DAV Alamo Chapter 5

2011-01-14T19:46:00.001-08:00

December 21, 2010

What does this mean? A new day has dawned for the DAV Auxiliary! Effective immediately, this amendment not only expands DAV Auxiliary eligibility requirements, it opens the door to a new horizon for our organizations (DAV and DAV Auxiliary).

What effect will this have on my Auxiliary unit? This change will cultivate membership growth and allow those new members to help with the mission of service to disabled veterans and their families. Our leaders are committed to the long-term stability and growth of our organizations and with new enthusiastic members we will be able to accomplish a great deal more.

Who is eligible for membership in the DAV Auxiliary? The good news is the DAV Auxiliary can now welcome those who were not eligible under the previous structure. Eligibility has been expanded to include:

Family and extended family members of any person who is or was eligible for membership in the DAV.
Family and extended family members of any person injured and may still be in active service in the armed forces of the United States of America and eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans.
Family and extended family members of any person who has served in the armed forces of the United States of America and has not been dishonorably discharged or separated from such service.
Family and extended family members of any person who served with the armed forces of any nation associated with the United States of America as an ally, who was honorably discharged, and became an American citizen.
Family and extended family of Auxiliary members who are not otherwise eligible for membership are eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.

What is considered extended family? Some examples of extended family are, but not limited to: step-children, step-grandchildren, step-siblings, step-parents, step-grandparents, uncles and aunts, great uncles and aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, sons and daughters in law, fathers and mothers in law, brothers and sisters in law.

What’s next? Thanks to the wisdom of our voting members, the organization has turned the page to a new and exciting chapter. For starters, SIGN UP those who want to join but, until now, were not eligible for DAV Auxiliary membership. Membership applications are currently being revised. Until a new supply is available, feel free to use the current in-stock applications while you are signing up those extended family members. DAV Auxiliary brochures are being revised as well as the DAV Auxiliary Manual and the organization’s web site.

"More hands will make the load lighter" and improve the quality of services rendered to our Veterans. Please, everyone can help spread the word of this exciting change! Start signing up new members today!

2011-01-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations Priorities for 82nd Texas Legislature:

1. Transferring the 100% property tax reduction for 100% disabled veterans to their widows and/or eligible dependent children. This will, of course, require a change to the Texas Constitution as well as enabling legislation.

Status: in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Military Installation Interim Report to Lt Gov Dewhurst, under Section Other: Item 12: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the VAMI Committee, 81st Legislature, Regular Session, and previous legislative sessions and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

Next step: prepare and present a proposal for a change to the Texas Constitution along with enabling legislation that would allow for the transfer of the benefit to surviving spouses and/or minor dependent children of 100% disabled veterans.

Legislation filed in support of transferring the 100% property tax reduction for 100% disabled veterans to their widows and/or eligible dependent children:

· HB 95: Fletcher: relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation on the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran

· HJR 23: Fletcher: proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran in an amount equal to the amount of the residence homestead exemption to which the disabled veteran was entitled

· HB 313: Pickett: relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation on the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran

· HJR 40: Pickett: proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran in an amount equal to the amount of the residence homestead exemption to which the disabled veteran was entitled

· SB 201: Uresti: relating to the calculation of ad valorem taxes on the residence homestead of a 100% or totally disabled veteran for the tax year in which the veteran qualifies or ceases to qualify for an exemption from taxation of the homestead

· HB 461: Kleinschmidt: relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran.

· HJR 47: Kleinschmidt: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran in an amount equal to the amount of the residence homestead exemption to which the disabled veteran was entitled on the same property.

· HB 469: Callegari: Relating to the calculation of ad valorem taxes on the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran for the tax year in which the veteran qualifies or ceases to qualify for an exemption from taxation of the homestead.

· HB 472: Charles “Doc” Anderson: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

· HJR 48: Charles “Doc” Anderson: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran in an amount equal to the amount of the residence homestead exemption to which the disabled veteran was entitled on the same property.

· HB 526: McClendon: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

· HJR 52: McClendon: proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran in an amount equal to the amount of the residence homestead exemption to which the disabled veteran was entitled on the same property.

