North Star Bullet February 2022
Issue 1
Legislative Report - 5 PVA Priorities - 8 NVWG - 14 MNPVA News - 20 Birthday - 27
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Minnesota Chapter Exective Officers
Directors
President: Vicky Garrison Vice President: Tim Valentin Secretary: Scott Little Treasurer: Doug Eckhoff National Director: Todd Kemery
Membership Director: Eric " Scot" Poehler Fundraising Director: John Novicki Sports/Rec Director: Ron James Legislative Director: Tim Valentin Advocacy Director: Vicky Garrison Board Members: Karl Olson, Troy Houde
North Star Bullet Chief Editor: Vicky Garrison Editor: Megan Thibado
National Service Officers Jason Stephenson Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org Tami Anderson Senior National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 tamiA@pva.org Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 jamesA@pva.org
Table of Contents
President's Report
4
Legislative Report
5
Voter Voice
7
2022 PVA Priorities
8
Volunteer Opportunities
12
PVA Career Program
13
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
14
Virtual Event Opportunities
17
PVA Sports Calendar
19
MNPVA News
20
Monthly Puzzle
26
Birthdays
27
Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! If you enjoy receiving the paper version, you don't have to do anything, but if you'd prefer to get an electronic copy, please let us know by emailing us at office@mnpva.org or calling us at (612)-467-2263.
President's Report Vicky Garrison As of this printing, we had completed the first month of 2022. This January, Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA) completed another yearly audit and annual report. The MNPVA Annual Report preceded this newsletter by several weeks. If you didn't receive yours, please call our office. Our chapter continues to be strong financially, allowing us to continue service to our members in a wide variety of ways. Recently our board completed calling every member to check in and touch base. Thank you to those who took the time to update your information and share your ideas and thoughts. It truly takes a village, and we value you, our 332 members in that village! The last half of 2021, while filled with many challenges, proves that effective teamwork remains the key to getting things done. As a board, we continue to evaluate policy, work remotely, manage administrative tasks, participate in both national and state events, and above all, serve our members. While our office is currently closed due to lockdown restrictions and staffing issues, we hope to have it staffed part-time very soon, working toward complete hours again as feasible. In the meantime, please call or email us if you have any questions, needs, or concerns. As we look forward to the months ahead, the MNPVA board is working hard to organize multiple events, including a Spring member meeting, a couple of fun shoots, and our annual fishing event with the Iowa chapter in Ely. We are also excited to support athletes from our chapter who participate in the summer National Veterans Wheelchair Games, whether in Tempe, Arizona, or virtually at home. I encourage you to look at the events section and the call for volunteers section to find something that appeals to you. If you have an idea for a chapter event or activity, please call me. I'd love to hear about it.
You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. -C.S.Lewis
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Legislative Report Tim Valentin
PVA Present as President Signs Veterans’ Bills into Law PVA’s National Legislative Director Morgan Brown was present as the President signed four veterans related pieces of legislation into law at a recent White House ceremony. One of the bills signed was S. 1095, the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021, which requires public colleges and universities that receive Forever G.I. Bill benefits to provide instate tuition rates for students using the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) program. The change is likely to help some dependents of PVA members who are using DEA to pay for their college education. The three other bills signed at the November 30 ceremony were: ·S. 796, the Protecting Moms Who Served: Act of 2021, which addresses maternal health care for veterans. ·S. 894, the Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021, which directs VA to create a program to recruit separating Department of Defense medical personnel for VA positions. ·S. 1031, which directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on race and ethnicity disparities when it comes to VA benefits and disability ratings. 2022 Veterans Disability Compensation Rates can be found at https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2021/
Virtual Visits Bring Support for the Auto for Veterans Act During the month of December, PVA members have participated in virtual Hill visits coordinated by the National office with congressional staff in support of H.R. 1361, the AUTO for Veterans Act. The AUTO for Veterans Act would authorize VA to issue a second auto grant to eligible veterans if it has been ten years since their first grant. Based on our visits and other outreach, this bill has gained seven cosponsors this month. MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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We Can Use Your Help! Add your voice today by visiting https://www.votervoice.net/PVA/home (or scan the code below from any smart phone)
Advocacy Updates and Seminar
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Calling Members to Participate! North Star Bullet wants to highlight the unique road that led you to today! If you are willing to share your military stories or the mountains you have climbed due to being "differentlyabled," we'd like to highlight it. Maybe you have a favorite chapter story to tell the newer members who may not have heard it. By telling our stories, we keep history alive. However large or small, struggles and accomplishments serve as inspiration for many others. We invite you, our members, to be a part of our publication by sharing today. So many experiences shape us into the people we become and wait patiently to be heard. Share your best memories with our chapter members, and who knows, you may find a new connection with another. Call our office at 612-467-2263 to help us keep the past alive!
