FW: VFW Action Corps Weekly, May 30, 2014

Thank You

Robert Serge

Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

---

Subject: VFW Action Corps Weekly, May 30, 2014

Date: Fri, 30 May 2014 17:01:24 -0400

VFW Action Corps Weekly May 30, 2014 In This Issue: 1. VA Secretary Shinseki Resigns 2. House Hearing on Phoenix VA 3. DOD to Review Military Treatment Facilities 4. VFW Testifies on Transition Process 5. Take the Education and Transition Survey 6. Korean War MIA Identified 1. VA Secretary Shinseki Resigns: The president today accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. In response, VFW National Commander Bill Thien said it was in the best interests of the nation's veterans, since "outside calls for his resignation were overshadowing the crisis in healthcare issues veterans face, and that is what's most important." Read the Chief's full statement at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/VA-SECRETARY-ANNOUNCES-RESIGNATION/. 2. House Hearing on Phoenix VA: Late Wednesday, the House VA Committee heard testimony from three VA officials in response to allegations that VA hospitals falsified waiting lists to conceal patient wait times. The hearing delved into the interim report released by the VA Office of Inspector General that confirmed the widespread use of second patient waiting lists in the Phoenix VA Health Care System that were not in compliance with VA policy, and that the average wait time for a selected sample of veterans was actually 115 days, not the 24-day average wait that Phoenix officially reported. The report also said that 1,400 veterans were on the official electronic waiting list, but inspectors found more than 1,700 other veterans who were waiting for appointments but were not on the official waiting list. To view the recorded hearing, go to http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/to-receive-witness-testimony-related-to-committee-subpoena. To read the interim IG report, go to http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-14-02603-178.pdf. 3. DOD to Review Military Treatment Facilities: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel this week ordered a 90-day comprehensive review of the department's military health system to ensure all eligible patrons are being properly served. The review, which will also include outside experts in the areas of patient safety and quality care, is a prudent response after the VA Inspector General confirmed allegations of non-compliance at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and elsewhere. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/documents/140529_SD-Directive-memo-MHS-Review.pdf. 4. VFW Testifies on Transition Process: On Thursday, the VFW testified before the House VA Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs regarding three programs created to simplify the disability evaluation process that helps veterans transition from the Defense Department into the VA. The programs under scrutiny are the Integrated Disability Evaluation Systems (IDES), Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), and the Quick Start program. The VFW credited both VA and DOD for setting ambitious goals for delivering benefits, but stressed the need for aggressive congressional oversight and increased funding to ensure they are prepared for the future influx of service members transitioning between the two systems. Funding resources are imperative to improving the delivery of care and services our service members have earned. For complete coverage plus VFW testimony, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/defined-expectations-evaluating-va%E2%80%99s-performance-in-the-servicemember-transition-process. 5. Take the Education and Transition Survey: The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, in collaboration with Student Veterans of America, is surveying all service members, veterans, and their families to better understand their current and post-service education and transition experiences. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes and all responses are confidential. The research team, with support from a Global Google Impact Award, will report their findings and accompanying research reports in the coming months at www.vets.syr.edu. To take the Service Member to Student Veterans' Perceptions of Transition, Higher Education and Success Survey, go to https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vjIQ0RYqGhqazj&RID=MLRP_cGWE6bVPA6ZWOUt&_=1. 6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. Richard Isbell, 20, of Fishtrap, Ky. He will be buried with full military honors on June 7 in Staffordsville, Ky. In April 1951, Isbell was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, when attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces near Popsudong, South Korea. Isbell would be declared missing in action on April 25. After the war, returning American POWs reported that Isbell had been captured but died in captivity of dysentery on June 30 in a North Korean POW Camp. To sign up new veterans' advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories either fill out our online form by clicking here, http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

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FW: Your May 30 Action Corps Weekly

