tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20122567483913341682024-03-18T11:48:52.177-04:00American Veteran OnlineBrought to you by the editorial staff of "American Veteran" magazine.Andrew Keirnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476729123483209676noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-47684482296366849572013-03-28T08:48:00.002-04:002013-03-28T08:55:35.392-04:00Cut Military Funerals?<i>The following is a letter that AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer wrote in response to Bill McClellan's column, which focused on cutting military funeral honors in order for the government to save money. To read his column, visit: http://bit.ly/10iU4Ar.</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUI_jEjP24o/UVQ9pDw0KNI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2w7iMANGgd0/s1600/AMVETS_logo_4Color_white_text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUI_jEjP24o/UVQ9pDw0KNI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2w7iMANGgd0/s320/AMVETS_logo_4Color_white_text.png" width="314" /></a></div>
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I am outraged and disappointed in the opinions expressed in your column that calls for the end of military funeral honors. As the leader of
AMVETS, a Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, it is
appalling that you suggest cutting funeral honors for military personnel in
order for both the federal and state governments to save money. </div>
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Only 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the military
and less than 7 percent of Americans are veterans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you to state that “most veterans did
nothing heroic” is absurd. The mere fact that these men and women served in the
Armed Forces proves that they are willing to sacrifice time, blood and their
very lives for people like you, who they have never met. This in itself is
heroic. Our veterans are the role models that children should be looking up to
in today’s society. They have exhibited courage, whether behind a desk or in
the midst of enemy fire; show that dedication to one’s country is more than
demanding the government hand out benefits; and do not complain when the
country turns their back and ignores their service, as with Vietnam veterans. </div>
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In fact, funeral honors for veterans should be protected in
the coming days of spending reductions. Veterans have shed blood and sweat so
that we may live in a free and prosperous country. To deny them the honor of
being buried and celebrated because you believe they are not heroes shows just
how unappreciated military service has become in our country. </div>
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Considering how little veterans ask for in return for their
service, the least Americans and our government can do is provide them with a
proper and honorable burial.<br />
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Veterans Supporting Veterans,<br />
<br />
Cleve Geer<br />
AMVETS National Commander </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com224tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-78213436362459850532013-03-25T08:47:00.003-04:002013-03-25T08:47:28.830-04:00Medal of Honor Recipients to Award Top U.S. Citizen Heroes
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ceremony Marks 150<sup>th</sup>
Anniversary of the First Medal of Honor Presentation</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ARLINGTON, VA March
25, 2013</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– Our nation’s greatest war heroes – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal of Honor</b> recipients –</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will personally present
awards to four unsung citizen heroes who’ve saved lives in extraordinary
circumstances, during a special ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Approximately 20 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal of Honor</b> recipients are expected to attend the ceremony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The recipients will
first commemorate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal of Honor Day</b>,
on the 150<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Medal’s first presentation, with a
wreath-laying at 2:00 at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The recipients will then
present the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Citizen Service Before Self
Honors</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(CSBSH) </b>awards at 2:30 to
four honorees selected from a nationwide campaign for going above and beyond
for their fellow man. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The four honorees
for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://csbsh.org/">Citizen Service Before Self Honors</a>
(CSBSH) </i></b>are<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">:</i></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Father
Joe Carroll, (San Diego, California)</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
– Developed and ran a multi-faceted homeless support center offering
assistance, counseling and job training, that is now modeled throughout the
U.S.</span></i></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marcos
Ugarte, (Troutdale, Oregon) </span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– 15-year-old
boy who saved a younger neighbor from a burning home by climbing a ladder,
pushing his way through a window and coaxing the boy to safety.</span></i></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesse
Shaffer III and Jesse Shaffer IV, (Braithwaite, Louisiana)</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
– During Hurricane Isaac, this father-and-son team used their boat to
rescue 120 people from their flood-ravaged town after official rescues
were called off.</span></i></b></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These four honorees
were chosen by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal of Honor</b>
recipients from a pool of 23 finalists, announced last month in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CSBSH</b> program that collected hundreds
of hero nominations from across the U.S. between September and December 2012.
It’s all part of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal of Honor
Society and Foundation’s</b> mission to share the values of the medal with all
Americans.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We believe that
the values of the medal, courage, sacrifice and selflessness are present in all
Americans. These four hometown heroes have demonstrated these values by acting
courageously to change fate. We celebrate these heroes today, and thank them
for the hope they give us,” said <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medal
of Honor Society</b> President Hal Fritz.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Citizen
Service nominations were made online by Members of Congress, police and fire
officials, mayors, governors and ordinary citizens. Nominations for heroes
surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in December are being
handled separately later this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The complete list
of CSBSH finalists, including details of their heroic stories, and more
information on the CSBSH program is available at<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <a href="http://www.csbsh.org/">www.csbsh.org</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>More information on the Medal of Honor
can be found <a href="http://www.cmohs.org/">at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">www.CMOHS.org</b></a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-3837667433403847312013-03-22T14:45:00.003-04:002013-03-22T15:03:46.245-04:00The Hypocrisy of Time's Joe Klein<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Every man
thinks meanly of himself for not having been a Soldier, or not having been at
sea."</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samuel Johnson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most men, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not Joe
Klein, a journalist, kind of, who clearly thinks very, very highly of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his most recent self-promoting crusade, Klein
calls for the resignation of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Klein, Shinseki
should “take the fall” for the VA claims backlog, he’s “old-school military”
(whatever that means), “stoic,” and “wary of the press” (wonder why); he
doesn’t have the “creativity and leadership skills” to deal with VA challenges,
and because unnamed detractors are “legion among ... Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few days after his call for Shinseki’s resignation, after several of
the most prominent Veterans Service Organizations with millions of members
lambasted Klein and supported Shinseki, Klein wrote “<span style="color: black;">Eric
Shinseki is a fine man, and a courageous one. He spoke truth to power at the
beginning of the Iraq war.” But, he still needs to go.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Really Joe? And who are you to question the secretary’s
leadership, judgment, advocacy for veterans, and knowledge of veterans’ issues?<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Klein
has made a career of writing and saying idiotic things and then backtracking.
His outrageous statements have earned the wrath of Catholics, Jews, and even the
physically handicapped. He wrote a book, anonymously, lied about being the
author, and publicly staked his credibility as a journalist that he didn’t
write it, only to turn around months later and admit that, in fact, he had. Exaggerations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read it online: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Klein"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Klein</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Klein has denied being a supporter of going to war in Iraq prior to the
invasion—revisionist history garbage, and a huge flip-flop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a supporter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Klein said on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Meet the Press</i> in 2002: "War may well be the right decision at
this point. In fact, I think it--it's--it-it probably is." </span><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/223591/presidential-projection/peter-wehner"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/223591/presidential-projection/peter-wehner</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hey Joe, the Iraq war was a primary contributor to many veterans’ issues;
you might be surprised to know this, but wars produce wounds, casualties,
PTSD and more veterans claims for benefits for VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d know that if you’d ever served.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At about the same time Joe was concluding that the war was the right
decision, Shinseki was testifying before Congress on the war. When asked how
many troops were needed, he responded, “s<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">omething
on <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the order of several hundred
thousand soldiers, are probably, you know, a figure that would be required.</span>
We’re talking about post-hostilities control over a piece of geography that’s
fairly significant with the kinds of ethnic tensions that could lead to other
problems.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>New York Times, January 12,
2007 “New Strategy Vindicates Ex-Army Chief”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/washington/12shinseki.html?_r=0"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/washington/12shinseki.html?_r=0</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the benefit of hindsight, Joe, and on the 10<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the beginning of that conflict, who had it right back in 2002? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where might we be if we had listened to
Shinseki and disregarded media cheerleaders like you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it possible there would be fewer veterans
wounded and fewer VA claims?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These two men—Shinseki and Klein—are generational peers; Shinseki was
born in 1942 and Klein in 1946.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comparing
how they have spent their lives might help the American people better judge who
to trust on veterans’ issues, and who is the better advocate for veterans:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shinseki is a 1965 graduate of West Point, Klein of U. Penn, 1968.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While Klein was enjoying draft deferments, working hard toward his Arts
and Crafts degree, Shinseki graduated, attended the Army’s Ranger Course,
deployed to Vietnam with the 25<sup>th</sup> Infantry Division, led Soldiers in
combat, earned his first Purple Heart (shell fragments, chest and shoulder),
and was grievously injured in a helicopter crash, breaking his arm, jaw,
several bones in his face, and suffering a severe concussion—what we now know
as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the signature injuries of the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By 1969, when Klein graduated and started his first real job, reporting for
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Peabody Times </i>in<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Massachusetts, Shinseki had undergone
months of hospitalization and recovery, and then <u>voluntarily</u> returned to
Vietnam as a captain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And in 1970, while Joe was still scribbling at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peabody</i>, Shinseki was leading over 120 men in the 5<sup>th</sup>
Cavalry Regiment in combat, stepping on a landmine that removed most of his
right foot and resulted in myriad other injuries, receiving his second Purple
Heart, and was well into a tough year of rehabilitation—learning how to walk
again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the next 33 years, Joe wrote some books and served as a reporter at
many different media outlets, including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rolling
Stone</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During those same years, Shinseki served around the world, commanding
every echelon of Army unit up to and including the vaunted 1<sup>st</sup>
Cavalry Division (with about 18,000 Soldiers). Later, he was the planning
officer for the entire United States Army. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1997, he assumed duties commanding United
States Army Europe, Allied Land Forces Central Europe, and the NATO
Stabilization Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then served as Vice Chief and Chief of Staff of the Army
during terribly difficult years as we entered wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And since 2009, Secretary Shinseki, 70, has been working tirelessly to
improve VA and best serve his fellow veterans—arguably the most difficult job
in Washington after more than a decade of war. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And improvements have come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
decisions on presumptions of service related conditions for Agent Orange, Gulf
War Syndrome, and PTSD, among other improvements, have led to increases of over
<u>a million</u> veterans to VA’s rolls for care and benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the day of his arrival, he has insisted
that VA’s 325,000 employees be advocates for the veterans they serve: “VA must
and will change its approach to dealing with veterans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can and will become advocates for the men
and women who have protected our country and defended our way of life.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shinseki has the leadership skills and moral courage to increase access
for more veterans—knowing the backlog would rise, willing to take heat for
that, even from non-player, bench-sitting, armchair quarterbacks like Klein.
