On December 13, 2012, TDVA members attended the 6th Annual Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Joe's Crab Shack in San Antonio, Texas. Over 125 VA volunteers and VA staff members enjoyed lunch and cake. Pictured left from right: TDVA member Dan Castillo, Rodney Risemas (Secretary of the VAVS Chief), and...
The STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Soccer) program is for all individuals of all ages with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, amputations, and other physical disabilities that require the use of a manual wheelchair and/or power wheelchair. The STRAPS program will begin...
On January 4, 2012, TDVA attended the “PTSD & Mental Health, Our Battle for Veterans” hosted by the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans. Over 70 Veterans organizations attended the meeting with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Chrys Parker a clinical chaplain, pastoral counselor and trauma therapist who has provided care for over 2500 traumatized persons. Dr....
MVP’s Welcome Home Wounded Warriors Initiative USA invited disabled veterans, active-duty personnel, and wounded warriors to join them for dinner and a show. TDVA wants to express a heart felt appreciation for the outstanding performance by the actors and musicians and the culinary skills of Zada Jahnsen for a delicious...
TDVA attended the 1st Annual Operation Comfort, Memorial Day Car Show on 30 May 2011 in Helotes, Texas. The event was attended by many veterans and supporters honoring Memorial Day. There were over 100 classic and vintage vehicles on display and everyone enjoyed food, refreshments, music, and an appearance by...
On March 9, 2011, TDVA VP Dan Castillo spoke at the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans (SACV) monthly meeting about his personal experiences as a disabled veteran in the VA health care system and also promoted the mission of TDVA with a military exhibit honoring all veterans past and present....
TDVA members attended the Humor for Heroes on February 28, 2011 at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in San Antonio. Performers included 7 Comedians and about 300 veterans and supporters attended the event which was held by Hope4Heroes and sponsored by Tri-Star Corp. All proceeds benefited Hope4Heroes programs (www.hope4heroes.org)....
On March 4, 2011, TDVA presented a health care and motivational seminar to students at the Galen College Nursing School in San Antonio. This is the third year that TDVA has made this presentation to educate nursing students about the daily living activities of quadriplegics and in addition introduced the...
TDVA attended the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans (SACV) Networking Mixer on Thursday, January 6, 2001 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The event was held at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Many organizations exchanged information about programs that benefit Veterans and their families. SACV will continue to host this...
Texas Disabled Veterans Association, brought gifts to Patients and Staff of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit on the December 17, 2010. This small gesture is just our way, or should I say Santa's way of saying thank you to those that have given and continue to give so much. The Specialty Unit and Staff here are...
Donald Burton, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, was elected President of TDVA at the 2nd Annual Board of Director’s meeting held March 2010.
He served his country with distinction in the US Army in various combat specialties with multiple units to include the 2nd, 7th and 82nd ID and 7th Special Forces before retiring in 1994.
Don has served as a volunteer for over 25 years in varying capacities to include the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Special Forces Association (SFA).
He holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Harrington University and is a Texas Notary Signing Agent and Parliamentarian.
Additionally, Don has been a driving force behind the success of the TDVA today. He is one of the main reasons for the multiple computer setup and configuration software setup/contributions that are in place today at Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit at Audie Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital for those patients in recovery and/or therapy. The patients now have access to the Internet, email communication and “Dragon-speak” software among other things.
Steven Lynn, a native of Tampa, Florida, served as the Secretary of TDVA and was appointed to that position in July 2009. He is now serving as Member-At-Large.
Steve served his country with distinction in the US Air Force having served both in the enlisted corps and later receiving his commission through Officer Training School. He served in South Korea, Italy, Turkey and Germany and various stateside bases from flight to HQs level before retiring in 2007 after nearly 22 years of honorable service.
He is man of deep faith and devoted father of one daughter–Naiya. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion—New Braunfels, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Community Bible Church—New Braunfels (CBC-NB).
Steve holds an undergraduate degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Professional Aeronautics and two Master’s degrees from Webster University in Management and Human Resource Development. He also returned to school to begin his doctorate degree in counseling.
Dan is a native of West Texas and served with the U.S. Army. He has served for over 25 years as a member, newsletter editor, advocacy director, legislative director and held multiple board of director positions in various veteran and civilian organizations. Dan is a founding member of TDVA and strongly advocates for improving the benefits entitled to all fellow veterans! Dan is a proud father of son Chris who is an Accountant.
