Spring Banner Newsletter 2023

Spring 2023

BUCKEYE BANNER June 2023

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PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA, BUCKEYE CHAPTER

2775 Bishop Road, Suite B, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092 (216) 731-1017 - (800) 248-2548

BPVA Officers Carl Harris, President Milton Young, Vice President Holly Koester, Secretary Robert Morris, Treasurer

carlh@buckeyepva.org miltony@buckeyepva.org hollyk@buckeyepva.org robertm@buckeyepva.org

Board of Directors Doug Beckley, Board Member Josh Maley, Board Member Paul Mann, Board Member Lucas Meyer, Board Member Scott Law, Board Member

dougb@buckeyepva.org joshuam@buckeyepva.org paulm@buckeyepva.org lucasm@buckeyepva.org scottl@buckeyepva.org

National Director Douglas Beckley

dougb@buckeyepva.org

Govt. Relations Director Milton Young

miltony@buckeyepva.org

Membership Director Carl Harris

carlh@buckeyepva.org

Sports Directors Josh Maley Paul Mann

joshuam@buckeyepva.org paulm@buckeyepva.org

Executive Director Jennifer McCarty

jenniferm@buckeyepva.org

Administrative Assistant Maria Bynum

mariab@buckeyepva.org

Senior Benefits Advocates Aaron Stevens, Cleveland Mike Yaskowiak, Cleveland

aarons@pva.org michaely@pva.org

DISCLAIMER The Buckeye Banner is a publication of the Buckeye Chapter, PVA and is meant to inform its readers of Chapter activities, legislation, and other matters of concern to veterans and/or members of the disability community. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of BPVA, its Officers, Board Members, the Editor or production staff.

Revised 10/22

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President’s Report

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he last time I was writing an article it was snowing but now summer weather is finally here with lots of sun and nice warm temperatures. I would much rather have it this way. Hope you get out and enjoy the sun.

The Buckeye wheelchair games were held in person this year, after a two-year hiatus thanks to Covid, at Spire Institute in Geneva Ohio on April 21st and 22nd . We had 60 athletes sign up to compete in this year’s game. It was great seeing everyone face-toface after the two years off. I heard nothing but comments on how the games went so smoothly even after not doing it for a couple years. I personally thank all the sponsors, members, staff, VA employees and especially the volunteers that make this event possible.

Next year’s games are already in the plans and will be held on April 19-20, 2024. If you didn’t get a chance to attend this year start your plans for next year and will look forward to seeing all of you there.

Our Annual Golf Outing fundraiser is set to be played on September 18, 2023 at the Medina Country Club. Medina Country Club is located at 5588 Wedgewood Road in Medina, Ohio.

Members can volunteer to be at different holes on the course thanking all the participants for supporting our chapter.

We will be looking into getting raffle prizes and hole sponsors. If you know anyone that gulfs, please let them know about our event and see if you can sign them up. All the information is on the chapter website at www.buckeyepva.org . Flyers for the event can be requested by calling the office.

So you see there is always something that you are members can do to help the chapter in different ways. Your concerns, issues, or ideas of how we can make our chapter better are always welcome. Please either contact the chapter office, stop by the VA chapter office on the 6th floor or email me at carlh@buckeyepva.org with your ideas and concerns.

Sincerely,

Carl Harris

Executive Director’s Report

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ello Buckeye PVA members and supporters!

have the local media cover our event with articles in the Star Beacon, and a feature on SpecI'm happy to report that the 12th Annual Buckeye Wheelchair Games held at SPIRE trum News 1 tv.

Institute in Geneva, Ohio was a success! We had 60 athletes who competed in events from BPVA has many more exciting events coming track, field, swimming, weight lifting, boccia, up and we hope you will join us! bowling, air guns, billiards, table tennis and archery. And this year, we were thrilled to introduce disc golf. We were also privileged to Until next time, have our slalom course designed by famed biJennifer McCarty oengineer, Rory Cooper. Mr. Cooper founded the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL,) which strives to improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering. It was also exciting to

N ATIONAL DIRECTORS REPORT

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National Director’s Message National Directors Report

by Doug Beckley

By Doug Beckley National Director

77th Annual Convention Omaha, NE May 9th - 12th, 2023 23-M-1

Bylaw Amendments to Change Leadership Titles and PVA Physical As Location Amend

Passed

23-M-2(s)

