February 2014

Vol.16

The Desert Oracle A Member Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America

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The views expressed in the articles of the Desert Oracle are the opinions of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the AZPVA. Any article not attributed to an individual / group was compiled with available information by APVA staff/members. The Desert Oracle does encourage our readers to submit their articles, interests and/or rebuttals.

Paralyzed Veterans of America Arizona Chapter

E-mail - azpva@azpva.org Web - www.azpva.org

Officers John Tuzzolino, President Gordon Moye, Vice President Leonard Smith, Secretary Dianne Brunswick, Treasurer

Board of Directors Joseph Chitty Joseph Hamilton Roger Lainson Frank Rigo Sue Wudy National Director Leonard Smith

Hospital/ Services Coordinator Peter Quinn Executive Director Peter R. Quinn Administrative Assistant Anthony O’Clair Membership and Volunteer Coordinator Anthony O’Clair PVA National Service Officer’s Michael Wilson, Sr. National Service Officer Andy Leyda, National Service Officer Jacqueline Berkshire, Senior Secretary PVA National Service Office 3333 N. Central Ave., Ste. 1055 Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-627-3311 Fax- 602-627-3315 800-795-3582

5015 N 7th Ave. Suite 2 Phoenix, AZ 85013 Office: (602)-244-9168 Fax: (602) 244-0416 1-800-621-9217 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am – 4:00pm

Contents

Board of Directors…….………..….……..…..pg. 2

…..…..pg. 3

Adaptive Sports (Big Bear)………..………....pg.4

PVA Poster and Essay Contest ....….….…..pg. 5

Volunteer at AZPVA………..……...…..…….pg. 7

Banner Wheelchair SUNS……………….…..pg. 8

Prosthetic Delay Report Form…….…..…….pg. 9

Independent Budget Press Release..…......pg.10

Restoration Act of 2014………………….....pg.12

Membership Report………..……….….……pg.16

Birthdays……………………………………...pg.17

The Arizona Chapter has a prosthetics Lending closet. For a small donation you can acquire a power wheelchair, a manual wheelchair, shower equipment, aluminum walkers, canes, crutches. We also have Hoyer Lifts (manual & electric) Do not hesitate to call the Chapter office if you are in need of any type of equipment. We may have just what you need.

Call us at : 602-244-9168

Attention All Readers !!!!

* The Desert Oracle is Published at least 6 x per Year

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Automobile Adaptive Equipment: Non–Service Connected Vehicle Access

Did you know that non-service connected veterans are eligible for automobile adaptive equipment? Pursuant to the VHA Handbook 1173.4, VA is providing this equipment as a follow-up to VA hospitalization, provided the equipment is medically necessary for the care and treatment of the veteran. Modifications such as van lifts, raised doors, raised roofs, air-conditioning and wheelchair tie downs for passenger use, may be furnished as part of medical services VA is providing. Medical equipment is defined as non-operational automobile adaptive equipment such as equipment necessary for entering and leaving the vehicle. To assist eligible non-service connected veterans requiring access, the following criteria must be met: Enrolled in primary care, vested and a request for a consult be generated by the physician

and forwarded to Driver Rehabilitation; Evaluation by Driver Rehabilitation completed and returned to the physician. Based on

evaluation, physician review the information, determines what can be supported and identifies what type of participation in an Outpatient regimen, as a follow-up to VA hospitalization, on the consult;

Veteran provides proof of vehicle ownership (vehicle title, proof of purchase); Veteran reviews and signs Statement of Understanding, acknowledging that all ingress/

egress modifications must be approved in advance by Prosthetics; Prosthetics obtains three vendor equipment quotes based on Driver Evaluation

recommendations for equipment. Documentation is submitted to Prosthetics Treatment Center for review and forwards to Major Medical Special Equipment Committee (MMSEC) for review and final decision. MMSEC will review: 1) consult from physician that justifies the equipment, 2) copy of the Driver Evaluation equipment recommendations and driver training report, 3) proof of vehicle ownership, 4) signed Statement of Understanding, and 5) vendor equipment quotes, Prosthetics will notify you of their decision by letter. If you have any questions, please contact your Service Officer at 602-627-3311

