Sen. Coburn Lifts Hold; Senate Passes Monumental Veterans' Caregiver Bill

For the last few weeks, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) had a hold on the Senate version of a bill (S. 1963) that would establish monthly living stipends, travel reimbursement, and health care benefits for family caregivers of severely disabled veterans. Yesterday, Coburn lifted his hold and tonight the Senate passed the bipartisan bill 98-0.

Coburn put a hold on the bill after the Congressional Budget Office determined that it could cost up to $4 billion over the next four years to implement the new programs without an offset in other government spending.

AMVETS testified in support of the companion family caregiver bill in the House, calling it a critical step in caring for today's war-fighters.

Though AMVETS leaders were happy to see Coburn lift his hold, AMVETS still disagrees with the CBO assessment that the family caregiver plan represented a completely "new" cost of war.

"CBO looked at the family caregiver program as if no other program existed to care for our severely injured veterans," said AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley. "However, the family caregiver plan is an innovative and more efficient way to offer the kind of care already available through VA. Over time, the family caregiver plan should only open up more resources to veterans and their families."

In addition to the family caregiver plan, the bill includes increased funding for veterans' health care facilities, improved care for female veterans, and expanded programs for rural and remote veterans.

As as cost-controlling measure, the Senate version of the family caregiver plan limits the program to OIF/OEF-era veterans.

Versions of the landmark bill have now passed in both the House and the Senate. Now the bills will go to committee before Congress votes on a final version. Check back with American Veteran Online for updates, as we inch closer to a groundbreaking family caregiver plan for today's veterans.

(Photo: Stock image of the U.S. Capitol from spring 2009 by Ryan Gallucci.)

Fall Issue of American Veteran Magazine Available Now

The fall issue of American Veteran is now available and should be in your mailbox this week. To preview the issue online, Click Here.

For this issue, we sat down with Marine Corps veteran and world-renowned chef John Besh at his flagship restaurant August in New Orleans. Besh shared his inspiring story of military service and the way his vast Marine Corps network has helped him succeed in a cut-throat culinary world.

In this month's "Off the Shelf," we discuss Craig Mullaney's The Unforgiving Minute, which chronicles Mullaney's lessons-learned throughout his unorthodox and inspiring military career.

We also welcome new AMVETS national spokesman and inspirational wounded paratrooper Dana Bowman and discuss the AMVETS Riders first national program to support the Camp Hope wounded warriors retreat in Missouri.

This issue also features updates on two critical issues to AMVETS and the veterans' community: sufficient, timely and predictable funding for the VA and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. We discuss the historic signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 and how it will effect VA funding down the road, and we take a look at the VA's implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and AMVETS' role in helping veterans receive timely compensation amid unforeseen payment delays.

In this fall's Keeping Posted, we highlight AMVETS' work from the departments of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana and Wisconsin.

We've already started compiling material for the winter issue, so please send your submissions to the National Communications Department as soon as possible, and, as always, please let us know what you think.

To send a letter to the editor, you can either send your comments to the attention of the Communications Director at AMVETS National Headquarters, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, Md. 20706, or simple comment on this blog with the name you wish to appear.

(Photos: Top: Chef John Besh discusses his military experiences at his award-winning August restaurant in New Orleans. Photo by Jay Agg. Middle: Dana Bowman shares his inspirational story with AMVETS at this summer's national convention. Photo by Ryan Gallucci. Bottom: President Obama signs VA advance appropriations into law at the White House this fall. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

UPDATE: Senate Passes VA Budget

This afternoon, the Senate passed the FY2010 Military Construction and VA budget by a vote of 100-0. AMVETS leaders have been calling on Congress to work out the details in the VA budget for weeks, since the Oct. 1 due date lapsed.

"This marks the 20th time in the last 23 years that the VA budget has been delivered late, further reinforcing why the recent signing of advance appropriations for VA health care was so critical," said AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley. "Now, even when politics stalls the process, our veterans' care will not suffer at the same time."

Last month, President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 into law, authorizing Congress to finance VA health care one year in advance. The FY2010 VA budget will be the first to contain advance appropriations for the following fiscal year.

The Senate version of the VA/MilCon budget includes $133.9 billion to fund VA. With the addition of Senate amendments, the budget will now go to conference before Congress votes on a final version to send to the President. Check back with American Veteran Online for updates on this year's VA budget process.

(Photo: Stock image of the U.S. Capitol Building from Nov. 2009 by Ryan Gallucci.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will highlight AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin's recent visit to the Far East. On the recent visit, alongside AMVETS Ladies' Auxiliary National President Patty Piening, Miskulin visited with American troops stationed in South Korea, allied leaders in South Korea and the Republic of China (Taiwan), and visited the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.

We will also discuss the recent AMVETS Americanism Program visit to the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, where 92 high school students from across the country came together to learn about American history, American government, and to visit historic landmarks in the original nation's capitol, Philadelphia.

American Veteran will also continue to follow developments on Capitol Hill, including Wednesday's hearing in the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs concerning veterans' employment. We will also keep you up to date on critical pending legislation, such as the VA budget for FY2010 and the Veterans' Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act, which is currently stalled in the Senate.

