Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Okay, my friends, today is a very very special day.
It is the annual WRKO Radiothon to benefit Disabled American
Veterans Department of Massachusetts. I can't tell you already, Koner Country,
you have responded. People are lighting up the phones. They
(00:20):
are going on the website donating money. Please whatever you
can give five ten, twenty thirty, forty fifty one hundred dollars,
Everything is appreciated. Call now nine seven eight six three two,
nineteen eighty five. That is the number to call if
you want to donate nine seven eight six three two
(00:43):
nineteen eighty five. You can also go to davfivek dot Boston.
Davfivek dot Boston. And this hour of the annual Radiothon
here on WRKO to benefit d Department of Massachusetts is
brought to you by none other than Kelly Financial Services.
(01:07):
And joining me now in studio right to my left
is none other than William Kelly Junior.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
William. How are you?
Speaker 3 (01:23):
I'm great now that I'm in the lab this you
work in a beautiful place. I have to say this,
thank you, magnificent.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Well my heart treats me well. I have to say.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Clearly it's a beautiful place I have. This is my
first time ever coming here, and it is so interesting
that people here are fantastic. The people I've met today
are wonderful. I met two veterans today, a man named
Charlie and a man named Leo, and I am just
so impressed by the turnout every single year that the
(01:58):
dav experience is because it is such a wonderful charity.
There's a reason why we've supported this charity for a
long time. My father was a veteran himself. In my
mother's side of the family, we have many veterans and
our family, it is an honor to support these folks
every single year.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
So it's pleasure to be here.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
It's great to meet everybody in person.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
This is wonderful.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
This has seriously been a great morning, and I'm so happy.
I'm just so happy that these folks exist. I'm so
grateful for our veterans. So I'm able to speak to
you here today, and I'm able to enjoy a nice
life with people that I love and that love me back.
I'm able to speak and say what I want to say.
I have the right to free speech to all these
(02:42):
things thanks to these folks. So this Veteran's Day Weekend.
Remember that, ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Really well said, really, really well, said William. Obviously, Kelly
Financial Services, You've been sponsoring our show for a long time.
You've been sponsoring the DAV for years and years. This
sour is brought to you by the by Kelly Financial Services.
I know you're speaking for your dad, May God bless him,
(03:08):
he's up in heaven and your mom, who is really
now taken over Kelly Financial and done an incredible job.
Why does the DAV mean so much to you, your
mom and your family.
Speaker 3 (03:21):
Well, to me, it's because our family has supported it.
Then I naturally inherit that right. And what I truly
do love about this organization, and that is that it
is indiscriminate. It is basically all of the money they
make goes to veterans. Those are the type of charities
that I respect very much, so similar to my Brother's Keeper,
(03:43):
So a charity like this is a very special one.
My father was a veteran, so I'm sure that's definitely
a big cause for why he donated to the DAV,
why he supported it, And I mean, we're just patriots,
and it's it's just it's the right thing to do
in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
God, bless you, God bless you.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
Dan.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
I know you want to say a few words to William,
please go ahead.
Speaker 5 (04:08):
Well, first of all, it was great to meet him
for the first time. I'm only known the voice over
these years in I did tell him personally outside I
was never touched so much by him. The day that
he called in after his father's passing and emptied out
his bank account to donate to the dav in honor
(04:28):
of his father.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
That was amazing to me. And thank you William for that.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
That's my pleasure.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
Well, I have some good news for you guys today.
Kelly Financial Services is donating two thousand dollars and I
will be donating two thousand dollars from my savings account.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Again.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Wow, William, it's my pleasure. God bless you man. Thank
you very much, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Speaker 7 (04:52):
Well.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
I've saved a lot of money over the years, and
I feel like to support a charity like this. It's
just a great idea, and so does Kelly Financial. Everybod
at Kelly Financial loves this charity. We're always happy to
support them, and it's just it's my pleasure it's a
privilege to be able to so thank William.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Can you just hang on because we've got Corey Hasselman.
He is a former resident of DAV Veteran Advancement Program.
He is a Marine Corps veteran. We've got him on
the phone with us right now and we've got limited time.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Corey, thank you for joining us. How are you, Corey.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
I'm doing fantastic, Just glad to be here and to
be a voice AV.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
We're talking with Corey Hasselman, Marine Corps veteran, longtime supporter
of the DAV. Corey, for everybody listening, why should they
give to the DAV. Why do you care so much
about the DAV.
Speaker 8 (05:49):
I'm sure there's a few people out there who heard
my story at this point, but the DAVE essentially saved
my life. A few years ago, probably about four years
ago now, I was in a very serious mental health
situation and I couldn't think of any answer but to
just kind of end it all. And I ended up
(06:11):
going to an orientation at Mount wont Jesus Community College
and hearing from Caleb Balila, who runs the Advancement program,
and she talked about housing that they had behind the Mount,
they talked. She talked about the benefits that veterans get
when they're housed there, and I figured, let's give it
(06:31):
a shot. What's the worst that happens. I can't get
in a worst position than I am right now, So
let's go.
Speaker 7 (06:37):
I applied.
Speaker 8 (06:38):
I got in there, and this is what I mean, Like,
the DAVY gave me this huge hand up. They reached
out to me, they gave me case management, they helped
me file disability, they got me they met me up
with a mortgage broker, they helped me with school. They
gave me a bunch of supplies, food, clothes, furniture for
my apartment that they gave me. I mean, if you
(07:01):
name it, they did it. It gave me time to
focus on myself, focus on my family, and just be
a better, healthier place. And then from that I decided,
I mean, this is where my passion is now that
I want to do the same thing for the next
group of veterans that comes through. And I joined the
DAV as a member, and I've been able to use
(07:24):
that membership to help the next veteran. You know, we
fight for legislation, we go to Capitol Hill, we plead
with politicians, we had the transportation to and from VA networks.
I mean, if there is a need for a veteran,
the DAV that to say with American veterans is there
(07:45):
to support them. And I think the Department of Massachusetts
specifically exemplifies that next level because of the housing. I mean,
the housing is instrumental. We all know there's a housing crisis,
and veterans are not the minority in that.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Corey, I'm sorry, I'm just getting a little emotional listening
to you. Are you okay now? Are you feeling better?
Speaker 8 (08:07):
I am in a much better place. I mean, I
still I'm a chapter commander now, we do monthly meetings.
Speaker 7 (08:13):
I mean, I.
Speaker 8 (08:16):
Do everything I can to be in the DAV because
it's a safe place for me and it keeps me going.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Corey, you're kind of breaking up on us now. But Corey,
if you can still hear me, I want to thank
you for your service from the bottom of my heart,
and may God bless you and thank you for everything
you've done for our country. This is Jeff Cooner Boston's Bulldozer,
my favorite show of the year. The WRKO DAV Department
(08:45):
of Massachusetts Radio thon right here the number to call
if you want to donate nine seven eight six three
two one nine eight five nine seven eight six three
two nineteen eighty five. And of course, as all always
you can visit them and donate online. DAV five k
dot Boston, DAV the number five KT Boston. This hour
(09:11):
of the annual radiothon here on our ko to benefit
the DAV Department of Massachusetts, brought to you by Kelly
Financial Services. And joining me now is really Dance Stacks
in number two, Mike Valilla. He is the adjutant for
the DAV Department of Massachusetts. He of course serves in
(09:35):
the served in the US Army. He is an Iraq
war veteran.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Mike.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It is a true honor and pleasure, and I want
to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
your service.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
God bless you, Mike.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
Thank you for having me today.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Jeff, It's true honor. Mike.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
I'm just curious, you've been obviously with the DAV for
a while now you're starting to fill some very big shoes.
