North Star Bullet August 2022 Issue 6
Paralyzed Veterans of America Minnesota Chapter Executive Officers President: Vicky Garrison Vice President: Tim Valentin Secretary: Scott Little Treasurer: Doug Eckhoff National Director: Todd Kemery North Star Bullet Chief Editor: Vicky Garrison Editor: Megan Thibado Directors 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 Mission Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheUS ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw9293(1971),theU.S. CongresschartedPVA Tami Anderson Senior National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612 970 5668 | 1 800 795 3609 tamiA@pva.org 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 Chapter Staff Bridgit Michaud Office Megan612-467-2263AssistantThibado Executive Chapter612-699-0467Assistant
President's Report NSO's PuzzleBirthdaysPVAMNPVAResearchNVWGSportsMeetMNPVACornerNewsOurStaffandRecreationHighlightsCornerSports/RecNightsWashingtonUpdate4241333027231514953 Table of Contents 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.
Greetings to everyone during the gorgeous summer month of August! It is hard to believe the Minnesota PVA fiscal year will close next month in September. It has and continues to be a busy year. I hope you all successfully returned your ballots for this year's election. If you haven't yet, I urge you to dig it out of the paper pile, complete it, and ensure it is postmarked by 8/29. Our members help shape our chapter and make the mission! Congratulations to all our NVWG athletes for a job well done! Thanks to the returning athletes for your tenacity and the novices for your adventurous spirit! If anybody would like to share their experiences, we'd love to write about them in the newsletter! Please contact our office and let us know if you have a story to tell. Please help me give a hearty welcome to our newest employee, Bridgit She will staff our office full time and joins Megan in performing the many tasks that help an organization function. Read about both of our staff members later in the newsletter. We will host two Sports and Recreation evenings in September at Northern Star Scouting Basecamp. Please join us for a fun evening of airguns, boccia ball, softball catch, and more. The event is for all levels and abilities, with assistance available Caregivers and family member helpers are welcome! There is no time like the present to get out and get active!
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 3 AUGUST 2022
President's Report Vicky Garrison
Like a child, be happy for no reason! Finally, I'd like to encourage all members to take advantage of our organization's great benefits! We exist to serve you. Whether it is getting away for an outing, participating in an event, attending a sports game, or a particular need unique to you, I encourage you to reach out to us. To meet our chapter's mission, we utilize our funds, our policy guidelines, and the creativity and experience of the board to assist with the needs our members may encounter. Some examples of ways we can help members include: Reimbursement of certain expenses for sports or recreation events Assistance with adaptive equipment/automobile equipment not covered elsewhere Education and Referrals Mentoring and Friendship Opportunities to attend sports games (Twins, Vikings, Wild) Don't hesitate to contact us today to find out the details of our programs. We'll give you the guidelines and instructions to utilize all available benefits. Strive for progress, not perfection Unknown Author MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 4 AUGUST 2022
ThanksUSAhttps://start.amu.apus.edu/SpecialMilitary
Spouse Scholarships – This scholarship is from Purdue University Global/ThanksUSA Scholarship awards a full tuition scholarship for an eligible military spouse for an online undergraduate degree program. Joannehttps://www.thanksusa.org/scholarshipsHolbrookPattonMilitarySpouse
Military Spouses – Resources for Going Back to School
National Service Officer’s Corner: Tami J. Anderson, SNSO MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 5 AUGUST 2022
Below are resources for military and veteran spouses to pursue postsecondary degrees and/or advancing a career goal.
Military Services Education Assistance Programs
Assistance Supplemental Education Grants – offers financial assistance by reimbursing certain costs. https://cgmahq.org/programs
The following are a few of the scholarships and grants available to military spouses awarded by nonprofit and federal agencies: The Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program or MyCAA – is a workforce development program that provides $4,000 in financial assistance.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program – offers interest-free loans and grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 per academic year to active-duty and retired service members’ spouses. https://www.nmcrs.org
Scholarship Program – Sponsored by the National Military Family Association offers grants that range from $500 to $1,000 to military spouses of active-duty, retired and reserve/Guard members to pursue a post-secondary or graduate degree and/or professional training programs. https://www.militaryfamily.org/
By Tami J. Anderson, Senior National Service Officer
Army Emergency Relief Spouse Education Assistance Program – is a needs-based scholarship program for a spouse’s first undergraduate degree. Army Emergency ReliefSoldiers Helping Soldiers Scholarship Programs
Each branch of the military has their own programs that they offer to their service members and Coastspouses:GuardMutual
The Survivor’s and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program – aid to dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition. (This information was found in the U.S. Veterans Magazine, Spring 2022) do not wake butterfly, process" -Rupi Kaur
just
"You
The GI Bill – service members may transfer all 36 months or the portion of unused Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child. The caveat is it has to be done prior to leaving the military service.
