QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG

CHAPTER 299

JANUARY 2016

VETS IN CRISIS HOTLINE 1.800.273.8255

President - BILL ALBRACHT 1-309-797-2660

walbracht@gmail.com Vice President-RAY HAMILTON

1-563-650-7486 R.HAMILTON@MCHSI.COM

Secretary-John Schneck 309-798-1255

Jschneck25@yahoo.com Treasurer-Mike Haney

309-755-7935 – MHANEY32@YAHOO.COM

Membership - JOHN SCHNECK 1-309-798-1255

Jschneck@yahoo.com

Veteran Service Officers (VSO)Al “Butch” Huber-VSO

309.721.1453Steve Lowther-VSO

309.737.2954VVA National Offices

800.882.1316VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf

563.332.8528VA Med Cent IA City

319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843IL Dept of Veterans Affairs

VSO Dan Bebber 309.793.1460

RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO Todd Harlow

309.558.3546 VET CENTER (Counseling)

309-762-6955 IA Vet Affairs & VSO

David Woods563.326.8723

Honor Guard Co-CaptainsDennis Laird - Funerals

309.721.7468Andy Andersen - Parades

C: 563.940.5980 IA Workforce Vet Reps

Craig Norris - 563.445.3219 Jennifer Toenjes –

1-563-445-3200 EXT. 43348Jennifer.toenjes@iwd.iowa.gov

“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell

“THE WALL” AND THE 200 LOCAL NAMES ON IT – VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

Since most of us served one enlistment of 2, 3, 4 or 6 year terms of military service, so too did most of the names on “THE WALL”. Vietnam Veterans Day is March 29th each year denoting the last day “Ground Troops” served in South Vietnam in 1973. Do you have a friend or Family Member on “The Wall” from the Quad City area ? Typical of those Killed In Action, the Parents of our War Dead were alive and received The Flag and Decorations of their Fallen Son. The brothers and sisters or [then] young children of the Veteran did not receive the Military Funeral Honors. Our aim is to recognize and rectify their omission from it. Should you have a good friend or know a Family Member that did not receive The Flag we ask you submit that name to our offices so that one Veteran’s surviving brothers, sisters or children can be Honored on March 29, 2016. We can only provide Honors for 1 Veteran per year. If that Veteran meets the requirement of being one of the 200 on our list from the QCA, submit your request to Honor a worthy Family Member to any of the Chapter Officers noted on the Front Page of your issue of Shoulder To Shoulder for consideration this year.

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATIONVP Ray Hamilton and President Bill Albracht present Certificates of Appreciation to Brad Baltzel of Mel Foster [ dark shirt ] who spear heads the Tudi’s Tribe Charity that provides summertime fun days for our Communities’ sick children and to Brad Forret one of our

valued sponsors [ in his “Earned” Marine Corps Camo ] and owner of River View Coins in Moline, Illinois, just West of South Park Mall

– take a Right hand turn at Wendy’s.

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JANUARY 2016 VET 2 VET REPORT FROM CHAIRMAN PAUL “FRENCHY” EAVES

Chapter 299 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROGRAM A

HUGE SUCCESSAll went well for our Christmas Basket

Program December 19, 2015. Many of our Communities most needy Families were

very thankful to receive Christmas Baskets in an Annual Event spearheaded by past

President Terry Lynch and his Merry Band of Compassionate Elves. Of note was one delivery to a single Mother with 3 young

children, one with Special Needs. This Mother profusely thanked our Secret

Santa with tears in her eyes. All Scrooges please note: this Community Christmas Basket Program came in Under

Budget and Hy-Vee Manager / “The Jester” David Hopp refused to charge our group for

Chapter sponsored Breakfasts and the un-used checks have been returned to the Chapter bank account. *Submitted by Terry Lynch

2508 – 25TH STREET, SUITE #3 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201

