Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 1

www.paveterans.state.pa.us June 2010

State Veterans’ Homes Begin Standardizing PracticesFORT INDIANTOWN GAP – The Bureau of Veter-ans’ Homes (BVH) within the Pennsylvania Depart-ment of Military and Veterans Affairs is diligently working towards identifying and developing standards to further improve and increase operational effi cien-cies, clinical best practices and profi cient billing and revenue methodologies. Team members have been assessing current policies and procedures, evaluating areas where potential changes are needed and iden-tifying any best practices so as to strategically create standard policies and procedures.

“We would like to have an enterprise-wide model that addresses standard, effi cient operations and diver-sifi cation of revenue,” said Dee McPherson, Chief of Operations.

As they present their fi ndings to the BVH Di-rector, Paul M. Cain, processes will be created and implemented to achieve newly outlined objectives of standardization. Some areas currently under review are departmental organizational structures and posi-tion descriptions, admission and accounting policies, revenue and billing procedures, staff training/re-train-ing, maximization of insurance revenue, utilization of electronic medical records, quality assurance measures and business compliance.

BVH’s Enhanced Veterans’ Reimbursement (EVR) Program is just one initiative designed to at-tract additional federal funds by leveraging existing state expenditures as the state match for available fed-eral funding based on eligible nursing care residents in our veterans’ homes. The Bureau has been working tirelessly with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare towards successful implementation.

Sharan Jasper, Facilities Reimbursement Program Administrator, has been tasked to review all billing procedures at each facility. Through the development of a standard billing process, she comments, “You will see a faster payment turnaround from start to fi nish while looking at fi xing claim processing errors.”

Addressing operational effi ciencies reinforces the delivery of quality care to our residents. It is impor-tant to be proactive in our approaches and methodolo-

gies so as to continually strive to resolve problems.Dr. Darryl Jackson, Chief of the Veterans’ Homes

Healthcare Service Division, believes in a systemic, interdisciplinary approach to treating residents. “Stan-dardization will maximize patients’ performance, longevity and quality of life,” claims Dr. Jackson.

Physical, occupational and speech therapies will be examined as well as the Restorative Nursing pro-grams in an effort to continually maximize physical and cognitive abilities.

Staff training is another area of focus for the task force. One person with direct insight into nurse training operations at all six homes is BVH’s Nurse Instructor Supervisor Terry Bird. Her duties routinely take her around the state, where she assesses training methodologies and identifi es best practices in train-ing. Ms. Bird sees a high level of competency in the Homes, a willingness to identify and adopt the best and most innovative practices in the Long Term Care industry.

“While certain aspects of our employee training program are prescribed by regulation, we must also be poised to respond to other identifi ed training needs. As an organization, we can more easily assure regula-tory compliance through a standardized approach to those trainings that are prescribed,” she says.

“We look forward to reaching desired milestones that allow for change; yet maintain some of the unique regional nuances of each state veterans’ home. Over the years, we have learned to be patient enough to pause when necessary, and energetic enough to move forward knowing that more effi cient operations, im-proved employee training programs and the delivery of quality care, all equate to an enhanced State Veter-ans’ Homes System,” said Mr. Cain.

“Standardization will maximize patients’ per-formance, longevity, and length of life,” claims Dr. Jackson.

Some of the methods Dr. Jackson is looking at are wounds management, treating injuries from falls, and the use of restraints. In the case of wounds, doc-

Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 2

tors currently examine wounds once a week during their regular rounds. Dr. Jackson believes in a more systemic approach which includes all aspects of the treatment. This will draw input from other caregivers as how to best treat the wound.

Patient restraints are another issue that Dr. Jack-son would like to examine closer. Not all veterans’ home residents need restraints and those who do re-quire different types, depending on their condition. He wants caregivers to make sure the restraints being used are appropriate.

Nurse Instructor Supervisor Terry Bird believes some State Veterans’ Home operations lend them-selves more to standardization than others.

“Each Home must also have the fl exibility to respond to identifi ed training needs based on specifi c resident care issues, staff capacity, and survey out-comes.”

The target of any changes implemented is more effi cient operations, and Ms. Bird believes standard-ization can play a key part in accomplishing this. She says the sharing of training tools and resources across State Veterans’ Home, coupled with better use of tech-nology and best-practice standards will go a long way in improving the effi ciency and effectiveness of our employee training program.