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

Subject: Your May 30 Action Corps Weekly

May 30, 2014 Post on Facebook VA Secretary Shinseki Resigns Today, the President accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. In response, VFW National Commander Bill Thien said it was in the best interest of the nation's veterans, since "outside calls for his resignation were overshadowing the crisis in healthcare issues veterans face, and that is what's most important." Read the Chief's full statement. House Hearing on Phoenix VALate Wednesday, the House VA Committee heard testimony from three VA officials in response to allegations that VA hospitals falsified waiting lists to conceal patient wait times. The hearing delved into the interim report released by the VA Office of Inspector General that confirmed the widespread use of second patient waiting lists in the Phoenix VA Health Care System that were not in compliance with VA policy, and that the average wait time for a selected sample of veterans was actually 115 days, not the 24-day average wait that Phoenix officially reported. The report also said that 1,400 veterans were on the official electronic waiting list, but inspectors found more than 1,700 other veterans who were waiting for appointments but were not on the official waiting list. View the recorded hearing. Read the interim IG report. DOD to Review Military Treatment FacilitiesThis week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered a 90-day comprehensive review of the department's military health system to ensure all eligible patrons are being properly served. The review, which will also include outside experts in the areas of patient safety and quality care, is a prudent response after the VA Inspector General confirmed allegations of non-compliance at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and elsewhere. Read more. The VFW Testifies on Transition ProcessOn Thursday, the VFW testified before the House VA Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs regarding three programs created to simplify the disability evaluation process that helps veterans transition from the Defense Department into the VA. The programs under scrutiny are the Integrated Disability Evaluation Systems (IDES), Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), and the Quick Start program. The VFW credited both VA and DOD for setting ambitious goals for delivering benefits, but stressed the need for aggressive congressional oversight and increased funding to ensure they are prepared for the future influx of service members transitioning between the two systems. Funding resources are imperative to improving the delivery of care and services our service members have earned. For complete coverage and VFW testimony, visit the House VA Committee website. Take the Education and Transition Survey The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, in collaboration with Student Veterans of America, is surveying all service members, veterans, and their families to better understand their current and post-service education and transition experiences. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes and all responses are confidential. The research team, with support from a Global Google Impact Award, will report their findings and accompanying research reports in the coming months at www.vets.syr.edu. Take the Service Member to Student Veterans' Perceptions of Transition, Higher Education and Success Survey. Korean War MIA IdentifiedThe Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. Richard Isbell, 20, of Fishtrap, Ky. He will be buried with full military honors on June 7 in Staffordsville, Ky. In April 1951, Isbell was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, when attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces near Popsudong, South Korea. Isbell would be declared missing in action on April 25. After the war, returning American POWs reported that Isbell had been captured but died in captivity of dysentery on June 30 in a North Korean POW Camp. Sign up new veterans' advocates. As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories, fill out our online form or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org. Was this Action Corps Weekly forwarded to you by a friend? Sign up to get your own free issue each week. — Find a Post | Contribute | About Us | Contact Us Unsubscribe | Tell A Friend © 2001 - 2014. All rights reserved. Veterans of Foreign Wars | 406 West 34th Street | Kansas City, MO 64111 Having difficulty seeing the images in this message? View it online.

