Veterans News

VFW CELEBRATES 115 YEARS OF SERVICE
FROM 1899-2014 NO ONE HAS DONE MORE FOR VETERANS

On the evening of September 29, 1899, thirteen men — veterans who had fought on Cuba during the Spanish-American War — gathered at a tailor shop in Columbus, Ohio. They shared their accounts of what was then, the most popular war in America’s history, but further, to discuss how they could assist their fellow veterans and the dependents of their fallen comrades.

These men could not have known then what would grow from such humble beginnings.

The simple and selfless desire to care for those who share in the common bond forged by war, laid the foundation for what has grown to become the multifaceted organization that is the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Arguably the most recognized veterans’ service organization in America — and certainly the oldest and most accomplished — the VFW has evolved into nothing short of a powerhouse for veterans. It’s the veterans’ service organization that has positively impacted the life of each American veteran, or at the least, helped to provide them the promise of opportunity and a better future.

Since its inception so long ago, the VFW has been a determined advocate for all veterans, service members and military families. Generations upon generations have joined in its cause, each as steadfast and determined to help fulfill the VFW mission as the last.

Though much has changed over the years, today’s VFW operates by the same creed upon which it was formed back in 1899. It exists only to care for those who fight to ensure America remains a nation free from tyranny and fear. It’s an organization that was created by veterans, for veterans, and owes all that it has accomplished over its many years to its members; the lifeblood of the organization.

No one has, does or will do more for veterans.

God bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis, Past Commander

Previous Veterans News:

Pennsylvania military veterans can now have their service noted on their PA driver’s license. This serves as military status identification if you don’t have another military ID. It identifies you as a veteran, gives police quicker access to social and legal programs for people who served in the military. There is no additional fee for this.

To sign up, go to www.dmv.state.pa.us and click on the American flag icon.

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:

• Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affairs, Lancaster County 717-299-7920

•John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705

•Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694 Member #1416

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Some Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are diagnosed with any of five other ailments will have an easier path to receive additional disability pay under new regulations developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (12/16/13)

VA Progress on Claims Backlog Highlighted during Congressional Testimony - At a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. Hickey, outlined progress made by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in reducing the backlog of Veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims by 36 percent since March -- attributing the success to the combined impact of VBA's transformation initiatives and increased employee productivity. (12/11/13)

Veterans to Receive 1.5 Percent Cost-of-Living Increase - Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. (12/4/13)

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:
Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County 717-299-7920
John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

At the October 3, 2013, Post meeting, in a collaborative effort with the Lebanon VA Medical Center’s Outreach Coordination Office, a presentation will be presented to our Post members. It will provide veterans with necessary tools and information so every veteran is aware of what they’re entitled to due to their time in service.

You may be entitled to a special pension for veterans’ aid and attendance. If you or your veteran require the aid and assistance of another person for daily care, or are housebound, you may be eligible for monetary payment in addition to monthly pension. You may apply for this benefit by writing to the VA regional office where you filed your pension benefit claim. For more details, visit http://benefits.va.gov/PENSION/aid_attendance_housebound.asp

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:
Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County 717-299-7920
John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

Attention all WWII veterans! If you were in France during the Second World War, the Government of France wishes to thank you by awarding the French Legion of Honor to you. This prestigious medal is awarded to all who made sacrifices to preserve French liberty. To submit your claim, please refer to the information listed below:

FRANCE MAY HONOR WWII VETS FOR LIBERATION OF FRANCE
US veterans who helped in the liberation of France during WWII could be eligible to receive the French Legion of Honor Medal. The French Government has asked the Secretary of VA for assistance in identifying qualified US veterans for medal consideration. Those applying must have written documentation (DD-214), and other official orders verifying military history during combat, i.e. Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, etc., which indicate meritorious actions during combat operation. Send copies of documents and a request for consideration for the French Legion of Honor to the Defense Attaché,. Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 (for more information, call 202-944-6502 or FAX 202-944-6538).