And he had the creativity and vision, early in his tenure, to demand that
benefits processes be automated in massive changes to the way VA has previously
done business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those changes are coming
on line now, and they will bring the backlog down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not fast enough for veterans, not fast enough
for Shinseki—but it will happen because of changes he has demanded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>VA is far from perfect; Shinseki
has said so on numerous occasions. But he has a plan to fix issues that go back
decades, and he will be successful—if people disregard the idiocy of the Joe
Kleins of the world, whose self-serving opinions swing with the blowing wind, who
crave publicity and fame rather than volunteering for the hard, thankless work
of solving complex problems and serving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you tell me—who has more
credibility—Shinseki or Klein?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has
served their country with more distinction? Who better understands veterans, their
injuries and issues?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has a better
track record of integrity and getting things right? Who has led huge
organizations with difficult missions to success? Who better understands how those
organizations operate and how to motivate people? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has leadership skills, experience,
creativity, and the drive to insist on change? Who should we believe?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My vote goes to Shinseki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Andrew Keirnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476729123483209676noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-35253464653070712982013-03-20T10:25:00.000-04:002013-03-20T10:25:35.164-04:00Statement by acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris regarding BLS report on employment among veterans
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<b>WASHINGTON</b> — Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris
issued the following statement on today’s release of 2012 veterans’ employment
data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics<b>:</b>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Today’s veterans’ employment report from the Bureau of
Labor Statistics shows promising signs that post-9/11 veterans are finding and keeping
jobs in larger numbers as our overall economy continues its steady recovery. But
it also makes clear that we must continue to use every tool available to honor
their sacrifice by helping veterans find opportunities to succeed in good
middle-class jobs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“The report shows a significant decline in the unemployment
rate for veterans overall from 8.3 percent in 2011 to 7.0 percent in 2012.
Post-9/11 veterans saw an encouraging decline to 9.9 percent in 2012 from 12.1
percent in 2011. Other categories also saw improvements. Recent broad-based
gains in the overall economy have helped to drive down these rates as we
continue adding jobs at a steady pace, but support services that address the
unique challenges faced by veterans are essential to improving upon today’s positive
report. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“The Obama administration is deeply committed to ensuring
the well-being of America’s veterans, transitioning service members and
military families. Assuring veterans a pathway to good jobs is a critical
element of that commitment. First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have
demonstrated a tireless dedication to veterans through the <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Joining Forces Initiative</span> which is securing
commitments from thousands of private employers who recognize that veterans
bring unique skills and leadership to their workplaces, and for a lift to their
bottom lines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service at the Labor
Department is the lead government agency dedicated to veterans’ employment.
VETS serves hundreds of thousands of veterans and transitioning service members
each year. In addition, programs like My Next Move for Veterans, the Transition
Assistance Programs and the Veterans Gold Card provide enhanced employment services
to veterans and transitioning service members, and give targeted support in
education and training that will help us reduce the unnecessarily high unemployment
rates among younger veterans and female veterans. </div>
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<br /></div>
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“While this morning’s report shows that we are <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">moving in the right direction on reducing
unemployment among America’s veterans, much more needs to be done to ensure
that no veteran struggles to find work after serving honorably to keep us safe
and secure.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
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# # #<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">To access the Bureau of Labor statistics veterans' employment report, visit: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com268tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-18257185730668276322013-03-19T08:45:00.006-04:002013-03-19T08:45:56.220-04:00Monster.com and Military.com Release Key Findings following National Veteran Employment Summit New Report Features Recommendations for Employers on How to Hire and Retain Military Veterans<br /><br />Maynard, MA and Washington, DC - March 19, 2013 - Monster.com, the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities, and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW), and Military.com, the nation's largest military and veteran membership organization, today released a report summarizing the top-line recommendations and discussions following the first National Veteran Employment Summit held in December 2012. The Summit brought together senior human resource professionals, military and government officials, academic leaders and military veterans to address the best practices for preparing, supporting, and connecting veterans to the organizations that want to hire them.<br /><br />Senator Joe Manchin (D-W. Va), an active member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, praised organizations that focus on hiring veterans and stated, "Today's veteran's make great hires, and I've always said, if you want to help a vet, hire a vet."<br /><br />The report highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every organization looking to implement a veteran hiring program. <br /> <br />Recommendations from the conference include: <br />
<ul>
<li><u>Learn from the best</u>. Look to the targeted veteran hiring initiatives, like those at Boeing, JP Morgan and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and emulate their best practices.Take advantage of the tools. From military skill translators to workshops and seminars, there are numerous tools for organizations to use as they implement and grow their veteran hiring program.</li>
<li><u>Build Veteran Affinity and Mentoring Programs. </u>Make use of the veterans you have in-house. Employed military veterans can help support an organization's veterans' hiring initiatives, educate their peers, and serve as a resource to in-house recruiters.</li>
<li><u>Give veterans a chance.</u> 99 percent of employers who have hired veterans recommend doing so.</li>
<li><u>Take the lead. </u>Turn a million transitioning service members into a million talented candidates for your company.</li>
</ul>
One million service members are expected to transition into the civilian workforce over the next five years, creating an opportunity for companies to take advantage of this diverse, skilled and experienced hiring pool.<br />Employers are increasingly hiring veterans and reporting satisfaction with their decision to do so. In fact, according to Monster's Veteran Talent Index, 99 percent of employers who hired a Veteran in the last year said that their veteran hires were doing as well or better than their non-veteran peers, and nearly all would recommend hiring a veteran to another company.<br /><br />However, veterans report facing two main challenges in trying to find work: they feel stuck inside their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and they leave the military unprepared to deal with the civilian job market. Many are entering the job market as high school graduates who are looking for their first private sector job and lack the tools necessary to translate their skills, training, and experience into corporate culture.<br /><br />Dr. Rebecca Blank, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, continued with the message that veterans make great hires and stated, "America's veterans have the leadership, the character, and the team-oriented approach that employers are looking for."<br /><br />With a continued effort from the private sector to empower transitioning veterans in translating their advanced training, specialized education, and military experience early on in the transition process, a new generation of veterans will be able to articulate their military work for the civilian marketplace. And that's something recruiters need help understanding, but with the use of military skills translators and other readily available tools, seeing the workplace potential in a veteran has never been easier.<br /><br />Veterans also need support as they affiliate with an organization. A key for every employer is to onboard them properly and recognize that internal veteran affinity and mentoring programs will ensure they retain that individual. <br /><br />To learn more and access Monster's National Veteran Employment Summit report, visit http://mnstr.me/vetsummit, and to learn more about hiring veterans, visit the Veterans Employment Center.<br /><br />About Military.com<br />Military.com is the nation's largest online military destination serving over ten million members, including active duty personnel, reservists, guard members, retirees, veterans, family members, defense workers and those considering military careers. Military.com enables the 30 million Americans with military affinity to access information about their benefits, advance their careers, enjoy military discounts, and stay connected for life. Military.com develops efficient affinity marketing and communications programs for government agencies and companies serving this market. Military.com is a business unit of Monster Worldwide, Inc. More information is available at www.military.com.<br /><br />About Monster<br />Monster is the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities. From the web, to mobile to BeKnown® on Facebook, Monster helps companies find people with customized solutions, using the world's most advanced technology to match the right person to the right job. With a local presence in more than 40 countries, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit their website. More company information is available in their press room.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-70120614783105692812013-03-15T15:36:00.003-04:002013-03-15T15:36:44.372-04:0021st century technology paves way for Ashford University graduates<br />
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<br /><br />CLINTON, IOWA (March 15, 2013) – South Dakota’s first secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a global Fortune 100 company's top executive, and a Colorado chief of police have something in common – all three turned to Ashford University's 21st century online education model to advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.<br /><br />The online model allows students to enhance their education with accessibility and flexibility. Ashford University uses innovative technology to provide online degree programs, with the mission of developing foundational leadership values, such as self-worth, creativity, interdependence, service, integrity and effectiveness.<br /><br />The mission resonated with Larry Zimmerman, a top enlisted member of the South Dakota National Guard. He became the first official secretary of the state’s new Department of Veterans Affairs on Jan. 9, 2013, just two days after completing his bachelor’s degree in business and organizational management from Ashford University and, coincidentally, on his 59th birthday.<br /><br />In his new leadership role, Zimmerman oversees more than 100 employees and leads the department responsible for ensuring South Dakota’s 70,000 veterans are receiving the right benefits and opportunities.<br /><br />When asked what led him to pursue higher education after 29 years in the Army National Guard, Zimmerman said he aspired to set an example for his five grandchildren. “I had to show my grandkids the importance of an education,” he said. “Considering my extensive travel with the Army National Guard, I wouldn’t have been able to get a degree without the accessibility of online education. It worked for me and my career. Recently, I utilized my education to develop a mission statement and write a strategic plan for the new department.”<br /><br />An assistant vice president within the Securities and Lending Division at JP Morgan Chase, Kaveen Benedict earned his Ashford University master's degree with an information systems specialization at the age of 36. The 2012 graduate was working full-time when he took online classes and credits the university with helping him keep a “healthy work-family-study balance.”<br /><br />“Online education is the way of the future,” said Benedict. “I used new tools, such as the Ashford mobile app, to post assignments and discussions at any time and from any location. My education has given me the tools for managing larger teams and to fast forward my career.”<br /><br />John Dyer, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 25 years of experience, earned a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Ashford. Soon after, he was promoted to chief of police in Rifle, Colo.<br /><br />Like millions of working Americans, Dyer wanted to pursue higher education but was limited by choices. "I wouldn't have been able to make the move up to chief without the degree and would never have been able to fit coursework into my schedule without online education."<br /><br />As a leader and mentor to his staff of 22, Dyer continually stresses the importance of education. "I tell sergeants and everyone I come in contact with – you have to think three steps ahead to achieve your goals."<br /><br />Zimmerman’s, Benedict’s and Dyer's preference for online higher learning parallels a national trend. According to a recent national consumer poll by Penn Schoen Berland on behalf of Ashford University, more than 60 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 48 say online degree programs provide a more realistic learning environment that mimics today’s work culture than traditional campus programs.<br /><br />Technology makes it possible for students of all ages and backgrounds to advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.<br /><br /><br />About Ashford University<br />Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-77521127932526121382013-02-14T09:35:00.001-05:002013-02-14T09:35:22.448-05:00Informational Alert #13 - 1