Notes from our Senior NSO

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Nine members of Paralyzed Veterans of America’s California chapter in January 2014 tore up the slopes at Big Bear Ski Resort in California with the help of the U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center. The California chapter worked with the Adaptive Recreation Center’s adaptive ski school at Bear Mountain Resort to provide instructions and equipment to the nine members who ranged from first-time to novice in adaptive skiing, said Alex Calvo, sports director for the California chapter. “Last May, when I became sports director, we had a few members who always had an interest in skiing but thought it was impossible for them,” he said. While Calvo says he never had an interest in skiing until after attending the winter sports clinic in Aspen, CO, he wanted to use that experience to prove to fellow members that skiing was in fact possible following their injury. “Once I went on the slopes, I couldn’t believe I had never done it before,” he said. “I’ve been pushing Paralyzed Veterans of America ever since to take us up there [Big Bear].” Instructors were paired with the nine adaptive skiiers in a two-to-one or three-to-one ratio, with some skiiers using a tether and others skiing independently, Calvo said. While the adaptive skiing program was hard to implement for the California chapter mostly because of its proximity roughly three hours from a ski resort, the hope is to sponsor at least one skiing trip per year, Calvo said. This year, the chapter may sponsor an additional adaptive ski trip to Big Bear, likely in March, he added. “Adaptive skiing shows a lot of independence for people who want to do something that they’ve never done after their injury,” Calvo said. “It’s a good experience.”

Nine Paralyzed Veterans of America Members Hit Big Bear Resort Slopes for Adaptive Skiing

Adaptive sports can change lives and inspire others to do the same. Dr. Ken Lee, head of spinal cord medicine at VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and himself a combat veteran and former patient (he re-ceived a traumatic brain injury from a suicide car bombing), says: “Many people think adaptive sports are fun and games. They don’t realize it is all about rehab. Adaptive sports keep the rehab in motion—and keeps the injured moving forward.” Paralyzed Veterans of America offers a variety of adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans. The following are stories of veterans who have benefited from Paralyzed Veterans Sports and Recreation programs.

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Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased to announce the results of its tenth annual national Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) launched this contest as a way to creatively and actively involve America’s youth in the celebration of Veterans Day. We are proud to report that we received more than 1500 poster and essay entries creatively expressing this year’s theme “Show/tell how you or your community care for our nation’s veterans who have cared for us.” GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Grand Prize Poster Winner Alina Prots, Lister Elementary School, Tacoma, WA Grand Prize Essay Winner Alexia Leggin, St. Angela School, Chicago, IL CATEGORY WINNERS: Poster Category Winner 1st–2nd Grade Liliya Prots, Lister Elementary School, Tacoma, WA Poster Category Winner 3rd–4th Grade Natalie Douglas Presley, Perdido Elementary/Middle School, Perdido, AL Essay Category Winner 5th–6th Grade Abby Murano, St. Mary’s School, Boise, ID Essay Category Winner 7th–8th Grade Brendan Sullivan, Cedarbrook Middle School, Wyncote, PA 1st–2nd Grade Poster Finalists: Reese Springsteen, A.L. Wilson Elementary School, Fairchance, PA Karlene Austin, Capital Christian School, Carson City, NV Victoria Laws, Gladys Polk Elementary School, Richwood, TX Alexandra Miller, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Alexander Vidic, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Ava Zyble, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Benjamin Johnson, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA David Schratz, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Peter Stickney, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Elliot Szalla, St. Irenaeus Catholic School, Oakmont, PA 3rd–4th Grade Poster Finalists: Austin Hernandez, Capital Christian School, Carson City, NV Kaylee Howell, Fulton Learning Center, Fulton, TX Emilee Goodloe, Lorene Smith Kirkpatrick Elementary School, Maypearl, TX Stephanie Spranger, Patrick Henry Elementary School, Arlington, VA Conner Gebben, St. Bernard School, Pittsburgh, PA Xiola Bagwell, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Boise, ID Mary Laun, White Oaks Elementary School, Burke, VA Clark Bellomy, White Oaks Elementary School, Burke, VA Payton Benjamin, White Oaks Elementary School, Burke, VA Rebecca Elliff, White Oaks Elementary School, Burke, VA

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Action Trackchair Inquiries CONTACT

