AMVETS Sends Congressional Letter to VA on Service Dogs

Since AMVETS members and their assistance dogs stormed Capitol Hill in March to raise awareness of the benefits to today's wounded veterans, AMVETS Deputy National Legislative Director Christina Roof has been working with Congressional offices, bolstering support for a letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

AMVETS' letter calls for an update from VA on progress of the assistance dog benefits study commissioned in the 2010 Defense Authorization--a measure successfully spearheaded by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.).

In the weeks leading up to sending the letter to Secretary Shinseki, AMVETS secured 14 signatures from a bipartisan group of legislators, including leading Congressional voices on veterans' issues, Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.), who spearheaded efforts to expand availability of PTSD treatment, and Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), who led efforts in the House to pass the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.





The letter, which can be viewed by clicking on the images above, calls on VA to furnish Congress with a report on progress in commissioning a three-year study on the benefits of assistance dogs for today's wounded veterans.

Under the 2010 Defense Authorization, VA had 270 days to commence the study, leaving VA with a July 2010 deadline.

AMVETS leaders will continue to work with VA for an update on the assistance dog study, tracking the issue closely. AMVETS has recognized the benefits assistance animals can offer wounded veterans since partnering with non-profit Paws With A Cause to place assistance dogs with worthy wounded veterans. Today, AMVETS is the only major veterans' service organization actively addressing the issue.

As VA's study moves forward, check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates.

(Images: Congressional letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki calling for an update to the assistance dog study for wounded veterans.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran we will recap AMVETS' posts and departments honoring Old Glory on Flag Day. We will also follow AMVETS National Legislative Department on Capitol Hill for two hearings on the state of the Veterans Benefits Administration and VA rural health care--one of AMVETS' top legislative priorities for 2010.

We will also highlight the 235th Army birthday, AMVETS' Congressional letter calling for an update on VA's assistance dog study, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin's visit to the Department of Maine, and the recent open house at Camp Hope.

We will also discuss recent changes VA has made to the claims process and the proposed increases in VA prescription drug costs for low priority group veterans.

As always, we're eager to hear from posts and departments around the country to highlight your work on this blog and in the print edition of American Veteran magazine. We also always invite your comments on the blog. Let us know what you think!

Arlington Update: Army Commissions Hotline for Families

In the wake of yesterday's scathing report on mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery, the Department of the Army has commissioned a hotline for concerned family members to answer questions about the final resting places of their loved ones.

Concerned families can call (703) 607-8000 and press "0" for information.

Yesterday, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin released a statement expressing sadness and anger over the revelations. To read Miskulin's statement, Click Here.

AMVETS also spoke with Fox 5 News in Washington, D.C. on the impact of Arlington's mismanagement on the veterans' community and particularly surviving spouses.



News quickly spread around the world about the sad situation at Arlington and last night the BBC also spoke with AMVETS about the issue.

In the wake of the Army investigations, both the superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery and his deputy have been relieved of their duties and the Army is reworking the command structure for the cemetery in an effort to improve accountability.

Army leaders have also ensured that additional steps will be taken to modernize operations at Arlington, ensuring that similar incidents never happen again.

AMVETS will continue to follow this story closely, as the Department of the Army works to remedy the situation. Check back regularly with American Veteran for updates.

Reflections on the 66th Anniversary of D-Day

This weekend, the nation paused to remember thousands of brave Americans and American allies who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, launching the campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression in WWII.

The daring attack on Nazi strongholds in the north of occupied France remains the largest single-day amphibious assault ever recorded, with more than 160,000 American and allied troops storming the 50-mile stretch of beachhead.

More than 1,400 brave American troops lost their lives storming Omaha Beach, as Nazi machine gun positions peppered allied landing craft. In total, more than 2,500 Americans were killed in the first day of assaults on Nazi positions across the north of France.

Marking the 66th anniversary of D-Day, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen joined WWII veterans at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., for a special ceremony honoring the nation's D-Day veterans.