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Newly Introduced Concurrent Receipt Legislation
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">H.R. 303, H.R. 333, S234</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">This alert is related to
AMVETS Resolution 13-21, which calls for enactment of legislation that would
provide full and immediate concurrent receipt for all disabled military
retirees. </span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Issue:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Congress needs to fully
eliminate the law that makes most disabled uniformed services retirees forfeit
part or all of their military retired pay for VA disability compensation. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> For years, AMVETS has fought for legislation to provide relief from the
antiquated law that requires a dollar-for-dollar offset of military retired pay
for VA disability compensation. AMVETS wholeheartedly believes that retired pay
is earned during a career of uniformed service, and VA disability compensation
is recompense for pain, suffering and lost future earning power due to
service-connected disabilities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Since 2003 when Congress took the first, yet limited
step towards eliminating this injustice for a small, yet significant, group of
disabled retirees, steady incremental progress has continued to be made. Over
the last six years, AMVETS has been involved in the battle which fully restored
earned service-based retired pay for 100 percent disabled retirees with at
least 20 years of service and all combat-disabled retirees without regard to
length of service or percentage of combat-related disability. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Perhaps most importantly, AMVETS fought in
the battle, which won a scheduled 10 year phase-out of the disability offset
(to be completed by 2014) for retirees with 50 percent or higher-rated
non-combat-related disabilities who have at least 20 years of service or were
retired under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority of the 1990s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">AMVETS</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> has been and continues to be committed to ending the disability offset
for all disabled retirees. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AMVETS
strongly believes in the precept that career military members <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>earn</u></b> their retired pay by
service alone, and that those unfortunate enough to suffer a service-connected
disability during their time in service should not have any VA disability
compensation subtracted from their retirement pay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AMVETS does not support any distinction
between service members disabled for combat versus non-combat-related causes, since
the impact on their quality of life and future earnings ability would be
equivalent. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Key Bills/Status:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Congressman Gus Bilirakis, R-S.C., has reintroduced </span><a href="http://capwiz.com/amvets/issues/bills/?bill=62335786"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">H.R. 303, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Retired Pay
Restoration Act</i></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, would expand concurrent receipt
for all length of service retirees regardless of disability rating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., has
introduced </span><a href="http://capwiz.com/amvets/issues/bills/?bill=62352276"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">H.R. 333, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disabled Veterans
Tax Termination Act</i></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, which includes elements of
H.R.303 and expands concurrent receipt to Chapter 61 retirees with less than 20
years of service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., recently
introduced </span><a href="http://capwiz.com/amvets/issues/bills/?bill=62401311"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">S 234</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> which is a bill </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">to permit certain retired members of the uniformed
services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability
compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and
either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or
Combat-Related Special Compensation, and for other purposes.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-71646994584746863002013-01-28T11:36:00.000-05:002013-01-28T11:36:25.884-05:00VA Awards Grants to Improve Health Care Access for Women VeteransEmergency Services, Provider Education and Telehealth in Rural Areas Targeted<br /><br />WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs recently awarded 33 grants to VA facilities for projects that will improve emergency health care services for women Veterans, expand women’s health education programs for VA staff, and offer telehealth programs to female Veterans in rural areas.<br /><br />“Our goal is 100 percent accessibility for women Veterans who need our care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These new projects will improve access and quality of critical health care services for women.”<br /><br />This is the largest number of one-year grants VA has ever awarded for enhancing women’s health services. The complete list of grant recipients is given below. VHA’s national Women’s Health Program Office, Office of Rural Health, and Office of Healthcare Transformation are jointly supporting the winning proposals.<br /><br />Telehealth concepts that received grants involve tele-mental health, tele-gynecology, tele-pharmacy, and telephone maternity care coordination. The grant program is part of VA’s continuing effort to improve access and quality of care for the increasing number of women Veterans seeking care at VA.<br /><br />“We are committed to providing individualized, sensitive care to women Veterans,” said VA Undersecretary for Health Robert A. Petzel. “These grant-funded projects enable VA to continue to enhance care for women Veterans and exceed patient expectations.”<br /><br />Education grants will expand mini-residency training for VA providers and nurses in primary care and emergency services to include topics such as gynecology and early obstetrics emergencies, military sexual trauma, and performing breast and pelvic examinations. Grants will also be used to upgrade emergency services for women Veterans in several VA health care facilities through the purchase of new gender-specific equipment and supplies and the development of protocols to aid in the management of common conditions in women.<br /><br />Women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15 percent of today’s active duty military and nearly 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. By 2020, VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population.<br /><br />Visit www.va.gov/womenvet and www.womenshealth.va.gov to learn more about VA programs and services for women Veterans.<br />Grant Recipients by Topic/Location<br />Innovations in Emergency Services for Women<br /><br />· VA New York Harbor HCS/VISN 3<br />· New Jersey HCS/VISN 3<br />· Durham VAMC/VISN 6<br />· Atlanta VAMC/VISN 7<br />· New Mexico VAHCS/VISN 18<br />· Salt Lake City VAHCS/VISN 19<br />· Puget Sound VA HCS/VISN 20<br />· Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22<br /><br /><br />Women’s Health and Specialty Care Mini-Residencies<br /><br />· VA New England HCS/VISN 1<br />· New Jersey HCS/VISN 3<br />· New Jersey HCS/VISN 3<br />· Pittsburgh HCS/VISN 4<br />· Maryland HCS/VISN 5<br />· Atlanta/VISN 7<br />· Tampa/VISN 8<br />· VA Great Lakes HCS/ VISN 12<br />· VA Heartland/VISN 15<br />· South Texas Veterans HCS/VISN 17<br />· VA Southwest Health Care Network/VISN 18<br />· Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22<br />· Minneapolis/VISN 23<br /><br /><br />Telehealth for Women Veterans<br /><br />· VA New Jersey HCS/VISN 3<br />· VA Maryland HCS/VISN 5<br />· VA Health Care System of Ohio/VISN 10<br />· VA Illiana HCS/VISN 11<br />· St. Louis VAMC/VISN 15<br />· VA Eastern Kansas HCS/VISN 15<br />· El Paso VA HCS/VISN 18<br />· Northern Arizona VA Healthcare/VISN 18<br />· Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22<br />· Minneapolis/VISN 23<br /><br /><br /># # #<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-35314048428059980192013-01-17T10:30:00.000-05:002013-01-17T13:32:41.327-05:00Operation Desert Storm: 22 Years Later<style>
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Tensions rose on Aug. 2, 1990 as members of the Iraqi
Republican Guard invaded Kuwait, immediately triggering a response from the
United States. This response resulted in Operation Desert Shield and was a
means to prevent Iraqi forces from invading Saudi Arabia. United Nations
Security Resolutions 678, an ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, was
issued on Jan. 15, 1991 and demanded that Iraqi forces withdraw from Kuwait
immediately. The United States launched air attacks on Jan. 17, 1991 and
commenced Operation Desert Storm. </div>
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“As we remember the events that occurred 22 years ago,
AMVETS would like to thank all of the service members who were involved in
Operation Desert Storm,” said AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer. “At times
we, as Americans, must defend the rights of others, and Operation Desert Storm
ensured that tyranny did not prevail in the Middle East.”</div>
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Operation Desert Storm was an immense success under the
supervision of Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, a Vietnam veteran. While the
military operation was not as lengthy as today’s conflict in Afghanistan,
service members and individuals in the National Guard and Reserve came forward
to ensure the concept of freedom was preserved overseas. </div>
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“When service members from the Vietnam War returned to the
United States, our country did a poor job of welcoming them home,” said AMVETS
National Executive Director Stewart Hickey. “Operation Desert Storm was our
nation’s opportunity to celebrate what our military does for people in other
countries.” Hickey served in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm and was in-country from Sept. 15, 1990 to March 22, 1991. He was a company commander for D Company, 3rd Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division. </div>
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Operation Desert Storm lasted until Feb. 28, 1991 when those
involved declared a cessation of hostilities. Cease-fire terms were negotiated
in Safwan, Iraq on March 1, 1991, with Iraq officially accepting the terms on
April 6, 1991.</div>
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Photos: Top: President George H.W. Bush speaks during a welcoming ceremony for U.S.
military personnel just returned from deployment in Saudi Arabia during
Operation Desert Storm at Sumter, S.C., March 24, 1991. Photo by N. Miller.</div>
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Middle: U.S. Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf (center), commander in chief, U.S.
