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announcements meetings members

August 2024: Monthly Meeting / Workshop Reminder

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Chapter 55 | Madison County, KY

Dear DAV Chapter 55 Members,

I hope this message finds you well. We have several important updates and reminders for you this month. Your active participation and engagement are vital to the success of our chapter and the support we provide to our veterans.

Monthly Meeting Reminder

Date: This Saturday, August 12th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Madison County Veterans Center

Please join us for our monthly meeting where we will discuss ongoing initiatives, upcoming events, and other important matters. Been away for a while and want to get involved? This is your chance!

Lunch & Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop

(Following the meeting, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM)

Immediately following our monthly meeting, we will be hosting a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop. This workshop is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to better support our veterans who have experienced trauma. It will be an informative and valuable session for all attendees.

Follow Us on Social Media

Stay connected and up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and member spotlights by following us on social media:

Facebook: DAV Chapter 55 Facebook
Instagram: DAV Chapter 55 Instagram

We’ve begun highlighting the volunteers and programming that make our chapter possible. Share our posts and help spread the word about the great work our chapter is doing! New featured team member and program posts go out each Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

For more information on our programs and events, visit our website.

Hope to see you Saturday. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Warm regards,

Dr. Travis L. Martin
Adjutant, DAV Chapter 55

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Mark Ledkins

Mark A. Ledkins is a seasoned professional with an impressive career spanning 28 years in the USAF Security Forces, where he has honed his skills and leadership as a Jr. Adjunct CC. Fun facts about Mark:

  • Supports the commander in chapter leadership, bringing his extensive experience to the team.
  • Actively engages with members, offering support and fostering a strong community spirit.
  • Enjoys cycling, participating in MMA, and attending concerts, reflecting his active lifestyle and passion for both physical fitness and cultural enrichment.

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

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announcements members public education workshops

Register – TIC Workshop – Understanding Trauma and Providing Compassionate Care

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: This workshop educates participants on providing trauma-informed care, focusing on understanding the impact of trauma on mental health, recognizing symptoms, and applying supportive strategies. Attendees will learn to create safe and healing environments, ensuring their interactions are compassionate and informed by an understanding of trauma’s effects. This training is essential for fostering resilience and recovery in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Date & Time:
August 10, 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: Theresa Wilson

Theresa Wilson serves as a dedicated advocate and service officer for DAV Chapter 55, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of E-6. Fun facts about Theresa:

  • Since retiring, she has committed herself to assisting veterans in Kentucky, dedicating thousands of hours to helping them navigate the complexities of their benefits.
  • Holds leadership roles in the American Legion and serves as Senior Vice Commander for DAV Chapter 55.
  • Earned recognition as “Service Officer of the Year” from the state DAV for her outstanding contributions.
  • Operates a rescue kennel business, caring for dogs and cats, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of all community members.
  • Passionate about advocacy and support for veteran benefits, leadership in veteran support programs, coordination with the state-level DAV, member recruitment and retention, and assisting in event planning.

Veterans and family members are encouraged to reach out to her for assistance.

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

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featured program members

Featured Program: VA Claims Support

Navigating the VA claims process can be challenging, but our DAV Service Officers are here to help. With expert guidance, we ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

Role of DAV Service Officers:

  • Claims Preparation: Assist in preparing and submitting claims, ensuring all necessary documentation is included.
  • Understanding Entitlements: Help veterans understand their entitlements and track claim statuses.
  • Appeals Representation: Represent veterans in claim denial appeals, providing support every step of the way.

How to Get Help:

  • Appointment: Veterans are encouraged to call the Madison County Veterans Center at 859-575-1738 to arrange an appointment. Leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
  • Drop-Ins: Visit during “Open” or “Service Officer” hours for initial intake and scheduling follow-up appointments as needed. Check our calendar for available times.

Documents to Bring:

  • Proof of Service (DD-214)
  • Service Medical Records (SMRs)
  • Private Medical Records
  • Supporting Statements from family, friends, or fellow service members
  • Any previous VA correspondence or claim documentation

Whether you need help starting a claim, understanding your benefits, or navigating an ongoing process, Theresa and our team are ready to assist.

Learn more about our VA Claims Support on our VA Claims Support page.

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #VAClaims #VeteransBenefits #ServiceOfficer

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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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featured program members

Featured Program: Academic Mentoring

Our DAV Chapter 55 Academic Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting student veterans in their educational pursuits. Led by Dr. Travis L. Martin, author of “War & Homecoming: Veteran Identity and the Post-9/11 Generation,” our program offers free tutoring and mentoring to help you succeed.

Dr. Martin provides direct support to student veterans; mentorship on research and assignments pertaining to veterans for all students.

About Our Program:

  • Personalized Tutoring: Benefit from tailored academic support in various subjects to address the unique challenges faced by veterans.
  • Career Guidance: Prepare for career opportunities that leverage your skills as a veteran.
  • Maximize Education Benefits: Learn how to effectively use your education benefits for the best outcomes.
  • Success Skills: Gain insights into improving your academic performance and retention.
  • Resource Connections: Access a network of state and national resources for additional support.

How to Get Involved:

Join us and enhance your academic journey with the support of DAV Chapter 55. We are committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals!

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #AcademicMentoring #StudentVeterans #HigherEducation

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meet the team members

Meet the Team: Brianna Jurosic

Brianna Jurosic serves as the Trauma and Suicide Prevention Clinic Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. Fun facts about Brianna:

  • A third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student specializing in working with veterans, adolescents, and young adults impacted by trauma and suicidal thoughts.
  • Certified in several key intervention training programs, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Trauma-Informed Care, and QPR gatekeeper training.
  • Actively involved with the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role.
  • Gained practical experience at a state inpatient psychiatric hospital, equipping her with the tools to effectively train others in suicide and trauma intervention.
  • Strongly believes in the power of education and training to equip individuals with the necessary skills to intervene in suicide and trauma cases.
  • Passionate about coordinating trauma and suicide prevention/intervention programs, training others in suicide intervention techniques, and implementing trauma-informed care practices.

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

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Categories
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.