THE RAMP ISSUE NO. 2 JAN-MAR 2024 VOLUME 60
ORDERS FOR THE QUARTER
PAGE 4 Meet new staff
PAGE 5 Newest Programs at CCPVA
PAGE 7 CCPVA Birthday’s
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ANDI COLLINS TEAM USA 2023 COLONIAL CHAPTER’S YOUNGEST MEMBER Lance Corporal Andi Collins, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Youngest Member of the Colonial Chapter and Team U.S.A athlete, competed in the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany this past September. The Invictus Games celebrates over 500 competitors from 21 nations, highlighting the resilience and spirit of wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans on their journey to rehabilitation. See page 9 with more amazing photos. Way to go Andi!
COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICES
WILMINGTON:202-709-5551 BALTIMORE:800-795-3606 PHILADELPHIA:800-795-3628 D.C.: 800-424-8200
COLONIAL PVA OFFICERS PRESIDENT MATTHEW PEELING mpeeling@colonialpva.org
CDCE REPRESENTATIVES
WILMINGTON: CRYSTAL YOUNG-TERRELL BALTIMORE: ROBERT REUTER/ANN ADAIR VA HOSPITALS
VICE PRESIDENT ANN ADAIR anncadair@aol.com
WILMINGTON:302-994-2511 BALTIMORE:410-605-7000 PHILADELPHIA:215-823-5800 EASTORANGE:973-676-1000 RICHMOND: 804-675-5581
SECRETARY JERROD HARRIS jharris@colonialpva.org
PVA PHONE NUMBERS
CHAPTER OFFICE: 302-861-6671
TREASURER JOHN PEPE dailydriver66@gmail.com
BENEFITS HELPLINE: 866-734-0857 CAREGIVER SUPPORT: 855-260-3274 HEALTHCARE HELPLINE: 800-232-1782
BOARD MEMBERS
JOB ASSISTANCE: 202-416-7795
PATRICK BURNS patb1511@gmail.com
LEGAL SERVICES: 800-424-8200 MEMBERSHIP
CRYSTAL YOUNG-TERRELL cyterrell@comcast.net
SC LIFE: 162 NSC LIFE: 74 TOTAL VOTING MEMBERS: 236 AFFILIATE:60 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: 296
CHRISTOPHER BRYANT chrisdvbryant@gmail.com BETTY GEER bettyg127@gmail.com CHARLES WIDDOES ccwiddoes@gmail.com
Newsletter Editors
EDITORS:
JOANN BEDSWORTH – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JASON SPOHN – MARKETING DIRECTOR 2
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COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
Chapter President’s Report Dear Colonial Family, It was my great honor in January to begin another year as President of the Board of Directors of Colonial Chapter. I was reelected to the board in 2022 and have watched as well as helped with, the amazing growth we have experienced in 7 years. The Colonial Chapter Board is an esteemed group of 8 accomplished people representing three different states, injuries, and diseases. The board feels a calling to function as a best-practice board, representing each of our members, so there is a lot of attention, input, processes and supporting our staff with a clear vision. It is a very exciting time to be in a leadership role with Colonial PVA. Ideas imagined years ago have gained momentum, and there has been growth in every area of the chapter that most importantly benefits members. In 2024, the Colonial Chapter Board of Directors formed an Ad-Hoc committee to help with our strategic plan and give the chapter direction for the near future by defining objectives. They will explore innovative topics with our programming and continue to amplify our Chapter’s resources. Committee Chair/Member of Colonial Chapter Kathleen Fitzpatrick and her committee plan on submitting strategic plan at the April 2024 meeting for approval. The committee will look to expand our support to our members, enhancing our mission, membership programs and increasing our membership goals. Peter Drucker taught that to achieve results we must use all the available strengths, as these strengths are the true opportunities. “The unique purpose of an organization is to make strength productive,” he wrote. Colonial PVA has the exceptional bounty of opportunities found in the strengths of our board, staff and members, and the unique purpose of the board is to build results. I believe that we have the vision of what we can become as a membership organization and my goal as board president is to keep us loyal to that vision. Thank you for your part in the Colonial PVA family, and I cannot wait to see what we will achieve together!