FW: VFW Action Corps Weekly

Thank You

Robert Serge

Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

From: tmorris@vfw.org
Date: Fri, 23 May 2014 15:12:02 -0400

VFW Action Corps Weekly May 23, 2014 In This Issue: 1. VA Secretary Writes Letter to Veterans 2. House Clears NDAA 3. Senate Defense Bill Update 4. New Medal of Honor Recipient Named 5. Memorial Day 2014 6. Korean War MIA Identified 1. VA Secretary Writes Letter to Veterans: In an effort to help restore the faith all veterans should have in their VA healthcare system, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki released an open letter to veterans yesterday to address current allegations and discuss the way forward. "Allegations of VA employees' misconduct have surfaced over the last several weeks, beginning with scheduling delays at the Phoenix VA Health Care System," he wrote. "I take any allegations about patient safety or employee misconduct very seriously." And so does the VFW, which wants whatever is broken to be fixed, for people to be held appropriately accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and for veterans to have their faith restored in their VA healthcare system. "Veterans dying as the result of access to care issues is 100 percent unacceptable," said VFW National Commander Bill Thien, "but we must wait for the results of the IG report to separate truth from conjecture and discover what really occurred." Read the secretary's letter at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2543. 2. House Clears NDAA: On Thursday, the House passed by a vote of 325-98 the FY 2015 National Defense bill. H.R. 4435 authorizes $592 billion for defense programs, $2.7 billion less than the president's request, and includes $79.4 billion to support overseas contingency operations in Afghanistan. The legislation provides a 1.8-percent pay increase and rejects Pentagon-backed increases to TRICARE enrollment fees and copayments, reduced housing allowances, and other reductions to benefits provided to service members and their families. Other provisions included in the bill aim to improve DOD's Sexual Assault and Response Program and strengthen reforms and protections for victims. It also requires the Pentagon to provide a detailed report to Congress on implementation of all sexual assault provisions enacted into law since 2012. For complete coverage, visit the HASC website at http://armedservices.house.gov/. 3. Senate Defense Bill Update: The Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee cleared their section of the annual defense bill this week. Among the $166.8 billion mark were several cost-cutting measures proposed by the Defense Department. They include a one percent pay raise for troops, and a proposal that would freeze flag officer pay, and limit housing allowance increases to below the rate of inflation. The subcommittee also agreed to increase pharmacy co-pays for prescriptions filled outside of military treatment facilities. The bill included several provisions that would expand on many of the policies contained in the fiscal 2014 NDAA regarding sexual assault in the military. The Senate is expected to take up the complete bill after the Memorial Day recess. The VFW supports provisions in the House-passed version that will provide a 1.8 percent increase in pay, and no changes to the TRICARE healthcare system or housing allowance. We look to the Senate to mirror the House-passed bill, which rejected fees and other provisions that ask our service members and their families to shoulder the burden of budget cuts. 4. New Medal of Honor Recipient Named: The president will present the Medal of Honor to retired Marine Corps Cpl. William "Kyle" Carpenter in a White House ceremony on June 19. Carpenter was medically retired due to wounds received covering a grenade on Nov. 21, 2010, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, and will become the eighth living and 15th overall recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. The 24-year-old is currently a full-time student at the University of South Carolina. Read more at http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/former-marine-cpl-kyle-carpenter-to-be-awarded-the-medal-of-honor-1.283944. 5. Memorial Day 2014: National Commander Bill Thien will be representing the VFW in the White House Monday morning as well as participating in Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Locally, many of our 7,000 VFW Posts will be having similar ceremonies to honor our fallen. As we gather to remember the more than one million Americans who died in our nation's conflicts going back to the Revolutionary War, please remember to keep our 83,000 missing and unaccounted-for servicemen—and their families—in your thoughts. As of today, there are 73,624 missing from World War II; 7,883 from the Korean War; 1,642 from the Vietnam War; 126 from the Cold War; and 6 from post-Vietnam wars and conflicts. More information, plus loss statistics, are available at the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/summary_statistics/. 6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Pfc. James R. Holmes, 18, of Warren, Ohio, who will be buried May 29 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 1, 1950, Holmes was declared missing in action as his unit, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, pushed through North Korea to the Yalu River. As part of a 1953 prisoner exchange, returning U.S. service members reported that Holmes had been captured by the Chinese, but died in captivity in 1951. Read more about his story and those of others at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/. To sign up new veterans' advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm. As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories either fill out our online form by clicking here, http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

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FW: It's Time to Thank Them, Robert

Thank You

VVA Chapter 17

Member
Robert serge

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember

---

Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 14:24:20 -0500
From: friendsoffreedom@vfw.org
To: rserge@live.com
Subject: It's Time to Thank Them, Robert

Dear Robert, Words fail us … How can we possibly express our gratitude to the men and women—our nation's veterans—who enter battle to protect our freedom and our safety? They sacrifice so much. Yet these remarkable Americans persevere. They keep their promise to us—and to the country they love. This Memorial Day, let's keep our promise to them. Your contribution supports life-changing VFW programs that help veterans: Fight for justice and file VA claims Get emergency aid when times are tough Advocate for fair legislation that protects their benefits Continue their education when they return from war Your gift to the VFW pays respect to veterans rebuilding their lives after battle … and those who gave all in defense of our nation. Thank you for remembering the real meaning of Memorial Day. Find a Post | Contribute | About Us | Contact Us Unsubscribe | Tell A Friend © 2001 - 2014. All rights reserved. Veterans of Foreign Wars | 406 West 34th Street | Kansas City, MO 64111 Having difficulty seeing the images in this message? View it online.