You're really Dan Stacks, right, and man, why the DAV.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
What drew you to the DAV.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
It's a great question, Jeff, so I guess I'll go
back in time to bring us where we are today.
Speaker 7 (10:12):
I deployed to Iraq in twenty ten.
Speaker 6 (10:16):
When I came home, you know, it was a big
media scrum for them to get us home in time
for Christmas, you know, bring the troops home for Christmas.
So they brought us in on Christmas Eve. We had
a really short demobilization process compared to the normal length
of a demo. When we got home the holidays, everybody
wants to come and see you, welcome you back. At
(10:36):
the same time, it was very overwhelming. And what happened
at that time is I really just shut down. I
wanted to be at home. I wanted to be with
my wife, with my kids, with my family, but really
just had that feeling of numbness, you know.
Speaker 7 (10:54):
I was going through the motions per se.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
I was able to find my way into Veterans Transitional Housing,
which DAV actually now runs today. And while I was
in that housing, I was able to get assistance through
DAV doing my own disability claim.
Speaker 7 (11:14):
I was able to get my education.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
I was able to get a great job at the time.
A few years down the road, I was working naturally
with Veterans through my own capacity, and a former national
commander of DAV found me and said, hey.
Speaker 7 (11:31):
You should come and work for DAV. Long story short,
I did.
Speaker 6 (11:35):
I became a National Service officer with the organization at
the time. After a few years with that and pass
the pandemic, I moved over to the State Department, which
then led me to the role that I'm in today
and now. In my capacity, I oversee all of DAV
here with the Massachusetts our transportation network, our voluntary service programs,
all of our claim and service offices across the state,
(11:58):
our housing program, really everything in a nutshell. So it's
really nice to be in this position now to continue
to give back to the veterans you know who we
serve here within the commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Mike, if you don't mind me asking, and again if
I'm getting too personal, please tell me. You have given
already so much to our country. You volunteer to serve,
You went to Iraq, you came back, as you said,
it was a numbing experience for you, overwhelming even to
make the transition from the military to civilian life. You've
(12:36):
already given so much. Why do you feel compelled to
give even more to veterans and especially disabled veterans.
Speaker 6 (12:45):
You know, Jeff, I think it's something that you're just
born with, that feeling of the duty to serve others.
I did my time in the military, and when I
got out in the military, I still felt that need
to continue serving my fellow man. I did it for
a while working in social services and for a few
state agencies the Department of Education. But when I found
(13:08):
my way into DAV working with fellow veterans, it felt
like I was still serving just but in a new
capacity by working with that's every day and helping them
with their benefits.
Speaker 7 (13:21):
See the benefit.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Of working with DAV and organization like ours is VA
can be very complicated at time. In fact, a lot
of state and federal benefits and programs can be very
confusing at times. DAV and the advocates within our organization
help veterans through that, explain the whole process to them,
(13:43):
help them apply for these benefits and attain them, and
do it in an easily digestible manner, not just for
the veteran but for their family. And where DAV helped
me and made such a huge impact on my life,
I was compelled to then help others and continue serving
in that way us you.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Mike Really, we're talking with Mike Valilla, key person now
at the dav Really Dan Stacks number two. He has
given so much, he helps continues to help disabled American veterans,
homeless veterans, hungry veterans, disabled veterans, veterans battling mental illness
(14:21):
or mental health issues. Please let's not forget those who
were there for us. Call now nine seven eight six
three to two, nineteen eighty five, Cooner Country. As Mike
will tell you, as every disabled veteran around me will say,
it's not the donation amount that matters. It's the thought
(14:42):
just to hear that phone ring, just to see that
you care. It could be a dollar, it doesn't matter
five ten twenty five fifty one hundred dollars nine seven
eight six three to two, nineteen eighty five. Or if
you prefer, you can go to DAV five k dot Boston,
DAV five k dot Boston, Okay. Joining me now on
(15:04):
the phone is Jason Wolf from Money Matters Radio the
Financial Exchange. Jason, we thought we were gonna have you
in studio about maybe or at least on the phone
maybe thirty minutes ago. But I hear you had a toothache?
Is that true?
Speaker 4 (15:27):
I had a little cleaning, Jeff. I got myself over
to the Dennis this morning. She took care of me.
She didn't hurt me too badly, and just a little
bit of bleeding. But I'm all cleaned up. I'm in
good shape. It's a beautiful day, and it's a pleasure
to be with you as always.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
Well, you know, I mean, I'm just thinking, Jason, I mean,
disabled veterans toothache, Disabled veterans toothache.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
You know, I'm just saying, Jason.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
You know, you know the guys in Afghanistan any rock,
you know, when the bullets are flying, I think they're saying,
all my tooth hurts you.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
I don't think so, Jeff, I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Those guys are a hell of a lot tougher than me, Jason.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
All kidding aside, And we've known each other many years,
Jason and I. He's a really stand up guy. Jason.
You've always been a big supporter of the veterans.
Speaker 7 (16:19):
I know that.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Why the DAV I'm just curious, why does Disabled American
Veterans for you stand out from all the other veteran groups.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
Well, it's a terrific organization, and the owners of our
company have a long history of supporting veterans and so
they have been contributing to many different causes over the years.
But when we were given the opportunity a few years
ago to get involved with the dav of Massachusetts and
be a part of the five K, which, as you know,
(16:51):
takes place tomorrow at Castle Island in South Boston, it
was really a no brainer to take our support to
the net. And not only did we use and donate
airtime from the Financial Exchange to help run promos, to
help push stories, to do interviews, but we also got
(17:12):
our entire office involved and we created a team where
people joined us to run and help bridge money for
the cause. And we're going to have almost all of
our people out there tomorrow. They've been there for the
last several years with us, and it's really become a
labor of love, and you know, honestly, Jeff, it's extremely personal.
(17:32):
You know, there's a million great causes out there, as
you know, and certainly great veterans causes, but when you
see the kind of work that Dan and Mike and
their team have done, it's hard to top. It really is,
and so it's a very special, meaningful relationship for me
personally and for our office and our team, and we
(17:52):
couldn't be more excited to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Jason, you echo my thoughts exactly. That's why I always
support the DAV. They help out so many of our
disabled veterans. And Jason, look, you have been a warrior
all kidding aside, a real warrior on behalf of the DAV.
And I want to thank you truly from the bottom
of my heart. I know Mike is here in studio
with me, Bob Lynch, We've got Paul Wahlberg and William
(18:19):
Kelly Junior from Kelly Financial Services. Jason, you're always very generous.
We're looking forward to a nice donation.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Jason.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
Are we gonna be happy or are we not gonna
be happy?
Speaker 7 (18:34):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (18:34):
We're gonna be very happy. We're gonna put some big
smiles on people's faces today because we're gonna make our
annual donation to the DAV of five thousand dollars.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Yes, and we're excited to do it. Yes, maybe, Yes, we.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Couldn't be more pleased. We know the money goes to
help some terrific people, to support some amazing programs, and
as I said before, it's really a labor of love
and a true pleasure to be able to be a
part of this.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
Jason, again, I want to thank you from me from
everybody I know. Mike quickly wants to say a few words,
Mike Valilla a few words of thanks.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Please go ahead, Mike.