· HB 576: McClendon: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

Other Veterans property tax legislation:

· SB 101: Van de Putte: related to prohibiting nonjudicial foreclosure by a property owners' association on residences owned by certain members of the military

· HB 26: Guillen: relating to a freeze on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by a taxing unit on the residence homestead of an eligible person who is a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces and is ordered to active military duty

· HJR 17: Guillen: proposing a Constitutional Amendment to authorize a political subdivision to establish a freeze on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by a taxing unit on the residence homestead of an eligible person who is a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces and is ordered to active military duty

· HJR 62: Zerwas: proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year

· HB 445: Guillen: Relating to the eligibility of a disabled veteran or surviving spouse to pay ad valorem taxes imposed on a residence homestead in installments

· HB 609: Zerwas: Relating to the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation

· HB 635: Guillen: Relating to a grace period to cure a default before foreclosure of certain contract liens on the residence of certain surviving spouses of military servicemembers

· SB 326: Duncan: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain tangible personal property stored temporarily at a location in this state.

2. Adjusting the dollar amount that will be used to reduce the appraised value of the principal residence/homestead of a veteran disabled less than 100%. The maximum amount, as you are well aware, is $12,000. That amount has not been changed in recent memory.

Questions that have been asked include: when were the various amounts ranging from $5,000 to a maximum of $12,000 enacted into law? What was the average value of property in Texas at the time that the exemption was enacted? During the intervening years the dollar amount of the exemption has remained constant while property values have increased.

Recommendation: determine what the original value of the exemption was in comparison to the value of property at the time that the exemption was passed and bring the dollar amount of the exemption back to the original value ratio. In the future, perhaps annually, adjust the dollar amount of the exemptions to coincide with the changes in the value of property.

Action taken: prepared and presented a proposal to VAMI to begin work on determining the change in values to property in Texas since the law was enacted, and to adjust the dollar value of the exemption to the original percentage when the law was enacted.

Status: under review; additional financial impact data has been requested and will be reviewed in detail when received.

3. Re-introduction of legislation to recognize Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB) as a category of small business with equal standing to State HUB (minority, women, etc) business enterprises.

Status: in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Military Installation Interim Report to Lt Gov Dewhurst, under Section Workforce: Item 8: Examine how the State can increase opportunities for businesses owned by disabled veterans or non-profit veteran service organizations that run businesses and employ a large percentage of disabled veterans. Offer recommendations that would illustrate the State’s support of disabled veteran owned and run businesses.

Action taken: proposed legislation has been formulated and will be submitted to potential sponsors in the Senate and House before the start of the 82nd Legislature.

· SB 327: Van de Putte/ Davis, Wendy: Relating to including certain veterans service organizations as small businesses for the purpose of state contracting

4. Expand, streamline, and simplify the military voting bill process for men and women in uniform serving overseas, under seas, and on temporary duty in the Continental USA.

Status: in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Interim Report to Lt Gov Dewhurst, under Section Other: Item 11: Assess the successfulness of the military voting pilot program including benefits and costs. Provide recommendations to implement a permanent statewide program.

Legislation filed in support of expand, streamline, and simplify the military voting bill process for men and women in uniform serving overseas, under seas, and on temporary duty in the Continental USA:

· SB 100: Van de Putte: relating to the adoption of voting procedures necessary to implement the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act

· HB 111: Taylor, Van: identical to SB 100

Voting to include Military Voting:

· HB 16: Riddle: relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification

· HB 112: Harless: relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification

· HB 179: Alonzo: relating to the registration of voters at a polling place and related procedures

· HB 186: Perry: relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification; creating a penalty

· HB 250: Hilderbran: relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification; providing penalties

· HB 539: Charles “Doc” Anderson: relating to requiring to present proof of identification

· HB 631: Chisum: relating to processing certain early voting ballots before election day

· SB 178: Birdwell/Fraser/Carona/Duncan/Estes: relating to requirements to vote, including presenting proof of identification; providing criminal penalties

Other Veteran related legislation that has been filed prior to the start of the 82nd Legislature:

Veteran General:

· SB 99: Van de Putte/Birdwell: relating to persons authorized to control the disposition of the remains of certain members of the US Armed Forces

