Grand Island Disabled American Veterans

Disabled American Veterans Web Page
Grand Island DAV Chapter #168

Commander - Joseph Synakowski, 773-4180

The DAV's Website
DAV 2010

Meetings are held at the Moose Lodge #180
2524 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY
7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

American Legion, DAV Provide Water Bottles For Vets - May 2010

(left) DAV Commander Burt Payne, Sr. Vice Commander DAV/American Legion Joe Synakowski, and American Legion Commander Albert Prame
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view.
The Grand Island American Legion Post #1346 and Grand Island Chapter #168, Disabled American Veterans, joined in a project to help our fellow Veterans. A request was made by Ms. Donna Trala of the Hematology/Oncology Ward at Buffalo VAMC (Veterans Hospital), Buffalo, NY for water bottles for the Veteran patients. The Grand Island American Legion and the DAV provided funds to purchase the bottles. These spill proof bottles are given to the patients to keep them from dehydration. The program is working very well and the patients make good use of these water bottles. The Legion and the DAV are actively supporting the patients at the VAMC with various needs that they otherwise would not have. Voluntary Services Director Mark Francis has a wish list of items that could make the patients' stay at the Hospital a bit more comfortable. As always volunteers are needed for various chores and especially drivers for the DAV Transportation Network. Anyone can volunteer. You do not have to be a Veteran . Call Mark at 716-862-8667 . Your help will make a difference .IF YOU LOVE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET. Remember Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day !!!!

DAV Forget Me Not Sale - May 2010
The Grand Island Chapter #168 Disabled American Veterans (DAV), also serving Niagara Falls NY, is holding a special "Forget Me Not" flower drive,on May 29th. The Drive will be held at the New Walmart Store on Military Road from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 29th. The pupose of this drive is to earn funds toward purchasing a Van for the DAV Transportation Network at the Veterans Hospital. These Vans are driven by volunteers to provide transportation free of charge to our Western NY Veterans, to the hospital for their medical appointments. We honor our Veterans by providing this service. Any veteran who needs this service can contact the DAV Transportation Network at 716-862-6544 or the Hospital Volunteeer Service director Mark Francis at 716- 862-8667 for information. "If you love your fredom, thank a Vet! Observe Memorial Day May 31, 2010.

DAV Forget-Me-Not Days - 2008

(left) Council Members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, DAV members Joe Synakowski, Wally Wigdorski and David Birt, Council Members Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view.
   The Disabled American Veterans, Grand Island DAV Chapter #168, was recognized at the Monday, June 16, 2008 town board meeting when Supervisor Peter A. McMahon read a proclamation, proclaiming June 19 – 21, 2008 “DAV Forget-Me-Not Days,” and urging all citizens and visitors to our town to support the veterans in their flower sale at various locations around the Island.
   See June 16 DAV Proclamation.

DAV Offers Student Scholarships - March 2008
   The Disabled American Veterans, Grand Island Chapter #168 is pleased to make the following announcement:
Attention: Grand Island High School Seniors
   The Officers and Members of the Disabled American Veterans, Grand Island NY. Chapter #168 are offering a Scholarship in the amount of $500.00 in honor of Past Commander Paul Kane. This is offered in addition to our regular Annual Scholarship of $500.00 honoring Past Treasurer Kenneth F. Wagner.
   The time to apply for these Scholarships is nearing.The deadline of April 8, 2008, and we would hope that the seniors of the Grand Island High will submit their letters soon. Information is posted in the Awards and Scholarship Brochure available at the office of Miss Carolyn M. Fabiano, Scholarship Chairperson.
   The Scholarship Committee will judge the applicants under the terms provided in the Brochure. We are anxious to give a helping hand to the seniors of the Grand Island High School.
Thank you !!!
Sincerely,
Joseph Synakowski, Commander