More effi cient operations; improved employee training programs; more precise compliance with De-partment of Health regulations: All equal an improved State Veterans’ Homes System, and a better product for our deserving veterans. Even in the wake of these changes there is no doubt that each of the Veterans’ Homes will retain the fl avor unique to their regions, and continue to be a source of pride for veterans across the commonwealth.Mike Rapp and Kim Vandevender contributed to this article

AMVETS, Freedom & Honor Partner for Warrior Transition Program

State Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA-2) comments on the partnership of AMVETS and Freedom and Honor that establishes the Warrior Transition Program during a public announcement in Philadelphia recently. Fattah noted these workshops were critical, pro-viding a “missing link” in a wide array of services available to veterans.

PHILADELPHIA – Veteran Service Orga-nization American Veterans (AMVETS) and Freedom and Honor, an organization that assists combat veterans in dealing with the emotional issues of transitioning from a com-bat environment recently announced a new and exciting partnership.

The Freedom and Honor program, “Re-turn with Honor” is being incorporated into the AMVETS Warrior Transition Program as part of its curriculum. Struck by reports of increasing veteran suicides and daunting unemployment fi gures, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin made it a personal mission to address the transitional needs of today’s veterans during his term in Washington. With the help and support of Freedom and Honor, Miskulin seeks to com-bat the invisible wounds of war by commis-sioning the new Warrior Transition Workshops as an AMVETS national program.

“There’s a wide variety of services being pro-vided for veterans and their families, but the missing link is what’s being offered here,” U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah points out.

Freedom and Honor’s workshops help returning service members deal with the emotional upheavals after being exposed to the horrors of war. Histori-

cally, veterans will not talk about their experiences in combat unless they are talking to another combat veteran. The exercises and camaraderie formed during a Freedom and Honor workshop allow these veterans to re-integrate into their family and civilian life after returning from combat.

“[This program] will help veterans deal with the scars that can’t be seen,” Gerard Gurnari, AMVETS Department of Pennsylvania Commander remarks.

Freedom and Honor has conducted these work-

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VA Mobile Vet Center Visits Northampton County

The VA Mobile Vet Center made an evening visit to American Legion Post 415 in Nazareth, Northampton County. The Mobile Vet Center is a wheelchair-accessible 38 foot mobile Counsel-ing Center with two private offi ces, satellite communications, and Internet service with VA Medical Centers. It also has video teleconferencing and tele-health capabilities. The center, which oper-ates out of the Scranton Vet Center, allows counselors to provide services to rural areas and go anywhere that needs the services of a vet center. Vet centers maintain strict confi dentiality. Pic-tured are (from left to right) Jim Mineo, Paymaster and Past Commandant, Northampton County Detachment, Marine Corps League (MCL), Pennsylvania; Henry Cooper, Past Commandant, MCL, and David Graf, Northampton County Director of Veterans Affairs.

shops, which are designed by combat veterans for combat veterans. The AMVETS partnership will make the program more accessible to veterans all over the U.S. and take the Freedom and Honor program to a new, national level. Freedom and Honor currently operates out of the Philadelphia area.

“We’ve always been a national organization,” says Martin Richardson, Freedom and Honor’s Lead Facilitator, Curriculum Designer, and Program Direc-tor, “We’ll go to wherever someone wants us to hold the program.”

AMVETS is the fourth largest national veteran’s organization with a membership of around 260,000 members. For them, this partnership will enable AM-VETS to help more of our returning servicemen and women nationwide in dealing with overcoming the stresses of combat.

“All veterans need assistance making the transi-tion from a combat environment,” explains retired Army Major General William Terpeluk, one of Free-dom and Honor’s Advisory Board Members, “Our veterans can’t be welcomed home until they feel welcome.”

Free Wilderness Expeditions Offered to Philadelphia OEF/OIF VetsPHILADELPHIA – Outward Bound, a 45-year-old non-profi t outdoor adventure education organiza-tion has begun offering free wilderness adventures to OEF-OIF veterans in the Philadelphia region. These fully-funded expeditions are physically, mentally, and emotionally stimulating and work to build the self-confi dence, trust, and communications skills necessary to help veterans successfully return to their families and communities following wartime service.

Outward Bound just recently began operations in Philadelphia, but has been serving school students and

teachers for years. The program was founded in the 1960’s by Kurt Hans, a German-born educator who challenged his students to exceed their expectations. Nationally, the program has been serving combat vet-erans since the Vietnam War.

In Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter – one of the Philadelphia program founders – observed the program and thought it would be a positive infl uence on Philadelphia’s schools. The program established partnerships with state parks across Pennsylvania and began taking students and teachers from Philadelphia

on mentally and physically challeng-ing outdoor adventures. The Phila-delphia organization began taking on combat veterans as participants in 2007.

The events are a way for veter-ans to come together in an outdoor environment, bond with their com-rades, and feel less isolated. The military experience each participant has is transferred in such a way that it remains useful outside of the military. The wilderness and the skills learned there are considered to be vehicles for personal growth. During this time, vets can share their wartime experi-ences, helping them to effectively deal with the feelings and emotions as a result of being in a combat envi-ronment.

Each expedition spans fi ve days and is comprised of three phases. The fi rst phase consists of an introduction to the outward bound organization,

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PA CARES Shows Off at the Capitol

Member organizations of the task force “Pennsylvania Americans showing Compassion, As-sistance, and Reaching out with Empathy for Service members” (PA CARES) were on display recently in the state Capitol’s East Rotunda in Harrisburg. The exhibit was to show what is cur-rently being done to assist military service members, veterans, and their families and to offer information and answers to passersby.

and training in outdoor skills. The ob-ject of the training is to make sure each participant is fully prepared and ready for the expedition he or she will be taking part in.

Phase two, or the main phase, is made up of activities that use their backpacking and navigation skills. They also explore areas on the trail and off-trail. During this time, they engage in a variety of activities that foster team building. The group is comprised of 10 participants and two staff members. The staff members are only there as guides encouraging the team to make its own decisions.

Phase three, or the fi nal phase, has the group working independently as the participants continue to make their own decisions and the group identifi es and set its own goals.

“[Phase three] is where the vets begin to let go,” says, Katie Newsome Pastuszek, Executive Director for Out-ward Bound Philadelphia, “For them, it’s a sense of renewal.”

During the course of an expedition, there is an at-mosphere of mutual respect fostering personal growth. The spirit of teamwork that is encouraged at these events often carries over into other groups as well. Recently, a group of OEF/OIF veterans who were fi nishing an expedition offered to share the skills they learned with another expedition group whose partici-pants were school students.

There are generally three outcomes from the pro-gram: character development, leadership, and ethos of

service. Ultimately, the veterans who go through this program will continue their association with Outward Bound. In turn, veterans are encouraged to partner with schools and they become mentors to each other and to school students.

“It’s a community-based organization that thrives on partnerships,” explains Newsome Pastuszek.

If you are an OEF/OIF veteran or know of one who would be interested in participating in this pro-gram, contact Kenja Griffi n at (215) 232-9130 exten-sion 305. More information on the outward Bound program is available at the organization’s web site at www.woutwardbound.org.

Pittsburgh VA Receives $3.6 Million for Veterans Engineering Resource CenterPITTSBURGH – VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) received a three-year, $3.6 million award to streamline the delivery of health care services to local Veterans by establishing the Veterans Engineering Resource Center (VERC). As part of this award, the VAPHS VERC has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to apply engineering and systems-improve-ment principles to such common health care hurdles as when to move patients through intensive care and how

to best schedule surgeries and routine appointments. The Veterans Health Administration assessed 28

applications and gave four VA organizations monetary awards to set up VERCs. VAPHS was the only stand-alone facility to receive this award (the other three re-cipients were networks of VA medical centers). VERC Director Robert Monte, R.Ph., MBA, will lead the ini-tiative at VAPHS alongside Chief of Staff Rajiv Jain, M.D., and Associate Director Bonnie Graham, MBA.

Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 5

Students from Ross Elementary School in the North Hills School District delivered 10 boxes of handcrafted blankets to the residents of the Southwestern Veterans’ Center (SWVC) in Pittsburgh. The students also conducted a program for the resi-dents which included a presentation and patriotic songs. Here, 6th grade students Caitlyn and Devron present SWVC resident Jim Pechar a blanket.

SWVC Residents Get Gifts From Elementary School

Pitt’s VERC team will include principal investi-gator Andrew Schaefer and co-principal inves-tigator Jay Rajgopal, both associate professors in the Department of Industrial Engineering in Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering, as well as researchers in Pitt’s Katz Graduate School of Business, Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), and School of Medicine.

