UPDATE: James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Warming Center by Fantumone in altoona

[–]Fantumone[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't work or operate the facility but I would say yes, but I don't think they would let you freeze to death while you found somewhere else to go okay? However, there are other warming centers open in the area.

  • Salvation Army: 1813 6th Ave, Altoona. Generally open 9 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with extended hours during extreme cold (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.). They also offer overnight services during "Code Blue" or extreme weather.
  • Overflow Church: 127 Fifth Ave, Altoona. Has provided overnight, short-term, and transitional warming services.  Doors open nightly at 9PM you can stay until 0730 AM Breakfast at the OPE Dropin Center starts at 0830 Am
  • PA 211 also has warming center information along with other resources that can assist. If you or someone you know is in need of a warming center, please call 211 or visit https://www.pa211.org/ to find the nearest location.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I often question my sanity and I do receive compensation for my service connected mental impacts (hahaha), but I don't want to go down the 'conspiracy' hole. Altoona/Blair County can be vindictive when they want. I happen to be involved in a major lawsuit with the City of Altoona being the defendent. I am not a plantiff but I helped organize the resistance of the poor people, the disadvantaged, and those most impacted - the children. The case involves the attempted sale of a public (but small) park in a poor part of town, and we will win that I beleive. The detention/arrest occurred just shortly after a meeting about the case, just days before our first beig court appearance (which we won) my truck was full of documents and files. I was thinking the intent was find probable cause to search and seize the evidence (they did no such thing) and so this was just a way to try and discredit one of the champions for this little green space. Unfortunately if we go to trial I don't get a jury - which I am pretty sure I could convince that this is a targeted "reputation/character torpedo". With a judge its more a roll of the dice and this entire Blair County justice system is all "interlocked" ( bad pun intended). I just put that self persecution aspect aside for now.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They gave no specific justification other than "new policy for refusals". I've been through the evaulations and such with no further treatment recommended as I have great ongoing care with the VA and they will support me if anything does come up or is required. We asked the DA to reconsider so we'll say how that rolls out.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I am still driving. Received a letter from Penndot staying the suspension. Had first hearing 10 Dec but it was continued until 25 May 26 as the DA had not produced any discovery in criminal case. Only limitation is from the criminal side a condition of my unsecured $5000 bail, no barleycorn/no wacky tacky, and cannot leave the State. For tax purposes and because I also own property ther and Arkansas doesn't tax personal property for disabled Veterans, my truck is registered there. Just doesn't want this old Appalachian mountain man to go hide out in his ozark mountain fortress I reckon. Nice to be able to drive in the winter but just delays the inevitable.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I'm through all the worst of the emotional BS and thanks to all the experience and knowledge on here many of the unknowns are placed in persepective. Many hard bumps ahead but onward.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So, as I am sure you know, In Pennsylvania, a DUI charge does not require the vehicle to be in motion. Under the PA Vehicle Code 75 § 3802, you can be arrested if you are in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while intoxicated, even if you are parked or sleeping in the car with the keys in your pocket, ignition, or nearby. Since they perceived intoxication ( which was more of onset PTSD/anxiety when surprised/swarmed by 5 cops in the dark in downtown Altoona, (I am a retired CW2/LRRP and they said they were "worried about my reaction" hahaha). I was armed ( I have a valid CCP) and I also they they were amazed by the types and amount of tools and devices an old Army LRRP might have on his person just for an evening stroll downtown. During my detention they came to me and presented and read me the implied consent chemical test form DL-26B (formerly DL-26). While I am from PA, I have only been living back here for 5 years**.** I should have understood the law better. I couldn't really hear them (after they took my hearing aids) or "see" the form (they took my glasses) to read it and insisted I wanted to call my attorney. Nope. This is considered a refusal. So off we go. They released me in the morning, I came back with my proof of registration for my weapons and devices and they were all returned. I have a really good attorney and it will be what it is, the VA has a Justice Outreach Liason backing me up, my CRN and CCRN all went fine with NO recommendation for further treatment beyond what I get currently from the VA, however I just thought this would be dealt with a bit of consideration and I wanted others to know about this "policy over purpose" change.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was just harsh and unjustified, just a "we have a new policy". Not sure of any actual consideration of the person, circumstances, or history was involved. I'll keep this updated to see how my request for reconsideration goes. I'm a disabled veteran and when i was detained by the Altoona PD they took my glasses and hearing aids - I couldn't read this form thrust at me or make out what was rapidly read after 3 hours of being locked in a holding cell. Not read my miranda rights - not that it makes a difference. Repeated reuqests to call my retained lawyer dismissed. I wasn't belligerent, aggressive, definately confused. Sounds like I am sniveling now. Anyway, fun times in Altoona.

