Those sales generated substantial income, which was used to support veterans activities and programs. The chapter also has donated framed copies of the print to area high schools in memory of all those who served in Vietnam. The chapter supports the Post-traumatic Stress Rehabilitation Program at the nearby Martinsburg, West Virginia, VA hospital. According to Whitaker, participation in this project has been very rewarding. The program offers four classes a year dealing with coping skills and other issues involving PTSD,'' he said.
Clients have to be clean and sober to take part.
The money is used for toiletries, movies, transportation, furniture, and other equipment and services for veterans in the program. During renovation, the chapter added an elevator to make the building fully accessible. Serving the tri-state area of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, the chapter now has more than four hundred members. As part of its service, it provides a death benefit for each member. When someone dies, it takes forever to settle the life insurance claims,'' said Steve Parsons, a founding member who serves as chapter secretary.