The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaAugust 2013 Vol. LXIII, #8

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD

President’sReport

3

Washington Update

4

Service Officer’sReport

5

Election Statements6

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 12

…the New England group

should be very proud of

their accomplishments.

Chapter Athletes Reap the Gold

The 33rd National Veterans Wheelchair

Games has seen over 600 wheelchair

athletes participate in more than 15

events beginning Sunday July 14 and ending

Thursday evening July 18th in Tampa, FL.

The Chapter sponsored seven

Long Term Care athletes from

the Brockton VA and 12 out-

patient athletes. There were at

least 3 novices in our group.

The Chapter also supported

VA staff, VA volunteers, significant others, and

family members who support the athletes. On

behalf of the Chapter President, the Board of

Directors, and myself, I want to thank the VA

for allowing VA staff to attend and assist our

members. I also want to

thank all the caregivers and

family members who came to

not only assist their members

with their day to day care but

to be their cheering section.

Without the 3,000+ volun-

teers who give their time to

these games and our family

support, we could not partici-

pate in this annual event.

The events range from air-

guns to swimming with a

number of team sporting

events – basketball, quad

rugby, and softball. The

Chapter is proud of the fact that as a Chapter

team, we are not at the bottom of the medal list.

An athlete must participate in a minimum of 2

events and a maximum of 5. PVA and the VA

changed the

swimming,

field, and

track events.

It is now

possible for

an athlete

to leave with between 5 and 15 medals. This

is great for athletes whose primary event may

have been swimming and who now participate

in other events as long as their schedule didn’t

conflict.

Story by Debra A. Freed

Larry King prepping for Field events as the VA

nurses cheer him on.

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: info@nepva.org

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Dustin SorokaSecretary, Walter FarringtonTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonMike GuilbaultPeter Moore Wayne RossJim WallackNeal Williams

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

Fax: (617) 723-7467

Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Dustin Soroka

STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman

2

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911

National Service Officer III, John StansburySecretary III, Wendy Glidden

$50Richard SpizzirriWestwood, MA

$25Thomas M. Sullivan

Rangeley, ME

$25H. Robert Feijoo

Shirley, MA

OurNine Month Drawing

– July Winners –

Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA

Cocktails: 5:45 p.m.; Dinner: 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $20.00 per person

Join Us for the Annual NEPVA Banquet

Friday, October 4th

August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President

President’s Report

It’s either too cold and complaining of the snow,

or it’s too hot and humid - which do you prefer?

Me personally, I’ll take the heat and humidity

365 days a year versus the cold and snow, and

thankfully I have central air conditioning to help

cope with the heat wave that has been with us

here in New England for a spell. I hope our mem-

bers take full advantage of the many, many pro-

grams and activities available during the summer

months. To see the many upcoming events or

activities, please read our newsletter and also visit

our web site.

I am in the process of finalizing forms and other

matters related to the Chapter hosting its first

annual AWBA/PVA sponsored bowling tourna-

ment to be held October 24-27, 2013 at Fox-

woods Resort Casino in Ledyard, CT. We are

hopeful to have a nice turnout and see fellow

AWBA members that we tend to see at various

tournaments around the country. Once the forms

and other information are finalized, we will for-

ward them to the AWBA and also post them on

our Chapter web site. To take a look at the terrific

bowling venue at Foxwoods Resort Casino visit

www.highrollersfoxwoods.com.

As I write this brief article, many NEPVA members

are no doubt enjoying themselves

at the Veterans Games

in Tampa, FL. I look

forward to hearing

how the New

England team

fared this year

upon completion

of the event.

In an unfortunate matter,

I am working with the North Kingstown, RI

police department in a fraudulent fundraising/

donating matter. There is an individual (name

withheld) who has been inappropriately and

fraudulently soliciting monetary donations, using

our organization as a means to gain money for

himself. As President of our 501(c)(3) non-profit

veterans organization, I am aware that he is

a repeat offender in illegally soliciting money

from persons/businesses in various communi-

ties, who otherwise feel they are doing a good

thing in donating to a worthy cause - helping our

members and disabled veterans. As a non-profit

veterans organization which assists the men and

women who have honorably served our country

and have sustained a disability, the mere thought

that this individual would stoop so low and dis-

credit and/or blemish our organization for his

personal gain is unimaginable to me and quite

frankly, disgraceful. I have been assured that he

will soon be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest

extent of the law.