Matthew Peeling Matthew Peeling President, Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
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COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
Executive Director’s Report Hello Colonial Chapter family, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. There have been a lot of positive changes in the Colonial Chapter office, in the past month. I hired a new office Marketing Director / Executive Assistant plus a new part-time Bookkeeper because due to the large growth of the Chapter’s programs. Please join me in welcoming Jason Spohn as our newest team member. Jason is taking on the Marketing Director / Executive Assistant position as of December 1st, 2023. He will be overseeing the upcoming marketing development planning and has some exciting ideas regarding new campaigns that can take Colonial Chapter Family to a higher level. Jason reports to the Board of Directors and will work in tandem with me. He has a degree in business and marketing as well. In addition, Jason was Co-Chair of the Colonial Chapter’s Advisory Committee. If anyone would like to send him a welcoming email, you can at jspohn@colonialpva.org. Also, please welcome our new part-time Bookkeeper, Kim Dotson. She also comes to us from the Colonial Chapter Advisory Committee. Kim comes from a strong financial background and was a former manager for PNC Bank for over 17 years and has worked with non-profits. If you would like to send her a welcoming email, you can at kdotson@colonialpva.org Warmest Regards,
JoAnn Bedsworth Executive Director, Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
Jason Spohn Marketing Director Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
Kim Dotson Bookkeeper Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
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TO RESTORE HOPE AND QUAILTY OF LIFE TO VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS WHO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY OR DISEASES. THE RAMP
COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
NEW PROGRAMS
CCPVAMS MS PROGRAM Host Jerrod Harris and Co-Host Jennifer Small produce and deliver monthly Zoom meetings which takes our members on a journey and connects them with their peers. You get to hear from your peers and about living and managing their MS, and they have guest speakers who give resources and support for navigating everyday life. Meets every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 2:00 pm EST, Next meetings 02/13/24; 03/12/24; 04/09/24. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86430543602?pwd=NkhaV1YwMnlXNHZ uQTRBL2J2K1J1UT09&from=addon Meeting ID: 864 3054 3602
Passcode: 545539
Women Veterans Program CCPVA Women Veterans Program provides an opportunity for women veterans to form bonds, share experiences and remind the community and themselves that they served too! Chair Betty Geer and Co-Chair Kathleen Fitzpatrick have virtual meetings monthly for a resource that addresses the specific needs of women veterans with disabilities and works toward empowering women. Meets the first Tuesday of the Month on Zoom; Upcoming meetings are: 02/06/24; 03/05/24; 04/02/24 at 7:00 pm EST https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84291047513?pwd=bqKgb8Wkvhw3VwJIz TW1p0FYxpsPxh.1
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COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
VETERAN OPPORTUNITIES
Operation Red Wings Foundation WWW
TEAM RIVER RUNNER
For More Information on these opportunities, please call the Colonial Chapter Office at 302-861-6671 THE RAMP
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COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
BIRTHDAYS JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
EDDIE BELTON 01/01
PATRICK BURNS 02/02
RANDY WALKER 03/02
DEBRA HAZZARD 01/01
WESLEY REDD 02/04
MICHAEL SPENCER 03/03
STEVEN JONES 01/01
LISA MARKLAND 02/05
THEODORE FLAXMAN 03/04
FREDRICK CRAW 01/02
ANTHONY MALAT 02/05
ALFRED WATSON 03/06
IBRAHAM HASHI 01/02
TIMOTHY BRENNAN 02/06
ROBERT REUTER 03/07
TERRY LAURENZI 01/03
THEORDORE KORNICKI 02/07
RAY ALLEN HUSKINS 03/09
ROBERT EASTMAN 01/04
