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VA News for Monday, February 22, and Tuesday, February 23, 2010, and some other scoop

Greetings good folks.  Two days of News for those of you that are interested.  :-)
 
Hoping you and your loved ones are well.  Lets keep up with those Prayers and Blessings for our Troops and their loved ones everywhere. 
 
Federal Reports are attached.
 
Best......................Wayne
----------------------------------------------------
VA News for Tuesday, February 23, 2010
 

1.      Shinseki "Fighting To Reduce" Red Tape For Vets Seeking Benefits. In continuing coverage, KITV-TV Honolulu, HI (2/22, 10:31 p.m. HT) broadcast, "Kauai-born" Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki "is fighting to reduce the red tape...veterans" encounter when seeking benefits. Shinseki "has already made it easier for veterans exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War to get benefits" for numerous diseases "associated with the toxic chemical."
     Shinseki Urged To Take On Bureaucracy While Attempting To Reduce Claims Backlog. In a related editorial, the Wheeling (WV) Intelligencer (2/23, 19K) notes Shinseki recently "told the Associated Press he will make it a priority this year to reduce backlogs in processing veterans' disability claims." The Intelligencer urges Shinseki not to "shirk from the bureaucratic battles he will have to wage to keep that promise. Our veterans are worth it."

 

2.      Lawmakers Urge VA Support For New Fisher House In Colorado. The Aurora (CO) Sentinel (2/23, Goldstein, 8K) reports, "Congressional representatives are seeking federal support for a $10-million, 20-bed residential center that would serve patients at the new, $800-million standalone veterans hospital" in Aurora. In a letter sent to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, "Aurora Reps. Mike Coffman and Ed Perlmutter, and Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall," along "with other members of the Colorado congressional" delegation, "urged support for a new Fischer House facility to be built next to the new VA hospital." The Sentinel notes that according to Leslie Oliver, a spokeswoman for Perlmutter's office, the VA needs to give its approval if the Fischer House is to be completed by the time the VA hospital opens its doors in 2013.

 

3.      White House Calls For Health IT "Task Force." Government Health IT (2/23, Mosquera) reports, "The White House Friday called for a government-wide health IT 'task force' to strengthen coordination of health IT among federal agencies that hold key roles in carrying out the administration's plans for a digital healthcare system. The plan, issued in a memo" from Office of Management & Budget Director Peter Orzsag and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, "sets up a way for agencies with heavy healthcare agendas to participate formally in planning health IT adoption projects set in motion by passage of the HITECH Act last year." The memo, which was addressed to several Cabinet secretaries, including Veterans Affairs' Eric Shinseki, "asked the secretaries to choose a senior leader from their agencies to represent them on the task force and to send HHS their choices within five days."

 

4.      Homeless Vets Facility In Texas Could Soon Begin Accepting Residents. The Fort Worth (TX) Business Press (2/22, Dillard) reported, "The finishing touches are all in place at Liberty House: the walls are painted, the carpet is in, the beds are turned down and the staff is ready to welcome home the first residents in a new transitional housing program for homeless veterans in Tarrant County. Liberty House, a partnership between Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County (MHMRTC)" and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "could begin accepting residents by March 1, once final approval is received from the government." The Business Press added, "Construction on the two-story, 7,500-square-foot veterans' facility began in August 2009 after MHMRTC's Addiction Services Division received" a $600,000 VA grant.

 

5.      Stimulus Funds To Pay For Upgrades At Several VA Facilities. The Newport News (VA) Daly Press (2/23) reports, "The Hampton VA Medical Center will receive funds to replace fire alarm and nurse call systems through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the US Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday. The $1.5 million project to upgrade the two systems was awarded to Adira Construction Inc., a small, veteran-owned business" in Chesapeake, Virginia. After noting that the hospital will also "complete an electrical upgrade project estimated at $6.2 million," the Daily Press adds, "Rep. Robert C. 'Bobby' Scott, D- Newport News, said the stimulus-funded work 'will go a long way toward enhancing and improving the benefits our veterans have earned.'" The Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot (2/23) also covers this story, as does the "Hampton Road Recon", a blog for the Newport News (VA) Daily Press (2/23, Lessig, 76K), and the AP (2/23).
     A separate AP (2/23) story reports, "Federal stimulus funding will pay for $5.4 million in construction upgrades at the Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. A White House news release says the upgrades include replacement elevators and dumbwaiters, a replacement roof and an updated exterior finish to several buildings at the...facility," which is located in Biloxi, Mississippi. Thomas Wisniesk, the facility's director, "says the improved infrastructure will benefit the veterans who rely on the center's services." The Biloxi (MS) Sun Herald (2/23, Newsom) publishes a similar story.
     The KTVN-TV Reno, NV (2/22) website reported, "Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid says more than $5 million in economic recovery dollars are headed" to Reno's VA medical center. According to KTVN, the "money will help renovate the community living center and urgent care center," as well as "help upgrade elevators and refurbish heating and air conditioning units and the hospital floors. Reid says not only is this money important for our vets, but it will help put Nevadans back to work as well."