As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s web site

(www.nepva.org), PVA’s web site (www.pva.org),

and the VA’s web site (www.va.gov) for up to

date and recent news. If you have any questions,

comments, or concerns please contact our office

or your local NSO.

Benefits and Job Fair Saturday, September 21st 10:00 a.m. —3:00 p.m.

VABHS Brockton Campus 940 Belmont Street, Brockton

VA

Benefits—You earned them, use them! Get answers about disability, education, housing, financial planning and more.

Find a job, or find a better job! Network with dozens of Vet-friendly employers.

Connect with your fellow Vets. Get to know your local Veteran Service organizations.

Free, family-friendly cookout!

Welcome Vets of all eras, friends and family!

SAVE THE DATE!

More information: www.boston.va.gov or email David.Hencke@va.gov

Remember to Bring Your DD 214

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org4continued on page 13

On June 28, the House VA Subcommittee on Disability

Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on multiple

pieces of pending veterans’ legislation. The legislation was

wide ranging covering improvements to claims processing,

improvements to receiving initial claims prior to a final claim

determination, prioritizing some veterans’ claims, as well as

many other issues.

Two pieces of legislation, H.R. 1623, the “VA Claims Effi-

ciency Through Information Act of 2013” and H.R. 1809,

provide more information to veterans with claims pending.

H.R. 1623 requires the VA Secretary to maintain an internet

website to provide information in an efficient and accessible

method to inform veterans who may have claims pending.

H.R. 1809, like H.R. 1623, provides greater information to a

veteran submitting a claim, but also provides information on

average wait times for claims processing and the percentage

of claims approved. This will increase the understanding of

the process and may help set expectations of how long a vet-

eran may have to wait for a claim to be adjudicated.

PVA strongly supported H.R. 2086, the “Pay As You Rate

Act.” Reducing the backlog and providing timely disabil-

ity ratings should remain the number one priority for all

involved. But at present, veterans who have been waiting for

a decision on their initial claims endure hardships during

transition from service, particularly among service members

and veterans living with disabilities, family responsibilities,

unemployment, and other adjustment issues. Those veterans

will benefit greatly from a timely decision on an initial claim

for VA benefits. PVA believes that it does not make sense that

payment and benefits should be delayed even though a deci-

sion on a specific disability has been made by the Secretary.

Though this will not solve the problem of unmet needs for

disabled veterans who are waiting for their final decision, it

will begin providing access to care, benefits and financial

assistance that is so critical to an improved quality of life.

One piece of legislation that PVA expressed concern with

was H.R. 2382, the “Prioritizing Urgent Claims for Veterans

Act.” The legislation would prioritize claims for those vet-

erans over 70 years old, veterans who are terminally ill and

those with life-threatening illnesses. PVA believes VA has the

authority to do this and is already taking these steps when

necessary. While PVA understands the intent, the legislation

seems arbitrary as well as unnecessary. In addition, the pro-

posed language doesn’t even mention “financial hardship” as

a condition which is potentially more of a problem for PVA

members. PVA recommended this be included which would

also potentially help widows awaiting DIC and veterans on

pension with static, catastrophic disabilities.

House Veterans Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Pending Veterans’ Legislation

Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health, held a

hearing on July 9, to review pending legislation involving the delivery of VA

health care services to veterans. Panelists who provided testimony included

veterans service organizations, Members of Congress who introduced the

legislation, and the VA’s Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, with

the Veterans Health Administration. PVA provided a statement for the record.

A total of five bills were discussed during the hearing. The “Long-term Care

Veterans Choice Act,” was the first bill reviewed by the Subcommittee, and

proposes to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into

contracts or agreements for the transfer of veterans to non-VA adult foster

homes for certain veterans who are unable to live independently. PVA sup-

ported this legislation as it increased veterans’ long-term care options. We

further explained to the Subcommittee that it is PVA’s position that veterans

must choose to relocate to an adult foster home from a VA nursing home,

and such facilities are only appropriate for disabled veterans who do not

require regular monitoring by licensed providers, but rather have a cata-

strophic injury or disability and are able to sustain a high level of indepen-

dence.