“The goal of the VERC and our part-nership with the University of Pittsburgh is simple. We want to enable veterans to access the right type of care as soon as they want it, and we want them to receive this care from the VA provider of their choice,” said VAPHS Director Terry Gerigk Wolf, FACHE.

From a medical provider’s standpoint, the VERC at VAPHS will empower health care teams to work more effi ciently and effective-ly—and in turn give veterans the best care and services possible. The VERC projects will use engineering models to simulate both the random and planned factors that determine the outcome of medical situations. For example, for one project, the team will analyze the factors that affect patient fl ow through intensive care units, such as the patient’s con-dition and clinical and management decisions. They will attempt to establish the best strategies for making fl ow more effi cient while maintaining high-quality care. Another project involves scheduling operating rooms more effi ciently through such avenues as better predicting how long surgical operations will take.

One long-term aim of the VERC at VAPHS will be to create health care delivery models that will ben-

efi t facilities nationwide, in both the private and public sector. The VERC at VAPHS also plans to mold its educational collaboration into a permanent academic center. At this center, teams who have implemented the VERC’s successful engineering models will share their knowledge with VA colleagues and their profes-sional counterparts throughout the country.

The VERC at VAPHS is multidisciplinary in scope and helps sustain the existing educational col-laboration between VAPHS and Pitt. Currently there are 25 students from GSPH working at VAPHS on healthcare system improvement projects.

SWVC Nurse Supervisor Retires from Air Force Reserve

Col Anne Manly, a Nurse Supervisor from Southwestern Veterans’ Center has retired from the U.S. Air Force Re-serve.

PITTSBURGH –Although Anne Manly is not plan-ning on leaving her position as the nursing supervisor for the Southwestern Veterans’ Center (SWVC), she is wrapping up her 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Colonel and mobilization assistant to the Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force Development. In this position, she was responsible for establishing new policies and appraising existing ones. Her duties in the USAF enhanced her ability to carry out her tasks as a nurse supervisor.

Colonel Manly entered the USAF in April 1980 as a staff nurse and has continued in the nursing fi eld

Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 6

her entire career, ultimately making decisions on nurs-ing procedures, training, and personnel. During this time, her civilian career path also moved upward giv-ing her the opportunity to infl uence nursing practices and policy. She even served as the Deputy Comman-dant, Institutional Business Manager at SWVC from 2000-2003 while also serving as the 89th Medical Group Commander.

As a nurse supervisor, she’s planned and evalu-ated the nursing care at SWVC, provided instruction and guidance to the nursing staff, and evaluated the effectiveness of staff development and continuing edu-cation programs. As a mobilization assistant, she has established policy for USAF medical personnel, both enlisted and reserve offi cers. She was also called upon to establish and meet future staffi ng needs.

“My USAF experience has shaped my overall outlook of nursing. Especially at SWVC, I have a heightened awareness of the issues and experiences of our veterans with my military service—and particu-larly —my wartime experiences,” Manly comments.

She served as a clinical nurse at the 325th Medi-

cal Group at Tyndall AFB, Florida and as the supervi-sor of ambulatory care of the 97th Strategic Hospital at Eaker AFB, Arkansas during Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the 1990’s.

“The experiences at SWVC have helped me in my USAF duties, particularly when I speak about clinical leadership. In addition, it helped to prepare me for the 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operations as the chief nurse in the largest trauma hospital in Iraq.”

Although she’s decided to retire from the U.S. Air Force Reserve, she plans to continue in her position as the nurse supervisor for SWVC.“

“The residents and I have a trusting relationship because of our shared experiences in the military, such as learned through living the USAF core values of integrity fi rst, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”

Anne Manly‘s military training and experiences have become a part of her. The values and outlook she had while serving in the military will continue to stay with her long after she hangs up her uniform for the last time.

Vietnam Veterans of America Applauds Veteran’s Heroism in Averting the Time Square Bombing

Duane Jackson, President of Chapter 817 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, is credited with averting the attempted terrorist bombing in Times Square.

WASHINGTON, DC – “There are a bunch of us dis-abled vets selling here, and we’re used to being vigi-lant, because we all know that freedom isn’t free,” said Duane Jackson, president, VVA Chapter 817, to the New York Times, in the aftermath of his heroic action, which averted a major terrorist atrocity, on Saturday, May 1.

