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
P RESIDENTS R EPORT
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President’s Report
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ell summer is on the downhill slide, but it has been a very enjoyable one so far. I hope you had time to get out and enjoy some of this nice, warm weather. I know I have. Things have been moving very well at the chapter and the new building. Turns out we had to have a new roof put on the building, something we hadn’t counted on. Next is sealing the parking lot and repainting the lines. We will be adding four more van accessible parking spots to bring us up to eight total accessible spots.
this fundraiser. We will have more information about it later on. Watch the chapter website for more details. As always, your concerns, issues, or ideas of how we may make our chapter better are always welcome. Contact the chapter office, stop by the VA chapter office on the 6th floor or email me at carlh@buckeyepva.org . Hope you have an enjoyable rest of the summer, and we’ll see you down the road.
Still being planned for this summer is our Sincerely, annual 2023 Golf Outing fundraiser. This will Carl Harris take place this year at the Medina Country Club in Medina Ohio. The date for this fundraiser is set for Monday, September 18, 2023. The address of the country club is 5588 Wedgewood Rd., Medina, Ohio. We can always use volunteers to sit by the holes as the golfers play through, wishing them luck and seeing what kind of new tall stories they have, you would think they were fishermen. LOL. Please call the chapter office if you’re able to volunteer. The annual all-you-can-eat event renamed “Fall Fest” will be held sometime in October 2023. We are still working on plans to get everything ready and a nice venue to have
A Note From Sarah
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i Everyone! I’m Sarah, the new Marketing Coordinator here at Buckeye PVA.
I recently started here at BPVA on the 1st of June. This is my first marketing job since graduating from Akron in December. I was very excited to start working once I found out I had gotten the job! Since starting here, I have helped plan for the annual golf outing that’s coming up, reached out to sponsors about donations, posted on our socials,
and more. I am looking forward to growing my career here and seeing what else I can do to help the organization grow as well . I am very happy to be the marketing coordinator for BPVA and I can’t wait to see what my future holds here. Sincerely,
Sarah Hoffman
G OVERNMENT R ELATIONS DIRECTOR REPORT
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National Director’s Message
by Doug Beckley By Milton NationalYoung Director
Government Relations Director
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ello everyone! It's Summer Time when everyone is outside grilling and swimming and enjoying the Sun. Summer is also the time, when we celebrate the 4th of July and also celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans With Disability Act (ADA). Also PVA is excited that Delta airlines has unveiled a first of his kind airplane seat that makes flights more accessible, allowing travelers to remain in their own power chairs on board. The new prototype shown at the aircraft interior expo in Hamburg, Germany, convert a standard passenger seat to an accommodation for wheelchair restraints. Travelers who use the seat with wheelchairs in place still have access to the headrest, center console tray tables and cocktail table. The president of Delta flight products, Rick Salanitri, said the patent design offers new possibilities for customers of disabilities to enjoy a travel experience they truly deserve. Now on the home front, Ohio's operating budget for physical years 2024 and 2025 aims to make Ohio a disability inclusion state and model employer of individuals with disabilities. The budget allows opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities to maximize Federal grant dollars and establish a new initiative, accessible Ohio, to support Ohio businesses, communities, attractions and venues to be accessible and inclusive. Governor Mike DeWine said his budget reinforces his commitment to making Ohio a disability inclusion State for individuals and veterans with disabilities. I have attached a copy of the Washington update that will give you an overview of activities of PVA government relations and also legislation that will be of interest to veterans and the disability communities. Hey, got to go enjoy the rest of your summer and most importantly, be safe! God bless Sincerely yours,
Milton Young
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Benefit Updates
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ello Buckeye PVA! There have been a few positive updates this year. Most of you probably heard about them; but some of you may have “gone fishing”.