PVA also supported H.R. 1702, the “Veterans Transportation Service Act.” If

enacted, this bill would authorize VA to transport individuals to and from VA

facilities when it is in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination

House VA Health Subcommittee Reviews Proposed Legislation

August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)And Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (SRH)

By Brenda L. Vazquez-AlvarezSenior National Service Officer, Bronx, NY

Service-Disabled Veterans Insur-

ance may provide up to $10,000

for eligible veterans.

The following are requirements veterans

must meet to qualify for “Service-Dis-

abled Veterans Insurance” (S-DVI):

1. Veterans must have been released or

discharged from active duty on or

after April 25, 1951 with under other

than dishonorable conditions.

2. Veteran who served less than two

years after he or she was granted a

“NEW” service-connected disability.

3. Veterans who are waiting to be rated

for service-connected disabilities.

Please be aware that veterans cannot

apply to S-DVI if they were just rated

an increase to an already service-

connected disability. If someone

were recently rated 100% service-

connection or was granted “Indi-

vidual unemployability” it does not

automatically entitle anyone to the

insurance.

4. If veterans have no major health

problems to report, they can qualify

for S-DVI. For the record, if vet-

erans have medical conditions to

report, they should always inform

the Veteran Affairs when applying

for S-DVI. The VA can evaluate and

make their determinations for quali-

fications of the insurance.

Two popular questions I hear often

from veterans are “How much will I

have to pay, and how often will I have

to pay?” Veterans should ensure they

compare Veteran Affair’s insurance

premiums against other insurance pre-

miums. Veterans who choose the VA’s

premiums will not have to pay them if

they become totally disabled, and have

not been able to work for six or more

months.

Anyone who meets the criteria for

S-DVI should fill-out and complete VA

Form 29-4364 (Application for Service-

Disabled Insurance), and submit it

to the Department of Veteran Affairs

Regional Office and Insurance Center

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addi-

tion to the Service-Disabled Veterans

Insurance that may provide up to

$10,000 for veterans who are eligible;

you may also qualify for the Supple-

mental Service-Disabled Veterans Insur-

ance.

Supplemental Service-Disabled

Veterans Insurance can offer up to

$30,000 for veterans eligible in addition

to Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance.

If veterans have Service-Disabled Vet-

erans Insurance coverage and Service-

Disabled Veterans waived insurance

premiums they could qualify for this

insurance. Veterans must apply within

one year of receiving a letter from the

VA Insurance Center that the Service-

Disabled Veterans Insurance premiums

are waived, and before a 65th birthday

or whichever comes first.

Please note if one does not have Service-

Disabled Veterans Insurance, he or she

cannot apply for Supplemental Service-

Disabled Veterans Insurance. If at

this time premiums have been waived

a VA Form 29-0188 (Application for

Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans

Insurance (SRH)) must be filled-out

and completed. Submit the completed

form to the Department of Veterans

Affairs Regional Office and Insurance

Center. Please note that premiums for

Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans

Insurance will not be waived as the VA

will not waive any premiums for addi-

tional coverage.

If veterans have any questions about

VA life insurance, they need to con-

tact their local Paralyzed Veterans

of America National Service Officers

local to their area. Veterans can also go

onto the PVA website (www.pva.org)

to discover more information on this

important topic.

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.orgcontinued on page 7

6

2 0 1 3 N E P V A E L E C T I O N S TAT E M E N T S

To All Voting Life Members of NEPVAYou will be receiving (or have received) a ballot for the 2013-2014 election of NEPVA

officers and board of directors. Below are the resumes or bios of the candidates

who have accepted their nominations. Please use these resumes to help you decide

who will get your vote. Please vote for 7 Executive Board members and your choice

for President, Vice President, and Secretary. The office of Treasurer is uncontested.

John Brako - I am an Army

veteran, and received a Multiple Sclero-

sis (MS) diagnosis while in the military.

I have taken a proactive approach to

reviewing the latest neurological disease

research. The VA’s adoption of new

medication and treatments can some-

times lag that of the civilian environ-

ment, so I take a very active approach

in endorsing the acceptance of leading-

edge remedies for fellow paralyzed

veterans.

