November 2013 Newsletter - West Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars

INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE:
(ISSN No. 0893522X)
VOLUME 50, NUMBER 4
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
NOVEMBER 2013
Woody Williams Celebrates 90th Birthday
and launches Gold Star Family Initiative
State Golf
Tournament
Rain does not dampen
veteran Spirits .
Page 5
Grant
Presentation
Grant Awarded to Fort
Ashby Post 6667.
Pages 7
There were 27 Medals of Honor awarded from the Battle of Iwo
Jima during World War II. The last living Medal of Honor recipient
from that battle is WV native, Hershel "Woody" Williams. Woody
celebrated his 90th birthday, a day early, on October 1st at the Beni
Kedem Temple in Charleston, West Virginia. Woody Williams used the occasion to publicize the launching of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.
Number one on his priority list is to create the Gold Star Families
Memorial Monuments throughout the country. The memorials will
honor the Gold Star Mothers and to remember the families of those
in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Some years back Woody was a guest speaker for a Gold Star
Mothers event. A gentleman approached him afterwards with tears
in his eyes and simply stated "Fathers cry too". This inspired Woody
to establish the Gold Star Family foundation, and the first monument
was dedicated Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Donel C. Kinnard
Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, in Dunbar,
WV. It is the first of several Gold Star monuments slated to be installed
at locations throughout the country.
There were a number of distinguished guests attending the
birthday celebration including Major General James E. Livingston,
Medal of Honor recipient, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Major General
Allen Tackett, Major General James Hoyer, and WV Department of
Veterans Assistance Secretary, Rick Thompson.
“Woody” Williams is a proud member of the WV Veterans of
SEE WOODY ON PAGE 2
Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior
Project sponsors a Bear Hunt
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 208
NITRO, WEST VIRGINIA
Wounded Warrior
Program
Scenes from the Wounded
Warrior Program.
Page 12
Hershel “Woody” Williams
Bill Armstrong sits in the center of the group photo surrounded by the
Wounded Warriors. The various volunteers and hunt club members are to
the rear. VFW Post 9666 commander, George Armstrong is in the second
row, second from the left. Participants enjoyed a pizza party the evening
before the hunt.
A new group of 10 Wounded Warriors participated in this
September’s early bear season. The event was arranged by
the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Project’s outreach
program. Bill Armstrong, member of VFW Post 9666 at Sugar
Grove, is the leader of the organization and has coordinated
similar events for Wounded Warriors. Armstrong has enlisted
Two VFW Past State Commanders appear with the ten Wounded Warriors
during a meet and greet at Brandywine prior to the bear hunt. Past
Commander, Melvin Reed is in the second row, left and James Talerico is
at the end of the first row on the right.
the support of volunteers in Pendleton County and surrounding
areas to host the visits of the participating veterans and providing them with lodging, meals and transportation as necessary.
Area bear hunting clubs volunteer to take the Wounded Warriors
SEE HUNT ON PAGE 8
VETERAN COLUMNS
PAGE THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
NOVEMBER 2013
Your State Officers
State Surgeon
A Word
From Our
Commander
Stand Up,
Think Big
& Walk Tall
Bill Lambert
State Commander
Doug Knotts
State Sr. Vice Commander
Comrades and Sisters,
First I would like to thank everyone for what you do for
the veterans. While traveling around the state I’ve been
impressed and pleased with the different programs the
posts are doing for vets in the communities. Comrades, it’s
time to roll up our sleeves and make this year’s department
programs our prime objective. Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s
Pen, Buddy Poppy, and membership. These are the life’s
blood of the VFW. Our Commander-in-Chief, Bill Thien is
coming to West Virginia November 18th thru November
22nd. We are going to as many posts as we can. We need
everyone working the unpaid Membership Roster. We need
every post to be at least 87% by the end of November. We
all should be talking to our continuous members about life
membership. It’s easy and convenient with 11 payments
on their credit card and one with the application.
I’ve heard some complaints about the $10 increase in
dues. The membership voted at the National Convention
for this increase. Comrades, that dues increase is less than
84 cents a month or less than 3 cents a day.
I think about all the programs that we support and why
I joined the VFW. Sometimes it’s the right thing to do.
Remember; WE LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
To: Valued Members
I want to thank the membership for placing confidence in me to be your Sr. Vice Commander for the
forthcoming year. I promise to fulfill my obligations to
the highest standards, and always keep in mind that
serving the needs of veterans is our first priority. As
most of you know the Sr. Vice is the membership chairman, so you can expect to be hearing a lot from me
on that subject. The Department has been 100% plus
for the past two years, so let's stay on target and keep
the good work going another two years. Remember,
recruiting is salesmanship, but, retention is a function
of a great membership experience. We cannot grow if
we do not retain last year's new members. Don't just
take the dues payment then forget the person. Let the
new member know they are an important part of our
great organization and we need their involvement.
I think this is going to be an exciting year. Changes
are taking place and we have good people at all levels
to move the Department forward. General Orders are
now being distributed by e-mail. Those without an email address will continue to receive them by snail mail,
however, if you have an e-mail address, forward it to
the Department Quartermaster. Mailing and printing
plus the labor mount up, so please cooperate on this
issue. We have secured Camp Dawson at Kingwood
for the Youth Camp next year and planning is going
well for the Southern Conference which West Virginia
is hosting in Charleston next year.
Remember, there will be an automatic dues increase
of $10.00 effective 1 January 2014, and additionally,
we will be going to the "Anniversary Date" dues billing
concept, same date. Anyone who does not understand
these issues get in touch with me and I will explain.
Another item of importance is the emphasis being
placed by National and the Department on the 85%
retention goal. Retention is computed by adding paid
continuous and reinstated or recovered members together then dividing that number by last year's annual
or continuous number. I want to remind everyone of the
importance of paying the $275.00 program donations.
This money is not simply to achieve All State points.
It supports our relief fund, VOD and Patriot Pen and
Military and Hospital programs among others.
I've said enough for now. I'll be making at least
one meeting for each District so you will have the
opportunity to have a few minutes with me at the
personal level.
Remember, stand up, think big and walk tall.
Doug Knotts
Sr. Vice Commander
304-675-3399
dougknotts @frontier.com
JEFFERSON
MEMORIAL
POST 3522
Tip of the Eastern Panhandle
"The Friendliest Post We Know!"
116 East Liberty Street
Charles Town, WV 25414
304-725-5946
www.vfwpost3522.org
[email protected]
Regular Meetings
2nd Tuesday @ 8:00 pm
Ladies Aux Meetings
1st Tuesday & 7:30 pm
Live Music Every Saturday
VFW
POST
5269
BELLE, WV
Meetings:
First Monday of
each month at
7:30 p.m.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
V.F.W. Circulation Department,
406 West 34th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64111.
West Virginia
Veteran
The West Virginia Veteran (ISSN No. 0893522X) is published 3 times
a year (Feb., May, Jul., Oct.) at the State Headquarters, Veterans
of Foreign Wars, 5532 MacCorkle Ave., SW, South Charleston,
WV 25309. Subscription rates - 60 cents per member paid with
annual dues.
Editor:
Paul Howe
2 Pheasant Ridge Road
Bridgeport, WV 26330
[email protected]
DANIEL
BOONE
POST 5578
Madison, WV
Meetings Every Tuesday
7:00 p.m. at The Veterans
Memorial Building
Robert Kish
VALLEY
DISTRICT
POST 1589
MASONTOWN, WV
Meetings
Second Wednesday Each
Month • 7:00 p.m.
Friendly Hospitality
I have made visits to the
Huntington VA Hospital,
Huntington VA Office, Barboursville Home, Beckley
VA Hospital, Clarksburg VA
Hospital and Clarksburg
Nursing Home.
