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Chain of Command Douglas Beckley, President Paul Mann, Vice President
larryb@buckeyepva.org paulm@buckeyepva.org
Lucas Meyer, Treasurer
lucasm@buckeyepva.org
Larry Bostic, Board Member larryb@buckeyepva.org Robert Morris, Board Member robertm@buckeyepva.org Tiffaney Davison, Board Member tiffaneyd@buckeyepva.org Chadwick Watiker, Board Member chadwickw@buckeyepva.org miltony@buckeyepva.org Milton Young, Board Member
National Director Larry Bostic
larryb@buckeyepva.org
Paul Mann
paulm@buckeyepva.org
Sports Director
Betsey Kamm
betseyk@buckeyepva.org
Associate Executive Director
Aaron Stevens, Cleveland
aarons@pva.org michaely@pva.org
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.
@buckeyePVA
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President’s Report
Welcome to summer! I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself as the new president of Buckeye Paralyzed Veterans of America. My name is Doug Beckley. I’m a US Navy veteran serving from 1980 to 1987. I was involved in an automobile accident in 1987 that left me a T9 paraplegic. I have worked with PVA in many different roles since 1995. I am honored that the Board of Directors has shown confidence in me by appointing me chapter president. Should you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached via email at dougb@buckeyepva.org. This year PVA celebrates its 80th anniversary. Starting in 1946 at the Hines VA in Chicago, a group of paralyzed veterans came together to form a veterans service organization to advocate for their needs. That meeting was the beginning of Paralyzed Veterans of America. They began working for better care and better benefits for veterans with spinal cord injury and disease. As we celebrate 80 years of successes we know there is still much to be done. In April we hosted the Buckeye Wheelchair Games at Spire in Geneva, Ohio. We had 60+ athletes attend and there was fierce competition and plenty of camaraderie displayed. By the time you receive this report we will have hosted the first Buckeye Bash BASS Tournament. I expect to have great things to report on this event next time. I hope you enjoy your summer. For those participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games I wish you the best of luck.
Doug Beckley
Doug Beckley, President Buckeye Chapter of PVA
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Executive Director Report Buckeye PVA Needs YOU. Buckeye PVA needs you. It needs your ideas and your votes. It needs your thoughts as to what the chapter should be doing. It needs your input on which members should be governing the chapter. Buckeye PVA is a membership organization. Members make all the crucial decisions. The board is composed of members. Members set the strategic direction of the organization and decide what the chapter will do. Are we doing what YOU think we should be doing? Is there something you would like to see us do MORE of? LESS of? The people who show up and share their thoughts shape the future and direction of the chapter. Want to see more outdoor sports? Want to see less sports? Want to see the chapter offer programs about history or cars or birding? Show up and share your thoughts. Pull together a few like-minded folks and let us know what you want to do. Please watch for notification of the quarterly general membership meetings and do whatever you can to get on the Zoom or attend in person at your area VA facility. This is how we keep the membership aware of what’s happening. Consider running for a seat on the board. If that’s too much currently, join one of the chapter’s committees. Please take part. We really can’t do this without you. Very truly yours, Betsey Kamm
Betsey Kamm Executive Director
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Benefits Update
The Impact of a Federal Government Shutdowns on the Department of Veterans Affairs and Veteran Services By Stephanie Strickland, Senior National Service Officer When the U.S. federal government enters a shutdown because Congress fails to pass funding legislation, various federal agencies must curtail nonessential operations, furlough employees, or shift functions to emergency or “excepted” status. