Vietnam Vet Gazette

Our Motto: Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.

Vietnam Veterans of AmericaVietnam Veterans of AmericaChapter 862, Southwestern Pa.Chapter 862, Southwestern Pa.

www.vva862.org PO Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074

Board of Directors Second Wednesday

General Membership Third Wednesday

All mee ngs held atRochester VFW • 179 Virginia Ave • Rochester, PA 15074

MonthlyMonthlyMeetingsMeetings

7pm7pm

Dec 2017Issue 182

Update on New VA Clinic in Rochester

Ronald Heitzenrater

The move from their former location in Monaca to Rochester resulted in bigger and bett er ammenities for veterans. The clinic more than doubled in size, and now has a large parking lot and at least 12 handicap parking spots.

There is a full staff which includes 11 Nurses, 2 Medical Doctors, 2 Nurse Practitioners, 1 Physician’s Assistant, 1 Psychologist, 4 Social Workers, 1 Podiatrist, 1 Audiologist, 1 Dietitian, 2 Pharmacists (to help go over Medications), 3 Lab Techs,1 X-Ray Tech (who also takes photos for ID cards), 5 Staff Members (3 for helping the Vets checking in and 2 to help the Vets check out and re-schedule future appointments) and one Tele-Health Technician who helps with Tele Retinal.

There are 11 examination rooms, 3 Tele Health rooms, a larger X-Ray room and 2 Conference rooms (one for The Move Clinic—which is averaging 10 individuals). Currently there is a single Veterans Service Offi ce, and they are looking to add another.

Ronald Heitz enrater volunteers at the clinic an average of 3 days per week.

RochesterVA Outpatient Clinic

300 Brighton Ave.(the old KMart

building)Hours:

8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

2 December 2017

Upcoming Chapter 862Upcoming Chapter 862Special Mee ngs & EventsSpecial Mee ngs & Events

2 Mary Alice Bernstein James Shumaker 3 Murl Thompson 4 Charles Tarr 5 Lynwood Alford Bill Harlow Michelle Wilcox

6 Dennis Graham Rich Tindell 7 Jerome Szatkowski 8 John Voycik 9 Dan Nightingale Geraldine Pierce Larry Pearsol

JanuaryBirthdays

9 Dan Pratt Bob Schmetz er 11 Herb Gruntz Dave Landsbaugh 12 Rich Evans Wes Hill Nick Williams 13 Dan Erzen 14 Mike Hornick Allan Jones 15 Bill Herstine Jerome Gogolin Tony Pallatt o 16 James McGeehan Tony Spataro 17 Mark Buczko Bob Dunlap Don McCuean Mike Mikulich Dennis Johnson

17 William Sobona 18 Don Griener 19 Al Cooper Dave Hendrickson James Huntsman 20 Terry Speerhas Joe Todorowski 21 Milen Cokrlic 23 Don Miller 25 Dennis Curtin Alex Sebastian 27 Mike Galbraith Rich Wertz John Krul 28 Frank Santilli 30 Shawn Duguay Steve Kisio 31 Bob Eiler Tracey Escamilla Rich Kulpa

Dec 20 – Christmas Membership Dinner, 6:00 pm (before VVA Meeting) Note: for Members Only, not extended family/friends.

Dec 21 – Beaver Valley Nursing & Rehab visitation, 257 Georgetown Road, Beaver Falls, 11:00 am (Michelle Wilcox/Bobbie Morris)

Dec 24-25 - Christmas Vigil, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 6:00 pm-noon (John & Linda Szatkiewicz)

Feb 17 – Tet Party Reunion, The Fez, Hopewell 4:30–11 pm (Philip Morris/Barb Googins)

During the month of November, red roses were sent in memory of twelve deceased Vietnam Era veterans. Our Chapter sends a single red rose and vase to the funeral home for

every military veteran, or family member of a member of our chapter, who passes away. Chaplain Don Villella scans the newspapers daily and orders the roses sent to the appropriate funeral home in honor of the deceased veteran(s) or family member.

