Veterans Beat: Focusing on stories of heroism, sacrifice and courage

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by Ron Seman
Military members are trained to overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission. Returning to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support.

Programs to help these veterans, available from the Department of Veterans Affairs and partnering organizations, are the focus of the April edition of "The American Veteran," VA's monthly half-hour news magazine.

"We are committed to outreaching to veterans and military personnel about the VA programs available to help these warriors recover from their physical and mental injuries," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "These stories showcase the courage and determination of the veterans, as well as the commitment of those willing to help -- many of whom are veterans themselves."

The lead story looks at veteran suicide, examining the programs VA has put in place to ensure that everyone from front-line clerks to mental health providers are prepared to recognize the early warning signs of suicide and know how to respond.

A second feature looks at a unique rehabilitation program in Florida, "Shake A Leg," designed to help disabled veterans cope with physical and mental difficulties by teaching them how to sail.

In another story, VA partners with city leaders in Fargo, N.D., to support Project HART, a program created to help homeless veterans get off the street with a unique four-step program.

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA's Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University Employee Education System produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the programs to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov<http://www.va.gov/>.Just click on "Public Affairs" and then "Featured Items."

"The American Veteran" schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at http://www.pentagonc...;.

The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems.

Additional stories on the April edition of "The American Veteran" include:

* VA's newest liver transplant center.

* A new travel nurse corps is designed to address the nursing shortage.

* New GI Bill rules provide an increase in educational benefits.

For information about "The American Veteran" program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.

AMVETS INFO: Cmmdr. Jim Soltis and President June Nemec of AMVETS Post 80 and Auxiliary, Maple Heights, say information about their activities is available by calling 216-662-0340. The post is located at 16536 Broadway Ave.

AL 309 ELECTIONS: Cmmdr. Al Glontz and President Patti Tropf of American Legion Post 309 and Auxiliary, Maple Heights, say nominations and elections of officers for the upcoming year will be May 6 at 8 p.m. for the men; the ladies meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; and members of the Sons of American Legion meet on the second Monday at 8 p.m. The post phone: 216-662-7768.

ELECTION RESULTS: A reminder to public relations officers of all posts and auxiliaries to give us the list of new officers when they become available. Copies can be mailed to me at 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma 44129, or e-mail: SemanRJ@aol.com. Let's recognize these folks for accepting the important responsibilities attached to these various offices. Thanks!

CWV 1812 POPPIES: Cmmdr. Steve Dzurnak and President Ruth Balewski of Catholic War Veterans Post 1812 and Auxiliary, Garfield Heights, say the annual sale of poppies at area Catholic churches will begin on the weekend of April 26 and April 27. Chet Balewski is chairman of the program. Care to become involved? Call him at 216-475-1965. Also, the ladies will meet April 28 at 3 p.m.

BLUE STAR MOTHERS: Cmmdr. Al Glontz of American Post 309 and chairman of the annual Maple Heights parade is looking for moms who may have a son or daughter in the military. He would like them to participate in the program. Interested Blue Star Mothers can call him at 216-581-1170.

VFW POST 1082 INFO: Cmmdr. Joe Bright and President Dina Battista of VFW French-Bartlett Post 1082 and Auxiliary, Bedford, say information about their programs is available by calling the post at 440-232-9035.

DAV 125 ELECTIONS: Cmmdr. Roy Zeman and Auxiliary Cmmdr. Sue Zeman of Maple Heights Chapter 125, Disabled American Veterans, say they will nominate officers for the new term at the June meeting. For more information, call 330-468-9897.

VFW 3290 FOOD: Cmmdr. Jack Nichols of VFW Post 3290, Maple Heights, reminds members and area residents that fish and shrimp dinners are served every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. And breakfast is served from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Cost: $3. The post is located at 16847 Broadway Ave. Phone: 216-663-9512.