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a unique agency in this context: its mission involves health care, benefits, memorial services, and veteran support. This paper examines how a shutdown affects VA operations—what services continue, which services are curtailed, how staffing is handled, and what risks or challenges emerge. The goal is to provide a balanced, evidence based assessment of how the VA weathers funding lapses and what gaps or vulnerabilities remain. The VA is tasked with supporting veterans through medical care, benefits (disability compensation, pensions, education, housing), national cemeteries, veterans’ appeals, and related services. Given the high stakes for veterans’ well-being, the VA develops contingency plans to maintain core operations during funding lapses. Nevertheless, not all VA functions are immune to disruption. This paper explores in depth how a shutdown affects the VA, assessing which services are preserved vs. curtailed, staff impacts, operational tradeoffs, and longer term consequences for veteran care and benefits. The VA’s Contingency Planning One reason the VA is more resilient than some agencies during a shutdown is that portions of its funding structure rely on advance appropriations or mandatory funding. Advance appropriations are funds made available in a prior fiscal year to cover specified future-year obligations, so those funds are not subject to new-year appropriations lapses. Because these funds are already committed, the VA can continue certain essential services even when a shutdown prevents new appropriations from being enacted. What VA Services Continue During a Shutdown (“Excepted” Functions) Because of the contingency plan and funding structure, many VA services remain operational in a shutdown. Below is a breakdown: Health Care & Medical Facilities VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers remain open and continue patient care operations. Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then press 1) continues to operate 24/7. Suicide prevention, homelessness services, caregiver support—all of which are considered critical—continue to run. Because medical care for veterans is essential and often lifeordeath, shutting it down would risk harm; thus, it is preserved under the contingency plan.
continued..
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Benefits Update
Benefits, Compensation, and Pensions
Disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, housing benefits, and other VAadministered payments continue to be processed and disbursed on schedule. Board of Veterans’ Appeals continues making decisions on cases. Burials at national veterans’ cemeteries, including the processing of applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits, continue uninterrupted. The underlying idea is that these services are considered critical to veterans’ ongoing welfare and have statutory or advance funding bases that allow them to continue. Call Centers & Crisis Reporting The VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) remains in operation. The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) remains open, typically with hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET on weekdays. These contact points are vital for veterans seeking information or support during the shutdown. What VA Services Are Curtailed, Paused, or Suspended Despite the robust contingency planning, several VA programs and activities are classified as nonessential during a shutdown and are thus suspended or scaled back until funding is restored. Benefits Regional Offices & Public Access VA benefits regional offices (VBA regional offices) are closed for public in-person services. As of October 8 (in a recent shutdown), more than 7,000 employees in VBA were placed on furlough, leading to closure of all 56 regional offices to the public. As a result, personal interviews, educational or vocational counseling, outreach programs, and inperson hearings mediated in regional offices are unavailable. This closure can slow or block certain case processing, appeals, or benefit claims that require in- person submissions or hearings. GI Bill, Transition & Career Counseling The GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) is closed. The VA transition and career counseling programs are paused. VetSuccess on Campus programs (which assist veterans with career, education, and employment) are affected as regional offices are closed. For veterans who are newly transitioning from active service, these support services can be vital, so their suspension may impede onboarding into civilian life. Cemeteries, Memorials, and Grounds Maintenance The permanent placement of headstones/markers in national cemeteries is suspended during the shutdown. Grounds maintenance, landscaping, and upkeep at VA cemeteries are halted. Processing of “pre-need burying” applications, which plan for future burials in VA cemeteries, is paused. Printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates is stopped. Public affairs, outreach, social media communications, Vet Resources emails, and responses to press inquiries are suspended. continued..