The first is the Cleland-Dole Veterans Benefits and Healthcare Improvement Act of 2022. Among many improvements, I wanted to inform you specifically, of changes to the annual clothing allowance. •
Veterans who received a clothing allowance payment in 2022, will receive the same number of clothing allowances in 2023, without having to apply this year or in subsequent years. Their clothing allowance payment will become an annual continuous / recurring payment.
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First time applicants, applicants who previously received the benefit but did not apply for the 2022 benefit year, or applicants who received payment in 2022 but want additional clothing allowances will have until the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2023) to submit their application for the 2023 benefit. If approved, their clothing allowance payment will also become an annual continuous / recurring payment.
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VBA and VHA are continuing to collaborate on implementation of this law, to include determining the structure of the required periodic reviews. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
The second issue which is pretty big news; on December 22, 2022, Congress passed H.R. 7939, also known as the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022. This legislation includes revised language from the House passed H.R. 3304, the AUTO for Veterans Act, and several veterans’ education provisions. •
This law authorizes VA to provide an additional automobile allowance immediately to eligible veterans if 30 years have elapsed since the date, they received their first automobile grant.
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Ten years after the enactment of this section, veterans who have waited more than 10 years would be eligible for the additional automobile allowance.
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Additionally, this changes the definition of “medical services,” to include certain vehicle modifications like van lifts, which are offered through VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program. A provision designates non-articulating trailers designed to transport powered wheelchairs, powered scooters, or other similar mobility devices as adaptive equipment.
So, what does this actually mean? If you used you Auto Grant over 30 years ago, you are eligible for a second grant now. If 30 years have not elapsed, in 2033, the wait time will drop to 10 years. So, January 1, 2033, everyone will be eligible for a second grant, if 10 years have elapsed since they used the original one. If you hit 30 years before January 1, 2033, you can use it then. Confused yet? Contact your PVA NSO and we can help you navigate this new legislation! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your NSO!
M S C OORDINATOR’ S R EPORT
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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS How An Engineered Probiotic May Help With Treatment Gut bacteria have been shown to be vitally important to overall health. Now, a new studyTrusted Source reports that these microbes also could play a role in treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital say they have bioengineered a probiotic that effectively suppresses autoimmunity in the brain, at least in animal studies. diseases, we can take the benefits of probiotics and amp them The research, published in the up to the max,” he added. journal Nature, suggests that Mice injected with the bioengiprobiotic therapy could be used neered bacteria experienced to treat MS and other autoimQuintana and colleagues reportfewer symptoms of an MS-like mune diseases where the imed in their study that probiotic disease, the researchers reportmune system dysfunctionally bacteria engineered to produce ed attacks the cells of the central lactate can activate a biocheminervous system. cal pathway used by dendritic The Potential For Using Gut cells — immune cells found in Bacteria To Treat Autoimboth the brain and the gastroinmune Conditions “Engineered probiotics could testinal tract — to stop other revolutionize the way we treat immune cells from attacking the Quintana also told Medical News chronic diseases,” said Francisco body. Today that using gut bacteria to Quintana, PhD, a lead author of stop the immune system from the study and a professor of attacking the body “stands by neurology at Brigham and Wom- “The mechanism we found is like a brake for the immune sys- itself as a potential therapy” but en’s Hospital, in a statement. “When a drug is taken, its con- tem,” said Quintana. “In most of also can be used in combination us, it’s activated, but in people with other treatments for autocentration in the bloodstream immune diseases. peaks after the initial dose, but with autoimmune diseases, “This suppresses the autoimthen its levels go down. Howev- there are problems with this er, if we can use living microbes brake system, which means the mune response that destroys myelin in the brain, but there to produce medicine from within body has no way to protect itare processes other than lymthe body, they can keep produc- self from its own immune system.” phocytes involved in diseases ing the active compound as like MS that combination theraneeded, which is essential when py can address,” he said. “Our we consider lifelong diseases “By using synthetic biology to therapy can at least slow down that require constant treatget probiotic bacteria to produce or reduces damage, while other ment.” specific compounds relevant to therapies could regenerWhat Researchers learned in Multiple Sclerosis probiotic study
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The Health Benefits From The Gut Microbiome
diet can increase lactate production and modulate the immune response.“This is a more direct approach than what naturally occurs with certain diets,” he said.