Speaker 7 (19:16):
Yeah, Jason, thank.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
You so much for you and your team, for all
you do for us with the Department, and especially for
this donation. You know personally how far that goes with
us helping support our housing programs, our transportation network, our
claim and service offices, and so many other programs that
we provide free for our veterans around the Commonwealth.
Speaker 7 (19:35):
We could have asked for a better partner than you. Jason.
Speaker 4 (19:40):
Well, it's great to hear, Mike. I really appreciate it,
and it's such a pleasure to work with you and
Kayla and the whole team. We're excited to get out
there tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be a
terrific day and a record number of runners from what
I hear. So let's get out there and have a
great event. And I hope that the phone keeps ringing
today I've been listening all morning and you guys are
(20:01):
doing a terrific job.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Thank you once again, Jason, God bless you, my friend.
Uh and honestly, Jason, you always deliver. This hour of
our radiothon brought to you by Kelly Financial Services. If
you want to donate nine seven eight six three two
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two one
(20:23):
nine eight five. Uh, they're ringing the phones off the hook,
so please keep calling, keep giving. If you prefer, you
can go right to the website give as well. DAV
five K just the number five, Dav five k dot Boston.
Dav five k dot Boston, Please give whatever you can
(20:46):
ten dollars, twenty five dollars. Everything is appreciated. Fifty one
hundred dollars Cooner Country.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
I cannot tell you the smiles I see on our
veterans' faces are disabled vet to know that you are
there with them, standing shoulder to shoulder, and whenever that
phone rings or whenever a donation is given, Believe me,
they see it, they hear it, and they deeply, deeply
(21:15):
appreciate it. Look, I run a stress again. I know
Mike Vlilla did a wonderful job laying out everything that
the DAV does. But I really want to re emphasize
to all of you homeless veterans. They find them a
place to stay. Hungry veterans. They will bring literally bring
meals to their homes. They need to get their dental appointment,
(21:39):
sorry forgive me their medical even their dental appointments, but
their medical appointments. Their go to the VA, get mental
health treatment, whatever they need.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
The DAV even get their benefits processed.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
I believe it or not. A lot of veterans are
denied benefits. The DAV makes sure they get their benefits.
So this is what the DAV does. And in particular
those that have lost their legs, that have lost their limbs,
that have come back with severe PTSD, severe mental health
issues including yes suicide or suicidal everything victims of Agent
(22:20):
Orange in Vietnam. I spoke to Leo, one of a
disabled veteran in the first hour of the show. Poor
man now has Parkinson's and it is ravaging his body
because of Agent Orange, and he's telling us that he
would do it all over again because he loves this
country and loves his fellow Americans so much so the
(22:40):
least we can do. They were there for us, Let
us be there for them. Call nine seven eight six
three to nineteen eighty five, make a donation. Every little
bit helps or visit davfivek dot Boston. DAV fivek dot
at Boston. I have William Kelly Junior with me in studio,
(23:04):
Mike Vaalilla, who really now is the number two at
the VA Department of Massachusetts, the dav Department of Massachusetts.
Forgive me, Mike, I'm going to go to you first,
and then obviously William, what motivated you to want to
join the military and, as you say, serve in the
Iraq War? What was it that said to make the
(23:27):
call to you and said I've got to serve my country,
even if it means putting my life on the line.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
Yeah, great question.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
So I had family in the military, aunts, uncles, grandparents.
It was something that I always aspired to as a kid.
You go out to the local parades, Memorial Day, Veteran Day,
you see the vets coming down the street, you know,
with the honor guard, they have the rifles, they have
the flags, everybody in the crowd cheering for them. Or
you watch a show on TV or movie and you
(23:58):
see our our soldiers, you know, highlighted in that fashion.
It's just something as a young kid you really want
to aspire to. So as I got older, I knew
I wanted to serve, but I was a late bloomer.
Speaker 7 (24:13):
A lot of people go right out of school.
Speaker 6 (24:16):
I didn't listen until I was twenty one. I had
kids when I was younger, right out of high school,
I wanted to focus on building that foundation for my kids,
for my family first, and then when I was twenty one,
that just seemed like the time to go.
Speaker 7 (24:31):
Then I had a good.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
Structure built for myself, and my family went in again.
Phenomenal time while I was in the military. As far
as the lifelong friends that I made out of service,
those brothers and sisters that I serve aside, I still am,
you know, family with today and that's what led me
(24:56):
to serving in this capacity still with dav is just
that value of being able to give back and assist others.
The sad truth is a lot of veterans go to
the VA or to other state agencies or nonprofits looking
for assistance, and they get pieces of it.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
They don't get the whole picture.
Speaker 6 (25:15):
The military doesn't even do a fantastic job upon discharge
of telling you what benefits are out there, how to
attain them.
Speaker 7 (25:22):
And that's where dav steps in, where.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
That guiding light for veterans help carry them through to
the end so that they can live a life with
dignity and respect.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Ah, God bless you.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Just very quickly, Mike, before I get back to William
Kelly Jr. Do you feel that our not our society,
but that our government doesn't give disabled veterans in particular
the attention, the care, the focus that they deserve and
that they've earned.
Speaker 6 (25:54):
I think that they try. I do think that there's
a number of politicians that do try. But I think
a lot of times things get caught up in the
House or in the Senate or wherever.
Speaker 7 (26:06):
It is at that stage.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
And I really feel when it comes to veterans issues,
it should just be bipartisan.
Speaker 7 (26:13):
It's the right thing to do.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
Support our veterans, pass forward this legislation if it makes
sense to support them.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
God bless you. Now, You're dead on. I couldn't have
said it better myself. I know we've got David Boyd
on the line, But just very quickly, William, I want
to thank you and Kelly Financial Services again for sponsoring
this hour of the DAV for the Department of Massachusetts
annual radiothon final thoughts before we let you go.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
William, Absolutely, it's our pleasure. I want to say thank
you to everybody here. But Mike, I actually had a
question for you now. You were showing me earlier on
the website that in order to support the Massachusetts division
you have to go to a different website, not the
primary one, the DAV dot com. Now, I'm sure DAV
dot com is a great place to donate, but if
you want to support Massachusetts DAV, where do I go?
Speaker 6 (27:01):
Well, first of all, thank you for taking notes. What
a wonderful student you are. So DAV just to explain
it to our listeners a little bit better, wonderful organization.
We're one of the oldest largest wartime veterans service organizations
in the country right we're over one hundred and three
years old. If somebody goes to DAV dot org, or
(27:22):
they go online and google DAV, it's going to bring
them to the main website that's for our national organization,
who does a ton of great work, has wonderful service
programs that they offer nationwide to all veterans. However, the
money that national takes in doesn't benefit our state department directly.
That falls on us dav Department in Massachusetts to fundraise
(27:44):
on our own, to support and facilitate our housing programs,
our transportation network, to run our claims offices, so on
and so forth, everything that we do throughout the year
supporting our veterans. In mind you all of our services
and programs are free to veterans in their family. We
have to fundraise independently for that. So it's very important
(28:04):
if you want to support veterans here within the Commonwealth
to visit our website DAVMA dot org.
Speaker 7 (28:12):
Thank you for that question.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
Absolutely so da VMA dot org.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
And for the purposes of this annual radiothon, you can
go to DA V.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
Five K.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
That's DA V five K dot Boston, da V five
K dot Boston or just call nine seven eight six
three two nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three
two one eight five William, you're a spitting image of
your dad.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
I gotta tell you, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
Let me shake your hand, my friend, God bless you
and thank you again for your incredible support.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
And thank you for having me. It was my pleasure.