During these visits
we discussed items that
pertained to each and had
some topics of concern
discussed.
Some of the concerns
that were addressed were,
incorrect entries into Veterans medical records,
medical items issued to
Veterans, meals when going to another VA facility,
why a Veteran could not
use a different hospital not
in the same group. These
were answered by the hospitals that the questions
came up at. There still will
be some follow up in the
future about some items
that were discussed.
Questions at the VA
regional office were given
to the person who talked
to us he said he would get
an answer and the acting
Director and I did get a call
from them and got answers
and was told if needed
anything else they would
get it for me.
Robert Kish
We had a meeting
with the acting Director of
the Veterans Home along
with the President of the
Veterans Association and
discussed some of the
residents’ concerns. The
Home is clean and all the
Veterans that we talked to
seem happy but would like
some more trips outside but
funding limits them.
All three Hospitals will
be getting new parking garages in the future so when
this happens there will be
some disruption while construction is going on.
I still have one Hospital
to visit and will get it in the
next month.
WOODY FROM PAGE 1
Secretary Thompson with Woody Williams at his 90th Birthday
Celebration.
Foreign Wars. State Commander, William Lambert said,
“We all wish the best for Woody on his birthday and continue to salute his service and dedication to veterans. As
an organization we are grateful for his continued support
and advice.”
Don Young, Commander of Charleston Post 3466, is a major
contributor for this article.
VETERAN NEWS
NOVEMBER 2013
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
PAGE VFW Department
Wagoner named President
of the Year for Second Time Quartermaster
The West Virginia VFW
and Ladies Auxiliary State
Convention was held in
Huntington, WV June 13
- 16th where Dorothy Wagoner was the recipient of
the President of the Year
Award.
Dorothy was presented
a medallion which indicated
she had received the VFW
Ladies Auxiliary President
of the Year award in Division C for the State of WV
2012 - 2013. The Divisions are based on how
many Auxiliary members
each Auxiliary has. Division C has between 101
-125 members. Wagoner
competed with 8 other Auxiliaries in Division G to
accomplish this achievement.
Wagoner has been a
member of the Fort Ashby
VFW Post 6667 Ladies
Auxiliary for 60 years and
has held office of President 13 different times,
serving as many as 2 to
4 years each term, with
2 of those years winning
the "President of the Year
Award". She received the
"President of the Year"
in 1990 - 1991, again
competing with 8 other
Auxiliaries. Wagoner has
been involved with the
Fort Ashby VFW Post 6667
Ladies Auxiliary Programs
for 60 years which not only
led her to President of her
local Auxiliary 13 times,
but 2 years as President
of District #4, which led her
on to serve in the State Offices for 6 years reaching a
new goal of State President
(1978- 1979).
Dorothy has promoted
Dorothy Wagoner
programs in our local
schools and community,
has served as a VFW Youth
Camp Counsel for 30 years
at Cedar Lakes, Ripley WV,
worked on many Veteran
hospital projects, cancer
projects, youth activities,
fund raisers, and still faithfully serves at Dawn View
Manor Nursing Home in
Fort Ashby with bingo
and special holiday programs.
Although Wagoner at
age 82 stepped down as
President at the end of
her term, she will still be
attending Auxiliary meetings, on the local level,
district and State level. In
60 years she has attended
every State Meeting but
two.
The Fort Ashby VFW
6667 Ladies Auxiliary
has been active for 65
years. The Auxiliary has
107 members today. The
Auxiliary has achieved
many things because they
work together. Wagoner
stated, "This is not an
award you achieve by
yourself, it takes the help
of your members".
State Chaplain
Brian Krebs - Proud to Be a Member
As Veterans Day
approaches we begin
to see all the notices
for upcoming activities
in our communities.
Here in Clarksburg we
are busy with preparations for our own annual
program and parade.
Although it is an incredibly busy and sometimes
frustrating time, I know
that it is all well worth
it. Because I know that
the moment the parade
starts, all the frustration
and fatigue goes away
and once again I will be
filled with the pride I have
in being a Veteran. But
more importantly, I will
be thankful for being a
part of something that
recognizes my Comrades, those past and
present, that I want to
honor.
When I joined this
great organization, I
dedicated my membership to my father. Dad
was a WWII Veteran,
having served in the Pacific in the final months
of the war. It is for his
service, more than my
Brian Krebs
own, which I continue
my work in the VFW.
Because I believe we
truly honor the dead by
helping the living. This is
also what the VFW and
its Ladies Auxiliary of
West Virginia has shown
time and time again.
The outstanding
support that this Department has shown
to the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior
program over the last
several years has been
incredible! This is truly
a wonderful program
doing amazing things
for our Heroes and we
should all be proud that
we are a part of it.
A year ago I had the
opportunity to be in the
Moundsville area when
the “Wall” was escorted
into our state. What a
day! I will never forget
the sight of thousands
of folks lining the street
as the long line of motorcycles and vehicles
escorted this solemn
memorial into the city.
What a truly outstanding
tribute to our Viet Nam
Vets!
And more recently I
was invited to a POW/
MIA dinner sponsored
by the auxiliary of Post
7048. What a wonderful evening. There
were several dignitaries
there, but they were all
overshadowed by the
former POWs in attendance. I felt honored to
be in their presence.
These are just a few
examples of the many
things being done by
members of our organization -- not for
awards or glory but
simply because it is the
right thing to do. And
I could mention many
other things we are doing but unfortunately I
am limited here.
What I believe is
sometimes lost is the
real reason for our organization. Although
each of us should be
proud of our own service, I believe that most
of us continue this work
for our brothers and
sisters. We need to
remember that if not for
those that came before
we would not have a lot
of the things we enjoy
today. We need to take
that and pay it forward.
We need to be here
for the brave men and
women still serving and
for those who have yet
served. And we must
never forget to look to
our left and our right and
do it for that Comrade
next to us.
Bless you for all that
you do for our Veterans
and their families. And
may God continue to
bless this great nation.
Brian Krebs,
Chaplin
This summer has been
extremely busy. Congratulations to all the elected and
appointed Post, District
and State officers. I hope
all are ready for an exciting
and productive year.
The National Convention, my first, was an
eye-opener. It was nice
to meet so many people
from so many states and
territories, see how VFW
business is conducted on
the convention floor, and
how the various committees conduct business. But
most of it was great to see
Past State Commander
Talerico, Past State Commander and District 12
Commander Terry Scarbro,
Post 3522 Commander
Todd Kingsbury, Post 4326
Commander Bill Cusson
and Post 9926 Commander Milford Mowery receive
their All-American caps.
If you ever have a chance
to attend a national convention I would certainly
recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.
At the National Convention, the delegates voted in
favor to increase from $35
to $45 the initial payment
for the Life Member Installment Plan, and annual
dues $10 per year effective January 1, 2014. This
increase will benefit the
National Military Service
Program, so we can continue to support deserving
veterans being awarded
long-awaited, thousands
of dollars in VA claims, and
VFW Programs such as
Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, Teacher of the
Year and Scout of the Year.
National will automatically
increase all Post’s dues by
$10 on January 1st. Posts
who do not want to increase
their per capita they receive
from annual dues do not
have to do anything. If
a Post elects to increase
their dues beyond the $10
increase, they will have to
submit an Officer Change
Notification via OMS and
adjust their Post’s per
capita.
Now is the time we have
to contact our members to
inform them of the dues
increase. We should not
Kevin Light
allow them to simply find
out thru a dues renewal
notice. Everyone knows
how difficult it is to get some
members to pay their dues.
Can you imagine how more
difficult collecting dues will
be if the first notice of the
increase will be through a
dues renewal notice?
