MARCH 2021 VETERANS CHRONICLE

MARCH 19, 2021

Local organizations provide assistance for veterans

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Friday, March 19, 2021

The Spokesman-Review

VETERANS CHRONICLE VETERANS CHRONICLE A supplement to The Spokesman-Review March 19, 2021

VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Tanner ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish

Veterans Chronicle on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.

To share a story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@veteranshelpnet.com, call (509) 655-9266 or visit www.

VeteransHelpNet.com.

For advertising information, please contact advertising@spokesman.com or (509) 459-5095.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

IN THIS ISSUE Vision and hearing care...................................................................................3 Hey Veterans, Did You Know?........................................................................4 Veterans Service Organizations and Officers............................................5 How Can I Get Help?.........................................................................................5 Retiring well in D.C. and Spokane.................................................................6 Facts about women veterans.........................................................................7 Newby-ginnings of North Idaho....................................................................8 Vietnam lawsuits.................................................................................................9 Mobile Market food distribution.....................................................................10 Rates of PTSD.......................................................................................................11

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

Eyes and Ears: Do my VA benefits include vision and hearing care?

Will the VA cover the cost of eyeglasses?

Routine eye exams and preventive tests are covered by VA health care benefits. In some cases, you may get coverage for eyeglasses or services for blind or low vision rehabilitation.

The VA covers the cost of your eyeglasses if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.

At least one of these must be true. You: • Have a compensable service-connected disability (a disability linked to your military service for which you’re receiving VA disability payments), or • Are a former prisoner of war (POW), or • Were awarded a Purple Heart, or • Receive benefits under Title

38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151, or • Receive an increased pension based on your being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance Or, you must have at least one of these issues: • Vision problems caused by an illness – or the treatment of an illness – for which you’re receiving VA care, like: • Stroke • Diabetes • Multiple sclerosis • Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels) • Geriatric chronic illnesses (long-lasting illnesses that affect the elderly) • Vision problems caused by an injury – or the treatment of an injury – for which you’re receiving

VA care, like: • A reaction to prescribed medicines • Cataract surgery or other surgeries of the eye, ear, or brain • Traumatic brain injury or polytrauma (injuries to more than 1 body part or organ, often caused by a blast) • Functional impairment (parts of your body that don’t work as well as they should) or cognitive impairment (a problem with memory or thinking skills) that’s severe enough to make it hard for you to do everyday tasks • Vision and/or hearing loss (called dual sensory impairment) that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to take an active role in your own health care—and eyeglasses would help to reduce the impact of your impairment

Can I get hearing aids from the VA?

To receive hearing aids through VA, you must first register at the health Administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice. The following documents are usually needed at the time of registration: a copy of the Veteran's DD214, driver's license and health insurance (if available). There are several ways to enroll: • In person at any VA Medical Center or Clinic • Online by filling out the Form 10-10EZ (www.va.gov/healthcare/how-to-apply/) • By mailing completed Form 10-10EZ to the Medical Center of your choice (please be sure to sign your application or it cannot

be processed for enrollment) Once registered (or if already registered), you may schedule an appointment at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for an evaluation of your hearing. The audiologist will make a clinical determination on the need for hearing aids and/or other hearing assistive devices.

If hearing aids are recommended and fit, the hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries will all be at no charge to you, as long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.

Does this sound like it might help someone you know? Pass this information on to them and have them go to the “How Can I Get Help?” section on page 5 in this publication to find out how to sign up and start the process.

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

HOW CAN I GET HELP?

Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.

GO ONLINE VA.gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.

VA.gov/welcome-kit

The VA Welcome Guide

MITCH LOEBER/FOR THE GOLDSBORO NEWS-ARGUS

Mike Burris, center, going over the business of the Veterans of Foreign Wars during their monthly meeting in Dudley, N.C. April 13, 2009.

Veteran Service Organizations and Veteran Service Officers There are many organizations that have been established to help veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs maintains a list that is broken down into five categories. If you or a veteran is looking for help this list could prove to be very useful. It gives contact phone numbers, websites, etc. To view the entire document, visit www.va.gov/vso/VSODirectory.pdf.

Some of the most known veterans’ organizations are American Veterans (AMVETS), The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

This is not a complete list as there are many more in the VA VSO Di-

rectory.

Each of the organizations have accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) that can help prepare a medical or disability claim to submit to the VA. Before making an appointment, it is a good idea to become familiar with the claims process so that you are aware of the documents and proof that they will ask you to provide; visit www.va.gov/ disability/how-to-file-claim for details.