God bless everyone. Happy Veterans Day weekend.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
God bless you have a great weekend. Give my best
to your mom. We'll do take care, hey, Giam. Thank
you very much and please give my best Tam. And
we can't say enough about Kelly financial and what you do.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Okay, Well, nine o'clock hour now, So this hour is
brought to you by the Post nineteen seventeen Steakhouse in Reading,
So please give generously. This is the RKO DAV Department
of Massachusetts radiothon. It's going to be happening all day.
Take care William all day here on WRKO. It is
(29:31):
my favorite show of the year. Again, if you want
to give nine seven, eight six, three to two, nineteen eighty.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
Five, or go to DAV five K dot Boston. Okay.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Joining us now is David Boyd. He is the DAV
National Service Officer. He is also a US Army veteran. David,
thank you so much for joining us here on the
Kooner Report. And before we even say anything, I want
to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
(30:03):
your patriotism and your wonderful service to our country.
Speaker 9 (30:07):
Thank you, sir, Thank you very much for that and
the introductions.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Thank you, David.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
I'm just curious for the audience out there. Could you
tell us a little bit about your military service and
how was it when you finally decided to leave the
military and make a transition to civilian life.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
How was it and what did the DAV do for you?
Speaker 9 (30:36):
So mine's a little different. I was in the Army
from two thousand to two thousand and five doing intelligence work,
mainly focusing on counter terrorism. I was deployed to Korea
and then all through Central South America the Caribbean doing
Caro terrorism work. When I first got out in two
(30:57):
thousand and five, I initially took a job as a
government contractor doing the same work, so there wasn't very
much of a change there. When I eventually moved back
home to the Massachusetts area, I went to school, got
my degree, got out, wasn't really getting a job, eventually
(31:20):
found a job to pay the bills, was going through
not doing the best, not doing very good. One of
my friends at the time actually worked for the DAV
in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office connected me to the at
that time supervisor in Boston and got with him. He
(31:44):
actually got me in it into the DAV, got my
initial claim done, and then got me hired to be
one of the service officers in the Boston office. And
that's where I've been for the past ten plus years,
helping veterans with claims. It's just how they've helped me
was I was not in a pretty much a good place,
(32:05):
not to get too much into it at the time,
and then they were there to help me get the
benefits the disability compensation that I always do and the
job to help me kind of get back on my
feet and back into a job in a career with
a purpose, you.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Know, David.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
And I want to thank you for sharing that, David,
because you know you're being obviously very honest with us.
I keep hearing this again and again from veterans why
they love the DAV, why they support the DAV, and
why they want everyone to give as generously as they
can to the DAV. I keep hearing countless stories of
vets like you who came back from war or serving
(32:48):
our country and kind of fell through the cracks. The
VA wasn't there for them, the government wasn't there for them,
and you're out on your own. And whether it's p
TSD issues, mental health issues, god forbid, you know a
leg is blown off, or their quadriplegic or paraplegic or
(33:09):
whatever it is, they desperately need help and assistance. And
that's where the dav comes in. And I just want
to ask you this, David, because you help so many
veterans on so many level, so many levels, one of
them being processing claims, and I think maybe people are listening,
Like processing claims, Yeah, for a lot of veterans, it's
(33:33):
a maze. It's a lot of red tape, it's a
lot of regulations. It's not easy. How many veterans do
you encounter on a regular basis who've served our country
desperately need help, need the benefits that they have worked
for and earned and they deserve, and yet aren't able
to do it on their own. Is it infrequent or
(33:54):
is it more frequent than people would be surprised to hear.
Speaker 9 (34:00):
Aumenting It probably would be more frequent than they would
be surprised to hear. As you said, anything with government
does a lot of red tape, a lot of bureaucracy,
not knowing the right terminology, not knowing what's actually required,
what they need to provide or what they need to show,
is where a lot of veterans get lost. They don't
understand how the process works. That's one of the things
(34:22):
that we do in the offices. We'll sit down with them,
will explain the whole claims process, what it takes to
get the service connection for the disability, how it works,
how it's rated and evaluated, and what's needed and what
they can do to help the claim along. But we're
they're to help them with the paperwork as it can
be confusing. Like I said, a lot of terminology, the
(34:45):
naming of things makes the very large difference on how
claims are done and perceived.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
We are talking with David Boyd. He is the DAV
National Service Officer. You US Army veterans served in Afghanistan
doing intelligence for our country. David, final word to you
before I let you go. I asked this of everybody.
(35:13):
I've got to ask this of you. There are so
many veterans groups out there. Why should people pick up
the phone or go to the website and give to
the DAV. What makes the DAV so special and so
unique that differentiates it from other veterans groups.
Speaker 9 (35:34):
Well, one of the biggest things is the DAV is
strictly a service forward organization. As Mike was saying earlier
before I came on, everything that we do is free
for veterans. We don't ask, we don't charge any money
for the services we provide that goes with submitting the
claims and everything that goes through our office. We have
(35:56):
great volunteers with the in the National Service program. As
Mike can tell you he went through it. It's a
sixteen month on the job training program which is more
rigorous and in depth than any other service organization. So
in that face, I everyone's here to help the veterans
do the same thing all the organizations. I just hear
(36:19):
that ours, at least on the service side, with our
National Service Office, is the best and well trained out
of any of the other organizations.
Speaker 1 (36:30):
David, again, thank you for everything you're doing now for
our veterans, are disabled veterans, and thank you for your
service to our country. Have a wonderful Veterans Day weekend,
and God bless you, sir.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
Thank you so much, David.
Speaker 9 (36:45):
Thank you you too.
Speaker 1 (36:47):
God bless Okay, look you heard it here from David.
Our disabled veterans need so much. This is what the
DAV does. That's why I'm so proud to hold this
Radiothon here at WRKO every single year. Call now if
you want to give nine seven eight six three two
(37:08):
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two nineteen
eighty five. You can also go to DAV five k
dot Boston. DAV the number five k dot Boston and
this hour of wrko's DAV Department of Massachusetts Radiothon is
(37:30):
brought to you by Post nineteen seventeen Steakhouse in Reading.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Cooner Country. I want to make a personal.
Speaker 1 (37:39):
Appeal to all of you surrounded by these wonderful veterans,
talking to many of them throughout the day today, both
on and off air. You have to see these stories.
These are veterans who have gone blind, veterans who've lost
their hearing, veterans who've had parts of their faith is
(38:00):
blown off by ied say in Afghanistan or Iraq. Veterans
who are crippled in wheelchairs they'll never be able to
walk again. Veterans who are battling cancer or Parkinson's because
of say, agent Orange that was dropped during the Vietnam
war metal plates in their head. I could just go
(38:22):
on and on and on. Many many of them have
severe mental health issues PTSD. Many of them told me
I contemplated suicide. You don't know the depths of the
darkness in my mind, and I was thinking of just
ending my life right here, right now. The DAV was
(38:43):
there for them, gave them the mental health treatment that
they needed, drove them to the doctor, took many homeless
veterans off the streets, put a roof over their head.
Many hungry veterans literally just go to their house and
give them a meal. Well, they are there for them.
(39:03):
Let's show our support for the veterans who have given
everything for us. So please please give as much as
you can give. I mean it, Every little bit is appreciated.
You have no idea nine seven eight six three two
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two one
(39:24):
nine eight five
Okay, my friends, today is a very very special day.
