Weekly Reports March 16, 2023
OVAHCS has launched a revolutionary program to treat Veterans with serious mental health disorders
Jonathan Marrero, RN/rTMS Operator; Dawn Mossing, Nurse Manager, Outpatient MH; Dr. Snehal Kadia, MD, Psychiatrist- Somatic Treatment Program; Dr. Roopa Chavda, MD, Psychiatrist/Program Manager, Somatic Treatment Program;
Sandra Montanez, RN/ rTMS Operator
The Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) has launched a revolutionary program to treat Veterans with serious mental health disorders at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, Orlando, Fla.
The Somatic Treatment program is comprised of three treatment regimens. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Rtms), and Intranasal Esketamine which are offered to patients who undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation, and who have received a medical clearance by their provider.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is available at OVAHCS for inpatients as well as outpatients, and indicated for treatment resistant depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia not responding to medications
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): The ideal candidate will have tried at least two antidepressant medications at adequate doses for an optimal duration and have considered ECT. This treatment is used for those with treatment resistant depression.
- Intranasal Esketamine: Ideal candidates are less than 65 years old who have tried and failed at least four antidepressant medications (adequate doses and duration) with at least two trials augmented with appropriate medications (antipsychotics, second antidepressant, Lithium, T3) has been considered for ECT, has another adult to accompany them during their session, and agrees to stay and be monitored for at least two hours post administration. Treatment is provided to those with treatment resistant depression and acute suicidal ideations.
“To date, we have treated 15 Veterans with serious mental health disorders who have seen firsthand the positive benefits of the Somatic Treatment Program,” said OVAHCS Psychiatrist, Dr. Roopa Chavda. “We know that this treatment works and are hopeful that Veterans continue to seek out additional ways to overcome their mental health challenges through treatment opportunities like these.”
Veterans interested in the Somatic Treatment program can ask for a referral from their mental health provider. For additional information, please call: 407-631-4762.
Weekly Reports March 9, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
Complimentary Orlando Soccer Tickets
Orlando’s Major League Soccer club, Orlando City Soccer Club has set up an exclusive offer for this season for Florida Legion members! Receive a complimentary ticket with the purchase of one discounted ticket for select 2023 games. We hope you take advantage of this exclusive offer, as an expression of gratitude for your membership and involvement with the Florida Legion!
Here is the link to purchase the tickets. https://fevo.me/legion23
George T. Pinner, Jr.
With deep regret we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander George T. Pinner, Jr. of Tampa, Florida, who passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the age of 91. He is survived by his Children; 2 daughters: Debbie Pinner and Sandy Riley; two sons: George T. Pinner, III (Chip) and Michael McHerron.
On May 12, 1956, he married the love of his life Betty Lee. He worked for CXS railroad for 40 years (previously named Atlantic and Seaboard Coastline). After the passing of his beloved wife, George met Jeannie York, with whom he spent the last 21 years. Sadly, Jeannie passed away 16 days before George.
George was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was a member of Tampa Post 152 with 36 continuous years of membership. George served as Post Commander from 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 and 15th District Commander from 2002-2003. He also served on many committees and was very involved with Boys State.
The Burial Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the National Cemetery in Bushnell. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Tampa Bay Community Church, 3318 Moran Rd, Tampa, Florida 33618.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to Hospice of Tampa or Tampa Bay Community Church.
Weekly Reports March 2, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
American Legion National Commander to Deliver Legislative Priorities to Congress
Leader of Nation’s Largest Veterans Organization Urging Congress
to Oversee Implementation of PACT Act, Address Veteran Suicide
WHEN: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:00 am ET.
WHERE: Room #50, Dirksen Senate Office Building – Capitol Hill
WHO: Vincent “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion, will represent the organization’s nearly 1.7 million members when he speaks to lawmakers about the implementation of the promises made by the PACT Act, suicide prevention, health care for veterans and quality of life for military and family members.
WHAT: Commander Troiola’s testimony in a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, will point out that U.S. Coast Guard members risk going unpaid in the event of a future government shutdown, many military retirees still pay a “disabled veterans tax,” the U.S. Flag Code needs modernization and many other issues of importance for the veteran community. The testimony will be streamed live on www.legion.org
Ukraine Ambassador, VA Secretary Highlight Guest Speakers at The American Legion Washington Conference Tuesday
Leader of Nation’s Largest Veterans Organization, National Leaders
to Address Public Policy Priorities of American Legion
WHEN: February 28, 2023, at 8 am-12:45 pm
WHERE: International Ballrooms, Concourse Level, Washington Hilton Hotel
1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
WHO: Vincent “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion, will address members of the nation’s largest veterans service organization as they prepare to visit Congress to discuss the organizations top legislative priorities. Commander Troiola will also testify before a joint session the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs on March 1 at 10 am. Other Speakers at the February 28th “Commander’s Call” include Ukraine Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill.; Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif.; Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot (USMC); and other distinguished leaders involving the veterans community.
WHAT: Commander Troiola, the Ukraine ambassador, the VA Secretary and other speakers will address The American Legion’s concerns about the state of VA health care, the U.S. military, national security and other issues of importance to American veterans.
Weekly Reports February 23, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
The American Legion, Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair Coming to Washington on February 28
WASHINGTON (February 17, 2023) – The American Legion and Hiring Our Heroes are holding a career event for veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military spouses and caregivers on February 28 at the Washington Hilton. The event is free and will be held from 9 am – 4 pm.
From 9 am to 1 pm, The American Legion will be conducting a series of Career Workshops at the International Ballroom West, Concourse Level The workshops include the:
Military to Civilian Translation Resume Workshop, where participants will recognize how to communicate their military expertise in their job applications and interviews.
