NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

From the Commander's Desk

Here we are with another month almost at its end. The year truly is Slipping by fast. It was great to see the members at our Fall conference at Baraboo back at the end of October. By the surveys that were turned back into us, the overall membership view of the Conference was that it Was one of the better ones that we have put on. My personal favorite part of the Conference is the face-to-face time with the membership.

Thank you to the members that do come and take the Chapter Service Officer Training class. It is important to have at least one certified Service Officer in each Chapter to help serve all of the veterans in our State that may need help with their claim. As for any of the other training that was offered, we hope that you continue to take back to your Chapters and share with your fellow members.

Following the Conference, I have been up to the King home for discussion and a tour with the WDVA Secretary Designee James Bond. I sat on the first meeting regarding the survey that was taken earlier this year about the King Home, conditions, and employees. I was selected by the WDVA Secretary to sit on the board that is doing the review of the survey.

I have visited the Chapters in Stevens Point and in Eagle River. I was invited, and went to, the Governor's Mansion for a Veterans Day celebration. I also represented the Department at the Veterans Benefits Bonanza in La Crosse. It was a great day there helping veterans with claims work, signing new members up, and got a few volunteer drivers for our vans at the Tomah VA. Chapter 12 was also there and had a productive day at their booth also. The 21st, the second District Committeeman and I will be traveling to Lancaster to join the Chapter for a Steak cookout celebration for two of their members that are reaching their 50-year date this month as DAV members. It will be my honor to pin them with 50-year pins that I have for each of them.

With this last week of November racing up on us, let us remember that special day that comes with it. And no, I do not mean opening day guys. Of course, I am talking about Thanksgiving Day. While you are sharing that day with your family and friends, please do not forget some of our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate at this time. If you can do something for them also. You never know they may have had your back or side at one time in the past.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We are in mid-November and that gives us one and one-half months to beat the December 31, 2023, deadline. The following is from my membership plan put forward at the beginning of the year:

“Remember that all awards are based on the May 1, 2024, National Membership Department (Population Summary and Recruitment Report) unless otherwise stated.

1. National Membership has new Prospect Hot Lists. National is waiting to send one to your chapter. Your chapter earns $25.00 when it requests and receives a new Prospect Hot List No Later Than (NLT) December 31, 2023.

Each DAV, Department of Wisconsin, Chapter will be eligible for up to $500.00 in cost reimbursement towards their Prospect Hot List mailings. This is from a fund of $3,500.00 and is payable until the money is gone. These mailing receipts must be dated NLT December 31, 2023.”

To date only six Chapters have asked for their $25.00 for a hot list and no Chapters have asked for membership supplies. Watertown 63 has made goal at 100.76%, and Fond du Lac 11 is at 97.55% with five left for one hundred percent. We have thirty Chapters needing ten or less.

The push is still on, and the March Madness is ahead with our competition deadline on May 1, 2024. 

I’m combining the reports of the First Junior Vice and the report as Chair of the Women's Committee in one document. The two major events since our last newsletter of course have been the Fall Conference in Baraboo and we have had our second Women Veterans Townhall and Benefit Workshop that I spoke about in the last Newsletter.

The workshop was held on November 9th, 2023, in Waukesha WI at the Elks Lodge. The location was chosen based on input from the district commander and the women's coordinator for the WD VA based on our goals to reach as many women as possible come up both in the DAV as well as those who were underserved. That area has many underserved women veterans, and it was also close enough to draw Milwaukee. We had great support from the Milwaukee VA who sent several of their staff members and from Jodi Barnett at the WDVA. I also have to thank the wonderful members of the women's committee, Holly Hoppe, Connie Clayton and Phyllis Wiggins who helped in person with the logistics and presentation and made things so much easier for me. I also had great help from Rosalyn Howard and Laura Felton who are not able to make it in person.  We learned from the Madison event, and I believe this was a better program in both attendance and content. Everyone has agreed we should offer this again come up with suggestion being in District 4. Plans are already in progress for a program in Superior in 2024 once we know the weather will be better. Wes Hackensmith already has his sleeves rolled up planning! Special thanks also to Stan Kotgutkiewicz, from district one who helped with the location but also with the Elks Lodge which we were able to book for free.

I really enjoyed the fall conference as it provided an opportunity to see many of you come out reconnect and network. It was also a pleasure to bring back information learned at the National Convention. One of the presentations that I made was on communication, prompted by some dissatisfaction related to the slow changeover to our new website. Our adjutant had already made a presentation explaining the events which put things in perspective. I handed out a survey looking for feedback from department members regarding how the Department is doing in reaching members.