It is the annual WRKO Radiothon to benefit Disabled American
Veterans Department of Massachusetts. I can't tell you already, Koner Country,
you have responded. People are lighting up the phones. They
(00:20):
are going on the website donating money. Please whatever you
can give five ten, twenty thirty, forty fifty one hundred dollars,
Everything is appreciated. Call now nine seven eight six three two,
nineteen eighty five. That is the number to call if
you want to donate nine seven eight six three two
(00:43):
nineteen eighty five. You can also go to davfivek dot Boston.
Davfivek dot Boston. And this hour of the annual Radiothon
here on WRKO to benefit d Department of Massachusetts is
brought to you by none other than Kelly Financial Services.
(01:07):
And joining me now in studio right to my left
is none other than William Kelly Junior.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
William. How are you?
Speaker 3 (01:23):
I'm great now that I'm in the lab this you
work in a beautiful place. I have to say this,
thank you, magnificent.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Well my heart treats me well. I have to say.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Clearly it's a beautiful place I have. This is my
first time ever coming here, and it is so interesting
that people here are fantastic. The people I've met today
are wonderful. I met two veterans today, a man named
Charlie and a man named Leo, and I am just
so impressed by the turnout every single year that the
(01:58):
dav experience is because it is such a wonderful charity.
There's a reason why we've supported this charity for a
long time. My father was a veteran himself. In my
mother's side of the family, we have many veterans and
our family, it is an honor to support these folks
every single year.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
So it's pleasure to be here.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
It's great to meet everybody in person.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
This is wonderful.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
This has seriously been a great morning, and I'm so happy.
I'm just so happy that these folks exist. I'm so
grateful for our veterans. So I'm able to speak to
you here today, and I'm able to enjoy a nice
life with people that I love and that love me back.
I'm able to speak and say what I want to say.
I have the right to free speech to all these
(02:42):
things thanks to these folks. So this Veteran's Day Weekend.
Remember that, ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Really well said, really, really well, said William. Obviously, Kelly
Financial Services, You've been sponsoring our show for a long time.
You've been sponsoring the DAV for years and years. This
sour is brought to you by the by Kelly Financial Services.
I know you're speaking for your dad, May God bless him,
(03:08):
he's up in heaven and your mom, who is really
now taken over Kelly Financial and done an incredible job.
Why does the DAV mean so much to you, your
mom and your family.
Speaker 3 (03:21):
Well, to me, it's because our family has supported it.
Then I naturally inherit that right. And what I truly
do love about this organization, and that is that it
is indiscriminate. It is basically all of the money they
make goes to veterans. Those are the type of charities
that I respect very much, so similar to my Brother's Keeper,
(03:43):
So a charity like this is a very special one.
My father was a veteran, so I'm sure that's definitely
a big cause for why he donated to the DAV,
why he supported it, And I mean, we're just patriots,
and it's it's just it's the right thing to do
in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
God, bless you, God bless you.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
Dan.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
I know you want to say a few words to William,
please go ahead.
Speaker 5 (04:08):
Well, first of all, it was great to meet him
for the first time. I'm only known the voice over
these years in I did tell him personally outside I
was never touched so much by him. The day that
he called in after his father's passing and emptied out
his bank account to donate to the dav in honor
(04:28):
of his father.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
That was amazing to me. And thank you William for that.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
That's my pleasure.
Speaker 3 (04:34):
Well, I have some good news for you guys today.
Kelly Financial Services is donating two thousand dollars and I
will be donating two thousand dollars from my savings account.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Again.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Wow, William, it's my pleasure. God bless you man. Thank
you very much, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Speaker 7 (04:52):
Well.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
I've saved a lot of money over the years, and
I feel like to support a charity like this. It's
just a great idea, and so does Kelly Financial. Everybod
at Kelly Financial loves this charity. We're always happy to
support them, and it's just it's my pleasure it's a
privilege to be able to so thank William.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Can you just hang on because we've got Corey Hasselman.
He is a former resident of DAV Veteran Advancement Program.
He is a Marine Corps veteran. We've got him on
the phone with us right now and we've got limited time.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Corey, thank you for joining us. How are you, Corey.
Speaker 8 (05:27):
I'm doing fantastic, Just glad to be here and to
be a voice AV.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
We're talking with Corey Hasselman, Marine Corps veteran, longtime supporter
of the DAV. Corey, for everybody listening, why should they
give to the DAV. Why do you care so much
about the DAV.
Speaker 8 (05:49):
I'm sure there's a few people out there who heard
my story at this point, but the DAVE essentially saved
my life. A few years ago, probably about four years
ago now, I was in a very serious mental health
situation and I couldn't think of any answer but to
just kind of end it all. And I ended up
(06:11):
going to an orientation at Mount wont Jesus Community College
and hearing from Caleb Balila, who runs the Advancement program,
and she talked about housing that they had behind the Mount,
they talked. She talked about the benefits that veterans get
when they're housed there, and I figured, let's give it
(06:31):
a shot. What's the worst that happens. I can't get
in a worst position than I am right now, So
let's go.
Speaker 7 (06:37):
I applied.
Speaker 8 (06:38):
I got in there, and this is what I mean, Like,
the DAVY gave me this huge hand up. They reached
out to me, they gave me case management, they helped
me file disability, they got me they met me up
with a mortgage broker, they helped me with school. They
gave me a bunch of supplies, food, clothes, furniture for
my apartment that they gave me. I mean, if you
(07:01):
name it, they did it. It gave me time to
focus on myself, focus on my family, and just be
a better, healthier place. And then from that I decided,
I mean, this is where my passion is now that
I want to do the same thing for the next
group of veterans that comes through. And I joined the
DAV as a member, and I've been able to use
(07:24):
that membership to help the next veteran. You know, we
fight for legislation, we go to Capitol Hill, we plead
with politicians, we had the transportation to and from VA networks.
I mean, if there is a need for a veteran,
the DAV that to say with American veterans is there
(07:45):
to support them. And I think the Department of Massachusetts
specifically exemplifies that next level because of the housing. I mean,
the housing is instrumental. We all know there's a housing crisis,
and veterans are not the minority in that.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Corey, I'm sorry, I'm just getting a little emotional listening
to you. Are you okay now? Are you feeling better?
Speaker 8 (08:07):
I am in a much better place. I mean, I
still I'm a chapter commander now, we do monthly meetings.
Speaker 7 (08:13):
I mean, I.
Speaker 8 (08:16):
Do everything I can to be in the DAV because
it's a safe place for me and it keeps me going.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Corey, you're kind of breaking up on us now. But Corey,
if you can still hear me, I want to thank
you for your service from the bottom of my heart,
and may God bless you and thank you for everything
you've done for our country. This is Jeff Cooner Boston's Bulldozer,
my favorite show of the year. The WRKO DAV Department
(08:45):
of Massachusetts Radio thon right here the number to call
if you want to donate nine seven eight six three
two one nine eight five nine seven eight six three
two nineteen eighty five. And of course, as all always
you can visit them and donate online. DAV five k
dot Boston, DAV the number five KT Boston. This hour
(09:11):
of the annual radiothon here on our ko to benefit
the DAV Department of Massachusetts, brought to you by Kelly
Financial Services. And joining me now is really Dance Stacks
in number two, Mike Valilla. He is the adjutant for
the DAV Department of Massachusetts. He of course serves in
(09:35):
the served in the US Army. He is an Iraq
war veteran.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Mike.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It is a true honor and pleasure, and I want
to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
your service.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
God bless you, Mike.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
Thank you for having me today.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Jeff, It's true honor. Mike.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
I'm just curious, you've been obviously with the DAV for
a while now you're starting to fill some very big shoes.