DUANE CLAYTOR 02/07
SARA CAMPBELL 03/12
WALTER REIFSNYDER 01/05
JOHNNY HARRISON 02/09
ANN ADAIR 03/13
DESIREE YOUNG 01/06
CRAIG DUNCAN 02/11
DOUGLAS PIERCE 03/16
LORI MININGER-COSTELLO 01/08
HAZEL RODRIGUEZ 02/12
JULIAN RICHARDSON 03/19
THURMAN FEGANS 01/11
DAVID COLLINS 02/13
LAWRENCE SHINABERRY 03/19
ROBERT SMITH 01/12
DAVID TIMBERMAN 02/13
TRISH HOPKINS 03/20
ELISABETH CARUS 01/13
DOUGLAS CARMON 02/13
JOHN PEPE 03/21
THOMAS MEYER 01/14
JEFFREY MCNEIL 02/13
DONALD LADOUCEUR 03/24
ELMER TITUS 01/15
EARL RICHARDSON 02/14
CHARLES CARTER 03/25
PAUL HAMILTON 01/15
RICHARD STERN 02/16
JOHN RINE 03/25
LAURENCE LUTMAN 01/16
GERLD BAKER 02/17
ROBERT DUNCAN 03/28
WALLACE DANIELS 01/16
JOSPH MORGAN 02/21
CECIL GOLD 03/30
RONALD KOEING 01/16
CYNTHIA BAKER 02/24
CARL DAVIS 03/31
SARA BARAOWSKI 01/18
CRYSTAL YOUNG-TERRELL 02/26
NELSON LOCKLEAR 03/31
RODNEY LEE 01/21
SAMUEL DICKINSON 02/26
DONTE PROFLLI 01/25
CHARLES GILPATRICK 02/28
TERRY ZIMMERMAN 01/25 JOHN RINARELLI 01/26 BETTY GEER 01/27 JIMMY DAVIS 01/27 NATHAN DEWALT 01/28
TAPS ROBERT CLARK – 10/16
JOSEPH TAURECK 01/29 RONALD LINEMUTH 01/30
JOSEPH SENICK – 12/23
ADOLPH BLAUHUT 01/30 WAYNE CARTER 01/31 THE RAMP
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CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER SMALL AND JERROD HARRIS! IN JANUARY 2024, BOTH JENNIFER AND JERROD WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY HELPING AND SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS, SO THEY BECAME A CERIFIED PEER MENTOR THROUGH THE CHRISTOPHER REEVES FOUNDATION. JENNIFER IS THE CO-CHAIR OF THE COLONIAL CHAPTER MS PROGRAM AND CHAIR OF THE COLONIAL CREATORS CLUB WHICH IS PART OF THE SPORTS AND REACTIONAL PROGRAM. JERROD IS ON PVA NATIONAL MS COMMITTEE, COLONIAL CHAPTER SECRETARY, CHAIR OF THE COLONIAL CHAPTER MS PROGRAM AND HE SITS OF MANY COMMITTEES WITHIN THE CHAPTER . FROM EVERYONE AT THE COLONIAL CHAPTER WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO OUR MEMBERS BY PROVIDING INFORMATION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT TO THE COLONIAL FAMILY.
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OUR NEWEST MEMBER ANDI COLLINS
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Member Lisa Markland volunteers as she can with the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. She explains, "As an Air Force veteran, it's been wonderful to be back serving in uniform, as well as to be working with our large and wonderful squadron and all of our amazing cadets. Serving my community, state and nation has always feels wonderful! I originally joined CAP in 1985, serving until 1990 (later also commanding a cadet unit for the Maryland Defense Force). I returned to CAP meetings in April 2021 during the Covid lockdown, introducing a young teenager who is family to me to this great organization, where she has greatly excelled. She is the reason I rejoined! When I left in 1990, I had the grade of Captain, but it's taken hard work, persistence and until early September 2023 to earn this back. I am proud to be a Captain again!" (All adults aka "senior members" can serve as officers.) If anyone regardless of age or disability is interested in learning more or joining CAP (it's all-volunteer with no commitment), feel free to contact Lisa at LJMarkland@md.cap.gov. 9 THE RAMP
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SPORTS & RECREATIONAL PROGRAM Let’s get moving with Crystal CCPVA Sports Director
Happy New Year Colonial Family, I hope that the start of your year is off to a good one. The turn of the calendar year often signifies new changes and opportunities. With CCPVA Sports and Recreational, we are no different, with my great team of member volunteers, we look forward to new opportunities that we hope to bring the chapter members even closer. My new team members are the club chairs: Colonial Creators Jennifer Small; Gearhead Eddie Belton and Outdoor Adventures Carl Huggins currently have some outstanding plans for 2024 to enhance each one of our members. Each club meets monthly on Zoom and have plans for social outings. All events are free, please, if you are interested, hop online and LET’S GET MOVING!