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:
Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County 717-299-7920
John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

Veterans Travel Service

Are you tired of searching the internet for the lowest fares or best deals, only to find out the seat is sold out, or the package you have found has strings attached?

Veterans Travel Service, Inc. has been providing travel assistance to the VFW and its members since 1987. We are located in the VFW Headquarters building and offer many types of travel assistance.
Our staff always has your travel needs in mind and we offer the personal service that has made our reputation what it is today! We also do group travel as well as incentive or business travel. When you call our office, there is NO automated receptionist, from the first time you call, you get real people and professional travel consultants.

We offer rebates for any cruise or tour package booked through our office and will be more than happy to provide assistance with airfare. Since the airlines eliminated our commissions several years ago, we do charge a nominal fee on airline tickets, but remember, we are the experts and many times will beat the lowest fares on the internet.
For immediate assistance, we are open Monday - Friday, from 8:30am to 5:30pm central time, please call 1-800-325-9377.

If you are not sure where you want to travel, feel free to visit our website for ideas at www.vtstvl.com. As a VFW member, see what savings this "benefit program" can be for you!

If travel is in your future, call Veterans Travel Service, Inc. for ALL of your travel needs. Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:

Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County 717-299-7920
John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

On November 12, 2012, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Governor Thomas Corbett signed legislation to benefit PA veterans. The 7 bills cover a wide list of improvements for veterans ranging from voting rights while serving overseas to a special “V” designation on veterans’ driver licenses and special license plates for WWII veterans of the Merchant Marine and all veterans of U.S. Military Airborne Unit.

Also signed into law is a program to train police officers to interact with vets who may suffer PTSD or TBI; the “V” on a driver’s license will also alert the officers that these conditions may exist. A Veterans Trust Fund will provide for veterans’ programs which will be financed in part with money from the sale of Scotland School for Veterans Children. The Pennsylvania Code of Military Justice received its first update since 1975, giving commanders more effective options in dealing with military offenses.

Outgoing Rep. John C. Bear invited representatives from Post 1463 and Garden Spot American Legion Post 56 to attend the signing. Joel Ellis, John Zagorski and Leroy Emmerich joined Rep. Bear along with other veterans, members of the National Guard and state representatives and senators responsible for this legislation at the signing.

For a full explanation of the bills signed in November go to http://www.pahousegop.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=15741

Thank A Vet discount ID Program is now in effect. Get your card. Check www.lancasterdeeds.comfor more information.

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:

Daniel Tooth
Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County
717-299-7920

John Chiodi
Dept. of PA VFW
717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704

Audrey M. Bergstresser
Dept. of PA VFW
717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705

Vince Anzalone
Post 1463 Service Officer
717- 626-0694

God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedom.
Joel Ellis,Commander

GOOD NEWS: Last month the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was passed. This act is a comprehensive benefits package that will provide VA healthcare to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families who have been diagnosed with a disease related to the water contamination that occurred at the base between 1957 and 1987. It also streamlines the disability claims process, ensures transparency in VA funding, protects veterans from sexual assault, and transforms how VA does business in the 21st century. The President signed the bill during the August recess.

MAJOR PROBLEM: An estimated 18 veterans commit suicide every day, which in just one year exceeds total casualties from almost 11 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. If you know a veteran or service member who might need a little extra help, please refer them to the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, their online chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255, for free, confidential support.

President Obama has signed an executive order designed to curb military and veteran suicide and improve the delivery of mental health resources to our nation’s heroes. The executive order, “Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families.” This order includes nearly a dozen specific initiatives designed to improve mental health resources and intervention tools. National Commander John E. Hamilton, noted the VFW support for the president’s vision to prevent military suicides and improve mental health care delivery, but also expressed concerns about potential funding shortfalls to accomplish the president’s goals.May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

I hope all who attended the annual “Salute to Veterans Baseball Game” enjoyed themselves and thanked Representative John Bear and his office staff for the phenomenal job they did.