You're really Dan Stacks, right, and man, why the DAV.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
What drew you to the DAV.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
It's a great question, Jeff, so I guess I'll go
back in time to bring us where we are today.
Speaker 7 (10:12):
I deployed to Iraq in twenty ten.
Speaker 6 (10:16):
When I came home, you know, it was a big
media scrum for them to get us home in time
for Christmas, you know, bring the troops home for Christmas.
So they brought us in on Christmas Eve. We had
a really short demobilization process compared to the normal length
of a demo. When we got home the holidays, everybody
wants to come and see you, welcome you back. At
(10:36):
the same time, it was very overwhelming. And what happened
at that time is I really just shut down. I
wanted to be at home. I wanted to be with
my wife, with my kids, with my family, but really
just had that feeling of numbness, you know.
Speaker 7 (10:54):
I was going through the motions per se.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
I was able to find my way into Veterans Transitional Housing,
which DAV actually now runs today. And while I was
in that housing, I was able to get assistance through
DAV doing my own disability claim.
Speaker 7 (11:14):
I was able to get my education.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
I was able to get a great job at the time.
A few years down the road, I was working naturally
with Veterans through my own capacity, and a former national
commander of DAV found me and said, hey.
Speaker 7 (11:31):
You should come and work for DAV. Long story short,
I did.
Speaker 6 (11:35):
I became a National Service officer with the organization at
the time. After a few years with that and pass
the pandemic, I moved over to the State Department, which
then led me to the role that I'm in today
and now. In my capacity, I oversee all of DAV
here with the Massachusetts our transportation network, our voluntary service programs,
all of our claim and service offices across the state,
(11:58):
our housing program, really everything in a nutshell. So it's
really nice to be in this position now to continue
to give back to the veterans you know who we
serve here within the commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Mike, if you don't mind me asking, and again if
I'm getting too personal, please tell me. You have given
already so much to our country. You volunteer to serve,
You went to Iraq, you came back, as you said,
it was a numbing experience for you, overwhelming even to
make the transition from the military to civilian life. You've
(12:36):
already given so much. Why do you feel compelled to
give even more to veterans and especially disabled veterans.
Speaker 6 (12:45):
You know, Jeff, I think it's something that you're just
born with, that feeling of the duty to serve others.
I did my time in the military, and when I
got out in the military, I still felt that need
to continue serving my fellow man. I did it for
a while working in social services and for a few
state agencies the Department of Education. But when I found
(13:08):
my way into DAV working with fellow veterans, it felt
like I was still serving just but in a new
capacity by working with that's every day and helping them
with their benefits.
Speaker 7 (13:21):
See the benefit.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Of working with DAV and organization like ours is VA
can be very complicated at time. In fact, a lot
of state and federal benefits and programs can be very
confusing at times. DAV and the advocates within our organization
help veterans through that, explain the whole process to them,
(13:43):
help them apply for these benefits and attain them, and
do it in an easily digestible manner, not just for
the veteran but for their family. And where DAV helped
me and made such a huge impact on my life,
I was compelled to then help others and continue serving
in that way us you.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Mike Really, we're talking with Mike Valilla, key person now
at the dav Really Dan Stacks number two. He has
given so much, he helps continues to help disabled American veterans,
homeless veterans, hungry veterans, disabled veterans, veterans battling mental illness
(14:21):
or mental health issues. Please let's not forget those who
were there for us. Call now nine seven eight six
three to two, nineteen eighty five, Cooner Country. As Mike
will tell you, as every disabled veteran around me will say,
it's not the donation amount that matters. It's the thought
(14:42):
just to hear that phone ring, just to see that
you care. It could be a dollar, it doesn't matter
five ten twenty five fifty one hundred dollars nine seven
eight six three to two, nineteen eighty five. Or if
you prefer, you can go to DAV five k dot Boston,
DAV five k dot Boston, Okay. Joining me now on
(15:04):
the phone is Jason Wolf from Money Matters Radio the
Financial Exchange. Jason, we thought we were gonna have you
in studio about maybe or at least on the phone
maybe thirty minutes ago. But I hear you had a toothache?
Is that true?
Speaker 4 (15:27):
I had a little cleaning, Jeff. I got myself over
to the Dennis this morning. She took care of me.
She didn't hurt me too badly, and just a little
bit of bleeding. But I'm all cleaned up. I'm in
good shape. It's a beautiful day, and it's a pleasure
to be with you as always.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
Well, you know, I mean, I'm just thinking, Jason, I mean,
disabled veterans toothache, Disabled veterans toothache.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
You know, I'm just saying, Jason.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
You know, you know the guys in Afghanistan any rock,
you know, when the bullets are flying, I think they're saying,
all my tooth hurts you.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
I don't think so, Jeff, I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Those guys are a hell of a lot tougher than me, Jason.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
All kidding aside, And we've known each other many years,
Jason and I. He's a really stand up guy. Jason.
You've always been a big supporter of the veterans.
Speaker 7 (16:19):
I know that.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Why the DAV I'm just curious, why does Disabled American
Veterans for you stand out from all the other veteran groups.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
Well, it's a terrific organization, and the owners of our
company have a long history of supporting veterans and so
they have been contributing to many different causes over the years.
But when we were given the opportunity a few years
ago to get involved with the dav of Massachusetts and
be a part of the five K, which, as you know,
(16:51):
takes place tomorrow at Castle Island in South Boston, it
was really a no brainer to take our support to
the net. And not only did we use and donate
airtime from the Financial Exchange to help run promos, to
help push stories, to do interviews, but we also got
(17:12):
our entire office involved and we created a team where
people joined us to run and help bridge money for
the cause. And we're going to have almost all of
our people out there tomorrow. They've been there for the
last several years with us, and it's really become a
labor of love, and you know, honestly, Jeff, it's extremely personal.
(17:32):
You know, there's a million great causes out there, as
you know, and certainly great veterans causes, but when you
see the kind of work that Dan and Mike and
their team have done, it's hard to top. It really is,
and so it's a very special, meaningful relationship for me
personally and for our office and our team, and we
(17:52):
couldn't be more excited to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Jason, you echo my thoughts exactly. That's why I always
support the DAV. They help out so many of our
disabled veterans. And Jason, look, you have been a warrior
all kidding aside, a real warrior on behalf of the DAV.
And I want to thank you truly from the bottom
of my heart. I know Mike is here in studio
with me, Bob Lynch, We've got Paul Wahlberg and William
(18:19):
Kelly Junior from Kelly Financial Services. Jason, you're always very generous.
We're looking forward to a nice donation.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Jason.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
Are we gonna be happy or are we not gonna
be happy?
Speaker 7 (18:34):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (18:34):
We're gonna be very happy. We're gonna put some big
smiles on people's faces today because we're gonna make our
annual donation to the DAV of five thousand dollars.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Yes, and we're excited to do it. Yes, maybe, Yes, we.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Couldn't be more pleased. We know the money goes to
help some terrific people, to support some amazing programs, and
as I said before, it's really a labor of love
and a true pleasure to be able to be a
part of this.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
Jason, again, I want to thank you from me from
everybody I know. Mike quickly wants to say a few words,
Mike Valilla a few words of thanks.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Please go ahead, Mike.