“We congratulate VVA Chapter 817 president Duane Jackson for his vigilance and his quick re-sponse—this is yet another example of how Vietnam veterans, so many years after their military service, continue to serve their country,” said John Rowan, national president, Vietnam Veterans of America.

On a busy Saturday night in New York City’s Time Square, an unidentifi ed white male in his 40s, drove a Nissan Pathfi nder into the heart of the crowd-ed theater district and fl ed. Jackson, who was nearby selling T-shirts, alerted the police when he heard suspicious sounds and saw smoke coming from a car, which was left with its engine running and its hazard lights fl ashing.

Police and bomb disposal experts defused the car bomb, packed with fi reworks, containers of gasoline

and propane canisters. The power of the explosives, if ignited, police sources noted, would have created a terrorist atrocity of great magnitude, with a “death toll that could have been enormous.” Jackson’s vigilance and actions saved hundreds of lives.

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HVH Resident Receives Medal

PA State Representative Jerry Stern (R-District 80) presents a medal of recognition for ser-vice in Vietnam to Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home resident Henry Spellman during a recent ceremony in honor of Vietnam Veterans held at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. Spellman was one of several veterans who were praised for their service during the Vietnam War.

City of Harrisburg Signs Covenant with MilitaryHARRISBURG - In honor of Armed Forces Day, Har-risburg Mayor Linda D. Thompson recently signed a Community Covenant with local representatives from the Armed Forces to show the city’s support of the military.

Offi cers from all branches of the military, who are stationed locally or who live in the city were on hand to sign the agreement. The Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Army ROTC, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the Pennsylvania Air Na-tional Guard were all represented. Army OneSource also offered a representative to sign the document. Army OneSource is a service that reaches out to Sol-diers and Families by building cohesive military and community partnerships.

The covenant is not law, nor is it binding. It is an honorary agreement that morally obliges the support of those who sign the agreement. It is simply a way to express support to the troops. The agreement maps out the relationship between the community and the military and their families.

The Community Covenant, started in 2008, is an initiative of the Secretary of the Army to invite com-munities and organizations across America to demon-strate their support for all service members and their families in this time of war – the longest in our Nation’s history with an all volun-teer force.

“We in Harrisburg say thanks to you, our military,” Mayor Thomp-son said, signing the document.

The covenant signing was the prelude to the Armed Forces Day celebration held May 15 on Harrisburg’s City Island. In 1949, President Harry Truman proclaimed the fi rst Armed Forces Day to occur on May 20, 1950. Every year since then, on the third Saturday in May we’ve honored the men and women who have served in uniform – in war and in peace – since the nation’s founding. Harrisburg’s Armed Forces Day celebration enters its ninth year as the largest celebration honoring today’s military in Central PA.

“Armed Forces Day allows the nation to pause and remember the mighty men and women of our military,” Thompson remarked.

The Community Covenant program is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the military to improve the quality of life for service members and their families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states. It is a formal commitment of support by state and local communities to service members and fami-lies of all services – Active, Guard and Reserve.

“We are honored that the Mayor has chosen to sign a Community Covenant this week” said Army Captain Eric Sutton, one of those signing the Cov-enant document. “Signing during the Armed Forces week celebration shows a commitment to support our service members and their families.”

The Community Covenant program is tailored to the local level, with leaders at both local and state levels participating. Community Covenant signings have led to new programs or initiatives of support for service members and their families.

Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 8

Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center and CareerLink Partner to Bring Together Veterans and Local Employers COATESVILLE – Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medi-cal Center, in partnership with PA CareerLink, a state-run agency that provides resources to people who are seeking employment, will hold a Veterans Career Fair at the medical center.

“I am pleased that the medical center is able to offer such a valuable service to veterans,” says Gary W. Devansky, medical center director. “These men and women have courageously served our country, and

they deserve the best opportunities.” The fi rst such Veterans Career Fair will took

place on June 4. Numerous area employers were on hand to meet veterans and, in some cases, conduct on-the-spot interviews. Additionally, CVAMC Eligibil-ity and Enrollment staff were available to answer any questions about enrollment and to start the process for any interested veterans.

America Responds With Love, Inc. Helps Handicapped Veteran Move Into Affordable, Accessible House

Anthony “Tony” T. Buonaiuto sits in front of the fully-accessible house built by America Responds With Love, Inc.