Federal Resume Workshop , which will show job seekers how to adapt their resume to fit federal internship and job application requirements.
Financial Literacy Workshop, where participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of budgeting, emergency preparedness, and long-term investing.
Networking Luncheon with Employer Panel, which will connect job seekers with employers so that they can gain valuable information on how to succeed at networking events.
A Career Fair will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Concourse Foyer. The registration page for the hiring fair can be found at: www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs.
The American Legion entry deadlines for Fourth Estate Awards enter final week
INDIANAPOLIS (February 21, 2023) – The American Legion is still accepting entries in its annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 1, 2023.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 31, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact pr@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2022.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports February 16, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
Weekly Reports February 9, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
The American Legion National Commander comments on State of the Union Address
“The American Legion is pleased that the White House is bringing needed attention to the tragedy of veterans’ suicide. More than 71,000 veterans have taken their lives since 2010. It’s time we stop focusing on that horrific number and instead focus on the one veteran we can save. As a society, we need to let veterans know that it is OK to not be OK. We ask all Americans to ‘Be the one’ to encourage any veteran in crisis to call 988 (ext. 1) and take the path toward mental wellness. We welcome the Biden administration’s plan to add 350 peer specialists to the Department of Veterans Affairs over the next seven years. The American Legion believes that buddy checks are an effective preventative tool that saves veterans lives. We believe that the veteran friendly initiatives offered by the president tonight will attract wide bipartisan support.” — Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion.
Five Things to Know, Feb. 6, 2023
1. China on Monday accused the United States of indiscriminate use of force in shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, saying it “seriously impacted and damaged both sides’ efforts and progress in stabilizing Sino-U.S. relations.” The U.S. shot down the balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft.
2. Russian forces are keeping Ukrainian troops tied down with fighting in the eastern Donbas region as Moscow assembles additional combat power there for an expected offensive in the coming weeks, Ukrainian officials said Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin is hungry for some battlefield success, especially securing illegally annexed territory in eastern Ukraine, to mark the anniversary of his invasion on Feb. 24.
3. A former Israeli prime minister who served briefly as a mediator at the start of Russia’s war with Ukraine says he drew a promise from the Russian president not to kill his Ukrainian counterpart. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett emerged as an unlikely intermediary in the war’s first weeks, becoming one of the few Western leaders to meet President Vladimir Putin during the war in a snap trip to Moscow last March.
4. President Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union address Tuesday evening on Capitol Hill as congressional committees gear up to begin their work for the new session. House Armed Services Committee members will have their first non-organizational meeting just a few hours before the presidential address. The hearing, on national security threats posed by China, is expected to gain even more attention in the wake of the shooting down of a Chinese surveillance balloon spotted above the United States last week.
5. Around 50 U.S. service members, veterans, and their families gathered atop a hill on this installation south of Seoul to remember a seasoned combat veteran who helped turn the tide of the 1950-53 Korean War. The ceremony paid respects to the memory of Army Capt. Lewis Millett, who led the soldiers of Easy Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, in what the Army regards as its last major bayonet charge. The charge took place at Osan on Feb. 5, 1951, according to the Army. Millet was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 6, 2023) – The American Legion has announced its call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 1, 2023.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 31, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact pr@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2022.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports February 3, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
PACT Act Fraud Prevention
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022 (PACT Act) — possibly the largest expansion of Veterans benefits in history — into law.
The PACT Act expands Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, and it helps VA provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
However, predatory companies are targeting Veterans’ retroactive benefit payments and VA needs your continued support to help us educate Veterans and their survivors about the types of fraud tactics being used against them – especially now that the PACT Act has been passed.
Some predatory companies, not accredited by VA, are targeting Veterans by offering to assist them with their VA benefit claim. These companies charge absurd fees or require those applying to pay a portion of their VA benefits for this ‘help’. VA will never charge Veterans or their family members to apply for the benefits they may be entitled to receive.
Please share the following information with Veterans and their survivors to help them guard against fraud and scams:
- Apply directly to VA. You may submit your application securely online via VA.gov or in person at any regional office. You may file your claim directly with VA, and VA will help gather the necessary evidence to support it. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply.
- Be suspicious of media advertisements from companies which provide information about the PACT Act and suggest you can only obtain benefits with their help. These companies may not be accredited with VA and may be attempting to charge you illegal fees.
- Use the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Accreditation Search to confirm and validate the credentials of anyone offering claims assistance. • Be cautious of aggressive law firms or companies expressing a sense of urgency and insisting you must act now.
- Do not sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized company a fee to help you with your VA claim. There are accredited Veterans Service Organizations, agents and attorneys who may assist you.
- Be cautious of companies claiming to be contacting you on behalf of VA. Contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 if you are unsure about the authenticity of a message you’ve received.
- Review all documents thoroughly. Never sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. Always review the fully completed form.
Helpful Resources and Tools
Veterans and their survivors who think they might be eligible should apply for PACT Act benefits right now. Go to www.va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 for more information.
To report suspected fraud or predatory companies, please contact VA OIG (OIG) Hotline (va.gov).
Veterans and their survivors who suspect a company is using predatory practices, should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how to avoid scams, go to https://www.fcc.gov/veterans-targeted-benefits-scams.
Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, we appreciate your partnering with us to help protect Veterans and their survivors against fraudsters and PACT Act scams!
Weekly Reports January 26, 2023
LEGION REPORTS
Tony King
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our comrade, Tony King. Tony passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Tony King was a long-time member and acting commander for the Robert H.L. Dabney American Legion Post 192 in Tice Florida.
Please keep his wife, kids and family in your prayers as they deal with this giant loss in their lives.
Please send flowers and cards to:
- 263 Richmond Ave
South Lehigh Acres, FL 33936