JOSEPH JOHNSTON

Department Commander

I want to acknowledge and thank all of the members of the Department of Ohio who acted to elect me to serve as your State Commander at the Convention. It is the single most honored gift with which I have ever been given! It is my intent to do everything within my power to improve the lives of wartime-disabled veterans, their widows and orphans – which is our core mission. I know, as I stated in my acceptance speech, that we are all bound together by the same indissoluble chain of sincere affection since we all wrote that blank check to the United States of America for an amount up to and including our very lives. We were honored at the Convention by the presence of our Past National Commander, Brad Barton who gave us very inspiring words regarding the National DAV – “Stand Up for Veterans” campaign. I encourage each of you to ask your members of Congress to support this very important initiative.

My thanks also to Past Department Commander, Bob Bertschy who is my friend, brother and supporter this year. At the Installation Dinner, I singled out Past Department Commander Verne Nygaard, who was our most senior PDC present at the convention and who serve as Commander in 1988-1989. Verne was a career National Service Officer with the DAV and served over 40 years in that capacity, assisting thousands of veterans with their claims at the VA. Verne also had the distinction of being the first Regional Supervisor with the DAV and piloted that very important aspect of DAV history. Verne continues to serve the Department as a member of the Department Finance Committee and as Department Inspector. I know that you will all join with me in celebrating Verne’s lifetime of support to disabled veterans and the Department of Ohio.

We also had a visit at the Convention from State Treasurer, Richard Cordray who has sponsored the initiative with the Ohio legislature to provide bonuses to veterans of the Persian Gulf conflict and OIF/OEF veterans. The measure has passed the Senate without issue but is presently hung up in the Ohio House as a result of funding uncertainties. Again, please contact your local Ohio representative from the State legislature to gain his/her support of this important initiative. Tim Espich, who currently serves as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Veterans Affairs was also present and provided a run down of all significant changes in Ohio Veterans benefits recently enacted. Significant among them are making retired military pay exempt from Ohio taxation and the creation of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs, recently signed into law by Governor Strickland. Mr. Espich went on to indicate exactly how the creation of a separate Veterans Department in Ohio would be of great benefit to all veterans in the State.

In any event, it was a great convention and I look forward to serving the DAV this year with my counterpart from the DAVA, Kathie Johnson. I am certain that Johnson and Johnston will provide appropriate and timely “first aid” to veterans and their families in Ohio. Thanks again for all your support!

NEW OFFICERS FOR 2008-2009

Joseph Johnston of Williamsburg was unanimously elected State Commander of the more than 45-thousand member Ohio Disabled American Veterans at the organization’s 87^th Annual State Convention, June 6-7-8, 2008 in Dublin, Ohio.

Joe has been a life member of the DAV Clermont County Chapter #63 since 1996 (12 years) and has held numerous officers at the Chapter level as well as the Department level.

Officers elected to serve with Commander Joseph Johnston were Howard Brandt of Peebles, Sr. Vice Commander; David Farrell of Coshocton, 1^st Jr. Vice Commander; David May of Canton, 2^nd Jr. Vice Commander; Executive Committee Members Will Davis of Columbus, James Fortune of Vandalia, Donald Scheerer of Bucyrus and Martha Tepker of Hamilton. David Uetterling of Defiance was elected to the Finance Committee, 5-year term. Frank Williams of S. Vienna was appointed as State Adjutant/Treasurer.

Appointments by Commander Johnston approved by the Executive Committee were James Keller of Jackson, Chaplain; Raymond Hutchinson of Hillsboro, Hospital Chairman; Joseph Lenhart of Wapakoneta, Judge Advocate; Verne Nygaard of Avon Lake, Department Inspector; Herman W. Morton of Cincinnati, Assistant Department Inspector; Leslie James of Cleveland, Director of Service; Glen Hale of Wilkesville, Officer of Day; Larry Long of London, Assistant Officer of the Day; James Johnston of Loveland, Sergeant-At-Arms; Raymond Hutchinson of Hillsboro, Chief of Staff; Frank Williams of S. Vienna, Legislative Director; and Gary Smaltz of Lynchburg, Employment Chairman.

Chairman of the Constitution Committee; Russel Tubbs of Parma, Martha Tepker of Hamilton and John Burgess of West Portsmouth will serve as members of the Constitution Committee.

Membership Committee appointments were Howard Brandt of Peebles, Chairman; John Cowan of Reynoldsburg, Michael Moulton of Rockford, Glen Hale of Wilkesville and Robert Gutzky of Seven Hills will serve as members to the Membership Committee.

