DAV TIMES
CHAPTER 5
RIO RANCHO, NM
Nov 2009
Elaine Espinoza - Mitchell,
Commander
Dear Chapter
Winter is not far away. The Fall is upon us as evidenced by the State Fair, the
Balloon Festival, the “Forget Me Not Drive”, the holidays. We have a lot of work
ahead of us before the February 2010 elections. It’s nothing we can’t handle as long
as we remember that we are working to help improve the lives of our disabled
comrades. I want to again thank each of you for the great work you do in support of
others and your dedication to improving the lives of veterans everywhere.
On a recent stay in a RV park in Louisiana I had a long discussion with a Viet
Nam veteran about his friend who had been injuried during the war. He was
concerned about the fact that his friend’s condition was getting worst and he was
trying to get him to return to the VA for an increase in benefits. I offered him some
suggestion on the things his friend should be doing and the documentation he would
need for VA. I gave him my card and asked him if he was ok. He stated he had a few
problems but it was nothing he couldn’t handle. His response troubled me so I asked
him a few questions. He had also been wounded in Viet Nam and just like many
veterans he wasn’t telling me the whole story. I also talked with his wife and it turns
out he was in worst condition then his friend. I convinced him to file his own claim to
get help at the VA hospital if not for himself then for his family. I have emailed him
several times since that day and he is getting help. We must continue to inform our
fellow veterans of their benefits. Some have problems and don’t realize they can get
help from the VA and many don’t want to impose on others, even though, they have
earned the health care and benefits through their unselfish defense of our freedom
and those of other Countries that depend on us.
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I hope all of you can join us at our next meeting which will be held on 5 Dec at
10:00 AM at the Knights of Columbus, 1020 Veranda Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM.
It sits on the corner of Southern and Veranda across from the
Super Save Wal-Mart. If you have questions please call me.
Elected Officers of DAV Chapter 5
2009-2010
Commander – Elaine Espinoza- Mitchell (H) 890-0291, E-mail
mailto:emitch147@msn.com
emitch147@msn.com
Sr. Vice Commander – Michael Tatum (C) 410-9277
1st Jr. Vice – Greg Rosenberg (H) 994-0850
2nd Jr. Vice – Jim Ritchie
Treasurer – Ray Rivera
Chaplain – Ernest Buckholz (H) 892-8357)
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Adjutant – Edward C. Mitchell (H) 890-0291
Chapter Service Officer – Elaine M. Mitchell (H) 890-0291
Legislative Chairman – Wilbur Hodgin (H) 896-3382
Judge Advocate – Dean Buffard (H) 890-5524
Officer of the Day – Bob Rice
Sgt-at-Arms – Reggie Giles
Editor – Edward & Elaine Mitchell
DAV Membership
Life membership may be purchased for a $40.00 down payment and interest-free
balance payments for the following age groups. Age 40 and under $250.00. Age 41
to 60, 230.00. Age 61 – 70, $180.00, Age 71 to 79, $140.00. Age 80 and above free.
New Mexico Department of Veterans Commission, Santa Fe office, John Garcia,
Secretary, Phone 1-505-827-6300
DAV Nat’l Svc Office, Albuquerque Office, 500 Gold Ave SW Room 3508
Albuquerque, NM 87102. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM to
3:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM-1:00 PM Phone 346-4864
DAV Nat’l” Hqs, Cincinnati, Ohio Office: Total Free number is 1-888-236-8313
Ext 3293. Hours to call are 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Eastern Time).
Dept. of Veterans Affairs VA Regional Office Benefit Information and Assistance
Phone 1-800-827-1000.
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DAV
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit
501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled
veterans and their families.
The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I
to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally
chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans.
Made up exclusively of men and women disabled in our nation’s defense, the
Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to one, single purpose — building
better lives for all of our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. This
mission is carried forward by:
 Providing
free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in
obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies
of government;
 Providing
outreach concerning its program services to the American
people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families
specifically;
 Representing
the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their
widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House
and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government;
 Extending
DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these
veterans and their families live through a network of state-level
Departments and local Chapters; and
 Providing
a structure through which disabled veterans can express their
compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer
programs.
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Disabled American Veterans Elect Roberto Barrera National Commander
DENVER—Declaring, “I can think of no finer mission than to build better lives for
America’s disabled veterans and their families,” Roberto Barrera was elected
National Commander of the 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans
(DAV) at the organization’s 88th National Convention today.
Commander Barrera is a combat-disabled Vietnam War veteran who served in
the U.S. Marine Corps. He suffered serious facial burns and the loss of his right
hand at the wrist and his left arm at the shoulder when a bomb was exploded by
enemy forces beneath an armored personnel carrier in which he was traveling in
1969.