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Chapter 299’s Vet 2 Vet Volunteers traveled to Country Manor Estates in Davenport, Iowa December 21, 2015 to spread Good Cheer to the residents there before Christmas Day. All Veterans and non-Veterans were delighted to receive Patriotic Hats and Pins, Small Flags and Flag and Red/White and Blue Lapel Pins, small trinkets and gifts for the Ladies and Lanyards and Christmas Cards. The residents were especially thankful to receive fresh fruit and pudding cups. Together we sounded The Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem, played the five military branches of service songs followed by Christmas Music. The Ladies prepared and gave all Vet 2 Vet Volunteers Home Made Popcorn Balls that today are considered urban myth. We DID NOT find one needle or razor blade in a single Popcorn Ball. Attending this event were Larry Tschappat, Gary Morrison, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale Baker and Frenchy Eaves. Our next Vet 2 Vet trip will be Saint Anthony’s at 767 – 30th Street in Rock Island on Thursday February 18th. We’ll arrive @ 1:50 PM to ‘set-up’ for a 2 PM Meet and Greet and finish by @ 3 PM. Please consider Volunteering for this “in town” valuable experience for both the residents and our Volunteers. *Note – Volunteers

– please bring some paper sacks or small bags. The residents have no purses or places to put these items and the residents place them on the floor and as old Soldiers and Sailors and Airmen know; we might get something to the floor but can we pick it up again ? Special Note: January 15, 2016 the Honor Guard made its Annual Trip to New Glarus, Wisconsin founded by Swiss immigrants. Their descendants celebrate Winterfest and the ceremonial burning of the Christmas Trees all with the background of an authentic Swiss Village with those Swiss “Riccola” Horns. The Swiss descendants love our Military and returning this year were Andy Andersen, Jeannette and Dennis Laird, Freda and Jerry Goodwin, Dennis Johnson, Marilyn and Gary White and Anne and Frenchy Eaves.

307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512

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Meeting called to order at 1900 hours by Vice President Ray Hamilton with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our fallen Brothers and Sisters. Attendance: 34 members

Secretary’s Report: Ray Hamilton called for a motion to accept the October BOD and Membership meeting minutes as printed in the November STS. Terry Lynch made a motion to amend or modify the Board meeting minutes. The motion was to remove or modify paragraph #2 (BOD members volunteer activities) which was seconded and passed.

Sidebar: Since a motion to change the recorded minutes has never been an issue in our Chapter, Ray referred this matter to our Chapter Parliamentarian for clarification.

A ruling from our Chapter’s Parliamentarian (Jim Kirschbaum) stated that the actual minutes (per Robert’s Rules of Order which governs our Chapter) cannot be changed, deleted or in any way modified unless there is an error in the reporting. Since the subject conversation did in fact take place (there is a tape recording to confirm) as printed in the October

STS, the Minutes stand as reported in the November STS and the motion null and void.

Treasurer’s Report: Mike Haney passed out the financial reports: the balance sheet and the job profitability summary.

Committee Reports - Membership Report – John Schneck reported 162 Individual (1-3yr) members, 258 Life Members for a total of 420 Active members. AVVA has 43 Members.Charities- Bob McSparin reported that the Grants and Donations reported to the Membership that there is a Brother in need and the Board recommended that we give him a $400.00 gift. Motion made by Paul Eaves to double the amount to $800.00 motion seconded, and motion passed. - Food Baskets – Freda Goodwin reported for Rudy Hernandez that $400 towards the food baskets. There is a total of 79 names, and the cost will be between $26.-$27 each. Volunteers should meet at the Hy-Vee on Rockingham Road at 7:00 AM for breakfast, which will be paid for by the Chapter. - Honor Guard- Jim Loveless made a presentation to John & Janet Brockmann for their extending the Honor Guard crew Rock Star

parking, and feeding them lunch at the Walcott Day’s Event. Jim pointed out to the membership that the Brockmann’s went above and beyond the call of duty, and they donated a $100.00 to our Chapter.

Tracy Hepner was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for always being available to the 299 Honor Guard to play LIVE TAPS on her Bugle. Tracy is an American Legion 246 Member and plays TAPs for their funeral Honor Guard. Once again Tracy is another person that goes above and beyond to help our Chapter. Andy Andersen reported that the HG has done 6 funerals and 11 events since our last membership meeting. Andy also reported that they had received $450.00 in honorariums.

Vet 2 Vet – Frenchy Eaves reported that a visit was made to the VA in Iowa City on the 21st of October. The visit was well received. Frenchy mentioned that the next visit will be at the Country Residences on Dec 21st at 1020 hrs address is 900 W46th St. Davenport. There will be a visit to St. Anthony’s Rock Island IL. on Thursday Feb. 18th at 1350 hrs.