Next big event for area veterans is the July 4th celebration at Lititz Springs Park. The program theme for this year will be “Our American Heroes”. The festivities begin with a free concert in the park bandshell on June 24 at 6:30 PM. The concert will feature appropriate holiday music played by the Air National Guard Band. The July 4th celebration, in Lititz Springs Park, WILL BE FREE for ALL VETERANS. American Legion Post 56 and Lititz Springs VFW Post 1463 will distribute free wristbands to all veterans. Beginning June 18 you can register at the bar and receive your wristband that will allow you into the park. After you enter the park proceed to the bandshell where complimentary America flags and remembrance tags will be distributed. Write the name of the veteran you wish to honor and insert the flag in the designated area. Veterans should not miss this special program that honors their service.

House Passes VA Funding: By a vote of 407-12, the House overwhelming passed the Military Construction / VA funding bill despite threats of a veto by the Administration.

The bill, H.R. 5854, provides $146.4 billion dollars for FY 2013, which is a 10 percent increase above last year's levels. VA funding includes $54.5 in Advanced Appropriations for medical care, a boost for medical services and increases for jobs and disability programs for veterans. It also provides:

• $6.2 billion for mental health services
• $5.8 billion for homeless veterans programs
• $35 million for continued research on the effects of PTSD and TBI
• $174 million for expansion of Arlington National Cemetery
• $1.1 billion for major and minor construction projects
• $1.7 billion for family and military personnel housing

VFW Supports "We Can't Wait" Initiative:
The VFW is calling President Obama's new "We Can't Wait" initiative an extremely positive step that will help thousands of service members with manufacturing and other high-demand skills receive civilian credentials and licenses. National Commander Richard DeNoyer said it just makes sense that specialized military training should also meet private-sector standards, such as in the career fields of machinists, welders, plumbers, engineers and logistics specialists, as well as commercial vehicle drivers, paramedics, and airframe and power plant technicians. With industry now involved in military training standards, the VFW hopes all the states will soon ease their restrictions regarding the portability of licensing and certifications and academic credit. Read more at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/veterans_report_5-31-2012.pdf

See How Your Elected Officials Vote: As the 112th Congress begins to wind down, the VFW prepared a snapshot of how your House and Senate members voted on veterans' legislation that passed their respective chambers. As in the past, several votes were taken by unanimous consent/voice vote, so individual votes were not recorded and do not appear in the roll call registry at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/keyvotes.xc/?lvl=C

Since critical VFW-supported bills, like the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act (HR 2074) and the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (HR 1407), passed the House unanimously by voice vote, we encourage you to take a look at other legislation on our website for more information on where your members stand on issues critical to the VFW and veterans. Remember how they voted when it comes time for you to vote in November.
Click here for a list of bills: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/bills/.

May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

The annual Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 28, 2012. All who wish to participate should assemble at the Lititz American Legion around 8:00AM for coffee and cake. Veterans will then proceed to Rothsville for the 9:00 AM memorial service. After the Rothsville memorial service, veterans will stop at the Main Street Veterans Memorial for a short service and wreath laying. The Lititz parade begins at 10:45 AM. Those wishing to participate should be at the Warwick Street assembly point at 10:30 AM. Check post bulletin boards any updates regarding time and assembly locations. Later that day, in the evening, the annual Salute to Veterans baseball game will take place. This event is sponsored by Representative John Bear and costs the taxpayers zero dollars. Representative Bear and his excellent staff spend many hours soliciting donations, planning the pre-game veterans salute, and staffing the tables at the ball park. This makes for a memorable event all veterans appreciate. As of this moment no date is known to sign up for your tickets.