· HB 74: Flynn: identical to SB 99

· HB 55: Martinez, Mando: relating to the use of the Texas Enterprise Fund for veterans hospitals

· HB 375: Alonzo: relating to establishing veterans resource centers at certain institutions of higher education

· HB 522: Shefield: Relating to an exemption from the motor vehicle use tax for motor vehicles brought into this state by military service members serving on active duty

· HB 559: Sheffield: Relating to Bronze Star Medal specialty license plates

· HB 585: Kleinschmidt: Relating to awards for certain members of the state military forces inducted into federal service in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom

· HB 586: Kleinschmidt: Relating to the eligibility of certain members of the Texas State Guard or Texas National Guard for burial in the state cemetery

· HB 649: Sheets: relating to an exemption from the motor vehicle sales and use tax for military servicemembers serving on active duty

· HB 657: Lewis: relating to honorary license plates for certain disabled veterans

· SB 32: Zaffirini: relating to the consolidation of related higher education programs governing tuition, fee exemptions, and waivers respective to specific target populations

· SB 34: Zaffirini: relating to the establishment and operation of the Texas Women Veterans Program

· SB 58: Zaffirini: relating to the designation of segments of State Highways 359, 16, and 285 as the Veterans of the Korean War Memorial Highway

Old PC/Texas Military Service Coalition/TCVO Priorities for 82^nd Texas Legislature Status 11 Jan 2010