FW: SUPPORT A VETERAN - HIRE A VETERAN / Thursday-May 22nd

Thank You

Robert Serge

Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

---

Subject: SUPPORT A VETERAN - HIRE A VETERAN / Thursday-May 22nd
From: biglew55@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 May 2014 00:10:37 -0400

SUPPORT A VETERAN - HIRE A VETERAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWoTmbtwU_0

Go to YouTube and Search

Veterans Job Fair PSA

My Interview and Event Information

City of Las Vegas

Veteran Job Fair & Employer Symposium

Thursday-May 22nd

1pm to 4pm

East Las Vegas Community Center

250 North Eastern Avenue

FW: Your May 16 Action Corps Weekly

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

Subject: Your May 16 Action Corps Weekly

May 16, 2014 Post on Facebook VFW Testifies at Senate Hearing VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday to express the VFW's outrage and frustration over the lack of information coming out of the VA nearly a month since allegations of veterans' deaths and a secret scheduling book surfaced from the Phoenix VA Medical Center. "We do not know who the veterans are who may have died waiting for care," he said. "We do not know if other hospitals are cooking their appointment scheduling books just to keep up appearances, or if veterans waiting for care are paying for it elsewhere out of their own pockets. Regardless of what comes out of ongoing investigations in Phoenix, Wyoming, Atlanta, Chicago, Spokane and elsewhere, the VFW knows that veterans have died waiting for care, which is inexcusable," he said. "And true or not, the allegations are causing veterans and their families to rapidly lose faith and confidence in a system that is supposed to care for them, which is unacceptable." Read Gallucci's full testimony. VA Secretary Testifies at Senate HearingVA Secretary Eric Shinseki declared he was "mad as hell" regarding allegations that possibly 40 veterans may have died while awaiting care at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, as well as other incidents at other locations. "If these allegations are true, they are completely unacceptable to me, to veterans," Shinseki told the Senate VA Committee on Thursday, and "if any allegations are substantiated by the inspector general, we will act." Also testifying was Acting VA Inspector General Richard Griffin, who has a team of 185 in Phoenix investigating the case, which originated from whistleblower complaints. Because of the complexity of the investigation, the IG said it could be August before a final report is issued. Meanwhile, regarding the alleged 40 deaths and a second waiting list, Griffin said a preliminary review of 17 patient deaths associated with the Phoenix VAMC had not shown they were caused by delays in receiving treatment. "It's one thing to be on a waiting list," he said, "and it's another thing to conclude that as a result of being on the waiting list, that's the cause of death." View the hearing in its entirety. VFW Urges President's InvolvementGetting to the bottom of VA's problems and restoring confidence prompted VFW National Commander Bill Thien to write President Obama last week to urge his personal involvement to fix the problems that are plaguing the VA, and consequently undermining the public's trust in VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and his organization. On Wednesday, the president dispatched one of his closest advisors, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Nabors, to work with Shinseki to get to the bottom of what allegedly happened in Phoenix and elsewhere. "The president heard our voice and took the appropriate action to add additional oversight to what has evolved into a crisis in confidence," said Thien. Read his letter to the president. Medal of Honor AwardedOn Tuesday, the president presented the Medal of Honor to former Army Sgt. Kyle Jerome White for his actions during a Nov. 9, 2007 ambush outside the village of Aranas in Afghanistan's Nuristan province, in which five soldiers and one Marine would perish. He is the 14th recipient from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to receive the nation's highest medal, seven of which were presented posthumously. Read his story. Retirement Commission to Visit Tampa The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission will be holding a town hall meeting from 7-9 p.m. at the MacDill Air Force Base theater (Building 41), at 2420 Florida Keys Ave. All service personnel, veterans, military retirees and their families are encouraged to attend because the Commission is charged with examining how the troops are compensated while in uniform, in retirement, and as veterans, and their reach includes those programs operated by the VA and Department of Labor. Among the compensation and Quality of Life programs under review are the 20-year retirement system; military pay and the tax-exempt status of allowances; concurrent receipt of retiree and disability pay; the GI Bills; military healthcare costs and eligibility; military exchanges, commissaries and schools; and transition and employment assistance programs, among many others. The VFW has met several times with the Commission and testified before them last November. More information is available on their website. Open Burn Pit RegistriesThe Office of Public Health is providing access to the new Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry at three pilot sites in New Jersey, Indianapolis and Detroit. The burn pit registry, strongly supported by the VFW, was established through the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. The sites will be reaching out to eligible veterans and are not able to accept "walk-ins" at this time. Some veterans who participate in the limited field test will be asked to provide feedback. All participants are offered optional in-person exposure evaluations. Pilot testing began April 25 and is expected to continue for several weeks to ensure the registry is ready for a planned national rollout. The VFW will continue monitoring and updating our readers on this important program. Learn more. Tricare Pharmacy UpdateIn February, the VFW informed our readers of the one-year pilot program requiring TFL beneficiaries to switch to home delivery for name brand maintenance medication refills. During the transition period, the program allowed for two courtesy retail pharmacy fills before being charged full price. Now that we are two months into the program, those who have not converted to home delivery yet may be subject to having to pay full price with their next attempted retail fill. If you are a TFL beneficiary and have not done so already, it is strongly recommended that you switch to home delivery to avoid unnecessary charges. For more information or to make the switch, click here or call 1-877-363-1303. Three MIAs IdentifiedThe Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to two soldiers and one Marine killed during the Korean War. Returned are: Army Sgt. Richard John Archambeault, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was lost on Nov. 2, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for on April 29 and will be buried with full military honors on a date yet to be determined.  Army Cpl. Lucio R. Aguilar, Company M, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was lost on Nov. 28, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for on May 6 and will be buried with full military honors in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Marine Corps Cpl. Harold W. Reed, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was lost on Nov. 29, 1950. He was accounted for on April 22 and will be buried with full military honors on May 24 in Toledo, Ohio. Sign up new veterans' advocates. As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories, fill out our online form or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org. Was this Action Corps Weekly forwarded to you by a friend? Sign up to get your own free issue each week. — Find a Post | Contribute | About Us | Contact Us Unsubscribe | Tell A Friend © 2001 - 2014. All rights reserved. Veterans of Foreign Wars | 406 West 34th Street | Kansas City, MO 64111 Having difficulty seeing the images in this message? View it online.