Wheelchair Getaways of AZ Dean Ruhlen Authorized Dealer

602-672-4900 dlruhlen@yahoo.com

1-800-642-2042 Call for Rates

5th–6th Grade Essay Finalists: Matthew Torres, Aspire to Lead Academy, Kingsville, TX Natalie Mena, Capital Christian School, Carson City, NV Beatrix Stickney, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA DJ Ubinger, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Madison Myers, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Tim Roos, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Trelden Robinson, Norton Elementary School, Kingsville, TX John Wesley Jenks, Perdido Elementary/Middle School, Perdido, AL Kalen Kimbler, Perdido Elementary/Middle School, Perdido, AL Kyle Rodrigue, Seton Homeschool, Cut Off, LA 7th–8th Grade Essay Finalists: Hannah Christensen, Baytown Junior High School, Baytown, TX Emerald Wilson, Blocker Middle School, Texas City, TX Cassie Karlik, Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy, Pittsburgh, PA Claire Pilewski, Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy, Pittsburgh, PA Sydney Stoeckle, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Victoria Wilson, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, Butler, PA Andrew D. Rocco, Our Lady of Mercy School, Merced, CA Zachary Koptis, Perdido Elementary/Middle School, Perdido, AL Lily Wiesnegger, Sanford School, Hockessin, DE Alicia Negrete, Woodrow Wilson Junior High School, Dayton, TX

Results of tenth annual national Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest (continued)

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Paralyzed Veterans of America volunteers do invaluable work that makes a real difference to veterans, their communities and Paralyzed Veterans' chapters.

Volunteering can change your life, too. Why is it so rewarding?

Volunteers make their communities a better place to live. You can work for an organization and mission you believe in. Having a positive impact on others feels great. You can meet new people and develop new leadership skills. Family volunteering lets you spend time with loved ones while helping others.

Becoming a Paralyzed Veterans volunteer has never been easier. Each PVA chapter offers its own volunteer program with a variety of opportunities to contribute, plus you can com-mit to as many hours as you choose. Call the Chapter for an Activation Form and get involved!

Are You An AZPVA Volunteer?

Volunteering is fun! Start Volunteering Today

Show love for the veterans in your life this Valentine's Day via social media! Share a photo, story, or shout out to your veteran(s) and use the hashtag #loveyourveteran. Let's show everyone how much we care about the veterans who have served our nation! Another option: you can download this form, print and write on it then take a photo holding it to share on social media. It's that easy!

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The Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns were host to the 15th Annual Roundup Basketball Tournament January 25-16, 2014 in Phoenix Arizona. Before the basketballs stopped bouncing Sunday afternoon 24 games were played with most games being very competitive. The scores are posted on the scoreboard on the NWBA website. Teams attending with national January rankings were the 3rd ranked New York Knicks, 4th Austin Rec’ers, 5th University of Arizona Wildcats, 6th Golden State Road Warriors, 7th Utah Wheelin’ Jazz, 9th San Diego Sabers, 10th Albuquerque Kings, 12th Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns, 16th Las Vegas Silver Bandits, LA Clippers, and the Denver Rollin’ Nuggets. In order to keep the games as competitive as possible teams were bracketed with the rankings being considered. Top ranked teams playing top ranked teams, etc… The planning for 16th Annual Roundup Basketball Tournament is already underway to make this one of the best tournaments in the US. This tournament is always held the weekend before the NFL Super Bowl. We would like to thank all the teams that attended for their professionalism to make this a good experience for all teams attending. We especially need to thank our volunteers because without them these tournaments do not happen. We would like to also like to thank all of our partners in our program. The Phoenix Suns, Banner Health, AZ, AZ Spinal Cord Injury Assoc., the Craig H Neilsen Foundation, AZ Bridge to Independent Living, the Thunderbirds, AZ Paralyzed Veterans of America AZ Chapter, AZ Disabled Sports, Phoenix Mercury. We also thank all the individuals who have been with us providing resources for the 26 years since we started this program.

The Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns host the 15th Annual Roundup Basketball Tournament

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As most of you know, PVA remains the lead voice on issues related to prosthetics and recent changes in the process that have caused delays for far too many of our members. We're confronting the problem at all levels, from individual facilities to VISNs to VA Central Office. Now, we've added one more element to our strategy that involves our Chapter partners. Attached you'll find a newly created Prosthetics Delay Report Form. The form serves two purposes. First, it is intended to give our members the timely opportunity to let us know when their prosthetics are delayed or wrongly denied. Second, it provides us with a data gathering instrument that we can use to identify trends and influence future prosthetics policy. As directed on the form, PVA members can fax the completed form to the National office. NOTE: The contents of the completed form cannot be electronically saved and emailed; the form will have to be printed and scanned to transmit by email. PVA Chapters can help by distributing the form as widely as possible, via newsletter, website, or in office for walk-ins. Sherman Gillums Jr. Attention Readers!!!!