Speaker 7 (19:16):
Yeah, Jason, thank.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
You so much for you and your team, for all
you do for us with the Department, and especially for
this donation. You know personally how far that goes with
us helping support our housing programs, our transportation network, our
claim and service offices, and so many other programs that
we provide free for our veterans around the Commonwealth.
Speaker 7 (19:35):
We could have asked for a better partner than you. Jason.
Speaker 4 (19:40):
Well, it's great to hear, Mike. I really appreciate it,
and it's such a pleasure to work with you and
Kayla and the whole team. We're excited to get out
there tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be a
terrific day and a record number of runners from what
I hear. So let's get out there and have a
great event. And I hope that the phone keeps ringing
today I've been listening all morning and you guys are
(20:01):
doing a terrific job.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Thank you once again, Jason, God bless you, my friend.
Uh and honestly, Jason, you always deliver. This hour of
our radiothon brought to you by Kelly Financial Services. If
you want to donate nine seven eight six three two
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two one
(20:23):
nine eight five. Uh, they're ringing the phones off the hook,
so please keep calling, keep giving. If you prefer, you
can go right to the website give as well. DAV
five K just the number five, Dav five k dot Boston.
Dav five k dot Boston, Please give whatever you can
(20:46):
ten dollars, twenty five dollars. Everything is appreciated. Fifty one
hundred dollars Cooner Country.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
I cannot tell you the smiles I see on our
veterans' faces are disabled vet to know that you are
there with them, standing shoulder to shoulder, and whenever that
phone rings or whenever a donation is given, Believe me,
they see it, they hear it, and they deeply, deeply
(21:15):
appreciate it. Look, I run a stress again. I know
Mike Vlilla did a wonderful job laying out everything that
the DAV does. But I really want to re emphasize
to all of you homeless veterans. They find them a
place to stay. Hungry veterans. They will bring literally bring
meals to their homes. They need to get their dental appointment,
(21:39):
sorry forgive me their medical even their dental appointments, but
their medical appointments. Their go to the VA, get mental
health treatment, whatever they need.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
The DAV even get their benefits processed.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
I believe it or not. A lot of veterans are
denied benefits. The DAV makes sure they get their benefits.
So this is what the DAV does. And in particular
those that have lost their legs, that have lost their limbs,
that have come back with severe PTSD, severe mental health
issues including yes suicide or suicidal everything victims of Agent
(22:20):
Orange in Vietnam. I spoke to Leo, one of a
disabled veteran in the first hour of the show. Poor
man now has Parkinson's and it is ravaging his body
because of Agent Orange, and he's telling us that he
would do it all over again because he loves this
country and loves his fellow Americans so much so the
(22:40):
least we can do. They were there for us, Let
us be there for them. Call nine seven eight six
three to nineteen eighty five, make a donation. Every little
bit helps or visit davfivek dot Boston. DAV fivek dot
at Boston. I have William Kelly Junior with me in studio,
(23:04):
Mike Vaalilla, who really now is the number two at
the VA Department of Massachusetts, the dav Department of Massachusetts.
Forgive me, Mike, I'm going to go to you first,
and then obviously William, what motivated you to want to
join the military and, as you say, serve in the
Iraq War? What was it that said to make the
(23:27):
call to you and said I've got to serve my country,
even if it means putting my life on the line.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
Yeah, great question.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
So I had family in the military, aunts, uncles, grandparents.
It was something that I always aspired to as a kid.
You go out to the local parades, Memorial Day, Veteran Day,
you see the vets coming down the street, you know,
with the honor guard, they have the rifles, they have
the flags, everybody in the crowd cheering for them. Or
you watch a show on TV or movie and you
(23:58):
see our our soldiers, you know, highlighted in that fashion.
It's just something as a young kid you really want
to aspire to. So as I got older, I knew
I wanted to serve, but I was a late bloomer.
Speaker 7 (24:13):
A lot of people go right out of school.
Speaker 6 (24:16):
I didn't listen until I was twenty one. I had
kids when I was younger, right out of high school,
I wanted to focus on building that foundation for my kids,
for my family first, and then when I was twenty one,
that just seemed like the time to go.
Speaker 7 (24:31):
Then I had a good.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
Structure built for myself, and my family went in again.
Phenomenal time while I was in the military. As far
as the lifelong friends that I made out of service,
those brothers and sisters that I serve aside, I still am,
you know, family with today and that's what led me
(24:56):
to serving in this capacity still with dav is just
that value of being able to give back and assist others.
The sad truth is a lot of veterans go to
the VA or to other state agencies or nonprofits looking
for assistance, and they get pieces of it.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
They don't get the whole picture.
Speaker 6 (25:15):
The military doesn't even do a fantastic job upon discharge
of telling you what benefits are out there, how to
attain them.
Speaker 7 (25:22):
And that's where dav steps in, where.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
That guiding light for veterans help carry them through to
the end so that they can live a life with
dignity and respect.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Ah, God bless you.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Just very quickly, Mike, before I get back to William
Kelly Jr. Do you feel that our not our society,
but that our government doesn't give disabled veterans in particular
the attention, the care, the focus that they deserve and
that they've earned.
Speaker 6 (25:54):
I think that they try. I do think that there's
a number of politicians that do try. But I think
a lot of times things get caught up in the
House or in the Senate or wherever.
Speaker 7 (26:06):
It is at that stage.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
And I really feel when it comes to veterans issues,
it should just be bipartisan.
Speaker 7 (26:13):
It's the right thing to do.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
Support our veterans, pass forward this legislation if it makes
sense to support them.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
God bless you. Now, You're dead on. I couldn't have
said it better myself. I know we've got David Boyd
on the line, But just very quickly, William, I want
to thank you and Kelly Financial Services again for sponsoring
this hour of the DAV for the Department of Massachusetts
annual radiothon final thoughts before we let you go.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
William, Absolutely, it's our pleasure. I want to say thank
you to everybody here. But Mike, I actually had a
question for you now. You were showing me earlier on
the website that in order to support the Massachusetts division
you have to go to a different website, not the
primary one, the DAV dot com. Now, I'm sure DAV
dot com is a great place to donate, but if
you want to support Massachusetts DAV, where do I go?
Speaker 6 (27:01):
Well, first of all, thank you for taking notes. What
a wonderful student you are. So DAV just to explain
it to our listeners a little bit better, wonderful organization.
We're one of the oldest largest wartime veterans service organizations
in the country right we're over one hundred and three
years old. If somebody goes to DAV dot org, or
(27:22):
they go online and google DAV, it's going to bring
them to the main website that's for our national organization,
who does a ton of great work, has wonderful service
programs that they offer nationwide to all veterans. However, the
money that national takes in doesn't benefit our state department directly.
That falls on us dav Department in Massachusetts to fundraise
(27:44):
on our own, to support and facilitate our housing programs,
our transportation network, to run our claims offices, so on
and so forth, everything that we do throughout the year
supporting our veterans. In mind you all of our services
and programs are free to veterans in their family. We
have to fundraise independently for that. So it's very important
(28:04):
if you want to support veterans here within the Commonwealth
to visit our website DAVMA dot org.
Speaker 7 (28:12):
Thank you for that question.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
Absolutely so da VMA dot org.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
And for the purposes of this annual radiothon, you can
go to DA V.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
Five K.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
That's DA V five K dot Boston, da V five
K dot Boston or just call nine seven eight six
three two nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three
two one eight five William, you're a spitting image of
your dad.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
I gotta tell you, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
Let me shake your hand, my friend, God bless you
and thank you again for your incredible support.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
And thank you for having me. It was my pleasure.