Richard L. DeNoyer, who leads the 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries is asking all to “Join the Fight” to stop the Defense Department from penny-pinching service members to the point of dismantling the all-volunteer force. He asks that all veterans and members of the military speak as one voice and let Congress know that all veterans will not support the proposed cutbacks in veterans healthcare, retirement, or military pay. Please click on “Join the Fight” and help the VFW inform your elected officials that it takes people to win our nation’s wars.

Good news regarding the Stolen Valor Controversy. By a 2-1 decision, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver recently reversed a lower court’s decision that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 violates First Amendment free speech protections. The case involved an individual who founded a veterans group in Colorado Springs. This man claimed he had received the Purple Heart and Silver Star, although the military had no record that he ever served. Don’t forget we have a chapter of the “Military Order of the Purple Heart” right here in our post. Carl Spidel is the commander and welcomes all those special veterans who proudly earned this medal.

Veterans now is the time to take the first step toward advancing your career in 2012. The job market today is very competitive; a college degree may improve your chances. See if you qualify for these enhanced GI Bill benefits:
Increased payment rates, as high as $1,473 per month
Housing Stipend for online and on-campus students
Up to $1,000 per year for books
Support for non-degree training programs
Start Now- Request Information from Schools with VA Approved Programs to find out what the GI Bill can do for you!

May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

All veterans must pay close attention to the forthcoming federal budget debate. Since the “Super Committee” failed to reach an agreement of what federal services to cut, the law now mandates that automatic cuts are made across the board. Although Social Security, Medicare and Veterans Benefits are protected, we must remain vigilant. We are all old enough to know that Congress’s word is not to be trusted!

Elementary schools in the Warwick School District honored our veterans with programs for Veterans Day. Several of our active and auxiliary members attended them and the enthusiasm the students displayed was heartwarming. Our heartfelt thanks to those who organized and helped present the tributes. Also our friends from Girl Scouts Cadette Troop #70262 volunteered their service to clean up the Main St. Veterans Memorial. These displays of patriotism, from the youth of our community, are very much appreciated by all veterans.

Also thanks to everyone who helped make the Christmas Package Program for our veterans overseas and the Christmas Visitation to area retirement homes a grand success.

I received information from Frank Kenavan about an Ambucs program to help disabled veterans. The Ambucs sponsor an “AmTryke” Veteran Cycle Program. These are three wheeled vehicles and can be operated either by hand or foot. This offer is made to all disabled veterans at no cost to the applicant. If there are any questions please contact Frank Kenavan. A link to view is available here.

Veterans needing help for any VA benefit may contact any of the following people:
Daniel Tooth, Director of Veterans Affair, Lancaster County 717-299-7920
John Chiodi, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Audrey M. Bergstresser, Dept. of PA VFW 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Vince Anzalone, Post 1463 Service Officer, 626-0694
Manny Gonalez, Post 1463 Service Officer, 664-0196

May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

Our Christmas “Care Packages for Troops” program begins now! American Legion Garden Spot Post 56 and Lititz Springs VFW Post 1463 will once again sponsor it. Our summer program was an outstanding success. Many volunteers participated collecting, sorting and packing the many items that were donated.

Please check the flyers that are posted at both posts for needed items. In addition to the collection boxes in both posts there are several sites in the Lititz area that also are collection points. Monetary donations are most welcome to help defray the mailing costs. All items will be packaged at the American Legion, Thursday, December 8 at 1600 hours. Contact Jeff Vance at 717-940-0600 with any questions or for additional information.

Good news for our veterans! Post 1463 has a new service officer. Vincent Anzalone received his accreditation from both the VFW, Department of Pa. (July 5th) and the Commonwealth of Pa. (August 4th). Vince works directly with the state VFW service officers and can be of great assistance to initiate claims or inquires. His expertise is a valuable asset for any veterans with a VA issue.