Red Rose Honors

Red text indicates updated informa on

Larry SelickEconomy, Pa.

—November 27, 2017

In MemIn Memoriaoriamm

Other EventsDec 15 –Veterans Appreciation Day, Dutch

Ridge Elementary School, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm (see page 5 for invitation)

Dec 16/17 – Free Christmas Concerts from Beaver Valley Choral Society

John SchweichBrighton Twp, Pa.

—November 27, 2017

Cost of Living (COLA)Increase

On November 2, 2017, President Trump signed Public Law 115-75, which provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase of 2 percent, eff ective December 1, 2017, for veterans disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for survivors and certain other benefi ts. This increase matches the COLA provided to Social Security recipients. This COLA benefi ts injured and ill veterans, their families and survivors by helping to maintain the value of VA benefi ts against infl ation.

@bvchoralsociety

December 2017 3

DRAFT COPY

Called to order by President Larry Googins @ 7:00 PMOpening Prayer by Don Villella. Att endance was 125.Pledge of Allegiance was led by Exec VP Bill Laughner

VVA Mott o: “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another”Introduction of Guests - NAMembers Sick or in Distress: Jake Barsott ini, Ray Litz inger & Frank CampeseRoll Call of Offi cers: Present – 12, Excused - 2, Absent – 0Secretary’s Report: Minutes: There is an amendment to a motion made at the October 18th meeting. It will now read Motion to have the chapter pay for lodging, transportation & meals of the ten (10) members of the Honor Guard for the DC Wreath ceremony. Communications: Thank you notes from The Greater Pitt sburgh Food Bank, Yellow Ribbon Girls and families of six deceased veterans. Treasurer’s Report: Larry Googins went over all acct balances, which were approved pending audit. Larry discussed a motion made by the board to void the check writt en to the D.L. Williams Funeral Home dated 6/23/2017 and never cashed. The funeral home never cashed the check.Review of BOD recommended motions awaiting membership approval

1. Motion made by Bart Farzati and 2nd by Bob Horner to donate $200 to the Festival of Trees community service projects – BCCYS and US SARRS. Motion approved.

2. Motion made by Bill Harlow and 2nd by Ray Rapp to pay $250 for the tables at the Festival of Trees for Mike Coligure. Motion approved.

3. Motion made by Milen Cokrlic and 2nd by Joe Gallagher to donate $300.00 to Wings for Vets. Motion approved.

Committ ee ReportsPublic Aff airs – Dick Pegg. He talked about the diffi culty gett ing minorities to join the chapterWomen Veterans – Michelle Wilcox. The webinars are fi nally available from the cancelled Summit in Houston. Hope to have more information to share soon.Hospitalized Veterans – Michelle Wilcox. We are planning a December visit to Beaver Valley Nursing & RehabAgent Orange – Mike Coligure. He att ended two events – Delmont Apple Festival and the CCBC Veteran Breakfast. Community Services – Ken Pingatore. The polo shirts are in.Honor/Color Guard – Rick Raich. One funeral. Veterans Assistance – Bill Laughner. No requests at this time. The holidays are a bad time for many vets, so keep an eye on each other.Memorial Bricks – Ron Hietz enrater. Are the bricks in place yet?Website – Lee Corfi eld. Having problems with website but back up and running.Old BusinessRecent Veteran events – There was a review of the numerous Veteran events in which our members participated.

General Meeting MINUTESNovember 15, 2017

Michelle Wilcox, Secretary VVA 862

Minutes continued on page 4

4 December 2017

DRAFT COPY

New BusinessStreet Signs for MIA’s - Rick Raich talked about honoring our 4 local POW/MIA’s with a street sign at their home of residence. Still looking for information on Doyle Lynn. Will check with local authorities on feasibility.Legislative – Bart Farzati. Military & Retiree raise 2.4%, SSA & VA 2%. Blue Water Navy legislation was tabled due to lack of partisan support in the House. Waiting for new presumptives to be added. Talked about Dependency Indemnity Compensation benefi ts. Need more drivers for the DAV. AVVA will be printing new Paper Safes to keep important information for spouses & families.

