Paralyzed Veterans of America
Minnesota Chapter
Board of Directors
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Vicky Garrison (Imm. Past President)
John Novicki (Membership Director)
Ron James (Sports/Rec Director)
Rob York (MS Coordinator)
Chapter Staff
Sarah Little
Executive Director
North Star Bullet Editor in Chief
Mission
612-699-8551
Ginny Grabowski
Office Assistant
Volunteer Coordinator
612-467-2263
office@mnpva.org
National Service Officers
Jason Stephenson
Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org
Tami Anderson
Sr 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
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeteransof America(PVA)isanationalorganization dedicatedtoservingformermembersofthe U.S.ArmedForceswhohavesuffered catastrophicparalysisasaresultofspinal cordinjuryordisease.ByPubliclaw92-93 (1971),theUSCongresscharteredPVA
north Star Bullet Assistant Editor
612-467-2263
Federal Building Room G915
St. Paul, MN 55111
202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609
jamesA@pva.org
Todd Kemery
National Director
612-467-2263 toddkemery@mnpva.org
Tanya Whale
Administrative Assistant Army Veteran
1 Federal Drive, Room G915
St. Paul, Minnesota 55111
612-970-5668
President's Post Seth Thomas Editorial
The grand summer of 2025 has fallen, and we have officially concluded the end of our chapter's fiscal year! This past fiscal year was yet another success, not only for the chapter but for the newly accepted and established chapter members we are so happy to serve. Whether it be the annual fishing event, our annual picnic, National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or personal community or sporting events that the membership has participated in, the MNPVA thanks all of you for allowing us to serve you. Without our membership, the chapter wouldn't be the same! Additionally, I would like to extend a big thank you to our Board of Directors. Without their participation, we wouldn't be able to serve our membership. As we enter fall, embrace the change of scenery and get ready for my personal favorite time of the year. Spooky season!
"WHAT GOOD IS THE WARMTH OF SUMMER, WITHOUT THE COLD OF WINTER TO GIVE IT SWEETNESS"
-John Steinbeck
Election Announcements
MNPVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Seth Thomas - President
Tim Valentin - Vice President
Linda Hooker - Secretary
Karl Olson - Treasurer
Vicky Garrison - Imm. Past President
Todd Kemery - National Director
John Novicki - Membership Director
Ron James - Sports and Rec Director
Rob York - Director and MS Coord.
Ron James
Todd Kemery
Karl Olson
Linda Hook
Tim Valentin
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) Tami Anderson
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) provides mortgage life insurance to severely disabled veterans and service members. It is designed to pay off home mortgages of disabled veterans and service members in the event of their death.
Veterans and service members who have received Specially Adapted Housing Grant from the VA are eligible for VMLI. This is a grant to help a disabled veteran or service member build or modify a home to accommodate his or her disabilities. To receive the Specially Adapted Housing Grant; a veteran or service member must be service connected for the loss, or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair or blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus the anatomical loss or loss of use of one lower extremity or the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with residuals of organic disease or injury which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The loss of use of one lower extremity together with the loss of use of one upper extremity which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair per 38 CFR 3.809(b)(1)(2)(3)(4).
VMLI provides up to $200,000 mortgage life insurance payable to the mortgage holder, (i.e., a bank or mortgage lender), in the event of the veterans or service members death. The amount of coverage will equal the balance of the mortgage, not to exceed $200,000. VMLI is decreasing term insurance which reduces as the amount of the mortgage reduced.There is no loan or cash values and pays no dividends.
Coverage automatically terminates when the mortgage is paid off. If a mortgage is disposed of through sale of the property, VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage of another home.
Veterans and service members who receive a grant for the purchase of Specially Adapted Housing are advised by Loan Guaranty personnel at their interview of their eligibility for life insurance to cover the unpaid mortgage on their home.
