Recent conference honored OCSEA veterans, offered benefits info

July 14, 2009 - Conferees agreed that “Remember the Price of Freedom” was a fitting theme for OCSEA’s first Veterans Conference. The event was hosted by the OCSEA Veterans Advisory Committee July 10 – 11 at Deer Creek Resort in Mt. Sterling.

Conference activities kicked off with a Friday evening reception where OCSEA veterans, friends of vets and spouses gathered to share stories and relax. State Representative Ray Pryor, an advocate for Ohio’s veterans, spoke to the group about legislation that he has promoted in support of those who have made a commitment to defend our country.

Color Guard from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction kicked off the Saturday agenda by presenting the colors. At the top of the morning’s agenda, OCSEA Pres. Eddie L. Parks spoke of his own military service in the Air Force.

“Everything I learned about integrity, I learned though my military experience," he noted. "I can always be proud that I served in the military.”

Joleen Cramer of the Veterans Administration in Columbus provided information regarding hospital benefits and how veterans can tap into the services entitled to them. She said of two veterans who stopped to talk with her about benefits they were not aware were available. “If nothing else, it was worth it to come and explain what our veterans have coming to them for their service to their country—even if it would make a difference (only) in these two (veterans') lives.”

Robert Osborne, the Saturday morning main guest speaker, is a disability claims benefit counselor for the Veterans Administration. He provided a wealth of information and fielded many questions.

Larry Cremeens, an OCSEA Veterans Advisory Committee member, who lost a part of his leg in the Vietnam War, said how important it is for veterans to come together at events like these.

"We need to bring about awareness of issues in common to those who have served their country and put those issues in front of our elected officials," he said. "We can’t afford to be silent and expect benefits to be automatically provided.”

Cremeens works as in customer service at ODJFS in Stark County. Cremeens is also a seasoned ODJFS Assembly leader, steward, and Union Quality Network representative.

“We feel this conference went really well, considering this is a first time we’ve done this,” said OCSEA Vice Pres. Chris Mabe, who chairs the OCSEA Veterans Advisory Committee and spearheaded efforts to make the event possible. Mabe served active duty in the U.S. Army.

“We’re sure the word will get out to other veteran members as to the valuable information they learned, especially about benefits they can apply for. We're hoping to look forward to a greater veteran’s conference for next year.”

The committee also offers veterans-related information on the union's website.

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