PVA

Sexual Harassment Policy

Passed

23-M-3

Increasing PVA Attendant Funding

Passed

23-M-4

Simplify Stipend Election Form

Passed Consent Agenda

23-M-5

Resend Requirement for Chapter Toll Free Number

Passed Consent Agenda

23-M-6

Core Sports and Recreation Programs and Special Events

Withdrawn

23-M-7

PVA Disaster Relief Program

Passed

23-M-8

Peer Mentoring

Passed Consent Agenda

23-M-9

Support for New Orleans SCI Center

Withdrawn

23-M-0-1

Amendment of PVA 401K for Puerto Rico

Passed

23-M-0-2

Extend Chapter Submission Dates

Passed

23-M-0-3

Bowling Funding

Withdrawn

Government Relations Director

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By Milton Young

ello everyone, You know it's spring time paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Update when everyone is planting their flowers on are Capitol Hill visits to our Congressional and preparing their gardens. Spring is leaders we had an opportunity to visit with all 17 also the time when we observe Memorial Day. of our Congressional leaders or a member of It's the last Monday in May. It honors men wom- their staff to discuss our policy priorities and isen who died while serving in the U.S. military. It sues that impact veterans that live with disabilioriginally was called Decoration Day. Memorial ties. All the meetings were positive. I've attached Day was declared a National Holiday through an copies of the April and May Washington update. act of Congress in 1971, and its roots date back Have a great spring and summer. Be safe! to the civil war era, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Unlike Veterans Day, Sincerely yours, Memorial Day honors all military members who Milton Young have died while serving in the U.S. forces. This year's Memorial Day will be celebrated May 29th, so make sure you find a Memorial Day event to pay tribute to those service men and women that

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MS Coordinator’s Report

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By Josh Maley

ith the start of Spring comes the ed to all of the registered participants in the build up towards the National Vet- Disc Golf exhibition. erans Wheelchair Thank you to all of the Volunteers, VA staff Games early this July. Making a triumphant and Rec Therapists, Sponsors, and the return to the third weekend of April, the Buck- Buckeye Chapter Office Staff and Board that eye Wheelchair Games occurred less than 30 made this fantastic weekend possible .Thank days after the Disabled American Veterans you also to the Veteran Athletes who without Winter Sports Clinic that took place at the end your support, attendance, and dedication, of March. wonderful events like this would not exist.

The Buckeye Wheelchair Games were April With the support of the Ohio VA system and 21st and 22nd at the Spire Institute in Gene- plenty of room to grow at the Spire Institute, va, Ohio for the first time since 2019. Hotels this event will continue to improve and thrive. were changed, Events were added, and new Upcoming events to keep an eye out for are volunteers and sponsors jumped on board. the Billiards Tournament : June 17th & 18th There were 59 athletes this year competing in in Columbus at 8 Ball Billiards, the National events ranging from Swimming, Billiards, and Veterans Wheelchair Games, July 4th through Track & Field, to Table Tennis and Air 9th in Portland, Oregon and the BPVA Golf Rifle. Archery returned for its second go as an Outing on September 18th at Medina Country exhibition drawing a lot of interest , joined by Club.

Disc Golf making its first appearance as an exhibition. With the help of our sponsors at Sincerely, Play It Again Sports, Infinite Discs, Innova , Josh Maley and Dynamic Discs, sets of discs were donat-

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National Director’s Message

Senior Benefits Advocate Report

by Doug Beckley

By Aaron Stevens National Director

Military Discharges and Upgrades

Punitive Separations

There are several types of military discharges that are given upon completion of service. You can find the discharge you received located on your DD-214. There are basically two main categories for enlisted personnel, which are administrative separations and punitive discharges. A punitive discharge will have an impact on a veteran’s ability to receive veterans benefits and obtain government employment.

Now let’s go through the most common types of discharges and provide a brief summary.

For most veterans, their character of discharge has little effect on their lives after service.

However, if you received a Punitive Separation, this will not be the case. There are two kinds of punitive separations

Administrative Separations Honorable Discharge

a military service member can receive:

Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) Dishonorable Discharge Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) Only enlisted members can receive a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD), and only through a court-martial due to punishment for bad conduct. Almost all veterans’ benefits are forfeited if discharged due to bad conduct.