The premium will be based on a veteran’s age and the current balance of the veteran’s mortgage and how many more mortgage payments a veteran has to pay of the mortgage and the amount of VMLI coverage needed. To view a premium, go to the premium calculator available at http://www.insurance.va.gov. If you have additional questions or you need to complete a VA Form 29-8636, Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance VA Form 29-8636, please feel free to contact your National Service Office, Tami Anderson at 612-970-5668 or your Senior Benefits Advocate, Jason Stephenson at 612-629-7022.
“THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION.”
(Information ascertained from the Department of Veterans Affairs website.)
MS Coordinator MS Coordinator
Changes to PVA membership criteria have expanded our membership to include all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!
If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office or our MS Coordinator, Rob York (robyork@mnpva.org).
All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
Volunteer Coordinator/Opportunities
Please reach out to Ginny to find out how you can join the team of valuable volunteers serving SCI/D veterans. We can always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, sewing, IT assistance or to provide support at events.
Puzzle Lovers!
Congratulations to our June/July puzzle winner, Janice Breth. Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thank you for sending in your entriesparticipation is growing!
Next drawing date: 10/31/2025.
Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN
Veterans WheelchairGames
Veterans WheelchairGames
2025National Veterans WheelchairGames
This year, MNPVA had the honor of hosting the 44th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. It was an incredible experience welcoming so many talented athletes, who left with lasting memories, renewed excitement for the next games, and of course a few hard-earned medals. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special. We’ll see you next year in Detroit!
Adaptive Fitness: Gold - Erik Mossberg, John Novicki, Mark Stulz, Seth
Thomas | Silver - Christina Baurichter
Air Rifle: Gold - Bruce Henderson | Silver - Erik Mossberg, Hank Ebert | Bronze - Doug Eckhoff
Archery: Gold - Doug Eckhoff, Hank Ebert, John Christensen, John
Novicki, Philip Rolfe | Silver - Scotty Poehler | Bronze - Matthew Kurzhals
Boccia: Gold - Kevin Miller | Silver - John Novicki, Mark Pocernich
Bowling: Gold - Bobbie-Mae Rowell, Joseph Diaz, John Christensen, Kevin Miller, Lloyd Jones, Bill Rollefson | Silver - Bruce Henderson, Ed Meyers, Gene Kube, Linda Hooker, Ron James | Bronze - Karl Olson
Cornhole: Gold - John Novicki | Silver - Jeffrey Edwards
Cycling: Gold - Christina Baurichter, Erik Mossberg, John Christensen, Mark Stulz, Matthew Kurzhals | Silver - Joseph Mauricio | Bronze - Jeffrey
Edwards, Kevin Krogh, Sandi Braunstein
eSports: Gold - Wes Farwell | Bronze - Wes Farwell
Motor Rally: Gold - Gene Kube, John Hutterer, Lloyd Jones, Ron James, Tim Valentin | Silver - Joseph Diaz, Linda Hooker | Bronze - Bill Rollefson
Motor Slalom: Gold - Linda Hooker, Lloyd Jones | Silver - Gregory
Schleifer, Jose Garcia, Ron James | Bronze - John Hutterer
Nine Ball: Gold - Scotty Poehler | Silver - John Christensen, Mark Pocernich | Bronze - Seth Thomas
Slalom: Gold - Kenneth Brookins, Seth Thomas, Samantha Wicks | SilverDave Gammell | Bronze - Wes Farwell
Table Tennis: Gold - Erik Mossberg
Trap Shoot: Gold - Doug Eckhoff, Hank Ebert | Silver - Scotty Poehler, Karl Olson NVWG Medalists
Power Lifting:
Bench: Gold - John Novicki, Samantha Wicks | Silver - Seth Thomas
Dead Lift: Gold - Erik Mossberg, Samantha Wicks
Field Events:
Discus: Gold - Scotty Poehler, Jeffrey Edwards | Silver - Hank Ebert | Bronze - John Novicki, Michael Raphael
Javelin: Gold - Scotty Poehler | Silver - Hank Ebert, Jeffrey Edwards | Bronze - John Novicki
Shot Put: Gold - Scotty Poehler, John Novicki | Silver - Hank Ebert, Jeffrey Edwards, Michael Raphael
Swimming:
Backstroke 50: Silver - Hank Ebert
Breaststroke 100: Silver - Christina Baurichter
Freestyle 100: Gold - Joseph Mauricio | Silver - Christina Baurichter
Freestyle 200: Silver - Christina Baurichter
Other Summer Events
This summer was packed with events. We held a booth for Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair. We also had the pleasure of having a booth up at Camp Ripley during their open house.