A little progress each day adds up to big results. -Unknown Author
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Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking for a way to serve at your comfort level? MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. If you don’t see anything that works for you, call us today to see where there is a perfect fit - we’ll make one! See the list below for current needs.
Current Needs Volunteer Coordinator Sewing Enthusiast Sports/Recreation Event Volunteers Guest Article Writers Photo Submissions Various Committee Positions: Fundraising, Activities, Policy, Annual Meeting
Please contact Vicky at office@mnpva.org or call 612-517-2131 for more information. Join us in our quest to serve members!
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PVA Career Program Completing Applications By James “Jim” Arndt, MS, CRC Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with PVA Veterans Career Program Completing a job application completely and on time is very important. It is a key factor in putting your best foot forward with a company or organization. Preparation Employers are looking for accuracy. This includes specific dates, names, company information, job duties, and contact information. It may be helpful to find a blank application sample from the internet. You can then use this as a reference template for future applications. Completing a template will enable you to copy information rather than having to spend the time recreating your work history for every single application. Focus Areas Include phone numbers and addresses where you can be easily reached. Your email address should be professional. Avoid email addresses that use nicknames or misconstrued names. You may want to create a new email account for your job search activities. A new email address can be set up through a free service such as Google’s Gmail system. Take the time to list out previous job duties and accomplishments for the application. Your education experience should also include all post high school courses or training. List your college completion date if you are currently in school. When possible, include or attach a copy of your resume. Before You Finish Take your time and make sure you fill out the whole application. You want to avoid leaving any section blank. If the question does not apply to you, write “NA” for not applicable. It’s preferable to use your computer to complete your application; but if you need to write out your application by hand, concentrate on being neat. Be sure to sign and date your application. Preparing in advance and having all your information together will set you up for success in your job search. If you, your spouse, or caregiver, are interested in career support including paid employment, education, or volunteer opportunities please visit pva.org/veteranscareerprogram or email veteranscareerprogram@pva.org for more information.
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Registration CLOSES April 4, 2022 Don't wait - Register early
Visit the website for full details
wheelchairgames.org
Call MNPVA Office for Questions 612-437-2263 We are here to support you!
Special Events through PVA PVA National offers many opportunities for growth and development. Please visit pva.org/adaptive-sports/special-events for all the details. Below are a few of the current offerings. Many classes have live streams and on-demand courses. PVA is currently running a photography class that started in December. Avid readers may enjoy the frequently running book club. We encourage members to take advantage of the incredible courses offered by PVA. Adaptive Yoga PVA offers FREE adaptive yoga classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:00 pm EDT and Saturdays at 11:00 am EDT. Join experienced yoga instructor and active PVA community member Dr. Audrey Lee as she teaches yoga for all ability levels, even first-timers! Class is inclusive and open to anyone and anybody interested. Fitness Training PVA Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with Peaks and Arrows, will provide training sessions conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays live from 12:25 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST. Shoulder health for wheelchair users Classes are adaptable for all levels of ability Friday class is available by video on demand Nutrition Classes Are you interested in eating healthier? Join us monthly on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 2:00 p.m. ET for 30-minute nutrition classes taught by Dr. Audrey Lee, a sports nutrition coach, performance coach, and instructor for the PVA Yoga program. The priority of the course will be on self-care, avoiding the need for pills or supplements, and eating foods that boost the immune system (especially during the pandemic). You can even watch a sample class!
Physical and mental fitness is not a destination, it is a way of life!