WHITE HAVEN - “I have never been so happy in my life.” So says Anthony “Tony” T. Buonaiuto. Tony is a veteran of the United States Navy Seabees (the construction arm of the United States Navy). He served as a Petty Offi cer, Third Class in the jungles of Vietnam at the height of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

He’s not able to use either of his legs to walk. His right arm doesn’t always function, but his spirit? Well, there’s no stopping him now.

You see, Tony is now living in the Respond With Love Home – Foster Township in northeastern Pennsylvania. America Responds With Love, Inc., a national non-profi t organization, had this single-fam-ily house built in the White Haven area of the Pocono Mountains. The house was designed so that people like Buonaiuto would be able to be live independent-ly. Buonaiuto is leasing the house initially and will eventually purchase it at a substantial discount. The purchase price is $120,000.00 – a one-third discount off of the actual costs of $180,000.00.

More than 75 companies and organizations donated products and services to America Responds With Love to help reduce the cost of this house for a handicapped military veteran like Buonaiuto.

The Respond With Love Home – Foster Town-ship is a one-story, ranch-style home. It includes two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining area, and a dressing room. There are covered porches over both entrances to the house. Front-controlled appliances as well as landscaping designed for minimal maintenance are included with this house.

“It’s wonderful to be able to do just about anything I want to do in my own home,” says Buon-aiuto. “I’ve been in a wheelchair for ten years. It’s the little things that many people take for granted. In this house, I can cook, I can do the laundry. I could do those things before, but it was much more diffi cult.”

“We’re pleased to help Tony,” explains Richard McDonough, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of America Responds With Love, Inc. “We have a re-sponsibility as a nation to help our veterans when they return home. While we cannot change Tony’s physical condition, we believe the Respond With Love Home is an excellent way to accommodate his physical needs.”

Buonaiuto served with the Third Marine Divi-sion, Seventh Marine Engineer Battalion in Dong Ha in Quan Tri Province as well as in Hue in Thua Thien-Hue Province from 1968 to 1970. Both provinces are located just south of where the border previously existed between North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Like others in the U. S. Navy Seabees, he helped con-struct facilities needed in the war effort. He is one of many that were exposed to Agent Orange.

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Local Scouts Refurbish PSSH Monuments

Boy Scouts from Troop 52 in Erie clean one of the monuments located on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie. The scouts cleaned the monu-ments’ plaques and statues, repaired benches, and installed a border around the gar-den located at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. Pictured are (front left) Jim McCor-mick, (front right) Isaac Riston, (back left) Stephen Schroeck, and (back right) Jeremy Schroeck

“I’m in this wheelchair directly because of my exposure to Agent Orange,” states Buonaiuto. “I have multiple sclerosis as well as other medical problems. While there were symptoms early on, I tried my best to function with what I had. My ability to walk became progressively more diffi cult. I started with a cane. Then crutches. Now it’s a wheelchair.”

A variety of features designed to help handi-capped persons are included in this Respond With Love Home, including no steps, levers instead of door handles, wider doorways, thermostats in each room, lower kitchen countertops, a roll-in shower with grab bars, a toilet with grab bars, an extended bathroom sink, and lower heights for electric switches.

The design of the house includes a room that is not ordinarily included in most houses. “We cre-ated a separate room with direct access to the master bedroom and the master bathroom that includes a washer and dryer as well as closet space,” explained McDonough. “This will allow Tony to take dirty clothes directly from the two most likely locations—a bathroom and a bedroom—and do his laundry and then hang up his clothes all in one room.

Among national supporters of the Respond With Love Home include Frigidaire, CertainTeed, Sherwin-Williams, Simmons Bedding, Wilsonart Lam-inates, Clarion Bathware, Hilton Hotels, and Silver Line Windows, an Andersen Company.

Businesses and organizations in California,

Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin helped with the construction of this handicapped-accessible home. Within Pennsylvania, donors hailed from 14 counties.

America Responds With Love would like to build similar Respond With Love Homes throughout the United States.

“We need land that is zoned for single-family housing and has access to all needed utilities,” ex-plains McDonough. “Please let us know if you have a piece of land that you would be willing to donate so that we can have a house built here for a handicapped military veteran. We’ll review your site to determine if it will meet the standards needed for this type of house.”