Fill this out completely and FAX it to (202) 416-7754

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Annual ‘Independent Budget’ Stresses Need for Funding Particularly in the Areas of Construction, Veterans Health Care and Claims Processing WASHINGTON, DC—Four of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations—AMVETS, DAV, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)—are urging the Administration and Congress to provide $72.9 billion to sufficiently meet veterans’ health care and benefits needs. The recommendation is contained in The Independent Budget, released today and available online at www.independentbudget.org. The Independent Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 recommends the following: $61.1 billion total for health care for FY 2015—$2.3 billion more than what the Administration

recommended ($58.8 billion) in the FY 2015 advance appropriation last year $62.4 billion total advance appropriation for health care for FY 2016 $2.5 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration—approximately $44 million more than the FY

2014 appropriated level $3.9 billion for all construction programs—approximately $2.7 billion more than the FY 2014

appropriated level and well below the true funding needs of construction projects that the VA must undertake

$611 million for medical and prosthetics research, which is approximately $25 million more than the FY 2014 appropriated level

Of great concern to The Independent Budget coauthors is the serious underfunding of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) construction accounts. From FY 2002 through 2014, The Independent Budget recommended $23.5 billion for major and minor construction, yet less than $13.5 billion was appropriated to keep rapidly aging facilities safe and operational for the proper care and treatment of millions of wounded, ill and injured veterans of all generations and for the staff who serve them. “World-class health care requires first-class facilities, but through 13 years of war, VA construction accounts have only received 57 percent of what’s required, and we project VA will need to invest $31 billion over the next decade to close its major and minor construction gaps,” said VFW National Commander William A. Thien. “Sixty-year-old facilities do not get better with age,” he said, “and continuous underfunding only makes construction more expensive, our facilities less safe, and jeopardizes the VA’s ability to honor its commitment to America’s veterans. We urge the Administration to request and Congress to appropriate sufficient funding to correct these deficiencies now.” AMVETS National Commander John Mitchell added the following addressing the breakdown in the appropriations process and effect on VA operations. “The significant delay in the Administration’s funding recommendations for VA in FY 2015 and the ongoing breakdown in the appropriations process are major concerns about how program funding may be impacted going forward, and will most certainly have a negative effect on all VA operations,” stated Mitchell. “Underlying the issues, are the accountability of our Congress and the Administration to not forget the sacred obligation they have to those who serve and protect this country. Our nation must remain steadfast and committed to ensuring that our military, veterans, their eligible family members and survivors receive their earned benefits in a timely and efficient manner.” DAV National Commander Joseph W. Johnston stated the following addressing the need for appropriate funding of VA’s Information Technology infrastructure.

FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE February 4, 2014

Veterans Service Organizations Urge $72.9 Billion Investment in Veterans’ Health Care and Benefits

Continued on page 11

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We applaud VA’s progress during the past year in reducing the benefits claims backlog and putting in place a new organizational paperless claims process model, and we hope the Administration and Congress remain committed to providing the resources needed to continue this vital transformation,” said Johnston. “That means funding the proper staffing levels and providing sufficient training. Additionally, it is crucial that appropriate funding is provided to continue building and maintaining the VA’s Information Technology infrastructure.” The organizations are also calling for the House and Senate to immediately consider and approve H.R. 813 and S. 932, legislation that would extend advance appropriations to all VA discretionary and mandatory appropriations accounts. “The past couple of years have clearly shown the benefits to the VA of having the health-care system funded by advance appropriations,” said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "The VA health-care system has been shielded from the severe negative consequences of political gridlock that ultimately led to a partial government shutdown last fall. It is time that the rest of the VA is afforded the same protection.” In its 28th year, The Independent Budget is an annual comprehensive budget and policy document, written by veterans for veterans detailing funding requirements for VA. The Independent Budget aims to present a full picture of veterans’ needs—and how government can meet these needs. The full report can be viewed online at www.independentbudget.org.