I attended the Army Defense Language

Institute in Monterey. I subsequently

served in the operational detachment of

an Airborne Psychological Operations

unit in the First Special Operations

Command. When I completed my

military enrollment, I joined the Army

Reserves while I furthered my studies

in the Russian and Italian languages at

Northeastern University. After earn-

ing my undergraduate degree, I worked

for Southwestern Bell DBA Cellular

One Boston. I lived in Florida where I

served as a board member at the Cen-

tral Florida PVA in 1996. I returned to

Massachusetts in 1998. I served on the

Commission on Disability for the Town

of Acton through the last decade. I cur-

rently serve on the board of directors

for the NEPVA as the MS Liaison.

Brad Carlson - Hello every

one, for the few that don’t know me, my

name is Brad Carlson and I am seeking

re-election to the Executive Board. I

have been a Board member since 1997

and was appointed to Sports Director

later that year by Ken Medeiros. I have

been a wheelchair athlete for most of

my 27 years of being injured. I sus-

tained a T-6/7 incomplete injury back

in 1986 while in the Marine Corps.

My wife and I owned a very successful

restaurant which has since been sold

which gives me more time to spend

doing what I enjoy the most, being your

Sports Director. As Sports Director, we

have accomplished many things that

we have all enjoyed with many more

to come! Over this past year alone, we

held the First Annual PVA National

Trap Shoot in honor of Mickey Emery

in June. We hope that this will lead to

our first ever trap shoot team. We have

another National event coming up in

September, that being Billiards to be

held in Brockton. We also have had the

pleasure of Horse Back riding in the

Brookfields with more of that to come.

Our 6th annual Billiard Tournament

was the largest one to date and promises

to keep growing. As always I promise to

keep our programs strong and look for-

ward to serving on the Board again.

Craig Cascella - I am a life

member of NEPVA, PVA, and a U.S.

Marine Corps veteran (Sgt. – Ret.).

While in the military, I served as a

military police officer and Presiden-

tial Security Guard under Presidents

Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush

respectively. I am requesting your con-

sideration and support for re-election as

NEPVA President.

I have a bachelor’s degree from the Uni-

versity of Rhode Island. Over the many

years of being actively involved with

the Chapter, I have officially served

as NEPVA Secretary, Vice President,

National Director, and President. I have

directly and indirectly been involved

with numerous Chapter programs and

committees such as the Internet, various

fundraising endeavors, vehicle donation

programs, transportation programs,

and have networked and collaborated

with other contacts and organizations

in the New England region, which has

overall supported and enhanced our

many programs offered to our member-

ship. I have been actively involved with

the oversight and delivery of healthcare

at all VA Medical Centers and SCI

Clinics in the New England region, as

well as adding input to some issues or

solutions that may arise. Ensuring our

members and veterans receive the best

possible healthcare at the VAMC’s and

SCI Clinics in the region is paramount

and a top priority. Working with our

local National Service Officers (NSO’s),

VA staff, and VA Senior Management

has indeed assisted with this aspect and

NEPVA is a respected voice in health-

care matters.

August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 7

continued from page 6

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Having served as NEPVA’s President and National Director over many years,

I have a solid knowledge of PVA as a whole – the business conducted by the

National organization has a direct effect and/or influence on each PVA Chapter.

I have been a vocal proponent of fairness amongst the PVA Chapters and have

spoken on behalf of our membership at both the local and National levels at many

official PVA meetings. I am in frequent contact with PVA National staff and lead-

ership on many issues related to PVA and its Chapters.

Since I have been involved with NEPVA, I have had the pleasure of working with

Past Presidents Larry Callaghan and Ken Medeiros. While each person has had

their individual approach and leadership techniques, one can observe and take var-

ious aspects of their effective leadership styles, then add one’s own specific qualities

or techniques, and implement them for the overall betterment of the Chapter.

I would like to sincerely thank those of you who have been supportive of me in the

past, and also helping the Board of Directors, office staff, volunteers, and organiza-

tion as a whole in making New England PVA one of the premier PVA Chapters.

If re-elected as Chapter President, I will perform my duties to the best of my abili-

ties for the betterment of the Chapter, its members, and the disabled community.

Thank you.

Walter Farrington- I have

been a veteran since 1973 and paralyzed

since 1983. I am currently serving on

the Executive Board, as Hospital Liai-

son to Manchester, N.H. VA.

