Page 4 - Desert Oracle March 2021

President’s Report

Happy March 2021 to all my Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America Brothers and Sisters.
COVID 19 has changed the way the world approaches work and gathering in large crowds. This
time last year PVA national has stopped meeting face to face for its major events and they have
resorted to meeting through zoom. Meeting through zoom has its pros and cons. Meeting
through zoom certainly cuts down on the cost of overhead but it takes away the networking and
the bonding aspect of participating in person at these meetings. PVA has made the adjustment
in utilizing zoom and making sure the content of the meetings are comprehended by all
members participating.
For example every year in March we have the Legislative Seminar. This was a four day event.
Two days of presentations from PVA department heads who spoke on topics such as:

• Improvement to the Access Air Carrier Act.
• Compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.

• Preserving and Strengthening Social Security

• Employment of People with Disabilities.

• Access to VA’s Specialized Services and Long-Term Care.

• Grants for Housing Adaptations.

• Access to Transportation for the most Severely Disabled Veterans.

• Proper Implementation of VA’s Comprehensive Caregiver Program Expansion.

• Access to Fertility Services through VA.

and two days meeting with congressman and congresswomen or their staff from the state we
represent. Even though we did not meet face to face or in person I have to say having the
legislative seminar via zoom was successful. It was well organized and planned. I do hope next
year we will be able to meet in person.
In last month newsletter I mentioned this is the time of the year the Chapter starts preparing for
the Chapter election in June. Board members can run for the position of President, Vice
President, Secretary and Treasure. Along with these positions ideally the Chapter would like to
have at least 13 Board of Director members. If you are interested in one of these positions or
becoming a board member please contact the office at (602) 244-9168. The Chapter is currently
forming a Election Committee. Board members can expect a call between now and June
regarding their positions on the board.
The Chapters next board meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2021 at 10:30 A.M.

Chapter President
Leonard H. Smith Sr.