Central Command, walks to the reviewing stand with President George H.W.
Bush (left) at the beginning of the National Victory Celebration parade
in Washington, D.C., June 8, 1991. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army.</div>
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Bottom: President George Bush (center) speaks to the crowd at an air base while
making one of several Thanksgiving Day visits to U.S. troops who are in
Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield, Nov. 22, 1990. U.S. Navy photo by JO3 Gerald Johnson.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-67482684748151723992013-01-16T11:26:00.002-05:002013-01-16T11:30:03.399-05:00ALCOA ASSISTS VETERANS DURING HOLIDAYS AND WITH MANUFACTURING CAREERS<div style="text-align: left;">
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<style> </style><span style="font-size: large;">ALCOA has joined several major manufacturers and the
Manufacturing Institute, a non-profit branch of the National Association of
Manufacturers, to bring thousands of veterans into manufacturing careers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to an article in the Nov. 19, 2012 issue
of the Air Force Times, “GE, ALCOA Inc., Boeing, and Lockheed/Martin have
pooled resources to help 15,000 veterans transition to manufacturing careers,
and the group hopes to bring that number up to 100,00 if more companies join
the effort.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The article goes on to read, “Kris Urbauer, GE’s
program manager of veteran initiatives, said ‘separating veterans looking for
work are returning to a job market with a desperate need for manufacturing
workers, and the timing is perfect to marry those two together. The opportunity
to grow manufacturing in the U.S., with this great talent pool kind of leading
the charge is, I think, the perfect confluence.’”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike Haynie, executive director and founder of the
Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, added,
“Some 600,000 manufacturing jobs in the U.S. are unfilled, and the average
employee in the manufacturing industry is in his or her 50’s. The
industry will need 10 million or more new skilled workers by 2020.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Manufacturing Training sites are scheduled to open
in Durham and Raleigh in 2013. Those interested should go to <a href="http://www.getskillstowork.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">www.getskillstowork.org</span></a>
for detail information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This has not gone unnoticed by our Badin Generating
Facility in Badin, N.C. They recently donated $1,000 to Pfeiffer
University’s North Carolina AMVETS Career Center, a<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>non-profit veterans<span style="font-size: large;"> service</span>
organization providing volunteer general counseling and education<span style="font-size: large;">, </span>career<span style="font-size: large;"> and </span>job
assistance to those who are or have honorably served in our U.S. military.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">North Carolina’s AMVETS Career Center<span style="font-size: large;"> 1</span> is
located in the Stokes Student Center on main campus of Pfeiffer University in
Misenheimer, N.C. Volunteers can be contacted by calling 704-463-3026 or emailing
<a href="mailto:AMVET@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">AMVET@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A check was presented to Gerry Pion, the Career
Center’s Deputy Commander, by </span><span style="font-size: large;">ALCOA’s Hydro Operations Manager</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Mark Gross<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>during a special ceremony at the company’s Badin office. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nicole Wright,
the company’s Foundation Coordinator, summed up the proceedings by saying, “We
all owe a tremendous gratitude to the veterans who served America, and ALCOA is
proud to help support veterans in our community and across North
Carolina. Our contribution to the AMVETS Career Center in Stanly County
will help establish scholarships for the sons and daughters of military
veterans and support the center's work with veterans seeking to join the local
workforce."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Photo: Left to right, ALCOA Badin Facilities Hydro Operations Manager Mark Gross presents a check to North Carolina AMVETS Career Center 1 Deputy Commander Gerry Pion. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-53478652160984608022013-01-15T08:26:00.002-05:002013-01-15T08:30:40.441-05:00Mission ReDefined: Encouraging veterans with physical disabilities to take on sports<style>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZnBRfiMo10/UPVZDeDnwFI/AAAAAAAAARY/5KuK5w7vwKc/s1600/vadap-hp-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZnBRfiMo10/UPVZDeDnwFI/AAAAAAAAARY/5KuK5w7vwKc/s1600/vadap-hp-flag.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael
Johnston is a paratriathlete with hopes of competing in the sport’s Paralympic
Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he is also
part of another mission: He’s trying to encourage fellow veterans and members
of the Armed Forces with physical disabilities to get involved in sports to
help open doors to new activities, enrich their lives and get them moving
forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The “Mission
Redefined” campaign, a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
and U.S. Paralympics, will release a 30-second public service announcement on
Jan. 15 that features Johnston sprinting down a track.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Johnston says
it’s a campaign he’s proud to be a part of, and believes it’s necessary to help
disabled veterans see what’s possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When they get
out of the military, they don’t really know where to go,” he said. “They don’t
know how to get reconnected with their community, with life, so sports are a
great way of bridging that gap.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">* * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Johnston knows
firsthand about making the transition from being injured in the military to
becoming an athlete.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2003,
Johnston, then in the Navy, lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. Yet he
was able go through rehabilitation, learn to walk with a prosthesis and return
to active duty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">His life had
gone through a traumatic change, but by staying in the Navy for another seven
years he was able to adjust while in a familiar environment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I was
expected to do the same duties as everybody else and that I previously had been
doing,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But it wasn’t
easy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“After I was
injured, I wasn’t even 21 yet, so I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to
achieve in my life and I had very little direction,” he recalled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After going
through rehabilitation and learning to use his prosthesis (his leg was
amputated just below the knee), he began to challenge himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What were his
limits? What could he do physically? He wanted to not only test himself but
prove to others that assumptions of limitations were wrong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“[It] gave me
a drive and determination to break those perceptions, you know, that ‘This
guy’s going to slow us down’ and whatnot, of physical limitations that people
associate with a lot of amputees and disabilities in general,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eventually, he
got involved in sports through the Navy’s Operation Rebound program and also
the Challenged Athletes Foundation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2008, he
began competing in paratriathlons, and he’s competed internationally for the
U.S. Paratriathlon National Team. In 2011, he finished fourth at the ITU
Paratriathlon World Championship in Beijing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Becoming an
athlete has helped Johnston redefine his own life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now he is
trying to help others redefine theirs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">* * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The PSA begins
with Johnston at the starting line. At the sound of a starter’s pistol,
Johnston bursts from the blocks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the camera
captures him in full stride, the words “Passion,” “Power,” and
then “Strength” appear in place of his churning left leg, until
“Strength” explodes and falls away, revealing Johnston’s racing prosthesis. As
he sprints away, the words “Mission Redefined” appear on screen and a narrator
says, “Redefine your mission. Find a sport, get involved.” The spot ends with
the Mission ReDefined and U.S. Paralympics logos.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Viewers can
then go to the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports site
(www.va.gov/adaptivesports) to find affiliated sports clubs around the nation
in which they can get involved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Johnston
reflects on the weeks and months after his injury in 2003, he believes the
“Mission Redefined” campaign would have been inspirational.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It would
definitely move me and hopefully inspire me to get out and re-engage in sports
and life again,” he said, recalling that he felt lost at the time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The message
with this campaign, he said, is that people and programs are out there to help
veterans get moving, and being active — finding a sport or activity — is a
terrific step. But the message, he said, is even simpler.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The big push
I have is just getting involved,” said Johnston, now living in San Diego. “Just
getting off the couch and being reconnected.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">* * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christopher
Nowak, VA’s director of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events,
is in charge of the “Mission Redefined” campaign. Nowak, a Marine Corps veteran
who lost his right leg while serving, started work on the campaign in 2011.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To Nowak,
Mission Redefined has multiple meanings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“One is the VA
itself,” Nowak said. “We’re redefining our mission on how we deliver adaptive
sports to veterans as well as sporting opportunities. And also we’re using the
campaign for veterans. There’s an opportunity to redefine their mission in
life. They’ve been through a traumatic injury and this is an opportunity for
them to use sports to redefine their mission.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The campaign’s
name works, he said, because to men and women in the military, “everything is
defined as a mission.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What we hope
with this campaign is that veterans understand that after a traumatic injury
life is not over. It may seem like it, they all go through it, as well as I
did,” he said. “You go through a certain phase in your life after your injury.
But something clicks in” to get them back on track, he said, and sports can be
a giant part of that process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This campaign,
combined with the success and attention garnered by some of the military veterans
competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, is providing a whole new layer
of attention and information for veterans, Nowak said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And working
with the U.S. Olympic Committee as a partner, he said, has helped the VA “get
out of the box” and push the message in the most effective way possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Johnston,
who was involved in filming the PSA— doing countless takes until 2 or 3 in the
morning on a high school track north of Los Angeles — the joint VA/U.S.