A life member of Chapter 5 in San Antonio and native of Del Rio, Texas,
Commander Barrera earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at St. May’s
University, and later, while teaching at Del Rio High School, a master’s degree at
Sul Ross University. Barrera’s career has also included positions of leadership
and management as a juvenile probation counselor and Family Support Center
Director at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.
Commander Barrera was elected to national office as National 4th Jr. Vice
Commander at the 2004 National Convention in Reno, Nevada, and
consecutively elected 3rd Jr. Vice Commander through Sr. Vice Commander
thereafter.
Commander Barrera is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. They
include: the DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 1998; LIFE’s
(Leaders In Furthering Education Foundation) Presidential Unsung Hero Award
for 1998; Disabled Veteran of the Year for the State of Texas in 1990 and again
in 1998 and Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability
Award for 1997.
Commander Barrera and his wife, Maricelia, reside in Del Rio. They are parents
of three children and grandparents to four grandchildren.
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization
founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this
nation’s disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better
lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. For more information,
visit the organization’s Web site www.dav.org.
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DAV Auxiliary Elects Kay Egan National Commander
DENVER—Pledging continued dedication to the Disabled American Veterans
(DAV) and Auxiliary mission of building better lives for America’s disabled
veterans and their families, Kay Egan, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was elected
National Commander of the quarter-million-member DAV Auxiliary at the 88th
National Convention of the DAV and Auxiliary in Denver today.
Commander Egan joined the Auxiliary in 1987. Her membership eligibility is
through her late husband, Bill, a World War II Navy Air Corps veteran. She is a
life member of Auxiliary Unit 94 in Lehigh Acres.
During her 22 years as an Auxiliary member, Commander Egan has held all the
elected Unit and district offices and is currently State Executive Committee
woman for her Unit.
The DAV Auxiliary is a nonprofit auxiliary organization of the 1.3 million-member
Disabled American Veterans founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S.
Congress in 1932, which represents this nation’s disabled veterans. The DAV
and its Auxiliary are dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for
America’s disabled veterans and their families. For more information, visit the
organization’s Web site www.dav.org.
Christmas Dinner
The West Mesa Chapter 5 Christmas is scheduled for 18 Dec at the Knights of Columbus,
1020 Veranda Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. It sits on the corner of Southern and Veranda
across from the Super Save Wal-Mart where the Chapter normally meets. Commander
Mitchell plans to start the Christmas Dinner at 1300 to allow those members who can not
drive at night to attend this event. Comrade Carol Bauman, the Chapter Entertainment
Chair has arranged for the members to vote on the menu at the next meeting.
From the desk of the Adjutant:
Fundraisers
Commander Elaine M. Mitchell hosted the Chapter’s first fundraiser for 2009 at
her home in Paradise Hills. She was assisted in making the yard sale a success
by her husband Edward, Marty and Zenaida Cantu and Zenaida’s Mother Maria,
Dean and Velma Buffard, Maria and Gary Sanburg, Michael Elmore and Mr. &
Mrs. Zach Mutchler, all members of the Chapter. The sale started at 0800 on
Saturday, 18 Jul 2009 and concluded at 1300. The sale raised $481.70, which
has been turned over to the Chapter treasurer for deposit.
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The Commander and Chapter wishes to thank Col Nat and Debra Thongchua
(USAF Ret), Preston and Angela Dennard, John Paul and Danila Alfonso, Dean
and Velma Buffard and Fred Saddler for their generous donations to this cause.
Commander Mitchell was delighted with the results of this fundraiser and
commented that if we can get just a little more help with our “Forget me not drive”
in October we should be equally as successful.
Forget Me Not Drive
The first time the DAV members ever sold the little, blue Forget-Me-Nots to the
public was on February 24, 1926. The first Forget-Me-Not drive was held to raise
funds to support DAV services and assistance desperately needed by veterans
disabled in World War I.
The idea of selling the little blue flowers came from an image carried home in the
memories of soldiers from the First World War who had seen spring flowers
growing on the graves of comrades and allies killed in the fighting.
After World War I, the flower became the accepted symbol for commemorating
those who had fallen in the war. Many felt the best way to honor the dead was to
assist those who came home bearing the scars of war.
For more than 80 years, this small blue flower of remembrance has been the
staple of Chapter-level fundraising to support DAV assistance to local disabled
veterans.
The West Mesa Chapter 5 Forget Me Not Drive was conducted 3 – 10 Oct in Rio
Rancho, NM. Unfortunately, we only had a limited number of members willing to
participate but the few who did help did a great job. Commander Mitchell wishes
to thank Richard Casado’s for spearheading the fundraiser and the few who
joined him in making this drive a success.