Military Service Organizations Donate Van For Veterans In Need - Oct. 2007

In the group photo are (left front) American Legion Commander Robert Soluri, VFW Chaplain Michael Rogan, Wally Wigdorski, Jim Skindell, VFW Commander Dan McMahon, DAV Commander Joseph Synakowski and Earl DeGlopper; (back) Don Richards, VFW Honor Guard Captain Gerald Korzen, Alan Lee Sr., Ray DeGlopper, George DeGlopper, Allen Prame, Henry Ensminger Jr., and Albert Payne.
Click photos for larger view
The Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network located at the Buffalo VA Hospital, dedicated two new vans on Saturday, October 20, 2007, purchased through donations from local groups, individuals and organizations. Other vans are purchased through a partnership involving citizens, veterans' groups, unions, private foundations, Federal, State and local government officials. The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, Grand Island American Legion Post 1346 and the Grand Island DAV Chapter #160 combined with a private foundation to purchase a van for the transportation of our Veterans in need of medical care throughout the western New York area. Michael Finegan, Director, VA WNY Healthcare System, gave some inspiring statistics about the transportation network and the local vans during the dedication ceremony. These vans serve about 40,000 Veterans annually or about 20% of the Veterans in WNY. There are two main transportations centers, one in Buffalo and the other in Batavia. The vans operating from Batavia average 89,000 mile per year while those operating from the Buffalo Veterans Hospital average 93,000 miles per year.

Joseph Synakowski New DAV Commander - 2006
   Joseph "Jumpin' Joe" Synakowski is the new commander of Grand Island Chapter 168 Disabled Veterans of American (DAV). Paul Kane, former commander, is the Chapter's chaplain.
   Other officers installed June 15, 2006 with Synakowski and Kane are:
Senior Vice Commander Albert Payne
Junior Vice Commander Charles Lamar
Adjutant David Birt
Treasurer Michael Cutini
   All will serve until July 2007 in this Chapter of 113 members. The local Chapter was organized in 1975. Under the leadership of Charles Lamar of Niagara Falls, the major Chapter project of this coming year will be a primary sponsor of the proposed Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial Walkway.

DAV To Hold Annual "Forget Me Not" Fund Raiser - 2006
The Grand Island Chapter 168 Disabled American Veterans will hold their annual "Forget Me Not" fund raiser June 22-24, 2006. Funds are used for Veterans Projects at the Veterans Hospital, and the transportation Network which provides rides to and from medical appointments. Veterans projects covers all of the WNY area and includes the clothing bank at VA Hospital and other projects for homeless and needy veterans. Please help with a donation and wear a Forget Me Not with pride. Volunteers will be at Tops Friendly Markets, Wilson Farms, HSBC Bank and at the M&T Bank on June 22-24, 2006. The officers and members of Grand Island DAV Ghapter #168 thank you for your generosity.

DAV Volunteers Help Veteran And His Family - 2005
Posted September 22, 2005 . . . The two-hour premier of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airing on television on Sunday, September 25, 2005, will feature a disabled veteran, his family, DAV volunteers. For the complete story, click http://www.dav.org/emhe/

DAV's Annual "Forget Me Not" Fund Raiser June 23-25 - 2005
Members of the Disabled American Veterans Grand Island chapter will hold their annual "Forget Me Not" fund raiser on June 23-25, 2005 at various locations on Grand Island. Funds from the drive will help support the Transportation Network at Veterans Hospital, which serves Grand Island veterans, and veterans in the WNY area. Funds are also used to help needy and homeless veterans in this area. "Your generosity to support our veterans is greatly appreciated and we thank you," a spokesman for the DAV said this week. "Wear a "Forget Me Not" to show your support."

DAV Mobile Service Van Visits VFW - 2005
The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service office will be at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2005. All Veterans are welcome to check on their claims and to receive the latest information on benefits earned while serving their country. Veterans may also file claims at this time. The service is provided free to Veterans and family members of Veterans and questions will be answered by Professional DAV Service Officers. It is not necessary to be a member of the DAV. All are welcome to this program sponsored by the DAV.