To view Pentagon Channel coverage of Mullen's comments and the D-Day ceremony from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Click Here.

Bedford, Va., is the town which lost the most service members in the invasion of France. Nineteen "Bedford Boys" from A Company, 116th Infantry of the Virginia National Guard were killed in the assault.

In his remarks, Mullen connected the courage and valor of D-Day's veterans with the courage exemplified by American men and women fighting today on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To read the Armed Forces Press Service coverage of the Bedford ceremony, Click Here.

On D-Day, AMVETS posts and department around the country also gathered to recognize the sacrifices of Americans who served on the Western Front in WWII--especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy.

Born out of WWII, AMVETS will continue to pay special tribute to the sacrifices of our nation's Greatest Generation. The men who fought at Normandy truly embody the best of what our nation's military has done to secure the freedoms we cherish today.

(Photos: Top: American troops observe Omaha Beach approaching the landing at Normandy on D-Day in 1944. U.S. Navy photo, released. Middle: Adm. Mike Mullen addresses the crowd gathered at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., on Sunday, June 6, 2010, reflecting on the 66th anniversary of D-Day. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley, released.)

Live from Capitol Hill: House VA Subcommittee to Hear Testimony on Pending Legislation

This afternoon the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will host a hearing on pending veterans' legislation. To view live video from the hearing at 1 p.m., Click Here.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley submitted comments for the record and AMVETS Deputy National Legislative Director Christina Roof will be on hand for the hearing.

To read Kelley's submitted remarks, Click Here.

This afternoon's hearing will focus on seven specific bills being considered by the subcommittee ranging from expansion of Chapter 30 benefits to improving veterans' employment resources and protecting homes for veterans and surviving spouses.

In Kelley's prepared testimony, AMVETS voiced its opposition to the proposed Chapter 30 G.I. Bill changes, H.R. 114, that would allow veterans to use the money toward the start-up costs of a small business. AMVETS believes that the change would set a bad precedent for all veterans' education benefits and redefine the role VA plays in distributing education funding.

AMVETS voiced its support for the other bills under discussion in the hearing, including H.R. 3685, which would establish a specific "Employment" menu for veterans on VA.gov simplifying access to VA's employment resources; H.R. 4635, which mandates mediation for veterans facing home foreclosure; H.R. 4664, which protects surviving spouses' military housing for one year after the combat death of their loved one, and H.R. 5360, which changes VA's strict definition of blindness to fall in line with the federal definition of legal blindness.

American Veteran will continue to follow developments out of the subcommittee, should these bills proceed in the House. Check back regularly for updates.

Spring Issue of American Veteran Now Online

The latest issue of American Veteran magazine is now available online, featuring Sen. Al Franken, HBO's "The Pacific," the landmark veterans' caregiver bill, post highlights and more! To read the spring issue, Click Here.

For the first time, the online edition of American Veteran features an audio option, allowing visually-impaired veterans to enjoy the magazine from cover to cover.

(Image: Cover art for the spring issue courtesy of Owen Franken.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will remember D-Day, June 6, 1944, when allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in an effort to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression in WWII.

We will also highlight the AMVETS Riders national project, Camp Hope, and the recent visit by AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National President Patty Piening to the AMVETS Department of Maine.

On Thursday, AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley will also testify before the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on pending veterans' legislation. A live video link will be available on this blog the morning of the hearing.

American Veteran will also follow this week's House hearing when VA's Office of the Inspector General will testify on VA's problem-solving ability. AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof has been working closely with OIG on several critical issues, including the implementation of the VA's Uniform Mental Health Service Handbook and the continued implementation of new veterans' assistance dog policies.

We will also highlight the recent Congressional letter, orchestrated by Roof, which was sent to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, calling for an update on the VA's assessment of service dog benefits for today's wounded veterans. Roof secured 14 signatures from leaders on veterans' issues.

