minutes092209

Holly Lake Ranch, Texas

Veterans Association

MINUTES OF THE

HOLLY LAKE RANCH VETERANS ASSOCIATION

SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

I. Greg Demko opened the meeting. Jeanette Sterner led the pledges to the Flags.

II. Secretary’s Minutes – Jeanette read the minutes of the August 25th meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes and the motion passed. Twenty-eight veterans are in attendance at the September meeting.

III. Treasurer’s Report – Ron Szczepanski reported that the Assn has opened an account at CNB. We do not have any money in the account, but after dues are collected tonight, he will be able to give a report at the next meeting.

IV. Unfinished Business -- The following topics were discussed:

A. Greg reminded everyone that The Vietnam “Traveling Wall” be in Mineola November 6-10. They are asking for helping setting it up. At the October meeting, Greg will have more details and a sign-up sheet for veterans to volunteer time on this project. It is supposed to be in the Holly Lake Ranch area as well, but only for a short amount of time. Location is not clear because it takes a lot of room to bring the trucks in a park. Greg will have more information as it becomes available.

B. Greg had mentioned at the last meeting that the organizers of the Oil

Festival Parade wanted veterans to volunteer to ride in military vehicles or

walk in the parade. The vehicles for the veterans would be the lead vehicles

in the parade. Military attire is requested but not necessary. Tim Discher

will put the information on the website.

C. Dues for members to belong to HLRVA were discussed at the last meeting.

It was decided by the Executive Board to have yearly dues of $25 per

veteran and $35 for multiple veterans in a household. The dues will be

collected the first meeting in September of every year. The money gained

will be to offset costs of activities for the membership.

V. New Business – The following topics were discussed:

A. Greg suggested that we have a contest to see who could create a logo for the Association. He said Tim Discher has already come up with an idea and that is “Veterans Helping Veterans.” The logo is on the web page. Greg suggested that we add something to make the logo look a bit more “military.” If anyone has any ideas, get with Tim and present the ideas at the next meeting. All agreed the idea of “Veterans Helping Veterans” was a great idea, because that is what this organization is about.

B. Dick Lathan, Vice President, is working on fun activities in which veterans

could participate. One idea is a Turkey Shoot at the golf course. This

event will be before Thanksgiving with more details to come. His second

idea is to have a “Poker Tournament.” Again, more details at the next

meeting. Greg said that Dick and he are working on fun things to do, so

input from other veterans is welcome.

C. Jeanette Sterner is President of WAGS, which is the Women’s Auxiliary

Group to the Greater Hawkins Veterans Memorial Association. She

explained that about 5 years ago, it was found that several wives of the

veterans, who belonged to GHVMA, were interested in forming a group to

support the work of GHVMA. Jeanette, who is a veteran, noted that women

veterans could also join WAGS. They have hosted several very successful

fund-raisers such as a Luau, Sock Hop, and Mardi Gras (2 events.)

VI. Speaker from VA Outpatient Clinic Director, Laura Reeves – The following topics or issues were explained by Laura:

A. Laura introduced her associate Amecia Davis, who will help individuals with personal questions and concerns after the meeting. Both work at the Tyler clinic. (NOTE: Her comments were primarily related to the services of the Tyler Clinic. There may be different services at other clinics or at the main hospital in Dallas.) Laura said Leon Jones, the VA Benefits Counselor, was unable to attend but plans on coming at a later date. Sven said he would contact Leon to see if he can come to the October meeting.

B. She announced that more fee-based specialists, such as vision care and

physical therapy, are at the clinic or will be coming to the clinic in the near

future. More services are being offered for women veterans as well. A

veteran can obtain information on the services offered at the Tyler clinic or

any clinic.

C. A veteran asked if he could go to any VA facility and she said that was

correct. You can enroll at any facility. When you enroll, you need to bring

your DD 214 and your driver’s license. The Tyler clinic is located at 3414

Golden Road, which is off the Loop. It is off Troop Hwy and Palixy Road,

behind Brookshire’s Grocery Store.

D. A veteran said he has tried to enroll before, but he was told he could not

primarily because he made “too much money.” Laura said that was probably

true in the past and it still may be, but she encouraged veterans to try again

because the requirements have changed and the threshold and categories of

income have changed. The income of both the veteran and his/her spouse is

considered when determining eligibility. She again stated, with the changes

in enrollment policies, it is possible a veteran may now be eligible for services

even if the veteran was turned down in the past. She encouraged all

veterans to try and enroll again. A veteran still expressed concern that all

veterans cannot receive services from the VA. He said he and his wife live on

a fixed income and it is hard to believe that he, like others here, “make too

much money” to keep him from VA medical services. Laura said the only

option to change “income categories,” is to talk with your federal government

representatives. As of now, the threshold is taxable income of $35,000.

Laura stressed again, that veterans should still submit an application

because you still may qualify under certain categories of service. Every

applicant has to complete a Means Test to determine eligibility. Jeanette said

that Phil Smith, who is the field representative for Congressman Jeb

Hensarling, will be at the October meeting. This would be a good time to ask

him questions concerning the availability of VA services for all veterans and

the income categories set by the government.

E. Someone asked about “Hardship” patients. Laura said you can submit a

“hardship” application if you do not meet the monetary criteria to receive VA

medical benefits. However, you have to explain your situation to the benefits

counselor so he/she can determine if you are eligible for medical services.

F. A veteran asked if you could go to either the Tyler or Longview Clinic. If you

are coming to Tyler and you need certain care that you can only receive in

Longview, your primary care doctor can refer you to Longview. The reverse is

also true. A veteran will have better care if he/she has a primary care

physician for most medical needs and then that doctor will outsource or refer

you to other clinics.

G. Flu shots can be obtained at the clinic in Tyler Monday thru Friday from

8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

H. Laura said the Tyler clinic has tripled the number of patients since they

opened. The contract on the current building is up and they are looking at a

larger facility.

I. Laura said there are plans to begin contracting dentists for veterans. She did

not give a date when this program will start.

J. Several veterans commented on the great staff and service they are receiving

both in Tyler and Longview.

K. A veteran asked if the VA is considering chiropractic care for patients. Laura

said at this time contracting such care is not in the immediate plans.

L. The Tyler clinic does have a mental health component. It is new but has a

very good staff to handle such requests. PTSD is one of the more common

diagnoses of these patients.

M. Service Connected Disability paper work can be completed at the Tyler clinic.

N. A veteran asked about travel pay for going to clinics a certain distance from

home. Laura said that you have to go to the closest clinic available unless

you are directed (a doctor referral) to go to a clinic further from your home.

Minutes Submitted By,

Jeanette L. Sterner, Secretary

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