Category: announcements

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announcements meet the team members

Meet the Team: Cris Thompson

Cris S. Thompson serves as our Career Pathways guide within the DAV chapter, leveraging her expertise as an Organizational Psychologist and Consultant. Fun facts about Cris:

  • A veteran spouse dedicated to helping veterans build career pathways and obtain meaningful employment that promotes their overall quality of life.
  • Holds an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a BS in Human Services, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
  • Assists veterans with career planning and job placement, providing one-on-one career counseling to ensure personalized support.
  • Organizes career workshops and training sessions, helping veterans gain the skills needed for successful employment.
  • Acts as a liaison with local businesses and organizations, creating employment opportunities for veterans.
  • In her free time, enjoys spending time with her family on the lake, target shooting, taking pictures, and playing music.

Veterans and family members can reach her at cris@cstnavigation.com or 859-200-6524, with virtual meetings available by appointment.

Learn more about Cris and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements partners public education workshops

Register – Crisis Safety Planning Workshop: Code Red

Join us for the DAV55 Fall 2024 Workshop Series, an enriching set of training sessions aimed at enhancing community resilience and mental health awareness. These workshops, led by the EKU Trauma and Suicide Prevention Team, provide invaluable lessons on crisis management, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care, equipping attendees with essential skills to support themselves and others in times of need.

Description: Join us for “Code Red,” a crisis safety planning workshop designed to help participants develop personalized safety plans for mental health crises. Through guided steps, participants will learn to recognize warning signs, create effective coping strategies, identify supportive social contacts, and know which professionals to reach out to during a crisis. Each attendee will leave with a tailored plan, enhancing their preparedness for managing mental health challenges.

Date & Time:
July 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM (Potluck meal begins immediately following the monthly DAV meeting)

Location:
Madison County Veterans Center, 1215 W Main Street, Richmond, KY

Details:

  • Free
  • One Hour
  • Open to the public
  • Accompanied by a light meal
  • Evidence-based and taught by trained clinicians

Contact Information:
For more information, please email contact@dav55.org.

Registration Link:
Register Here

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Kris Morlen

Kris Morlen serves as the Commander and Service Officer for DAV Chapter 55. Fun facts about Kris:

  • A retired Lieutenant Colonel with multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to our chapter.
  • Holds a B.A. in Economics from Indiana University Southeast, utilizing his educational background to enhance our chapter’s strategic initiatives.
  • Dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with much-needed resources, including navigating VA benefits and seeking community support. Kris is always ready for a friendly chat and offers a helping hand.
  • Actively engages in event planning and coordination, ensuring our events run smoothly and effectively.
  • Passionate about community outreach and engagement, fostering strong connections between our chapter and the broader community.
  • Maintains open communication with the national DAV organization to ensure our chapter aligns with national goals and policies.
  • In his free time, Kris enjoys golfing, gardening, and spending quality time with his dogs.

Learn more about Kris and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements members

Meet the Team at DAV Chapter 55

We are proud to introduce the dedicated team members of DAV Chapter 55, each committed to serving veterans and their families.

  • Kris Morlen, Commander
  • Theresa Wilson, Senior Vice Commander
  • Travis Martin, Adjutant
  • Mark Ledkins, Junior Vice Commander
  • Ray Estes, Chaplain
  • Ben Thomas, Treasurer
  • Paul Mazurek, Judge Advocate
  • Vacant, Auxiliary President
  • Nolana Redmon, Volunteer Coordinator
  • Cris S. Thompson, Career Pathways Coordinator
  • Brianna Jurosic, Public Education Coordinator

For detailed bios and specific areas of responsibility, please visit our Staff Page.

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announcements online events partners

Join SMVF Talks – Special Guest Rev. Dr. Jim Thurman!

Date: Thursday, June 13th
Time: 6:00 PM (EST)
Location: Zoom Meeting (link and details below)

Our friends at SMVF Talks are hosting a special event tonight! This month’s featured guest is Rev. Dr. Jim Thurman, Commander of the Lexington Chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS). NABVETS is dedicated to creating a positive lifestyle for veterans, a mission that aligns perfectly with our values.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, June 13th
  • Time: 6:00 PM (EST)
  • Zoom Link: Join the Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 812 5398 2596
  • Passcode: 205582

Please help support our veterans. For more information, visit the SMVF Talks Facebook Group.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,

DAV Chapter 55

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announcements research

Support Student Research: Participate in Kylie Perry’s Survey on Art Therapy and Veterans

Hello DAV Chapter 55 Members,

We have an exciting opportunity to support one of our own and contribute to important research in the field of veteran mental health and art therapy. Kylie Perry, a psychology major at Eastern Kentucky University, is conducting a research survey this summer under the mentorship of Dr. Melinda Moore. Kylie is not only a dedicated student but also a strong supporter of our chapter. She is the daughter of two veterans, which deepens her commitment to this cause.