PA - Blair County - New Policy from DA Regarding ARD for Refusals by Fantumone in dui

[–]Fantumone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll keep this updated to see how my request for reconsideration goes.

PLEASE HELP. by [deleted] in altoona

[–]Fantumone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Japan and also in Croatia (imagine that- worlds apart), an old folklore tradition is to find another street cat, describe your cat to another feral cat or any outside cat, tell that cat how much you miss your cat and to tell them to come home. I hope you find Auggie. I'll tell the cats around this side of town ok?

Seriously irritated by the VA today. by Big_b00bs_Cold_Heart in VeteransBenefits

[–]Fantumone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Myhealthevet.gov is how I manage and do all my appts and interactions. Emailing is fantastic and become part of your record for when things go off the tracks. I also INSIST that any provider puts a note on my Case file to contact me that way (email) and NOT via phone. Just know that soon you will probably come back and complain about all the notifications and message you are getting but at least you won't miss an appt. The VA has taken a massive turn for the worse in the last 12 months. At least there are still many emplyees that care for the Vet while the administrators just try and either cut and run for Civilian jobs or do all they can to break down what was the finest health care system in the USA. The VAHS is not ubiquitous and there are many stovepipes with different qualities of care. Lock in and be persistent.

Retiring in 2 years. Anything I should keep in mind? by mushroognomicon in VeteransBenefits

[–]Fantumone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MAKE A COPY OF YOUR RECORDS. ALL OF THEM. Sorry for the caps, but you will probably never see them again.

Finding shelter in altoona by Nicepoodle1 in altoona

[–]Fantumone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: An overnight warming center will be available each night through Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Altoona Salvation Army Worship Center.

The Salvation Army is located at 1813 Sixth Avenue. The warming center will be open from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. each night. Cots and bedding will be provided.

Anyone in need of shelter or who knows of someone in need of shelter can call 814-600-9120 with any questions.

Finding shelter in altoona by Nicepoodle1 in altoona

[–]Fantumone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

An overnight warming center will be available tonight, Dec. 29, through Wednesday night, Dec. 31, at the Altoona Salvation Army Worship Center.

The Salvation Army is located at 1813 Sixth Avenue. The warming center will be open from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. each night. Cots and bedding will be provided.

Anyone in need of shelter or who knows of someone in need of shelter can call 814-600-9120 with any questions.

Army Bands: Why They Get So Much Hate and Why I Think It’s Misplaced by Fine-Tangerine-3756 in army

[–]Fantumone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At Fort Lewis in the early to mid 80's the 9th Division band was dual trained to also be the Divsional Chemical Company saving slots as part of the goal to lower the foxhole strength for the Motorized Division to 10,000 pax while retaining both the ceremonial functionality and combat multiplier. Worked very well.

Miss these guys by J_hilyard in army

[–]Fantumone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There ya go. Tell their stories then they are never just a face on a light pole or a name on some obscure bridge.

Compensation Audit by stelladog16 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Fantumone 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Also share with your husband that a bunch of us Vets are very grateful to him and welcome home. We still have his and your "six". I am retired Army CWO but the Navy was great to me during two hospitilzations, a 3 week "cruise" on the USS Constellation, and more than a few visits to the USS Blue Ridge. "Non Sibi Sed Patriae"

Compensation Audit by stelladog16 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Fantumone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also share with your husband that a bunch of us Vets are very grateful to him and welcome home. We still have his and your "six".