The non-profi t organization is looking at several approaches to provide affordable, accessible, owner-occupied single-family housing throughout the United States. One approach would be to have a home built for a specifi c handicapped military veteran or a handicapped person truly in need. In this approach, America Responds With Love would attempt to make the house more affordable by removing between 20% and 30% of the cost through donations of products and services. A second approach would be to have nine handicapped-accessible homes built for low to moder-ate income families and sold at market rates. In this approach, part of the revenue earned from each of the

nine houses would be used to make a tenth home more affordable for a handicapped military veteran or a handicapped person truly in need who could not afford the full cost of a home.

If you’d like to donate a piece of land or donate needed products and services, please contact America Responds With Love by telephone at 1-321-AMERI-CA or 1-321-263-7422; by postal mail at P. O. Box 5000, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 19482; or by e-mail at housing@respond-withlove.org.

America Responds With Love, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profi t organization and provides a wide range of resources to people truly in need throughout the United States. For more information on America Responds With Love, visit www.respond-withlove.org.

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VA Resiliency Runners Visit Philadelphia VAMC

The Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center will welcome two runners this Satur-day as they continue a 550-mile trek from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C. The runners, both Soldiers with the Maine Army National Guard and recent combat Veterans, are completing a “Resiliency Run” to advocate health aware-ness and risk reduction among Veterans. Col. Jack Mosher is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan while Major Jay Brock served in Operation Iraqi Free-dom. Pictured are Major Jay Brock; Julia Fries, a staff member from the Philadelphia Veterans Community Living Center; Col. Jack Mosher and Kathy Brill also from the Philadelphia Veterans Community Living Center.

June 2010 Community EventsIf you know of an upcoming event that you’d like to see on our calendar, email cnelson@state.pa.us or call (717) 861- 6979 and we’ll add it to the Community Calendar section. Newsletters are published at the beginning of each month, so be sure to get the dates to us as soon as possible.

June 7: Phillies Game in Memory of PFC Robert Dembowski - Phillies vs San Diego Padres. Tickets available online at www.pfcrobertdembowski.com/events. Game starts at 7 p.m. at Citi-zens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Way, Philadelphia, PA

June 10: Philadelphia Career Fair - Register online at either http://philly.localhires.com or http://www.natoinalcareerfairs.com. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crowne Plaza, 4100 Presidential Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA

June 11 to 13: Vets 4 Vets Workshop - Peer support workshop at Antiochian Village, Event be-gins 8 a.m. at Antiochian Village and Retreat Center, 140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA

June 11 to 13: 25th Annual Donald W. Jones Flag Memorial - Sponsored by the Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans of America. In honor of all veterans of all wars and the sacrifi ces they made. Over 58,000 fl ags each placed on the ground by someone who cares. One fl ag for every Ameri-can missing in action in the shape of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Contact Donnie Jones at (267) 566-2860 or Jess Hill at (215) 949-2490 for more information. Event starts at noon in Falls Township Park, 9072 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA

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June 12 to 26: PA Hero Walk - The “PA. HERO WALK” was organized by a small group of pa-triots in western Pennsylvania to help spread the awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project in this country. You may get more information on the WWP by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Event begins 10 a.m. at the Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

June 13 to 18: Operation Purple: Wernersville - This program is open to children 7-16 years old. South Mountain YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser is located on 560 Mountain Top Acres in Berks County PA. Campers choose from programs such as swimming, biking, boating, athletics and more. For more information, visit www.smymca.org. Starts 9 a.m. at South Mountain YMCA, 201 Cushion Peak Road, Wernersville, PA

June 15: Veterans’ Resource Conference - A conference for service providers and others offer-ing resources and assistance to current service members, veterans, their families, and survivors. To register, call (215) 348-6415 or visit www.militarycommunitynetwork.org. 8 a.m. to noon at Delaware Valley College, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA

June 15: Philadelphia Job Fair - Register online at http://philly.localhires.com or http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crowne Plaza, 4100 Presidential Boulevard, Phila-delphia, PA

June 15: King of Prussia Career Fair - For more information, vist http://eastcoastcareerfairs.com. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dolce Valley Forge Hotel, 301 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA

June 16 to 18: Hunts For Healing Fishing Charter on Lake Erie - Hunts for Healing has these events available for wounded soldiers returning from mission in Iraq and Afghanistan and veter-ans who have successfully completed the Wounded Warrior Program at the Military Advanced Training Center, allowing them to participate in outdoor programs. If you are interested in apply-ing for any event please contact Mindy Piccotti HFH Director of Events at 570-869-1233(Day) or 570-760-5525(cell). Event starts 8 a.m. at Hunts For Healing, 1479 Coburn Hill Road, Laceyville, PA