Researchers are increasingly looking at ways to manipulate The link between the gut and the gut microbiome to provide the brain may not seem imme- therapy for diseases. To date, the U.S. Food and diately obvious, but as Quintana In a 2021 study, for example, Drug Administration (FDA) explains, “The microbiome fine Quintana and colleagues modi- has approved more than 20 tunes our immune system, but fied a strain of yeast found in drugs to treat MS, “all of which in people with autoimmune dis- the gut in order to treat symp- affect the immune system in eases that system goes wrong. toms of inflammatory bowel some way,” said Lindsey. We know that the lymphocytes syndrome. While not specific to MS, the that cause damage in the brain Dr. J. William Lindsey, the direc- findings by the Brigham and are coming from the gut, so we tor of the Division of Multiple Women’s researchers follow “a stop them from going from the Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology very interesting direction with gut to the brain.” at the University of Texas lots of potential in terms of The dendritic cells found in the Health Science Center at Houtreatment that should have limgut and brain aren’t identical to ston, told Medical News Toited side effects,” he said. each other, he adds, “but the day that the new study relates mechanisms that control them to research conducted in recent By Bob Curley seem to be shared.” years showing that a high-fiber
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Congratulations John Wade We are thrilled to announce that one of our associate members here at Buckeye PVA has written his very own book. John Wade has fearlessly put his story on paper in hopes to inspire others. Through resilience and unwavering courage, he has triumphed over adversity, transforming his personal struggles into a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar obstacles. In this book, he candidly shares his experiences, recounting the physical and emotional hurdles he faced, as well as the unyielding spirit that drove him to reclaim his life. With every word he writes, John imparts invaluable lessons of strength and perseverance, reminding us all that the human spirit knows no bounds.
Thank You Berea Eagles #2282
Berea Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2282 The BPVA would like to give a big thank you to our gold sponsor the Berea Eagles #2282 from this year’s golf outing. They have always been generous in donating years past. The Berea Eagles is a non-profit corporation located in Berea, OH at 612 N Rocky River Dr. It was founded in November of 1937. Berea is one of approximately 1700 Aeries located throughout the US and Canada with the Mission of uniting fraternally in the spirit of Liberty, Truth, Justice, and Equality to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope. They stand strong behind the men and women who serve and protect us. The Berea Eagles are all about finding a sense of community, making new friends and enjoying the very best of entertainment, dining and dancing; all while joining the real cause of helping people.
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MS Committee Report
Thank you APPLIED Industrial Technologies
The APPLIED Industrial Technologies in Cleveland Ohio gave a generous donation of $1000! They are celebrating their 100 years in business this year! The Company was founded in 1923. They are a leading national distributor of C-Class maintenance, repair, operating and production (MROP) supplies. We just want to thank them so much for supporting us!