Remember, subscription dues go into effect on
January 1st 2014. The
simplest way I can explain
this is if someone renews
their membership, joins, or
is reinstated/recovered on
or after January 1st, they receive an “anniversary” date,
which will be when their
dues are due in 2015.
I would like to thank the
Posts who have contributed
$275 to our programs, aka
“all-state program”. These
donations help us offset
the cost of providing well
deserved recognition for the
state winners, and to pay
for various opportunities
the winners have to attend
national ceremonies and
programs.
I have certainly enjoyed
traveling around the state to
Post and District meetings
and greatly appreciate the
hospitality extended by all.
I am very thankful for all
that you do for the community, for each other, and
mostly for the veterans. If
I can be of any assistance,
please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Kevin Light, QM
SISTERSVILLE
VFW POST 6327
504 Diamond St.
Meets 3rd
Wednesday at 7 p.m.
PAGE DISTRICT COMMANDERS
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
District 1
Commander
District 4
Commander
NOVEMBER 2013
District 3
Commander
District 4 Commander Todd Kingsbury
District 1 Commander Bob Haight
Greetings from District # 1
Many things are happening here in the Northern
Panhandle, with events going on every week and it sure
is tough to keep abreast of them.
I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive of my taking the position of District Commander. From the past Commanders to the Janitors, everyone
has been so good to me so things will go forward with
the support of good people.
From the Convention to present there have been
many activities to tell you about.
On the 29th of June, Cabala’s had their Star Spangled Banner Celebration. The purpose was to pay tribute to the Military and Veterans and also to honor First
Responders, Police, Firefighters, EMS, Emergency
Medical, Coal Industry workers, Oil and Natural Gas
Workers. Many special guest were in attendance including,
Stacie Hutton renowned children's books author and
Gail " BOATSIE" Van Vranken, Founder of Boatsie's
Boxes. Our WV VFW officers, Past State Commander Jim Talerico, State Commander Bill Lambert, State
Surgeon Bob Kish, and other District and post officers
participated.
On the 6th of July a “WAR on TERRORISM” Monument was unveiled at Bethlehem at the park. Post 437
in Moundsville had a car show on July 16. POST 4442
had their annual picnic held in Bethlehem July 28.
The Ohio valley Cost of Freedom event was held on
the 24th of August in Moundsville paying tribute to all
of those who serve ,future plans are to have a memorial
park in Moundsville as a permanent reminder of those
who have given all .
Moundsville Post # 437 is in the final stages of having a new roof put on their building , and redoing of the
floors and some other improvements.
Weirton post # 2716 held a poker ride to raise
funds for the preservation of their Memorial park. It was
a wonderful fall day and a great day for the ride.
The route took us over in to Ohio and the first
stop visited the VFW of Amsterdam Ohio . then traveling
on to the Salem area and visiting ,a wonderful place
called Mark's Landing , located on a small lake in the
area, continuing on to The Chester Post # 6450 for
the final stop , and continuing on back to Weirton Post
#2716. ware they held a 50/50 and other Chinese auctions as part of the event , serving up some of the best
Greetings to the Mighty Fourth
We’ve had a busy start to the year. By the printing of
this newsletter, all post inspections will have been done
with everyone in good standing. However, we need to
improve the submission of community service hours
every month. Our Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen
contests should be well underway. Post winners need
to be submitted to Frank Barna of Post 896 Martinsburg
by November 15, 2013. Don’t forget your Teacher of the
Year Submissions by November 1.
Thanks to Post 6452 Ridgeley for hosting our September District meeting. Wonderful job! If you weren’t
at the September District meeting, you may not be aware
it was announced that voting for our District Officers at
our April meeting will be by elected delegates from each
Post per our National By-Laws.
I’d like to thank Post 1101, on behalf of the Dept.
Commander and myself, for inviting us to ride in their local
parade. We had a great time. I also want to thank all
those in District 4 for the invitations to their Post picnics.
I had a wonderful time.
Speaking of Romney, our next District meeting will
be hosted by Romney, and held in Augusta at Doodles
Restaurant on November 16. I look forward to seeing
everyone there.
I’m sure everyone is aware, Mid-Winter Conference
will be held at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg from January
31 to February 2. Our District will be hosting a Hospitality Room in conjunction with the Department Ladies
Auxiliary. I expect a great Mighty Fourth turn-out both
for the conference and the hospitality room.
Membership, Veterans’ Day is approaching. Wishing
you all a successful Veterans’ Day program. As we approach the holiday season, I wish you and yours a very
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Sausage I’ve had in quite some time .
it was so great to see the Ladies auxiliary and the men
working well together to make this event successful. Lest we forget the upcoming Dice ride being finalized
by all Post of District # 1 with a Bike ride starting at New
Cumberland post # 3526 on the morning of October 6
---traveling to post # 6450 in Chester and then on to
Post # 2716 in Weirton, and then on to Post # 437 in
Moundsville , then on to Post # 4442 in Elm Grove , and
finally back to # 3526 for good eats and prizes to be
handed out .
Thank you every one for your great support Bob Haight
District # 1 Commander
District 3 Commander Jeremy Allio
Greetings, Comrades and Ladies of District
Three
We are a few months into the new VFW year and
I would like to thank you for your efforts in getting
the district off to a strong start. The majority of the
posts have contributed to our State and National
VFW programs and our membership is coming along
nicely. Please keep in mind our membership goals
as we continue through this year. If we are able to
meet all our monthly goals, we will be in great shape
at the end of the year. This will also prevent that extra
“encouragement” the leadership provides when we
fall a little short of our goals.
I have one important administrative note I would
like to pass along. During our last district meeting,
in Grafton, the membership voted to move the meal
time at district meetings to 1300, prior to the meeting.
Please make a note of this change and adjust your
schedule accordingly. We are fast approaching our
next District Three meeting, which will be held on 19
November, at Post #9916, in Westover. I hope to see
a large turnout for this meeting.
I would like to take an opportunity to wish all fellow
comrades a wonderful Veterans Day, and thank you for
your service. I hope all the Posts in the District have
successful events as we commemorate this Veterans
Day. Once your events conclude, please share photos
and descriptions of the event with me. I enjoy hearing
about all the great things the Posts of District Three
are doing in their respective communities.
In closing, please keep up the good work and
continue to put the interests of Veterans first. Thank
you, for all the outstanding work you do in your communities and I look forward to seeing you at the next
District Three meeting.
Respectfully,
Jeremy Allio
District 3 Commander
ROMNEY VFW
POST 1101
Meets every 3rd
Wednesday
7:30 PM at Bank of
Romney
Community Building,
Romney, WV
VFW POST
5959
Welcomes You!
Grantsville, WV
Meetings:
2nd Tuesday 7 pm
NOVEMBER 2013
GOLF TOURNAMENT
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
PAGE 2013 State Golf Tournament A Great Success
VFW golf teams are slowed by the rain. But the indomitable
spirit of veterans carried the day.
Current State Commander, Bill Lambert, provides coaching Past State Commanders, Randall Bare and James Talerico await
advice to his team.
their turn at the tee during the VFW State Golf Tournament.
A fun time was had by all the golfers at the third annual
VFW State Championship golf tournament. Teams from all
over the state showed up to compete for the coveted title.
This event has grown every year with this year topping
$8,000 in revenue for veterans programs. Many thanks
to all the Posts and comrades that sponsored holes and
secured funds from our many sponsors.
The day started out nicely with all the teams anxiously
awaiting the starting gun. Everything was going well until
about fourteen holes into the chase when a real thunderboomer of a storm (lightning, rain, high winds) stopped play.
Everyone was running their carts to shelter. While the rain
poured down door prizes were drawn and all participants
received a prize.