If a service member received a good or excellent rating for their service time by meeting or Dishonorable Discharge exceeding standards for performance and personal conduct, they can receive an honorable If the military considers a service member’s discharge. actions to be reprehensible, the general courtmartial can determine if a dishonorable disGeneral Discharge charge is in order. Murder and sexual assault A service member may receive a general disare examples of situations that would result in charge under honorable conditions if their pera dishonorable discharge. Military members formance is satisfactory, but the individual who receive a dishonorable discharge forfeit failed to meet all expectations of conduct. This all military and veterans’ benefits and may discharge may also be given to a member who have a difficult time finding work in the civilian leaves the military before the end of their sector. commitment. Veterans may not be eligible for certain veterans’ benefits under a general dis- Other Separations charge, including the GI Bill.

Medical Discharge Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH) A service member may receive a medical disDischarge charge or separation if a medical or mental An Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH) condition prevents them from continuing to discharge is the most severe kind you can get serve. Two medical review boards determine without a court martial. Disciplinary issues, medical discharges: the Physical Evaluation lapses in military good order, or failing a drug Board (PEB) and the Medical Evaluation Board test can lead to an OTH Discharge. Veterans (or MEB). A medical discharge is a military adwho receive an OTH discharge cannot re-enlist ministrative discharge that typically is not in the armed forces except under very rare cir- viewed negatively on an individual’s record, cumstances. Most veterans’ benefits will also depending on the conditions and circumstancbe barred under these discharges. es. If you receive a Medical Discharge, you can

M S C OMMITTEE R EPORT

still be eligible for most entitlements given to veterans.

How to Upgrade a Military Discharge

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center/vso/boards-for-correction-of-militaryrecords.

You may also apply for an upgrade through In some situations, you may be eligible to ap- the Service Board for Correction of Military/ Naval Records (BCM/NR). You must apply ply to have your military discharge upgraded within 3 years of discovering the “error or into a higher rating. Veterans who believe the character of their discharge from service was justice” that you are asking the Board to fix. unjust or erroneous, can apply for an upgrade. The Board can choose to disregard this deadline “in the interest of justice,” so you should The Department of Defense and the Departnot let it stop you from applying. At this point ment of Veterans Affairs both operate you may submit a new DD Form 149 to your an online tool to facilitate the application pro- respective BCM/NR and apply for reconsideracess found at https://www.va.gov/discharge- tion of your case. BCMRs are more powerful upgrade-instructions/. than DRBs. They can upgrade any character of discharge and change any reason for disIf you are within 15 years of your discharge, you will need to apply to the Discharge Review charge.

Board (DRB) on a DD-293. The DRB can upAs always, contact your local PVA National grade the character of discharge on your DD- Service Officer with any questions.

214. However, DRB’s are not able to overturn a court-martial’s decision. To connect with one of the Discharge Review Boards, please see Thank you, the following web address: Aaron Stevens https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-

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Congratulations Robert Thomas

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uckeye Chapter would like to enthusiastically congratulate one of our very own, Robert Thomas, on his election to become the new Paralyzed Veterans of America National President and Chairman Of The Board! Robert was elected by his peers at the PVA National Convention this passed May in Omaha, NE. Congratulations Robert!

“My inspiration to serve stems from PVA’s past and present leadership.”

- Robert Thomas

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MS Committee Report

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S PORTS AND R ECREATION

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S PORTS AND R ECREATION

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B UCKEYE W HEELCHAIR G AMES

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B UCKEYE W HEELCHAIR G AMES

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V ETERANS A FFAIRS PROGRAM

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M EMBERS CORNER

LARRY BOSTIC

I have been attending activities with the Veterans Affairs Recreation Therapy and the Buckeye Paralyzed Veterans of America now for about 2 1/2 - 3 years. Myself and my wife Cristy have made lifestyle changes by participating in all the activities that the VA and BPVA provide. I recently went to the Buckeye Wheelchair games, and won 7 medals total, in Air Rifle, Bowling, Billiards, Field Activities and weightlifting. The VA and BPVA go to National Wheelchair games like Colorado in the winter and this year, Portland, OR in July, 2023. I have to admit that my success is a representation of the staff that work for the VA and BPVA. Cristy and I enjoy serving meals with the BPVA on the first weekend of the month for those that are confined to the Cleveland VA at the Spinal Cord Unit and Sears Tower. It honestly is more of an honor to help those that are in a difficult position and maybe a few words, or some fast-food will give someone a smile. I would encourage anyone that wants to become involved in sports, volunteering or just have camaraderie with others that are going through the same thing you are or did. I can't thank the VA and BPVA staff any more than just saying that they are doing what Abraham Lincoln stated, "...to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." Louis Stokes VA Spinal Cord Unit and BPVA personify this crede.

Larry R. Bostic Jr.

