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| DISABLED
AMERICAN VETERANS, ATLANTIC CITY, CHAPTER #10 |
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 Bryan
Roscoe, Commander
1102 New Rd., Northfield, NJ 08225
(609) 383-1066
FAX: 383-1966
Angelo Ralph Palmentieri, Adjutant
704 Haddon Ave., Absecon, NJ 08201
John J. Palmentieri, Service Officer
32 N. Boston Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Atlantic City, Chapter #10 and Auxilliary Meeting
Information
Background Information on the Disabled American
Veterans
The DAV's Membership
The DAV's History
National Service Program
Atlantic City, Chapter #10 and Auxilliary
Meeting Information
Meets on the first Friday of each month at the Disabled American
Veterans Hall, 601 Dolphin Avenue, Northfield, New Jersey 08225. The
meeting starts at 8:00 p.m.
Background Information on the Disabled
American Veterans
Treaties are signed and the battles of nations end, but the personal
battles of those disabled in war only begin when the guns fall silent.
These men and women must struggle to regain health, reshape lives
shattered by disability, learn new trades or prof essions, and rejoin
the civilian world. At each step, they need help to help themselves.
For three quarters of a century now, that aid has come from the Disabled
American Veterans (DAV), a nonprofit organization of more than one
million veterans disabled during time of war or armed conflict.
Formed in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932, the million-member
DAV is the official voice of America's service-connected disabled
veterans -- a strong, insistent voice that represents all of America's
2.1 million disabled veterans, their families an d survivors. Its
nationwide network of services -- free of charge to all veterans and
members of their families -- is totally supported by membership dues
and contributions from the American public. Not a government agency,
the DAV's national organization receives no government funds.
The DAV's Membership
Some people simply assume that any veterans' organization with a little
history behind it is a politically conservative group made up of older,
male veterans. Emphatically, the DAV doesn't fit that stereotype.
Membership is open to any honorably discharged veteran with a disability
incurred in wartime military service or under conditions similar to
war.
Veterans disabled during the Vietnam War make up a third of the DAV's
membership, and 11 Vietnam veterans have served one-year terms as
national commander, the DAV's highest office. Veterans who served
during Vietnam or later make up all of the DAV's management and professional
staff at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati, Ohio,
as well as its offices nationwide.
DAV programs and activities also enjoy the support of an Auxiliary
that focuses its attention on disabled veterans' families. Women in
the Auxiliary are all relatives of DAV members, Gold Star mothers
or wives, or women who are also members of the DAV. For more information
on the Auxiliary, write to: DAV Auxiliary National Headquarters, 3725
Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, Ky. 41076.
The DAV's History
When the troops came home from World War I, 300,000 carried grim reminders
of war: disabling injuries, battle scars, gas-seared lungs, and prolonged
illnesses. Following a tumultuous hero's welcome, America wiped the
horror of war from its mind almost as quickly as the ticker tape was
swept from the streets of New York City. The nation's makeshift response
to the needs of its disabled heroes soon broke down. These angry young
veterans took matters into their own hands, starting local self-help
groups that soon merged to become the DAV.
After forming a national organization headquartered in Cincinnati
in 1920, the DAV began planning a Washington, D.C., office to work
toward needed legislation and expedite veterans' claims. During its
first six months of operation in 1922, this office han dled 7,000
claims for veterans across America. These young disabled vets also
worked with other organizations, initiating legislation that led to
a centralized government agency to handle all veterans' affairs: the
Veterans' Bureau, forerunner of today's Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA).
In 1935, the DAV began stationing veterans' benefits experts in Veterans'
Bureau claims offices and hospitals across the country. When the specter
of World War II raised its head, the DAV upgraded its facilities and
training programs to meet the new deman ds about to be placed on its
service programs. As the first disabled vets returned from World War
II, a formal program to train DAV National Service Officers (NSOs)
was started at American University. There, disabled vets studied the
disciplines they'd ne ed to help other returning veterans.
The DAV's National Service Program
Today, the DAV employs some 260 NSOs in 68 offices across the
United States, providing numerous services to veterans and their families
free of charge. Veterans need not be members of the DAV to take advantage
of the free service of the DAV's veterans' be nefits experts. DAV
NSOs do much more than just counsel veterans and their families on
veterans' benefits and services. They function as attorneys-in-fact
for the veterans and families they represent. They assist veterans
in filing claims for VA disability compensation, death benefits, pension,
and other benefits provided under federal, state and local law. In
the year ended June 30, 1994, DAV NSOs secured benefits for 243,856
veterans and members of their families, accounting for more than $1.6
billion i n new and retroactive benefits.
DAV NSOs are skilled professionals, trained experts in building disabled
veterans’ cases from the ground up by reviewing medical histories,
guidelines, regulations and pertinent legislation. In representing
veterans and their families, NSOs prepare claims forms and briefs,
helping to assemble evidence in support of claims. When needed, they
request hearings before government boards to present clients' briefs
orally. They also review board decisions, advising veterans and their
families of their appeal ri ghts. In addition, DAV NSOs work closely
with the VA, Social Security Administration, Labor Department, and
other federal, state, and local agencies to keep veterans and their
families informed of available programs and services.
All DAV NSOs are disabled veterans with compensable, service-connected,
wartime disabilities. Like their clients, they faced the handicaps
that overshadowed their lives. All disabled vets have trouble adjusting
to these realities, but this ordeal prepares NSOs for their professional
role, sharpening their understanding of the anguish and frustrations
of the disabled veterans with whom they work. The DAV's National Service
Program and its NSOs are crucial to America's disabled vets and their
families for t wo reasons. First, the government doesn't automatically
grant veterans' benefits and services; veterans and their families
must apply for them. Second, these claims must be thoroughly verified
and justified. Faced by red tape and a bureaucracy that's often regrettably
unresponsive, disabled veterans and their families need expert help
to obtain the rights and benefits their blood and sacrifices have
earned. That expert is their DAV NSO.