As always, please submit your story ideas and photos for American Veteran Online and the print edition of American Veteran magazine, and please let us know how we're doing.

Symposium Update: July 9th Deadline for Participants

This week AMVETS leaders continue to prepare for this summer's AMVETS 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans, taking place prior to the 66th annual AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, August 9-11, 2010. To register or to learn more about the symposium, Click Here.

AMVETS continues to confirm subject matter experts to lead discussions as part of the symposium and sign on key sponsors, and AMVETS National Headquarters continues to receive participant registrations for the three-day event.

To date, AMVETS Department of Ohio and Indiana AMVETS Post No. 99 lead the way in identifying participants, and AMVETS leaders encourage posts and departments to submit their registrations in early to ensure space, as AMVETS plans to host 100 veterans representing a broad spectrum of today's veterans community for this year's symposium.

Many AMVETS departments have chosen to wait until after the conclusion of state conventions to identify participants. With this in mind, AMVETS National Headquarters asks that all participants be identified and registered no later than Friday, July 9, 2010.

All participants' information should be submitted directly to AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley at rkelley@amvets.org.

AMVETS is hosting the 2010 symposium as a follow-up to the 2006 National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans, which helped to identify hundreds of shortfalls in meeting the needs of the newest generation of American veterans.

Many problems identified in 2006 have been remedied as a result of the symposium, however, new issues have arisen and many problems persist. With this in mind, AMVETS leaders decided to hold a follow-up to ensure continued progress.

American Veteran will keep you posted as we move closer to the symposium. We will also be on hand to cover the event in August. Check back regularly for updates.

(Images: Top: Official logo for the 2010 AMVETS Symposium for 21st Century Veterans. Bottom: Veterans register for the 2006 National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans in Chicago.)

New Issue of American Veteran Magazine Available Now

The latest issue of American Veteran magazine has shipped to subscribers around the country and will be available online this week.

In this spring's Outside the Wire, we sat down with comedian and Minnesota junior Senator Al Franken. Franken, who has visited troops serving in harm's way nearly every year since 1999 was elected to the Senate in 2008. After being seated, his first piece of legislation centered on caring for today's veterans and he continues to be a critical voice on issues affecting America's heroes.

This spring we also highlight the recent HBO miniseries "The Pacific," which chronicled the experiences of the Marines who served in the Pacific theatre of WWII. The miniseries, produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, follows a similar format as the 2001 "Band of Brothers" miniseries and is the latest Hanks/Spielberg collaboration to preserve the storied history of America's Greatest Generation.

In this issue we also discuss new Pentagon programs designed to help veterans reintegrate from combat life. In light of daunting suicide and unemployment statistics among today's veterans, AMVETS made reintegration one of its top legislative priorities for 2010, and American Veteran was able to speak with military leaders tasked to assist today's veterans in the transition--specifically Army's Yellow Ribbon Program and the post-deployment health reassessment, or PDHRA.

AMVETS National Legislative Director also discusses the upcoming AMVETS Symposium for 21st Century Veterans, and we hear from Denise Anderson, the Gold Star mother of Army Spc. Corey Shea, who was killed in Iraq in 2008. Anderson is calling on VA to allow her to be buried with her son.

Finally, we also discuss the recent signing of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Service Act, which offers unprecedented benefits to family caregivers for today's wounded warriors and establishes new programs for underserved veteran communities. We also discuss the goings-on at AMVETS posts and departments around the country, including the Gold Star license plates and Spirit of '45 campaigns in California.

Be on the look-out for the latest issue of American Veteran magazine in your mailboxes today, and, as always, let us know what you think.