The Department Service Program Committee will consist of Joseph Johnston of Williamsburg as Chairman with members Howard Brandt of Peebles, Leslie James of Cleveland, Charles Lambert of Cincinnati, Frank Williams of S. Vienna and Walter Dryja of Cleveland.

Audit Committee members appointed were Thomas Keller of Cincinnati, David Farrell of Coshocton and David Uetterling of Defiance.

District Commanders appointed and approved were Aaron Cunningham of Hamilton-Fairfield Chapter #15, District 1; Jacob Dailey of Vandalia Chapter #140, District 2; Michael Moulton of Van Wert Chapter #54, District 3; Dennis Hanneman of Putnam County #77, District 4; Gerald Huffman of Huron County #62, District 5; Michael Stith of Stadelman #35, District 6; William Pacak of Youngstown #2, District 7; Randy Wolfe of Barnesville #121, District 8; John Burgess of Peerless #10, District 9; and John Cowan of Ronald Hill, Jr. Memorial #142, District 10.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Nat’l. Hdqrs., DAV (877) 426-2838

NSO Office, Cleveland (216) 522-3507

NSO Office, Cincinnati (513) 684-2676

Washington Office, DAV (202) 554-3501

Cincinnati HSC,

Sheila Clements (513) 475-6443

Dayton HSC, (937) 268-6511

Gene McCorkle Ext. 2962

Wade Park HSC, (216) 791-3800

Walter Dryja Ext. 3395

Chillicothe HSC (740) 773-1141

James Keller Ext. 7916

Columbus Clinic, (614) 257-5487

Michael Hackworth

Brecksville HSC, (440) 526-3030

Don Branford Ext. 7353

Warren Clinic (330) 392-0311

Youngstown Clinic (330) 70-9200

Ext. 105

Veterans Administration 1-800-827-1000

DATES TO REMEMBER

July 4, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Lloyd C. Ludwick Chapter #123, various locations in Hillsboro, Ohio

July 4-5-6, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Wal-Mart, Bucyrus, Ohio

July 19, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Bucyrus Downtown, Bucyrus, Ohio.

August 1-2, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Darke County Chapter #57, Darke County area.

August 2, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Galion, Ohio.

Aug. 2, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, John W. Covert Chapter #47, East Liverpool, Ohio.

Aug 7-8-9, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Madison County Chapter #93, London area.

August 9, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Thorold Heinlen Chapter #100, Crestline, Ohio.

August 9, 2008 Forget-Me-Not John W. Covert Chapter #47, Wellsville, Ohio.

August 8-9-10, 2008 Forget-Me-Not Drive, Salem Chapter #122, Salem, Ohio

August 8-9, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Darke County Chapter #57, Greenville area

August 9-12, 2008 DAV National Convention,

Bally’s Hotel, Las Vegas.

August 14-25, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Madison County Chapter #93, Truck Stop, London, Ohio.

August 21-22, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Madison County Chapter #93, West Jefferson and Mt. Sterling areas.

August 23, 2008 Forget-Me-Not, Auglaize County Chapter #73, Wapakoneta and St. Marys, Ohio

October 5, 2008 6^th District Meeting, Trumbull County Chapter #11, Warren, Ohio at 2 p.m.

October 2-4, 2008 DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference, Eastgate Holiday Inn, Cincinnati, Ohio.

October 10-12, 2008 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

February 22-25, 2009 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA

June 25-28, 2009 DAV Department Convention,

The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

August 22-25, 2009 DAV National Convention, Sheraton Hotel Denver, Denver, Colorado

Sept. 24 – 26, 2009 DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference, Drawbridge Inn, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

October 9-11, 2009 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2010 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA

June 24-27, 2010 DAV Department Convention,

The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

July 31 – Aug. 3, 2010 DAV National Convention, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia

October 8-10, 2010 DAV Department Fall Conference, The Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ohio.

FROM THE HOSPITAL CHAIRPERSON

During the past year, the DAV State Commander, DAVA State Commander, the DAV and DAVA Adjutant’s, the VAVS Representatives for the various hospitals and myself toured all the VA hospitals and State Homes within the State of Ohio.

There is a lot of good work going on in all the hospitals and State Veterans Homes. Our Veterans are truly being taken care of, and your Chapter and personal donations help us continue to do our work for our hospitalized Veterans.

In March, 2008, the DAV State Department of Ohio donated over $8,000.00 to all hospitals and state homes. Each hospital or state home received an item or items from their current “wish list”.

