North Star Bullet July 2022 Issue 5
President's Report MNPVA News Sports & Rec Research News Post 9-11 Veteran Bonus Puzzle
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Paralyzed Veterans of America Minnesota Chapter Executive 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 Seth Thomas
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 Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 jamesA@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
Mission Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national organization dedicated to serving former members of the U.S Armed Forces who have suffered catastrophic paralysis because of spinal cord injury or disease. The Minnesota PVA was granted chapter status in 1993 and continues to serve veterans by advocating, assisting, promoting medical research, educating society, and cooperating with other veteran groups.
Table of Contents 3
President's Report
4
Election News
6
MNPVA News
9
Sports and Recreation
13
Research News
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PVA Washington Update
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Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus
25
Birthdays
26
Puzzle
Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! We understand that some members enjoy receiving the paper version and we are happy to send one. 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. Electronic distribution of newsletters, saves money and trees.
President's Report Vicky Garrison As I enjoy the beauty of the summer, it is a reminder that our chapter has moved into the final quarter of the fiscal year. Time seems to move at warp speed sometimes! As a board, we have accomplished many things this year. One such project, The North Star Bullet, is now in full swing as our chapter's newsletter magazine. While this undertaking required a lot of time, I'm happy with the more prominent print and the publication interval (increased to nine times/year). We aim to provide a newsletter that delivers relevant news and events to our members. We recently added a "Research Opportunities & News" section. MNPVA is fortunate to have close ties with our area researchers, allowing us to work together to share information with our members. We distribute conventionally in the mail for those who prefer to hold something or online for those electronically inclined. Don't forget - we're always open to suggestions and comments! Additionally, the leadership team revised and updated several policies this year. One of these policies includes event reimbursement for our members. We focused on making the policy clear, concise, and complete with easy-to-follow steps and guidelines for using this great benefit offered by MNPVA. More details on this to come in future newsletters. Other board accomplishments include an event held earlier this year called the Wheelchair Bowling Challenge. The fundraising event, open to the general public, provided a fun indoor activity while raising awareness about the challenges many of us face from a wheelchair. Other activities in full swing include supporting athletes for the NVWG in Tempe, AZ, the MNPVA-Brainerd Area Fun Shoot, the Metro Fun Shoot, and the Midwest Fishing Event. Our chapter also supports and encourages other events such as the annual Disabled Turkey Hunt, Disabled Deer Hunt, Trolling for Troops, and Winter Sports Clinic. Our board continues to be active in Advocacy and Legislation by participating nationally and at state level with conventions, seminars, task forces, and committees. I hope this provides an overview of the hard work your board of directors is busy accomplishing. The entire board remains devoted to serving you. Feel free to contact any of us if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance. MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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Election News 2022 Candidates President We have accomplished much this year with many more things on the list. I would be honored to serve as your President another year. I continue to strive for our chapter to help you - the members, in the best possible way we can. Vicky Garrison
Vice-President I am running for re-election as chapter Vice President. If re-elected, I would like the opportunity to continue to improve as vice-president and also serve our members to the best of my abilities. Tim Valentin
Secretary
“I am running for re-election as the Chapter Secretary. My first year was impacted by the challenges and restrictions of the pandemic. If elected, I would take the opportunity to continue to improve my ability to serve our members during more “normal” times.”
Director
Scott Little
Hi I'm Karl running for reelection to the Board of Directors. I have worked hard to help keep things running smoothly for the chapter. I would like to keep doing that for another three years. Karl Olson MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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Puzzle Lovers! Could you use a $25 Visa Gift Card?? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of each your completed puzzle for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month.
Member Packets PVA National recently sent out member packets that include a pin and ID card among other information. If you didn't receive one, please contact the office to make sure your address is up to date.
2022 Election Date Ballots are mailed out 7/15/2022 and must be postmarked NLT 8/29/2022.
Seeking...You! The North Star Bullet newsletter is here to serve our members. Please let us know if you have news to share with our members, if you have a story or experience to share, or if you have a small business (MNPVA member owned) that you would like us to share. We are always happy to hear from you!
Make each day your masterpiece - John Wooden
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We want to thank all volunteers, donors, and supporters who help further the cause of the MNPVA. Without your continued support, we couldn't do all we do for veterans.
Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking for a way to serve at your comfort level? MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. Get in touch with us today to see where there is a perfect fit - we’ll make one! Join us in our quest to serve members! We are currently looking for volunteers to serve on the fundraising committee, serve on website committee, provide support at events, and help with mailings.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others. -Mahatma Gandhi
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Sports and Recreation Upcoming Twins Games Monday 5/23 6:40 PM Detroit Tigers Upcoming Twins Games Tuesday 5/24 6:40 PM Detroit Tigers Monday 6:40 Tigers PM Tigers Wednesday 5/258/1 12:10 PM Detroit Tuesday 8/2 PM Kansas 6:40 Tigers Thursday 5/26 6:40 CityPM Royals FridayWednesday 5/27 7:10 PM 8/3 Kansas City Royals 12:10 PM Tigers Saturday 5/28 1:10 PM Kansas City PM RoyalsBlue Jays Thursday 8/4 6:40 Sunday 5/29 1:10 City Royals Friday 8/5 PM Kansas7:10 PM Blue Jays
Saturday 8/6
6:10 PM
Blue Jays
Contact the office for more details! Add a little bit of body text
The MNPVA receives two tickets to each home game for the Twins! Our reimbursement policy includes lodging, travel, and parking so make sure you save your receipts. If you are interested, please call the office at 612-467-2263 and let us know which game you'd like to attend!