FW: VFW Action Corps Weekly, May 16, 2014

Thank You

Robert Serge

Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

---

Subject: VFW Action Corps Weekly, May 16, 2014
 m
From: tmorris@vfw.org
Date: Fri, 16 May 2014 13:05:49 -0400

VFW Action Corps Weekly May 16, 2014 In This Issue: 1. VFW Testifies at Senate Hearing 2. VA Secretary Testifies at Senate Hearing 3. VFW Urges President's Involvement 4. Medal of Honor Awarded 5. Retirement Commission to Visit Tampa 6. Open Burn Pit Registry News 7. Tricare Pharmacy Update 8. Three MIAs Identified 1. VFW Testifies at Senate Hearing: VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday to express the VFW's outrage and frustration over the lack of information coming out of the VA nearly a month since allegations of veterans' deaths and a secret scheduling book surfaced from the Phoenix VA Medical Center. "We do not know who the veterans are who may have died waiting for care," he said. "We do not know if other hospitals are cooking their appointment scheduling books just to keep up appearances, or if veterans waiting for care are paying for it elsewhere out of their own pockets. Regardless of what comes out of ongoing investigations in Phoenix, Wyoming, Atlanta, Chicago, Spokane and elsewhere, the VFW knows that veterans have died waiting for care, which is inexcusable," he said. "And true or not, the allegations are causing veterans and their families to rapidly lose faith and confidence in a system that is supposed to care for them, which is unacceptable." Read Gallucci's full testimony here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/News_and_Events/State%20of%20VA%20Health%20Care.pdf 2. VA Secretary Testifies at Senate Hearing: VA Secretary Eric Shinseki declared he was "mad as hell" regarding allegations that possibly 40 veterans may have died while awaiting care at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, as well as other incidents at other locations. "If these allegations are true, they are completely unacceptable to me, to veterans," Shinseki told the Senate VA Committee on Thursday, and "if any allegations are substantiated by the inspector general, we will act." Also testifying was Acting VA Inspector General Richard Griffin, who has a team of 185 in Phoenix investigating the case, which originated from whistleblower complaints. Because of the complexity of the investigation, the IG said it could be August before a final report is issued. Meanwhile, regarding the alleged 40 deaths and a second waiting list, Griffin said a preliminary review of 17 patient deaths associated with the Phoenix VAMC had not shown they were caused by delays in receiving treatment. "It's one thing to be on a waiting list," he said, "and it's another thing to conclude that as a result of being on the waiting list, that's the cause of death." View the hearing in its entirety on the committee's website at http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/the-state-of-va-health-care-051514 3. VFW Urges President's Involvement: Getting to the bottom of VA's problems and restoring confidence prompted VFW National Commander Bill Thien to write President Obama last week to urge his personal involvement to fix the problems that are plaguing the VA, and consequently undermining the public's trust in VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and his organization. On Wednesday, the president dispatched one of his closest advisors, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Nabors, to work with Shinseki to get to the bottom of what allegedly happened in Phoenix and elsewhere. "The president heard our voice and took the appropriate action to add additional oversight to what has evolved into a crisis in confidence," said Thien. Read his letter to the president here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/News_and_Events/VFW%20Ltr%20to%20President%20VA.pdf 4. Medal of Honor Awarded: On Tuesday, the president presented the Medal of Honor to former Army Sgt. Kyle Jerome White for his actions during a Nov. 9, 2007, ambush outside the village of Aranas in Afghanistan's Nuristan province, in which five soldiers and one Marine would perish. He