up and become the
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 6 AUGUST 2022 Veterans Affairs Programs
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship – a grant available for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Fry Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
Scholarships |
growth is a
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 7 AUGUST 2022 Help us elect our leaders! Don't forget to get your ballots post marked by 8/29/22. OpportunityRecreation
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 9 AUGUST 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! 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. Next drawing date: 9/5/2022 Congratulations to Rod Guthier, our July puzzle winner! Our office is now open, stop by and let us know how we can help - or just to say hello! Hours: Monday - Thursday 8a 4pm Friday - 8a - 1:30p
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 11 AUGUST 2022 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. A humble, heartfelt thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers who help further the missions of the MNPVA. Without your hard work, dedication, and passion, we would be unable to support our veterans as we do. Please accept our gratitude! "Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless"
Bridgit Michaud Office Assistant
Megan grew up in the small southeastern town of Kasson, MN, near the Mayo Clinic. She has two children, a boy and a girl whom she adores. Her passion for helping people and her quirky sense of humor make her a joy to be around.
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 14 AUGUST 2022 Meet Our Staff!
Bridgit, a veteran who served in Iraq, is a mother of three sons and one daughter, all grown. Now she gets to enjoy her grandkids, who keep Nana on her toes. She enjoys bowling and hanging out with her sons and grandkids. She is excited about being the Office Assistant here at the MNPVA, and after her first week, she definitely feels we are her new extended family
She loves animals, video games, and spending time with her kids. She's glad to be a part of the team as the Chapter Executive Assistant and is here to help with any of your needs.
Megan Thibado Chapter Executive Assistant
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 15 AUGUST 2022 Sports and Recreation Upcoming Twins Games Contact the office for more details! Monday 8/15 Tuesday 8/16 Wednesday 8/17 Friday 8/19 Saturday 8/20 Sunday 8/21 Monday 8/22 Friday 8/26 Saturday 8/27 Sunday 8/28 Monday 8/29 Tuesday 8/30 Wednesday 8/31 Friday 9/9 Saturday 9/10 Sunday 9/11 Tuesday 9/13 6:40 PM 6:40 PM 12:10 PM 7:10 PM 6:10 PM 1:10 PM 6:10 PM 7:10 PM 6:15 PM 1:10 PM 6:40 PM 6:40 PM 6:40 PM 7:10 PM 6:10 PM 1:10 PM 6:40 PM Royals Royals Royals Rangers Rangers Rangers Rangers Giants Giants Giants Red Sox Red Sox Red Sox Guardians Guardians Guardians Royals
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 16 AUGUST 2022 Event Calendar August 21st - 27th August 30th September 14th September 17th September 28th October 4th - 6th Midwest PVA Fishing Event, in Ely Military Appreciation Day - State Fair Base Camp Event Metro Fun Shoot Base Camp Event Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt Join us for a night of fun a the Boy Scouts Base Camp! Activities include archery, boccia ball, air guns, and more. Check them out at explorebasecamp.org to see what it is all about. The MNPVA has reserved two dates: September 14th and September 28th, from 6 PM to 9 PM. See the flyer on page 30. If you're interested in joining, contact the office at office@mnpva.org or call us at 612-517-2131 Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. Please call or email the office if you’re interested in joining, and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Sports and Rec Nights
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 18 AUGUST 2022 Paralyzed Veterans of America hosts many virtual events for its members. These classes offer great opportunities for socialization from the comfort of your home. Classes include: Virtual Events Sports Tickets Available Our chapter continues to receive two tickets to each Twins home game that are available to our members. If you are interested, please call the office at 612 467 2263 and let us know which game you'd like to attend! Funds are available to reimburse travel expenses and food, so save your receipts. Thank you to the Twins for all they do! Adaptive Yoga Book Club Creative Arts Photography Fitness Training Nutrition Classes Para-cycling For more information, go to pva org/adaptive sports/special events/ Fall/Winter Sports are fast approaching! Call to put your name on the list for VIkings and Wild tickets!
Thank you to all the participants and volunteers for making our 2022 MNPVA Brainerd Area Fun Shoot a tremendous success. While we took some rain early, it didn't keep everyone from having a great time! We appreciate the generosity and kindness shown by area businesses and residents. MNPVA recognizes and appreciates the hard work and tireless efforts of member Hank Ebert in obtaining support for the event. We appreciate the Lakeshore Conservation Club, for providing their excellent facility and staff. A big shoutout to the Big Wood Iron Order Motorcycle Club for the great brats and their surprise donation of $5000. We are so very grateful to all!
Brainerd Fun Shoot 2022 MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 19 AUGUST 2022
Richard Cram Mark Latin Hank Ebert Karl Olson
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 23 AUGUST 2022
Next years National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Portland, Oregon from July 4-9. NVWG - Team Minnesota We Are Proud of You!