     The Salisbury (NC) Post (2/23, 21K) notes that on Monday, US Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) "announced that the Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury has received $5.7 million" in stimulus funds for building renovations. After pointing out that Hagan called the funds a "crucial investment", the Post notes Carolyn Adams, the hospital's director, said the money "allows the facility to complete many energy saving initiatives."

 

6.      Turnaround At VHA Praised. While being interviewed on CNN's No Bias, No Bull (2/22, 8:35 p.m. ET), David Osborne, co-author of a book called "Reinventing Government", praised the turnaround at the Veterans Health Administration, which, according to Osborne, ended up having the "best electronic medical records system in the world, and by any measure they had better performance in terms of healthcare outcomes, quality, and customer satisfaction than the private sector in healthcare."

 

7.      Following Efforts At VA, USDA, Army Explores Telemedicine At Some Europe Bases. After noting that the US Army is "testing telemedicine as a way to give patients at remote posts in Europe better access to American specialists," Stars And Stripes (2/23, Robson) says telemedicine "has already gained a foothold" in the US healthcare system, at the US Department of Agriculture, which recently "announced $34.9 million in grants for 35 states to increase health care services in rural areas." Stars And Stripes adds, "Additionally, the Veterans Affairs Department is already a step ahead of the rest of the federal government in promoting telemedicine, according to a Feb. 17 article in Federal Computer Week."

 

8.      Ad Campaign Part Of VA Plan To Attract "Best And Brightest." In its "Federal Eye" blog, the Washington Post (2/23, O'Keefe, 684K) says, "If you've watched the Olympics or other big events on television in recent weeks, then you've likely seen ads with doctors and nurses talking about careers with the Department of Veterans Affairs," which "plans to hire a mix of medical professionals and clerical staffers to fill roughly 105,000 positions by the end of 2011." During "an interview on Monday," VA Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould said, "It's a big number and a great opportunity for us to try to attract our fair share of the best and brightest." The Post adds, "Virtually unanimous political support for the department's planned growth should calm the nerves of weary applicants, Gould said." The Washington Post (2/23, 684K) also publishes some of Gould's interview responses.

 

9.      Veterans Affairs Secretary Pledges No Cuts In Services. A letter from Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Lane Carson to the editor of the Shreveport (LA) Times (2/23).

 

10.    Home For Mentally Ill Vets Opens In Alabama. In a front page story, the Tuscaloosa (AL) News (2/20, A1, Avant) noted that last week, the Moundville City Council "approved opening a group home for mentally ill veterans, most of them senior citizens," in a vacant assisted-living facility. After pointing out that back in 2006, "some residents in the city of Moundville and the City Council protested a group home for the mentally ill that had been planned" at the same facility, the News said that according to Rebecca Meyer, associate chief nurse for mental health at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the new home is one of 144 private group homes in West Alabama that partner with Meyer's hospital. The News noted positive feedback from residents of the new home, and then said there is a need for such facilities "because of an increasing population of aging veterans."

 

11.    New Orleans Commission To Consider VA Hospital Construction Road Closures. The New Orleans Times-Picayune (2/23, Barrow, 169K) reports, "The New Orleans City Planning Commission is scheduled Tuesday to consider street closures within the Mid-City footprint of the planned" US Department of Veterans Affairs teaching hospital, which is "slated for ground-breaking this fall. Any vote would mark the first regulatory action the body has taken in a public meeting on either the federal hospital or the state teaching hospital proposed next door. Neighborhood residents, along with dozens of planning groups, historical preservationists and other advocacy groups, are poised to use the meeting as a platform to criticize the two projects."

 

12.    Some Massachusetts Vets Concerned About Defoliant Exposure At Canadian Base. The Dedham (MA) Daily News Transcript (2/23, Studley) reports, "Some sick Massachusetts veterans are wondering if their medical conditions are linked to time spent at a training camp in New Brunswick, after reading a Daily News report last week about toxic defoliants used at the Canadian base" from 1956 to 1984. George Cameron, department service officer for the Massachusetts American Legion, "said in the past week...he has received about 15 phone calls from Massachusetts National Guard and Army Reserve veterans who served in Gagetown in the 1980s. He said some were sick and others voiced concern they may have been exposed to the herbicides."

 

13.    Tuscaloosa VAMC Attempting To Help Homeless Women Vets. On its website, WIAT-TV Birmingham, AL (2/22, Wyatt) noted that the Department of Veterans Affairs "says there are thousands of homeless women vets, and the number is on the rise." But as "more and more women return home from war, the VA says they try to expand their programs to help them better transition into civilian life." After stating that the "near future will...see more help for homeless vets in the region" from the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, which is looking to help set up transitional housing for homeless vets, WIAT said "female vets will...have a new place to find improved medical care, as the Tuscaloosa VA unveils their new women's health clinic next month."

 

14.    Former VA Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty To Unlawfully Prescribing Controlled Substances. The AP (2/23) reports, "A former psychiatrist at the Veterans Administration hospital in Topeka has pleaded guilty to unlawfully prescribing controlled substances" while working at the hospital in 2006. US Attorney Lanny Welch "says 58-year-old Ethan Bickelhaupt entered the plea" on Monday. KSNW-TV Wichita, KS (2/22, 11:20 p.m. CT) broadcast a similar story.