I thank everyone for their replies, especially those who left their contact information so I can ask for clarification. I promised I would report on the results.

There were 44 surveys returned. It was impossible to tell how many were passed out because many people were coming and going at the back of the room, but visually this represented well over 50% which is quite good.

The first question was “which is your preferred way to receive communication?”. The majority preferred e-mail, followed by the newsletter, phone calls, snail mail and at the very end the website. Several people did circle more than one indicating that they would like to receive a text.

Taking this to the leadership, I can report back that sending out information by text is not something we are technically equipped to do, that we have moved away from snail mail due to the very high cost and that we are making many changes to the website. Chapters however, being smaller are certainly free to send information by snail mail to some of their members who may not have Internet or simply prefer paper.

The next question was asking whether the individual surveyed had looked at the updated website and if so, what changes would they recommend. I am going to list the main recommendations and in italics next to it the actions taken.

1. Put search filters on the DAV store: we are not able to do this because depending on where you click come out you either go to the national store or to the state one which is run by a third party.
2. Put in a link to update addresses of chapter members: this is already possible using my dav.org
3. Add CSO information: in progress!
4. Keep events page up to date: in progress!
5. Update photos and information on committee members and committees: in progress
6. Add a clear link to the legislation area: we're looking into this as we are not sure if the writer meant state or national issues.

The next question references the department Facebook page, requesting more updates come on which has been happening, and additional information was put out about accessing that page. One member suggested that we use TikTok come up, but leadership has voted this down as it is a Chinese company with potential risks. There is also a question about the use of Instagram. I am still researching that. The department may have an Instagram account already.

The last portion of the survey concerned itself with communication in general and any recommendations for improvement. There were common themes in these suggestions which could be summarized as a request for more training, more opportunity to attend “go to meeting” provide searchable video content (webinars) and in general do what we could to get more individuals to go to meetings. Prior webinars are being transferred over to the new website and there are plans to reinstitute training webinars soon. Please feel free to contact me with desired topics.

In terms of getting more individuals to go to meetings, that is something only under the control of the individual member. We are planning on moving meetings back to a more central location, that is Stevens Point which I believe will be helpful. There is also a vote to return to the previous way of doing district meetings. I truly believe there is much to be gained by doing business in person, even though I am very grateful for the technology that we do have as it can make many things easier.

Wishing everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving. I know I have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is my DAV family. I also hope that the rest of the holidays are wonderful and peaceful.

I missed our Fall Convention because of family problems, but I hope everyone that went had a good time! I am excited and maybe everyone else’s ready for the holiday fun! It seems that it has already started because the shops are getting crowded.

Here some examples of our LVAP categories:

• I’m a Chapter Service Office (CHO) and meet a veteran at our Golden Corral. We talked for about 30 min about the new laws that passed for benefits. – it’s Chapter Service Officer
• Department Service Officer (DSO). – We do not have this in Wisconsin
• I went to a State Veteran Seminar training for volunteering. - it’s DAV Outreach
• Our Chapter had a meat raffle at our local bar. – its Fundraising
• I’m a Benefits Protection Team Leader (BPTL) and meet with our state senator about a legislative law. – its Grassroots if I’m you’re not a (BPTL) it can be LVAP
• I am planning to do a Homeless Veterans Stand Down by our chapter – its Homeless Stand Down. This is only for planning our participating in a Homeless Stand Down. Visiting a shelter can be LVAP
• We planned for our Memorial Day event, and I read the names. – its Special Events
• My grandson raked the leaves in our backyard, and my daughter fixed the lawn mower. Its Veteran Assistance. Pretty much anything one that helps a veteran, spouse and families that belongs to your chapter and be put here. However, the only catch is it must be Direct Assistance
• I did Chapter hours for cleaning, but don’t know where to put them. Its LVAP, remember any hours completed for Department and/or Chapter initiatives that do not fit into a specific LVAP category.

You can find this manual and a host of other useful information from our DAV National at Voluntary Services - DAV. 