While you may be able to file the claim yourself, a VSO works with claims daily and knows what needs to be included. This is all provided FREE of charge by each of these organizations; you do not need to be a member to receive help.

A few local resources for Veteran Service Organizations can be found in the “How Can I Get Help?” section on this page.

covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.

DAV9.com

Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.

Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.

IN PERSON

BY PHONE

1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.

(509) 477-3690

Spokane County Regional Veteran Service

North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office

120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.

Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.

Spokane County Regional Veteran Service North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092

Veteran Crisis Line

1 (800) 273-8255, press 1

North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884

Washington or Idaho 2-1-1

Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals.

If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

HEY, VETERANS … DID YOU KNOW?

… Mann-Grandstaff VAMC is scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations?

Currently, VA is offering COVID-19 vaccines to veterans already receiving care from the VA, based on CDC and VA risk criteria. If you're eligible to get a vaccine, your VA health care team will contact you.

Vaccinations at the Mann-Grandstaff veteran clinic are being offered by appointment only. Veterans will be screened through the front entrance. Parking is available in Lot F (open for veteran COVID vaccinations only).

For current information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, please call the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC automated hotline at (509) 4347979.

Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit www. va.gov/health-care/eligibility/ to learn more about applying for VA health care.

… Veteran-Directed Care is available for assistance at home?

Veteran-Directed Care gives veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Services if they need assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals); are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burdens.

Veterans in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the veteran or the family caregiver. Veteran-Directed Care can be used to help veterans continue to live at home or in their community.

Since Veteran-Directed Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled veterans are eligible if

PHOTO COURTESY MANN-GRANDSTAFF VA MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Heidi Ferre meets Steve Piscitello, 100, a Navy veteran who served in World War II and was one of the first veterans to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. they meet the clinical need for the service and it is available in their area. A copay for Veteran-Directed Care services may be charged based on your VA service-connected disability status.

If Veteran-Directed Care seems right for you, talk with a VA social worker and find out if it is available in your location.

… The United States has a new branch of the Armed Forces?

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the Armed Forces, established Dec. 20, 2019, with enactment of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The USSF was established within the Department of the Air Force,

meaning the Secretary of the Air Force has overall responsibility for the USSF, under the guidance and direction of the Secretary of Defense. Additionally, a four-star general known as the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) serves as the senior military member of the USSF and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The USSF is a military ser-

vice that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.

USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.

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The Spokesman-Review

VETERANS CHRONICLE

RETIRING WELL IN D.C. AND SPOKANE

By Ruth Wagley

Joe Jr., his wife Alicia and their children Sidney and CJ toured Washington, D.C., during a 2017 visit to see Joe Frogge.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, HORIZON HOSPICE

United States Air Force veteran Joseph Frogge and his family were recognized at a “We Honor Veterans” pinning ceremony in October of 2020.

Hospice organizations participate in this national program as a part of their desire to serve and impart honor to veterans entrusted to their care. This program’s primary purpose is to ensure that the unique needs of our vets at the end of life are understood and served. In addition, it also provides an opportunity for each local agency to commemorate a veteran’s service with a small gift.

Frogge served in the Air Force for over 20 years, traveling extensively before finally returning to Spokane. Although happy with family in Spokane, Joe became curious about this opportunity and decided to add another great adventure to his life by relocating to Washington, D.C. to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), formerly The Old Soldier’s Home, in 2006.

He enjoyed 13 years of dynamic living at this premier facility bringing his zest for life and service through his faith and technology expertise. As a resident he supported chaplaincy outreach and faithfully helped his fellow veterans with needed tech support.

The nation’s capital offers premier life community for certain retired and former members of America’s armed forces and their spouses. The Armed Services Retirement Home offers a vibrant lifestyle at two distinctly different campuses surrounded by rich history, the arts and cultural venues, educational opportunities, natural beauty and recreational amenities. On campus, they provide modern facilities, wellness and life enrichment programs, advanced medical care, and so much more.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Retired United States Air Force veteran Joseph Frogge received a commemorative blanket at a “We Honor Veterans” pinning ceremony at Horizon Hospice in October 2020.

In 2017, Frogge’s family – Joe Frogge Jr., wife Alicia and grandchildren Sidney and CJ – were able to enjoy a once in a lifetime trip to visit their dad and granddad at the retirement center, which also houses Abraham Lincoln’s private cottage used during his presidency. Historians believe the Emancipation Proclamation was written here and that President Lincoln stayed here the night before his assassination.

In August 2019, Frogge returned to Spokane in August 2019 and entered care at Horizon Hospice.