 

15.    Memorial Honors Japanese-American Internees, Veterans. The AP (2/23) reports, "A new memorial now stands" in California's "Merced County to remember the thousands of Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate there during World War II. More than 150 former internees and their families gathered over the weekend to dedicate the plaza with the statue of a little girl sitting atop a pile of suitcases." The AP adds, "Saturday's ceremony also honored Japanese-American veterans who had enlisted as a way to prove their patriotism even as their families lived behind barbed wire."
     The Merced (CA) Sun-Star (2/23, Gaines, 16K) reports, "During Saturday's ceremony, Japanese-American veterans who served in the military intelligence service as Japanese interpreters and the Asian American 442nd Combat Infantry Regiment were honored. 'While their families were behind barbed wire, more than 33,000 young Japanese-American men enlisted or were drafted in the US military. They joined the military effort to demonstrate their loyalty and service to the United States,'" the ceremony's emcee "told the crowd."

 

16.    Flag-Raising To Commemorate Battle Of Iwo Jima Anniversary. The Marine Corps Times (2/23, 32K) reports, "A flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima will take place 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Marine Corps War memorial, located north of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va." The ceremony "will honor all Marines who fought during the pivotal World War II battle, as well as all the Marines killed in all wars, to whom the memorial is dedicated. Veterans of Iwo Jima will be on hand for the event."

 

17.    WWII Female Pilots To Be Honored. The Air Force Times (2/23, Spoth) reports, "As World War II raged," the Army Air Forces allowed hundreds of women "to take domestic military flying jobs that freed up male pilots to serve overseas, but their service was unappreciated and was kept secret for decades. Now, after years of lobbying, the Women Airforce Service Pilots will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on March 10." The Times adds, "Nearly 300 of the original 1,102 woman pilots are still alive, and about 130 are expected to attend the March 10 medal ceremony, according to Marilla Cushman of the women's memorial foundation."

 

18.    "Most Heavily Decorated" Vietnam Vet Buried At Arlington. NBC Nightly News (2/23, story 9, 1:00, Williams, 8.37M) broadcast that on Monday, Medal of Honor recipient Robert Howard "was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors." Howard was the "most heavily decorated veteran of the Vietnam War." The San Antonio Express-News (2/23, Martin, 210K) says the 70-year-old Howard, "an Army veteran from San Antonio," died "of pancreatic cancer on Dec. 23 in a Waco hospice."

 

19.    Wounded Warrior Program Advocate Added To Lebanon VAMC Staff. The second item in "Local Briefs" for the Lebanon (PA) Daily News (2/23, 19K) reports the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center "has welcomed Wounded Warrior Program Advocate John Boylan IV to its staff. Advocates for AW2, as the program is known, are located throughout the country where there are large concentrations of AW2 soldiers, veterans at VA facilities, military treatment facilities and most military installations, according to a news release." The Daily News adds, "The medical center's Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom team has been in place since 2003 and is composed of a program manager, social-work case manager, two nurse case managers and one program support assistant."

 

20.    Couple Hopes To Improve Care For Returning Vets. On its website, KGTV-TV San Diego, CA (2/22) reported, "A Rancho Bernardo couple has begun a campaign for federal legislation regarding health care for military veterans. While they have no complaints about the care and treatment afforded" by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Iraq veteran Aaron Dial, who is suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia, and his fiancée Heidi Christ think there should be more screenings and warnings" from exposure to depleted uranium in ammunition. The couple is "working to get 'Aaron's Law' passed by Congress, extending the health care window for returning veterans from two to five years and more proactively alerting them to the risk of carcinogens."

 

21.    Hefner VAMC To Host Creative Arts Festival Next Month. The Salisbury (NC) Post (2/23, 21K) reports the Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center "will host a March Creative Arts Festival for veterans." The festival, scheduled to "be held March 13 in the social room" of building No. 6, "will allow participants to qualify for competition at the regional level for the national festival."

 

22.    Why Did Sgt. Thomas Die? The Lexington (NE) Clipper-Herald (2/22) published a story that originally appeared in the Omaha (NE) World-Herald (2/22, Hansen).

 

23.    DAV Chapter Distributes Christmas Bags To VA Hospital. In a reader-submitted story, the Clarksville (TN) Leaf Chronicle (2/22, 19K) reported, "Local Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, Hardy-Shelby Chapter 45, Clarksville," Tennessee, "distributed Christmas bags to disabled veterans" at a Veterans Affairs hospital on December 15, 2009.

 

24.    Cuellar Talks About Van For Local Veterans. The Seguin (TX) Gazette-Enterprise (2/22, Maloney, 5K).

 

25.    Author Helps First Black Female POW Tell Tale. The AP (2/23, Fox) reports, "In helping" Iraq vet Shoshana Johnson write "I'm Still Standing", her autobiography, "Fort Meade Media Relations Chief Mary L. Doyle not only exposed the world to the plight of the country's first black female prisoner of war," she "furthered her own budding literary career." Doyle "said she hopes eventually to be able to write books and novels full time."