God bless everyone. Happy Veterans Day weekend.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
God bless you have a great weekend. Give my best
to your mom. We'll do take care, hey, Giam. Thank
you very much and please give my best Tam. And
we can't say enough about Kelly financial and what you do.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Okay, Well, nine o'clock hour now, So this hour is
brought to you by the Post nineteen seventeen Steakhouse in Reading,
So please give generously. This is the RKO DAV Department
of Massachusetts radiothon. It's going to be happening all day.
Take care William all day here on WRKO. It is
(29:31):
my favorite show of the year. Again, if you want
to give nine seven, eight six, three to two, nineteen eighty.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
Five, or go to DAV five K dot Boston. Okay.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Joining us now is David Boyd. He is the DAV
National Service Officer. He is also a US Army veteran. David,
thank you so much for joining us here on the
Kooner Report. And before we even say anything, I want
to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
(30:03):
your patriotism and your wonderful service to our country.
Speaker 9 (30:07):
Thank you, sir, Thank you very much for that and
the introductions.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Thank you, David.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
I'm just curious for the audience out there. Could you
tell us a little bit about your military service and
how was it when you finally decided to leave the
military and make a transition to civilian life.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
How was it and what did the DAV do for you?
Speaker 9 (30:36):
So mine's a little different. I was in the Army
from two thousand to two thousand and five doing intelligence work,
mainly focusing on counter terrorism. I was deployed to Korea
and then all through Central South America the Caribbean doing
Caro terrorism work. When I first got out in two
(30:57):
thousand and five, I initially took a job as a
government contractor doing the same work, so there wasn't very
much of a change there. When I eventually moved back
home to the Massachusetts area, I went to school, got
my degree, got out, wasn't really getting a job, eventually
(31:20):
found a job to pay the bills, was going through
not doing the best, not doing very good. One of
my friends at the time actually worked for the DAV
in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office connected me to the at
that time supervisor in Boston and got with him. He
(31:44):
actually got me in it into the DAV, got my
initial claim done, and then got me hired to be
one of the service officers in the Boston office. And
that's where I've been for the past ten plus years,
helping veterans with claims. It's just how they've helped me
was I was not in a pretty much a good place,
(32:05):
not to get too much into it at the time,
and then they were there to help me get the
benefits the disability compensation that I always do and the
job to help me kind of get back on my
feet and back into a job in a career with
a purpose, you.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Know, David.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
And I want to thank you for sharing that, David,
because you know you're being obviously very honest with us.
I keep hearing this again and again from veterans why
they love the DAV, why they support the DAV, and
why they want everyone to give as generously as they
can to the DAV. I keep hearing countless stories of
vets like you who came back from war or serving
(32:48):
our country and kind of fell through the cracks. The
VA wasn't there for them, the government wasn't there for them,
and you're out on your own. And whether it's p
TSD issues, mental health issues, god forbid, you know a
leg is blown off, or their quadriplegic or paraplegic or
(33:09):
whatever it is, they desperately need help and assistance. And
that's where the dav comes in. And I just want
to ask you this, David, because you help so many
veterans on so many level, so many levels, one of
them being processing claims, and I think maybe people are listening,
Like processing claims, Yeah, for a lot of veterans, it's
(33:33):
a maze. It's a lot of red tape, it's a
lot of regulations. It's not easy. How many veterans do
you encounter on a regular basis who've served our country
desperately need help, need the benefits that they have worked
for and earned and they deserve, and yet aren't able
to do it on their own. Is it infrequent or
(33:54):
is it more frequent than people would be surprised to hear.
Speaker 9 (34:00):
Aumenting It probably would be more frequent than they would
be surprised to hear. As you said, anything with government
does a lot of red tape, a lot of bureaucracy,
not knowing the right terminology, not knowing what's actually required,
what they need to provide or what they need to show,
is where a lot of veterans get lost. They don't
understand how the process works. That's one of the things
(34:22):
that we do in the offices. We'll sit down with them,
will explain the whole claims process, what it takes to
get the service connection for the disability, how it works,
how it's rated and evaluated, and what's needed and what
they can do to help the claim along. But we're
they're to help them with the paperwork as it can
be confusing. Like I said, a lot of terminology, the
(34:45):
naming of things makes the very large difference on how
claims are done and perceived.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
We are talking with David Boyd. He is the DAV
National Service Officer. You US Army veterans served in Afghanistan
doing intelligence for our country. David, final word to you
before I let you go. I asked this of everybody.
(35:13):
I've got to ask this of you. There are so
many veterans groups out there. Why should people pick up
the phone or go to the website and give to
the DAV. What makes the DAV so special and so
unique that differentiates it from other veterans groups.
Speaker 9 (35:34):
Well, one of the biggest things is the DAV is
strictly a service forward organization. As Mike was saying earlier
before I came on, everything that we do is free
for veterans. We don't ask, we don't charge any money
for the services we provide that goes with submitting the
claims and everything that goes through our office. We have
(35:56):
great volunteers with the in the National Service program. As
Mike can tell you he went through it. It's a
sixteen month on the job training program which is more
rigorous and in depth than any other service organization. So
in that face, I everyone's here to help the veterans
do the same thing all the organizations. I just hear
(36:19):
that ours, at least on the service side, with our
National Service Office, is the best and well trained out
of any of the other organizations.
Speaker 1 (36:30):
David, again, thank you for everything you're doing now for
our veterans, are disabled veterans, and thank you for your
service to our country. Have a wonderful Veterans Day weekend,
and God bless you, sir.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
Thank you so much, David.
Speaker 9 (36:45):
Thank you you too.
Speaker 1 (36:47):
God bless Okay, look you heard it here from David.
Our disabled veterans need so much. This is what the
DAV does. That's why I'm so proud to hold this
Radiothon here at WRKO every single year. Call now if
you want to give nine seven eight six three two
(37:08):
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two nineteen
eighty five. You can also go to DAV five k
dot Boston. DAV the number five k dot Boston and
this hour of wrko's DAV Department of Massachusetts Radiothon is
(37:30):
brought to you by Post nineteen seventeen Steakhouse in Reading.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Cooner Country. I want to make a personal.
Speaker 1 (37:39):
Appeal to all of you surrounded by these wonderful veterans,
talking to many of them throughout the day today, both
on and off air. You have to see these stories.
These are veterans who have gone blind, veterans who've lost
their hearing, veterans who've had parts of their faith is
(38:00):
blown off by ied say in Afghanistan or Iraq. Veterans
who are crippled in wheelchairs they'll never be able to
walk again. Veterans who are battling cancer or Parkinson's because
of say, agent Orange that was dropped during the Vietnam
war metal plates in their head. I could just go
(38:22):
on and on and on. Many many of them have
severe mental health issues PTSD. Many of them told me
I contemplated suicide. You don't know the depths of the
darkness in my mind, and I was thinking of just
ending my life right here, right now. The DAV was
(38:43):
there for them, gave them the mental health treatment that
they needed, drove them to the doctor, took many homeless
veterans off the streets, put a roof over their head.
Many hungry veterans literally just go to their house and
give them a meal. Well, they are there for them.
(39:03):
Let's show our support for the veterans who have given
everything for us. So please please give as much as
you can give. I mean it, Every little bit is appreciated.
You have no idea nine seven eight six three two
nineteen eighty five nine seven eight six three two one
(39:24):
nine eight five
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