We are in the process of arranging Sports and Recreation sessions at Northern Star Base Camp. Potential events include air guns, archery, boccia ball, and more. As we formulate a schedule, we ask that members let us know if you are interested in attending by calling or emailing us. Regular, organized sports and recreation sessions provide excellent opportunities to get out, get active, and get social!
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Our athletes are currently competing in the 2022 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Tempe, Arizona. The MNPVA chapter sent 10 athletes to compete this year. Go team!
Events July 23rd
Brainerd Area Fun Shoot
July 26th
ADA 32nd Anniversary Virtual Event
August 21st - 27th
Midwest PVA Fishing Event, in Ely
September 17th
Metro Fun Shoot
October 4th - 6th
Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt
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Opportunities for Participation in Research by Christine Olney
Dear Veterans, The purpose of this column is to inform you about ongoing research in our community, towards improving your quality of life as a person living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Each month we will share several ongoing studies and state whether they are looking for Veterans and others with SCI/D to participate by the words “ACTIVELY RECRUITING”. Not all studies showcased in this column will be in the recruitment phase. If you are interested in helping scientists, please call the contact number associated with that study. You will be compensated if you participate.
Title: Biomarkers for Pressure Injury Risk ACTIVELY RECRUITING The aim of this study is to enable early identification of individuals predisposed to pressure injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D can call to learn if they can participate Contact information: Christine Olney 612-467-3001 or Christine.Olney@va.gov
Title: A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury [A PVA funded study] ACTIVELY RECRUITING The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation and movement in adults with spinal cord injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D who is at least 3 months out (no end date limit) from a spinal cord injury, can self-transfer and some reduction of sensation and/or movement after their spinal cord injury.
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Interventions: Either you will receive physical therapy, called "cognitive multisensory rehabilitation" (focusing on restoring body awareness during movements) or you will receive a membership for the adaptive fitness at Courage Kenny (Golden Valley) to train there with the adapted fitness equipment Testing: MRI of the brain (before and after the interventions); test of sensation and movements + questionnaires (before and after the interventions + 3 months after the intervention. Contact information: Dr. Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn.edu or 612-4062500
Title: Assistive Technology Use Among Individuals with Tetraplegia ACTIVELY RECRUITING The University of Minnesota, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is conducting a research study to learn from people living with tetraplegia/quadriplegia about their use of assistive technology (AT). Participation will take approximately 25 minutes to complete a one-time online survey about AT use, community participation, mood, and daily living. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: You may be eligible to for this study if: (1) you are between 18 and 80 years of age; (2) you are living with tetraplegia (C7 or higher) and have limited hand function; (3) you are greater than 6 months post spinal cord injury; and (4) you are fluent in English. Contact Info: Angie Philippus (phili272@umn.edu)
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" - Carl Sagan
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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 "differently-abled," 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!
Attention Photo Bugs! We love photos! The North Star Bullet editors are happy to take membersubmitted images for our newsletter, with a chance to be on the cover! To be considered, photographs must have been taken by you, wholly owned by you, and be family-friendly. Some ideas for photos include nature, military, events, vacations, and historical pictures. Please send your submissions to office@mnpva.org or by snail mail to our office. Please DO NOT send original, one-of-a-kind photos - we cannot be responsible for their return to you.
"Photography is an austere and blazing poetry of the real" - Ansel Adams
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Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus Now Available The 2022 Legislature passed and Governor Walz signed the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members or Veterans’ beneficiaries. WHEN: The application period began on July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted before then. WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Veterans, currently serving service members, Veterans’ beneficiaries, or Veterans’ guardians, conservators or legally appointed personal representatives. Veterans in Minnesota are defined under Minnesota statute 197.447. Visit the website for more details. AMOUNT: There are three tiers of the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus: $600, $1,200 and $2,000. Visit the website for more details. HOW TO APPLY: The online application is located at VetServiceBonus.mdva.mn.gov. For more information or to apply, visit: MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus For additonal questions contact your local County Veterans Service Officer at MACVSO.org or call LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.
August John Albert Donald Simons Roger Zachow Patricia Schaniel Todd Kemery Donald Meyer John Lewerke Dale Dordal Jeffery Porter Richard Anderson Daryl Rudquist Paul Hanks Charles Myers Michael Fosnot Robert Melberg Donald Johnson
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Richard Docksteader Darryl Palmquist David Anderson David Pedesen John Jensen Karlyle Brings Plenty David Larson Scott White Cooper Tenney Philip Rolfe Nicholis Martin David Globe Gerald Bremer Dennis Geurts Brandon Price Brian Warzecha Ted Naspinksi PAGE 25
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To complete our word search online version, please visit: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/3845282/fourth-of-july/
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1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417
North Star Bullet July 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
612-467-2263