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Benefits Update
While not directly life-critical services, these memorial and public-facing functions contribute to dignity, recognition, and public engagement for veterans and their families. Excepted vs. Non-Excepted Staff As noted, the VA estimates ~97% of its workforce will continue to work. Those employees performing “essential” or statutory functions, especially in medical care, crisis support, benefits payments, and appeals, fall into this excepted category. Non-excepted staff—often in support roles, public-facing regional offices, outreach, or administrative tasks—are subject to furloughs during the shutdown period. Furloughs and Back Pay While furloughs temporarily suspend work for non-essential employees, federal precedent indicates that when a shutdown ends and funds are restored, agencies typically reimburse back pay for furloughed employees. However, during the period of furlough, employees may experience financial hardship, as they lack pay, benefits, or day-to-day work. The uncertainty of when pay will resume or how back pay will be administered can create stress, morale issues, and retention challenges. Cemetery & Memorial Delay Funerals and burials proceed, but certain aesthetic or long-term memorial services (placing headstones, grounds upkeep) are deferred. For grieving families, these delays may diminish the dignity or timeliness expected in memorialization. Conclusion While the VA is better protected than many agencies during a shutdown, disruptions still occur— particularly in public-facing services, education support, and administrative functions. Veterans relying on in-person help or career transition programs may experience delays. Strengthening funding flexibility and remote capabilities can help ensure that essential services to veterans continue smoothly, regardless of federal funding gridlock. For further information concerning this topic, please contact your local service officer.
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Buckeye Wheelchair Games Good afternoon Buckeye PVA members. On April 24th and 25th, we had the Buckeye Wheelchair Games at SPIRE in Geneva, Ohio. SPIRE is a Paralympic training facility that trains potential Paralympic and Olympic athletes. They also host events from outside organizations and schools. The games are for all types of wheelchair athletes. The events range from weightlifting to track & field to even ping-pong. There is a lot of camaraderie amongst the athletes. A lot of storytelling, and laughs that carried over even after the events at the hotel all weekend. Most of us came in on Thursday night of the 23rd. We were at two different hotels that were across the parking lot from each other. We had a nice dinner that was donated to the PVA and settled in for the night. Friday morning started with shuttles heading to the bowling alley, and the SPIRE Academy. Bowling, of course, happened at the bowling alley. SPIRE had the rest of the events. There were all types of events such as billiards, slalom and track and field. We all competed through the day, complete with lunch at the SPIRE cafeteria which has meals prepared by a chef and plenty of drinks and sides so you get a healthy and tasty meal. Saturday had weightlifting to start off . There was a large group in the heated cornhole and boccia tournaments respectively. Throw in other events such as disc golf or shooting both rifle and archery and it made for an action packed weekend. The event was concluded Saturday evening with a closing ceremony and dinner. Featuring Guitars 4 Vets with board member Holly Koester playing guitar. We had a nicely prepared dinner followed by a guest speaker Sam Innocent. Sam is the acting director for the Northeast Ohio Medical Center. He is also a veteran of my old unit the 10th Mountain Division. After he concluded, we presented the awards from the games. Chuck Scott won best athlete. John Davis won spirit of the games and Bruce Matthias won the best novice. All were deserving of their awards. Chuck and Mr. Davis are from the Dayton team. We were all very proud. If any of you are interested in attending these games next year, please reach out to your physical therapist at the VA. They will be more than willing to help you enroll. The dates for BWG 2027 we believe will be the 16th and 17th of April. The board, Betsey and Sarah, and myself would be more than happy to see you. Hope you’re having a wonderful day,
Paul Mann
Paul Mann, Sports Director and Board Member