 

26.    When Johnny (Or Jane) Marches Home. The Albany (NY) Times Union (2/23, Fitzgerald).

 

27.    Joseph Stack's Daughter Calls Him A Hero, Then Retracts Statement. In continuing coverage, the KXXV-TV Waco, TX (2/22) website reported, "There is controversy brewing over the two people who died from the suicide flight that slammed into an Austin IRS office building on Thursday, February 18th." The two men who died were Vietnam vet Vernon Hunter and the flight's pilot, Joseph Stack, whose "daughter, Samantha Bell, told ABC News Monday morning" that her father was a hero. Bell later "called ABC News and retracted that comment, saying the only hero in the attack was Hunter, and we should all mourn his death."

  

28.    Half-Scale Replica Of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Coming To Tuscaloosa. The Columbus (MS) Commercial Dispatch (2/22, 13K).

 

29.    Brothers Asked To Guard Tombs. In continuing coverage, the KRIV-TV Houston, TX (2/22, Keith) website reported, "A couple of brothers from the Houston area" have "achieved a military first. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brisiel, 27, is tomb guard number 560," and on Friday, his little brother was named "tomb guard number 578." This is the "first time ever two brothers have been selected to serve on this elite squad."

 

30.    On the Hill for February 23, 2010:

 

The House votes on a number of commemorative resolutions as well as a bill to allow Native Hawaiian government reorganization.

 

The Senate continues to consider a package of infrastructure funding and tax breaks intended to create jobs.

 

Hearings continue in both chambers on the fiscal 2011 budget and appropriations.

 

House:  Convenes at noon for legislative business.

 

            Under suspension of the rules:

H Res 1066 , H Res 1059 , H Res 1048 — Haiti earthquake responders

H Res 1074 — Miep Gies

H Res 944 — Religious minorities in Iraq

HR 3695 — Missing persons database

H Con Res 227 — Urban crimes awareness

H Res 274 — National Nutrition Month

Draft — African-American contributions

 

            Subject to a rule:

HR 2314 — Native Hawaiian government reorganization

 

            Postponed suspensions:

H Res 1039 — American Heart Month

H Res 1046 — Black History Month

 

Senate:  Convenes 10 a.m.

 

Weekly caucus lunches: 12:30-2:15 p.m.

 

            Roll call votes possible.

HR 2847 — Job creation package

 

            Markup

House Rules considers rules for floor debate of a draft bill to repeal the antitrust exemption for health insurance companies. 3 p.m., H-313 Capitol

 

            Hearing Highlights

Senate Armed Services hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget for the Army, with Army Secretary John M. McHugh . 9:30 a.m., G-50 Dirksen

 

House Armed Services hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget for the Air Force. 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn

 

Senate Budget hearing on war costs and the proposed Pentagon budget. 10 a.m., 608 Dirksen

 

Senate Environment and Public Works hearing on the proposed fiscal 2011 budget for the EPA, with EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson . 10 a.m., 406 Dirksen

 

House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on stimulus spending projects. 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn

 

Joint Economic hearing on job creation and economic growth, with Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas W. Elmendorf. 11:30 a.m., 2325 Rayburn

 

House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2011 spending, with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan . 1 p.m., 2359 Rayburn

 

31.    Today in History: 

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VA News for Monday, February 22, 2010
 

1.      Claims Backlog A Top Priority For Shinseki. The AP (2/22, Hefling) notes that during a recent interview, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki "said he's making it a top priority this year to tackle the backlog of disability claims that has veterans waiting months - even years - to get financial compensation for their injuries." Shinseki, "a former Army chief of staff who had part of a foot blown off when he was a young officer in Vietnam, was unapologetic about a decision he made in October to make it easier for potentially 200,000 sick Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the Agent Orange herbicide to receive service-connected compensation." Shinseki "said he's looking ahead to make sure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries don't have similar problems getting financial compensation."
     Duckworth Tells Connecticut Vets About VA Budget, Progress On Claims Backlog. In continuing coverage, the New London (CT) Day (2/20, Naughton) said Tammy Duckworth, an assistant secretary with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, "was joined Friday" by US Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and "state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz on a tour of veterans facilities in eastern Connecticut." The "officials met with more than 60 veterans at the Preston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9452 and at the Norwich Vet Center," then "traveled to a veterans health center in Rocky Hill. During her talks with veterans, Duckworth touted the increase to the $125 billion VA budget, yet to be approved," and said her agency is making progress to clear a backlog of claims.

 

2.      Death Of Vet Exposed To Burn Pit Leaves "Medical Mystery." The Omaha (NE) World-Herald (2/21, Hansen) said the death of 25-year-old Iraq veteran Klayton Thomas, who died from lung cancer, "leaves a medical mystery, one similar to those posed by hundreds of other American military personnel battling exotic cancers or struggling with rare respiratory problems. This mystery begins in the unlikeliest of places: Iraqi 'burn pits' - large, primitive landfills where contractors set trash aflame, causing ever-present black smoke to drift over dozens" of US military bases like one where Thomas had been stationed. The World-Herald went on to say "sick service members and contractors sense that no matter the outcome" of a lawsuit that has been filed against "military contractor KBR (formerly Kellogg Brown and Root)", which ran the burn pits, "they are turning a corner" with the US government, in part because Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki "told military reporters last year that his administration would not repeat the errors" involving denial of illnesses caused by Agent Orange.