Paralympic campaign is worth every penny.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Anybody that
sees it will connect with it,” he said. “It breaks down all borders. It’s not
just amputees, not just military. Everybody will connect with forward
movement.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Story courtesy
Red Line Editorial, Inc. (<a href="http://www.redlineeditorial.com/"><span style="color: #0000ef;">http://www.redlineeditorial.com/</span></a>) Doug
Williams is a freelance contributor for teamusa.org. This story was not subject
to the approval of any National Governing Bodies.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-37108004424420270252013-01-11T10:12:00.000-05:002013-01-11T10:12:11.737-05:00OBAMA SIGNS OPEN BURN PIT LEGISLATION
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<strong><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Department
of Veterans Affairs to develop new registry</span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">LANHAM,Md.,
Jan. 11, 2013—</span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">On
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, President Obama signed legislation requiring the
Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry for service members who
lived and worked near open burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas
locations. This new measure will allow VA to track the number of military
personnel and veterans who have been afflicted with conditions due to burn
pits, as well as inform them of treatment options. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">“This is a
tremendous victory for veterans and AMVETS,” said AMVETS National Legislative
Director Diane Zumatto. “AMVETS has continued to push for the Department of
Veterans Affairs to create a burn pit registry and believes this legislation
will allow service members and veterans to receive the care they deserve.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">AMVETS has
focused on the problems associated with burn pits in overseas locations, and
has promoted the topic as a legislative priority since 2011. At the 68th AMVETS
National Convention in Daytona Beach, Fla., AMVETS leadership and members
passed Resolution 13-32: Open Burn Pit Registry Act 2011. AMVETS requested that
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki develop an open burn pit
registry to address the members in the Armed Forces who have been exposed to
toxic chemicals and fumes as a result of burn pits. In their many efforts to
further progress on this issue, AMVETS’ National Legislative Department worked
with Rep. W. Todd Akin, the creator of the Open Burn Pit Act, to develop
legislation involving open burn pits.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">“I want to
thank the countless veterans and activists for veterans causes for supporting
this legislation,” said Rep. Akin. “Without the support of veterans
organizations, this legislation would not be moving forward.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">In addition
to this measure, AMVETS continues to advocate for VA to develop a public
information campaign that will inform eligible individuals about the registry,
how to register and the benefits registering, as well as developments in the
treatment of associated conditions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">“AMVETS is
dedicated to advocating for continued improvement of VA health care benefits
and services for all service members and veterans,” said AMVETS National
Commander Cleve Geer. “By establishing an open burn pit registry, both
President Obama and VA have taken a positive step toward assisting veterans who
have been ignored, yet suffer from conditions associated with their service
overseas in conjunction with open burn pits.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">To learn
more about the open burn pit registry, visit: <a href="http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp</span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">About
AMVETS: </span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed
forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in
procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and
legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens
and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered
veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from
each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To
learn more visit <a href="http://www.amvets.org/">www.amvets.org</a>.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-57128749669591867902013-01-09T09:05:00.000-05:002013-01-09T09:05:11.217-05:00AMVETS NATIONAL COMMANDER APPROVES DEFENSE SECRETARY NOMINATION
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></strong><strong><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></i></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">LANHAM, Md., Jan. 8, 2013—This afternoon, AMVETS National Commander
Cleve Geer endorsed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel as the
next Secretary of Defense. Obama announced the nomination yesterday, Jan. 7,
2013. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“AMVETS fully supports President Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel for
the future Secretary of Defense,” said Geer. “As a veterans service
organization, AMVETS’ main mission is to serve as an advocate for veterans,
their families and the community in which they live. I am confident that former
Sen. Hagel will utilize his experience and understanding of America’s military
to lead this nation’s troops and the Department of Defense.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If confirmed by the Senate, Hagel will be first infantryman to serve as
the Secretary of Defense. He will replace current Secretary of Defense Leon
Panetta, who has been in this position since 2011. Hagel’s experience ranges
from serving in the Army during the Vietnam War to representing Nebraska as a
senator. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">About
AMVETS:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed
forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in
procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and
legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens
and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered
veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from
each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn
more, visit: </span><a href="http://www.amvets.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">www.amvets.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">###</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-77775520125886593352012-12-28T10:43:00.002-05:002013-01-02T10:04:03.705-05:00Recollections of Gen. SchwarzkopfBy Retired Air Force Col. Greg Eanes<br />
Penhook, Va.<br />
Past Public Relations Officer, AMVETS Department of Virginia <br />
AMVETS Collinsville Post #35, Virginia<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-YfzJRpauE/UN2-JX8FNcI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/LwFEGF-0Uqo/s1600/397747_10151187213158309_1829593918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-YfzJRpauE/UN2-JX8FNcI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/LwFEGF-0Uqo/s400/397747_10151187213158309_1829593918_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The death of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf has surfaced an emotional well to a time over 20 years ago when I was a young Air Force Capt. serving as the Escape and Evasion (E&E) Intelligence Officer on the Special Operations Command-Central (SOCCENT) staff during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, now commonly referred to now as Gulf War I. <br />
<br />
I saw Gen. Schwarzkopf twice during the war and once afterwards. He came for a command visit shortly after SOCCENT established its headquarters at King Fahd International Airport, outside of Daharan, Saudi Arabia in August 1990. I had never worked for him before and had no prior knowledge of this man. He came through and shook hands with a few of the command staff. He was very quiet and made no speeches or pep talks. He reminded some of us, in his appearance, of NBC’s Today Show weatherman Willard Scott. The visit was uneventful and admittedly I was not overly impressed at that time. That would soon change. <br />
<br />
Around November, I was on a coordination visit to his headquarters in Riyadh. I stopped to visit Air Force Capt. Fritz Baier, an old friend, who was working with Iraqi Air Defense threats and periodically briefing ‘the Bear,’ as Gen. Schwarzkopf came to be known. While walking with Fritz to the main operations-intelligence center, we saw ‘the Bear’ with his security detail leaving and walking at a fast clip toward, what I inferred, another meeting to coordinate the details of the forthcoming liberation of Kuwait. There was a singleness of purpose and commitment in his face this time. He was all business and one could tell that he was 'in command,' detailing directions to one of his staff officers as they walked. I knew at that time I had a unique, momentary snapshot of a historical figure, during a historical event and I relished the moment. Seldom do we have such opportunities. <br />
<br />
SOCCENT staff was scheduled to brief ‘the Bear’ just after Christmas. I was to brief him on our E&E activities, including our re-introduction of the ‘Blood Chit’, a World War II-era E&E tool that was phased out after Vietnam. We did a dry run in anticipation of his visit, but his trip was cancelled at the last minute. Just before combat operations started, he signed the ‘Blood Chit’ authorization. <br />
<br />
Gen. Schwarzkopf was part of a triumvirate of our wartime leaders – the others being President George H.W. Bush and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin Powell. We had great faith and a soldier's love for all three men. During the first phase of Air and Special Forces operations, we eagerly tuned in to his daily press briefings. It was through these televised briefings that we came to better know this man. His uncanny briefing skills and an adept handling of the press endeared him to his troops and the nation. We came to love him as our ‘Eisenhower.’ Our conflict was a war of liberation of a people who were suffering under the occupation of a modern fascist regime. Our staff included our World War II allies: British and Australian forces. For many of us, it was a ‘great crusade’ akin to the liberation of Western Europe in World War II. The Kuwaiti Government in Exile and Kuwait Resistance (with whom we worked) even designated the day of victory as ‘V-G Day’ or Victory in the Gulf Day. When we finally entered Kuwait City, crowds greeted us as we witnessed scenes reminiscent of the newsreel images of the 1944 liberation of Paris. It was exhilarating. The campaign was a textbook operation.<br />
<br />
Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be An American" was Gen. Schwarzkopf's favorite song. It was played by him and other subordinate commanders when they announced the start of the liberation of Kuwait to their staff members. It was a time when we were all 'proud to be an American' and Gen. Schwarzkopf was partially responsible.<br />
<br />
I last saw Gen. Schwarzkopf at a bookstore in Washington, D.C., after his memoir was published in 1992. Fritz and I went to get a copy. We stood in line to get it autographed. We were both in uniform. The bookstore folks stated that Gen. Schwarzkopf would not pose for photos due to time limitations. We passed our camera to a bystander to take our photo as we were at the table. ‘The Bear’ seemed very happy to see ‘his troops’ and took the time to ask us questions about what we did in the war. When he saw the camera, he stopped everything to stand and pose with us for a photo. He was very gracious and appreciative of our service. That too was a moment to remember. I am honored to have served in his command. <br />