In recent weeks, AMVETS leaders have taken up the cause of Stolen Valor, which has become much more prevalent in the current conflicts. More and more reports have come into AMVETS National Headquarters in the last few months documenting incidents where people pose as decorated combat veterans in an effort to curry special treatment. AMVETS takes these accusations very seriously, considering the negative affects Stolen Valor can have on the legitimate veterans' community, which has earned reverence in our society through tremendous sacrifices.

In 2005, AMVETS supported strengthening the Stolen Valor Act beyond the Medal of Honor, meaning those who wear other unauthorized military decorations or otherwise pose as veterans for personal gain can be charged with a federal crime. American Veteran is following each of these incidents very closely--some of which have garnered national media attention--and we will keep you posted in the coming days.

As always, we're eager to hear from you and if you have a story you would like us to highlight on the blog, just let us know.

Veterans Day 2009: AMVETS Family joins President; Vice President for Special Events Around Nation's Capitol

On Veterans Day 2009, AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin joined President Barack Obama, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and leaders from the nation's other leading VSOs for a special breakfast in the East Room at the White House , followed by a memorial ceremony and a somber wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery.

That afternoon, AMVETS legislative and communications staff joined Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden for a veterans' luncheon at the Vice President's residence. Biden delivered a heart-felt speech acknowledging the sacrifices of not only America's military men and women, but also the parents, spouses, children and other loved ones who have stood by their service members throughout American history.

Biden recalled meeting a WWII veteran in Europe while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landing. Biden said that when he thanked the man for his service, the man took his wife's hand and told then-Senator Biden that it was in fact his wife who made it all possible.

Biden went on to say that the only solemn obligation of our federal government is caring for the veterans who have fought in defense of our nation and that he was honored to be in a position to ensure that our nation upholds its obligation.

AMVETS leaders were on hand for other events around the nation's capitol for Veterans Day. American Veteran is in the process of collecting additional photos and details of the day's events. Check back on Monday for additional updates.

If your post or department would like to share its Veterans Day photos and stories, please let us know. American Veteran is eager to tell the story of AMVETS who commemorated the holiday nationwide.

(Photo: Vice President Joe Biden thanks veterans assembled at the Vice President's home for their service on Veterans Day. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

Executive Order Authorizes Expanded Initiative for Veterans' Federal Employment

The night before Veterans Day, President Obama signed an executive order authorizing an expanded program for veterans seeking federal employment. Leaders from the departments of Labor, Veterans Affairs, Defense and Homeland Security explained the new Federal Government Veterans Employment Initiative and how departments across the federal government will work to ensure more veterans are hired for civil service jobs.

AMVETS and the nation's other leading veterans' service organizations were on hand to hear details on the new program after calling for improved outreach efforts to unemployed and transitioning veterans in the wake of staggering unemployment figures among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Scott Gould explained that veterans already possess many of the skills that civil service employees need to succeed.

The new federal government initiative will expand beyond the traditional five and 10 point advantages in resume consideration to help match veterans' skill sets with civil service positions.

The Office of Personnel Management will use current veterans' employment figures across the federal government as a baseline from which to measure success, and OPM Director John Berry assured the assembled veterans' advocates and media that the program will succeed, considering the level of accountability and commitment directly from the White House.

(Photo: Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Scott Gould explains VA's role in the Federal Government Veterans Employment Initiative. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

VA Launches New Web Site

On Veterans Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs introduced its new Web site design for www.VA.gov.

The new layout, which is just one part of VA's efforts to improve communication with the veterans' community, is designed to be more visually appealing and user friendly.

The new Web site contains the same tabs with the same information to help veterans navigate the VA system, but the layout has been changed to more prominently display timely information, such as news and veterans' health alerts.

As VA overhauls more than 500 Web sites and 80,000 unique Web pages, department leaders have asked for patience, in the event that minor glitches occur during this week's changeover.

(Image: Screengrab of the new official VA Web site.)

President, Top Military and VA Leaders Honor the Fallen at Fort Hood

President Barack Obama, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey joined hundreds of soldiers, military families, first-responders, and survivors at the Army III Corps Headquarters at Fort Hood for a somber remembrance ceremony in honor of the 12 soldiers and one civilian who were killed last Thursday in the brutal rampage at Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Processing center.

Thirty-eight other soldiers were wounded in the cowardly act perpetrated by another American soldier.

"It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy, but this much we do know: No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor," said Obama in his remarks, "and for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice in this world, and the next."

Below is video of the Fort Hood memorial service in its entirety posted on the official White House blog:



Following today's somber ceremony, military leaders met with families of the fallen and soldiers who survived the brutal attack. Defenselink, the official Pentagon Web site, features in-depth multimedia coverage of the tragedy, including a tribute to the victims. To view the Pentagon's site, Click Here.

AMVETS leaders ask that this Veterans Day, Americans remember the 13 Americans who lost their lives in this cowardly act:

Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, Havre de Grace, Md.
Maj. Libardo Caraveo, Woodbridge, Va.
Capt. John P. Gaffaney, San Diego, Calif.
Capt. Russell Seager, Racine, Wis.
Staff Sgt. Justin Decrow, Plymouth, Ind.
Sgt. Amy Krueger, Kiel, Wis.
Spc. Jason Hunt, Tillman, Okla.
Spc. Frederick Greene, Mountain City, Tenn.
Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, West Jordan, Utah
Pfc. Michael Pearson, Bolingbrook, Ill.
Pfc. Kham Xiong, St. Paul, Minn.
Pvt. Francheska Velez, Chicago, Ill.
Michael G. Cahill, Cameron, Texas

American Veteran will continue to follow this story. Check back regularly for updates.