Vice-Presidents’ ReportsExec. VP Bill Laughner – Challenge coins are available at $5.00. He has tickets for the DAV dinner on November 18th. He received a call from Don Wickerly from the BF Legion concerning the 2019 Veterans Day parade. It will be the 100th anniversary of the Legion. They are looking at the possibility of bringing the Wall for the celebration.VP Philip Morris – Urged members to get involved in events. TET Reunion coming up in February. Dinner tickets are $25 or reserve tables (seats 10) for $250.00. The raffl e tickets are also available. Thanks to Rich Tindell & Rich Kamzelski for updating the memorial area and Kitt y Curtis & Barbara Googins for the Agent Orange ribbon wreath. The next planning meeting is Nov. 20th. Larry Googins announced that Todd DePastino (Veterans Breakfast Club) will be the keynote speaker.Ken Pingatore – a sign-up sheet is available for the Christmas Vigil. See John Stazkiewicz for more information. Talked about the “Calling all Veterans” fl yer. Larry Googins reminded everyone that the December 20th meeting starts at 6:00 PM with a catered dinner. Bobbie Morris reminded everyone to bring a dessert.AVVA – Bobbie Morris. Membership 161 - Lifetime 105.

Our chapter has turned in 1037.25 VISTA hours. AVVA donated $500.00 to Wings for Vets and $200.00 to the Women’s Shelter. The Christmas visit to Beaver Valley Nursing & Rehab will be Dec. 21st at 11:00 AM. Nancy Hoff man thanked all for the Gold Star Dinner. 50/50 was $172.00 and was won by Mike Coligure.

Good of the ChapterThere is a Standdown at the AE Center Pitt sburgh Saturday, November 18th.Center Twp. VFW is looking for a part-time custodian.Don Tice announced that his dog Jak is now a Certifi ed Therapy Dog and will be visiting veterans. He would also like to start a veteran’s bible study.

Closing Prayer by Don Villella. Meeting adjourned @ 8:30 PM.

VVA Minutes contiued from page 3

December 2017 5

You may honor Veterans of the armed services, loved ones and friends (either living or deceased) with an “In Memory Of” brick. You may also want to honor your American Legion post, your VFW post or any other Veterans Service Organizations. Orders are accepted year round, with placement every spring and fall. Engraving is donated by Rome Monument.

Mail completed form with check to: VVA Chapter 862, P.O. Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074

Memorial Walkway Bricks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Beaver, Pa.

Brick Walkway Order Form Please PRINT LEGIBLY in BLUE or BLACK inkDonor Name: _____________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________contact telephone number: __________________________________________

2 Sizes Available (check one) Checks payable to: VVA Chapter 862

8"x4"3 lines,13 characters*

8"x8"6 lines,13 characters*

* includes punctuation and spaces

$75

$200

A Student Assembly at Dutch Ridge Elementary School Gymnasium

2220 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver, PA 15009

6 December 2017

DRAFT UNTILAPPROVED

The meeting was called to order by President Bobbie Morris at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance a moment of silence for all POW/MIA’s.

AVVA Meeting MINUTESNovember 15, 2017

Sandy Giordano, Acting Secretary

Roll call of Board and offi cers: Carl Curtis and Keith Black were excused Sandy Giordano is fi lling in as secretary while Keith Black is on active duty.

Barb Googins, chaplain led us in prayer.

President Bobbie Morris asked if anyone is sick or in distress. Guests and new members were welcomed and Bobbie announced that we will be selling candy and doing our monthly 50/50 raffl e.

The president also reported on the chapter’s participation at the Veterans Breakfast at CCBC, cosponsored by Senator Elder Vogel. The chapter members then traveled to Center at the Mall for a Chili Cook-off where AVVA member Cheryl Vaughn competed. Door prizes and a live band performed. The veterans were treated to lunch.

Treasurer Sue Bridgewater presented her report: Approved pending Audit.