<br />
<img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-79580032255613045582012-11-30T11:05:00.001-05:002012-12-04T15:46:50.483-05:00Georgia AMVETS Provide Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets to Needy FamiliesVALDOSTA, Ga. — Georgia AMVETS Post 607 of Valdosta, Ga., was able to provide Thanksgiving dinner baskets to 67 families in need on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, through its Thanksgiving basket giveaway campaign.<br />
<br />
While AMVETS served 100 applicants for holiday meal assistance in 2011, the numbers this year still represent a success to organizer Post 607 Second Vice Commander Rena Crawford, who believes in one of the main pillars of AMVETS: service to one's community. <br />
<br />
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<br />
“With the economic times the way they are, we are realizing a lot of people don’t have enough food to feed their families," said Crawford. "As veterans we wanted to do something to give back to the community." <br />
<br />
AMVETS Post 607 managed to raise about $1,500 to purchase the meals for the charity. The organization ran a boot donation drive in the Inner Perimeter Road Wal-Mart parking lot, earning more than $900 during Veterans Day weekend. The Moody Air Force Base Commissary donated $100 for the charity, and a raffle for two liquor baskets raised another $120. The remaining donations came from individual members and organizational funds.<br />
<br />
The dinners included a basket of turkey, collard greens, dressing, cranberry sauce and canned yams. Volunteers delivered 25 of the 67 boxes, and the remaining 42 were picked up on-site between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. by approved applicants. Needy families were asked to fill out applications for the donated meals to gauge if they qualified for assistance through AMVETS. <br />
<br />
Those who qualified were notified of their approval, and asked to provide identification when they picked up the dinners, unless they were delivered by an AMVETS member. More than 40 volunteers, including a large number of veterans and active-duty service members, helped to give away and deliver the Thanksgiving meals.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PQQM0yihas/ULjV5J96u-I/AAAAAAAAAQg/OHF2oBdykqg/s1600/54350_517461568272812_285174287_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PQQM0yihas/ULjV5J96u-I/AAAAAAAAAQg/OHF2oBdykqg/s320/54350_517461568272812_285174287_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
With the basket giveaway complete, AMVETS now turns its attention to its annual Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 22, when the organization will give away 100 bicycles, as well as offer food to visitors and escort Santa Claus on a fire truck.<br />
<br />
“It’s the holiday season, which is supposed to be the time when you put away the negative and focus on those who need something, and to realize what you’re thankful for,” said Crawford.<br />
<br />
Photos: Top: AMVETS members and volunteers prepare Thanksgiving baskets. Bottom: AMVETS Department of Georgia Second Vice Commander Bryon Dublin, AMVETS member Nerma Dave, AMVETS Post 607 Second Vice Commander Rena Crawford and AMVETS Post 607 Commander Dennis Williams help check in families at the Thanksgiving basket giveaway on Nov. 20, 2012. Photos courtesy of Frederick L. Bates.<br />
<br />
<strong>About </strong><strong><span class="caps">AMVETS</span></strong><strong>: </strong><br />
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, <span class="caps">AMVETS</span>
provides support for veterans and the active military in
procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service
and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this
nation’s citizens and veterans alike. <span class="caps">AMVETS</span>
is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service
organizations in the United States, and includes members from each
branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserve. To
learn more, visit <a href="http://www.amvets.org/">www.amvets.org</a>. <br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-64918955056517545052012-11-28T10:43:00.001-05:002012-11-28T10:46:26.930-05:00WhatsMyM3: A New Mental Health AppNearing the end of 2012, all branches of the military are
reporting record numbers of annual suicides among service members. Currently,
2012 has been the worst year for military suicides since the Department of
Defense began tracking statistics in 2001. As of Nov. 11, 2012, the Pentagon
has recorded 323 confirmed and reported suicide cases, surpassing the all-time
high record of 310 in 2009. Out of the 323 cases, the Army accounted for 168,
while the remainder consisted of 53 sailors, 56 airmen, and 46 Marines. These
alarming statistics have prompted the DoD and other veteran's agencies,
including VA, to launch programs and awareness campaigns targeting active duty
service members and veterans. <br />
<br />
“The issue of veteran’s health and mental health,
particularly those returning from active duty is of critical importance,” said
WhatsMyM3 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gerald Hurowitz. “The epidemic of suicides
and the surveyed prevalence of PTSD, depression and related mental health and
addictive disorders underscores the fact that mental health conditions are the
signature injuries of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.” <br />
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<br />
To address the need for mental health screening among the
military community, the WhatsMyM3 application screens and tracks a service
member’s health number, which is similar to numbers used to track cholesterol,
heart disease or body mass index. With 29 questions and only taking
approximately three minutes, the WhatsMyM3 screening is simple to complete and
helps the user identify possible risks of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder
and PTSD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVIkW2LRlzE/ULYxgXJ92LI/AAAAAAAAAP4/4XeSemnWpBc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-28+at+10.35.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVIkW2LRlzE/ULYxgXJ92LI/AAAAAAAAAP4/4XeSemnWpBc/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-28+at+10.35.15+AM.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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One of the unique features of this application is that the
screen responses entered by an individual can be accessed by a designated
health care professional if the user gives permission. This helps facilitate
discussions between the patient and physician. Also, the patent has the ability
to record progress on a bi-weekly basis, permitting their health care provider
to gain insight into their mood, triggers, and possible side effects of
medicine. The designated doctor may access a patient’s results and progress
reports through a hard copy, fax or a secure online site. </div>
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WhatsMyM3 is available for veterans and service members to
download on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/whatsmym3/id515945611?mt=8">iTunes</a>
for iPhone or iPad users, or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mymoodmonitor.whatsmym3&feature=search_result&rdid=com.mymoodmonitor.whatsmym3&rdot=1#?purchaseButton=lNQAL11AFrVftwkHbvhAgzonrZ0%3D">Google
Play</a> for Android users. The pre-screening test can also be taken online at: <a href="http://www.whatsmym3.com/">http://www.whatsmym3.com</a>. </div>
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Photo: Screenshots of the WhatsMyM3 application. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-63584565047985151102012-11-19T10:31:00.002-05:002012-11-19T10:36:25.182-05:00Department of Labor: Salute to Veterans Event<style>
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On Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, Secretary of the Department of
Labor Hilda L. Solis hosted a Salute to Veterans Event at Department of
Labor headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Salute to Veterans event focused on
the initiatives to decrease the number of unemployed veterans and present
opportunities to the men and women who served our country. </div>
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“We currently employ more than 3,000 veterans, including
more than 400 in managerial positions,” Solis said in her opening remarks.
“Last month, the unemployment rate for our veterans fell to 6.3 percent, well
below the national average.” While the national average for veteran
unemployment has decreased, the number of 18 to 24-year old veterans who are
without employment remains higher than their civilian counterparts. Solis went on to
praise the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to encourage civilian employers
to hire veterans.</div>
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“We’ve hosted more than 330 hiring fairs in 49 states. These
fairs already have helped more than 10,000 veterans and their spouses find
jobs,” said Solis in regards to the Department of Labor and Chamber of
Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. “Through our Jobs for Veterans state
grant program, we’ve funded 2,000 veterans employment specialists in
communities across the country.” </div>
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Following Solis’ remarks, a panel discussion on the
experiences of veterans and why employers should hire veterans was led by
Deputy Assistant of Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training
Service Ismael Ortiz Jr. The panel included: retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, Army
veteran and Director of “Got Your 6” Chris Marvin, Navy reservist and head of
Goodwill Industries’ Veterans and Military Family Services James
Lander, Air Force veteran and Department of Labor employee Miguel Cumbo, and
Air Force veteran and federal contractor Chauntay Green.</div>
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The panel discussed topics ranging from the challenges young
veterans face when transitioning into the civilian workforce to the qualities veterans should emphasize when interviewing for a job. The panel allowed audience members
to see the different perspectives from both employers and veterans and how the
issue of unemployment affects both parties. </div>
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For more information on the Department of Labor Veterans’
Employment and Training Service, visit: www.dol.gov/vets</div>
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Photos: Top: Secretary Solis discusses veteran unemployment at the Department of Labor's Salute to Veterans event on Nov. 15, 2012. Bottom: Army
veteran and Director of “Got Your 6” Chris Marvin and Navy reservist and head of
Goodwill Industries’ Veterans and Military Family Services Program James
Lander talk about the benefits of hiring veterans. Photos by Brittany Barry. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-15163206304203196802012-11-09T12:49:00.002-05:002012-11-09T12:49:48.726-05:00New Patriotic Video Celebrates Veterans
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This Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, we celebrate Veterans Day and
recognize many of the men and women who often are ignored and forgotten.
