auto or health insurance). Consider obtaining
a quote for other types of insurance from the same company that provides your homeowners’ insurance. You may
end up saving on two annual policy premiums.
3.) Make Regular Policy Reviews and Comparisons: Investors should, at least once per year, compare the costs of
other insurance policies to their own. In addition, they should review their existing policy and make note of any
changes that might have occurred that could lower their premiums.
For example, perhaps the homeowner has disassembled the trampoline, paid off the mortgage, installed a burglar
alarm or installed a sophisticated sprinkler system inside his or her home. If this is the case, simply notifying the
insurance company of the change(s) and providing proofs in the form of pictures and/or receipts could significantly
lower insurance premiums.
Look for changes in the neighborhood that could reduce rates as well. For example, the installation of a fire hydrant
within 100 feet of the home, or the erection of a fire substation within close proximity to the property may lower the
homeowner’s annual premiums.
Finally…
To avoid any discrepancies and any delays in receiving your insurance money for your home, make sure you document
everything. Photograph and videotape the entire contents of your home and the home itself. Then store these photos
and videotapes in a fireproof box, preferably off-site. In addition, consider storing a copy of the photos at a relative’s
house, and/or in a safety deposit box. Doing this will help homeowners compile an inventory of their possessions (which
is what the insurance company will demand) after a disaster. It will also, by extension, dramatically shorten the length of
the claims process if a disaster does occur.
Homeowners’ insurance is a necessity. There are ways to save money, but there are also some features that
homeowners shouldn’t skimp on. Make sure you know the difference.
Article by Darrel Tucker
AMVETS Post 14 Finance Officer
and Publicity Officer
Illinois AMVETS
Need Your Support
They were willing to give all for you.
What are you willing to give to them?
Please contact us for more details on how you can support the AMVETS, Dept. of Illinois by getting your insurance needs quoted. This
program extends to any member, family or supporter of AMVETS.
ABOUT US: CONSUMERS FIRST continually shops top-rated companies to find clients the best products for the best value. Also, when you,
your family or friends purchase insurance through the CONSUMERS FIRST AMVETS Insurance program, AMVETS receives funding when
the policy is purchased and EVERY time it renews!
PLEASE REMEMBER: Of every dollar donated to AMVETS Department of Illinois through the CONSUMERS FIRST AMVETS Insurance
Program, 50% goes back directly to the local Posts!
Please contact the AMVETS Insurance program to learn more. Call 1-888-215-0613 or go to www.SupportAMVETS.org. Insurance services
are provided by CONSUMERS FIRST. Offering may vary by state.
4
Clinton AMVETS Post 14 is preparing to show their pride in the
2014 Christmas parade on November 29th. It is a fun time for all to
put on their best “AMVET” coats and let the people know what being a
Veteran and AMVET is about. In all, eleven (11) members enjoyed the
good weather, sunshine and getting the attention.
Two members walked the route handing out over eighty (80) pounds
of candy.
Members on the “float” paused and saluted while taps were played in
front of the viewing stand. The community of Clinton is very responsive
to the presentation, and if you look close you can even see a few tears. It
is a wonderful opportunity for the AMVETS Post to be visible to our
community.
A BIG THANKS goes to ALL the members who showed up and
participated.
It’s quick easy to make a monetary donation on our website:
www.ILAMVETS.org
www.ILAMVETS.org
January 2015
Post 161 Carries On Its Post 5 Veterans Day
Christmas Tradition
Dinner
For three years running, AMVETS Post 161 of Mascoutah, IL,
has established a Christmas tradition of donating ten laundry baskets
packed full of canned and boxed food to Scott Air Force Base airmen
in need, generally for families with a member deployed overseas for the
holidays. The food baskets also contain gift cards donated by the Scott
AFB Commissary so the families may add perishable items of their
choice. Additionally, Walmart contributed nearly ten percent of the
AMVETS food purchase. The First Sergeants of Scott AFB will ensure
delivery of the baskets to ten airmen homes. AMVETS Post 161 works
several fundraisers throughout the year to support this activity as well as
many others--their focus is “giving back.” Pictured below are volunteers
and the filled baskets.