I am also co-chair to the wheelchair

committee of the US Tennis Assoc. and

Past Treasurer of the State Advisory

Committee of N.H. USTA. In addition

to tennis and bowling, I have competed

in wheelchair basketball, softball, quad

rugby, fishing and weight lifting.

I’m looking forward to my increased

involvement with sports activities, Man-

chester VA and SCI clinic. Thanks for

your votes.

continued on page 8more statements

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org8

Mike Guilbault - I am an

Air Force veteran who became a life

member in 1996. I am seeking the

office of Secretary and would appreci-

ate your vote. I was 1st elected to the

BOD in 1998 and served as Asst. Sports

Director until I was made Sports Direc-

tor in 2001. I’ve been to DC to advocate

for veterans benefits many times and

volunteered at our golf tournament and

school presentations ever since becom-

ing a member. I helped get the NEPVA

website running and currently am the

VAVS Rep for NEPVA and the NEPVA

Peer Mentor Rep also. I organize the

‘What’s it Like’ school visit program

and enjoy spending time and educating

the elementary school children that I

believe can then go help educate their

parents that being in a wheelchair does

not make us any different from them.

We just may have to do some things

a little differently. I also get great sat-

isfaction mentoring new injuries and

working with the VA Recreational staff

to help get our members involved in

the many excellent opportunities for

recreation as well as team sports. I was

the Sports Director who started the Air

Rifle shooting program at the VA hos-

pitals in order for our members to prac-

tice weekly for the annual wheelchair

games event.

I have gained much from those who

mentored me and got me involved in

activities when I was a new injury. I

would like to continue all I do to insure

Peter Moore - I grew up in

Sturbridge, Mass, and my wife and I

currently live in Lawrence, Massachu-

setts. From 1999 to 2002 I proudly

served aboard the fast-attack submarine

USS Olympia (SSN-717) as a Sonar

Man and ship’s Diver. The years aboard

that great ship were some of the most

challenging and rewarding of my life.

During my freshman year in college,

in the Fall of 2003, I was involved in

a motorcycle crash that left me a T-4

Asia-A paraplegic. As a patient at the

West Roxbury VA Medical Center

at West Roxbury I was introduced to

the NEPVA. I was challenged and

motivated by fellow veterans. The Peer

Mentor program and the outstanding

NEPVA service officers ensured that all

of my and my family’s needs were met

during that difficult time. I have since

mentored several individuals myself,

and feel that peer mentoring is one of

our most important initiatives.

I returned to college and graduated

from Worcester Polytechnic Institute

with a Bachelor of Science degree in

Aerospace Engineering. I have been

employed as a Systems Engineer at Ray-

theon Company since 2010.

In the disabled community I see

numerous opportunities for service and

outreach. I believe activities such as

the NEPVA Bass Tour, winter sports

clinics, and the National Veteran’s

Wheelchair Games are important for

quality of life and camaraderie and

that individuals should be encouraged

and enabled to participate. I also feel

that there is huge value in research into

health and life issues.

the quality of life opportunities for our

members and would ask for your sup-

port to vote for me for the BOD. I work

well with the hospital staff and would

like to make sure we continue to have

quality care and many opportunities

to get out and enjoy life through the

many recreation and sports programs

now available to our members. I’ve writ-

ten many Cord Word articles detailing

all the programs available to us and

am always willing to hear from you if

there is something that you think we

could add. Please vote for me and I will

continue to do all I can to continue

to improve both quality of life and of

healthcare at our VA hospitals for our

members. Thank you.

YOUR VOTE

IS IMPORTANT

PLEASE WATCH

FOR YOUR BALLOT

IN THE MAIL

&

EXERCISE YOUR VOTE

August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9

continued on page 11

Charles SchenaTreasurer’s resume:

As the Treasurer of New England

Chapter PVA, my responsibilities were

to insure that all program expenditures

complied with the budgeted guidelines.

That the chapter complied with rules

set by the Attorney General’s Office

of the Commonwealth. The Chapter

follows the approved accounting guide-

lines.

Vice President :

I would like to be considered for the

position of Vice-President of New Eng-

land Chapter PVA.