Through parades, celebrations, free dinners at local restaurants and wreath
presentations at veteran monuments, veterans are honored and their sacrifices
and dedication to our country are highlighted. </div>
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Dominique and Donelle Hargrove of Richmond, Va., are joining
with thousands of people this weekend to thank veterans from all eras and
ensure their contributions to our country are not forgotten. One of the
hottest, up and coming Christian gospel acts, the Hargrove brothers have
created a new music video to honor everyone who has worn the uniform, including
first responders, police officers, and firefighters. Known as Da Twins, the two
Virginia residents hope to spread their message of appreciating all who serve
our country and encourage people of all ages to thank local service members. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KOF3W8sTLw/UJ1CJ3VHVFI/AAAAAAAAAO0/CoCrelNEYec/s1600/1319266901_644925322943_62200377_32369874_981491971_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KOF3W8sTLw/UJ1CJ3VHVFI/AAAAAAAAAO0/CoCrelNEYec/s320/1319266901_644925322943_62200377_32369874_981491971_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both men recognize that often the sacrifices of military men
and women and their families go unnoticed after they return home from war and
attempt to reintegrate into civilian society. By creating a song and video
specifically tailored to honor service members, Da Twins hope to support
veterans, veteran groups like AMVETS, and their families.</div>
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This Veterans Day, AMVETS will be present at various
ceremonies in the Washington, D.C., area. Today and every day, we thank you for
your service as a member of our Armed Forces and will continue to fight for
your benefits and rights as a military veteran.</div>
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To view their video, titled “1 Nation,” <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/bdoxzhmm28yw5j2/Sequence%2002_3.mp4">click here</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-70564493537587969992012-11-01T08:32:00.001-04:002012-11-01T08:32:17.134-04:00SMU Undergrad Vet Connects with Upper Classman DaughterDALLAS (SMU) – When SMU senior Amie Kromis leaves her Political Communication seminar in Dallas Hall, her father is waiting outside the door for her. U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Kromis isn’t just there to spend some time with his daughter – he is on his way to class himself.<br /><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjBoCShkdPw/UJJrgER6JYI/AAAAAAAAAOU/NmbJVfyIn3k/s1600/vcsPRAsset_943351_94108_8ba9da1e-f47c-421d-b6b0-dd63c867c36e_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjBoCShkdPw/UJJrgER6JYI/AAAAAAAAAOU/NmbJVfyIn3k/s320/vcsPRAsset_943351_94108_8ba9da1e-f47c-421d-b6b0-dd63c867c36e_0.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
Thomas transferred to SMU this fall as a junior combining credits from undergraduate courses he took while in the Marine Corps. A career Marine, Thomas served 21 years in numerous countries, including Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Norway.<br /><br />“We didn’t have the traditional father-daughter relationship when Amie was growing up,” Thomas says. He and Amie’s mother divorced early in Amie’s life so Amie lived with her mother in Nashville, Tenn., while Thomas’ military duties took him all over the world.<br /><br />“Whenever we wanted to see each other it took a lot of work and it took a lot of money,” he says.<br /><br />Despite the physical distance, Thomas was a part of Amie’s life. “He always sent letters from countries he visited and thought of clever souvenirs,” Amie says. “He sent bottles of sand from all the countries in the Middle East.”<br /><br />Amie began attending SMU in 2009, the same year Thomas retired from the Marine Corps and moved to Dallas.<br /><br />“I still wasn’t able to spend much time with her, because she is just so involved,” Thomas says. But when he received the admission letter from SMU in 2012, he knew that would change. Thomas is one of 170 veterans attending SMU. He receives G.I. Bill benefits along with the SMU Opportunity Award and the Tuition Equalization Grant.<br /><br />Amie is a resident assistant at Boaz Hall, an SMU ambassador, a moderator for the Tate Lecture Series and recently received the All University John L. Freehafer Award for demonstrating an interest in student life, activities and government.<br /><br />Thomas also maintains a packed schedule. The applied physiology and sport management major works full-time as head of personal training at Life Time Fitness in nearby Flower Mound and attends class on his two days off.<br /><br />“I call him Mr. Superman,” Amie says. “Whenever I feel like I need to complain about schoolwork, I think of my dad and feel humbled. Everything that he has gone through, and he is still pursuing this degree.”<br /><br />This fall, Amie took on another campus role – passing along to her father SMU insight about professors and courses.<br /><br />“It was so exciting to share my academic experience with him,” Amie says. “I suggested he enroll in a class with one of my favorite professors, Rita Kirk.”<br /><br />Thomas and Amie walk together on Tuesdays and Thursdays across the main quad until they part ways toward their respective classes.<br /><br />“Just the ability to go have dinner together on a weekday… it’s a big deal,” Thomas says. “I don’t take this relationship for granted.”<br />
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<br /><br />###<br /><br />SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.<br />
<br />
Story and photos courtesy of: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas <br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-56277279059399618762012-10-26T09:53:00.002-04:002012-10-26T10:14:39.262-04:00Independent Budget: Critical Issues Available<style>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvofAGxTqdI/UIqV26AKs1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/RSUgJo_WGG8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-26+at+9.53.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvofAGxTqdI/UIqV26AKs1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/RSUgJo_WGG8/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-26+at+9.53.03+AM.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Independent Budget is drafted each year by four of the
nation’s premier veterans service organizations: AMVETS, Disabled American
Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the VFW. Created by veterans for
veterans, the Independent Budget is a comprehensive budget and policy document
intended to provide Congress with recommendations for the budget cycle and a
long-range vision for the Department of Veterans Affairs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This fall, the co-authors of the Independent Budget released
the critical issues for the 2014 fiscal year. Serving as a reference, the
Critical Issues Report allows VA, veterans, the public, the administration, and
Congress to examine the five important concerns facing the veterans' community
today. </div>
<br />
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The five critical issues are:<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Protection of the VA health-care and benefits
systems in a time of fiscal restraint</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Successfully completing reform of the benefits
claims-processing system</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Transition, employment, and education for
today’s veterans</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The continuing challenge for caring for war
veterans</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Maintaining VA’s critical infrastructure</div>
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These five issues will serve as the foundation for the
larger Independent Budget, which will be available in early 2013. </div>
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<br /></div>
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To read more about the Independent Budget’s critical issues, visit:
<a href="http://www.independentbudget.org./">www.independentbudget.org.</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-13696181163483189252012-10-23T09:31:00.001-04:002012-10-23T09:31:07.967-04:00Veterans Take Precaution: Meningitis Outbreak
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The outbreak of fungal meningitis has claimed the lives of 20
individuals and caused 250 Americans to become ill. This epidemic is associated
with products originating from the New England Compounding Center (NECC). The
NECC is a Massachusetts based company that produces compound pharmaceutical
products. Unlike many drugs, compounding medications are exempt from FDA
regulation. The United States Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that these
medications are not new drugs and therefore do not need additional regulations.
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While many compound medications are not harmful, veterans
should be cautious. Various VA Medical Centers provide compound medications to
patients, and recently VA has revealed that they purchased $20,000 in products
from NECC and $900,000 from Ameridose, a related company, over the past three
years. Veterans enrolled in services at VA medical centers and who have
recently received meningitis vaccinations have an increased risk of exposure to
the contaminated products. The U.S. Army Medical Command and Ameridose signed a
contract in June 2012 to provide pharmaceutical products for a pediatric
intensive care unit in Tripler Medical Center in Honolulu. The contract would
provide the Hawaii facility with drugs on an as-needed basis. Currently, Ameridose
has halted production of medication and NECC has recalled all of its products. </div>
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In response to the outbreak, the House Energy and Commerce
Committee is conducting inquiries at NECC and has requested records and
documents from the pharmacy. Members of Congress are petitioning for increased
regulation of compound medications, including requiring doctors to inform
patients of the differences between compound and FDA-approved products. </div>
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“To better ensure the safe production of these medications,
we also urge you to require that these compound products be clearly labeled as
such,” wrote Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Conn., and Sanford Bishop, Jr., D-Ga., in a
letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen
Sebelius and Department of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. “Patients expect
their medications and products used in the health care setting to be safe,
effective, and overseen by the Food and Drug Administration.” </div>
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If you have received a meningitis vaccination recently,
please check with your provider to ensure that NECC products were not used
during your visit. For more information, please contact your primary care team
at your local VA facility. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(Photo: </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Senior Airman Anthony Velez, 332nd Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, pieces together a trauma kit. Photo by </span>Senior Airman Julianne Showalter, courtesy of U.S. Air Force.)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-58858544503433049692012-10-18T11:36:00.001-04:002012-10-18T11:40:40.650-04:00Fall Issue of American Veteran Now Online<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjwD7VMJQEE/UIAhAZgMQJI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QgHV4nzLUVQ/s1600/19010674_KLwfDk-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjwD7VMJQEE/UIAhAZgMQJI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QgHV4nzLUVQ/s400/19010674_KLwfDk-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The latest issue of American Veteran magazine is now
available online. To read the Fall 2012 issue, <a href="http://pubs.royle.com/publication?i=128296">Click Here</a>.</div>
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In the latest issue, we sit down for an exclusive interview
with Army veteran J.R. Martinez, winner of Season 13 of ABC’s “Dancing With the
Stars.” Martinez discusses how he overcame his injuries during his first
deployment to Iraq, the message he wants to send to the public, and how
employers can help veterans find jobs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyuUKDVe4Hc/UIAhLAvxheI/AAAAAAAAANA/T8Nvp6HJ27Q/s1600/green+jobs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyuUKDVe4Hc/UIAhLAvxheI/AAAAAAAAANA/T8Nvp6HJ27Q/s400/green+jobs1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also discuss how veterans, especially younger service
members, are finding it difficult to find employment. Mentioning stigmas and
obstacles that many veterans face, American Veteran suggests many resources,
including eight organizations who target veterans for employment or training
opportunities. Go to <a href="http://www.amvets.org/">www.amvets.org</a> for
more information on the companies mentioned in the Fall 2012 edition.</div>
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This fall, Kevin Stone, an American Veteran magazine correspondent
and AMVETS member, travelled to London with his service dog Mambo to cover the
2012 Paralympic Games. Capturing amazing moments in Paralympic history, Stone
gives readers an inside look from the perspective of a veteran and military
athlete.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbAhJMVb3jU/UIAhYOPo0OI/AAAAAAAAANI/CPFpkLKr5RA/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbAhJMVb3jU/UIAhYOPo0OI/AAAAAAAAANI/CPFpkLKr5RA/s400/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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American Veteran also highlighted an important issue within
the military community, military sexual trauma, by presenting a harsh look at
the statistics and first hand accounts of how sexual assault victims are
treated within the military chain of command. </div>
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In “Keeping Posted,” you can also read about the great work
of AMVETS in Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, and California.</div>
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As always, we’re eager to hear your thoughts and see the great
work going on at AMVETS posts and departments around the country, so keep your
letters, stories and photos coming, so we can consider them for future issues
of the magazine. </div>
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(Photos: Top: J.R. Martinez addresses a crowd. Photo courtesy of J.R. Martinez. Middle: Veterans involved with Veterans Green Jobs participate in a conservation training program that will prepare them for employment within the green jobs sector. Photo courtesy of Veterans Green Jobs. Bottom: Kevin Stone and Mambo during a brief break at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Photo courtesy of Kevin Stone.) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-53788551874977801252012-10-10T12:18:00.001-04:002012-10-10T15:35:14.800-04:00First Annual Ms. Veteran America Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvlpJedYPg/UHWfCd7iHAI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/F3K9vkdmBFs/s1600/denise+crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvlpJedYPg/UHWfCd7iHAI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/F3K9vkdmBFs/s320/denise+crown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first annual <a href="http://www.msveteranamerica.org/">Ms.