So far Wisconsin has 22,549 LVAP hours. We are down 2,111 LVAP hours at this same time from last year. Now let’s look at the Local Veterans Assistance Program, LVAP, hours, per chapter. From July1, 2022 thru November 14^th, 2023, your chapter has LVAP hours per our DAV National:

#2 Madison – Zero                            #24 Manitowoc – 2,542                    #51 Redgranite – 1,797

#3 Greenbay – 1,073                          #27 Monroe Co. – 1,178                    #52 Northwest – 3,287

#5 Waukesha – Zero                         #28 Ashland – 132                             #53 Manawa - Zero

#8 Baraboo – Zero                             #29 Lincoln Co. – Zero                     #55 Wis Rapids – 1,168

#9 Racine – Zero                               #30 Stevens Point – Zero                  #56 Eagle River - Zero

#11 Fond du lac – Zero                     #31 Medford – 1,169                         #57 Marshfield – Zero

#12 LaCrosse – Zero                         #32 Richland Ctr. – Zero                   #58 West Bend - 48

#14 Rock Co. – 478                           #33 Rock Co. – Zero                         #60 Portage - Zero

#17 Winnebago Co. – 1363               #34 Twin Co. – Zero                         #62 Rhinelander - Zero

#18 Outagamie Co. – Zero                #38 Juneau Co. – 511                       #63 Watertown - 651

#19 Milwaukee – Zero                      #40 Grant Co. – Zero                        #64 Wausau - Zero

#20 Kenosha – Zero                          #44 Milwaukee – 209                      #65 Calumet Co. - Zero

#21 Chippewa - Valley 4,718            #45 Oconto Co. – 701                      #67 Mineral Point - Zero

#23 Antigo – Zero

Ok everyone, let’s remember to send your hours to vavs@dav.org. the instructions are on the DAV Monthly Reporting Form 60 – LVAP. Wisconsin has to many Zeros’, get them in! If you need help, watch the webinar and all the information you need is at Voluntary Services - DAV. As always, just a personal touch give me a call (920) 410-8512 or email me dfelten33@gmail.com. 

The leaves have turned colors and most of them have fallen. The busyness of the season is underway. Each one of us must encourage young people, ages 7-18, who are still in school, because this time of year they have many opportunities to volunteer in the name of DAV/DAVA. They can provide so much happiness at our Veterans homes, help at food pantries, visit homebound Veterans and due to the weather changing, a lot more of our folks become more isolated this time of year. This is a great time of year to make a difference in the lives of others and to compete for a DAV Youth Award. Please remember to make sure they are recording their hours!

To be eligible for the award, the youth must have been outstanding in one or more of the following activities: WI Veterans Homes Volunteers (King, Chippewa Falls, Union Grove) on DAV Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Helping at Food Pantries, Visiting House Bound Veterans, Visiting Nursing Homes of another Chapter or Auxiliary, Americanization Projects, Community Volunteer Projects, and/or VA Hospital Volunteer.

Type of Awards:

• 1^st Place: $250 Check and a Certificate of Appreciation
• 2^nd Place: $150 Check and a Certificate of Appreciation
• 3^rd Place: $100 Check and a Certificate of Appreciation

Our committee looks forward to getting a lot of nominations next year. Just as a friendly reminder the deadline is May 20, 2024.

This is a great opportunity to recognize their efforts!

Enjoy the season!

Wish everyone! has a happy holiday season. another year is coming to a close and hoping all will have a Happy New Year. There are allot of Continuation and Bylaws that are more than 10 years old. Good time to review them and update them. Use the sources you have on State and National Web sites. They can give you guidelines to go by. Remember to Keep our promise to American Veterans. Happy Holiday everyone.

Though originally scheduled for February 25–28, the 2024 DAV Mid-Winter Conference has been rescheduled for March 7–10 due to a just-announced change in Congress’ 2024 calendar. While the new dates are an unprecedented break from the event’s traditional week after Presidents Day, moving our most highly visible demonstration of DAV’s dedicated advocacy will ensure our members and supporters are able to meet their elected officials face-to-face while Congress is in session. – Barry A. Jesinosky, National Adjutant

DAV Statement on VA’s 2023 National Veterans Suicide Prevention Report

DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa issued the following Statement on the VA’s 2023 National Veterans Suicide Prevention Report:

“DAV is disheartened to learn of the 1.8% increase in veteran suicides from 2020 to 2021 after seeing a drop each of the two years prior. Particularly alarming is that the suicide rate among women veterans jumped 24.1%—far greater than the 6.3% increase among male veterans.” To read the entire Statement, click here.

Advocacy is not a Spectator Sport

If you are a member of the Commander’s Action Network (CAN), thank you. Your voice has been essential in having legislation enacted into Public Law. If not, join CAN by clicking here. 

After VA Hospital employees observed patients responding well with fellow veterans the Veterans Administration, established a Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee. On April 8, 1946, this advisory committee, made up of representatives of the American Legion and its Auxiliary; American Red Cross; Disabled American Veterans and its Auxiliary; United Service Organizations Inc.; and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliary. The committee recommended a plan for community volunteer participation in activities for hospitalized veterans, including the establishment of advisory committees at local hospitals. The committee has grown from six to 65 major veterans, civic and service organizations and more than 350 local organizations. The committee gives direction for the recruitment, training and placement of volunteers in medical centers.