Contact Us
January 2015
Article submitted by
Victor Manges
Post Adjutant
Past commander of Post 5 Tom Cernek lauding Member Lincoln Tamraz, past AMVETS
National Commander at Post 5 Veterans Day Dinner
Headquarters Staff:
Service Department:
Illinois Office Locations
Executive Director:
Jim King
National AMVETS
Illinois Office
Membership Director:
Keith Wetherell
Located at the Chicago VA
Regional Office
312.980.4256
Mike Ragusa
Deputy Service Director
309.235.5090
George Sebastian
Bob Michel Peoria CBOC
217.494.1454
Ronique Heard
Danville VAMC
217.554.4838
Moline Vet Center
309.762.6954
Programs Director:
Nicole Edwards
Public Relations Director:
Lynn Carter
Illinois AMVETS HQ
2200 South Sixth St.
Springfield, IL 62703
217.528.4713
Regional Director: Richard Miller
Harold Dukala
Captain Lovell FHCC
847.688.1900 ext. 84138
NSO: Jose Garcia
Accredited VSO: Connie Deleonardis
www.ILAMVETS.org
Ed Humphrey
VAMC Marion
618.997.5311 ext. 54743
Joel Valera
Hines VA Hospital
708.202.2564
Auburn Greshem Clinic
773.651.7459
5
Team Hernandez
Performs at Manteno
Team Hernandez performed for the Veterans at Manteno and it
was such a blast and encore performance is being scheduled. Team
Hernandez is part of P.A.K.T. (Police And Kids Together). The police
stopped funding the program so AMVETS Post 67 and some of Beecher
Businesses now sponsor there events. P.A.K.T. Team Hernandez teaches the art of Shorei Ryu Karate which
develops these kids into confident, disciplined young adults. The lessons
are provided free of charge to the children.
There were 12 that participated including a young lady named Georgie
Weisgerber who, this summer, brought home the Silver Metal from the
World Karate Tournament in Ireland. She missed Gold by four tenths of
a point.
This time the team did a performance for only one of Manteno units.
It went so well the next time they will perform in the main hall for all of
the units to participate. Below are some pictures of the event.
6
www.ILAMVETS.org
January 2015
AMVETS Post 98 Participates in Multiple Events
AMVETS Post 98 in Forest Park along with America Cares Too
participated in a few events the past couple of months. All of these
events were meant to assist and empower veterans who need help in life
to be self-sufficient. First, volunteers from both organizations visited
Edward Hines V.A. Hospital’s Central Blind Center to give blankets and
personal hygiene kits to patients. A Thanksgiving a dinner was hosted
by AMVETS Post 98 at the Oak Park Veterans Center in Forest Park.
Members of the post and America Cares Too served the meal to veterans
in attendance. The Post also hosted a Veterans Job Fair at the Howard
Mohr Community Center. Companies were accepting resumes from
veterans looking for employment. Illinois 7th District Representative
Emanuel “Chris” Welch attended the fair. Lastly, these groups were one
of several veterans’ organizations and outreach groups that help conduct a
Stand Down at the General Jones Armory in Chicago.
Post 98 Commander Homer Bizzle (right) with patients at Hines Blind Center
Post 98 Commander Homer Bizzle (left) with Illinois 7th District Representative
Emanuel “Chris” Welch (right) attended a job fair.
Members hand out blankets and hygiene kits to patients at Hines Blind Center.
Veterans at the Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Post 98
January 2015
www.ILAMVETS.org
7
Post 77 Gives to Heritage Health
AMVETS Post 77 is part of a multi-service Honor Guard that visited Heritage Health and Senior Therapy
in Chillicothe on Veterans Day. They brought hats, sweatshirts and money for use on outings from the nursing
homes. This is an annual event.