Veteran America</a> competition was held on Oct. 7, 2012 at the Pentagon
Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Va. Contestants were selected from three judging
rounds held in Arlington, Va.; Austin, Texas; and Irvine, Calif. Out of
hundreds of women who auditioned, 37 were selected to compete in the
competition. The judges represented a variety of personalities, from American
Veteran magazine contributor Vernice Armor and Under Secretary of Benefits for
the Department of Veterans Affairs Brigadier General Allison Hickey to Miss
Virginia USA 2011 Nikki Poteet. Adding to the star power, Sue Downes, the first
female double amputee from Afghanistan, and Donnell Rawlings, an actor and Air
Force veteran, hosted the event. Special guests included 2012 Paralympian
medalist Angela Madsen and the 16th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent.
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlrtPKlwHIA/UHWfEDD14CI/AAAAAAAAAMg/A7C6nDDcJuE/s1600/judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlrtPKlwHIA/UHWfEDD14CI/AAAAAAAAAMg/A7C6nDDcJuE/s320/judges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All 37 contestants graced the stage in evening dresses and
the top 10 women were announced and preceded to perform in the talent
competition. Judges selected the top 10 contestants based on the ability to
answer military questions, beauty, and their stage presence. The top ten
contestants included: Heidi Amato, Ann Curtis, Tyra Everett, Denyse Gordon,
Mary Ann Hotaling, Gladys Hughes, Keia Mays, Kimberly Miller, Alyse Partridge,
and Stephanie Way. From reciting monologues to singing, the top 10 women
brought smiles and laughs to the judges and entire audience. Denyse Gordon, an
Air Force Reserve veteran, was crowned Miss Veteran America 2012, after
advancing from the talent round to the final question interview. As her talent,
she performed a flapper style dance routine in an old Army uniform. Stephanie
Way, a former member of the Army National Guard, received first runner-up.
Gladys Hughes, a World War II Coast Guard veteran and crowd favorite, was
second runner-up. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgrHDNSANtk/UHWfDJBu1eI/AAAAAAAAAMY/2uVrS0oZljY/s1600/denise+gordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgrHDNSANtk/UHWfDJBu1eI/AAAAAAAAAMY/2uVrS0oZljY/s320/denise+gordon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While the Ms. Veteran America competition focused on
celebrating women who have served our country, the competition also functioned
as a fundraiser for <a href="http://www.finalsaluteinc.org/">Final Salute Inc.</a>,
an organization that provides housing and aid to homeless female veterans and
their children. As female veteran homelessness continues to increase as the
homeless male veteran population decreases, this problem needs to be addressed
by opening shelters that cater specifically to the needs of military sexual
trauma victims, women suffering with PTSD, and women with children. Final
Salute, Inc., has opened transitory homes in Fairfax, Va., and is currently
building a new home in Alexandria, Va., that will be opening on Veterans Day
2012. To raise money, the contestants petitioned for donations from friends,
family, and social media followers, and gained a significant following after
Hughes appeared on <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/1879636011001/fox-flash-ms-veteran-america/">Fox
News</a> and explained the purpose and importance of the Ms. Veteran America
competition. As of today, Oct. 10, 2012, they raised $30,892 to help female
veterans stay off the street.</div>
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(Photos: Top: Denyse Gordon was crowned the first Ms. Veteran America. Middle: The judges score contestants on their talent competition. Bottom: Gordon prepares for her dance routine at the Ms. Veteran America pageant. Photos by Melissa Golden)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-66954189383599794322012-10-03T13:53:00.000-04:002012-10-03T13:53:03.664-04:00Update from the National Cemetery Administration
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Yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, Deputy Under Secretary for
Field Programs Glenn Powers and Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial
Affairs Ronald Walters, members of the National Cemetery Administration, met
with the AMVETS Legislation team and members of the VFW to discuss updates and
progress being made on NCA projects. Currently, more than 80 percent of deceased
veterans are buried at a national or state veterans’ cemetery within 75 miles
of the veteran’s home. The NCA’s goal is to increase this number to 95 percent
by 2015. To accomplish this, the NCA has continued to identify geographic areas
with a large veteran population who do not have access to a national or state
veterans’ cemetery. The NCA has selected sites and will be moving forward to
create five national, five urban, and eight rural veterans’ cemeteries.</div>
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The eight rural veterans’ cemeteries are a component of VA’s
new Rural Initiative plan. These new burial grounds will serve veterans in the
areas of Fargo, N.D.; Rhinelander, Wis.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Laurel, Mont.; Idaho
Falls, Idaho; Cedar City, Utah; Calais, Maine; and Elko, Nev. This one
initiative will allow 136,000 veterans and their dependents to access burial
services that were previously unavailable. </div>
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In addition to new cemeteries, the NCA has moved forward
with numerous green initiatives to maximize their efforts to reserve resources.
Memorial walls have been constructed at many sites to conserve land for ground
interments. In Massachusetts, wind turbines have been installed to provide
power to the burial site. These turbines cover 95 percent of the utility costs
for the cemetery, thereby allowing the NCA to focus resources on other
projects.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzPZ-GxfPSo/UGx6dqNTLPI/AAAAAAAAALk/oe4r7NRTiDU/s1600/AMV_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzPZ-GxfPSo/UGx6dqNTLPI/AAAAAAAAALk/oe4r7NRTiDU/s320/AMV_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The NCA is currently working on a memorial affairs redesign.
They intended to replace their current IT system and add new features that will
aid cemetery visitors. They hope to include maps of cemeteries and grave site
locators that will be available to smartphone users. These features will allow
loved ones to easily navigate a veterans’ cemetery.</div>
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After the discovery of mismarked and unmarked graves in
Arlington National Cemetery in 2011, the NCA has begun an audit to ensure that
all headstones correspond with the correct grave. In phase one of this
process, the NCA specifically targeted areas where headstones were removed for
realignment to prevent sinking. Out of the 1.6 million burial plots reviewed
during this phase, the NCA found 243 errors. Presently conducting phase two,
the NCA is checking every discrepancy reported by cemetery directors. This
phase will be completed in December 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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To prevent graves from being mismarked, the NCA has
instituted new policies, including preventing the headstone from leaving the
grave during a realignment process. Instead of being placed on a palate with
other headstones, the marker will be placed on top of the grave, ensuring it
does not move from the cemetery. Also, new markers will be placed on top of a
concrete foundation. This new foundation decreases the likelihood of markers
sinking into the ground, thereby eliminating the need for realignment. </div>
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Today, the NCA employs more veterans than any other
government agency, more than 75 percent of its workforce, and continues to
expand training and employment opportunities for veterans. Starting on Oct. 22,
2012, a group of 30 homeless veterans will begin a yearlong internship and upon
completion will be offered a position as a cemetery caretaker. The individuals
will begin their training in St. Louis for a week, and then finish the
instruction at a local cemetery. The NCA’s goal is to train all caretakers and
standardize practices throughout the NCA. </div>
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The NCA is expanding outreach in the coming year to rural
communities who may not have access to a national or state veterans’ cemetery.
By utilizing an outreach van, the NCA will provide information on memorial
benefits at veteran-focused conventions and community events. The NCA is also
speaking with specific veteran communities who have special burial needs, such
as Native American veterans. This will enable the NCA to address all burial needs and better serve veterans and their families. </div>
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(Photos: Top: National Cemetery Administration logo. Middle: Deputy Under Secretary for
Field Programs Glenn Powers and Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial
Affairs Ronald Walters talk with AMVETS Executive Director Stewart Hickey and AMVETS National Legislative Director Diane Zumatto) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012256748391334168.post-59648300948974140962012-09-28T10:14:00.000-04:002012-09-28T14:30:56.986-04:00This Week in AMVETS National Legislative Department<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By Nathan Bullock </div>
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While Congress has recessed, we continue to work hard and
stay busy fighting for you in Washington, D.C. This past Friday, we attended two government
briefings to learn what is being done in two different realms of veterans’
issues. </div>
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We started the day with a briefing for VSOs on mental health
programs offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. There are an enormous
amount of resources being provided and developed to reach out to veterans and
their families covering a wide range of mental health issues. </div>
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Some of the highlighted ones included: the Veterans Crisis
Line (<a href="http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/">www.veteranscrisisline.net</a>)
which offers confidential help to veterans and their families, and multiple new
smart phone apps such as PTSD Coach which can all be downloaded on your smart
phone: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/ptsdcoach.asp. </div>
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Another Web resource is www.MaketheConnection.net<span style="color: #95b3d7; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;"> </span>which
allows you to privately explore information and shows true stories of veterans
who overcame challenges.</div>
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We heard a presentation from a peer support associate about
the great work they are doing in many VA health centers and hospitals around
the country. We were also given a preview of a new website that will compile a
number of resources related to veterans in the workplace run by Dr. Sarah
Landes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will post the link as soon as
it is officially up and running. </div>
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We also attended the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing
Personnel Office (DPMO) briefing with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Affairs. This is a semi-annual briefing
attended by VSOs and other concerned groups who work specifically on issues
pertaining to POW/MIA service members. We learned a great deal about the current
issues facing the DPMO throughout the world from Korea to Europe to Southeast
Asia. In many cases, it is difficult for them to continue their efforts due to
geopolitical restrictions in places such as North Korea and Laos. </div>
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Another important aspect that was highlighted at this
meeting was the need for organizations such as AMVETS to keep this office and
the government at large accountable to our veterans and citizens. We must, by
our voices and presence, push them to fulfill their promises and the mission
they are tasked to carry out on our behalf. We joined other organizations in
raising pointed questions that let the Deputy Assistant Secretary know how
seriously we take these matters. He thanked us for the pressure this community
provides to make sure they are doing the job right.</div>
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These meetings were great reminders that it is not just we at
National Headquarters who were in the room, but all of you throughout the
country who are giving us the strength and ability to represent you and your
views and apply pressure on our public officials to make sure they continue to
work effectively for us all. </div>
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