2010-12-22T07:35:00.001-08:00

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Retired & Annuitant Newsletter
2010 At-a-Glance
Tax season and 1099R requests
The end of the year is busy for everyone,
but it's especially busy for DFAS. In
preparation for tax season, we send I099R
statements to more than 2.4 million
retirees and annuitants while maintaining
service to customers with urgent pay
needs. This year R&A Pay would like to
_ enlist YOjJJ heIR in_mjlinJ..ainjngjllgh levels
of customer service while still getting
your 1099R to you in the easiest, most
convenient way.
may experience a "courteous disconnect,"
indicating you are either being routed back
to the self-service option, or requesting
that you call back at another time. If this
occurs, please understand that this is a
required measure to ensure that callers
with high priority needs are properly
-,~~~ __ ~~. ~ ~~~ ~~u~Qtle.~ _
5. View, print or save your tax statements.
If you have trouble reading the graphic
version, click on the "Text Version" link.
If you are unable to access myPayyou can
request a copy using one of the following
methods:
Automated Phone System:
1. Call R&A Pay at 800-321-1080.
2. Select option 4 to request a 1099R 24
hours a day, seven days a week, without
waiting to speak to a customer service
representative.
3. Enter your Social Security Number
using your touch-tone keypad when
prompted.
4. You should receive your 1099R in seven
to 10 business days.
Written request:
1. Write us a short letter requesting a new
copy of your 1099R.
2. Include your name, Social Security
Number, mailing address, signature and
date.
3. Fax your request to 800-469-6559 or
mail it to:
Retirees:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retirement Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130
Annuitants:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
P.O. Box 7131
London, KY 40742-7131
4. You should receive a copy of your
1099R in about two weeks.
You can find videos to help you through
tax season at www.dfas.mil/rapay.html ..........................................................................................
You will receive your 1099R electronically
via myPay, or as a hard copy in the mail.
If you do not receive a copy of your
1099R in the mail, it may be because we
do not have your correct address on file.
Before requesting a duplicate 1099R,
please verify your address using myPay,
or by calling 800-321-1080.
myPay:
If you do not receive your 1099R in the
mail, you can view, print and save a copy
of your 1099R using your myPayaccount.
Please follow the steps below:
1. Go to https://mypay.dfas.miVmypay.
aspx. If you have exhausted the above options
2. Enter your Login ID on the home page. or prefer to speak to a customer service
3. Enter your password on the virtual representative, call us Tuesday through
keyboard when prompted. Friday between 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. EST
4. Access your 1099R from the "Main and select option O. In the event that call
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option. serve you as quickly as we would like, you
myPayputs you
in control
Whether it's changing your bank
account information or adjusting
your federal tax withholding, you can
manage your account online using
myPayl It's easy, secure and reliable.
It's also available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week from anywhere in
the world. Find more information on
how you can use myPayto manage
your account online at
www.dfas.mil/rapay/rafaqs.html
Direct Deposit: better service,
better security
The most efficient, timely and secure
way to receive your pay is by direct
deposit. By enrolling, you can eliminate
the possibility of a lost or stolen check,
reduce the opportunity for identity theft
and receive your payment in a more
timely and efficient manner.
If you live in the United States, you can
enroll through myPay or by contacting
the Retired and Annuitant Pay call
center at 800-321-1080. You will need to
know your bank routing transit number,
account number, and type of account,
either checking or savings.
International Direct Deposit is available
to U.S. military retirees and annuitants
living in certain overseas locations.
For information visit:
www.dfas.miJ/rapay.html
==.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=......2..0.•1..0.•.A..t.-.a...-•G...l.a.nee·••
((O)]LA\ update for 2(O)]lJl
Unfortunately, military retirees and annuitants will not receive a Cost of Living Adjustment increase in 2011. Survivor Benefit
Plan premiums also will not increase.
Every year, military retirement pay and Social Security benefits are automatically adjusted to compensate for inflation. The
adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year. Published by the Department of Labor, the CPI is
a measurement of the cost of purchased goods. This year, there was no increase in the index when compared to the third quarter
of 2008, the last year we had inflation.
•·•··· .........................................................................................
I
II
,I
I In order to receive your pay and other benefits on time every time, it's important I to review your retired pay account information regularly to ensure it is current. Be
sure to notify us o(any changes to things like your.mailing address, marital status
; and designated beneficiaries.
I You can update your address, banking information and tax withholding yourself
through my Pay. Other changes and notifications should be mailed or.faxed to:
II
j
III.
Keep your records current
DefenseEinance and Accounting Service
as.Military Retirement Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742~7130
Fax: 800-469-6559
Or
Defense Finance and Accounting Seryice
U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
EO. Box 7131
london, f(f40742-7131
Fax: 800-982- 8459
.~_-I, ........•~
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please includ$.you~Social SeNew Web pages
Did you know that DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay has been hard at work enhancing
our web pages? Our initial efforts to create more customer friendly web pages are
paying off. Positive feedback from our retirees and annuitants, as well as fewer calls
coming in, proves that many people can now find their own answers online. You
probably can too! New information, updated Frequently Asked Questions and even
DoD Forms are being added regularly to make it easier for you to get the information
you need. Check it out yourself at http://www.dfas.mil/rapay.html.
Branch of Service newsletters
Did you know that each branch of service has a newsletter available online? See
http://www.dfas.mil/rapay/newsletter/dec10.html for links to Army Echoes, Navy Shift
Colors, Marine Corps Semper Fidelis and Air Force Afterburner.
-.1II
IIII
I
I
DFAS
philosophy
In February 2010, DFAS Retired and
Annuitant Pay transitioned back to a
government-operated function, after
nearly eight years of outsourcing to a
contractor. Since then, we've been
focused on building an organization that is
tailored to your needs. Our primary goal
is to consistently deliver first-class service
and products to each and every customer.
DFAS is committed to providing you with
all of the necessary tools and resources to
ensure a smooth transition into retirement.
This commitment includes serving and
advising you through every phase of
retirement, from planning and managing
your account to providing for your loved
ones after you pass away.
Read the rest of this article online at
http://www.dfas.mil/rapay/newsletter/
dec10.html

2010-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Below is a dramatic change in VA Policy which could potentially change the claims status for thousands of veterans. It could also make a big difference in which Priority Groups veterans are assigned.

The VA has now recognized that Agent Orange and other herbicides were dispensed in Thailand. Therefore, if you or an honorably discharged veteran you know has contracted one of the 14 recognized presumptive conditions from exposure to these herbicides under the conditions depicted below.

This is very important. If you or any of your friends or relatives served in Thailand, the rules have changed for filing for a disability. File as soon as possible. Before, a person could file if one of his feet had touched ground in Viet Nam. This now includes Thailand.

U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
U.S. Army Veterans who were stationed on some small Army installations in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. However, the Army Veteran must have been a member of a military police (MP) unit or was assigned an MP military
occupational specialty whose duty placed him/her
at or near the base perimeter.