(Photos: Top: Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) pets Tuesday, AMVETS member Luis Montalvan's service dog during a meeting on Capitol Hill with AMVETS to discuss veterans' service dog legislation. Photo by Ryan Gallucci. Middle: Tom Hanks addresses hundreds of Pacific Campaign veterans at the National WWII Memorial during a recent Honor Flight visit hosted by HBO in honor of the Hanks/Spielberg miniseries "The Pacific." Photo by Ryan Gallucci. Bottom: President Barack Obama signs the veterans' caregiver bill at the White House, while AMVETS Executive Director Jim King and other leading veterans' advocates look on. Photo courtesy of the White House.)

AMVETS Pays Respects to Fallen Heroes at Arlington; Around Washington

On Memorial Day, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National President Patty Piening joined Vice President Joe Biden, the nation's military brass, and leading veterans' advocates at Arlington National Cemetery to honor America's fallen heroes.

Miskulin and Piening hosted four wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the AMVETS' box for the day's program.

Miskulin and Piening also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and accompanied their guests on a visit to Arlington's Section 60, where the fallen heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan are laid to rest.

Throughout the day, AMVETS participated in a variety of events around the nation's capitol ranging from the culmination of the annual Run for the Wall motorcycle ride to the national Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol.

AMVETS Riders had participated in the Run for the Wall over the ten days leading up to Memorial Day, starting in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and following two routes across the United States.

AMVETS Deputy National Legislative Director Christina Roof joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), her staff, veterans, and other top veterans' advocates on the Speaker's balcony for the Memorial Day concert.

At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, AMVETS leaders also joined in the National Moment of Remembrance--the national moment of silence commissioned by Congress to demonstrate national solidarity and honor the sacrifices of America's fallen war heroes.

(Photos: Top: Cmdr. Miskulin and President Piening lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Photo by Jay Agg. Middle Top: AMVETS hosted four wounded warriors from Walter Reed in the AMVETS box at Arlington National Cemetery. L-R: Cmdr. Miskulin, Spc. Cunningham, Staff Sgt. Waugaman, Staff Sgt. Hockaday, Sgt. 1st Class Huey, and President Piening. Photo by Jay Agg. Middle Bottom: Riders participating in the national Run for the Wall cross Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. Photo by Toni Roof. Bottom: The crowd gathers at the U.S. Capitol for the National Memorial Day Concert. Photo by Christina Roof.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran we will recap AMVETS' participation in this weekend's Memorial Day activities in the nation's capitol and around the country.

AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National President Patty Piening took part in the national memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

AMVETS posts and departments around the country also participated in a variety of events, which we will highlight.

We will also post some photos from the annual Run for the Wall event, which rolled into Washington, D.C., over the weekend with the support of AMVETS Riders.

We will also post photos from recent events, including the launch of the AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops and the recent Camp Hope open house, as promised in previous weeks.

Congress is on a break for the Memorial Day holiday this week, allowing for the AMVETS National Legislative Department to focus on the upcoming AMVETS Symposium for 21st Century Veterans, taking place prior to this summer's AMVETS National Convention in Louisville. American Veteran will bring you an update on the symposium this week.

We will also highlight the spring edition of American Veteran magazine, which shipped last week.

As always, we're eager to hear what you think, and if you have a Memorial Day story you would like to submit for consideration on the blog or in the print edition of American Veteran magazine, please send them my way, rgallucci@amvets.org.

AMVETS to Join in National Moment of Remembrance

This Memorial Day at 3 p.m., AMVETS leaders will once again join the White House Commission on Remembrance in the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance is a one-minute moment of silence commissioned by Congress where Americans pause for a moment of unity to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen military heroes.

AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin encourages all Americans to take a moment at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to demonstrate their solidarity by joining in.

AMVETS has been a supporter of the National Moment of Remembrance since its inception and offered logistical support to Old Glory's Journey of Remembrance in 2008.

The Journey of Remembrance was a six-month tour of the United States, where the American flag flown over Pearl Harbor was flown at national historic sites from coast to coast, leading up the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day.

To learn more about the National Moment of Remembrance and the White House Commission on Remembrance, Click Here.