Catering – Ray reported that the Catering Crew had finished the last event on November 5th. We fed 930 employees at the Group O events. Ray mentioned that we had a great turn out from the crew. Ray asked if anyone wanted to step up and run the Catering next year due to Ray Hamilton stepping down. The Membership needs to be thinking about how to sell off our catering assets. - Veterans Day

Dance – Gary Parks reported that the net profit from the dance for Chapter 299 is $1,705.32 to date. There maybe some more bills still to come. Scholarship Program – Ray Reported that the Legacy or Spend down letter is going out sometime in January. New Business - Honor Flight will be taking applications for Vietnam Veterans for next year’s Honor Flight. Mike mentioned that the QC Honor Flight website is available to anyone interested in signing up. You may also telephone or e-mail Jim Hixson for the Application Form sent to the Membership in December 2015.

Old Business - Toxic Exposure- Bob Jackson mentioned that there is more information available about the legislation. See Bob Jackson or visit the National VVA website.

$25.00 Drawing was won by Doug Holmgren. 1/2 price Life Membership – Tom Hickson made a motion to accept anyone that puts their name in the drawing, with a limit of 3 members. Motion was seconded and motion passed. Winners where Dr. Bruce Peterson, Steve Brenner, and Danny Ouradnik, Meeting adjourned 2000 hours -

Respectfully submitted John Schneck

17 NOVEMBER 2015 MEMBERSHIP MEETING - VVA CHAPTER #299

James W. VictorExecutive DirectorFinancial Advisor4300 East 53rd Street, Suite 300Davenport, IA 52807563-344-4334 or 800-553-1871james.w.victor@morganstanley.com

© 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.CRC897541 05/14

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THE VERA FRENCH FOUNDATION HOST

VETERANS SPECIAL EVENT The Vera French Foundation will present a week of events to inspire, motivate, and help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. One area of focus this year is our military providers. More than 100,000 Combat Veterans sought help for mental illness since the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001, and about one in seven of those have left active duty since that time, according to VA records. These individuals are our friends, our family, our Veterans and us. Studies show that people with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely and live, work, learn, and participate fully in our community. In order to deliver a positive message and a new way of looking at mental illness, the week will include several inspirational speakers and events that include our military speaker J.R. Martinez. He is featured at the following: February 20, 2016 - Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center. J.R. Martinez, Combat Wounded U.S. Army Veteran, actor, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and advocate will inspire us to face adversity with optimism and resiliency. February 20, 2016 - Hotel Blackhawk = VIP Meet and Greet Reception for J.R. Martinez. Please see “THROUGH OUR EYES” IN THIS ISSUE OF SHOULDER TO SHOULDER I sincerely thank you for your time and efforts in assisting us. And of course, thank you for your service ! Please feel free to contact me if I can be of help to you in any way. Linda Fennelly - Vera French Foundation Board Member - 563-359-5907 - llfennelly@live.com

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, SUBMISSIONS? CONTACT JIM HIXSON AT NXG9449@GMAIL.

COM OR CALL AT 1-309-792-0068’

FRANKEN FRIDAY AT THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL USO

It’s a safe bet that your C.O. never served you ‘beans and franks or chips’ but our Chapter donated time, money and two former C.O.’s [ Captains Ray Hamilton, USMC, retired and Bill Albracht, US Army / Green Beret, retired ]. A good C.O. knows to take good care of his PFC’s and Sgt’s and Bill and Ray did that on December 11th feeding Active Duty Personnel at stationed at RI Arsenal. It’s hard to say who was more appreciative, the soldiers stationed there or our Members. – Carry On !

Phone: 309-277-8700

Thanking Our Veterans For Our Freedom!