TIFFANEY DAVISON I am a female veteran of the U.S. Army that happens to go by the name of Tiffaney (with the E because I am extra!), I was first. introduced to and informed about the Buckeye PVA in 2017 which at that time I became an associate member. However, I was not aware that I was eligible to become a chapter member, that knowledge came later in 2022. Once I became a chapter member, I started to receive different publications and emails from the PVA at the national level. It was during my reading of those publications that I discovered that a pilot program was being launched through the national PVA for veteran self-employment. They were selecting just 12 members from the members that applied and that it was open to PVA chapter members nationwide. I was one of the twelve members to be selected from the seventy- two members that had applied to attend this program of eight weeks. So, after attending the eight weekly sessions each member had the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a five -person panel and the two top scoring business pitch ideas would receive a $2500.00 grant each to test their idea. The winners were a man who was a gunsmith in Virginia and the other member was a woman who designed and started adaptive clothing line called Handi No Cap for people with disabilities in Ohio. That female member just happens to be a member of the Buckeye PVA and she is me, Tiffaney!

Tiffaney C. Davison

M EMBER BIRTHDAYS

Clothing Allowance Announcement

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W ASHINGTON UPDATE

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W ASHINGTON UPDATE CONT.

Washington Update Cont.

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by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

W ASHINGTON UPDATE CONT.

Washington Update Cont.

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by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

W ASHINTON UPDATE CONT.

Washington Update Cont.

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by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

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Mileage Reimbursement

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ho is eligible to participate in the program?

Must be a BPVA Member in good standing for a minimum of 90 days to participate. The Committee has the option to make exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

What is the acceptable time period before the program becomes available for use?

The BPVA member must be hospitalized for a minimum of one week.

What is the acceptable distance for mileage reimbursement?

The mileage reimbursement will be given to visitors for travel to a VA hospital in the State of Ohio for the well-being of members who are hospitalized. Beginning and ending travel must be in the State of Ohio.

How much is the reimbursement?

Reimbursement will be at a rate of .20 per mile. Mileage will be determined via MapQuest based on the submission of the visitor of the beginning and ending address. Chapter will reimburse up to 2 trips per month with a $2,000 cap per year.

Reimbursement request containing the name of the member, name and address of the visitor, the date of visitation and the origin of the trip must be submitted by the 20th of the following month, with payment at the end of month. Request for reimbursement will only be valid for one calendar month following travel.

How will reimbursement be paid?

Reimbursements will be via check.

What locations are included in the program?

Reimbursement will be for Ohio VA hospitals only.

A DVERTISE WITH B UCKEYE P V A

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MOBILITYWORKS

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Emergency Assistance Program

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aralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter has available an Emergency Assistance Program.

This program helps members of the Buckeye Chapter who may find themselves in financial distress causing possible eviction from their homes, disconnection of utilities or the inability to pay for food.

yearly or up to a maximum of $500 per year.

This is a confidential process. Payments must be made directly to the vendor. Please contact the Chapter office for more details. (800) 248-2548 or (216) 731-1017.

Members must be in good standing for a minimum of 90 days prior to qualifying for consideration. Application for help is limited to twice

VA Emergency Care

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n most instances, Veterans are cess, VA established a national For more information please visit: eligible to receive VA authoremergency care contact center. https://www.va.gov/vaforms/ ized emergency care at an inThis center allows community pro- medical/pdf/10-10143g_Nonwork facility if the VA is notified of viders to report instances of a Vet- VA_Hospital_Emergency_No the emergency event within 72 hrs. eran presenting to a community tification_Fill.pdf Veterans do not need to check with emergency department and offers the VA before going to an emergen- simplified access to VA for care coFor information about care coordicy department in the community or ordination, eligibility determinanation, documentation submission, calling an ambulance and, during tion, and payment authorization eligibility, claims and payments an emergency, veterans are eninformation. visit: https://www.va.gov/ couraged to seek medical attention The person notifying the VA should COMMUNITYCARE/ without delay. be prepared to supply case-specific providers/ To simplify and streamline this information, as seen below. info_EmergencyCare.asp emergency care notification pro-

Please cut around the dotted line to keep this important information with you at all times.

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Paralyzed Veterans of America Vehicle Donation Program

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PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA BUCKEYE CHAPTER 2775 Bishop Road — Suite B Willoughby Hills, OH 44092

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit 4318

Help Us Serve America’s Veterans

Health Care, Benefits, Advocacy, Sports, Recreation, Education are just a few of the programs your taxdeductible contributions help support.

For more information, call (800) 248-2548