VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: September, 9-9-2015
[posted on: 9-16-2015]
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The meeting was held at Mikeska's BBQ, El Campo, TX. There were 35 members and 8 guests present.
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President Leonard Sternadel declared the meeting open at 1900 hours and the following business was transacted.
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The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
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Prospective member Rick Marik and guest Bart Sherwood were introduced.
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The meeting was then recessed for the meal and reconvened at 1945.
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The minutes of the last meeting were approved as presented.
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Sternadel then introduced Bart Sherwood, Program Director, TADSAW, Inc. Mr. Sherwood stated TADSAW stood for "Train a Dog - Save
a Warrior." TADSAW is a program designed to help veterans suffering from PTSD. The service dog becomes the veteran's companion
and is trained to detect anxiety attacks or depressed moods and helps alleviate any further acceleration of anxiety or depression.
According to Sherwood, many veterans in the program have become successful in all aspects of life, from work to home to
community.
Sherwood is the co-founder of the program that trains and provides dogs as a therapy tool for veterans suffering
from PTSD, MST and TBI. It is a program that teams a veteran with a dog that acts as a "battle buddy". Currently, there are
22 military suicides a day across the nation. Many states do not participate in the "numbers game" of reporting these suicides
therefore the number is actually much higher.
Sherwood explained that once a veteran leaves the service it is difficult to adjust to civilian life for many. The dogs bridge
the gap between being in the service and returning to normal life. The dogs allow the veteran an easier way to reconnect with
society.
The program started in August of 2010 and today there are 429 service dogs in use. Of these, 55 are Viet Nam veterans. No
veteran that applies is turned away. All who apply are approved for training. It is a positive reinforcement program that
is key to the lives of the veteran, their families and the community. More information is available on the
website TADSAW website
Sternadel thanked Mr. Sherwood for bringing "Colonel", his German Shepard dog for the members to meet. He also presented a
Board approved check in the amount of $5,000.00 to Mr. Sherwood for use in the TADSAW program.
Because statistics show that, nationwide, 22 veterans commit suicide each day, and the founding principle of the VVA is
"Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another", VVA Chapter 1069 felt it was important to support the
TADSAW program and to see Veterans helping other Veterans. The chapter's donation to TADSAW can also help any local
veterans who qualify for the program.
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VVA Chapter 1069 Service Officer Dwight Winkler provided a handout that discussed Secondary-Service Connected Disabilities,
Commissary shopping, Spouses' Benefits Regarding the Veteran's Death, and the Request for Records procedures. As usual,
Dwight always provides great information for the members.
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Sternadel reminded the members of the $100.00 Life Membership program underway. He encouraged those members who were not
life members to consider this. It was a way to not have to worry about the yearly hassle of renewals. More information may
be found on our chapter's website (see link below), including the required membership form.
Special VVA Membership Offer 2015
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He thanked all those chapter members that participated in the National Guard Family Day.
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The annual fish fry is scheduled for October 10th.
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November 14th has been set for a Chapter trip to Austin to visit the TCVVM (Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument).
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Sternadel reminded the members of the VVA TSC (Texas State Council) meeting in Beaumont Tx, on October 23 - 25.
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He also added that a future visit from Congressman Blake Fahrenthold was forthcoming.
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There being no further business, President Sternadel declared the meeting adjourned at 2045.
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