During the delay scorecards were checked and through
fourteen holes the team from Mason Post 9926 had a three
stroke lead over the defending champion New Cumberland
Post 3526 A-team with just four holes to play. The course
was soaked from the storm and scattered with puddles of
water when play resumed. Golf balls would spray water
when landing and even sometimes be nearly unreachable
in a small pool. The greens became slower, making putting
even trickier. When all the golfing was done, and the scores
tallied again, the Mason team parred their remaining four
holes. But, as sometimes happens, the defending New
Cumberland champs birdied all four of theirs and won (for
the second year) by only one stroke.
Thank you to Ed Allen, owner, at Sugarwood Golf
Course in Lavallette, WV for providing a beautiful course
in great condition for our tournament. Thanks also for the
donated prizes and the smiles on the faces of the helpers
at Sugarwood.
Many thanks also to Scottie King and his helpers at
Huntington Post 1064 for a fantastic meal with all the trimmings they provided after the contest.
Most of all my thank you to everyone who helped in any
way to make this a great fun-filled, hand shaking, story-telling, shot bragging, ricochet ducking, puddle jumpin’, shot
making success. If you missed it, shame on you!
Bill Ross
Event Coordinator
1st Place – Post 3526 New Cumberland A-Team
2nd Place – Post 9926 Mason
3rd Place – Post 3526 New Cumberland B-Team
HOLE SPONSORS AND PRIZE DONORS
Burge Casto VFW Post 6450 Chester
Schau-Robinson-Herbold VFW Post 6327 Sistersville
Brian J. Duffy, VFW Department of Kentucky National
Council Member
Jack's Enterprises, Inc, Fairmont
Daniel Boone VFW Post 5578, Madison
Suburban Subaru Motor Sales, St. Albans
VFW Milton Post 9796
Dutch Miller Chevrolet-Hyundai, Huntington
Wal Mart Super Center, Huntington
Fairmont VFW Post 629
D'J's 50'S & 60'S Diner, Fairmont
VFW Stewart Johnson Post 9926 Mason
Sophia VFW Post 4326
Mountaineer Insurance Services, Inc., Valley Bend
VFW Believe it or Not Post 5501 Ripley
S And J Firewood, Charleston
Farmers and Mechanics Mutual Insurance Company
of WV
Paul Clagg, Jr. General Contracting and Septic Tank
Cleaning, Milton
David and Sharon Wallace, Milton
Jerry L. Ashworth, Ashton
Trivantage Community Federal Credit Union, Huntington
Memorial City VFW Post 3081, Grafton
Meuse Argonne VFW Post 573, Clarksburg
Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest 284, Shinnston
John Page VFW Post 4484 and Ladies Auxiliary,
Rainelle
Davis-White VFW Post 7048 Fairmont
M and L Electronics, Pinch
Ponderosa Steakhouse Unit 1435, Huntington
Great Kanawha VFW Post 3466, Charleston
Panhandle VFW Post 2716 Weirton
Western Auto, Rainelle
K & S Mini Mart, Rainelle
Sandy's Hot Spot, Rainelle
Smathers Funeral Chapel, Inc., Rainelle
City National Bank of West Virginia, Cross Lanes
Adams Trucking and Supply, Inc, Barboursville
Classic Liquors, Inc., Huntington
Colonial Food Service Equipment, Inc., Huntington
District 8, VFW State of West Virginia
Bell Appliance Repair, Inc, Rainelle
K & G Tire Mart, Inc, Rainelle
Dairy Queen, Rainelle-Fairlea
Wallace and Wallace, Inc. Funeral Chapels,
Rainelle
Jackson County VFW Post 3488, Sandyville
Northern Hancock Bank and Trust, Newell
SS Logan Meatpacking, Huntington
District 1, VFW State of West Virginia
Gold Star VFW Post 6452, Ridgeley
Elm Grove Memorial VFW Post 4442, Elm Grove
Qwik Lube, Huntington
Milton Sales, Malden
Ed and Barb Jividen
Greenbrier Sporting Club, White Sulphur Springs
New River Exxon, Hico
Denny-Moyer-Pratt VFW Post 9606, Moorefield
Tri-County Furniture, Rainelle
Jefferson County Memorial VFW Post 3522, Charles
Town
ST. Albans VFW Post 6418
Park Center Sporting Goods, Rainelle
Alvis Floral, Rainelle
KC's Barber Shop, Rainelle
Ace Hardware, Rainelle
Howard P. Hall VFW Post 1064, Huntington
Randy and Andy Pendleton, Rainelle
Carriage Café, Rainelle
Mountaineer VFW Post 9097 Men's Auxiliary
HUMANA
Capital Beverage Company, Charleston
Waldorf Distributing Company, Beech Bottom
Adam Poe VFW Post 3526, New Cumberland
First Choice American CFCU, Weirton
Point Pleasant Ladies Aide
Ianetti's Garden Center, Burgettstown, PA
The Midas Touch, Culloden
The Midas Touch ($100 prize money)
Superior Snacks and Supplies, Pittsburgh, PA
Wal Mart, East Liverpool, OH
New Cumberland Ambulance Services
Turley Funeral Home, New Cumberland
Benefit Wholesale Equipment, Huntington
Porter & Associates, Huntington
Fox Nursing Home, Chester
Wine and Beverage Merchants of WV, Inc., Weirton
WesBanco Bank, Inc, Wheeling
CASEY
JONES
POST
4500
Hinton, WV
Veterans Museum
Meetings 3rd Monday
at 7:00 p.m.
FORT
ASHBY
VFW
POST
6667
Fort Ashby, WV
Meetings
2nd Tuesday
at 6:30 p.m.
VETERAN NEWS
PAGE THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
Job Corps
Volunteers Help
Charleston Post
Mashawnee Taylor, Kevin Williams, Andre Hockaday, Sean
Colthorpe, John Hall, Torn Battle, Brandon Roseboro, Cletis
Cline, Timmy McDaniel, Dale Lester, and Instructor Tommy
Fitzwater.
Job Corps volunteers assist veterans with post home
remodeling at VFW Post 3466.
ELKINS
POST 3647
Meetings
2nd & 4th Tuesday
8 p.m.
While In The
Mountains Visit Us!
BUCKHANNON
POST 3663
Buckhannon, WV
Meetings
4th Tuesday
JACKSON
COUNTY
POST
3488
Meet 2nd Monday
Monthly at 7 PM
Sandyville Senior Center
Sandyville, West Virginia
Commander Thomas A.
Gorrell
ST. ALBANS
VFW POST
6418
Meets 3rd Tuesdays
at 7:00 PM
American Legion Hall
1011 Penn. Ave.,
St. Albans
NEWTON D.
BAKER POST 896
Gateway to the
Shenandoah Valley
241 N. Queen St.
Martinsburg, WV
Meetings:
2nd Thursday
@ 7:30 p.m.
MOUNTAINEER
POST 9097
HURRICANE,
WV
MEETINGS
1st Thursday
Each Month
7:30 p.m. - Post
Home
NOVEMBER 2013
Veterans and Problems with Drugs
What does it mean to have a drug problem?
Some Veterans turn to drugs as a way to deal with
problems in their daily lives and use illegal, prescription,
or over-the-counter drugs for recreation, to relax, or to
help them cope. Maybe you feel drugs help reduce the
stress in your life or help you forget a problem or painful
memories temporarily. Maybe you started using medications for pain, began taking more than your doctor
prescribed, and then found yourself looking for more
and more of the medication. Retirement, the death of
a spouse or good friend, leaving your home, losing your
job, and being diagnosed with a disease all can trigger
emotions that might lead to problems with drug use.
However, in the long term, taking drugs or misusing
medications causes more problems than it solves.
What are the signs of drug problems?
Most drug problems start with casual use. People
who develop problems with drugs often begin as recreational users, but then need increasingly higher and
more frequent doses to feel the effects. After a while,
they may take drugs just to function, and before long,
they can’t get through the day without the drug.