I hope that you continue to support our Veterans with your donations, and your volunteerism at your local VA or State Home. The residents really do appreciate all you do for them. Each and every resident we talked to, would let us know how much they appreciated all that we do.

During the year, we lost three very dedicated volunteers. Southern Ohio Home Representative, Larry Chambers, passed away in January, also Frank Matacia who was a deputy at the Southern Ohio Home passed away. Joe Serraino who was a deputy representative at Sandusky also passed away. These dedicated volunteers will be missed.

Think about volunteering. You will be rewarded.

Ray Hutchinson,

State Hospital Chairperson

FROM THE DAV AUXILIARY

The DAVA State Department wishes to congratulate Commander Joseph Johnston and his officers for a successful 2008-2009 year. The Auxiliary also wants to thank the DAV and DAVA members who purchased 50/50 drawing tickets at the State Convention. With your help we received $1.218.00. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was James Johnston of Chapter #63. He won $609.00. Thank you again for your continued support of the DAV Auxiliary. We look forward to working with the DAV Department of Ohio this year.

Kathie Johnson, Commander

Joyce Hutchinson, Adjutant

DAV DISTRICT #3

Front Row: Linda Short, Past Dist 3 Aux CDR; Kathie Johnson, State Aux Cmdr.; Dorothy Clark, State Aux Past Cmdr.; Joyce Hutchinson, State Aux Adj; Back Row: Michael Moulton; Ch # 54 CDR; Russ Spearman Ch # 46 CDR; Charles Lambert, DAV NSO Cincinnati; Bill King Jr., Ch. # 19 CDR; John Downey, Past Dist 3 CDR. Not Pictured: Rick McCoy, Director Van Wert County EMA & Homeland Security

Van Wert County. April 13^th, 2008, the DAV District #3, State of Ohio held its semi-annual joint DAV and DAVA meeting. In attendance was; John Downey, Past District #3 Commander; Linda Short, Past District #3 Auxiliary Commander; Dorothy Clark, Auxiliary Past Commander; Kathie Johnson, State Auxiliary Commander; Joyce Hutchinson, State Auxiliary Adjutant; Ray Hutchinson, PDC & State Hospital Chair; Charles Lambert, DAV NSO Cincinnati office; William King Jr., Chapter #19 Commander; Russ Spearman, Chapter #46 Commander; Michael Moulton, Chapter #54 Commander. After the start of the joint meeting, Rick McCoy, Van Wert County Director of the Department of Homeland Security and Office of Emergency Management Agency, presented a Patriotic Tribute to all Veterans and their families. During the main meeting Michael Moulton was nominated for District #3 Commander, his nomination will be forwarded to the State Officers for recommendation. A new District Committee was commissioned by John Downey to look into ways to motivate membership in the chapters. Details of the DAV State of Ohio convention were also discussed during the main meeting. After the joint meeting was resumed, Ray Hutchinson gave a brief on the Hospital committee. Charles Lambert gave a presentation on current events affecting all Veterans concerning VA disability and ratings, and answered general questions about ratings and disabilities. Two very important topics, presented by him are Senate Bill S.2674 and House Resolution H.R. 5509. The DAV strongly opposes both of these bills, as they will severely curtail the benefits and rating schedules that are currently in place. To write to your representative and research the bills, go to www.DAV.org and click on the Legislation tab to find your current officials, to let them know your opinion on the legislation. The District is looking forward to attending the State Convention in June. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

VA Addresses Mortgage Crisis

June 16, 2008

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging military members, veterans and surviving widows with at-risk loans to seek advice from VA loan counselors even if their loans are not VA-guaranteed. While, VA loan counselors at the nine VA regional loan centers lack the authority to restructure or renegotiate loans not backed by VA, they can advise veterans on their options and on how they may negotiate with mortgage holders to avoid default. To find your nearest VA regional loan center, call toll-free 1-877-827-3702. VA loan counselors have helped 74,000 homeowners since 2000, including half of all VA loans that were in serious default last year, thus saving the government nearly $1.5 billion.

Women Vets Get Lesser Care

June 16, 2008

According to a recent Associated Press article reports that women veterans are not receiving the same quality of outpatient care as men at many Department of Veterans Affairs' facilities. Women make up about 5 percent of the VA's population, but that number is expected to nearly double in the next two years as more women return home from Iraq and Afghanistan and seek care. The review of the quality of care at VA facilities, which was mandated by Congress, found that at about one-third of its facilities, the quality of outpatient care

given to women was not as good as, what was offered to men.

Casualties Under Reported?