COLONIAL CREATORS Colonial Creators provides opportunities to connect and encourages participants by sharing and exploring creativity. They foster growth and the difference and perspectives, helping each other experience different creativity arts. All supplies and events are provided by the Colonial Chapter. Meetings are the 4th Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm EST. Next meetings are 02/28/24; 03/27/24; 04/24/24. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86754251383?pwd=RHNNNE40NmNM Q09ySmh6NlllMXJJdz09&from=addon Meeting ID: 867 5425 1383
Passcode: 750848
GEARHEAD CLUB The Colonial Chapter’s Gearhead Club is being chaired by Colonial Member Eddie Belton. They meet monthly to discuss anything with a motor and are planning on attending some car races and car shows in the future. Meetings are held on Zoom the first Wednesday of every month. Upcoming meetings on 02/07/24; 03/06/24; 04/03/24 at 7:00 pm EST https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83527167465?pwd=UkdnbW1ZbU9icV BEbjdIazZKdDc2QT09 10 THE RAMP
Meeting ID: 835 2716 7465
Passcode: 208707
COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB CCPVA Outdoor Adventure Club: Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Enjoy the great outdoors with your Colonial family. Do you enjoy fishing, hunting, sailing, rock climbing, skiing, camping, and more, then this is the group for you! Member Carl Huggins Chair along with his Co-Chair John Pepe and the rest of the Club meet the third Wednesday of the month on Zoom, this club have some great plans for this fiscal year. Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of every month; Upcoming meetings are 02/14/24; 03/13/24; 04/10/24 at 7:00 pm EST. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84983570577?pwd=VjN2M2tJRVBQQT ZJQitHOVZBYlppdz09&from=addon Meeting ID: 849 8357 0577
Passcode: 500929
All chapter members will be entitled to $100 per fiscal year to use toward activities such as dinning out with your spouse, going to the movies, attending events, hotel stays, vacation expenses, hobby supplies, etc. Receipts for such activities will need to be dated and mailed to the Colonial Chapter office, by the end of the fiscal year (09/30/2024). Receipts dated before 10/01/2023 will not be accepted. For more information, please contact the chapter office at 302-861-6671 11
DONATE ONLINE SCAN CODE
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COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
2024 POLICY PRIORITIES For more than 75 years, PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA—the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases (SCI/D), like MS and ALS—has led the fight for accessibility. and provided a full circle of support from the point of injury or diagnosis to all of life’s milestones. With offices inside every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI/D center across the U.S., PVA is unmatched. Staffed with licensed architects, medical professionals, legal experts, and leaders in research and education, PVA fights to help veterans with SCI/D receive the benefits they earned, the specialized health care they deserve, the accessible homes and vehicles they need, and the meaningful careers they want. PVA also advocates for disabled veterans with the greatest support needs to have equitable access to the same opportunities and freedoms available to all Americans.
Protect Access to VA’s Specialized Health Care Services VA’s health care system must receive sufficient funding to continue providing the specialty care needed by veterans with SCI/D. Without adequate funding, VA will not be able to properly care for veterans, hire and retain health care professionals and support workers, and maintain and expand VA’s medical infrastructure. PVA advocates for proper funding for VA’s SCI/D system of care through the Independent Budget—a partnership with DAV, PVA, and VFW. Critical reforms are also needed so VA can adequately meet veterans’ health care needs.