DAV To Supply Phone Cards To Islanders Serving Our Country - 2004
In an effort to keep close with your loved ones overseas, the local DAV is generously contributing phone cards to the men and women from Grand Island serving our country. If you know a relative or friend who would benefit from this worthy cause, send his/her military address to:
DAV
1307 Ransom Rd. Apt. 3B
Grand Island, NY 14072
or email to davchpt168@AOL.COM

DAV To Hold Annual "Forget Me Not" Fund Raiser - 2004
Members of the Disabled American Veterans Grand Island chapter will hold their annual "Forget Me Not" fund raiser on June 24-26, 2004 at various locations on Grand Island. Funds from the drive will help support the Transportation Network at Veterans Hospital, which serves Grand Island veterans, and veterans in the WNY area. Funds are also used to help needy and homeless veterans in this area. "Your generosity to support our veterans is greatly appreciated and we thank you," a spokesman for the DAV said this week. "Wear a "Forget Me Not" to show your support."

DAV Mobile Service Van Visits VFW - 2004

Dan McMahon Photo Joseph (Little Joe) Stefaniak of Baseline Road, Grand Island is shown reviewing his veteran's benefits in the DAV van with DAV representative Michael G. Scholl, Jr. NSO. The DAV Van was at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2004. Veterans from as far away as Batavia, NY came to meet with representatives of the DAV to discuss their claims, present changes and to make general inquiries of the benefits available to all veterans.

VFW, DAV Receive Awards - 2003
The Veterans Administation Hospital Volunteer Service Program presented awards to the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 and the Grand Island Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans for their volunteer service at the VA hospital. Award certificates were presented at a dinner in the Hearthstone Manor in Depew on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 honoring all veterans and non veteran organizations. During VA Facility Manager Dennis Heberling's welcome address, he commented on the the people, hours and donations received through the efforts of the volunteers. Dennis acknowledged the 868 volunteers who contributed 148,746 hours of volunteer service during the last year. Cash and non-cash donations to the VA amounted to $257,110.00 during the same period. Volunteer Program Manager Mark J. Francis, commenting on a Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless veterans and their families to be held on Sunday, November 23, 2003, said that they are in need of volunteers to help serve this dinner.

DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249 Donates $2500 For Van Purchase - 2003

Click photo for larger view. Shown are Ronald D. Tears (DAV Dept. of NY-Commander), Grand Island DAV Chapter #168 Commander Paul F. Kane, Lee Becker, Sterling Haslam, Don Richard, Bernie Brice, Walt Cowan, Jerry Korzen, VFW Post 9249 Commander Mike Cutini, Jim Skindell, Sr. Vice Commander Wally Wigdorski and Adjutant Mike Coffman.
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Grand Island, NY made a donation of $2500 to help purchase vans for transporting veterans who have no other means of getting to and from medical appointments at the Veterans Hospital and Clinics. Drivers for these vans are desperately needed. Call Mark Francis, Director of Voluntary Services, 862-8667 to volunteer.

Benefits/Assistance For Disabled American Veterans
The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office will visit the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. 2003 to help Veterans and their families process claims and answer questions about benefits Veterans have earned while in the service of their country. Many Veterans are unaware of the help that they are entitled to. This service is free to Veterans and family members of Veterans. The Veterans Service Officers are trained professionals who are ready, able and willing to help and to answer questions. Veterans are asked to bring any documents they may have, pertaining to their case ie: DD 214, Discharge or Separation Papers, Claim #s or any information that would help to expedite their claim.

Disabled American Veterans Thank Grand Island
Members of the Disabled American Veterans extend a huge thank you to Grand Island residents and all donors who made their "Forget Me Not" Flower fund drive a great success. "The people of Grand Island really came through when called upon to help the Disabled American Veterans and their programs to help their fellow veterans," a spokesman for the group said this week. "Thanks also to the HSBC and M&T Banks, Tops Friendly Markets and Wilson Farms for their cooperation," he said.
The DAV also extends appreciation to volunteers Ron McNamee, Jack Bates, Dan Ryan and Sue Larsen who contributed many hours to help the Veterans, and to The Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge #180 for the use of their facilities as headquarters for the fund drive.

Disabled American Veterans Forget-Me-Not Day
The Disabled American Veterans annual "Forget Me Not" Flower fund drive will be held on June 19-21, 2003 and donations will be collected at Tops Market, Wilson Farms, HSBC Bank and M&T Bank. Donations will be used to aid the DAV Transportation Network at Veterans Hospital (Van Service) and various Veterans services.