is the 14th recipient from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to receive the nation's highest medal, seven of which were presented posthumously. Read his story at http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140513/NEWS05/305130059/Kyle-White-receives-Medal-Honor-says-his-battle-buddies-real-heroes- 5. Retirement Commission to Visit Tampa: The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission will be holding a town hall meeting from 7-9 p.m. at the MacDill Air Force Base theater (Building 41), at 2420 Florida Keys Ave. All service personnel, veterans, military retirees and their families are encouraged to attend because the Commission is charged with examining how the troops are compensated while in uniform, in retirement, and as veterans, and their reach includes those programs operated by the VA and Department of Labor. Among the compensation and Quality of Life programs under review are the 20-year retirement system; military pay and the tax-exempt status of allowances; concurrent receipt of retiree and disability pay; the GI Bills; military healthcare costs and eligibility; military exchanges, commissaries and schools; and transition and employment assistance programs, among many others. The VFW has met several times with the Commission and testified before them last November. More information is available on their website at http://www.mcrmc.gov/ 6. Open Burn Pit Registries: The Office of Public Health is providing access to the new Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry at three pilot sites in New Jersey, Indianapolis and Detroit. The burn pit registry, strongly supported by the VFW, was established through the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. The sites will be reaching out to eligible veterans and are not able to accept "walk-ins" at this time. Some veterans who participate in the limited field test will be asked to provide feedback. All participants are offered optional in-person exposure evaluations. Pilot testing began April 25 and is expected to continue for several weeks to ensure the registry is ready for a planned national rollout. The VFW will continue monitoring and updating our readers on this important program. Learn more on the VA website at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/action-plan.asp 7. Tricare Pharmacy Update: In February, the VFW informed our readers of the one-year pilot program requiring TFL beneficiaries to switch to home delivery for name brand maintenance medication refills. During the transition period, the program allowed for two courtesy retail pharmacy fills before being charged full price. Now that we are two months into the program, those who have not converted to home delivery yet may be subject to having to pay full price with their next attempted retail fill. If you are a TFL beneficiary and have not done so already, it is strongly recommended that you switch to home delivery to avoid unnecessary charges. For more information or to make the switch, visit http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/TRICAREForLife/ or call 1-877-363-1303 8. Three MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to two soldiers and one Marine killed during the Korean War. Returned are: * Army Sgt. Richard John Archambeault, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was lost on Nov. 2, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for on April 29 and will be buried with full military honors on a date yet to be determined. * Army Cpl. Lucio R. Aguilar, Company M, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was lost on Nov. 28, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for on May 6 and will be buried with full military honors in Corpus Christi, Texas. * Marine Corps Cpl. Harold W. Reed, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was lost on Nov. 29, 1950. He was accounted for on April 22 and will be buried with full military honors on May 24 in Toledo, Ohio. To sign up new veterans' advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories either fill out our online form by clicking here, http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.