More good news! The VA has expanded its list of Navy and Coast Guard ships whose crews may be eligible for disability compensation as a result of exposure to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange. The VA added three new presumptive illnesses to the list of health conditions presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. Read more about the new ships and presumptive conditions click here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/index.asp

To conclude I would like to pass on information about a new program for veterans. It was recently announced that a Veterans Court program would be introduced in Lancaster County. A Veterans Court is a program open to any current or former member of any branch of the United States military who is charged with a crime. An individual interested in participating in the program must be fully assessed by the Veterans Administration who would design a treatment plan specific to that individual’s needs. Once accepted into the program the veteran’s charges may be dismissed or the sentence may be reduced upon successful completion of the treatment plan.
May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

Attention All Veterans: The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Military Museum in Pittsburgh, PA are seeking Pennsylvania veterans who have served the United States in its military endeavors. They wish to honor those veterans by adding their names and military accomplishments into the Joseph A. Dagan “Hall of Valor” located inside the museum. To qualify, the veteran must have a significant connection to Pennsylvania either by birth, entering the military in Pennsylvania or by living in Pennsylvania after completing their service. They also need one of these seven medals: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Navy Cross, Silver Star, Air Force Cross or Soldiers Medal. If you qualify or have questions please call Mike Lynch, at John Bears office, 626-1776.

National Caregiver Support Line Opens: The VA opened a toll-free National Caregiver Support Line this week at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in New York to serve as a “primary resource/referral center” for caregivers, veterans and others seeking information to help our nation’s veterans. VA employees who are licensed clinical social workers will answer calls. The toll-free number is 1-855-260-3274, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. More information is available online at www.caregiver.va.gov

Please pay attention to the budget talks currently taking place in Washington. Congress is looking to cut programs to balance a budget that has been out of control for many years. Recently Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) suggested cutting $4.5 billion from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Included in that cut would have been payments made to disabled veterans. Thank God we have vigilant VFW people looking out for us. The VFW and others loudly protested the proposed cuts. After hearing the outcry, Rep. Michele Bachmann removed the $4.5 billion cut from her bill. Here is a prime example of why we veterans must be vigilant and support our comrades who use the VA for so many things.

Representative John Bear of the 97th District, Commonwealth of PA. will again honor all veterans from his district with an evening baseball game Thursday, May 26th at Clipper Stadium. This is the fourth consecutive year that Representative Bear will host this event. For more details contact his district office at 626-1776.

The annual Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 31, 2011. All wishing to participate should assemble at the Lititz American Legion around 8:00AM for coffee and cake before proceeding to Rothsville for the 8:45 AM memorial service. After the Rothsville memorial service, veterans will stop at the Main Street Veterans Memorial for a short service and wreath laying. The Lititz parade begins at 10:45 AM. Please check post bulletin boards for time and assembly locations.

The life membership boards have been brought up to date. We thank Dick Getz Jr. and Ron Zunich for their persistence and hard work with this project.

May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

I don’t know if you read or heard the criticisms directed at Warwick and Manheim Township High Schools regarding Veterans Day recognition and the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. If not, here it is in a nutshell. The Warwick High School facility and administration did nothing to promote the National Holiday that honors veterans for their sacrifices protecting our freedoms. At Manheim Township High School some students feel the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag is unworthy of their attention or respect. What a shame!

Perhaps the Warwick School District Administrators and the rebellious Manheim Township students who refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance should begin their day reciting the following poem:
Member # 1134
" It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."
--Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

On a brighter note several Elementary schools in the Warwick School District presented some marvelous tributes honoring our veterans. Our heartfelt thanks to all that organized and helped with these programs. I call this to your attention because as veterans we must never allow the memories of our comrades to be forgotten. We must take an active part educating the generations that follow us. When schools fail to teach about the terrible wars America has fought and how difficult it is to preserve our freedoms we must raise our voices and be heard.

May God Bless America and all those who preserve our freedoms.

Respectfully Yours,
John Z

Attention Vietnam Veterans: The Veterans Administration has published final regulations for three (3) new illnesses to be added to the list of presumptions caused by exposure to Agent Orange --- hairy cell leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease. These illnesses were added after an Institutes of Medicine independent study linked the illnesses to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicide defoliants used during the Vietnam War.