Staffing VA must effectively use the pay and workforce provisions approved in Public Law 117-103 (RAISE Act provisions) and the PACT Act (Public Law 117-168) to recruit and retain necessary health care professionals, particularly those needed for VA’s SCI/D system of care. VA must also increase retention incentives and reform its hiring processes, including working with Congress. to make needed reforms. Congress must also take additional action to boost pay caps for other providers not included in the RAISE Act provisions and PACT Act.
Infrastructure VA’s infrastructure processes need to be reformed and staffing increased to allow the department to effectively use the needed funding. VA also must develop a nationwide infrastructure plan to better address the SCI/D system’s unique care delivery model.
Expand Access to VA Long-Term Services and Supports VA’s services span the spectrum from facility-based care to home and community-based services. Increased availability of longterm services and support is crucial to the ongoing health of paralyzed veterans, as well as ensuring all veterans can receive the care they need throughout their lives in the setting of their choice.
Facility-Based Long-Term Care VA must adequately assess the number of veterans with SCI/D who need facility-based specialty long-term care and implement policies that will increase beds and prioritize related infrastructure projects.
Home and Community-Based Services and Caregiver Supports Congress and VA must increase access to home and community basedservices, including expanding programs like Veteran-Directed Care and modernizing VA’s Bowel and Bladder program for family caregivers. Congress and VA must also prioritize efforts to increase the direct care workforce that provides the services and supports veterans with SCI/D require. to live in their communities. In addition, veterans must be authorized to receive enough hours of support each week to ensure their daily needs are met. VA must reform the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Restrictive eligibility criteria have kept some paralyzed veterans from being found eligible for this program. For those veterans who are not eligible for the PCAFC, VA should provide them with more information about other programs available to help them, including the general caregiver program. VA must also ensure that veterans found eligible for the program are assigned the appropriate tier for their caregiving needs. THE RAMP
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Improve VA Benefits and Health Care Services for Paralyzed Veterans and their Survivors. Veterans and Survivor Benefits Congress must increase VA Special Monthly Compensation/Aid and Attendance benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans to offset increased costs for home care and other needed support. Congress must continue to improve access to services and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. Congress must pass legislation ending forfeiture of military retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation. Congress must increase the rate of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving dependents and lower the eligibility threshold. Congress must also ensure survivors of ALS veterans have access to enhanced DIC benefits.
Transportation Programs and Supports Congress must authorize veterans who have nonservice-connected catastrophic disabilities to receive adaptive equipment from VA to drive their vehicles. VA and Congress must also provide improved transportation services and support that help veterans access needed health care, including increasing the beneficiary travel reimbursement rate and reforming the reimbursement process.
Life Insurance Benefits Congress must reform VALife to allow premium waivers for catastrophically disabled veterans and ensure ALS veterans’ survivors receive these critical benefits. Home Modification Grants Congress must raise the rate of funding available through VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant program to allow eligible veterans to access needed housing modifications due to their disabilities. Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans VA must consider the unique needs of women veterans with SCI/D when delivering and developing services and benefits, including those that are gender specific. Assisted Reproductive Technologies Congress must repeal VA’s ban on IVF and authorize VA to provide assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, surrogacy, and gamete donation at VA for any veterans enrolled in VA health care.
Protect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities Protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities is important to ensuring their ability to access the opportunities and freedoms available to all Americans to allow them to live, work, travel, and fully participate in society. Improve Access to Air Travel Congress must make systemic changes in the next FAA Reauthorization to improve air travel for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchairs users, by reforming the Air Carrier Access Act to add standards for aircraft accessibility and improve enforcement of the law. Congress must also improve paralyzed veterans’ access to programs that facilitate the security screening process. Increase Disability Access Congress must enhance tax incentives to help businesses comply with their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must investigate more individual ADA complaints and publicly report information on filed and adjudicated complaints. DOJ must also issue long-overdue regulations related to hotel bed height and accessible medical equipment standards. Industries creating new models and forms of transportation, including electric and autonomous vehicles, must ensure disability access as a matter of equity. Existing transportation providers must also increase accessible features to ensure greater access for people with disabilities.