AMVETS to Join in Memorial Day Honors from Coast to Coast

On Memorial Day, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin will join in ceremonies honoring America's fallen heroes across the nation's capitol, including the national wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

AMVETS will also host four wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the day's events in Washington, D.C.

AMVETS Riders from around the country will also converge on the nation's capitol for the annual Run for the Wall, honoring America's prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. American Veteran is accompanying the riders on the final leg of their journey from Norfalk, Va., to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

AMVETS posts and departments around the country will also play host to special events for Memorial Day, honoring the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. These events range from parades to memorial services, speeches and barbecues for veterans and their loved ones.

Memorial Day is one of the most significant holidays to AMVETS, honoring America's fallen heroes. To read AMVETS' official statement for Memorial Day 2010, Click Here.

Next week, American Veteran will bring highlights of AMVETS' Memorial Day commemorations, and we encourage all AMVETS posts and departments to share your Memorial Day photos and stories with us for American Veteran Online and the summer print edition of American Veteran magazine.

AMVETS Calls on Congress to Divert Wasteful Defense Spending to Help Ground Troops

This week, AMVETS submitted letters to Congress, calling on legislators to once-and-for-all put an end to the wasteful alternate engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Over the years, both the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration have called on Congress to pull funding form the program with the support of the nation's top military minds saying that the alternate engine was unnecessary.

This year, legislators have introduced an amendment to strip the program of its funding, diverting much of the funds to the National Guard & Reserve Equipment Account, which has faced persistent shortfalls throughout the Global War on Terrorism.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley has sent letters of support for the amendment to legislators playing a key role in the process, such as amendment cosponsor Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.).

AMVETS leaders from the Department of Pennsylvania have also become involved with the issue, calling on Congressmen Chris Carney and Patrick Murphy, two veterans of the current conflicts, to support dissolving the program. AMVETS leaders have also submitted "letters to the editor" calling for an end to the program.

AMVETS posts and departments interested in becoming involved with the issue should contact AMVETS National Legislative Department for more information.

For updates on this issue and the upcoming vote in the House, check back regularly with American Veteran.

(Image: Letter to Congressman Larson voicing AMVETS' support to diverting funds from the F-35 alternate engine to finance equipment for reserve troops.)

Live from Capitol Hill: House VA Committee Discusses Vets' Unemployment

This morning, the House Veterans Affairs Committee will host a roundtable discussion on veterans' unemployment. AMVETS leaders will follow the morning's discussion closely.

To view a list of participants in the roundtable, Click Here.

AMVETS has made veterans' reintegration and employment a top legislative priority for 2010, and recent trends point to daunting unemployment statistics among young Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans.

Today, AMVETS Deputy National Legislative Director Christina Roof sits on the advisory board for the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment Initiative, seeking to place veterans in more federal government jobs.

American Veteran has been following the veterans' unemployment situation very closely. Check back regularly for updates.

AMVETS National Commander Visits Walter Reed

This morning, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National President Patty Piening visited with wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

During rare downtime between his visits to AMVETS posts and departments around the country, Miskulin and Piening managed to schedule visits with troops and a tour of the Army's state-of-the-art prosthetics ward.

AMVETS leaders and AMVETS service officers routinely visit with troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital, speaking with troops about their entitlements through VA once they separate from service.

AMVETS service officers are also stationed at VA regional offices around the country, offering similar claims assistance, free of charge to all honorably discharged veterans. To learn more, Click Here.

(Photos: Top: L-R, President Piening, Cmdr. Miskulin, and AMVETS National Service Director Denny Boller speak with Walter Reed Executive Services Directorate Ambassador Alberta Barren during this morning's visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Bottom: Prosthetic devises line a wall of the state-of-the-art prosthetics ward at Walter Reed. Photos by Jay Agg.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran we will follow this week's House Veterans Affairs Committee roundtable on veterans' unemployment.