”I always thought you could only get addicted to illegal drugs. I never would’ve guessed how quickly taking
sleeping pills could get way out of hand.”
Signs of drug addiction include:
• Increased use of the drug—any amount greater
than prescribed
• Using the drug regularly—this can be daily or
even several times a day
• Not being able to stop taking the drug
• Spending your money on the drug, even if you
can’t afford it
• Feeling like you need the drug to deal with
everyday problems
• Focusing large amounts of your time and energy
on getting and using the drug
“It was like I had blinders on and I completely lost
sight of the important things and people in my life. All
because of this one little pill.”
Drug addiction can occur with any kind of drug—not
just illegal drugs. An addiction to drugs can happen if
you overuse painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin,
inhalants like glues, gas, and paint thinners, or overthe-counter medicines like cough syrup and cold pills.
No matter what type of drug you may be taking, a drug
problem influences your behavior. Symptoms of a drug
problem can include:
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Loss of interest in sex
• Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance
• Mood swings
• Downward spiral in general attitude or not caring
about the future
• Anger and irritability
• Mistreatment of others
• Sneaky behavior, lying, or stealing
• Deteriorating relationships with family, friends,
or coworkers
• Problems at work or school
• Legal or money problems
• Loss of interest or quitting activities you used
to enjoy
• Reluctance to introduce new friends to family
members and old friends
What is the treatment for drug problems?
If you are having problems with drugs, it doesn’t mean
that you are weak or unable to change. Drug addiction
is complicated, and it takes more than willpower or good
intentions to quit. Using drugs over time changes the
brain, which leads to a need or craving for the drug.
There are many effective services for Veterans
dealing with drug problems. One of the most proven
forms of treatment is counseling or therapy, either alone
with a therapist or in a group, and, for some drugs like
opiates, with anti-addiction medications. You and your
doctor will work together to determine what treatment
will work best.
Your doctor may decide you need detoxification
(detox) before you start treatment. Drug detox uses
medicine to help you safely stop taking drugs and manage the symptoms of withdrawal.
“The military instilled in me an immense amount of
pride and self-discipline. It was hard to come to terms
with my drug addiction at first, but choosing to get the
help I needed turned out to be one of the best decisions
in my entire life.”
In order to make a full recovery, counseling can help
you improve and repair other problematic areas of your
life at home, at work, with friends, or in other everyday
situations.
Sometimes recovery from drug problems includes
care for other issues that may also be related to using
drugs, such as posttraumatic stress, depression, chronic
pain, trouble sleeping, irritability, and relationship problems. A doctor or therapist can help you identify and treat
these issues, which can help the process of recovery.
VA offers different options for treating drug problems
that can accommodate your unique circumstances.
There are programs for rural residents, women’s services, and evening and weekend clinics.
Take the next step – Make the connection.
You may be wondering if you have symptoms of drug
addiction. One way to find out is to take a confidential
and anonymous screen. This short list of questions
won’t be able to tell you for sure whether or not you
need treatment for drug addiction, but it may indicate
whether it’s a good idea to see a professional for further
assessment.
Every day, Veterans connect with effective resources
and treatments for treating problems with drug use and
find solutions that improve their lives. It can be difficult
to handle it on your own, so talking to your family and
friends can be a first step. They may be able to help
you find the treatment that is right for you. You can also
consider connecting with:
• Your family doctor: Ask if your doctor has experience treating Veterans or can refer you to someone
who does
• Local self help groups, such as a Narcotics
Anonymous (NA)
• A mental health professional, such as a therapist
• Your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center: VA
specializes in the care and treatment of Veterans
• A spiritual or religious advisor
Explore these resources for more information on
drug problems in Veterans.
Learn more about the possible associations between
drug abuse and other issues such as chronic pain,
trouble sleeping, relationship problems, posttraumatic
stress, and depression. The Veterans Administration has
programs and services for Veterans dealing with drug
abuse. Check out their web page at www.mentalhealth.
va.gov or find a VA Medical facility near you.
NOVEMBER 2013
VETERAN NEWS
Grant
Presentation
Ruth Rowan, WV House of Delegates representative, presented the Governor’s Community
Participation Grant Award to Fort Ashby Post 6667
Vietnam Veteran Amby Cleaver for Veterans Little
League Baseball Field. L-R are VFW Men’s Aux Members, Bruce Myers and Bud Watson, Ruth Rowan,
and veteran Amby Cleaver.
Vern Anderson, Post Commander of Elm Grove Memorial
VFW Post 4442, receives an award for the Recruiter of
the Year.
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
Rainelle Post Assists
in Training Executives
Ainsley Earhardt, TV’s Fox & Friends First host, plays the
hostage for an executive training exercise in Rainelle,
sponsored and supported by the local VFW Post.
In July, members of VFW John Page Post 4484
in Rainelle, sponsored a military type training exercise for business executives in coordination with a
private company, United States Continued Service.
The US Continued Service company specializes in
using the unique military skills of veterans to provide
leadership challenges to civilian executives.
District 10 Commander, David Robinson, said
“The exercise took 5 high executives and put them
through boot camp and mission type training to teach
them the team work and camaraderie that can only
be built by the hard work, training and suffering that
comes from the military experience”.
Jonathan Gilliam, a former Navy SEAL and FBI
agent is the CEO of the company. He recognized
that while many military combat specialties do not
translate directly to civilian jobs, the military training
and experience that comes from those occupational
specialties translate into leadership and management
skills that can be taught to senior personnel in the
private sector.
Members of Post 4484 were able to work with
Gilliam to assist in training the executives in team
building skills. The instructions for the classes were
provided by former Navy Seals, Army veterans and
Marine veterans. David Robinson is a Marine Corps
veteran. He said, “The students were kept awake
Dave Robinson, District 10 VFW Commander is on the far
right posing with team members and students at the end of
the executive training session. TV’s Fox News personality,
Ainsley Earhardt, who served in the role of hostage, appears
in the center of the photo.
for the first 48 hours of their stay and put through
many mental and physical challenges. Later they
learned about weapons, land navigation, and mission planning.”
Post 4484 donated food and supplies for the event.
Members of the post and ladies auxiliary cooked all
the meals, provided transportation and even provided
veterans to act as role players in the final phase of
the training. The final phase of the training called for
the students to rescue a hostage played by TV Fox
& Friends First host, Ainsley Earhardt. They were
dropped on site by a former military combat Huey
helicopter.
“This event was the largest the company has ever
had”, said Jonathan Gilliam. Robinson said that he
was so inspired by all the hard work, help, and organization of the local VFW members that he and all the
members his staff signed up as new members of the
VFW. Mr. Gilliam plans to work hard with the VFW for
veterans’ rights and hopes to work with more posts in
West Virginia. More information on the United States
Continued Service is available on the company’s web
site: HYPERLINK "http://continuedservice.com/" \t
"_blank"http://continuedservice.com/ .
Remember Past Post 4469 Commander Dennis Taylor
VFW Post 573 sends delegation to state convention to
return the out-going state commander, James Talerico, to
his home post.
DISTRICT MEETINGS:
* District One Wheeling Park (4442) Nov 17th 1:00 pm Stalnaker/Kish
* District Three Westover Nov 17th 1:00 pm Corley/Hibbs
* District Four Romney Nov 16th 1:00 pm Kerby/Kish
*District Five Parkersburg Nov 17th 2:00 pm Robison/Lambert
* District Six Clarksburg Nov 17th 1:00 pm Kerby/Knotts
* District Eight Huntington (9738) Dec 15th 1:00 pm Stalnaker/Knotts
* District Nine Charleston (3466) Nov 16th 12:30 pm Robison/Knotts
* District Ten Lewisburg Nov 16th 1:00 pm Harless-Hurley/Lambert
* District Twelve Beckley Dec 7th 12:30 pm Harless-Hurley/Hibbs
* Districts serve lunch before meeting, time listed
PAGE AURORATERRA
ALTA
POST 578
302 E. Washington St.
Meetings 1st
Monday
of month
at 5 p.m.