AMVETS POSTS
DISTRICT I
Cook County
Post 5, Chicago; Post 13, Ted Knusman¹; Post 17 Colin
Kelly; Post 18, Police; Post 34, Victory¹; Post 43, Paul Price
Memorial¹,²; Post 66, Phillip Carpenter; Post 97, Oak Park
Memorial; Post 99, William T. Gross¹; Post 192, Westlawn
memorial; Post 243, Chicago AMVETS; Post 247, Mol. M O
Bousfield; Post 268, Glenwood Memorial; Post 277, Guardian;
Post 326, Dr. Hector Garcia
DISTRICT II
Northern Illinois
Counties: Jo Davies, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle,
Whiteside, Lee, Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Mercer, Putnam,
Boone, McHenry, Lake, Dekalb, Kane, & DuPage
Post 26, Bureau; Post 32, Freeport; Post 35, Little Fort¹; Post
90, DeKalb; Post 91, Hampshire; Post 103, Aurora¹,²; Post 123,
Dixon; Post 145, Silvis-East Moline¹; Post 167, Sterling-Rock
Falls; Post 180, Princeton; Post 202, Elgin; Post 245, Pearl
Harbor Memorial; Post 269, Woodstock; Post 503, St. Charles
DISTRICT III
Central Western Illinois
Counties: Henderson, Warren, Knox, Stark, Peoria, Hancock,
McDonough, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Adams, Schuyler, Logan,
Brown, Cass, Menard, Pike, Morgan, Scott, Greene, Macon,
Sangamon, Christian, Shelby, Montgomery, & Macoupin
The Honor Guard pictured behind the veteran residents are, left to right, Andy Gusman (AMVETS Post77),
Mert Selburg (AMVETS Post77), Craig Fetzer (Commander American Legion Post 9),
Tom Harms (Commander VFW Post 4999), Jeff Anderson ( Commander AMVETS Post 77),
Dean Braun (American Legion Post 9), Jack Feltmeyer (AMVETS Post 77),John Galbreath (VFW Post 4999),
Dave Hinkle ( VFW Post 4999), Tom Nebgen (American Legion Post 9),R.E. Smith(Sons Of Legion Bartonville),
and Garry Greene (VFW Post 4999).
Post 8, Knoxville¹; Post 16, Litchfield¹; Post 29, John T.
Hendricks; Post 44, Pana; Post 55, Mount Olive; Post 61,
Springfield; Post 64, Greater Peoria¹; Post 76, Ursa; Post 77,
Chillicothe; Post 94, Porter-Crask; Post 100, Jacksonville¹,²;
Post 104, Quincy; Post 169, Pekin (Paul Towne Memorial)¹,²,³;
Post 179, Greenview¹; Post 235, George Maple¹; Post 257 Springfield
DISTRICT IV
Eastern Central Illinois
Waivers Awarded by the
University of Illinois
There is a state law that provides for the University of Illinois to award one tuition waiver per identified
military conflict selected by the General Assembly per each of the 102 counties for the children of veterans.
Applications will be available December 1, 2014. Priority is given to applications received by March 1, 2015, and
applicants will be notified by April 1, 2015. Application process for un-awarded conflicts closes October 1, 2015.
A candidate must be a permanent resident of the Illinois County from which he/she applies. The tuition
waiver covers four consecutive years of in-state tuition (for undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies) at the
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Health Sciences Center, or Springfield Campus.
A parent who served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the Southwest Asia
Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom, and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom must meet the guidelines listed on
application.
A new complete application must be submitted each year if one applied in the past and was not selected.
Supporting documents (copies of ACT scores, military paperwork) from past applications are not reviewed
The conflicts eligible were approved by the General Assembly. I recognize there are current conflicts which
deserve recognition, but this is how they have written the law. If you believe these should be changed, I suggest
you contact your State Legislator.