Thank You Sponsors Roots Candles Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Monsters Heroes Vodka Riveter Bark Box Bakers Local 19 Big Dog Daddy’s Rittman Dental CJ Barnes The Farmers Table P.J. Marleys Lake Metro Parks VFW Post 9340 Berea Eagles 2282 Ballreich’s Nagashima Pavarini Ltd State 8 Motorcycles Doylestown American Legion Post 407 Woodmont Commercial Consulting H&J CPA’s Lake Shore Insurance American Legion Post 91 USS Cod Submarine Memorial Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Memphis Kiddie & Park Adventure Zone Old Firehouse Winery Game On! Arcade & Sports Pub Akron Symphony Clague Playhouse Inc. Beck Center for the Arts Maps Air Museum Columbus Museum of Art Wood County Museum McKinley Presidential Library & Museum Holden Forests & Gardens Goodyear Castle Noel Cincinnati Arts Association Raising Canes
S PORTS AND R ECREATION
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S PORTS AND R ECREATION
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Caregivers
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y name is Jeanette Ezell. I am the Ohio Dole Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. I was selected to be an advocate for caregivers, veterans, and military families. I reside in Dayton, Ohio and I am a caregiver to my husband, Dwayne Ezell. I understand the challenges of caregiving and I would like to take the opportunity to inform you that I am one of the 5.5 million voluntary military caregivers providing care for our nation’s heroes. Caregivers are important to our country. There are 14 billion dollars of uncompensated care given to our wounded, ill, and injured warriors by their caregivers. Two thirds of military caregivers are not employed because they answered the call to care for a loved one. Our veterans deserve the best care available, and our nation’s caregivers deserve the resources and support to effectively care for them. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation was founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole. She was a caregiver for the late Senator, Bob Dole. While her husband was at Walter Reed, she took note of the difficulties military families were facing as their loved ones were being cared for. Because of her love and devotion for her husband and those she met, she began to advocate for support, benefits, and changes to the VA and other institutions to raise the standard of treatment of caregivers.
Many resources and programs have been established over the years that have been beneficial to caregivers. More is needed because the pressures of life can burden families. The stress and strain on family relationships, poor health outcomes, mental, emotional, and financial challenges are prevalent in many households. The suicide rate has increased for caregivers, as well as for veterans. Children have also experienced difficulties due to the increased challenges of assisting in the care of their beloved veteran. These children are referred to as “Hidden Helpers”, and caregivers are our “Hidden Heroes”. There is hope. There are resources available to ease the load of caregiving. In upcoming issues, I will highlight the organizations and programs that have been implemented to improve the lives of caregivers, veterans, and their families. I will also give updates on legislation, such as the Elizabeth Dole Act that addresses the needs for military caregiving. For more information, go to www.hiddenheroes.org. I look forward to sharing information with the Buckeye PVA members and their families that will make a difference in their lives. Please join me on this caregiving journey to be enlightened, empowered, and inspired as we serve our brave warriors. They deserve the best caregivers, and our caregivers deserve the best care as well. Be well,
Jeanette Ezell
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M EMBERS CORNER
SAMUEL JOHNSON I am Samuel Johnson Jr aka "wheelzz" I am an U.S.A Army veteran combat medic. I am a paraplegic L1 Incomplete. I have been in my chair going on 27 yrs. I am and have this thing of giving my all and best in anything I do or attempt to do. I have been a member of the Buckeye PVA since 2019 when I was introduced to them by Aubrey Lash and ever since then it has saved my life literally. People don't understand the training and what goes into the time, dedication and their wives and caregivers supporting them. We'll I am here to tell you it is something to make lifelong friendships with complete strangers who I would of never known before. I love my buckeye chapter brother and sisters and the comradery made is indescribable.
CHARLES SCOTT Welcome back Charles Scott! I like to go by Chuck. I have recently moved back to Ohio after being away for a bit. I have returned to being a buckeye member. I was in the army for a few years, then got discharged. I recently won the national championship in Boccia! This year the championships were held at the Tombstone, Paralympic Institute in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I haven't been to nationals in six years. I played in 2017, then took a break for a few years. I came back to play this in year’s championship and won gold for Boccia. I have been to nationals three times. The last two times that I went, I have won gold medals. I was very excited when I found out I had won a gold medal again. I am happy to be back in Ohio at the buckeye chapter.
M EMBER BIRTHDAYS
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W ASHINGTON UPDATE
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W ASHINGTON UPDATE CONT.
Washington Update Cont.
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W ASHINGTON UPDATE CONT.
Washington Update Cont.
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W ASHINTON UPDATE CONT.
Washington Update Cont.
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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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Please Contact Sarah at sarahh@buckeyepva.org or by telephone at 216-731-1017 to advertise with Buckeye PVA today!
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