Secretary minutes: The minutes read by Bobbie as drafted in the newslett er. A motion to approve the minutes as read by Barb Googins; seconded by Judy Hage. Motion carried.

Membership chairman Sue Smith reported we are fi rst in the state, second nationally, and third in the region. We have 3 new members, 105 life members and 56 regular members.

VISTA CHAIR Laurel Beitsinger reported that 1,030.25 hours were turned in for the fi scal year. President Morris said the next fi scal year is the end of February.

The Agent Orange Balloon release was on Veterans Day with a nice turn out being it was so cold. Bobbie thanked Kitt y Curtis and

Barb Googins for donating the wreath for the memorial. that was dedicated by the VVA Color Guard. Thank you to all who participated.

President Morris reported that small and large canvasses will be sold at the Festival of Trees. Treasurer Sue Bridgewater asked that Mike Coliguire be asked for stands to display the canvasses that are going to be for sale. President Morris said that the profi ts would be split 50/50 from the sale, which includes some ornaments and angles for sale.

Bobbie reported that on Wednesday, December 20, AVVA will not meet, dinner for members is at 6 p.m., desserts provided by AVVA, followed by the VVA meeting at 7 p.m. AVVA will do a 50/50 at the VVA meeting.

IF you would like, you may participate in a grab bag of $10.00 for AVVA members at our Christmas dinner.

TET meeting is at 7 p.m. , Monday, November 20 at the VFW.

A thank you note from the YELLOW RIBBON GIRLS was acknowledged for our donation.

President Morris asked members if the QUILT OF TEARS was a project we would like to do. She said it is a project we could do after Christmas Donna Corfi eld and Barb Googins suggested putt ing a link our website about the pending project.

A donation of $500 for WINGS for VETS, A programs to transport vets by plane for medical treatment was approved with a motion by Sue Bridgewater and second by Nancy Hoff man. the funds will be donated from the Tom Robes Cancer Fund. Motion carried.

Michelle Wilcox had ask if AVVA would help with the Visit to Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab in Chippewa Township. We will visit on Thursday, the 21st at 11 a.m. There are 18 veterans in the facility. A gift of Lighted American Eagle photos will be wrapped before the VVA meeting. Motion by Sue Bridgewater, second by Judy Hage. to purchase 25 of the pictures. Motion carried.

December 2017 7

AVVA Minutes – cont’d from page 6

A motion by Judy Hage seconded by vice president Linda Szatkiewicz to donate $200 to the Women’s Shelter for the children who reside at the shelter for Christmas gifts.

Nancy Hoff man thanked everyone for the wonderful Gold Star Mothers Dinner and bracelet she received. The event was held at the Beaver Valley Golf Club.

Chaplain Barb Googins shared about her experiences she worked, an event to honor Veterans at the Doolitt le Raiders with 3,200 people in att endance. Sponsored by American Airlines.

President Morris reported on the VVA/AVVA state council meeting held in State College , our new state treasurer is Terri Novak Chapter 542, she is a grant writer, fundraising working profession. Bobbie Thanked Linda Szatkiewicz att ended, and took notes at the AVVA meeting.

A PTSD and Suicide prevention symposium will be held June 2 at Ramada Inn at Penn State on June 2nd, 2018. Mark your calendars and plan to att end.

Reminder: No AVVA meeting December 20th, Please bring your favorite Desert to the members Christmas dinner.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Coming Soon—

Tickets Available NOW

(Tickets Sell Out Early)

$25 Each or $250 for a Table of 10

February 17, 2018,4:30 PM–12 AM

at The Fez in HopewellBuffet Dinner, Draft Beer, Soft Drinks, Coffee & Dessert * Cash Bar available

To order tickets by mail, send check (payable to VVA 862) with a

self-addressed stamped envelope to:

VVA Chapter 862119 Jonathan DriveDarlington PA 16115

Call Duck Laughner 724-843-6828or Jim Crytz er 724-375-6550

19TH AnnualTET PARTY REUNION

or VVA Chapter 862 1429 Elgin Street, Aliquippa PA 15001

Don’tForget

Visit to Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation in Chippewa Twp.(257 Georgetown Rd, South Beaver Twp.)