For details please go to: http://www.osfa.illinois.edu/aid/scholarships/waivers_COV.html
8
www.ILAMVETS.org
Counties: McLean, DeWitt, Champaign, Vermillion, Piatt,
Moultrie, Douglas, Edwards, Coles, Clark, Cumberland, LaSalle,
Kendall, Will, Grundy, Marshall, Livingston, Kankakee, Woodford,
Ford, and Iroquois
Post 3, Champaign¹; Post 14, Clinton; Post 30, Ottawa; Post 41,
Marshall AMVETS; Post 52, Fisher¹; Post 53, Morris; Post 67,
Deeke-Ohlendorf¹; Post 75, Tilton AMVETS; Post 84, Crete; Post
107, Manteno Memorial; Post 113, Bradley; Post 115, Pontiac¹;
Post 270 - McLean County; Post 276, Elliott¹; Post 278, Colfax;
Post 312, Streator
DISTRICT V
Southern Illinois
Counties: Bond, Fayette, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clinton,
Marion, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Washington, Jefferson, Wayne,
Edwards, Wabash, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Williamson,
Jackson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin,
Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, St. Clair,
Monroe, and Rudolph
Post 4, Turner-Roehm¹; Post 31, Marion; Post 33, W White
Memorial¹,²; Post 51, Quad City¹,²; Post 101, Centralia; Post 132,
Metropolis¹; Post 140, Greenville; Post 148, Frank Nowland¹;
Post 156, USS Gambier Bay; Post 161, Belleville; Post 204,
Madison¹,²; Post 267, Jerseyville
¹ - Auxiliary; ² - Sons of AMVETS; ³ - Riders
January 2015
To Appeal or
not to Appeal
a VA decision?
Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits
have the right to appeal decisions made by a VA
regional office, medical center or National Cemetery Administration
{NCA) office. Typical issues appealed are disability compensation,
pension, education benefits, recovery of overpayments, reimbursement for
unauthorized medical services, and denial of burial and memorial benefits.
A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA
decision to file an appeal {even when not appealing a decision, in order
to preserve the effective date of the original decision, that issue must be
addressed within a one year period). The first step in the appeal process
is for a claimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA
regional office, medical center, or national cemetery office that made the
decision. Upon receipt of the written notice, VA will furnish the claimant
a “Statement of the Case” describing what facts, laws, and regulations
were used in deciding the case (even though basically, those facts, laws,
and regulations were noted in the original VA decision). To complete the
request for appeal, the claimant must file a “Substantive Appeal” within 60
days of the mailing of the Statement of the Case, or within one year from
the date the VA mailed its decision, whichever period ends later
The Board of Veterans Appeals {“the Board”) makes decisions on
appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Appellants may
present their cases in person to a member of the Board at a hearing in
Washington,D.C., at a VA regional office, or by videoconference.
A final Board of Veterans Appeals decision that does not grant a
claimant the benefits desired, may be appealed to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court is an independent body, not part of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark that
is within 120 days after the Board of Veterans Appeals mailed its decision.
The court reviews the record considered by the Board of Veterans Appeals.
It does not hold trials or receive new evidence.
As always, appellants may represent themselves before the court or
have lawyers or approved agents as representatives. Oral argument is held
only at the direction of the court And either party may appeal a decision of
the court to the U.S.Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and may seek
review in the
Supreme Court of the United States.
AMVETS service officers are required to submit a “fully developed
claim” (formerly called a “well-grounded claim”). That is to say that
AMVETS requires that the veteran or the claimant gather all the
evidence necessary to submit the most complete claim possible. VA forms,
DD-214/s, marriage, and dependent documentation are all important
in the submission of a complete claim. However, the most important
documentation to submit are the medical records showing the veteran has
and is diagnosed with a chronic, recurring illness or injury after service,
the veteran is claiming was incurred in service. This will be verified by the
VA upon receipt of the claim, by requesting the veterans’ service treatment
records (STR’s). This evidence can come from the VAMC, VA outpatient
clinic, private sector, or service treatment records if available. Don’t depend
January 2015
on the VA to get that evidence for you. They might miss something
important!
A few months ago a veteran walked into my office, and asked if he
could get AMVETS representation, to help him with his pending appeal?
I asked him what VA decision he was appealing? He said he was appealing
the denial of service connection for PTSD. I then asked him if he had a
diagnosis of PTSD, and if he did, did he submit that evidence with the
initial claim? The veteran said he had not been evaluated, nor had he been
diagnosed with PTSD prior to the submission of the initial claim, that he
appealed?
To appeal or not to appeal a VA decision?
www.ILAMVETS.org
Harold Dukala
Veteran Service Officer
Illinois AMVETS has received
a generous donation
of 140 new luggage sets
and 3,000 pairs
of new sunglasses!!
What are your suggestions on how we can best use these
donation to help the veteran community?