(Photos: Top: President Obama speaks at today's Fort Hood memorial service honoring the victims of the Nov. 5 shooting rampage. DoD photo by Cherie Chullen, released. Bottom: Adm. Mullen with Army 2nd Lt. Brandy Mason, who was shot in the hip during the horrific rampage that left 13 dead and 38 wounded. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, Released. Video: Tuesday's memorial service in honor of the Fort Hood victims from the official White House blog.)

AMG Medical, Sams Club, Top Medical Supply Companies Offer Free Canes for Vets this Veterans Day

Starting on Veterans Day, AMG Medical Inc. will offer up to 25,000 free Hugo Folding Canes to veterans at Sam's Club stores around the country through the "Hugo Salutes Our Veterans" program. No membership to Sam's Club is necessary to take advantage of the offer and veterans who take advantage will actually receive a free one-day membership to Sam's Club. Canes will be available while supplies last.

The program was originally started in 2007 by AMG Medical to honor parents and relatives of AMG employees who served in the military. This year, the program expanded to the general public through the generosity of AMG Medical, Sam's Club, Procter and Gamble, Novartis, Wyeth, Johnson & Johnson, U.S. Nutrition, First Quality, and Schiff Nutrition.

Philip delBuey, global president of AMG Medical, said the Hugo program is one small way to say "thank you" to the veterans, keeping with AMG's mission to help people stay active.

To learn more about Hugo Salutes Our Veterans, visit www.HugoSalutes.com.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will be covering Veterans Day in depth. We will also highlight last week's homeless veterans summit, hosted by VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. At the summit, Shinseki outlined an ambitious plan to end homelessness among veterans, which has been met with cautious optimism around the veterans' community.

This morning, AMVETS launched its new veterans' health care information Web site, VeteransHealthCenter.org.

American Veteran encourages our readers to check out this new resource and, please, let us know what you think.

AMVETS will also officially publish its legislative agenda for FY2010 on Veterans Day. Check out www.AMVETS.org at noon on Veterans Day to read the document.

AMVETS will be on hand this week as Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden host members of the military and veterans for a Veterans Day luncheon.

AMVETS posts and departments around the country will also host their own Veterans Day events ranging from special dinners honoring local veterans, to parades and special visits to veterans at VA Medical Centers around the country.

American Veteran Online is eager to highlight these events, so if your post or department has photos or stories you would like to share, please let us know.

American Veteran will also be following developments on Capitol Hill with last week's passage of the health care reform bill in the House. AMVETS leaders still seek clarification on how the latest language will affect veterans who use VA health care and their loved ones.

Finally, American Veteran will continue to follow the developments out of Fort Hood, where 12 American soldiers and one civilian were brutally gunned down by a rogue soldier.

AMVETS National Executive Director Jim King said last week that the thoughts and prayers of AMVETS are with the victims of the brutal attack. On Friday, AMVETS National Headquarters held a moment of silence in memory of the fallen.

As details emerge, AMVETS leaders remain skeptical of the shooter's motives, but still will not jump to conclusions.

Check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates on these and other stories. And, as always, please let us know what you think.

Live from Capitol Hill: Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hosts Hearing on Burn Pits

AMVETS leaders are on Capitol Hill this morning for the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing on burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan and the health impact on American troops.

To view live video of this morning's hearing, Click Here.

AMVETS is concerned that the health effects associated with burn pit exposure could turn into the next Agent Orange debacle for today's veterans.

Today, the Pentagon and VA are aware of the risks associated with burn pits appearing all across the combat zone and VA plans to study the effects on veterans known to have been exposed.

However, AMVETS is concerned that hundreds of thousands of veterans may slip through the cracks since they may have deployed early on in the conflicts.

American Veteran will be following this hearing closely. Check back later today for updates.

BREAKING: Tragic Shooting at Fort Hood

This afternoon, reports came in from Ft. Hood that more than 40 soldiers had been shot in a brutal rampage on the U.S. Army's largest post. According to the Pentagon, twelve people were killed and 31 wounded.

Shortly before 5 p.m., Fort Hood Commanding General Army Lt. Gen. Bob Cone confirmed that the shooter was a soldier at the post who used a handgun to carry out the attacks. Shortly before 6 p.m., sources confirmed that the shooter was Army Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan, a military mental health doctor. Initially, the military reported that Hasan was killed, but late last night, Cone confirmed that he was alive and in custody.

Three other soldiers were apprehended in connection with the incident. Two of the three were cleared and released. One final person-of-interest remains in custody.

CNN reported that the shooting took place at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center where soldiers transit back and forth from the combat zone. Fort Hood was on lock-down while soldiers and local police from nearby Killeen, Texas, swept the post.

AMVETS National Executive Director Jim King says he was "shocked and saddened" by the report.

"An incident like this is just unheard of on a military post in our own country," said King. "As we continue to sort out the details, AMVETS' thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Our troops should feel safe on American soil. Americans must now rally around our brave men and women who wear the uniform in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy."