Joe Jr. expressed his family’s appreciation for the network of Hospice services: “We wanted Dad close to home and Horizon Hospice was huge when he returned to Spokane.

Of course, he was housebound due to COVID and we experienced great relief knowing that Hospice staff were caring for him on so many levels.

Dad loved and looked forward to visits from his nursing assistants, nurses, social worker, the chaplain and calls from his volunteer! The impact was huge for our family and gave us great peace of mind.”

Joe Frogge’s grandchildren, Sidney and CJ, with a statue of President Lincoln and his horse outside Lincoln’s Cottage on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. Registered nurse Allison Towey-McCarren provided insight into the connection Hospice staff enjoy with their patients.

“My dear patient Mr. Frogge was so excited to share this

beautiful blanket presented during his Pinning Ceremony.

He shared that he used it as a lap blanket when he watched TV with his son. He lit up when he shared, ‘It is so cozy!’ He was so thankful for all of the members of Horizon Hospice and his weekly visits by Certified Nursing Assistants, Nursing, Social Work and Chaplain staff, and looked forward to emailing his fellow tech savvy volunteer!”

Towey-McCarren continued, “Joe was an absolute delight to care for. I routinely looked forward to our weekly visits.

He always fascinated me with how up to date on technology he was, constantly showing me the new gadgets he had found.

His love for his family was a priority. Joe enjoyed sharing stories of his loved ones. He was a very humble man, with years of experience to share. I can confidently say he touched many, many lives during his time on earth. What a blessing it was to know him, and his loving family.”

Spokane hospice providers faced the challenges of COVID-19 with a motto that

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE grew out of the many demands for creativity, perseverance and adaptability: “COVID Can’t!”

COVID can’t keep us from loving our patients! COVID can’t keep us from providing professional, creative and excellent care during extraordinary circumstances.

Small business owner and Horizon Hospice founder Loren Guske shared, “It is a country’s obligation to care for those who have willingly stepped into harm’s way to protect our freedoms. We consider it an honor to care for our veterans at such a critical time of life.

The Horizon Hospice team continues to look ahead with our wider Spokane community of hospice care providers, dedicated to honoring veterans with more “COVID Can’t” efforts to dynamically serve our veterans and their families in 2021.

Anderson Cottage at the Old Soldiers’ Home, which came to be known as Lincoln’s Cottage, in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2008.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Lawsuits filed to include more veterans of herbicide exposure The Vietnam Blue Water Navy veterans recently had previously denied benefits made available. This came about because of a lawsuit filed and won on appeal by Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA).

Thousands of Navy veterans and their spouses have received benefits, but there are thousands of claims still outstanding. Many Vietnam Navy veterans and their families are still not aware that benefits available to them or a surviving spouse and children.

MVA has suits pending to force coverage for herbicide exposure (like Agent Orange) in Thailand, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Island.

They are also hope to compel the VA to expand the Blue Wa-

ter Navy area to the entire Vietnam Service Medal area, which would include the Tonkin Gulf and Yankee Station. They are also working with the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. and their partners at the Association of the U. S. Navy to provide a pathway for coverage for submarines.

To learn more about these efforts, visit www.militaryveteransadvocacy.org.

If you qualify for these new benefits, you can find local resources in the “How Can I Get Help?” section of this publication on page 5. An article about Veteran Service Organizations and Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) in this issue contains additional information.

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

Humble support and steadfast honor: Newby-ginnings of N. Idaho

By Ruth Aresvik

VETERANS CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT

"It was born in my car."

This is how Theresa Hart likes to begin her story when she explains the plan and dream to honor her son, SPC Nicholas Newby, who had been killed in action in Iraq on July 7, 2011.

On a warm summer day in 2012, Hart and her mother were driving on I-90, remembering how Nick loved his community and country.

And so it was born: Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. With strong support, Hart has grown her nonprofit into a substantial outreach that provides necessities and essential household items, including a food

bank, to area active military, veterans and Gold Star families at no cost. There is no income or need requirement. All that is necessary is proof of military service, past or present, for the individual or an associated family member.

Individuals, organizations and the community – even an Eagle Scout project – have contributed to the cause. Fundraisers like the Dan Kleckner Golf Classic and the Big Bear Golf Tournament in Post Falls, Idaho are expected to return in August. The 5th Annual "Getting Dirty" Silent Auction is scheduled to be held on April 24 at D-Mac's at the Lake, in Hauser, Idaho. Spokane's Rock 94 1/2 radio sponsors "Newby Tuesday" to share the "many opportuni-

ties to drive home awareness for Newby-ginnings."