With summer coming to a close, we hosted our annual picnic. We enjoy this time to relax, engage, and enjoy the company of those in attendance before the cold settles in. Thank you to all who helped and attended.
Connect with Us!
We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!
Phone or Voicemail
Office Phone
612-467-2263
Call or Text
Executive Director (Sarah)
612-699-8551
President (Seth) 320-390-0219
Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org
Executive Director: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Social Media
Facebook: @MinnesotaPVA
Instagram: pva.mn
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm
Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.
Virtual Meetings Available Upon Request
All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you! Please call the office at 612-4672263 for details. We'd love to see you!!
EksoIndego®Gets VeteransWalkingAgain
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EksoIndegoisanFDA-cleared,powered exoskeletonwornaroundthewaistand legsthatenablesindividualsparalyzed fromspinalcordinjuries(levelT3-L5)*to standandwalk,offeringanewlevelof independence.
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Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! This popular event is open to inpatients, outpatients, family, and caregivers. 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
Next Date: 10/29/2025, 11/26/2025
Have an Unused Vehicle?
Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.
For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter.
October 1 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Begins
October 9
Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
October 11-12 Camp Ripley Deer Hunt
October 13 Columbus Day - OFFICE CLOSED
October 15-17 CTF Summit @ Camp Ripley
October 23
Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
October 29 SCI Education Night
Activity Reimbursement
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater!
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater!
Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the office for more information or reimbursment form.
Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the office for more information or reimbursment form.
Please note: FY24-25 shall not exceed $750/member. Availability of funds are subject to change at anytime. Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget.
Itemized receipts are required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Reimbursement request forms must be received within 30 days for payment. Some restrictions apply. Participation as an athlete may be covered differently. Please contact the office ahead of time to request assistance and information.
MNPVA Members Sports Tickets
Includes two great accessible seats. Save your itemized parking, food, and non-alcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend, or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.
Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James, at 218-252-8035 or call the office at 612-467-2263
MNPVA BOWLING
Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:
Tuesdays at 11:30am
McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes
590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN
Fridays at 11:30am
Split Rocks Bowling 5063 273rd St Wyoming, MN 55092
OR
St. Croix Lanes
1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI
If you're near - let us know
As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling Ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.
Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining, and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.
Opportunities for Participation in Research
Research CornerBone
as
Regulator
of Energy Balance and Male Fertility after SCI:
A Pilot Study
Discover ongoing research in our community aimed at enhancing life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. Each study includes contact info, inclusion criteria, and status. MNPVA invites you to review these opportunities, contact the researchers with queries, and discuss with your physician if they suit you. Thanks to the amazing local researchers for their vital work in the SCI/D field!
University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants 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 w spinal cord injuries. Participation in the research will take approximately hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.
Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu,
Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072
“SUCCESS
-Winston S. Churchill
VA Research Study seeking veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs and who use a lift to transfer to their wheelchair.
The purpose of this research study is to assess and refine our CMAP system (Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure), a seated pressure mapping system. Participation will last about 4 weeks.
Participants must have a smartphone and a home wifi connection.
Participants will use a pressure mapping device in their wheelchairs at home – this device sends seating information to a research therapist who will monitor activity and make recommendations for pressure injury prevention.
Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews. The study provides up to $100 compensation to participants.
The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Byron Eddy. Anyone interested can call the study coordinator at 612-467-4806.
“REAL CHANGE, ENDURING CHANGE, HAPPENS ONE STEP AT A TIME.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of a standing wheelchair that provides mobility while standing. We will assess how much participants use this device, what they can do with it, and any impact on health and quality of life.