The VA has a new phone system for answering any questions regarding your medications. You can call 1-800-409-8771 between 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. All questions pertaining to prescription refills, prescription status or any other pharmacy questions will be answered at this number.

For help resolving veteran’s problems the following information is provided for your convenience. This service is for all veterans. Please call for an appointment.

John Chiodi……. 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Lebanon Veterans Hospital
Location: Bldg. #17, Room 123, Bay 4
· Available every Tuesday and Thursday…All day
· Available the 2nd and 4th Wednesday…… All day
Greenfield VA Clinic, Lancaster, Pa
· Available 1st and 3rd Thursday …All day

Audrey M. Bergstresser…717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705
Lebanon Veterans Hospital
Location: Bldg. #17, Room 123, Bay 5
· Available every Friday…All day
· Available every Wednesday Ephrata VFW, 1 to 6 PM

In addition to the above, don’t forget Dan Tooth who is the veteran’s affairs representative for Lancaster County. He is an excellent source of information regarding veteran benefits. His office is located at 150 N. Queen St., Suite 101, Lancaster, PA 17603. His phone # is 717-299-7920

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Bill Raines on their sixty-first wedding anniversary. Bill is a life member of our post. Bill served as a fighter pilot in World War II. From all of us Happy Anniversary and may you both have many more years of health and happiness.

We wish to acknowledge Mr. & Mrs. Edward “Ted” McCall. Married for 59 years, both served our country in World War II. Ted fought with the U.S. Army Air Force while Beverly his wife served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Ted was asking me if I knew of any members of our post who were married while serving in the Armed Service during World War II. Please contact me know if you meet this criteria. Ted is a life member of our post.

Do you need help resolving a veteran benefit problem? Your Department of PA, VFW provides help in the form of two service officers who will listen and help solve your problem. Both have their main offices at the Lebanon VA Hospital. They also visit 2 locations at other locations in Lancaster County. Membership in the VFW is NOT REQUIRED. Please call them for an appointment. Following information is provided for your conveyance. This service is for all veterans.

John Chiodi……. 717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1704
Lebanon Veterans Hospital
Location: Bldg. #17, Room 123, Bay 4
• Available every Tuesday and Thursday…All day
• Available the 2nd and 4th Wednesday…… All day

Greenfield VA Clinic, Lancaster, Pa
• Available 1st and 3rd Thursday …All day
Audrey M. Bergstresser…717-234-7927 or (Cell) 717-884-1705

Lebanon Veterans Hospital
Location: Bldg. #17, Room 123, Bay 5
• Available every Friday…All day
• Available every Monday Ephrata VFW, 1 to 6 PM

In addition to the above, don’t forget Dan Tooth who is the veteran’s affairs representative for Lancaster County. He is an excellent source of information regarding veteran benefits. His office is located at 150 N. Queen St., Suite 101, Lancaster, PA 17603. His phone # is 717-299-7920.

All veterans who participated in the “Salute to Veterans” weekend want to express our gratitude to State Representative John Bear and his remarkable staff for their hard work organizing and presenting this special tribute to veterans of the 97th legislative district. For the 3rd consecutive year respect and gratitude was showered on those who served our great country.

Priority Group 7 & 8 Copays to Increase $1: The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that Priority Group 7 and 8 veterans will begin paying $1 more per 30-day supply of medications beginning July 1. Priority Groups 7 and 8 veterans are those with no service-connected disabilities, and who generally have higher income levels. The $1 copayment increase - from $8 to $9 - will be the first copayment increase for these two categories since Jan. 1, 2006. The change will not impact veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6, who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for non-service connected conditions, unless otherwise exempted. Priority Group 1 veterans - those with service-connected disability ratings of 50 percent or greater - are exempt from copayments.