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Caregivers Summer offers caregivers a valuable opportunity to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and focus on personal well-being. During this season, it is important to engage in activities that are meaningful and restorative by intentionally setting aside time for self-care. Prioritizing self-care supports physical health, strengthens social connections, and promotes mental and emotional wellness. As the days become warmer and longer, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors with friends and family. A backyard photo session, barbecue, or game night are ways to connect with your loved ones and nurture yourself. Another refreshing way to practice self-care during the summer is by connecting with nature. Taking a peaceful stroll through your neighborhood, listening to the chirping of birds, and admiring colorful flowerbeds and beautiful landscapes can bring a deep sense of calm and renewal. These quiet moments in nature nurture the mind, body, and soul, reminding us to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty surrounding us each day. During the summer months, many communities host fun and festive activities for individuals and families to enjoy. Local parks often provide walking trails, splash pads, playgrounds, and open green spaces that encourage relaxation, recreation, and physical activity. Veterans and their families may qualify for free annual U.S. National Park Service passes through the America the Beautiful Pass Program. More information and applications for passes can be found on the NPS website at nps.gov. Summer is also a wonderful time to explore local attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, museums, farmers markets, beaches, and community parades. These outings create opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and meaningful connection with others. In addition, many community organizations offer summer programs and activities for children. These programs can provide caregivers with a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, or spend quality time with supportive friends. Engaging in community activities and social connections can help decrease feelings of isolation while increasing socialization, encouragement, and overall emotional well-being. As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, communities across the country will host festivities honoring this historic sesquicentennial milestone. From concerts at local amphitheaters and pavilions to patriotic celebrations and cultural events, there will be many opportunities to gather, reflect, and celebrate together. For those seeking affordable travel opportunities close to home, one-tank trips can be a fun and budget-friendly option. Travelers can explore destinations based on location and travel preferences by visiting the One-Tank Trip Planner at https://roadtrippers.com. Caregivers who need time to rest and regroup mentally and emotionally may also benefit from respite care services. Under certain provisions, respite support may be available to help relieve caregiver stress and burnout. AARP Caregiving Resources offers locator services and information connecting military caregivers with local, state, and federal support programs at aarp.org. Additionally, ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center helps caregivers locate quality respite and crisis care services at archrespite.org. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provides respite care services for caregivers of veterans who need aid with activities of daily living. You can find more information on eligibility, qualifications, and available services through VA Respite Care Service at caregiver.va.gov. Remember: you are important, and self-care is not a luxury—it is an essential part of caregiving during every season of the year. Taking time to rest, recharge, and nurture your own well-being allows you to give your best to others while maintaining balance and peace within yourself. Be well, Ohio Dole Caregiver Fellow Jeanette Ezell
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By using this QR Code, you can get sign up for our mailing list! You’ll get updates about any news or updates going on at the BPVA!
330-827-5782
Every Gain Counts.
Even small improvements in hand strength and sensation can restore meaningful independence. ARCEX is the first FDA-cleared system for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation therapy designed specifically to improve hand strength and hand sensation in people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Used alongside functional movement in rehabilitation, the ARCEX System delivers targeted stimulation to the spinal cord without surgery. In clinical studies, 90% of participants improved in at least one major strength or function assessment1. If you’re a Veteran living with SCI, reach out to your VA provider to see if the ARCEX System is available to you at your facility. For additional information, you can contact us at support@onwd.com
Scan the QR code to learn more about the ARCEX System
The ARCEX System is intended to deliver programmed, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation in conjunction with functional task practice in the clinic to improve hand sensation and strength in individuals between 18 and 75 years old that present with a chronic, non-progressive neurological deficit resulting from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C2- C8 inclusive). The ONWARD® Medical ARCEX® System is cleared for use in the United States. Please refer to the indication for use / intended purpose, which may differ. ARCEX®, ARCEX® logo, ONWARD®, and ONWARD® Medical logo are proprietary and registered trademarks of ONWARD Medical. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. © 2025 ONWARD Medical. All Rights Reserved. 2025045 Moritz, Chet, et al. “Non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: a safety and efficacy trial.” Nature Medicine. 2024.