 

3.      Report: Homelessness Increasing For Young, Female Vets. According to a report aired by the CBS Evening News (2/21, story 8, 3:30, Mitchell, 6.1M), the "Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association...has issued a report that says homelessness among young returning female fighters is on the rise." Peter Dougherty, director of the homeless program at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was shown saying that there is "still a lot of work to do" in terms of helping female, homeless veterans. CBS added, however, that VA "recently announced a five-year plan to wipe out homelessness among all veterans, male and female."
     Zablocki VA Tailoring Care For Women. In a related story, the WISN-TV Milwaukee, WI (2/21, 10:15 p.m. CT) aired a report on how the Zablocki VA Medical Center "is changing its practices to help care for the steady stream of women now returning from combat." WISN noted that Dr. Kayt Havens, who "recently took over as medical director for women's health" at the hospital, "runs what is now a full-service women's clinic."

 

4.      Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Defraud VA. In continuing coverage, the AP (2/22) reports, "An Oldham County man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud" the US Department of Veterans Affairs "of nearly $2 million in disability benefits. Dean Anthony Toth was the latest of 13 veterans and a non-veteran who have pleaded guilty to the 2009 conspiracy charges." After noting that the "government has recommended that Toth be sentenced to 21 months in prison and pay restitution of $149,234 to the VA," the AP says Toth "is set for sentencing on May 17." WAVE-TV Louisville, KY (2/21, 11:16 p.m. ET) aired a similar report.

 

5.      Legislation In Minnesota Aims To Help Troubled Vets. The Minnesota Daily (2/21, Owings, 20K) reported, "According to a University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Medical Center survey, nearly 80 percent of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veterans surveyed displayed signs of probable PTSD or drug or alcohol problems." Minnesota state Rep. Phillip Sterner "introduced legislation this session aimed at assisting veterans and their families with these issues. In addition to financial support, Sterner has proposed making alcohol and chemical dependency counseling more available to returning veterans and unpaid leaves of absence from employment for immediate family members of recently deployed soldiers."

 

6.      Lawmaker In Iowa Pushing For Notification When Veterans Arrested. In continuing coverage,WHO-TV Des Moines, IA (2/21, 8:47 a.m. CT) broadcast that while the Department of Veterans Affairs "is working to help keep" veterans "out of jail", some "advocates want to take things a step further."  State Representative Ray Zirkelbach, "himself an Iraq war vet," is "pushing a bill that would require jailers to notify county veterans affairs offices when a veteran is arrested." WHO added that on Saturday, February 27th, at the Polk County Senior Center, "veterans in need can take advantage of something called a 'Stand Down,'" during which "professionals will come together to offer them everything from legal aid to haircuts to healthcare."

 

7.      Push Underway In California To Help Find Work For Disabled Vets. The Los Angeles Times (2/22, Zwahlen, 776K) reports, "With thousands of service members returning home to California after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, a new push is underway to help disabled veterans get more work -- especially those who own or are launching small businesses." California "has long had a goal to award at least 3% of its contract dollars to businesses owned by disabled veterans. It has not yet met that goal, advocates said, but it may be close."

 

8.      West Texas VAMC Planning Telehealth Initiative. The Midland (TX) Reporter-Telegram (2/22, Campbell, 20K) reports, "Instead of having to make the trek" to the West Texas Veterans Affairs Medical Center "in Big Spring, the hospital will be able to come to veterans -- in a manner of speaking -- through a telehealth initiative." Chief of Staff Martin Schnier "said a demographic study is being done to determine how many veterans live within 30 to 60 minutes of the Big Spring facility. Ultimately, the VA hopes to open telehealth clinics at physicians' offices, health departments or VFW posts."
     Hospital Using New ID Badges. In a separate story, the Midland (TX) Reporter-Telegram 2/22, Campbell) reports, "Fingerprints, photo and personal information protected on an encrypted chip is part of what makes up the new ID badges now being sported by West Texas VA Medical Center employees." Information Security Officer Mike McKinley "said the cards were rolled out in mid-December 2009. They increase efficiency because you can use the cards to get on computers wherever you go."

 

9.      Planned VA Hospital Called A "Bright Spot" For Simulation Industry. The Orlando Sentinel (2/21, 222K) interviewed 58-year-old veteran Tom Baptiste, "the new executive director of the National Center for Simulation, a Central Florida advocacy group for the high-tech training industry." When asked what "areas of simulation are showing the greatest potential for growth," Baptiste said, "In the near term, it has to be medical simulation, especially with the recent decision" by the Department of Veterans Affairs "to establish a national center of excellence for medical simulation at the new VA hospital being built at Lake Nona. That decision, and the entire medical-city concept at Lake Nona, is a real bright spot for this region and the simulation industry."

 

10.    VA Center For South Bend Not In Budget. The South Bend (IN) Tribune (2/21, Blasko).

 

11.    Univ. Aims To Speed Up Financial Aid For Veterans. The Diamondback (2/21, Redding), a student newspaper at the University of Maryland.

 

12.    Former Inmate Expresses Concern. On its website, WIVB-TV Buffalo, NY (2/21) noted that a former inmate named Daniel Harmon "claims lax security" at a holding center allowed 26-year-old Daniel Nye to take his own life. Harmon "said he was taken to the Erie County Holding Center three days before" Nye, an Air Force veteran. WIVB added, "The Sheriff's Office says Nye died from an apparent hanging on Saturday, February 13th."