We are looking for volunteers who meet the following criteria:
•
• Spinal cord injury (SCI) or stable spinal cord disorder/dysfunction (SCD)
Greater than 6 months post-injury (SCI) or post diagnosis (SCD)
•Manual wheelchair user
•
Sufficient hand & arm function to operate manual standing wheelchair
Unable to stand independently without support
Body weight below 275 lbs
•
•
Age 18 or older
Not involved in another study related to mobility
This study involves completing study visits at the Minneapolis VA for assessments and training followed by taking a device home for 2 months.
This study is open only to Veterans
HelpShape SpinalCordInjury Research
Join the NIH Happiness study for a research focus group. Share your insights to improve spinal cord injury research!
We want to learn about the benefits and challenges of practicing Qigong, a mindful movement program that might help reduce nerve pain for people with spinal cord injuries.
IPVA
Join us virtually, or in person if you're in the Seattle area, on Friday, September 26 from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM PT. To register, click here It's free!
PVA Announces ABAWebinar Series
Join us in October, November, and December as the U.S. Access Board presents for PVA members three dynamic webinars exploring accessibilityunder the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
• October 15 at 3:00 PM ET learn the essentials of federal facility accessibflity, from entrancesand signage to restrooms and assembly areas (register here)
• November 20 at 3:00 PM ET dive into practical guidance on making commissaries and recreation facilities accessible for all service members, retirees and their families (register here)
• December 10 at 3:00 PM ET explore inclusive outdoor design standards that open trails, campsites, and beach access to everyone (register here)
Air Travel Survey Opportunity
The research teams at Shirley Ryan Abilityl..ab, Northwestern University, and Indiana Universityare conducting a research study to explore the airtravel experiences of people with mobility disabilities They want to understand the air travel challenges and things that make air travel participation better to improve airlines and airports. They will conduct focus groups to understand your experiences.
In this study you may be asked to attend one focus group in person or online.
Participants must:
• Be 18 years and older
• Live in the United States
• Self-identify with a physical disability or mobility impairment that requires physical assistance
from another person or from adaptive equipment like a wheelchair, walker, or cane
• Have flown at leasttwice by air in the last two years
• Communicate in English
• Have access to reliable internet connection to participatein anonline focus group through smartphone, personal computer, or another device
If you would like more information about this opportunity, please contact them for screening using this link: Share Your Experience Flying with a Physical Disability
Veterans' Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee webpages for information on previousand upcoming hearings and markups.
PVAction Force is a national grassroots advocacy network, led by Paralyzed Veterans of America, that actively takes action on vital issues affecting Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, ,md dise,ses, like MS and ALS. Free and open to ,11 Americans, the group takes part in petitions, receives important legislative alerts, and more!
Join PVAction Force today and help PVA "Mc1ke An Impact Todc1y and Everyday,"
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John Albert
David Anderson
Richard Anderson
Dennis Bishop
Paul Bloomstrand
Gerald Bremer
Karlyle Brings Plenty
Kenneth Curry
Richard Docksteader
Dale Dordal
Michael Fosnot
David Glove
Paul Hanks
Aaron Hilde
John Jensen
Todd Kemery
David Larson
John Lewerke
Nicholis Martin
Robert Melberg
Donald Meyer
Edward Meyers
Charles Myers
Kurt Nordwall
Gary Parvi
David Pedersen
Brandon Price
Philip Rolfe
Bobbie-Mae Rowell
Daryl Rudquist
Patricia Schaniel
Donald Simons
Cooper Tenney
Brian Warzecha
David Williams
Scott White
Jerry Wilson
Bret Webb
Mark Abraham
Robert Anderson
Robert Hanson
Nicky Hofland
Michael Holter
Andrew Gunter
3 1 6 5 3 9 8 4 1 9 4 5 2 3 5 9 7 8 3 8 7 1 6 8 1 5 4 3 1 6 2 8 9 1 8 5 1 7
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25 gift card.