VFW
POST
629
802 Fairmont Avenue
Fairmont WV
Meetings 1st
and 3rd Wed.
Regularly
Scheduled
Entertainment
CAPON
POST
2102
Warm regards from the
friendly folks at
Wardensville
Meetings 2nd Tuesday
at 7:30 p.m.
Phone 874-3711
DATES TO
REMEMBER
Nov 15, 2013 Citizenship
Education Teacher Awards
to District
Dec 1, 2013 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Entries
to District
Dec 15, 2013 Citizenship
Education Teacher Awards
to Department
Jan 1, 2014 Law Enforcement/Firefighter/EMS of
the Year nominations to
Department
Jan 1, 2014 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen District
winners to Department
Jan 31, 2014 Third Post Audit
Report (1 Oct – 31 Dec) to
Department
Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2014
Mid-Winter Conference,
Martinsburg, WV
VETERAN NEWS
PAGE THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
National VFW Commander Requests
Support for Membership and Mission
To Commanders at all levels,
We have come to a crossroad in our fine organization.
It is not just the normal battles we fight in Washington DC,
it’s the future of our country. It’s the mother of all battles to
protect our veterans, troops and their families. We are as
a country, on the verge of thrusting those that have earned
disability payments and other important benefits into total
chaos.
Since the forming of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, we
have been able to greatly influence how our veterans and
families are treated. We have accomplished this by being
strong however, we should all be concerned by the 20 year
slide in the organizations skid in membership. Who will be
there for the next generation of veterans? Unfortunately,
some of us will not be there for them. It has to be the new
generation of veterans and that my friends, has to be our
mission. The mission to keep National Veteran Service,
National Military Service and National Legislative Service
(the big 3) alive and well. Our scholarship work with our
nation’s youth is also important and we do a good job
promoting that.
The only way to insure our forefathers humble beginnings are not in vain, we must build the organization for the
future. To every leader in our organization, especially to the
Post leaders, you have and will continue make a difference.
Please understand this is a bottom up organization, always
has been and always will be.
I'm asking you to set up an information booth anywhere
you can, visit every armory and reserve center you can and
tell our story. If we tell our story the membership will come.
There are plenty of brochures available at HQ for your use.
Thanks for all you do day in and day out.
Warmest Regards,
Bill Thein
Lewis County Veterans VFW Post 1976 Weston
partners with Jane Lew Elementary School
Information provided by Jim Wyant, Post Service Officer
The LEWCO Veterans VFW Post 1976, Weston, has
recently partnered with Jane Lew Elementary School,
providing funding to assist the school’s “Back Pack”
program. The program provides food to children on
weekends to ensure their families have food on weekends.
The Post has also provided donations to WHAW Ra-
Mid-Winter
Conference
Update
This year the Mid-Winter conference will be held
at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV. The hotel is
easily accessible from interstate 81 and effectively
joins the Martinsburg shopping center complex. Two
additional hotels for overflow are in close proximity.
The Days Inn is across the adjoining parking lot and
within walking distance. Anyone wanting to make
inquiries may call Holiday Inn at 304-267-5500 or Days
Inn at 304-263-1800. Numerous quality restaurants
are close by. The Holiday Inn is within a 30 minute
drive of Historic Charles Town, Shepherdstown and
Harpers Ferry. Also located in Charles Town are the
Charles Town Races and Casino. Anyone interested
in a mini vacation might think about booking a day or
two early or staying over a day and taking advantage
of the local history and attractions. When you contact
the Holiday Inn let them know you are booking for
the VFW Winter Conference.
Blennerhassett
POST 1212
1630 GARFIELD AVE.
PARKERSBURG, WV
MEETINGS
2nd Wed. 8 p.m.
BINGO - Mon. & Thurs. 7 p.m.
DANCE - Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m.
EAST HUNTINGTON
Post 9738
227 Main Street
Meets 2nd & 4th
Tuesday at 7 p.m.
dio Station, which allows the radio station to broadcast
Lewis County High School home football games.
In addition to the Jane Lew Elementary School
and WHAW Radio, the Post has donated $1,000 to
the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach,
and also $500 to the Department of West Virginia Gold
Star Mothers.
Volunteer
Internet
Support
As referenced in the Sr. Vice column, the
Department is working to distribute as many as
possible of our hard copy publications, through
electronic or internet means. The Department is
seeking a VFW volunteer who has the time, knowledge, and interest to assist with web management.
Help is needed to create a plan for the successful
migration of the West Virginia Veteran newspaper
to an internet-based distribution format. While
there are some existing resources available on the
internet, the advice and support of a knowledgeable person would put us much further ahead. The
Department has a goal to reduce the number of
hard copy mailings as much as possible by 2014.
Currently the newspaper alone costs $24,000 per
year for printing and mailing. For further details,
anyone having an interest in helping with this
task please contact Doug Knotts 304-676-3399
or Kevin Light 304-768-751.4. The appointed
individual will work closely with the Department
Commander, Quartermaster and Public Relations
Editor. We realize that many members do not have
computer access. Accordingly, there will always
be some number who will continue to receive
hard copy mailings.
NOVEMBER 2013
HUNT FROM PAGE 1
hunting. They provide
the guide services that
increase the chance of
hunting success. It is reported that this year all
of the Wounded Warriors
were successful.
Members of the project
were especially proud to
have 13 year old Shane
Stouffer participate in
the hunt. Shane is the
son of the late Wounded
Warrior Gary Stouffer.
His father was tragically
killed in November of
last year while riding on
a parade float filled with
wounded veterans and
their spouses in Midland, Texas. The float
was struck by a train
travelling at more than
60 miles an hour. Four
veterans were killed.
Shane’s mother was
also seriously injured
and is now recovering.
The float was among
two flat-bed trucks. The
first truck safely crossed
the railroad tracks, but
the second truck’s trailer
was hit by the train. The
parade was to end at a
banquet honoring the
veterans. Shane was
excited to be among the
successful bear hunters and hopes to attend
again next year.
Bill Armstrong, said
“All of our 10 Wounded
Warriors
participating
Shane Stouffer, age 13, son
of the late Gary Stouffer, bags
his first bear.
took a black bear during the first three days of
the special season. Two
of our guys brought their
fathers along and they
both got a bear too so it
was a great hunt.” One
of the fathers thanked
PHWWO for "...giving
me my son back..." as he
was having a time getting
over the shock and trauma suffered from a bomb
blast. His Dad said he "...
hasn't seen him as excited about anything since
he was hurt and now
I can't get him to stop
talking...".
Armstrong
continued, “It seems we
are doing great things for
these brave young soldiers who have given so
much to our country and
we couldn't be happier.”
Youth Camp
Update
We are especially pleased that the 2014 Youth
Camp will be conducted at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, WV. As this is an active National Guard
training base, our facilities will be outstanding.
The youth will be housed in bay barracks. There
is a lake, canoes, paddle boats, rock wall, Olympic
in-door pool, confidence course and other camp
related facilities too numerous to mention. Meals
will be served in the Camp Dawson dining facility.
Counselors will, for the most part, be housed at
night with the youth. Provisions have been made
for a camp head quarters. The housing for a limited number of staff and a nurse will be arranged
separately. Although it is a year away, it is not too
soon to be lining up youth for the camp. As always,
we are seeking volunteer counselors. Anyone interested should contact one of the names listed
below. If you have questions about the camp, do
not hesitate to call Doug Knotts, Camp Chairman
at 304-676-3399 or Joe Norris, Camp Director at
304-586-0973.