Kylie’s research focuses on the connection between art therapy and veterans. She is seeking veterans who are willing to participate in her survey to gather valuable data for her study. Your participation would greatly assist in advancing our understanding of how art therapy can benefit veterans.

About Kylie Perry:

  • Psychology Major with a concentration in Art Therapy
  • Minors in Art Studio and Veterans Studies
  • Social Chair of the Eastern Honors Association
  • Member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology
  • Major Events Committee Member for the Campus Activities Board
  • Community Desk Manager of Burnam Hall
  • McNair Scholar

How You Can Help: Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with other veterans who might be interested. Your input is incredibly valuable and can make a significant difference in this research.

Survey Link: Kylie Perry’s Survey on Art Therapy and Veterans

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kylie directly at Kylie_perry51@mymail.eku.edu or her mentor, Dr. Melinda Moore, at melinda.moore@eku.edu.

Thank you for your support and participation.

Best regards,

Dr. Travis L. Martin
Adjutant, DAV Chapter 55

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announcements

Upcoming Events and Vendor Opportunities

We are pleased to pass along information about some upcoming events and opportunities from our partners at VRUCK and Lady Veterans Connect.

Women Veterans Recognition Day


Celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, KY, on June 8, 2024. This event is free and open to the public, with admission starting at 1 PM. You can register for the event here.

Central Kentucky Veterans Day of Valor


Participate in the Veterans Day of Valor on June 28, 2024, at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, KY. The event will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM. If you are interested in having a vendor booth, please complete the attached forms and send them to Phyllis Abbott at pabbott@ladyveteransconnect.org. The deadline for vendor booth applications and waivers is June 15, 2024.

For more information or questions, please contact:


Phyllis Abbott
Co-Chair, Veterans Resources United of Central/Southeastern Kentucky
Phone: 859-806-4297
Email: pabbott@ladyveteransconnect.org

Download the event flyers and information below.

2024 – Veterans Day of Valor Application and Flyer.pdfDownload
2024 – Women Veterans Recognition Day.pngDownload
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announcements VA

Kentucky VETFest: A Day of Outreach and Entertainment for Veterans

Kentucky VETFest: A Day of Outreach and Entertainment for Veterans

The Lexington VA Health Care System and Louisville VA Medical Center invite you to the Kentucky VETFest on June 8th at the Franklin Sousley Campus in Lexington, KY. This event promises a day filled with valuable information and family-friendly fun.

Event Details:

  • Location: Franklin Sousley Campus, 2250 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
  • Time: 1 p.m. to movie ending

Outreach (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.):

  • PACT Act Information
  • Enrollment & Eligibility
  • VHA Programs/Services
  • VBA Claim Assistance
  • Touch a Truck Event

Drive-In Movie (Starts at 4:15 p.m.):

  • Set up drive-in movie style
  • Space for chairs or blankets up front
  • Sound through speakers or car radio
  • Free concessions: Popcorn, Bottled Water, SnoCones
  • Food available for purchase: Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Soda

Come for the information, stay for the movie, and bring your family! For more details, visit the Lexington VA Health Care System or Louisville VA Medical Center websites.

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announcements morlen

Morlens Monthly Message June 2024

Dear Members and Friends,

Meeting reminder:  The next monthly meeting for DAV Chapter 55 will be at 11:00, Saturday, 8 June 2024 at the MCVC.  As usual, lunch will be served, followed by our customary no-fee raffle.  

Additionally, I am excited to announce that our DAV Chapter 55 website has been updated with new pages and useful content.  Please visit www.dav55.org and explore all the latest additions. 

Start your week with our Coffee and Conversation every Monday from 9 to 11 AM, a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow veterans. Don’t miss our Tai Chi classes on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 AM, led by Dr. Steve Hansel, for a refreshing and energizing experience. And, join us for Friday Breakfasts to start your day with good food and great company.

Our Service Officer page provides crucial assistance for those in need, and our Assistance Fund is here to support our veterans in various ways. We also invite you to visit our Volunteer and Donations pages to see how you can contribute to our mission. Additionally, we are looking to highlight our members in our spotlight features, so please fill out the forms available on the Members page. Your participation helps us build a stronger, more connected community.

Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,

Kris 

Commander, DAV Chapter 55