The Secretary of Veteran Affairs is authorized by Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 513, 38 U.S.C. 7405, and VA Handbook 5005, Staffing, Part II, Chapter 2, Section A, Paragraph 4c, to accept uncompensated services of persons as deemed appropriate. VAVS Volunteers are appointed under 38 U.S.C. 513.

Our National DAV Voluntary Services appoints Representatives, Deputy Representatives, and Associate Representatives to the VA facilities servicing the Departments area Veterans. Our Department recommends an individual, National approves the recommendation, and then the VA Facility authorizes that individual to be a volunteer at their facility. Each VA Facility has their own set of requirements and therefore, no volunteer is transferable without going through the whole process again for the VA Facility they are transferring to.

In May 2001, the Executive Committee to the VAVS National Advisory Committee concurred with the recommendation of a VAVS ad hoc committee for procedures to formally recognize volunteers who provide service in a State Veterans Home (SVH). They are not VAVS Volunteers because they are not assigned or supervised by a VA employee; SVH Volunteers are allowed to receive VAVS recognition.

As we move on to fall and start thinking about winter, I was able to attend our DAV Auxiliary National Fall Conference and our State Fall Conference. As always there is much information shared at the National Fall Conference and the Fall conference book that we receive is such a valuable tool we use it as part of the curriculum at our State Fall Conference. There is so much shared it is hard to highlight just part of it. Most of the training is done in very original and entertaining ways. For Americanism we had a mock flag retirement ceremony that was very moving. Local Boy Scouts and the Fire Marshal participated in this. If anyone would like more information on our National Fall Conference, just reach out to me.

Our State Fall Conference was well received and was another good learning and sharing opportunity for keeping our Units on course. We had 8 of our 9 existing Units represented. I was grateful to address the DAV Saturday morning and look forward to working with you to strengthen and grow our Auxiliary presence in Wisconsin.

I am continuing my Unit visits. Since I live in the center of the State, I have had some long drives and yet enjoyed the Unit meetings and the fellowship with the Chapters afterward. I have visited Unit 9, 17, 19 and 3 and I'm scheduled for Unit 11 in early December before winter sets in too much. Then I'll take a break until spring. I have been to visit Zablocki. I will be going to Chippewa Falls Veterans Home and King Veterans Home in the next week.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding the Auxiliary, please feel free to reach out to me or to any of the line officers and we will work to get your concerns addressed properly.

Thank you all for your service and support, remember the DAV Auxiliary, will be the light for veterans!

Have a Blessed Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas!

The month of October was a busy month for DAV Wisconsin. We had our Fall Conference, where a lot of good information was put out. We recertified our Chapter Service Officers (CSO) and had many new Chapter Service Officers certified. DAV Wisconsin is excited to see the new CSOs serving the Veterans in their community. Those who came to the Fall Conference were able to reconnect with their brothers and sisters they had not seen since our State Convention. It is always a good time to get together and learn what we can do for the Veterans in our great state. The National Convention always puts out amazing information that we bring back to DAV Wisconsin. All this information can be found at here.

The month of November had an amazing highlight where Commander Hilliard and BPTL Labelle were once again invited to represent DAV Wisconsin at Governor Evers Veterans Day Appreciation event in Madison at the Governor’s residence. There were Veterans Day Events all over the state, and we here at DAV Wisconsin hope the local chapters were active in their community, showing the work of what the DAV does. All of our hard work starts in the community and grows from there. The DAV membership is what makes us strong and successful.

As we all know, the holidays are one of the hardest for Veterans to get through, so reach out to those you have not heard from and those you have. Do buddy checks with your brothers and sisters in arms. Invite someone over for the holiday or take them out to a local establishment that is open and serves holiday food. These times are about giving and caring for those we love.

Once again, I will be opening my house to Veterans and friends who don’t have anywhere to go. We cook a big spread of food. My kids and I have been doing this for going on 16 years now. It all started when I was stationed at Ft Campbell and my mom came down for Thanksgiving and she heard about all my battle buddies in the barracks. We called and invited them to come enjoy the holiday with us. It was eye-opening seeing my battle buddies faces eating food with Family. My mom passed away in 2016, right before Thanksgiving, and I was not in a good place and was going to cancel Thanksgiving, but it was my wonderful kids who said “No, Dad, Grammy would want us to keep taking care of your veteran family”. The tradition continues because my mom taught me and I taught my kids what it means to be family, the DAV and all the veterans are my family, and I will always do my best to take care of family.

I hope everyone enjoys the Holidays.