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Region 5 REPORT

Discuss, Dissect, And Absorb

BY LEVERETT HOBBS

I would like to apologize to the Michigan State Council for my absence from its meetings. It seems as though when I plan on coming, I have to go to a funeral instead. I also would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support since my mother had a stroke. It has been an emotional time for my family with a lot of uncertainty. It has also taken away from my travel.

On the business end, I urge you to keep up with the bills in Congress and to let your congressional representatives know our stand on the issues. Government Affairs has put together our legislative agenda, and we will be working to obtain our goals. One of our major efforts will be assured funding for VA healthcare. Another bill that should be reintroduced is to help incarcerated veterans with reintegration into society through support in housing, training, and other issues.

In Indiana, I proposed that VVA get some legislators to submit a bill to provide funding through the state for veterans’ organizations similar to programs in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. I’ll keep you posted on their progress.

The Resolutions and Constitution Amendments should be in and processed by the time you receive this issue of The VVA Veteran. Please discuss, dissect, and absorb the proposals put forth. We will continue the process during our Region 5 Conference, going over all the resolutions and amendments. These are the guidelines the Convention delegates will vote on to give our organization direction for the next two years.

The Region 5 Conference will be held June 8-9 at the Clarion Westgate, 3536 Secor Road, in Toledo, Ohio. There will be a reception starting at six o’clock Friday evening, June 8. The following day will be very busy, with seminars starting at 8:00 a.m., then opening ceremonies and conference business running till 7:00, after which there will be dinner and entertainment. The room rate is $60 per night; registration for conference delegates is $25. Contact the hotel at 419-535-7070 (phone) or 419-536-4836 (fax) to make reservations.