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PVA Sports Calendar
ANNUAL AIR RIFLE & AIR PISTOL PROGRAM Cal-Diego Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament December 3, 2021 Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA Wisconsin Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament March 11-12, 2022 Milwaukee Tech Area College Milwaukee, WI Buckeye Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament * May 9-19, 2022
ANNUAL PVA/NWPA BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT SERIES Buckeye Billiards Tournament July 17-18, 2021 8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards Columbus, OH
Vaughan Trapshoot June 3-5, 2022 St. Charles Sportsmen’s Club Elburn, IL
Mid-South Billiards Tournament October 15-16, 2021 Clicks Billiards Memphis, TN Mid-Atlantic Billiards Tournament March 18-20, 2022 Diamond Billiards Midlothian, VA
*Virtual Buckeye Wheelchair Games
ANNUAL PVA/AWBA
PVA BOATING/FISHING TOUR
BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Mid-America Bass Tournament September 10-12, 2021 Lake Eufaula Eufaula, OK Vaughan Bass Tournament October 8-10, 2021 The Lakes of Egypt Marion, IL
Florida Gulf Coast Trapshoot May 13-15, 2022 Silver Dollar Trap Club Odessa, FL
Wisconsin Trapshoot June 10-12, 2022 Brown County Sportsman Club Green Bay, WI Iowa Shooting Trapshoot * June 17-19, 2022 Otter Creek Sportsman Club Cedar Rapids, IA
*Year-End Tournament
SERIES Great Plains Bowling Tournament July 29-August 1, 2021 Thunderbowl Council Bluffs, IA
BOCCIA
Mid-Atlantic Bowling Tournament September 24-26, 2021 Bowl America Midlothian, VA
KY-IN Boccia Tournament
Southeastern Bass Tournament October 15-17, 2021 Thurmond/Clarks Hill Lake Evans, GA
Florida Gulf Coast Bowling Tourn. February 23-25, 2022 Pin Chasers Tampa, FL
Florida Gulf Coast Bass Tournament April 1-3, 2022 Lake Toho Kissimmee, FL
Vaughan Bowling Tournament April 29-May 1, 2022 Bowlero Romeoville, IL
July 17-18, 2021 Indianapolis, IN
September 25-26, 2021 Bowling Green, KY Bayou Boccia Tournament February 18-19, 2022 Gulfport, MS Buckeye Boccia Tournament * May 9-19, 2022
Valley of the Sun February 18-20, 2022 Phoenix, AZ US Paracycling Open April 8-10, 2022 Huntsville, AL Off-Road Spring Expo April 13-16, 2022 Chesterfield, VA Redlands Cycling Classic April 20-24, 2022 Redlands, CA Pittsburgh Marathon May 1, 2022 Pittsburgh, PA Tour of America’s Dairylands June 16-20, 2022 Milwaukee, WI Wichita Omnium Dates TBD Wichita, KS NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES
*Virtual Buckeye Wheelchair Games
Mid-Atlantic Boccia Tournament May 2022 (Dates TBD) Richmond, VA
Kentucky-Indiana Bass Tournament April 22-24, 2022 PVA NATIONAL SHOOTING Lake Barkley SPORTS CIRCUIT Kuttawa, KY North Central Trapshoot Mid-Atlantic Bass Tournament September 11-12, 2021 June 10-12, 2022 Crooks Gun Club James & Appomattox Rivers Sioux Falls, SD Hopewell, VA Cal-Diego Trapshoot March 25-27, 2022 Capital Clash Bass Tournament Redlands Shooting Park June 17-19, 2022 Redlands, CA Potomac River Nevada Trapshoot Waldorf, MD April 1-3, 2022 Clark County Shooting Park Las Vegas, NV MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
KY-IN Boccia Tournament
Swamp Classic February 5-6, 2022 Gainesville, FL
Vaughan Boccia Tournament June 11-12, 2022 Glen Ellyn, IL
July 7-12, 2022 Tempe, AZ
HANDCYCLING Echelon Racing League ToAD Virtual Criterium Races November 2021 -February 2022 PVAR High Performance Camp January 29 – February 3, 2022 Brooksville, FL
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MNPVA News Bowling Our chapter continues to have several very active bowling groups who meet weekly to gather for bowling, food, and friendship. If you are interested in joining one, please call or email us. If there is not a group near your area, we're happy to get the word out to create a new one. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Get out and roll away the winter blues today!
Trapshooting
As the trapshooting season approaches, MNPVA seeks all those interested in participating or volunteering. Team members typically shoot once per week along with competition events throughout the season. Novice to expert welcomed! If trapshooting is new to you, many experienced members are happy to help you try it out. In addition to our shooting season, our chapter plans to do trapshooting fun shoots this summer. Stay tuned for details in the spring.
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Metro Gun Club Corporate Sponsorship
Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America recently purchased a corporate sponsorship from Metro Gun Club. Along with several other benefits for our chapter, this sponsorship includes a discount for our members at the Metro Gun Club. Contact them at 763-7865880 today to find out the details.
Professional Sports Tickets Our chapter continues to maintain a set of season tickets for Twins, Vikings, and Wild teams. Call or email us today if you'd like to attend a game.
Other Events Attention, MNPVA members! We have a member who recently acquired a drone and wants to connect with other members who have one. No drone experience is needed, but tips and tricks are always welcome from the more experienced. Please email our office at office@mnpva.org if interested, and we can make the connection happen!