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VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAM
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MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS
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Members Birthdays
e e n n uu J J
y Jul
Rick Takacs Michael Cunningham Steven Holder Joshua Maley Gary Askey Ronnie Duffin William Shorts Roger Stonebraker Tara White Timothy Fultz Jaime Heverly Maura Malenchek John Kiss John Arnesen Phillip Sims Michael Kamel Jessica Beran Robert Hewitt Charles Thompson Alton Taylor Samuel Johnson Carol Eaves Todd Mix Robert Davis James Keltz Michael Payne Kevin Weilacher Robert Burtin Louis Vernon Cynthia Strong Marc Wray Timothy Lacour Lisa Lombardo John Myers Terry Clark William Anderson Bennie Foggin Steven Mullikin Robert Hagara Donald Paige Anthony Zampino Kimberly Hazly-Ward William Wheeler James Maytas Herman Benson Gary Schweikert Elsie Lash Michael McQuillen Jacob Rinehart Johnny Maddox Howard Snyder William Oates Stephen Kinder Blaine Denious James Markham Sojourn Jones Robert Thomas Danica Zeise Timothy Calvin Andrew Shienkaruk
tt s s uu g g uu A A
uJ l y
Kevin Deininger Kimberly Frank Clyde Triplett Edward DiFlorio Joseph Guffy Brett Velander Eric Hall James Ford Leonard Lemmo Michael Stikeleather Don Crago Mark Morrison Leana Himes Jason Ware Kimberly Byers John Streets Steven Lake Bruce Ford Larry Bostic John Richards Richard Ackerman Khadijah Hakeem William Joyce David Kerner William Borton Thomas Patterson Kenneth Yoakum Terrence Menefee Anthony Whitlow Jennifer Steele Philip Sulak Michael Krivos John Miller Christopher Connelly Ricky Dubose Franklin Jordan Gene Crumpton Robert Kaperak Curt Lucas
Robert Mills Allen Frye Bruce Matthias Fefiloi Noa Gregory Bartolotta Terrence Graves Eddie Larko Ryan Rossi Larry Shifferly Stanley Kolby James Moorman Dale Dalrymple Matthew Fultz Joy Frangos Stephen Bell Gayle-Jayne Allyson Tonia Gillespie Steve Sigourney Dean Sidick Matthew Bourbon John Duncan Felix Castro Janeen Phillips Philip Nechvatal Mark Boyd Ronald Baltes Harold Pittaway Denise Smith Larry Freed Ralph Owens Sylvester Cooper Gary Swickard William Beekman Timothy Houston Dale Lomax Terry Beasley Stephanie Bailey Michael Brooks Corrine Lempeck Robert Hill Robert Mace Madelaine Blincoe Robin Powell Brian Fyffe Gavin Paulhamus Larry Benner Robert Meilink Kenneth Parker Harry Clay Keith Dunseith
ADVERTISE WITH BUCKEYE PVA
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2026!
Sarah Hoffman
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Emergency Assistance Program Paralyzed 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 their food. Please visit buckeyepva.org/links for an extensive list of community resources that can help you with a variety of things. Many of these are organized by County so you can see what's in your area.
Members must be in good standing for a minimum of 90 days prior to qualifying for consideration. Application for help is limited to twice 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
VA Emergency Care
For more information please visit: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf /10-10143g_Non VA_Hospital_Emergency_Notification_Fill. pdf
For more information about care coordination, documentation submission, eligibility, claims and payments visit: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/ providers/infor_EmergencyCare.asp
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Why Donate Your Vehicle? Easy and Convenient: Free towing/pickup available in most cases across the U.S. Accepts Most Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, campers, and more— running or not— as long as towable and in one piece. Tax Benefits: Your donation is tax-deductible. You’ll receive a receipt based on the vehicle’s sale price (consult your tax advisor or IRS guidelines for details). Maximum Impact: Vehicles are sold through a network of vendors to generate the highest possible proceeds for PVA’s mission. How It Works Contact or Submit Online: Visit the official PVA vehicle donation page at https://pva.careasy.org to fill out the secure form or call toll-free 877-900-VETS (877-9008387) seven days a week. Provide Details: Have your vehicle title ready (or call if you don’t). Our team will confirm acceptance and schedule a free pickup at your convenience. Pickup and Sale: A towing partner collects the vehicle, it’s sold, and proceeds support PVA programs. Receive Your Receipt: Get your tax-deductible acknowledgment after the sale. Donating is a hassle-free way to give back to the heroes who’ve sacrificed so much — turning an unused vehicle into meaningful support for veterans’ independence, health, and futures. Ready to make a difference? Start your donation today at https://pva.careasy.org or call 877-900-8387.
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MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Call the office at (216) 731-1017 to find out more
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