December 21, 11 a.m.

8 December 2017

Vietnam Veterans of America Membershipis open to any Veteran who served

Anywhere during the Vietnam War eraVietnam Veterans of AmericaMEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONName:______________________________________Phone:________________Birthday____/____/____

Address:_______________________________City:____________________State:_____Zip___________

I served in the US military (for otherthan training purposes) between8/5/1964 & 5/7/1975ORI served in the US military in Vietnam between 2/28/1961 & 5/7/1975DD-214 enclosed

I did not serve in the military during these mes, but I wish to join the Associates of

Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) - $20.00 / Year

NEW MEMBERRENEWAL - Membership Card #_____________

One (1) Year Membership $20.00

Three (3) Year Membership $50.00

Life Membership $75.00

Mail completed form, copy of DD-214 and check to:

VVA Chapter 862P.O. Box 26Rochester, PA 15074

Standing Commi eesAgent Orange / Dioxin– Mike Coligure ....................412-613-1810Chapter Service Coordinators– Michelle Wilcox ............847-3463 Nick Pavkovich ..............847-0592Community Services– Chuck Inman ...............................709-7747Finance / Auditor– Bill Winkle ........................................774-2626Government Aff airs– Bart Farza ...................................777-2193Membership– Gary Shaff er .............................................643-8941Minority Aff airs– Reuben Fuller ......................................378-4990POW / MIA– Phil Morris .................................................643-5725Public Aff airs– Kathy (Katy) Miller ...................................709-8104Veterans Aff airs / Benefi ts Advisor– Kathy Nairn ...........770-4450Women Veterans ................................................................ Vacant

Chapter 862 Offi cers & Directors(All 724 Area Codes unless noted)

Offi cersPresident– Larry Googins ................................ 869-7090Exec– VP Bill Laughner .................................... 843-68281st VP– Phil Morris .......................................... 643-5725Secretary– Michelle Wilcox ............................. 847-3463Treasurer– Jake Barso ni ............................... 601-7293

DirectorsBob Horner (3)Don Tice (3)Don Villella (3)

Chapter 862 DelegatesLarry GooginsBill LaughnerPhilip MorrisMichelle WilcoxJake Barso ni

AVVA Chapter 862Offi cers

President– Bobbie Morris ....................... 643-5725VP– Linda Szatkiewicz .............................. 643-8422Secretary– Keith Black ............................. 513-3177Treasurer– Sue Bridgewater .......................643-0731

DirectorsCarl Cur s ................................................ 869-0294Rita Swesey .............................................. 775-7529

Parliamentarian ....................................Chaplain Barb Googins .......................... 869-7090Membership Susan Smith ..................... 728-6741

Special Commi eesHonor / Color Guard– Ray Litzinger ........................ 378-5855Homeless Veterans– Bill Porupsky .......................... 495-7051Hospitalized Veterans ..................................................VacantNomina ng– Lon Hogue ......................................... 846-8857PX– Frank Petz ......................................................... 774-1867PTSD / Substance Abuse– Ray Litzinger .................. 378-5855Scholarship– Lon Hogue .......................................... 846-8857Veterans Assistance– Bill Laughner ........................ 601-3597

Other Posi ons / ChairpersonsChaplain– Don Villella. ............................................ 843-7401Highway Clean-up– Charles Ray ............................. 827-8310Memorial Bricks– Ron Heitzenrater ........................ 452-7483Newsle er– Susan Fudurich .print@myinkstar.com 847-2940Veterans Memorials– Rich Tindell .......................... 336-5457Webmaster– Lee Corfi eld........................................ 775-3027

Rich Raich (1) Gary Shaff er (1)Ken Pingatore (1)

Lee Corfi eldNick PavkovichRich RaichRay RappJohn Szatkiewicz

Gary Shaff erDave WalkerBob Weismantle

Ron Heitzenrater (2)Ron Ippolito (2)Nick Pavkovich (2)