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TAPSFollowing is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service in which these Veterans served. Any Chapter 299 Members are designated by bold letters and underlined. Date of funeral Name of veteran Age Branch of service NOV. 07, 2015 CLIFFORD MONTGOMERY 73 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)NOV. 10, 2015 PAUL VALETT 91 U. S. ARMY (WORLD WAR II VETERAN)NOV. 10, 2015 WILLIAM H. “BILL” MILLS SR. 72 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)NOV. 12, 2015 TRUMAN “KEITH” TOWNSEND 85 U. S. ARMY (KOREA WAR VETERAN) NOV. 18, 2015 NORVAL “RICK” THAMES 60 U. S. ARMY (COLD WAR VETERAN)NOV. 20, 2015 GILBERT L. EVERETTS 90 U. S. NAVY (WORLD WAR II VETERAN) NOV. 25, 2015 MARSHALL E. MARTEL 67 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)NOV. 28, 2015 GENE L. FARNSWORTH 79 U. S. ARMY (KOREAN WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 01, 2015 JEFFERY R. GRIFFITH 41 U. S. NAVY (WAR ON TERROR VETERAN)DEC. 02, 2015 WAYNE HANNEL 66 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 05, 2015 JOHN E. “JACK” GUEST 65 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)DEC. 05, 2015 JOSEPH R. “JOE” CYGAN 85 U. S. MARINE CORPS (COLD WAR VETERAN)DEC. 07, 2015 DALE R. WEST 70 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 11, 2015 RICHARD D. KOLLS 69 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 18, 2015 CARL D. GRAVES 59 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 23, 2015 REGINALD F. “REGGIE” BOSWELL 65 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)DEC. 23, 2015 PEDRO D. “PETE” ORIZ JR. 94 U. S. NAVY (WORLD WAR II VETERAN)DEC. 29, 2015 EDWARD LINGENFELTER 69 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)DEC. 30, 2015 MICHAEL D. WILDER 73 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)

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The Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to begin revising how it grants disability benefits for Veterans who lived at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina, from 1953 – 1987 that toxic chemicals tainted the base’s drinking water. The VA’s move to establish “presumptive status” for these exposed Veterans -- that is, to presume that specific illnesses diagnosed in certain Veterans are a result of their military service -- should eventually make it easier for them to win benefits. The change comes amid scrutiny over the growing rates of disability claim denials since the 2013 launch of the agency’s Subject Matter Experts (SME) program. Veterans, along with advocates and scientists, have speculated that the program may be part of an effort to deny claims and evade the responsibility to care for veterans sickened by environmental exposures while serving their country. When the VA hired 22 “experts” to begin reviewing and offering opinions on Veterans’ cases -- the agency was approving about 1 in 4 disability benefit claims filed by Camp Lejeune Veterans. Since the agency began consulting with the “experts”, that figure has plummeted to 1 in 20. Gerald Cross, chief officer for the VA’s Office of Disability and Medical Assessment said in July that his agency stood by its SMEs. Under the VA’s pending plan, Veterans who meet eligibility requirements [ 30 Days or longer on base ] will receive Disability Benefits for a set of health conditions including kidney cancer and leukemia, mandated by a 2012 Federal Bill. Pfc. Scott Duncan was among the estimated 1 million Marines and family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination. He has since been diagnosed with kidney cancer -- one of a number of illnesses linked with exposure to the toxic chemicals that leached into Lejeune’s water. He was denied disability benefits after an SME provided her opinion of his case to the VA. Duncan, 54 said, “Not a bad birthday present for me,” he said of the VA’s announcement. “Hope I have many more to come.” Brenda Burpee, the widow of Pfc. Donald Burpee, who died last month after an eight-year battle with kidney cancer, called the announcement a “big step in the right direction to honor him and all Marines.”