This week, AMVETS leaders are hammering out details for the upcoming Symposium for 21st Century Veterans. AMVETS posts and departments interested in sending participants to this year's symposium are encouraged to send participants' names to AMVETS Legislative Director Ray Kelley as soon as possible.

We will also post photos from the recent launch of the AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops in Elkins Park, Pa., and the recent open house at Camp Hope in Missouri.

The spring issue of American Veteran magazine will also ship this week, and we will feature a run-down of this spring's magazine.

As always, we're eager to hear from our readers. Feel free to comment on all our stories and please send photos and stories of your own for us to post on the blog, or in the summer issue of American Veteran magazine.

Boccieri Service Flag Bill Passes House

Congressman John Boccieri (D-Ohio), a veteran of the war in Iraq and life member of AMVETS Post No. 44 in Youngstown, Ohio, today announced the House passage of legislation he introduced to prevent restrictions on the display of Service flags. H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009 ensures the rights of individuals to display a Service flag on residential property without limitation. H.R. 2546 has more than 50 bipartisan cosponsors, including 22 Republicans.

“The Service flag is a symbol of respect for our military members who put their lives on the line only because their country asked them to,” said Boccieri. “As a veteran, I am proud to champion this important measure for military families, giving them the right to honor their soldiers’ sacrifices, no matter where they live.”

The Service flag, sometimes referred to as either the Blue Star or Gold Star flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families of members serving in the armed forces during a period of war. Each blue star on the flag represents a service member in active duty, while a gold star signifies a service member killed in action or who died in service.

Boccieri’s bill is similar to the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 which prohibits a condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association from preventing residents from displaying the American flag on or around their homes. Boccieri’s bill extends these same privileges to the Service flags.

According to regulations established by the Secretary of Defense, organizations can fly the Service flag as long as it honors the members of that organization serving during a period of war. The Ohio House of Representatives displayed a Service flag for then-State Representative Boccieri and State Senator Steve Stivers while they deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2004-2005.

AMVETS, which was a vocal supporter of the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, also supports Boccieri's bill, allowing Blue Star and Gold Star families to display their flags without recourse from housing associations or other groups.

"It's ridiculous for these associations to attempt to prohibit proud military families--particularly Gold Star families--from demonstrating support to their loved ones and honoring their sacrifices," said AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley. "AMVETS hopes that this bill moves through the legislative process quickly, so we can protect the rights of our military families, putting an end to this petty squabble once and for all."

Now, Boccieri's bill will head to the Senate for consideration. American Veteran will follow developments closely. Check back regularly for updates.

(Video: Congressman John Boccieri delivers remarks on the House floor on why the passage of the service flag protection act is important to him. Video courtesy of the Office of Congressman John Boccieri.)

Live from Capitol Hill: House VA Subcommittees to Hear Testimony on Sexual Trauma

This morning, the House Veterans Affairs subcommittees on Health and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a special joint hearing on evaluating military sexual trauma issues. To view video from this morning's hearing at 10 a.m., Click Here.

AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof submitted testimony for the record and she was on hand for the morning's hearing. To read Roof's written statement, Click Here.

Military sexual trauma, or MST, though not gender exclusive, predominantly affects today's female veterans.

Roof's remarks centered on current shortfalls withing the Veterans Health Administration, or VHA, confusion on definitions between DoD and VA, and potential solutions to help today's veterans exposed to MST receive proper care through VHA.

(Image: Witnesses testify at this morning's House VA hearing on military sexual trauma. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran we will recap Friday's roll-out of the new AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops, where Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) joined AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin and AMVETS' new partners from Freedom & Honor to introduce the new transitional tool.

We will also follow AMVETS to Capitol Hill, where AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof will testify before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on military sexual trauma. The committee will also host hearings on information security within VA and the VA home loan program, which American Veteran will follow.

This week, we will also finally post on Camp Hope's recent open house and we will highlight the upcoming issue of American Veteran magazine, which should be arriving in your mailboxes next week.