Former Paralyzed Veterans’ National President Randy L. Pleva Sr. was awarded this year’s Speedy Award in the member category, for his contributions and service to veterans with disabilities. The award was presented to Pleva at Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) 68th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. Upon receiving the award, Pleva stated: “What do you possibly do for the organization that gave you your life back?” Pleva served two years as national senior vice president and three years as national vice president before being elected as national president. He is the only person to be elected to that office for five terms. Pleva has been a member of the Kentucky-Indiana chapter since 1989. He helped form the West Virginia chapter and was elected as its first chapter president and national director, positions Pleva held for eight years. Pleva also served on numerous state and federal committees as a member of the board of directors or chairman. In 1988, West Virginia Governor Cecil H. Underwood appointed Pleva as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Pleva joined the service in 1971 and served with the Task Force Delta in Vietnam and Nam Phong, Thailand. He was discharged in 1974 and became employed as a coal miner and United Mine Works mediator. Pleva sustained a spinal cord injury in a coal mining accident in 1982. He currently resides in Kentucky where he is an active member of the chapter.

Continued from page 10

‘Speedy Award’ Presented to Pleva at 2014 Annual Convention

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While the issues of taking care of our veterans can be vast and complex, sometimes a simple “thank-you” goes a long way. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said that veterans always appreciate heartfelt recognition of their service. Shinseki encourages everyone to participate in the National Salute to Veteran Patients. The week of February 14 annually offers the opportunity for us all to recognize and say thanks to the more than 98,000 veterans who are cared for daily in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. So this year, Feb. 9-15, Shinseki asks Americans to visit and volunteer at VA medical centers and to send letters of thanks or Valentine’s Day cards to those who have protected our nation. Last year more than 310,424 valentines were received at VA medical centers and 18,770 members of the public visited more than 72,000 Veteran patients One West Coast national service officer said that veterans are always thrilled for any visitors who come by to reach out and thank them for serving. “It’s very important to them to receive that recognition,” he said. “A visit or a card or letter just means the world to them.” The annual February program encourages a tribute and expression of appreciation to veterans, an increase in community awareness of the role of VA medical centers, and visits to hospitalized veterans. It also serves as a call for volunteers at VA facilities across the country.

Reach Out and Say Thanks During VA's National Salute to Veteran Patients Week

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) urges its members and all veterans to contact their senators and ask them to support an amendment to S. 1982 (formerly S. 1950), the “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014,” that would make all programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) advance appropriations. The amendment is being offered by Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The Boozman-Begich amendment is very similar to their bill that they introduced together—S. 932, the “Putting Veterans Funding First Act.” The amendment reflects one of the highest legislative priorities of Paralyzed Veterans of America Currently S. 1982 provides advance appropriations authority for VA’s mandatory funding accounts (compensation and pension, education benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation, etc.) to ensure that in the event of a future government shutdown, veterans’ benefits payments would not be delayed or put in jeopardy. The need for this change was revealed during the partial government shutdown that occurred in October 2013. However, all of the discretionary accounts (with the exception of VA health care that is already advance appropriated) were left out of the original bill. Without adoption of this amendment, many vital functions of VA, to include claims processing, burials, and research will continue to face severe negative consequences. The Senate is expected to take up S. 1982 and any amendments, to include the Boozman-Begich amendment, later in the week of February 10-14. We urge Paralyzed Veterans members and veterans to contact your senators and ask them to support the Boozman-Begich amendment to S. 1982. If you do not have the office phone number for your senator, please contact the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be directed to your senator’s office or visit this web page to find your senator's contact information. If you have additional questions about this legislation, please contact our Government Relations Department at 800-424-8200 or info@pva.org.

Paralyzed Veterans Requests Your Support for Amendment to S. 1982, “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay

Restoration Act of 2014"

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CMI Mobility, now celebrating our 30th anniversary, is a respected member of Arizona’s automotive business community. We strive to understand the needs of our customers and then follow through to fit the customer with the right wheelchair-accessible vehicle at the right price. Our prices are always fair, often times thousands below the competition, and always includes a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty on new conversions in addition to a warranty on the vehicle. If you are looking for a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle or just an upgrade from your current vehicle, call to speak with one of our specialists. CMI Offers a range of wheelchair-accessible vans such as the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna and Scion, Honda Odyssey and Element, Volkswagen Routan and the Ford Transit Connect.