Most of the soldiers who were killed in the rampage were set to deploy overseas. AMVETS leaders will honor these fallen heroes with a moment of silence at AMVETS National Headquarters tomorrow morning.

AMVETS and American Veteran will continue to follow this story.

Live from Capitol Hill: AMVETS Joins House Speaker Pelosi and Other Top Military Advocates for Roundtable

This afternoon, AMVETS joined many of the nation's other top military and veterans' organizations for a roundtable discussion with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other Democratic Congressional leaders.

Among the topics of discussion were hot-button issues like Dependence and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offsets for military widows who also collect Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments, persistent implementation and inequity issues with the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, transition issues, and military mental health.

AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof took the opportunity to explain AMVETS' legislative agenda for FY2010, which will be available to the public on Veterans Day.

Some participants took the opportunity to voice their continued concerns over the Obama Administration's plans for Afghanistan and the potential impact on warfighters and military families .

Participants in the discussion also took the time to thank the Congressional panel for their proactive roles in recent significant victories for the military and veterans' communities such as the signing of VA advance appropriations for health care and the recent passage of a bill that will allow military spouses to keep their residency regardless of mandatory military moves. AMVETS was one of the few veterans' organizations to speak out in support of the military spouses residency bill.

Many significant Congressional leaders were on hand for the roundtable, including Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), VA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman and AMVETS Silver Helmet recipient Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas), Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), and chairman of the new military families caucus Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.).

Though the roundtable was largely ceremonial, it provided a critical opportunity for many organizations to voice their concerns directly to key decision-makers.

To read AMVETS' official statement from today's roundtable, Click Here.

(Photo: AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof looks on as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivers her opening remarks at this afternoon's roundtable. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

VA, DoD Wrap Up Successful Mental Health Summit

Last week, VA and DoD hosted the first joint summit to discuss military and veterans' mental health. AMVETS leaders were on hand alongside leaders from the nation's top military and veterans' organizations, health care practitioners, and other public interest groups to discuss an issue that affects veterans of all conflicts, past and present.

AMVETS Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof took part in the summit and viewed it as a critical first step in addressing a broad range of issues facing today's war fighters, but acknowledged that both VA and DoD have a long way to go on issues such as suicide-prevention and disclosure procedures.

"It was easy to understand all points of views on medical treatments and disclosure information to superiors," said Roof. "On one hand you want service members to feel comfortable reaching out for help and not worrying they will be deemed non-deployable or discharged, but on the other hand you could see the validity in DoD’s concerns about mentally unstable individuals not being ready for a combat zone, or posing a danger to themselves or others in their units."

During the week, summit participants heard from a variety of experts on the topic presenting a variety of potential solutions and candid commentary on the problems facing today's affected service members.

One of the most memorable presentations during the week came from IAVA Chief Legislative Counsel Patrick Campbell, who for the first time publicly shared his personal struggles with combat stress. Campbell acknowledged that it had taken him years since returning from Iraq to come to terms with many of his experiences, and he pulled no punches in criticizing VA and DoD processes for handling situations like his.

From the week's symposium, VA and DoD plan to compile a comprehensive report that will outline critical issues that remain within the military and veterans' communities and new ways to address these challenges in an effort to develop a public health model for mental health care throughout all communities.

This week, VA is hosting another summit outlining the department's plan to eliminate veterans' homelessness, which will once again touch on the topic of mental health and mental health care. American Veteran will be on hand tomorrow during the summit. Check back for updates.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will highlight last week's VA/DoD summit on mental health. The summit wrapped up late last week and AMVETS leaders were on hand to participate in the first-of-its-kind discussion.

We will also discuss DoD's retroactive stop-loss payments, which took effect Oct. 21. To date, reports show that more than 4,000 service members have sought to take advantage of the payments.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a round table discussion for military and veterans' organizations to discuss military retiree issues. AMVETS leaders will be on hand for the special meeting and American Veteran will offer coverage, as well.

Last week, VA announced it will hire a contractor to assist with Post-9/11 G.I. Bill claims processing. This week, American Veteran will discuss the announcement and how the new contractor will affect the claims process for student-veterans.

The next print issue of American Veteran is down range and should show up in mailboxes shortly, in addition to being available online.

With the fall issue closed, American Veteran is now looking for content from posts and departments nationwide for the winter issue. We're always eager to hear what's happening around the country, and, as always, we're eager to hear what you think on this blog.

VA, DoD Host Summit to Discuss Mental Health

Yesterday VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Defense Secretary Robert Gates opened the first-ever VA and Department of Defense summit on mental health at the Capitol Hilton in Washington. The summit brings together leaders across both departments, medical practitioners, and military and veterans' advocates, including AMVETS, to discuss mental health issues related to military service.

Since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the invisible wounds of war have become a major concern for the veterans' community. A recent RAND report shows that up to twenty percent of all service members who deployed in support of the conflicts have exhibited some symptom associated with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

Pentagon and VA have come together in an effort to better serve those affected by service-related mental health issues at the summit, which runs through Thursday.

In his opening remarks, Shinseki tasked the summit with three goals: Build on current levels of mental health care; maintain advances by promoting psychological health, resilience and prevention; and establish a mental health care model that leverages national resources beyond the military.

AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin has made military and veterans' mental health his top priority since taking office in September, making this summit critical to the work of AMVETS and its partners.

AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof was on hand for the first day's activities, listening to a variety of speakers who brought a wealth of expertise in the mental health field to the summit.

American Veteran will be following the summit closely over the next three days. Check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates.

(Photos: Top: VA Secretary Shinseki addresses the VA/DoD mental health summit at the Capitol Hilton. Hyperlink to official DoD story by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden. DoD photo by Cherie Cullen, released. Right: Defense Secretary Gates addresses the summit. Photo by Christina Roof.)

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will follow AMVETS National Headquarters staff at the first VA/DoD mental health summit, taking place this afternoon at the Capitol Hilton in Washington. The summit, hosted by VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, will be the first of its kind bringing together experts from various government agencies, the health care sector, and veterans' advocates such as AMVETS to discuss treatment models for service members, veterans and their families.

This week, we will also publish the latest issue of American Veteran magazine. We apologize for any delays, but we know you will enjoy the fall issue. As always, we're constantly looking for stories from posts and departments around the country. Though we're restricted in how many we can publish in our quarterly print issues, American Veteran is eager to publish more local stories on American Veteran Online.

Next, AMVETS leaders have started planning for the 2010 21st Century Veterans Symposium, which will take place at the AMVETS National Convention in Louisville. This symposium will be the follow-up to AMVETS' 2006 symposium on the needs of young veterans, bringing in veterans from across the country to discuss issues, potential solutions and to update the 2006 symposium report. More details will become available over the next few months.

Finally, American Veteran Online will continue to follow the FY2010 budget process for VA, which remains stalled in Congress. The VA budget has now been delivered late 20 out of the last 23 years. With last week's historic signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, authorizing advance appropriations, the veterans' community has shifted focus to ensuring that this year's budget passes quickly. The FY2010 budget will be the first to include advance funding for the following year's VA health care.

Check back throughout the week with American Veteran Online for updates.

AMVETS, Nation's Top VSOs at the White House for Historic Bill Signing

AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin looked on this afternoon alongside leaders from the nation's other top veterans' organizations, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, and Congressional leaders as President Barack Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 into law. To read AMVETS' official statement on today's signing, Click Here. Below are two more photos and official White House video from this afternoon.



(Video: Full video of the White House signing ceremony. Courtesy of the White House.)


(President Obama signs the bill into law as Congressional leaders look on. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

(Cmdr. Miskulin presents VA Secretary Shinseki with an AMVETS National Commander's pen following the signing ceremony. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

Cmdr. Miskulin also spoke with Stars & Stripes about the significance of advance appropriations legislation. To read the Stripes story, Click Here.

(Top photo: President Obama addresses guests and media assembled in the East Room at the White House for today's advance appropriations signing ceremony. AMVETS National Commander Miskulin, in the traditional gold cap, looks on along with other distinguished guests on the podium. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

AMVETS National Commander to Join President Obama for Advance Appropriations Signing

This afternoon AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin will be on hand at the White House, where President Obama plans to sign VA advance appropriations into law. Today's signing marks the culmination of 13 years of hard work by AMVETS through the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform.

Advance appropriations will finally allow Congress to provide sufficient, timely, and predictable funding for VA health care.

Check back with American Veteran Online throughout the afternoon for updates from the White House on this monumental occasion.

AMVETS National Commander Visits With Leaders on Capitol Hill

For the last two days, AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin has been meeting with leaders in the Senate and House committees on Veterans Affairs on Capitol Hill. Yesterday, Miskulin met with Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), hand-delivering a copy of AMVETS' 2010 legislative agenda to each senator.

Today, following a quick meeting with Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Indiana), Miskulin delivered remarks during a special memorandum signing in the Cannon House Office Building between VA and U.S. Paralympics, codifying a new partnership to assist wounded veterans in achieving their athletic aspirations.

Miskulin thanked VA and U.S. Paralympics for the new partnership, stressing the need for such a program to call attention to the positive rehabilitative tools available to our wounded troops.

U.S. Paralympian wounded warriors were on hand alongside VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, VA Assistant Secretary for Pubic and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Paralympic officials, members of Congress, and veterans' organizations including AMVETS.

Though today's meetings were cut short to participate in the announcement, Miskulin plans to once again meet with Buyer and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) in the coming weeks to discuss AMVETS' legislative agenda in greater detail.

Tomorrow afternoon, Miskulin will be at the White House where President Obama plans to sign advance appropriations for VA health care into law. For AMVETS and the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform, tomorrow's signing will mark the culmination of 13 years of work to overhaul the VA funding mechanism, assuing sufficient, timely and predictable funding for the VA.

Check back tomorrow afternoon with American Veteran Online for updates from the White House.

(Photo: AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin alongside Sen. Daniel Akaka during yesterday's visit to Capitol Hill, outlining AMVETS' legislative agenda for 2010. Photo courtesy of Sen. Akaka. Members of Congress, VA officials, and veterans' organization leaders, including Miskulin, stand for a photo with the signatories of the agreement, Norman Bellingham of U.S. Paralympics, Secretary Shinseki, and Paralympic veteran Scott Winkler. Photo by Emerson Sanders courtesy of VA.)