In 1988, Congress established the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA),
which has exclusive jurisdiction to review decisions of the VA Board
of Veterans Appeals. In the DAV's continuing effort to provide quality
service, the organization has expanded its programs to include representation
before this Court.
Since 1994, the DAV has conducted an academy at the University of
Colorado bringing the best minds in veterans’ affairs to bear
in the training of new NSOs. This program is just another measure
of the DAV’s commitment to the highest level of quality in th
e representation it provides to disabled veterans and their families.
When floods, tornadoes, and other natural catastrophes strike, the
DAV is there to help. DAV NSOs go to the area, search out disabled
veterans who need help, and provide grants on the spot from the DAV
Disaster Relief Fund. Grants totaling $274,975 were disbursed in
1994 to help disabled veterans secure temporary lodging, food and
other necessities. Since the program’s inception in 1968, more
than $3 million has been disbursed.
DAV NSOs are involved in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP),
an effort to provide extensive military pre-separation briefings to
people leaving the armed forces. The DAV opened offices specifically
for this purpose in the Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, Calif., areas
where numerous military installations are located. In other parts
of the country, DAV NSOs regularly visit military bases, participating
in pre-separation programs conducted by the armed forces.
DAV National Web Site
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| MILITARY
ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART, CHAPTER 155 |
Elam L. Grumbein -- Commander
507 Tide Dr..
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
(609) 927-6061
According to Paragraph 2-8, Army Regulation
600-8-22 (Military Awards) 25 February 1995:
The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington
at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary
War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per
War Department General Orders 3, 1932, and is currently awarded pursuant
to Executive Order 11016, 25 April 1962, Executive Order 12464, 23
February 1984 and Public Law 98-525, 19 October 1984.
a . The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the
United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national
of the United States who, while serving under competent authority
in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April
1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter
die after being wounded-
(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.
(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country
in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.
(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed
conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States
is not a belligerent party.
(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force
(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist
attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the
United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the
Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services
concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the
attack.
(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while
serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping
force.
b. While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs
from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended"
for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting
specific criteria.
(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under
conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf
Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more
than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received
at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or
agent.
(2) A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an
outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions
listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound
for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical
officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received
in action must have been made a matter of official record.
(3) When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue
that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which
the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient
was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary
prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.
(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award
of the Purple Heart are as follows:
(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel,
or other projectile created by enemy action.
(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine
or trap.
(c) Injury caused by enemy released
chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.
(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft
accident resulting from enemy fire.
(e) Concussion injuries caused as a
result of enemy generated explosions.
(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for
award of the Purple Heart are as follows:
(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.
(b) Heat stroke.
(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy
agents.
(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear
agents not released by the enemy.
(e) Battle fatigue.
(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy
agents.
(g) Accidents, to include explosive,
aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to
or caused by enemy action.
(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when
in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.
(i) Post traumatic stress disorders.
(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy
action.
(6) It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement
for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action
be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving
personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances
surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Note
the following examples:
(a) In a case such as an individual
injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had
been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result
of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made
in favor of the individual and the award will be made.
(b) Individuals wounded or killed as
a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle"
will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly"
projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting
damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.
(c) Individuals injured as a result
of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an
unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or
searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs,
will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured
as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.
c. A Purple Heart will be issued to the next of kin of each person
entitled to a posthumous award. Issue will be made automatically by
the Commanding General, PERSCOM, upon receiving a report of death
indicating entitlement.
d. Upon written application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN: DARP-VSE-A,
9700 Page Boulevard. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, award may be made to
any member of the Army, who during World War I, was awarded a Meritorious
Service Citation Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, American
Expeditionary Forces, or who was authorized to wear wound chevrons.
Posthumous awards to personnel who were killed or died of wounds after
5 April 1917 will be made to the appropriate next of kin upon application
to the Commanding General, PERSCOM.
e. Any member of the Army who was awarded the Purple Heart for meritorious
achievement or service, as opposed to wounds received in action, between
7 December 1941 and 22 September 1943, may apply for award of an appropriate
decoration instead of the Purple Heart.
f. For those who became Prisoners of War after 25 April 1962, the
Purple Heart will be awarded to individuals wounded while prisoners
of foreign forces, upon submission by the individual to the Department
of the U.S. Army of an affidavit that is supported by a statement
from a witness, if this is possible. Documentation and inquiries should
be directed to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-PDA, Alexandria, VA
22332-0471.
g. Any member of the U.S. Army who believes that he or she is eligible
for the Purple Heart, but through unusual circumstances no award was
made, may submit an application through military channels, to Commander,
PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Application will
include complete documentation, to include evidence of medical treatment,
pertaining to the wound.
h. As noted in a above, the Purple Heart may be awarded to civilian
nationals of the United States. These individuals must be serving
under competent authority with the Army when wounded. Serving under
competent authority with the Army will include those eligible persons
who are employees of the U.S. Government in a duty (pay or official
travel) status when wounds are sustained. Examples of eligible individuals
are as follows:
(1) Any Army employee who is traveling outside of the continental
limits of the United States on PCS or temporary duty (TDY) aboard
a commercial aircraft and wounded by international terrorists in an
attempted or actual hijacking incident.
(2) An Army employee in an Army office building performing his or
her job who is wounded by an explosive device detonated by international
terrorists.
(3) A civil or foreign service employee from a U.S. Government Agency
or Department attached to an Army element performing intelligence,
counter-terrorist, or other duties with the Army wounded by international
terrorists.
(4) An Army employee wounded in an international terrorist incident
in which a soldier or soldiers are also wounded.
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