FW: Legislative Alert: Join VFW for Senate Hearing on VA Health Care

Thank You

VVA Chapter 17

Member
Robert serge

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember

Date: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:41:01 -0400

Legislative Alert: Join VFW for Senate Hearing on VA Health Care Problems Take Action! On Thursday, your VFW will testify before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee about ongoing allegations of veterans dying waiting for VA health care, calling for leadership accountability and proper resources for VA health care. In advance of the hearing, we need you to email your legislators and tell them that this is a serious issue that demands serious attention, and not politics from Congress. If you are in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., or Maryland on Thursday, come to Capitol Hill and join your fellow VFW members in calling for accountability in the VA health care system. Since the news broke that as many as 40 veterans waiting for appointments may have died in the Phoenix VA health care system alone, neither VA nor Congress has been forthright with the American people about what actually happened in Phoenix and who is responsible. Moreover, new allegations seem to come out every day about VA facilities across the country fudging the numbers on appointment wait times and failing to deliver timely care to veterans. In an effort to better understand the VA care climate, VFW encouraged members to call the 1-800-VFW-1899 helpline to share their experiences. Hundreds of veterans responded, raising concerns at VA facilities coast to coast, most often reaffirming unreasonable wait times, improper protocols, and inadequate staffing, and insufficient care delivery. Contact your legislators today and tell them that veterans deserve better, and if you are in the Washington, D.C.-area, join us on Thursday on Capitol Hill. What: Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on VA Health Care When: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106 The Dirksen Senate Office Building is open to the public, but visitors will be subject to airport-style security screening to enter the building. If you cannot join the VFW on Thursday, tune in online via the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee website by clicking here: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/the-state-of-va-health-care-051514

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FW: Legislative Alert: Join VFW for Senate Hearing on VA Health Care

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

Subject: Legislative Alert: Join VFW for Senate Hearing on VA Health Care

Date: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:41:07 -0400

Legislative Alert: Join VFW for Senate Hearing on VA Health Care Problems Take Action! On Thursday, your VFW will testify before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee about ongoing allegations of veterans dying waiting for VA health care, calling for leadership accountability and proper resources for VA health care. In advance of the hearing, we need you to email your legislators and tell them that this is a serious issue that demands serious attention, and not politics from Congress. If you are in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., or Maryland on Thursday, come to Capitol Hill and join your fellow VFW members in calling for accountability in the VA health care system. Since the news broke that as many as 40 veterans waiting for appointments may have died in the Phoenix VA health care system alone, neither VA nor Congress has been forthright with the American people about what actually happened in Phoenix and who is responsible. Moreover, new allegations seem to come out every day about VA facilities across the country fudging the numbers on appointment wait times and failing to deliver timely care to veterans. In an effort to better understand the VA care climate, VFW encouraged members to call the 1-800-VFW-1899 helpline to share their experiences. Hundreds of veterans responded, raising concerns at VA facilities coast to coast, most often reaffirming unreasonable wait times, improper protocols, and inadequate staffing, and insufficient care delivery. Contact your legislators today and tell them that veterans deserve better, and if you are in the Washington, D.C.-area, join us on Thursday on Capitol Hill. What: Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on VA Health Care When: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106 The Dirksen Senate Office Building is open to the public, but visitors will be subject to airport-style security screening to enter the building. If you cannot join the VFW on Thursday, tune in online via the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee website by clicking here: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/the-state-of-va-health-care-051514

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.