Jeff Edwards Scotty Poehler Jesse Gonzales Mark Stulz
MN Athletes competed in Air Pistol, Air Rifle, Archery, Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Bowling, Curling, Cycling, Disc Golf, Field Events, Motorized Rally, Motor Slalom, Nine Ball, Pickle Ball, Powerlifting, Wheelchair Slalom, Wheelchair Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Team Badminton, and Trapshooting.
Congratulations
July 7-12, 2022. Nine athletes and four coaches traveled to Tempe, along with family & friends. Four additional athletes were competing in At Home Events only—Cycling, Trapshooting, and Swimming. The team earned 29 medals, with 9 being from the athome events – 10 Gold, 14 Silver, and 5 Bronze.
Kenneth Brookins Linda Hooker
Dennis Hendrickson Rob York
Open to Public For more information office@mnpva.org 612-467-2263 Your support is welcomed! 2022 MNPVA-Metro Fun Shoot Saturday September 17th, 11am-3pm Novice to experienced All proceeds to MNPVA Wheelchair Accessible Food available Door Prizes Top, middle, and low score prizes awarded Shotgun to be raffled Metro Gun Club 10601 Naples Street NE Blaine, MN Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease.
The 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 member-submitted 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. You don't take a photograph, you make it. Ansel Adams
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 26 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 27 AUGUST 2022 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: Briviact for Neuropathic Pain in SCI ACTIVELY RECRUITING Inclusion Criteria: • Have completed inpatient rehabilitation and are living in the community • Have severe below-level neuropathic pain (daily average 9/10 or 10/10) • Tried and failed to achieve adequate pain relief with the use of other drugs and can continue to take spasmolytics, pregabalin, gabapentin, and opioids Contact info: z.umn.edu/SCIPain rehablab@umn.edu or 612 301 3072 Title: Bone Regulation of Energy and Male Fertility after SCI University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants (Males, 18 50 years of age) with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation. Research Corner
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 information: Dr. Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn.edu or 612 406 2500
intervention Contact
The aim of this study is to enable early identification of individuals predisposed to Any Veteran with a SCI/D can call to learn if they can participate information: Christine Olney 612-467-3001 or Christine.Olney@va.gov A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury [A PVA funded study] Biomarkers for Pressure Injury Risk
The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation 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 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
Title:
ACTIVELY RECRUITING
for Sensory
Title:
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 28 AUGUST 2022
ACTIVELY RECRUITING (continued from previous page) Inclusion Criteria: • With a spinal cord injury • Have completed inpatient rehab and are living in the community • Use a wheelchair OR • Without a spinal cord injury Contact info: z umn edu/SCIBoneStudy rehablab@umn edu or 612-301-3072 ACTIVELY RECRUITING
pressure injury.
Contact
and
Interventions:
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 30 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 33 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 34 JUNE 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 35 JUNE 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 36 JUNE 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 37 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 38 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 39 AUGUST 2022
MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET PAGE 41 AUGUST 2022 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 Richard Docksteader David Pedersen John Jensen Karlyle Brings Plenty David Larson Scott White Cooper Tenney Philip Rolfe Nicholis Martin David Globe David Williams Gerald Bremer Dennis Geurts Brandong Price Brian Warzecha Ted Napinski Darryl Palmquist David Anderson
Trees AMERICANELM APPLE ASH BEECH BIRCH CEDAR CHERRY CHESTNUT COTTONWOOD GUM HAWTHORN HEMLOCK HICKORY MAGNOLIA MAPLE OAK PINE REDOAK SPRUCE SYCAMORE WALNUT WHITEOAK WILLOW K C H E R R Y U X W T U F R E D C T Z C N K T O Q F D C P E Z S C C L D M S K I A A J S C T I Q R A W O V B K M P R N W Z O H W Y A U T N R Z W A L N U T S E D B E P A S C M E S X W R X D W T I C I X B T H P K B A E E A K O K S W J L V Y U H I Q A C F I M R W U Y L V D U U V J K A H C C W H R R O I U B E L O Z K I V A I W H G V T E U C R C T W C I E H A S O L V B W K H H S B H E A G W U W J G Z I O Y U S N I E O T E S L N R K R E P K Q N C L N W C G K R N Y H H E A O P N S P G Q J A B K S Q T N U U R F L D L S M S A T S O E O J V J A S T Y G N M E L D K M M P O E R Q D O O W N O T T O C C K O E S K D C Y B K C O L M E H P I I Z A P A M R R H L D H N T A E Q F L E F P O E A U X Z L K Y S M P N L D M Y E N N D D R G J Y Y R E A L I M M E L P P A X E Q T F E U T M L E P I M M Q M J X Z K R M WORD LIST: Online version of our August puzzle here: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/3923670/trees/
1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417 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 North Star Bullet August 2022