Qualifications

I have served the chapter as the Advo-

cacy/Legislative Director (currently

Dustin Soroka: I enlisted in

the United States Marine Corp in April

1998. I served at various Marine Corps

bases through out the United States and

Japan. On September 2004 while serv-

ing with the 4th Force Reconnaissance

Company in Hawaii, I suffered a service

connected spinal cord injury. After serv-

ing 7 years I was medically retired as a

Sergeant/E-5 in May 2005. My level of

injury is C-4 (Incomplete). I grew up in

Hudson, Mass but have been living in

Corinna, Maine since 2007.

I have been a member of NEPVA since

2005, and have served on the Board of

Jim Wallack: My name is Jim

Wallack, I’m a husband to Donna and

father to Jake, and I’d like your vote for

the Executive Board of the New Eng-

land Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans

of America.

I grew up in Lawrence Mass., joined the

Coast Guard after High School gradu-

ation in 1973, and sustained a Spinal

Cord injury while on active duty in

Brownsville, Texas in 1976. While in

college in California, I made numerous

cross country trips as I adapted to life in

a wheelchair. In 1984, after 3 months

of intense training, I became a National

Service Officer and manned the office

in Hartford Ct. for 2 years before

moving to New Hampshire. I have been

involved with the chapter in fundrais-

ing, Rec. Day, and sports, namely fish-

ing, softball, bowling, skiing, and the

N.V.W.G.’s. Currently I am the Bass

Trail Liaison to the NEPVA.

Over the past year we have seen a drop

in donations due to the economy, but

we are making do with what we have

and are spreading the funds around as

equitably as possible so that our mem-

bership’s favorite programs continue.

Our programs are the envy of many

chapters and it is through the hard work

of our staff, members, and volunteers

that they exist. And it is to them that I

say thank you.

Directors for the past 4 years. I have

been involved with many of our vari-

ous programs over the years. For the

past 3 years, I have been representing

our organization and our members

meeting with politicians that cover the

New England area. I enjoy the work

that myself and NEPVA are doing for

our veterans, and I hope to continue

improving far into the future.

Finally, I urge all of you, our members,

to become more involved. NEPVA is a

good organization, and with a little help

from all of us, we can make it great!!

Gov’t Relations). The Chapters pro-

grams have grown over the years. I have

been a member of the BOD for close

to ten years. I would like to be part of

our continued growth of the chapter’s

programs. We have many challenges

coming in the upcoming years. I am

involved in the assistance to veterans in

the South Shore community. Over the

years I have learned a great deal about

PVA and what it means.

Again as Treasurer I worked to insure

that all accounts adhered to the rules set

forth by APA.

Education: University of Massachusetts:

Masters Education

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org10

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August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

continued from page 9

If re-elected to the board, I will con-

tinue to look out for what is in the best

interest of our members and our Chap-

ter. Feel free to contact me with any

information or suggestions about how

to make our Chapter better and get

more members involved. Suggestions on

how to increase fund raising and where

the money would do the most good

would be greatly appreciated. Thank-

you, Jim.

Neal Williams - I am a US

Army Veteran (CWO USAR (ret)) with

nearly 14 years of active duty when I was

released in 1981 and subsequently retired

from the reserve. My injury is as a result

of combat service in the Republic of

Vietnam, where I served as a Counter-

Intelligence Special Agent. I continued

to serve in that capacity and later as

an Area Intelligence Technician. I am

a life member of NEPVA, PVA, Mili-

tary Order of the Purple Heart, VFW,

AMVETS, DAV and Vietnam Veterans

of America. While I support all veterans

and all organizations supporting and

advocating for veterans, I have chosen to

work exclusively for PVA expressly to assist those with spinal

cord injury and disease. My level of injury is T-10 and I am

incomplete.

I have worked tirelessly for years for my fellow Veterans, have

testified before congressional committees, and lobbied for

several years on behalf of Veterans in support of The Indepen-

dent Budget. NEPVA has allowed me to continue to lobby in

Washington on behalf of veterans where I have been able to

meet with Congressmen and Senators from both sides of the

aisle and from throughout New England to let them know of

pending legislation and the position of NEPVA concerning

that legislation. As a former national officer, and also former

VA Boston Healthcare System

Boston Duck Tour Driver’s Fundraiser

Benefiting Adaptive Sports Programs for our Veterans

Date: September 8, 2013 ( from the Museum of Science)

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Ticket Price: $20 each*

*Please make checks payable to: VA BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Purchase tickets from: Voluntary Services in Brockton.