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/thailand.asp

2010-12-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

2010-12-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

December 12 2010; Christmas Party at the Frank Tejeda State Veterans Home in Floresville Texas.
Volunteers are needed: Please call Duke @ 210-382-1451 if you plan to attend...

PDC Duke Hendershot

2010-12-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Subject: Warning to Veterans (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ensure widest distribution. Include all tenant units and mobilization sites.

WARNING TO VETERANS - Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit
and general information on VA and gathering personal information on
veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.

http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close
resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that
we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly
mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or
endorsement by VA to provide any services. In addition, GC requests that if
you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United
States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and
presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information
to Mr. Daugherty at the address below.

Mark P. Dollgener
General Dynamic Information Technology
Watch Officer
Fort Sam Houston Installation Control Center 2430 Stanley Road, Suite 25
Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234
(210) 221-2782
FSH.ICC@jbtx.mil

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

PDC Duke Hendershot

2010-12-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

NO MEETING IN DECEMBER - INSTEAD IT IS OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY....

LOCATION: GOLDEN CORRAL - LOOP 1604 AND BANDERA RD., SAN ANTONIO, TX

TIME: 2:00pm / 1400

Member and spouse paid for by chapter. Personal guests are your responsibility....

PDC Duke Hendershot

2010-12-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard yet, Chaplain Albert Hinojosa fell down at his house over the weekend and busted open the stitches from prior knee surgery.

He was treated,sewn up at Audie VA and released back to his home.

2010-11-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Chapter 5 members:

Just to let you know, if you didn't already, Marie Scott will have her operation on Monday morning to remove the tumors in her bladder and to determine what the blockage is in her kidney. Please pray for her and Fred and that everything will turn out okay. She went into the hospital yesterday to put her on some kind of medicine instead of coumidan so she will not bleed so much during the operation.

In addition, Mike Guerin's Mother is still in very critical condition in a New York hospital. He is still out there with her, so lets keep them in our prayers also.

Albert Barrera was in the hospital for 2 weeks, was discharged, and than put into a nursing home.

His wife was not able to give us the name of the Nursing Home. Keep Albert in your prayers.

Don't forget the meeting this Saturday (the 20th at 10:00am) and the Thanksgiving Dinner to follow.

Duke

VA Presumptive VN Vet Diseases Update 04

2010-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides or as associated with military service. Veterans suffering from the following conditions may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits:

· Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy - A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to Agent Orange and resolve within 2 years after the date it began.

· AL Amyloidosis - A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs.

· Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease) - A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA's rating regulations, chloracne (or other acneform disease similar to chloracne) must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to Agent Orange.

· All chronic B-cell leukemias including, but not limited to, hairy-cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. - A type of cancer which affects white blood cells.

· Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) - A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin.

· Hodgkin ’s disease - A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.

· Ischemic Heart Disease including, but not limited to, acute, subacute, and old myocardial infarction; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease (including coronary spasm) and coronary bypass surgery; and stable, unstable and Prinzmetal's angina - A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart that leads to chest pain.

· Multiple Myeloma - A disorder which causes an overproduction of certain proteins from white blood cells.

· Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue.

· Parkinson ’s disease - A motor system condition with symptoms that include a trembling of the hands, imbalance, and loss of facial expression.

· Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to Agent Orange.

· Prostate Cancer - Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men.

· Respiratory Cancers - Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus.

· Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma) - A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues.

VA has recognized the following birth defects associated with exposure to Agent Orange or service in Vietnam:

· Spina Bifida (except Spina Bifida Occulta) - A neural tube birth defect that results from the failure of the bony portion of the spine to close properly in the developing fetus during early pregnancy.

· Birth Defects in Children of Women Vietnam Veterans - Covered birth defects include a wide range of conditions associated with women veterans' service in Vietnam.

Additionally, VA has recognized Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in Veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military was caused by their military service [Source: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp May 2010 ++]

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER

2009-05-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
(A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

Welcome to the Chapter 5 Blog

2009-05-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

This blog is for the benefit of the Chapter 5 members. Current information of interest for disabled veterans will be posted here.