VETERAN NEWS
NOVEMBER 2013
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
Flagpole
Dedication
West Virginia Department
of Veterans Assistance
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance over-sees 15 field service offices and 2 claims
offices located throughout the state. These offices are
responsible for providing guidance and assistance
to qualifying veterans and their family members who
wish to file claims for state or federal benefits. These
benefits include, but are not limited to: VA pensions,
service-connected disabilities, veterans bonuses,
state issued hunting and fishing licenses, state issued license plates, educational benefits, and more.
If you believe you may be entitled to state or federal
benefits, please contact the office nearest you.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
Administrative Office:
866-WV4-VETS (866-984-8387)
304-558-3661
Veterans Crisis Hotline:
800-273-8355
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs:
800-827-1000
Homeless Veterans National Call Center:
877-424-3838
Women Veterans Hotline:
MOUND
POST 437
Believe-it-or-not
Post 5501
MEETINGS
Ripley, WV
Meetings:
2nd & 4th Monday
Moundsville, WV
First Monday Each Month
7:00 p.m.
PAGE 855-829-6636
Beckley: 304-256-6955
Charleston: 304-558-3540
Clarksburg: 304-566-7251
Elkins: 304-637-0235
Lewisburg: 304-647-7500
Logan: 304-792-7055
Martinsburg: 304-267-0040
Morgantown: 304-285-3480
Pittsburgh: 412-395-6262
Moorefield: 304-538-2839
Parkersburg: 304-424-1952
Princeton: 304-425-5194
Spencer: 304-927-0980
Summersville: 304-872-0829
Welch: 304-436-3804
Wheeling: 304-238-1085
Huntington: 304-399-9395
Contact Secretary Thompson
Phone: 304-558-3661 Toll Free: 866-948-8387
Web: www.veterans.wv.gov Fax: 304-558-3662
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WVDVA Mailing
Address: 1514-B Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston,
WV 25311
WESTON
VFW
POST
1976
SOPHIA
VFW
POST
4326
SPERRYDAVIS
VFW
POST
9151
BURGECASTO
POST
6450
Hickory House
Restaurant US 19N
1000 Midway Road,
Sophia, WV
Salem, WV
Old Route 50 West
"The Top Post In
West Virginia"
Meets 3rd Thursday
at 7 p.m.
Meets 1st Sunday
at 2 p.m.
Meetings
2nd Tuesday
at 7 pm
Chester WV
Meeting
3rd Monday
PAGE 10
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
NOVEMBER 2013
The Affordable Care Act, VA, and You
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health
care law, was created to expand access to affordable
health care coverage to all Americans, lower costs,
and improve quality and care coordination. Under the
health care law, people will:
have health coverage that meets a minimum standard (called “minimum essential coverage”) by January
1, 2014;
qualify for an exemption; or
pay a fee when filing their taxes if they have affordable options but remain uninsured.
At a glance
VA wants all Veterans to get health care that improves
their health and well-being.
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you don’t need
to take additional steps to meet the health care law
coverage standards.
The health care law does not change VA health
benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.
If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can
apply at any time.
If I’m enrolled in a VA health care program, do I
meet the requirement for health care coverage?
Yes. If you are enrolled in any of VA’s programs
below, you have coverage under the standards of the
health care law:
Veteran’s health care program
Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA)
Spina bifida health care program
What are the benefits of enrollment in VA health
care?
Enrollment in VA health care means you have:
Medical care rated among the best in the U.S.
Immediate benefits of health care coverage. Veterans may apply for VA health care enrollment at any
time.
No enrollment fee, monthly premiums, or deductibles. Most Veterans have no out-of-pocket costs. Some
Veterans may have to pay small copayments for health
care or prescription drugs.
More than 1,700 places available to get your care.
This means your coverage can go with you if you travel
or move.
Met the new requirement to have health care coverage that meets the minimum standard.
What about Veterans who experience a medical
emergency and have to go to a non-VA hospital?
Will the VA still pay?
The health care law does not change VA health care
eligibility, benefits or out of pocket costs for Veterans. If
a Veteran requires non-VA emergency care, the rules
in place today are expected to apply on or after January 1, 2014.
How do I enroll for VA health care coverage?
You may apply in one of three convenient ways: visit
Come Join Us
HYPERLINK "http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll"
\o "www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll"www.va.gov/
healthbenefits/enroll, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or
visit your local VA health care facility.
Can I continue to use VA health care with other
programs, like private insurance or federal health
care programs?
Yes. You can continue to use VA for all your health
care needs, or complement your VA care with private
health insurance or coverage by other federal health
care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and
TRICARE.
I am enrolled in a VA health care program and
also use TRICARE. What does the health care law
mean for me?
The health care law does not change VA health
benefits or your out-of-pocket costs as VA. The law
also does not change your ability to continue to use
VA health care with your TRICARE coverage as you
can still use both your VA coverage and TRICARE
coverage.
Most TRICARE health plan options meet the
requirements for minimum essential coverage. For
additional information about TRICARE and the health
care law, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.tricare.mil/
Home/Welcome/AboutUs/MEC.aspx" \o "www.tricare.
mil/Home/Welcome/AboutUs/MEC.aspx"www.tricare.
mil/Home/Welcome/AboutUs/MEC.aspx.
What does the health care law mean for Veterans
living in the US Territories?
All legal residents of Puerto Rico and the United
States territories are treated by law as having minimum essential coverage. So they don’t need to take
additional action.
Are U.S. citizens living abroad required to
obtain minimum essential coverage or make a
payment when filing taxes for each month lacking
coverage?
U.S. citizens who live abroad for a calendar year (or
at least 330 days within a 12 month period) are treated
as having minimum essential coverage for the year (or
period). So they don’t need to take additional action.
What’s the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is a new way to shop for and
purchase private health insurance (for example, health
coverage other than VA health care programs) that
fits your budget and meets your needs. People who
purchase insurance through the Marketplace may be
able to lower the costs of health insurance coverage
by paying lower monthly premiums
I am enrolled in a VA health care program. Would
I be eligible for assistance to pay health insurance
premiums on the Marketplace if I choose to purchase health care outside of VA?
Since VA care meets the standard for health care
coverage, you wouldn’t be eligible for assistance to
lower your cost of health insurance premiums if you
chose to purchase additional health care coverage
outside of VA. However, you may still purchase private
Vietnam Veterans
of America
VFW JOHN
PAGE POST
4484
Chapter #874
3 Neva Drive
Fairmont, WV 26554
Rainelle, WV
Monthly Meeting 2nd
Tuesday 7:00 PM
Bingo each Friday 6:30 PM
DENNEY-MOYERS-PRATT
POST 9606
Moorefield, WV
Meetings 4th Tuesday
7:30 p.m.
health insurance on or off the Marketplace to complement your VA health care coverage.
How will I know if I’m eligible for assistance to
purchase health insurance outside of VA?
VA can’t make this determination. If you use the
Marketplace, you will find out if you can get lower costs
on your monthly premiums for private health insurance
plans. Remember, if you are enrolled in a VA health
care program, you don’t need to take additional steps
to meet the health coverage requirements under the
health care law.
What does the health care law mean for my family members?
Veterans’ family members who already receive health
care coverage — through their employers, TRICARE or
certain VA programs — do not need to take additional
steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.
Veterans’ family members who do not have coverage that
meets the health care law’s standard should consider
their options through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
They may get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-ofpocket costs or be eligible for free or low-cost coverage
through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP). Starting October 1, they can submit
an application for health care coverage through the
Marketplace and learn the amount of assistance they are
eligible for. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://
www.healthcare.gov/?utm_campaign=Healthcare-DotGov&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=ACA" \o
"www.healthcare.gov"www.healthcare.gov.
