BVA Membership Promoted Through New Brochure
A new BVA brochure in large print highlights the features of
the organization and the benefits of utilizing BVA services. The
piece explains in detail the opportunities for personal growth
and assistance afforded to totally blind and visually impaired
veterans and their families. The brochure encourages blinded veterans
to join BVA.
The new brochure does not replace the blue-colored "Helping
to Meet the Challenge" brochure, which is an effective informational
piece in fund raising and advocacy efforts. The two brochures
have similar designs and are intended to complement one another
companion, not a replacement, to the informational brochure "Helping
to Meet the Challenge" with which most regional groups are
already familiar.
The need for a brochure geared specifically to membership was
raised for some time by BVA members throughout the country. The
need was articulated most strongly by then National Secretary
Larry Belote and Director of District 6 Mark Cornell, both of
whom provided input and suggestions along the way. A number of
other members collaborated on the project, which lasted approximately
one year.
The brochure was produced by M.Y. Graphics Company of Bowie,
Maryland, under the direction of the BVA Communications Department.
Please contact BVA National Headquarters to request more than
30 brochures at one time. Smaller quantities should be available
through regional offices of the BVA Field Service Program.
Wisconsin Honors Mike Owen
BVA of Wisconsin, Inc. (Wisconsin Regional Group) recently recognized
Mike Owen of Iowa City, Iowa, with the Russ Gage Veteran Service
Award for his eight years of selfless service and personal sacrifice
to the TEE (Training, Exposure, Experience) Tournament.
Mike was the TEE Tournament coordinator from 1995 through 2002.
The honor was bestowed on November 12 at a regional group meeting
and luncheon at the Pallas Family Restaurant on the south side
of Milwaukee. The occasion also celebrated the 20th anniversary
of the Wisconsin group.
"We hope that Mike now knows how much we appreciate the
heroic and selfless service he performed for us as coordinator
of the TEE Tournament," said Regional Group President Dale
Churchill. "It’s just a small token of our gratitude."
Mike received a plaque, engraved at Hines through the efforts
of Region IV Field Service Representative and Regional Group Secretary
Bob Malak. The plaque reads: Awarded for meritorious volunteer
and humanitarian service toward the well-being and benefit of
blinded veterans, and in recognition of outstanding leadership
in coordinating the TEE Golf Tournament.
"When anyone mentions the name Mike Owen, veterans from
every state know who you are talking about and why," said
Dale. "There is no one in his position nationwide that is
as well-known and appreciated as he is."
Among the luncheon attendees were Bob Malak; past TEE Tournament
attendees Doug Angers, Dale Churchill, Richard Krekling, and James
Abrams (also regional group vice president/treasurer); and Dolores
Gage, regional group historian and wife of the late Russ Gage
for whom the award was named. Glenn Grippen, director of the Clement
J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, was also in attendance.
"The veterans in the Wisconsin Regional Group definitely
knows how to roll out the red carpet," said Mike. "I
was humbled by their hospitality and generosity."
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