Improve Access to Social Security Benefits Congress must end the five-month wait for Social Security disability insurance benefits to ensure people with disabilities have financial support when they most need it. Congress must also ensure that caregivers who are out of the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities can receive credit under Social Security.
Increase Employment Prospects for Veterans with Disabilities Congress must increase access to employment opportunities for veterans with significant disabilities through tax incentives for employers and improvements to support provided to veterans through the state workforce system. VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program must ensure veterans with catastrophic disabilities are able to fully access the services that allow them to return to work. 13 THE RAMP
COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
HEART PROGRAM – UPDATE (Hoskins Education and RE-Employment Training) Marcus Murray is a United States Air Force Veterans, he contacted the Colonial Chapter in September 2023 to further his education to better serve PVA. Marcus served as National Secretary of the Paralyzed Veterans of America for four years before coming to the Colonial Chapter. He chose our Chapter because of the way we have a nourishing family relationship within. Marcus started his training in October of 2023, but really did not know what field he really wanted to go in, but he knew whatever he did he wanted to give back to PVA. Marcus started taking classes and began exploring alternative options while continuing to consider how to better serve the Mission. Marcus was very motivated and enthusiastic about leadership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and was looking to expand on communication, leadership, non-profit finances, strategic thinking, and management for the Mission of PVA. He started his first class with the Saylor Academy, Time, and Stress Management. He completed it within twelve hours, earning himself his first certificate. That was just the beginning he started right away with his next classes for Non- Profits and Managements. Marcus enhanced his knowledge in the roles of non-profits around the world and how to conduct programs that support their mission. As he continued deeper into his training, he leaned to recognize opportunities and threats that may affect the success of all PVA Chapters structures and how it may need to change. Marcus learned changes occur to new developments in the organization, competitive factors, and leaders. He also delves into the best ways to initiate organizational changes. Marcus understands the future of leadership including what parts of traditional leadership should remain and why modern approaches to leadership are necessary. Marcus has 340 hours of training since October 2023 and is still going strong. He would like us all to read the April edition of the PN magazine to see how he is planning to use what he has learned for the mission of PVA.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Dear Colonial Family, As many of you know, the Chapter has purchased a Siser Romeo Vinyl Cutting Machine and T-Shirt press. We are working on making our own T-Shirts and Stickers for the Chapter. Currently, we need additional members to help board member Christopher Bryant. Chris has been volunteering a lot of hours learning the system, understanding the heat press, designing on the Siser Leonardo software and so much more. He would like to be able to produce shirts and stickers with our logo on them to sell as a fundraiser, but he will need help. If you’re interested, please call the office at 302-861-6671 or email Jspohn@colonialpva.org or Jbedsworth@colonialpva.org.
The Colonial Chapter will be at the upcoming MS Walk in Annapolis Maryland on Sunday, April 14th, 2024. This event is always a great time for an amazing cause so come and walk for a cure. Currently, we are looking for volunteers for the MS WALK, please come help and show support for our Colonial Chapter Family. Please contact the Colonial Chapter Office at 302-861-6671 or email Jspohn@colonialpva.org or Jbedsworth@colonialpva.org.
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UPCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING THE COLONIAL CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA MEETS EVERY 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM AT 11:00 AM EST. SOCIAL HOUR IS 09:50 AM – 10:50 AM WITH THE MEETING STARTING AT 11:00 AM SHARP. UPCOMING BOD MEETINGS ARE 02/14/24; 03/13/24; 04/10/24. 18 THE RAMP
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MS Awareness Month – March 2024 PVA is known for our focus on serving Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 1 in 4 of our members live with MS. We help them navigate the ins and outs of living with the disease. We are skilled in securing unique MS benefits for our Veterans from the VA and are adept at navigating the VA to get our members quality care for their condition. We also connect members with MS to resources outside of PVA. We have strong partnerships with prominent MS organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the VA's Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. Beyond connecting them to the resources they need, we offer Veterans with MS a warm welcome to a community of Veterans, caregivers, and families going through similar struggles. Through community support, Veterans can get back to living their lives to the fullest.
JOIN US IN ANNAPOLIS!
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