Get one soon – at this price – they will go fast!

First Come - First Served!

The Boston Duck boat driver “Conductors” are donating their time on this date at this time as a fundraiser. You will not get a Boston Duck Tour for less and it’s ALL going to support Adaptive Sports for our Veterans Please thank them when you go. - Ralph C. Marche, Chief Voluntary Service

national service officer with another veterans organization, I

bring a good deal of experience that I hope will be of value

to NEPVA in the years to come.

On a more personal level, I have two children, both mar-

ried, and seven grandchildren. My interests include spend-

ing a good deal of my time as a worker for my Church. I

also enjoy skiing as a result of my exposure to the New Eng-

land Winter Sports Clinic, and being chosen to work as a

volunteer at the 2002 Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City,

Utah, where I was inspired by the athletes there.

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org12

Vet. Gamescontinued from page 1

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Although the Games were not completed at the writing of this

article, the New England group should be very proud of their

accomplishments. Of the many events available for athletes,

airguns, bowling, swimming, and track are the events most of

us participate in. The handcycle event is also growing.

Bowlers walked away with 6 Gold medals. Track took 9 Gold

medals. Airguns, a huge favorite, one gold, one silver, and one

bronze medal. As stated above, swimming also held its own

bringing in 7 gold and 7 silver. Although the competition

was fierce as it always is, everyone goes home a winner. Why?

Because they participated! Because they did their best! And

because it’s not about winning the medals (ok, maybe a little

about winning a medal), it’s about the camaraderie and friend-

ships that develop and last year in and year out. See the next

issue of Cord Word for more about the Games.

Top: Spirit of the Games Award winner, Mike Savicki getting ready for the shot-put. Bottom: Wayne Ross after his heat.

August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 13

Washington Update

“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”

Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.

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888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)

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FREE TO MEMBER

for contact info on these items

CALL THE NEPVA OFFICE

WANTED TO BUY

Full Size Lift Van

for C6 Quadriplegic

Call: 781-545-3744

Make a Donation Today!

100% of your

tax deductible donation

goes to Chapter programs.

Mail your check payable to:

NEPVA

1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV

that’s No Longer Needed to New Eng-

land PVA. NEPVA is currently accepting

vehicle donations from Massachusetts,

Connecticut, and New Hampshire. For

further information, call Toll Free: (866)

2-GIVING or (866) 244-8464, or visit the

NEPVA website: www.nepva.org

NEPVA Accepts Vehicle Donations

treatment, and care. This legislation will assist veterans with transportation

assistance when seeking medical care. Too often the lack of accessible trans-

portation is a barrier to catastrophically disabled veterans’ access to medical

care. Therefore, PVA implored the Subcommittee to ensure that accessible

transportation for disabled veterans, specifically veterans who have incurred

a spinal cord injury or disorder, or veterans who use a wheelchair, would be

available as needed.

PVA did not take positions on the remainder of the bills reviewed during

the hearing. PVA is working with the Subcommittee on these pieces of

legislation to make certain that the needs of PVA members, and disabled

veterans, are taken into consideration.

continued from page 4

Cord Word August 2013

www.nepva.org14

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August 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 15

Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.

Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.

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PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: info@nepva.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA Bass Trail

Sept. 7 NEPVA Bass Tournament Lake Winnipesaukee, NHVisit nepva.org to sign up!

Aug. 31 Lake Hiawatha Fishing BBQ

Bellingham, MA

Sept 7 Bellingham Police Dept.Range located at Bellingham dump

Sept 20 Shawmee Gun Club Shoot Sandwich, MA

Sept 26 Monument Sportsmanship Club Shoot Bourne, MA

Oct 11 Bass River Rod and Gun ClubYarmouthport, MA

SHOOTINGEVENTS

September 13-15, PVA/NEPVA Billiards

Tournament-Westgate Lanes, Brockton, MA

October 23-27, PVA/NEPVA Bowling Tour-

nament-Foxwoods High Rollers Bowling Alley,

Ledyard, CT