June 17: Diversity/Professional Job Fair - For more information, go to http://www.diversity-jobsfairs.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Phila-delphia, PA

June 17: Diversity Job Fair - Register online at http://www.employmentguide.com. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens bank Way, Philadelphia, PA

June 17: Sound Off For Vets Fundraiser - Fundraising event featuring food, live music, prizes, and activities for children. Event coincides with the arrival of the PA Hero Walk in Harrisburg. All proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Starts 5 p.m. at the City Island Riverboat Dock, City Island, Harrisburg, PA

June 19: Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser - The Michael J. Novosel Foundation will host a sport-ing clay shoot with proceeds benefi tting returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan with debili-tating injuries. Also looking for sponsorship. Entry fee is $240 for a team of 6, $200 for a team of 5, and $45 for individual shooters. For more information call George Metz at (412) 269-9266 or (412) 266-8823. Tournament starts 9 a.m. at Castlewood Rod & Gun Club, 2964 South Shaffer Road, Ellwood City, PA

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Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 12

June 20 to July 4: Hoka Hey Challenge - A historic 7,000 mile journey across North America from Key West, Florida to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Proceeds to benefi t Paralyzed Veterans of America, Warrior Weekend, Disabled American Veterans, American Gold Star Mothers, Viet-nam Veterans of America, American Indian College Fund, The Red Cloud Humanitarian Fund, & National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com for full description and information. Ride begins 8 a.m. at the Marriott Key West Beachside Hotel, 3841 North Roos-evelt Boulevard, Key West, FL

June 25 to 27: American Gold Star Mothers 73rd National Convention - For more information, contact Ruth Stonesifer at rstone17@gmail.com or visit http://www.goldstarmoms.com/Members/NextAnnualConv/NextAnnualConv.htm. Starts 9 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 640 West German-town Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA

June 25: Nets and Vets Golf Tournament - Proceeds to benefi t the Philadelphia Multi-Service and Education Center and Nothing but Nets. $90 includes golf and dinner. Begins noon at the Skipjack Golf Club, 1146 Stump Hall Road, Skipjack, PA

June 25: Silver Spring Veterans Memorial Open - Charity tournament to benefi t the Veteran Me-morial. 4 person scramble, shotgun start. $260 per team. Start time is 1 p.m. at the Silver Spring Golf Course, 136 Sample Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg, PA

June 26 to 27: Patriot’s Path Camp Noble Cause - A weekend of fun and outdoor adventure of-fered at no cost to the children and spouses of all active duty military personnel. Sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. Visit http://noblecause.ppbsa.org/ for more information. Starts 8 a.m. at Camp Winnebago, 102 Timberbrook Road Rockaway, NJ

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presents

SOUND OFF

FOR VETS!

· food!· fun!· prizes!· Live music!

All proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project seeks to assist all those wounded service members recently returned from Iraq and Afghani-stan learn to live with their disibilities as a result of their wartime injuries. For more informatioon about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

For more informaton about the Harrisburg Riverboat Society, visit www.harrisburgriverboat.com or call (717) 234-6500.

June 17th3 - 10 p.m.

harrisburg City Island

we are here...

Meet the PA Hero Walkers!They’ll be stopping in on their way from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh on foot!Find out more at www.paherowalk.org

Pennsylvania Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs

Main Offi ce: 1-800-547-2838Philadelphia Field Offi ce: 1-866-754-8637Pittsburgh Field Offi ce: 1-866-754-8636

Offi ce of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs 13

Friday, June 25th

Entry Fee Includes:

Golf, Cart, Steak Dinner, Tee Prizes

�ew Harley Davidson Motorcycle as

Prize for One Hole-In-One Contest

Closest pins on ALL Par Threes

Long Drives for Men & Women

Straightest Drive, Door Prizes

Dinner & Prizes Served After Golf

Additional Guests for dinner $22.00 per person

E�TRY DEADLI�E: Monday, June 14, 2010

Join us for the

Silver Spring Veterans Memorial Open

Charity Tournament to Benefit the Veterans Memorial

4 Person Scramble

1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start(Registration: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.)

Silver Spring Golf Course136 Sample Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg

Sil S i V M i l O E F

Entry Fee: $260 Per Team