Send your ideas to headquarter via mail or email,
[email protected]
Include how money can be raised with this donation
and what program the money should go towards.
9
President’s
Letter
Gift To Gateway
Regional Medical Center
Happy New Year,
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays with their
family. I had a very busy holiday season but it is always worth the time
and effort to see and spend time with my family. So now that the holidays
are over it is time to get back on track with our work. Let’s start this New
Year with a bang and get our reports in. I want to see that our ladies our
proud to be part of the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary. Spend some time at
the veteran homes, visit our veterans in the hospital and don’t forget to
volunteer around your neighborhood. Show everyone that you are here for
a reason let’s make the State of Illinois stand out this year at the National
Convention. Also don’t forget that our February SEC has been changed
to 20th-21st I hope to see all my officers there and anyone else that would
like to come don’t be shy we would love to have you.
Respectfully,
Laurie Shea
Department President
2014-2015
Hospital Officer Rose Caffrey of Auxiliary 204 presents Miss Laura with educational
DVD’s to assist with education in the Behavioral Health Service Department at the
Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois.
Post 204’s
Americanism Projects
Prayers from the Chaplain
Dear Lord:
As we begin a new year, Bless our officers, members, friends, families
and especially our Military. May we go forth with renewed strength and
determination to continue our efforts to keep our country a happy and
secure place in which we live. For this we pray. Amen.
Have a Happy, Healthy and safe New Year!!!
10
Loretta Malecki
Chaplain
Auxiliary 204’s Americanism Officer, Sue Allen, sold raffle tickets on four
baskets that were donated by numerous vendors in the metro area and one
home-made candy cane donated by a member of Auxiliary 204. The items
were raffled off on December 6. Proceeds from the raffle were used, left
to right, to purchase a holiday basket for a local Veteran in need and food
items/personal care items for our military overseas. The overseas items were
presented to a local organization, Mission of Moms, who provides boxes
throughout the entire year. Some of the overseas recipients are located in
Afghanistan and others who are Special Forces military in Africa.
www.ILAMVETS.org
January 2015
Peoria Santa Claus Parade
AMVETS Jareth Long and Brandon Nell (pictured above), Auxiliary member Darla Nell,
and Jr AMVETS members Sydney Webb and Zachary Webb (pictured below) prepare to
march in the annual Peoria Santa Claus parade. PDC Bob Dant and PDP Debby Dant
also participated in the parade.
January 2015
www.ILAMVETS.org
11
UPCOMING
EVENTS
District II
January 11, 2015
1:00 PM
The Veterans with Disability Entrepreneurship Program, or VEP for short offers cutting edge,
experiential training in entrepreneurship from world class faculty and an amazing cadre of successful
entrepreneurs. The program is rigorous and engaging. Following an online pre-course, delegates come to
the University of Florida campus in Gainesville for an intense eight day program, and then we follow up
with them and their ventures over eight months. This year’s program will run from May 9-16, 2015. The
deadline for applications is March 2, 2015.
All disabled veterans, bus especially those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines disabled or
distinguished during their service as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The VEP
program is offered entirely free to those veterans who are accepted. The cost of travel to Gainesville,
accommodations, the online and live courses, instructors, books, materials, all meals, and outings during
the program are covered.
VEP will accept forty delegates for the program.
For more information visit the website at www.warrington.ufl.edu/VEP
Location:
Cary Post 245
Contact:
Jim Mosby
District I
February 19, 2015
7:30 PM
Location:
Hines VA Hospital spinal cord unit
Contact:
Wayne Grzybowski
District IV
February 22, 2015
1:00 PM
Location:
Post 52 Fisher
Contact:
Darrel Tucker
AMVETS Dept of Illinois
Februay SEC
February 27-March 1, 2015
Location:
President Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Springfield, IL
Contact:
Amvets Headquarters
Phone: 217-528-4713
District III
March 15, 2015
1:00 PM
Location:
Post 100 Jacksonville
ILAMVETS.ORG
Contact:
Teresa Pickle
email your event details
to Lynn Carter at:
Lynn@ilamvets. org
to get your event
on the calendar.
12
www.ILAMVETS.org
January 2015