 

13.    On the Hill for February 22 - 26, 2010:

 

The Senate is expected to vote Monday on a package of infrastructure funding and business tax breaks intended to create jobs.

 

The House votes later in the week on an intelligence authorization bill and a bill to repeal the antitrust exemption for health insurers.

 

Hearings continue in both chambers on the fiscal 2011 budget and appropriations.

 

House

Monday:  Convenes 2 p.m.

        Under suspension of the rules:

HR 4425 , HR 4238 — Post office naming

H Res 1046 — Black History Month

H Res 1039 — American Heart Month

H Res 526 — John Mercer Langston Golf Course

Tuesday:  Convenes at noon

Wednesday:  Convenes 10 a.m. and.

Thursday:  Convenes 10 a.m.

Friday:  Convenes 9 a.m.

         Under suspension of the rules:

H Res 1066 , H Res 1059 , H Res 1048 — Haiti earthquake responders

H Res 1074 — Miep Gies

H Res 944 — Religious minorities in Iraq

HR 3695 — Missing persons database

H Con Res 227 — Urban crimes awareness

H Res 274 — National Nutrition Month

        Subject to a rule:

HR 2314 — Native Hawaiian government reorganization

Draft — Repealing antitrust exemption for health insurers

HR 2701 — Intelligence authorization

Senate

Monday:  Convenes 2 p.m.

Roll call votes expected.

HR 2847 — Job creation package

            Markups

House Rules considers rules for floor debate of a bill on native Hawaiian government reorganization ( HR 2314 ). 5 p.m. Monday, H-313 Capitol

House Rules considers rules for floor debate of a draft bill to repeal the antitrust exemption for health insurance companies. 3 p.m. Tuesday, H-313 Capitol

 

Senate Foreign Relations marks up legislation on Haiti earthquake recovery aid ( S 2961 ), Peace Corps expansion ( S 1382 ), instability in Yemen ( S Res 400 ) and peace efforts in Sudan ( S Res 404 ); also votes on pending nominations. Time TBA Wednesday, 419 Dirksen

House Natural Resources marks up various lands, parks and water resources bills ( HR 1078 , HR 4003 , HR 4192 , HR 1738 , HR 4252 , HR 765 , HR 1769 , HR 2788 , HR 4395 ). 10 a.m. Wednesday, 1324 Longworth

Senate Armed Services closed meeting to vote on military nominations. 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, 222 Russell

Senate Judiciary marks up bills on cocaine sentencing disparities ( S 1789 ), law enforcement officers carrying concealed weapons ( S 1132 ), criminal justice grants ( S 2772 ), witness protection grants ( HR 1741 ), medical bankruptcy ( S 1624 ), hate crimes against the homeless ( S 1765 ) and maltreated infants ( S 1554 ); also votes on the nomination of Dawn Johnsen to be an assistant attorney general. 10 a.m. Thursday, 226 Dirksen

House Oversight and Government Reform considers pending business. 10 a.m. Thursday, 2154 Rayburn

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship marks up a bill on small-business contracting ( S 2989 ). 10 a.m. Thursday, 485 Russell

            Hearing Highlights

House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2011 spending, with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. 1 p.m. Tuesday, 2359 Rayburn

Senate Budget hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget for the Transportation Department, with Secretary Ray LaHood . 9 a.m. Wednesday, 608 Dirksen

Senate Armed Services hearing on oversight of defense contractors. 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, 216 Hart

House Budget hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget for the Treasury Department, with Secretary Timothy F. Geithner . 10 a.m. Wednesday, 210 Cannon

House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2011 spending, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack . 10 a.m. Wednesday, 2359 Rayburn  

House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearings on proposed fiscal 2011 spending on combat aircraft. 10 a.m. Wednesday, H-140 Capitol

Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2011 spending, with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar . 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 124 Dirksen

House Foreign Affairs hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget for the State Department, with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton . 9:30 a.m. Thursday, 2172 Rayburn

House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2011 spending, with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano . 10 a.m. Thursday, 2359 Rayburn

Senate Judiciary hearing on Justice Department memorandums on the treatment of detainees in the George W. Bush administration. 10 a.m. Friday, 226 Dirksen

14.    Today in History: 

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From: Kevin Secor at VA

Sent:  Mon 2/22/2010 4:40 AM

 

Subj:  HAVE YOU HEARD?

 

What do the Harvard Law School and VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals have in common beside great legal minds? They both publish law reviews. In January 2009, the Board published the first volume of the Veterans Law Review, a journal focused on veterans benefits law. The Board adjudicates and makes final decisions on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on appeals of decisions made by local VA claims offices. It is comprised of attorneys and Veterans Law Judges who review all appeals for entitlement to veterans' benefits, including claims for service connection, increased disability ratings, pension, insurance, educational benefits, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and health care eligibility. The second volume of the Veterans Law Review will be released in this spring. It contains several notes and articles regarding current “hot topics” including the paperless appeals push and the proposed amendment to the stressor verification requirement for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims.