Legislation Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2009
Senate Sends VA Health Care Funding Reform Bill to White House
Long-Awaited Victory for Veterans Nears
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14—The U.S. Senate gave final approval Tuesday to
legislation that will finally reform the budget and appropriations process for the
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Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical care programs, ensuring veterans
receive the health care they have earned in a timely manner
The Senate’s unanimous approval comes on the heels of a 419-1 vote in the
House last week, passing H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform
and Transparency Act.
The bill is now headed to the White House. President Obama voiced support for
this landmark legislation and is expected to sign it into law.
“With the support of Congress, we now are on the brink of a long-overdue victory
that will help ensure timely access to medical care for the men and women who
have served, are serving and will serve in defense of our nation,” said DAV
National Commander Roberto Barrera. “For two decades, the Disabled American
Veterans and other veterans service organizations have worked to reform the
budget and appropriations process to ensure that veterans receive the health
care they have earned in a timely manner.”
The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes
Congress to approve veterans medical care funding one year in advance to
better meet the anticipated demand for veterans health care services. The
advanced funding will give the Department of Veterans Affairs up to a full year to
plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care.
Additionally, this would require the Government Accountability Office to audit the
budget development process to ensure that sufficient funds are included.
“This legislation will help every disabled veteran and every future disabled
veteran,” said Commander Barrera. “This is happening because so many of
DAV’s members and supporters have stepped up and called on Congress to put
an end to chronic lapses in budgets almost every year for decades. We stood up
for veterans together, and veterans and their families are going to benefit.”
From: Ernest Buckholz: CHAPLAIN NOTES
My goals as the Chapter Chaplain is to visit the members that are hospitalized, send get
well cards to those who are sick and at home. I will do my utmost best to fulfill the duties as
Chapter Chaplain.
I ask if you are sick at home, or in the hospital PLEASE notify me. I can be reached at
892-8357 or E-mail at ebbuckholz@msn.com. I will need to know your address and phone
number so that I may keep in touch with you. In case of hospitalization I will need to know
what hospital you are in...
2009 Memorial
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In 2009 West Mesa Chapter 5 said goodbye to two long time and hard working
Comrades:
Warren Link and Dale Nelson
Chapter 5 Members Honored at Gospel Light Baptist Church
Max P. Liebers
A decorated veteran of the US Army who defended this Nation during
WWII and served until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the 84th
Infantry Division, part of the Ninth Army, which took part in the great
assault on the Siegfried Line and many other battles. He thanks our
Heavenly Father for protecting him and others who survived the War and
ask that we not forget those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Ernest Lee
A decorated US Army veteran was also honored for his service in
defense of this great Nation.
NM National Guard Honor Guard
1. Families must request an Honor Guard thru the Funeral Home Director.
2. The Funeral Director Must Contact Ft. Bliss Tx.- Office of Public Affairs
(Phone Number)- 1-915-568-4505.
3. Ft. Bliss will contact the local Armory - then they will contact Santa Fe
and let them know.
Santa Fe will in turn will call the local Armory to make sure they know
about the funeral.
This is what I found out after being ask why the Guards of NM doesn't do
this.
Rick Madera
DAV State Commander
___________________________________________________________
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CHUCKLE for MONTH
A man and woman were playing golf, when a bolt of lightning hit them, and they
immediately went up to heaven. St. Peter met them at the gate and asked what they
liked to do for recreation? They both replied how much they liked to play golf. St.
Peter took them to the pro shop to get outfitted with golf apparel and clubs, anything
they needed and then told them to go to the country club for a bite to eat and tee time
would be in an hour, and in fact, they could play golf anytime they wanted. After a
couple of days, the husband became depressed. His wife asked how he could be
depressed up in heaven, with a beautiful new condo on the golf course, and golf
available at anytime. He replied, “Well, had it not been for that 1 mile a day walk and
your bran muffins, we could have been here 13 years ago.” – James Linderman
______________________________________________________________
If you wish to continue receiving the Newsletter please send your email to the
Adjutant and it will be emailed to you. If you don’t have email please call and
other arrangements will be made. As you are aware the postage stamp just went
up in price again. We’ll get a newsletter out at least every three months. This way we
can save on postage and you will receive it much quicker.
Editor’s Note: Articles submitted to this newsletter are the sole opinion of
the authors, and do not represent or is meant to represent the views of Chapter
5 or the DAV. Next Newsletter will go out in Nov 07, if you have something for
the newsletter please email to the adjutant.
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