American Veteran will also continue to follow developments within the military and veterans' communities, keeping up to date on issues such as the purported medal for combat restraint and the possible new Georgia law, allowing veterans to annotate "PTSD" on drivers' licenses.

As always, we're eager to hear from posts and departments around the country, so please send photos and stories, and please feel free to leave your comments.

Highlights from Speaker Pelosi's Roundable on Vets' Issues

Yesterday, AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof joined House leadership and the nation's top veterans' advocates for a roundtable discussion on veterans' issues.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hosted the roundtable, which brought many majority members of the House to the table to hear from the nation's leading veterans' advocates.

The afternoon's discussion centered around the VA claims backlog (AMVETS' top legislative priority for 2010), Post-9/11 G.I. Bill updates, and veterans' unemployment.

Veterans' groups were given the opportunity to candidly discuss each of the issues, receiving critical feedback on potential next steps from Congressional leaders.

Joe Violante from the Independent Budget partner DAV laid out three potential ideas to help alleviate the claims backlog.

Among the afternoon's attendees were Congressional Silver Helmet Award recipients, Reps. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) and Tim Walz (D-Minn), House Armed Service Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.).

Each of AMVETS' other partners on the Independent Budget--Paralyzed Veterans of America and VFW--also participated in the discussion, which included other noteworthy groups such as the American Legion, IAVA, Wounded Warrior Project, and Gold Star Wives.

(Image: AMVETS' Christina Roof participates in yesterday's roundtable on veterans' issues, hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

San Diego Padres Kick Off 2010 Campaign Honoring America's Military

In April the San Diego Padres kicked off their 2010 season at Petco Park in San Diego. Keeping with tradition as the "Team of the Military," Padres Director of Military Outreach and retired Navy Capt. Jack Ensch hosted the team's annual Military Opening Night on Wednesday, April 14.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Tom Conant, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing threw out the ceremonial first pitch and the Padres recognized 20 military award recipients from San Diego-area commands on the field.

Local military children Jacob and Jeremiah Bruce called "play ball," accompanied by their mother, Aleah, only to be treated to a surprise message from their deployed father, Navy Chief Todd Bruce broadcast on the stadium's big screen.

Northrop-Grumman provided more than 5,000 tickets to the game for San Diego military men and women and their families, and the Padres hosted wounded warriors from nearby Balboa Naval Hospital.

The Padres also unveiled their new military logo, which will be featured on all Padres military outreach materials and new souvenirs throughout the 2010 season.

Throughout the 2010 season the Pacdres will offer discounted tickets to members of the military, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and dependents with valid DoD ID cards. The will also introduce the Padres Veterans' Appreciation Card, or PVAC, offering benefits and discounts to non-career veterans.

For more information on the Padres' military programs, Click Here.

(Images: Top: Naval Base San Diego's 50-state Flag Team lines the outfield of Petco Park, as the Edwards Air Force Base Honor Guard presents the colors on Military Opening Night. Photo by Shana Siler. Middle Left: Maj. Gen. Tom Conant waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Photo by Chris Handy. Middle Right: Jacob, Jeremiah, and Aleah Bruce look up at the stadium's big screen for the special greeting from Navy Chief Todd Bruce, who is serving overseas. Photos by Shana Siler. Bottom: San Diego Padres' military logo for 2010, based on the U.S. military aircraft roundel. All photos courtesy of the San Diego Padres.)

Live from Capitol Hill: AMVETS to Join Speaker Pelosi for Vets' Roundtable

This afternoon, AMVETS will join House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other top veterans' advocates for a roundtable discussion on veterans' issues.

During the roundtable, AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof plans to address VA's inspector general report on the implementation of uniform mental health policies within the VA health care system.

Roof and AMVETS have been calling for a report on implementation since August and the latest IG report pointed toward continued deficiencies within VHA.

American Veteran will bring you photos and highlights from the discussion. Check back later for updates.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will follow AMVETS' leaders around Washington discussing critical veterans' issues ranging from the VA claims backlog to VA's implementation of the uniform mental health services handbook.