Ask for Stewart

Please make sure that if you have MOVED or even away for a short period of time, to change your address with : 1. The VA / Social Worker 2. Your Service Officer

3. Southeastern PVA: 1-800-292-9335 FILL IN THE BLANKS!!!! *FIRST NAME:-________________________________________ CUT AND PASTE THIS TO AN E-MAIL

*LAST NAME:-_____________________________________________ SEND IT TO :

*ADDRESS:-_______________________________________________ AZPVA@AZPVA.org *CITY: STATE: ZIP:-_________________________________________ *PHONE:-__________________________________________________

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Paralyzed Veterans of America volunteers do invaluable work that makes a real

difference to veterans, their communities and Paralyzed Veterans' chapters.

Volunteering can change your life, too.

Why is it so rewarding?

Volunteers make their communities a better place to live. You can work for an organization and mission you believe in. Having a positive impact on others feels great. You can meet new people and develop new leadership skills. Family volunteering lets you spend time with loved ones while helping others.

Becoming a Paralyzed Veterans volunteer has never been easier. Each PVA chapter offers its own volunteer program with a variety of opportunities to contribute, plus you can commit to as many hours as you choose. Call the Chapter for an Activation Form and get involved!

Are You An AZPVA Volunteer?

Registration is now open for the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Each year more than 500 novice and experienced athletes meet for a week of archery, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, quad rugby and more. It's the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports competition of its kind in the world. Throughout the week, veterans realize their abilities and potential while enjoying the spirit of healthy activity and fellowship. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America have co-presented the Games since 1985.

34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games Philadelphia, PA

"Where Heroes Make History" August 12-17, 2014

Registration Deadline is April 15th 2014 The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel (1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107) is the official NVWG hotel. Teams are responsible for making their own reservation. Rooms are on a

first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations Process for 34th NVWG Athletes and Coaches Only Reservations can be made online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/NWVGAthlete2014 or by contacting group reservations at 877-212-5752. Individuals must identify themselves as part of the group 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games OR “NVWG” to receive the Games rate. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 20th.

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Any questions, or if you would like to add to the calendar please call the

office at 602-244-9168

MEMBERSHIP REPORT from

The Arizona Chapter

The Arizona Chapter voting membership stands at 501 as of February 1st 2013. National and AZPVA records show our voting membership as:

272- Service Connected 229- Non-Service Connected

The Arizona Chapter encourages each of our members to contact the Chapter and let us know how you are doing, and if we can help you in any way. If you know of any of our members who have passed away, or if you have an address/phone change, please contact the Chapter as soon as possible. Also, if you would like to receive the Desert Oracle Newsletter by e-mail, please call or e-mail the office with your e-mail address.

Do you know a veteran with spinal cord dysfunction who isn’t a member of the AZPVA? Let us know at the Chapter office by calling

602-244-9168 or 1-800-621-9217 e-mail: azpva@azpva.org

Please have someone contact our Chapter office in the event of a member’s death so that we can inform other member’s who might wish to pay their respects to the departed.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Groundhog Day

3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

13 14 Valentines Day

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16 17 Presidents Day

18 19 20 BOD Meeting 10:30

21 22 Washington’s Birthday

23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2014

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February Lester O. Ackerman Edward J. Drews Dennis A. Ambruso Mark R. Gibson David Schmitz Michael F. West Hartvig E. Holmberg Shelia F. Sessions Edwin O. Nick John E. Short Brenda A. Way Lanny S. Lighthill Marvin A. Floyd John R. Makin Gayle R. Scott (Hedin) Tommy R. Brooks Stephen D. Knode Bobby L. James Billy J. Moore Charles J. Newbold Peter O. Bloom Edward C. Noriega Francisco Concepcion Howard D. Deatherage Charles C. Hudson

Jackie Hymers Terry J. Forcier Thomas S. Heesch Valentina T. Rawls Michael A. Gaita James R. Hostetter James J. Huff Matthew R. Winters Ellen P. Ferchland David N. Ferrazzi Michael J. Berry James W. Haack Ernest "Burt" B. Buxton Keith M. Jacobsen Joseph E. Stanislawski Lawrence F. Celano George J. Sheehan, Jr