Do you have an event you would like to attend but need assistance with the financial part? MNPVA's policy allows us to help you in many cases. We'd love to help you participate in activities that you enjoy. If you have questions about the details, give us a call. MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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Wheelchair Bowling Challenge by Karl Olson
Our chapter had a great bowling fundraiser on Sunday, Feb 6, at McPete's Sports Bar and Lanes. We called it The "1st Annual MNPVA Wheelchair Challenge". The focus was to get the public involved with the MNPVA. They had the opportunity to meet and greet with us and take the challenge. The challenge was to either compete against a wheelchair vet or sit down in the chair and try to bowl. Many backseat coaches have all the answers on what you can do to improve your game. Then, one of them sits down in a chair, and they find out it is a whole new dynamic to bowling. Our fundraiser crew ended up getting many fabulous donations. Some of the items included free sandwich coupons from Jimmy John's, a signed football from the Vikings, a gift pack from the Wild. Caribou supplied free coffee. In total, we had 12 silent auction items. All participants and the owner of McPete's had fun and are waiting for an event next year sometime around the first Sunday in March. A big thank you to McPete's and all who assisted!
Vehicle Donations Occasionally, our chapter is the recipient of an adapted, donated used vehicle. If you are a member with a need for a vehicle, please send a letter of request for consideration, outlining the need and circumstances. Mail your request to our office or email us at office@mnpva.org.
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Your Life. Your Ride.
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We take great pride in serving those who served our country. It’s why we work with the Veterans Administration to make the process as simple as possible for you. This includes bringing the vehicle to the VA for inspection, taking care of all VA paperwork, and delivering the vehicle to your home once it’s ready.
Veterans get $1,000 off the purchase of your first Rollx van today! Call 800-956-6668 or visit us at rollxvans.com.
National Salute to Veteran Patients The week of Feb 14 each year is designated as National Salute to Veteran Patients. MNPVA wants to take this time to pay tribute to our nation's veterans and encourage others to volunteer their time. The Minneapolis VA has compiled a video featuring multiple veteran service organizations, including MNPVA, and will be broadcasting this during the week.
Reach out and connect with a veteran today!
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Minnesota Counties - Part 1
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December Neil Altenhofen Oliver Anderson Terry Anderson Bruce Andrzejeski Dale Berven Bruce Brockopp James Bumgartner Chris Butterfield David Campbell Jessica Cook Robert Coulomb Thomas Fjerstad Odell Frank Victoria Garrison Andrew Glazewski Ernest Grabowski Timothy Guiosky Michael Haag James Hallas Dallas Hallis Christian Hatleli John Hilker Linda Hooker Bruce Hooker Alexander Horned Eagle Betty Janu Eugene Jax Jay Johnson David Kane Thomas Klis MaDonna Kufus Scott Laurie MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
Craig Leaf Donald Lundquist William Massie Mark Mavis Robert Mcllema Joseph Novotny Carol Ostertag David Ryan Vernon Schreiner Charles Simons Nicholas Suckow James Williams
January Joel Annen Andrew Bernstrom David Berscheit Dwight Bierbrauer Rita Brandt Donald Brickner Jane Doe Patrick Donley Harlan Ebert Jeffrey Edwards Ronald Ezuck Robert Hawley Gary Hieronimus Glenn Jackola Mark Jaworski Teri Ann Jones Curtis Jorgenson PAGE 27
Joseph Jucknik Robert Kilpatrick Gregory Knudsen Eric Larson Susan Ledin Richard Nolan Mark Novak Garrett Olson Raymond Ostlund Bradley Paulson Michael Raphael Luisa Rider Bonnie Sampsell Philip Schmitz Eugene Striefel Donald Thompson Roger Tottingham Timothy Valentin Lee Whitley Bill Wicklow Robert Young
February Reginald Alexander Clifford Anderson Michael Arnold Gregg Asher Mark Cecchettini Colleen Cihunka Danny Crosby David Dew Dale Haugen Dennis Hendrickson Anthony Hochstetler Roger Illies Ladonna Joseph Eugenie Kufus Russell Lein James Loven Chad Randall James Rettler Peter Surkan James Trueman Aaron Wilson FEBRUARY 2022
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1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417
NonProfit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT 6329
North Star Bullet February 2022
Please help us keep our membership list up to date. Contact the office if you have recently moved, updated your phone number, or email address. This ensures our ability to pass on the latest news to our members. Remember, any updates you may make with the VA are not shared with us. office@mnpva.org MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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