On Friday, American Veteran will be on hand at Elkins Manor in Elkins Park, Pa., where AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin will unveil the new AMVETS Warrior Transition Workshops alongside partner non-profit Freedom & Honor, Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), and 77th Reserve Support Command Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk.

The Elkins Park workshop will be the first in a series set to take place at locations from coast to coast. To learn more about the new program, Click Here.

Also, the latest issue of American Veteran magazine has gone off to the printer and should be arriving in your mailboxes shortly. Later this week, we will preview the spring issue.

With the new issue downrange, American Veteran Online can resume our regular publishing schedule, catching up on all the happenings within the veterans' community over the last few weeks, including the recent open house at Camp Hope and the San Diego Padres ongoing support to the veterans' community.

This week, Washington, D.C., will also play host to the fourth annual G.I. Film Festival and AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof will be on hand for the event.

Finally, it's military appreciation week and we will look to bring you highlights of AMVETS' military appreciation activities from around the country, as they come in.

As always, we're eager to hear what you think. Please feel free to share your veterans' news and comments with the editorial staff of American Veteran.

President to Sign Historic Veterans' Caregiver Bill

This afternoon, AMVETS National Executive Director Jim King will join President Barack Obama and the nation's other leading veterans' organizations at the White House for the signing of the historic Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

The landmark bill, for which AMVETS has advocated for more than a year, establishes a new program for VA which will finally offer training, living stipends and respite care for veterans' family members tasked with caring for their wounded loved one.

The bill also includes new provisions providing improved care for women veterans and rural/remote veterans--two of AMVETS' top legislative priorities for 2010.

Though the bill represents a compromise between the House and Senate, only offering caregiver assistance for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans, AMVETS leaders see the bill as a critical first step in ensuring comparable care for all generations of veterans.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley said AMVETS will continue to push for equity in the new benefit, but that the current caregiver plan represents a significant step in improving the quality and effectiveness of care that VA offers to today's wounded warriors.

As always, please let us know what you think of today's historic signing and the continued fight to improve care for America's veterans.

(Video: President Barack Obama signs the landmark veterans' caregiver bill at the White House. Official White House video, released.)

Live from Capitol Hill: Senate Listens to Testimony on TBI

This morning, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs listened to testimony on traumatic brain injury and the effects on today's service members.

The committee heard testimony for experts on the invisible wounds of war from top research institutions, alongside Karen Bohlinger, the mother of TBI sufferer, and Jonathan Barr, a Marine who was medically retired for TBI in 2009.

To view video from the hearing, a list of this morning's witnesses and prepared remarks, Click Here.

AMVETS has paid close attention to the invisible wounds of war, like TBI, and continues to advocate for improved screening and treatment for today's wounded veterans.

American Veteran will follow developments on this issue closely. Check back regularly for updates.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will be wrapping up the spring print edition of American Veteran magazine. In the meantime, blog posts may continue to lag behind. We're still planning to bring you highlights of the AMVETS Riders' recent visit to Camp Hope for the wounded warrior retreat's open house. We will also highlight the San Diego Padres' 2010 military-support programs.

This week, AMVETS legislative team will also be out in force on Capitol Hill. AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof continues to gather Congressional signatures in support of veterans' assistance dogs. Roof will also submit for the record this week on several key veterans' issues. This week, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs plans to tackle the health effects of the Vietnam War, VA's Vocational Rehab program, and Veterans Benefits Administration's work-credit program on claims-processing.

To view this week's hearings in the House, Click Here.

This week, the Senate will also discuss the invisible wounds of war--particularly traumatic brain injury--which AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin has made a top priority for 2010.

American Veteran will be following each of this week's key hearings closely. Check back regularly for updates.

Thank you to everyone who submitted content for the spring edition. If you have something you would like us to include in the summer issue of American Veteran magazine, it's never too early to start sending it in.