The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION FACT SHEET

 

 

 

Thousands Need Help

 

          .         More than 5,000 veterans become blind or visually impaired every year. The main causes are accidents, diseases and heath problems related to the aging process.

 

          .         More than 100,000 blinded veterans live in the United  States. More than half of these men and women don’t know  they are eligible for special services and benefits.

 

          .         The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is the only  veteran’s service organization chartered by Congress to exclusively represent the needs of America’s blinded veterans.

 

BVA PROVIDES ANSWERS

 

Field Service Program: The Field Service Program is the backbone of the Association. All BVA Field Service Representatives are blinded veterans.  They travel throughout the United States finding and counseling blinded veterans and their families.  BVA Field Service Reps act as role models. They encourage fellow blinded veterans to take charge of their lives. They link veterans with services, rehabilitation training, and other benefits. When those veterans are ready to go out on their own, BVA Field Reps can help them find jobs.

 

Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship Program: Since the early 80’s,  BVA has offered spouses and dependent children of blinded veterans a chance to continue their education through the Kathren F. Gruber Scholarship Program.

 

The BVA Bulletin: The magazine is the Association’s voice.    Through it, blinded veterans and their families keep in touch with each other and stay informed about services, benefits and legislation.  The Bulletin is offered free of charge to all blinded veterans. The cassette version of the Bulletin is offered to all ACTIVE members.

 

 

Legislation: The Blinded Veterans Association has worked extremely hard advocating on behalf of our nation’s blinded veterans and their families. This advocacy has focused on educating the United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the special needs of blinded veterans.  Blinded veterans across the country enjoy numerous programs, services and benefits because of these efforts.

 

FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES

                  

          **Note names and phone numbers may be updated from time to time, but a representative can always be reached through BVA National Headquarters.

          Information about the BVA can be accessed at www.bva.org

 

          National Director of BVA’s Field Service Program:  Stephen Matthews (202) 371-8880 or (800) 669-7079 ext 3322

 

          Region 1

          Edward Eckroth

          (215) 381-3066 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6008

 

          Region 2

          Claudia Perry

          (202) 530-9285 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6002

 

          Region 3

          Ron Lester

          (404) 929-5338 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6004

 

          Region 4

          Bob Malak

          (414) 382-5123 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6006

 

          Region 5

          Robert Gould

          (303) 914-5831 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6005

 

          Region 6A

          Larry Martinez

          (916) 843-7020/7026 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6007

 

          Region 6B

          Earl Ivie, (310) 235-6125 or (800) 669-7079 ext 6003

 

 

 DEFINITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP TYPES:

 

          AM             Annual Paying Associate Member – Non Service Connected

          M                Annual Paying Member – Service Connected

          ALM          Associate Life Member – Non Service Connected

          PALM        Paying to Associate Life Member – Non Service Connected

          LM             Life Member – Service Connected

          PLM           Paying to Life Member _ Service Connected 

          FAM           Former Annual Associate Member – membership lapsed

          FM              Former Annual Member – membership lapsed 

          NAM          Non Associate Member – Non Service Connected – never joined                                

          NM             Non Member – Service Connected – never joined

 

 

 

          Director of Membership:

         

          Alyson Alt

          (202) 371-8880 extension 3315       

 

          Note: Membership can be processed as new or renewal by credit card over the phone by contacting Alyson Alt.

 

                  

 

End of Document

 

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