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Update: VA Contacting Veterans About Their Benefits

Yesterday, VA announced that it will be making phone calls to student-veterans who have applied for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) benefits throughout the week. The calls are designed to ensure that enrolled veterans understand the new benefits and that they are receiving their entitlements in a timely manner.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of our highest priorities,” said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. “Instead of making people wait to hear from us, we’re reaching out to veterans, so they can get the money they need to stay in school.”

VA will also be making follow-up calls to veterans who took advantage of the emergency advance payments to ensure that all checks have been processed and funds have been delivered.

VA representatives will not ask for veterans' personal information over the phone.

AMVETS leaders will continue to follow VA's implementation of the historic education benefit. Check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will continue to follow the progress of H.R. 1610, the bill authorizing advance appropriations for VA health care. Last week, the bill quickly passed the Senate and now waits for a signature from President Obama. Check back regularly for updates.

As the veterans' community waits for a signature on the landmark bill, Congress continues to hash out the VA's budget for FY2010, which was due before Oct. 1. This marks the 20th time in 23 years that Congress has failed to deliver the budget on time, further demonstrating the need for advance appropriations. AMVETS leaders will continue to push Congress to pass the budget quickly. Today, the VA is operating on continuing resolutions.

This week, American Veteran will also continue to follow implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and the delays student-veterans have been experiencing around the country. Last week, Keith Wilson, VBA director of education services, testified before Congress that the department may not be caught up on claims until some time in December, raising concerns for AMVETS that veterans may face additional hardships as a result, whether it is through enrollment issues or additional strains on personal finances.

Last week, AMVETS received word that despite the success of VA's emergency check program, tensions continue to mount among student-veterans who are starting to lose faith in the system. AMVETS will continue to reach out to the student-veterans' community to restore confidence in the new G.I. Bill, which offers unprecedented educational opportunities for student-veterans.

AMVETS leaders remain confident that the delays experienced this semester only represent initial implementation hiccups that will be sorted our in the short term.

Finally this week, American Veteran Online will also post additional Keeping Posted content from around the country, highlighting the work of AMVETS posts nationwide. If you have something you would like us to highlight on the blog, please let us know. And as always, check back regularly for updates.

Live from Capitol Hill: House Listens to Testimony of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

This afternoon, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will listen to testimony from VA's Director of Education Service Keith Wilson on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

To view video from the hearing, Click Here.

During his testimony, Wilson admitted that the VA may not have all claims sorted out by the end of the fall semester. Wilson also explained the issues with processing Chapter 33 claims and answered questions from the subcommittee on implementation issues and VA's potential remedies.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley, who watched the hearing, expressed concern over the situation, since VA's digital option for Chapter 33 claims processing will not be online for another year.

Kelley explained that due to the complexity of the benefit and the number of veterans expected to take advantage of the program, VA will likely face similar surges in claims each semester, prompting additional backlogs until the digital processing system can be implemented.

In the wake of a daunting backlog of initial benefits claims for Chapter 33, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki instituted an emergency payment program for veterans experiencing delays. AMVETS leaders have applauded the swift action of VA to implement the successful stop-gap.

To date, American Veteran Online has received dozens of comments from veterans who continue to experience delivery issues with the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Patrick Campbell, chief legislative counsel for IAVA who helped to draft the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, submitted testimony for the record on how his organization views the backlog and potential solutions.

Check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Senate Passes Advance Appropriations

Late last night, the Senate unanimously passed advance appropriations for VA health care by a voice vote. The measure, which was included in the House bill H.R. 1016, will allow Congress to pass a budget for VA health care one year in advance. The bill is expected to be signed by President Barack Obama shortly. Military Times reported on the bill's passage this morning.

AMVETS leaders called the Senate's passage a major victory for the veterans' community and the culmination of years of hard work. AMVETS has been pushing Congress to overhaul the VA funding mechanism for more than a decade as a member of the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform.

Stars & Stripes quoted AMVETS on the potential benefits on advance appropriations for the average veteran.

Now, only one step remains to making timely, predictable and sufficient VA funding a reality. Check back regularly with American Veteran Online for updates.

(Photo: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signs H.R. 1610 to send to President Obama while House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner and VA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards and leaders from the nation's top VSOs look on. Photo courtesy of Disabled American Veterans.)

Agent Orange Announcement a Long Time Coming for Vietnam Veterans

This morning, VA announced it is extending service-connected presumptions for Agent Orange exposure to cover Parkinson's Disease, ischemic heart disease, B cell leukemias, and hairy cell leukemia. VA's announcement is available on the AMVETS National Web site.

AMVETS, which represents thousands of Vietnam veterans around the country, still views the Agent Orange debacle as a major blemish for the VA and DoD, but AMVETS leaders say they are proud to see a fellow Vietnam veteran, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, taking the issue seriously.

"It wasn't until 1991 that the government finally recognized the horrific effects of Agent Orange on our veterans," said AMVETS Executive Director Jim King, a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam. "At this point, it was already far too late for some. But as more information has become public about the dangerous defoliant over the years, the veterans' community has made strides in care for those who were exposed. With today's announcement, Secretary Shinseki further demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Vietnam veterans receive the care and compensation they deserve for the horrible conditions that resulted from Agent Orange exposure."