ATTENTION All Veterans
Do you have questions about benefits you have earned for serving your Country in the Military? The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service office will visit Grand Island from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Wednesday, July 23. 2003 at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Your questions will be answered by Professional DAV Service Officers. This service is free to Veterans and family members of Veterans who can avoid rumors and wrong information from sources that do not have the latest information about Veterans Benefits. Do yourself a favor and get the right information from trained veterans Service Officers whose only concern is to help you receive the benefits you have earned. You do not have to be a member of the DAV. All are welcome to this program sponsored by the DAV.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Scholarship Announced -
Renamed The Kenneth F. Wagner Memorial Scholarship - March 2003
   The Grand Island Chapter #168 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) announced this week that the annual scholarship for 2003 will be known as the Kenneth F. Wagner Memorial Scholarship, in honor of Kenny Wagner, who was instrumental in the initial granting of scholarships by The Disabled American Veterans of Grand Island. Ken served as Secretary for many years and believed in the furthering the education of Our Youth. The officers and members of the DAV also voted to increase the scholarship from $300.00 to $500.00. The members of the Grand Island High School Senior Class of 2003 are urged to participate and apply to vie for this help to further their education.
   Information may be obtained from Miss Carolyn Fabiano, Grand Island High School, Guidance Center.
   "The Disabled American Veterans wish the Class of 2003 good fortune. You are the future leaders of our nation, and we are in your hands. Thank you all."

DAV Mobile Service At VFW

Jodi Hayes Photo The PFC. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, hosted the Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office (MSO) which was stationed at the VFW Post #9249 on Friday, October 18, 2002. Shown are VFW Trustee Joe Synakowski and DAV Commander Paul Kane

DAV Chapter #168 Donates $1,500 For Van

DAV Commander Paul Kane (second from left) presents a check of $1,500 to DAV Transportation coordinator Richard Klock. Others are (left) DAV member Joseph Synakowski, William F. Feeley (director, VA WNY Healthcare System) and DAV member Bert Payne. Funds were the result of the 2002 "Forget Me Not" flower drive.
Commander Paul Kane of Chapter 168, Disabled American Veterans presented a $1,500 check to Veterans Administration Director William Feely today (October 3, 2002) to help launch a campaign to raise $32,000 for the purchase of a van for the Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Transportation Network. The network provides transportation to veterans for medical appointments. Volunteer drivers are being recruited to take veterans to their needed medical care. To volunteer, call Mark Francis at 862-8667.

Notice To All Veterans
Sponsored by Chapter 168, DAV, Grand Island, NY

   The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office (MSO) will be stationed at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 18, 2002.
    Veterans and dependents of veterans are invited to inquire about benefits due veterans and their families. Veterans who have claims pending and/or wish to file a claim for benefits, are urged to speak to a well trained service officer of the DAV. This service is provided free to veterans and their dependents by the Disabled American Veterans. You may be entitled to benefits you earned while serving in the Armed Forces that you are not aware of.
   The Congress of the United States of America has cut veterans' benefit funding over the past few years to the point of depriving the veterans and their families of well earned benefits. If you have had problems applying for medical care at the Veterans Hospital or getting prescription drugs from the VA, this is your opportunity to get the answers you need.

New DAV Van Dedicated

Photo by Joe Synakowski
A new DAV van was dedicated on August 15, 2001 at the VA Hospital on Bailey Ave., Buffalo. The van will be used to transport veterans. The funds raised by the DAV members and friends during the annual Forget Me Not Drive in June of each year are used for the purchase and maintainace of the vans. Volunteers are needed for various duties at the Medical Center, Drivers for these Vans to transport Veterans to and from the hospital are desperately needed . To volunteer your services please call Mark Francis, Volunteer program manager (716) 826-8667. Mr Francis will welcome all those who wish to donate a few hours a week to help our veterans. This is part of the Mission of the VA hospital which is "To serve those who have served us so well."

DAV Steps To The Plate
Grand Island's Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has come forward with a financial donation to order and sell the first batch of sesquicentennial t-shirts. The members are hoping the project will raise quick seed money for the sesquicentennial celebration set for Summer 2002. The shirts (white with colorful logo) will be available shortly from members of the DAV and at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven Road and other locations on the Island. More details will be forthcoming.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.