First Quarter 2010
As I enter into the third month of my term as the Connecticut Department Commander, I find it very rewarding, very active, and humbling, while staying true to their dictum
“VETERANS HELPING VETERANS”
National Service Office
Our first priority is to focus on the Disabled American Veterans National Service Office, at the Newington Veterans Facility, making sure their claims are properly steered though the process and to provide exceptional representation during the hearing process.
A new National Service Officer, from Rhode Island,Supervisor NSO Justin Hart, will join The Department of Connecticut. We, in the State of Connecticut, are excited to have a highly qualified Service Officer to counsel us and lead the Disabled American Veterans of Connecticut in this area.
We have excellent personnel in the National Service Office. It is staffed by Service Officer Colleen Sullivan and two executive assistants, NSO secretary, Miriam Falcon, and receptionist, Ileana Garcia.
I am sure that you have heard that Alan Gumpenberger has left the NSO and is in private practice. Alan served us well and we wish him success in his new endeavors.
We will still see Alan, who is on the State DAV slate of Officers, as he moves toward a leadership role in the Department.
Transportation
Our transportation program, under the direction of Rick Newell, is Sr. Vice Cmdr. John Carbone, at the Newington VA, and PDC Tim Kelley, at West Haven. They are doing great work transporting Veterans to and from both VA facilities.
They report that there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans who have used this service.
Both of them are doing a great service for the DAV and the DAVers. Next time you see them, please tell them, “thank you, and great job!” Every day presents tough challenges for them.
Drivers are needed, so please help to recruit new drivers for this excellent program that is in high demand.
As your Commander, I have appointed a new VAVS representative for West Haven Veterans Hospital. Joseph Rannazzisi, from Waterbury Chapter# 11, is a supporter of the DAV and is committed to helping veterans in need. We wish him well in his new position,
Homeless Veterans Initiative
Our Homeless Veterans Initiative program has been divided into four sections of the State.
SOUTHERN SECTION: PDC Tim Kelley,Deputy Homeless Veteran Initiative Advocate
WESTERN SECTION: Hal Jyongquist, Deputy Homeless Veteran Initiative Advocate
NORTHERN SECTION: Jim Clynch, Chair, Homeless Veteran Initiative.
EASTERN SECTION: We are hoping that Norwich, New London, and Jewett City will come forward with a qualified advocate for the Homeless Veterans Initiative.
Connecticut Chapters
It was an honor to install chapter officers in the Hartford , Enfield , and Middletown Chapters.
Middletown Chapter is celebrating their 80th anniversary of their Charter, only 10 years less than the 90 years that the DAV has been in existence.
I thank those Chapters for their commitment to the DAV and for their hospitality toward me.
I congratulate all Chapters and newly elected Officers that were installed and wish all of the Chapters a great, successful year!
DAV Auxiliary
Commander Sandy Brown, DAV Auxiliary Chapter 12, reports that they have been meeting at the Newington Veterans Facility and they have added new members at every meeting.
Other News
The Department Commander, Executive Director, and Adjutant, met with Mr. Ed Cosgrove, contractor and architect to hear their presentation on Homeless Veterans Housing for a site on Wethersfield Ave. in Hartford. They are seeking suggestions for funding and grants for homeless veterans. The DAV wrote a letter of endorsement, to address the need for homeless veterans housing in the Hartford area.
The Disabled American Veterans, Department of Connecticut, sent a letter of concern, on June 15, 2010 to the State of Connecticut , Dept of Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Linda Schwartz. The letter communicated the concern that the State Dept. of Veteran Affairs shut down communications between the Disabled American Veterans and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Since the Disabled American Veterans does not have representation on the Board of Trustees, Dept of Veterans Affairs. The result of this action: the Disabled American Veterans only receive information from the State of Connecticut, though the local media (i.e. homes renovated on West St., State Veterans Memorial, etc.) The Disabled American Veterans, Department of Connecticut.
The DAV is dissapointed that the Dept. Veterans Affairs cut their contributions ($100) from the bingo budget, which helped support chapter bingos at the Rocky Hill Veterans home.
The total partnership cost for bingos was $250, ($150 from chapters who contribute to Rocky Hill Veteran Home bingos, and $100 from the Dept of Veterans Affairs). This is a small amount to pay in support of an activity that provides so much enjoyment to so many veterans.
As the third largest Veterans Organization in the State of Connecticut we deserve better.
The DAV, Department of Connecticut and I, thank you for your support during this 2010-2011 term.
James Clynch
Department Commander
Disabled American Veterans
State of Connecticut