Today, 15 health conditions are presumed to be linked to Agent Orange exposure, meaning that Vietnam veterans suffering from these conditions are entitled to service-connected compensation and health care through VA without needing to provide additional evidence--an often daunting task for veterans so far removed from a conflict.

AMVETS leaders, recognizing similarities between Agent Orange and several potential maladies facing today's veterans, are keeping a close eye on issues such as burn pit-related respiratory issues, certain cancers, and traumatic brain injuries to ensure that today's veterans do not need to wait decades for proper care and acknowledgment.

Fake Veteran Arrested, Charged With "Stolen Valor"

For months, AMVETS has been following the story of Richard Standlof, a 32-year-old Colorado man who claimed to be an Iraq veteran, a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, a Naval Academy graduate, and a 9/11 Pentagon survivor. However, it was all a farce.

On Sunday, Standlof was finally arrested in San Diego, Calif. and charged under the 2005 Stolen Valor Act. CNN has been covering the scandal behind Standlof and reported on his arrest. Standlof also admitted he was a fraud to CNN's Anderson Cooper in the spring.



In Colorado, Standlof was also known as a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq and a veterans' advocate for his group Colorado Veterans Alliance. Though Standlof claims he gained nothing from his work with the Alliance and that he only sought to help veterans, AMVETS doesn't buy it.

Standlof, who was living in a homeless shelter on 9/11, at the very least diverted philanthropy dollars from legitimate veterans' causes and helped to sully the credibility of established veterans charities.

Now, Standlof faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine under the Stolen Valor Act. AMVETS supported the passage of the act in 2005. Today, AMVETS leaders from around the country hope that the Colorado courts throw the book at Standlof.

VA Reaches Out to Student-Veterans on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

This weekend the Department of Veterans Affairs will be making customer service phone calls to veterans taking advantage of their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.

VA officials are making the calls in an effort to imrpvoe services for veterans currently using the benefit and those who plan to take advantage of their benefits in the future.

AMVETS leaders encourage veterans to take a few moments to speak with VA to help their fellow veterans down the road, in the wake of initial implementation hiccups.

VA has assured veterans that they will not ask for personal information during these brief customer service calls.

For more information, visit www.VA.gov.

AMVETS leaders and American Veteran Online will continue to follow VA's implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Check back regularly for updates.

Live from Capitol Hill: Senate hearing on veterans' chemical exposure

This morning, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs is hosting a hearing on DoD and VA's response to veterans' chemical exposure while on active duty. To view live video of the hearing on the committee's Web site, Click Here.

AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof is on hand at the Russell Senate Office Building for this morning's hearing.

Check back later today with American Veteran Online for details.

Live from Capitol Hill: AMVETS Participates in PTSD Roundtable

This afternoon, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a roundtable discussion on VA's proposed changes to the PTSD claims process. AMVETS National Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof was on hand to participate in the discussion.

To view a list of participants in today's roundtable, Click Here.

To listen to audio of today's roundtable, Click Here.

In August, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced plans to drop the corroborating evidence requirement for veterans seeking service-connected status for PTSD. AMVETS supports dropping this redundant requirement.

To read VA's press release on the changes, Click Here.

VA and the House Subcommittee wanted to host the roundtable to discuss the proposed changes with leaders in the veterans community.

During the roundtable, Roof discussed why corroborating evidence only serves as a detriment to veterans seeking care and compensation for PTSD. Though critics assume that veterans will seek to exploit the VA Compensation and Pension system with fraudulent claims, Roof pointed out that VA already has processes in place to ensure that veterans seeking compensation have a valid diagnosis from VA for PTSD and proof of deployment to the combat zone.

Each participant left the table with the consensus that VA should make the changes as soon as possible, offering easier access to treatment for PTSD.

Let us know what you think of VA's proposed changes and its potential effect on our veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war.

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Update: VA video on advance payments

This afternoon, VA released a video explaining the G.I. Bill emergency stipend program. In the video, VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy Duckworth apologizes to veterans experiencing payment delays and explains how affected student-veterans can take advantage of the advance pay system.



This afternoon, AMVETS received messages from veterans who registered online to receive emergency stipend checks but have not received payment. AMVETS urges veterans to be patient with the process. Checks will be issued by the Treasury Department within three business days of veterans filling out the online forms. From this point, it may take an additional three days within the U.S. Postal Service.

Keep checking your mailboxes and don't hesitate to post to American Veteran Online, if you continue to experience delays.

This Week at American Veteran

This week at American Veteran, we will take a look at last week's surprise announcement by the Pentagon that they will raise copays for retired military personnel covered under TRICARE by 20 percent.

Last week, the National Association for Uniformed Services sent a letter to the Department of Defense expressing their concern over the abrupt changes. The Military Coalition, of which AMVETS is a member, followed suit with its own letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Congress has blocked TRICARE fee increases for the last three years, prompting the veterans' community to ask how this change could have come about. Check back with American Veteran throughout the week for updates.

Next, we will continue to monitor VA's implementation of the Uniformed Mental Health Services Handbook, which was to be implemented no later than Sept. 30, prior to the start of FY2010. VA and Congress have yet to provide official word as to whether or not VA is compliant.

AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin called implementation of the handbook a "critical step" in ensuring veterans have the tools to combat the invisible wounds of war. American Veteran Online will keep you posted on VA's compliance with the handbook and the overall Mental Health Strategic Plan.

American Veteran will also continue to follow Post-9/11 G.I. Bill implementation and the continued work of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, which plan to address dozens of pieces of veterans legislation in the coming weeks. Check back regularly for updates.

Finally, the publication date for American Veteran magazine has been pushed back for a couple of weeks due to an unforeseen issue with supplemental materials. We will keep you up to date as the latest issue goes to print. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who submitted content for this fall's Keeping Posted section. Be on the look-out for your post or department in the next issue.

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Update: Emergency check payments going smoothly

This morning, VA's 57 regional offices across the country started distributing checks to student-veterans experiencing G.I. Bill payment delays. AMVETS National Service officers were on hand at regional offices monitoring the situation and AMVETS National Headquarters has received updates throughout the morning.

Most regional offices have reported that veterans arrived early to receive their checks. In Atlanta, AMVETS National Service Officer Bobby Rand reported that the office opened its doors at 7:30 and as of noon veterans did not have to wait in line. Atlanta-area veterans told Rand that the VA employees handling the check process were professional, efficient and courteous.

AMVETS State Service Officer Richard Kenton at the Oakland VA Regional Office reported that 30 to 40 veterans were on hand as soon as the doors opened and Northern California veterans also seemed very happy with the process.

Photos and positive reports have also come in from VA Regional Office in Phoenix, where AMVETS National Service Officers Paul Zanger and Dale Tiberg are on hand speaking with veterans.

By 5 p.m., VA had processed more than 8,500 checks at VA Regional Offices and accepted more than 7,500 online applications. VA reported its heaviest volume in Washington, Chicago, and Waco, Texas.

"Based on what we've seen today, we're cautiously optimistic that the operation will continue running smoothly," said Brandon Friedman, VA Director of New Media. "It's taking a lot of patience on everyone's part, but we're determined to get these checks out to the people who need them. We know how this backlog has upended people's lives, so we're doing what we can to make it right."

Friedman went on to say that some regional offices had seen long lines and minor delays, but lines were moving and veterans were leaving with their emergency payments in-hand.

This morning, VA also announced that VA Regional Offices will be open tomorrow at 8 a.m. to continue processing emergency check payments for veterans who could not make the trip on Friday.

As reports come in from around the country, American Veteran Online will keep posting on the response from the veterans' community. If you have an emergency payment story that you would like to share, please let us know on the blog.

(Photos: Top: Veterans line up at the VA Regional Office in Phoenix to receive their emergency G.I. Bill payments. Photo by AMVETS National Service Officer Dale Tiberg. Bottom: Veterans wait outside of the VA Regional Office in Winston-Salem, N.C. early this morning to collect emergency checks. Photo by AMVETS National Service Officer Bobby Rand.)

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Update: VA to issue emergency checks today

This morning, the VA will start issuing emergency checks to veterans experiencing delays in G.I. Bill payments. Veterans who can make it to one of VA's 57 regional offices need only produce a photo ID and proof of enrollment to collect a hard check on site for up to $3,000 to cover the payment delays.

Veterans who cannot easily commute to a VA regional office may also register for emergency checks online. Checks will arrive withing three business days. To register for the emergency payment online, Click Here.

The advance payment checks are intended only for veterans who did not receive G.I. Bill payment yesterday, Oct. 1. For more information, visit www.VA.gov.

AMVETS will monitor the emergency check process throughout the day. Check back with American Veteran Online for updates.

VA's Mental Health Strategic Plan

Five years ago, the Bush Administration commissioned a mental health strategic plan for the VA in an effort to standardize and modernize the system designed to handle the invisible wounds of war.

As a way to implement the strategic plan, VA commissioned the VHA Uniform Mental Health Service Handbook in June 2008 (VHA 1160.01). The handbook outlined more than 200 critical benchmarks that must be met by all VA health care facilities to be in compliance. Yesterday was the deadline for 100-percent compliance.

Since VA's Office of the Inspector General issued a report on compliance last spring, AMVETS has been following up on the handbook's implementation.

"At the time, VA was optimistic about the numbers presented in the OIG report, which demonstrated near compliance in most areas," said AMVETS Deputy Legislative Director Christina Roof who had testified on the OIG report before Congress in the spring. "Unfortunately, AMVETS noticed that the OIG's data set was incomplete. Only 149 of 171 VA medical facilities even responded to OIG's inquiry."

The missing data, compounded with the troubling trends in veteran suicides, led AMVETS leaders to conclude that perhaps everything had not gone according to plan. Now that the deadline has passed, AMVETS has started to ask tougher questions.

AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin has made veterans' mental health issues a top priority for his year in office, and intends to hold VA accountable for the strategic plan's implementation.

"It's heart-wrenching to see young veterans losing the battle with themselves on the home front, after surviving the battle with our enemies," Miskulin said. "VA's implementation of this handbook is one critical step in ensuring our veterans have the resources to cope with these invisible wounds."

Since yesterday, AMVETS legislative and communications departments have been making calls to check on the status of VA's implementation. Check back shortly with American Veteran Online for updates.