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From: Kevin Secor at VA

Sent: Tue 2/23/2010 4:21 AM

 

Subj:  HAVE YOU HEARD?

 

Seventy-four year-old Robert Harig of Guilford, Ind., says he’s lucky to be alive and credits a mobile clinic operated by the Cincinnati VA Medical Center for saving his life. Harig told the Enquirer newspaper, ”I am here today because I walked into that van in Lawrenceburg. Those people saved my life." Nurse Practitioner Kathy Egan listened to Harig's heart when the clinic made a stop in his town. She noticed an irregular heartbeat and told him to see his family doctor immediately. A few days later he had a successful triple-bypass surgery. Harig, a Korean War-era veteran never enrolled for VA health care until the mobile clinic visited his area. Since it began operating last May, the mobile clinic has signed up more than 700 Veterans who have not previously sought VA care. The idea for the mobile clinic was sparked in 2007 by John Guinn, the founder of the Thank You Foundation and Sam Arnold, a Vietnam veteran who helped launch the local Military Support Group. Richard Farmer, a retired CEO of Cintas Corp and the founder of the non-profit Farmer Foundation, read about Guinn’s and Arnold’s fund-raising efforts and approached offered to fund the project. The completed $300,000 mobile clinic was donated to VA and has since made countless stops in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana at community events, county fairs and Veterans organization meetings. Due to its success in enrolling veteran into VA health care, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and its satellite clinics around the tri-state area will get nearly $2 million in additional funding next year to care for the additional veterans they now serve.

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Being passed along by Kevin Secor at VA

Sent:  Tuesday, February 23, 2010 6:23 AM

 

Subject: Welcome to the new and improved National Resource Directory

 

The US Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs are pleased to introduce the re-designed and enhanced National Resource Directory Web site, www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov         

 

Created for Wounded Warriors, Veterans and their families and caregivers, the new National Resource Directory has proved to be a useful tool for service providers who support the military and Veterans communities.

 

The National Resource Directory provides access to over 10,000 services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. We are proud to assure our users they can trust the content as resources are reviewed regularly by a content management team that includes several Veterans and subject matter experts. 

 

A few features of the new Web site include a faster, more robust search engine; a Bookmark & Share capability for use with social media tools; and an “In the News” feature that provides links to news and updates about Wounded Warrior and Veterans issues. Also included on the site is an expanded Homeless Assistance section where users can find information on a variety of programs and benefits.

 

We need your assistance in promoting the National Resource Directory.  Here are some ways to help us spread the word:

 

•         Establish a link to www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov on your organization's Web site.  (The Web site includes instructions for posting a linked logo.  Check out the "Link to Us" button in the Stay Connected box on the home page.)

 

•         Publish a news brief or article about the National Resource Directory in your newsletters and other publications.  (Attached is a ready-to-publish drop-in article for your use – feel free to edit it as needed.)

 

•         Send an e-mail about the National Resource Directory to your co-workers, members and/or other stakeholders and encourage them to forward the news.

 

•         Print and distribute the attached National Resource Directory fact sheet.

 

Visit the National Resource Directory at www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov to explore and sign up for RSS or e-mail updates about new content, events and features.

 

Thanks in advance for your assistance.  With your help, we can all provide access to these important resources for our Wounded Warriors, Veterans and their families.

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From:  VA Media Relations – Passed along by Kevin Secor

Sent:   Tuesday, February 23, 2010 11:18 AM

 

Subj: VA Education Call Center Operating Five Days Weekly

 

Temporary Closures Significantly Cut Post-9/11 GI Bill Pending Inventory

 

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2010) – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that the Education Call Center, closed on Thursdays and Fridays over the past two months, is again operating five days a week  

 

“I am pleased by the progress these call center employees made in significantly cutting our pending inventory of education claims,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “As a result of their efforts, 30,000 additional student Veterans received their checks, bought books, paid the rent, and stayed in school.”

 

By temporarily reassigning call center employees on Thursdays and Fridays to process Post-9/11 GI Bill claims, VA was able to complete a significant number of education claims from mid-December through mid-February.  VA’s goal was always to return call center employees to their permanent duties.

 

The decision to supplement claims processing staff by the call center employees was a key factor in meeting VA’s aggressive processing goal of Post-9/11 GI Bill claims.  As of mid-February 2010, VA’s capacity to process Post-9/11 GI bill claims jumped from an average of 2,000 a day in August 2009 to 7,000 a day.

 

Since inception of this historic new program, VA has issued nearly $1.9 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments and opened the door to higher education to 209,490 people.

 

As of Feb. 12, VA received spring semester Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollments from approximately 180,000 student Veterans and already paid nearly 90 percent of them.  All Post-9/11 GI Bill participants whose spring enrollments were received by Jan. 18 have been paid. 

 

Because VA is now processing spring enrollments timely, advance payments are no longer available at VA regional offices or through the online advance payment Web site.

 

In December when the decision was made to redirect phone agents to claims processing, the number of pending claims was almost 80,000 and timeliness measures were extremely high.  The inventory of education claims was driving call volume at the call center to an all time high of 1.26 million call attempts during November.

 

That is why in mid-December 2009 VA temporarily reassigned employees at the VA Education Call Center on Thursdays and Fridays, the lowest call volume days, to help process education benefit claims. 