VA Finally Expands Disability Benefits For Camp Lejeune VeteransShe is still waiting to hear from the VA about her late husband’s most recent appeal over claim denials. Scientific experts and Veterans’ Advocates have also welcomed the news, though they say it ought to have happened sooner. I’ve been recommending a presumptive standard for Camp Lejeune Veterans for years,” said Richard Clapp, an environmental health expert at the Boston University School of Public Health. “It worked for Agent Orange Exposed Veterans and it is equally appropriate for Camp Lejeune Veterans.” Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), who has been a vocal supporter of Veterans exposed to toxicants, took the announcement as a tacit admission from the VA that it has been denying benefits to eligible Veterans. He and other critics have accused the VA of ‘foot dragging’ with regard to Veterans exposed to toxicants -- allegedly denying and delaying help, often through the deceitful and faulty use of cherry-picked and outdated science. “The scientific research is strong and the widespread denials of benefits will soon end.” Burr met with VA Secretary Robert McDonald in July to discuss what the Senator later described as a “questionable pattern of denials of Lejeune Veteran claims.” On Aug. 19, VA representatives convened with experts from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to start hammering out the scope of presumptions for Camp Lejeune Veterans. The base’s water was found to be polluted by dozens of chemicals from at least 1953 through 1987. Among the toxicants, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride and benzene are thought to be the most damaging to human health. But in spite of this evidence VA-hired SMEs repeatedly cited a 2009 report on the Camp Lejeune water contamination. The report, which was commissioned by the U.S. Navy, concluded that the scientific evidence available at the time wasn’t sufficient to determine a link between exposures at the base and adverse health effects. Shortly after the report was published, environmental health experts, including leaders with the ATSDR, expressed strong disagreement with the NRC’s methods and conclusions. The VA’s press release notes that the agency will “work with ATSDR and potentially the National Academy of Sciences” to evaluate the research into the Lejeune exposures. Former Marines called the latter non-governmental agency -- which lay behind the controversial 2009 report -- a “hired gun.” “That’s nothing more than a stalling tactic,” one said. “We have government agencies that were created and are being funded to execute this type of work.” What the VA did with the SME process is, in effect; find a way to deny Veterans their claims. - JH

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VET 2 VET REPORTVET 2 VET went to Country House Residence in February to spread good cheer to the people there. Taking part in handing out Patriotic Hats, lapel pins, Flags and playing card were, Jerry Lingard, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale Baker, Larry Tschappat, Steve Brenner and Frenchy Eaves. A Chapter 299 Charter member is living Country House – Jeff “Doc” Lance. “Doc” was so very pleased to see us, and his Mother, Eileen resides there too. Vet 2 Vet was very well received and all had a good time. Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves

CATERING – HOG ROASTER UPDATEAs of the November 2013 the Catering Crew for Chapter 299 wrapped up the year with 4 Events that occurred after publication. On December 11th they met at the Viking Club to internally assess the year and make rough plans for going forward into Year 2015.The Viking Club held their annual Open House Sunday December 21st and the Catering Crew provided a minimum 4 Volunteers to help with this event. The Viking Club provides a staging area for Chapter 299 to do all the prep and clean up work throughout the year.

The Roaster and its utensils were all stowed away and put “in mothballs” in December 2014. The Roaster and the Crew will take a respite from all Catering Activities until early Springtime 2015.As always, your editors request more Member Volunteers for our Chapter’s largest fund raising vehicle. Whether you can pitch in to help stage an event at the Viking Club in Moline, assist with clean up there after an event or pitch in for any amount of time at an event, The Catering Crew needs help. If you can only spare an hour or two a few times during the Roasting Season, those hours will be greatly appreciated by the hard working – core group. Please consider Volunteering this year. JL, BA, JH

With Respect and Admiration To All Who Served.

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BRONZE STAR MEDAL AWARDED TO MEMBER AMOS STARR Chapter 299 Life Member 1st Sgt. Amos Starr [ret.] received the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in combat during the Vietnam War with the Tropic Lightening – 25th Infantry Division. OK Congressman Markwayne Mullin presented the Medal at the Veterans Day program on the campus of OSUIT. This ceremony was one of several Okmulgee, Oklahoma area events November 11, 2015 that honored America’s military Veterans for their service to our nation. *Submitted by Ken Moffett

VETERANS DAY 2015 REPORT FROM MEMBER Greg McCluskeyDATELINE: 11th Day of the 11th Month at 11 am. Four of us, representing American Legion Post 273, participated in the Veterans’ Day celebration at The Congressman Bill Young Veterans’ Administration Center (formerly known as Bay Pines VA Center) Excellent celebration. Close to a thousand in attendance. Congressman David Jolly was the guest speaker.

Dan Bush proudly wore his chopper crewmember flight suit. He brought it home in 1970. Dan admits he had it “let out” a bit for this occasion. Dan Bush did 12 months as an 11B with the 101st Airborne, then extended 6 months as a door gunner. His chopper was shot down; the other crewmembers were killed. Severely injured and was also assumed to be dead, he waited a day and a half for recovery of the bodies---and was found alive.