In November 2018, MountainWest Bank Real Estate launched a campaign for veterans. For every veteran home loan closed, Mountain West donates $250 to a local nonprofit that supports veterans. Hart is grateful that Newby-ginnings has benefited from this campaign. The Second Harvest Mobile Market recently made a stop at Newby-ginnings and served about 200 people.

Hart hopes to have this service several times a year.

As with every person, place, or thing, Newby-ginnings has had its share of challenges amid the Covid crisis. Hart said they closed operations March through May 2020, but were still available, by appointment,

for those with the highest needs.

She said they got "hammered" with donations and ran out of room for storage.

The biggest hurdle was in August when their delivery truck broke down. Through the kindness of Auto Credit Sales, they borrowed and eventually bought a new truck. The expense was a huge hit to the budget. But now, the "Buck for a Truck" promotion is helping. Monetary donations can be made on the website or at the store.

With hope for the new year, Hart says that homeless veterans are "high on the list of priority." She and her staff recently outfitted "ten newly housed veterans. They come in with nothing, an empty house."

Does she need help? "YES!

We are always happy to accept people with time, heart and energy." Volunteer orientation is 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

More information

Newby-ginnings is located at 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A in Post Falls, west of the old Factory Outlet Mall. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

Drop-off donations are accepted during business hours. Masks are required with shopping time limited to 30 minutes and two people per cart.

To schedule a donation pickup, call (208) 610-6996. For other information, visit www. newbyginnings.org.

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

2nd Harvest Mobile Market serves hundreds of veterans, families

By Darrel Maddux

AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The Mann-Grandstaff VAMC kicked off its annual “Salute to Veteran Patients” Week on Friday, Feb. 12 by hosting a drive-thru food distribution event with 2nd Harvest.

The Mobile Vet Center assisted with the event and performed outreach with information on VA benefits available to veterans.

At the event, 146 families and 438 individuals were served, and 13,540 pounds of meat, produce, dairy, bulk goods, canned goods and baked goods were distributed.

In November 2020, Brian Newberry, retired Colonel and former Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base and member of Veterans First, applied for a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation in response to food insecurity among veterans.

Newberry was granted $10,000 to be used for veteran outreach in the Inland Northwest area and partnered with 2nd Harvest to provide food to veterans. 2nd Harvest finds hosts who pay $2,000 for an event and joins 2nd Harvest in distributing the food.

Five veteran events were held in the Inland Northwest in February and March using the $10,000 grant and this event used one of the $2,000 gifts.

2nd Harvest began in 1971 and receives private/business financial donations, food donations and grants, and is beneficiary of government supported programs.

All food distributed at a Mobile Market event is given out at the event or excess food is

COURTESY PHOTOS

Mann-Grandstaff VAMC and 2nd Harvest staff and volunteers distribute food to 146 families and 438 individuals at a drive-thru Mobile Market on Feb. 12. given to a food bank. 2nd Harvest distributes donated food to a network of more than 250 partner food banks, meal sites and other programs in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

Food is provided for more than 98,000 meals a day in the Inland Northwest.

Veterans are welcome to go to any 2nd Harvest Mobile Market event and can go to www.2-harvest.org for the Mobile Market calendar.

More veteran focused Mobile Markets will be scheduled and will be noted on the 2nd Harvest website, as well as the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC website, which can be found at www.spokane.va.gov.

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Rates of PTSD in veterans differ between wars

Some research suggests that rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differ among veterans who served in different military conflicts.

Indeed, there is compelling statistical evidence that military personnel who served in certain wars were somewhat more likely to develop PTSD symptoms.

VIETNAM WAR VETERANS: The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, conducted from 1986 to 1988, found that 15.2% of men and 8.1% of women who served in Vietnam met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Additionally, the estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 30.9% among men who served in Vietnam and 26.9% among women.

In a more recent study, researchers also found that PTSD was more prevalent among Vietnam veterans who had served in the theater of combat.

GULF WAR VETERANS: In a study

of over 11,000 Gulf War veterans conducted from 1995 to 1997, researcher Han K. Kang and his colleagues found that 12.1% had PTSD at the time they were surveyed.

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS: In a 2008 study, research-

ers at the RAND Corporation analyzed the psychological health of 1,938 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). OEF commenced in Afghanistan in 2001, whereas OIF launched in 2003. Among these veterans, 13.8% met criteria for PTSD at the time they were assessed.

Do you know someone that might need help with PTSD? See “How Can I Get Help?” located in this publication.

Information provided by Hill and Ponton Disability Attorneys

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