June 16, 2008

Rep. Bob Filner (D-Ca), chairperson of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, is charging a continued downplay to the mental trauma and brain injuries suffered by veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to an April RAND Corp. Study, "Invisible Wounds of War -- Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery," a tenfold jump in the U.S. casualty count is justified. Researchers concluded that nearly 300,000 service members and veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan wars are suffering from post-traumatic stress or major depression.

Agent Orange Linked to Prostate Cancer

June 16, 2008

U.S. researchers recently found that Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer and at a younger age. Researchers at the University of California at Davis analyzed clinical data from 17,000 Vietnam War-era veterans who received care in the Northern California VA system. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange were found to have higher-grade disease which was more likely to to be present with metastases. The findings were presented at the American Urological Association's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Two Ohio Chapters to be Cited at National Convention

Two of our state's Chapters will be among only 18 that Gary Burns will mention in his report to next month's National Convention as President of the DAV National Service Foundation.

First will be Harry F. Grote Chapter 103 in Cincinnati which attained a plaque on the Foundation's Grand Memorial Honor Roll of Distinguished Donors with contributions totaling $5,000 or more. The Grand Memorial Honor Roll is prominently displayed on the first floor of the DAV's National Service & Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Second St. Mihiel Chapter 6 in Canton, which has been honored with a National Service Foundation Commendation for contributions of $1,000 or more during 2007. Though individuals receiving Commendations are not mentioned by name during the National Convention, it should be noted that Past Department Commander Harlan Plummer is among those who received this recognition during 2007.

NOTES FROM YOUR STATE ADJUTANT

Thought for July – Honesty is the first chapter of the Book of Wisdom!

Let’s start off with telling everyone about a New Website that allows deployed troops, and their families back home, to keep in touch: http://www.websitesforheroes.com This site is funded by donations from individuals and corporations. It is secure, password protected and requires little space on your computer. Family members who qualify for the free sites include parents & siblings of single troops, as well as spouses, kids & other relatives of married troops. Over 1300 military families have signed up so far.

In our March 2008 Newsletter I talked about the Economic Stimulus Rebate Checks that many of you may not be aware that you are eligible for, since you do not normally file income tax returns. The IRS said just last week that more than 5 million retirees and disabled veterans who are eligible for these checks have failed to take the necessary steps to get their tax-rebate checks. There is still time!!! …..but, as I said in March, you have to file a special tax return listing the income received from Social Security and/or VA Benefits in order to meet the “earned income” requirement of at least $3,000, even though you didn’t owe any federal taxes last year. Here’s what you need to do: Get a copy of Form 1040A (You can download this form at: www.irs.gov) and it is also available at public libraries and from your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Also, you can file for the rebate by using the IRS Free File program. Go to: www.irs.gov, click on “Free File” and look for the link to “Economic Stimulus Payment” page. Also, AARP is offering help. Go to www.aarp.org/money and click on the link “Economic Stimulus Payment Help”. If you don’t have a computer you can fill out the Form 1040A as follows: Write the words “Stimulus Payment” along the top of the form; fill out the section that asks for your name, address and social security number; report any earned income you received in 2007 on line 7; report any social security and veteran’s benefits on line 14a; sign the form at the bottom and mail it in. If you are unsure where to mail the form, call IRS at: 1-800-829-1040 and ask them for the address.

Remember: You have until October 15 to file this special tax return & get your rebate. Further, receiving a tax rebate will not affect your eligibility for federal benefits and the rebate isn’t taxable.

And, if you ordinarily don’t file a return, filling out one this year for the rebate doesn’t mean you’ll have to start filing again. BE ON THE ALERT FOR SCAMS!! IRS WILL NOT EMAIL OR CALL YOU ASKING FOR INFORMATION! Never give out your Social Security number or bank account numbers over the phone or in answer to emails asking for such information.

SALUTE TO VETERANS: All major league baseball teams will wear special Stars & Stripes caps during games on 4^th of July Weekend and September 11, as part of a Veterans’ Program created by New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon.

Want to get your name in our Monthly Information Bulletin (Newsletter)??? Each and every time you sign up a new DAV or Auxiliary Member, send me a copy of the Membership Application showing your name as sponsor, and I will post your name in the next month’s Newsletter. “ Get One – Get a bit of Recognition” and help your Chapter; the Department and the DAV reach membership goals. Let’s all work together to meet our mandate of helping make better lives for Disabled American Veterans, their families, their widows and orphans. And, as always, keep our troops in your thoughts and your prayers as they fight, like we have fought, to keep America free. Always remember that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!