What happens if I do not have health coverage?
You do not have to pay a fee if you have coverage that
meets a minimum standard (called “minimum essential
coverage”). If you have access to affordable coverage
but remain uninsured starting in 2014, you may have
to pay a fee when filing your taxes.
2014: $95 per adult and $47.50 per child (up to
$285 for a family) or 1.0% of family income, whichever
is greater.
2015: $325 per adult and $162.50 per child (up to
$975 for a family) or 2.0% of family income, whichever
is greater.
2016: $695 per adult and $347.50 per child (up to
$2085 for a family) or 2.5% of family income, whichever
is greater.
Exemptions from the fee will be granted under certain circumstances. For more
information on exemptions, visit HYPERLINK "http://
www.healthcare.gov/?utm_campaign=HealthcareDot-Gov&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=ACA" \o
"www.healthcare.gov"www.healthcare.gov.
Can I cancel my VA health care coverage?
Yes. However, acceptance for future VA health care
coverage will be based on eligibility factors at the time
of application, which may result in a denial of health
care coverage.
Where can I get more information?
For information on VA health care and the Affordable Care Act, visit VA’s website at www.
va.gov/aca, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday
through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. or Saturdays
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., eastern. For information
on the Marketplace, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.
healthcare.gov/?utm_campaign=Healthcare-DotGov&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=ACA" \o
"www.healthcare.gov"www.healthcare.gov or call 1800-318-2596.
NOVEMBER 2013
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
PAGE 11
Headstones, Markers & VFW National Commander
Medallions For Veterans to visit West Virginia
The Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at
no charge to the applicant,
a Government headstone or marker for the
unmarked grave of any
deceased eligible Veteran
in any cemetery around
the world, regardless of
their date of death.
For eligible veterans
that died on or after Nov.
1, 1990 and whose grave
is marked with a privately
purchased headstone,
VA may also furnish a
headstone or marker to
supplement the graves or
a Medallion to be affixed
to a privately purchased
headstone.
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze
and upright headstones
in granite and marble are
available. Bronze niche
markers are also available
to mark columbaria used
for inurnment of cremated
remains. The style chosen
must be permitted by the
officials in charge of the
private cemetery where
it will be placed.
When burial or memorialization is in a national
cemetery, state Veterans'
cemetery, or military post/
base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be
ordered by the cemetery
officials based on inscription information provided
by the next of kin or authorized representative.
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a
Government-furnished
headstone or marker unless they are buried in a
national cemetery, state
Veteran's cemetery, or
military post/base cemetery.
Note: There is no
charge for the headstone
or marker itself, however
arrangements for placing
it in a private cemetery are
the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees
are at private expense.
Setting Government
Headstones and Markers
Cemetery staff in national, military post, and
military base cemeteries
are responsible for setting the headstone or
marker at no cost to the
applicant. Some state
Veterans' cemeteries
may charge the applicant
a nominal fee for setting
a Government-furnished
headstone or marker.
Arrangements for
setting a Governmentfurnished headstone or
marker in a private cemetery are the applicant's
responsibility and all
placement costs are at
private expense.
Checking Status of
a Headstone, Marker or
Medallion Request
If more than 30 days
have passed since your
claim was submitted to
the VA in Washington,
D.C. by you, or someone
assisting you, please call
our Applicant Assistance
Unit to verify we are in
receipt of your claim.
If more than 60 days
have passed since submitting your claim and the
grave is still not marked,
you should contact the
cemetery, funeral home,
or other party responsible
for accepting delivery of
the headstone, marker or
medallion to see if they
have received it. If they
have not received it, you
may call our Applicant
Assistance Unit between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday
through Friday, at 1-800697-6947.
Memorial Headstones and Markers
Memorial headstones
and markers, for individu-
RIDGELEY
GOLD STAR
POST 6452
DAVIS-WHITE
POST 7048
Named for Gold Star Mothers
PAST - PRESENT & FUTURE
Breakfast Meeting Post
Home 10:00 a.m.
1st Tuesday Each Month
East Fairmont, WV
The Friendly Post In
The Friendly City
Meetings
2nd & 4th Monday
at 7:30 p.m.
als or groups, are furnished
for eligible deceased active
duty service members and
Veterans whose remains
are not recovered or identified, are HYPERLINK
"http://www.cem.va.gov/
cem/burial_benefits/burial_at_sea.asp"buried at
sea, donated to science or
whose cremated remains
have been scattered.
Memorial headstones
and markers may also
be furnished in national,
military post/base or state
Veterans cemeteries to
eligible spouses whose
remains are unavailable
for interment, whether or
not they predecease the
eligible Veteran.
These headstones
and markers bear an "In
Memory of" inscription as
their first line and must be
placed in a recognized
cemetery.
Memorial headstones
and markers for spouses
and other dependents are
not available for placement
in private cemeteries.
MEUSEARGONNE
POST 573
Clarksburg, WV
WE MEET
EVERY
MONDAY
7 P.M.
VFW573.ORG
Commander-in-Chief Bill Thien will be visiting West Virginia November 18-22, 2013 for a
membership roundup.
William A. “Bill” Thien was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
on July 24, 2013, at the VFW’s 114th National Convention, held in Louisville, Ky.
Mr. Thien served in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1974 and served five years in the Indiana
National Guard. His decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars, Vietnam
Campaign Medal with 1960 Bar, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), National Defense
Service Medal and several from the National Guard.
He joined the VFW in 1971 at Post 3281 in New Albany, Ind., where he maintains his Gold
Legacy Life Membership. He has served the VFW in many leadership positions including All
American Post Commander, All State District Commander and All American State Commander.
He has also held positions on numerous National committees, including Vice Chairman of
Citizenship Education and Community Service and as Chairman of National Scholarship and
Recognition.
Mr. Thien attended Indiana University Southeast. He worked as a Team Leader/Shift
Supervisor at Duke Energy and is now retired.
Mr. Thien is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Vietnam War Post 1, National
Rifle Association, Patriot Guard Riders, Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent 51 and VFW
National Home.
He and his wife Linda reside in Georgetown, Ind.
CIC Thien will be travelling with State Commander Lambert, Senior Vice Commander
Knotts, Past State Commander and Membership Chairman Kelly Goddard, Past State
Commander and Chief of Staff Terry Scarbro, National Council Member Chuck Haney and
Adjutant/Quartermaster Kevin Light.
Membership Roundup Schedule:
Monday, November 18th
4:00 PM
VFW Post 9097 Hurricane
6:30 PM
VFW Post 9926 Mason
Tuesday, November 19th
9:00 AM
VFW Post 1212 Parkersburg
11:30 AM
VFW Post 3526 New Cumberland
2:00 PM
VFW Post 9916 Westover
4:00 PM
VFW Post 629 Fairmont
7:00 PM
VFW Post 6452 Ridgeley
Wednesday, November 20th 9:00 AM
VFW Post 3522 Charles Town
1:00 PM
VFW Post 4484 Rainelle
3:30 PM
VFW Post 4326 Sophia
6:30 PM
VFW Post 1144 Iaeger
Thursday, November 21st
10:00 AM
VFW Post 5578 Madison
12:00 PM
VFW Post 4768 Alum Creek
2:00 PM
VFW Post 3466 Charleston
4:00 PM
VFW Post 9738 Huntington
All are encouraged to come out and meet and greet with the CIC at a Post close to you.
PAGE 12
VETERAN NEWS
THE WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN
NOVEMBER 2013
VFW Raises $22,000 for Wounded Warriors Program
Our men and women sacrificed their hair for those who have sacrificed for us.