 

Since that time, the call center demand dropped by 42 percent as student Veterans received their payments.  The call center received 769,637 call attempts on Monday thru Wednesday during the first two weeks in December 2009.  By comparison, the call center received 446,328 call attempts on Monday thru Wednesday through the first two weeks in February 2010. 

 

Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA’s other educational benefit programs, is available at VA’s Web site, www.gibill.va.gov , or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

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From: VA Media Relations - Kevin Secor

Sent:  Tuesday, February 23, 2010 12:25 PM

Subj:  VA Begins GI Bill Advertising Campaign

 

VA Begins Nationwide GI Bill Advertising Campaign to Reach Student Veterans and Schools

 

Ads to Be Placed in College Newspapers, Radio Stations, Campus Venues and On-Line Sites to Ensure Student Veterans and Servicemembers Receive Their Education Benefits

 

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2010) – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a two-month, nationwide advertising campaign to assist student Veterans and servicemembers applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

 

“VA, student Veterans and our schools have made significant progress in implementing the GI Bill this spring, but we still have more to do,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  “We won’t rest until all student Veterans have received the education benefit they earned in defense of our Nation.” 

 

Since inception of this historic new program, VA has issued nearly $1.9 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments and opened the door to higher education to 209,490 people.

 

As of Feb. 12, VA has received spring semester Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollments from approximately 180,000 student Veterans and already paid nearly 90 percent of students.  All Post-9/11 GI Bill participants whose spring enrollments were received by Jan. 18 have been paid. 

 

The GI Bill Advertising campaign includes half-page ads in top college publications, online and social media, print, radio, and outdoor advertising such as posters and flyers.  Public service announcements are being delivered to approximately 150 college radio stations and 750 local stations in areas where there is a high density of students, as well as military installations.

 

Student Veterans on college campuses will also see a variety of posters in registrars’ offices, dormitories, cafeterias, student union buildings and other high traffic areas.

 

“This comprehensive, nationwide advertising campaign will help us reach those student Veterans, servicemembers and educational administrators who need help in understanding the GI Bill and their role in the benefits process,” said Keith Wilson, director of VA’s educational service.

 

Social media and online advertising will be extensively used to reach the younger generation of student Veterans.  VA will place banner ads on social media sites such as Facebook, Google, MySpace, Yahoo, and other outlets. 

 

Text messaging ads will also link student Veterans to VA.  By texting “GIBILL,” Veterans will receive the basic message: “You Served.  Get Benefits.”  Veterans will then be directed to follow three steps: “Review your benefit options online.  Submit your application.  And check with your school certifying official to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to VA.” 

 

VA also developed a hip pocket guide and checklist with helpful tips to assist Veterans and servicemembers in the application process.  

 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.

 

Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA’s other educational benefit programs, is available at VA’s Web site, www.gibill.va.gov , or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

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From: VA Media Relations - Kevin Secor

Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 1:16 PM

Subj: VA Expands Evaluation of IT Projects

 

Management and Accountability System Found Effective

 

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2010) – The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that all information technology (IT) projects at the Department will now be managed under its program management and accountability system (PMAS). 

 

“We will end projects that don’t work, streamline those that do, and focus on the responsibility we have for achieving maximum value for our Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

 

First announced by Secretary Shinseki in June 2009, the system requires IT projects to deliver new functionality within six months and keeps projects tied to established milestones.  VA is using PMAS and other rigorous management techniques to reform its IT management practices and provide better value, efficiency, and effectiveness for taxpayers’ dollars.

 

VA announced the temporary halt of 45 of its most problematic computer projects last summer so they could be fixed.  During the next six months, VA restarted 32 of these projects, stopped 12, and continued the review of one.  These actions resulted in cost avoidance of $54 million for VA during fiscal year 2010.

 

“While we have stopped the 12 projects, the real saving is in the increased probability of success for the projects we changed and restarted,” said Roger W. Baker, VA’s Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology.  “Holding each project accountable for regularly delivering value is key to getting the most out of our IT budget.  While much work remains to be done, PMAS has shown what can be achieved by forcing measured demonstrations of performance.” 

 

PMAS, in conjunction with the analytical tools available through the IT Dashboard, will ensure early identification and correction of problematic IT projects.  The Internet-based IT Dashboard, launched in June 2009, is a one-stop clearinghouse of information, allowing the American people to track federal information technology initiatives and hold the government accountable for progress and results.

 

“Better accountability and focus on results lead to better services for our Veterans and better value for the American taxpayer,” said Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra. “Investing in what works is about continuing projects that are effective and making tough choices when projects, however well intentioned, are broken and failing.  We owe it to the American people to make sure their dollars are being spent wisely.”

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Godspeed......................Wayne

 
Wayne M. Gatewood, Jr., USMC (Ret)
President/CEO
Quality Support, Inc.
A Service Disabled Veteran and Minority Owned-Small Business
8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 220,
Landover, MD 20785
301-459-3777 Ext 101    -    FAX 301-459-6961
www.qualitysupport.com
 
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation."   - George Washington
 
"Give me Liberty to know, to utter and to argue freely according to my conscious, above all other liberties."    - Milton

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